bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wood decomposition as influenced by invertebrates
Authors: Ulyshen Michael D. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe diversity and habitat requirements of invertebrates associated with dead wood have been the subjects of hundreds of studies in recent years but we still know very little about the ecological or economic importance of these organisms. The purpose of this review is to examine whether, how and to what extent invertebrates affect wood decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Three broad conclusions can be reached from the available literature. First, wood decomposition is largely driven by microbial activity but invertebrates also play a significant role in both temperate and tropical environments. Primary mechanisms include enzymatic digestion (involving both endogenous enzymes and those produced by endo‐ and ectosymbionts), substrate alteration (tunnelling and fragmentation), biotic interactions and nitrogen fertilization (i.e. promoting nitrogen fixation by endosymbiotic and free‐living bacteria). Second, the effects of individual invertebrate taxa or functional groups can be accelerative or inhibitory but the cumulative effect of the entire community is generally to accelerate wood decomposition, at least during the early stages of the process (most studies are limited to the first 2–3 years). Although methodological differences and design limitations preclude meta‐analysis, studies aimed at quantifying the contributions of invertebrates to wood decomposition commonly attribute 10–20% of wood loss to these organisms. Finally, some taxa appear to be particularly influential with respect to promoting wood decomposition. These include large wood‐boring beetles (Coleoptera) and termites (Termitoidae), especially fungus‐farming macrotermitines. The presence or absence of these species may be more consequential than species richness and the influence of invertebrates is likely to vary biogeographically.
All in the ears: unlocking the early life history biology and spatial ecology of fishes
Authors: Starrs Danswell , Ebner Brendan C. , Fulton Christopher J. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTObtaining biological and spatial information of the early life history (ELH) phases of fishes has been problematic, such that larval and juvenile phases are often referred to as the ‘black box’ of fish population biology and ecology. However, a potent source of life‐history data has been mined from the earstones (otoliths) of bony fishes. We systematically reviewed 476 empirical papers published between 2005 and 2012 (inclusive) that used otoliths to examine fish ELH phases, which has been an area of increasing attention over this period. We found that otolith‐based research during this period could be split into two broad themes according to whether studies examined: (i) biological objectives related to intrinsic processes such as larval and juvenile age, growth and mortality, and/or (ii) spatial objectives, such as habitat use, dispersal and migration. Surprisingly, just 24 studies (5%) explored a combined biological–spatial objective by simultaneously exploiting biological and spatial information from otoliths, suggesting much more scope for such integrated research objectives to be answered via the use of multiple otolith‐based techniques in a single study. Mapping otolith analytical techniques across these two approaches revealed that otolith structural analysis was mainly used to investigate biological processes, while otolith chemical analyses were most often applied to spatial questions. Heavy skew in research effort was apparent across biomes, with most (62%) publications specific to marine species, despite comparable levels of species richness and the importance of freshwater taxa (just 15% of papers). Indeed, around 1% (380 species) of a possible 31400+ extant species were examined in our surveyed papers, with a strong emphasis on temperate marine species of commercial value. Potential model species for otolith‐based ELH ecology research are arising, with the eel genus Anguilla (24 studies) and the European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolis (14 studies) attracting more research effort than most other taxa. While there is a preponderance of common techniques (e.g. daily otolith increment counts, increment widths), novel techniques such as transgenerational marking and computed X‐ray tomography, are increasingly being applied in published studies. The application of an integrative approach based on a combination of emerging techniques and traditional methods holds promise for major advances in our understanding of ELH fish ecology and to shine light into the ‘black box’ of fish ecology.
Food security and health in Canada: Imaginaries, exclusions and possibilities
Authors: Wakefield Sarah , Fredrickson Kaylen R. , Brown Tim 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn recent years, food crises have heightened awareness of food security vulnerabilities even in rich nations. However, the extent to which various issues related to food security (such as consistent access to nutritious food in conditions which maintain human dignity) have been incorporated into Canadian policy and practice is not well documented. This article draws on a number of sources—including policy documents and media reports—to explore how food security is being conceptualized in Canada, particularly at the national level. The article chronicles changes in food security discourse over time, suggesting that recognition of food security as a “Canadian” problem has been partial and contested, and reflects persistent geographic imaginaries of Canada (e.g., as a land of agricultural abundance) and unrelenting social and cultural exclusions (e.g., of Canada's Aboriginal people).
Low expression of CD39+/CD45RA+ on regulatory T cells (Treg) cells in type 1 diabetic children in contrast to high expression of CD101+/CD129+ on Treg cells in children with coeliac disease
Authors: Åkesson K , Tompa A , Rydén A , Faresjö M 
Published: November 2014

SummaryType 1 diabetes (T1D) and coeliac disease are both characterized by an autoimmune feature. As T1D and coeliac disease share the same risk genes, patients risk subsequently developing the other disease. This study aimed to investigate the expression of T helper (Th), T cytotoxic (Tc) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in T1D and/or coeliac disease children in comparison to healthy children. Subgroups of T cells (Th : CD4+ or Tc : CD8+); naive (CD27+CD28+CD45RA+CCR7+), central memory (CD27+CD28+CD45RA− CCR7+), effector memory (early differentiated; CD27+CD28+CD45RA− CCR7− and late differentiated; CD27− CD28− CD45RA− CCR7−), terminally differentiated effector cells (TEMRA; CD27− CD28− CD45RA+CCR7−) and Treg (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+CD127−) cells, and their expression of CD39, CD45RA, CD101 and CD129, were studied by flow cytometry in T1D and/or coeliac disease children or without any of these diseases (reference group). Children diagnosed with both T1D and coeliac disease showed a higher percentage of TEMRA CD4+ cells (P &lt; 0·05), but lower percentages of both early and late effector memory CD8+ cells (P &lt; 0·05) compared to references. Children with exclusively T1D had lower median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) (P &lt; 0·05) and also a lower percentage of CD39+ and CD45RA+ within the Treg population (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+CD127−) (P &lt; 0·05). Children with exclusively coeliac disease had a higher MFI of CD101 (P &lt; 0·01), as well as a higher percentage of CD129+ (P &lt; 0·05), in the CD4+CD25hi lymphocyte population, compared to references. In conclusion, children with combined T1D and coeliac disease have a higher percentage of differentiated CD4+ cells compared to CD8+ cells. T1D children show signs of low CD39+/CD45RA+ Treg cells that may indicate loss of suppressive function. Conversely, children with coeliac disease show signs of CD101+/CD129+ Treg cells that may indicate suppressor activity.
Flexible Lifestyles for Youth (FL3X) behavioural intervention for at‐risk adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: a randomized pilot and feasibility trial
Authors: Mayer‐Davis E. J. , Seid M. , Crandell J. , Dolan L. , Lagarde W. H. , Letourneau L. , Maahs D. M. , Marcovina S. , Nachreiner J. , Standiford D. , Thomas J. , Wysocki T. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo determine the potential effect sizes for the Flexible Lifestyle for Youth (FL3X) behavioural intervention to improve glycaemic control (HbA1c) and quality of life for at‐risk adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.MethodsParticipants [n = 61; age 12–16 years, HbA1c 64–119 mmol/mol (8–13%)] were randomized to FL3X (minimum three sessions) or usual care. Effect sizes (Cohen's d), comparing the mean difference between the groups, were calculated.ResultsStudy retention (95%), attendance at intervention sessions (87% attended all three sessions) and acceptability were high (100% of the adolescents and 91% of parents would recommend the programme to others). Overall, 41% of participants in the intervention group and 24% of participants in the control group were ‘responders’ [HbA1c decreased by > 6 mmol/mol (0.5%); d = 0.37]. HbA1c levels decreased (d = ‐0.18), diabetes‐specific quality of life increased (d = 0.29), but generic quality of life decreased (d = ‐0.23) in the intervention compared with the control group.ConclusionsThe FL3X programme merits further study for improving HbA1c and diabetes‐specific quality of life in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. (Clinical trials registry no.: NCT01286350).
Is Female Visual Signaling to Male Song Socially Regulated in Brown‐headed Cowbirds?
Authors: Dohme Rebekka , King Andrew P. , Meredith Gwendŵr R. , West Meredith J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis research focused on how adult female brown‐headed cowbirds, Molothrus ater, regulate social feedback on a group level to shape the development of male song. Specifically, females produce rapid wing movements in response to male song, termed ‘wing strokes,’ which have been shown to shape male song and predict song quality. These effects have been documented in captive dyads and triads, but not in more naturalistic flocks, where song development actually occurs. Here, we studied wing stroking in small seminatural flocks of differing female‐to‐male ratios. Despite differences in the number of females and their social selectivity, the same pattern of female feedback emerged in seven of eight flocks: One female produced the majority of wing strokes to male song, making her the primary wing stroker in her flock. Previous studies on large flocks have demonstrated females to facilitate male song improvisation and development if they exhibited higher social selectivity by approaching immature males less. Here, we found that primary wing strokers were indeed more socially selective than non‐primary wing strokers. This research is the first to document social stimulation being facilitated at the group level to ensure that more highly selective females deliver the most feedback.
Bilateral leiomyoma in the testes of a horse
Authors: Stoll A. L. , Tucker R. , Witte T. H. , Smith K. C. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA 19‐year‐old Hackney pony was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for further investigation of left‐sided scrotal enlargement. Both testes were normally positioned within the scrotum and there was no pain on palpation. Ultrasonography revealed multiple masses of soft tissue echogenicity, located adjacent to the testicular parenchyma. They were hyperechoic when compared to the testicular parenchyma and affected both testes. Surgical excision was performed by closed castration. Gross examination revealed firm, white, nodular masses of varying size on the surface of both testes. The cut surface of individual masses had a dense, whorling, fibrous and somewhat shiny appearance. The histopathological diagnosis was bilateral, multicentric, well differentiated leiomyoma of the tunica albuginea. The smooth muscle origin was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with an anti‐human monoclonal antibody reactive to smooth muscle actin. This is the first report of a bilateral, multicentric, leiomyoma in the testes of a horse confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This case highlights that neoplasia should be considered as a differential for bilateral testicular enlargement.
Does temporomandibular joint pathology affect performance in an equine athlete?
Authors: Jørgensen E. , Christophersen M. T. , Kristoffersen M. , Puchalski S. , Verwilghen D. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology is a rarely reported cause of decreased performance among equine athletes or at least seldom recognised. This case report describes the work‐up of a high level dressage horse with decreased performance. Temporomandibular joint pathology was suspected based on computed tomography (CT) and the horse responded very well to joint treatment.
Association of aldosterone and arginine vasopressin concentrations and clinical markers of hypoperfusion in neonatal foals
Authors: Dembek K. A. , Hurcombe S. D. , Stewart A. J. , Barr B. S. , MacGillivray K. C. , Kinee M. , Elam J. , Toribio R. E. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyCritically ill foals often present to veterinary hospitals with impaired organ perfusion which can be demonstrated by increased blood L‐lactate concentrations. As a compensatory mechanism to low blood pressure and electrolyte abnormalities, aldosterone and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are released to restore organ perfusion and function. Several studies have investigated the ability of blood L‐lactate concentrations to predict severity of disease and outcome in critically ill human patients, adult horses and foals. However, information on the aldosterone and AVP response to hypoperfusion and its association with L‐lactate concentrations in neonatal foals is limited.ObjectivesTo determine the association between clinical hypoperfusion and endocrine markers of reduced tissue perfusion in normo‐ and hypoperfused foals.Study designProspective, multicentre, cross‐sectional observational study.MethodsBlood samples were collected on admission from 72 clinically hypoperfused, 110 normoperfused (73 hospitalised and 37 healthy) foals of ≤4 days of age. Foals were considered clinically hypoperfused if they had L‐lactate concentrations ≥2.5 mmol/l and one of the 3 following findings: heart rate >120 beats/min, packed cell volume (PCV) >0.44 l/l or azotaemia (increased creatinine and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]). Blood concentrations of aldosterone and AVP were determined by radioimmunoassays.ResultsAldosterone, AVP, creatinine and BUN concentrations and heart rate, PCV and blood osmolality were higher in clinically hypoperfused compared with normoperfused foals (P<0.05). Risk of hypoperfusion increased with the presence of hypothermic extremities (OR = 5.26) and with each one unit increase in albumin concentrations (OR = 3.5) (P<0.05). The proposed admission L‐lactate cut‐off value above which nonsurvival could be reliably predicted in hospitalised foals was 10.6 mmol/l with 82% of sensitivity and 74% of specificity.ConclusionsHyperaldosteronaemia and hypervasopressinaemia as well as hypothermic extremities and increased albumin concentrations are potent predictors of hypoperfusion in hospitalised foals.
The Ala95‐to‐Gly substitution in Aerococcus viridansl‐lactate oxidase revisited – structural consequences at the catalytic site and effect on reactivity with O2 and other electron acceptors
Authors: Stoisser Thomas , Rainer Daniela , Leitgeb Stefan , Wilson David K. , Nidetzky Bernd 
Published: November 2014

Aerococcus viridansl‐lactate oxidase (avLOX) is a biotechnologically important flavoenzyme that catalyzes the conversion of l‐lactate and O2 into pyruvate and H2O2. The enzymatic reaction underlies different biosensor applications of avLOX for blood l‐lactate determination. The ability of avLOX to replace O2 with other electron acceptors such as 2,6‐dichlorophenol‐indophenol (DCIP) allows the possiblity of analytical and practical applications. The A95G variant of avLOX was previously shown to exhibit lowered reactivity with O2 compared to wild‐type enzyme and therefore was employed in a detailed investigation with respect to the specificity for different electron acceptor substrates. From stopped‐flow experiments performed at 20 °C (pH 6.5), we determined that the A95G variant (fully reduced by l‐lactate) was approximately three‐fold more reactive towards DCIP (1.0 ± 0.1 × 106 M−1·s−1) than O2, whereas avLOX wild‐type under the same conditions was 14‐fold more reactive towards O2 (1.8 ± 0.1 × 106 m−1·s−1) than DCIP. Substituted 1,4‐benzoquinones were up to five‐fold better electron acceptors for reaction with l‐lactate‐reduced A95G variant than wild‐type. A 1.65‐Å crystal structure of oxidized A95G variant bound with pyruvate was determined and revealed that the steric volume created by removal of the methyl side chain of Ala95 and a slight additional shift in the main chain at position Gly95 together enable the accomodation of a new active‐site water molecule within hydrogen‐bond distance to the N5 of the FMN cofactor. The increased steric volume available in the active site allows the A95G variant to exhibit a similar trend with the related glycolate oxidase in electron acceptor substrate specificities, despite the latter containing an alanine at the analogous position.DatabaseAtomic coordinates and related experimental data concerning the structure of the A95G variant of A. viridans lacate oxidase have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the identifier 4RJE.
Thrombosis of abdominal aorta in congenital afibrinogenemia: case report and review of literature
Authors: Teresa S. M. , Marta M. , Emiliano D. B. , Mariangela F. , Raffaele P. , Ezio Z. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThrombotic events in congenital hypo‐afibrinogenemia have been rarely reported, either in association or not with replacement therapy or thrombotic risk factors. We describe clinical findings and management of thrombosis of abdominal aorta with peripheral embolism in a patient with congenital afibrinogenemia. A review of arterial thrombosis in inherited hypo‐afibrinogenemia was also performed. The patient with a severe bleeding history requiring prophylaxis with fibrinogen concentrates (FC) was admitted for ischaemia of the 4th right toe. An angio‐CT of abdominal aorta showed a thrombosis from the origin of renal arteries to the carrefour with a distal floating part. No thrombotic risk factors were found; a previous traumatic lesion of aortic wall might have triggered the thrombus formation, whereas the role of FC prophylaxis remains uncertain. The patient was successfully treated with FC, enoxaparin followed by fondaparinux, and low‐dose aspirin without bleeding or thrombosis recurrence. After 2 years, aortic thrombus was almost completely recovered. Sixteen hypo/afibrinogenemia patients with arterial thrombosis were found in Literature, showing that thrombosis often occurs at a young age, involves large vessels, its recurrence is not unusual, and therapeutic strategy is not defined yet. Our therapeutic approach was effective and also safe, but further studies are needed to improve the knowledge of pathogenesis and the anti‐thrombotic management in this peculiar setting.
Cardiovascular disease prevalence and relevance in haemophilia: a scoping review
Authors: Rizwan I. , Minuk L. , Jackson S. , Iorio A. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and events in patients with haemophilia (PWH) is expected to increase as the longevity of this cohort increases due to treatment advances since the 1950s. The aims of this study were to assess publications of CVD and haemophilia for robustness, determine if the increasing longevity of PWH and associated age‐related CVD risk factors result in CVD events; assess the need for an extension of the circle of care for ageing PWH due to the shift in comorbidities. A scoping review was conducted, resulting in a final pool of 30 articles which were organized based on publication dates. A matrix was created to illustrate which articles cited articles published prior to its own publication. This led to the identification of the primary articles, receiving the highest number of citations by other publications, which drive the research pertaining to the study of age‐related risk factors of CVD in PWH. The scoping review revealed 14 original articles, four of which indicated a protective effect of haemophilia toward CVD. Twelve articles demonstrated a similar prevalence of CVD in PWH compared to the general population while seven articles concluded a difference in the prevalence of CVD in the ageing haemophilia population. The existing literature presented conflicting evidence regarding the possibility of a protective effect of haemophilia against CVD. The scoping review was not able to finalize whether the longevity of PWH and their associated age‐related CVD risk factors result in CVD events because the articles assessed reported conflicting results.
Longitudinal associations of depressive symptoms and pain with quality of life in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Belayev Linda Y. , Mor Maria K. , Sevick Mary Ann , Shields Anne Marie , Rollman Bruce L. , Palevsky Paul M. , Arnold Robert M. , Fine Michael J. , Weisbord Steven D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDepressive symptoms and pain are common in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD), yet their associations with quality of life (QOL) are not fully understood. We sought to characterize the longitudinal associations of these symptoms with QOL. As part of a trial comparing two symptom management strategies in patients receiving chronic HD, we assessed depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and pain using the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF‐MPQ) monthly over 24 months. We assessed health‐related QOL (HR‐QOL) quarterly using the Short Form 12 (SF‐12) and global QOL (G‐QOL) using a single‐item survey. We used random effects linear regression to analyze the independent associations of depressive symptoms and pain, scaled based on 5‐point increments in symptom scores, with HR‐QOL and G‐QOL. Overall, 286 patients completed 1417 PHQ‐9 and SF‐MPQ symptom assessments, 1361 SF‐12 assessments, and 1416 G‐QOL assessments. Depressive symptoms were independently and inversely associated with SF‐12 physical HR‐QOL scores (β = −1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.69, −0.50, P < 0.001); SF‐12 mental HR‐QOL scores (β = −4.52; 95% CI: −5.15, −3.89, P < 0.001); and G‐QOL scores (β = −0.64; 95%CI: −0.79, −0.49, P < 0.001). Pain was independently and inversely associated with SF‐12 physical HR‐QOL scores (β = −0.99; 95% CI: −1.30, −0.68, P < 0.001) and G‐QOL scores (β = −0.12; 95%CI: −0.20, −0.05, P = 0.002); but not with SF‐12 mental HR‐QOL scores (β = −0.16; 95%CI: −0.050, 0.17, P = 0.34). In patients receiving chronic HD, depressive symptoms and to a lesser extent pain, are independently associated with reduced HR‐QOL and G‐QOL. Interventions to alleviate these symptoms could potentially improve patients' HR‐QOL and G‐QOL.