bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food restriction and chronic stress alter energy use and affect immunity in an infrequent feeder
Authors: Neuman‐Lee Lorin A. , Bobby Fokidis H. , Spence Austin R. , Van der Walt Marilize , Smith Geoffrey D. , Durham Susan , French Susannah S. 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Glucocorticoids are important mediators of energy utilization for key physiological processes, including immune function. Much work has focused on the effects of energy limitation and stress for key physiological processes such as reproduction and immunity. However, it is unclear how stress alters energy use across different energy states, and the physiological ramifications of such effects are even less clear.

In this study, we altered energy and stress states of an infrequent feeder, the terrestrial gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans), using fasting and repeated restraint stress (chronic stressors) to test how these challenges interacted to affect immune function, energy metabolites and glucocorticoid reactivity (a traditional indicator of stress state) to restraint stress, a standardized, acute stressor. After this acute stressor, the snakes which had received chronic stress had increased glucocorticoid reactivity, and both treatments altered energy metabolite use and storage. Evidence of interaction of food restriction and chronic stress treatments on innate immune function and energy metabolites (triglycerides and glycerol) suggests that stress alters energy use in a manner dependent on the energy state of the animal.

Snakes have a remarkable ability to maintain functionality of key physiological processes under stressful conditions but are still susceptible to multiple simultaneous stressors, a situation increasingly prevalent in our ever‐changing environment.
Habitat preference facilitates successful early breeding in an open‐cup nesting songbird
Authors: Germain Ryan R. , Schuster Richard , Delmore Kira E. , Arcese Peter 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Selecting breeding habitats that ameliorate environmental limits on fitness and facilitate successful reproduction should benefit individual animals. This is particularly true in the temperate zone, where breeding early in a season presents a unique series of environmental challenges that can limit an individual's fitness. While many studies document links between habitat quality and reproductive success, few identify the cues used to assess habitat quality or the components of reproduction most influenced by occupying higher quality habitat, particularly during the early breeding season.

We used detailed spatial maps and observations of all early season nesting attempts in an insular song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) population over 38 years to estimate the influence of nest‐site preference on reproductive success and to test whether relative microclimate or food availability may act as cues for early season site selection.

Female sparrows in preferred early season nest sites had earlier laying dates, exhibited more energetically efficient incubation behaviour and produced more offspring that recruited to the population than those nesting in less‐preferred sites.

Preference for potential nesting sites was positively related to leaf damage by Lepidopteran larvae, an indicator of food abundance, negatively related to early season microclimate, likely due to greater vegetation cover, and unrelated to site‐specific plant phenology.

Our findings show that breeding in preferred, high‐quality habitat may offer females a fitness advantage by facilitating early laying and the production of offspring more likely to recruit to the population at a lower potential reproductive cost to the parent. We provide a clear demonstration of potential links between habitat preference and quality and their contributions to the ecology and life history of animals in seasonal environments.
Identification and expression profiles of putative cytochrome P450 monooxygenase genes from Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Liu Su , Rao Xiang‐Jun , Li Mao‐Ye , Li Shi‐Guang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn insects, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) have received considerable attention for their roles in the detoxification of harmful chemicals and insecticide resistance. The rice leaf‐folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, is a severe lepidopteran rice pest. In this research, 36 putative P450 genes were identified from the transcriptome dataset of C. medinalis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes fell into four clans, including the mitochondrial clan (6 genes), CYP2 clan (5 genes), CYP3 clan (16 genes) and CYP4 clan (9 genes), and were classified into 19 families and 30 subfamilies. Since the CYP6 P450 family in insects is the major family related to the detoxification of xenobiotics, the expression profiles of five genes in the CYP6 family were determined by real‐time quantitative PCR. These genes were differentially expressed in various larval tissues, including the midgut, Malpighian tubules and fat body. Of these, CYP6AW1 and CYP6CV1 were mainly expressed in the midgut, while CYP6AE76 was highly expressed in the fat body. CYP6AB62 and CYP6AE28 were ubiquitously expressed. The transcription of CYP6AE28 was significantly induced by abamectin at LD20 dose. Taken together, the results provided useful information for the characteristics of P450s in C. medinalis and for future functional studies.
Barosensitivity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is Closely Associated with a Deletion of the COX1 Gene
Authors: Nomura Kazuki , Iwahashi Hitoshi , Iguchi Akinori , Shigematsu Toru 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHigh hydrostatic pressure causes physical stress to microorganisms; therefore, this technology may be applied to food pasteurization without introducing the unfavorable effects of thermal denaturation. However, its application is limited to high‐value foods because the treatment requires a robust steel vessel and expensive pressurization equipment. To reduce these costs, we studied the pasteurization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using relatively moderate high‐pressure levels. A mutant strain isolated by ultraviolet mutagenesis showed significant loss of viability under high‐pressure conditions. Gene expression analysis of the mutant strain revealed that it incurred a deletion of the COX1 gene. Our results suggest that the pressure‐sensitivity can readily be introduced into industrial/food microorganisms by complementing a COX1 deleted mitochondria.
FDG‐PET/CT detection of very early breast cancer in women with breast microcalcification lesions found in mammography screening
Authors: Peng Nan‐Jing , Chou Chen‐Pin , Pan Huay‐Ben , Chang Tsung‐Hsien , Hu Chin , Chiu Yu‐Li , Fu Ting‐Ying , Chang Hong‐Tai 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionTo assess the efficacy of positron emission tomography/computed tomography with the glucose analogue 2‐[18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG‐PET/CT) in Taiwanese women with early breast cancer detected by mammography screening.MethodsDual‐time‐point imaging of whole‐body supine and breast prone scans using FDG‐PET/CT were performed sequentially in the pre‐operative stage.ResultsA total of 11,849 patients underwent screening mammography, of whom 1,209 (10.2%) displayed positive results. After further investigation, 54 patients underwent FDG‐PET/CT. Post‐operative pathology examinations revealed malignancies in 26 lesions, including invasive breast cancer in 11 cases and non‐invasive breast cancer in 15 cases, as well as benign disease in 30 lesions. The FDG‐PET/CT findings from the whole‐body scans were positive for 9 of 11 invasive breast cancers (81.8%) and 3 of 15 non‐invasive cancers (20%), and they were negative for all benign lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of FDG‐PET/CT with whole‐body supine imaging were 46.2%, 100%, 100% and 68.2%, respectively. Breast prone imaging revealed another patient with ductal carcinoma in situ, increasing the sensitivity to 50%. Importantly, positive PET findings were significantly correlated with tumour histology (P = 0.006), tumour size (P = 0.039) and Ki‐67 expression (P = 0.011).ConclusionsFDG‐PET/CT with whole‐body scanning demonstrated high sensitivity to invasive breast cancer, limited sensitivity to non‐invasive breast cancer, and high specificity for breast cancer. FDG‐PET/CT might be useful for differentiating tumour invasiveness. However, the good PPV but poor NPV do not allow the physician to discard the biopsy.
Australian and New Zealand recommendations for the diagnosis and management of gout: integrating systematic literature review and expert opinion in the 3e Initiative
Authors: Graf Scott W. , Whittle Samuel L. , Wechalekar Mihir D. , Moi John H. Y. , Barrett Claire , Hill Catherine L. , Littlejohn Geoff , Lynch Nora , Major Gabor , Taylor Andrew L. , Buchbinder Rachelle , Zochling Jane 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo develop evidence‐based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of gout in Australia and New Zealand as part of the multi‐national 3e Initiative.MethodUsing a formal voting process, a panel of 78 international rheumatologists selected 10 key clinical questions pertinent to the diagnosis and management of gout. An additional question was also developed by participating Australian and New Zealand rheumatologists. Each question was investigated with a systematic literature review. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and abstracts from 2010 to 2011 European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology meetings were searched in each review. Relevant studies were independently reviewed by two individuals for data extraction and synthesis and risk of bias assessment. Using this evidence, 47 Australian and New Zealand rheumatologists developed national recommendations. For each recommendation the level of agreement was assessed and the level of evidence graded.ResultEleven recommendations were produced relating to the diagnosis of gout, different aspects of the management of gout, cardiovascular and renal comorbidities and the management of asymptomatic hyperuricemia. The mean level of agreement with the recommendations was 9.1 on a 1–10 scale, with 10 representing full agreement.ConclusionEleven Australian and New Zealand recommendations on the diagnosis and management of gout were developed combining systematically reviewed evidence with local expertise, enhancing their utility in clinical practice.
Comparison of once daily radiotherapy to 60 Gy and twice daily radiotherapy to 45 Gy for limited stage small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Han Dan , Hao Shaoyu , Tao Cheng , Zhao Qian , Wei Yumei , Song Zhengzheng , Li Baosheng 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to compare toxicities, disease control, and survival outcomes for limited disease small‐cell lung cancer (LD‐SCLC) treated with once daily (QD) versus twice daily (BID) radiotherapy.MethodsAll of the patients received four to six cycles of platinum plus etoposide. In the QD group, irradiation was given via conventional radiotherapy with a dose of 60 Gy at 2 Gy per once‐daily fraction. In the BID group, the dose was 45 Gy at 1.5 Gy per twice‐daily fraction.ResultsData from a total of 143 LD‐SCLC patients treated at the Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute were retrospectively analyzed. Statistically significant differences were found in the rates of both grade 2 or higher esophagitis (P = 0.036) and pneumonitis (P = 0.043) between QD and BID groups, respectively. Grade 3 esophagitis occurred in 6% of patients receiving QD and 19% of those receiving BID therapy. The median overall survival (OS) of all patients was 30.4 months: 29.5 months for QD therapy, and 31.4 months for BID therapy. The two‐year OS rate was 43.3% for QD therapy, and 48.8% for BID therapy. The two‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival (LRFS) rate was 45% versus 63.4% for the QD group versus the BID group, respectively.ConclusionsPneumonitis was more common in the QD group, and esophagitis was more common in the BID group. Although there were no significant differences in OS and LRFS between the QD and BID groups, there was a trend toward improved local control in the BID group.
Efficacy and safety of late‐course hypofractionated radiation therapy for muscle‐invasive bladder carcinoma after bladder‐conserving surgery
Authors: Song Yi‐peng , Ma Jin‐bo , Wang Lin , Chen Er‐cheng , Liu Peng , Ma Zhao , Zang Ru‐kun , Yu Jin‐ming 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of late‐course hypofractionated radiation treatment of muscle‐invasive bladder carcinoma after bladder‐conserving surgery.MethodsSeventy‐six patients with transitional cell bladder carcinoma, stage II (T2‐4N0M0), after transurethral resection, were enrolled. Pirarubicin was given at 30 mg/m2 and 100 mL physiological saline once weekly (QW) for 12 weeks through and after intravesical instillation postoperatively. Radiation schedule delivered 46 Gy in 20 fractions for planning target volume, with an additional 20 Gy in five fractions for gross tumor volume as late‐course radiation. Chemotherapy was stopped if Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 3 or higher bladder or bowel toxicity occurred. The primary end points were acute toxicity, local control and patients' survival.ResultsOne‐, three‐ and five‐year overall survival rates were 98, 78 and 69.5%, respectively. Mean survival time was 58.4 months (95% CI: 52.6, 64.2). In addition, 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year local control rates were 100, 80.5 and 76.1%, respectively. Mean local control time was 60.7 months (95% CI: 55.1, 66.3). The cumulative incidence of local/regional failure and distant failure was 28.9%. The rate of single local/regional failure was 13.2%, but distant failure rate was 21.1%.ConclusionsConcurrent pirarubicin‐based late‐course hypofractionated radiation therapy showed desirable local control rate and acceptable toxicity. It could be used after bladder‐conserving surgery to allow patients to preserve their bladder.
The human papillomavirus Test of Cure: A lesson on compliance with the NHMRC guidelines on screening to prevent cervical cancer
Authors: Munro Aime , Spilsbury Katrina , Leung Yee , O'Leary Peter , Williams Vincent , Codde Jim , Steel Nerida , Cohen Paul , Semmens James 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundIn Australia, high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) testing is recommended for follow‐up of women treated for a high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion (HSIL). The sensitivity of HR HPV testing is critical to identify women at risk of further high‐grade cervical disease. In Australia, this management protocol is known as the ‘Test of Cure’ (ToC).AimTo conduct a population‐based study investigating practitioners' compliance with ToC.Materials and MethodsWomen treated for an HSIL between the five‐year period 01 Jan 2006 to 31 Dec 2010 were identified and followed up for at least a 27‐month period. Proportions and relative odds were determined for women entering and completing the ToC management pathway within recommended time frames.ResultsThere were 5,194 women identified as ‘eligible’ to enter the ToC management pathway. Of these, 1,916 (37%) were managed with annual Pap smears and never had a HR HPV test performed. There were 1,296 (25%) women who entered the ToC management pathway within recommended time frames, and a further 1,978 (38%) women entered outside of the recommended time frames. Overall, 961 women completed the ToC and were classified as ‘cured’ and were eligible to return to two‐yearly Pap smears. Women's demographic information was significantly associated with ToC commencement, specifically, age and year of treatment, and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage.ConclusionOverall, a significant number of Australian women did not enter (~37%) and complete (~50%) the ToC management pathway. The challenge remains to advocate its use to practitioners to ensure women are returned to the population screening interval in a timely manner.
Clinical outcomes of 15 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic insulinoma resection: The usefulness of monitoring intraoperative blood insulin during laparoscopic pancreatectomy
Authors: Nakamura Yoshiharu , Matsushita Akira , Katsuno Akira , Yamahatsu Kazuya , Sumiyoshi Hiroki , Mizuguchi Yoshiaki , Uchida Eiji 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundInsulinoma is a very serious functional tumor. Surgeons should confirm complete resection of insulinomas before completing the operation, even in laparoscopic surgery.MethodsBetween August 2007 and September 2014, 15 consecutive patients with biochemical evidence of an insulinoma underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Intraoperatively, a peripheral arterial blood sample was taken, and insulin was measured by quick insulin assay. Insulin levels were determined before anesthesia induction, every 30 min thereafter, and every 30 min for at least 1 h after tumor resection to confirm insulin levels did not increase before surgery was completed.ResultsAll 15 patients (3 men and 12 women, average age 57.2 years) successfully underwent laparoscopic resection. One patient had two tumors, and the remaining 14 patients had one tumor each (three in the head, five in the body, and eight in the tail of the pancreas). Preoperative localization and regionalization studies identified the tumor correctly through CT (12/15 [80.0%]), MRI (9/12 [75.0%]), angiography (11/13 [84.6%]), endoscopic ultrasonography (7/10 [70.0%]), and selective arterial calcium injection (14/14 [100%]). Intraoperative ultrasonography detected 13 of 15 tumors (86.7%), and intraoperative blood insulin monitoring confirmed the complete resection of 16 of 16 tumors (100%). All patients were discharged with normal insulin levels and have been followed up for 3–88 months. There has been no recurrence of symptoms in any patients and none has died.ConclusionComplete removal of an insulinoma can be reliably predicted by intraoperative blood insulin monitoring even in laparoscopic pancreatectomies.
Probability, rate and timing of reconstructive surgery following colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease in Sweden: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Nordenvall C. , Myrelid P. , Ekbom A. , Bottai M. , Smedby K. E. , Olén O. , Nilsson P. J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimMany patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) need colectomy, but the rate of reconstructive surgery with restoration of intestinal continuity is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the probability, rate and timing of reconstructive surgery after colectomy in patients with IBD in a population‐based setting.MethodThe study cohort included all patients with IBD in Sweden who underwent colectomy from 2000 to 2009. Each patient was followed from admission for colectomy to admission for reconstructive surgery, date of death, migration or 31 December 2010. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and multivariable Poisson regression models were used to describe the probability, rate and timing of reconstructive surgery.ResultsOut of 2818 IBD patients treated with colectomy, 61.0% were male and 78.9% had ulcerative colitis. No reconstructive surgery had been performed in 1595 (56.6%) patients by the end of follow‐up. Of the remaining 1223 patients, 526 underwent primary reconstructive surgery and 697 had a secondary reconstruction following a median interval of 357 days from primary surgery in the form of colectomy. The probability of reconstructive surgery was dependent on age (55.6% and 18.1% at ages 15–29 and ≥ 59 years, respectively), and the chance of reconstructive surgery was higher in hospitals that performed more than 13 colectomies for IBD per year [incidence rate ratio and 95% confidence interval 1.27 (1.09–1.49)].ConclusionFewer than half of the patients having a colectomy for IBD underwent subsequent reconstructive surgery. Older age and low hospital volume were risk factors for no reconstructive surgery.
Does It Pay for US‐based NGOs to Go to War? Empirical Evidence for Afghanistan and Iraq
Authors: Kim Youngwan , Nunnenkamp Peter 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTApart from altruistic reasons, NGOs may engage in developing countries under conditions of conflict and war in order to secure funding and survive in the ‘market’ of humanitarian relief and development assistance. Applying difference‐in‐differences approaches, this article analyses empirically whether the presence of US‐based NGOs in Afghanistan and Iraq improved their chances of external funding. While there are some indications that NGOs active in Afghanistan had better access to official funding, the authors do not find statistically compelling evidence that it pays for NGOs to engage where the United States intervenes militarily.
Lepidopteran insect species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, and systemic RNA interference by spraying dsRNA on larvae
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Haichao , Guan Ruobing , Miao Xuexia 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo investigate whether the dsRNA of a gene has species‐specific, broad‐spectrum, or off‐target effects on lepidopteran insects, we identified a methionine‐rich storage protein gene (OfSP) from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), using high‐throughput sequence technology. The OfSP gene possesses three functional domains (N, M, and C), which are predominantly expressed in the last instars of Asian corn borer. This gene is also a key element for insect development and reproduction. The dsRNAs for the three functional domains of the OfSP gene were synthesized and sprayed on either Asian corn borer or on cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), during the first instar. The dsRNA targeting the C‐terminal domain can cause high mortality rates in both insects, whereas those targeting the M‐ and N‐terminal domains only cause high mortality in the Asian corn borer. These results can be used to develop dsRNA with species‐specific or broad‐spectrum bio‐insecticidal properties. More importantly, after dsRNA spraying, we also found typical systemic RNAi in the phenotypes that resulted in abnormal ecdysis of the larvae and pupae. Moreover, sterile eggs were found in the next generation. To analyze the broad‐spectrum link to dsRNA off‐target effects, the whole transcriptome siRNA libraries for these two species were constructed. Results further confirmed that 21 nucleotide siRNAs are unlikely to produce the off‐target effect if conserved genes are not selected. These findings provide direct evidence confirming that dsRNA is a biologically safe insecticide in lepidopteran insect pest control.