bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The genetic basis of the fitness costs of antimicrobial resistance: a meta‐analysis approach
Authors: Vogwill Tom , MacLean R. Craig 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe evolution of antibiotic resistance carries a fitness cost, expressed in terms of reduced competitive ability in the absence of antibiotics. This cost plays a key role in the dynamics of resistance by generating selection against resistance when bacteria encounter an antibiotic‐free environment. Previous work has shown that the cost of resistance is highly variable, but the underlying causes remain poorly understood. Here, we use a meta‐analysis of the published resistance literature to determine how the genetic basis of resistance influences its cost. We find that on average chromosomal resistance mutations carry a larger cost than acquiring resistance via a plasmid. This may explain why resistance often evolves by plasmid acquisition. Second, we find that the cost of plasmid acquisition increases with the breadth of its resistance range. This suggests a potentially important limit on the evolution of extensive multidrug resistance via plasmids. We also find that epistasis can significantly alter the cost of mutational resistance. Overall, our study shows that the cost of antimicrobial resistance can be partially explained by its genetic basis. It also highlights both the danger associated with plasmidborne resistance and the need to understand why resistance plasmids carry a relatively low cost.
Heparin induces an accumulation of atherogenic lipoproteins during hemodialysis in normolipidemic end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Barbagallo Carlo M. , Noto Davide , Cefalù Angelo B. , Ganci Antonia , Giammarresi Carlo , Panno Donata , Cusumano Gaspare , Greco Massimiliano , Di Gaudio Francesca , Averna Maurizio R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDyslipidemias may account for the excess of cardiovascular mortality in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Lipoprotein studies in ESRD patients are usually relative to prehemodialysis samples even if significative changes may occur after dialysis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ESRD on triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRL) subpopulations distribution and acute change following hemodialytic procedures, including the relative contribution of heparin administration. We selected a group of normolipidemic male middle‐aged ESRD patients free of any concomitant disease affecting lipoprotein remnant metabolism compared with controls. We separated TRL subfractions according to density and apoE content and evaluated the changes of these particles after hemodialytic procedures with or without heparin. ESRD subjects had higher TRL subfractions, with the exception of apoE‐rich particles, lower high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) largest subclasses, and a smaller low‐density lipoprotein peak particle size than controls. After a hemodialytic standard procedure with heparin, we demonstrated a significant reduction of triglyceride, an increase of HDL‐cholesterol levels, and a raise of small very‐low‐density lipoprotein, intermediate‐density lipoproteins (IDL), apoE‐rich particles, and non‐HDL‐cholesterol levels. When hemodialysis was performed without heparin, no significant changes were observed. In the absence of concomitant hyperlipidemic triggers, ESRD patients show significant lipoprotein abnormalities before dialysis, but without any increased remnant particles concentrations. We speculate that hemodialysis, in particular heparin administration during this procedure, leads to a massive atherogenic TRLs production because of the acute stimulation of the dysfunctional lipolytic system not followed by an efficient removal, determining a recurrent lipoprotein remnant accumulation.
Clinical presentations of Behçet's disease among Nigerians: a 4‐year prospective study
Authors: Ajose Frances O. A. , Adelowo Olufemi , Oderinlo Olufemi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundBehçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory pan‐vasculitis of unknown etiology, with heterogeneous presentations in different parts of the world. It commonly involves the mucosae, skin, joints, eyes, and central nervous system. Behçet's disease is considered to represent an autoimmune reaction triggered by a yet to be identified infectious agent in a genetically predisposed person. It most commonly affects persons of Mediterranean or Far Eastern origin and is considered rare among Black Africans.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to document clinical presentations of BD in Nigerians.MethodsA prospective study of the clinical and laboratory parameters of patients who attended dermatology and rheumatology clinics between 2007 and 2011 was carried out.ResultsFifteen patients (nine males, six females) were diagnosed with BD at a mean age of 33 years. The mean age of onset of disease was 27 years. Oral ulceration was present in 100% of subjects and was the most frequent onset lesion, followed by genital ulceration in 93%. Skin, joint, vascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system (CNS) lesions occurred in 87, 80, 33, 20, and 13% of patients, respectively. Pathergy tests were positive in 38% of patients. Psychomorbidity was present in 60%. Remission was achieved with corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs. Mortality was zero, but 27% of patients were disabled by blindness and 7% by CNS involvement.ConclusionsThis is the first report on BD in a sample of Nigerians. The clinical phenotype of BD follows the Middle Eastern pattern. The small number of patients may reflect the rarity of BD in Nigerians or the poor ascertainment of BD by relevant clinicians.
A distinct chemokine axis does not account for enrichment of Foxp3+ CD4+ T cells in carcinogen‐induced fibrosarcomas
Authors: Ondondo Beatrice , Colbeck Emily , Jones Emma , Smart Kathryn , Lauder Sarah N. , Hindley James , Godkin Andrew , Moser Bernhard , Ager Ann , Gallimore Awen 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe frequency of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells is often significantly increased in the blood of tumour‐bearing mice and people with cancer. Moreover, Treg cell frequencies are often higher in tumours compared with blood and lymphoid organs. We wished to determine whether certain chemokines expressed within the tumour mass selectively recruit Treg cells, thereby contributing to their enrichment within the tumour‐infiltrating lymphocyte pool. To achieve this goal, the chemokine profile of carcinogen‐induced fibrosarcomas was determined, and the chemokine receptor expression profiles of both CD4+ Foxp3− and CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells were compared. These analyses revealed that the tumours are characterized by expression of inflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL12, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CX3CL1), reflected by an enrichment of activated Foxp3− and Foxp3+ T cells expressing T helper type 1‐associated chemokine receptors. Notably, we found that CXCR3+ T cells were significantly enriched in the tumours although curiously we found no evidence that CXCR3 was required for their recruitment. Instead, CXCR3 marks a population of activated Foxp3− and Foxp3+ T cells, which use multiple and overlapping ligand receptor pairs to guide their migration to tumours. Collectively, these data indicate that enrichment of Foxp3+ cells in tumours characterized by expression of inflammatory chemokines, does not occur via a distinct chemokine axis, thus selective chemokine blockade is unlikely to represent a meaningful therapeutic strategy for preventing Treg cell accumulation in tumours.
The effects of spatial and temporal ecological variation on fatty acid compositions of wild great tits Parus major
Authors: Isaksson Caroline , Hanson Mark A. , Burdge Graham C. 
Published: December 2014

In birds, fatty acids (FA) have three main functions; they are structural components of cell membranes, metabolic fuel, and inflammatory molecules. Environmental factors, such as diet and ambient temperature, affect FA composition, thereby function and ultimately fitness. Thus, variation in FA compositions can be the underlying mechanism for varying performance of birds in different habitats. Here we examine variation in plasma FA composition in nestling and adult great tits Parus major, between 1) deciduous and coniferous, and 2) sun‐exposed and shaded habitats.The main results revealed that nestlings had a higher proportion of α‐linolenic acid (α‐LNA) in deciduous habitats and arachidonic acid in coniferous habitats. This reflects a difference in caterpillar availability between habitats with the deciduous habitat being caterpillar‐rich, whereas the coniferous habitats are rich in spiders. In addition, α‐LNA increased with nestling body condition in the coniferous habitat, supporting the importance of caterpillars for fledging success in this species. In line with dietary intake, the proportion of the essential α‐LNA and linoleic acid (LA) increased over the course of the day for all birds. In the deciduous habitat, adult females showed a positive association between LA and body condition. Furthermore, habitat sun‐exposure showed significant interactions with body condition for polyunsaturated FAs in nestlings, and with saturated FA in adult males, which is in accordance with the homeoviscous hypothesis stating that the proportion of saturated FA should decrease with decreasing ambient temperature.Taken together, small‐scale heterogeneity in habitat structure significantly influences FA compositions of great tits. Many of the results can be linked to dietary, and possibly, ambient temperature differences between habitats. These habitat effects on FA compositions can lead to different capacities of individual birds to deal with infections and low temperatures, two stressors that cause major mortality among wild birds.
Corporate Lobbying and Firm Performance
Authors: Chen Hui , Parsley David , Yang Ya‐Wen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCorporate lobbying activities are designed to influence legislators, regulators and courts, presumably to encourage favorable policies and/or outcomes. In dollar terms, corporate lobbying expenditures are typically one or even two orders of magnitude larger than spending by Political Action Committees (PAC), and, unlike PAC donations, lobbying amounts are direct corporate expenditures. We use data made available by the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to examine this more pervasive form of corporate political activity. We find that, on average, lobbying is positively related to accounting and market measures of financial performance. These results are robust across a number of empirical specifications. We also report market performance evidence using a portfolio approach. We find that portfolios of firms with the highest lobbying intensities significantly outperform their benchmarks in the three years following portfolio formation.
Peri‐implant health and disease. A systematic review of current epidemiology
Authors: Derks Jan , Tomasi Cristiano 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo develop preventive strategies addressing peri‐implant diseases, a thorough understanding of the epidemiology is required.AimThe aim was to systematically assess the scientific literature in order to evaluate the prevalence, extent and severity of peri‐implant diseases.Material & MethodsData were extracted from identified studies. Meta‐analyses for prevalence of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis were performed. The effect of function time and disease definition on the prevalence of peri‐implantitis was evaluated by meta‐regression analyses. Data on extent and severity of peri‐implant diseases were estimated if not directly reported.ResultsFifteen articles describing 11 studies were included. Case definitions for mucositis and peri‐implantitis varied. The prevalence of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis ranged from 19 to 65% and from 1 to 47%, respectively. Meta‐analyses estimated weighted mean prevalences of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis of 43% (CI: 32–54%) and 22% (CI: 14–30%), respectively. The meta‐regression showed a positive relationship between prevalence of peri‐implantitis and function time and a negative relationship between prevalence of peri‐implantitis and threshold for bone loss. Extent and severity of peri‐implant diseases were rarely reported.ConclusionFuture studies on the epidemiology of peri‐implant diseases should consider (i) applying consistent case definitions and (ii) assessing random patient samples of adequate size and function time.
Experiences With Parents and Youth Physical Health Symptoms and Cortisol: A Daily Diary Investigation
Authors: Lippold Melissa A. , McHale Susan M. , Davis Kelly D. , Almeida David M. , King Rosalind B. 
Published: December 2014

Using daily diary data, this study examined the associations between positive and negative parent–youth experiences and youth cortisol and physical health symptoms among a sample of adolescents (N = 132, mean age = 13.39). On days when girls reported more negative experiences than usual, they exhibited more physical health symptoms and flatter evening cortisol slopes than usual. Negative experiences with mothers were associated with higher dinner and bedtime youth cortisol levels (between‐person). Daily positive experiences with fathers were linked with lower dinner cortisol levels. Youth with high levels of negative experiences, on average, were less sensitive to daily variation in negative experiences than youth who experienced lower parental negativity. We discuss the benefits of a daily diary approach.
Effects provoked by chronic undernourishment on the fibre type composition and contractility of fast muscles in male and female developing rats
Authors: Pereyra‐Venegas J. , Segura‐Alegría B. , Guadarrama‐Olmos J. C. , Mariscal‐Tovar S. , Quiróz‐González S. , Jiménez‐Estrada I. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryIn this study, we compare the effects of pre‐ and post‐natal food deprivation on the relative proportion of fibre types and contractile responses in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle of female and male rats at different post‐natal ages. EDL muscles from undernourished male (UM) rats showed a higher proportion of Type IIB than IIA fibres and larger normalized twitch responses (with respect to muscle weight) than those of controls (CM). In contrast, EDL muscles from control (CF) and undernourished female rats (UF) showed no significant differences in their fibre type composition and normalized twitch forces at most of the ages analysed. Our data are indicative that the EDL muscles from undernourished males are more susceptible to the effects exerted by low food income than the EDL muscles from female rats. It is proposed that changes in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and hormonal factors, due to undernutrition, are involved in the alterations observed in the fibre type composition and force production of EDL muscles in undernourished male rats and that estrogens may have an antioxidant protective role on the undernourished EDL muscles in female rats.
The construction of human–animal relations: National Jumps Day 2013 at Te Rapa, Hamilton, New Zealand
Authors: McManus Phil , Graham Raewyn , Ruse Karen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNew Zealand is an important place for thoroughbred breeding and racing. Most races are on the flat, but jumps racing is conducted in the cooler months. The 2013 National Jumps Day at Te Rapa, Hamilton, was a significant space for the construction of human–animal relations. Drawing on three bodies of accounts, we ask whether social media contributes to the realignment of perspectives or reinforces existing human–animal relations. We explore competing narratives and demonstrate how animals, people, activities and places are constructed, including making animal deaths unrecognisable to perpetuate activities that are questioned by contemporary animal geographies.
Ectopic differentiation of melanocyte stem cells is influenced by genetic background
Authors: Harris Melissa L. , Levy Denise J. , Watkins‐Chow Dawn E. , Pavan William J. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryHair graying in mouse is attributed to the loss of melanocyte stem cell function and the progressive depletion of the follicular melanocyte population. Single‐gene, hair graying mouse models have pointed to a number of critical pathways involved in melanocyte stem cell biology; however, the broad range of phenotypic variation observed in human hair graying suggests that additional genetic variants involved in this process may yet be discovered. Using a sensitized approach, we ask here whether natural genetic variation influences a predominant cellular mechanism of hair graying in mouse, melanocyte stem cell differentiation. We developed an innovative method to quantify melanocyte stem cell differentiation by measuring ectopically pigmented melanocyte stem cells in response to the melanocyte‐specific transgene Tg(Dct‐Sox10). We make the novel observation that the production of ectopically pigmented melanocyte stem cells varies considerably across strains. The success of sensitizing for melanocyte stem cell differentiation by Tg(Dct‐Sox10) sets the stage for future investigations into the genetic basis of strain‐specific contributions to melanocyte stem cell biology.
Incidence of lung cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis treated with extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Topuzoglu Sabriye , Knobler Robert , Movadat Oliver , Petkov Ventzislav , Foedinger Dagmar , Just Ulrike , Pehamberger Hubert , Jantschitsch Christian 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) improves skin sclerosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. SSc is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. As ECP is supposed to exert immunomodulatory effects, a possible impact of ECP on the incidence of lung cancer in SSc patients was evaluated.MethodsSeventy‐one SSc patients treated with ECP at the Photopheresis Unit of the Department of Dermatology at the Medical University of Vienna between 1991 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsWe calculated a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for lung cancer in ECP‐treated SSc patients of 2.34 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63–2.49]. This is in accordance with recent meta‐analyses demonstrating a significantly enhanced risk of lung carcinoma in SSc patients. Comparison of the lung cancer risks of these patients with our ECP‐treated patients revealed that ECP has no influence. Each patient with lung carcinoma had previously been diagnosed with lung involvement of the non‐specific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) type.ConclusionWe confirm that SSc patients are at significantly increased risk for lung cancer. However, ECP does not influence this risk. NSIP may be a risk factor for lung cancer in SSc patients.
Number of conspecifics and reproduction in the invasive plant Eschscholzia californica (Papaveraceae): is there a pollinator‐mediated Allee effect?
Authors: Anic V. , Henríquez C. A. , Abades S. R. , Bustamante R. O. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe component Allee effect has been defined as ‘a positive relationship between any measure of individual fitness and the number or density of conspecifics’. Larger plant populations or large patches have shown a higher pollinator visitation rate, which may give rise to an Allee effect in reproduction of the plants. We experimentally tested the effect of number of conspecifics on reproduction and pollinator visitation in Eschscholzia californica Cham., an invasive plant in Chile. We then built patches with two, eight and 16 flowering individuals of E. californica (11 replicates per treatment) in an area characterised by dominance of the study species. We found that E. californica exhibits a component Allee effect, as the number of individuals of this species has a positive effect on individual seed set. However, individual fruit production was not affected by the number of plants examined. Pollinator visitation rate was also independent of the number of plants, so this factor would not explain the Allee effect. This rate was positively correlated with the total number of flowers in the patches. We also found that the number of plants did not affect the seed mass or proportion of germinated seeds in the patches. Higher pollen availability in patches with 16 plants and pollination by wind could explain the Allee effect. The component Allee effect identified could lead to a weak demographic Allee effect that might reduce the rate of spread of E. californica. Knowledge of this would be useful for management of this invasive plant in Chile.
Epidemiology of periodontal diseases in adults from Latin America
Authors: Oppermann Rui V. , Haas Alex N. , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Susin Cristiano 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA decade has passed since we first reviewed the epidemiology of periodontal diseases in Latin America. At that time, lack of population‐based studies was the norm and our conclusions were based on very limited evidence. The aim of the present comprehensive review was to update and expand our previous work by providing a broad overview of Latin America and its current social, economic and demographic status and by focusing on the epidemiology of periodontal diseases in Latin American adults published in the last 15 years. The amount of periodontal epidemiological data available has increased but is still restricted to a few countries only. The scope of the literature available has also broadened to include oral health‐related quality of life and systemic interactions; however, most studies had methodological limitations that might have biased their results. In general, periodontitis was very prevalent, but severe periodontal destruction was localized. Besides being associated with well‐established risk factors, periodontitis was associated with demographics and socio‐economic factors in Latin American populations. To advance epidemiological knowledge, population‐based cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies, using appropriate methodologies, should be the future focus of the research agenda of researchers and public health planners in Latin American countries.