bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of clearfelling and gradual thinning of plantations for the restoration of insect herbivores and woodland plants
Authors: Atkinson Beth , Bailey Sallie , Vaughan Ian P. , Memmott Jane 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Testing restoration methods is essential for the development of restoration ecology as a science. It is also important to monitor a range of taxa, not just plants which have been the traditional focus of restoration ecology. Here, we compare the effects on ground flora and leaf‐miners, of two restoration practices used when restoring conifer plantations.

Two methods of restoration were investigated: clearfelling of plantations and the gradual thinning of conifers over time. Unrestored plantations and native broadleaved woodlands were also surveyed, these representing the starting point of restoration and the reference community, respectively. The study sites consist of two forest types (acidic Quercus woodland and mesotrophic Fraxinus woodland) enabling us to compare the two restoration methods in different habitat types. We use a well‐replicated, large‐scale study system consisting of 32 woodland plots, each 2 ha in size.

There were 179 plant species identified in the plots. Clearfelled plots had greater overall ground flora species richness than other management regimes (thinned, unrestored plantation and native woodland), but the richness of woodland plant species did not differ between clearfelled, thinned, native woodland and unrestored plantation plots.

More than 10 000 leaf‐miners comprising 122 species were collected. Increased plant species richness was associated with increased leaf‐miner species richness under all management regimes except clearfelled plots.

Forest type did not affect the response to restoration method; that is, there was no interaction between management regime and forest type for any of the variables measured.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that both the clearfelling and gradual thinning approaches to plantation restoration maintain woodland ground flora species. Either method can be used without detriment to woodland ground flora species richness. However, these methods differed in their effects on the leaf‐miner–plant species richness relationship. If increasing invertebrate herbivore species richness is a concern, the gradual thinning approach is more appropriate.
Taxonomic review of the genusLymantria(Lepidoptera:Erebidae:Lymantriinae) inKorea
Authors: Lee Kwang‐Su , Kang Tae Hwa , Jeong Ji Woong , Ryu Dong Pyo , Lee Heung‐Sik 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA taxonomic review of theKoreanLymantria Hübner, 1819 was conducted. A total of nine species of five subgenera with two unrecorded species are listed:Lymantria(Porthetria)dispar Linnaeus 1758,L. (P.)xylina Swinhoe 1903,L. (Lymantria)monacha(Linnaeus 1758),L. (L.)minomonis Matsumura 1933 (new toKorea),L. (L.)similis monachoidesSchintlimeister 2004 (new toKorea),L. (L.)lucescens(Butler 1881),L. (Nyctria)mathura Moore 1865,L. (Collentria)fumida Butler 1877, andL. (Spinotria)bantaizana Matsumura 1933.Lymantria(Lymantria)minomonisandL. (L.)similis monachoidesare newly added to theKorean fauna.Lymantria(L.)minomoniswas found only onBogildo Island ofJeollanam‐do in the southern part ofKorea, andL. (L.)similis monachoideswas collected in centralKorea.Lymantria(Porthetria)xylinaandL. (Collentria)fumidawere not examined in this study, and it is considered that the previous records were due to misidentification or they are only distributed in the northern part of theKoreanPeninsula. We provide diagnoses of two unrecorded species and adult habitus and genitalia photos of theKoreanLymantriaspecies.
Influences of food sources on reproduction and aggregation pheromone production of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) in its adult stage
Authors: Lim Eugene , Kim Junheon , Cho Kwang‐Sik , Yun Jae Gill , Park Chung Gyoo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe dietary importance of sweet persimmon fruit (SPF) was determined in adult bean bug, Riptortus pedestris, by investigating the effect of feeding SPF and soybean seeds and peanut on longevity, weight change, fecundity and ability for pheromone production in the bean bug. Adult female R. pedestris fed on SPF had significantly shorter lifespans than those fed on soybean, while in males there was no significant difference. Males and females fed on SPF were significantly lighter than those fed on soybean seeds. Females fed on SPF did not lay eggs at all, but those fed on soybean laid 155.8 eggs, and those fed on soybean seed complemented with peanut seed laid 120.8 eggs in 50 days. The amount of pheromone components (E)‐2‐hexenyl (E)‐2‐hexenoate and (E)‐2‐hexenyl (Z)‐2‐hexenoate produced by male R. pedestris fed on SPF was significantly less than that produced by males fed on soybean. Other pheromone components, tetradecyl isobutyrate and octadecyl isobutyrate, were not produced by adult males fed on SPF. This difference was apparent at one week after emergence and was more at three weeks after emergence. In the present study, we demonstrated that SPF had adverse effect on female survivorship, reproduction of female adults and production of the aggregation pheromone by adult males, compared to soybean food. These results suggested that SPF is unsuitable for adult R. pedestris. Management of nearby vegetation of fruit orchards may play an important role in reducing damage by adult R. pedestris.
The face of conservation responding to a dynamically changing world
Authors: WIEDERHOLT Ruscena , TRAINOR Anne M. , MICHEL Nicole , SHIREY Patrick D. , SWAISGOOD Ronald R. , TALLAMY Doug , COOK‐PATTON Susan C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn its 40‐year history, the science of conservation has faced unprecedented challenges in terms of environmental damage and rapid global change, and environmental problems are only increasing as greater demands are placed on limited natural resources. Conservation science has been adapting to keep pace with these changes. Here, we highlight contemporary and emerging trends and innovations in conservation science that we believe represent the most effective responses to biodiversity threats. We focus on specific areas where conservation science has had to adjust its approach to address emerging threats to biodiversity, including habitat destruction and degradation, climate change, declining populations and invasive species. We also document changes in attitudes, norms and practices among conservation scientists. A key component to success is engaging and maintaining public support for conservation, which can be facilitated through the use of technology. These recent trends in conservation and management are innovative and will assist in optimizing conservation strategies, increasing our leverage with the general public and tackling our current environmental challenges.
Yolk‐sac larval development of the substrate‐brooding cichlid Archocentrus nigrofasciatus in relation to temperature
Authors: VLAHOS Nikolaos , VASILOPOULOS Michael , MENTE Eleni , HOTOS George , KATSELIS George , VIDALIS Kosmas 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn order to conserve and culture the cichlid fish Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, more information about its reproductive biology and its larval behavior and morphogenesis is necessary. Currently, temperatures ranging from 21 to 27 °C are used in ornamental aquaculture hatcheries. Lower temperatures are preferred to reduce the costs of water heating, and 23 °C is usually the selected temperature. However, there is limited information on culturing protocols for ornamental species and most of the information generated on this topic remains scarce. Thus, the present study examines the morphological development of Archocentrus nigrofasciatus during the yolk‐sac period up to the age of 100 h post‐hatching in relation to 2 temperature regimes used in ornamental aquaculture: a temperature of 27 °C (thermal optimum) and a decreased temperature of 23 °C (thermal tolerance). The results of this study suggest that the 27 °C temperature generates intense morphological changes in yolk‐sac development in a shorter period. This has advantages as it reduces the time of yolk‐sac larval development, and, thus, minimizes the transition phase to exogenous feeding and maximizes the efficiency at which yolk is converted into body tissues. The present paper provides necessary information to produce freshwater ornamental fish with better practices so as to increase larval survival and capitalize on time for growth.
Intrapartum assessment of caput succedaneum by transperineal ultrasound: a two‐centre pilot study
Authors: Hassan Wassim A. , Eggebo Torbjorn M. , Salvesen Kjell A. , Lindtjorn Elsa , Lees Christoph 
Published: July 2015

Digital assessments of caput succedaneum are subjective; however, caput succedaneum can also be expressed as ultrasound measured skin–skull distance (SSD). In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and ultrasound assessment of caput succedaneum (caput) in nulliparous women in the first stage of labour. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the repeatability of ultrasound measurements. We observed a significant but low correlation between clinical and ultrasound assessments (Kappa value 0.29; P < 0.01). Interobserver repeatability for SSD showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93–0.98). The mean difference for the caput measurements was −0.4 mm (95% CI, −0.85 to 0.05), and limits of agreement were −3.44 to 2.64 mm. We conclude that ultrasound measured SSD is an objective expression of caput with significant correlation with clinical assessment.
Sperm DNA fragmentation abnormalities in men from couples with a history of recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Leach Mikaela , Aitken Robert J. , Sacks Gavin 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundPrevious studies have described an association between sperm with DNA damage and a history of recurrent miscarriage (RM), although it is not clear whether there is benefit in screening for sperm DNA fragmentation and to what extent DNA fragmentation impacts upon RM.AimsTo identify what proportion of couples experiencing RM are affected by DNA fragmentation abnormalities.Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective study, between 2008 and 2013, couples with a history of recurrent miscarriage (≥3 first trimester miscarriages) were investigated comprehensively for known causes (karyotype, uterine, antiphospholipid syndrome, thrombophilia) and also by semen analysis, including DNA fragmentation [sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA)]. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS software with significance taken as P < 0.05.ResultsThere were 108 couples with a median sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of 9.50%. Normal levels were found in 70.5% of men (DFI < 15%), 23% had high levels (DFI 15–30%), and 6.5% had very high levels (DFI > 30%). Couples with otherwise unexplained recurrent miscarriage had significantly higher DFI than those with other causes identified on routine screening (P = 0.012).ConclusionsIn couples experiencing RM, 30% (32/108) of men had sperm with high levels of DNA fragmentation (DFI > 15%). This may be a contributing factor to the clinical syndrome of RM, and future clinical trials of therapies for these couples are warranted.
Topical dexamethasone γ‐cyclodextrin nanoparticle eye drops increase visual acuity and decrease macular thickness in diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Ohira Akihiro , Hara Katsunori , Jóhannesson Gauti , Tanito Masaki , Ásgrímsdóttir Gudrún Marta , Lund Sigrún H. , Loftsson Thorsteinn , Stefánsson Einar 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare in a randomized, controlled trial topical 1.5% dexamethasone γ‐cyclodextrin nanoparticle eye drops (DexNP) with posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide in diabetic macular oedema (DME).MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 22 eyes of 22 consecutive patients with DME were randomized to (i) topical treatment with DexNP ×3/day (4 weeks), ×2/day (4 weeks) and ×1/day (4 weeks) or (ii) one posterior subtenon injection of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Study visits were at baseline and 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks.ResultsThe logMAR (Snellen) visual acuity (mean ± SD) improved significantly with DexNP from 0.41 ± 0.3 (Snellen 0.39) to 0.32 ± 0.25 (0.48) and 0.30 ± 0.26 (0.50) at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. One‐third of the DexNP group improved more than 0.3 logMAR units. For triamcinolone, logMAR changed significantly from 0.42 ± 0.28 (0.38) at baseline to 0.32 ± 0.29 (0.48) at 4w and 0.33 ± 0.37 (0.47) at 12w. The central macular thickness (CMT) decreased significantly with DexNP from 483 ± 141 μm to 384 ± 142 μm at 4w and 342 ± 114 μm at 8w. For triamcinolone, CMT decreased significantly at all time‐points: 494 ± 94 μm, 388 ± 120, 388 ± 145, 390 ± 136 and 411 ± 104 μm at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. There was a modest increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) at all time‐points with DexNP while no increase was seen with triamcinolone. Serum cortisol was affected by both treatments.ConclusionTopical DexNP significantly improve visual acuity and decrease macular thickness in patients with DME. The effect is similar to that from subtenon triamcinolone. A modest increase in IOP was seen with the nanoparticle eye drops, but IOP normalized after the discontinuation of treatment.
Economic burden of hepatitis C in Egypt: the future impact of highly effective therapies
Authors: Estes C. , Abdel‐Kareem M. , Abdel‐Razek W. , Abdel‐Sameea E. , Abuzeid M. , Gomaa A. , Osman W. , Razavi H. , Zaghla H. , Waked I. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egypt is the highest in the world, yet the total economic burden has not been quantified. Improved understanding of costs and the impact of treatment strategies will provide for better allocation of resources to reduce HCV disease and economic burden.AimA modelling approach was used to quantify the current HCV‐infected population, future disease progression and associated costs in Egypt.MethodsDirect healthcare costs were calculated from a nationally representative hospital and a disability adjusted life year (DALY) template was used with monetary value assigned to lost life years. Three scenarios were considered: (i) Historical treatment scenario: 50% SVR; 65 000 treated annually, (ii) Current treatment scenario: 90% sustained virologic response (SVR); 65 000 treated annually, (iii) Increased treatment scenario: 90% SVR; 325 000 treated annually by 2018.ResultsCumulative DALYs (2015–2030) under Scenario 1 were estimated at 7.88 million and cumulative costs estimated at $89.07 billion. Annual DALYs increased 16% during 2015–2030 while annual costs more than doubled. Scenario 2 reduced cumulative DALYs and costs by 7% and 4%, respectively. Under Scenario 3, total costs declined 73% to $1047 million during 2015–2030. As compared to Scenario 1, cumulative DALYs and costs decreased 37% and 35%, respectively.ConclusionsThis is the first estimate of the total economic burden of HCV in Egypt. Extraordinary measures are necessary to substantially reduce HCV disease and cost burden. With newer therapies, strategies to reduce disease burden are feasible and cost‐effective.
Randomised clinical trial: a dose‐ranging study of vonoprazan, a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker, vs. lansoprazole for the treatment of erosive oesophagitis
Authors: Ashida K. , Sakurai Y. , Nishimura A. , Kudou K. , Hiramatsu N. , Umegaki E. , Iwakiri K. , Chiba T. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe potassium‐competitive acid blocker vonoprazan (VPZ) has potent acid‐inhibitory effects and may offer clinical advantages over conventional therapy for acid‐related disorders.AimTo investigate the efficacy and safety of VPZ in patients with erosive oesophagitis (EO).MethodsIn this multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, parallel‐group, dose‐ranging study, patients ≥20 years with endoscopically confirmed EO [Los Angeles (LA) grades A−D] received VPZ 5, 10, 20 or 40 mg, or lansoprazole (LPZ) 30 mg once daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of healed EO subjects as shown by endoscopy at week 4.ResultsA total of 732 subjects received VPZ or LPZ. The proportion of healed EO subjects at week 4 was 92.3%, 92.5%, 94.4%, 97.0% and 93.2%, respectively, with VPZ 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg and LPZ 30 mg. All VPZ doses were non‐inferior to LPZ when adjusted for baseline LA grades A/B and C/D. Among those with LA grades C/D, the proportions of healed EO subjects were 87.3%, 86.4%, 100%, 96.0% and 87.0%, respectively, with VPZ 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg and LPZ 30 mg. The incidence of adverse events was similar across the groups.ConclusionsVonoprazan was effective and non‐inferior to LPZ in healing EO. VPZ 20 mg or higher was highly efficacious for severe EO (LA grades C/D). VPZ was associated with no safety concern during this 8‐week study, while there was a dose‐dependent increase in serum gastrin. Once‐daily VPZ 20 mg is the recommended clinical dose for treating EO.
Messenger RNA encoding constitutively active Toll-like receptor 4 enhances effector functions of human T cells
Authors: Pato A , Eisenberg G , Machlenkin A , Margalit A , Cafri G , Frankenburg S , Merims S , Peretz T , Lotem M , Gross G 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAdoptive T cell therapy of cancer employs a large number of ex-vivo-propagated T cells which recognize their targets either by virtue of their endogenous T cell receptor (TCR) or via genetic reprogramming. However, both cell-extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms often diminish the in-vivo potency of these therapeutic T cells, limiting their clinical efficacy and broader use. Direct activation of human T cells by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands induces T cell survival and proliferation, boosts the production of proinflammatory cytokines and augments resistance to regulatory T cell (Treg) suppression. Removal of the TLR ligand-binding region results in constitutive signalling triggered by the remaining cytosolic Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain. The use of such TIR domains therefore offers an ideal means for equipping anti-tumour T cells with the arsenal of functional attributes required for improving current clinical protocols. Here we show that constitutively active (ca)TLR-4 can be expressed efficiently in human T cells using mRNA electroporation. The mere expression of caTLR-4 mRNA in polyclonal CD8 and CD4 T cells induced the production of interferon (IFN)-γ, triggered the surface expression of CD25, CD69 and 4-1BB and up-regulated a panel of cytokines and chemokines. In tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes prepared from melanoma patients, caTLR-4 induced robust IFN-γ secretion in all samples tested. Furthermore, caTLR-4 enhanced the anti-melanoma cytolytic activity of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and augmented the secretion of IFN-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for at least 4 days post-transfection. Our results demonstrate that caTLR-4 is capable of exerting multiple T cell-enhancing effects and can potentially be used as a genetic adjuvant in adoptive cell therapy.
Effect of subconjunctival glucose on retinal ganglion cell survival in experimental retinal ischaemia and contrast sensitivity in human glaucoma
Authors: Shibeeb O'Sam , Chidlow Glyn , Han Guoge , Wood John PM , Casson Robert J 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to evaluate the effect of subconjunctival glucose on the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in experimental retinal ischaemia and contrast sensitivity in humans with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsFirst, we measured the intravitreal concentration of glucose at various time points after a subconjunctival injection of 100 μl of 50% glucose to Sprague‐Dawley rats. Next, treatment and control groups received 50% subconjunctival glucose and iso‐osmotic (8%) saline, respectively, 1 h prior to a unilateral ischaemic retinal injury; 7 days later, the damage profiles were compared using RGC and axon counts. Subsequently, we conducted a double‐blind, crossover, pilot clinical study in seven eyes of five pseudophakic subjects with severe POAG. Subjects received either 0.3 mL of 50% glucose subconjunctivally or iso‐osmotic (8%) saline, then vice versa after a 2–3 week ‘wash‐out’ period; change in contrast sensitivity from baseline was the primary outcome.ResultsSubconjunctival glucose preserved approximately 60% of Brn3a‐positive RGCs in all retinal zones compared with an 80% loss in control retinas, and rescued approximately 40% of the axonal loss. In the human trial, the contrast sensitivity at 12 cycles/degree was 0.24 log units greater than baseline (95% confidence interval 0.12–0.36; P < 0.001).ConclusionsSubconjunctival glucose partially protects RGC somata and axons against an ischaemic insult and temporarily recovers contrast sensitivity in patients with severe POAG. Although an unlikely therapeutic strategy for POAG, the findings motivate further bioenergetic‐based research in glaucoma and other optic nerve and retinal diseases, where energy failure may be part of the pathogenesis.
MicroRNA dysregulation in rhabdomyosarcoma: a new player enters the game
Authors: Li Zheng , Yu Xin , Shen Jianxiong , Liu Yang , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common of the soft tissue sarcomas with resultant high morbidity, frequently occuring in paediatric patients and young adults. While the molecular basis of RMS has received considerable attention, exact mechanisms underlying its development and metastasis remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously expressed small non‐coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression via translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. Deregulated expression of miRNA has been implicated in initiation, progression, and metastasis of RMS. miRNAs have emerged as key regulators of several physiological and pathophysiological processes and have opened new avenues for diagnosis and treatment of RMS. This review summarizes deregulation and functional roles of miRNAs in RMS and their potential applications for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of this malignancy. As a rapidly evolving field in basic and translational medicine, it is hopeful that miRNA research will ultimately improve management of RMS.
Neurological symptoms in essential thrombocythemia: impact of JAK2V617F mutation and response to therapy
Authors: Aroldi Andrea , Cecchetti Caterina , Colombo Arianna , Cattaneo Leonardo , Pioltelli Pietro Enrico , Pogliani Enrico Maria , Elli Elena Maria 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPatients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) often suffer from neurological symptoms (NS) not ever resulting from previous thrombotic cerebral events (TCE). We reported NS occurred in 282 patients, in order to identify the factors influencing ET‐related NS in the absence of TCE, and the response to therapy. Overall, 116 of 282 patients (41%) presented NS; 101 of them (87%) reported subjective transient and fluctuating NS, without concurrent TCE, which we defined as ET‐related NS, by frequency: cephalalgia, chronic paresthesias, dizziness or hypotension, visual disturbances, and tinnitus. In univariate analysis, ET‐related NS resulted more frequently in young people (P = 0.017) and in females (P = 0.025). We found a higher prevalence of JAK2V617F mutation in ET‐related NS patients (P = 0.021). In multivariate analysis, gender (P = 0.024) and JAK2V617F mutation (P = 0.041) remained significantly associated with the development of ET‐related NS, with a risk of about four times higher for JAK2V617F‐mutated patients (OR = 3.75). Ninety‐seven of 101 patients with ET‐related NS received an antiplatelet (AP) agent at the time of NS, whereas only selected high‐risk ET‐related NS patients were treated with a cytoreductive drug, according to the published guidelines and similarly to patients without NS. We observed that only 32 of 97 (33%) patients with ET‐related NS achieved a complete response after AP treatment. Among the 65 non‐responder patients, 36 (55.4%) improved NS after the introduction of cytoreductive therapy; therefore, the addition of cytoreductive treatment should be considered in this setting.