bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diverse guilds provide complementary dispersal services in a woodland expansion process after land abandonment
Authors: Escribano‐Avila Gema , Calviño‐Cancela María , Pías Beatriz , Virgós Emilio , Valladares Fernando , Escudero Adrián 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Land abandonment due to increasing depopulation of rural areas is an ongoing trend in developed countries worldwide. Abandoned lands represent an opportunity for ecosystem recovery, an urgent need for biodiversity conservation. Seed dispersal services provided by animals are a key feature for this process. Different dispersers may differentially contribute to plant recruitment under different ecological conditions, leading to complementary dispersal services.

We studied the dispersal services, quantified as the contribution to plant recruitment, provided by the main dispersal guilds of Spanish juniper Juniperus thurifera L.: small‐to‐medium‐sized strongly frugivorous birds (thrushes) and medium‐to‐large‐sized carnivorous mammals (red fox and stone marten). To do this, we studied seed fate from seed dispersal to seedling survival during 2 years and estimated seed dispersal effectiveness (seedlings recruited per m2) in two ecological contexts derived from ecosystem recovery after a historical period of degradation: remnant woodlands and old fields.

Results showed a clear shift in the contribution to plant recruitment between these guilds, resulting in complementary and non‐redundant dispersal services. Thrushes were the main contributors to plant recruitment in woodlands (73%), leading to population growth but with a reduced impact on the colonization of old fields where carnivores contributed to 80% of recruitment (42% red fox, 38% stone marten). The dispersal complementarity observed for thrushes and carnivores is a consequence of their functional diversity, mainly driven by their differences in feeding and movement behaviour.

Synthesis and applications. The combination of short‐distance, strongly frugivorous dispersers (e.g. passerine birds) together with big generalist frugivores with long‐distance movements (e.g. carnivorous mammals) maintained (i) effective seed dispersal services in remnant woodlands and (ii) the connectivity between patches promoting old fields colonization and woodland expansion. Thus, it is in heterogeneous landscape mosaics ecosystems (e.g. agro‐environments) where functionally diverse disperser communities play a key role in ecosystem recovery. By performing effective dispersal services across an array of habitat types, functionally diverse disperser communities assist natural restoration of human‐impacted ecosystems all over the world. Thus, dispersal communities provide an important ecosystem service that may replace costly human‐mediated restoration projects.
Adenosine as a probing tool for the mechanistic study of acupuncture treatment
Authors: Wang Jia‐You , Li Hui , Zhang Lei , Ma Chun‐Mei , Wang Jia‐Lu , Lai Xin‐Sheng , Zhou Shu‐Feng 
Published: September 2014

SummaryTo date, acupuncture has been widely used despite a lack of solid clinical evidence in the East and West. However, there are few validated in vitro models for the mechanistic studies of acupuncture. We hypothesized that adenosine could be used as a probing tool in the mechanistic studies of acupuncture because of its critical role in the action of acupuncture. Subsequently, we tested this hypothesis using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. First, we found that adenosine stimulation mimicked the effect of acupuncture on microRNA profiling (including miR‐339, miR‐145 and miR‐451) and protein level (including Sirt2) in nerve growth factor‐induced differentiated PC12 cells. These miRNA and proteins have been found to be regulated by acupuncture treatment in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Next, we found that adenosine stimulation downregulated miR‐339 expression through adenosine A1 receptor‐mediated pathway. Finally, we showed that the concentration of adenosine was actually decreased in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats after acupuncture treatment at Taichong acupoint. Taken together, these findings suggest that adenosine could be used as a useful probing tool for acupuncture mechanistic studies, while more validation studies are certainly warranted.
Serum levels of visfatin, resistin and adiponectin in patients with psoriatic arthritis and associations with disease severity
Authors: Dikbas Oguz , Tosun Mehmet , Bes Cemal , Tonuk Sukru Burak , Aksehirli Ozge Yilmaz , Soy Mehmet 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimPsoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory form of arthritis typically associated with psoriasis and/or psoriatic nail disease. Adipocytokines were once thought to influence development of (only) insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. However, it is now clear that adipocytokines play important roles in development of the inflammation associated with either autoimmune or auto‐inflammatory disorders. In the present study, we measured changes in the serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and visfatin, and the associations of such changes with the extent of disease activity and insulin resistance in PsA patients.Material and methodsA total of 67 subjects (28 with PsA and 39 healthy controls) without hypertension or diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Adiponectin, resistin and visfatin levels, and the extent of insulin resistance (assayed using the homeostasis model [HOMA‐IR]), were measured in all subjects. Assessment of PsA disease activity was done with the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA).ResultsPsoriatic arthritis patients had considerably higher serum levels of adiponectin, resistin and visfatin than did healthy controls (all P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, the following variables may contribute to complex pathogenesis of PsA: adiponectin (P = 0.001, OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.6–6.0), resistin (P = 006, OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2–2.9) and visfatin (P = 0.031, OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.1–13.9). In contrast, we have not detected any correlation between DAPSA and adipocytokine serum levels (P > 0.05).ConclusionThere is no correlation between adipocytokines and disease activity. Although serum adiponectin, resistin and visfatin levels are higher in patients with PsA, pathophysiological significance of the result has to be evaluated with more extensive studies.
Bioclimatic variables derived from remote sensing: assessment and application for species distribution modelling
Authors: Waltari Eric , Schroeder Ronny , McDonald Kyle , Anderson Robert P. , Carnaval Ana 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Remote sensing techniques offer an opportunity to improve biodiversity modelling and prediction world‐wide. Yet, to date, the weather station‐based WorldClim data set has been the primary source of temperature and precipitation information used in correlative species distribution models. WorldClim consists of grids interpolated from in situ station data recorded primarily from 1960 to 1990. Those data sets suffer from uneven geographic coverage, with many areas of Earth poorly represented.

Here, we compare two remote sensing data sources for the purposes of biodiversity prediction: MERRA climate reanalysis data and AMSR‐E, a pure remote sensing data source. We use these data to generate novel temperature‐based bioclimatic information and to model the distributions of 20 species of vertebrates endemic to four regions of South America: Amazonia, the Atlantic Forest, the Cerrado and Patagonia. We compare the bioclimatic data sets derived from MERRA and AMSR‐E information with in situ station data and contrast species distribution models based on these two products to models built with WorldClim.

Surface temperature estimates provided by MERRA and AMSR‐E showed warm temperature biases relative to the in situ data fields, but the reliability of these data sets varied in geographic space. Species distribution models derived from the MERRA data performed equally well (in Cerrado, Amazonia and Patagonia) or better (Atlantic Forest) than models built with the WorldClim data. In contrast, the performance of models constructed with the AMSR‐E data was similar to (Amazonia, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado) or worse than (Patagonia) that of models built with WorldClim data.

Whereas this initial comparison assessed only temperature fields, efforts to estimate precipitation from remote sensing information hold great promise; furthermore, other environmental data sets with higher spatial and temporal fidelity may improve upon these results.
Relationships Among NANDA‐I Diagnoses, Nursing Outcomes Classification, and Nursing Interventions Classification by Nursing Students for Patients in Medical‐Surgical Units in Korea
Authors: Noh Hyun Kyung , Lee Eunjoo 
Published: September 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify NANDA‐I, Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC; NNN) linkages used by Korean nursing students during their clinical practice in medical‐surgical units.MethodsA comparative descriptive research design was used to measure the effects of nursing interventions from 153 nursing students in South Korea. Nursing students selected NNN using a Web‐based nursing process documentation system. Data were analyzed by paired t‐test.ResultsEighty‐two NANDA‐I diagnoses, 116 NOC outcomes, and 163 NIC interventions were identified. Statistically significant differences in patients' preintervention and postintervention outcome scores were observed.ConclusionBy determining patient outcomes linked to interventions and how the degree of outcomes change after interventions, the effectiveness of the interventions can be evaluated.
Antenatal shared care: Are pregnant women being adequately informed about iodine and nutritional supplementation?
Authors: Lucas Catherine J. , Charlton Karen E. , Brown Lucy , Brock Erin , Cummins Leanne 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesTo assess nutrition‐related knowledge and practices, including supplement use, of both pregnant women and healthcare providers that participate in antenatal shared care (ANSC).MethodsPregnant women enrolled in ANSC (n = 142) completed a knowledge and practices survey and a validated iodine‐specific Food Frequency Questionnaire. General practitioners (GP) and nurses (N = 61) participating in the ANSC program completed a short survey which assessed their knowledge about nutrition for pregnancy, focussing on iodine.ResultsBoth groups had poor knowledge about the importance and roles of iodine during pregnancy. Most women (82%) reported taking a supplement during their current pregnancy, and 70% were taking a supplement containing iodine. Only 26% of GPs discussed iodine supplementation with pregnant patients. The median (IQR) iodine intake of pregnant women was 189 (129–260) μg/day which meets the estimated average requirement (160 μg/day). Half (52%) of women's dietary iodine was provided by dairy foods, and only 7% came from fish and seafood. Most healthcare providers (74%) expressed interest in receiving ongoing professional education about iodine in pregnancy.Conclusion and ImplicationsOngoing nutrition education for ANSC health practitioners is required to ensure that women receive sufficient dietary advice for optimal pregnancy outcomes. Further research is required to address reasons behind dietary choices of Australian pregnant women.
Policy change in flat pensions: ComparingCanada and theUK
Authors: Béland Daniel , Waddan Alex 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAdopting a historical and comparative perspective, this article explores the politics of flat old‐age pensions in theUnitedKingdom (UK) andCanada, two liberal countries in which this type of program is at the foundation of the public pension system. The article focuses on changes that affect eligibility criteria and benefit levels. It concludes that, in both countries, pension reform efforts have followed contradictory trajectories but, overall, despite being a non‐contributory program,Canada's Old Age Security has proved more resilient than theUK'sBasicStatePension, a reality that challenges the well‐known claim that contributory pension programs are more resistant to restructuring than non‐contributory ones.
“Pooling our resources”: Equalization and the origins of regional universality, 1937–1957
Authors: Bryden P.E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis paper places Canada's equalization program in the context of broader discussions of equality and universality that dominated the mid‐twentieth century discourse. It examines the origins of equalization in the Rowell‐Sirois Report, the flirtation with equalization during the Dominion‐Provincial Conference on Reconstruction in 1945–46, and the intergovernmental discussions of the 1950s that led to the first formal implementation of equalization in 1957. It argues that a system of universal regional equalization grants arose not only because of the lessons of the Depression and the regional inequalities surfacing during the 1930s, but also as a by‐product of the move to universal social security measures, such as family allowances and, later, health insurance.
Paths, precedents, parallels and pendulums: The uses of the past in public policy and administration
Authors: Dutil Patrice 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIs there a place for “history” in understanding both the theory and the practice of public administration today? The answer of this article is an emphatic “yes,” as long as the approach is used carefully. The reality is that history is used constantly to justify policy and administrative directions. The challenge is to find the best approach. This article explores four devices put to use by policy scholars and practitioners and encourages the field to use the past more effectively so that the claim that “This time, it's different” will be understood with a measure of precision, but also with modesty.
Winner of Voorjaarsdagen Award 2014: Sedation and Mechanical Hypoalgesia Induced by Four Different Dosages of Butorphanol in Xylazine‐Premedicated Donkeys
Authors: Lizarraga I. , Castillo‐Alcala F. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyCombinations of α2‐adrenoceptor and opioid agonists are commonly used in equines, but there is little scientific information on this topic in donkeys.ObjectivesTo compare the sedative and hypoalgesic effects of 4 dosages of butorphanol in xylazine‐premedicated donkeys.Study designIn vivo experiment.MethodsSix donkeys received intravenous treatments: saline and saline (S‐S); xylazine (0.5 mg/kg bwt) and saline (X‐S); xylazine and butorphanol 10 μg/kg bwt (X‐B10); xylazine and butorphanol 20 μg/kg bwt (X‐B20); xylazine and butorphanol 30 μg/kg bwt (X‐B30); and xylazine and butorphanol 40 μg/kg bwt (X‐B40). Sedation score (0–3), head height above ground (HHAG), and mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) of the left metacarpus were assessed before and for 120 min after treatment. Areas under the curve (AUC) for 0–30, 30–60 and 60–120 min post treatment were computed for sedation scores (SS‐AUC), HHAG (HHAG‐AUC) and MNT (MNT‐AUC). Differences between treatments were analysed using the Friedman test followed by Dunn's test and repeated measures one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test.ResultsAll treatments except S‐S induced sedation. Butorphanol treatments induced significantly greater SS‐AUC0–30 values than those for S‐S (P<0.05), but S‐S and X‐S SS‐AUC0–30 values were not significantly different. The HHAG‐AUC0–30 values for all treatments were smaller than corresponding values for S‐S (P<0.001). For HHAG‐AUC30‐60, only X‐B40 values were significantly smaller than corresponding values for S‐S (P<0.05). Compared to S‐S, all treatments increased MNT and yielded significantly higher MNT‐AUC0–30 values (P<0.001). Treatment X‐S yielded significantly lower MNT‐AUC0–30 values than those for X‐B30 and X‐B40 (P<0.05). Only MNT‐AUC30–60 values for X‐B30 and X‐B40 were higher than those for S‐S and X‐S (P<0.05).ConclusionsXylazine induced sedation and mechanical hypoalgesia that were enhanced by adding butorphanol at 40 μg/kg bwt. This drug combination may be suitable for chemical restraint of donkeys undergoing clinical procedures.Ethical animal research: The study was approved by the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Sources of funding: Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine intramural grant. Competing interests: None.
Changes in Adipose mRNA Expression between Previously Laminitic Ponies and Nonlaminitic Ponies in Summer and Winter
Authors: Timpson A.J. , Elliott J. , Harris P.A. , Cheng Z. , Rainbow L. , de Mestre A.M. , Menzies‐Gow N.J. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studySome ponies are predisposed to recurrent pasture‐associated laminitis, but the mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. Adipose tissue is a highly metabolically active tissue that secretes mediators which affect vascular function, insulin signalling and inflammation, all of which are potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of laminitis.ObjectivesTo determine whether the gene expression of adipose tissue from previously laminitic ponies (LP) differs from nonlaminitic ponies (NL).Study designSubcutaneous adipose tissue was collected by biopsy from the neck region of healthy LP and NL (n = 6 each group) in the summer and winter.MethodsGene expression was determined using a 44 K equine expression microarray. Data were analysed using GeneSpring and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Genes with >2‐fold difference, P<0.01 were considered significant using a t test to analyse group and/or season.ResultsThe most significant differences in global gene expression in adipose tissue were observed between summer and winter in both groups, with 244 (NL) and 174 (LP) genes differentially expressed. There was a significant difference between LP and NL groups in the summer (141 genes differentially expressed), whereas the 2 groups were more similar in the winter (40 genes differentially expressed). Eight of the top 10 upregulated genes and 3 of the top 5 canonical pathways that differed between LP and NL in the summer were associated with inflammation and/or immunity.ConclusionsLaminitic ponies appear to have a different adipose tissue gene expression profile to NL, particularly in the summer. Inflammatory genes and pathways were significantly upregulated in the LP group suggesting higher levels of inflammation or priming of inflammatory pathways which may contribute to a predisposition to laminitis.Ethical animal research: The study was completed under Home Office Project Licence approved by the RVC Ethics and Welfare Committee. Sources of funding: This study was funded by Waltham®. A. Timpson is funded by the Mellon Equine Endowment Fund. Competing interests: Dr P. Harris is employed by Waltham. The other authors have declared no competing interests.
Evaluation of Regional Adiposity in the Neck Area of Andalusian Horses
Authors: Martin Gimenez T. , de Blas Giral I. , Aguilera Tejero E. , Diez de Castro E. , Aguirre Pascasio C.N. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyAdipose tissue deposited along the crest of the neck has been associated with altered metabolic states and with an increased risk of laminitis in equids. Thickness of the neck is a phenotipic characteristic in Andalusians; however, there are no studies evaluating this condition in this breed.ObjectivesTo evaluate morphometric and ultrasonographic measurements in the neck area for assessment of neck adiposity and its associations with adiposity scores and biochemical variables.Study designA sample of 115 Andalusian horses (46 barren mares and 69 stallions, 2–15 years old) was evaluated in a cross‐sectional study.MethodsCresty neck score (CNS) was determined. Two groups were created: cresty neck (CNS ≥ 3) and noncresty neck (CNS<3) horses. Neck circumference (NC) (cm) and ultrasonography (US) of subcutaneous fat (mm) at 25% (NC0.25–US0.25), 50% (NC0.50–US0.50) and 75% (NC0.75–US0.75) of neck length were measured. Middle neck circumference (NC), neck length and height at the withers were taken to calculate neck ratios (NC0.50:height, NC0.50:neck length). Plasma was analysed for insulin and leptin. Hyperinsulinemia was defined as insulin ≥20 μiu/ml. Correlations using Pearson and Spearman coefficients were evaluated. Mean comparisons were carried out with Student's t or Mann‐Whitney tests.ResultsCresty neck condition was present in 73.9% (n = 85) of the horses and 2.6% (n = 3) were hyperinsulinaemic. Cresty neck horses had significantly higher plasma leptin, morphometric and ultrasonographic measurements. NC0.50:height was the most correlated parameter with CNS. Insulin was correlated with leptin levels and all morphometric measurements. Insulin and leptin were correlated only with US0.75.ConclusionsAndalusian horses’ neck score, despite their thick necks in the majority of individuals, does not have a good correlation with plasma insulin and leptin levels. Since in Andalusian horses, neck scores may be overestimating obesity, further studies on ultrasonographic fat measurements are needed.Ethical animal research: The university committee for the ethical use of animals approved all procedures. Owners gave informed consent for their horses’ inclusion in the study. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
‘Riding the Rollercoaster’: Veterinary Experiences of Managing Laminitis in Practice
Authors: Scantlebury C.E. , Perkins E. , McGowan C. , Pinchbeck G.L. , Christley R.M. , Archer D.C. 
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing studyLittle is reported about the successes and challenges experienced by veterinary surgeons while managing cases of laminitis. Such information could enhance the effectiveness of communication of management and preventive health strategies for laminitis.ObjectivesTo explore veterinary surgeons’ experiences of dealing with laminitis and examine how veterinary–client communication influences the treatment and management of cases.Study designFocus group discussions conducted among first‐opinion equine veterinary surgeons.MethodsFirst‐opinion ambulatory veterinary practices from Cheshire (n = 15), Lancashire (n = 14) and the Rutland region (n = 14) were identified. Letters of invitation were sent and all practices were telephoned to invite veterinary surgeons to participate in the study. Key questions relating to laminitis were explored within semi‐structured focus group discussions: veterinary perceptions of laminitis information, reasons for horse‐owners’ seeking veterinary advice, veterinary perceptions of horse‐owners’ knowledge, attitudes and practices, situations where the advice of other professionals may be sought. All discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software.ResultsThree focus group discussions were held with veterinary surgeons with a range of experience; 2 in the North West (9 vets) and one in Rutland (4 vets). Emerging themes relating to veterinary surgeons’ experience of dealing with laminitis included; veterinary–client communication, challenges faced by vets, managing clients perceptions and expectations, client recognition and management of laminitis, feeding and obesity management, issues of compliance, causes of laminitis, strategies to prevent laminitis, diagnosing, treating and prognosticating in laminitis cases, sources of veterinary information and collaboration with other professionals.ConclusionsThe findings illustrate key features of the veterinary–client relationship in supporting owners through the variable course of this disease. This study demonstrates the complexity of issues that veterinary surgeons may encounter when managing cases of laminitis and communicating healthcare messages to the client.Ethical animal research: This project was approved by the University of Liverpool Ethics for Research Committee. Sources of funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge support and funding from the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation charitable trust. Competing interests: None.