bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fasting concentrations of nesfatin‐1 are negatively correlated with body mass index in non‐obese males
Authors: Tsuchiya Takafumi , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Yamada Masanobu , Osaki Aya , Oh‐I Shinsuke , Ariyama Yasuyo , Takahashi Hiroki , Okada Shuichi , Hashimoto Koshi , Satoh Tetsurou , Kojima Masaaki , Mori Masatomo 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground  We recently identified a novel anorexigenic protein, nesfatin‐1, which is processed from nesfatin/nucleobindin‐2 (NUCB2). However, the clinical importance of this protein has not been determined.Objective  To investigate its clinical significance in humans, we have established a new specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human nesfatin‐1 in peripheral blood and measured its circulating concentration in healthy subjects.Design  The new sandwich‐type ELISA method was validated and then used to measure nesfatin‐1 levels in plasma samples, under overnight fasting conditions, followed by oral glucose tolerance and meal tests.Patients and measurements  A total of 43 nonobese males (age: 24·5 ± 0·6 , body mass index (BMI); 21·1 ± 0·3 kg/m2) were recruited to the study for evaluating fasting concentrations of nesfatin‐1. In those, fifteen subjects underwent a 75‐ g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and another 15 underwent a meal test. In addition, fasting concentrations of nesfatin‐1 were measured in nine males with high BMI (age: 32·4 ± 3·7 , BMI; 37·3 ± 3·8 kg/m2).Results  Peripheral concentrations of nesfatin‐1 showed a significant negative correlation with BMI, percentage body fat, body fat weight and blood glucose (P < 0·05). Nesfatin‐1 concentrations were not significantly changed during OGTT and meal tests. Fasting nesfatin‐1 levels were significantly lower in subjects with high BMI compared to nonobese subjects (P < 0·05).Conclusions  A new specific and sensitive ELISA for nesfatin‐1 was established. Further accumulation of clinical observations is necessary to clarify the role of circulating nesfatin‐1 in various metabolic disorders.
Maternal effects in an insect herbivore as a mechanism to adapt to host plant phenology
Authors: van Asch Margriet , Julkunen‐Tiito Riita , Visser Marcel E. 
Published: June 2010

Summary 1. Maternal effects may play an important role in shaping the life history of organisms. Using an insect herbivore, the winter moth (Operophtera brumata) feeding on oak (Quercus robur), we show that maternal effects can affect seasonal timing of egg hatching in an herbivore in an adaptive way. 2. Winter moth egg‐hatching needs to coincide with oak bud opening, as only freshly emerged leaves are suitable as food for the caterpillars. However, there is spatial variation in the timing of bud opening among oaks to which the winter moth needs to adapt. 3. We show experimentally that the generation time between the mother’s and her offsprings’ hatching dates was shorter for mothers who hatched late relative to bud opening of the tree they had to feed on (and hence had to feed on older leaves) than for mothers’ who hatched on time. Maternal feeding conditions affected both the larval and the pupal development time of the mother as well as the egg development time of her offspring: at all three stages developmental time was shorter for the mistimed treatment. 4. We thus show that adaptation to spatial variation may be achieved via maternal effects. While this is a mechanism selected to adapt to spatial variation, it may now also play a role in adaptation to climate change induced shifts in host phenology, and allow insect herbivores to adapt to changes in the seasonal timing of their food availability without the need for genetic change.
Social ‘meltdown’ in the demise of an island endemic: Allee effects and the Vancouver Island marmot
Authors: Brashares Justin S. , Werner Jeffery R. , Sinclair A. R. E. 
Published: June 2010

Summary1. More than 75 years have passed since W.C. Allee proposed that breakdowns in sociality may shift animal populations to inverse density dependence at small sizes and thereby hasten spirals to extinction. Despite decades of attention, empirical evidence of this ‘Allee effect’ in wild populations remains scarce.2. Here, we report on findings from a multi‐year study of the population ecology and behaviour of the critically endangered Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) and present quantitative evidence of an Allee effect and highlight the mechanisms that drive it.3. The V.I. marmot is a large, social rodent endemic to Vancouver Island, Canada, and its population has declined by 80–90% since the 1980s. The species currently is represented in the wild by roughly 200 individuals.4. This study compared characteristics of contemporary V.I. marmots (2002–2005) with (i) animals in the same population at an earlier time period (1973–1975) and (ii) congeners. Specifically, data on time allocation, social activity and ranging behaviour of animals in colonies in the late stages of decline were compared with historical data collected from colonies under more stable demographic conditions.5. We found that contemporary V.I. marmots had home ranges that were 10–60× larger than historic animals and congeners, interacted with conspecifics at 10% of the historic rate, devoted 10× more time to anti‐predator vigilance, and abandoned the bi‐modal activity patterns previously described for this and other marmot species. Contemporary marmots also showed an 86% decline in feeding rate, and entered hibernation on average 20 days later than animals in historic populations.6. Combined with results showing reducedper capitasurvival and reproduction in contemporary marmots, these findings suggest a strong role for Allee effects in the current plight of the Vancouver Island marmot. A positive link between aspects of fitness and population size emphasizes the need to identify threshold colony sizes and densities necessary to promote recovery. We discuss this and other implications of this species’ social ‘meltdown’.
Habitat degradation and the decline of the threatened musselMargaritifera margaritifera: influence of turbidity and sedimentation on the mussel and its host
Authors: Österling Martin E. , Arvidsson Björn L. , Greenberg Larry A. 
Published: June 2010

Summary1. Habitat degradation is a major reason for species extinctions. For parasite–host interactions, the decline of a parasite may not only be related to the parasite’s tolerance to habitat degradation but also indirectly through the host’s tolerance to the same disturbance.2. Our objective was to explore the cause of population declines of the freshwater pearl musselMargaritifera margaritiferaby relating the age distribution, density and growth of the mussels with turbidity, sedimentation rates and density of the mussel’s host, troutSalmo trutta, in 26 Swedish streams.3. An analysis of the age structure of nine mussel populations showed that maximum age differed by 60 years, with five populations having low proportions of juvenile mussels. Adult mussel density was higher at sites where juvenile mussels occurred than at sites lacking juvenile mussels.4. Growth of adult mussels during the past 10 years was lower in the five streams lacking recent recruitment than in the four streams with recent recruitment, indicating that some environmental factor may be negatively impacting these populations.5. A comparison among 24 populations indicated that turbidity and sedimentation may be responsible for recruitment failure in 58% of the populations. The age of the youngest mussel was positively related to turbidity and sedimentation, and juvenile mussel density was negatively related to turbidity and sedimentation. In contrast, trout density was not related to recruitment of mussels or sedimentation, but was positively related to turbidity in all streams, both with and without recent mussel recruitment.6. Synthesis and applications. Recruitment failure ofM. margaritiferaappears to be related to its own vulnerability to turbidity and sedimentation rather than to its host’s response to this type of habitat degradation. The results from our study suggest that managers might be able to evaluate the potential viability of mussel populations by measuring stream turbidity. Restoration activities to improve the mussels’ environment should focus on reducing fine material transport into streams.
Persistence and expansion of ponderosa pine woodlands in the west‐central Great Plains during the past two centuries
Authors: Kaye Margot W. , Woodhouse Connie A. , Jackson Stephen T. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAim Woody plant expansion and infilling in grasslands and savannas are occurring across a broad range of ecosystems around the globe and are commonly attributed to fire suppression, livestock grazing, nutrient enrichment and/or climate variability. In the western Great Plains, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) woodlands are expanding across broad geographical and environmental gradients. The objective of this study was to reconstruct the establishment of ponderosa pine in woodlands in the west‐central Great Plains and to identify whether it was mediated by climate variability.Location Our study took place in a 400‐km wide region from the base of the Front Range Mountains (c. 105° W) to the central Great Plains (c. 100° W) and from Nebraska (43° N) to northern New Mexico (36° N), USA.Methods Dates for establishment of ponderosa pine were reconstructed with tree rings in 11 woodland sites distributed across the longitudinal and latitudinal gradients of the study area. Temporal trends in decadal pine establishment were compared with summer Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). Annual trends in pine establishment from 1985 to 2005 were compared with seasonal PDSI, temperature and moisture availability.Results Establishment of ponderosa pine occurred in the study area in all but one decade (1770s) between the 1750s and the early 2000s, with over 35% of establishment in the region occurring after 1980. Pine establishment was highly variable among sites. Across the region, decadal pine establishment was persistently low from 1940 to 1960, when PDSI was below average. Annual pine establishment from 1985 to 2005 was positively correlated with summer PDSI and inversely correlated with minimum spring temperatures.Main conclusions Most ponderosa pine woodlands pre‐date widespread Euro‐American settlement of the region aroundc. ad1860 and currently have stable tree populations. High variability in the timing of establishment of pine among sites highlights the multiplicity of factors that can drive woodland dynamics, including land use, fire history, CO2enrichment, tree population dynamics and climate. Since the 1840s, the influence of climate was most notable across the study area during the mid‐20th century, when the establishment of pine was suppressed by two significant droughts. The past sensitivity of establishment of ponderosa pine to drought suggests that woodland expansion will be negatively affected by predicted increases in temperature and drought in the Great Plains.
Unphosphorylated CsgD controls biofilm formation in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Zakikhany Katherina , Harrington Carl R. , Nimtz Manfred , Hinton Jay C. D. , Römling Ute 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe transcriptional regulator CsgD of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a major regulator of biofilm formation required for the expression of csgBA, which encodes curli fimbriae, and adrA, coding for a diguanylate cyclase. CsgD is a response regulator with an N‐terminal receiver domain with a conserved aspartate (D59) as a putative target site for phosphorylation and a C‐terminal LuxR‐like helix–turn–helix DNA binding motif, but the mechanisms of target gene activation remained unclear. To study the DNA‐binding properties of CsgD we used electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprint analysis to show that unphosphorylated CsgD‐His6 binds specifically to the csgBA and adrA promoter regions. In vitro transcription analysis revealed that CsgD‐His6 is crucial for the expression of csgBA and adrA. CsgD‐His6 is phosphorylated by acetyl phosphate in vitro, which decreases its DNA‐binding properties. The functional impact of D59 in vivo was demonstrated as S. Typhimurium strains expressing modified CsgD protein (D59E and D59N) were dramatically reduced in biofilm formation due to decreased protein stability and DNA‐binding properties in the case of D59E. In summary, our findings suggest that the response regulator CsgD functions in its unphosphorylated form under the conditions of biofilm formation investigated in this study.
Trehalose 6‐phosphate phosphatase is required for cell wall integrity and fungal virulence but not trehalose biosynthesis in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Puttikamonkul Srisombat , Willger Sven D. , Grahl Nora , Perfect John R. , Movahed Navid , Bothner Brian , Park Steven , Paderu Padmaja , Perlin David S. , Cramer Jr Robert A. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe trehalose biosynthesis pathway is critical for virulence in human and plant fungal pathogens. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that trehalose 6‐phosphate phosphatase (T6PP) is required for Aspergillus fumigatus virulence. A mutant of the A. fumigatus T6PP, OrlA, displayed severe morphological defects related to asexual reproduction when grown on glucose (1%) minimal media. These defects could be rescued by addition of osmotic stabilizers, reduction in incubation temperature or increase in glucose levels (> 4%). Subsequent examination of the mutant with cell wall perturbing agents revealed a link between cell wall biosynthesis and trehalose 6‐phosphate (T6P) levels. As expected, high levels of T6P accumulated in the absence of OrlA resulting in depletion of free inorganic phosphate and inhibition of hexokinase activity. Surprisingly, trehalose production persisted in the absence of OrlA. Further analyses revealed that A. fumigatus contains two trehalose phosphorylases that may be responsible for trehalose production in the absence of OrlA. Despite a normal growth rate under in vitro growth conditions, the orlA mutant was virtually avirulent in two distinct murine models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Our results suggest that further study of this pathway will lead to new insights into regulation of fungal cell wall biosynthesis and virulence.
The VQ motif protein IKU1 regulates endosperm growth and seed size in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Aihua , Garcia Damien , Zhang Hongyu , Feng Ke , Chaudhury Abed , Berger Fred , Peacock William James , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Luo Ming 
Published: June 2010

SummaryArabidopsis seed size is regulated by the IKU pathway that includes IKU2 (a leucine‐rich repeat kinase) and MINI3 (a WRKY transcription factor). We report the cloning of the IKU1 (At2g35230) gene. iku1 mutants cause reduced endosperm growth and the production of small seeds. IKU1 encodes a protein containing a VQ motif, which is a motif specific to plants. IKU1 is expressed in the early endosperm and its progenitor, the central cell. Restoration of IKU1 function in the endosperm is sufficient to rescue seed size. A genomic construct carrying mutations in the VQ motif failed to complement the iku1 mutation, suggesting an essential role for the VQ motif. IKU1 interacts with MINI3 in the yeast two‐hybrid system, consistent with an IKU1 function in the IKU‐MINI pathway. Our data support the proposition that endosperm development is an important determinant of seed size.
Exploring plant endomembrane dynamics using the photoconvertible protein Kaede
Authors: Brown Spencer C. , Bolte Susanne , Gaudin Marie , Pereira Claudia , Marion Jessica , Soler Marie‐Noëlle , Satiat‐Jeunemaitre Béatrice 
Published: June 2010

SummaryPhotoactivatable and photoconvertible fluorescent proteins capable of pronounced light‐induced spectral changes are a powerful addition to the fluorescent protein toolbox of the cell biologist. They permit specific tracking of one subcellular structure (organelle or cell subdomain) within a differentially labelled population. They also enable pulse–chase analysis of protein traffic. The Kaede gene codes for a tetrameric protein found in the stony coralTrachyphyllia geoffroyi, which emits green fluorescence that irreversibly shifts to red following radiation with UV or violet light. We report here the use of Kaede to explore the plant secretory pathway. Kaede versions of the Golgi marker sialyl‐transferase (ST‐Kaede) and of the vacuolar pathway marker cardosin A (cardA‐Kaede) were engineered. Several optical devices enabling photoconversion and observation of Kaede using these two constructs were assessed to optimize Kaede‐based imaging protocols. Photoconverted ST‐Kaede red‐labelled organelles can be followed within neighbouring populations of non‐converted green Golgi stacks, by their gradual development of orange/yellow coloration fromde novosynthesis of Golgi proteins (green). Results highlight some aspects on the dynamics of the plant Golgi. For plant bio‐imaging, the photoconvertible Kaede offers a powerful tool to track the dynamic behaviour of designated subpopulations of Golgi within living cells, while visualizing thede novoformation of proteins and structures, such as a Golgi stack.
Do patient experiences on priority aspects of health care predict their global rating of quality of care? A study in five patient groups
Authors: De Boer Dolf , Delnoij Diana , Rademakers Jany 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Patient‐given global ratings are frequently interpreted as summary measures of the patient perspective, with limited understanding of what these ratings summarize. Global ratings may be determined by patient experiences on priority aspects of care.Objectives  (i) identify patient priorities regarding elements of care for breast cancer, hip‐ or knee surgery, cataract surgery, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, (ii) establish whether experiences regarding priorities are associated with patient‐given global ratings, and (iii) determine whether patient experiences regarding priorities are better predictors of global ratings than experiences concerning less important aspects of care.Setting and participants  Data collected for the development of five consumer quality index surveys – disease‐specific questionnaires that capture patient experiences and priorities – were used.Results  Priorities varied: breast cancer patients for example, prioritized rapid access to care and diagnostics, while diabetics favoured dignity and appropriate frequency of tests. Experiences regarding priorities were inconsistently related to global ratings of care. Regression analyses indicated that demographics explain 2.4–8.4% of the variance in global rating. Introducing patient experiences regarding priorities increased the variance explained to 21.1–35.1%; models with less important aspects of care explained 11.8–23.2%.Conclusions  Some experiences regarding priorities are strongly related to the global rating while others are poorly related. Global ratings are marginally dependent on demographics, and experiences regarding priorities are somewhat better predictors of global rating than experiences regarding less important elements. As it remains to be fully determined what global ratings summarize, caution is warranted when using these ratings as summary measures.
The effect of desmopressin on blood loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing hip arthroplasty
Authors: LEINO K. A. , PÄLVE H. K. , TIUSANEN H. T. , TUPPURAINEN T. T. 
Published: June 2010

Background: Blood loss is an important issue for patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing hip surgery. We hypothesised that intraoperative desmopressin treatment would result in a reduction in blood loss in rheumatoid patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.Methods: Seventy‐five patients scheduled for elective total hip arthroplasty were randomised to three groups to receive 0.4 μg/kg desmopressin (D 0.4), 0.2 μg/kg desmopressin (D 0.2) or placebo intraoperatively in a double‐blind fashion. Blood transfusions were based on calculated safe allowable blood loss and haemoglobin measurements (trigger 90 g/l, 5.59 mmol/l). The primary endpoint was the total blood loss measured till the end of the fourth post‐operative day. Secondary endpoints included red cell transfusion requirements and haemoglobin.Results: Total blood loss during the study period was not significantly different between the groups (D 0.4 1829 ± 1068; D 0.2 2240 ± 843 and placebo 2254 ± 1040 ml; P= 0.50). The total amount of red cell transfusions was fewer in group D 0.4 (3.6 ± 1.6 U) when compared with D 0.2 (4.4 ± 1.7 U; P=0.009) and placebo (4.5 ± 2.0 U; P= 0.011) groups. Haemoglobin concentration was lower in the placebo group in the first (5.42 ± 1.16 vs. 5.98 ± 0.47 mmol/l; P=0.033) and the second (6.28 ± 0.66 vs. 6.69 ± 0.47 mmol/l; P=0.033) post‐operative mornings compared with group D 0.4.Conclusion: Despite a lack of difference in the primary outcome, total blood loss, intraoperative administration of 0.4 μg/kg desmopressin resulted in fewer total red cell transfusion requirements in rheumatoid patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty when compared with 0.2 μg/kg treatment and placebo.
Ultrasonographic Morphometric Measurements of Digital Flexor Tendons and Ligaments of the Palmar Metacarpal Region in Haflinger Horses
Authors: Boehart S. , Arndt G. , Carstanjen B. 
Published: June 2010

With 2 figures and 3 tablesSummaryThe aim of the study was to determine morphometric values of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendon, the inferior check ligament and the suspensory ligament in the palmar metacarpal region of sound Haflinger horses using ultrasonography and to assess the influence of different factors on them. The findings were compared with the literature. A total of 30 sound Haflinger mares aged 4–20 years were used. Transverse ultrasound images were obtained with an 8–10 linear MHz transducer and the cross‐sectional area, the circumference and the dorsopalmar and lateromedial width were determined for each structure at six regions of interest (ROI) in both forelimbs. The coefficient of variation was <3%. The structures were compared between each other and the values of each structure at the ROIs. Age, height at the withers, body mass index, diameter of the Os metacarpale III and the circumference of the mid‐metacarpal region showed significant influences on some of the parameters. Reference values for the tendons and ligaments in the palmar metacarpal region in sound Haflinger mares were obtained and the influence of different factors was tested. Description of the dimensional relationship between the structures and comparison of the data with the literature provide knowledge required for adequate veterinary care.