bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature impacts on deep‐sea biodiversity
Authors: Yasuhara Moriaki , Danovaro Roberto 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTTemperature is considered to be a fundamental factor controlling biodiversity in marine ecosystems, but precisely what role temperature plays in modulating diversity is still not clear. The deep ocean, lacking light and in situ photosynthetic primary production, is an ideal model system to test the effects of temperature changes on biodiversity. Here we synthesize current knowledge on temperature–diversity relationships in the deep sea. Our results from both present and past deep‐sea assemblages suggest that, when a wide range of deep‐sea bottom‐water temperatures is considered, a unimodal relationship exists between temperature and diversity (that may be right skewed). It is possible that temperature is important only when at relatively high and low levels but does not play a major role in the intermediate temperature range. Possible mechanisms explaining the temperature–biodiversity relationship include the physiological‐tolerance hypothesis, the metabolic hypothesis, island biogeography theory, or some combination of these. The possible unimodal relationship discussed here may allow us to identify tipping points at which on‐going global change and deep‐water warming may increase or decrease deep‐sea biodiversity. Predicted changes in deep‐sea temperatures due to human‐induced climate change may have more adverse consequences than expected considering the sensitivity of deep‐sea ecosystems to temperature changes.
Laparoscopic repair of postoperative perineal hernia using a two‐mesh technique
Authors: Allen S. K. , Schwab K. , Day A. , Singh‐Ranger D. , Rockall T. A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimPerineal herniation following abdomino‐perineal excision of the rectum (APER) can be debilitating. Repair options include a transabdominal (laparoscopic or open), perineal or a combined approach, but there is no consensus on the optimal technique. We describe a novel laparoscopic two‐mesh technique and short‐ to medium‐term outcomes.MethodSix patients underwent this operation between 2008 and 2014. Patients were positioned in a modified Lloyd−Davies position, allowing perineal access, and steep Trendelenburg to aid displacement of small bowel from the pelvis. A polypropylene mesh was shaped, placed over the hernial defect, tacked postero‐laterally and sutured antero‐laterally to reconstitute the pelvic diaphragm. A second larger mesh (composite) was placed over the first supporting mesh and secured with tacks and sutures, overlapping the hernial defect, preventing small bowel contact with the mesh.ResultsThe median time from the index operation to presentation of the hernia was 5 months. One patient with dense small bowel adhesions from the primary repair had a combined laparoscopic and perineal approach. The median operating time was 141 min and median length of stay was 3 days. There were no intra‐operative complications and no recurrences over a follow‐up of 1–76 months.ConclusionWe describe a novel laparoscopic technique for perineal hernia repair following APER with a low recurrence rate in the intermediate term.
Avifauna and urban encroachment in time and space
Authors: Rayner Laura , Ikin Karen , Evans Maldwyn J. , Gibbons Philip , Lindenmayer David B. , Manning Adrian D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimUrban expansion significantly alters fringe environments often with undesirable impacts on biodiversity. Consequently, there is a need to define clear conservation objectives for areas subject to urban encroachment. Urban fringe development is a highly dynamic process, both spatially and temporally, but few studies are equipped to examine its temporal effects on biota. We aimed to explore the impacts of urban encroachment on avifauna through space and time.LocationThe Australian Capital Territory, Australia.MethodsWe used records from an extensive 14‐year monitoring programme undertaken in temperate woodland. We fitted hierarchical generalized linear models to assess individual species responses to the distance from monitoring sites to the urban boundary, and the temporal rate of change in this distance through time. We used factorial analysis on mixed data to examine trait group responses to these predictors.ResultsOur results indicated that the occurrence of approximately half of the study region's avifauna is strongly linked to the proximity of their habitat to the urban fringe, but that the impact of urban fringe development on the occurrence of some species changed through time. We identified several species of conservation concern that respond negatively to large annual increases in urban fringe development, irrespective of its proximity to suitable habitat. Species responses to urban proximity were linked to life history traits, with small, migratory, woodland‐dependent species that rely on mid‐ and upper‐canopy structures, clearly disadvantaged by urban environments.Main conclusionsOur findings demonstrate the breadth of species responses to urban encroachment over much larger distances than is typically investigated in urban ecological studies. We identify guilds vulnerable to the impacts of urban fringe development and therefore in need of ecologically sensitive urban design. We argue that future urban expansion towards important fringe habitats will need to be planned strategically through space and time.
Exercise‐Induced Abnormal Increase of Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Adult Patients With Sickle Cell Anemia: An Exercise Stress Echocardiography Study
Authors: de Lima‐Filho Newton Nunes , Figueiredo Maria Stella , Vicari Perla , Cançado Rodolfo , Carvalho Antonio Carlos de Camargo , Bordin José Orlando , Campos Orlando 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) at rest is a risk factor for death in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Exercise echocardiography (EE) can detect latent PH. We sought to investigate the occurrence of exercise‐induced abnormal response of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) in adult patients with SCA and normal SPAP at rest, and to identify the independent predictors of this abnormal response.Methods and ResultsForty‐four adult patients with SCA and normal SPAP at rest (tricuspid regurgitant jet flow velocity [TRV] <2.5 m/sec) were studied and divided into 2 groups: exhibiting normal SPAP after treadmill EE (TRV ≤ 2.7 m/sec) (G1), and exhibiting abnormal exercise‐induced increase of SPAP (TRV > 2.7 m/sec) (G2). TRV cutoff points at rest and during EE were based on data from healthy‐matched control subjects. Abnormal response of SPAP with exercise occurred in 57% of the sample (G2), with mean TRV level of 3.39 ± 0.41 m/sec (range 2.8–4.5 m/sec), significantly higher than those of G1 (2.29 ± 0.25 m/sec, range 2.0–2.7 m/sec; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified TRV value in resting conditions ≥2.25 m/sec (P < 0.05), left atrial volume index ≥41 mL/m2 (P < 0.05), and a E/e′‐waves ratio ≥6.3 (P < 0.05) as independent predictors of exercise‐induced increase of SPAP.ConclusionWe concluded that adult patients with SCA and normal SPAP at rest may exhibit abnormal exercise‐induced increase in SPAP, which was independently related to resting TRV levels, and indices of diastolic impairment and left ventricular filling pressure.
Placebo‐induced decrease in fatigue: evidence for a central action on the preparatory phase of movement
Authors: Piedimonte Alessandro , Benedetti Fabrizio , Carlino Elisa 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPlacebos have been found to affect a number of pathological processes and physiological functions through expectations of clinical improvement. Recently, the study of the placebo effect has moved from the clinical to the physical performance setting, wherein placebos can boost performance by increasing muscle work and by decreasing perceived exertion. However, nothing is known about the neurobiological underpinnings of this phenomenon. Here we show for the first time that a placebo, which subjects believed to be endurance‐increasing caffeine, reduces fatigue by acting at the central level on the preparatory phase of movement. In fact, we recorded the readiness potential, which is the expression of the preparatory phase of movement at the level of the supplementary motor area, during repeated flexions of the index finger in a control group that did not receive any treatment and in a placebo group that received placebo caffeine. In the control group, as the number of flexions increased, both fatigue and readiness potential amplitude increased. By contrast, in the placebo group, as the number of flexions increased we found a decrease in perceived exertion along with no increase in readiness potential amplitude. This placebo‐induced modulation of the readiness potential suggests that placebos reduce fatigue by acting centrally during the anticipatory phase of movement, thus emphasizing the important role of the central nervous system in the generation of fatigue.
A novel KCNQ3 mutation in familial epilepsy with focal seizures and intellectual disability
Authors: Miceli Francesco , Striano Pasquale , Soldovieri Maria Virginia , Fontana Antonina , Nardello Rosaria , Robbiano Angela , Bellini Giulia , Elia Maurizio , Zara Federico , Taglialatela Maurizio , Mangano Salvatore 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMutations in the KCNQ2 gene encoding for voltage‐gated potassium channel subunits have been found in patients affected with early onset epilepsies with wide phenotypic heterogeneity, ranging from benign familial neonatal seizures (BFNS) to epileptic encephalopathy with cognitive impairment, drug resistance, and characteristic electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroradiologic features. By contrast, only few KCNQ3 mutations have been rarely described, mostly in patients with typical BFNS. We report clinical, genetic, and functional data from a family in which early onset epilepsy and neurocognitive deficits segregated with a novel mutation in KCNQ3 (c.989G>T; p.R330L). Electrophysiological studies in mammalian cells revealed that incorporation of KCNQ3 R330L mutant subunits impaired channel function, suggesting a pathogenetic role for such mutation. The degree of functional impairment of channels incorporating KCNQ3 R330L subunits was larger than that of channels carrying another KCNQ3 mutation affecting the same codon but leading to a different amino acid substitution (p.R330C), previously identified in two families with typical BFNS. These data suggest that mutations in KCNQ3, similarly to KCNQ2, can be found in patients with more severe phenotypes including intellectual disability, and that the degree of the functional impairment caused by mutations at position 330 in KCNQ3 may contribute to clinical disease severity.
Genetic background of mice strongly influences treatment resistance in the 6 Hz seizure model
Authors: Leclercq Karine , Kaminski Rafal M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe 6 Hz model of focal seizures has been increasingly used to identify anticonvulsant compounds with potential activity against therapy‐resistant epilepsy, but the protective response to anticonvulsants in this model could be dependent on experimental conditions and selection of mouse strains.MethodsSeizure thresholds in the 6 Hz model were compared in CF‐1, NMRI, and C57Bl/6J male mice with two different electrical stimulators (Ugo Basile 5780 and Grass S48). Dose–response curves for phenytoin and levetiracetam were generated in the three strains at 32 and 44 mA current intensities using both devices. Plasma and brain exposure to the two drugs were measured in all three strains.ResultsCF‐1 mice had the lowest seizure threshold and responded to phenytoin at 32 mA stimulation intensity, but not at 44 mA. NMRI and C57Bl/6J mice had nearly identical threshold values, but NMRI mice responded well to phenytoin at 32 mA and showed limited responsiveness to this drug at 44 mA, whereas C57Bl/6J mice were nearly completely resistant to phenytoin. Furthermore, levetiracetam showed limited efficacy and low potency in CF‐1 and C57Bl/6J mice, particularly at 44 mA, whereas in NMRI mice the drug showed much higher potency in all experimental conditions. No obvious difference in the pharmacokinetics of both phenytoin and levetiracetam was detected between the mouse strains that would have explained these unexpected variations in potency. We have also found that the protective effects of both drugs may be influenced by the device type.SignificanceCollectively these observations clearly indicate that treatment resistance of 6 Hz seizures should be interpreted with strain and experimental conditions in mind. Furthermore, it is important to note that strain differences, much like human genetic differences, may explain why some mice and patients respond to a given treatment and others do not.
Relating adaptive genetic traits to climate for Sandberg bluegrass from the intermountain western United States
Authors: Johnson Richard C. , Horning Matthew E. , Espeland Erin K. , Vance‐Borland Ken 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGenetic variation for potentially adaptive traits of the key restoration species Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl) was assessed over the intermountain western United States in relation to source population climate. Common gardens were established at two intermountain west sites with progeny from two maternal parents from each of 130 wild populations. Data were collected over 2 years at each site on fifteen plant traits associated with production, phenology, and morphology. Analyses of variance revealed strong population differences for all plant traits (P < 0.0001), indicating genetic variation. Both the canonical correlation and linear correlation established associations between source populations and climate variability. Populations from warmer, more arid climates had generally lower dry weight, earlier phenology, and smaller, narrower leaves than those from cooler, moister climates. The first three canonical variates were regressed with climate variables resulting in significant models (P < 0.0001) used to map 12 seed zones. Of the 700 981 km2 mapped, four seed zones represented 92% of the area in typically semi‐arid and arid regions. The association of genetic variation with source climates in the intermountain west suggested climate driven natural selection and evolution. We recommend seed transfer zones and population movement guidelines to enhance adaptation and diversity for large‐scale restoration projects.
Equine fractures: The importance of the soft tissues
Authors: Lescun T. B. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe case report byElce andGoodrich in the current issue highlights 3 aspects of fracture management related to the soft tissues. The soft tissues are not always easily and completely assessed at initial fracture evaluation, and can be a source of ongoing pain, dysfunction and treatment failure even following successful fracture healing, and will be a vital component of the structural stability of some fracture repairs. This commentary explores these 3 aspects of fracture management in the horse.
Micronotches for studying growth of small cracks
Authors: Wessel W. , Mildner J. , Pitz P. , Brueckner‐Foit A. , Wollenhaupt M. , Baumert T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWell‐defined starter cracks at preselected sites in the microstructures are needed for systematic investigation of the characteristic features of microstructure controlled growth of small cracks. A kinked ellipsoidal micronotch with very high notch factor at the trailing kink is proposed, which triggers controlled crack initiation along the notch contour. These micronotches can be machined by femtosecond laser ablation with virtually no heat‐affected zone at the edges. Crack growth results obtained for an intermetallic γ‐TiAl alloy are presented as an illustrative example.
Reconstruction of limnology and microbialite formation conditions from carbonate clumped isotope thermometry
Authors: Petryshyn V. A. , Lim D. , Laval B. L. , Brady A. , Slater G. , Tripati A. K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractQuantitative tools for deciphering the environment of microbialite formation are relatively limited. For example, the oxygen isotope carbonate‐water geothermometer requires assumptions about the isotopic composition of the water of formation. We explored the utility of using ‘clumped’ isotope thermometry as a tool to study the temperatures of microbialite formation. We studied microbialites recovered from water depths of 10–55 m in Pavilion Lake, and 10–25 m in Kelly Lake, spanning the thermocline in both lakes. We determined the temperature of carbonate growth and the 18O/16O ratio of the waters that microbialites grew in. Results were then compared to current limnological data from the lakes to reconstruct the history of microbialite formation. Modern microbialites collected at shallow depths (11.7 m) in both lakes yield clumped isotope‐based temperatures of formation that are within error of summer water temperatures, suggesting that clumped isotope analyses may be used to reconstruct past climates and to probe the environments in which microbialites formed. The deepest microbialites (21.7–55 m) were recovered from below the present‐day thermoclines in both lakes and yield radioisotope ages indicating they primarily formed earlier in the Holocene. During this time, pollen data and our reconstructed water 18O/16O ratios indicate a period of aridity, with lower lake levels. At present, there is a close association between both photosynthetic and heterotrophic communities, and carbonate precipitation/microbialite formation, with biosignatures of photosynthetic influences on carbonate detected in microbialites from the photic zone and above the thermocline (i.e., depths of generally <20 m). Given the deeper microbialites are receiving <1% of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), it is likely these microbialites primarily formed when lower lake levels resulted in microbialites being located higher in the photic zone, in warm surface waters.
Monitoring bypassing agent therapy – a prospective crossover study comparing thromboelastometry and thrombin generation assay
Authors: Tran H. T. T. , Sørensen B. , Bjørnsen S. , Pripp A. H. , Tjønnfjord G. E. , Andre Holme P. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thrombin generation assay (TGA) to monitor the treatment response of bypassing agent (BPA) therapy and to study whether one method is superior to another. In a prospective crossover study haemophilia A patients with high titre inhibitors were included to receive a dose of 75 U kg−1 activated prothrombin complex concentrates (aPCC) intravenously. Blood sampling was performed at baseline, 15, 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h post‐infusion for TGA and ROTEM analysis. After a washout period of 14 days the subjects received recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) at a dose of 90 μg kg−1 and similar blood sampling was performed. Healthy subjects were used as controls. Six haemophilia A patients with inhibitors were included. We found that TGA parameters endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin increased 2–3 folds from baseline 15–30 min after infusion. ROTEM parameters MaxVel and maximum clot firmness increased to a level comparable to that of healthy controls. An individual difference in response was observed for different parameters among participants. ETP and peak thrombin were almost two‐fold greater following aPCC infusion compared to rFVIIa, whereas ROTEM parameters showed no difference in response between the two products. The study showed that ROTEM and TGA have a great potential to evaluate the effect of BPA in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. TGA seemed to be more sensitive than ROTEM in reflecting the difference in treatment response between aPCC and rFVIIa. Additional prospective clinical studies are needed to clarify which assay and what parameters are clinically predictive.
Ten‐year experience of recombinant activated factor VII use in surgical patients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors or acquired haemophilia in Japan
Authors: Takedani H. , Shima M. , Horikoshi Y. , Koyama T. , Fukutake K. , Kuwahara M. , Ishiguro N. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryPatients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors or acquired haemophilia are at risk of bleeding complications during surgery. In these patients, replacement therapy for the missing coagulation factor is ineffective, and a bypassing agent such as recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is required to manage bleeding. To evaluate the safety and haemostatic efficacy of rFVIIa treatment in Japanese patients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors to FVIII/FIX or acquired haemophilia undergoing surgery. Postmarketing surveillance data from May 2000 to March 2010 were analysed to assess the haemostatic efficacy of 38 procedures in 22 patients with congenital haemophilia A, 13 procedures in seven patients with congenital haemophilia B, and five procedures in five patients with acquired haemophilia. Postoperative bleeding control was judged to be effective (bleeding was stopped completely or reduced considerably) for 34/38 procedures (89%) in patients with congenital haemophilia A, 10/13 procedures (77%) in patients with congenital haemophilia B, and 4/5 procedures (80%) in patients with acquired haemophilia. Tranexamic acid was used concomitantly for 36/56 procedures (64%). Safety was analysed for 66 procedures in 37 patients. Adverse effects potentially related to rFVIIa treatment included mild superficial thrombophlebitis, mild decrease in platelet count, and mild elevation of the serum alanine transaminase level in one patient each. All adverse effects resolved without treatment. Administration of rFVIIa provided adequate haemostasis without serious adverse effects in the majority of cases. The efficacy and safety data in Japanese patients were similar to previously published data from other countries.
Escherichia coli‐induced immune paralysis is not exacerbated during chronic filarial infection
Authors: Buerfent Benedikt C. , Gondorf Fabian , Wohlleber Dirk , Schumak Beatrix , Hoerauf Achim , Hübner Marc P. 
Published: December 2014

SummarySepsis initially starts with a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS phase) and is followed by a compensatory anti‐inflammatory response syndrome (CARS) that causes impaired adaptive T‐cell immunity, immune paralysis and an increased susceptibility to secondary infections. In contrast, parasitic filariae release thousands of microfilariae into the peripheral blood without triggering inflammation, as they induce regulatory, anti‐inflammatory host responses. Hence, we investigated the impact of chronic filarial infection on adaptive T‐cell responses during the SIRS and CARS phases of a systemic bacterial infection and analysed the development of T‐cell paralysis following a subsequent adenovirus challenge in BALB/c mice. Chronic filarial infection impaired adenovirus‐specific CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxicity and interferon‐γ responses in the absence of a bacterial challenge and led to higher numbers of splenic CTLA‐4+ CD4+ T cells, whereas splenic T‐cell expression of CD69 and CD62 ligand, serum cytokine levels and regulatory T‐cell frequencies were comparable to naive controls. Irrespective of filarial infection, the SIRS phase dominated 6–24 hr after intravenous Escherichia coli challenge with increased T‐cell activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production, whereas the CARS phase occurred 6 days post E. coli challenge and correlated with high levels of transforming growth factor‐β and increased CD62 ligand T‐cell expression. Escherichia coli‐induced impairment of adenovirus‐specific CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxicity and interferon‐γ production was not additionally impaired by chronic filarial infection. This suggests that filarial immunoregulation does not exacerbate E. coli‐induced T‐cell paralysis.