bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic and clinical features of autoimmune thyroid disorder in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Toki Sayaka , Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Yamada Kazuya , Uchiyama Akihiko , Ishikawa Osamu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAutoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD) are characterized by the impairment of the thyroid gland as a result of systemic or organ‐specific autoimmune disorders, and the presence of antithyroid autoantibodies, such as antithyroglobulin antibody (AbTg) and antithyroid peroxidase antibody (AbTPO). Several studies have reported the association of AITD with systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, none of those studies analyzed the association between AITD and skin sclerosis in SSc patients. The aim of this study was to examine the demographic and clinical features of SSc patients with AITD treated in our department. Of a total of 210 SSc patients, we identified 30 with AITD (14.3%), including 29 with Hashimoto's disease (13.8%) and one patient with Graves' disease (0.5%), indicating that hypothyroidism was more common among SSc patients with AITD. All patients with AITD were female, and anticentromere antibody positivity, the complication of Sjögren's syndrome, severe facial skin sclerosis and atrophy of the thyroid gland were significantly prevalent in SSc patients with AITD. SSc patients with such clinical features may be at high risk of AITD and require regular follow up of thyroid function including ultrasonography and the examination of serum hormone levels to start an early treatment.
Heavily hunted wolves have higher stress and reproductive steroids than wolves with lower hunting pressure
Authors: Bryan Heather M. , Smits Judit E. G. , Koren Lee , Paquet Paul C. , Wynne‐Edwards Katherine E. , Musiani Marco 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Human‐caused harassment and mortality (e.g. hunting) affects many aspects of wildlife population dynamics and social structure. Little is known, however, about the social and physiological effects of hunting, which might provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which wildlife respond to human‐caused mortality.

To investigate physiological consequences of hunting, we measured stress and reproductive hormones in hair, which reflect endocrine activity during hair growth. Applying this novel approach, we compared steroid hormone levels in hair of wolves (Canis lupus) living in Canada's tundra–taiga (n = 103) that experience heavy rates of hunting with those in the northern boreal forest (n = 45) where hunting pressure is substantially lower.

The hair samples revealed that progesterone was higher in tundra–taiga wolves, possibly reflecting increased reproductive effort and social disruption in response to human‐related mortality. Tundra–taiga wolves also had higher testosterone and cortisol levels, which may reflect social instability.

To control for habitat differences, we also measured cortisol in an out‐group of boreal forest wolves (n = 30) that were killed as part of a control programme. Cortisol was higher in the boreal out‐group than in our study population from the northern boreal forest.

Overall, our findings support the social and physiological consequences of human‐caused mortality. Long‐term implications of altered physiological responses should be considered in management and conservations strategies.
Pervasive early 21st‐century vegetation changes across Danish semi‐natural ecosystems: more losers than winners and a shift towards competitive, tall‐growing species
Authors: Timmermann Allan , Damgaard Christian , Strandberg Morten T. , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Semi‐natural open habitats in north‐western Europe are highly prioritized for conservation, and optimization of management planning is essential for continued protection of their diversity. We evaluate whether current management practices, which consist mainly of summer grazing by livestock, are sufficient to maintain plant species composition in a stable state across semi‐natural areas in Denmark, or if shifts in functional composition are taking place. Further, we investigate important drivers of any ongoing changes through trait differences between winner and loser species.

Using a data set of 6513 annually inventoried (2004–2010) vegetation plots from 202 semi‐natural NATURA 2000 protected areas, we assessed changes in cover of all plant species and, using boosted regression trees, whether winners and losers differ in regard to autecological characteristics and traits.

There were consistent changes in cover for 123 out of 603 species across the 6‐year study period, with more species losing than winning (78 vs. 45). Winner and loser species were strongly differentiated by competition‐related traits, but traits related to soil nutrients and soil moisture also had some importance. Generally, our results indicate a trend towards taller and more competitive species.

Synthesis and applications. Despite conservation actions in order to maintain a so‐called favourable conservation status, vegetation in NATURA 2000 protected areas is still undergoing compositional changes. Overall, autecological characteristics and trait differences between winners and losers match expectations given the contemporary anthropogenic pressures, especially reduced livestock grazing. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition and increased soil moisture due to reduced drainage might also be involved in observed changes. Current management (i.e. summer grazing by livestock) is insufficient to preserve the diversity of less‐competitive, low‐statured and stress‐tolerant herbaceous species, potentially leading to species losses. Such patterns can thus be expected across semi‐natural ecosystems in north‐western Europe and other places where traditional land use (i.e. previous widespread extensive livestock grazing) have been replaced with various degrees of conservation management. A greater focus on returning large grazing herbivores to conservation areas is recommended for the protection of plant species diversity and to counteract ongoing changes.
Short Selling Pressure, Stock Price Behavior, and Management Forecast Precision: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: LI YINGHUA , ZHANG LIANDONG 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTUsing a natural experiment (Regulation SHO), we show that short selling pressure and consequent stock price behavior have a causal effect on managers’ voluntary disclosure choices. Specifically, we find that managers respond to a positive exogenous shock to short selling pressure and price sensitivity to bad news by reducing the precision of bad news forecasts. This finding on management forecasts appears to be generalizable to other corporate disclosures. In particular, we find that, in response to increased short selling pressure, managers also reduce the readability (or increase the fuzziness) of bad news annual reports. Overall, our results suggest that maintaining the current level of stock prices is an important consideration in managers’ strategic disclosure decisions.
Genitalia‐associated microbes in insects
Authors: Otti Oliver 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn sexual reproduction different types of symbiotic relationships between insects and microbes have become established. For example, some bacteria have evolved almost exclusive vertical transmission and even define the compatibility of insect mating partners. Many strictly sexually transmitted diseases have also been described in insects. Apart from such rather specific relationships the role of opportunistic infections in the reproductive process has been widely neglected. Opportunistic microbes transmitted passively during mating might impose an energetic cost, as the immune system will need to be alert and will use resources to fight potential intruders. Through mating wounds and contaminated reproductive organs opportunistic microbes might be transferred to mating partners and even enter the body cavity. Females as the “receiving” sex are particularly likely to have evolved adaptations to avoid or reduce opportunistic infections. Males of several species show highly complex seminal fluids, which as well as containing components that influence a males’ fertilization success, also possess antimicrobial substances. The role of antimicrobials in the reproductive process is not well understood. Some evidence hints at the protection of sperm against microbes, indicating a role for natural selection in shaping the evolution of reproductive traits. By highlighting the potential importance of microbes in sexual selection and their role in reproduction in general I will make a case for studies in sexual selection, especially the ones investigating postcopulatory processes, that should incorporate environmental, as well as genotypic variation, in reproductive traits.
Intercrop movement of convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), between adjacent cotton and alfalfa
Authors: Bastola Anup , Parajulee Megha N. , Porter R. Patrick , Shrestha Ram B. , Chen Fa‐Jun , Carroll Stanley C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA 2‐year study was conducted to characterize the intercrop movement of convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin‐Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) between adjacent cotton and alfalfa. A dual protein‐marking method was used to assess the intercrop movement of the lady beetles in each crop. In turns field collected lady beetles in each crop were assayed by protein specific ELISA to quantify the movement of beetles between the crops. Results indicated that a high percentage of convergent lady beetles caught in cotton (46% in 2008; 56% in 2009) and alfalfa (46% in 2008; 71% in 2009) contained a protein mark, thus indicating that convergent lady beetle movement was largely bidirectional between the adjacent crops. Although at a much lower proportion, lady beetles also showed unidirectional movement from cotton to alfalfa (5% in 2008 and 6% in 2009) and from alfalfa to cotton (9% in 2008 and 14% in 2009). The season‐long bidirectional movement exhibited by the beetles was significantly higher in alfalfa than cotton during both years of the study. The total influx of lady beetles (bidirectional and unidirectional combined) was significantly higher in alfalfa compared with that in cotton for both years. While convergent lady beetles moved between adjacent cotton and alfalfa, they were more attracted to alfalfa when cotton was not flowering and/or when alfalfa offered more opportunities for prey. This study offers much needed information on intercrop movement of the convergent lady beetle that should facilitate integrated pest management decisions in cotton utilizing conservation biological control.
Drosophila melanogaster brain invasion: pathogenic Wolbachia in central nervous system of the fly
Authors: Strunov Anton , Kiseleva Elena 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe pathogenic Wolbachia strain wMelPop rapidly over‐replicates in the brain, muscles, and retina of Drosophila melanogaster, causing severe tissue degeneration and premature death of the host. The unique features of this endosymbiont make it an excellent tool to be used for biological control of insects, pests, and vectors of human diseases. To follow the dynamics of bacterial morphology and titer in the nerve cells we used transmission electron microscopy of 3‐d‐old female brains. The neurons and glial cells from central brain of the fly had different Wolbachia titers ranging from single bacteria to large accumulations, tearing cell apart and invading extracellular space. The neuropile regions of the brain were free of wMelPop. Wolbachia tightly interacted with host cell organelles and underwent several morphological changes in nerve cells. Based on different morphological types of bacteria described we propose for the first time a scheme of wMelPop dynamics within the somatic tissue of the host.
Where have all the tadpoles gone? Individual genetic tracking of amphibian larvae until adulthood
Authors: Ringler Eva , Mangione Rosanna , Ringler Max 
Published: November 2014

AbstractReliably marking larvae and reidentifying them after metamorphosis is a challenge that has hampered studies on recruitment, dispersal, migration and survivorship of amphibians for a long time, as conventional tags are not reliably retained through metamorphosis. Molecular methods allow unique genetic fingerprints to be established for individuals. Although microsatellite markers have successfully been applied in mark–recapture studies on several animal species, they have never been previously used in amphibians to follow individuals across different life cycle stages. Here, we evaluate microsatellites for genetic across‐stages mark–recapture studies in amphibians and test the suitability of available software packages for genotype matching. We sampled tadpoles of the dendrobatid frog Allobates femoralis, which we introduced on a river island in the Nature Reserve ‘Les Nouragues’ in French Guiana. In two subsequent recapture sessions, we searched for surviving juveniles and adults, respectively. All individuals were genotyped at 14 highly variable microsatellite loci, which yielded unique genetic fingerprints for all individuals. We found large differences in the identification success of the programs tested. The pairwise‐relatedness‐based approach, conducted with the programs kingroup or ML‐Relate, performed best with our data set. Matching ventral patterns of juveniles and adult individuals acted as a control for the reliability of the genetic identification. Our results demonstrate that microsatellite markers are a highly powerful tool for studying amphibian populations on an individual basis. The ability to individually track amphibian tadpoles throughout metamorphosis until adulthood will be of substantial value for future studies on amphibian population ecology and evolution.
Operative efficiency and accuracy of patient‐specific cutting guides in total knee replacement
Authors: Nankivell Mark , West Graeme , Pourgiezis Nicholas 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundTotal knee replacement (TKR) outcomes depend on accurate positioning of implants and restoration of the mechanical axis of the knee. Compared with standard techniques, patient‐specific cutting guides are postulated to improve accuracy of bone resections, and therefore implant placement. Furthermore, patient‐specific cutting guides are postulated to reduce operative time and increase efficiency by reducing the number of trays used.MethodsThis study evaluates these claims using the Visionaire (Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN, USA) patient‐specific system. The thickness of actual bone resections was compared with the predicted thickness (giving a resection ‘error’). Data were also obtained on the number of trays used, skin‐to‐skin operating time and tourniquet time.ResultsForty‐one TKRs were performed on 33 females (one bilateral) and seven males. Average resection errors were 0.22 mm medially and 0.05 mm laterally for the distal femur, 0.99 mm medially and 0.74 mm laterally for posterior femoral condyles, and 0.55 mm medially and 0.71 mm laterally for the proximal tibia. There were no significant differences in tourniquet time, skin‐to‐skin time or the number of trays used between the patient‐specific and historical comparison groups.ConclusionPatient‐specific cutting guides make accurate resections. Operative and tourniquet times and the number of trays used were no different to standard TKRs. Further investigation is needed to determine whether patient‐specific cutting guides improve post‐operative alignment and patient satisfaction.
The Role of Rac1 on Carbachol‐induced Contractile Activity in Detrusor Smooth Muscle from Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Evcim Atiye Sinem , Micili Serap Cilaker , Karaman Meral , Erbil Guven , Guneli Ensari , Gidener Sedef , Gumustekin Mukaddes 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study was designed to determine the role of the small GTPase Rac1 on carbachol‐induced contractile activity in detrusor smooth muscle using small inhibitor NSC 23766 in diabetic rats. Rac1 expression in bladder tissue was also evaluated. In the streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat model, three study groups were composed of control, diabetic and insulin‐treated diabetic subjects. The detrusor muscle strips were suspended in organ baths at the end of 8–12 weeks after STZ injection. Carbachol (CCh) (10−9–10−4 M) concentration–response curves were obtained both in the absence and in the presence of Rac1 inhibitor NSC 23766 (0.1, 1 and 10 μM). Diabetes‐related histopathological changes and Rac1 expressions were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. CCh caused dose‐dependent contractile responses in all the study groups. Rac1 inhibitor NSC 23766 inhibited CCh‐induced contractile responses in all groups, but this inhibition seen in both diabetes groups was greater than in the control group. Histological examination revealed an increased bladder wall thickness both in the diabetes and in the insulin‐treated diabetes groups compared to the control group. In immunohistochemical staining, expression of Rac1 was observed to be increased in all layers of bladder in both diabetic groups compared to the control group. In the diabetic bladders, increased expression of Rac1 and considerable inhibition of CCh‐induced responses in the presence of NSC 23766 compared to those of the control group may indicate a specific role of Rac1 in diabetes‐related bladder dysfunction, especially associated with cholinergic mediated detrusor overactivity.
Worldwide Distribution of Four SNPs in X‐Ray and Repair and Cross‐Complementing Group 1 (XRCC1)
Authors: Takeshita Haruo , Fujihara Junko , Yasuda Toshihiro , Kimura‐Kataoka Kaori 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPurposeX‐ray repair cross‐complementing group 1 (XRCC1) repairs single‐strand breaks in DNA. Several reports have shown the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Arg194Trp, Pro206Pro, Arg280His, Arg399Gln) in XRCC1 to diseases. Limited population data are available regarding SNPs in XRCC1, especially in African populations. In this study, genotype distributions of four SNPs in worldwide populations were examined and compared with those reported previously.Materials and MethodsFour SNPs (Arg194Trp, Pro206Pro, Arg280His, Arg399Gln) in XRCC1 from genomic DNA samples of 10 populations were evaluated by using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.ResultsThe frequency of the minor allele corresponding to the Trp allele of XRCC1Arg194Trp was higher in Asian populations than in African and Caucasian populations. As for XRCC1Pro206Pro, Africans showed higher minor allele frequencies than did Asian populations, except for Tamils and Sinhalese. XRCC1 Arg280His frequencies were similar among Africans and Caucasians but differed among Asian populations. Similarly, lower mutant XRCC1 Arg399Gln frequencies were observed in Africans.ConclusionsThis study is the first to show the existence of a certain genetic heterogeneity in the worldwide distribution of four SNPs in XRCC1.
Validity and reproducibility of measures of oropharyngeal dysphagia in preschool children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Benfer Katherine A , Weir Kelly A , Bell Kristie L , Ware Robert S , Davies Peter SW , Boyd Roslyn N 
Published: November 2014

AimThe aim of the study was to determine the best measure to discriminate between those with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) and those without OPD, among young children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodWe carried out a cross‐sectional population‐based study involving 130 children with CP aged between 18 months and 36 months (mean 27.4mo; 81 males, 49 females) classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) as level I (n=57), II (n=15), III (n=23), IV (n=12), or V (n=23). Forty children with CP (mean 28.5mo; 21 males,19 females, eight for each GMFCS level) were included in the reproducibility sub‐study, and 40 children with typical development (mean 26.2mo; 18 males, 22 females) were included in the validity sub‐study. OPD was assessed using the Dysphagia Disorders Survey (DDS), Pre‐Speech Assessment Scale (PSAS), and Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment (SOMA). We analysed reproducibility using inter‐ and intrarater agreement (percentage) and reliability (kappa values and intraclass correlation coefficients). Construct validity was assessed as concordance between measures (SOMA, DDS, and PSAS). In the absence of a criterion standard measure for OPD, prevalence was estimated using latent class variable analysis. Data from the children with typical development were used to propose modified OPD cut‐points for discriminative validity.ResultsAll measures had strong agreement (>85%) for inter‐ and intrarater reliability. The SOMA had the best specificity (100.0%), but lacked sensitivity (53.0%), whereas the DDS and PSAS had high sensitivity (each 100.0%) but lacked specificity (47.1% and 70.6% respectively). OPD prevalence when calculated using the web‐based estimation was 65.4%, which was similar to the estimate from the modified cut‐points.InterpretationUsing the sample of children with typical development and modified cut‐points, OPD prevalence was lower than estimates with standard scoring. We propose using these modified cut‐points when administering the DDS, PSAS or SOMA in young children with CP.
Standardized assessment of seizures in patients with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Augustine Erika F , Adams Heather R , Beck Christopher A , Vierhile Amy , Kwon Jennifer , Rothberg Paul G , Marshall Frederick , Block Robert , Dolan James , Mink Jonathan W ,   the Batten Study Group
Published: November 2014

AimTo evaluate seizure phenomenology, treatment, and course in individuals with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL).MethodData from an ongoing natural history study of JNCL were analyzed using cross‐sectional and longitudinal methods. Seizures were evaluated with the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale, a disease‐specific quantitative assessment tool.ResultsEighty‐six children (44 males, 42 females) with JNCL were assessed at an average of three annual visits (range 1–11). Eighty‐six percent (n=74) experienced at least one seizure, most commonly generalized tonic–clonic, with mean age at onset of 9 years 7 months (SD 2y 10mo). Seizures were infrequent, typically occurring less often than once every 3 months, and were managed with one to two medications for most participants. Valproate (49%, n=36) and levetiracetam (41%, n=30) were the most commonly used seizure medications. Myoclonic seizures occurred infrequently (16%, n=14). Seizure severity did not vary by sex or genotype. Seizures showed mild worsening with increasing age.InterpretationThe neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) represent a group of disorders unified by neurodegeneration and symptoms of blindness, seizures, motor impairment, and dementia. While NCLs are considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive myoclonus epilepsy, we show that myoclonic seizures are infrequent in JNCL. This highlights the NCLs as consisting of genetically distinct disorders with differing natural history.