bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Light Response of Seedlings of a Central African Timber Tree Species, Lophira alata (Ochnaceae), and the Definition of Light Requirements
Authors: Biwolé Achille Bernard , Dainou Kasso , Fayolle Adeline , Hardy Olivier J. , Brostaux Yves , Coste Sabrina , Delion Sebastien , Betti Jean Lagarde , Doucet Jean‐Louis 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLight is of primary importance in structuring tropical tree communities. Light exposure at seedling and adult stages has been used to characterize the ecological profile of tropical trees, with many implications in forest management and restoration ecology. Most shade‐tolerance classification systems have been proposed based on empirical observations in a specific area and thus result in contradictions among categories assigned to a given species. In this study, we aimed to quantify the light requirements for seedling growth of a Central African timber tree, Lophira alata (Ochnaceae), taking into account effects of population origin. In two controlled experiments: a light response experiment and a comparative population experiment, conducted in southwestern Cameroon, using seeds collected from four populations (three from Cameroon and one from Gabon), we examined the quantitative responses to irradiance of seedlings. After 2 years, mortality was very low (<3%), even in extremely low irradiance. Growth and biomass allocation patterns varied in response to light, with intermediate irradiance (24–43%) providing optimal conditions. Light response differed between populations. The Boumba population in the northeastern edge of the species' distribution exhibited the highest light requirements, suggesting a local adaptation. As a result of positive growth at low irradiance and maximum growth at intermediate irradiance, we concluded that L. alata exhibits characteristics of both non‐pioneer and pioneer species. Implications of our results to propose an objective way to assign the light requirement for tropical tree species are discussed.
Influence of the IL17A and IL17F gene polymorphisms on the long‐term kidney allograft function and return to dialysis after kidney transplantation
Authors: Romanowski Maciej , Kłoda Karolina , Osękowska Bogumiła , Domański Leszek , Pawlik Andrzej , Safranow Krzysztof , Ciechanowski Kazimierz 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe immune response after allogenic transplantation is a complex phenomenon involving cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators of inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the IL17A and IL17F gene polymorphisms on long‐term kidney allograft function, graft function loss/return to dialysis, and mortality after kidney transplantation. This study enrolled 269 Caucasian deceased donor renal transplant recipients. The rs2275913:G>A (−197G>A) polymorphism within the IL17A gene promoter and rs2397084:T>C (Glu126Gly), rs11465553:G>A (Val155Ile), and rs763780:T>C (His167Arg) polymorphisms within the IL17F gene were genotyped. Creatinine concentrations 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after transplantation were significantly higher in recipients with the rs2275913:A>G IL17A GG genotype (GG vs. GA + AA: p = 0.03, p = 0.004, p = 0.006, p = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, the GG genotype was statistically significantly associated with increased risk of delayed graft function. This association remained significant in multivariate regression analysis adjusted for recipients' age and sex. In the case of the rs11465553, IL17F univariate Cox regression analysis showed statistically significant association of GA genotype with higher risk of graft loss/return to dialysis (GA vs. GG: HR = 2.795, 95%CI = 1.031–7.579, p = 0.04). The results of our study suggest that the GG genotype of the rs2275913 IL17A gene promoter polymorphism is associated with significantly impaired long‐term kidney allograft function, whereas the GA genotype of the rs11465553 IL17F gene polymorphism may be associated with a significantly higher risk of graft function loss and return to dialysis after kidney transplantation.
Is there any evidence that aphid alarm pheromones work as prey and host finding kairomones for natural enemies?
Authors: VOSTEEN ILKA , WEISSER WOLFGANG W , KUNERT GRIT 
Published: October 2015

1. The aphid alarm pheromone (E)‐β‐farnesene (EBF) is often considered to be used by natural enemies as a prey/host finding kairomone. However, studies show opposing results, some appear to confirm an attraction of aphid natural enemies by EBF whereas others do not provide any evidence for the kairomone function of EBF.2. To clarify if aphid natural enemies are attracted by the amounts of EBF naturally emitted by aphids, the existing literature was reviewed about EBF attractiveness to aphid natural enemies with consideration of the amounts of EBF used in the studies.3. Thirty‐one publications that investigated the ability of EBF, aphid cornicle secretion, and attacked aphids, to attract aphid natural enemies were found. Several studies showed an attraction by EBF, but these used much higher amounts of EBF than usually emitted by aphids during a predator attack. Studies investigating EBF amounts similar to what is emitted by aphids are rare and failed to show attraction. Only two studies document an attraction of natural enemies by attacked aphids.4. As EBF is emitted in very low amounts, not very stable, and only present after an attack, we suggest that aphid‐derived EBF is not a suitable kairomone for most natural enemy species, especially when they are able to use alternative cues. As EBF, amongst other volatiles, is also emitted by herbivore‐induced plants, we propose that natural enemies might use plant‐derived EBF as a synomone to identify aphid‐infested plants via an altered plant volatile bouquet.
Human activities change marine ecosystems by altering predation risk
Authors: Madin Elizabeth M. P. , Dill Lawrence M. , Ridlon April D. , Heithaus Michael R. , Warner Robert R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn ocean ecosystems, many of the changes in predation risk – both increases and decreases – are human‐induced. These changes are occurring at scales ranging from global to local and across variable temporal scales. Indirect, risk‐based effects of human activity are known to be important in structuring some terrestrial ecosystems, but these impacts have largely been neglected in oceans. Here, we synthesize existing literature and data to explore multiple lines of evidence that collectively suggest diverse human activities are changing marine ecosystems, including carbon storage capacity, in myriad ways by altering predation risk. We provide novel, compelling evidence that at least one key human activity, overfishing, can lead to distinct, cascading risk effects in natural ecosystems whose magnitude exceeds that of presumed lethal effects and may account for previously unexplained findings. We further discuss the conservation implications of human‐caused indirect risk effects. Finally, we provide a predictive framework for when human alterations of risk in oceans should lead to cascading effects and outline a prospectus for future research. Given the speed and extent with which human activities are altering marine risk landscapes, it is crucial that conservation and management policy considers the indirect effects of these activities in order to increase the likelihood of success and avoid unfortunate surprises.
Nephrology pre‐dialysis care affects the psychological adjustment, not only blood pressure, anemia, and phosphorus control
Authors: Furusho Masahide , Kawazu Minami , Takeda Kazuhito , Kurachi Emiko , Nakashima Takafumi , Sagara Rikako , Hara Takashi , Mukai Hideyuki , Miura Shuhei , Sugawara Koji 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSeveral studies have suggested that pre‐dialysis care is associated with clinical outcomes. However, little has been reported on the influence of pre‐dialysis care on the psychological adjustment to dialysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre‐dialysis care on psychological adjustment to dialysis and clinical characteristics. In this cross‐sectional study, we enrolled 52 patients who started hemodialysis at our hospital. They were divided into two groups according to the time of referral to our hospital: the early referral group (over 1 year prior to first dialysis: 19 patients, mean age 69.3 ± 11.1) and the late referral group (within 1 year prior to first dialysis: 33 patients, mean age 72.3 ± 8.9). We measured the clinical characteristics and evaluated the psychological adjustment to dialysis by Shontz's stage theory. Compared with the late referral group, the early referral group had a significantly better clinical characteristics concerning blood pressure (140.2 ± 23.7 vs. 156.9 ± 23.3 mmHg, P = 0.0150), hemoglobin (10.3 ± 1.5 vs. 9.4 ± 1.0 g/dL, P = 0.0078), and phosphorus (4.5 ± 1.5 vs. 5.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL, P = 0.0166). In addition, psychological adjustment to dialysis evaluated by Shontz's stage theory was significantly better in the early referral group (P = 0.017). Our results indicate that nephrology pre‐dialysis care affects not only blood pressure, anemia, and phosphorus control but also the psychological adjustment to dialysis.
Early start renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury—Universal panacea or another case of over medicalization?
Authors: Davenport Andrew 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDespite advances in medical practice and renal replacement therapy, the mortality of patients who develop acute kidney injury remains high. In the field of cardiology, the management of myocardial infarction has evolved from one of conservative bed rest to primary coronary intervention. As renal replacement therapy is now generally available, the question arises whether earlier intervention could lead to improved patient outcomes. The evidence to date is primarily centered on retrospective observational reports, with the majority reporting increased patient survival for earlier intervention. However, these reports are typically based on small numbers of patients and differ in the etiology of acute kidney injury, patient comorbidity, and definitions of what constitutes “early” start. To date, there is less than a handful of prospective randomized studies published in the modern era. Again these are small studies, with differing patient populations, and definitions of “early” start, but generally do not show any significant advantage for an “early” start approach. As such until adequately powered prospective trial data become available, the decision to initiate renal replacement therapy should be made by the traditional review of patient history, repeated clinical assessments, and trends in biochemical data.
US Fiscal Sustainability and the Causality Relationship between Government Expenditures and Revenues: A New Approach Based on Quantile Cointegration
Authors: Chen Pei‐Fen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper first aims to reinvestigate the issue of US fiscal sustainability by using the quantile cointegration approach proposed by Xiao (2009 and 2012). Our empirical evidence indicates a quantile‐dependent cointegrating relationship between government expenditures and revenues. In addition, this paper examines the long‐run causality relationship between expenditures and revenues by using the vector error‐correction (VEC) model with coefficients based on the different quantiles. Findings from the long‐run Granger‐causality analyses support the spend‐and‐tax hypothesis. Our investigation suggests that the government should show more discretion in increasing expenditures in the long run. Moreover, budget deficit reduction can only be achieved through reductions in government expenditures.
Patients with alcohol‐related liver disease – beliefs about their illness and factors that influence their self‐management
Authors: Lau‐Walker Margaret , Presky Jonathan , Webzell Ian , Murrells Trevor , Heaton Nigel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo determine the association between illness belief and self‐efficacy to provide the evidence‐base to develop a personalized framework to support self‐management in patients with alcohol‐related liver disease.BackgroundResearch in a variety of long‐term illnesses suggests patients' illness beliefs are a more influential factor for patient recovery than the severity of the illness. However, research into illness belief and self‐efficacy of patients with alcohol‐related liver disease is sparse.DesignA cross‐sectional survey.MethodsA cohort of 159 patients with alcohol‐related liver disease who attended the Liver Outpatient Clinics at a London Hospital (October 2012–November 2013) completed a set of validated instruments measuring illness beliefs, self‐efficacy, emotional states and quality of life.FindingsThe mean age of enrolled patients was 52 years, 67% male, 26% live on their own, 61% had no previous history of other chronic illness and average Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease and The AUDIT Alcohol Consumption Questions scores were 11·0 and 3·5 respectively. After adjusting for demographic and illness characteristic components, multiple regression analysis shows that the three illness belief components ‘Symptoms', ‘Understanding' and ‘Concerns' made a significant contribution to their confidence to self‐manage their liver condition and the ‘Symptoms' component makes a signification contribution across to all outcome measures: Anxiety, Depression, Quality of Life and Self‐Efficacy.ConclusionInterventions designed to improve these patients' understanding of their illness and strategies to manage their symptoms are likely to improve their self‐management, quality of life and reduce anxiety and depression.
Analysis of effectiveness and safety of a three‐part triage system for the access to dermatology specialist health care
Authors: Deluca J. , Goldschmidt A. , Eisendle K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundAccessibility and waiting times pose a general problem in public financed health care systems. In Italy a three‐part triage system (urgent, priority and deferrable with a corresponding maximum time target before treatment of 1, 8 and 60 days respectively) to gain faster treatment for urgent and emergent cases of dermatology outpatients has been introduced.MethodsFrom February 2011 to August 2013, samples of 1526 outpatient electronic medical record cases were randomly retrieved. Diagnoses with their corresponding triage codes were recorded. Urgent visits were further analysed according to the referring physician. The appropriateness of the referral was based on the published state law diagnostic guidelines. Data were statistically analysed using the 2‐tailed Pearson chi‐squared test or the Fisher exact test.ResultsOverall, 56.5% retrieved cases were deferrable, 13.1% priority and 30.4% urgent. Frequency of diagnoses differed significantly between the three groups (P < 0.05). Appropriateness of the triage level was higher for priority than for urgent referrals (P < 0.05%). An overestimation of urgency levels was noted and urgent cases were not overseen. Triage levels were best assessed by general practitioners (75% correct allocations) followed by emergency physicians (59%) and other specialists (45%) (P < 0.01%).ConclusionThe triage system according to clinical need is safe. Correct allocation according to urgency occurs in <75% and leaves space for improvement. General Practitioners address patient′s access significantly better than other physicians, therefore are best suited to function as gatekeepers to the access of specialist care in public funded health care systems.
Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a clinical marker in acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis: a close correlation between serum CEA level and disease activity
Authors: Honma M. , Iinuma S. , Kanno K. , Komatsu S. , Minami‐Hori M. , Iizuka H. , Ishida‐Yamamoto A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundHypohidrosis/anhidrosis are congenital or acquired sweating impairments. Among them, acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis/hypohidrosis (AIGA) is the most common, and characterized by favourable response to systemic corticosteroid, however, no clinical markers for disease severity or activity have been developed.ObjectiveOur aim was to verify the usefulness of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level monitoring as a clinical marker for disease activity of AIGA.MethodsTen cases of AIGA diagnosed at Asahikawa Medical University, from 1980 to 2014 were included in the study. CEA and/or CEACAM1 expression level was analysed using immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultCEA expression was restricted to the apical membrane of glandular cells in eccrine sweat glands in most of the three types of cases we examined [healthy control, patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) or urticaria]. However, CEA expression was detected diffusely and much more intensively in eight of the 10 AIGA cases included in this study. CEACAM1‐expression was much more restricted on the apical membrane of glandular cells of both the AIGA cases and the other control subjects. While serum CEA levels increased in all five AIGA cases examined (5.8–43.2 ng/mL), it remained within normal limits in all control subjects: nine healthy individuals; 10 cases of AD; 10 cases of idiopathic urticaria; four cases of normohidrotic cholinergic urticaria (Mann–Whitney's U‐test, P < 0.05). The increased serum CEA levels in AIGA decreased in conjunction with improved sweating during methyl prednisolone pulse therapy or repeated bathing.ConclusionSerum CEA level may serve as a clinical marker for AIGA activity.
A systematic review with pooled analysis of clinical presentation and immunodiagnostic testing in mucous membrane pemphigoid: association of anti‐laminin‐332 IgG with oropharyngeal involvement and the usefulness of ELISA
Authors: Amber K.T. , Bloom R. , Hertl M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundMucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is characterized by subepithelial blistering due to IgG autoantibodies targeting various components of the dermal–epidermal basement membrane zone. Immunodiagnostics play an important role in making a precise diagnosis. Measures of test sensitivity and specificity, however, typically come from studies in diseases such as bullous pemphigoid, where the exact antigenic site may not be the same. Additionally, the association of clinical phenotype and autoantibody profiles has been an area of debate.ObjectiveWe evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA in MMP for the known target antigens BP180 and laminin‐332, as well as characterized the frequency of IgG antibodies against each laminin‐332 subdomain. Lastly, we analysed whether IgG auto‐antibody profiles were associated with clinical phenotype.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of Medline/PubMed to compile MMP patient demographics, clinical manifestations and immunodiagnostic results. ELISA sensitivities and specificities for autoantigens were calculated in patients with positive immunoblot or immunoprecipitationstudies. IgG reactivity for each laminin‐332 subunit was recorded. Associations between positive immunological tests and clinical presentation were evaluated using chi‐squared test tests or Fisher's exact test when appropriate.ResultsFor patients with a positive immunoblot or immunoprecipitation to NC16a, ELISA using both the NC16a and C‐terminal portion of BP180 demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 93%. However, for individuals with IgG against the C‐terminal domain of BP180, the sensitivity and specificity was 43% and 56%, respectively. LN‐332 ELISA demonstrated 75% sensitivity, but only for patients with IgG reactivity against the α3 subunit. In patients with laminin‐332 MMP, 86.4% demonstrated IgG against the α3 subunit. IgG autoantibodies against laminin‐332 are significantly associated with pharyngo‐laryngeal (P < 0.0001) and oro‐pharyngo‐laryngeal (P = 0.006) involvement.ConclusionsImmunodiagnostics play a major role in diagnosing MMP, though limited sensitivity may necessitate several forms of testing for confirmation.
Factors associated with potentially harmful antibiotic prescription during pregnancy: a population‐based study
Authors: Lee Yichen , Chen Chuchieh , Chu Dachen , Ko Mingchung 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesInappropriate antibiotic prescriptions during pregnancy may adversely affect the fetus. There were few studies on factors associated with antibiotic prescriptions potentially harmful to the fetus.MethodsThis was a population‐based cross‐sectional study using data from National Health Insurance Research Database. We calculated the frequency of antibiotic prescription according to the status of pregnancy, type of infections, characteristics of patients, doctors and medical institutions. According to the British National Formulary, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, tetracycline and quinolones were classified as antibiotics potentially harmful to the fetus. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent effect of various characteristic on antibiotic prescriptions, during pregnancy, potentially harmful to the fetus.ResultsAmong the 19 464 pregnant subjects, 6554 (33.67%) received antibiotic prescriptions during pregnancy. Antibiotic prescriptions potentially harmful to the fetus accounted for 6.31% of all antibiotic prescriptions during pregnancy. Pregnant women aged <20 years, in their first trimester, and who were presenting with urogenital infections had the highest risks of receiving antibiotic prescriptions potentially harmful to the fetus. Non‐gynaecologists, doctors aged 39–49 or ≥50 years, and doctors at clinics had higher risks of prescribing antibiotics potentially harmful to the fetus.ConclusionsMeasures to improve the quality of practices should include efforts to increase awareness of antibiotic prescription guidelines for the treatment of infections in the pregnant population.
miR‐205 promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition by targeting AKT signaling in endometrial cancer cells
Authors: Jin Chenyu , Liang Ruojia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimAKT signaling regulates multiple biological processes and expresses in various cancers. miR‐205 plays complex roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression by acting either as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene depending on the tumor type. Here we describe the molecular mechanism of miR‐205 regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition by activation of AKT signaling in endometrial cancer cells HEC‐50B and HEC‐1‐A.Material and MethodsThe proliferation of HEC‐50B cells transfected with miR‐205 mimic was assessed by WST‐1 assay. The migration and invasion were evaluated by BD transwell migration and matrigel invasion assays. The EMT markers were detected by Western blot.ResultsWe found that miR‐205 increased the proliferation in HEC‐50B cells. The migration and invasion of HEC‐50B cells and HEC‐1‐A cells were enhanced by miR‐205. When HEC‐50B cells and HEC‐1‐A cells were treated with anti‐miR‐205 inhibitor, the migration and invasion were decreased as compared with the negative control. The overexpression of miR‐205 inhibited E‐cadherin expression and promoted Snail expression by activation of AKT and downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β. However, after the HEC‐50B cells and HEC‐1‐A cells were treated with anti‐miR‐205 inhibitor, E‐cadherin expression was increased and Snail protein level was decreased by inhibition of AKT expression.ConclusionOur data strongly suggest that miR‐205 plays an important role in endometrial cancer migration and invasion by targeting the AKT pathway. Our data highlight miR‐205 as a potential molecular target for endometrial cancer treatment.