bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virulence genes are a signature of the microbiome in the colorectal tumor microenvironment
Authors: Burns Michael B , Lynch Joshua , Starr Timothy K , Knights Dan , Blekhman Ran 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe human gut microbiome is associated with the development of colon cancer, and recent studies have found changes in the composition of the microbial communities in cancer patients compared to healthy controls. However, host-bacteria interactions are mainly expected to occur in the cancer microenvironment, whereas current studies primarily use stool samples to survey the microbiome. Here, we highlight the major shifts in the colorectal tumor microbiome relative to that of matched normal colon tissue from the same individual, allowing us to survey the microbial communities at the tumor microenvironment, and provides intrinsic control for environmental and host genetic effects on the microbiome.ResultsWe characterized the microbiome in 44 primary tumor and 44 patient-matched normal colon tissues. We find that tumors harbor distinct microbial communities compared to nearby healthy tissue. Our results show increased microbial diversity at the tumor microenvironment, with changes in the abundances of commensal and pathogenic bacterial taxa, includingFusobacteriumandProvidencia. WhileFusobacteriahas previously been implicated in CRC,Providenciais a novel tumor-associated agent, and has several features that make it a potential cancer driver, including a strong immunogenic LPS and an ability to damage colorectal tissue. Additionally, we identified a significant enrichment of virulence-associated genes in the colorectal cancer microenvironment.ConclusionsThis work identifies bacterial taxa significantly correlated with colorectal cancer, including a novel finding of an elevated abundance ofProvidenciain the tumor microenvironment. We also describe several metabolic pathways and enzymes differentially present in the tumor associated microbiome, and show that the bacterial genes in the tumor microenvironment are enriched for virulence associated genes from the aggregate microbial community. This virulence enrichment indicates that the microbiome likely plays an active role in colorectal cancer development and/or progression. These reuslts provide a starting point for future prognostic and therapeutic research with the potential to improve patient outcomes.
The genetic architecture of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Mitchell Kevin J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNeurodevelopmental disorders include rare conditions caused by identified single mutations, such as Fragile X, Down and Angelman syndromes, and much more common clinical categories such as autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia. These common conditions are all highly heritable but their genetics is considered to be “complex”. In fact, this sharp dichotomy in genetic architecture between rare and common disorders may be largely artificial. On the one hand, much of the apparent complexity in the genetics of common disorders may derive from underlying genetic heterogeneity, which has remained obscure until recently. On the other hand, even for supposedly Mendelian conditions, the relationship between single mutations and clinical phenotypes is rarely simple. The categories of monogenic and complex disorders may therefore merge across a continuum, with some mutations being strongly associated with specific syndromes and others having a more variable outcome, modified by the presence of additional genetic variants.
Impact of export market orientation on export performance
Authors: Lin Ku-Ho , Huang Kuo-Feng , Peng Yao-Ping 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating role of export market orientation (EMO) in the relationship between inter-organizational relationships and export performance, and the moderating role of degree of internationalization in the relationship between EMO and export performance.Design/methodology/approach– The authors sent questionnaires to the 1,000 largest manufacturers listed inCommonWealthmagazine (2009), and a random sample of 500 machinery manufacturers listed in the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry Directory. The authors received 244 completed questionnaires through which to examine the hypotheses.Findings– The findings show that trust and social interaction positively influence EMO, which then enhances export performance. However, the moderating effect of degree of internationalization has no significant impact on the EMO and export performance relationship.Research limitations/implications– Future studies should conduct two-way research on focal firms (manufacturers) and overseas partners (agents or distributors) through common variables including trust, commitment, satisfaction, etc. The results indicate that the content validity of the present study is somewhat inadequate, possibly due to the cultural differences involved.Practical implications– Overseas information exchange between exporters and partners fosters firms’ export performance. Thus, closer relationships with channel partners or customers via trust and social interactions may help firms to conduct appropriate EMO activities to access overseas market information and improve export performance.Originality/value– By investigating Taiwanese exporters, who tend to emphasize relational capital, the authors determine that EMO is important in understanding how inter-organizational relationships influence export performance. The authors also contribute a more comprehensive view to the literature.
Survival of the fattest? Indices of body condition do not predict viability in the brown anole (Anolis sagrei)
Authors: Cox Robert M. , Calsbeek Ryan 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Measures of body mass and length are commonly used to derive indices of condition, which are often assumed to reflect the energetic state of an animal and, by extension, to predict its fitness. However, the relationship between condition and fitness is rarely quantified, and the appropriate method(s) for deriving indices of condition are frequently debated.

Data from a decade of mark–recapture studies involving over 4,600 individual lizards (Anolis sagrei) and 41 replicates of selection across seven populations were used to test the common assumption that condition, as estimated from body mass and length, is a strong predictor of adult survival, an important component of fitness. Inferences about natural selection were compared between two alternative indices of condition: the popular residual index (Ri), and the scaled mass index (Mi), which was recently proposed as a more appropriate method.

Linear, quadratic and correlational selection gradients obtained using Ri and Mi were highly correlated with one another. Relative to variance in selection among replicates and to error associated with the estimation of selection gradients, variance due to the use of alternative condition indices was minor and effectively negligible.

Contrary to the intuitive prediction that individuals in better condition should exhibit higher survival, there was no evidence for strong or consistent linear (directional) selection for higher condition indices in either males or females. Significant quadratic (stabilizing or disruptive) selection on condition was similarly rare in both sexes. Correlational selection favoured combinations of large size and high condition in males, but not females.

Collectively, these results indicate that inferences about natural selection may be robust to the choice between indices of condition but that indices of condition can be unreliable as proxies for fitness, particularly when relationships between fitness components and condition are contingent upon interactions with other traits.
Predator‐free space, functional responses and biological invasions
Authors: Barrios‐O'Neill Daniel , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Emmerson Mark C. , Ricciardi Anthony , MacIsaac Hugh J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPredator–prey interactions are mediated by the structural complexity of habitats, but disentangling the many facets of structure that contribute to this mediation remains elusive. In a world replete with altered landscapes and biological invasions, determining how structure mediates the interactions between predators and novel prey will contribute to our understanding of invasions and predator–prey dynamics in general.Here, using simplified experimental arenas, we manipulate predator‐free space, whilst holding surface area and volume constant, to quantify the effects on predator–prey interactions between two resident gammarid predators and an invasive prey, the Ponto‐Caspian corophiidChelicorophium curvispinum.Systematically increasing predator‐free space alters the functional responses (the relationship between prey density and consumption rate) of the amphipod predators by reducing attack rates and lengthening handling times. Crucially, functional response shape also changes subtly from destabilizingTypeIItowards stabilizingTypeIII, such that small increases in predator‐free space to result in significant reductions in prey consumption at low prey densities.Habitats with superficially similar structural complexity can have considerably divergent consequences for prey population stability in general and, particularly, for invasive prey establishing at low densities in novel habitats.
The evolution of Hessian fly from the Old World to the New World: Evidence from molecular markers
Authors: Schemerhorn Brandon J. , Crane Yan Ma , Crane Charles F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEighteen polymorphic microsatellite loci and 11 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 1 095 individual Hessian fly specimens representing 23 populations from North America, southern Europe, and southwest Asia. The genotypes were used to assess genetic diversity and interrelationship of Hessian fly populations. While phylogenetic analysis indicates that the American populations most similar to Eurasian populations come from the east coast of the United States, genetic distance is least between (Alabama and California) and (Kazakhstan and Spain). Allelic diversity and frequency vary across North America, but they are not correlated with distance from the historically documented point of introduction in New York City or with temperature or precipitation. Instead, the greatest allelic diversity mostly occurs in areas with Mediterranean climates. The microsatellite data indicate a general deficiency for heterozygotes in Hessian fly. The North American population structure is consistent with multiple introductions, isolation by distance, and human‐abetted dispersal by bulk transport of puparia in infested straw or on harvesting equipment.
Genetic identification of endangered North African ungulates using noninvasive sampling
Authors: Silva Teresa Luísa , Godinho Raquel , Castro Diana , Abáigar Teresa , Brito José Carlos , Alves Paulo Célio 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNorth African ungulates include several threatened and emblematic species, yet are poorly studied mainly due to their remoteness and elusiveness. Noninvasive sampling provides a useful approach to obtain ecological and genetic information essential to guide conservation actions. The very first and most important step in conservation planning is to accurately identify species, and molecular genetics has been proved to be a useful tool. Several molecular genetics protocols are available for species identification, even for samples with poor quality DNA, such as faeces, hairs or bones. Most of these protocols use mitochondrial DNA for barcoding despite this marker being especially prone to problems, including mtDNA introgression, nuclear insert copies, high intraspecific diversity or heteroplasmy. In this work, we developed a molecular method based on polymorphisms in small fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb, mtDNA) and the nuclear kappa casein genes (KCAS, nDNA) for identifying endangered North African ungulates. These fragments revealed polymorphisms, including species‐specific variation, which allowed species identification of nine ungulate species that co‐occur in North Africa. The method was validated across more than 400 samples, including different types of noninvasive samples collected in the field. The simplicity, high reliability and relative low cost of the described method make it a promising tool to improve ecological studies of the North African ungulates and consequently, the implementation of more efficient management and conservation plans for these endangered ungulates.
Mortality and life expectancy of people with alcohol use disorder in Denmark, Finland and Sweden
Authors: Westman J. , Wahlbeck K. , Laursen T. M. , Gissler M. , Nordentoft M. , Hällgren J. , Arffman M. , Ösby U. 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo analyse mortality and life expectancy in people with alcohol use disorder in Denmark, Finland and Sweden.MethodA population‐based register study including all patients admitted to hospital diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (1 158 486 person‐years) from 1987 to 2006 in Denmark, Finland and Sweden.ResultsLife expectancy was 24–28 years shorter in people with alcohol use disorder than in the general population. From 1987 to 2006, the difference in life expectancy between patients with alcohol use disorder and the general population increased in men (Denmark, 1.8 years; Finland, 2.6 years; Sweden, 1.0 years); in women, the difference in life expectancy increased in Denmark (0.3 years) but decreased in Finland (−0.8 years) and Sweden (−1.8 years). People with alcohol use disorder had higher mortality from all causes of death (mortality rate ratio, 3.0–5.2), all diseases and medical conditions (2.3–4.8), and suicide (9.3–35.9).ConclusionPeople hospitalized with alcohol use disorder have an average life expectancy of 47–53 years (men) and 50–58 years (women) and die 24–28 years earlier than people in the general population.
Adolescent alcohol use: Social comparison orientation moderates the impact of friend and sibling behaviour
Authors: Litt Dana M. , Stock Michelle L. , Gibbons Frederick X. 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesResearch has indicated that both peers and siblings influence adolescents’ alcohol use (e.g., Windle, 2000, Appl. Dev. Sci., 4, 98). The present two studies examined whether social comparison orientation (SCO) moderates the effects of perceived friend and sibling alcohol use on adolescents’ alcohol use cognitions and behaviours.Design and methodsTwo studies examined the role of SCO as a moderator of social influence (perceived friend alcohol use in Study 1 and both perceived friend use and sibling‐reported alcohol use in Study 2) on prototype perceptions and willingness to drink alcohol (Studies 1 and 2) as well as actual alcohol consumption (Study 2) among early adolescents.ResultsIn Study 1, cross‐sectional results indicated that SCO moderated the effect of perceived friend alcohol use on favourable images of drinkers and willingness to drink. Study 2 found that SCO moderated the effects of perceived friend use and sibling use on favourable images of alcohol users, willingness to use alcohol, and change in alcohol use over 3 years such that adolescents who reported engaging in social comparison more often reported greater willingness, more favourable images, and increases in alcohol use when perceived friend use or sibling use was high.ConclusionsThese studies highlight the importance of SCO as a moderator of susceptibility to the social influences of friends and siblings and may hold important implications for adolescent alcohol use prevention programmes and models of health risk behaviour.
Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? The prevalence of adolescent alcohol use continues to be a public health concern and research has indicated that alcohol use during adolescence is often influenced by the behaviour of friends and siblings.What does this study add? Results add to the literature on the importance of examining person‐level moderators such as of peer and sibling influence on alcohol use cognitions and behaviour according to the prototype/willingness model. Results suggest that considering social comparison orientation as an individual difference variable that may influence adolescents’ decisions to engage in alcohol use can potentially increase the efficacy of existing alcohol use programs.
Do people with shortened dental arches have worse oral health‐related quality of life than those with more natural teeth? A population‐based study
Authors: Tan Haiping , Peres Karen G. , Peres Marco A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo test whether people with shortened dental arches (SDA) have impaired oral health‐related quality of life than those with more natural teeth.MethodWe analysed data from the 2004–2006 Australian National Survey of Adult Oral Health (including telephone interview, oral epidemiological examinations and mailed questionnaire). Participants aged ≥15 years and with intact anterior teeth were eligible in this study. We used multivariable negative binomial regression analyses to test the association of SDA, according to two alternative definition (1. having intact teeth and 3‐5 natural occlusal units; 2. having intact anterior teeth and four natural occlusal units), with OHIP‐14 severity and extent, adjusting for potential confounders, including demographic variables (age and sex), socioeconomic variables (income and education), behaviour characteristics (time since last visit, reason for the last dental visit, difficult in paying $100 dental bill and dental insurance possession), and dental outcomes (coronal and root caries, and periodontal disease).ResultWe analysed on 2,750 dentate participants that were eligible for the study. When SDA was classified as intact anterior teeth, four occlusal units and no dental prosthesis, no statistical difference in OHIP‐14 severity or extent was identified compared with those with intact anterior teeth, over four occlusal units and no dental prosthesis. Participants who presented intact anterior teeth, 3‐5 occlusal units and no prosthesis showed 50% higher rates of OHIP‐14 severity than those with intact anterior teeth, over five occlusal units and no prosthesis while their OHIP‐14 extent was similar to that of the reference group.ConclusionSDA is not associated with negative impacts on quality of life, according to both OHIP‐14 severity and extent, when SDA is defined as four occlusal units and no dental prosthesis. When SDA is defined as 3‐5 occlusal units and no dental prosthesis, it is only associated with OHIP‐14 severity, but not OHIP‐14 extent.
Food consumption, obesity and abnormal glycaemic control in a Canadian Inuit community
Authors: Singer J. , Putulik Kidlapik C. , Martin B. , Dean H. J. , Trepman E. , Embil J. M 
Published: September 2014

SummaryDietary and lifestyle factors may contribute to diabetes and obesity in the Canadian Inuit. We documented dietary patterns, physical activity level, obesity, blood glucose abnormalities and diabetes prevalence in a Canadian Inuit community. There were 250 Inuit residents of Repulse Bay, Nunavut, who had an interview about diet and physical activity, measurement of weight and height, and laboratory studies (194 subjects). Children, adolescents and younger adults (aged < 48 years) consumed significantly less country food and more processed snack foods and sweet drinks than older adults (aged ≥ 48 years). Only 88 of 250 subjects (35%) reported that they went out on the land once or more per week. Of the 85 children and adolescent subjects (aged 7–17 years), 11 (13%) were obese. Average body mass index for adults (aged ≥ 18 years) was 29 ± 6 kg m–2, and 61 adults (37%) were obese (body mass index ≥30 kg m–2). In the 140 adults who had laboratory studies, 18 adults (13%) had a blood glucose abnormality, including 10 adults (7%) with impaired fasting glucose, four adults (3%) with impaired glucose tolerance and six adults (4%) with diabetes (five adults previously undiagnosed). Twelve of the 194 subjects tested (6%) had fasting insulin ≥140 pmol L–1 (mean, 196 ± 87 pmol L–1). In summary, there was a high prevalence of poor dietary choices, limited physical activity, obesity and type 2 diabetes in this Inuit community. Public health programmes are needed to improve the dietary and health status of this community.
Psychosis patients' knowledge, adherence and attitudes towards the naming of antipsychotic medication inHongKong
Authors: Lau Karen Chi‐Kwan , Lee Edwin Ho‐Ming , Hui Christy Lai‐Ming , Chang Wing‐Chung , Chan Sherry Kit‐Wa , Chen Eric Yu‐Hai 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimNon‐adherence to medication is a common and significant challenge to successful treatment of psychosis. Knowledge of prescribed antipsychotic medication may influence psychosis patients' willingness to adhere to prescriptions. This study aimed to assess knowledge of psychosis patients on their prescribed antipsychotic medication with regard to drug name, type, dosage, purpose, side effects and reasons for taking medication, so as to investigate the associations between knowledge and adherence. The study also aimed to evaluate patient attitudes towards the currentChinese name of ‘anti‐psyche drug’ for antipsychotic medication inHongKong, and survey patients' opinions on alternative names for antipsychotic medication.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to 70 consecutive patients from the psychiatric ward and outpatient clinic atQueenMaryHospital inHongKong.ResultsCurrent knowledge ofHongKong psychosis patients falls short in areas of drug name (51.4% unaware), drug type (40% unaware) and prescribed dosage (28.6% unaware). The rate of self‐reported non‐adherence in the study sample was 38.6%. Adherence to medication was found to be positively associated with knowledge of purpose for taking medication. The current Chinese name ‘anti‐psyche drug’ had a rating of 47/100 among psychosis patients.ConclusionMeasures should be taken to improve patient knowledge in areas of drug name, type and prescribed dosage. Reminding patients about the purpose of medication may also benefit adherence and overall treatment. Finally, because of the possible stigma of the current name of antipsychotic medication, an alternative term may be more favourable in promoting its acceptance inHongKong.