bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carabids.org – a dynamic online database of ground beetle species traits (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Authors: Homburg Katharina , Homburg Nils , Schäfer Florian , Schuldt Andreas , Assmann Thorsten 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Carabids are a species‐rich group (more than 10 000 species in the Palaearctic region) and are intensively studied, inter alia due to their roles as bioindicators and mediators of nutrient flows in ecosystems. Numerous aspects of species' systematics, distribution, evolutionary biology (and phylogeny) and their ecology are well documented for the western Palaearctic and large data sets have already been compiled for macroecological studies.

The online database carabids.org is an enhancement of these data sets and holds species classification and country level data on species distribution range for over 10 000 Palaearctic carabid species. Size and dispersal traits (body and eye size and hind wing development) are available for almost all (over 3400) western Palaearctic carabid species and ecological and life‐history traits (regarding food and habitat preferences as well as time of reproduction and activity) can be offered for most Central European (about 1000) species.

Carabids.org is meant to be a collaborative and interactive project offering a variety of research opportunities. Our project contributes to the rapid expansion and analysis of freely available traits data on species‐rich invertebrates, which will help to advance our understanding of community assembly and functional diversity effects of such taxa across large spatial scales. We would very much appreciate data contributions from carabidologists, other scientists and interested parties.
Musculoskeletal regeneration and its implications for the treatment of tendinopathy
Authors: Sereysky Jedd B. , Flatow Evan L. , Andarawis‐Puri Nelly 
Published: June 2013

SummaryTendinopathies are common muskoloskeletal injuries that lead to pain and disability. Development and pathogenesis of tendinopathy is attributed to progressive pathological changes to the structure, function, and biology of tendon. The nature of this disease state, whether acquired by acute or chronic injury, is being actively investigated. Scarring, disorganized tissue, and loss of function characterize adult tendon healing. Recent work from animal models has begun to reveal the potential for adult mammalian tendon regeneration, the replacement of diseased with innate tissue. This review discusses what is known about musculoskeletal regeneration from a molecular perspective and how these findings can be applied to tendinopathy. Non‐mammalian and mammalian models are discussed with emphasis on the potential of Murphy Roths Large mice to serve as a model of adult tendon regeneration. Comparison of regeneration in non‐mammals, foetal mammals and adult mammals emphasizes distinctly different contributing factors to effective regeneration.
Relation of IL‐6, IL‐13 and IL‐15 gene polymorphisms to the rheumatoid factors, anti‐CCP and other measures of rheumatoid arthritis activity
Authors: Pavkova Goldbergova M. , Nemec P. , Lipkova J. , Jarkovsky J. , Gatterova J. , Ambrozkova D. , Vasku A. , Soucek M. , Pavek N. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe aim of the study was to examine the relation between polymorphisms and serum levels of selected cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐13 and IL‐15), production of autoantibodies and factors describing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), such as DAS28 and Total Sharp Score. A total of 156 patients with RA according to the ACR criteria, and 200 control subjects were recruited into the study. The measurements of CRP, anti‐CCP, the presence of rheumatoid factors (RFs), radiographs of both hands with calculation of Total Sharp Score (TSS) and DAS28 were obtained from all patients with RA. In total, five polymorphisms in genes coding cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐13 and IL‐15) were detected. The levels of these selected cytokines were measured in serum using ELISA method. A significant difference in allele frequencies between patients with RA and controls was observed for IL‐15 ‐267C/T polymorphism. A higher prevalence of heterozygote variants of IL‐15 polymorphisms (14035A/T and ‐267C/T) in the RF IgG– and RF IgA–negative subgroups was observed. Furthermore, the association of polymorphisms in gene for IL‐15 with circulating level of IL‐15 (14035A/T and 367G/A) and with total RF and Ig‐specific RFs (‐267C/T) was found. The relation of IL‐15 to RFs IgA, IgM, IgG and the measure of DAS28 was proved. The frequency of the T allele of the IL‐13 polymorphism ‐1112C/T was higher in subgroup with faster progression of the disease (TSS/month ≥ 0.1). In conclusion, we present an association of IL‐15 gene polymorphisms with the RFs including subtypes (RF, IgG, IgA) underlined by the relation of increased IL‐15 levels in circulation to RFs.
HIV and co‐infections
Authors: Chang Christina C. , Crane Megan , Zhou JingLing , Mina Michael , Post Jeffrey J. , Cameron Barbara A. , Lloyd Andrew R. , Jaworowski Anthony , French Martyn A. , Lewin Sharon R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryDespite significant reductions in morbidity and mortality secondary to availability of effective combination anti‐retroviral therapy (cART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection still accounts for 1.5 million deaths annually. The majority of deaths occur in sub‐Saharan Africa where rates of opportunistic co‐infections are disproportionately high. In this review, we discuss the immunopathogenesis of five common infections that cause significant morbidity in HIV‐infected patients globally. These include co‐infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and Plasmodium falciparum. Specifically, we review the natural history of each co‐infection in the setting of HIV, the specific immune defects induced by HIV, the effects of cART on the immune response to the co‐infection, the pathogenesis of immune restoration disease (IRD) associated with each infection, and advances in the areas of prevention of each co‐infection via vaccination. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and gaps in knowledge for future research.
Immune restoration after antiretroviral therapy: the pitfalls of hasty or incomplete repairs
Authors: Wilson Eleanor M. P. , Sereti Irini 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAntiretroviral therapy (ART) is a life‐saving intervention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Immune restoration after ART dramatically reduces the incidence and severity of opportunistic diseases and death. On some occasions, immune restoration may be erratic, leading to acute inflammatory responses (known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome) shortly after ART initiation, or incomplete, with residual inflammation despite chronic treatment, leading to non‐infectious morbidity and mortality. We propose that ART may not always restore the perfect balance of innate and adaptive immunity in strategic milieus, predisposing HIV‐infected persons to complications of acute or chronic inflammation. The best current strategy for fully successful immune restoration is early antiretroviral therapy, which can prevent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐associated events, restrict cell subset imbalances and dysfunction, while preserving structural integrity of lymphoid tissues. Future HIV research should capitalize on innovative techniques and move beyond the static study of T‐cell subsets in peripheral blood or isolated tissues. Improved targeted therapeutic strategies could stem from a better understanding of how HIV perturbs the environmental niches and the mobility and trafficking of cells that affect the dynamic cell‐to‐cell interactions and determine the outcome of innate and adaptive immune responses.
Immune activation and HIV persistence: implications for curative approaches to HIV infection
Authors: Klatt Nichole R. , Chomont Nicolas , Douek Daniel C. , Deeks Steven G. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryDespite complete or near‐complete suppression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication with combination antiretroviral therapy, both HIV and chronic inflammation/immune dysfunction persist indefinitely. Untangling the association between the virus and the host immune environment during therapy might lead to novel interventions aimed at either curing the infection or preventing the development of inflammation‐associated end‐organ disease. Chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction might lead to HIV persistence by causing virus production, generating new target cells, enabling infecting of activated and resting target cells, altering the migration patterns of susceptible target cells, increasing the proliferation of infected cells, and preventing normal HIV‐specific clearance mechanisms from function. Chronic HIV production or replication might contribute to persistent inflammation and immune dysfunction. The rapidly evolving data on these issues strongly suggest that a vicious cycle might exist in which HIV persistence causes inflammation that in turn contributes to HIV persistence.
Insights into B cells and HIV‐specific B‐cell responses in HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Moir Susan , Fauci Anthony S. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is associated with dysregulation and dysfunction involving all major lymphocyte populations, including B cells. Such perturbations occur early in the course of infection and are driven in large part by immune activation resulting from ongoing HIV replication leading to bystander effects on B cells. While most of the knowledge regarding immune cell abnormalities in HIV‐infected individuals has been gained from studies conducted on the peripheral blood, it is clear that the virus is most active and most damaging in lymphoid tissues. Here, we discuss B‐cell perturbations in HIV‐infected individuals, focusing on the skewing of B‐cell subsets that circulate in the peripheral blood and their counterparts that reside in lymphoid tissues. This review also highlights recent advances in evaluating HIV‐specific B‐cell responses both in the memory B‐cell compartment, as well as in circulating antibody‐secreting plasmablasts and the more differentiated plasma cells residing in tissues. Finally, we consider how knowledge gained by investigating B cells in HIV‐infected individuals may help inform the development of an effective antibody‐based HIV vaccine.
Monocyte/macrophages and their role in HIV neuropathogenesis
Authors: Burdo Tricia H. , Lackner Andrew , Williams Kenneth C. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryNeurological sequelae of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been and remain a significant problem. Monocytes and macrophages in humans and monkeys are susceptible to infection by HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and are considered to be a main mechanism by which the central nervous system (CNS) is infected. Within the infected CNS, perivascular macrophages and, in some cases, parenchymal microglia are infected as are multinucleated giant cells when present. While neurons are not themselves directly infected, neuronal damage occurs within the infected CNS. Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in limiting virus in plasma to non‐detectable levels, neurological deficits persist. This review discusses the continued neurological dysfunctions that persist in the era of ART, focusing on the roles of monocyte and macrophage as targets of continued viral infection and as agents of pathogenesis in what appears to be emergent macrophage‐mediated disease resulting from long‐term HIV infection of the host. Data discussed include the biology of monocyte/macrophage activation with HIV and SIV infection, traffic of cells into and out of the CNS with infection, macrophage‐associated biomarkers of CNS and cardiac disease, the role of antiretroviral therapy on these cells and CNS disease, as well as the need for effective adjunctive therapies targeting monocytes and macrophages.
CD8+ T‐cell effector function and transcriptional regulation during HIV pathogenesis
Authors: Demers Korey R. , Reuter Morgan A. , Betts Michael R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryA detailed understanding of the immune response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is needed to inform prevention and therapeutic strategies that aim to contain the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. The cellular immune response plays a critical role in controlling viral replication during HIV infection and will likely need to be a part of any vaccine approach. The qualitative feature of the cellular response most closely associated with immunological control of HIV infection is CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxic potential, which is responsible for mediating the elimination of infected CD4+ T cells. Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in regulating the elicitation and maintenance of this kind of effector response can provide guidance for vaccine design. In this review, we discuss the evidence for CD8+ T cells as correlates of protection, the means by which their antiviral capacity is evaluated, and transcription factors responsible for their function, or dysfunction, during HIV infection.
Immunology of pediatric HIV infection
Authors: Tobin Nicole H. , Aldrovandi Grace M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryMost infants born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected women escape HIV infection. Infants evade infection despite an immature immune system and, in the case of breastfeeding, prolonged repetitive exposure. If infants become infected, the course of their infection and response to treatment differs dramatically depending upon the timing (in utero, intrapartum, or during breastfeeding) and potentially the route of their infection. Perinatally acquired HIV infection occurs during a critical window of immune development. HIV's perturbation of this dynamic process may account for the striking age‐dependent differences in HIV disease progression. HIV infection also profoundly disrupts the maternal immune system upon which infants rely for protection and immune instruction. Therefore, it is not surprising that infants who escape HIV infection still suffer adverse effects. In this review, we highlight the unique aspects of pediatric HIV transmission and pathogenesis with a focus on mechanisms by which HIV infection during immune ontogeny may allow discovery of key elements for protection and control from HIV.
Manager Divestment in Leveraged Buyouts
Authors: Ang James , Hutton Irena , Majadillas Mary Anne 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe examine changes in managers' investment in the firm around leveraged buyouts and find agency costs counter to those described in extant literature. In majority of deals during 1997–2008, managers divested a portion of their pre‐LBO shareholdings while maintaining an ownership stake in the post‐LBO firm. Such divestment opportunities encourage managers to behave in a way that benefits existing shareholders but is costly to new investors. We report a positive relation between management's divestment and pre‐LBO earnings management, market timing, and better buyout pricing. Although managerial divestment also leads to subpar post‐buyout performance, the involvement of private equity mitigates it.
Leasing Decisions and Credit Constraints: Empirical Analysis on a Sample of Italian Firms
Authors: Cosci Stefania , Guida Roberto , Meliciani Valentina 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough lease financing provides a significant source of funds enabling many companies to invest, few studies examine the determinants of leasing in Continental Europe and we are aware of no study on the Italian case. This paper investigates the relationship between financial constraints and leasing decisions for a sample of Italian firms. In particular, it investigates the determinants of firm leasing decisions, the degree of substitutability between leasing and debt, and the impact of leasing on the probability of firms feeling ‘credit rationed’. Our results support the hypothesis that leasing preserves capital, thus helping to relieve credit constraints.
The Stories of Older Parents of Adult Sons and Daughters with Autism: A Balancing Act
Authors: Hines Monique , Balandin Susan , Togher Leanne 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundResearchers acknowledge the importance of understanding how families of children with autism cope. Yet, little is known about the experiences of older parents of adults with autism.Materials and MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 16 older parents of adults with autism. Narrative analysis was used to gain insights into their lived experiences.ResultsParticipants' narratives reflected the notion that much of their experience was a delicate balancing act as they attempted to manage their offspring's symptoms of autism whilst achieving a degree of fulfilment in their own lives. Parents did not believe that formal services had adequately supported their ability to provide care whilst meeting other needs within the family context.ConclusionsThe findings have implications for services that attempt to support older parents' abilities to provide care, including the need for tailored intervention strategies that match each family's unique needs.
Allelic frequencies ofPRKAG3 in several pig breeds and its technological consequences on aDuroc × Landrace‐LargeWhite cross
Authors: Galve A. , Burgos C. , Varona L. , Carrodeguas J.A. , Cánovas Á. , López‐Buesa P. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe allelic frequencies ofPRKAG3 gene (theRNgene) have been investigated in several pig breeds.R200Qmutation appear only in Hampshire pigs, whereasV199Imutation is most abundant in Iberian,PorcoCelta orBizaro, and less in breeds selected for muscularity asDuroc,Landrace andPietrain. A thorough study of phenotypic effects ofV1991 has been performed in aDuroc × Landrace‐LargeWhite cross.199Ihomozygous pigs show increased pH24values in ham homogenates and loin (0.14 and 0.16 pHunits, respectively) compared to199Vhomozygous ones. Meat of199Ihomozygous pigs exudates 42.6% less fluid and is darker (2.46 ‘L’‐value units).199Ihomozygous pigs are fatter (4.2 mm more backfat thickness) and contain less muscle mass in ham (1.0 percentage points) and shoulder (2.7 percentage points), than199Vhomozygous ones.199Ihomozygous pigs contain 7.3% less protein in the belly and 8.5% more fat in shoulder muscle mass than199Vhomozygous pigs.199Ihomozygous pigs have also superior functional properties: better gelling (22.8% larger G′ value) and emulsion capacities (14 percentage points less of total exuded fluid), and higher curing yield in the belly (6 percentage points more). These data support the adipogenic character of theV199Imutation. The advantages and disadvantages of selecting any of the twoPRKAG3 alleles for position 199 are discussed.
Genetic parameters of pelt character, feed efficiency and size traits in Finnish blue fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Authors: Kempe R. , Koskinen N. , Strandén I. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryPelt character traits (size, quality, colour clarity, darkness) are important economic traits in blue fox breeding. Better feed efficiency (FE) is another economically important and new breeding goal for fur animals. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlations between pelt character traits, FE and size traits and to estimate genetic parameters for pelt character traits. Pelt size (pSIcm) had a high positive genetic correlation with animal grading size (gSI), final body weight (BWFin), body length and daily gain (DG), and a moderate correlation with body condition score (BCS). Animal body length and BCS (describing fatness) were considered as genetically different traits. Genetic correlations between pelt quality and size traits were estimated without precision and did not differ from zero, but colour clarity (pCL) had a low antagonistic genetic correlation with FE. Pelt size and DG had a favourable genetic correlation with FE but a fairly high unfavourable genetic correlation with dry matter feed intake. The current emphasis on selection for larger animal and pelt size improves FE indirectly, but selection for larger pelt size favours fast‐growing and fat individuals and simultaneously increases feed intake. The detected genetic connections between FE, size, feed intake and pCL should be taken into account in the Finnish blue fox breeding programme.
Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Alters the Functional Properties of If in the Human Atrium
Authors: STILLITANO FRANCESCA , LONARDO GIUSEPPE , GIUNTI GABRIELE , DEL LUNGO MARTINA , COPPINI RAFFAELE , SPINELLI VALENTINA , SARTIANI LAURA , POGGESI CORRADO , MUGELLI ALESSANDRO , CERBAI ELISABETTA 
Published: June 2013

Human Chronic Atrial Fibrillation and IfIntroductionDespite the evidence that the hyperpolarization‐activated current (If) is highly modulated in human cardiomyopathies, no definite data exist in chronic atrial fibrillation (cAF). We investigated the expression, function, and modulation of If in human cAF.Methods and ResultsRight atrial samples were obtained from sinus rhythm (SR, n = 49) or cAF (duration >1 year, n = 31) patients undergoing corrective cardiac surgery. Among f‐channel isoforms expressed in the human atrium (HCN1, 2 and 4), HCN4 mRNA levels measured by RT‐PCR were significantly reduced. However, protein expression was preserved in cAF compared to SR (+85% for HCN4); concurrently, miR‐1 expression was significantly reduced. In patch‐clamped atrial myocytes, current‐specific conductance (gf) was significantly increased in cAF at voltages around the threshold for If activation (−60 to −80 mV); accordingly, a 10‐mV rightward shift of the activation curve occurred (P < 0.01). β‐Adrenergic and 5‐HT4 receptor stimulation exerted similar effects on If in cAF and SR cells, while the ANP‐mediated effect was significantly reduced (P < 0.02), suggesting downregulation of natriuretic peptide signaling.ConclusionsIn human cAF modifications in transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms of HCN channels occur, associated with a slight yet significant gain‐of‐function of If, which may contribute to enhanced atrial ectopy.
Left Atrial Diverticula in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Morphologic Analysis and Clinical Impact
Authors: DE PONTI ROBERTO , LUMIA DOMENICO , MARAZZI RAFFAELLA , MAMELI STEFANO , DONI LORENZO A. , DE VENUTO GIOVANNI , FUGAZZOLA CARLO , SALERNO‐URIARTE JORGE A. 
Published: June 2013

LAD and Atrial Fibrillation AblationIntroductionLeft atrial diverticula (LAD) have been reported to be (1) at risk for intracavitary thrombosis and cardiac perforation during ablation and (2) sites of extrapulmonary vein foci. In atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, their presence might undermine procedure safety and efficacy. This observational study evaluates the morphology and clinical impact of LAD in patients undergoing AF ablation.Methods and ResultsConsecutive patients undergoing computed tomography scan (Aquilion 64, Toshiba, Otawara, Japan) and AF ablation with imaging integration (CARTO 3 Merge, Biosense Webster, CA, USA) in our center were included. Morphologic analysis was performed by 2 independent radiologists. Ablation was obtained by irrigated radiofrequency energy (Navistar Thermocool or Thermocool SF, Biosense Webster). Out of 212 patients, 58 (27.3%) had LAD; 74.4% of LAD were located in the anterosuperomedial left atrium. In patients with and without LAD, the prevalence of prior cerebrovascular events was similarly low. The rate of major periprocedure complications did not differ significantly: 1.7% versus 2.6% (P = 1) in patients with and without LAD, respectively. However, 1 case of cardiac perforation occurred during ablation in a diverticulum. During follow‐up, survival free from arrhythmia recurrences was comparable in the 2 groups.ConclusionLAD are present in about one‐fourth of patients undergoing AF ablation and, in general, they have no impact on its safety and efficacy. However, occasionally, radiofrequency energy delivery in a LAD can cause tissue overheating and perforation.