bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting frogs as prey in the diets of introduced mammals: a comparison between morphological and DNA‐based diet analyses
Authors: Egeter Bastian , Bishop Phillip J. , Robertson Bruce C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAmphibians are currently the most threatened group of vertebrates worldwide, and introduced fauna play a major role in their decline. The control of introduced predators to protect endangered species is often based on predation rates derived from diet studies of predators, but prey detection probabilities using different techniques are variable. We measured the detectability of frogs as prey, using morphological and DNA‐based diet analyses, in the stomachs and faeces of four mammal species that have been introduced to many areas of the world. Frogs (Litoria raniformis) were fed to rats (Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus), mice (Mus musculus) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). DNA‐based analysis outperformed morphological analysis, increasing the prey detection rate from 2% to 70% in stomachs and from 0% to 53% in faeces. In most cases, utilizing either stomachs or faeces did not affect the success of prey DNA detection; however, using faeces extended the detectability half‐life from 7 to 21 h. This study is the first to measure prey DNA detection periods in mammalian stomachs, and the first to compare prey DNA detection periods in the stomachs and faeces of vertebrates. The results indicate that DNA‐based diet analysis provides a more reliable approach for detecting amphibians as prey and has the potential to be used to estimate the rate of predation by introduced mammals on endangered amphibians.
Clinical study on postoperative recurrence in patients with pN1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Xufeng , Mao Teng , Gu Zhitao , Ji Chunyu , Fang Wentao 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe 7th edition Union for International Cancer Control esophageal cancer staging system has changed the pathological N stage from N0, N1 (the existence state of regional lymph node metastasis) to N0, N1, N2, and N3 (number of regional lymph node metastasis). This study was designed to analyze the influencing factors of early recurrence in patients with pathological N1 stage (pN1 stage) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after radical esophagectomy.MethodA retrospective study of 95 consecutive pN1 stage ESCC patients was conducted. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the independent risk factors for recurrence.ResultsRecurrence was recognized in 52 patients (54.7%) within three years after surgery. The median time to tumor recurrence was 14.2 months. Locoregional recurrence was found in 42 patients (44.2%) and hematogenous metastasis in 10 patients (10.5%). Recurrence closely correlated with pT stage, positive lymph node metastasis (LNM) in 2‐station and/or 2‐field, pathologic stage, intramural metastasis, lymph‐vascular invasion, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (χ2 = 8.853∼65.695, P < 0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that pT3‐4a stage (odds ratio [OR] = 3.604, P = 0.027), positive LNM in 2‐station (OR = 4.834, P = 0.009) or 2‐field (OR = 5.689, P = 0.003) and no adjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 1.594, p = 0.048) were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence.ConclusionAdjuvant chemotherapy might be helpful to reduce the recurrence rate of pN1 patients with thoracic ESCC. Induction therapy could further improve the therapeutic effect of pN1 ESCC with suspected multi‐station and/or multi‐field LNM.
Model‐based approaches to unconstrained ordination
Authors: Hui Francis K.C. , Taskinen Sara , Pledger Shirley , Foster Scott D. , Warton David I. 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Unconstrained ordination is commonly used in ecology to visualize multivariate data, in particular, to visualize the main trends between different sites in terms of their species composition or relative abundance.

Methods of unconstrained ordination currently used, such as non‐metric multidimensional scaling, are algorithm‐based techniques developed and implemented without directly accommodating the statistical properties of the data at hand. Failure to account for these key data properties can lead to misleading results.

A model‐based approach to unconstrained ordination can address this issue, and in this study, two types of models for ordination are proposed based on finite mixture models and latent variable models. Each method is capable of handling different data types and different forms of species response to latent gradients. Further strengths of the models are demonstrated via example and simulation.

Advantages of model‐based approaches to ordination include the following: residual analysis tools for checking assumptions to ensure the fitted model is appropriate for the data; model selection tools to choose the most appropriate model for ordination; methods for formal statistical inference to draw conclusions from the ordination; and improved efficiency, that is model‐based ordination better recovers true relationships between sites, when used appropriately.
Caloric restriction reveals a metabolomic and lipidomic signature in liver of male mice
Authors: Jové Mariona , Naudí Alba , Ramírez‐Núñez Omar , Portero‐Otín Manuel , Selman Colin , Withers Dominic J. , Pamplona Reinald 
Published: July 2014

SummaryLipid composition, particularly membrane unsaturation, has been proposed as being a lifespan determinant, but it is currently unknown whether caloric restriction (CR), an accepted life‐extending intervention, affects cellular lipid profiles. In this study, we employ a liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐based methodology to demonstrate that CR in the liver of male C57BL/6 mice: (i) induces marked changes in the cellular lipidome, (ii) specifically reduces levels of a phospholipid peroxidation product, 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐glutaryl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine, (iii) alters cellular phosphoethanolamine and triglyceride distributional profiles, (iv) affects mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes, increasing complex II and decreasing complex III and (v) is associated with specific changes in liver metabolic pathways. These data demonstrate that CR induces a specific lipidome and metabolome reprogramming event in mouse liver which is associated with lower protein oxidative damage, as assessed by mass spectrometry‐based measurements. Such changes may be critical to the increased lifespan and healthspan observed in C57BL/6 mice following CR.
Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne (Hemiptera: Diaspididae): a devastating pest of coconut in the Philippines
Authors: Watson Gillian W. , Adalla Candida B. , Shepard B. Merle , Carner Gerald R. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The Philippines is the second largest producer of coconut products and, in some areas, coconut farming is the main source of livelihood.
A damaging armoured scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) infesting coconut palms was first found in the Philippines on Luzon Island (Batangas province) in 2009, and is now affecting most of the provinces of southern Luzon.
The scale pest is still spreading in the Visayan Islands and Mindanao.
Infestation stops photosynthesis; the leaves yellow and dry; fruits form less nutmeat and the coconut‐water is sour; weak new leaflets bend over or break off; and the tree dies in 6 months or less.
The scale pest is identified in the present study as Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne; it presents a significant quarantine threat to coconut‐producing countries worldwide.
Characters enabling the identification of A. rigidus, its host range and distribution are given.
Some literature on the natural enemies and control of A. rigidus is reviewed briefly.
Latent TGF‐β1 is Compartmentalized Between Blood and Seminal Plasma of HIV‐Positive Men and Its Activation in Semen is Negatively Correlated with Viral Load and Immune Activation
Authors: Kafka Jessica K. , Osborne Brendan J.W. , Sheth Prameet M. , Nazli Aisha , Dizzell Sara , Huibner Sanja , Kovacs Colin , Verschoor Chris P. , Bowdish Dawn M. , Kaul Rupert , Kaushic Charu 
Published: July 2014

ProblemSemen is the primary medium for sexual transmission of HIV‐1 and contains high concentrations of TGF‐β1, but its role in regulating HIV‐mediated immune activation is unclear.Method of StudyTGF‐β1 and sCD14 were compared in blood plasma (BP) and seminal plasma (SP) from HIV‐uninfected and infected, antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naive and ART‐treated men and in THP‐1 cells following exposure to HIV‐1. The relationship between TGF‐β1 and sCD14 was determined by Spearman correlation.ResultsActive and latent forms of TGF‐β1 were compartmentalized between BP and SP. Highest active TGF‐β1 levels were present in SP of ART‐naïve chronic‐infected men and decreased following ART treatment. Latent TGF‐β1 was upregulated in BP following HIV infection, and highest levels were observed in BP of acute‐infected men. Similar expression trends were observed between latent TGF‐β1 and sCD14 in BP. A significant negative correlation was observed between active TGF‐β1, sCD14, and semen viral load in ART‐naive men.ConclusionTGF‐β1 is compartmentalized between blood and semen, possibly co‐expressed with sCD14 by activated monocytes/macrophages in BP as a result of HIV infection. Conversion of latent TGF‐β1 into its active form could contribute to regulation of viral load and immune activation in the male genital tract, but depends on the stage of infection.
Fetal growth and cardio‐metabolic risk factors in the 20‐year‐old offspring
Authors: Rytter Dorte , Bech Bodil H. , Frydenberg Morten , Henriksen Tine B. , Olsen Sjurdur F. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between prenatal growth patterns as estimated by biparietal diameter and cardio‐metabolic risk at 20 years.DesignFollow‐up study.SettingDenmark 1988–2009.PopulationTwo cohorts of children born between 1988 and 1990 (n = 707) and followed up in 2008–2009 (n = 333–509).MethodsWe have access to biparietal diameter from early ultrasound scan and birthweight. For each gender, biparietal diameter and birthweight, gestational age‐specific growth‐z‐scores were calculated. A change in growth trajectory was depicted as a shift in z‐score for the two growth measures. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to estimate associations between biparietal diameter and birthweight z‐scores and later cardio‐metabolic risk factors as well as estimating whether changing growth trajectory was associated with later cardio‐metabolic risk.Main outcome measuresSelf‐reported anthropometrics and clinically measured blood pressure, heart rate and biochemical measures associated with cardio‐metabolic health.ResultsAfter adjustments, biparietal diameter was not associated with any of the outcomes. Birthweight was positively associated with both adult height and weight and inversely associated with insulin, triglyceride and insulin resistance. Also, the data indicated a U‐shaped association between growth in the second half of pregnancy and adult body mass index among individuals with a low biparietal diameter in mid‐pregnancy.ConclusionDifferent patterns of intrauterine growth may be associated with later risk of cardio‐metabolic disease.
Subchronic Stimulation Performance of Transverse Intrafascicular Multichannel Electrodes in the Median Nerve of the Göttingen Minipig
Authors: Harreby Kristian R. , Kundu Aritra , Yoshida Ken , Boretius Tim , Stieglitz Thomas , Jensen Winnie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis work evaluated the subchronic stimulation performance of an intraneural multichannel electrode (transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode, TIME) in a large human‐sized nerve. One or two TIMEs were implanted in the right median nerve above the elbow joint in four pigs for a period of 32 to 37 days (six TIMEs in total). The ability of the contact sites to recruit five muscles in the forelimb was assessed via their evoked electromyographic responses. Based on these responses, a selectivity index was defined. Four TIMEs were able to selectively recruit a subset of muscles throughout the implantation period. The required recruitment current significantly increased, while there was a tendency for the recruitment selectivity to decrease over time. Histological assessment showed that all TIMEs remained inside the nerve and that they were located between fascicles. The average thickness of the encapsulation of the electrode was estimated to be 115.4 ± 51.5 μm (mean ± SD). This study demonstrates the feasibility of keeping the TIME electrodes fixed and functional inside a large polyfascicular human‐sized nerve in a subchronic setting.
Population pharmacokinetics of deferiprone in healthy subjects
Authors: Bellanti Francesco , Danhof Meindert , Della Pasqua Oscar 
Published: July 2014

AimsTo characterize the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone in healthy subjects using a model‐based approach and to assess the effect of demographic and physiological factors on drug exposure.MethodsData from 55 adult healthy subjects receiving deferiprone (solution 100 mg ml−1) were used for model building purposes. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using nonmem v.7.2. The contribution of gender, age, weight and creatinine clearance (CLcr) on drug disposition was evaluated according to standard forward inclusion, backward deletion procedures. Model selection criteria were based on graphical and statistical summaries.ResultsA one compartment model with first order oral absorption was found to describe best the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone. Simulated exposure values were comparable with previously published data. Mean AUC estimates were 45.8 and 137.4 mg l−1 h, whereas Cmax increased from 17.6 to 26.5 mg l−1 after administration of 25 and 75 mg kg−1 doses, respectively. Gender differences in the apparent volume of distribution (20%) have been identified, which are unlikely to be of clinical relevance. Furthermore, simulation scenarios reveal that dose adjustment is required for patients with reduced CLcr. Doses of 60, 40 and 25 mg kg−1 for patients showing mild, moderate and severe renal impairment are proposed based on CLcr values of 60–89, 30–59 and 15–29 ml min−1, respectively.ConclusionsOur analysis has enabled the assessment of the impact of gender and CLcr on the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone. Moreover, it provides the basis for dosing recommendations in renal impairment. The implication of these covariates on systemic exposure is currently not available in the prescribing information of deferiprone.
Human RAD23 homolog A is required for the nuclear translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor during induction of cell death
Authors: Sudhakar Janaki N. , Chow Kuan‐Chih 
Published: July 2014

Background InformationDuring the initiation of cell death, mitochondrial protein, apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF), is transported to the nucleus. The mechanism of AIF nuclear translocation, however, is not clear. After protein synthesis, the AIF is originally targetted to the mitochondria, and the nuclear targetting is a secondary event. Therefore, we hypothesised that the nuclear translocation of AIF could be achieved by a novel pathway.ResultsBy using yeast two‐hybrid assay, we identified the human UV excision repair protein RAD23 homolog A (hHR23A) interacts with AIF and their interaction was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy. Silencing the RAD23A gene expression inhibits the nuclear transportation of AIF and increases cisplatin resistance. Silencing the karyopherin alpha 2 (KPNA2) gene expression, however, did not affect the nuclear import of AIF. Moreover, 2,4‐dinitrophenol inhibits staurosporine‐induced nuclear translocation of AIF and increases cisplatin resistance.ConclusionsThese results suggest that hHR23A is required for the nuclear translocation of AIF during induction of cell death, and this process is energy dependent, but independent of karyopherins.
Detection of the secondary, low‐affinity β1‐adrenoceptor site in living cells using the fluorescent CGP 12177 derivative BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP
Authors: Gherbi K , Briddon S J , Hill S J 
Published: July 2014

Background and PurposeCGP 12177 not only inhibits agonist effects mediated through the catecholamine site of the β1‐adrenoceptor with high affinity, but also exhibits agonist effects of its own at higher concentrations through a secondary, low‐affinity β1‐adrenoceptor site or conformation. β‐blocker affinities for this ‘CGP 12177’ site of the human β1‐adrenoceptor have thus far only been characterized in functional studies. Here, we used the fluorescent CGP 12177 analogue BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP to directly investigate receptor–ligand interactions at the secondary binding site of the β1‐adrenoceptor.Experimental ApproachThe human β1‐adrenoceptor was stably expressed in CHO cells containing a cAMP response element (CRE)‐secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (SPAP) reporter gene construct. Functional responses of BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP were determined in the CRE‐SPAP reporter gene assay, and manual and automated confocal microscopy platforms used to investigate the binding properties of BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP.Key ResultsBODIPY‐TMR‐CGP displayed a pharmacological profile similar to that of CGP 12177, retaining agonist activity at the secondary β1‐adrenoceptor site. In confocal microscopy studies, specific BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP binding allowed clear visualization of β1‐adrenoceptors in live cells. Using a wider concentration range of labelled ligand in a high‐content fluorescence‐based binding assay than is possible in radioligand binding assays, two‐site inhibition binding curves of β‐adrenoceptor antagonists were revealed in CHO cells expressing the human β1‐adrenoceptor, but not the β2‐adrenoceptor.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe fluorescent CGP 12177 analogue allowed the detection of the β1‐adrenoceptor secondary site in both functional and binding studies. This suggests that BODIPY‐TMR‐CGP presents an important and novel fluorescent tool to investigate the nature of the secondary β1‐adrenoceptor site.
Molecular Modeling, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of N‐Heteroaryl Compounds as Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Against HIV‐1
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Yadav Dipti , Yadav Madhu , Dhamanage Ashwini , Kulkarni Smita , Singh Ramendra K. 
Published: July 2014

Different N‐heteroaryl compounds bearing pyrimidine and benzimidazole moieties have been designed in silico using Discovery studio 2.5 software, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity as reverse transcriptase inhibitors against HIV‐1 replication using laboratory adapted strains HIV‐1IIIB (X4, subtype B) and HIV‐1Ada5 (R5, subtype B), and the primary isolates HIV‐1UG070 (X4, subtype D) and HIV‐1VB59 (R5, subtype C). Cell‐based assay showed that compounds were active at 1.394 μm concentrations (Selectivity Index: 1.29–38.39). The studies on structure–activity relationship clearly suggested anti‐HIV activity of pyrimidine and benzimidazole derivatives and these findings were consistent with the in vitro cell‐based experimental data. The results of molecular modeling and docking confirmed that all compounds assumed a butterfly‐like conformation and showed H‐bond, ‘π–π’ and ‘π–+’ and hydrophobic interactions within flexible non‐nucleoside inhibitor binding pocket of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase, similar to known non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as nevirapine. In view of the results obtained, it can be said that the chemical skeletons of N, N′‐bis‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐succinamide (14 and 15) and 1, 4‐bis‐benzoimidazol‐1‐yl‐butane‐1, 4‐dione (16 and 17) may be used for developing potent inhibitors of HIV‐1 replication, with suitable structure/pharmacophore modifications.
Vitamin D supplementation could limit T helper‐17 response in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Najafipoor Adeleh , Roghanian Rasoul , Rahimi Maryam , Zarkesh‐Esfahani Sayyed Hamid , Shayegannejad Vahid 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesLow vitamin D and high response of T helper‐17 (Th17) are two main risk factors in multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether vitamin D supplementation can reduce Th17 responses and interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) production.MethodsSerum samples of 17 relapsing–remitting MS patients were collected at onset of disease. They were supplemented with 50 000 IU/week vitamin D3 for 6 months. After 6 months, sampling was repeated from the patients. The serum level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and IL‐17A were measured at baseline, and after 6 months using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were carried out by Wilcoxon test and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient.ResultsThe levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were generally deficient (29.4%) and insufficient (47%) in the patients at baseline. The initial IL‐17A levels (mean 3.9, standard error 0.28) were significantly decreased after vitamin D supplementation (mean 2.2, standard error 0.18, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was seen between pre‐supplementation IL‐17A levels and reduction after supplementation (Spearman's rho = 0.61, P = 0.008).ConclusionIn the present study, it was shown that vitamin D supplementation could reduce the level of IL‐17A in MS patients, and there was an association between these two risk factors in MS disease.
Mapping Change in Human Pressure Globally on Land and within Protected Areas
Authors: GELDMANN JONAS , JOPPA LUCAS N. , BURGESS NEIL D. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIt is widely accepted that the main driver of the observed decline in biological diversity is increasing human pressure on Earth's ecosystems. However, the spatial patterns of change in human pressure and their relation to conservation efforts are less well known. We developed a spatially and temporally explicit map of global change in human pressure over 2 decades between 1990 and 2010 at a resolution of 10 km2. We evaluated 22 spatial data sets representing different components of human pressure and used them to compile a temporal human pressure index (THPI) based on 3 data sets: human population density, land transformation, and electrical power infrastructure. We investigated how the THPI within protected areas was correlated to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) management categories and the human development index (HDI) and how the THPI was correlated to cumulative pressure on the basis of the original human footprint index. Since the early 1990s, human pressure increased 64% of the terrestrial areas; the largest increases were in Southeast Asia. Protected areas also exhibited overall increases in human pressure, the degree of which varied with location and IUCN management category. Only wilderness areas and natural monuments (management categories Ib and III) exhibited decreases in pressure. Protected areas not assigned any category exhibited the greatest increases. High HDI values correlated with greater reductions in pressure across protected areas, while increasing age of the protected area correlated with increases in pressure. Our analysis is an initial step toward mapping changes in human pressure on the natural world over time. That only 3 data sets could be included in our spatio‐temporal global pressure map highlights the challenge to measuring pressure changes over time.Mapeo del Cambio en la Presión Humana Global en Tierra y Dentro de Áreas Protegidas