bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plants poisonous to horses in Europe
Authors: Caloni F. , Cortinovis C. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryPoisoning of horses by plants is a relatively common veterinary problem and may occur when the fresh plant is ingested in pasture or when the plant contaminates hay, silage and feed. In Europe, horses are particularly at risk of poisoning by Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue), Datura stramonium (jimson weed), Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), Nerium oleander (oleander), Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern), Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust), Senecio jacobaea (tansy ragwort), Taxus baccata (European yew) and Thuja occidentalis (white cedar). For each of these poisonous plants the information given in this review includes plant distribution, conditions of poisoning, toxic active principles and clinical signs.
Fatigue fracture behaviour of spot welded B1500HS steel under tensile‐shear load
Authors: Wang B. , Duan Q. Q. , Yao G. , Pang J. C. , Zhang Z. F. , Wang L. , Li X. W. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThe microstructural characterizations, micro‐hardness measurements and fatigue tests of B1500HS steel spot welded tensile‐shear specimens were performed. The high hardness values of base material (470 HV) and nugget (515 HV) are closely related to the dominant formation of martensitic microstructures, while the occurrence of soft zone is the result of the formation of ferrite phases in inter‐critical heat‐affected zone (HAZ), as well as martensite tempering in sub‐critical HAZ. The fatigue failure modes involve the fracture along the circumference or along the direction of width. The fatigue property of spot welded B1500HS is found to be better than that of spot welded M190 because of the thicker sheet and suitable nugget size, which follows the standard rule of 5t0.5, where t is the sheet thickness.
Large‐scale manipulation of oviposition substrata affects egg supply to populations of some stream‐dwelling caddisflies
Authors: Macqueen Ashley , Downes Barbara J. 
Published: February 2015

Summary

Oviposition substrata are a crucial resource for many stream‐dwelling insects and may have a strong effect on population densities.

From February to March 2010, we conducted a large‐scale experiment manipulating the density of oviposition substrata available to two taxa, Cheumatopsyche spp. and Ecnomus spp. in Hughes Creek (south‐east Australia). These caddisflies oviposit on hard surfaces underwater. Hughes Creek has a sandy bed, and females rely predominantly on bark and wood as oviposition substrata.

Bark density was manipulated in 25‐m‐long sites, creating a range of bark surface areas (SAs) spanning an order of magnitude, with appropriate controls. Estimates of the number of egg masses and bark SAs were obtained 22 and 55 days after the experiment commenced in each site. To characterise taxon‐specific oviposition site preferences and test whether preferences were dependent on overall bark availability, the conditions (velocity and emergence) of individual substrata were manipulated within sites. Egg masses were enumerated at approximately weekly intervals for 7 weeks.

We found a strong relationship between the SA of bark at sites and the number of masses of Ecnomus spp., demonstrating that oviposition is limited by substrata availability. In contrast, the number of Cheumatopsyche spp. egg masses was not related to the total amount of bark available. Ecnomus spp. showed a weak preference for emergent compared to submerged bark, but did not respond to water velocity. Cheumatopsyche laid eggs predominantly in fast flows, regardless of bark emergence, which may explain the lack of a site‐level response because only a small proportion of bark occurred in fast flows even when bark was plentiful.

Our results suggest that the strength of oviposition preferences may depend on overall background densities of substrata. Oviposition preferences and substrata availability interact to set the initial distribution (and density) of the next generation. Our study has wide implications for the management of streams with soft sediment beds, where bark and wood inputs from riparian vegetation provide not only food and habitat for larvae but also oviposition substrata that are critical to successful recruitment for some taxa.
Invasive mussels modify the cycling, storage and distribution of nutrients and carbon in a large lake
Authors: Ozersky Ted , Evans David O. , Ginn Brian K. 
Published: February 2015

Summary

This study examined the effect of invasive dreissenid mussels on nutrient and carbon dynamics in a large lake (Lake Simcoe, Ontario). We measured rates of nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) and carbon excretion and biodeposition by zebra and quagga mussels and the P, N and C content of their soft tissues and shells at different depths throughout the open‐water season. Measurements were combined with detailed information about dreissenid biomass and lakewide distribution to examine the impacts of dreissenids on whole‐lake dynamics of P, N and C.

Mussel tissue P, N and C content and rates of excretion and biodepositon varied among species, seasons and depths, apparently driven by metabolic and stoichiometric factors.

Dreissenid mussels excreted, deposited and stored large quantities of P, N and C when compared to lake standing stocks and loadings, and represent an important driver of nutrient cycling in the lake. Living and discarded mussel shell material is shown to represent a potentially important, and hitherto largely overlooked, long‐term sink for P, N and C.

The concentration of dreissenid biomass in the well‐mixed and illuminated littoral portion of L. Simcoe results in redirection of nutrients and carbon from offshore areas to the nearshore zone of the lake.

Changes in nutrient and carbon distribution and cycling patterns caused by dreissenid establishment in L. Simcoe and other ecosystems can have implications for the distribution of primary and secondary production and should be considered in the context of water quality and nutrient input management.
Analysis of young Miscanthus × giganteus yield variability: a survey of farmers’ fields in east central France
Authors: Lesur‐Dumoulin Claire , Lorin Mathieu , Bazot Mathieu , Jeuffroy Marie‐Hélène , Loyce Chantal 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMiscanthus × giganteus is often regarded as one of the most promising crops to produce bioenergy because it is renowned for its high biomass yields, combined with low input requirements. However, its productivity has been mainly studied in experimental conditions. Our study aimed at characterizing and explaining young M. giganteus yield variability on a farmers’ field network located in the supply area of a cooperative society in east central France. It included the first three growth years of the crop. We defined and calculated a set of indicators of limiting factors that could be involved in yield variations and used the mixed‐model method to identify those explaining most of the yield variation. Commercial yields averaged 8.1 and 12.8 t DM ha−1 for the second and third growth year, respectively. However, these mean results concealed a high variability, ranging from 3 to 19 t DM ha−1. Commercial yields, measured on whole fields, were on average 20% lower than plot yields, measured on a small area (two plots of 25 m2). Yields were found to be much more related to shoot density than to shoot mass, and particularly to the shoot density established at the end of the planting year. We highlighted that planting success was decisive and was built during the whole plantation year. Fields with the lowest yields also had the highest weed cover, which was influenced by the distance between the field and the farmhouse, the preceding crop and the soil type. Our findings show that growing young M. giganteus on farmers’ fields involves limiting factors different from those commonly reported in the literature for experimental conditions and they could be useful to assess the economic and environmental impacts of growing M. giganteus on farmers’ fields. They could also stimulate the discussion about growing bioenergy crops on marginal lands.
Oral health and depression in older Japanese people
Authors: Takiguchi Tomoya , Yoshihara Akihiro , Takano Naoko , Miyazaki Hideo 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral dysfunction and depressive symptoms in Japanese community‐dwelling seniors.Materials and methodsParticipants included 351 community‐dwelling seniors (189 men, 162 women) aged 77 years. During dental examination, teeth and periodontal condition, including number of teeth, number of dental caries, pocket depth and clinical attachment level, were assessed, and unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates were measured. The General Health Questionnaire 30 (GHQ‐30) was used to assess depression. The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG) Index of Competence was used to assess activities of daily living.ResultsMultiple logistic regression analysis revealed that gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3), low unstimulated salivary flow rate (OR = 2.1), ‘Complaint of mouth pain’ (OR = 2.4), ‘Complaint of physical disorders’ (OR = 2.1), and the total TMIG Index of Competence score (OR = 2.0) were positively associated with the high GHQ‐30 score.ConclusionSubjective and objective oral dryness and oral pain are associated with depressive symptoms.
The prevalence of intestinal parasites in hemodialysis patients in Bushehr, Iran
Authors: Barazesh Afshin , Fouladvand Moradali , Tahmasebi Rahim , Heydari Ali , Fallahi Jamal 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHemodialysis patients, due to a dysfunction of the immune response, are prone to a variety of opportunistic infections. Studies of intestinal parasitic infections in these patients are limited. Therefore, the present study was performed to determine the prevalence of these infections in patients on hemodialysis in Bushehr. In this cross‐sectional study, fecal samples have been collected from all hemodialysis patients who were continuously referred from September 2011 to September 2012 to the dialysis center at Bushehr and tested using routine parasitological methods. From a total of 88 patients studied, 25 patients (28.4%) were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Blastocystis hominis and Entamoeba coli with 13.6% and 6.7% prevalence had the highest prevalence among the patients, respectively. The age group 51–70 years had the highest rates of infection. Statistical analysis showed no relationship between sex and the risk of intestinal parasites. Seventeen percent of infected patients showed up with diarrhea and this relationship was statistically significant. Considering the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among hemodialysis patients in Bushehr and also the high probability of infection in these patients, it is recommended that periodic examinations and screening patients during dialysis and before kidney transplantation should be a part of routine medical care.
Successful medical treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis in chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Vlachopanos Georgios , Kassimatis Theodoros , Zerva Adamantia , Kokkona Anastasia , Stavroulaki Eirini , Zacharogiannis Charilaos , Agrafiotis Athanasios 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEmphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a life‐threatening renal infection caused by gas‐producing bacteria and fungi. It usually occurs in patients with diabetes and patients with urinary tract obstruction. A combination of systemic antibiotics, percutaneous catheter drainage, or open nephrectomy is typically required to achieve cure. Because of grim prognosis, resorting to interventional methods is frequently inevitable. We report the case of a 77‐year‐old woman with diabetes and end‐stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis that presented with fever and left flank pain. A bubbly gas pattern inside the left kidney was demonstrated on abdominal computed tomography scan and blood cultures grew Escherichia coli. She was successfully treated solely with systemic antibiotics. This highlights the fact that prompt recognition of imaging findings associated with benign prognosis is essential for a favorable outcome. It allows for an effective management avoiding high‐risk interventions, especially in frail patients with multiple comorbidities. Finally, we review all published cases of EPN in chronic dialysis patients.
Expression of vitamin D receptor as a potential prognostic factor and therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Kewei , Dong Ming , Sheng Weiwei , Liu Qingfeng , Yu Dongyang , Dong Qi , Li Qingchang , Wang Junqiang 
Published: February 2015

AimsVitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are common among patients with pancreatic carcinoma, but epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent results for vitamin D intake/circulation level and pancreatic cancer risk. The study aims were to investigate the effects of vitamin D on patient survival, and the proliferation or survival of pancreatic cancer cell lines.Methods and resultsThe present study examined the local expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in pancreatic normal and tumour tissues from a cohort of 61 patients, and analysed the potential correlation between VDR and pathological characteristics, including disease prognosis. Among 61 pairs of normal and tumour specimens, VDR was detected in all normal tissues, and was abundantly expressed in 62.5% (15/24) of tumour tissues with high differentiation, but had a significantly lower or undetectable expression level in 75.7% (28/37) of tissues with moderate or low differentiation (P = 0.004). Moreover, high VDR expression was detected in 63.6% (14/22) of small tumours (≤25 mm) and in only 25.6% (10/39) of large tumours (>25 mm) (P = 0.06). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that a low level of VDR expression in tumour tissues was associated with a poor prognosis (P = 0.037).ConclusionsVDR expression could be a potential prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and its effects should be examined in a prospective study. Vitamin D analogues may provide a therapeutic choice for patients with high VDR expression in tumours but a low vitamin D level in the circulation.
Clinical triage for colonoscopy is useful in young women
Authors: Williamson K. D. , Steveling K. , Holtmann G. , Schoeman M. , Andrews J. M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundColonoscopy is an invasive procedure and a limited resource. It is therefore desirable to restrict its use to those in whom it yields an important diagnosis, without missing pathology in others.AimThe aim of this study was to determine whether standard clinical criteria can be used to reliably distinguish when colonoscopy is advisable in women 30 years and younger.MethodsA retrospective audit was performed at a single centre of 100 consecutive colonoscopies performed in women 30 years old and younger. The indications for the colonoscopy were recorded, and divided into clear and relative indications. The primary outcome of whether an endoscopic diagnosis was made was compared between the two groups. Clear indications for colonoscopy included overt rectal bleeding, elevated inflammatory markers, anaemia, iron deficiency and strong family history of colorectal cancer. Relative indications included abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and altered bowel habit/motions.ResultsThe average age was 23 years. Sixty women had both relative and clear indications. Eleven had only clear indications and 28 only relative indications. Altogether, 58 colonoscopies were normal, and 17 showed inflammatory bowel disease. No subject with only relative indications had an abnormal finding (0/28). The diagnostic yield was significantly different between those with only relative indications (0%) versus those with at least one clear indication (59%; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsStandard clinical criteria can be used to restrict safely the use of colonoscopy in young women. This will avoid performing procedures in people without clear indications, saving costs, resources and complications.
Clinical selection criteria can predict futile intervention in patients referred for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion
Authors: Holt D. Q. , McDonald J. F. , Murray M. L. , Hair C. , Devonshire D. A. , Strauss B. J. , Moore G. T. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement is performed in a patient group with high mortality in the short and medium term. For a significant proportion of patients, the procedure provides no increase in survival. There are no standardised assessment tools available to determine the clinical appropriateness of PEG placement, nor any to predict clinical outcome.AimThe study aims to determine whether clinical assessment, by a trained dietitian, of the appropriateness of PEG placement is predictive of mortality in the short and medium terms.MethodsA prospective audit was undertaken of all requests for PEG placement at a single large, publicly funded Australian tertiary hospital. The clinical appropriateness of each request was assessed by a trained dietitian, and data on age, sex, reason for referral, comorbidities and satisfaction of assessment criteria were collected, and patient outcome and survival were compared for all patients according to whether a PEG was inserted or not. Main outcome measures were mortality at 30 and 150 days after referral.ResultsDuring the period 2005–2008, 198 patients were referred for PEG; 94 were assessed as appropriate referrals, 104 as inappropriate. Eighty‐four patients who underwent gastrostomy, after being assessed as appropriate, had significantly reduced mortality at 30 days (96.4% vs 74.6%, P < 0.0001) and 150 days (82.1% vs 57.9%, P = 0.0001) compared with all other patients. Patients who received PEG despite contrary advice had no significant survival advantage, at 30 days or 150 days, over patients who did not receive PEG.ConclusionThe application of selection criteria by trained assessors improves patient selection for PEG insertion and predicts mortality at early and later time points, by identifying patients unlikely to benefit from PEG. The group of patients who received a gastrostomy despite an adverse assessment had no mortality benefit – in these patients, the procedure may have been futile.
Peripheral adipose tissue insulin resistance alters lipid composition and function of hippocampal synapses
Authors: Sallam Hanaa S. , Tumurbaatar Batbayar , Zhang Wen‐Ru , Tuvdendorj Demidmaa , Chandalia Manisha , Tempia Filippo , Laezza Fernanda , Taglialatela Giulio , Abate Nicola 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCompelling evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic syndrome are often accompanied by cognitive impairment. However, the mechanistic link between these metabolic abnormalities and CNS dysfunction requires further investigations. Here, we evaluated whether adipose tissue IR and related metabolic alterations resulted in CNS changes by studying synapse lipid composition and function in the adipocyte‐specific ecto‐nucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase over‐expressing transgenic (AtENPP1‐Tg) mouse, a model characterized by white adipocyte IR, systemic IR, and ectopic fat deposition. When fed a high‐fat diet, AtENPP1‐Tg mice recapitulate essential features of the human metabolic syndrome, making them an ideal model to characterize peripherally induced CNS deficits. Using a combination of gas chromatography and western blot analysis, we found evidence of altered lipid composition, including decreased phospholipids and increased triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acid in hippocampal synaptosomes isolated from high‐fat diet‐fed AtENPP1‐Tg mice. These changes were associated with impaired basal synaptic transmission at the Schaffer collaterals to hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) synapses, decreased phosphorylation of the GluN1 glutamate receptor subunit, down‐regulation of insulin receptor expression, and up‐regulation of the free fatty acid receptor 1.
image
We observed evidence of biochemical and functional changes in hippocampal synapses in mice in response to high‐fat diet. Such effects were more pronounced in a transgenic animal model of adipocyte insulin resistance (AtENPP1‐Tg) compared to their wild‐type littermates. Animals exhibited alterations in synaptic lipid composition, decreased basal synaptic transmission at the Schaffer collaterals to CA1 synapses, decreased GluN1 receptor phosphorylation, decreased insulin receptor expression, and increased FFA1 receptor expression. We believe that our results provide a novel mechanistic link between obesity, adipose tissue dysfunction, and increased risk for cognitive impairment. CA, cornu ammonis; CA1, hippocampal cornu ammonis 1; DAG, diacylglycerol; FFA, free fatty acids; FFA1, free fatty acid receptor 1; GluN1, NMDA receptor 1 subunit; HFD, high‐fat diet.
Ligand‐directed delivery of fluorophores to track native calcium‐permeable AMPA receptors in neuronal cultures
Authors: Combs‐Bachmann Rosamund E. , Johnson Jeffreys Nate , Vytla Devaiah , Hussey Amanda M. , Kilfoil Maria L. , Chambers James J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSubcellular trafficking of neuronal receptors is known to play a key role in synaptic development, homeostasis, and plasticity. We have developed a ligand‐targeted and photo‐cleavable probe for delivering a synthetic fluorophore to AMPA receptors natively expressed in neurons. After a receptor is bound to the ligand portion of the probe molecule, a proteinaceous nucleophile reacts with an electrophile on the probe, covalently bonding the two species. The ligand may then be removed by photolysis, returning the receptor to its non‐liganded state while leaving intact the new covalent bond between the receptor and the fluorophore. This strategy was used to label polyamine‐sensitive receptors, including calcium‐permeable AMPA receptors, in live hippocampal neurons from rats. Here, we describe experiments where we examined specificity, competition, and concentration on labeling efficacy as well as quantified receptor trafficking. Pharmacological competition during the labeling step with either a competitive or non‐competitive glutamate receptor antagonist prevented the majority of labeling observed without a blocker. In other experiments, labeled receptors were observed to alter their locations and we were able to track and quantify their movements.
imageWe used a small molecule, ligand‐directed probe to deliver synthetic fluorophores to endogenously expressed glutamate receptors for the purpose of tracking these receptors on live, hippocampal neurons. We found that clusters of receptors appear to move at similar rates to previous studies. We also found that the polyamine toxin pharmacophore likely binds to receptors in addition to calcium‐permeable AMPA receptors.
Potential safety issues in the use of the hormone melatonin in paediatrics
Authors: Kennaway David J 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMelatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland during the night in response to light/dark information received by the retina and its integration by the suprachiasmatic nucleus. When administered to selected populations of adults, in particular those displaying delayed sleep phase disorder, melatonin may advance the time of sleep onset. It is, however, being increasingly prescribed for children with sleep disorders despite the fact that (i) it is not registered for use in children anywhere in the world; (ii) it has not undergone the formal safety testing expected for a new drug, especially long‐term safety in children; (iii) it is known to have profound effects on the reproductive systems of rodents, sheep and primates, as well as effects on the cardiovascular, immune and metabolic systems; and (iv) there is the potential for important interactions with drugs sometimes prescribed for children. In this review, I discuss properties of melatonin outside its ability to alter sleep timing that have been widely ignored but which raise questions about the safety of its use in infants and adolescents.