bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlates of tree species sorting along a temperature gradient in New Zealand rain forests: seedling functional traits, growth and shade tolerance
Authors: Lusk Christopher H. , Kaneko Teruko , Grierson Ella , Clearwater Michael 
Published: August 2013

SummaryIt is widely believed that species sorting on environmental gradients reflects trade‐offs between competitive ability and physiological tolerance of stresses such as frost and desiccation. One specific expression of this general idea is the hypothesis that tree species sorting on temperature gradients in temperate regions involves a trade‐off between growth rate and frost resistance, because adaptations to frost reduce light interception and carbon gain potential.We measured seedling growth of 17 New Zealand rain forest angiosperm trees in a glasshouse, as well as biomass partitioning, gas exchange and hydraulic traits. We then related these variables to the mean July (winter) minimum temperatures most frequently experienced throughout the range of each species.Species associated with mild winters on average had wider vessels and more conductive stems and were leafier (i.e. developed more foliage area per unit sapwood area) than species from frostier sites. Species' positions on the temperature gradient were not significantly correlated with relative growth rates of seedlings; they were, however, negatively correlated with two measures of species light requirements in the field: the light compensation point for growth, and low‐light mortality rates obtained from the literature.Synthesis. Although seedling growth rates of warm‐ and cool‐temperate New Zealand angiosperm trees were similar on average, the former are more shade tolerant. Competitive hierarchies associated with tree species sorting on temperature gradients thus probably involve a shift in the relationship between shade tolerance and growth rate, rather than a simple trade‐off of growth with cold tolerance. This shift is associated with variation in light interception potential per unit of seedling biomass, possibly reflecting a trade‐off between stem conductivity and resistance to freeze‐thaw embolism.
Inhibition of DNA methylation attenuates low‐dose cadmium‐induced cardiac contractile and intracellular Ca2+ anomalies
Authors: Turdi Subat , Sun Weixia , Tan Yi , Yang Xiaohui , Cai Lu , Ren Jun 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Cadmium is a human carcinogen with unfavourable health impacts probably associated with its DNA methylation property. Recent data suggest that environmental cadmium exposure is associated with the incidence of myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial disease. Nonetheless, the effect of chronic cadmium exposure on cardiac contractile function remains unknown.

The present study was designed to examine the impact of low‐dose cadmium exposure on cardiac contractile function and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Adult male mice were exposed to cadmium for 4 weeks (20 nmol/kg, i.p. every other day for 4 weeks) with or without the DNA methylation inhibitor 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxyctidene (5‐AZA; 0.25 mg/kg, i.p., twice a week for 6 weeks, starting at the same time as cadmium administration). Cardiac contractile and intracellular Ca2+ properties were analysed, including echocardiographic left ventricular parameters, fractional shortening (FS), peak shortening (PS) amplitude, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (±dL/dt), time to PS (TPS), time to 90% relengthening (TR90), electrically stimulated increases in intracellular Ca2+ and intracellular Ca2+ decay.

Cadmium exposure depressed FS, PS, ±dL/dt and electrically stimulated increases in intracellular Ca2+ without affecting TPS, TR90, intracellular Ca2+ levels or the decay rate. The effects of cadmium were significantly attenuated (PS) or blocked altogether (all other parameters) by 5‐AZA. Cadmium exposure led to overt interstitial fibrosis (collagen deposition), which was mitigated by 5‐AZA treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that cadmium exposure and/or 5‐AZA treatment had no effect on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, tumour necrosis factor‐α and cleaved caspase 3, suggesting a relatively minor role of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in the cardiac responses to cadmium and 5‐AZA.

Together, our data demonstrate, for the first time, direct cardiac depressant effects following cadmium exposure, which may be rescued by inhibition of DNA methylation.
Colpoda secrete viable Listeria monocytogenes within faecal pellets
Authors: Raghu Nadhanan Rethish , Thomas Connor J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryTransmission electron microscopy was used to demonstrate that co‐cultures of the ciliate Colpoda RR (an environmental isolate) and Colpoda MLS‐5 (a food processing environment isolate) with the pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes DRDC8 resulted in secretion of faecal pellets containing intact DRDC8 cells. A green fluorescent protein expressing variant of DRDC8 was used in co‐cultures to confirm that the pellet‐associated bacterial cells were L. monocytogenes. Viability was confirmed by plate counts, and assay of microbial respiratory activity‐proved DRDC8 cells present within faecal pellets was metabolically active. Following treatment of faecal pellets secreted by Colpoda RR and MLS‐5 with gentamycin and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), no loss of viability of the pellet‐located DRDC8 cells was observed, indicating that faecal pellet encapsulated DRDC8 cells are resistant to biocidal agents. This work suggests that Colpoda‐derived faecal pellets may provide a mechanism for transmission of L. monocytogenes and other pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, bacteria encapsulated by faecal pellets may be resistant to disinfectants and cleaning agents used in food manufacturing and preparation facilities.
The Trojan Horse of the microbiological arms race: phage‐encoded toxins as a defence against eukaryotic predators
Authors: Arnold Jason W. , Koudelka Gerald B. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPhage‐encoded Shiga toxin (Stx) acts as a bacterial defence against the eukaryotic predator Tetrahymena. To function as an effective bacterial anti‐predator defence, Stx must kill a broad spectrum of predators. Consistent with that assertion, we show here that bacterially encoded Stx efficiently kills the bacteriovore Acanthamoeba castellanii in co‐culture. We also show that, in addition to Stx, the phage‐encoded exotoxin, diphtheria toxin (Dtx) expressed by Corynebacterium diphtheriae also can function as part of an anti‐predator strategy; it kills Acanthamoeba in co‐culture. Interestingly, only exotoxins produced by bacteria internalized by the Acanthamoeba predator are cytolethal; the presence of purified Dtx or Stx in culture medium has no effect on predator viability. This finding is consistent with our results indicating that intoxication of Acanthamoeba by these exotoxins does not require a receptor. Thus bacteria, in the disguise of a food source, function as a ‘Trojan Horse’, carrying genes encoding an exotoxin into target organisms. This ‘Trojan Horse’ mechanism of exotoxin delivery into predator cells allows intoxication of predators that lack a cell surface receptor for the particular toxin, allowing bacteria‐bearing exotoxins to kill a broader spectrum of predators, increasing the fitness of the otherwise ‘defenceless’ prey bacteria.
Extracellular membrane vesicles harbouring viral genomes
Authors: Gaudin Marie , Krupovic Mart , Marguet Evelyne , Gauliard Emilie , Cvirkaite‐Krupovic Virginija , Le Cam Eric , Oberto Jacques , Forterre Patrick 
Published: August 2013

SummaryCells from the three domains of life produce extracellular membrane vesicles (MVs), suggesting that MV production is a fundamental aspect of cellular physiology. We have recently shown that MVs produced by the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis can be used as vehicles to transfer exogenous recombinant plasmid DNA from cell to cell. Here, we show that Thermococcus nautilus, which harbours three plasmids, pTN1, pTN2 and pTN3, produces MVs, and that some of them selectively incorporate pTN1 and pTN3. Interestingly, pTN3 represents the genome of a defective virus, which encodes signature proteins common to a large group of viruses infecting hosts from all three cellular domains. However, preparations of MVs produced by T. nautilus have a protein composition similar to that of classical MVs from Thermococcales and do not contain the viral major capsid protein encoded by pTN3. Our results suggest that MVs can serve as vehicles for the intercellular transport of viral genomes and facilitate recombination between viral, plasmid and/or cellular chromosomes in the absence of viral infection.
Do school based anti‐smoking campaigns delivered by oral health therapists work?
Authors: Matias MA , Steindl SR , Plonka KA , Pukkallus M , Palmer J , Holcombe T , Seymour GJ , Marshall RI 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe dental profession has a pivotal role in cancer prevention. In Queensland, oral health therapists (OHTs) are in a unique position to provide quality smoking cessation programmes and intervention strategies to young adolescents through the school based oral health services they provide.MethodsThis study undertook a smoking cessation and prevention programme targeted to female high school students in a dental setting. An oral health therapist delivered an anti‐smoking message and educated adolescents of the health‐risk effects of smoking.ResultsA total of 1217 female students were recruited with 621 (51%) in the intervention group and 596 (49%) in the control group. There was a significant improvement in the knowledge of both systemic and oral health effects of smoking in the intervention group (p < 0.04). The results of the study demonstrated that the dental setting is an effective avenue for educating young individuals on smoking related conditions.ConclusionsA smoking cessation and prevention programme targeted to female high school students in a dental setting provides a novel means of delivering an anti‐smoking message and educating adolescents of the health‐risk effects of smoking.
Cephalometric evaluation of mandibular advancement at different horizontal jaw positions in obstructive sleep apnoea patients: a pilot study
Authors: Rashmikant US , Chand P , Singh SV , Singh RD , Arya D , Kant S , Agarwal SP 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of the mandibular advancement device (MAD) at 50% (P2) and 75% (P3) of maximum mandibular advancement, relative to maximum intercuspation (P1) subjectively and objectively.MethodsEighteen subjects previously diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) were selected for the study. ESS score, VAS score, soft palate angle, MP‐H distance, S‐H distance, aC4‐H distance, aPu‐pPu distance and total pharyngeal area were calculated at P1, P2 and P3 positions with the help of an adjustable MAD. The results were statistically analysed.ResultsESS score, VAS score, soft palate angle, MP‐H distance, S‐H distance and radius of curvature of airway at P2 and P3 were significantly lower compared to P1, but there was no significant difference between P2 and P3.ConclusionsThe MAD produced significant improvement in objective signs and subjective symptoms at both 50% and 75% of the maximum mandibular protrusion positions at comparable comfort levels. Therefore, MAD may be given at 50% of maximum advancement in order to reduce dental or temporomandibular joint disturbances.
Correlation between the severity of periodontitis and coronary artery stenosis in a Chinese population
Authors: Yang J , Feng L , Ren J , Wu G , Chen S , Zhou Q , Du Z , Zhang S , Hu C , Wu X , Ling L 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the severity of periodontitis and the extent and degree of coronary artery stenosis in a Chinese population.MethodsPatients (n = 853) with coronary artery stenosis confirmed by coronary angiography were eligible to take part in the study. Only subjects that were ≥60 years old, had ≥50% stenosis in at least one coronary artery, and did not have diabetes or a history of smoking were included (n = 115). After periodontal examination, including bleeding index, probing depth calculus index, plaque index and periodontal attachment loss, four groups were defined based on the severity of periodontitis: no periodontitis/gingivitis (M0, n = 19); mild periodontitis (M1, n = 27); moderate periodontitis (M2, n = 31); and severe periodontitis (M3, n = 38). The extent and degree of coronary artery stenosis was obtained by calculating the Gensini score (GS).ResultsThe GS was significantly greater in the M3 group compared with the M0 group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that probing depth and plaque index were significantly correlated with the GS.ConclusionsThe extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis in Chinese patients ≥60 years old is positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis.
Intrauterine Administration of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) Improves Endometrial Receptivity in Mice with Embryonic Implantation Dysfunction
Authors: Yu Nan , Yang Jing , Guo Yue , Fang Jianye , Yin Tailang , Luo Jing , Li Xing , Li Wei , Zhao Qinghong , Zou Yujie , Xu Wangming 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveIntrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activated by HCG in vitro is reported to improve implantation rates in patients with repeated failure of IVF‐ET. In this article, the impact of intrauterine administration of PBMCs on embryo implantation, pregnancy rate and the underlying mechanisms will be investigated.MethodsPregnant mice were randomly divided into three groups, including control group; embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) group; EID with PBMCs group. Uterine horns were excised to determine the number of pregnant mice and implantation sites on the Day 7.5 postcoitum. The expression levels of LIF and VEGF during the implantation window were detected with immunohistochemistry and Real Time‐PCR analysis.ResultsEmbryo implantation dysfunction model group showed a significant decrease in pregnancy rate, implantation sites and the expression of both the endometrial LIF and VEGF during the implantation window. EID with PBMCs group showed a higher pregnancy rate and endometrial LIF and VEGF expression compared to EID group.ConclusionIntrauterine administration of mouse PBMCs derived from unpregnant mice prior to embryo implant has a good influence on endometrial receptivity and embryonic implantation in EID mice.
EP4 and EP2 Receptor Activation of Protein Kinase A by Prostaglandin E2 Impairs Macrophage Phagocytosis of Clostridium sordellii
Authors: Rogers Lisa M. , Thelen Tennille , Fordyce Krystle , Bourdonnay Emilie , Lewis Casey , Yu Han , Zhang Junyong , Xie Jingli , Serezani Carlos H. , Peters‐Golden Marc , Aronoff David M. 
Published: August 2013

ProblemClostridium sordellii causes endometrial infections, but little is known regarding host defenses against this pathogen.Method of studyWe tested the hypothesis that the immunoregulatory lipid prostaglandin (PG) E2 suppresses human macrophage clearance of C. sordellii through receptor‐induced increases in intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The THP‐1 macrophage cell line was used to quantify C. sordellii phagocytosis.ResultsPGE2 increased cAMP levels, activated protein kinase A (PKA), and inhibited the class A scavenger receptor‐dependent phagocytosis of C. sordellii. Activation of the EP2 and EP4 receptors increased intracellular cAMP and inhibited phagocytosis, with evidence favoring a more important role for EP4 over EP2. This was supported by EP receptor expression data and the use of pharmacological receptor antagonists. In addition, the PKA isoform RI appeared to be more important than RII in mediating the suppression of ingestion of C. sordellii.ConclusionThe endogenous lipid mediator PGE2 impairs human innate immune responses against C. sordellii.
Regional anaesthesia and patients with abnormalities of coagulation
Authors:   Membership of the Working Party:, Harrop‐Griffiths W. , Cook T. , Gill H. , Hill D. , Ingram M. , Makris M. , Malhotra S. , Nicholls B. , Popat M. , Swales H. , Wood P. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryConcise guidelines are presented that relate abnormalities of coagulation, whether the result of the administration of drugs or that of pathological processes, to the consequent haemorrhagic risks associated with neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks. The advice presented is based on published guidelines and on the known properties of anticoagulant drugs. Four separate Tables address risks associated with anticoagulant drugs, neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, obstetric anaesthesia and special circumstances such as trauma, sepsis and massive transfusion.
Amygdala and whole‐brain activity to emotional faces distinguishes major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder
Authors: Fournier Jay C , Keener Matthew T , Almeida Jorge , Kronhaus Dina M , Phillips Mary L 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesIt can be clinically difficult to distinguish depressed individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). To examine potential biomarkers of difference between the two disorders, the current study examined differences in the functioning of emotion‐processing neural regions during a dynamic emotional faces task.MethodsDuring functional magnetic resonance imaging, healthy control adults (HC) (n = 29) and depressed adults with MDD (n = 30) and BD (n = 22) performed an implicit emotional‐faces task in which they identified a color label superimposed on neutral faces that dynamically morphed into one of four emotional faces (angry, fearful, sad, happy). We compared neural activation between the groups in an amygdala region‐of‐interest and at the whole‐brain level.ResultsAdults with MDD showed significantly greater activity than adults with BD in the left amygdala to the anger condition (p = 0.01). Results of whole‐brain analyses (at p < 0.005, k ≥ 20) revealed that adults with BD showed greater activity to sad faces in temporoparietal regions, primarily in the left hemisphere, whereas individuals with MDD demonstrated greater activity than those with BD to displays of anger, fear, and happiness. Many of the observed BD–MDD differences represented abnormalities in functioning compared to HC.ConclusionsWe observed a dissociation between depressed adults with BD and MDD in the processing of emerging emotional faces. Those with BD showed greater activity during mood‐congruent (i.e., sad) faces, whereas those with MDD showed greater activity for mood‐incongruent (i.e., fear, anger, and happy) faces. Such findings may reflect markers of differences between BD and MDD depression in underlying pathophysiological processes.
Health‐related quality of life in kidney transplant patients with diabetes
Authors: Dukes Jonathan L. , Seelam Susmitha , Lentine Krista L. , Schnitzler Mark A. , Neri Luca 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to assess the disutility associated with diabetes in the kidney transplant population.MethodsWe enrolled 233 kidney transplant recipients age 18–74 from a Midwestern hospital outpatient department. Recipients with multiple or multi‐organ transplants, those with laboratory evidence that suggests acute cellular damage (creatinine‐kinase > 200 U/L), or a diagnosis of acute renal failure or acute rejection were excluded from the analysis (n = 33). Participants health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) were evaluated using the Euro‐QoL‐5 Dimension (EQ‐5D), Health Utility Index Mark III (HUI‐III), and the Short Form‐6D (SF‐6D), which was calculated from the generic section (SF‐12) of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36 (KDQOL‐36). We estimated health utilities associated with diabetes using general linear modeling after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics.ResultsThe adjusted health disutilities associated with diabetes were clinically and statistically significant: EQ‐5D (Δ = 0.05; p < 0.01), HUI‐III (Δ = 0.09; p < 0.01), and SF‐6D (Δ = 0.04, p < 0.01). There was no difference between diabetic patients with good glycemic control (mean serum glucose <126 mg/dL in the three months prior to enrollment) and patients with poor glycemic control.ConclusionsAmong kidney transplant patients between the ages of 18–74, non‐diabetics have significantly higher HRQOL scores on the EQ‐5D, HUI‐III, and SF‐6D compared with patients with diabetes.
Development of the Performance of the Upper Limb module for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mayhew Anna , Mazzone Elena S , Eagle Michelle , Duong Tina , Ash Maria , Decostre Valerie , Vandenhauwe Marlene , Klingels Katrijn , Florence Julaine , Main Marion , Bianco Flaviana , Henrikson Erik , Servais Laurent , Campion Giles , Vroom Elizabeth , Ricotti Valeria , Goemans Natalie , Mcdonald Craig , Mercuri Eugenio ,   Performance of the Upper Limb (PUL) working group
Published: August 2013

AimAn international Clinical Outcomes Group consisting of clinicians, scientists, patient advocacy groups, and industries identified a need for a scale to measure motor performance of the upper limb. We report the steps leading to the development of the Performance of the Upper Limb (PUL), a tool specifically designed for assessing upper limb function in ambulant and non‐ambulant patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).MethodThe development of the PUL followed a number of steps, from the systematic review and a preliminary study exploring the suitability of the existing measures, to the application of a pilot version in a multicentric setting, with Rasch analysis of the preliminary results, leading to a revised pro forma.ResultsThe PUL was specifically designed for DMD, with a conceptual framework reflecting the progression of weakness and natural history of functional decline in DMD. Modern psychometric methods were used to create a scale with robust internal reliability, validity, and hierarchical scalability; males with DMD and their families were involved iteratively throughout the process of the clinician‐reported outcome assessment tool development to establish clinical meaningfulness and relevance of individual PUL items to activities of daily living.InterpretationThe module was developed using innovative approaches and will be useful for designing clinical trials.
Lex Sportiva: A Playground for Transnational Law
Authors: Duval Antoine 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis article tackles the emergence of transnational law under the pressure of globalisation. It argues that lex sportiva, the law of international sport, is a fruitful research object in order to address three key questions raised by transnational law: What is transnational law? Is transnational law legitimate? How do we deal with transnational legal pluralism? We will address each of these questions separately, complementing each time a general analysis with empirical examples drawn from the field of lex sportiva. In our view, there is a pressing need for empirical work and pragmatic description of legal phenomena reaching beyond the state. Hence, we suggest lex sportiva as a suitable playground for transnational lawyers.