bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Broad‐scale patterns in plant diversity vary between land uses in a variegated temperate Australian agricultural landscape
Authors: Schultz Nick L. , Reid Nick , Lodge Greg , Hunter John T. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPlant diversity is threatened in many agricultural landscapes. Our understanding of patterns of plant diversity in these landscapes is mainly based on small‐scale (<1000 m2) observations of species richness. However, such observations are insufficient for detecting the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation composition. In a case‐study farm on the North‐West Slopes of New South Wales, Australia, we observed species richness at four scales (quadrat, patch, land use and landscape) across five land uses (grazed and ungrazed woodlands, native pastures, roadsides and crops). We applied two landscape ecological models to assess the contribution of these land uses to landscape species richness: (i) additive partitioning of diversity at multiple spatial scales, and (ii) a measure of habitat specificity – the effective number of species that a patch contributes to landscape species richness. Native pastures had less variation between patches than grazed and ungrazed woodlands, and hence were less species‐rich at the landscape scale, despite having similar richness to woodlands at the quadrat and patch scale. Habitat specificity was significantly higher for ungrazed woodland patches than all other land uses. Our results showed that in this landscape, ungrazed woodland patches had a higher contribution than the grazed land uses to landscape species richness. These results have implications for the conservation management of this landscape, and highlighted the need for greater consensus on the influence of different land uses on landscape patterns of plant diversity.
Impact of gestational weight gain on fetal growth in obese normoglycemic mothers: a comparative study
Authors: Elhddad Agzail S. , Fairlie Fiona , Lashen Hany 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the pattern of gestational weight gain (GWG) and its effect on fetal growth among normogylycemic obese and lean mothers.DesignProspective longitudinal study.SettingTeaching hospitals, Sheffield, UK.PopulationForty‐six euglycemic obese and 30 lean mothers and their offspring.MethodThe contrast slope of GWG was calculated and its impact on fetal growth trajectory and birth anthropometry examined in both groups.ResultsThe GWG contrast slope trended significantly upward in both groups but it was steeper among lean mothers (p = 0.003), particularly in second trimester. Lean mothers had a biphasic GWG pattern with a higher early weight gain (p = 0.02), whereas obese mothers had a monophasic GWG. Both groups had similar third trimester GWG. The GWG contrast slope was influenced by early pregnancy maternal anthropometry in the obese group only. Nonetheless, the obese mothers' glucose and insulin indices had no significant relationship to GWG. GWG had a significant positive relationship with intrauterine femur length (r = 0.32, p = 0.04) and abdominal circumference (r = 0.42, p = 0.006) growth trajectories, as well as birthweight standard deviation scores (r = 0.32, p = 0.036) and the ponderal index (r = 0.45, p = 0.003) in the obese mothers.ConclusionsGestational weight gain among lean mothers is biphasic and significantly higher than their obese counterparts, but without effect on fetal growth. The obese mothers' monophasic weight gain was influenced by their anthropometry, but not by their insulin or glucose indices, and impacted on the growth of their babies.
Postpartum weight retention and breastfeeding among obese women from the randomized controlled Lifestyle in Pregnancy (LiP) trial
Authors: Vinter Christina Anne , Jensen Dorte Møller , Ovesen Per , Beck‐Nielsen Henning , Tanvig Mette , Lamont Ronald F. , Jørgensen Jan Stener 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo study the effects of lifestyle intervention in pregnancy on weight retention 6 months postpartum among obese women from the “Lifestyle in Pregnancy” (LiP) study, and to determine associations between breastfeeding with postpartum maternal weight.DesignSix months postpartum follow up after a randomized controlled intervention trial.SettingTwo university hospitals in Denmark.PopulationA total of 360 women with pregestational body mass index ≥30 kg/m2.MethodsThe intervention involved lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) during pregnancy. The control group received routine pregnancy care. Both groups received standard postnatal care.Main outcome measuresGestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention and breastfeeding.ResultsFollow up was completed in 238 women of whom 46% in the intervention group and 57% in the control group had retained weight 6 months postpartum (p = 0.088). Women with gestational weight gain ≤9 kg, (recommended by the Institute of Medicine), retained less postpartum weight compared with those who exceeded 9 kg (median −0.7 vs. 1.5, p < 0.001). Ninety‐two percent in both weight gain groups initiated breastfeeding. The number of breastfeeding mothers was higher among women with postpartum weight retention ≤5 kg compared with those with weight retention > 5 kg (94% vs. 85%, p = 0.034).ConclusionsWe could not detect sustained weight control at 6 months postpartum despite a lower gestational weight gain for obese women during pregnancy who received a lifestyle intervention rather than standard care. Women who adhered to gestational weight gain recommendations had significantly lower postpartum weight retention. Breastfeeding for 6 months was negatively associated with postpartum weight retention.
A retrospective analysis of systemic propranolol for the treatment of complicated infantile haemangiomas
Authors: Schneider M , Cremer HJ , Ruef P 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimA small percentage of complicated infantile haemangiomas need early, safe and effective treatment, and the option of off‐label systemic propranolol treatment has been in existence since 2008. The aim of this study was to provide greater insight into the drug's efficacy and side effects.MethodsWe report our retrospective experiences of 207 paediatric patients treated with systemic propranolol for complicated infantile haemangiomas, which were photographed and analysed with a specific haemangioma score.ResultsSystemic treatment was successful in 99.5% of the patients. The haemangioma score before treatment was 8.3 ± 3.3 and the score at the end of the treatment was 1.5 ± 1.4. The reduction in the haemangiomas was significant and did not show any differences when distributed according to different localisations or to the patients' ages. Relevant side effects that may have made it necessary to discontinue the treatment were not observed. However, there was a statistically significant reduction in heart rate during the first six in‐hospital drug applications.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that systemic propranolol treatment is a highly effective treatment that is nearly always safe. These findings are a milestone for particularly complicated haemangiomas and provide highly valuable information on this drug treatment.
The success of rectus and gracilis muscle flaps in the treatment of chronic pelvic sepsis and persistent perineal sinus: a systematic review
Authors: Wilson T. R. , Welbourn H. , Stanley P. , Hartley J. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimChronic pelvic sepsis is a challenging problem, which may require muscle flaps to fill the pelvic cavity. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the relative success of rectus and gracilis flaps used for this purpose.MethodA systematic review was conducted to identify papers that reported the outcome of rectus or gracilis myocutaneous flaps in the treatment of persistent perineal sinuses or chronic pelvic sepsis. Reports of muscle flaps used for reconstruction or treatment of fistula in the absence of chronic sepsis were excluded. A successful outcome was defined as complete perineal healing within 12 months of surgery.ResultsThe review identified 19 studies reporting the outcome of 73 rectus and 87 gracilis flaps. Their respective success was 84% and 64%. Heterogeneity of the underlying cases did not allow for direct comparison of the flaps. Full healing of the flaps was generally achieved within 3 months. Donor site morbidity was minimal.ConclusionThe surgical treatment of chronic pelvic sepsis should be tailored to the individual, but the rectus flap has a reasonable success rate with little morbidity.
Characterization of neonatal seizures in an animal model of hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Sampath Dayalan , White Andrew M. , Raol Yogendra H. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryObjectiveIn this study, we use time‐locked video and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings to characterize acute seizures and EEG abnormalities in an animal model that replicates many salient features of human neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) including the brain injury pattern and long‐term neurologic outcome.MethodsHypoxia‐ischemia (HI) was induced in 7‐day‐old rats by ligating the right carotid artery and exposing the pups to hypoxia for 2 h (Rice‐Vannucci method). To identify seizures and abnormal EEG activity, pups were monitored by video‐EEG during hypoxia and at various time points after HI. Occurrence of electroclinical seizures, purely electrographic seizures and other abnormal discharges on EEG, was quantified manually. A power spectrum analysis was done to evaluate the effects of HI on EEG spectra in the 1–50 Hz frequency band.ResultsDuring hypoxia, all pups exhibit short duration, but frequent electroclinical seizures. Almost all pups continue to have seizures in the immediate period following termination of hypoxia. In more than half of the HI rats, seizures persisted for 24 h; for some of them, the seizures continued for >48 h. Seizures were not observed in any rats at 72 h after HI induction. A significant reduction in background EEG voltage in the cortex ipsilateral to the ligated carotid artery occurred in rats subjected to HI. In addition, purely electrographic seizures, spikes, sharp waves, and brief runs of epileptiform discharges (BREDs) were also observed in these rats.SignificanceHI induction in P7 rats using the Rice‐Vannucci method resulted in the development of seizures and EEG abnormalities similar to that seen in human neonates with HIE. Therefore, we conclude that this is a valid model to test the efficacy of novel interventions to treat neonatal seizures.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Dravet syndrome—From epileptic encephalopathy to channelopathy
Authors: Brunklaus Andreas , Zuberi Sameer M. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryMutations in the gene encoding the α1 subunit of the voltage gated sodium channel (SCN1A) are associated with several epilepsy syndromes, ranging from relatively mild phenotypes found in families with genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) to the severe infant‐onset epilepsy Dravet syndrome. Evidence has emerged of the consequences of SCN1α dysfunction in different neuronal networks across the brain pointing toward a channelopathy model causing the neurologic features of Dravet syndrome that is beyond purely seizure related damage. A genetic change will present according to its severity, the genetic background of the individual, and environmental factors, and will affect a variety of neuronal networks according to channel distribution. This already‐vulnerable system may be susceptible to secondary aggravating events such as status epilepticus. The channelopathy model implies that pharmacologic treatment and the restoration of impaired γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmission might not only help prevent seizures but might affect the comorbidities of the syndrome. This critical review explores recent evidence relating to the pathogenicity of SCN1A mutations in Dravet syndrome and the effect these have on the wider disease phenotype and discusses whether knowledge of specific genotypes can influence clinical practice. Genetic technology is currently advancing at unprecedented speed and will increase our knowledge of new genes and interacting genetic networks. Clinicians and geneticists will have to work in close collaboration to guarantee good delivery and counseling of genetic testing results.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here
Will chemical defenses become more effective against specialist herbivores under elevatedCO2?
Authors: Landosky John M. , Karowe David N. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractElevated atmosphericCO2is known to affect plant–insect herbivore interactions. ElevatedCO2causes leaf nitrogen to decrease, the ostensible cause of herbivore compensatory feeding.CO2may also affect herbivore consumption by altering chemical defenses via changes in plant hormones. We considered the effects of elevatedCO2, in conjunction with soil fertility and damage (simulated herbivory), on glucosinolate concentrations of mustard (Brassica nigra) and collard (B. oleraceavar.acephala) and the effects of leaf nitrogen and glucosinolate groups on specialistPieris rapaeconsumption. ElevatedCO2affectedB. oleraceabut notB. nigraglucosinolates; responses to soil fertility and damage were also species‐specific. Soil fertility and damage also affectedB. oleraceaglucosinolates differently under elevatedCO2. Glucosinolates did not affectP. rapaeconsumption at eitherCO2concentration inB. nigra, but hadCO2‐specific effects on consumption inB. oleracea. At ambientCO2, leaf nitrogen had strong effects on glucosinolate concentrations andP. rapaeconsumption but only gluconasturtiin was a feeding stimulant. At elevatedCO2, direct effects of leaf nitrogen were weaker, but glucosinolates had stronger effects on consumption. Gluconasturtiin and aliphatic glucosinolates were feeding stimulants and indole glucosinolates were feeding deterrents. These results do not support the compensatory feeding hypothesis as the sole driver of changes inP. rapaeconsumption under elevatedCO2. Support for hormone‐mediatedCO2response (HMCR) was mixed; it explained few treatment effects on constitutive or induced glucosinolates, but did explain patterns inSEMs. Further, the novel feeding deterrent effect of indole glucosinolates under elevatedCO2inB. oleracaeunderscores the importance of defensive chemistry inCO2response. We speculate thatP. rapaeindole glucosinolate detoxification mechanisms may have been overwhelmed under elevatedCO2forcing slowed consumption. Specialists may have to contend with hosts with poorer nutritional quality and more effective chemical defenses under elevatedCO2.
Recurrence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Bolivian Children and Adults After a Population‐Based “Screen and Treat” Strategy
Authors: Sivapalasingam Sumathi , Rajasingham Anu , Macy Jonathan T. , Friedman Cindy R. , Hoekstra Robert M. , Ayers Tracy , Gold Benjamin , Quick Robert E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundStrategies to prevent gastric cancer by decreasing Helicobacter pylori infections in high‐prevalence, low‐income countries could include a population‐based “screen and treat” eradication program.MethodsWe tested residents of two rural villages for H. pylori infection using urea breath test (UBT), treated infected persons using directly observed therapy (DOT), retested for cure, and retested after 1 year later for H. pylori infection.FindingsWe tested 1,065 (92%) of 1153 residents from two villages in rural Bolivia. Baseline H. pylori prevalence was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78–84). Age‐specific cure rates were similar (≥92%) after DOT. Among those cured, 12% (95% CI: 8–15) had recurrent infection. Age‐specific annual H. pylori recurrence rates for combined villages were 20% (95% CI: 10–29) in persons <5 years, 20% (95% CI: 10–29) in 5–9 years, 8% (95% CI: 1–15) in 10–14 years, and 8% (95% CI: 4–12) in persons ≥15 years. Compared with the referent population, those ≥15 years, recurrent infections were significantly more likely in children <5 years (odds ratios [OR] 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–5.8) and 5–9 years (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4–5.1).InterpretationChildren <10 years had high H. pylori recurrence rates following a population‐based screen and treat program; this H. pylori eradication strategy may not be feasible in high‐prevalence, low‐income settings.
Expression of gut‐homing β7 receptor on T cells: surrogate marker for microbial translocation in suppressed HIV‐1‐infected patients?
Authors: Abad‐Fernández M , Gutiérrez C , Madrid N , Hernández‐Novoa B , Díaz L , Muñoz‐Fernández MA , Moreno S , Vallejo A 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesIn view of the fact that mucosal damage associated with HIV‐1 infection leads to microbial translocation despite successful antiretroviral treatment, we analysed microbial translocation and expression of the gut‐homing β7 receptor on peripheral T cells in HIV‐1‐infected individuals.MethodsFifteen long‐term suppressed HIV‐1‐infected patients, of whom seven had their treatment intensified with maraviroc and eight with raltegravir, were included in the study. Samples at baseline, at week 48 of intensification, and at weeks 12 and 24 after deintensification were analysed for soluble CD14, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS‐binding protein, gut‐homing β7 receptor and T‐cell subsets.ResultsThe increases in both microbial translocation and expression of the gut‐homing β7 receptor on activated CD8 T cells found during maraviroc intensification were reduced after deintensification. Moreover, the correlations between activated β7+ T cells and LPS levels found during intensification with maraviroc (P = 0.036 and P = 0.010, respectively) were lost during deintensification. In contrast, microbial translocation was stable during raltegravir intensification, with the exception of decreased LPS levels and activated CD4 β7+ T cells, which reverted to baseline values after deintensification.ConclusionsMicrobial translocation is an important factor in gut immune activation and mucosa inflammation, as evidenced by the association between the dynamics of microbial translocation and activated T cells expressing the gut‐homing β7 receptor. The recruitment of activated β7+ T cells to the gut tract when alteration of microbial translocation is maximum may be the major mechanism for recovery of mucosal integrity.
Slicing increases antioxidant capacity of fresh‐cut lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera G.) slices by accumulating total phenols
Authors: Hu Jinqiang , Yang Lianzhi , Wu Wenjiang , Li Ying , Zhan Lijuan 
Published: May 2014

SummarySlicing is an abiotic stress during fresh‐cut lotus root slices (FLS) preparation. To evaluate the potential ability of slicing to induce antioxidant capacity (AC) in FLS, fresh lotus roots were sliced into 0.4 cm thick slices and stored at 7 °C for 7 days using intact root segments as control. Results showed slicing induced 68.3% higher phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) activity and parallel 130.5% more total phenol (TP) accumulation after 7 days storage compared to control. AC values in FLS assayed by FRAP and ABTS●+ were 41.5% and 93.8% more than those in control samples at the end of storage, respectively. Such increases in AC values were mainly attributed to TP accumulation as a positive correlation existed between AC and TP. However, slicing significantly accelerated FLS browning by increasing the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity during storage. Nevertheless, FLS was still marketable with the maximum browning index of 1.9 after 7 days storage.
Attracting High‐Skilled Immigrants: Policies in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Cerna Lucie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractLabour market shortages, structural problems and unfavourable demographics have all prompted governments to act, often by focusing on high‐skilled immigration. However, policy responses have been very different. Some countries were able to adopt quite open high‐skilled immigration policies, while others did not. This article provides a political economy explanation for this. It argues that, despite similar pressures, high‐skilled immigration policy outputs vary due to shifting coalitions between disaggregated sectors of native high‐skilled, low‐skilled labour and capital. To probe this argument, the article examines coalitions in four countries (France, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom) from the late 1990s to present, and draws on original interviews with policy‐makers, unions and employers' associations; official documents and the literature on immigration, political economy and public policy. The varying labour market organization of actors informs differences in coalitions which in turn has resulted in different high‐skilled immigration policy outputs, cross‐nationally and over time.
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium immunotherapy for B‐cell lymphoma induces broad anti‐tumour immunity with therapeutic effect
Authors: Grille Sofía , Moreno María , Bascuas Thais , Marqués Juan M. , Muñoz Natalia , Lens Daniela , Chabalgoity Jose A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryDespite the efficacy of current immune‐chemotherapy for treatment of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, a substantial proportion of patients relapse, highlighting the need for new therapeutic modalities. The use of live microorganisms to develop anti‐tumoural therapies has evolved since Coley's toxin and is now receiving renewed attention. Salmonella Typhimurium has been shown to be highly effective as an anti‐tumour agent in many solid cancer models, but it has not been used in haemato‐oncology. Here, we report that intra‐tumoural administration of LVR01 (attenuated S. Typhimurium strain with safety profile) elicits local and systemic anti‐tumour immunity, resulting in extended survival in a lymphoma model. LVR01 induces intra‐tumoural recruitment of neutrophils and activated CD8+ T cells, as well as increasing the natural killer cell activation status. Furthermore, a systemic specific anti‐tumour response with a clear T helper type 1 profile was observed. This approach is an alternative therapeutic strategy for lymphoma patients that could be easily moved into clinical trials.
Preliminary Investigation of the Treatment of Equine Medial Femoral Condylar Subchondral Cystic Lesions With a Transcondylar Screw
Authors: Santschi Elizabeth M. , Williams Jarred M. , Morgan Joseph W. , Johnson Christopher R. , Bertone Alicia L. , Juzwiak James S. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo determine if medial femoral condylar (MFC) subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) causing lameness will demonstrate radiographic evidence of healing and lameness reduction after placement of a transcondylar screw in lag fashion.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsHorses (n = 20) with lameness attributed to a MFC SCL.MethodsA 4.5 mm screw was inserted in lag fashion across MFC SCL in horses with hindlimb lameness. Post‐operative radiography and lameness examinations were performed at 30–60 day intervals after surgery for 120 days, and SCL radiographic area and lameness were graded. Treatment was considered successful if lameness was eliminated and the radiographic area of the SCL on a caudocranial projection decreased ≥50% by 120 days.ResultsTwenty‐six limbs were treated. Nine horses (11 limbs) had autologous adjunctive biologics placed into the SCL. Lameness was reduced by 1–2 grades by 60 days after surgery in 18 horses and was eliminated in 15 horses by 120 days, at which time the SCL area had decreased ≥50% and work had resumed without lameness (mean follow‐up, 12 months). Biologic therapies had no impact on treatment success. Treatment was less successful in horses >3 years of age.ConclusionsA MFC transcondylar screw decreases the area of a MFC SCL on craniocaudal radiographs and eliminates lameness in ∼75% of horses by 120 days. The simplicity and lack of specialized equipment required make this technique a useful option for the treatment of equine SCL causing lameness.