bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant functional traits suggest novel ecological strategy for an invasive shrub in an understorey woody plant community
Authors: Brym Zachary T. , Lake Jeffrey K. , Allen David , Ostling Annette 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Understanding ecological strategies of invasive species relative to the entire native community is important in understanding and managing both the mechanisms and the potential impacts of invasion, but few studies have taken this approach.2. We utilize advances in plant ecology to compare functional traits of an invasive shrub species, autumn‐oliveElaeagnus umbellata, to those of the understorey native woody plant community in a southeast Michigan forest. We estimate species trait distributions for six leaf functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf laminar area, leaf dry matter content, leaf nitrogen content, leaf carbon: nitrogen ratio and delta15N) using a kernel estimator. We then use pairwise trait distance and overlaps to describe the ecological strategy of the invasive shrub relative to that of the native understorey woody plant community.3. The overlap of the invasive shrub’s trait distribution with those of the native species was found to be smaller than the overlap of a native shrub’s distribution with other native species, consistent with the empty niche hypothesis of invasion. However, the invasive species’ mean leaf functional trait values typically fall outside of the range of most native species’ mean trait values, suggesting the invasive shrub extends trait space for understorey individuals of the native woody plant community.4. The invasive shrub’s leaf trait values are characteristic of a sun‐demanding species, contradicting its presence in the shaded forest understorey community and its persistence in an empty niche. We propose that this novel use of leaf functional traits by the invasive shrub could indicate that the invasion is facilitated by additional mechanisms such as release from natural enemies, association with nitrogen‐fixing bacteria, use of an empty temporal niche (namely the light available to the understorey early in the growing season), bird dispersal or some synthesis of these factors.5. Synthesis and applications. This study develops plant functional trait theory by studying an invasive species within the context of the entire native woody plant community. The approach can improve our understanding of the potential mechanisms of an invasion event and suggest ecological consequences and related management strategies for the maintenance of native forest communities. Specifically, this study, along with known data on the invasive species, suggests aggressive management in sunny gap and edge habitat provides the best strategy for long‐term control.
The new diversity: management gains through insights into the functional diversity of communities
Authors: Cadotte Marc W. 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. Biodiversity is being lost in our rapidly changing world. Most studies that examine biodiversity measure species richness, but loss of functional diversity (FD) – defined as the trait variation or dispersion in an assemblage – is equally important. FD is useful for management actions focused on ecosystem services or functions, especially when ecosystem function is ambiguously defined, or there are multiple functions of interest. Because FD is often a multivariate measure of species differences, it has additional relevance given that we seldom have a complete understanding of how traits translate to function.2. This Special Profile includes six papers that examine how management activities or policy could benefit from consideration of the functional contributions of species. When focused on species richness, management activities may unintentionally reduce FD, with detrimental consequences for ecosystem services or stability. For example, two of the studies included in this Special Profile show that grassland management (e.g. mowing or grazing) can result in loss of FD, which may result in an unintended loss of ecosystem services.3. A third paper reviews how species extinction and environmental change can negatively affect FD and, potentially, ecosystem function. At the individual species level, invasions offer insight into the importance of species traits. The fourth paper in this Special Profile describes how an invader is successful because of unique trait values, underlining the importance of examining FD when considering management options. In another paper, eutrophication is shown to drastically affect lichen functional groups (some decreasing and some increasing) with a minor effect on overall richness. The final paper demonstrates that the ability of aquatic plants to maintain biomass production in changing environments is determined by their complementary contributions to productivity. These complementary contributions to ecosystem function –especially given that they are more important in fluctuating environments – need to be included in evaluations of diversity.4. Synthesis and applications. As FD is increasingly assessed in applied studies, it will call into question how we measure diversity and evaluate management success. It is clear that species richness cannot be the only measure considered. Given that environmental change and management activities can reduce FD as well as the number of species, management goals and criteria for success need to include FD.
Urinary incontinence in inpatient psychiatry: prevalence, change and relationship to length of stay
Authors: Martin Lynn , Rabinowitz Terry , Montague Patty 
Published: September 2011

Aims and objectives.  To identify the prevalence of urinary incontinence in inpatient psychiatric settings and its relationship to length of stay.Background.  Urinary incontinence is a common and disabling condition. Previous work has shown that urinary incontinence is not always considered to be important in inpatient psychiatry.Design.  Retrospective analysis of provincial database for inpatient psychiatry.Method.  The study included all psychiatric inpatients in Ontario assessed with the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health at both admission and discharge since 1 October 2005. We used sex‐based analyses to examine the prevalence of urinary incontinence at admission and change over the inpatient stay. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between urinary incontinence and experiencing an above average length of stay in hospital.Results.  The prevalence of urinary incontinence at admission was 5·6%; rates were higher among women and the profiles of afflicted men and women differed. Approximately 35% of psychiatric patients were no longer incontinent at the time of discharge, and new cases of incontinence were reported for 1·2% of patients. Both the presence of urinary incontinence at admission and development of urinary incontinence over the inpatient stay were related to increased likelihood of having a longer than average length of stay. These odds were significant for both sexes, but higher for women for the role of urinary incontinence at admission and higher for men for the role of developing urinary incontinence.Conclusion.  Urinary incontinence was present among a non‐trivial proportion of psychiatric inpatients and persisted for most throughout the inpatient stay. Presence of urinary incontinence was related to increased hospital stay.Relevance to clinical practice.  Mental health service providers should identify urinary incontinence quickly and pay attention to it; incorporating treatment into the care plan early on in the inpatient stay may help to ensure a more rapid return to the community.
Soluble CD27 induces IgG production through activation of antigen‐primed B cells
Authors: Dang L. V. P. , Nilsson A. , Ingelman‐Sundberg H. , Cagigi A. , Gelinck L. B. S. , Titanji K. , De Milito A. , Grutzmeier S. , Hedlund J. , Kroon F. P. , Chiodi F. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract.  Dang LVP, Nilsson A, Ingelman‐Sundberg H, Cagigi A, Gelinck LBS, Titanji K, De Milito A, Grutzmeier S, Hedlund J, Kroon FP, Chiodi F (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm; Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; The Soder Hospital, Stockholm; Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden; Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands). Soluble CD27 induces IgG production through activation of antigen‐primed B cells. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 282–293.Objectives.  High levels of soluble CD27 (sCD27), a marker of immune activation, are found in several infectious [including human immunodeficiency virus type‐I (HIV‐1)] and autoimmune diseases; however, a direct biological effect of sCD27 on B cells has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate whether sCD27, by binding to CD70, can induce immunoglobulin G (IgG) production from B cells.Methods.  B cells from healthy and HIV‐1‐infected individuals were cultured with recombinant human sCD27 (rhsCD27), and IgG production was measured. The role of rhsCD27 in inducing the expression of transcription factors involved in plasma cell differentiation was evaluated. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of different cytokines on the modulation of CD70 expression on B cells and the relationship between levels of IgG and sCD27 in serum from healthy and HIV‐1‐infected individuals.Results.  We demonstrated that rhsCD27 induced IgG production from antigen‐primed (CD27+) B cells. This effect was mediated by rhsCD27 binding to CD70 on B cells leading to activation of Blimp‐1 and XBP‐1, transcription factors associated with plasma cell differentiation. We found a significant correlation between levels of serum sCD27 and IgG in HIV‐1‐infected individuals and healthy controls.Conclusions.  sCD27 may act to enhance immunoglobulin production and differentiation of activated memory or recently antigen‐experienced B cells, thus providing an activation signal to antigen‐experienced B cells. This mechanism may operate during autoimmune and chronic infectious diseases, situations in which continuous immune activation leads to upregulation of CD70 expression and increased sCD27 cleavage.
Pharmacokinetics of gallium nitrate after oral administration in adult horses – pilot study
Authors: POLLINA G. F. , ZAGOTTO G. , MARITAN P. , IACOPETTI I. , BUSETTO R. 
Published: September 2011

Pollina, G. F., Zagotto, G., Maritan, P., Iacopetti, I., Busetto, R Pharmacokinetics of gallium nitrate after oral administration in adult horses – pilot study. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 489–494.Gallium (Ga), a metal in group IIIA of the periodic table, has shown a remarkable activity against bone resorption and could therefore possibly prove useful in the treatment of certain diseases in sport horses, for example navicular disease. The aim of this study was to gain more information concerning the kinetics of Ga after oral administration of gallium nitrate (GaN) in adult horses. Six horses received a single dose of 10 mg/kg of GaN mixed with the food ration. Absorption was slow (Tmax = 10 ± 3 h, T½abs = 2 ± 0.8 h), and a Cmax of 26 ± 11 μg/L was achieved. Excretion followed a one‐phase elimination model, with a long half‐life (T½el = 52 ± 14 h). By means of a mathematical model, we estimated that the plasmatic levels should reach 93 μg/L (1.33 μm) at steady state, following the repeated daily administration of 10 mg/kg of GaN. A three times lower concentration has been demonstrated as effective in inhibiting the osteolytic activity of osteoclasts in vitro. The results of this study suggest that the administration of oral GaN at a rate of 10 mg/kg per day may be considered for future clinical studies.
Distribution of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite, using anin vivoultrafiltration sampling technique after the injection of enrofloxacin to pigs
Authors: MESSENGER K. M. , PAPICH M. G. , BLIKSLAGER A. T. 
Published: September 2011

Messenger, K. M., Papich, M. G., Blikslager, A. T. Distribution of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite, using anin vivoultrafiltration sampling technique after the injection of enrofloxacin to pigs.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 452–459.The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics (PK) of enrofloxacin in pigs and compare to the tissue interstitial fluid (ISF). Six healthy, young pigs were administered 7.5 mg/kg enrofloxacin subcutaneously (SC). Blood and ISF samples were collected from preplaced intravenous catheters and ultrafiltration sampling probes placed in three different tissue sites (intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intrapleural). Enrofloxacin concentrations were measured using high‐pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, PK parameters were analyzed using a one‐compartment model, and protein binding was determined using a microcentrifugation system. Concentrations of the active metabolite ciprofloxacin were negligible. The mean ± SD enrofloxacin plasma half‐life, volume of distribution, clearance, and peak concentration were 26.6 ± 6.2 h (harmonic mean), 6.4 ± 1.2 L/kg, 0.18 ± 0.08 L/kg/h, and 1.1 ± 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. The half‐life of enrofloxacin from the tissues was 23.6 h, and the maximum concentration was 1.26 μg/mL. Tissue penetration, as measured by a ratio of area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC), was 139% (±69%). Plasma protein binding was 31.1% and 37.13% for high and low concentrations, respectively. This study demonstrated that the concentration of biologically active enrofloxacin in tissues exceeds the concentration predicted by the unbound fraction of enrofloxacin in pig plasma. At a dose of 7.5 mg/kg SC, the high tissue concentrations and long half‐life produce an AUC/MIC ratio sufficient for the pathogens that cause respiratory infections in pigs.
Lubiprostone does not influence visceral pain thresholds in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Whitehead W. E. , Palsson O. S. , Gangarosa L. , Turner M. , Tucker J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  In clinical trials, lubiprostone reduced the severity of abdominal pain.The primary aim was to determine whether lubiprostone raises the threshold for abdominal pain induced by intraluminal balloon distention. A secondary aim was to determine whether changes in pain sensitivity influence clinical pain independently of changes in transit time.Methods  Sixty‐two patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) participated in an 8‐week cross‐over study. All subjects completed a 14‐day baseline ending with a barostat test of pain and urge sensory thresholds. Half, randomly selected, then received 48 μg day−1 of lubiprostone for 14 days ending with a pain sensitivity test and a Sitzmark test of transit time. This was followed by a 14‐day washout and then a crossover to 14 days of placebo with tests of pain sensitivity and transit time. The other half of the subjects received placebo before lubiprostone. All kept symptom diaries.Key Results  Stools were significantly softer when taking lubiprostone compared to placebo (Bristol Stool scores 4.20 vs 3.44, P < 0.001). However, thresholds for pain (17.36 vs 17.83 mmHg, lubiprostone vs placebo) and urgency to defecate (14.14 vs 14.53 mmHg) were not affected by lubiprostone. Transit time was not significantly different between lubiprostone and placebo (51.27 vs 51.81 h), and neither pain sensitivity nor transit time was a significant predictor of clinical pain.Conclusions & Inferences  Lubiprostone has no effect on visceral sensory thresholds. The reductions in clinical pain that occur while taking lubiprostone appear to be secondary to changes in stool consistency.
Dimethyl fumarate contact dermatitis of the foot: an increasingly widespread disease
Authors: D’Erme Angelo Massimiliano , Bassi Andrea , Lotti Torello , Gola Massimo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been recognized as an extremely potent irritant and sensitizer found in sachets inside furniture. The first skin manifestations were correlated to contact with sofas, chairs, and other furniture. In these last years, some papers have reported a development of allergic contact dermatitis on the foot caused by DMF present in high concentration in shoes made in China.Methods  We report the case of a 37‐year‐old woman who presented with severe eczema on the foot shortly after having bought a new pair of shoes. The diagnosis was performed by patch tests with DMF in several dilutions, with pieces of internal and external parts of the shoes, and by chemical analysis of the shoes.Results  In the last three years, goods containing DMF increased diffusely despite the augmentation on global preventive measures by Europe.Conclusions  Therefore, new cases of contact dermatitis could be dependent on DMF, and it is of note that this allergen is not included in most series for patch testing.
Summer Dormancy in Phalaris aquatica L., the Influence of Season of Sowing and Summer Moisture Regime on Two Contrasting Cultivars
Authors: Norton M. R. , Lelièvre F. , Volaire F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA series of trials to increase understanding of the summer dormancy trait in Phalaris aquatica was conducted. Autumn‐sown and younger, spring‐sown plants of two cultivars (cvv), known to contrast in expression of summer dormancy, were established and then tested over the following summer under three moisture regimes: long drought; drought + mid‐summer storm; or full irrigation. The autumn‐sown plants of cv. Atlas PG expressed substantial but incomplete summer dormancy under all moisture regimes and exhibited the characteristic responses including significant growth reduction and herbage senescence. The summer‐dormant cv. Atlas PG used 31 mm less soil water over the summer and also began to rehydrate its leaf bases from conserved soil water before the drought broke. The non‐dormant cv. Australian grew whenever moisture was applied and also responded to the mid‐summer storm with a decline in dehydrin expression in leaf bases, whereas no decline occurred in Atlas PG, presumably because it remained dormant. The irrigated, younger, spring‐sown swards of cv. Atlas PG had restrained growth and produced only about 37 % of the herbage of cv. Australian. Drought reduced activity and growth of young plants of both cultivars but while Australian regrew in response to the storm, cv. Atlas PG, grew much less (59 % of Australian) indicating that dormancy, although only partially expressed after spring sowing, was reinforced by summer drought. Australian used more soil water over summer than Atlas PG, and it is suggested that this is why cv Australian is limited to the higher rainfall zones of south‐eastern Australia, particularly where soil water holding capacity is limited.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on recurrence and progression in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hwang Eu Chang , Kim Young Jung , Hwang In Sang , Hwang Jun Eul , Jung Seung Il , Kwon Dong Deuk , Park Kwangsung , Ryu Soo Bang 
Published: September 2011

Objective:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tumor features in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Methods:  Data from 251 patients who underwent transurethral resection (TUR) for NMIBC from January 2000 to June 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I, 159 patients (63%) who did not have DM at the time of surgery; and (ii) Group II, 92 patients (37%) who had DM at the time of surgery. Recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival was assessed in both groups. Preoperative HbA1c levels, as parameter of glycemic control, were determined in Group II patients, with patients divided into two subgroups: (i) HbA1c ≥7.0%; and (ii) HbA1c <7.0%. The clinical features of the bladder tumor were compared in these two subgroups.Results:  Compared with Group I, Group II patients were older and had a higher rate of hypertension, recurrence, and progression (P < 0.05). Univariate survival analysis showed that gender, DM, smoking, and serum creatinine were associated with recurrence‐free survival (P < 0.05), whereas DM, stage, grade, intravesical instillation, and serum creatinine were associated with progression‐free survival. In multivariate survival analysis, DM was found to be an independent factor for recurrence‐ (hazard ratio [HR] 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–3.2; P = 0.001) and progression‐free survival (HR 9.35; 95% CI 3.1–28.6; P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients with HbA1c ≥7.0% exhibited a significantly higher rate of multiplicity (P = 0.001), tumor grade (P = 0.03), and intravesical treatment (P = 0.04).Conclusions:  In conclusion, DM seems to be an independent predictor of recurrence‐ and progression‐free survival in NMIBC patients. Further prospective studies are needed to establish the prognostic significance of postoperative glycemic control in this patient population.
Laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy: Assessment of feasibility and potential indications
Authors: Kawasaki Yoshihide , Ishidoya Shigeto , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Ito Akihiro , Satoh Fumitoshi , Morimoto Ryo , Nakagawa Haruo , Arai Yoichi 
Published: September 2011

Objective:  To report a single‐center experience with laparoscopic simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy (LSBA) and to evaluate its safety, surgical outcomes, and potential indications of the procedure.Methods:  A total of 21 patients underwent LSBA between 2000 and 2010 at our institution. Four patients had bilateral Cushing's syndrome (CS), two had bilateral pheochromocytoma, and one had a bilateral metastatic tumor. Eleven patients had unilateral or bilateral aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA), associated with CS or subclinical CS. Three patients had unilateral APA with contralateral non‐functioning adenoma. Partial adrenalectomy was performed first by using with four ports. After the excision of one gland, the contralateral gland was removed after repositioning of the patient.Results:  LSBA was completed in all 21 patients without major complications. Mean operative time was 329.7 min and the estimated blood loss was 94.1 mL. Mean tumor size was 21.8 mm. Of the 16 patients receiving an adrenal‐sparing procedure, nine of 11 discontinued glucocorticoid replacement after 2 years. The remaining five patients receiving bilateral total adrenalectomy required 0.5–0.75 mg of dexamethasone permanently. No open conversions, no deaths or no adrenal insufficiencies were encountered.Conclusions:  LSBA represents a safe and viable treatment option for selected patients with bilateral adrenal disease.
Naftopidil vs silodosin in medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones: A randomized controlled study in Japanese male patients
Authors: Tsuzaka Yasuo , Matsushima Hisashi , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Homma Yukio 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of the selective α1D‐adrenoceptor antagonist naftopidil and the selective α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonist silodosin (as an example) in the management of ureteral stones in Japanese male patients. A total of 74 patients with symptomatic ≤10 mm ureteral stones were enrolled in a prospective study and randomized into two groups: Group 1 received 50 mg naftopidil daily, whereas Group 2 received 8 mg silodosin daily. Patients were followed‐up for up to 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was stone expulsion rate and secondary endpoints were stone expulsion time, the rate of interventions, such as transurethral ureterolithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or ureteral stenting, and side effects. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age, stone size, and location. The stone expulsion rate was 61% and 84% in the naftopidil and silodosin groups, respectively (P = 0.038). No significant differences were noted in stone expulsion time or the rate of interventions between the two groups. The findings suggest that α1A‐adrenoceptor blockade was clinically superior for stone expulsion our study population.