bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The morphology–diet relationship and its role in the coexistence of two species of annual fishes
Authors: Keppeler Friedrich W. , Lanés Luis Esteban K. , Rolon Ana S. , Stenert Cristina , Lehmann Pablo , Reichard Martin , Maltchik Leonardo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAnnual fishes, which inhabit temporary pools with extremely limited habitat complexity and niche availability, display remarkable sexual dimorphism, rapid growth, and enormous investment into reproduction, all traits associated with high energy requirement. This study tests three hypotheses for two syntopic annual fishes (Austrolebias minuano and Cynopoecilus fulgens) found in six wetlands of southern Brazil: (i) considerable morphological differences result in low dietary overlap, (ii) sexual dimorphism in both species leads to intraspecific diet segregation, and (iii) dietary richness increases during ontogenetic development, and is narrower in C. fulgens than A. minuano due to morphological limitations imposed by reduced size. The diet of 82 A. minuano and 211 C. fulgens individuals was analyzed over two annual cycles. The morphology was characterized by 26 measurements covering the entire body of both species. There was no evidence of morphological specialization related to food competition and the diet of A. minuano and C. fulgens showed high overlap. High food availability, high predator abundance, and high connectivity of adjacent wetlands are likely the main mechanisms allowing coexistence of both species. Within species, sexual dimorphism did not result in a decrease in dietary overlap, which reinforces the idea that morphological differences between the sexes did not evolve as a mechanism to decrease food competition. Large A. minuano did not have a more diverse diet than the smaller C. fulgens; however, increase in body size allowed both species to ingest larger prey. Morphological variability in both species was mainly related to ontogenetic development and reproduction.
Variation in Cleaner Wrasse Cooperation and Cognition: Influence of the Developmental Environment?
Authors: Wismer Sharon , Pinto Ana I. , Vail Alex L. , Grutter Alexandra S. , Bshary Redouan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDeviations from model‐based predictions of strategies leading to stable cooperation between unrelated individuals have raised considerable debate in regards to decision‐making processes in humans. Here, we present data on cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) that emphasize the importance of generalizing this discussion to other species, with the aim to develop a coherent theoretical framework. Cleaners eat ectoparasites and mucus off client fishes and vary their service quality based on a clients’ strategic behaviour. Hitherto, cognitive tasks designed to replicate such behaviour have revealed a strong link between cooperative behaviour and game theoretic predictions. However, we show that individuals from a specific location within our study site repeatedly failed to conform to the published evidence. We started exploring potential functional and mechanistic causes for this unexpected result, focusing on client composition, cleaner standard personality measures and ontogeny. We found that failing individuals lived in a socially simple environment. Decision rules of these cleaners ignored existing information in their environment (‘bounded rationality’), in contrast to cleaners living in a socially complex area. With respect to potential mechanisms, we found no correlations between differences in performance and differences in aggressiveness or boldness, in contrast to results on other cooperative species. Furthermore, juveniles from the two habitat types performed similarly, and better than the adults from the socially simple environment. We propose that variation in the costs and benefits of knowledge may affect a cleaners’ information acquisition and storage, which may explain our observed variation in cooperation and cognition.
Role of testis‐specific high‐mobility‐group protein in transcriptional regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the liver of endotoxic shock mice
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Liu Jinghua , Wang Juan , Xu Jia , Liu Yawei , Sun Xuegang , Su Lei , Wang Jiang Huai , Jiang Yong 
Published: March 2014

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays a central role in tissue damage during endotoxic shock. However, the underlying mechanisms that control transcription of iNOS are not completely defined. A screening strategy with DNA pull‐down technology and two‐dimensional difference in gel electrophorcsis (2D‐DIGE) analysis was used to identify regulators that interact with the iNOS promoter. We found 14 proteins that bind to the iNOS promoter in the liver of endotoxic shock mice. After matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) analysis, one of these proteins was identified as testis‐specific high‐mobility‐group protein (tsHMG), an alternative splicing isoform encoded by the mitochondrial transcription factor A gene. We identified the binding sites of tsHMG on the iNOS promoter using a LiquiChip system, and further confirmed interactions between tsHMG and iNOS by RT‐PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. Functional analysis by over‐expression and RNA interference of tsHMG revealed that tsHMG regulates lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated iNOS expression. These results indicate that tsHMG participates in modulation of iNOS expression in the early stage of endotoxic shock.
Net carbon fluxes at stand and landscape scales from wood bioenergy harvests in the US Northeast
Authors: Mika Anna M. , Keeton William S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe long‐term greenhouse gas emissions implications of wood biomass (‘bioenergy’) harvests are highly uncertain yet of great significance for climate change mitigation and renewable energy policies. Particularly uncertain are the net carbon (C) effects of multiple harvests staggered spatially and temporally across landscapes where bioenergy is only one of many products. We used field data to formulate bioenergy harvest scenarios, applied them to 362 sites from the Forest Inventory and Analysis database, and projected growth and harvests over 160 years using the Forest Vegetation Simulator. We compared the net cumulative C fluxes, relative to a non‐bioenergy baseline, between scenarios when various proportions of the landscape are harvested for bioenergy: 0% (non‐bioenergy); 25% (BIO25); 50% (BIO50); or 100% (BIO100), with three levels of intensification. We accounted for C stored in aboveground forest pools and wood products, direct and indirect emissions from wood products and bioenergy, and avoided direct and indirect emissions from fossil fuels. At the end of the simulation period, although 82% of stands were projected to maintain net positive C benefit, net flux remained negative (i.e., net emissions) compared to non‐bioenergy harvests for the entire 160‐year simulation period.BIO25,BIO50, andBIO100 scenarios resulted in average annual emissions of 2.47, 5.02, and 9.83 Mg C ha−1, respectively. Using bioenergy for heating decreased the emissions relative to electricity generation as did removing additional slash from thinnings between regeneration harvests. However, all bioenergy scenarios resulted in increased net emissions compared to the non‐bioenergy harvests. Stands with high initial aboveground live biomass may have higher net emissions from bioenergy harvest. Silvicultural practices such as increasing rotation length and structural retention may result in lower C fluxes from bioenergy harvests. Finally, since passive management resulted in the greatest net C storage, we recommend designation of unharvested reserves to offset emissions from harvested stands.
Impacts of biogenic CO2 emissions on human health and terrestrial ecosystems: the case of increased wood extraction for bioenergy production on a global scale
Authors: van Zelm Rosalie , Muchada Patience A. N. , van der Velde Marijn , Kindermann Georg , Obersteiner Michael , Huijbregts Mark A. J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBiofuels are a potentially important source of energy for our society. Common practice in life cycle assessment (LCA) of bioenergy has been to assume that any carbon dioxide (CO2) emission related to biomass combustion equals the amount absorbed in biomass, thus assuming no climate change impacts. Recent developments show the significance of contributions of biogenic CO2 emissions during the time they stay in the atmosphere. The goal of this article is to develop a global, spatially explicit method to quantify the potential impact on human health and terrestrial ecosystems of biogenic carbon emissions coming from forest wood extraction for biofuel production. For this purpose, changes in aboveground carbon stock (ΔCforest) due to an increase in wood extraction via changes in rotation time are simulated worldwide with a 0.5° × 0.5° grid resolution. Our results show that both impacts and benefits can be obtained. When the extraction increase is reached by creating a longer rotation time, new growth is allowed resulting in carbon benefits. In a case study, we assessed the life cycle impacts of heat production via wood to determine the significance of including biogenic CO2 emissions due to changes in forest management. Impacts of biogenic CO2 dominate the total climate change impacts from a wood stove. Depending on the wood source country, climate change impacts due to heat production from wood either have an important share in the overall impacts on human health and terrestrial ecosystems, or allow for a large additional CO2 sink.
Differential expression of IMP3 between male and female mature teratomas—immunohistochemical evidence of malignant nature
Authors: Goodman Steven , Zhang Liping , Cheng Liang , Jiang Zhong 
Published: March 2014

AimsOvarian mature teratoma is a benign tumour, whereas mature teratoma in adult testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) is considered to be a malignant tumour. IMP3, an oncofetal protein, plays an important role in embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. IMP3 has been demonstrated to be a malignant biomarker that is mainly expressed in malignant neoplasms rather than benign tissues. The aim of this study was to analyse IMP3 expression in germ cell tumours, and compare its expression between male and female teratomas.Methods and resultsOne hundred and seventy‐eight cases (62 TGCTs, 52 ovarian teratomas, 27 metastatic testicular teratomas, and 37 cases of normal testicular tissue) obtained from the archives of two large academic medical centres were examined for IMP3 expression. Of the 62 TGCTs, 30 had mature teratoma components. IMP3 expression was present in 100% (30/30) of testicular mature teratoma components, and in 96% (26/27) of metastatic testicular teratomas. Other TGCT components also expressed IMP3 in 99% of cases (78/79). IMP3 expression was negative in all female mature teratomas.ConclusionsWe describe for the first time an immunostaining marker that has differential expression in male and female mature teratomas, indicating that their pathogenesis differs. High expression of IMP3 in adult mature testicular teratomas supports their malignant nature.
Androgenetic alopecia is associated with increased arterial stiffness in asymptomatic young adults
Authors: Agac M.T. , Bektas H. , Korkmaz L. , Cetin M. , Erkan H. , Gurbak I. , Hatem E. , Celik S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundAssociation of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with increased incidence of hypertension, a strong risk factor for coronary artery disease, has been suggested. However, there are no data on arterial stiffness measures of asymptomatic young adults with AGA.ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to investigate the association of the AGA with arterial stiffness assessed by cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI), in asymptomatic young men.MethodsA total of 162 asymptomatic men aged between 18 and 45 years were consecutively enrolled to the study. Subjects were considered to have AGA if they have ≥3 grade vertex alopecia according to Hamilton–Norwood scale. Arterial stiffness was assessed by CAVI and defined as abnormal if CAVI is ≥8.ResultsFrequency of abnormal CAVI was higher in patients with AGA (29.3% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.003). Subjects with AGA had higher mean CAVI than subjects without AGA (7.56 ± 0.93 vs. 7.15 ± 0.79, P = 0.004). Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that presence of AGA (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.7–20.0, P = 0.006), age (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.2, P = 0.03) and diastolic blood pressure (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.3, P = 0.005) were independently associated with abnormal CAVI.ConclusionWe concluded that, AGA might be an indicator of arterial stiffness in asymptomatic young adults.
Cd‐Metallothioneins in Three Additional Tetrahymena Species: Intragenic Repeat Patterns and Induction by Metal Ions
Authors: Chang Yue , Liu Guanglong , Guo Lina , Liu Hongbo , Yuan Dongxia , Xiong Jie , Ning Yingzhi , Fu Chengjie , Miao Wei 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCiliate metallothioneins (MTs) possess many unique features compared to the “classic” MTs in other organisms, but they have only been studied in a small number of species. In this study, we investigated cDNAs encoding subfamily 7a metallothioneins (CdMTs) in three Tetrahymena species (T. hegewischi, T. malaccensis, and T. mobilis). Four CdMT genes (ThegMT1, ThegMT2, TmalMT1, and TmobMT1) were cloned and characterized. They share high sequence similarity to previously identified subfamily 7a MT members. Tetrahymena CdMTs exhibit a remarkably regular intragenic repeat homology. The CdMT sequences were divided into two main types of modules, which had been previously described, and which we name “A” and “B”. ThegMT2 was identified as the first MT isoform solely composed of module “B”. A phylogenetic analysis of individual modules of every characterized Tetrahymena CdMT rigorously documents the conclusion that modules are important units of CdMT evolution, which have undergone frequent and rapid gain/loss and shuffling. The transcriptional activity of the four newly identified genes was measured under different heavy metal exposure (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb) using real‐time quantitative PCR. The results showed that these genes were differentially induced after short (1 h) or long (24 h) metal exposure. The evolutionary diversity of Tetrahymena CdMTs is further discussed with regard to their induction by metal ions.
Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration with fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis in 104 patients with pancreatic mass
Authors: Ribeiro Afonso , Peng Jinghong , Casas Carmen , Fan Yao‐Shan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground and AimDiagnosis of pancreatic malignancy is often based on cytological specimens collected by endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS FNA). Several factors can decrease sensitivity of EUS FNA for pancreatic cancer: well‐differentiated tumors, pancreatitis, blood, necrosis and slides with low cellularity. The objective of this study is to report on the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis combined with cytology in pancreatic masses.MethodsEUS database and medical records of patients referred for EUS between January 2009 through august 2013 were reviewed. Data on cytology, FISH and surgical pathology were reviewed. Surgical pathology, death or extended clinical follow‐up were used to verify correct diagnosis of malignancy. FISH performed using a four‐set DNA probe for chromosomes 3, 7, 17, and band 9p21 in patients with inconclusive immediate cytology reading. Sensitivity of cytology and FISH were compared.ResultsStudy cohort comprised of 104 patients with FISH analysis on EUS FNA specimens of pancreatic masses (74 adenocarcinoma, 7 neuroendocrine tumor and 23 benign. Sensitivity of cytology and FISH for carcinoma was respectively: 62% and 81%. Sensitivity of FISH + cytology was 89%. The specificity of FISH and cytology was 100%. The most common abnormality on FISH was a 9p21 deletion seen in 43 patients (58%) followed by polysomy of 7 (46%). FISH detected malignancy in 23 patients with negative cytology.ConclusionsIn patients with inconclusive immediate cytology reading, FISH is superior to cytology and improves overall sensitivity. The 9p21 deletion is the most common abnormality seen in this cohort of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Postsurgery wound assessment and management practices: a chart audit
Authors: Gillespie Brigid M , Chaboyer Wendy , Kang Evelyn , Hewitt Jayne , Nieuwenhoven Paul , Morley Nicola 
Published: March 2014

Aims and ObjectivesTo examine wound assessment and management in patients following surgery and to compare these practices with current evidence‐based guidelines for the prevention of surgical site infection across one healthcare services district in Queensland, Australia.BackgroundDespite innovations in surgical techniques, technological advances and environmental improvements in the operating room, and the use of prophylactic antibiotics, surgical site infections remain a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients following surgery.DesignA retrospective clinical chart auditMethodsA random sample of 200 medical records of patients who had undergone surgery was undertaken over a two‐year period (2010–2012). An audit tool was developed to collect the data on wound assessment and practice. The study was undertaken across one healthcare services district in Australia.ResultsOf the 200 records that were randomly identified, 152 (76%) met the inclusion criteria. The excluded records were either miscoded or did not involve a surgical incision. Of the 152 records included, 87 (57·2%) procedures were classified as ‘clean’ and 106 (69·7%) were elective. Wound assessments were fully documented in 63/152 (41·4%) of cases, and 59/152 (38·8%) charts had assessments documented on a change of patient condition. Of the 15/152 (9·9%) patients with charted postoperative wound complications, 4/15 (26·6%) developed clinical signs of wound infection, which were diagnosed on days 3 to 5.ConclusionsThe timing, content and accuracy of wound assessment documentation are variable. Standardising documentation will increase consistency and clarity and contribute to multidisciplinary communication.Relevance to clinical practiceThese results suggest that postoperative wound care practices are not consistent with evidence‐based guidelines. Consequently, it is important to involve clinicians in identifying possible challenges within the clinical environment that may curtail guideline use.
A quantitative assessment of patient and nurse outcomes of bedside nursing report implementation
Authors: Sand‐Jecklin Kari , Sherman Jay 
Published: March 2014

Aims and objectivesTo quantify quantitative outcomes of a practice change to a blended form of bedside nursing report.BackgroundThe literature identifies several benefits of bedside nursing shift report. However, published studies have not adequately quantified outcomes related to this process change, having either small or unreported sample sizes or not testing for statistical significance.DesignQuasi‐experimental pre‐ and postimplementation design.MethodsSeven medical‐surgical units in a large university hospital implemented a blend of recorded and bedside nursing report. Outcomes monitored included patient and nursing satisfaction, patient falls, nursing overtime and medication errors.ResultsWe found statistically significant improvements postimplementation in four patient survey items specifically impacted by the change to bedside report. Nursing perceptions of report were significantly improved in the areas of patient safety and involvement in care and nurse accountability postimplementation. However, there was a decline in nurse perception that report took a reasonable amount of time after bedside report implementation; contrary to these perceptions, there was no significant increase in nurse overtime. Patient falls at shift change decreased substantially after the implementation of bedside report. An intervening variable during the study period invalidated the comparison of medication errors pre‐ and postintervention. There was some indication from both patients and nurses that bedside report was not always consistently implemented.ConclusionsSeveral positive outcomes were documented in relation to the implementation of a blended bedside shift report, with few drawbacks. Nurse attitudes about report at the final data collection were more positive than at the initial postimplementation data collection.Relevance to clinical practiceIf properly implemented, nursing bedside report can result in improved patient and nursing satisfaction and patient safety outcomes. However, managers should involve staff nurses in the implementation process and continue to monitor consistency in report format as well as satisfaction with the process.
Health economic evaluation of treatments for Alzheimer′s disease: impact of new diagnostic criteria
Authors: Wimo A. , Ballard C. , Brayne C. , Gauthier S. , Handels R. , Jones R. W. , Jonsson L. , Khachaturian A. S. , Kramberger M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe socio‐economic impact of Alzheimer′s disease (AD) and other dementias is enormous, and the potential economic challenges ahead are clear given the projected future numbers of individuals with these conditions. Because of the high prevalence and cost of dementia, it is very important to assess any intervention from a cost‐effectiveness viewpoint. The diagnostic criteria for preclinical AD suggested by the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association workgroups in combination with the goal of effective disease‐modifying treatment (DMT) are, however, a challenge for clinical practice and for the design of clinical trials. Key issues for future cost‐effectiveness studies include the following: (i) the consequences for patients if diagnosis is shifted from AD‐dementia to predementia states, (ii) bridging the gap between clinical trial populations and patients treated in clinical practice, (iii) translation of clinical trial end‐points into measures that are meaningful to patients and policymakers/payers and (iv) how to measure long‐term effects. To improve cost‐effectiveness studies, long‐term population‐based data on disease progression, costs and outcomes in clinical practice are needed not only in dementia but also in predementia states. Reliable surrogate end‐points in clinical trials that are sensitive to detect effects even in predementia states are also essential as well as robust and validated modelling methods from predementia states that also take into account comorbidities and age. Finally, the ethical consequences of early diagnosis should be considered.