bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exclusion of deer affects responses of birds to woodland regeneration in winter and summer
Authors: Holt Chas A. , Fuller Robert J. , Dolman Paul M. 
Published: September 2013

Using an exclosure experiment in managed woodland in eastern England, we examined species and guild responses to vegetation growth and its modification by deer herbivory, contrasting winter and the breeding season over 4 years. Species and guild responses, in terms of seasonal presence recorded by multiple point counts, were examined using generalized linear mixed models. Several guilds or migrant species responded positively to deer exclusion and none responded negatively. The shrub‐layer foraging guild was recorded less frequently in older and browsed vegetation, in both winter and spring. Exclusion of deer also increased the occurrence of ground‐foraging species in both seasons, although these species showed no strong response to vegetation age. The canopy‐foraging guild was unaffected by deer exclusion or vegetation age in either season. There was seasonal variation in the responses of some individual resident species, including a significantly lower occurrence of Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes and European Robin Erithacus rubecula in browsed vegetation in winter, but no effect of browsing on those species in spring. Ordinations of bird assemblage compositions also revealed seasonal differences in response to gradients of vegetation structure generated by canopy‐closure and exclusion of deer. Positive impacts of deer exclusion in winter are probably linked to reduced thermal cover and predator protection afforded by browsed vegetation, whereas species that responded positively in spring were also dependent on a dense understorey for nesting. The effects on birds of vegetation development and its modification by herbivores extend beyond breeding assemblages, with different mechanisms implicated and different species affected in winter.
The effect of TRPM7 suppression on the proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Cui L. , Xu S. M. , Ma D. D. , Wu B. L. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the role of the Ca2+–Mg2+ ion channel TRPM7 in the proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).MethodologyImmunohistochemistry was used to localize expression of TRPM7 in human dental pulp tissues and in cultured hDPSCs. Isolated hDPSCs were infected with recombinant lentiviruses expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) specific for TRPM7, or control shRNA, in order to suppress TRPM7 mRNA expression and investigate its functional role. The proliferation of the shRNA‐infected hDPSCs was evaluated using both an MTT assay to measure viable cell numbers and cell cycle analysis. Cell migration was assessed using a transwell assay. The dynamic mRNA expression of TRPM7 during osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs and the effect of shRNA specific for TRPM7 on hDPSC osteogenic differentiation were evaluated by real‐time PCR.ResultsTRPM7 expression was widespread in human dental pulp tissue and was detected mainly in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of hDPSCs. Suppression of TRPM7 inhibited both the proliferation and the migratory capacity of hDPSCs. TRPM7 mRNA expression was elevated during osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. TRPM7‐specific shRNA inhibited osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs, with downregulated mRNA expression of the osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), runt‐related transcription factor (RUNX2) and osterix (OSX).ConclusionsTRPM7 was involved in the regulation of hDPSC proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation and may play a role in the dental pulp repair process.
Rationale, Design, and Baseline Features of a Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effects of Statin for the Secondary Prevention of Stroke: The Japan Statin Treatment against Recurrent Stroke (J-STARS)
Authors: Nagai Yoji , Kohriyama Tatsuo , Origasa Hideki , Minematsu Kazuo , Yokota Chiaki , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Ibayashi Setsuro , Terayama Yasuo , Takagi Makoto , Kitagawa Kazuo , Nomura Eiichi , Hosomi Naohisa , Ohtsuki Toshiho , Yamawaki Takemori , Matsubara Yoshihiro , Nakamura Masakazu , Yamasaki Yoshimitsu , Mori Etsuro , Fukushima Masanori , Kobayashi Shotai , Shinohara Yukito , Yamaguchi Takenori , Matsumoto Masayasu ,   J-STARS Investigators
Published: September 2013

Background Although statin therapy is beneficial for preventing first strokes, the benefit for recurrent stroke and its subtypes remains unknown in Asian populations. The aim of this study is to examine the role of pravastatin in the secondary prevention of stroke in Japanese patients. Methods This is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel group study of patients with noncardioembolic ischemic stroke (atherothrombotic infarction, lacunar infarction, and infarction of undetermined etiology). All patients were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and with a total cholesterol level between 180 and 240 mg/dl at enrollment. Patients in the treatment group receive 10 mg/day of pravastatin, and those in the control group receive no statin treatment. The primary end-point is the recurrence of stroke, including transient ischemic attack. The secondary end-points include the onset of respective stroke sub-types and functional outcomes related to stroke. The patients were enrolled for five-years and will be followed up for five-years. Results A total of 1578 eligible patients (age: 66·2 years, men: 68·8%), including 64·2% with lacunar infarction, 25·4% with atherothrombotic infarction, and 10·4% with infarction of undetermined etiology were included in this study. Lipid levels were generally well controlled (total cholesterol: 210·0 mg/dl, low density lipoprotein cholesterol: 129·5 mg/dl) at baseline. In addition, the disability of patients was relatively mild, and cognitive function was preserved in the majority of patients. Conclusion This article reports the rationale, design, and baseline features of a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of statin for the secondary prevention of stroke. Follow-ups of patients are in progress and will end in 2014.
Vessel transformation in chronic wounds under topical negative pressure therapy: an immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Malsiner Carmen CM , Schmitz Marweh , Horch Raymund E , Keller Andrea K , Leffler Mareike 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe underlying physiological mechanism of topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy is not yet completely understood. This prospective clinical study aims to clarify a potential influence of TNP therapy on vessel proliferation and hypoxia in chronic wounds. TNP was applied on chronic wounds of 16 patients (−125 mmHg) to prepare them for a plastic‐surgical reconstruction using free or pedicled flaps. Tissue biopsies were taken from the wound edge and wound bed at different time points. All samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, hypoxia‐induced factor‐1α and endothelial cell markers (CD31 and CD34) for the immunohistological analysis of inflammation, hypoxia and vessel proliferation. Between day 5 and day 8 of treatment, a considerable increase in blood vessel density could be observed, reaching a maximum of approximately 200% in contrast to the vessel density prior to treatment. In addition, the number of hypoxic and inflammatory cells was found to be increased at particular time points. This study demonstrates a stimulating effect on vessel proliferation under TNP treatment. TNP appears to support (neo‐) angiogenesis and transformation of chronic non‐healing wounds in a physiological wound healing process when combined with surgical debridement. This effect underlines the positive influence of TNP in the treatment of chronic wounds as shown by various clinical reports.
Biomechanical comparison of four technique for pelvic flexure enterotomy closure in horses
Authors: Gandini Marco , Iotti Bryan N. , Giusto Gessica 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare 4 techniques for pelvic flexure enterotomy closure in horses.Study DesignEx‐vivo study.Sample PopulationCadaveric ascending colon specimens (n = 48 horses).MethodsPelvic flexure enterotomies of different lengths (5 cm, 10 cm) were performed and closed with 1 of 4 techniques: handsewn 2 layer (HS2); handsewn 1 layer (HS1); skin staples (SKS); or TA90 stapling device (TA90). Time to close each enterotomy, bursting pressure, luminal reduction, and cost were calculated and compared.ResultsHS2 was significantly more time consuming to perform in the 5 cm group whereas in the 10 cm group, only the HS1 and SKS were faster than the other techniques. Luminal reduction was not different between techniques in either group. HS2 resulted in consistently higher bursting pressure compared with SKS and TA90 in the 5 cm group and compared to all other techniques in the 10 cm group.ConclusionThe TA90 technique had the lowest bursting pressure and highest cost. The HS2 technique was strongest.
Inheritance of ectopic ureters in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
Authors: Fritsche R. , Dolf G. , Schelling C. , Hungerbuehler S. O. , Hagen R. , Reichler I. M. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryTo test the hypothesis of a heritable base of ectopic ureters (EU) in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs (EMD) and to elucidate associated risk factors and mode of inheritance of the disease, 565 EMD were clinically investigated and population genetic analyses performed. Based on the location of the most caudal termination of the ureteral openings, 552 EMD were classified into three phenotype groups trigone, intravesically and extravesically ectopic based on results of abdominal sonography, urethra‐cystoscopy and/or contrast‐enhanced computed tomography. One‐third (32.9%) of the phenotyped animals had normal terminations of both ureters in the bladder trigone, 47.3% had at least one intravesicular ectopic termination and 19.8% had at least one extravesicular ectopic termination. Multivariate mixed logistic regression revealed gender as a risk factor associated with EU as males were more often affected than females. Complex segregation analysis indicated a hereditary basis for EU in EMD and the involvement of a major gene in the occurrence of the extravesicular EU phenotype.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 promoter ‐1607 1G/2G polymorphism and chronic periodontitis susceptibility: a meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Li Wenyang , Xiao Lin , Hu Jing 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAimMatrix metalloproteinase‐1 promoter ‐1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) polymorphism have been shown to confer genetic susceptibility to chronic periodontitis (CP), but the results are inconsistent.Materials and MethodsA meta‐analysis and systematic review was performed to accomplish a more precise estimation of the relationship.ResultsPooled estimates revealed that there was no significant association between this polymorphism and CP risk in Caucasian and Asian populations. In addition, it was reported by three Brazilian studies that no significant association was found for this polymorphism with CP risk in a Brazilian mixed population. Besides, there was no significant association of this polymorphism with mild to moderate and severe CP risk in both Caucasian and Asian populations. Moreover, both non‐smokers and smokers did not have a significant association between this polymorphism and susceptibility to CP in Caucasian population.ConclusionsMatrix metalloproteinase‐1 promoter −1607 1G/2G (rs1799750) polymorphism may have no effect on the disease susceptibility of CP in Caucasian, Asian and Brazilian mixed populations. Besides, this polymorphism may not play a direct role in severity of CP among both Caucasian and Asian populations, and between this polymorphism and smoking there may be no interactions to be associated with CP risk in Caucasian population.
No association between sperm competition and sperm length variation across dung flies (Scathophagidae)
Authors: Sharma M. D. , Minder A. M. , Hosken D. J. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSperm length is extremely variable across species, but a general explanation for this variation is lacking. However, when the risk of sperm competition is high, sperm length is predicted to be less variable within species, and there is some evidence for this in birds and social insects. Here, we examined intraspecific variation in sperm length, both within and between males, and its potential associations with sperm competition risk and variation in female reproductive tract morphology across dung flies. We used two measures of variation in sperm size, and testis size was employed as our index of sperm competition risk. We found no evidence of associations between sperm length variation and sperm competition or female reproductive tract variation. These results suggest that variation in sperm competition risk may not always be associated with variation in sperm morphology, and the cause(s) of sperm length variation in dung flies remains unclear.
Effect of juvenile hormone on senescence in males with terminal investment
Authors: González‐Tokman D. , González‐Santoyo I. , Munguía‐Steyer R. , Córdoba‐Aguilar A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSenescence, a decline in survival and reproductive prospects with age, is controlled by hormones. In insects, juvenile hormone (JH) is involved in senescence with captive individuals, but its effect under natural conditions is unknown. We have addressed this gap by increasing JH levels in young and old wild males of the damselfly Hetaerina americana. We assessed survival in males that were treated with a JH analogue (methoprene), which is known to promote sexual activity, and an immune challenge, which is known to promote terminal investment in reproduction in the studied species. We replicated the same procedure in captivity (to control for environmental variation), where males were deprived of any activity or food. We expected old males to show the lowest survival after being treated with JH and immune‐challenged, because the effect of terminal investment on senescence would be exacerbated by JH. However, this should be the case for wild animals, but not for captive animals, as the effects of JH and immune challenge should lead to an increase in high energetic‐demanding activities only occurring in the wild. Old animals died sooner compared with young animals in both the wild and captivity, confirming that males are subject to senescence. In wild but not captive animals, JH decreased survival in young males and increased it in old males, confirming that JH is sensitive to the environment when shaping animal senescence. Immune challenge had no effect on survival, suggesting no effect of terminal investment on senescence. Additionally, contrary to the expected effects of terminal investment, with an immune challenge, recapture rates increased in young males and decreased in old males. Our results show that male senescence in the wild is mediated by JH and that terminal investment does not cause senescence. One explanation is that animals undergoing senescence and terminal investment modify their feeding behaviour to compensate for their physiological state.
Species distribution models contribute to determine the effect of climate and interspecific interactions in moving hybrid zones
Authors: Engler J. O. , Rödder D. , Elle O. , Hochkirch A. , Secondi J. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractClimate is a major factor delimiting species’ distributions. However, biotic interactions may also be prominent in shaping geographical ranges, especially for parapatric species forming hybrid zones. Determining the relative effect of each factor and their interaction of the contact zone location has been difficult due to the lack of broad scale environmental data. Recent developments in species distribution modelling (SDM) now allow disentangling the relative contributions of climate and species’ interactions in hybrid zones and their responses to future climate change. We investigated the moving hybrid zone between the breeding ranges of two parapatric passerines in Europe. We conductedSDMs representing the climatic conditions during the breeding season. Our results show a large mismatch between the realized and potential distributions of the two species, suggesting that interspecific interactions, not climate, account for the present location of the contact zone. TheSDMscenarios show that the southerly distributed species,Hippolais polyglotta, might lose large parts of its southern distribution under climate change, but a similar gain of novel habitat along the hybrid zone seems unlikely, because interactions with the other species (H. icterina) constrain its range expansion. Thus, whenever biotic interactions limit range expansion, species may become ‘trapped’ if range loss due to climate change is faster than the movement of the contact zone. An increasing number of moving hybrid zones are being reported, but the proximate causes of movement often remain unclear. In a global context of climate change, we call for more interest in their interactions with climate change.
Electromagnetic Radiation‐Based Dry Blanching of Red Bell Peppers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Jeevitha G.C. , Hebbar H. Umesh , Raghavarao K.S.M.S. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractRetention of water‐soluble nutrients, prevention of solid loss and elimination of waste water generation are some of the advantages of dry blanching. Dry blanching of red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) slices using infrared (IR) and microwave (MW) radiations was attempted and its performance was compared with conventional water and steam blanching methods. Processing conditions (time and temperature) were standardized on the basis of degree of enzyme inactivation (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase). Effect of blanching methods on retention of micronutrients such as ascorbic acid, β‐carotene and protein, besides product shrinkage, structure and texture (shearing force) were analyzed. Water and steam blanching were found to need lower processing time (1.0 and 1.5 min, respectively) compared with IR (6.0 min) and MW blanching (3.0 min). However, MW‐blanched samples retained higher amounts of ascorbic acid (94.7%). Dry blanching with IR (150C) and MW (17.5 W/g) resulted in higher retention of β‐carotene (103.2 and 118.6%, respectively) compared with water (60.3%) and steam blanching (88.3%). Dry blanching resulted in moisture loss (1–6%) and shrinkage, perhaps resulting in higher shearing force observed in dry blanched slices. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that method of blanching has a role on extent of effect on cell structure.Practical ApplicationsRed bell pepper is a rich source of ascorbic acid and β‐carotene. This study explored the possibilities of dry blanching red bell pepper using infrared and microwave radiation as a potential alternative to water and steam blanching. The dry blanching is expected to retain higher amount of nutrients, reduce solid loss and eliminate effluent generation besides being convenient to operate.
Diverse Roles of ERECTA Family Genes in Plant Development
Authors: Shpak Elena D. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractMultiple receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) enable intercellular communication that coordinates growth and development of plant tissues. ERECTA family receptors (ERfs) are an ancient family of leucine‐rich repeat RLKs that in Arabidopsis consists of three genes: ERECTA, ERL1, and ERL2. ERfs sense secreted cysteine‐rich peptides from the EPF/EPFL family and transmit the signal through a MAP kinase cascade. This review discusses the functions of ERfs in stomata development, in regulation of longitudinal growth of aboveground organs, during reproductive development, and in the shoot apical meristem. In addition the role of ERECTA in plant responses to biotic and abiotic factors is examined.Elena D. Shpak(Corresponding author)
A comparison of the Well Child Clinic services in Norway and the Nurse Family Partnership programme in the United States
Authors: Glavin Kari , Schaffer Marjorie A 
Published: September 2013

Aim and objectivesTo present a comparison and a discussion of the Well Child Clinic model in Norway and the Nurse‐Family Partnership® model in the United States.BackgroundThe Nurse Family Partnership programme in the United States is voluntary and not universal. The Well Child Clinic programme in Norway is voluntary but universally available for Norwegian families. As the Well Child Clinics are used by the vast majority of the families in Norway, it is difficult to determine the benefits and outcomes for the families who receive universal services.DesignQualitative design.MethodsAuthors reviewed the literature on the Norwegian Well Child Clinics and the Nurse Family Partnership programme in the United States and interviewed public health nurses experts on evidence‐based home visiting programmes in Minnesota.ResultsThe similarities between goals and content of the Nurse Family Partnership programme in the United States and the Well Child Clinic services in Norway are emphases on (1) intensive services, (2) a focus on behaviour, (3) the inclusion of both parents and children and (4) programme fidelity. The major difference in the programmes is the focus on a targeted population for the Nurse Family Partnership programme vs. the universal offer of Well Child Clinics in Norway.ConclusionNorway should continue with universal approach to support new families. A model similar to Nurse Family Partnership could be developed in Norway as an addition to the existing universal services, as an offer to the high‐risk families.Relevance to clinical practicePublic health nursing leaders in Norway need to advocate for public health nurse ratios that make it possible for public health nurses to follow government guidelines. A model similar to Nurse Family Partnership could be developed in Norway as an addition to the existing universal services, as an offer to the high‐risk families.
Patterns of help‐seeking in women when problems arise in their sexual life: a discussion paper
Authors: Azar Mathilde , Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Kroll Thilo 
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore patterns of help‐seeking in women who have sexual dysfunction and the implications for nursing practice.BackgroundFemale sexual dysfunction is a common problem that is under‐reported and untreated. Barriers to help‐seeking reported in existing literature relate to the perception among many women that sexual dysfunction is: part of the normal ageing process; not bothersome or does not exist; an issue that health professionals are reluctant to address; a taboo subject. However, little is known about patterns of help‐seeking in women with sexual problems. This leaves a potential gap in nursing knowledge regarding appropriate, supportive strategies.DesignDiscursive inquiry framed theoretically by Vogel's model.MethodsA literature review was undertaken by searching relevant databases. A combination of keywords was used to identify peer‐review papers relating to women's help‐seeking behaviour for sexual dysfunction. Vogel's model was used as a framework to extract relevant information from the papers and structure the discussion.ResultsVogel's model comprises four steps: encoding and interpreting, generating options, decision‐making and evaluation of behaviour. Using this stepwise approach helped elucidate the complex mechanisms associated with help‐seeking in a structured manner. The key issues associated with help‐seeking intention are concerned with women's personal awareness of and interaction with the environment.ConclusionsVogel's model offers a new approach to understanding the dynamics that underpin women's decisions to seek professional help when sexual concerns arise and also provides a useful framework for nurses to consider women's specific sexual concerns.Relevance to clinical practiceImplications for nursing practice are focused on public awareness, women's empowerment and the provision of effective sexual health care. Because sexual dysfunction is a global phenomenon, it is likely that the discussion in this paper will be relevant to an international, nursing readership.