bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term Changes in Bird Communities after Wildfires in the Central Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Mestre Luiz A. M. , Cochrane Mark A. , Barlow Jos 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe examined long‐term responses of an Amazonian bird assemblage to wildfire disturbance, investigating how understory birds reacted to forest regeneration 1, 3, and 10 years after a widespread fire event. The bird community was sampled along the Arapiuns and Maró river catchments in central Brazilian Amazonia. Sampling took place in 1998, 2000, and 2008 using mist‐nets in eight plots (four burned, four unburned sites). Species richness did not change significantly in unburned sites. In burned sites, however, we found significantly lower richness in 1998, higher richness in 2000, and similar richness in 2008. Multi‐dimensional scaling ordination showed consistent differences in bird communities both within burned sites sampled in different sampling years, and between burned and unburned sites in all years. Of the 30 most abundant species, 12 had not recovered 10 years after the fires, including habitat specialists such as mixed flocks specialists and ant‐followers. Fire‐disturbance favored three species (two hummingbirds and a manakin) in the short term only. All other species were either favored throughout the study (seven species of omnivores and small insectivores) or did not show a clear response (eight species). In burned sites, we also found significantly lower abundance of species sensitive to disturbances and habitat specialists over the entire study period. Although the bird community seems to be recovering in terms of richness, the overall community composition and abundance of some species in post‐burned and unburned sites remain very different, and have not recovered after 10 years of forest regeneration.
Links Between the Intuitive Sense of Number and Formal Mathematics Ability
Authors: Feigenson Lisa , Libertus Melissa E. , Halberda Justin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHumans share with other animals a system for thinking about numbers in an imprecise and intuitive way. The approximate number system (ANS) that underlies this thinking is present throughout the lifespan, is entirely nonverbal, and supports basic numerical computations like comparing, adding, and subtracting quantities. Humans, unlike other animals, also have a system for representing exact numbers. This linguistically mediated system is slowly mastered over the course of many years and provides the basis for most of our formal mathematical thought. A growing body of evidence suggests that the nonverbal ANS and the culturally invented system of exact numbers are fundamentally linked. In this article, we review evidence for this relation, describing how group and individual differences in the ANS correlate with and even predict formal math ability. In this way, we illustrate how a system of ancient core knowledge may serve as a foundation for more complex mathematical thought.
Serum metabolomics reveals pathways and biomarkers associated with asthma pathogenesis
Authors: Jung J. , Kim S.‐H. , Lee H.‐S. , Choi G. S. , Jung Y.‐S. , Ryu D. H. , Park H.‐S. , Hwang G.‐S. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by complex interactions of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. For this reason, new approaches are required to clarify the pathogenesis of asthma by systemic review.ObjectiveWe applied a 1H‐NMR metabolomics approach to investigate the altered metabolic pattern in sera from patients with asthma and sought to identify the mechanism underlying asthma and potential biomarkers.MethodA global profile of sera from patients with asthma (n = 39) and controls (n = 26) was generated using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Endogenous metabolites in serum were rapidly measured using the target‐profiling procedure.ResultsMultivariate statistical analysis showed a clear distinction between patients with asthma and healthy subjects. Sera of asthma patients were characterized by increased levels of methionine, glutamine, and histidine and by decreased levels of formate, methanol, acetate, choline, O‐phosphocholine, arginine, and glucose. The metabolites detected in the sera of patients with asthma are involved in hypermethylation, response to hypoxia, and immune reaction. Furthermore, the levels of serum metabolites from patients with asthma correlated with asthma severity; in particular, lipid metabolism was altered in patients with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage (FEV1%) predicted values. In addition, potential biomarkers showed strong predictive power in ROC analysis, and the presence of asthma in external validation models was predicted with high accuracy (90.9% for asthma and 100% for control subjects).Conclusion & Clinical RelevanceThese data showed that 1H‐NMR‐based metabolite profiling of serum may be useful for the effective diagnosis of asthma and a further understanding of its pathogenesis.
Mutations in CIB2 calcium and integrin‐binding protein disrupt auditory hair cell calcium homeostasis in Usher syndrome type 1J and non‐syndromic deafness DFNB48
Authors: Jan A 
Published: January 2013

Alterations of the CIB2 calcium‐ and integrin‐binding protein cause Usher syndrome type 1J and non‐syndromic deafness DFNB48Riazuddin et al. (2012)Nature Genetics 44(11):1265–1271
On the longevity of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus in petioles of Fraxinus excelsior
Authors: Gross A. , Holdenrieder O. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryAir‐dried pseudosclerotia produced by the ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph: Chalara fraxinea) can survive up to 3 months. Under field conditions, they are capable of postponing fructification for 1 year. The implications of this observation for epidemiology and control of ash dieback are discussed.
Native generalist herbivores promote invasion of a chemically defended seaweed via refuge‐mediated apparent competition
Authors: Enge Swantje , Nylund Göran Mikael , Pavia Henrik 
Published: January 2013

AbstractRefuge‐mediated apparent competition was recently suggested as a mechanism that enables plant invasions. The refuge characteristics of introduced plants are predicted to enhance impacts of generalist herbivores on native competitors and thereby result in an increased abundance of the invader. However, this prediction has so far not been experimentally verified. This study tested if the invasion of a chemically defended seaweed is promoted by native generalist herbivores via refuge‐mediated apparent competition. The invader was shown to offer herbivores a significantly better refuge against fish predation compared with native seaweeds. Furthermore, in an experimental community, the presence of herbivores decreased the performance of neighbouring native seaweeds, but increased growth and relative abundance of the invader. These results provides the first experimental evidence that native generalist herbivores can shift a community towards a dominance of a well‐defended invader, inferior to native species in direct competitive interactions, by means of refuge‐mediated apparent competition.
Nymphal biology of Ephoron virgo (Olivier, 1791) (Ephemeroptera, Polymitarcyidae) in an Apenninic river (NW Italy)
Authors: Bo Tiziano , Cammarata Massimo , López‐Rodríguez Manuel Jesús , Tierno De Figueroa José Manuel , Fenoglio Stefano 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLife cycle, feeding habits and nymphal density of a population of Ephoron virgo from the Bormida river (Northwestern Italy) were studied. Nymphs were present in the river from the beginning of May until August, with the highest density of nymphs recorded at the end of May–beginning of June. The life cycle was univoltine and the nymphal growth was fast. During the life cycle, an obligatory egg diapause occurs and individuals remain in this stage for up to nine months. Nymphs fed mainly on detritus, although mineral matter constituted a considerable percentage of the gut contents, predominantly in smaller nymphs.
Tolvaptan, an orally active non‐peptide arginine vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, reduces ascites in rats with chronic liver injury
Authors: Miyazaki Toshiki , Fujiki Hiroyuki , Yamamura Yoshitaka 
Published: January 2013

AimThis is a non‐clinical, proof of concept study, showing that tolvaptan has efficacy in reducing ascites in chronic liver injury, using a rat model induced by repeated dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA) injection.MethodsA rat model of chronic liver injury was induced by 10 mg/kg of repeated i.p. injection with DMNA for 6–9 weeks. Tolvaptan was administrated to rats that showed obvious and stable ascites, and abdominal circumference was evaluated as a surrogate marker of ascites volume. Rats were placed in metabolic cages with free access to food and water to collect urine over a 24‐h period.ResultsOral tolvaptan (1 and 3 mg/kg) promoted a remarkable diuretic effect, decreasing bodyweight and abdominal circumference in a dose‐dependent manner. Plasma sodium concentration was increased by tolvaptan due to the large amount of free‐water excretion following tolvaptan administration.ConclusionTolvaptan had therapeutic efficacy in the reduction of ascites in rats with chronic liver injury. These results are consistent with the clinical data showing tolvaptan has therapeutic implications in the reduction of ascites in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Localization of A11‐reactive oligomeric species in prion diseases
Authors: Aidt Frederik H , Hasholt Lis F , Christiansen Michael , Laursen Henning 
Published: January 2013

AimsTo investigate in prion diseases the in‐situ localization of prion protein oligomers sharing a common epitope with amyloid oligomers involved in a range of neurodegenerative diseases.Methods and resultsWe performed immunohistochemistry on sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) (n = 9) and hereditary Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease (GSS) (n = 1) specimens with the anti‐oligomer antibody A11 to determine the localization of reactive species. We found that A11 reactivity in the sCJD specimens was localized to the cerebral and cerebellar cortices both in spongiform and adjacent, non‐spongiform areas, reminiscent of multicentric or diffuse plaques. In the GSS specimens, we found that staining was closely associated with kuru‐like plaques, and that A11‐reactive species colocalized with protease‐resistant prion protein (PrpSc). We also observed sporadic neuronal cytosolic staining in both types of specimen.ConclusionsWe confirm that intracellular and extracellular A11‐reactive species are present in situ in sCJD cases and GSS, and that immunoreactivity for A11 and PrpSc overlaps. We argue that the A11‐reactive species are indeed composed of oligomeric PrpSc, and suggest that the toxic effects of PrpSc oligomers could be related to the generic oligomeric conformation recognized by A11.
Neuropilin‐1 and neuropilin‐2 expression in the adenoma–carcinoma sequence of colorectal cancer
Authors: Staton Carolyn A , Koay Ivan , Wu Jessie M , Hoh Leslie , Reed Malcolm W R , Brown Nicola J 
Published: January 2013

AimsNeuropilin‐1 (NRP1) and neuropilin‐2 (NRP2) are transmembrane glycoproteins which interact with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to prevent tumour cell apoptosis and regulate angiogenesis. However, the precise role of NRP1 and NRP2 in the adenoma–carcinoma sequence (ACS) of colorectal cancer remains unclear, and we aimed to determine this in surgical specimens comprising the ACS.Methods and resultsHistological analysis demonstrated that epithelial NRP1 expression increased significantly across the ACS (P = 0.0007), and correlated with microvessel density (MVD; r = 0.505, P = 0.0003) and weakly with VEGF (r = 0.251, P = 0.001). In contrast, although NRP2 epithelial expression was increased significantly in all carcinomas (P < 0.002), there was no correlation with MVD, VEGF or NRP1. Furthermore, patients showing coexpression of NRP1 and NRP2 had a potentially worse prognosis than those expressing a single neuropilin or neither one. Although vascular expression of NRP1 increased significantly across the ACS (P = 0.0004) and correlated with MVD (r = 0.361, P = 0.0006), NRP2 vascular expression decreased significantly (P = 0.0001) and showed an inverse correlation with MVD (r=−0.506, P = 0.0001), suggesting differential roles for neuropilins in the angiogenic process during colorectal cancer development.ConclusionsThese data suggest that an increase in NRP1 and NRP2 epithelial/tumour expression, as well as in NRP1 vascular expression, may be associated with disease progression in colorectal cancer.
Expression of olfactomedin 4 and claudin‐18 in serrated neoplasia of the colorectum: a characteristic pattern is associated with sessile serrated lesion
Authors: Sentani Kazuhiro , Sakamoto Naoya , Shimamoto Fumio , Anami Katsuhiro , Oue Naohide , Yasui Wataru 
Published: January 2013

AimsOlfactomedin 4 is a useful marker for stem cells in the intestine and is an independent prognostic molecule for survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Claudin‐18, a component of tight junctions, correlates with poor survival in patients with CRC and is associated with the gastric phenotype. We investigated the possible usefulness of these molecules in serrated neoplasia of the colorectum.Methods and resultsWe performed immunohistochemical analysis of colorectal polyps, including hyperplastic polyps (HP), sessile serrated lesions (SSL), traditional serrated adenomas (TSA) and conventional adenomas (CA). We also investigated the association between expression of these molecules and clinicopathological parameters in serrated adenocarcinoma (SAC) and non‐SAC of the colorectum. Olfactomedin 4 expression was not detected or was decreased in SSL compared with the other polyp types. Claudin‐18 expression was higher in SSL than in the other types. Similarly, positivity for olfactomedin 4 in SAC was significantly lower than that in non‐SAC, and positivity for claudin‐18 in SAC was significantly higher than that in non‐SAC. Furthermore, claudin‐18‐positive SAC showed more advanced N grade and stage than claudin‐18‐negative SAC.ConclusionsReduced expression of olfactomedin 4 and ectopic expression of claudin‐18 might be useful markers in the differential diagnosis of serrated polyps.
Safety of midazolam for sedation of HIV‐positive patients undergoing colonoscopy
Authors: Backman ES , Triant VA , Ehrenfeld JM , Lu Z , Arpino P , Losina E , Gandhi RT 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesBecause of concerns regarding interactions between midazolam and antiretroviral therapy (ART), alternative sedatives are sometimes used during procedural sedation. Our objective was to compare outcomes in patients on ART who received intravenous (iv) midazolam vs. iv diazepam, a second‐line agent, during colonoscopy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of adult HIV‐positive patients who underwent colonoscopy over a 3.5‐year period. Primary outcomes were sedation duration, nadir systolic blood pressure (SBP), nadir oxygen saturation, abnormal cardiac rhythm, and change in level of consciousness using a standardized scale. We calculated rates of adverse events according to benzodiazepine use and identified risk factors for complications using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsWe identified 136 patients for this analysis: 70 received midazolam‐based sedation and 66 received a diazepam‐based regimen. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to sedation duration (mean 48.0 vs. 45.7 minutes for the midazolam and diazepam groups, respectively; P = 0.68), nadir SBP (mean 97.0 vs. 101.6 mmHg; P = 0.06), nadir oxygen saturation (mean 94.6 vs. 94.8%; P = 0.72) or rate of abnormal cardiac rhythm (11.4 vs. 19.7%; P = 0.18). More patients in the midazolam group experienced a depressed level of consciousness (91% vs. 74% in the diazepam group; P = 0.0075), but no patient required reversal of sedation or became unresponsive.ConclusionsWe did not find evidence that patients who received midazolam for procedural sedation had clinical outcomes statistically different from those who received diazepam. These findings should be confirmed in prospective studies or in a randomized controlled trial.
The environmental cost of misinformation: why the recommendation to use elevated temperatures for handwashing is problematic
Authors: Carrico Amanda R. , Spoden Micajah , Wallston Kenneth A. , Vandenbergh Michael P. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMultiple government and health organizations recommend the use of warm or hot water in publications designed to educate the public on best practices for washing one's hands. This is despite research suggesting that the use of an elevated water temperature does not improve handwashing efficacy, but can cause hand irritation. There is reason to believe that the perception that warm or hot water is more effective at cleaning one's hands is pervasive, and may be one factor that is driving up unnecessary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. We examine handwashing practices and beliefs about water temperature using a survey of 510 adults in the US. The survey included measures of handwashing frequency, duration, the proportion of time an elevated temperature was used and beliefs about water temperature and handwashing efficacy. We also estimate the energy consumed and resultant carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2eq) in the US due to the use of elevated temperatures during handwashing. Participants used an elevated temperature 64% of the time, causing 6.3 million metric tons (MMt) of CO2eq, which is 0.1% of total annual emissions and 0.3% of commercial and residential sector emissions. Roughly 69% of the sample believed that elevated temperatures improve handwashing efficacy. Updating these beliefs could prevent 1 MMt of CO2eq annually, exceeding the total emissions from many industrial sources in the US including the lead and zinc industries. In addition to causing skin irritation, the recommendation to use an elevated temperature during handwashing contributes to another major threat to public health – climate change. Health and consumer protection organizations should consider advocating for the use of a ‘comfortable’ temperature rather than warm or hot water.
Who do you think you are? Pharmacists' perceptions of their professional identity
Authors: Elvey Rebecca , Hassell Karen , Hall Jason 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine pharmacists' perceptions of their professional identity, both in terms of how they see themselves and how they think others view their profession.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken, using group and individual interviews with pharmacists employed in the community, hospital and primary care sectors of the profession in England. The data were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework method.Key findingsForty-three pharmacists took part in interviews. A number of elements help determine the professional identities of pharmacists, including attributes (knowledge and skills), personal traits (aptitudes, demeanour) and orientations (preferences) relating to pharmacists' work. The study identified the presence of nine identities for pharmacists: the scientist, the medicines adviser, the clinical practitioner, the social carer, the medicines maker, the medicines supplier, the manager, the business person and the unremarkable character. While the scientist was the strongest professional identity to emerge it nevertheless seemed to overlap and compete with other professional identities, such as that of the medicines maker.ConclusionsThe relatively high number of identities may reflect some degree of role ambiguity and lack of clear direction and ownership of what makes pharmacists unique, but also suggests a flexible view of their role.
Schwann cell‐mediated delivery of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor restores erectile function after cavernous nerve injury
Authors: May Florian , Buchner Alexander , Schlenker Boris , Gratzke Christian , Arndt Christian , Stief Christian , Weidner Norbert , Matiasek Kaspar 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the time‐course of functional recovery after cavernous nerve injury using glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor‐transduced Schwann cell‐seeded silicon tubes.MethodsSections of the cavernous nerves were excised bilaterally (5 mm), followed by immediate bilateral surgical repair. A total of 20 study nerves per group were reconstructed by interposition of empty silicon tubes and silicon tubes seeded with either glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor‐overexpressing or green fluorescent protein‐expressing Schwann cells. Control groups were either sham‐operated or received bilateral nerve transection without nerve reconstruction. Erectile function was evaluated by relaparotomy, electrical nerve stimulation and intracavernous pressure recording after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks. The animals underwent re‐exploration only once, and were killed afterwards. The nerve grafts were investigated for the maturation state of regenerating nerve fibers and the fascular composition.ResultsRecovery of erectile function took at least 4 weeks in the current model. Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor‐transduced Schwann cell grafts restored erectile function better than green fluorescent protein‐transduced controls and unseeded conduits. Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor‐transduced grafts promoted an intact erectile response (4/4) at 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks that was overall significantly superior to negative controls (P < 0.001). Maximum intracavernous pressure on electrostimulation was significantly elevated using glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor‐transduced grafts compared with negative controls (P = 0.018) and unseeded tubes (P = 0.034). Return of function was associated with the electron microscopic evidence of preganglionic myelinated nerve fibers and postganglionic unmyelinated axons.ConclusionsSchwann cell‐mediated delivery of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor presents a viable approach for the treatment of erectile dysfunction after cavernous nerve injury.