bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epiphyte metapopulation persistence after drastic habitat decline and low tree regeneration: time‐lags and effects of conservation actions
Authors: Johansson Victor , Ranius Thomas , Snäll Tord 
Published: January 2013

SummaryOld trees have declined inEurope due to agricultural intensification and forestry. For shade‐intolerant epiphytic species occurring on old trees in semi‐open landscapes, host tree numbers have further decreased because of shading by developing secondary woodland. Moreover, in this habitat, regeneration that could replace the extant old trees is low. This suggests that epiphytic species associated with old trees are declining. However, for species with low extinction rates, the decline may be slow and hard to elucidate.We investigated the persistence of five old‐oak‐associated epiphytic lichens with different traits by simulating metapopulation dynamics usingBayesian incidence function models for dynamic landscapes. With an oak‐rich landscape as a reference, we investigated effects of (i) drastic habitat decline, (ii) conservation actions such as clearing around trees or increased regeneration rate, (iii) low tree regeneration and (iv) clearing and increased regeneration after 100 years of low regeneration.After drastic habitat decline, the number of occupied trees continued to decrease, displaying long time‐lags before reaching new metapopulation equilibriums. Lichen extinction risks increased with decreasing habitat and were highest for species that only colonise very old trees or have large dispersal propagules. In landscapes with low tree densities, conservation actions had only minor effects on lichen extinction risks.Low tree regeneration rates increased lichen extinction risks, but species declines were slow. Conservation actions that increased regeneration after 100 years of low regeneration decreased the extinction risks to very low levels.Synthesis and applications. Due to low rates of local extinction, epiphytes display long time‐lags to reach new equilibriums after habitat loss. Thus, we should expect ongoing declines in epiphyte metapopulations in landscapes where old trees have recently declined. Slow extinction gives an opportunity to improve persistence by conservation actions, but the success depends on species traits and the current density of old trees. In landscapes with many old but few young trees, epiphytes may persist if conservation actions quickly address the need to increase tree regeneration rates. The best conservation approach for long‐term persistence of epiphytic lichens is to ensure regular tree regeneration in landscapes with a current high density of old trees.
Distinct regulation of inner medullary collecting duct nitric oxide production from mice and rats
Authors: Hyndman Kelly A , Xue Jing , MacDonell Alexander , Speed Joshua S , Jin Chunhua , Pollock Jennifer S 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase 1 (NOS1) maintain sodium and water homeostasis. The NOS1α and NOS1β splice variants are expressed in the rat inner medulla, but only NOS1β is expressed in the mouse. Collecting duct NOS1 is necessary for blood pressure control. We hypothesized that NOS1 splice variant expression and NO production in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) are regulated differently in mice and rats by high dietary sodium.

Male C57blk/J6 mice and Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed a 0.4% (normal salt; NS), or 4% (high salt; HS) NaCl diet for 2 or 7 days.

Mean arterial pressure was not altered by HS, whereas urinary sodium excretion in mice and rats was increased significantly. Urinary excretion of nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and IMCD nitrite production were significantly greater in mice compared with rats on the HS diet.

Western blotting indicated that only NOS1β and NOS3 were expressed in the mouse IMCD and that expression was unaffected by the HS diet at either time point. In contrast, NOS1α was detected in the IMCD of rats, in addition to NOS1β and NOS3. Feeding of the HS diet for 2 days increased NOS1α and NOS1β expression in the rat IMCD and 7 day feeding of the HS diet further increased NOS1β expression. Expression of NOS3 was unchanged by the HS diet at either time point.

In conclusion, IMCD NO production in mice and rats is distinctly regulated under both NS and HS conditions, including expression of NOS1 splice variants.
Characterisation of mozzarella cheese curd by means of capillary rheometry
Authors: Bähler Balz , Hinrichs Jörg 
Published: January 2013

For mozzarella production the curd is plasticised and kneaded. To characterise the process rheologically, mozzarella cheese curd was investigated using a capillary rheometer at different temperatures. Measurements with the capillary rheometer regularly revealed pressure oscillations and product distortion, starting at 55 °C, 21/s and at 60 °C, 36/s which leads to the conclusion that there is melt fracture of the stick‐slip type above a critical shear rate. Additionally, at 60 °C and 65 °C phase separation of water and fat was observed, which limits the optimal range of the cooker–stretcher machines.
Improved isolation of bioactive components of bovine colostrum using cross‐flow microfiltration
Authors: Gosch Thomas , Apprich Silvia , Kneifel Wolfgang , Novalin Senad 
Published: January 2013

Bovine colostrum contains bioactive components such as growth factors, immunoglobulins and antimicrobial factors. As conventional heat treatment methods inactivate these valuable components, cross‐flow microfiltration (MF) seems to be a promising option for the processing of bovine colostrum. A series of cross‐flow MF experiments with tubular ceramic membranes of various pore sizes and geometries were conducted. MF with pore sizes of 0.8 and 1.4 μm resulted in a 5.4‐ and 3.5‐log reduction of the microbial content, respectively. Applying 0.14‐ and 0.2‐μm membranes lead to a permeate that was almost free from micro‐organisms and casein. However, the maximum transmission of whey protein into the permeate was only 33%.
Distal Radial Artery Pressures Predict Angiographic Result and Short‐Term Patency Outcome in Hemodialysis Patients With Juxta‐Anastomotic Inflow Stenosis of Radiocephalic Fistula Undergoing Transradial Angioplasty
Authors: Lai Chi‐Cheng , Fang Hua‐Chang , Lin Ching‐Hwung , Mar Guang‐Yuan , Tseng Ching‐Jiunn , Liu Chun‐Peng 
Published: January 2013

AbstractDistal radial artery pressure (RAP) was observed to be reduced after transradial percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) on the juxta‐anastomotic venous stenosis of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF). Distal RAPs are easily obtained from a pressure transducer connected with an introducer retrograde inserted into distal radial artery. The clinical role of distal RAP in the setting of transradial PTA remains unknown. This prospective and observational study aimed to explore the relationship between distal RAPs and clinical outcomes. This study recruited hemodialysis patients with RCAVF juxta‐anastomotic venous stenosis undergoing transradial PTA. RAP‐related variables and procedural data before PTA (pre‐PTA) and after PTA (post‐PTA) were analyzed. The study endpoint was dysfunction‐driven re‐PTA during the 1‐year follow‐up. Overall, 73 PTAs significantly reduced the mean of systolic RAPs from 159.6 ± 41.4 to 108.4 ± 41.5 mm Hg; P < 0.0001. Post‐PTA systolic RAP was associated with angiographic outcome (P = 0.004) and unassisted patency at 3 months (P = 0.036), but not at 6, 9, or 12 months (P > 0.05). The group with angiographically successful PTAs had a significantly lower mean of post‐PTA systolic RAPs compared with that with unsuccessful PTAs (98.4 ± 35.4 vs. 128.7 ± 46.1 mm Hg; P = 0.003). The post‐PTA systolic RAP may be seen as a predictor for 3‐month unassisted patency (AUC = 0.669; P = 0.048). In conclusion, this study provides the RAP profile to help guide transradial PTA on RCAVF juxta‐anastomotic venous stenosis and predict 3‐month unassisted patency in a hemodynamic manner.
Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Japanese Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nagakawa Osamu , Miyatomi Yoshiho , Shigeta Yasuhiro , Inayama Emi , Murakami Kouichi , Sakai Takehiko , Kouno Takashi , Masai Motoyuki , Shirai Kohji , Yoshida Toyohiko 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe investigated the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Japanese chronic hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients (n = 1041) were screened for occult HBV. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody, and hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) was determined by various chemiluminescent immunoassays. HBV‐DNA was quantified in patients positive for anti‐HBc using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Among the 1041 patients, six (0.6%) were HBsAg‐positive and 218 (20.9%) were anti‐HBc‐positive. All HBsAg‐positive patients also tested positive for the presence of HBV DNA. Of 212 HBsAg‐negative and anti‐HBc‐positive patients, three were positive for HBV DNA. Our study showed that the prevalence of occult HBV infection in chronic hemodialysis patients from eastern Japan was 0.3%.
Peripheral arterial disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Hassan Ayman A. , Habib Hisham M. , Eissa Ashraf A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of our study was to: (i) map out the presence of peripheral vascular disease in a sample of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients; and (ii) correlate our findings with disease characteristics, activity indices, traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis and thrombotic variables.MethodsThe study population comprised 120 SLE patients and 100 controls. Clinical data were collected for patients and controls with stress on clinical issues of SLE patients, including British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index score, anti‐double stranded DNA titer C3 and C4 levels, and treatment taken, mainly steroids. Measurements of thrombotic variables were performed. Non‐invasive arterial assessment was performed, including carotid duplex scanning and measurement of carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and peripheral arterial assessment and measurement of ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI).ResultsThe mean age of SLE patients was 32 years and mean disease duration was 8 years. There were no statistically significant differences in the traditional vascular risk factors measured between SLE patients and controls. There were significantly higher plasma levels of thrombotic variables in SLE patients. The average IMT was statistically significantly greater in SLE patients compared to controls. Thirty SLE patients (25%) had an ABPI < 1.0 compared with six controls (6%), which was statistically significant.ConclusionThis study showed an increased prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in SLE patients as shown by the higher carotid artery IMT and lower ABPI in such patients compared with controls. Multiple risk factors are likely to be involved in such findings.
Is psychotic disorder associated with increased levels of craving for cannabis? An Experience Sampling study
Authors: Kuepper R. , Oorschot M. , Myin‐Germeys I. , Smits M. , van Os J. , Henquet C. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveAlthough cannabis use among individuals with psychotic disorder is considerable, little is known about patterns of use and factors contributing to continuation of use. Therefore, we investigated craving in relation to cannabis use in patients with psychotic disorder and healthy controls.MethodThe study included 58 patients with non‐affective psychotic disorder and 63 healthy controls; all were frequent cannabis users. Craving was assessed with the Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale (OCDUS) for cannabis, as well as in daily life using the Experience Sampling Method (ESM).ResultsPatients scored higher on the OCDUS (B = 1.18, P = 0.022), but did not differ from controls in ESM indices of craving (all P > 0.05). In daily life, ESM craving predicted cannabis use and this was stronger in controls (χ2 = 4.5, P = 0.033; Bcontrols = 0.08, P < 0.001; Bpatients = 0.06, P < 0.001). In both groups ESM craving was predicted by negative affect, paranoia, and hallucinations (Bnegativeaffect = 0.12, P = 0.009; Bparanoia = 0.13, P = 0.013; Bhallucinations = 0.13, P = 0.028), and followed by an increase in negative affect at non‐cannabis‐using moments (B = 0.03, P = 0.002).ConclusionThe temporal dynamics of craving as well as craving intensity in daily life appear to be similar in patients and controls. Further research is needed to elucidate the inconsistencies between cross‐sectional and daily‐life measures of craving in psychosis.
Does colour matter? The influence of animal warning coloration on human emotions and willingness to protect them
Authors: Prokop P. , Fančovičová J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe perceived popularity of animals plays a crucial role in their support by the general public and consequently in the success of conservation efforts. We experimentally investigated with Slovak schoolchildren the role of animal coloration and basic human emotions in the willingness to protect animals. Both unaltered and experimentally manipulated pictures of aposematic animals increased perceived danger. Spiders and snakes were perceived as more dangerous/disgusting than other taxa, particularly birds and mammals. Children showed significantly a stronger willingness to protect aposematic animals over inconspicuous, cryptic animals. Perceived disgust and danger of animals negatively correlated with a willingness to protect them with females showing greater fear of animals than males. Our results suggest that the use of aposematic animals in conservation programs may increase their popularity and public support.
Setting conservation priorities when what you see is not what you get
Authors: Vellend Mark , Kharouba Heather M. 
Published: January 2013

Read the Feature Paper:Mapping the potential extinction debt of butterflies in a modern city: implications for conservation priorities in urban landscapesOther Commentaries on this paper:Extinction debt at different spatial scalesResponse from the authors:From ecological pessimism to conservation chance: reviving living dead in changing landscapes
Relation between corticosterone and fear‐related behavior in mice selectively bred for high or low alcohol preference
Authors: Chester Julia A. , Kirchhoff Aaron M. , Barrenha Gustavo D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBlunted cortisol responses to stress or trauma have been linked with genetic (familial) risk for both alcoholism and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mouse lines selectively bred for high (HAP) or low (LAP) alcohol preference may be a relevant model of genetic risk for co‐morbid alcoholism and PTSD in humans. HAP mice show greater fear‐potentiated startle (FPS), a model used to study PTSD, than LAP mice. The relation between corticosterone (CORT) and FPS behavior was explored in four experiments. Naïve male and female HAP2 and LAP2 mice received fear‐conditioning or control treatments, and CORT levels were measured before and immediately after fear‐conditioning or FPS testing. In two other experiments, HAP2 mice received CORT (1.0, 5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg) or a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (mifepristone; 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg) 30 minutes before fear conditioning. HAP2 mice exposed to fear conditioning and to control foot shock exposures showed lower CORT after the fear‐conditioning and FPS testing sessions than LAP2 mice. A trend toward higher FPS was seen in HAP2 mice pretreated with 10.0 mg/kg CORT, and CORT levels were the lowest in this group, suggesting negative feedback inhibition of CORT release. Mifepristone did not alter FPS. Overall, these results are consistent with data in humans and rodents indicating that lower cortisol/CORT levels after stress are associated with PTSD/PTSD‐like behavior. These findings in HAP2 and LAP2 mice suggest that a blunted CORT response to stress may be a biological marker for greater susceptibility to develop PTSD in individuals with increased genetic risk for alcoholism.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Low QRS Voltages in Cardiac AL Amyloidosis
Authors: Mussinelli Roberta , Salinaro Francesco , Alogna Alessio , Boldrini Michele , Raimondi Ambra , Musca Francesco , Palladini Giovanni , Merlini Giampaolo , Perlini Stefano 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundIn cardiac AL amyloidosis, myocardial infiltration is typically associated with “low QRS voltages” at the 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Although considered as one of the hallmarks of the disease, its reported prevalence varies from 45% to 70%, mainly because of nonhomogeneous definitions.MethodsTo identify the “low QRS voltage” parameter having the best diagnostic value in identifying cardiac amyloidosis, and to assess its possible prognostic role, ECG and echocardiographic data were collected at diagnosis in 337 consecutive never‐treated AL patients (233 with, 104 without cardiac involvement). Prognosis was assessed after a median follow‐up of 14.5 months.Results“Low QRS voltage” prevalence varied from 84.12% when using Sokolow‐Lyon index ≤15 mm to 27.04% with the definition of low total voltages (QRS amplitude ≤5 mm in each peripheral and ≤10 mm in each precordial lead), the widely used definition of low peripheral voltages (≤5 mm in each peripheral lead) being able to identify 66.52% cardiac AL patients. The presence of “low peripheral voltages” was associated with a more severe cardiac involvement, and was able to differentiate Mayo stage II patients’ survival (i.e., AL patients with intermediate prognosis). According to receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity and specificity were 58.72% and 80.00%, for a peripheral QRS amplitude ≤24.5 mm (the sum of QRS in all the 6 peripheral leads), and 76.26% and 65.00% for a Sokolow‐Lyon index ≤11 mm.ConclusionsIn cardiac AL amyloidosis the prevalence of low QRS voltages is highly dependent on the method used for defining this ECG alteration.
Effects of delayed cord clamping on neurodevelopment and infection at four months of age: a randomised trial
Authors: Andersson Ola , Domellöf Magnus , Andersson Dan , Hellström‐Westas Lena 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect that delayed and early umbilical cord clamping have on neurodevelopment, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and symptoms of infection during the first 4 months of life.MethodsFull‐term infants (n = 382) were randomised to delayed (≥180 sec) or early cord clamping (≤10 sec). The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) was used to assess neurodevelopment at 4 months. Immunoglobulin G was measured at birth, 2–3 days and 4 months. Parents recorded any symptoms indicating infection during the first 4 months of life.ResultsThe total scores from the ASQ did not differ between groups. However, the delayed cord clamping (DCC) group had a higher mean (SD) score in the problem‐solving domain [55.3 (7.2) vs. 53.5 (8.2), p = 0.03] at 4 months and a lower mean (SD) score in the personal‐social domain [49.5 (9.3) vs. 51.8 (8.1), p = 0.01]. The IgG level was higher in the DCC group at 2–3 days (11.7 vs. 11.0 g/L, p = 0.004), but did not differ between the groups at 4 months. Symptoms of infection were comparable between the groups.ConclusionDelayed cord clamping did not affect overall neurodevelopment or symptoms of infection up to 4 months of age, but may have an impact on specific neurodevelopmental domains.
Opicapone: a short lived and very long acting novel catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitor following multiple dose administration in healthy subjects
Authors: Rocha José Francisco , Almeida Luis , Falcão Amílcar , Palma P. Nuno , Loureiro Ana I. , Pinto Roberto , Bonifácio Maria João , Wright Lyndon C. , Nunes Teresa , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício 
Published: January 2013

AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the tolerability, pharmacokinetics and inhibitory effect on erythrocyte soluble catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (S‐COMT) activity following repeated doses of opicapone.MethodsThis randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study enrolled healthy male subjects who received either once daily placebo or opicapone 5, 10, 20 or 30 mg for 8 days.ResultsOpicapone was well tolerated. Its systemic exposure increased in an approximately dose‐proportional manner with an apparent terminal half‐life of 1.0 to 1.4 h. Sulphation was the main metabolic pathway. Opicapone metabolites recovered in urine accounted for less than 3% of the amount of opicapone administered suggesting that bile is likely the main route of excretion. Maximum S‐COMT inhibition (Emax) ranged from 69.9% to 98.0% following the last dose of opicapone. The opicapone‐induced S‐COMT inhibition showed a half‐life in excess of 100 h, which was dose‐independent and much longer than plasma drug exposure. Such a half‐life translates into a putative underlying rate constant that is comparable with the estimated dissociation rate constant of the COMT–opicapone complex.ConclusionDespite its short elimination half‐life, opicapone markedly and sustainably inhibited erythrocyte S‐COMT activity making it suitable for a once daily regimen.
A phase I study of panobinostat (LBH589) in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post‐polycythaemia vera/essential thrombocythaemia myelofibrosis (post‐PV/ET MF)
Authors: Mascarenhas John , Lu Min , Li Timmy , Petersen Bruce , Hochman Tsivia , Najfeld Vesna , Goldberg Judith D. , Hoffman Ronald 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPanobinostat (LBH589), a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), was evaluated in a phase I study of patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post‐essential thrombocythaemia/polycythaemia vera‐related myelofibrosis (Post‐ET/PV MF). Eighteen patients (PMF 56%; Post‐PV MF 28%; Post‐ET MF 17%) were treated in three cohorts at oral doses of (i) 20, (ii) 30, and (iii) 25 mg three times weekly consecutively. Reversible thrombocytopenia was the dose‐limiting toxicity. Five patients (two in Dose Cohort 1, one in Dose Cohort 2 and two in Dose Cohort 3) received six or more cycles and were evaluable for response assessment. After the sixth cycle, three of these five patients achieved clinical improvement (CI) with 100% reduction in palpable splenomegaly from baseline, and two patients experienced stable disease. Panobinostat therapy was also associated with improvement in the degree of anaemia in two of the five patients. Of the three patients who achieved CI after six cycles, one patient achieved a near complete remission after 15 cycles of treatment and another patient had resolution of marrow fibrosis after 16 cycles. We conclude that panobinostat is a well‐tolerated, clinically active treatment for MF patients, regardless of JAK2 V617F status, and most effective when given at low doses over long periods of time.
A systematic review of interventions to promote social support and parenting skills in parents with an intellectual disability
Authors: Wilson S. , McKenzie K. , Quayle E. , Murray G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe family support needs of parents with an intellectual disability (ID) are relatively unknown. This paper reviewed two types of intervention for parents with ID: those designed to strengthen social relationships and those teaching parenting skills. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases and a limited number of evaluative studies were found. The evidence for interventions aimed at strengthening social relationships was inconclusive; although positive changes were observed, there were limitations in study design which restricted the generalizability of the results. The evidence for parental skills teaching suggested that behavioural based interventions are more effective than less intensive forms such as lesson booklets and the provision of normal services, although these studies also had limitations. There is a need for further large scale controlled studies in this area to provide clearer evidence and to explore additional factors relating to child, parent and family which may impact on outcomes.