bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional redundancy and stability in plant communities
Authors: Pillar Valério D. , Blanco Carolina C. , Müller Sandra C. , Sosinski Enio E. , Joner Fernando , Duarte Leandro D. S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractQuestionsFunctional redundancy in assemblages may insure ecosystem processes after perturbation potentially causing temporary or permanent local species extinctions. Yet, functional redundancy has only been inferred by indirect evidence or measured by methods that may not be the most appropriate. Here, we apply an existing method to measure functional redundancy, which is the fraction of species diversity not expressed by functional diversity, to assess whether functional redundancy affects community resilience after disturbance.LocationSubtropical grassland, south Brazil (30°05′46″S, 51°40′37″W).MethodSpecies traits and community composition were assessed in quadrats before grazing and after community recovery. Grazing intensity (G) was measured in each quadrat. We used traits linked to grazing intensity to define functional redundancy (FR) as the difference of Gini–Simpson index of species diversity (D) and Rao's quadratic entropy (Q). Also, with the same traits, we defined community functional stability (S) as the similarity between trait‐based community composition before grazing and 47 and 180 d after grazing ending. Using path analysis we assessed different postulated causal models linking functional diversity (Q), functional redundancy (FR), grazing intensity (G) and community‐weighted mean traits to community stability (S) under grazing.ResultsPath analysis revealed the most valid causal model FR → S ← G, with a significant positive path coefficient for FR → S and a marginally significant negative one for S ← G. Since FR and G were independent in their covariation and in their effects on S, the model discriminated community resistance to grazing (the effect of G on S) from community resilience after grazing caused by functional redundancy (indicated by the effect of FR on S).ConclusionWe show that expressing functional redundancy mathematically is a useful tool for testing causal models linking diversity to community stability. The results support the conclusion that functional redundancy enhanced community resilience, therefore corroborating the insurance hypothesis.
No difference in portal and hepatic venous bacterial DNA in patients with cirrhosis undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion
Authors: Mortensen Christian , Karlsen Stine , Grønbæk Henning , Nielsen Dennis T. , Frevert Susanne , Clemmesen Jens O. , Møller Søren , Jensen Jørgen S. , Bendtsen Flemming 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundBacterial translocation (BT) with immune activation may lead to hemodynamical alterations and poor outcomes in patients with cirrhosis.AimsWe investigated bacterial DNA (bDNA), a marker of BT, and its relation to portal pressure and markers of inflammation in the portal and hepatic veins in patients with cirrhosis undergoing TIPS insertion.MethodsWe analysed plasma for bDNA and markers of inflammation in 28 patients [median portal pressure gradient 15 (11‐19) mmHg] during TIPS treatment for refractory ascites (n = 19) or acute variceal bleeding (n = 9). Advanced cirrhosis was present in the majority [Child–Pugh class (A/B/C): 1/14/13], and most often caused by alcohol (n = 21).ResultsbDNA was detectable in one or both samples in 16 of 28 patients (57%).bDNA was present in 39% of the samples from the portal vein vs 43% of the samples in the hepatic vein (P = 0.126). Antibiotics had no effect on bDNA or markers of inflammation. Markers of inflammation did not differ between the hepatic and portal veins with the exceptions of soluble urokinase plasminogen activating receptor (suPAR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), both higher in the hepatic vein (P = 0.031 and 0.003 respectively).ConclusionsNo transhepatic gradient of bDNA was evident, suggesting that no major hepatic elimination of bDNA occurs in advanced liver disease. bDNA, in contrast to previous reports was largely unrelated to a panel of markers of inflammation and without relation to portal pressure.
Admixture increases diversity in managed honey bees: Reply to De la Rúa et al. (2013)
Authors: Harpur Brock A. , Minaei Shermineh , Kent Clement F. , Zayed Amro 
Published: May 2013

De la Rúa et al. (2013) express some concerns about the conclusions of our recent study showing that management increases genetic diversity of honey bees (Apis mellifera) by promoting admixture (Harpur et al. 2012). We provide a brief review of the literature on the population genetics of A. mellifera and show that we utilized appropriate sampling methods to estimate genetic diversity in the focal populations. Our finding of higher genetic diversity in two managed A. mellifera populations on two different continents is expected to be the norm given the large number of studies documenting admixture in honey bees. Our study focused on elucidating how management affects genetic diversity in honey bees, not on how to best manage bee colonies. We do not endorse the intentional admixture of honey bee populations, and we agree with De la Rúa et al. (2013) that native honey bee subspecies should be conserved.
The (Normal) Rate of Capacity Utilization at the Firm Level
Authors: Nikiforos Michalis 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the endogeneity (or lack thereof) of the rate of capacity utilization in the long run at the firm level. The cost minimizing firm has an incentive to increase the utilization of its capital if the rate of the returns to scale decreases as its production increases. The theory of production provides justification for this kind of behavior of economies of scale. In that way the desired rate of utilization becomes endogenous to variations in demand.
HgrA is necessary and sufficient to drive hyphal growth in the dimorphic pathogen Penicillium marneffei
Authors: Bugeja Hayley E. , Hynes Michael J. , Andrianopoulos Alex 
Published: May 2013

SummaryFungi produce multiple morphological forms as part of developmental programs or in response to changing, often stressful, environmental conditions. An opportunistic pathogen of humans, Penicillium marneffei displays multicellular hyphal growth and asexual development (conidiation) in the environment at 25°C and unicellular yeast growth in macrophages at 37°C. We characterized the transcription factor, hgrA, which contains a C2H2 DNA binding domain closely related to that of the stress‐response regulators Msn2/4 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Northern hybridization analysis demonstrated that hgrA expression is specific to hyphal growth, and its constitutive overexpression prevents conidiation and yeast growth, even in the presence of inductive cues, and causes apical hyperbranching during hyphal growth. Consistent with its expression pattern, deletion of hgrA causes defects in hyphal morphogenesis and the dimorphic transition from yeast cells to hyphae. Specifically, loss of HgrA causes cell wall defects, reduced expression of cell wall biosynthetic enzymes and increased sensitvity to cell wall, oxidative, but not osmotic stress agents. These data suggest that HgrA does not have a direct role in the response to stress but is an inducer of the hyphal growth program and its activity must be downregulated to allow alternative developmental programs, including the morphogenesis of yeast cells in macrophages.
How the observed create ethical dilemmas for the observers: Experiences from studies conducted in clinical settings in the UK and Australia
Authors: Bloomer Melissa J. , Doman Maggie , Endacott Ruth 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObservational research has a history of controversy, particularly when the research is conducted in a clinical setting. Existing ethical approval processes focus on protecting participants and the researcher's responsibilities, in particular where vulnerable populations are concerned. In this study, the authors explored the less overt and often understated ethical challenges that can arise when conducting observational research in a clinical setting. Reflecting on two recent studies conducted in different clinical settings, the authors described the challenges of blurring role boundaries, the risk of collecting redundant data, and the impact of reverse power relationships between researchers, clinicians, and managers. From their experiences, the authors suggested that the preparatory work undertaken with clinicians and managers onsite, which typically focuses on how the researchers will maintain the ethical robustness of the research and protect the rights of participants and the vulnerable, should also highlight the sometimes overlooked ethical issues associated with participatory research. This can help ensure that participants and managers understand the scope and limitations of the research, and consider the ways in which the observed can influence the researcher and the findings.
A review of 5434 percutaneous pediatric central venous catheters inserted by anesthesiologists
Authors: Malbezin Serge , Gauss Tobias , Smith Ian , Bruneau Beatrice , Mangalsuren Nyamjargal , Diallo Thierno , Skhiri Alia , Nivoche Yves , Dahmani Souhayl , Brasher Christopher 
Published: May 2013

SummaryObjectiveTo review the results of an anesthesiologist led pediatric percutaneous central venous access service.MethodsProspective data on percutaneous pediatric central venous catheter (CVC) insertions were collected over 22 years. Data included age, gender, weight, previous central CVCs, venous thromboses, investigations for great vein patency, type of CVC, external diameter, previous CVC insertions, intended use, operator identity, and the vein into which the CVC was inserted. The default technique was internal jugular vein cannulation using landmark technique (LT). Complication was defined as the following: failure to cannulate any vein, hemothorax, pneumothorax, right atrial perforation, extravenous wire positioning or CVC position and whether the patient was taken back to theater for CVC repositioning.ResultsFive thousand four hundred and thirty‐four percutaneous CVC insertion procedures were performed on 3954 patients. One‐third involved children <1 year of age (n = 1823: 34%). Five thousand one hundred and twenty‐five CVCs (95.3%) were inserted into internal jugular veins. The majority were tunneled CVCs (n = 5190: 96.2%). The perioperative complication rate was 1.3%. Successful cannulation occurred in 99.5% of patients. Failure was more likely in children <3 kg, during large bore hemodialysis CVC insertions and during the first 4 years of the service – the latter suggesting a learning curve. Ninety‐nine percent of CVCs were inserted using LTs.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a high success rate and low complication rate during pediatric percutaneous internal jugular vein CVC insertions by trained anesthesiologists using LTs. Smaller children, hemodialysis CVCs, and the team's learning curve were identified as risk factors for insertion failure.
The Association between a Medical History of Depression and Gestational Diabetes in a Large Multi‐ethnic Cohort in the United States
Authors: Bowers Katherine , Laughon S. Katherine , Kim Sungduk , Mumford Sunni L. , Brite Jennifer , Kiely Michele , Zhang Cuilin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundBoth major depression and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are prevalent among women of reproductive age. Our objective was to determine whether a medical history of depression is related to subsequent development of GDM.MethodsThe Consortium on Safe Labor was a US retrospective cohort study of 228 562 births between 2002 and 2008. Exclusion criteria for the present analysis included multiple gestation pregnancies (n = 5059), pre‐existing diabetes (n = 12 771), deliveries <24 weeks (n = 395), site GDM prevalence (<1%) (n = 20 721) and missing data on pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (n = 61 321). Using generalised estimating equations, we estimated the association between a history of depression and a pregnancy complicated by GDM.ResultsThe final analytic population included 121 260 women contributing 128 295 pregnancies, of which 5606 were affected by GDM. A history of depression was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing GDM (multivariate odds ratio [aOR] = 1.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26, 1.60]). Adjusting for pre‐pregnancy BMI and weight gain during pregnancy attenuated the association, although it remained statistically significant (aOR = 1.17 [95% CI 1.03, 1.33]).ConclusionsA history of depression was significantly associated with an increased GDM risk among a large multi‐ethnic US cohort of women. If the association is confirmed, depression presents a potentially modifiable risk factor of GDM and provides additional clues to the underlying pathophysiology of GDM.
Reducing the financial impact of pathogen inactivation technology for platelet components: our experience
Authors: Girona‐Llobera Enrique , Jimenez‐Marco Teresa , Galmes‐Trueba Ana , Muncunill Josep , Serret Carmen , Serra Neus , Sedeño Matilde 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundPathogen inactivation (PI) technology for blood components enhances blood safety by inactivating viruses, bacteria, parasites, and white blood cells. Additionally, PI for platelet (PLT) components has the potential to extend PLT storage time from 5 to 7 days.Study Design and MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted into the percentage of outdated PLT components during the 3 years before and after the adoption of PLT PI technology in our institution. The PLT transfusion dose for both pre‐PI and post‐PI periods was similar. A retrospective analysis to study clinical safety and component utilization was also performed in the Balearic Islands University Hospital.ResultsAs a result of PI implementation in our institution, the PLT production cost increased by 85.5%. However, due to the extension of PLT storage time, the percentage of outdated PLT units substantially decreased (−83.9%) and, consequently, the cost associated with outdated units (−69.8%). This decrease represented a 13.7% reduction of the initial cost increase which, together with the saving in blood transportation (0.1%), led to a saving of 13.8% over the initial cost. Therefore, the initial 85.5% increase in the cost of PLT production was markedly reduced to 71.7%. The mean number of PLT concentrates per patient was similar during both periods.ConclusionsThe extension of PLT storage time can substantially contribute to reducing the financial impact of PI by decreasing the percentage of outdated PLTs while improving blood safety. Since the adoption of PI, there have been no documented cases of PLT transfusion–related sepsis in our region.
Inactivation of Plasmodium falciparum in whole blood by riboflavin plus irradiation
Authors: El Chaar Mira , Atwal Sharan , Freimanis Graham L. , Dinko Bismarck , Sutherland Colin J. , Allain Jean‐Pierre 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundMalaria parasites are frequently transmitted by unscreened blood transfusions in Africa. Pathogen reduction methods in whole blood would thus greatly improve blood safety. We aimed to determine the efficacy of riboflavin plus irradiation for treatment of whole blood infected with Plasmodium falciparum.Study Design and MethodsBlood was inoculated with 104 or 105 parasites/mL and riboflavin treated with or without ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (40‐160 J/mL red blood cells [mLRBCs]). Parasite genome integrity was assessed by quantitative amplification inhibition assays, and P. falciparum viability was monitored in vitro.ResultsRiboflavin alone did not affect parasite genome integrity or parasite viability. Application of UV after riboflavin treatment disrupted parasite genome integrity, reducing polymerase‐dependent amplification by up to 2 logs (99%). At 80 J/mLRBCs, riboflavin plus irradiation prevented recovery of viable parasites in vitro for 2 weeks, whereas untreated controls typically recovered to approximately 2% parasitemia after 4 days of in vitro culture. Exposure of blood to 160 J/mLRBCs was not associated with significant hemolysis.ConclusionsRiboflavin plus irradiation treatment of whole blood damages parasite genomes and drastically reduces P. falciparum viability in vitro. In the absence of suitable malaria screening assays, parasite inactivation should be investigated for prevention of transfusion‐transmitted malaria in highly endemic areas.
The use of COLD‐PCR, DHPLC and GeneScanning for the highly sensitive detection of c‐KIT somatic mutations in canine mast cell tumours
Authors: Gentilini F. , Mantovani V. , Turba M. E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing methods may be poorly suited for the detection of somatic mutations in canine mast cell tumour (MCT) samples owing to limited sensitivity. This study was aimed at establishing novel and more sensitive methods, assessing their limit of detection and comparing their sensitivity with conventional methods.Two different ‘driver’ somatic mutations of c‐KIT, together with the wild‐type counterparts, were cloned in plasmids to prepare standard samples with known concentrations of mutated alleles in a background of wild‐type alleles; the plasmids standards were assayed using either conventional or novel, highly sensitive technique.
Conventional PCR/sequencing showed a sensitivity of 50–20%. Conversely, all the novel methods obtained higher sensitivities allowed reaching as low as 2.5–1.2% of the mutated DNA.The study demonstrates that early conventional methods could likely have underestimated the prevalence of KIT mutations of MCTs, therefore affecting the assessment of their relevance in prognosis and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment effectiveness.
Mitochondrial phylogeography, contact zones and taxonomy of grass snakes (Natrix natrix,N. megalocephala)
Authors: Kindler Carolin , Böhme Wolfgang , Corti Claudia , Gvoždík Václav , Jablonski Daniel , Jandzik David , Metallinou Margarita , Široký Pavel , Fritz Uwe 
Published: May 2013

Grass snakes (Natrix natrix) represent one of the most widely distributed snake species of the Palaearctic region, ranging from the North African Maghreb region and the Iberian Peninsula through most of Europe and western Asia eastward to the region of Lake Baikal in Central Asia. Within N. natrix, up to 14 distinct subspecies are regarded as valid. In addition, some authors recognize big‐headed grass snakes from western Transcaucasia as a distinct species, N. megalocephala. Based on phylogenetic analyses of a 1984‐bp‐long alignment of mtDNA sequences (ND4+tRNAs, cyt b) of 410 grass snakes, a nearly range‐wide phylogeography is presented for both species. Within N. natrix, 16 terminal mitochondrial clades were identified, most of which conflict with morphologically defined subspecies. These 16 clades correspond to three more inclusive clades from (i) the Iberian Peninsula plus North Africa, (ii) East Europe and Asia and (iii) West Europe including Corso‐Sardinia, the Apennine Peninsula and Sicily. Hypotheses regarding glacial refugia and postglacial range expansions are presented. Refugia were most likely located in each of the southern European peninsulas, Corso‐Sardinia, North Africa, Anatolia and the neighbouring Near and Middle East, where the greatest extant genetic diversity occurs. Multiple distinct microrefugia are inferred for continental Italy plus Sicily, the Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia and the Near and Middle East. Holocene range expansions led to the colonization of more northerly regions and the formation of secondary contact zones. Western Europe was invaded from a refuge within southern France, while Central Europe was reached by two distinct range expansions from the Balkan Peninsula. In Central Europe, there are two contact zones of three distinct mitochondrial clades, and one of these contact zones was theretofore completely unknown. Another contact zone is hypothesized for Eastern Europe, which was colonized, like north‐western Asia, from the Caucasus region. Further contact zones were identified for southern Italy, the Balkans and Transcaucasia. In agreement with previous studies using morphological characters and allozymes, there is no evidence for the distinctiveness of N. megalocephala. Therefore, N. megalocephala is synonymized with N. natrix.
Evaluation of Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed for Postexposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Ionin Boris , Hopkins Robert J. , Pleune Brett , Sivko Gloria S. , Reid Frances M. , Clement Kristin H. , Rudge Thomas L. , Stark Gregory V. , Innes Alison , Sari Suha , Guina Tina , Howard Cris , Smith Jeffrey , Swoboda M. Lisa , Vert-Wong Ekaterina , Johnson Virginia , Nabors Gary S. , Skiadopoulos Mario H. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobials administered postexposure can reduce the incidence or progression of anthrax disease, but they do not protect against the disease resulting from the germination of spores that may remain in the body after cessation of the antimicrobial regimen. Such additional protection may be achieved by postexposure vaccination; however, no anthrax vaccine is licensed for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). In a rabbit PEP study, animals were subjected to lethal challenge with aerosolized
Bacillus anthracis
spores and then were treated with levofloxacin with or without concomitant intramuscular (i.m.) vaccination with anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) (BioThrax; Emergent BioDefense Operations Lansing LLC, Lansing, MI), administered twice, 1 week apart. A significant increase in survival rates was observed among vaccinated animals compared to those treated with antibiotic alone. In preexposure prophylaxis studies in rabbits and nonhuman primates (NHPs), animals received two i.m. vaccinations 1 month apart and were challenged with aerosolized anthrax spores at day 70. Prechallenge toxin-neutralizing antibody (TNA) titers correlated with animal survival postchallenge and provided the means for deriving an antibody titer associated with a specific probability of survival in animals. In a clinical immunogenicity study, 82% of the subjects met or exceeded the prechallenge TNA value that was associated with a 70% probability of survival in rabbits and 88% probability of survival in NHPs, which was estimated based on the results of animal preexposure prophylaxis studies. The animal data provide initial information on protective antibody levels for anthrax, as well as support previous findings regarding the ability of AVA to provide added protection to
B. anthracis
-infected animals compared to antimicrobial treatment alone.
Evaluation of Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV for Direct Detection of Influenza Viruses (A and B) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Patient Clinical Samples
Authors: Hindiyeh Musa , Kolet Liat , Meningher Tal , Weil Merav , Mendelson Ella , Mandelboim Michal 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
We evaluated the performance of the Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV kit on 170 prospective respiratory samples using a modified protocol, supplied by the manufacturer, that eliminates the RNA extraction step. Overall, compared against our laboratory-developed assay, the assay's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 95.1%, 99.6%, 98.7%, and 98.6%, respectively.