bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal diversity gradients in bryophytes and woody plants: Roles of temperature and water availability
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Bin , Ferry Slik J. W. , Gao Jie , Mao Ling‐Feng , Bi Meng‐Jie , Shen Meng‐Wei , Zhou Ke‐Xin 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIt remains unclear whether the latitudinal diversity gradients of micro‐ and macro‐organisms are driven by the same macro‐environmental variables. We used the newly completed species catalog and distribution information of bryophytes in China to explore their spatial species richness patterns, and to investigate the underlying roles of energy availability, climatic seasonality, and environmental heterogeneity in shaping these patterns. We then compared these patterns to those found for woody plants. We found that, unlike woody plants, mosses and liverworts showed only weakly negative latitudinal trends in species richness. The spatial patterns of liverwort richness and moss richness were overwhelmingly explained by contemporary environmental variables, although explained variation was lower than that for woody plants. Similar to woody plants, energy and climatic seasonality hypotheses dominate as explanatory variables but show high redundancy in shaping the distribution of bryophytes. Water variables, that is, the annual availability, intra‐annual variability and spatial heterogeneity in precipitation, played a predominant role in explaining spatial variation of species richness of bryophytes, especially for liverworts, whereas woody plant richness was affected most by temperature variables. We suggest that further research on spatial patterns of bryophytes should incorporate the knowledge on their ecophysiology and evolution.
Impact of renal impairment on cardiovascular disease mortality after liver transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis
Authors: VanWagner Lisa B. , Lapin Brittany , Skaro Anton I. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Rinella Mary E. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity after liver transplantation, but its impact on CVD mortality is unknown. We sought to assess the impact of NASH on CVD mortality after liver transplantation and to predict which NASH recipients are at highest risk of a CVD‐related death following a liver transplant.MethodsUsing the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, we examined associations between NASH and post‐liver transplant CVD mortality, defined as primary cause of death from thromboembolism, arrhythmia, heart failure, myocardial infarction or stroke. A physician panel reviewed cause of death.ResultsOf 48 360 liver transplants (2/2002–12/2011), 5057 (10.5%) were performed for NASH cirrhosis. NASH recipients were more likely to be older, female, obese, diabetic and have history of renal failure or prior CVD vs. non‐NASH (P < 0.001 for all). Although there was no difference in overall all‐cause mortality (log‐rank P = 0.96), both early (30‐day) and long‐term CVD‐specific mortality was increased among NASH recipients (Odds ratio = 1.30, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.66; Hazard ratio = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.07–1.41 respectively). These associations were no longer significant after adjustment for pre‐transplant diabetes, renal impairment or CVD. A risk score comprising age ≥55, male sex, diabetes and renal impairment was developed for prediction of post‐liver transplant CVD mortality (c‐statistic 0.60).ConclusionNASH recipients have an increased risk of CVD mortality after liver transplantation explained by a high prevalence of comorbid cardiometabolic risk factors that in aggregate identify those at highest risk of post‐transplant CVD mortality.
Vision‐Based Automated Crack Detection for Bridge Inspection
Authors: Yeum Chul Min , Dyke Shirley J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractVisual inspection of bridges is customarily used to identify and evaluate faults. However, current procedures followed by human inspectors demand long inspection times to examine large and difficult to access bridges. Also, highly relying on an inspector's subjective or empirical knowledge induces false evaluation. To address these limitations, a vision‐based visual inspection technique is proposed by automatically processing and analyzing a large volume of collected images. Images used in this technique are captured without controlling angles and positions of cameras and no need for preliminary calibration. As a pilot study, cracks near bolts on a steel structure are identified from images. Using images from many different angles and prior knowledge of the typical appearance and characteristics of this class of faults, the proposed technique can successfully detect cracks near bolts.
Antifungal activity of the ribosome‐inactivating protein BE27 from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) against the green mould Penicillium digitatum
Authors: Citores Lucía , Iglesias Rosario , Gay Carolina , Ferreras José Miguel 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe ribosome‐inactivating protein BE27 from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) leaves is an apoplastic protein induced by signalling compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid, which has been reported to be involved in defence against viruses. Here, we report that, at a concentration much lower than that present in the apoplast, BE27 displays antifungal activity against the green mould Penicillium digitatum, a necrotrophic fungus that colonizes wounds and grows in the inter‐ and intracellular spaces of the tissues of several edible plants. BE27 is able to enter into the cytosol and kill fungal cells, thus arresting the growth of the fungus. The mechanism of action seems to involve ribosomal RNA (rRNA) N‐glycosylase activity on the sarcin–ricin loop of the major rRNA which inactivates irreversibly the fungal ribosomes, thus inhibiting protein synthesis. We compared the C‐terminus of the BE27 structure with antifungal plant defensins and hypothesize that a structural motif composed of an α‐helix and a β‐hairpin, similar to the γ‐core motif of defensins, might contribute to the specific interaction with the fungal plasma membranes, allowing the protein to enter into the cell.
Parkinsonian thalamic activity represents pathophysiology underlying progression of motor symptoms
Authors: Narabayashi Yohsuke , Oshima Tomokazu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundParkinsonian thalamic 13‐ to 27‐Hz (β‐band) and 3‐ to 7‐Hz (τ‐range) hyperactivity is linked to rigidity and tremor, respectively, but not to bradykinesia.AimTo clarify the contributions of different types of thalamic activity to the progression of parkinsonian symptoms, we modeled a neural converter that translates thalamic activity into symptoms and examined its input‐output relationship.MethodsWe scored pre‐ and postoperative rigidity, tremor, and bradykinesia as well as case‐representative τ‐range (Vτ) and β‐band (Vβ) activity in 170 patients with Parkinson's disease.ResultsThe relationship between abolished rigidity (dR) and Vβ was described by a hysteresis curve, which was simulated by two parabolas relating dR and Vβ to preoperative rigidity (preR) using the calculated time lag corresponding to 1.5 preR grades. The abolished tremor was linearly related to Vτ. The partly abolished bradykinesia was related to Vβ by hysteresis. Hysteresis in the dR‐to‐Vβ relationship was observed as a result of 11 patients with preR scores of 4. Their brain activity was generally low and similar to that of patients without rigidity.ConclusionIn contrast to the direct correlation between Vτ and tremor, Vβ caused rigidity and, in part, bradykinesia via time‐consuming processes, as demonstrated by the delayed parabola model. Patients with the severest rigidity showed a loss of thalamic activity and the spread of pathophysiological abnormalities in the neural circuitry beyond the thalamus with progressive age.
Functional analysis of the Arabidopsis thaliana CHLOROPLAST BIOGENESIS 19 pentatricopeptide repeat editing protein
Authors: Ramos‐Vega Maricela , Guevara‐García Arturo , Llamas Ernesto , Sánchez‐León Nidia , Olmedo‐Monfil Vianey , Vielle‐Calzada Jean Philippe , León Patricia 
Published: May 2015

Summary

The Arabidopsis thaliana pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) family of proteins contains several degenerate 35‐aa motifs named PPR repeats. These proteins control diverse post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, including RNA editing. CLB19 belongs to the PLS subfamily of PPR proteins and is essential for the editing and functionality of the subunit A of plastid‐encoded RNA polymerase (RpoA) and the catalytic subunit of the Clp protease (ClpP1).

We demonstrate in vitro that CLB19 has a specific interaction with these two targets, in spite of their modest sequence similarity. Using site‐directed mutagenesis of the rpoA target, we analyzed the essential nucleotides required for CLB19–rpoA interactions.

We verified that, similar to other editing proteins, the C‐terminal E domain of CLB19 is essential for editing but not for RNA binding. Using biomolecular fluorescence complementation, we demonstrated that the E domain of CLB19 interacts with the RNA‐interacting protein MORF2/RIP2 but not with MORF9/RIP9. An interesting finding from this analysis was that overexpression of a truncated CLB19 protein lacking the E domain interferes with cell fate during megasporogenesis and the subsequent establishment of a female gametophyte, supporting an important role of plastids in female gametogenesis.

Together these analyses provide important clues about the particularities of the CLB19 editing protein.
Testosterone and obesity
Authors: Kelly D. M. , Jones T. H. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryTestosterone is a key hormone in the pathology of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Low testosterone levels are associated with increased fat mass (particularly central adiposity) and reduced lean mass in males. These morphological features are linked to metabolic dysfunction, and testosterone deficiency is associated with energy imbalance, impaired glucose control, reduced insulin sensitivity and dyslipidaemia. A bidirectional relationship between testosterone and obesity underpins this association indicated by the hypogonadal–obesity cycle and evidence weight loss can lead to increased testosterone levels. Androgenic effects on enzymatic pathways of fatty acid metabolism, glucose control and energy utilization are apparent and often tissue specific with differential effects noted in different regional fat depots, muscle and liver to potentially explain the mechanisms of testosterone action. Testosterone replacement therapy demonstrates beneficial effects on measures of obesity that are partially explained by both direct metabolic actions on adipose and muscle and also potentially by increasing motivation, vigour and energy allowing obese individuals to engage in more active lifestyles. The degree of these beneficial effects may be dependent on the treatment modality with longer term administration often achieving greater improvements. Testosterone replacement may therefore potentially be an effective adjunctive treatment for weight management in obese men with concomitant hypogonadism.
Effects of school‐based mental health literacy education for secondary school students to be delivered by school teachers: A preliminary study
Authors: Ojio Yasutaka , Yonehara Hiromi , Taneichi Setsuko , Yamasaki Syudo , Ando Shuntaro , Togo Fumiharu , Nishida Atsushi , Sasaki Tsukasa 
Published: May 2015

AimsImproving knowledge and beliefs about mental health (or mental health literacy [MHL]) may promote appropriate help‐seeking by adolescents who are suffering from mental health problems. We developed a concise, school‐staff‐led MHL program and examined its effects.MethodsThe participants comprised 118 grade‐9 students (61 boys and 57 girls). The program consisted of two 50‐min sessions, and was given by a schoolteacher. The effects of the program were evaluated before, immediately after and 3 months after the program, using a self‐report questionnaire.ResultsKnowledge of mental health/illnesses and desirable behavior for help‐seeking were significantly improved immediately after (post‐test, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and 3 months after the program (3‐month follow up, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), compared with the test before the delivery of the program (pre‐test, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Proportions of the correct diagnoses of vignette cases of major depression and schizophrenia were significantly (P < 0.001) elevated from 38.3% and 19.1% (pre‐test) to 94.7% and 93.6% (post‐test), and 91.5% and 86.2% (3‐month follow up). Intentions to seek help and to provide peers with help with mental health problems were also significantly (P < 0.001) elevated at post‐test and at 3 months compared with the pre‐test.ConclusionsA concise, school‐staff‐led program may have a significant effect on the improvement of MHL in secondary school students.
Leishmania donovani influenced cytokines and Toll‐like receptors expression among Sudanese visceral leishmaniasis patients
Authors: Babiker D. T. , Bakhiet S. M. , Mukhtar M. M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryLeishmaniasis remains a serious health problem. The outcome of Leishmania infection depends on the early innate response. In this study, whole blood samples of 40 patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL), 10 leishmanin skin test‐negative (LST−ve) controls and 10 leishmanin skin test‐positive (LST+ve) controls were stimulated by live L. donovani promastigotes. Also, THP1 human cell line was infected with L. donovani. The production of interleukin 10 (IL‐10), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) and interferon gamma (IFNG) cytokines was measured, and the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9) was done in the blood samples and also in the THP1 cell line. IL‐10 was found to be higher in LST+ve controls compared with VL patients. TNF was moderately produced with no variation between patients, controls and THP1 cells. IFNG was higher in LST+ve controls also in THP1 cells. TLR4 and TLR9 were found to be highly expressed in patients with VL. L. donovani increases the expression of TLR4 and TLR9 in patients with VL and TLR2 in THP1 cells, suggesting a TLRs relation in induction of a mixed cytokine response. TLR9 was markedly recognized by L. donovani DNA.
How to define nativeness in vagile organisms: lessons from the cosmopolitan mossBryum argenteumon the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands)
Authors: Pisa S. , Vanderpoorten A. , Patiño J. , Werner O. , González‐Mancebo J. M. , Ros R. M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe distinction between native and introduced biotas presents unique challenges that culminate in organisms with high long‐distance dispersal capacities in a rapidly changing world. Bryophytes, in particular, exhibit large distribution ranges, and some species can truly be qualified as cosmopolitan. Cosmopolitan species, however, typically occur in disturbed environments, raising the question of their nativeness throughout their range. Here, we employ genetic data to address the question of the origin of the cosmopolitan, weedy mossBryum argenteumon the island of Tenerife. The genetic diversity ofB. argenteumon Tenerife was comparable to that found in continental areas due to recurrent colonisation events, erasing any signature of a bottleneck that would be expected in the case of a recent colonisation event. The molecular dating analyses indicated that the first colonisation of the island took place more than 100,000 years ago,i.e. well before the first human settlements. Furthermore, the significant signal for isolation‐by‐distance found inB. argenteumwithin Tenerife points to the substantial role of genetic drift in establishing the observed patterns of genetic variation. Together, the results support the hypothesis thatB. argenteumis native on Tenerife; although the existence of haplotypes shared between Tenerife and continental areas suggests that more recent, potentially man‐mediated introduction also took place. While defining nativeness in organisms that are not deliberately introduced, and wherein the fossil record is extremely scarce, is an exceedingly challenging task, our results suggest that population genetic analyses can represent a useful tool to help distinguish native from alien populations.
Nurses' characteristics and organisational factors associated with their assessments of individualised care in care institutions for older people
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martín Beatriz , Stolt Minna , Katajisto Jouko , Suhonen Riitta 
Published: May 2015

RationaleIndividualised care is considered a key attribute of the quality in clinical care. Despite the environment in which the care is delivered and the care providers can influence in this concept, perceptions of individuality in the care settings for older people are rarely studied.AimTo identify nurses' characteristics and organisational factors associated with nurses' views about the provision of individualised care in care settings for older people.Study DesignA cross‐sectional multisite survey design.MethodsA multisite survey of nursing staff (N = 1513, n = 874, response rate 58%) working in 62 different units for older people in southwest Finland was carried out using self‐administered questionnaires (The Individualised Care Scale‐Nurse‐B and a questionnaire gathering socio‐demographic and organisational variables). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation coefficients, paired‐sample t‐tests and one‐way analyses of variance.ResultsParticipants' perceptions about the level of individualised care provided to older people were generally positive (Mean 3.92, SD 0.56). In this regard, taking into account the patients' clinical situation (Mean 4.31, SD 0.53) and the support of older patients' decisional control (Mean 3.80, SD 0.71) obtained the highest scores. Regarding nurses' socio‐demographic variables, a positive correlation between age and type of organisation with the assessments of individualised care provision was found.ConclusionsThe findings of this study show that nurses' age and the type of organisation where the care is delivered have an impact on the perceptions of individualised care of nurses working in institutions for older people. The participants' assessments about individualised care delivery have practical utility as it may help managers better understand and develop areas that obtained the lowest scores. This information may lead to the reduction of barriers (structures and processes) that hinder individualised care delivery and facilitate programs aimed at developing professional environments that improve the delivery of older people's care.
Schistosoma mansoni and HIV infection in a Ugandan population with high HIV and helminth prevalence
Authors: Sanya Richard E. , Muhangi Lawrence , Nampijja Margaret , Nannozi Victoria , Nakawungu Prossy Kabuubi , Abayo Elson , Webb Emily L. , Elliott Alison M. ,   the LaVIISWA study team
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesRecent reports suggest that Schistosoma infection may increase the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We used data from a large cross‐sectional study to investigate whether Schistosoma mansoni infection is associated with increased HIV prevalence.MethodsWe conducted a household survey of residents in island fishing communities in Mukono district, Uganda, between October 2012 and July 2013. HIV status was assessed using rapid test kits. Kato‐Katz (KK) stool tests and urine‐circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) were used to test for Schistosoma infection. Multivariable logistic regression, allowing for the survey design, was used to investigate the association between S. mansoni infection and HIV infection.ResultsData from 1412 participants aged 13 years and older were analysed (mean age 30.3 years, 45% female). The prevalence of HIV was 17.3%. Using the stool Kato‐Katz technique on a single sample, S. mansoni infection was detected in 57.2% (719/1257) of participants; urine CCA was positive in 73.8% (478/650) of those tested. S. mansoni infection was not associated with HIV infection. [KK (aOR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.74–1.47, P = 0.81), CCA (aOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 0.78–3.00, P = 0.19)]. The median S. mansoni egg count per gram was lower in the HIV‐positive participants (P = 0.005).ConclusionsThese results add to the evidence that S. mansoni has little effect on HIV transmission, but may influence egg excretion.
Household coping strategies for delivery and related healthcare cost: findings from rural Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Mohammad Enamul , Dasgupta Sushil Kanta , Naznin Eva , Al Mamun Abdullah 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to measure the economic costs of maternal complication and to understand household coping strategies for financing maternal healthcare cost.MethodsA household survey of the 706 women with maternal complication, of whom 483 had normal delivery, was conducted to collect data at 6 weeks and 6 months post‐partum. Data were collected on socio‐economic information of the household, expenditure during delivery and post‐partum, coping strategies adopted by households and other related information.ResultsDespite the high cost of health care associated with maternal complications, the majority of families were capable of protecting consumption on non‐health items. Around one‐third of households spent more than 20% of their annual household expenditure on maternal health care. Almost 50% were able to avoid catastrophic spending because of the coping strategies that they relied on. In general, households appeared resilient to short‐term economic consequences of maternal health shocks, due to the availability of informal credit, donations from relatives and selling assets. While richer households fund a greater portion of the cost of maternal health care from income and savings, the poorer households with severe maternal complication resorted to borrowing from local moneylenders at high interest, which may leave them vulnerable to financial difficulties.ConclusionFinancial protection, especially for the poor, may benefit households against economic consequences of maternal complication.
Trends in stroke admissions to a Tanzanian hospital over four decades: a retrospective audit
Authors: Walker Richard W. , Viney Rachel , Green Laura , Mawanswila Manasseh , Maro Venance P. , Gjertsen Charlotte , Godfrey Hannah , Smailes Rosanna , Gray William K. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to record stroke admissions to a tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania over four decades.MethodsWe audited the medical records held at a large teaching and tertiary referral hospital in northern Tanzania over four decades. We collected records for the years 1974‐1976, 1984‐1986, 1994‐1995 and 2008. All patients admitted as inpatients with a primary diagnosis of stroke were included in the study. Data collected included age, sex, stroke subtype, predominant side of symptoms and survival to discharge.ResultsThe number of stroke admissions rose from just four in the three‐year period 1974‐1976 (mean 1.3 cases annually) to 153 cases annually in 2008. The mean age of those admitted rose steadily during this period, as did the proportion of females admitted.ConclusionsThe burden of stroke on health services in Tanzania appears to have increased rapidly. If this increase is to be slowed, then sustainable primary preventative measures to target known stroke risk factors will be required.