bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increases in crop pests caused by Wasmannia auropunctata in Solomon Islands subsistence gardens
Authors: Fasi J. , Brodie G. , Vanderwoude C. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe impacts of Wasmannia auropunctata (the little fire ant) on the native biota and subsistence agriculture in the Solomon Islands are poorly understood. This species was originally introduced as a biological control against nut‐fall bugs (Amblypelta sp.) around 30 years ago and in the intervening time has spread throughout the Solomon Islands, aided movement of produce and planting material. It is now itself a major pest of coconut, cocoa and subsistence agriculture. In this study, we show the negative effects of this invasive ant on subsistence agriculture in the Solomon Islands. We do this by (i) assessing the presence of insect pests that develop a mutual relationship with W. auropunctata on four common subsistence crops; and (ii) measuring the impact of a significant pest (Tarophagus sp.) and its natural predator the bug Cyrtohinus fulvus, in the presence and absence of W. auropunctata on taro crops. The existence of insect pests that form a mutual relationship with W. auropunctata was measured in a total of 36 gardens of the four subsistence crops. This was conducted through standardized visual searches, plus identification and collecting from randomly selected plants within the gardens. A number of additional insect pests causing major problems to subsistence crops have also developed mutual relationships with W. auropunctata. Infested taro gardens have more Tarophagus sp. compared with taro plants that are free of the little fire ant. The presence and abundance of Wasmannia therefore has the potential to inflict considerable crop loss in rural subsistence gardens in the Solomon Islands.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis in non‐cirrhotic liver: A clinical and pathological study
Authors: Alexander Jacob , Torbenson Michael , Wu Tsung‐Teh , Yeh Matthew M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and AimHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication of cirrhosis and has been increasing in incidence in recent years. Fatty liver disease is an increasingly common cause of chronic liver disease, and there have been several case reports of HCC in patients with non‐cirrhotic fatty liver disease. However, there is limited data from systematic studies with histological confirmation of the presence of both the HCC and the non‐cirrhotic fatty liver disease.MethodsWe studied the occurrence of fatty liver disease and the associated demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics of a large cohort of patients with HCC in non‐cirrhotic livers. Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) occurring in non‐cirrhotic livers and diagnosed during the same time period were used as the comparison group.ResultsSignificant steatosis in the nontumor liver had a statistically significant association with HCC, being present in 54% (85/157) of HCC compared with 27% (32/120) of CC (P < 0.0001). Steatohepatitis was present in 15% (24/157) of HCC and 1% (2/120) of CC (P = 0.0014). Furthermore, HCC was more prevalent in cases with higher grades of steatosis. In addition, the recently described intratumoral steatohepatitic morphology of HCC (SH‐HCC) was also associated with significant steatosis in nontumor liver, with significant steatosis being present in 89% with SH‐HCC compared with 50% without SH‐HCC (P = 0.0162). Finally, SH‐HCC was increasingly more prevalent in patients with higher grades of nontumor steatosis.ConclusionsTaken together, these findings suggest a strong association between fatty liver disease and HCC in non‐cirrhotic livers.
Clinical characteristics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm manifesting as acute pancreatitis or acute recurrent pancreatitis
Authors: Jang Ji Woong , Kim Myung‐Hwan , Jeong Seung Uk , Kim Jeongseok , Park Do Hyun , Lee Sang Soo , Seo Dong‐Wan , Lee Sung‐Koo , Kim Jin Hee 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and AimComparatively little is known about acute pancreatitis or acute recurrent pancreatitis (AP/ARP) with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN) as the causative lesion although there have been many reports about the malignant potential of IPMN as a premalignant lesion.MethodsFrom 2000 to 2008, in a single tertiary referral center, out of 784 patients coded by the International Classification of Disease‐10 with IPMN, 489 patients fulfilled our diagnostic criteria of IPMN. After careful exclusion of all known causes of AP/ARP, 34 patients with IPMN as the cause of AP/ARP were enrolled.ResultsAP/ARP caused by IPMN occurred in 34 (7%) out of 488 patients with IPMN, and the prevalence rate of AP/ARP was higher in the main‐duct/combined type than in the branch‐duct type (14% [16/111] vs 5% [18/378], respectively, P = 0.002). The severity of pancreatitis was mild, based on the computed tomography severity index score (median 2, range 0–4). Histologic review of 24 patients with surgical resection revealed four adenomas (17%), 17 borderline malignancies (71%), two carcinomas in situ (8%), and one invasive carcinoma (4%). AP/ARP did not recur in any of the 24 surgically resected patients during the follow‐up period (median 52 months, range 38–115 months).ConclusionsAP/ARP caused by IPMN was of infrequent occurrence. AP/ARP caused by IPMN occurred more frequently in the main‐duct/combined type than in the branch‐duct type. Most cases were mild in severity and benign in histopathology. AP/ARP can be an initial manifestation of IPMN, though uncommon, which leads to diagnosis.
Older Men with Dementia Are at Greater Risk than Women of Serious Events After Initiating Antipsychotic Therapy
Authors: Rochon Paula A. , Gruneir Andrea , Gill Sudeep S. , Wu Wei , Fischer Hadas D. , Bronskill Susan E. , Normand Sharon‐Lise T. , Austin Peter C. , Seitz Dallas P. , Bell Chaim M. , Fu Longdi , Lipscombe Lorraine , Anderson Geoffrey M. , Gurwitz Jerry H. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo understand how drug therapy differently affects older women and men.DesignPopulation‐based, retrospective cohort study.SettingOntario, Canada.ParticipantsTwenty‐one thousand five hundred twenty‐six older adults (13,760 women, 7,766 men) with dementia newly started on oral atypical antipsychotic therapy between April 1, 2007, and March 1, 2010.MeasurementsNumbers and rates of serious events. Serious events were defined as a hospital admission or death within 30 days of treatment initiation. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios of women and men were compared in the full cohort and in strata based on setting of care, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and antipsychotic dose.ResultsOf 21,526 older adults with a median age of 84, 1,889 (8.8%) had a serious event (1,044 women, 7.6%; 845 men, 10.9%). Of these, 363 women (2.6%) and 355 men (4.6%) died. Men were more likely than women to be hospitalized or die during the 30‐day follow‐up period (adjusted odds ratio = 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.33–1.62) and consistently more likely to experience a serious event in each stratum. A gradient of risk according to drug dose was found for the development of a serious event in women and men.ConclusionThe risk of developing a serious event shortly after the initiation of antipsychotic therapy was high in women and men with dementia but was consistently higher in older men. This pattern remained the same in strata based on setting of care, age, CCI, and antipsychotic dose.
High Blood Pressure and Cognitive Decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Goldstein Felicia C. , Levey Allan I. , Steenland N. Kyle 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo determine whether high blood pressure (BP) levels are associated with faster decline in specific cognitive domains.DesignProspective longitudinal cohort.SettingUniform Data Set of the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Centers.ParticipantsOne thousand three hundred eighty‐five participants with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and measured BP values at baseline and two annual follow‐up visits.MeasurementsNeuropsychological test scores and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR Sum) score.ResultsParticipants with MCI with two or three annual occasions of high BP values (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg) had significantly faster decline on neuropsychological measures of visuomotor sequencing, set shifting, and naming than those who were normotensive on all three occasions. High systolic BP values were associated as well with faster decline on the CDR Sum score.ConclusionHypertension is associated with faster cognitive decline in persons at risk for dementia.
Subunit‐dependent inhibition and potentiation of 5‐HT3 receptor by the anticancer drug, topotecan
Authors: Nakamura Yukiko , Ishida Yusuke , Yamada Takahiro , Kondo Makoto , Shimada Shoichi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5‐HT) type 3 (5‐HT3) receptor belongs to the superfamily of Cys‐loop ligand‐gated ion channels, and can be either homopentameric (5‐HT3A) or heteropentameric (5‐HT3AB) receptor. Several modulators are known, which either inhibit or potentiate this channel, but few have any appreciable selectivity between the two subtypes or can modulate one receptor differently to the other. In this study, we show that the anticancer drug, topotecan, bidirectionally modulates the 5‐HT3 receptor using a two‐electrode voltage clamp technique. Topotecan inhibited 5‐HT‐gated current through homomeric 5‐HT3A receptors. Interestingly, however, additional expression of the 5‐HT3B subunit changed the response to topotecan dramatically from an inhibitory to a potentiatory one. This effect was dependent on the level of 5‐HT3B subunit expression. Moreover, the effect was reduced in the receptors containing the 5‐HT3B(Y129S) polymorphic variant. These finding could explain individual differences in the sensitivity to topotecan‐induced nausea and vomiting.
Convincing Yourself to Care About Others: An Intervention for Enhancing Benevolence Values
Authors: Arieli Sharon , Grant Adam M. , Sagiv Lilach 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTo study value change, this research presents an intervention with multiple exercises designed to instigate change through both effortful and automatic routes. Aiming to increase the importance attributed to benevolence values, which reflect the motivation to help and care for others, the intervention combines three mechanisms for value change (self‐persuasion, consistency‐maintenance, and priming). In three experiments, 142 undergraduates (67% male, ages 19–26) participated in an intervention emphasizing the importance of either helping others (benevolence condition) or recognizing flexibility in personality (control condition). We measured the importance of benevolence values before and after the task. In Experiment 1, the intervention increased U.S. participants' benevolence values. In Experiment 2, we replicated these effects in a different culture (Israel) and also showed that by enhancing benevolence values, the intervention increased participants' willingness to volunteer to help others. Experiment 3 showed that the increases in the importance of benevolence values lasted at least 4 weeks. Our results provide evidence that value change does not require fictitious feedback or information about social norms, but can occur through a 30‐min intervention that evokes both effortful and automatic processes.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of a tumour-targeting therapy candidate rh-IFNα2a–NGR with rh-IFNα2a administered intravenously in mice and rats
Authors: Wang Xue-Xi , Lu Li , Song Chun-Li , Qian Wei-Na , Zhang Sheng-Yan , Zhang Ying-Qi , Wu Yong-Jie 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objectives
rh-IFNα2a-NGR is a promising anti-tumor candidate. The aim of present study was to compare pharmacokinetics of rh-IFNα2a-NGR with rh-IFNα2a.

Methods
Pharmacokinetics and elimination were investigated after intravenous administration to mice and rats. Compared tumor and tissue distribution profiles between rh-IFNα2a-NGR and rh-IFNα2a were illustrated in the tumor transplanted mice of SP2/0 myeloma. Double antibody sandwich ELISA method was used to assess the level of both rh-IFNα2a-NGR and rh-IFNα2a in serum, tissue, bile and urine.

Key findings
After a single intravenous administration, the pharmacokinetic characters of rh-IFNα2a-NGR and rh-IFNα2a were described using a two-compartment model. No significant differences were observed between the two drugs in pharmacokinetic and elimination data. However, the concentration of rh-IFNα2a-NGR in tumor was 5.34 times and 1.52 times as high as that of rh-IFNα2a at 0.5 h (P &lt; 0.01) and 1 h. In addition, immunohistochemical stain displayed rh-IFNα2a-NGR was predominantly located in tumor vascular tissues.

Conclusions
rh-IFNα2a-NGR could be an agent for tumor vascular-targeting therapy and these findings provided references for further clinical study.
Reproductive response of fat‐tailed Barbarine ewes subjected to short‐term nutritional treatments including spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus‐indica f. inermis) cladodes
Authors: Sakly C. , Rekik M. , Ben Salem I. , Lassoued N. , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A. , Ben Salem H. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryReproductive outputs in fat‐tailed Barbarine sheep in central Tunisia are often low because of feed shortage and the low nutritive value of diets. Supplementation with conventional concentrates is economically unsuitable in central Tunisia, so more cost‐effective and sustainable alternative feeding strategies need to be developed. We tested effects of short‐term nutritional treatments including cactus cladodes during the induction of ‘male effect’ on fertility and prolificacy parameters (follicular growth, ovulatory response and early embryo losses). One hundred and twenty ewes were distributed in 4 equal groups balanced for live weight grazed natural pastures and were supplemented for 21 days, starting day 10 after introduction of rams, with cactus cladodes (CA), cactus cladodes and soybean meal (CAS), concentrate (CC) or only soybean meal (S). Nutritional treatment did not affect live weight in this experiment. Ewes receiving cactus had higher number of large pre‐ovulatory follicles (≥6 mm; 1.08 ± 0.05), between days 14 and 19 after introduction of rams, than females in the CC and S ewes (0.64 ± 0.06; p < 0.05). However, there were no differences in the onset of oestrous behaviour in response to ‘male effect’ or in the number of corpora lutea. Average ovulation rates were 1.42 ± 0.16 for CC, 1.47 ± 0.13 for CAS, 1.31 ± 0.15 for CA and 1.31 ± 0.13 for S groups respectively. Finally, reproductive wastages at day 35 after mating were not different between groups being 0.33 ± 0.19 for CC, 0.60 ± 0.17 for CAS, 0.43 ± 0.16 for CA and 0.31 ± 0.15 for S groups respectively. It is concluded that Barbarine ewes fed nutritional treatments including cactus performed similarly to those receiving diets including conventional concentrate feeds.
Pharmacokinetics of ganciclovir and valganciclovir in the adult horse
Authors: Carmichael R. J. , Whitfield C. , Maxwell L. K. 
Published: January 2013

Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy, resulting from equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV‐1) infection, is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in the horse. As compared to other antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir, ganciclovir has enhanced potency againstEHV‐1. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of ganciclovir and its oral prodrug, valganciclovir, in six adult horses in a randomized cross‐over design. Ganciclovir sodium was administered intravenously as a slow bolus at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, and valganciclovir was administered orally at a dose of 1800 mg per horse. Intravenously administered ganciclovir disposition was best described by a three‐compartment model with a prolonged terminal half‐life of 72 ± 9 h. Following the oral administration of valganciclovir, the mean observed maximum serum ganciclovir concentration was 0.58 ± 0.37 μg/mL, and bioavailability of ganciclovir from oral valganciclovir was 41 ± 20%. Superposition predicted that oral dosing of 1800‐mg valganciclovir two times daily would fail to produce and maintain effective plasma concentrations of ganciclovir. However, superposition suggested that i.v. administration of ganciclovir at 2.5 mg/kg every 8 h for 24 h followed by maintenance dosing of 2.5 mg/kg every 12 h would maintain effective ganciclovir serum concentrations in most horses throughout the dosing interval.
Examining the Role of Mitochondria in Ca2+ Signaling in Native Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: McCarron John G. , Olson Marnie L. , Wilson Calum , Sandison Mairi E. , Chalmers Susan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMitochondrial Ca2+ uptake contributes important feedback controls to limit the time course of Ca2+signals. Mitochondria regulate cytosolic [Ca2+] over an exceptional breath of concentrations (~200 nM to >10 μM) to provide a wide dynamic range in the control of Ca2+ signals. Ca2+ uptake is achieved by passing the ion down the electrochemical gradient, across the inner mitochondria membrane, which itself arises from the export of protons. The proton export process is efficient and on average there are less than three protons free within the mitochondrial matrix. To study mitochondrial function, the most common approaches are to alter the proton gradient and to measure the electrochemical gradient. However, drugs which alter the mitochondrial proton gradient may have substantial off target effects that necessitate careful consideration when interpreting their effect on Ca2+ signals. Measurement of the mitochondrial electrochemical gradient is most often performed using membrane potential sensitive fluorophores. However, the signals arising from these fluorophores have a complex relationship with the electrochemical gradient and are altered by changes in plasma membrane potential. Care is again needed in interpreting results. This review provides a brief description of some of the methods commonly used to alter and measure mitochondrial contribution to Ca2+ signaling in native smooth muscle.
Qualitative Iranian study of parents' roles in adolescent girls' physical activity habit development
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Vahide , Anoosheh Monireh , Abbaszadeh Abbas , Ehsani Mohammad 
Published: January 2013

AbstractParents are likely to be key influences on children's physical activity behaviors, although it is not clear how. This study was designed to explore parents' roles in Iranian adolescent girls' physical activity habit development. A qualitative study was conducted by means of semistructured one‐to‐one interviews with 25 participants, including 16 adolescent girls (10–19 years of age), seven mothers, and two fathers. Content analysis was applied. Two main themes emerged as parental role in adolescent girls' physical activity behavior: developing interest in physical activity (making children familiar with physical activity, discovering talents, and role modeling) and providing support to adolescents for physical activity (material and immaterial). This study provided a better understanding of how Iranian parents influence their children's physical activity behavior. This will enable nurses to design more effective family‐based interventions.
Self‐efficacy, self‐care behavior, anxiety, and depression in Taiwanese with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Huang Yi‐Ching , Lee Mei‐Chen , Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Tung Heng‐Hsin , Wu Meng‐Ping 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe relationships between self‐efficacy, self‐care behavior, anxiety, and depression for Taiwanese individuals with type 2 diabetes were determined in this study. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms that can contribute toward adverse medical outcomes. A descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlational design was used. The sample comprised 201 patients with type 2 diabetes from diabetes outpatient clinics at three teaching hospitals in Taiwan. The results of this study revealed that people with diabetes who had received diabetes health education, regularly made clinical visits, underwent treatment, and did not smoke demonstrated a high self‐efficacy score (P < 0.05). Self‐efficacy among people with diabetes positively correlated with illness duration (P < 0.05), treatment (P < 0.01), and self‐care behavior (P < 0.01). Self‐efficacy among people with diabetes negatively correlated with anxiety and depression (P < 0.01). Self‐efficacy can be a predictor of anxiety and depression (P < 0.01). This study revealed that enhancing self‐efficacy levels might reduce anxiety and depression. Self‐efficacy‐enhancing programs should be held regularly in clinical practices. Conducting psychological research on diabetes drives policy and healthcare system change.
Gene‐for‐gene relationship in the host–pathogen system Malus × robusta 5–Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Vogt Isabelle , Wöhner Thomas , Richter Klaus , Flachowsky Henryk , Sundin George W. , Wensing Annette , Savory Elizabeth A. , Geider Klaus , Day Brad , Hanke Magda‐Viola , Peil Andreas 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Fire blight is a destructive bacterial disease caused by Erwinia amylovora affecting plants in the family Rosaceae, including apple. Host resistance to fire blight is present mainly in accessions of Malus spp. and is thought to be quantitative in this pathosystem.

In this study we analyzed the importance of the E. amylovora effector avrRpt2EA, a homolog of Pseudomonas syringae avrRpt2, for resistance of Malus × robusta 5 (Mr5).

The deletion mutant E. amylovora Ea1189ΔavrRpt2EA was able to overcome the fire blight resistance of Mr5. One single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), resulting in an exchange of cysteine to serine in the encoded protein, was detected in avrRpt2EA of several Erwinia strains differing in virulence to Mr5. E. amylovora strains encoding serine (S‐allele) were able to overcome resistance of Mr5, whereas strains encoding cysteine (C‐allele) were not. Allele specificity was also observed in a coexpression assay with Arabidopsis thaliana RIN4 in Nicotiana benthamiana. A homolog of RIN4 has been detected and isolated in Mr5.

These results suggest a system similar to the interaction of RPS2 from A. thaliana and AvrRpt2 from P. syringae with RIN4 as guard. Our data are suggestive of a gene‐for‐gene relationship for the host–pathogen system Mr5 and E. amylovora.