bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Status and challenges for conservation of small mammal assemblages in South America
Authors: Kelt Douglas A. , Meserve Peter L. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTSouth America spans about 44° latitude, covers almost 18 million km2, and is second only to Africa in continental mammal species richness. In spite of this richness, research on the status of this fauna and on the nature and magnitude of contemporary threats remains limited. Distilling threats to this diverse fauna at a continental scale is challenging, in part because of the limited availability of rigorous studies. Recognizing this constraint, we summarize key threats to small mammals in South America, emphasizing the roles of habitat loss and degradation, direct persecution, and the increasing threat of climate change. We focus on three regional ‘case studies’: the tropical Andes, Amazonia and adjacent lowland regions, and the southern temperate region. We close with a brief summary of recent findings at our long‐term research site in north‐central Chile as they pertain to projected threats to this fauna. Habitat alteration is a pervasive threat that has been magnified by market forces and globalization (e.g. extensive agricultural development in Amazonia), and threatens increasing numbers of populations and species. Climate change poses even greater threats, from changes in rainfall and runoff regimes and resulting changes in vegetative structure and composition to secondary influences on fire dynamics. It is likely that many changes have yet to be recognized, but existing threats suggest that the future may bring dramatic changes in the distribution of many mammal taxa, although it is not clear if key habitat elements (vegetation) will respond as rapidly as climatic factors, leading to substantial uncertainty. Climate change is likely to result in ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ but available information precludes detailed assessment of which species are likely to fall into which category. In the absence of long‐term monitoring and applied research to characterize these threats more accurately, and to develop strategies to reduce their impacts, managers already are being faced with daunting challenges. As the line between ‘pure’ and ‘applied’ research blurs in the face of converging interests of scientists and society we hope that solutions to these critical issues will be incorporated in addressing anticipated conservation crises.
Inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by copper supplementation
Authors: Li S. , Wang M. , Chen X. , Li S‐F. , Li‐Ling J. , Xie H‐Q. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesCopper has been added to scaffolds when investigating bone repair, as an agent to promote vascularization; however, little is known concerning its effect on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are considered to be the origin of osteoblasts. In this study, we have aimed to elucidate effects of copper on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.Materials and methodsRat bone marrow MSCs (rBMSCs) were used as a model. Their viability was assessed by MTT assay and Roche's CASY cell counter test and calcium deposition was evaluated by staining with alizarin red S. Fluorescent phalloidin F‐actin stain was used to evaluate cytoskeletal changes, protein expressions were investigated by western blotting and mRNA levels were analysed using Q‐PCR. A rat model for ectopic bone formation was used to assess effects of copper on MSCs in vivo.ResultsCopper supplementation resulted in inhibition of osteogenesis of rBMSCs, along with reduction in expression of a number of osteogenic genes, alkaline phosphatase activity and formation of bone nodules. Cytoskeletal changes to cells during osteogenesis was inhibited by copper supplementation. In vivo study confirmed that copper could inhibit collagen formation whilst promoting angiogenesis.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that copper inhibited osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs in vitro. The findings caution appropriate use of copper and have laid a foundation for further research.
Correlation between terminal restriction fragments and flow‐FISH measures in samples over wide range telomere lengths
Authors: Carbonari M. , Tedesco T. , Fiorilli M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesTerminal restriction fragment (TRF) analysis of human telomeres was used to calibrate flow‐fluorescence in situ hybridization (FF) measures of telomere lengths to expand the range of measures and increase power of resolution of our previously published protocol. TRF data used as the gold standard should be obtained by electrophoresis with suitable resolution applied to appropriately isolated genomic DNA. When we considered TRF attained by correct methods, we found our method to be insufficiently accurate, thus we have reviewed our previously published FF protocol to obtain the best coefficient of determination (r2) between our experimental results and valid TRF lengths.Materials and methodsUsing human telomere‐specific PNA probe, Cy5‐OO‐(CCCTAA)3, we measured telomere lengths of continuous cell line and of peripheral blood lymphocytes by FF. We modified hybridization, stringency, negative control handling, stoichiometric DNA staining and telomere fluorescence assessment of the protocol.ResultsWe realized a procedure with increased power of resolution, improved TRF versus FF r2 values that allowed simultaneous analysis of DNA and telomere duplication. Notwithstanding multiple steps in formamide sampling, recovery was satisfactory.DiscussionThe reviewed FF protocol appeared at least as suitable as the TRF method. Measures obtained by TRF can be affected by chromosome end variability, DNA fragmentation, incomplete digestion and unsuitable electrophoresis. In contrast, the FF technique analyses telomeric sequences confined to preserved nuclei thus overcome most previous limitations. As yet, however, the FF telomere measure cannot be performed together with immunophenotyping and/or generation study by the dye dilution method.
Hemodynamic Benefit of Rest and Exercise Optimization of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Stanton Tony , Haluska Brian A. , Leano Rodel , Marwick Thomas H. ,   the CORE Investigators
Published: January 2014

The optimal method of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) optimization is as yet unknown. We sought to investigate the responses of optimization at rest and on exercise. This 2 stage study involved 59 patients (age 65 ± 10, 75% male), who had all recently undergone successful CRT implantation. In the first stage, the 6‐month response was compared between 30 individuals who underwent resting echocardiographic optimization of CRT [atrioventricular (AV delay) plus ventriculo‐ventricular delays (VV delay)], compared with the 29 who did not. In the second stage, a subset of 37 patients from the original cohort were randomized (double‐blind) to either resting echocardiographic optimization (n = 20) or exercise echocardiographic optimization (n = 17) and followed for a further 6 months. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected at each stage. Patients undergoing rest optimization demonstrated improvement in almost all variables and significantly in B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in contrast to those without optimization. In a linear regression model, the only significant predictor of BNP change was whether an individual underwent resting optimization or not (β = 0.38, P = 0.04). In those undergoing resting optimization, the degree of change in AV delay was correlated with improvement in left ventricle (LV) end‐diastolic volume (r2 = 0.33, P < 0.01). Optimization on exercise was associated with a significant decrease in 6‐minute walk test compared to those randomized to rest optimization possibly due to inducing nonoptimization at rest. In conclusion, echocardiographic optimization of CRT at rest is superior to no optimization or optimization on exercise. Patients with the greatest change in AV delay to reach optimal may undergo greater LV remodeling.
Putting it back: Woody debris in young restoration plantings to stimulate return of reptiles
Authors: Shoo Luke P. , Wilson Rohan , Williams Yvette M. , Catterall Carla P. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryDespite active investment in restoration, some habitat features can be slow to develop on formerly degraded land and can consequently pose persistent barriers to the re‐establishment of specialist species. Coarse woody debris (CWD) is a critical resource for a whole suite of animal taxa but remains an underappreciated component of some forest ecosystems and restoration activities. The extent to which recovery of animal communities can be accelerated through artificial supplementation of woody debris is poorly understood especially for highly diverse tropical forest systems. Here, we report early results from an experiment designed to manipulate CWD in young restoration plantings (0–7 year old) in tropical north‐east Australia for the purposes of facilitating re‐establishment of rainforest reptiles. After 1 year, we demonstrate that CWD addition within restoration plantings adjacent to remnant forest can increase the local abundance of reptiles and promote colonisation of the log‐specialist Prickly Skink (Gnypetoscincus queenslandiae). These preliminary results, however, are based on observations of just 44 individual reptiles encompassing seven species. Ongoing monitoring will elucidate longer‐term outcomes to enable a proper evaluation of when and where CWD addition might be most beneficial in realising restoration goals.
The illusion of nature: perception and the reality of natural landscapes, as illustrated by vertebrate fauna in the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Woinarski John C. Z. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBiomass figures are compared for common native vertebrate species and common non‐native vertebrate species (including fish, amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal species) across the Northern Territory, an area of ostensibly, largely unmodified natural system. The total biomass of the considered non‐native species very substantially surpasses that of the common native vertebrate species considered; hence, the perception that this is a largely intact natural system is, to some extent, an illusion. This preponderance of biomass of non‐native species may help explain the increasing evidence of ecosystem stress and decline of native species. An integrity index based on the relative biomass of native and non‐native species may provide insight into the status and trends of ecological systems across different regions.
Diaphragms of the carotid and vertebral arteries: an under‐diagnosed cause of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Lenck S. , Labeyrie M.‐A. , Saint‐Maurice J.‐P. , Tarlov N. , Houdart E. 
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeDiaphragms of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries as a cause of ischaemic stroke are reported and stenting of diaphragms as a therapeutic option in stroke secondary prevention is described.MethodsFive patients were cared for in our institution from 2000 to 2011 for recurrent ischaemic strokes which were classified to be of undetermined aetiology after completion of the usual investigations. Because the patients had already had ischaemic strokes in the territory of the same artery, a conventional digital subtracted angiography was performed. A diaphragm was identified on the artery that supplied the territory in which the stroke occurred. The stroke was therefore attributed to the diaphragm. Clinical and radiological data, treatment and the clinical course of the patients was retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe diaphragm was located in the vertebral artery in three cases and in the bulb of the internal carotid artery in two. In all cases cerebral MR showed ischaemic strokes of different ages downstream of the diaphragm. Stenting was performed in four cases. No patient had a symptomatic recurrent ischaemic event after stenting.ConclusionsDiaphragms are a rare cause of recurrent embolic strokes which are often not detected with non‐invasive imaging. Stenting appears to be a therapeutic option in stroke secondary prevention. These observations suggest that conventional angiography should be performed in cases of recurrent ischaemic strokes in the territory of a single artery and in cases of ischaemic stroke of undetermined aetiology in young adults when the usual investigations are negative.
A phase II−III trial of olesoxime in subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lenglet T. , Lacomblez L. , Abitbol J. L. , Ludolph A. , Mora J. S. , Robberecht W. , Shaw P. J. , Pruss R. M. , Cuvier V. , Meininger V. ,   the Mitotarget study group
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeTo assess the efficacy and safety of olesoxime, a molecule with neuroprotective properties, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treated with riluzole.MethodsA double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial of 18 months’ duration was conducted in 512 subjects, with probable or definite ALS and a slow vital capacity (SVC) ≥70%, receiving 330 mg olesoxime daily or matching placebo and 50 mg riluzole twice a day in all. The primary intention‐to‐treat (ITT) outcome analysis was 18 months’ survival. Secondary outcomes were rates of deterioration of the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS‐R), focusing on the 9‐month assessment, SVC and manual muscle testing. Blood levels, safety and tolerability of olesoxime were also assessed.ResultsAt 18 months, 154 of the 512 ITT patients had died (79 of 253 placebo, 75 of 259 olesoxime). Estimated overall survival according to Kaplan–Meier analysis was 67.5% (95% CI 61.0%–73.1%) in the placebo group and 69.4% (95% CI 63.0%–74.9%) in the olesoxime group; hence survival was not significantly different between treatment arms (P = 0.71, stratified bulbar/spinal log‐rank). The other efficacy end‐points evaluated were also negative, with the exception of a small difference in ALSFRS‐R global score at 9 months in favor of olesoxime but not sustained after 18 months’ treatment nor evident in either the stratified bulbar or spinal subpopulations. Treatment did not raise any safety concerns.ConclusionsOlesoxime, although well tolerated, did not show a significant beneficial effect in ALS patients treated with riluzole.
D‐penicillamine versus zinc sulfate as first‐line therapy for Wilson's disease
Authors: Członkowska A. , Litwin T. , Karliński M. , Dziezyc K. , Chabik G. , Czerska M. 
Published: January 2014

Background and purposeTo compare the course of treatment in patients with symptomatic Wilson's disease (WD) receiving either D‐penicillamine (DPA) or zinc sulfate (ZS) as first‐line therapy.MethodsIn all, 143 consecutive patients diagnosed with symptomatic WD from January 2005 to December 2009, followed until December 2010, were included. The decision about first‐line therapy was made individually after discussion with the patient. Physicians had no clear preference of one drug over the other. Data were analyzed in subgroups with predominantly neurological (DPA, 35; ZS, 21) and hepatic (DPA, 36; ZS, 51) presentation of WD.ResultsAccording to Kaplan–Meier analysis, neurological WD patients scheduled for DPA had a similar probability of not remaining on first‐line therapy as patients receiving ZS (20% vs. 24% at the end of follow‐up), with adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.9 (95% CI 0.2–3.5). In patients with hepatic WD, this probability was significantly higher for DPA (31% vs. 12%; adjusted OR 3.0, 95% CI 0.9–9.9), especially in the first 6 months. Early worsening occurred only in neurological WD patients, with no differences between both treatment groups (35% vs. 19%; OR 2.8, 95% CI 0.7–10.8). Neurological improvement and decrease of liver enzymes were achieved with similar frequency. Compliance with DPA was better in hepatic (97% vs. 80%) but not in neurological patients (91% vs. 81%). Drug adverse effects were more common on DPA (15% vs. 3%).ConclusionsDPA and ZS are effective in the majority of WD patients. Neither therapy appears to be clearly superior. Therefore ZS may be considered a reasonable alternative to DPA as a first‐line therapy.
Housing Adequacy: A Well‐being Indicator for Elderly Households in Southern U.S. Communities
Authors: Lee Sung‐Jin , Parrott Kathleen R. , Ahn Mira 
Published: January 2014

This study examined housing adequacy of elderly households aged 65 years and older in southern communities in the United States. Housing adequacy was considered as a well‐being indicator for the elderly households. The researchers developed a model which hypothesized a relationship between selected demographic and housing variables (which represent American housing norms and restraints) and housing inadequacy. The 2011 American Housing Survey (AHS) National and Metropolitan Data were used for analysis. The results consist of statistics on the demographic and housing characteristics of the 7,675 elderly householders and the results of binary logistic regression. The results of the regression showed that elderly households in southern communities were more likely to live in inadequate housing if they had lower incomes, more household members, or low housing satisfaction; were Blacks or Hispanics or not married; or lived in housing built before the 1970s, in rural areas, or the West South Central areas, or in a smaller structure size. This analysis of the newly released 2011 AHS data is important because of its post‐housing‐crisis perspective.
Physical characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Egerton T. A. , Tooley I. R. 
Published: January 2014

SynopsisObjectiveThe objective of this study was to review six measurement methods (X‐ray line broadening, electron microscopy, static light scattering, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray sedimentation and surface area determination), which are widely used for the characterization of ultrafine inorganic oxides used in cosmetic formulations. Depending on the processing that they have received and the system in which they are examined, these oxides can exist as primary particles, strongly bound aggregates or weakly bound agglomerates.MethodsThe example of titanium dioxide, TiO2, is used to consider which type of particle is being measured in a particular case, and the factors which influence the ‘size’ that is generated by a particular method. Where appropriate, a correlation is made between results of different measurements.ResultsResults for a particular set of four cosmetic grade TiO2's are presented and examined, in the context of a much broader set of measurements taken from the scientific literature.ConclusionIn general, X‐ray line broadening, electron microscopy and surface area measurements led to estimates of the size of primary particles. By contrast, both sedimentation and light scattering measurements measured the size of the secondary particles, and the figures which were generated depended on the dispersion conditions used for preparation of the measurement samples. For poorly dispersed or lightly milled samples, the size may be dominated by the presence of weakly bound agglomerates, but even when the sample is well dispersed or heavily milled, the reported size cannot be less than that of the aggregates.
Influence of differences in washing methods on skin texture
Authors: Matsumoto M. , Matsuo J. , Dai M. , Nishizawa T. , Matsui K. , Ichikawa Y. , Okuwa M. , Sugama J. , Sanada H. 
Published: January 2014

SynopsisObjectiveThe objective of this study was to clarify the effects of different body washing methods on skin texture.MethodsSubjects were nine healthy women in their 20s. Skin on the inside of the forearms was washed every day for 4 weeks with protective washing (right forearm) and with non‐protective washing (left forearm). We performed comparison of the right forearm and the left forearm. For the evaluation of skin texture, the interval of the sulcus cutis, and the mean and variance of the thickness of the sulcus cutis on digitized images were measured. Moreover, the numbers of equilateral triangles consisting of sulcus cutis were counted to evaluate skin texture.ResultsFrom the first week, the interval of sulcus cutis was significantly narrower with protective washing than with non‐protective washing. The numbers of equilateral triangles increased significantly more with protective washing than with non‐protective washing in weeks 1, 2 and 4. Although this study found no significant difference in mean of the thickness of the sulcus cutis, the interval of sulcus cutis and the number of triangles differed significantly with protective washing. The narrower intervals between sulcus cutis mean finer‐textured skin and sulcus cutis are formed by triangles or quadrilaterals, and the more uniform these shapes are, the finer and more regular the texture Therefore, skin texture may have become finer as a result of protective washing.ConclusionThese findings suggest that protective washing produces an even skin texture. They also suggest that number of equilateral triangles, as used in this study, may be useful as an index of skin texture.
Novel cosmetic patches for wrinkle improvement: retinyl retinoate‐ and ascorbic acid‐loaded dissolving microneedles
Authors: Kim M. , Yang H. , Kim H. , Jung H. , Jung H. 
Published: January 2014

SynopsisObjectiveTo evaluate wrinkle improvement and safety of a novel cosmetic dissolving microneedle patches loaded with two active compounds with different hydrophilicities, namely ascorbic acid and retinyl retinoate.MethodsClinical studies were performed on 24 Korean women for 12 weeks. Patients in group A were treated with retinyl retinoate‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches on the left eye crow's feet area, and patients in group B were treated with ascorbic acid‐loaded patches on the right eye crow's feet area twice daily. Wrinkle improvement was evaluated by skin Visiometer SV 600.ResultsBoth the retinyl retinoate‐ and ascorbic acid‐loaded dissolving microneedle patches demonstrated statistically significant differences in all Visiometer R‐values (P < 0.05). In particular, highly significant differences were shown at R1 (skin roughness) and R5 (arithmetic average roughness) (P < 0.001). Also, there were no side effects such as allergies or irritant contact dermatitis.ConclusionRetinyl retinoate and ascorbic acid were successfully loaded into dissolving microneedles and used to produce novel cosmetic patches. These novel patches can be used efficiently in cosmetics given their patient usability, safety and effectiveness in wrinkle improvement.