bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does long‐term monitoring of tropical forests using permanent plots provide unbiased results?
Authors: Semboli Olivia , Beina Denis , Closset‐Kopp Déborah , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Decocq Guillaume 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimLong‐term ecological research sites have become essential tools in the study of tropical forest dynamics, but the potential impacts of researcher activity on the permanent plots being studied is often ignored. Here we ask whether seemingly benign repeated surveys themselves significantly affect stand dynamics and plant species diversity when implementing long‐term monitoring of permanent plots.LocationOld‐growth semi‐deciduous tropical forest of M'Baïki, Central African Republic.MethodsWe compared demographic parameters of trees (DBH≥9.55 cm) and plant community diversity and composition across three zones of three permanent plots: along trails crossing a plot, in areas adjacent to trails and in the forest interior. We assessed differences in radial growth, mortality, recruitment and species diversity using ANOVA. We examined the dynamics of tree death over time using Cox proportional hazards regression models. We analysed plant species composition using permutational multivariate ANOVA and indicator species analyses.ResultsTree mortality, recruitment and radial growth did not differ among the three zones. Species richness and evenness did not differ among the three zones investigated, but species composition did, with significantly different indicator species between trails and forest interiors. In trails, communities were characterized by light‐demanding small trees and lianas and shade‐tolerant herbs of trampled soils, whilst forest interiors exhibited more shade‐tolerant tree species.ConclusionsEven in observational studies conducted in the wild, visitors may unintentionally but artificially influence the natural patterns and processes under investigation, an influence whose intensity may depend upon study design, habitat type and natural disturbance regimes. Permanent plots may not be a benign influence on the study system, as is generally assumed, and responses to repeated visitation may place fundamental limits on the questions that can be addressed, especially when species composition is assessed under low levels of natural disturbances or high density of trails.
Relationship of CYP3A5 genotype and ABCB1 diplotype to tacrolimus disposition in Brazilian kidney transplant patients
Authors: Cusinato Diego Alberto C. , Lacchini Riccardo , Romao Elen A. , Moysés‐Neto Miguel , Coelho Eduardo B. 
Published: February 2014

AimsTacrolimus (TAC) is one of the most successful immunosuppressive drugs in transplantation. Its pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacogenetics (PG) have been extensively studied, with many studies showing the influence of CYP3A5 on TAC metabolism and bioavailability. However, data concerning the functional significance of ABCB1 polymorphisms are uncertain due to inconsistent results. We evaluated the association between ABCB1 diplotypes, CYP3A5 polymorphisms and TAC disposition in a cohort of Brazilian transplant recipients.MethodsIndividuals were genotyped for the CYP3A5*3 allele and ABCB1 polymorphisms (2677G>A/T, 1236C>T, 3435C/T) using a TaqMan® PCR technique. Diplotypes were analyzed for correlation with the TAC dose‐normalized ratio (Co : dose).ResultsWe genotyped 108 Brazilian kidney recipients for CYP3A5 (11% CYP3A5*1/*1; 31% CYP3A5*1/*3 and 58% CYP3A5*3/*3) and ABCB1 haplotypes (42% CGC/CGC; 41% GCG/TTT and 17% TTT/TTT). Homozygous subjects for the CYP3A5*3 allele or carriers of the ABCB1 TTT/TTT diplotype showed a higher Co : dose ratio compared with wild type subjects [median (interquartile range) 130.2 (97.5–175.4) vs. 71.3 (45.6–109.0), P < 0.0001 and 151.8 (112.1–205.6) vs. 109.6 (58.1–132.9), P = 0.01, respectively]. When stratified for the CYP3A5*3 group, ABCB1 TTT/TTT individuals showed a higher Co : dose ratio compared with non‐TTT/TTT individuals [167.8 (130.4–218.0) vs. 119.4 (100.2–166.3), P = 0.04]. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the effects of CYP3A5 polymorphisms and ABCB1 diplotypes remained significant after correction for confounding factors.ConclusionsCYP3A5 is the major enzyme responsible for the marked interindividual variability in TAC PK, but it cannot be considered alone when predicting dose adjustment because ABCB1 diplotypes also affect TAC disposition, showing independent and additive effects on the TAC dose‐normalized concentration.
Philips, Rob et al (2012) Evaluating e‐learningRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐88194‐4 207 pp £25.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415881944/
Authors: Hedberg John G 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThis book seeks to formalise approaches to e‐learning by ensuring that e‐resource design is evaluated and appropriately supported by evidence. The book is aimed at academics who design e‐learning systems and need to devise scholarly evaluation research to assess their success. If this book's likely to relate closely to what you do, I suggest you borrow a copy so you can assess it for yourself.John G Hedberg
Age and Work‐Related Health: Insights from the UK Labour Force Survey
Authors: Davies Rhys , Jones Melanie , Lloyd‐Williams Huw 
Published: February 2014

AbstractData from the UK Labour Force Survey (LFS) are used to examine two methodological issues in the analysis of the relationship between age and work‐related health. First, the LFS is unusual in that it asks work‐related health questions to those who are not currently employed. This facilitates a more representative analysis than that which is constrained to focus only on those currently in work. Second, information in the LFS facilitates a comparison of work‐related health problems that stem from current employment to a more encompassing measure that includes those related to a former job. We find that accounting for each of these sources of bias increases the age work‐related health risk gradient, and suggest that ignoring such effects will underestimate the work‐related health implications of current policies to extend working lives.
The compound BTB06584 is an IF1‐dependent selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPase
Authors: Ivanes Fabrice , Faccenda Danilo , Gatliff Jemma , Ahmed Ahmed A , Cocco Stefania , Cheng Carol Ho Ka , Allan Emma , Russell Claire , Duchen Michael R , Campanella Michelangelo 
Published: February 2014

Background and PurposeIschaemia compromises mitochondrial respiration. Consequently, the mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPsynthase reverses and acts as a proton‐pumping ATPase, so maintaining the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), while accelerating ATP depletion and cell death. Here we have looked for a molecule that can selectively inhibit this activity without affecting ATP synthesis, preserve ATP and delay ischaemic cell death.Experimental ApproachWe developed a chemoinformatic screen based on the structure of BMS199264, which is reported to selectively inhibit F1Fo‐ATPase activity and which is cardioprotective. Results suggested the molecule BTB06584 (hereafter referred to as BTB). Fluorescence microscopy was used to study its effects on ΔΨm and on the rate of ATP consumption following inhibition of respiration in several cell types. The effect of BTB on oxygen (O2) consumption was explored and protective potential determined using ischaemia/reperfusion assays. We also investigated a potential mechanism of action through its interaction with inhibitor protein of F1 subunit (IF1), the endogenous inhibitor of the F1Fo‐ATPase.Key ResultsBTB inhibited F1Fo‐ATPase activity with no effect on ΔΨm or O2 consumption. ATP consumption was decreased following inhibition of respiration, and ischaemic cell death was reduced. BTB efficiency was increased by IF1 overexpression and reduced by silencing the protein. In addition, BTB rescued defective haemoglobin synthesis in zebrafish pinotage (pnt) mutants in which expression of the Atpif1a gene is lost.Conclusions and ImplicationsBTB may represent a valuable tool to selectively inhibit mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPase activity without compromising ATP synthesis and to limit ischaemia‐induced injury caused by reversal of the mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPsynthase.
Using animal models to study post‐partum psychiatric disorders
Authors: Perani C V , Slattery D A 
Published: February 2014

The post‐partum period represents a time during which all maternal organisms undergo substantial plasticity in a wide variety of systems in order to ensure the well‐being of the offspring. Although this time is generally associated with increased calmness and decreased stress responses, for a substantial subset of mothers, this period represents a time of particular risk for the onset of psychiatric disorders. Thus, post‐partum anxiety, depression and, to a lesser extent, psychosis may develop, and not only affect the well‐being of the mother but also place at risk the long‐term health of the infant. Although the risk factors for these disorders, as well as normal peripartum‐associated adaptations, are well known, the underlying aetiology of post‐partum psychiatric disorders remains poorly understood. However, there have been a number of attempts to model these disorders in basic research, which aim to reveal their underlying mechanisms. In the following review, we first discuss known peripartum adaptations and then describe post‐partum mood and anxiety disorders, including their risk factors, prevalence and symptoms. Thereafter, we discuss the animal models that have been designed in order to study them and what they have revealed about their aetiology to date. Overall, these studies show that it is feasible to study such complex disorders in animal models, but that more needs to be done in order to increase our knowledge of these severe and debilitating mood and anxiety disorders.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Effect of microRNA‐210 on prognosis and response to chemotherapeutic drugs in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mei Yanyan , Gao Chao , Wang Kailing , Cui Lei , Li Weijing , Zhao Xiaoxi , Liu Feifei , Wu Minyuan , Deng Guoren , Ding Wei , Jia Hongti , Li Zhigang 
Published: February 2014

Many studies have demonstrated that microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) expression is intensively upregulated in hypoxic states and differentially regulated in most types of cancer cells. However, the clinical significance of miR‐210 and its effects on the response of leukemic cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain unknown. In the current study, using real‐time qRT‐PCR to detect miR‐210 expression in bone marrow samples from 114 children at initial diagnosis of ALL, we investigated the prognostic significance of miR‐210 and determined its associations with common clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. We further examined its effect on the response to chemotherapeutic drugs in the Reh and RS4;11 cell lines. Results showed that miR‐210 expression was significantly lower in patients suffering from relapse and induction failure than in other patients (P < 0.001). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, 3.8243 was selected as the cut‐off value of miR‐210 expression in our test cohort (38 cases). A significantly poorer treatment outcome (P < 0.05) was found in the low‐expression group and verified in the validation cohort (76 cases, P < 0.05). Patients with low expression of miR‐210 and positive minimal residual disease at the end of induction had a much higher rate of relapse or induction failure (P = 0.001). Increasing/decreasing miR‐210 expression using agomir/antagomir could enhance or reduce the response of Reh cells and RS4;11 cells to daunorubicin/dexamethasone/L‐asparaginase and daunorubicin/dexamethasone/vincristine, respectively. In conclusion, miR‐210 may be a good prognostic factor and a useful predictor of drug sensitivity, and is a potential therapeutic target for pediatric ALL.
Immune‐mediated diseases and microbial exposure in early life
Authors: Bisgaard H. , Bønnelykke K. , Stokholm J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe non‐communicable disease pandemic includes immune‐mediated diseases such as asthma and allergy, which are likely originating in early life where the immature immune system is prone to alterations caused by the exposome. The timing of exposure seems critical for the developing immune system, and certain exposures may have detrimental effects in the earliest life, but no or even beneficial effects later. The human microbiome and infections are candidates as intermediary in the interaction between the host and the environment. The evidence seems inconsistent as infections as well as particular colonization patterns in neonates drive both short‐term and long‐term asthma symptoms, while, on the other hand, the composition of the microbiome in early life may protect against asthma and allergy in later life. This apparent contradiction may be explained by a deeper disease heterogeneity than we are currently able to discriminate, and in particular, the indiscriminate lumping together of different diseases into one atopic disease category. Also, the microbiome needs a differentiated understanding, considering balance between microbial groups, diversity and microbial genetic capability. Furthermore, the effects of the microbial exposure may only affect individuals with certain susceptibility genes. Few of the observations have been replicated, and publication bias is likely. Therefore, we are still far from understanding, or having proved, causal effects of the human microbiome. Still, the microbiome–gene interaction is a fascinating paradigm that fosters exiting research and promises a breakthrough in the understanding of the mechanisms driving asthma, allergy and eczema, and potentially also other immune‐mediated non‐communicable diseases.
The effect of types I and III interferons on adrenocortical cells and its possible implications for autoimmune Addison's disease
Authors: Hellesen A , Edvardsen K , Breivik L , Husebye E S , Bratland E 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAutoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is caused by selective destruction of the hormone-producing cells of the adrenal cortex. As yet, little is known about the potential role played by environmental factors in this process. Type I and/or type III interferons (IFNs) are signature responses to virus infections, and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine disorders such as type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis. Transient development of AAD and exacerbation of established or subclinical disease, as well as the induction of autoantibodies associated with AAD, have been reported following therapeutic administration of type I IFNs. We therefore hypothesize that exposure to such IFNs could render the adrenal cortex susceptible to autoimmune attack in genetically predisposed individuals. In this study, we investigated possible immunopathological effects of type I and type III IFNs on adrenocortical cells in relation to AAD. Both types I and III IFNs exerted significant cytotoxicity on NCI-H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells and potentiated IFN-γ- and polyinosine-polycytidylic acid [poly (I : C)]-induced chemokine secretion. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and up-regulation of 21-hydroxylase, the primary antigenic target in AAD. We propose that these combined effects could serve to initiate or aggravate an ongoing autoimmune response against the adrenal cortex in AAD.
Intestinal microbiota and faecal transplantation as treatment modality for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Udayappan S D , Hartstra A V , Dallinga-Thie G M , Nieuwdorp M 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 is increasing rapidly around the globe. Recent insights have generated an entirely new perspective that the intestinal microbiota may play a significant role in the development of these metabolic disorders. Alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition promote systemic inflammation that is a hallmark of obesity and subsequent insulin resistance. Thus, it is important to understand the reciprocal relationship between intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic health in order to eventually prevent disease progression. In this respect, faecal transplantation studies have implicated that butyrate-producing intestinal bacteria are crucial in this process and be considered as key players in regulating diverse signalling cascades associated with human glucose and lipid metabolism.
Interleukin-6 blockade in ocular inflammatory diseases
Authors: Mesquida M , Leszczynska A , Llorenç V , Adán A 
Published: February 2014

SummaryInterleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine featuring redundancy and pleiotropic activity. It plays a central role in host defence against environmental stress such as infection and injury. Dysregulated, persistent interleukin (IL)-6 production has been implicated in the development of various autoimmune, chronic inflammatory diseases and even cancers. Significant elevation of IL-6 has been found in ocular fluids derived from refractory/chronic uveitis patients. In experimental autoimmune uveitis models with IL-6 knock-out mice, IL-6 has shown to be essential for inducing inflammation. IL-6 blockade can suppress acute T helper type 17 (Th17) responses via its differentiation and, importantly, can ameliorate chronic inflammation. Tocilizumab, a recombinant humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, has been shown to be effective in several autoimmune diseases, including uveitis. Herein, we discuss the basic biology of IL-6 and its role in development of autoimmune conditions, focusing particularly on non-infectious uveitis. It also provides an overview of efficacy and safety of tocilizumab therapy for ocular inflammatory diseases.
Contribution of Urban Expansion and a Changing Climate to Decline of a Butterfly Fauna
Authors: CASNER KAYCE L. , FORISTER MATTHEW L. , O'BRIEN JOSHUA M. , THORNE JAMES , WAETJEN DAVID , SHAPIRO ARTHUR M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractButterfly populations are naturally patchy and undergo extinctions and recolonizations. Analyses based on more than 2 decades of data on California's Central Valley butterfly fauna show a net loss in species richness through time. We analyzed 22 years of phenological and faunistic data for butterflies to investigate patterns of species richness over time. We then used 18–22 years of data on changes in regional land use and 37 years of seasonal climate data to develop an explanatory model. The model related the effects of changes in land‐use patterns, from working landscapes (farm and ranchland) to urban and suburban landscapes, and of a changing climate on butterfly species richness. Additionally, we investigated local trends in land use and climate. A decline in the area of farmland and ranchland, an increase in minimum temperatures during the summer and maximum temperatures in the fall negatively affected net species richness, whereas increased minimum temperatures in the spring and greater precipitation in the previous summer positively affected species richness. According to the model, there was a threshold between 30% and 40% working‐landscape area below which further loss of working‐landscape area had a proportionally greater effect on butterfly richness. Some of the isolated effects of a warming climate acted in opposition to affect butterfly richness. Three of the 4 climate variables that most affected richness showed systematic trends (spring and summer mean minimum and fall mean maximum temperatures). Higher spring minimum temperatures were associated with greater species richness, whereas higher summer temperatures in the previous year and lower rainfall were linked to lower richness. Patterns of land use contributed to declines in species richness (although the pattern was not linear), but the net effect of a changing climate on butterfly richness was more difficult to discern.Contribución de la Expansión Urbana y un Clima Cambiante a la Declinación de la Fauna de Mariposas
Incorporating Surrogate Species and Seascape Connectivity to Improve Marine Conservation Outcomes
Authors: OLDS ANDREW D. , CONNOLLY ROD M. , PITT KYLIE A. , MAXWELL PAUL S. , ASWANI SHANKAR , ALBERT SIMON 
Published: February 2014

AbstractConservation focuses on maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, but gaps in our knowledge of species biology and ecological processes often impede progress. For this reason, focal species and habitats are used as surrogates for multispecies conservation, but species‐based approaches are not widely adopted in marine ecosystems. Reserves in the Solomon Islands were designed on the basis of local ecological knowledge to conserve bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) and to protect food security and ecosystem functioning. Bumphead parrotfish are an iconic threatened species and may be a useful surrogate for multispecies conservation. They move across tropical seascapes throughout their life history, in a pattern of habitat use that is shared with many other species. We examined their value as a conservation surrogate and assessed the importance of seascape connectivity (i.e., the physical connectedness of patches in the seascape) among reefs, mangroves, and seagrass to marine reserve performance. Reserves were designed for bumphead parrotfish, but also enhanced the abundance of other species. Integration of local ecological knowledge and seascape connectivity enhanced the abundance of 17 other harvested fish species in local reserves. This result has important implications for ecosystem functioning and local villagers because many of these species perform important ecological processes and provide the foundation for extensive subsistence fisheries. Our findings suggest greater success in maintaining and restoring marine ecosystems may be achieved when they are managed to conserve surrogate species and preserve functional seascape connections.Incorporación de Especies Sustitutas y de Conectividad Marina para Mejorar los Resultados de Conservación