bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assembling productive communities of native grass and legume species: finding the right mix
Authors: Mischkolz Jenalee M. , Schellenberg Michael P. , Lamb Eric G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractQuestionNative species have the potential to provide productive, drought‐resistant communities for seeded rangelands and ecological restoration. Little is known, however, about how to identify multispecies mixtures with optimal levels of productivity and stress resistance from the thousands of possible community configurations. Here we examine if empirical models can be used to predict highly productive community configurations of seven native grasses and legumes in controlled conditions from the very large pool of possible communities, and which basic measure of community structure best predicts function.LocationGreenhouses in Saskatchewan, Canada.MethodsWe used a greenhouse experiment, where established communities varied in species and functional group richness, evenness, species and functional group identity, following a response surface design. We measured community productivity and evaluated the predictive power of a range of empirical models linking diversity and productivity.ResultsProductivity increased with increased functional dispersion, relative growth rate and decreased competitive effect. Selection effects were evident, with the abundance and occurrence of particular species or functional groups and plant traits also linked to increased productivity. Among the strongest predictors of productivity were the presence and abundance of perennial C3 grasses (particularly Pascopyrum smithii), likely because of the high early relative growth rate and strong competitive effect of those species.ConclusionsWe compiled and compared the ability of a range of empirical models to predict high‐productivity community configurations, and tested the accuracy of the best models in a confirmatory experiment. The relationship between predicted and observed productivity was significantly correlated in the confirmatory experiment, and demonstrates that under controlled conditions, basic measures of community structure can predict community function. This approach has potential, but variability within treatments may limit the accuracy of results. The models developed can be used as a screening tool, narrowing the search window for high functioning seed mixtures for use in ecological restoration.
Decreased brain PME/PDE ratio in bipolar disorder: a preliminary 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Shi Xian‐Feng , Carlson Paul J , Sung Young‐Hoon , Fiedler Kristen K , Forrest Lauren N , Hellem Tracy L , Huber Rebekah S , Kim Seong‐Eun , Zuo Chun , Jeong Eun‐Kee , Renshaw Perry F , Kondo Douglas G 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to measure brain phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) metabolite levels and the creatine kinase reaction forward rate constant (kf) in subjects with bipolar disorder (BD).MethodsSubjects with bipolar euthymia (n = 14) or depression (n = 11) were recruited. Healthy comparison subjects (HC) (n = 23) were recruited and matched to subjects with BD on age, gender, and educational level. All studies were performed on a 3‐Tesla clinical magnetic resonance imaging system using a 31P/1H double‐tuned volume head coil. 31P spectra were acquired without 1H‐decoupling using magnetization‐transfer image‐selected in vivo spectroscopy. Metabolite ratios from a brain region that includes the frontal lobe, corpus callosum, thalamus, and occipital lobe are expressed as a percentage of the total phosphorus (TP) signal. Brain pH was also investigated.ResultsBeta‐nucleoside‐triphosphate (β‐NTP/TP) in subjects with bipolar depression was positively correlated with kf (p = 0.039, r2 = 0.39); similar correlations were not observed in bipolar euthymia or HC. In addition, no differences in kf and brain pH were observed among the three diagnostic groups. A decrease in the ratio of phosphomonoesters to phosphodiesters (PME/PDE) was observed in subjects with bipolar depression relative to HC (p = 0.032). We also observed a trend toward an inverse correlation in bipolar depression characterized by decreased phosphocreatine and increased depression severity.ConclusionsIn our sample, kf was not altered in the euthymic or depressed mood state in BD. However, decreased PME/PDE in subjects with bipolar depression was consistent with differences in membrane turnover. These data provide preliminary support for alterations in phospholipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in bipolar depression.
Clinical association of Spirochaetes and Synergistetes with peri‐implantitis
Authors: Belibasakis Georgios N. , Mir‐Mari Javier , Sahrmann Philipp , Sanz‐Martin Ignacio , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe microbial composition of peri‐implantitis‐associated biofilms may resemble that of periodontitis, with some distinctive differences, as identified by various conventional or molecular detection methods. Yet, the complete microbiome of peri‐implantitis awaits further characterization. The present clinical study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the association of Spirochaetes, and the more recently identified phylum Synergistetes, with peri‐implantitis.Materials and MethodsSubmucosal biofilms were obtained from single sites of patients with peri‐implantitis (n = 43) or individuals with peri‐implant health (n = 41). The samples were analysed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and epifluorescence microscopy, using 16S rRNA‐based oligonucleotide probes for Synergistetes cluster A, subclusters A1 and A2, and Treponema groups I–III and IV.ResultsTreponema group IV was barely detectable, whereas Treponema groups I–III were detected at low prevalence in health, but their prevalence and numbers were significantly increased in peri‐implantitis by 48% and 2.4‐log, respectively. Synergistetes cluster A was detected in half of the healthy sites, and its prevalence and numbers were significantly increased in peri‐implantitis by 30% and 2.5‐log, respectively. No quantitative differences were found between Synergistetes subclusters A1 and A2 numbers, as both increased by 2.8‐log. Synergistetes cluster A displayed strong correlations with several clinical peri‐implant parameters, but Treponema groups I–III only with probing pocket depth.ConclusionThe present clinical cross‐sectional study demonstrates that Spriochaetes of the Treponema groups I–III, but not group IV, and Synergistetes of the cluster A are highly associated with peri‐implantitis. Synergistetes cluster A appears to display a stronger association with peri‐implantitis than Spirochaetes.
Dynapenic obesity and the risk of incident Type 2 diabetes: the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Cuthbertson D. J. , Bell J. A. , Ng S. Y. , Kemp G. J. , Kivimaki M. , Hamer M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimObesity is a well‐established risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. Evidence suggests that sarcopenia, the age‐related decline in muscle mass and strength, may exacerbate diabetes risk in obese individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the combined effect of obesity and low muscle strength, dynapenia, on the risk of incident Type 2 diabetes in older adults.MethodsParticipants were 5953 (1670 obese) men and women from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing without known Type 2 diabetes at baseline and for whom handgrip strength, biochemical and other clinical data were collected. A diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes was recorded from self‐reported physician diagnosis over 6 years.ResultsFor each unit increase in grip strength, there was a reduction in diabetes risk (age‐, sex‐ and BMI adjusted HR; 0.98; 95% CI 0.96–0.99). The risk of Type 2 diabetes was elevated in all obese participants, but was greatest in those with low handgrip strength (HR = 4.93, 95% CI 2.85, 8.53) compared with non‐obese individuals with high handgrip strength. Eleven per cent of the sample met the threshold for weakness (handgrip strength: men < 26 kg; women < 16 kg) that was associated with elevated Type 2 diabetes risk in obese (HR = 3.57, 95% CI 2.04, 6.24) but not in non‐obese (HR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.44, 1.68) compared with normal/non‐obese participants.ConclusionDynapenic obesity, determined by high BMI and low handgrip strength, is associated with increased risk of incident Type 2 diabetes in older people.
Glycaemic behaviour during breastfeeding in women with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Achong N. , McIntyre H. D. , Callaway L. , Duncan E. L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo describe glycaemia in both breastfeeding women and artificially feeding women with Type 1 diabetes, and the changes in glycaemia induced by suckling.MethodsA blinded continuous glucose monitor was applied for up to 6 days in eight breastfeeding and eight artificially feeding women with Type 1 diabetes 2–4 months postpartum. Women recorded glucose levels, insulin dosages, oral intake and breastfeeding episodes. A standardized breakfast was consumed on 2 days. A third group (clinic controls) were identified from a historical database.ResultsCarbohydrate intake tended to be higher in breastfeeding than artificially feeding women (P = 0.09) despite similar insulin requirements. Compared with breastfeeding women, the high blood glucose index and standard deviation of glucose were higher in artificially feeding women (P = 0.02 and 0.06, respectively) and in the clinical control group (P = 0.02 and 0.05, respectively). The low blood glucose index and hypoglycaemia were similar. After suckling, the low blood glucose index increased compared with before (P < 0.01) and during (P < 0.01) suckling. Hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 4.0 mmol/l) occurred within 3 h of suckling in 14% of suckling episodes, and was associated with time from last oral intake (P = 0.04) and last rapid‐acting insulin (P = 0.03). After a standardized breakfast, the area under the glucose curve was positive. In breastfeeding women the area under the glucose curve was positive if suckling was avoided for 1 h after eating and negative if suckling occurred within 30 min of eating.ConclusionsBreastfeeding women with Type 1 diabetes had similar hypoglycaemia but lower glucose variability than artificially feeding women. Suckling reduced maternal glucose levels but did not cause hypoglycaemia in most episodes.
Different definition of microvascular angina
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe sometimes encounter patients with microvascular angina (MVA), a disease characterized by anginal pain without abnormal coronary arteriographic findings or coronary spasm. More than 40 years have passed since MVA was first confirmed. The terms ‘syndrome X’, ‘cardiac syndrome X’ and ‘microvascular dysfunction’ have also been used to describe conditions similar to MVA, but all with slightly different definitions. The cause of MVA seems almost certain to be organic and functional abnormalities of the small arteries of the heart. Patients with MVA are likely to suffer from endothelial dysfunction and other microvascular abnormalities of both the coronary and peripheral arteries. The major treatment of MVA has been medication, most often calcium channel blockers. The prognosis of MVA is generally excellent, although symptoms remain in many studies. Some MVA patients with accompanying hypertensive heart disease have gone on to develop progressive left ventricular dysfunction, with poor prognosis. The different definitions applied to the terms used to describe this condition, what we refer to here as MVA, can confound issues involved in diagnosis, prognosis and proper treatment. Therefore, it is extremely important to distinguish primary MVA without underlying heart disease from secondary MVA to explore the disease mechanism and examine the clinical characteristics. It is more than 40 years since Likoff first confirmed this disease; therefore, all researchers know that strict diagnostic criteria for MVA should be immediately established.
Enhanced suicidal erythrocyte death in acute cardiac failure
Authors: Attanasio Philipp , Bissinger Rosi , Haverkamp Wilhelm , Pieske Burkert , Wutzler Alexander , Lang Florian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundA common complication of acute cardiac failure (AHF) is anaemia, which negatively influences the clinical outcome. Causes of anaemia include enhanced eryptosis, a suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation. Signalling triggering eryptosis include oxidative stress, increase of cytosolic Ca2+‐activity ([Ca2+]i) and ceramide. The present study explored whether AHF is associated with accelerated eryptosis.Materials and MethodsErythrocytes were drawn from healthy volunteers (n = 10) and patients hospitalized for AHF (n = 22). Phosphatidylserine exposure was estimated from annexin‐V‐binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3‐fluorescence, ceramide abundance utilizing specific antibodies and reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundance from 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) fluorescence, as determined by flow cytometry.ResultsIn AHF‐patients, haemoglobin concentration (11·5 ± 0·5 g/dL), and haematocrit (35·6 ± 1·2%) were significantly lower than haemoglobin concentration (14·1 ± 0·4 g/dL), and haematocrit (40·1 ± 1·0%) in healthy volunteers, even though reticulocyte number was significantly higher in AHF patients (2·3 ± 0·3%) than in healthy volunteers (1·1 ± 0·2%). The percentage of erythrocytes exposing phosphatidylserine was significantly higher in AHF patients (1·8 ± 0·1%) than in healthy volunteers (1·2 ± 0·2%). The forward scatter was significantly lower and the ROS abundance significantly larger in AHF patients than in healthy volunteers. In erythrocytes drawn from healthy volunteers, phosphatidylserine and ROS abundance was increased to significantly higher values following a 24 h treatment with plasma from AHF patients than with plasma from healthy volunteers.ConclusionAHF leads to anaemia despite increased reticulocyte number and at least partially due to enhanced eryptosis. Underlying mechanisms include oxidative stress imposed by a plasma borne component.
Global aerial flyways allow efficient travelling
Authors: Kranstauber B. , Weinzierl R. , Wikelski M. , Safi K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBirds migrate over vast distances at substantial costs. The highly dynamic nature of the air makes the selection of the best travel route difficult. We investigated to what extent migratory birds may optimise migratory route choice with respect to wind, and if route choice can be subject to natural selection. Following the optimal route, calculated using 21 years of empirical global wind data, reduced median travel time by 26.5% compared to the spatially shortest route. When we used a time‐dependent survival model to quantify the adaptive benefit of choosing a fixed wind‐optimised route, 84.8% of pairs of locations yielded a route with a higher survival than the shortest route. This suggests that birds, even if incapable of predicting wind individually, could adjust their migratory routes at a population level. As a consequence, this may result in the emergence of low‐cost flyways representing a global network of aerial migratory pathways.
Bottom‐up regulation of malaria population dynamics in mice co‐infected with lung‐migratory nematodes
Authors: Griffiths Emily C. , Fairlie‐Clarke Karen , Allen Judith E. , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Graham Andrea L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWhen and how populations are regulated by bottom up vs. top down processes, and how those processes are affected by co‐occurring species, are poorly characterised across much of ecology. We are especially interested in the community ecology of parasites that must share a host. Here, we quantify how resources and immunity affect parasite propagation in experiments in near‐replicate ‘mesocosms’’ – i.e. mice infected with malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi) and nematodes (Nippostrongylus brasiliensis). Nematodes suppressed immune responses against malaria, and yet malaria populations were smaller in co‐infected hosts. Further analyses of within‐host epidemiology revealed that nematode co‐infection altered malaria propagation by suppressing target cell availability. This is the first demonstration that bottom‐up resource regulation may have earlier and stronger effects than top‐down immune mechanisms on within‐host community dynamics. Our findings demonstrate the potential power of experimental ecology to disentangle mechanisms of population regulation in complex communities.
Availability of antiepileptic drugs across Europe
Authors: Baftiu Arton , Johannessen Landmark Cecilie , Nikaj Valent , Neslein Inger‐Lise , Johannessen Svein I. , Perucca Emilio 
Published: October 2015

SummaryEurope consists of 53 countries with widely different economic conditions and different political, educational, and health care systems. This study was aimed at determining the availability of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) across Europe. An electronic questionnaire was submitted to all 43 European chapters of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Outcome measures were availability of older, newer, and newest AEDs, generic products, indications, reimbursement rules, and reasons for lack of availability of AEDs. Countries were divided according to economic status as defined by the World Bank. Thirty‐four chapters (79%) provided data. There were large differences in AED availability across countries, especially between high‐income countries and the other countries. The newest AEDs were not available in any of the 12 non–high‐income countries. Availability was higher in countries with public reimbursement systems. Reimbursement policies ranged from full reimbursement for all AEDs to complete lack of reimbursement. Main hurdles for poor access to AEDs included lack of regulatory approval, high prices and reimbursement restrictions. The availability of AEDs differs across European countries, with many hurdles hampering access to epilepsy medicines, particularly to new medications. These findings raise major concerns on the quality of epilepsy care in many countries.
One gene but different proteins and diseases: the complexity of dystonin and bullous pemphigoid antigen 1
Authors: Künzli Kseniia , Favre Bertrand , Chofflon Michel , Borradori Luca 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSince the immunochemical identification of the bullous pemphigoid antigen 230 (BP230) as one of the major target autoantigens of bullous pemphigoid (BP) in 1981, our understanding of this protein has significantly increased. Cloning of its gene, development and characterization of animal models with engineered gene mutations or spontaneous mouse mutations have revealed an unexpected complexity of the gene encoding BP230. The latter, now called dystonin (DST), is composed of at least 100 exons and gives rise to three major isoforms, an epithelial, a neuronal and a muscular isoform, named BPAG1e (corresponding to the original BP230), BPAG1a and BPAG1b, respectively. The various BPAG1 isoforms play a key role in fundamental processes, such as cell adhesion, cytoskeleton organization, and cell migration. Genetic defects of BPAG1 isoforms are the culprits of epidermolysis bullosa and complex, devastating neurological diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances of our knowledge about several BPAG1 isoforms, their role in various biological processes and in human diseases.
Medical treatments of elderly, French patients with type 2 diabetes: results at inclusion in the GERODIAB Cohort
Authors: Doucet Jean A. , Bauduceau Bernard , Le Floch Jean‐Pierre , Verny Christiane ,   The SFD/SFGG Intergroup
Published: October 2015

AbstractPrevalence of diabetes in the elderly increases, and half of the French diabetics are over the age of 75 years. The GERODIAB study is the first French multicentre, prospective, observational study designed to analyse over 5 years the influence of glycaemic control on morbidity–mortality in type 2 diabetics patients 70 years old and over. This study analysed the diabetic and geriatric factors associated with the treatment modalities, particularly insulin, at inclusion in the cohort. The cohort of 987 type 2 diabetics was divided into three groups according to the method of treatment. Slightly fewer than one‐third of these patients (26.4%) were treated with insulin alone, 31% received insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs, and 42.7% oral antidiabetic drugs alone. The patients that received insulin alone were significantly older, had poorer glycaemic control (HbA1c = 7.9 ± 1.4, 7.8 ± 1.0 and 7.1 ± 1.2%, respectively; P < 0.001) and had greater alterations of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). HbA1c was below 6.5% in 15% of patients and 37.3% of patients had a GFR below 60 mL/min. The patients treated with insulin alone had significantly more hypoglycaemic episodes (respectively 53.3, 36.3 and 19.5%, P < 0.001), retinopathy, cardiovascular involvement and more specific geriatric complications, such as cognitive disorders (respectively 34.1, 31.4 and 23.6%, P = 0.006). In this specific population of elderly type 2 diabetic patients, diabetic and geriatric conditions significantly differed between the types of drug treatments. Considering low values of HbA1c and GFR, some patients seemed overtreated and other patients received inappropriate drugs.
Quantifying the conservation value of seascape connectivity: a global synthesis
Authors: Olds Andrew D. , Connolly Rod M. , Pitt Kylie A. , Pittman Simon J. , Maxwell Paul S. , Huijbers Chantal M. , Moore Brad R. , Albert Simon , Rissik David , Babcock Russell C. , Schlacher Thomas A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimConnectivity structures populations, communities and ecosystems in the sea. The extent of connectivity is, therefore, predicted to also influence the outcomes of conservation initiatives, such as marine reserves. Here we review the published evidence about how important seascape connectivity (i.e. landscape connectivity in the sea) is for marine conservation outcomes.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe analysed the global literature on the effects of seascape connectivity on reserve performance.ResultsIn the majority of cases, greater seascape connectivity inside reserves translates into better conservation outcomes (i.e. enhanced productivity and diversity). Research on reserve performance is, however, most often conducted separately from research on connectivity, resulting in few studies (< 5% of all studies of seascape connectivity) that have quantified how connectivity modifies reserve effects on populations, assemblages or ecosystem functioning in seascapes. Nevertheless, evidence for positive effects of connectivity on reserve performance is geographically widespread, encompassing studies in the Caribbean Sea, Florida Keys and western Pacific Ocean.Main conclusionsGiven that research rarely connects the effects of connectivity and reserves, our thesis is that stronger linkages between landscape ecology and marine spatial planning are likely to improve conservation outcomes in the sea. The key science challenge is to identify the full range of ecological functions that are modulated by connectivity and the spatial scale over which these functions enhance conservation outcomes.