bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and topographic trends in forest expansion and biomass change, from regional to local scales
Authors: Buma Brian , Barrett Tara M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNatural forest growth and expansion are important carbon sequestration processes globally. Climate change is likely to increase forest growth in some regions via CO2 fertilization, increased temperatures, and altered precipitation; however, altered disturbance regimes and climate stress (e.g. drought) will act to reduce carbon stocks in forests as well. Observations of asynchrony in forest change is useful in determining current trends in forest carbon stocks, both in terms of forest density (e.g. Mg ha−1) and spatially (extent and location). Monitoring change in natural (unmanaged) areas is particularly useful, as while afforestation and recovery from historic land use are currently large carbon sinks, the long‐term viability of those sinks depends on climate change and disturbance dynamics at their particular location. We utilize a large, unmanaged biome (>135 000 km2) which spans a broad latitudinal gradient to explore how variation in location affects forest density and spatial patterning: the forests of the North American temperate rainforests in Alaska, which store >2.8 Pg C in biomass and soil, equivalent to >8% of the C in contiguous US forests. We demonstrate that the regional biome is shifting; gains exceed losses and are located in different spatio‐topographic contexts. Forest gains are concentrated on northerly aspects, lower elevations, and higher latitudes, especially in sheltered areas, whereas loss is skewed toward southerly aspects and lower latitudes. Repeat plot‐scale biomass data (n = 759) indicate that within‐forest biomass gains outpace losses (live trees >12.7 cm diameter, 986 Gg yr−1) on gentler slopes and in higher latitudes. This work demonstrates that while temperate rainforest dynamics occur at fine spatial scales (<1000 m2), the net result of thousands of individual events is regionally patterned change. Correlations between the disturbance/establishment imbalance and biomass accumulation suggest the potential for relatively rapid biome shifts and biomass changes.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Review and the Role of Biogeography
Authors: Frydman Galit H. , Davis Nick , Beck Paul L. , Fox James G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIdiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is typically a diagnosis of exclusion, assigned by clinicians after ruling out other identifiable etiologies. Since a report by Gasbarrini et al. in 1998, an accumulating body of evidence has proposed a pathophysiological link between ITP and chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Clinical reports have described a spontaneous resolution of ITP symptoms in about 50% of chronic ITP patients following empirical treatment of H. pylori infection, but response appears to be geography dependent. Studies have also documented that ITP patients in East Asian countries are more likely to express positive antibody titers against H. pylori‐specific cytotoxic‐associated gene A (CagA), a virulence factor that is associated with an increased risk for gastric diseases including carcinoma. While a definitive mechanism by which H. pylori may induce thrombocytopenia remains elusive, proposed pathways include molecular mimicry of CagA by host autoantibodies against platelet surface glycoproteins, as well as perturbations in the phagocytic activity of monocytes. Traditional treatments of ITP have been largely empirical, involving the use of immunosuppressive agents and immunoglobulin therapy. However, based on the findings of clinical reports emerging over the past 20 years, health organizations around the world increasingly suggest the detection and eradication of H. pylori as a treatment for ITP. Elucidating the exact molecular mechanisms of platelet activation in H. pylori‐positive ITP patients, while considering biogeographical differences in response rates, could offer insight into how best to use clinical H. pylori eradication to treat ITP, but will require well‐designed studies to confirm the suggested causative relationship between bacterial infection and an autoimmune disease state.
Effect of chemical preservatives on shelf life of mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivated on cassava peels
Authors: Olotu Ifeoluwa O. , Obadina Adewale O. , Sobukola Olajide P. , Adegunwa Mojisola , Adebowale Abdulrasaq A. , Kajihausa Esther , Sanni Lateef Oladimeji , Asagbra Yemisi , Ashiru Bolanle , Keith Tomlins 
Published: March 2015

SummaryShort shelf life is a major impediment to the processing and distribution of mushroom. The effect of chemical preservatives on some quality attributes of mushroom during storage was investigated. Mushroom were soaked in four preservatives at two concentrations for 10 mins, packaged, stored at 4 °C for 30 days and analysed at intervals for their microbial population, colour, firmness and weight loss. Sodium benzoate (0.05%, 0.1%) lost its preservative effect on all the micro‐organisms enumerated after 3 days, and samples treated with 0.1% potassium sorbate had the lowest microbial load at the end of the storage period. Change in colour of the potassium sorbate (0.1%)‐treated sample was lower than and significantly different from the citric acid (2%, 4%)‐treated samples. The values of the firmness of the 4% citric acid preserved mushroom were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from other samples throughout the storage period. There was a significant negative correlation (r = −0.807, P < 0.01) between the firmness and weight loss of the preserved mushroom. Potassium sorbate (0.1%) and citric acid (4%) extended the shelf life of mushroom for 24 days.
Determination of quercetin in onion (Allium cepa) using β‐cyclodextrin‐coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dot‐based fluorescence spectroscopic technique
Authors: Dwiecki Krzysztof , Kwiatkowska Paulina , Siger Aleksander , Staniek Halina , Nogala‐Kałucka Małgorzata , Polewski Krzysztof 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe aim of this work was to develop a CdSe/ZnS quantum dot ‐based fluorescence method for the determination of quercetin aglycone in onion. The synthesized nanostructures have been characterized by the use of spectroscopic techniques. The method developed is based on the formation of host–guest complexes between quercetin aglycone and β‐cyclodextrin and the consequent fluorescence quenching of the quantum dots. This allowed us to obtain a fast and selective spectroscopic method for the determination of this flavonoid. The developed technique enables determination of quercetin aglycone in real samples (methanolic extracts obtained from onion) in the presence of all components of the matrix, including quercetin glucosides and other phenolic compounds. The limit of detection was 14 μm and sensitivity was 13.2 nm. The accuracy of the method has been confirmed by HPLC measurements and the average recovery was in the 108–113% range, depending on the kind of sample tested.
Sleep quality, sleep duration and physical activity in obese adolescents: effects of exercise training
Authors: Mendelson M. , Borowik A. , Michallet A.‐S. , Perrin C. , Monneret D. , Faure P. , Levy P. , Pépin J.‐L. , Wuyam B. , Flore P. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundDecreased sleep duration and altered sleep quality are risk factors for obesity in youth. Structured exercise training has been shown to increase sleep duration and improve sleep quality.ObjectivesThis study aimed at evaluating the impact of exercise training for improving sleep duration, sleep quality and physical activity in obese adolescents (OB).MethodsTwenty OB (age: 14.5 ± 1.5 years; body mass index: 34.0 ± 4.7 kg m−2) and 20 healthy‐weight adolescents (HW) completed an overnight polysomnography and wore an accelerometer (SenseWear Bodymedia) for 7 days. OB participated in a 12‐week supervised exercise‐training programme consisting of 180 min of exercise weekly. Exercise training was a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training.ResultsSleep duration was greater in HW compared with OB (P < 0.05). OB presented higher apnoea‐hypopnoea index than HW (P < 0.05). Physical activity (average daily metabolic equivalent of tasks [METs]) by accelerometer was lower in OB (P < 0.05). After exercise training, obese adolescents increased their sleep duration (+64.4 min; effect size: 0.88; P = 0.025) and sleep efficiency (+7.6%; effect size: 0.76; P = 0.028). Physical activity levels were increased in OB as evidenced by increased steps per day and average daily METs (P < 0.05). Improved sleep duration was associated with improved average daily METs (r = 0.48, P = 0.04).ConclusionThe present study confirms altered sleep duration and quality in OB. Exercise training improves sleep duration, sleep quality and physical activity.
Ten‐year beverage intake trends among US preschool children: rapid declines between 2003 and 2010 but stagnancy in recent years
Authors: Ford C. N. , Ng S. W. , Popkin B. M. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundIt has been previously reported that total energy intake among US preschool children (ages 2–5 years) decreased between 2003–2004 and 2009–2010. However, little is known about how intakes of beverages among US preschoolers (ages 2–5 years) changed from 2003–2004 to 2011–2012.ObjectivesThis paper examines changes in intakes of key beverages during this period, as well as how eating location (at home or away from home) and source (store vs. others) may have contributed to these changes.MethodsCross‐sectional day one dietary data among children ages 2–5 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004, 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 were used. Survey‐weighted mean intakes by survey year, eating location and source were computed for total sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs), milks, 100% juice, low/no‐calorie beverages, 10 key beverages, total beverages and total foods. Means were compared using two‐tailed z‐tests with Bonferroni corrections (α < 0.05).ResultsBetween 2003–2004 and 2011–2012, among 2–5 year olds, total caloric intake fell by 132 kcal d−1, with intakes of beverages falling by 55 kcal d−1. Decreases in intakes of total SSBs (−57 kcal d−1), fruit‐flavoured or juice drinks containing <100% juice (juice drinks) (−37 kcal d−1), caloric soft drinks (−13 kcal d−1) and >1% fat, low‐sugar milk (−42 kcal d−1) were among the major changes. By eating location, total beverage intake at home fell by 73 kcal d−1. By source, total beverage intake from stores fell by 106 kcal d−1. Changes in intakes occurred primarily between 2003–2004 and 2009–2010, as there were no significant differences in beverage intakes between 2009–2010 and 2011–2012. Intakes of total calories (+49 kcal d−1) and calories from foods (+53 kcal d−1) trended upward between 2009–2010 and 2011–2012, but changes were not significant.ConclusionsThese findings suggest improvements in the diets of preschoolers between 2003–2004 and 2009–2010, of which stores were a major contributor.
Compassionate access anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α therapy for ulcerative colitis in Australia: the benefits to patients
Authors: Costello S. P. , Ghaly S. , Beswick L. , Pudipeddi A. , Agarwal A. , Sechi A. , O'Connor S. , Connor S. J. , Sparrow M. P. , Bampton P. , Walsh A. J. , Andrews J. M. ,   Australian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Association (AIBDA)
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of infliximab has been demonstrated in patients with both acute severe and moderate‐severe ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there is a need for ‘real‐life data’ to ensure that conclusions from trial settings are applicable in usual care. We therefore examined the national experience of anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) therapy in UC.MethodsCase notes review of patients with UC who had received compassionate access (CA) anti‐TNF‐α therapy from prospectively maintained inflammatory bowel disease databases of six Australian adult teaching hospitals.ResultsPatients either received drug for acute severe UC (ASUC) failing steroids (n = 29) or for medically refractory UC (MRUC) (n = 35). In ASUC, the treating physicians judged that anti‐TNF‐α therapy was successful in 20/29 patients (69%); in these cases, anti‐TNF‐α was able to be discontinued (after 1–3 infusions in 19/20 responders) as clinical remission was achieved. Consistent with this perceived benefit, only 7/29 (24%) subsequently underwent colectomy during a median follow up of 12 months (interquartile range (IQR) 5–16). Eight of the 35 patients with MRUC (23%) required colectomy during a median follow up of 28 months (IQR 11–43). The majority of these patients (20/35 or 57%) had anti‐TNF‐α therapy for ≥4 months, whereas, 27/29 (93%) of ASUC patients had CA for ≤3 months.ConclusionsThese data show an excellent overall benefit for anti‐TNF‐α therapy in both ASUC and MRUC. In particular, only short‐duration anti‐TNF‐α was required in ASUC. These real‐life data thus support the clinical trial data and should lead to broader use of this therapy in UC.
Trends in the prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Brazilian preschool children
Authors: Murakami Christiana , Tello Gustavo , Abanto Jenny , Oliveira Luciana Butini , Bonini Gabriela Cunha , Bönecker Marcelo 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesTo report trends in the prevalence of ETW in Brazilian preschool children.MethodsThree cross‐sectional surveys were carried out on boys and girls aged 3–4 years living in Diadema, in the years 2008, 2010 and 2012 following the same criteria and methodology. A total of 2801 children were systematically examined during a National Day of Children's vaccination. Examiners were trained and calibrated to diagnose ETW using a modified version of the O'Brien index.ResultsThe prevalence of ETW was 51.6% (95% CI 48.4–55.0) in 2008, 53.9% (95% CI 50.7–57.0) in 2010 and 51.3% (95% CI 47.8–54.7) in 2012. There was no significant association between prevalence of ETW from 2008 to 2012 (χ2 for trend: P = 0.92). There was no significant association in the severity of ETW during this study's period. Most lesions were confined to enamel in all three studies.ConclusionsA high prevalence of ETW was found in this sample of preschool children in 2008, 2010 and 2012. No trends of increase or decrease in the prevalence and severity of ETW during this study's period.
MHC Class II Gene Silencing in Trophoblast Cells Is Caused by Inhibition of CIITA Expression
Authors: MORRIS ANN C. , RILEY JAMES L. , FLEMING WILLIAM H. , BOSS JEREMY M. 
Published: March 2015

PROBLEM: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule expression is specifically suppressed on fetal trophoblasts, even in response to interferon (IFN)‐γ, a potent inducer of MHC class II genes. The suppression of class II induction has been suggested to play a role in preventing rejection of the fetal allograft. The mechanism of this suppression is unknown.METHOD OF STUDY: Human trophoblast cell lines were examined for expression of MHC class II transcription factors and for activity of the IFN‐γ signaling pathway. Additionally, trophoblast cells were transfected with a vector expressing the class II transactivator, CIITA, and assayed for class II expression.RESULTS: The MHC class II transcription factors RFX and X2BP and the IFN‐γ signaling pathway components are expressed constitutively and are functional in trophoblasts. However, CIITA expression was absent in trophoblasts and could not be induced by IFN‐γ. Transfection of CIITA into trophoblast cells resulted in derepression of class II gene expression.CONCLUSIONS: The lack of induction of MHC class II genes in response to IFN‐γ in trophoblast cells is caused neither by the absence of factors that bind class II promoters, nor by a lesion in the IFN‐γ signaling pathway, but results from a specific inhibition of the CIITA gene.
Presence of Four Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1, −2, −3 and −4) in Human Fetal Membranes
Authors: FORTUNATO STEPHEN J. , MENON RAMKUMAR , LOMBARDI SALVATORE J. 
Published: March 2015

PROBLEM: Matrix metalloproteinases play a critical role in fetal membrane extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Remodeling of the ECM during normal placental development is a balanced activity between various matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue‐specific counter‐ regulatory proteins (tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases [TIMPs]). We have reported the presence of TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 in placental membranes in culture. In this study we have investigated the membrane expression of TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 during labor and nonlabor conditions and also the presence of two novel TIMP family members (TIMP‐3 and TIMP‐4).METHOD OF STUDY: Amniochorionic membranes collected from women undergoing Cesarean section and were cultured in an organ explant system. Membranes were also collected from laboring women after vaginal delivery. Samples were subjected to reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using primers specific for TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, TIMP‐3, and TIMP‐4. Localization of TIMP mRNAs was accomplished by in situ hybridization, and peptides were localized by immunocytochemistry.RESULTS: RT‐PCR data demonstrated the expression of all the TIMPs in tissues from laboring and nonlaboring women as well as in cultured membranes. TIMP‐4 expression was seen in RT‐PCR, however, only a faint band was visible in all the tissues tested. In situ hybridization localized the TIMP mRNAs to the amnion, chorion, and to scattered cells in the connective tissue.CONCLUSION: Human fetal membrane cells (amniochorion and decidua) express mRNA for all the TIMPs studied so far.
An In Vitro Microassay to Assess the Ability of Plasmodium falciparum—Infected Erythrocytes to Bind to the Human Syncytiotrophoblast
Authors: MAUBERT BERTRAND , RICHE DOMINIQUE , DELORON PHILIPPE 
Published: March 2015

PROBLEM: Erythrocytes parasitized by matures stages of Plasmodium falciparum are frequently sequestered in human placenta. The consequences of this sequestration have been well described, but little is known about the mechanisms used by the parasite to concentrate in the placenta.METHOD OF STUDY: We developed an in vitro assay to study their binding capacity to the human syncytiotrophoblast. Our cytoadherence test was scaled down, and each step of the assay was optimized to enhance the sensitivity of our model.RESULTS: Cytoadherence assays between P. falciparum‐infected erythrocytes and human trophoblasts are easily performed using low numbers of trophoblast cells. The process can also be used to carry out immunofluorescence and immunostaining techniques.CONCLUSIONS: The test may be adapted to any kind of cell, is inexpensive, and allows the culture of virtually any kind of cell for several weeks.
Correlation Between β2‐Glycoprotein Antibodies and Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Patients with Reproductive Failure
Authors: CHONG PENNY , MATZNER WILLIAM , CHING WENDELL 
Published: March 2015

PROBLEM: Antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) are important in the etiology of reproductive failure. Studies have shown that binding proteins are necessary for the detection of APAs. One of these, β2‐glycoprotein, has been shown to be necessary for detection of anticardiolipin antibodies. It is felt that some APAs may be directed to the binding protein itself, or to a combination of the binding protein and phospholipid.METHOD OF STUDY: In this study, a comparison of APAs vs. anti β2‐glycoprotein antibodies was performed on the sera of 123 women younger than 40 years of age with a history of reproductive failure. Antibodies to six phospholipid epitopes, cardiolipin, phosphatidyle‐thanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylserine, were measured.RESULTS: Of the 123 women tested, 33 had one or more positive immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies to phospholipids, of which 9 were to cardiolipin. However, only 1 of 123 women had IgG antibodies to β2‐glycoprotein and she was APA negative. Thirty‐eight of 123 women had one or more IgM antibodies to phospholipids, with none directed to cardiolipin IgM. In contrast, only 8 of the 123 women had IgM antibodies to β2‐glycoprotein. Five of the eight patients had IgM APA; 4 of 5 had IgM antibodies to PE, 1 to PI.CONCLUSIONS: There is no correlation between β2‐glycoprotein antibodies and APA status in this population. To date, our most sensitive test for detecting phospholipid autoimmune‐mediated in vitro fertilization failure still appears to be the ELISA assay for APA.
T helper‐2 Type of Interleukins with De Novo Germinal Center Formation in the Spleen During Murine Pregnancy
Authors: HEGDE UMASHASHI C. , NAINAN RACHEL 
Published: March 2015

PROBLEM: Murine pregnancy is characterized by transient thymic atrophy and splenomegaly. Although some reports on the thymus are available, little is known about the role of the spleen. In the present study, sequential changes in the spleen have been evaluated during murine syngeneic pregnancy.METHOD OF STUDY: Formation of germinal centers (GCs), immunoglobulin positive (Ig+) cells and interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐6 were immunolocalized in the spleen during pregnancy and compared with a control group of virgin mice.RESULTS: Initiation of T‐cell dependent B‐cell response with the induction of peanut agglutinin (PNA+) GCs correlated with decrease in IL‐2 and maintenance of IL‐4 and IL‐6 on day‐1 pregnancy followed by an increase in Ig+ cells.CONCLUSION: The immune response observed in the syngeneically pregnant mother is not directed to paternal major histocompatibility complex antigens. Present studies demonstrate for the first time the role of the spleen in initiating a T‐cell dependent B‐cell response with a shift of systemic immune response from T helper 1 to T helper 2 type.