bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behind every great ant, there is a great gut
Authors: POULSEN MICHAEL , SAPOUNTZIS PANAGIOTIS 
Published: April 2012

Ants are quite possibly the most successful insects on Earth, with an estimated 10 000 species worldwide, making up at least a third of the global insect biomass, and comprising several times the biomass of all land vertebrates combined. Ant species have diverse trophic habits, including herbivory, hunting/gathering, scavenging and predation and are distributed in diverse habitats, performing a variety of important ecosystem functions. Often they exert these functions while engaging in symbiotic associations with other insects, plants or microbes; however, remarkably little work has focused on the potential contribution of the ants’ gut symbionts. This issue of Molecular Ecology contains a study by Anderson et al. (2012), who take a comparative approach to explore the link between trophic levels and ant microbiomes, specifically, to address three main questions: (i) Do closely related herbivorous ants share similar bacterial communities? (ii) Do species of predatory ants share similar bacterial communities? (iii) Do distantly related herbivorous ants tend to share similar bacterial communities? By doing so, the authors demonstrate that ants with similar trophic habits appear to have relatively conserved gut microbiomes, suggesting symbiont functions that directly relate to dietary preference of the ant host. These findings suggest an ecological role of gut symbionts in ants, for example, in metabolism and/or protection, and the comparative approach taken supports a model of co‐evolution between ant species and specific core symbiont microbiomes. This study, thereby, highlights the omnipresence and importance of gut symbioses—also in the Hymenoptera—and suggests that these hitherto overlooked microbes likely have contributed to the ecological success of the ants.
Pilot study of a pharmaceutical care intervention in an outpatient lung transplant clinic
Authors: Harrison Jennifer J. , Wang June , Cervenko Julia , Jackson Leah , Munyal Dipika , Hamandi Bassem , Chernenko Susan , Dorosz Josie , Chaparro Cecilia , Singer Lianne G. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundLung transplant recipients have complex drug regimens. Study objectives were to assess drug therapy problems (DTPs), pharmacist recommendations, and patient satisfaction with pharmacist services.MethodsUsing a pharmaceutical care assessment process, pharmacists identified DTPs and made therapeutic recommendations. Number of DTPs identified per pharmacist visit was calculated and compared to standard care visits through retrospective chart review. Potential clinical impact of recommendations was evaluated by blinded clinicians. Patient satisfaction was assessed via survey.ResultsFifty‐five DTPs were identified in 43 patients over 50 pharmacist visits (1.05 ± 1.34 DTPs per visit). In these same patients, rate of DTP identification was 0.51 ± 0.64 DTPs per standard visit in the preceding two‐wk period (p = 0.018 vs. pharmacist visit). The most common DTPs identified by the pharmacist were adverse drug effect (27%) and untreated indication (25%). Overall, 62% of pharmacist recommendations were rated very significant or significant. Survey return rate was 58% and satisfaction scores ranged from 3 to 5 out of 5. Review of medications and teaching regarding the use of medications received the most “very satisfied” and “highly important” scores.ConclusionsPharmacists can make valuable contributions in a lung transplant clinic setting by identifying DTPs and making recommendations with a positive impact on patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Ten‐yr renal allograft survival of patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Authors: Vaidya Smita 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term allograft survival of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS) patients as well as patients who have antiphospholipid antibodies but no thrombotic complications remains largely unknown. This study evaluates long‐term allograft survival of APA as well as patients with APAS.MethodsDuring the study period from January 1, 1992 through May 31, 2009, 1625 patients with ESRD awaiting renal transplants were screened for APAS. Ninety‐four (5.8%) of these patients had circulating levels of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) and 39 of these patients had documented evidence of clotting disorders and were diagnosed with APAS. Twenty‐one patients with APAS received transplants on either low molecular weight (LMW) heparin or Coumadin as anticoagulation therapy. Of 94 patients with only ACA, 46 received renal transplants. Of the remaining 1492 patients, 1285 patients with no evidence of either ACA or APAS received renal transplants.ResultsTen‐yr allograft survival of patients with APAS treated with Coumadin was similar to those treated with LMW heparin (18% vs. 20%, NS). However, those allograft survivals were significantly lower than those patients positive for ACA (28%) alone (ACA vs. LMW heparin or Coumadin p = 0.0001).ConclusionDespite anticoagulation therapies, patients with APAS have lower long‐term graft survival than those patients who have circulating ACA but no APAS.
Treatment options for acute depression in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bauer Michael , Ritter Philipp , Grunze Heinz , Pfennig Andrea 
Published: April 2012

Bauer M, Ritter P, Grunze H, Pfennig A. Treatment options for acute depression in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14 (Suppl. 2): 37–50. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Objective:  The burden of depression represents the most debilitating dimension for the majority of patients with bipolar disorder and dominates the long‐term course of the illness. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the evidence base of the available treatment options for bipolar depression within two frequent clinical scenarios.Methods:  The evidence is largely based on a systematic literature search and appraisal that was part of the development of the German Guideline for Bipolar Disorders. All relevant randomized controlled trials were critically evaluated.Results:  Overall, the number of suitably controlled studies for the treatment of bipolar depression is relatively low. There are two common scenarios. Scenario A, if a patient with bipolar depression is currently not being treated with a mood‐stabilizing agent (de novo depression, first or subsequent episode), then quetiapine or olanzapine are options, or alternatively, carbamazepine and lamotrigine can be considered. Antidepressants are an option for short‐term use, but whether they are best administered as monotherapy or in combination with mood‐stabilizing agents is still controversial. In practice, most clinicians use antidepressants in combination with an antimanic agent. Scenario B, if a patient is already being treated optimally with a mood‐stabilizing agent (good adherence and appropriate dose) such as lithium, lamotrigine is an option. There is no evidence for additional benefit from antidepressants where a patient is already being treated with a mood stabilizer; however, in practice an antidepressant is often trialled. Efficient psychotherapy is an important part of the treatment regimen and should span all phases of the illness.Conclusions:  Treatment decisions in bipolar depression involve a range of different pharmacological and non‐pharmacological options. Monitoring potential unwanted effects and the appropriateness of treatment can help to effectively balance benefits and risks in individual situations. However, the quality of the assessment and reporting of risks in clinical trials need to be improved to better inform treatment decisions.
Protective effects of cathelicidin‐encoding Lactococcus lactis in murine ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wong Clover Ching Man , Zhang Lin , Li Zhe Jie , Wu Willium Ka Kei , Ren Shun Xiang , Chen Yang Chao , Ng Tzi Bun , Cho Chi Hin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Intrarectal administration of mouse cathelin‐related antimicrobial peptide (mCRAMP) reduced intestinal inflammation in mice. In the current study, we examined whether mCRAMP‐transformed Lactococcus lactis given orally attained similar protective effects.Method:  mCRAMP was produced and secreted from the transformed L. lactis. Murine colitis was induced by ingestion of 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days. Eight or 10 log colony forming unit (cfu) L. lactis or the transformed strains with or without nisin induction were given orally as a parallel treatment with DSS. The body weight, fecal microbiota populations, clinical symptoms and histological examinations of colonic tissues were determined. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were also evaluated to reflect the degree of inflammation. A prototype anti‐inflammatory drug sulfasalazine was used as a reference drug to compare the efficacy and mechanisms of action for ulcerative colitis (UC).Result:  Compared with the control group with colitis, cathelicidin‐transformed L. lactis could improve the clinical symptoms, maintain crypt integrity and preserve mucus content (P < 0.01). The number of apoptotic cells, MPO activity and MDA level were also significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The increases of fecal microbiota in colitis animals were markedly prevented (P < 0.001). Unlike mCRAMP‐encoding L. lactis, effective doses of sulfasalazine only alleviated the clinical symptoms (P < 0.01) but not the mucosal damage in the colon.Conclusion:  mCRAMP‐transformed L. lactis has been shown to produce mCRAMP, effectively preventing murine UC. Oral administration of this biological preparation is better than sulfasalazine for the treatment of UC.
Comparative review of family–professional communication: What mental health care can learn from oncology and nursing home care
Authors: van de Bovenkamp Hester M. , Trappenburg Margo J. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTBecause family members take on caring tasks and also suffer as a consequence of the illness of the patient, communication between health‐care professionals and family members of the patient is important. This review compares communication practices between these two parties in three different parts of health care: oncology, nursing home care, and mental health care. It shows that there are important differences between sectors. Mental health stands out because contacts between family members and professionals are considered problematic due to the autonomy and confidentiality of the patient. The article explores several explanations for this, and, by comparing the three health sectors, distils lessons to improve the relationship between family members and health‐care professionals.
Ampakine CX546 increases proliferation and neuronal differentiation in subventricular zone stem/progenitor cell cultures
Authors: Schitine Clarissa , Xapelli Sara , Agasse Fabienne , Sardà‐Arroyo Laura , Silva Ana P. , De Melo Reis Ricardo A. , de Mello Fernando G. , Malva João O. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAmpakines are chemical compounds known to modulate the properties of ionotropic α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate (AMPA)‐subtype glutamate receptors. The functional effects attributed to ampakines involve plasticity and the increase in synaptic efficiency of neuronal circuits, a process that may be intimately associated with differentiation of newborn neurons. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the main neurogenic niche of the brain, containing neural stem cells with brain repair potential. Accordingly, the identification of new pharmaceutical compounds with neurogenesis‐enhancing properties is important as a tool to promote neuronal replacement based on the use of SVZ cells. The purpose of the present paper is to examine the possible proneurogenic effects of ampakine CX546 in cell cultures derived from the SVZ of early postnatal mice. We observed that CX546 (50 μm) treatment triggered an increase in proliferation, evaluated by BrdU incorporation assay, in the neuroblast lineage. Moreover, by using a cell viability assay (TUNEL) we found that, in contrast to AMPA, CX546 did not cause cell death. Also, both AMPA and CX546 stimulated neuronal differentiation as evaluated morphologically through neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) immunocytochemistry and functionally by single‐cell calcium imaging. Accordingly, short exposure to CX546 increased axonogenesis, as determined by the number and length of tau‐positive axons co‐labelled for the phosphorylated form of SAPK/JNK (P‐JNK), and dendritogenesis (MAP2‐positive neurites). Altogether, this study shows that ampakine CX546 promotes neurogenesis in SVZ cell cultures and thereby may have potential for future stem cell‐based therapies.
Climate‐driven diversity dynamics in plants and plant‐feeding insects
Authors: Nyman Tommi , Linder Hans Peter , Peña Carlos , Malm Tobias , Wahlberg Niklas 
Published: April 2012

Ecology Letters(2012)AbstractThe origin of species‐rich insect–plant food webs has traditionally been explained by diversifying antagonistic coevolution between plant defences and herbivore counter‐defences. However, recent studies combining paleoclimatic reconstructions with time‐calibrated phylogenies suggest that variation in global climate determines the distribution, abundance and diversity of plant clades and, hence, indirectly influences the balance between speciation and extinction in associated herbivore groups. Extant insect communities tend to be richest on common plant species that have many close relatives. This could be explained either by climate‐driven diffuse cospeciation between plants and insects, or by elevated speciation and reduced extinction in herbivore lineages associated with expanding host taxa (resources). Progress in paleovegetation reconstructions in combination with the rapidly increasing availability of fossil‐calibrated phylogenies provide means to discern between these alternative hypotheses. In particular, the ‘Diffuse cospeciation’ scenario predicts closely matching main diversification periods in plants and in the insects that feed upon them, while the ‘Resource abundance‐dependent diversification’ hypothesis predicts that both positive and negative responses of insect diversity are lagged in relation to host‐plant availability. The dramatic Cenozoic changes in global climate provide multiple possibilities for studying the mechanisms by which climatic shifts may drive diversity dynamics in plants and insect herbivores.
Seasonality and monthly dynamics of marine myovirus communities
Authors: Chow Cheryl‐Emiliane T. , Fuhrman Jed A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryMarine myoviruses (i.e. bacteriophages with a contractile tail sheath) are numerically abundant and genetically diverse. We developed a terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (TRFLP) for g23, the conserved gene encoding the major capsid protein, to investigate T4‐like myovirus communities at USC's Microbial Observatory at the San Pedro Ocean Time‐series (SPOT), where we previously reported bacterial seasonality. Between 71 and 154 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were observed monthly over 3 years. Roughly 25% of OTUs were detected in 31 or more months. T4‐like myoviral community structure varied seasonally with some OTUs peaking repeatedly in spring–summer and others in fall–winter, while moderately abundant OTUs persisted year‐round. Recurring community structure was demonstrated using discriminant function analysis (DFA, selecting taxa that best predict months) and average Bray–Curtis similarity. DFA showed communities from adjacent months or 12 months apart were positively auto‐correlated, while communities 3–7 months apart were negatively auto‐correlated. Bray–Curtis similarity was highest between adjacent months – with a local maximum at 12‐month and local minima at 6‐ and 18‐ to 20‐month lags. The T4‐like virus community at SPOT exhibited seasonality, yet the somewhat unexpected persistence of moderately abundant OTUs and predictability of the community add new twists to existing conceptual models of marine viruses.
Plasticity of symbiont acquisition throughout the life cycle of the shallow‐water tropical lucinid Codakia orbiculata (Mollusca: Bivalvia)
Authors: Gros Olivier , Elisabeth Nathalie H. , Gustave Sylvie D. D. , Caro Audrey , Dubilier Nicole 
Published: April 2012

SummaryIn marine invertebrates that acquire their symbionts from the environment, these are generally only taken up during early developmental stages. In the symbiosis between lucinid clams and their intracellular sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria, it has been shown that the juveniles acquire their symbionts from an environmental stock of free‐living symbiont forms, but it is not known if adult clams are still competent to take up symbiotic bacteria from the environment. In this study, we investigated symbiont acquisition in adult specimens of the lucinid clam Codakia orbiculata, using transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and PCR. We show here that adults that had no detectable symbionts after starvation in aquaria for 6 months, rapidly reacquired symbionts within days after being returned to their natural environments in the field. Control specimens that were starved and then exposed to seawater aquaria with sulfide did not reacquire symbionts. This indicates that the reacquisition of symbionts in the starved clams returned to the field was not caused by high division rates of a small pool of remaining symbionts that we were not able to detect with the methods used here. Immunohistochemistry with an antibody against actin, a protein involved in the phagocytosis of intracellular bacteria, showed that actin was expressed at the apical ends of the gill cells that took up symbionts, providing further evidence that the symbionts were acquired from the environment. Interestingly, actin expression was also observed in symbiont‐containing cells of untreated lucinids freshly collected from the environment, indicating that symbiont acquisition from the environment occurs continuously in these clams throughout their lifetime.
Sunitinib causes dose‐dependent negative functional effects on myocardium and cardiomyocytes
Authors: Rainer Peter P. , Doleschal Bernhard , Kirk Jonathan A. , Sivakumaran Vidhya , Saad Zora , Groschner Klaus , Maechler Heinrich , Hoefler Gerald , Bauernhofer Thomas , Samonigg Hellmut , Hutterer Georg , Kass David A. , Pieske Burkert , von Lewinski Dirk , Pichler Martin 
Published: April 2012

Study Type – Aetiology (case control)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The multikinase inhibitor sunitinib causes cardiotoxic side effects in a substantial number of treated patients. Previously, data from clinical studies suggested that these side effects are more frequently found in patients with a lower body mass index, but the reasons for this toxic effect remain elusive.In this study we determined, in a human multicellular model, that sunitinib causes an impairment of the contractile function of cardiomyocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that sunitinib induces alterations in calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes. In addition, an increased production of reactive oxygen species after exposure of cardiomyocytes to this drug was detected. These findings suggest that measurement of plasma concentration might help to control cardiotoxic side effects and optimize a more personalized application of this drug.OBJECTIVES
To examine the acute effects of sunitinib on inotropic function, intracellular Ca2+ transients, myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human multicellular myocardium and isolated mouse cardiomyocytes.
To search for microRNAs as suitable biomarkers for indicating toxic cardiac effects.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
After exposure to sunitinib (0.1–10 µg/mL) developed force, diastolic tension and kinetic variables were assessed in isolated human myocardium.
Changes in myocyte sarcomere length, whole‐cell calcium transients, myofilament force‐Ca2+ relationship, and ROS generation were examined in isolated ventricular mouse cardiomyocytes.
Microarray and realtime‐PCR were used to screen for differentially expressed microRNAs in cultured cardiomyocytes that were exposed for 24 h to sunitinib.
RESULTS
We found that higher concentrations of sunitinib (1 and 10 µg/mL) decreased developed force at 30 minutes 76.9 + 2.8 and 54.5 + 6.3%, compared to 96.1 + 2.6% in controls (P < 0.01).
Sunitinib exposure significantly decreased sarcomere shortening and Ca2+ transients.
Myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity was not altered, while ROS levels were significantly increased after exposure to the drug.
MicroRNA expression patterns were not altered by sunitinib.
CONCLUSIONS
Sunitinib elicits a dose‐dependent negative inotropic effect in myocardium, accompanied by a decline in intracellular Ca2+ and increased ROS generation.
In clinical practice, these cardiotoxic effects should be considered in cases where cardiac concentrations of sunitinib could be increased.
Hyperglycaemia monitoring and management in stroke care: policy vs. practice
Authors: Mitchell E. A. , Coates V. E. , Ryan A. A. , McCarron M. O. , Lyttle D. , McCrum‐Gardner E. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1108–1114 (2012)AbstractAim  To evaluate the extent to which hyperglycaemia was monitored and managed among patients admitted to hospital with acute stroke and transient ischaemic attack.Methods  We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving a review of the records of 112 patients consecutively admitted with acute stroke or transient ischaemic attack to all three district general hospitals in one Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland from 1 January to 15 April 2008. Glucose results for each of the first 5 days of hospital admission were ascertained. We compared interventions, clinical outcome and discharge planning between patients who experienced glucose ≥ 7.8 mmol/l in the first 5 days, and patients with lower glucose results.Results  The daily prevalence rate of hyperglycaemia > 7.8 mmol/l across the first 5 days ranged from 24 to 34%. A total of 41 (37%) patients experienced hyperglycaemia on at least one occasion during the first 5 days. A history of diabetes mellitus prompted near patient glucose testing, but, among patients without diagnosed diabetes, glycaemia was under‐monitored. Hyperglycaemia was a persisting trend, was under‐treated and under‐reported to general practitioners. Elevated glucose results failed to influence higher rates of fasting plasma glucose tests and BMI assessment.Conclusions  There is a need for greater vigilance in the detection of hyperglycaemia and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus among patients admitted to hospital with stroke or transient ischaemic attack.