bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Isosteric Triterpenoid Derivatives and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Innocente Adrine , Casanova Bruna B. , Klein Fernanda , Lana Aline D. , Pereira Dariane , Muniz Mauro N. , Sonnet Pascal , Gosmann Grace , Fuentefria Alexandre M. , Gnoatto Simone C. B. 
Published: October 2013

Dermatomycoses are among the most widespread and common superficial and cutaneous fungal infections in humans. There is an urgent need to develop efficient and non‐toxic antimycotic agents with a specific spectrum of activity. Triterpenes have been demonstrated to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antifungal activities. In this study, through hemisynthesis, we aimed to obtain triterpene‐isosteric molecules from betulinic and ursolic acids to improve the antifungal activity and spectrum of action of these compounds. Six compounds were resynthesized and tested against eleven mucocutaneous and cutaneous mycotic agents. The results of the susceptibility assays were expressed as the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MIC values of the piperazinyl derivatives of ursolic and betulinic acids that were active against pathogenic yeasts were in the range of 16–32 μg/mL and 4–16 μg/mL, respectively, whereas fungicidal effects were observed at concentrations ranging from 16 to 128 μg/mL and 8 to 128 μg/mL, respectively. The piperazinyl derivative of betulinic acid exhibited an antifungal profile similar to that of terbinafine and was the most effective derivative against dermatophytes. This strategy led to a promising candidate for the development of a new antifungal agent.
Multiple sclerosis treatment and infectious issues: update 2013
Authors: Winkelmann A , Loebermann M , Reisinger E C , Zettl U K 
Published: October 2013

SummaryImmunomodulation and immunosuppression are generally linked to an increased risk of infection. In the growing field of new and potent drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS), we review the current data concerning infections and prevention of infectious diseases. This is of importance for recently licensed and future MS treatment options, but also for long-term established therapies for MS. Some of the disease-modifying therapies (DMT) go along with threats of specific severe infections or complications, which require a more intensive long-term monitoring and multi-disciplinary surveillance. We update the existing warning notices and infectious issues which have to be considered using drugs for multiple sclerosis.
CD4+CD25highforkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T lymphocytes suppress interferon-γ and CD107 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from tuberculous pleural effusions
Authors: Geffner L , Basile J I , Yokobori N , Sabio y García C , Musella R , Castagnino J , Sasiain M C , de la Barrera S 
Published: October 2013

SummaryTuberculous pleural effusion is characterized by a T helper type 1 (Th1) profile, but an excessive Th1 response may also cause tissue damage that might be controlled by regulatory mechanisms. In the current study we investigated the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in the modulation of Th1 responses in patients with tuberculous (TB) pleurisy. Using flow cytometry we evaluated the proportion of Treg (CD4+CD25highforkhead box protein 3+), interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 expression and CD107 degranulation in peripheral blood (PB) and pleural fluid (PF) from patients with TB pleurisy. We demonstrated that the proportion of CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ and CD8+CD25+ cells were increased in PF compared to PB samples. Mycobacterium tuberculosis stimulation increased the proportion of CD4+CD25low/negIL-10+ in PB and CD4+ CD25low/negIFN-γ+ in PF; meanwhile, CD25high mainly expressed IL-10 in both compartments. A high proportion of CD4+CD107+ and CD8+CD107+ cells was observed in PF. Treg depletion enhanced the in-vitro M. tuberculosis-induced IFN-γ and CD4+ and CD8+ degranulation responses and decreased CD4+IL-10+ cells in PF. Our results demonstrated that in TB pleurisy Treg cells effectively inhibit not only IFN-γ expression but also the ability of CD4+ and CD8+ cells to degranulate in response to M. tuberculosis.
Perceptions Community Residents Have about Partner Institutions and Clinical Research
Authors: Kennedy Betty M. , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Johnson William D. , Griffin Willene P. , Kennedy Kathleen B. , Cefalu William T. , Ryan Donna H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroductionEngaging community residents to obtain their feedback in conducting clinical research, and including them as leaders in implementing applicable health advances is crucial for success and sustaining large center awards.MethodsForty‐four adult men and women participated in one of four focus groups. Two groups each (one African American and one Caucasian) were conducted in Baton Rouge and in New Orleans.ResultsIn an effort to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs Louisiana residents have about the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science (LA CaTS) Center concept, four main themes emerged from focus group participants concerning the state's research institutions, and what it means to have these institutions operating under one umbrella to improve the quality of health of its people: (1) academic/research institutions of the State are uniformly widely recognized and held in high regard; (2) increasing awareness of clinical research is a necessity; (3) establishing the LA CaTS Center is an excellent idea; and (4) effective communication including delivery style is crucial to partnerships and especially to the community.ConclusionFocus group discussions can provide insight into community residents’ perceptions, beliefs, motivations, and patterns of behavior for strategically planning for large center awards.
Yellow nail syndrome: Clinical experience in a series of 21 patients
Authors: Piraccini Bianca Maria , Urciuoli Beatrice , Starace Michela , Tosti Antonella , Balestri Riccardo 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesThe pathogenesis and the therapy of the yellow nail syndrome (YNS) are poorly defined. Our aim was to assess the clinical features, associated diseases and response to treatment of patients with YNS, to help clinicians to better diagnose and treat YNS patients.Patients and MethodsWe studied the medical records of all patients with YNS diagnosed at the Outpatient Nail Clinic of the University of Bologna in the last 28 years. All patients were re‐evaluated to assess the evolution of the disease.ResultsWe diagnosed YNS in 21 patients; average age was 57 ± 12.3 years at the time of diagnosis. In most patients YNS involved all 20 nails. Sixteen patients had chronic respiratory manifestations and 6 had lymphedema; 12 patients had other concomitant diseases. Ten of the 20 patients treated had a good nail response to systemic vitamin E 1 200 IU/day, while other symptoms were not modified.ConclusionsYNS is a rare disorder in which the nail alterations are often the symptom that leads to medical consultation. Due to its association with potential serious comorbidity, physicians should be able to diagnose and order further investigations to assess presence of lymphedema and/or lung disease.
Unsettled Relations: Schools, Gay Marriage, and Educating for Sexuality
Authors: Mayo Cris 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this article, Cris Mayo examines the relationship among anti‐LGBTQ policies, gay marriage, and sexuality education. Her concern is that because gay marriage is insufficiently different from heterosexual marriage, adding it as an issue to curriculum or broader culture debate elides rather than addresses sexual difference. In other words, marriage may be an assimilative aspiration that closes down discussions of what sexuality is and can mean, that sidesteps other related social issues such as health care for all, and that reinforces sexuality and gender identity as privatized, not political, concerns. Mayo examines different strands of LGBTQ history that complicate the meanings of sexuality and that critique a variety of antigay or heterosexist policies for their exclusions. She concludes by suggesting that the possibilities of sexuality are not served by advocacy for one gay relationship formation and calling for a sexuality education that is instead directed at sexual diversity.
Ghrelin receptor‐knockout mice display alterations in circadian rhythms of activity and feeding under constant lighting conditions
Authors: Lamont E. Waddington , Bruton J. , Blum I. D. , Abizaid A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractGhrelin is an orexigenic hormone produced by the stomach. Ghrelin, however, may also be a modulator of the circadian system given that ghrelin receptors are expressed in the master clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and several outputs of this region. To investigate this, we performed analyses of running wheel activity and neuronal activation in wild type (WT) and growth hormone secretagogue receptor‐knockout (GHSR‐KO) mice under various lighting conditions. GHSR‐KO and WT mice were maintained under constant dark (DD) or constant light (LL) with ad libitum access to food before being placed on a schedule of temporally restricted access to food (4 h/day) for 2 weeks. There were no differences between KO and WT mice in free‐running period under DD, but GHSR‐KO mice required more days to develop a high level of food anticipatory activity, and this was lower than that observed in WT mice. Under LL, GHSR‐KO mice showed greater activity overall, lengthening of their circadian period, and more resistance to the disorganisational effects of LL. Furthermore, GHSR‐KO mice showed greater activity overall, and greater activity in anticipation of a scheduled meal under LL. These behavioral effects were not correlated with changes in the circadian expression of the Fos, Per1 or Per2 proteins under any lighting conditions. These results suggest that the ghrelin receptor plays a role in modulating the activity of the circadian system under normal conditions and under restricted feeding schedules, but does so through mechanisms that remain to be determined.
The maintenance of mitochondrial genetic variation by negative frequency‐dependent selection
Authors: Kazancıoğlu Erem , Arnqvist Göran 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMitochondrial genes generally show high levels of standing genetic variation, which is puzzling given the accumulating evidence for phenotypic effects of mitochondrial genetic variation. Negative frequency‐dependent selection, where the relative fitness of a genotype is inversely related to its frequency in a population, provides a potent and potentially general process that can maintain mitochondrial polymorphism. We assessed the change in mitochondrial haplotype frequencies over 10 generations of experimental evolution in 180 seed beetle populations in the laboratory, where haplotypes competed for propagation to subsequent generations. We found that haplotypes consistently increased in frequency when they were initially rare and decreased in frequency when initially common. Our results have important implications for the use of mtDNA haplotype frequency data to infer population level processes and they revive the general hypothesis that negative frequency‐dependent selection, presumably caused by habitat heterogeneity, may commonly promote polymorphism in ecologically relevant life history genes.
What explains variation in the impacts of exotic plant invasions on the nitrogen cycle? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Castro‐Díez P. , Godoy O. , Alonso A. , Gallardo A. , Saldaña A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractExotic plant invasions can notably alter the nitrogen (N) cycle of ecosystems. However, there is large variation in the magnitude and direction of their impact that remains unexplained. We present a structured meta‐analysis of 100 papers, covering 113 invasive plant species with 345 cases of invasion across the globe and reporting impacts on N cycle‐related metrics. We aim to explain heterogeneity of impacts by considering methodological aspects, properties of the invaded site and phylogenetic and functional characteristics of the invaders and the natives. Overall, plant invasions increased N pools and accelerated fluxes, even when excluding N‐fixing invaders. The impact on N pools depended mainly on functional differences and was greater when the invasive plants and the natives differed in N‐fixation ability, plant height and plant/leaf habit. Furthermore, the impact on N fluxes was related mainly to climate, being greater under warm and moist conditions. Our findings show that more functionally distant invaders occurring in mild climates are causing the strongest alterations to the N cycle.
Risk‐taking behavior in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Wandschneider Britta , Centeno Maria , Vollmar Christian , Stretton Jason , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Thompson Pamela J. , Kumari Veena , Symms Mark , Barker Gareth J. , Duncan John S. , Richardson Mark P. , Koepp Matthias J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectivePatients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) often present with risk‐taking behavior, suggestive of frontal lobe dysfunction. Recent studies confirm functional and microstructural changes within the frontal lobes in JME. This study aimed at characterizing decision‐making behavior in JME and its neuronal correlates using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsWe investigated impulsivity in 21 JME patients and 11 controls using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), which measures decision making under ambiguity. Performance on the IGT was correlated with activation patterns during an fMRI working memory task.ResultsBoth patients and controls learned throughout the task. Post hoc analysis revealed a greater proportion of patients with seizures than seizure‐free patients having difficulties in advantageous decision making, but no difference in performance between seizure‐free patients and controls. Functional imaging of working memory networks showed that overall poor IGT performance was associated with an increased activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in JME patients. Impaired learning during the task and ongoing seizures were associated with bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and presupplementary motor area, right superior frontal gyrus, and left DLPFC activation.SignificanceOur study provides evidence that patients with JME and ongoing seizures learn significantly less from previous experience. Interictal dysfunction within “normal” working memory networks, specifically, within the DLPFC and medial PFC structures, may affect their ability to learn.
Linking movement and reproductive history of brook trout to assess habitat connectivity in a heterogeneous stream network
Authors: Kanno Yoichiro , Letcher Benjamin H. , Coombs Jason A. , Nislow Keith H. , Whiteley Andrew R. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Defining functional connectivity between habitats in spatially heterogeneous landscapes is a particular challenge for small‐bodied aquatic species. Traditional approaches (e.g. mark–recapture studies) preclude an assessment of animal movement over the life cycle (birth to reproduction), and movement of individuals may not represent the degree of gene movement for fecund species.

We investigated the degree of habitat connectivity (defined as the exchange of individuals and genes between mainstem and tributary habitats) in a stream brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) population using mark–recapture [passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags], stationary PIT‐tag antennae and genetic pedigree data collected over 4 years (3425 marked individuals). We hypothesised that: (i) a combination of these data would reveal higher estimates of animal movement over the life cycle (within a generation), relative to more temporally confined approaches, and (ii) movement estimates of individuals within a generation would differ from between‐generation movement of genes because of spatial variation in reproductive success associated with high fecundity of this species.

Over half of PIT‐tagged fish (juveniles and adults) were recaptured within 20 m during periodic sampling, indicating restricted movement. However, continuous monitoring with stationary PIT‐tag antennae revealed distinct peaks in trout movements in June and October–November, and sibship data inferred post‐emergence movements of young‐of‐year trout that were too small to be tagged physically. A combination of these methods showed that a moderate portion of individuals (28–33%) moved between mainstem and tributary habitats over their life cycle.

Patterns of reproductive success varied spatially and temporally. The importance of tributaries as spawning habitat was discovered by accounting for reproductive history. When individuals born in the mainstem reproduced successfully, over 50% of their surviving offspring were inferred to have been born in tributaries. This high rate of gene movement to tributaries was cryptic, and it would have been missed by estimates based only on movement of individuals.

This study highlighted the importance of characterising animal movement over the life cycle for inferring habitat connectivity accurately. Such movements of individuals can contribute to substantial gene movements in a fecund species characterised by high variation in reproductive success.
Beavers and lilies: selective herbivory and adaptive foraging behaviour
Authors: Law A. , Bunnefeld N. , Willby N. J. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

With the global population of beavers (Castor spp.) increasing, and reintroductions widespread, it is crucial to be able to predict potential impacts on flora and fauna based on defined foraging behaviours.

Nymphaea alba (white water lily) is regularly consumed by beavers and provides a model system to test selective foraging behaviour and quantify potential impacts on aquatic resources in standing‐water habitats.

Using biometric relationships within N. alba pads, we accurately reconstructed the size and weight of consumed pads, demonstrating that beavers (Castor fiber) selected pads that were significantly larger and heavier than unselected pads. By selecting larger leaves, beavers may also avoid chemical defences associated with anthocyanin pigments that dominate in smaller leaves. Grazing was concentrated in shallow depths (55.7 ± 10.7 cm) close to the shore (2.95 ± 0.62 m) relative to ungrazed plots (100.5 ± 9.2 cm; 4.79 ± 0.68 m). The level of selectivity was unchanged with increasing distance from a central feeding place.

Beavers removed 24–50% of pads within grazed areas, but relative to the whole N. alba leaf pad resource, the impact of this foraging was low (0.38–1.23% loss). Plant species diversity was unaffected by foraging, and there was no evidence of indirect effects on non‐targeted N. alba pads or flowers.

When foraging in the aquatic environment, beavers are highly selective and can have a minor effect on food resources whilst feeding optimally and opportunistically. Since beavers demonstrate adaptive foraging strategies depending on their foraging environment, this knowledge should be incorporated into future decisions on further reintroduction or habitat restoration programmes.
Post‐clearcut dynamics of carbon, water and energy exchanges in a midlatitude temperate, deciduous broadleaf forest environment
Authors: Williams Christopher A. , Vanderhoof Melanie K. , Khomik Myroslava , Ghimire Bardan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractClearcutting and other forest disturbances perturb carbon, water, and energy balances in significant ways, with corresponding influences on Earth's climate system through biogeochemical and biogeophysical effects. Observations are needed to quantify the precise changes in these balances as they vary across diverse disturbances of different types, severities, and in various climate and ecosystem type settings. This study combines eddy covariance and micrometeorological measurements of surface‐atmosphere exchanges with vegetation inventories and chamber‐based estimates of soil respiration to quantify how carbon, water, and energy fluxes changed during the first 3 years following forest clearing in a temperate forest environment of the northeastern US. We observed rapid recovery with sustained increases in gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) over the first three growing seasons post‐clearing, coincident with large and relatively stable net emission ofCO2because of overwhelmingly large ecosystem respiration. The rise inGEPwas attributed to vegetation changes not environmental conditions (e.g., weather), but attribution to the expansion of leaf area vs. changes in vegetation composition remains unclear. Soil respiration was estimated to contribute 44% of total ecosystem respiration during summer months and coarse woody debris accounted for another 18%. Evapotranspiration also recovered rapidly and continued to rise across years with a corresponding decrease in sensible heat flux. Gross short‐wave and long‐wave radiative fluxes were stable across years except for strong wintertime dependence on snow covered conditions and corresponding variation in albedo. Overall, these findings underscore the highly dynamic nature of carbon and water exchanges and vegetation composition during the regrowth following a severe forest disturbance, and sheds light on both the magnitude of such changes and the underlying mechanisms with a unique example from a temperate, deciduous broadleaf forest.
Price Convergence and Information Efficiency in German Natural Gas Markets
Authors: Growitsch Christian , Nepal Rabindra , Stronzik Marcus 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn 2007, Germany changed network access regulation in the natural gas sector and introduced a so-called entry-exit system. The spot market effects of the reregulation remain to be examined. We use cointegration analysis and a state space model with time-varying coefficients to study the development of natural gas spot prices in the two major trading hubs in Germany and the interlinked spot market in the Netherlands. To analyse information efficiency in more detail, the state space model is extended to an error correction model. Overall, our results suggest a reasonable degree of price convergence between the corresponding hubs. Market efficiency in terms of information processing has increased considerably among Germany and the Netherlands.
Geographic distribution, habitat association, and host quality for one of the most geographically restricted butterflies in North America: Thorne's hairstreak (Mitoura thornei)
Authors: Lucas Amy M. , Scholl Cynthia F. , Murphy Dennis D. , Tracy C. Richard , Forister Matthew L. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Mitoura thornei, Thorne's hairstreak butterfly, is endemic to a single mountain in southwestern North America. The small geographic range of this species coupled with threats to its host plant, Hesperocyparis forbesii, motivated a study of habitat association and mapping of both butterfly and host distributions. Specifically, the following questions were posed. How much of the range of the host plant is occupied by M. thornei? What biotic and abiotic features are associated with the presence and abundance of M. thornei? And, how does tree age affect larval performance? These questions were addressed with a combination of field observations and experiments.
Hesperocyparis forbesii size and density were found to be the most important factors associated with the presence and absence of M. thornei at the scale of individual sampling plots, whereas H. forbesii density was found to be the most important factor at the scale of host plant stands. Experiments with larvae showed no effect of tree age on survival, but did show a reduction in larval performance for individuals reared on foliage from the oldest trees.
From a conservation perspective, our most important result is the widespread occurrence of M. thornei throughout the study area. Ecologically, the distribution of M. thornei points towards much that has yet to be learned about the use of space in a small, locally rare insect. In general, our results illustrate the challenges of understanding habitat association for a geographically restricted species, and the utility of studying different life history stages, both in the field and in the laboratory.