bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biotic and abiotic predictors of fungal colonization in grasses of the Colorado Rockies
Authors: Ranelli Luciana B. , Hendricks Will Q. , Lynn Joshua S. , Kivlin Stephanie N. , Rudgers Jennifer A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimFungal symbionts are ubiquitous in plants and can mitigate abiotic stressors associated with climate change. Predicting fungal symbiont distributions under future climates first requires knowledge of current distributions and their potential drivers.LocationWe documented colonization by fungal symbionts in perennial, cool‐season grasses along altitudinal gradients in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA.MethodsAcross seven replicate altitudinal gradients, spanning c. 1400 vertical meters, we scored fungal colonization for 46 grass species. We documented altitudinal clines in colonization by both above‐ground and below‐ground fungal symbionts for the first time, including localized foliar endophytes (LFE) and systemic endophytes (epichloae) in leaves and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) in roots. For a subset of 16 well‐sampled grass species, we used model selection procedures to evaluate the relative importance of geography, edaphic factors and host plant identity. We also assessed the influence of host phylogenetic relatedness and colonization by co‐infecting fungi.ResultsLevels of fungal colonization varied strongly with host plant identity, but the effects of particular host species were not consistent across fungal groups. In addition to the influence of host identity, epichloae colonization declined with elevation and varied with geography (latitude/longitude) and edaphic factors. Geography and collection date were important predictors of LFE colonization, with higher colonization later in the growing season. Colonization estimates for the obligately plant‐associated fungi (epichloae, AMF) were phylogenetically conserved across the grass supertree. Positive correlations between AMF and DSE, which remained even after accounting for host plant relatedness, suggested possible synergisms between these fungal groups.Main conclusionsOur survey showed greater host specificity in patterns of fungal colonization than prior reports and revealed that different fungal symbiont groups do not share similar drivers. Conserving plant–fungal symbioses under future climates may require unique strategies for different plant species and fungal symbiont types.
Increased frequency of late‐senescent T cells lacking CD127 in chronic hepatitis C disease
Authors: Barathan Muttiah , Mohamed Rosmawati , Saeidi Alireza , Vadivelu Jamuna , Chang Li Y. , Gopal Kaliappan , Ram Mani R. , Ansari Abdul W. , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Velu Vijayakumar , Larsson Marie , Shankar Esaki M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) causes persistent disease in ~85% of infected individuals, where the viral replication appears to be tightly controlled by HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells. Accumulation of senescent T cells during infection results in considerable loss of functional HCV‐specific immune responses.Materials and methodsWe characterized the distinct T‐cell phenotypes based on the expression of costimulatory molecules CD28 and CD27, senescence markers PD‐1 and CD57, chronic immune activation markers CD38 and HLA‐DR, and survival marker CD127 (IL‐7R) by flow cytometry following activation of T cells using HCV peptides and phytohemagglutinin.ResultsHCV‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from chronic HCV (CHC) patients showed increased expression of PD‐1. Furthermore, virus‐specific CD4+ T cells of CHC‐infected subjects displayed relatively increased expression of HLA‐DR and CD38 relative to HCV‐specific CD8+ T cells. The CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from HCV‐infected individuals showed significant increase of late‐differentiated T cells suggestive of immunosenescence. In addition, we found that the plasma viral loads positively correlated with the levels of CD57 and PD‐1 expressed on T cells.ConclusionsChronic HCV infection results in increased turnover of late‐senescent T cells that lack survival potentials, possibly contributing to viral persistence. Our findings challenge the prominence of senescent T‐cell phenotypes in clinical hepatitis C infection.
Norepinephrine and corticosterone in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus predict PTSD‐like symptoms in mice
Authors: Kao C.‐Y. , Stalla G. , Stalla J. , Wotjak C. T. , Anderzhanova E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis study measured changes in brain extracellular norepinephrine (NE) and free corticosterone (CORT) levels in a mouse model of post‐traumatic stress disorder and related them to hyperarousal and fear memory retention. To this end, microdialysis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the hippocampus (HPC) of male C57BL/6NCrl mice was performed during an acoustic startle response (ASR) and following an electric foot shock (FS), as well as during an ASR and recall of contextual fear (CF) 1 day later. Changes in ASR‐stimulated NE levels in the mPFC corresponded to ASR 34 days after FS. Changes in basal and ASR‐stimulated extracellular NE levels in the HPC, in contrast, were related to expression of early (day 2) and late (day 34) CF after FS. The increase in extracellular NE levels correlated in a U‐shape manner with arousal levels and CF, thus suggesting a non‐direct relationship. Stress of different modalities/strength (ASR, FS and CF) caused a similar relative increase in free CORT levels both in the mPFC and the HPC. One day after FS, ASR‐induced increases in the CORT content in the mPFC tended to correlate with the FS‐potentiated ASR in a U‐shape manner. Taken together, these data show that the intracerebral increase in free CORT was likely related to an immediate response to stress, whereas NE neurotransmission in the forebrain predicted arousal and CF 1 month after trauma.
Compass Orientation During Dispersal of Freshwater Hatchling Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii)
Authors: Congdon Justin D. , Pappas Michael J. , Krenz John D. , Brecke Bruce J. , Schlenner Meredith 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFreshwater turtle hatchlings primarily use visual cues for orientation while dispersing from nests; however, hatchlings rapidly develop a relationship between a sun or geomagnetic compass and a dispersal target that allows them to maintain an established direction of movement when target habitats are not visible. We examined dispersal patterns of hatchling snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) dispersing in large arenas in a mowed field and in dense corn. The dispersal of three categories of hatchlings were examined: (1) naïve individuals (no previous dispersal experience), (2) arena‐experienced (limited dispersal experience in arenas in natural habitat), and (3) natural‐experienced hatchling Blanding's turtles (captured after extensive experience dispersing W in natural habitats toward wetlands). Experienced hatchlings were assigned to treatments consisting of having a magnet or a non‐magnetic aluminum sham or nothing glued to their anterior carapace before release in the corn arena. Dispersal patterns of naïve hatchlings of both species were strongly directional in the field arena with visible target horizons and primarily random in the corn arena where typical target horizons were blocked. When released in corn, dispersal patterns were similar for arena‐experienced hatchlings with magnets or shams attached and differed from their prior dispersal headings in the field arena as naïve hatchlings. Natural‐experienced hatchling Blanding's turtles with and without magnets were able to accurately maintain their prior headings to the WNW while dispersing in the field or corn arenas (i.e., the presence of a magnet did not disrupt their ability to maintain their prior heading). Based on the assumption that no other type of compass exists in hatchlings, we conclude that they were not using a geomagnetic compass, but by default were using sun compass orientation to maintain dispersal headings in dense corn where no typical target habitats were visible.
Larval population structure of Engraulis encrasicolus in the Strait of Sicily as revealed by morphometric and genetic analysis
Authors: Cuttitta Angela , Patti Bernardo , Maggio Teresa , Quinci Enza Maria , Pappalardo Anna Maria , Ferrito Venera , De Pinto Vito , Torri Marco , Falco Francesca , Nicosia Aldo , Musco Marianna , Armeri Grazia Maria , Placenti Francesco , Tranchida Giorgio , Mifsud Roberta , Bonanno Angelo , Mazzola Salvatore 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn order to investigate the larval population structure, specimens of Engraulis encrasicolus larvae from five different locations in the Strait of Sicily were analyzed by means of otolith readings, morphometric and genetic techniques. The distribution of age in day, identified by means of the otolith readings and associated with the oceanographic parameters, was useful to identify possible spawning areas and transport dynamics. The presence of more than one spawning area suggested the possibility that two or more sub‐populations may co‐exist in the study area. The morphometric characteristics were more adequate than genetic parameters to discriminate the different larval groups. The most relevant variables for the separation were the mouth length (ML) and the body diameter (BD). The population structure by means of genetic data reported the presence of two phylogroups co‐occurring among samples in each sampling locations specimens. The pattern of genetic divergence among anchovy larvae in the Strait of Sicily was congruent with previous studies conducted on adult populations present in other Mediterranean areas with different molecular markers. The habitat‐specific nature of the morphological variation and the lack of corresponding genetic variation among larvae from the different locations suggested that the observed differences in morphology could be linked to environmental parameters. The body form differences among different larvae samples could reflect the nutritional status of larvae. In fact, these differences were found among anchovy larvae collected in areas with different oxygen and fluorescence, which is an index of primary productivity and is linked to the availability of food for anchovy larvae.
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy: The hidden cardiovascular comorbidity in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending primary care settings
Authors: Rasheedy Doha , Taha Hend M 
Published: February 2015

AimTo quantify the prevalence of chronic comorbidities including cardiac autonomic neuropathy among elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out on 175 elderly male patients with COPD attending Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. The comorbidities that might alter cardiac autonomic function in patients with COPD were identified. The patients without reported comorbidities underwent arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests and autonomic function assessment using cardiovascular reflexes.ResultsA total of 69.14% of the participants presented with comorbidities (group 1), whereas 30.85% of the participants reported no comorbidity (group 2). Among the participants, the most prevalent comorbid diseases were hypertension (34.20%), cor pulmonale (31.42%), ischemic heart disease (20.00%), diabetes (18.28%) and congestive heart failure (13.70%). In group 2, 29.60% and 22.20% of the patients had early and definite cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) respectively. CAN occurred early in the course of the disease with 40.90% of mild COPD cases being affected. The patients with definite CAN had the highest resting heart rate. The presence of CAN was related to hypercapnia, but not hypoxemia or COPD severity.ConclusionCOPD has a complex spectrum of comorbidities. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy in elderly male patients with COPD correlated with hypercapnia, but not hypoxemia or the disease severity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 329–335.
Declines in highly active antiretroviral therapy initiation at CD4 cell counts ≤ 200 cells/μL and the contribution of diagnosis of HIV at CD4 cell counts ≤ 200 cells/μL in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lourenço L , Samji H , Nohpal A , Chau W , Colley G , Lepik K , Barrios R , Lima V , Hogg RS , Montaner JSG , Kesselring S , Moore DM 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to examine trends in initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL and the contribution of having a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL at the time of diagnosis to these trends, in British Columbia (BC), Canada.MethodsWe included in the analysis treatment‐naïve BC residents aged ≥ 19 years who initiated HAART from 2003 to 2012. Participants were classified as follows: Group 1: diagnosed and initiated HAART with a CD4 count > 200 cells/μL; Group 2: diagnosed with a CD4 count > 200 cells/μL and initiated HAART with a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL; and Group 3: diagnosed and initiated HAART with a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL. We measured trends in initiating HAART with a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL and used logistic regression models to measure factors associated with initiating HAART with a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL, stratified by having a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL or > 200 cells/μL at the time of diagnosis.ResultsBetween 2003 and 2012, 3506 BC residents initiated HAART. Of these, 44% (1558 of 3506) initiated HAART with a CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL. This proportion declined from 69% (198 of 287) in 2003 to 21% (81 of 330) in 2012 (P < 0.001). The proportion of those in Group 3 increased from 49% (97 of 198) in 2003 to 69% (56 of 81) in 2012 (P < 0.001). Overall, 56% (1948), 22% (776) and 22% (782) made up Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In adjusted analyses, seeing a specialist was significantly associated with being in Group 3. Using injection drugs and seeing a specialist were associated with being in Group 2.ConclusionsIn recent years, among individuals who ever initiated HAART in BC, being diagnosed with low CD4 cell counts has become a greater contributor to initiating HAART with low CD4 cell counts.
Benefits of task‐shifting HIV care to nurses in terms of health‐related quality of life in patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in rural district hospitals in Cameroon [Stratall Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA (ANRS) 12110/Ensemble pour une Solidarité Thérapeutique Hospitalière en Réseau (ESTHER) substudy]
Authors: Suzan‐Monti M , Blanche J , Boyer S , Kouanfack C , Delaporte E , Bonono R‐C , Carrieri PM , Protopopescu C , Laurent C , Spire B ,   Stratall ANRS 12110/ESTHER Study Group
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends task‐shifting HIV care to nurses in low‐resource settings with limited numbers of physicians. However, the effect of such task‐shifting on the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) has seldom been evaluated. We aimed to investigate the effect of task‐shifting HIV care to nurses on HRQL outcomes in PLHIV initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in rural district hospitals in Cameroon.MethodsOutcomes in PLHIV were longitudinally collected in the 2006−2010 Stratall trial. PLHIV were followed up for 24 months by nurses and/or physicians. Six HRQL dimensions were assessed during face‐to‐face interviews using the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL)‐HIV BREF scale: physical health; psychological health; independence level; social relationships; environment; and spirituality/religion/personal beliefs. The degree of task‐shifting was estimated using a consultant ratio (i.e. the ratio of nurse‐led to physician‐led visits). The effect of task‐shifting and other potential correlates on HRQL dimensions was explored using a Heckman two‐stage approach based on linear mixed models to adjust for the potential bias caused by missing data in the outcomes.ResultsOf 1424 visits in 440 PLHIV (70.5% female; median age 36 years; median CD4 count 188 cells/μL at enrolment), 423 (29.7%) were task‐shifted to nurses. After multiple adjustment, task‐shifting was associated with higher HRQL level for four dimensions: physical health [coefficient 0.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1–1.2; P = 0.01], psychological health (coefficient 0.5; 95% CI 0.0–1.0; P = 0.05), independence level (coefficient 0.6; 95% CI 0.1–1.1; P = 0.01) and environment (coefficient 0.6; 95% CI 0.1–1.0; P = 0.02).ConclusionsTask‐shifting HIV care to nurses benefits the HRQL of PLHIV. Together with the previously demonstrated comparable clinical effectiveness of physician‐based and nurse‐based models of HIV care, our results support the WHO recommendation for task‐shifting.
Comparative investigation on clinical outcomes of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy between experienced open prostatic surgeons and novice open surgeons in a laparoscopically naïve center with a limited caseload
Authors: Sumitomo Makoto , Kanao Kent , Kato Yoshiharu , Yoshizawa Takahiko , Watanabe Masahito , Zennami Kenji , Nakamura Kogenta 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo compare perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy between experienced and novice open radical prostatectomy surgeons in a laparoscopically naïve center with a limited caseload.MethodsSix surgeons carried out robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy in 154 patients, which were divided into the following three groups: group 1 (n = 90), including patients operated on by a surgeon with experience in both open radical prostatectomy and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy; group 2 (n = 36), including patients operated on by two surgeons with experience in open radical prostatectomy only; and group 3 (n = 28), including patients operated on by three surgeons with limited experience in both open radical prostatectomy or robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.ResultsGroups 2 and 3 did not differ significantly in their median values of external blood loss (P = 0.165) or console time (P = 0.103). Positive surgical margin rates for pT2 patients were also similar in these two groups: 21.2% (7/33) in group 2 and 22.7% (5/22) in group 3 (P = 0.894). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that 12 months after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy the prostate‐specific antigen‐free rate for pT2 patients was 96.0% in group 2 and 100% in group 3, but the pad‐free continence rate was just 91.0% in group 1, 88.0% in group 2 and 75.5% in group 3 (group 1 vs group 3, P = 0.037; group 2 vs group 3, P = 0.239). The major complication rate after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy was 3.3% (3/90) in group 1, 11.1% (4/36) in group 2 and 17.9% (5/28) in group 3 (group 1 vs group 3, P = 0.008; group 2 vs group 3; P = 0.441).ConclusionsRobot‐assisted radical prostatectomy offers satisfactory postoperative outcomes even when carried out by surgeons with limited experience in open radical prostatectomy.
Validation of a patient‐specific simulator for laparoscopic renal surgery
Authors: Makiyama Kazuhide , Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Ueno Daiki , Ohsaka Kimito , Sano Futoshi , Nakaigawa Noboru , Yao Masahiro , Kubota Yoshinobu 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo describe and to validate a novel patient‐specific virtual‐reality based simulator for laparoscopic surgery.MethodsThree surgeons carried out 13 preoperative simulations at Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, from 2011 to 2012. The procedures included seven nephrectomies, four partial nephrectomies and two pyeloplasties. We evaluated whether the anatomies reproduced by the simulator matched those encountered during the actual operations. Furthermore, the surgeons were asked to use visual analog scales (from 1 to 5; higher scores are better) to evaluate the anatomical integrity and utility of the simulations, and their intraoperative confidence during the subsequent surgical procedures.ResultsThe simulator reproduced the patients’ anatomies almost perfectly. Only a few minor mistakes were identified. Regarding the surgeons’ evaluations of the system, the mean scores for the anatomical integrity and utility of the simulations, and the surgeons’ intraoperative confidence were 3.4, 4.2 and 4.1, respectively. In all 13 cases, the surgeons were able to carry out preoperative training with ease, and they stated that the simulator was useful for producing preoperative images.ConclusionsA patient‐specific simulator for laparoscopic renal surgery has been successfully developed. This system correctly reproduces anatomical structures, and it seems to be a useful preoperative training tool.
A novel leptin antagonist peptide inhibits breast cancer growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Catalano Stefania , Leggio Antonella , Barone Ines , De Marco Rosaria , Gelsomino Luca , Campana Antonella , Malivindi Rocco , Panza Salvatore , Giordano Cinzia , Liguori Alessia , Bonofiglio Daniela , Liguori Angelo , Andò Sebastiano 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe role of the obesity cytokine leptin in breast cancer progression has raised interest in interfering with leptin's actions as a valuable therapeutic strategy. Leptin interacts with its receptor through three different binding sites: I–III. Site I is crucial for the formation of an active leptin–leptin receptor complex and in its subsequent activation. Amino acids 39‐42 (Leu‐Asp‐Phe‐Ile‐ LDFI) were shown to contribute to leptin binding site I and their mutations in alanine resulted in muteins acting as typical antagonists. We synthesized a small peptide based on the wild‐type sequence of leptin binding site I (LDFI) and evaluated its efficacy in antagonizing leptin actions in breast cancer using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The peptide LDFI abolished the leptin‐induced anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent growth as well as the migration of ERα‐positive (MCF‐7) and ‐negative (SKBR3) breast cancer cells. These results were well correlated with a reduction in the phosphorylation levels of leptin downstream effectors, as JAK2/STAT3/AKT/MAPK. Importantly, the peptide LDFI reversed the leptin‐mediated up‐regulation of its gene expression, as an additional mechanism able to enhance the peptide antagonistic activity. The described effects were specific for leptin signalling, since the developed peptide was not able to antagonize the other growth factors' actions on signalling activation, proliferation and migration. Finally, we showed that the LDFI pegylated peptide markedly reduced breast tumour growth in xenograft models. The unmodified peptide LDFI acting as a full leptin antagonist could become an attractive option for breast cancer treatment, especially in obese women.