bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic evaluation in subjects with α1‐Antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Vizzardi Enrico , Corda Luciano , Sciatti Edoardo , Roca Elisa , Redolfi Stefania , Arici Marianna , Pini Laura , Bonadei Ivano , Metra Marco , Tantucci Claudio 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundα1‐Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is a genetic condition associated with early‐onset panacinar emphysema and, less often, vascular disease. Recently, abnormal elastic properties of ascending aortic wall were described in ZZ genotype AATD subjects who incidentally showed an increased left ventricular mass.Materials and methodsTo evaluate biventricular dimensions, valvular apparatus, systolic and diastolic function, 33 AATD subjects with ZZ genotype and 33 healthy subjects matched for age and sex underwent a complete echocardiographic assessment.ResultsCompared to controls, AATD subjects showed increased left ventricular mass (160 ± 59 g vs. 121 ± 70 g, P < 0·001), a higher incidence of left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction (30% vs. 16%, P < 0·001 and 45% vs. 20%, P < 0·001, respectively) and mitral valve prolapse (35% vs. 6%, P < 0·001). In contrast, there was no difference between the two groups in diameters and systolic function of both ventricles and in the ejection fraction of left ventricle. The functions of aortic and tricuspidal valves were also similar.ConclusionsIn the presence of greater left ventricular mass, a significantly higher incidence of left and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction and mitral valve prolapse occurs in AATD subjects (ZZ genotype). These findings strongly suggest an abnormal remodelling process in cardiac tissue in AATD.
Impact of non‐pathogenic bacteria on insect disease resistance: importance of ecological context
Authors: SHIKANO IKKEI , OLSON GRANT L. , CORY JENNY S. 
Published: July 2015

1. The aerial surface of plants is a habitat for large and diverse microbial communities; termed the phyllosphere. These microbes are unavoidably consumed by herbivores, and while the entomopathogens are well studied, the impact of non‐pathogenic bacteria on herbivore life history is less clear.2. Previous work has suggested that consumption of non‐entomopathogenic bacteria induces a costly immune response that might decrease the risk of infection. However, we hypothesised that insect herbivores should be selective in how they respond to commonly encountered non‐pathogenic bacteria on their host plants to avoid unnecessary and costly immune responses.3. An ecologically realistic scenario was used in which we fed cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni Hübner, larvae on cabbage or cucumber leaves treated with the common non‐entomopathogenic phyllosphere bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. syringae. Their constitutive immunity and resistance to a pathogenic bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis; Bt) and a baculovirus (T. ni single nucleopolyhedrovirus) were then examined.4. While feeding on bacteria‐treated leaves reduced the growth rate and condition of T. ni, there was no effect on immunity (haemolymph antibacterial and phenoloxidase activities and haemocyte numbers). Phyllosphere bacteria weakly affected the resistance of T. ni to Bt but the direction of this effect was concentration dependent; resistance to the virus was unaffected. Host plant had an impact, with cucumber‐fed larvae being more susceptible to Bt.5. The lack of evidence for a costly immune response to non‐entomopathogenic bacteria suggests that T. ni are probably adapted to consuming common phyllosphere bacteria, and highlights the importance of the evolutionary history of participants in multi‐trophic interactions.
Understanding the ecology and evolution of host–parasite interactions across scales
Authors: Penczykowski Rachel M. , Laine Anna‐Liisa , Koskella Britt 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPredicting the emergence, spread and evolution of parasites within and among host populations requires insight to both the spatial and temporal scales of adaptation, including an understanding of within‐host up through community‐level dynamics. Although there are very few pathosystems for which such extensive data exist, there has been a recent push to integrate studies performed over multiple scales or to simultaneously test for dynamics occurring across scales. Drawing on examples from the literature, with primary emphasis on three diverse host–parasite case studies, we first examine current understanding of the spatial structure of host and parasite populations, including patterns of local adaptation and spatial variation in host resistance and parasite infectivity. We then explore the ways to measure temporal variation and dynamics in host–parasite interactions and discuss the need to examine change over both ecological and evolutionary timescales. Finally, we highlight new approaches and syntheses that allow for simultaneous analysis of dynamics across scales. We argue that there is great value in examining interplay among scales in studies of host–parasite interactions.
Global trade will accelerate plant invasions in emerging economies under climate change
Authors: Seebens Hanno , Essl Franz , Dawson Wayne , Fuentes Nicol , Moser Dietmar , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , van Kleunen Mark , Weber Ewald , Winter Marten , Blasius Bernd 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTrade plays a key role in the spread of alien species and has arguably contributed to the recent enormous acceleration of biological invasions, thus homogenizing biotas worldwide. Combining data on 60‐year trends of bilateral trade, as well as on biodiversity and climate, we modeled the global spread of plant species among 147 countries. The model results were compared with a recently compiled unique global data set on numbers of naturalized alien vascular plant species representing the most comprehensive collection of naturalized plant distributions currently available. The model identifies major source regions, introduction routes, and hot spots of plant invasions that agree well with observed naturalized plant numbers. In contrast to common knowledge, we show that the ‘imperialist dogma,’ stating that Europe has been a net exporter of naturalized plants since colonial times, does not hold for the past 60 years, when more naturalized plants were being imported to than exported from Europe. Our results highlight that the current distribution of naturalized plants is best predicted by socioeconomic activities 20 years ago. We took advantage of the observed time lag and used trade developments until recent times to predict naturalized plant trajectories for the next two decades. This shows that particularly strong increases in naturalized plant numbers are expected in the next 20 years for emerging economies in megadiverse regions. The interaction with predicted future climate change will increase invasions in northern temperate countries and reduce them in tropical and (sub)tropical regions, yet not by enough to cancel out the trade‐related increase.
The shifting influence of drought and heat stress for crops in northeast Australia
Authors: Lobell David B. , Hammer Graeme L. , Chenu Karine , Zheng Bangyou , McLean Greg , Chapman Scott C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCharacterization of drought environment types (ETs) has proven useful for breeding crops for drought‐prone regions. Here, we consider how changes in climate and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations will affect drought ET frequencies in sorghum and wheat systems of northeast Australia. We also modify APSIM (the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator) to incorporate extreme heat effects on grain number and weight, and then evaluate changes in the occurrence of heat‐induced yield losses of more than 10%, as well as the co‐occurrence of drought and heat. More than six million simulations spanning representative locations, soil types, management systems, and 33 climate projections led to three key findings. First, the projected frequency of drought decreased slightly for most climate projections for both sorghum and wheat, but for different reasons. In sorghum, warming exacerbated drought stresses by raising the atmospheric vapor pressure deficit and reducing transpiration efficiency (TE), but an increase in TE due to elevated CO2 more than offset these effects. In wheat, warming reduced drought stress during spring by hastening development through winter and reducing exposure to terminal drought. Elevated CO2 increased TE but also raised radiation‐use efficiency and overall growth rates and water use, thereby offsetting much of the drought reduction from warming. Second, adding explicit effects of heat on grain number and grain size often switched projected yield impacts from positive to negative. Finally, although average yield losses associated with drought will remain generally higher than that for heat stress for the next half century, the relative importance of heat is steadily growing. This trend, as well as the likely high degree of genetic variability in heat tolerance, suggests that more emphasis on heat tolerance is warranted in breeding programs. At the same time, work on drought tolerance should continue with an emphasis on drought that co‐occurs with extreme heat.
The influence of patient beliefs and treatment satisfaction on the discontinuation of current first‐line antiretroviral regimens
Authors: Casado JL , Marín A , Romero V , Bañón S , Moreno A , Perez‐Elías MJ , Moreno S , Rodriguez‐Sagrado MA 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesLarge cohort studies have shown a high rate of first‐line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen discontinuation in HIV‐infected patients, attributed to characteristics of the cART regimen or toxicity.MethodsA cohort study of 274 patients receiving a first‐line regimen was carried out. Patients' perceptions and beliefs prior to initiation were assessed using an attitude towards medication scale (0−15 points), and their satisfaction during therapy was assessed using an HIV treatment satisfaction questionnaire (HIVTSQ). Treatment discontinuation was defined as any switch in the cART regimen.ResultsDuring 474.8 person‐years of follow‐up, 63 (23%) patients changed their cART regimen, mainly because of toxicity/intolerance (42; 67%). The overall rate of change was 13.2 per 100 patient‐years [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1–16.4 per 100 patient‐years]. An efavirenz (EFV)‐based single tablet regimen showed the highest rate of adverse events (27%), but the lowest rate of change (16%; 7.44 per 100 patient‐years). Cox regression revealed a decreased hazard of first regimen termination with better initial attitude towards drugs [hazard ratio (HR) 0.76; 95% CI 0.62–0.93; P < 0.01] and higher satisfaction (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89–0.99; P = 0.01), and an increased hazard of termination with the presence of adverse events (HR 7.7; 95% CI 2.4–11.6; P < 0.01). One‐third of patients (18 of 59; 31%) with mild/moderate adverse events (which were mainly central nervous system symptoms) continued the regimen; these patients, compared with those discontinuing therapy, showed better perception of therapy (mean score 14.4 versus 12.1, respectively; P = 0.05) and greater satisfaction during therapy (mean score 50.6 versus 44.6, respectively; P = 0.04).ConclusionsPatients' beliefs and satisfaction with therapy influence the durability of the first antiretroviral regimen. These patient‐related factors modulate the impact of mild adverse events, and could explain differences in the rate of discontinuation.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for refractory radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis
Authors: Ribeiro de Oliveira Tiago M , Carmelo Romão António J , Gamito Guerreiro Francisco M , Matos Lopes Tomé M 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo analyze the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis and to identify factors associated with successful treatment.MethodsClinical records from 176 patients with refractory radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis treated at the Portuguese Navy Center for Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, during a 15‐year period, were retrospectively analyzed. Evolution of macroscopic hematuria was used to analyze treatment efficacy and correlated with other external variables.ResultsFrom a total of 176 treated patients, 23.9% evidenced other radiation‐induced soft tissue lesions. After an average on 37 sessions, 89.8% of patients showed resolution of hematuria, with only 1.7% of adverse events. In our sample, hematuria resolution after treatment with hyperbaric oxygen was statistically associated to the need for transfusion therapy (P = 0.026) and the number of sessions of hyperbaric oxygen (P = 0.042). No relationship was found with the remaining variables.ConclusionsRefractory radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis can be successfully and safely treated with hyperbaric oxygen. Treatment effectiveness seems to be correlated with the need for transfusion therapy and the number of sessions performed.
Terrestrial fishes: rivers are barriers to gene flow in annual fishes from the African savanna
Authors: Bartáková Veronika , Reichard Martin , Blažek Radim , Polačik Matej , Bryja Josef 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimWe compared the genetic variability and phylogeographical structure of three sympatric clades of annual killifishes (the Nothobranchius furzeri complex, N. orthonotus complex and N. rachovii complex) inhabiting annually desiccating savanna pools. Hypotheses on the mechanisms affecting intraspecific structure and speciation were tested.LocationTemporary pools in Mozambique (Africa).MethodsThe study is based on spatially detailed samples covering the entire range of all three species complexes. A set of 12–13 microsatellites (1638 individuals, 96 populations) and cytochrome b sequences (463 fish, 152 populations) were used as genetic markers. Phylogenetic and population genetic approaches were used to describe the spatial genetic structure and to test the respective roles of river channels and river basins on diversification.ResultsProfound genetic differentiation among populations was evident; some populations located only a few kilometres apart were genetically very distinct, suggesting a significant role of genetic drift and low dispersal ability. Large rivers (Zambezi, Save, Limpopo) formed major barriers to gene flow, with minor differences among the three complexes. Further, the demographic expansion of previously isolated lineages was often limited by the river channel, and rivers were also confirmed as factors affecting speciation events. River basins and elevational gradient had a smaller, but non‐negligible, role in population structuring.Main conclusionsRiver channels are the main barriers to gene flow in Nothobranchius fishes. The study demonstrated low dispersal ability and congruence in the phylogeographical pattern of all three complexes. Cases where Nothobranchius appear to have crossed river channels result from the dynamics of river morphology rather than from rare dispersal events. This conclusion is supported by simultaneous crossing events across lineages. A further division, also consistent among the three complexes, was detected between drier inland and wetter coastal areas. The phylogeographical pattern of Nothobranchius is unique in that it combines features of both aquatic and terrestrial taxa.
Ebola virus disease: societal challenges and new treatments
Authors: Mirazimi A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEbola virus disease (EVD) is a zoonotic disease that causes severe haemorrhagic fever, with high fatality rates of up to 90% in humans. Today, there is no effective treatment available. Person‐to‐person transmission occurs through exposure to blood or body fluids, which can threaten other household members and first‐line healthcare workers. The first cases of EVD in Guinea were identified on 22 March 2014. It was initially believed that this like previous outbreaks would be self‐limiting. However, lack of public health infrastructure, delays in virus detection and late implementation of control interventions contributed to widespread transmission of EVD in a region inexperienced in dealing with the disease. Socio‐cultural and economic factors probably also played a key role in the spread of the disease, resulting in the current large‐scale outbreak. Some promising candidate treatments for this disease are now being developed.
FIRM PRODUCTIVITY AND INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY: EVIDENCE FROM ITALIAN INDUSTRY
Authors: Lasagni Andrea , Nifo Annamaria , Vecchione Gaetano 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to contribute to the debate on the determinants of differentials in firms’ productivity. We test the hypothesis that macro factors, especially the quality of local institutions, play a central role in explaining firm productivity in Italy. To this end, we construct measures of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) for about 4,000 firms by means of different estimation techniques, and a province‐level index of institutional quality. Then, we estimate the relationship between institutional quality and firm‐level TFP. Our results show that the existence of better local institutions might help firms to become more productive.
The Impact of Illicit Use of Amphetamine on Male Sexual Functions
Authors: Chou Nan-Hua , Huang Yung-Jui , Jiann Bang-Ping 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Data concerning the impact of amphetamine on male sexual functions are limited, although amphetamine has been used as an aphrodisiac.

Aims
This cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of illicit use of amphetamine on male sexual functions.

Methods
Male illicit drug users in a Drug Abstention and Treatment Center were recruited to complete a self-administered questionnaire, and data were compared with age-matched controls.

Main Outcome Measures
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and global assessment questions were used to assess sexual functions.

Results
Of 1,159 amphetamine mono-illicit drug users, the mean age was 31.9 ± 7.5 (18–57) years, and mean duration of drug use was 30.7 ± 52.2 (median 9, range 0.1–252) months. Half of them reported that drug use had no impact on their sexual functions. The other half reported drug impacts as reduced erectile rigidity and sexual life satisfaction, enhanced orgasmic intensity, and prolonged ejaculation latency time more often than the opposite effects, while they reported enhanced or reduced effect equally on sexual desire. Dosing frequency of amphetamine was associated with its impact on sexual functions, but duration of its use had little association with that. Compared with 211 age-matched controls, the amphetamine mono-illicit drug users had lower IIEF scores in the domains of erectile function, orgasmic function, and overall satisfaction, but there are no significant differences in intercourse satisfaction and sexual desire scores. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) was significantly higher in the drug users than in the controls (29.3% vs. 11.9%). The odds ratio of ED for amphetamine use was 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.2–3.6) after adjustment for other risk factors.

Conclusions
The impact of illicit use of amphetamine on male sexual functions varied among users, and their ED prevalence was higher than the controls.
The responses of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Wamala (Uganda) to changing climatic conditions
Authors: Vianny Natugonza , Richard Ogutu‐Ohwayo , Jackson Efitre , Fredrick Muyodi , Dismas Mbabazi , Mark Olokotum , Laban Musinguzi , Shamim Naigaga , Sharon Namboowa 
Published: July 2015

AbstractChanges in the catches of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), in Lake Wamala (Uganda) have been observed since its introduction. The factors contributing to these changes, however, are not well understood. This study examined changes in species composition, size structure, size at first maturity, length–weight relationship and condition factor of Nile tilapia in Lake Wamala, in relation to changes in temperature, rainfall and lake depth, to provide a better understanding of the possible role of changing climatic conditions. There was an increase in the minimum, maximum and average temperatures since 1980, but only the minimum (0.021 °C year−1) and average temperatures (0.018 °C year−1) exhibited a significant trend (P < 0.05). Rainfall increased by 8.25 mm year−1 since 1950 and accounted for 79.5% of the water input into the lake during the period 2011–2013, while evaporation accounted for 86.2% of the water loss from the lake. The lake depth was above 4 m during the years when the rainfall exceeded the average of 1180 mm, except after 2000. The contribution of Nile tilapia to total fish catch and catch per unit effort (CPUE) increased with rainfall and lake depth up to the year 2000, after which they decreased, despite an increased rainfall level. The lake depth was positively correlated with the average total length and length at 50% maturity (r = 0.991 and 0.726, respectively), while the slopes of the length–weight relationships differed significantly between high and low lake depths [t(6) = 3.225, P < 0.05]. Nile tilapia shifted from an algal‐dominated diet during the wet season to include more insects during the dry season. The results of this study indicate Nile tilapia in Lake Wamala displays a typical r‐selected reproductive strategy, by growing to a small size, maturing faster and feeding on different food types, in order to survive high mortality rates under unfavourable conditions attributable to higher temperatures, low rainfall and low lake water levels.
Thermal response in pre‐imaginal biology of Ochlerotatus albifasciatus from two different climatic regions
Authors: GARZÓN M. J. , SCHWEIGMANN N. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe biological processes on mosquito could be variable in response to local climatic characteristics. The thermal effects on time and the rate larval development, immature survival and adult size in local populations of Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Macquart) (Diptera: Culicidae) from cold (Sarmiento) and temperate (Buenos Aires) regions from Argentina were evaluated. This species affects livestock production and human health. Larvae of both regions were placed in breeding thermal baths (11–32 °C range). Development and survival were recorded daily until adult emergence. The development temperature threshold and thermal constant for Sarmiento (4.59 ± 3.08 °C, 204.08 ± 7.83 degree days) was lower and higher than Buenos Aires, respectively (8.06 ± 1.81 °C, 149.25 ± 2.6 degree days). At cold temperatures (11–16 °C), Sarmiento larvae demonstrated 5 days faster development and higher survival (56%) than Buenos Aires (15%), whereas at warm temperatures (20–32 °C) were up to 2 days slower and similar survival (16% vs. 18%). The size did not show differences between populations. An Ochlerotatus albifasciatus population seems to present local thermal responses. The favourable temperature for survival and rate of development would vary within a cold or warm range, and these differential responses would explain the wide geographical distribution in different climatic regions of southern South America.
Toxocara canis infection: Unusual trigger of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Levy Michaël , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Baudouin Véronique , Guillem Colette , Peuchmaur Michel , Deschênes Georges , Fila Marc 
Published: July 2015

AbstractInfection by Toxocara canis can cause systemic vasculitis. We report here a unique case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) triggered by T. canis infection. An 8‐year‐old girl was treated with albendazole therapy for common toxocariasis, but she developed two weeks later, asthenia, fever, infiltrated maculopapular eruption of the face, peripheral vascular disease with necrosis of the fingers and inflammatory anemia with proteinuria. Anti‐nuclear, anti‐DNA and anti‐Sm antibodies positivity, together with minimal change nephritis with mesangial exclusive IgM deposit on renal biopsy and clinical relapse after initially successful steroid therapy, led to the diagnosis of SLE. T. canis infection can trigger systemic lupus but must also be ruled out of the differential diagnosis given its association with autoimmunity.