bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental exposure indicates the amphibian chytrid pathogen poses low risk to New Zealand's threatened endemic frogs
Authors: Ohmer M. E. , Herbert S. M. , Speare R. , Bishop P. J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe spread of chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is one of many threats facing amphibians worldwide. Ascertaining the severity of this threat to particular amphibian species is necessary if managers are to prioritize conservation actions. In New Zealand, Bd has been detected on both threatened endemic (Leiopelma spp.) and widespread introduced (Litoria spp.) anuran species, but Le. archeyi, one of four native species, has demonstrated low susceptibility to chytridiomycosis in captivity. To determine potential impacts of Bd on New Zealand's native anuran fauna, we assessed the susceptibility of two native species, Le. pakeka and Le. hochstetteri, to chytridiomycosis. We exposed Bd‐naïve individuals to a virulent New Zealand isolate of Bd, and monitored infection status with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Both species demonstrated low susceptibility and all individuals cleared Bd infection (Le. hochstetteri by week 10, Le. pakeka by week 15). Furthermore, no frogs demonstrated clinical signs of chytridiomycosis. Since Le. archeyi has similarly demonstrated low susceptibility, this appears to be a genus‐wide trend, which warrants further study of the mechanism of this response. These findings, in agreement with results from field surveys and analyses of skin peptide defenses, suggest that Bd poses a low risk to leiopelmatids. An investigative study of potential susceptibility to Bd, such as this one, can better equip managers to target imminent threats and focus conservation plans for at‐risk amphibian fauna.
Effects of exercise and group counselling on body composition and VO2max in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Roessler Kirsten K. , Birkebaek Camilla , Ravn Pernille , Andersen Marianne S. , Glintborg Dorte 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with an increased waist circumference and with lower cardio‐respiratory fitness as a consequence of obesity, which may be improved by physical activity.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of high‐intensity aerobic training combined with group counselling sessions on anthropometry and cardio‐respiratory fitness in women with PCOS.DesignSeventeen sedentary, overweight women with PCOS were randomized in a cross‐over design to 16 weeks of intervention: eight weeks high‐intensity aerobic exercise was followed by eight weeks of group counselling (n = 8) or vice versa (n = 9). Fourteen of the women completed the tests.Main outcome measuresWaist circumference, body mass index and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) were measured at baseline, cross‐over and post‐intervention.ResultsThere was a decrease in waist circumference (119.9 vs. 106.5 cm) and body mass index (34.9 vs. 34.4 kg/m2) and an increase in VO2max (2554.9 vs. 2807.9 mL/min) during the intervention period (t = 16 weeks, n = 14), all p < 0.05. Weight loss tended to be highest in the group which started with group counselling (2.9 vs. 0.6 kg, t = 16 weeks, n = 14, p = 0.055).ConclusionExercise in groups followed by counselling or vice versa had beneficial effects on waist circumference, weight, and VO2max in women with PCOS. Future studies should examine possible beneficial effects of combined group counselling and exercise on weight loss and adherence to exercise protocols among women with PCOS.
Perfusion index and its dynamic changes in preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Vidal Magalie , Ferragu Félicie , Durand Sabine , Baleine Julien , Batista‐Novais Aline Rideau , Cambonie Gilles 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimThe perfusion index (PI) and its dynamic change during respiration, and supressed the plethysmographic variability index (PVI), are calculated from pulse oximetry, and these indexes were recently proposed for continuous and noninvasive assessment of peripheral perfusion in neonates. We aimed to assess the effect of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on PI and PVI, according to ductal Doppler flow pattern.MethodsForty‐five neonates with median (Q25‐75) gestational age (GA) and birthweight of 27 (25–28) weeks and 857 (750–1080) grams, respectively, were assessed prospectively using serial echocardiography and pulse oximetry during the first postnatal week.ResultsPerfusion index increased from 0.70 (0.50–1.05) at day 1 to 1.50 (1.0–2.00) at day 7 (p < 0.01) and was not influenced by ductal flow pattern. PVI was 22 (18–27) and did not vary during the study period but differed according to ductal flow pattern, with lower values in the growing and pulsatile groups compared with the pulmonary hypertension (p < 0.05), closing and closed groups (p < 0.01).ConclusionsDuctal persistence and flow pattern did not affect PI but did affect PVI in preterm neonates of less than 29 weeks of GA. Future studies are needed to establish the usefulness of PVI in the early detection and management of PDA in preterm neonates.
Physical activity opposes the age‐related increase in skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin‐1 levels and normalizes plasma endothelin‐1 levels in individuals with essential hypertension
Authors: Nyberg M. , Mortensen S. P. , Hellsten Y. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimsEndothelin‐1 has potent constrictor and proliferative activity in vascular smooth muscle, and essential hypertension and aging are associated with increased endothelin‐1‐mediated vasoconstrictor tone. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity, hypertension and age on endothelin‐1 levels in plasma and skeletal muscle and endothelin receptors in skeletal muscle in human subjects.MethodsIn study 1, normotensive (46 ± 1 years, n = 11) and hypertensive (47 ± 1 years, n = 10) subjects were studied before and after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise training. In study 2, young (23 ± 1 years, n = 8), older lifelong sedentary (66 ± 2 years, n = 8) and older lifelong endurance‐trained (62 ± 2 years, n = 8) subjects were studied in a cross‐sectional design.ResultsSkeletal muscle and plasma endothelin‐1 levels were increased with age and plasma endothelin‐1 levels were higher in hypertensive than normotensive individuals. Eight weeks of exercise training normalized plasma endothelin‐1 levels in the hypertensive subjects and increased the protein expression of the ETA receptor in skeletal muscle of normotensive subjects. Similarly, individuals that had performed lifelong physical activity had similar plasma and muscle endothelin‐1 levels as the young controls and had higher ETA receptor levels.ConclusionOur findings suggest that aerobic exercise training opposes the age‐related increase in skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin‐1 levels and normalizes plasma endothelin‐1 levels in individuals with essential hypertension. This effect may explain some of the beneficial effects of training on the cardiovascular system in older and hypertensive subjects.
Therapeutic effect of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibition on pancreatic cancer
Authors: Takahashi Ryota , Hirata Yoshihiro , Sakitani Kosuke , Nakata Wachiko , Kinoshita Hiroto , Hayakawa Yoku , Nakagawa Hayato , Sakamoto Kei , Hikiba Yohko , Ijichi Hideaki , Moses Harold L. , Maeda Shin , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2012

c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, and it is reportedly involved in the development of several cancers. However, the role of JNK in pancreatic cancer has not been elucidated. We assessed t	he involvement of JNK in the development of pancreatic cancer and investigated the therapeutic effect of JNK inhibitors on this deadly cancer. Small interfering RNAs against JNK or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 were used to examine the role of JNK in cellular proliferation and the cell cycles of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Ptf1acre/+;LSL‐KrasG12D/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox mice were treated with the JNK inhibitor to examine pancreatic histology and survival. The effect of JNK inhibition on tumor angiogenesis was also assessed using cell lines and murine pancreatic cancer specimens. JNK was frequently activated in human and murine pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. Growth of human pancreatic cancer cell lines was suppressed by JNK inhibition through G1 arrest in the cell cycle with decreased cyclin D1 expression. In addition, oncogenic K‐ras expression led to activation of JNK in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Treatment of Ptf1acre/+;LSL‐KrasG12D/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox mice with the JNK inhibitor decreased growth of murine pancreatic cancer and prolonged survival of the mice significantly. Angiogenesis was also decreased by JNK inhibition in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, activation of JNK promotes development of pancreatic cancer, and JNK may be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Update of exocrine functional diagnostics in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Nøjgaard Camilla , Olesen Søren Schou , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDiagnostics of pancreatic insufficiency rely mainly on tests of pancreatic exocrine function based on either measurement of pancreatic secretion or the secondary effects resulting from lack of digestive enzymes or imaging modalities. These methods have been developing rapidly over the last decades, and the aims of this review were to describe exocrine functional testing and imaging of the pancreas in chronic pancreatitis..
Minimal residual disease detectable by quantitative assessment of WT1 gene before allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients in first remission of acute myeloid leukemia has an impact on their future prognosis
Authors: Válková Veronika , Polák Jaroslav , Marková Marketa , Vítek Antonin , Hájková Hana , Šálek Cyril , Procházka Bohumil , Cetkovský Petr , Trněný Marek 
Published: December 2012

AbstractOverall 42 patients (pts) transplanted in hematological CR1 were retrospectively analyzed. Median follow‐up was 15 months (range 2–77). The expression of WT1 gene was measured according to the European Leukaemia Net recommendations. At the time of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) 29 pts were WT1‐negative and 13 pts were WT1‐positive. In the univariate analysis, significantly better results were observed in the group of WT1 neg in terms of progression‐free survival (in three yr 77% vs. 27%, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the only significant feature in terms of better OS was WT1 negativity (p = 0.029). Our results show that minimal residual disease status measured by quantitative assessment of WT1 gene in acute myeloid leukemia pts in CR1 significantly affects their future prognosis after allo‐SCT.
Mitral Flexible Annuloplasty Band Displacement: The Role of Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Scandura Salvatore , Caggegi Anna , Cammalleri Valeria , Monaco Sergio , Ronsivalle Giuseppe , Arcidiacono Andrea , Mignosa Carmelo , Tamburino Corrado 
Published: December 2012

Mini‐AbstractWe describe a patient with mitral flexible annuloplasty band displacement. The diagnosis was made performing a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment. Compared with two‐dimensional echocardiography, real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D‐TEE) provided additional information and diagnostic utility, allowing an accurate evaluation of the underlying pathology. Using 3D‐TEE, we were able to exactly define the site, size, and shape of the detachment and to detect the precise anatomical relation existing between the displaced band and the surrounding cardiac structures. Therefore, real time 3D‐TEE can be considered of great assistance to the cardiac surgeon, being an effective tool in planning appropriate intervention.
Sex and stochasticity affect range expansion of experimental invasions
Authors: Miller Tom E.X. , Inouye Brian D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractUnderstanding and predicting range expansion are key objectives in many basic and applied contexts. Among dioecious organisms, there is strong evidence for sex differences in dispersal, which could alter the sex ratio at the expansion's leading edge. However, demographic stochasticity could also affect leading‐edge sex ratios, perhaps overwhelming sex‐biased dispersal. We used insects in laboratory mesocosms to test the effects of sex‐biased dispersal on range expansion, and a simulation model to explore interactive effects of sex‐biased dispersal and demographic stochasticity. Sex‐biased dispersal created spatial clines in the sex ratio, which influenced offspring production at the front and altered invasion velocity. Increasing female dispersal relative to males accelerated spread, despite the prediction that demographic stochasticity would weaken a signal of sex‐biased dispersal. Our results provide the first experimental evidence for an influence of sex‐biased dispersal on invasion velocity, highlighting the value of accounting for sex structure in studies of range expansion.
Small and impoverished regional species pools constrain colonisation of restored river reaches by fishes
Authors: STOLL STEFAN , SUNDERMANN ANDREA , LORENZ ARMIN W. , KAIL JOCHEM , HAASE PETER 
Published: December 2012

Summary1. Using an extensive data set from 18 river restoration projects in the lower mountain ranges of Germany and 5462 river reaches in their surroundings, we estimated the spatial extent of the regional fish species pool from which restored river reaches are colonised.2. Restoration resulted in a marginally significant increase in fish species richness; however, restored reaches still deviated markedly from natural reference conditions. Nearly all (96.6%) species occurring in restored reaches were present in reaches within a distance of 5 km up‐ or downstream of the restored reach.3. Species richness in restored reaches was correlated with species richness within a 5‐km species pool. This relationship was more pronounced for common than for rare fishes and applied to both the total number of fish species at the restored reach and the number of additional fish species that were not present at unrestored conditions.4. The richness of the regional species pools was greatly impoverished. On average, only 50% of all species considered to represent natural reference assemblages were present. The limited success in establishing natural fish assemblages in restored reaches was attributed to spatial limitation (e.g. due to fragmentation) and an impoverished regional species pools from which restored reaches recruit.5. We recommend that integrated river restoration management should consider not only the abiotic prerequisites of successful restorations, but also the structure and quality of the regional species pool.
Dynamics of habitats and macroinvertebrate assemblages in rivers of the Australian dry tropics
Authors: BLANCHETTE M. L. , PEARSON R. G. 
Published: December 2012

Summary1. The dry tropics are characterised by episodic summer rainfall such that the majority of annual river flow occurs in a short period of time. This dryland hydrological cycle leads to variably connected channels and waterholes along the length of a river bed.2. We investigated the seasonal changes in biophysical characteristics and macroinvertebrate assemblage composition in dry‐tropics rivers at 15 sites on four rivers, each sampled five times (representing one annual hydrological cycle), in the Burdekin catchment, north Queensland, Australia.3. Assemblages and their temporal trajectories differed among seasons, sites and habitats, even within the same habitat and/or river. Wet season flooding did not appear to ‘reset’ assemblages, with post‐wet season assemblages differing between years.4. We found no consistent pattern in taxonomic richness over time, and sites within rivers showed no consistent convergence or divergence (i.e. turnover) in macroinvertebrate assemblage composition. However, biophysical variables associated with the rigours of the late dry season had significant effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages, highlighting the variable and often harsh conditions of dry‐tropics rivers. Underlying these patterns were different resistance and resilience traits of invertebrates (such as colonisation and establishment abilities), as well as the local‐scale effects of biophysical variables.5. The dynamic nature of dryland rivers presents major challenges to monitoring programmes, and our results suggest a more complex scenario for monitoring and management than previously described.
Quality of life and attitudes to ageing in Turkish older adults at old people's homes
Authors: Top Mehmet , Dikmetaş Elif 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate quality of life (QOL) and attitudes to ageing in Turkish older adults at two old people's homes (nursing homes) and to explain relationship between QOL and attitudes to ageing.MethodsThis study is a quantitative and descriptive exploratory study of QOL and attitudes to ageing of older adults in nursing homes in a developing country.InstrumentsTwo international data measurement tools were used for data collection. Data measurement instruments in this study are The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument–Older Adults Module (WHOQOL‐OLD) and the WHO – Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ). The WHOQOL‐OLD module consists of 24 items assigned to six facets (sensory abilities, autonomy, past, present and future activities, social participation, death and dying and intimacy) AAQ consists of 24 items classified in three domains (psychosocial loss, physical change and psychological growth) with eight items each.ParticipantsThe Turkish version of the WHOQOL‐OLD and AAQ was administered to 120 older (>65 years) adults living in two old people's homes in Samsun Province, Turkey. This study was conducted and planned between on 1 November 2011 and on 31 November, 2011.ResultsThe results indicated that there was significant relationship between QOL and attitudes to ageing of older adults. In this study, the highest significant relationship is between psychological growth subscale of attitudes to ageing and sensory abilities subscale of QOL (r = 0.579; P < 0.01). Overall QOL and overall attitudes to ageing had a significant and positive relationship (r = 0.408; P < 0.01). The dimensions of attitudes to ageing (psychosocial loss, physical change and psychological growth) were significant predictors for QOL in older adults in Turkey. It was found that the gender does not affect overall QOL in older adults. However, happiness is significant variable for overall QOL in this study.ConclusionThe results suggest that QOL is a complex, multidimensional concept that should be studied at different levels of analysis in Turkey and other developing countries. The results of this study emphasize the importance of QOL in older adults in older people's homes in Turkey and attitudes to ageing of nursing home residents in Turkey.
Measurement of stress–strain behaviour of human hair fibres using optical techniques
Authors: Lee J. , Kwon H. J. 
Published: December 2012

SynopsisMany studies have presented stress–strain relationship of human hair, but most of them have been based on an engineering stress–strain curve, which is not a true representation of stress–strain behaviour. In this study, a more accurate ‘true’ stress–strain curve of human hair was determined by applying optical techniques to the images of the hair deformed under tension. This was achieved by applying digital image cross‐correlation (DIC) to 10× magnified images of hair fibres taken under increasing tension to estimate the strain increments. True strain was calculated by summation of the strain increments according to the theoretical definition of ‘true’ strain. The variation in diameter with the increase in longitudinal elongation was also measured from the 40× magnified images to estimate the Poisson's ratio and true stress. By combining the true strain and the true stress, a true stress–strain curve could be determined, which demonstrated much higher stress values than the conventional engineering stress–strain curve at the same degree of deformation. Four regions were identified in the true stress–strain relationship and empirical constitutive equations were proposed for each region. Theoretical analysis on the necking condition using the constitutive equations provided the insight into the failure mechanism of human hair. This analysis indicated that local thinning caused by necking does not occur in the hair fibres, but, rather, relatively uniform deformation takes place until final failure (fracture) eventually occurs.
CD4+T cells recognize diverse epitopes within GAD65: implications for repertoire development and diabetes monitoring
Authors: Yang Junbao , James Eddie A. , Sanda Srinath , Greenbaum Carla , Kwok William W. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryType 1 diabetes is associated with T‐cell responses to β‐cell antigens such as GAD65. Single T‐cell epitopes have been investigated for immune monitoring with some success, but multiple epitopes may be required to fully characterize responses in all subjects. We used a systematic approach to examine the diversity of the GAD65‐specific T‐cell repertoire in subjects with DRB1*04:01 haplotypes. Using class II tetramers, we observed responses to 15 GAD65 epitopes, including five novel epitopes. The majority were confirmed to be processed and presented. Upon stimulation with peptides, GAD‐specific responses were equally broad in subjects with diabetes and healthy controls in the presence or absence of CD25+ T cells, suggesting that a susceptible HLA is sufficient to generate a potentially autoreactive repertoire. Without depleting CD25+ cells, GAD113–132 and GAD265–284 responses were significantly stronger in subjects with diabetes. Although nearly every individual responded to at least one GAD65 epitope, most were seen in less than half of the subjects tested, suggesting that multiple epitopes are recommended for immune monitoring.
Testing the Specification of Parametric Models by Using Anchoring Vignettes
Authors: van Soest Arthur , Vonkova Hana 
Published: December 2012

SummaryComparing assessments on a subjective scale across countries or socio-economic groups is often hampered by differences in response scales across groups. Anchoring vignettes help to correct for such differences, either in parametric models (the compound hierarchical ordered probit (CHOPIT) model and extensions) or non-parametrically, comparing rankings of vignette ratings and self-assessments across groups. We construct specification tests of parametric models, comparing non-parametric rankings with rankings by using the parametric estimates. Applied to six domains of health, the test always rejects the standard CHOPIT model, but an extended CHOPIT model performs better. This implies a need for more flexible (parametric or semiparametric) models than the standard CHOPIT model.
ON MODERNITY'S CHANGES TO “TRADITION”: A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: ZHENG HANGSHENG 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThis article will explore how “tradition” has changed in the process of modernity, with reference to the history and current state of Chinese ethnicities. By employing inevitable relationships in researching “tradition,” such as tradition and the past, tradition and its “original form,” old tradition and new tradition, and the reconstruction and neo‐construction of tradition, this article reveals a dynamic but stable essential relationship among them. Whereas both the historical nihilism that completely repudiates tradition and the historical conservatism that completely affirms it are one‐sided and untrue, my analysis indicates that the modern development of a Chinese nationality is, in some sense, the history of “the growth of the modern and the invention of tradition.”