bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species identity and human consumption of beaked whales in the Gilbert Islands, Republic of Kiribati
Authors: Baker C. S. , Hutt A. , Thompson K. , Dalebout M. L. , Robins J. , Brownell R. L. , Stone G. S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe investigated the species identity and local use of cetaceans on the Gilbert Islands, Republic of Kiribati. Working with the Kiribati Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development and Fisheries Division, we visited the islands of Tarawa, Tabiteuea (North), Butaritari and Onotoa from June to July 2009, and collected 24 bones, bone fragments or teeth attributed to recent strandings. The mitochondrial DNA control region or cytochrome b was successfully amplified from 12 bones or bone fragments and used to identify four species: Mesoplodon sp. representing a new species or subspecies of beaked whale, the dense‐beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris, Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris and the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps. This is the first confirmed identification of the dense‐beaked, Cuvier's and pygmy sperm whales from the Gilbert Islands. All specimens were reportedly used for human consumption.
No evidence for rapid evolution of seed dispersal ability in range edge populations of the invasive species Senecio madagascariensis
Authors: Bartle Karen , Moles Angela T. , Bonser Stephen P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTheory suggests that range edge populations of invading plants and animals may experience runaway selection for increased dispersal ability. This theory has been supported by field data for cane toads in Australia, and for Senecio inaequidens in Europe. In this study, we asked whether range edge populations of Senecio madagascariensis (Asteraceae), an invasive plant in eastern Australia, displayed higher dispersal ability that did populations from the established range. We measured 1363 diaspores from 33 populations. There was no significant difference in dispersal potential between populations from the range edge, and those from the established range (P = 0.19). We also used a glasshouse study to determine whether the range edge populations differed from populations in the established range in three critical life history traits: germination success, plant size and time to first reproduction. The only significant difference was for higher germination in range edge populations. The null result for dispersal ability is excellent news for land managers, as this is the first published evidence that selection for ever‐increasing dispersal rates is not ubiquitous in invading populations.
Spatial pattern and severity of fire in areas with and without buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and effects on native vegetation in central Australia
Authors: Schlesinger Christine , White Sarah , Muldoon Shane 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe spread of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in semi‐arid Australia in recent decades has substantially increased ground cover and fuel loads, particularly in open woodland vegetation communities. The resulting alteration of fire regimes may be the most significant impact of buffel invasion on ecological communities in these areas. Broad scale management of buffel grass is currently not an option in Australia but it is becoming increasingly relevant to assess the benefits of restoring areas of native vegetation where preventing buffel grass invasion is no‐longer possible. We managed buffel grass in a series of experimental plots from 2008–2012. In June and August 2011, two unplanned fires burnt through the plots providing a unique opportunity to compare the outcome of wildfire, including the spatial pattern of fire, and the effect on ground vegetation and on a long‐lived, perennial overstorey species, in replicated managed and unmanaged plots. The area of ground that remained unburnt was much greater in managed plots (with predominantly native vegetation) than unmanaged (predominantly buffel grass) plots and where the managed plots did burn the fire was more patchy. This had direct implications for the richness of ground layer plant taxa following fire and the extent to which overstorey trees were exposed to fire. Fire increased pre‐existing differences in the number of taxa in the ground level vegetation, an effect that persisted for the duration of our study, suggesting that fire accelerates direct negative competitive effects between buffel grass and native grasses and forbs. Hakea divaricata (fork‐leafed corkwood) trees in unmanaged buffel grass sites suffered higher burn intensities, and their long‐term viability at this location is likely to be threatened if fires fuelled by buffel grass continue. Our results demonstrate clear benefits of removing fire‐enhancing invasive plants from areas of high conservation value.
Sex differences in cerebral palsy incidence and functional ability: a total population study
Authors: Chounti A , Hägglund G , Wagner P , Westbom L 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo describe gender difference in a total population of children with cerebral palsy (CP), related to subtype, gross and fine motor function, and to compare CP incidence trends in girls and boys.MethodsAll 590 children with CP born in southern Sweden 1990–2005 were included. CP subtype was classified according to the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe, gross motor function according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and manual ability according to Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Trends in CP incidence by birth year were analysed using Poisson regression modelling.ResultsThere was a male predominance in all levels of GMFCS except level II, in all levels of MACS and in all CP subtypes except ataxic CP. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding gross motor function or manual ability. The CP incidence trends in boys compared with girls did not change during the period 1990–2005.ConclusionNo equalization was detected in the incidence of CP between girls and boys during recent years in this total population. We could not confirm any consistent sex difference in motor function levels. Male sex is a risk factor for CP.
Echocardiography allows more accurate placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in low birthweight infants
Authors: Tauzin Laurent , Sigur Nathalie , Joubert Corinne , Parra Johanna , Hassid Sophie , Moulies Marie‐Eve 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe use of plain radiographs provides limited information on the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Moreover, changes in upper extremity positioning cause migration of the catheters in neonates. This study aimed to investigate the use of echocardiography for determining catheter tip position, compared with plain radiographs, in low birthweight (LBW) infants in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsThe study examined the placement of 109 catheters in 89 infants born between September 2010 and December 2012. The placement of these catheters was controlled by echocardiography, with the patient's shoulder in adduction and the elbow in flexion. The number of catheter tips, echocardiographically identified within the heart, was expressed as a percentage of the total catheters deemed to be well positioned on plain radiographs.ResultsThe number of catheter tips that were echocardiographically identified within the heart was significant (25%, p < 0.001). Twenty‐three catheters were repositioned to be outside of the heart, without any complications.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the value of echocardiography for identifying the positioning of catheter tips in LBW infants. Echocardiography, coupled with initial plain radiographs, should be the gold standard for assessing PICC tip positions in those infants.
Swedish child health nurses' views of early father involvement: a qualitative study
Authors: Wells Michael B , Varga Gabriella , Kerstis Birgitta , Sarkadi Anna 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo explore Swedish child health nurses' views on their role of involving fathers at the Child Health Centres (CHCs).MethodsInterviews with 17 experienced Swedish Child Health nurses nurses were recorded, transcribed and analysed using systematic text condensation. Following the first analysis, the transtheoretical model of behavioural change was used to interpret the results.ResultsFour themes emerged during the analysis: (1) the nurses' own agenda; (2) nurses' opinion about the father's role; (3) nurses' gatekeeping; and (4) wanting more father involvement. Most nurses were in the precontemplation stage according to the transtheoretical model when they expressed their roles as nurses (Theme 1), how they perceived the father's role within the family (Theme 2) and how they actively encouraged mothers, but not fathers, to visit the CHCs (Theme 3/Mothers are our priority). Nurses in the contemplation stage started to consider involving fathers in the CHCs (Theme 3/The gate is closed…). Still others were in the preparation (Theme 4/Fathers are worthy of change) and action stages (Theme 4/Active in involving fathers), respectively.ConclusionChild Health nurses place more emphasis on engaging mothers than fathers in the services. To increase father involvement, nurses need support to become aware, initiate and maintain action.
Validation of the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire to screen for major depression in a Chinese primary care population
Authors: Chen Shulin , Fang Yu , Chiu Helen , Fan Hainan , Jin Tao , Conwell Yeates 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) for screening depression in Chinese primary care settings.MethodsIn 100 randomly selected primary care clinics (PCC) of Hangzhou city, we recruited 2,639 patients (aged ≥18 years) and applied the PHQ‐9 to screen for depression. Then, 280 of them were further interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders (SCID) for the diagnosis of major depression. Statistical analysis of the demographic data, reliability, validity and receiver–operator curve were performed.ResultsThe mean administration time was 7 minutes, and the Cronbach's α was 0.89. The optimal cutoff score of 10 on the PHQ‐9 revealed a sensitivity of 0.87, specificity of 0.81, and positive likelihood ratio of 5.04. The area under the receiver–operator curve in this study was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.94).DiscussionThe PHQ‐9 performs well and has acceptable psychometric properties for screening of patients with depression in a Chinese primary care population.
Marital satisfaction and depression among couples following men's acute coronary syndrome: Testing dyadic dynamics in a longitudinal design
Authors: Dekel Rachel , Vilchinsky Noa , Liberman Gabriel , Leibowitz Morton , Khaskia Abed , Mosseri Morris 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesThe current study examined the contribution of marital satisfaction to symptoms of depression among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their partners.MethodThe sample comprised of 91 ACS male patients and their female partners. Data were collected at the time of initial hospitalization and 6 months later. Patients' and partners' assessments of marital satisfaction were measured using the ENRICH scale. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI). Dyadic analysis applying the Actor–Partner Inter‐dependence Model (APIM) was used.ResultsDifferent patterns emerged for the two phases. In the acute phase, only the Actor effect was significant: for both patients and partners, one's greater marital satisfaction was associated with one's lower levels of depression. In the chronic phase, both Actor and Partner effects were significant, while different trends were found for patients and partners. Partners' marital satisfaction was associated with their own and the patients' decreased depression symptoms, whereas among patients, higher levels of marital satisfaction were associated with elevated levels of depression both for themselves and for their partners.ConclusionsA dyadic perspective and phases of illness have to be taken into account in understanding adjustment and developing interventions following ACS.Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The contribution of marital satisfaction to psychological adjustment following cardiac illness has been explored, but mainly from the perspective of one partner only.
Different phases of an illness present different challenges for both patients and family members.

What does this study add?

A dyadic perspective on recovery from cardiac illness.
The partner's contribution during the different phases of the illness.
How mitochondrial dysfunction affects zebrafish development and cardiovascular function: an in vivo model for testing mitochondria‐targeted drugs
Authors: Pinho Brígida R , Santos Miguel M , Fonseca‐Silva Anabela , Valentão Patrícia , Andrade Paula B , Oliveira Jorge M A 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeMitochondria are a drug target in mitochondrial dysfunction diseases and in antiparasitic chemotherapy. While zebrafish is increasingly used as a biomedical model, its potential for mitochondrial research remains relatively unexplored. Here, we perform the first systematic analysis of how mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors affect zebrafish development and cardiovascular function, and assess multiple quinones, including ubiquinone mimetics idebenone and decylubiquinone, and the antimalarial atovaquone.Experimental ApproachZebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were chronically and acutely exposed to mitochondrial inhibitors and quinone analogues. Concentration‐response curves, developmental and cardiovascular phenotyping were performed together with sequence analysis of inhibitor‐binding mitochondrial subunits in zebrafish versus mouse, human and parasites. Phenotype rescuing was assessed in co‐exposure assays.Key ResultsComplex I and II inhibitors induced developmental abnormalities, but their submaximal toxicity was not additive, suggesting active alternative pathways for complex III feeding. Complex III inhibitors evoked a direct normal‐to‐dead transition. ATP synthase inhibition arrested gastrulation. Menadione induced hypochromic anaemia when transiently present following primitive erythropoiesis. Atovaquone was over 1000‐fold less lethal in zebrafish than reported for Plasmodium falciparum, and its toxicity partly rescued by the ubiquinone precursor 4‐hydroxybenzoate. Idebenone and decylubiquinone delayed rotenone‐ but not myxothiazol‐ or antimycin‐evoked cardiac dysfunction.Conclusion and ImplicationsThis study characterizes pharmacologically induced mitochondrial dysfunction phenotypes in zebrafish, laying the foundation for comparison with future studies addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in this model organism. It has relevant implications for interpreting zebrafish disease models linked to complex I/II inhibition. Further, it evidences zebrafish's potential for in vivo efficacy or toxicity screening of ubiquinone analogues or antiparasitic mitochondria‐targeted drugs.
A novel macrolide/fluoroketolide, solithromycin (CEM‐101), reverses corticosteroid insensitivity via phosphoinositide 3‐kinase pathway inhibition
Authors: Kobayashi Y , Wada H , Rossios C , Takagi D , Charron C , Barnes P J , Ito K 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeCorticosteroid insensitivity is a major therapeutic problem for some inflammatory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it is known to be induced by reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC)‐2 activities via activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway. The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of a novel macrolide/fluoroketolide, solithromycin (SOL, CEM‐101), on corticosteroid sensitivity induced by oxidative stress.Experimental ApproachCorticosteroid sensitivity was determined by IC50/EC50 of dexamethasone (Dex) on TNF‐α‐induced CXCL8 production in U937 monocytic cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from COPD patients. Activities of HDAC and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) were measured by fluorescence‐based assay in cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We also investigated steroid insensitive airway neutrophilia in cigarette smoke exposed mice in vivo.Key ResultsSOL (10 μM) restored Dex sensitivity in PBMC from COPD patients, H2O2‐treated U937 cells and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐differentiated U937 cells. In addition, SOL restored HDAC activity with concomitant inhibition of Akt phosphorylation as surrogate marker of PI3K activation. The inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by SOL was due to increased PP2A phosphatase activity, which was reduced in COPD and oxidative stress model. Other known macrolides, such as eryhthromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin, were significantly less effective in these responses. In cigarette smoke‐exposed mice, SOL (100 mg kg−1, po) showed significant but weak inhibition of neutrophilia, whereas Dex (10 mg kg−1, p.o.) showed no such effect. However, a combination of SOL and Dex inhibited neutrophilia by over 50%.Conclusions and ImplicationsSOL has potential as novel therapy for corticosteroid‐insensitive diseases such as COPD.
Inhibition of iPLA2β and of stretch‐activated channels by doxorubicin alters dystrophic muscle function
Authors: Ismail H M , Dorchies O M , Perozzo R , Strosova M K , Scapozza L , Ruegg U T 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeChronic elevation in intracellular Ca2+ concentration participates in death of skeletal muscle from mdx mice, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Candidate pathways mediating this Ca2+ overload involve store‐operated channels (SOCs) and stretch‐activated channels (SACs), which are modulated by the Ca2+‐independent form of PL A2 (iPLA2). We investigated the effect of doxorubicin (Dox), a chemotherapeutic agent reported to inhibit iPLA2 in other systems, on the activity of this enzyme and on the consequences on Ca2+ handling and muscle function in mdx mice.Experimental ApproachEffects of Dox on iPLA2 activity, reactive oxygen species production and on Ca2+ influx were investigated in C2C12 and mdx myotubes. The mechanism of Dox‐mediated iPLA2 inhibition was evaluated using purified 6x histidine‐tagged enzyme. Aequorin technology was used to assess Ca2+ concentrations underneath the plasma membrane. Isolated muscles were exposed to fatigue protocols and eccentric contractions to evaluate the effects of Dox on muscle function.Key ResultsDox at 1–30 μM inhibited iPLA2 activity in cells and in the purified enzyme. Dox also inhibited SAC‐ but not SOC‐mediated Ca2+ influx in myotubes. Stimulated elevations of Ca2+ concentrations below the plasmalemma were also blocked. Exposure of excised muscle to Dox was not deleterious to force production and promoted recovery from eccentric contractions.Conclusions and ImplicationsDox showed efficacy against targets known to play a role in the pathology of DMD, namely iPLA2 and SAC. The potent SAC inhibitory effect of Dox is a novel finding that can explain partly the cardiomyopathy seen in chronic anthracycline treatment.
PKPD modelling of the interrelationship between mean arterial BP, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance in conscious rats
Authors: Snelder N , Ploeger B A , Luttringer O , Rigel D F , Webb R L , Feldman D , Fu F , Beil M , Jin L , Stanski D R , Danhof M 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeThe homeostatic control of arterial BP is well understood with changes in BP resulting from changes in cardiac output (CO) and/or total peripheral resistance (TPR). A mechanism‐based and quantitative analysis of drug effects on this interrelationship could provide a basis for the prediction of drug effects on BP. Hence, we aimed to develop a mechanism‐based pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model in rats that could be used to characterize the effects of cardiovascular drugs with different mechanisms of action (MoA) on the interrelationship between BP, CO and TPR.Experimental ApproachThe cardiovascular effects of six drugs with diverse MoA, (amlodipine, fasudil, enalapril, propranolol, hydrochlorothiazide and prazosin) were characterized in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The rats were chronically instrumented with ascending aortic flow probes and/or aortic catheters/radiotransmitters for continuous recording of CO and/or BP. Data were analysed in conjunction with independent information on the time course of drug concentration using a mechanism‐based PKPD modelling approach.Key ResultsBy simultaneous analysis of the effects of six different compounds, the dynamics of the interrelationship between BP, CO and TPR were quantified. System‐specific parameters could be distinguished from drug‐specific parameters indicating that the model developed is drug‐independent.Conclusions and ImplicationsA system‐specific model characterizing the interrelationship between BP, CO and TPR was obtained, which can be used to quantify and predict the cardiovascular effects of a drug and to elucidate the MoA for novel compounds. Ultimately, the proposed PKPD model could be used to predict the effects of a particular drug on BP in humans based on preclinical data.
Alzheimer′s disease and granulocyte density diversity
Authors: Järemo Petter , Milovanovic Micha , Buller Caroline , Nilsson Staffan , Winblad Bengt 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe current study investigates circulating eosinophils and neutrophils in Alzheimer′s (AD) type dementia with respect to density (kg/L). The existence of β‐amyloid plaques in the brain is a feature of AD. Sporadic scientific reports indicate that the disease affects circulating neutrophils. In contrast, numerous publications investigate inflammatory reactions in AD brains. Locally, the plaques evoke a substantial inflammatory response involving activated microglia and astrocytes.MethodsSubjects with probable AD (n = 39) were included and compared with elderly individuals (n = 22) lacking apparent memory problems. We sampled 10 mL venous blood in citrate. Granulocytes were separated according to density in linear Percoll™ gradients. Subsequently, the gradients were divided into density subfractions (n = 16). In every fraction, determination of eosinophil and neutrophil counts was carried out.ResultsAD sufferers displayed less granulocytes in fractions nos. 13‐15 containing light cells. For these fractions, the P‐values proved to be (P < 0·001; not significant; P = 0·03) and (P = 0·01; P = 0·01; not significant), for eosinophils and neutrophils, respectively.ConclusionsThe present work describes that less circulating light granulocytes are a feature of AD demented individuals. It is to hypothesize that it is a sign of impaired granulocyte turnover and cell damage. It is concluded that AD affects inflammatory cells in the periphery and that the behaviour of granulocytes in dementia is worthwhile further studies.