bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interspecific differences in wood decay rates: insights from a new short‐term method to study long‐term wood decomposition
Authors: Freschet Grégoire T. , Weedon James T. , Aerts Rien , van Hal Jurgen R. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: September 2011

Summary1. While the importance of wood decay for the global carbon balance is widely recognized, surprisingly little is known about its long‐term dynamics and its abiotic and biotic drivers. Progress in this field is hindered by the long time‐scales inherent to the low decay rates of wood and the lack of short‐term methods to assess long‐term decomposition dynamics in standardized field conditions.2. Here, we present such a method, which relies on the sampling and short‐term incubation of wood from several decay stages covering the entire decay process. Together these short‐term decay steps are used to model and discriminate between three potential decay dynamics (linear, exponential and sigmoid) using an iterative optimization procedure. We applied this method to analyse long‐term wood decay of six subarctic tree species (six stems and two roots) and test the hypotheses that (i) different wood species follow distinct decay dynamics and (ii) interspecific variation in wood traits controls variation in wood decay rates in a standardized environment.3. We found interspecific variation in long‐term wood decay dynamics: decay ofAlnusandSalixstems was best described by exponential models, whereas decay ofSorbusstems andBetulaandPinusroots was best fitted by linear models andBetula,PinusandPopulusstems each displayed a sigmoid decay dynamics (up to 5‐year initial lag phase). A six‐fold variation was observed between the decomposition half‐lives of all eight wood types, from 6.8 years (6.1–7.5, 95% C.I.) forAlnusstems to 41.3 years (34.5–51.8) forPinusroots. Initial wood traits such as pH (R2 = 0.92), dry matter content (R2 = 0.79) and lignin (R2 = 0.73) were good predictors of long‐term wood decay rates.4. Synthesis.Our findings suggest changing decay dynamics across wood species and types that are likely to arise from changing underlying wood decay processes (i.e. varying wood functional traits/decomposer community interactions). Our new method, which combines advantages of direct observations and the chronosequence approach, allows reliable comparisons of species contributions to long‐term wood decay rates and provides future opportunities to experimentally disentangle intrinsic and external abiotic and biotic drivers of long‐term wood decay processes.
Using probability modelling and genetic parentage assignment to test the role of local mate availability in mating system variation
Authors: BLYTON MICHAELA D. J. , BANKS SAM C. , PEAKALL ROD , LINDENMAYER DAVID B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe formal testing of mating system theories with empirical data is important for evaluating the relative importance of different processes in shaping mating systems in wild populations. Here, we present a generally applicable probability modelling framework to test the role of local mate availability in determining a population’s level of genetic monogamy. We provide a significance test for detecting departures in observed mating patterns from model expectations based on mate availability alone, allowing the presence and direction of behavioural effects to be inferred. The assessment of mate availability can be flexible and in this study it was based on population density, sex ratio and spatial arrangement. This approach provides a useful tool for (1) isolating the effect of mate availability in variable mating systems and (2) in combination with genetic parentage analyses, gaining insights into the nature of mating behaviours in elusive species. To illustrate this modelling approach, we have applied it to investigate the variable mating system of the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus cunninghami) and compared the model expectations with the outcomes of genetic parentage analysis over an 18‐year study. The observed level of monogamy was higher than predicted under the model. Thus, behavioural traits, such as mate guarding or selective mate choice, may increase the population level of monogamy. We show that combining genetic parentage data with probability modelling can facilitate an improved understanding of the complex interactions between behavioural adaptations and demographic dynamics in driving mating system variation.
Comparative metabolomics of drought acclimation in model and forage legumes
Authors: SANCHEZ DIEGO H. , SCHWABE FRANZISKA , ERBAN ALEXANDER , UDVARDI MICHAEL K. , KOPKA JOACHIM 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTWater limitation has become a major concern for agriculture. Such constraints reinforce the urgent need to understand mechanisms by which plants cope with water deprivation. We used a non‐targeted metabolomic approach to explore plastic systems responses to non‐lethal drought in model and forage legume species of the Lotus genus. In the model legume Lotus. japonicus, increased water stress caused gradual increases of most of the soluble small molecules profiled, reflecting a global and progressive reprogramming of metabolic pathways. The comparative metabolomic approach between Lotus species revealed conserved and unique metabolic responses to drought stress. Importantly, only few drought‐responsive metabolites were conserved among all species. Thus we highlight a potential impediment to translational approaches that aim to engineer traits linked to the accumulation of compatible solutes. Finally, a broad comparison of the metabolic changes elicited by drought and salt acclimation revealed partial conservation of these metabolic stress responses within each of the Lotus species, but only few salt‐ and drought‐responsive metabolites were shared between all. The implications of these results are discussed with regard to the current insights into legume water stress physiology.
First provincial survey of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Deng Zhuo‐Hui , Zhang Qi‐Ming , Huang Shao‐Yu , Jones Jeffrey L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic nematode with a wide distribution. We report the first provincial survey of the prevalence of A. cantonensis infection among wild rodents and snails in Guangdong Province, China. A total of 2929 Pomacea canaliculata and 1354 Achatina fulica were collected from fields in 22 survey sites with a larval infection rates ranging from 0–26.6% to 0–45.4%. In addition, 114 Cipangopaludina sp and 252 Bellamya sp were bought from markets; larvae were found only in Bellamya snails from two survey sites with an infection rate of 1.4% (1/70) and 3.3% (3/91), respectively. Four hundred and ninety‐one rodents were captured in nine sites (Rattus norvegicus, R. flavipectus, Suncus murinus, Mus musculus, Bandicota indica, R. losea and R. rattus). Adult worms were found in R. norvegicus, R. flavipectus and Bandicota indica. Our survey revealed a wide distribution of A. cantonensis and its intermediate hosts P. canaliculata and A. fulica in Guangdong. The prevalence of A. cantonensis in wild snails and rats poses a substantial risk for angiostrongyliasis in humans.
The process of social participation in primary health care: the case of Palencia, Guatemala
Authors: Ruano Ana L. , Sebastián Miguel S. , Hurtig Anna‐Karin 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  In 2008, the World Health Organization issued a callback to the principles of primary health care, which renewed interests in social participation in health. In Guatemala, social participation has been the main policy for the decentralization process since the late 1990s and the social development council scheme has been the main means for participation for the country’s population since 2002.Aim  The aim of this study was to explore the process of social participation at a municipal‐level health commission in the municipality of Palencia, Guatemala.Methods  Analysis of legal and policy documents and in‐depth interviews with institutional and community‐level stakeholders of the commission.Results  The lack of clear guidelines and regulations means that the stakeholders own motivations, agendas and power resources play an important part in defining the roles of the participants. Institutional stakeholders have the human and financial power to make policies. The community‐level stakeholders are token participants with little power resources. Their main role is to identify the needs of their communities and seek help from the authorities. Satisfaction and the perceived benefits that the stakeholders obtain from the process play an important part in maintaining the commission’s dynamic, which is unlikely to change unless the stakeholders perceive that the benefit they obtain does not outweigh the effort their role entails.Conclusion  Without more uniformed mechanisms and incentives for municipalities to work towards the national goal of equitable involvement in the development process, the achievements will be fragmented and will depend on the individual stakeholder’s good will.
A novel deletion in ZBTB24 in a Lebanese family with immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies syndrome type 2
Authors: Chouery E , Abou‐Ghoch J , Corbani S , El Ali N , Korban R , Salem N , Castro C , Klayme S , Azoury‐Abou Rjeily M , Khoury‐Matar R , Debo G , Germanos‐Haddad M , Delague V , Lefranc G , Mégarbané A 
Published: September 2011

Chouery E, Abou‐Ghoch J Corbani S, El Ali N, Korban R, Salem N, Castro C, Klayme S, Azoury‐Abou Rjeily M, Khoury‐Matar R, Debo G, Germanos‐Haddad M, Delague V, Lefranc G, Mégarbané A. A novel deletion in ZBTB24 in a Lebanese family with immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies syndrome type 2.The immunodeficiency, centromeric instability and facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by targeted chromosome breakage, directly related to a genomic methylation defect. It manifests with phenotypic and clinical variability, with the most consistent features being developmental delay, facial anomalies, cytogenetic defects and immunodeficiency with a reduction in serum immunoglobulin levels. From the molecular point of view, ICF syndrome was always divided into ICF type I (ICF1) and ICF type 2 (ICF2). Mutations in DNMT3B gene are responsible for ICF1, while mutations in ZBTB24 have been reported to be responsible for ICF2. In this study, we describe a Lebanese family with three ICF2 affected brothers. Sanger sequencing of the coding sequence of ZBTB24 gene was conducted and revealed a novel deletion: c.396_397delTA (p.His132Glnfs*19), resulting in a loss‐of‐function of the corresponding protein. ZBTB24 belongs to a large family of transcriptional factors and may be involved in DNA methylation of juxtacentromeric DNA. Detailed molecular and functional studies of the ZBTB24 and DNMT3B genes are needed to understand the pathophysiology of ICF syndrome.
Microhabitat distribution of Smacigastes micheli (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Tegastidae) from deep‐sea hydrothermal vents at the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge, 37° N (Lucky Strike), with a morphological description of its nauplius
Authors: Ivanenko Viatcheslav N. , Corgosinho Paulo H.C. , Ferrari Frank , Sarradin Pierre‐Marie , Sarrazin Jozée 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAbundant nauplii and copepodid stages attributed to Smacigastes micheli Ivanenko & Defaye (Crustacea: Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Tegastidae) were collected during the MoMARETO cruise (2006) on the Eiffel Tower edifice, the species type locality at the Lucky Strike vent field (37° N) of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge at a depth of 1698 m. Specimens were sampled within different faunal assemblages dominated by either Bathymodiolus azoricus mussels or Mirocaris fortunata shrimps and the physico‐chemical conditions of their related microhabitats were characterized. A new preparation method for examination of copepod nauplii with confocal microscopy was developed and applied to the specimens. The description of the sixth naupliar stage of S. micheli revealed a number of distinctions from the only known last naupliar stage of the tegastid copepod Tegastes falcatus living associated with a shallow water bryozoan. Morphological features and ecological observations suggest that S.  micheli copepods could be feeding on the thick microbial mats that cover different surfaces on the Eiffel Tower edifice. The nauplii, copepodids and adults of S. micheli were found in >80% of the microhabitats sampled. These microhabitats were characterized by temperatures varying from 4.8 to 7.5 °C representing low hydrothermal inputs. Canonical analysis shows that the relative abundances of nauplii and adults of S. micheli were higher at the lower end of the chemical conditions, whereas the abundance of the subadult stages appears to be linked with slightly higher hydrothermal inputs. Whether this distribution is influenced by distinct physiological tolerances or nutritional needs of the different developmental stages is unknown. Total dissolved sulfur was the variable best explaining the distribution of S. micheli on the Eiffel Tower edifice.
Mohs' micrographic surgery as treatment for squamous dysplasia of the nail unit
Authors: Young Lauren Cordelia , Tuxen Alana Jane , Goodman Greg 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTWe report a series of 14 cases of nail unit squamous cell carcinoma in situ/ Bowen's disease and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). MMS has been previously reported as an ideal treatment for nail unit SCC. This series adds to the current literature substantiating this claim, and also demonstrates the good outcomes achieved with secondary intention healing.
Mechanism of onset and exacerbation of chronic glomerulonephritis and its treatment
Authors: Kawasaki Yukihiko 
Published: September 2011

AbstractImmunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common causes of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) in the world. The proliferative and crescentic forms of IgA are found in up to 30% of cases and are associated with nephritic‐range proteinuria, accelerated hypertension, and accelerated decline toward end‐stage renal disease. On the other hand, Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic disorder characterized by leukocytoclastic vasculitis involving the capillaries and the deposition of IgA immune complexes. Renal involvement is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in children with HSP. Two entity diseases are important as renal diseases in childhood. We herein review the mechanism of the onset and exacerbation of IgAN and HSP nephritis (HSPN) and its treatment.As to the pathogenesis, we found that CB4 provoked exacerbation of renal pathologic findings in hyper IgA mice via endothelial injury, γ‐interferon production, and dysfunction of the mesangial pathway and could possibly become one of the factors involved in the mechanism of the onset or evolution of human IgAN. As to the treatment of IgAN and HSPN, we evaluated the efficacy of multidrug combination therapy (prednisolone, warfarin, and dipyridamole, including mizoribine) for diffuse IgAN and the efficacy of methylprednisolone and urokinase pulse therapy plus immunosuppressive drugs for severe HSPN in children. These therapies were effective in ameliorating the proteinuria and histologic severity of patients with IgAN or HSPN. In future, detailed investigations into the pathogenesis of CGN and double‐blind randomized control studies on children with IgAN or HSPN will be necessary.
Descemet's membrane substrate from human donor lens anterior capsule
Authors: Kopsachilis Nikolaos , Tsinopoulos Ioannis , Tourtas Theofilos , Kruse Friedrich E , Luessen Ulrich Welge 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  To study the potential use of human donor anterior lens capsule as a Descemet's membrane substrate.Methods:  Anterior lens capsules were recovered from the lenses of 30 cornea donors. Human corneal endothelial cells were recovered from the remaining corneal sclera rims of 15 donor corneas used for penetrating keratoplasty. Samples were sorted into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 10 samples in which the endothelial cells were allowed to grow on anterior lens capsules. In Group 2 human corneal endothelial cells grew on a collagen membrane and in Group 3 on polystyrene culture plates. Cell density, morphology and adherence of the cell–capsule complex were evaluated at 1, 4, 7 and 14 days with a phase‐contrast microscope, a scanning electron microscope and by histology. Cell viability was quantified by a microscopic live–dead assay. Expression of zonula occludens‐1, Na+/K+‐adenosine triphosphatase, tissue transglutaminase and vimentin were investigated by immunohistochemistry.Results:  A mean diameter of 10.05 ± 0.13 mm of anterior capsule was obtained as a substrate for cell culture. Endothelial cell density of Group 1 was measured at 2455.4 ± 283.8 cells/mm2, which was also comparable with the cell density of the control group. Cell viability was 95% or superior in all groups and multiple cellular interconnections developed between growing cells. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated strongly positive staining for all investigated proteins. Electron microscopy confirmed the adherence and monolayer growth of the endothelial cells.Conclusions:  Human donor anterior lens capsule might therefore be a potential scaffold for the ex vivo expansion of human corneal endothelial cells.
Examination of the performance of different pointwise linear regression progression criteria to detect glaucomatous visual field change
Authors: De Moraes Carlos G , Liebmann Craig A , Susanna Jr Remo , Ritch Robert , Liebmann Jeffrey M 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  We aimed to investigate the performance of five different trend analysis criteria for the detection of glaucomatous progression and to determine the most frequently and rapidly progressing locations of the visual field.Design:  Retrospective cohort.Participants or Samples:  Treated glaucoma patients with ≥8 Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA)‐standard 24‐2 visual field tests.Methods:  Progression was determined using trend analysis. Five different criteria were used: (A) ≥1 significantly progressing point; (B) ≥2 significantly progressing points; (C) ≥2 progressing points located in the same hemifield; (D) at least two adjacent progressing points located in the same hemifield; (E) ≥2 progressing points in the same Garway‐Heath map sector.Main Outcome Measures:  Number of progressing eyes and false‐positive results.Results:  We included 587 patients. The number of eyes reaching a progression end–point using each criterion was: A = 300 (51%); B = 212 (36%); C = 194 (33%); D = 170 (29%); and E = 186 (31%) (P ≤ 0.03). The numbers of eyes with positive slopes were: A = 13 (4.3%); B = 3 (1.4%); C = 3 (1.5%); D = 2 (1.1%); and E = 3 (1.6%) (P = 0.06). The global slopes for progressing eyes were more negative in Groups B, C and D than in Group A (P = 0.004). The visual field locations that progressed more often were those in the nasal field adjacent to the horizontal midline.Conclusions:  Pointwise linear regression criteria that take into account the retinal nerve fibre layer anatomy enhances the specificity of trend analysis for the detection glaucomatous visual field progression.
Prevalence of blindness and low vision: a study in the rural Heilongjiang Province of China
Authors: Zhang Yaoguang , Wang Haijing , Liu Jianju , Wang Tiebin , Cao Shujie , Zhou Dan , Du Lingling , Li Zhisheng , Liu Ping 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of blind individuals in the north of China is unknown. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision in rural areas in Heilongjiang province of China in 2008–2009.Design:  Cross‐sectional study.Participants or Samples:  A cluster random sampling method was used to recruit participants of all ages in rural areas of Heilongjiang.Methods:  Trained professionals performed interviews and clinical examinations to measure visual acuity. The relationships between blindness or low vision and age, gender and education level were analysed.Main Outcome Measures:  The main outcome measure was prevalence rates of bilateral blindness and bilateral low vision.Results:  Of the 11 787 subjects, 10 384 (88.1%) were surveyed. The overall age‐adjusted prevalence rates were 0.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.5–0.8%) for bilateral blindness and 1.7% (95% confidence interval: 1.4–1.9%) for bilateral low vision. The prevalence rates of blindness and low vision were higher in the elderly and uneducated population (P < 0.05). The main causes for blindness and low vision were cataracts (44.1 and 46.0%, respectively) and refractive errors (17.7 and 42.5%, respectively).Conclusion:  Blindness and low vision are highly prevalent among people with cataracts and refractive errors. Eye care planning must focus on treating the avoidable and curable forms of blindness.
Effect of lipoic acid on expression of angiogenic factors in diabetic rat retina
Authors: Lee Sul Gee , Lee Chang Gun , Yun Il Han , Hur Dae Young , Yang Jae Wook , Kim Hyun Woong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  This study evaluated the effect of a lipoic acid on reactive oxygen species formation and the simultaneous changes of several angiogenic factors in an experimental diabetic rat retina.Methods:  Diabetes was induced chemically by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in 30 Sprague–Dawley rats. After inducing diabetes, lipoic acid (10 mg/kg) was administered to 10 rats orally. The rats were divided into normal, diabetes mellitus, and lipoic acid‐treated groups (each group n = 10). The eyeballs were harvested 8 weeks after inducing diabetes. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin, angiopoietin 1 and 2 and NADPH oxidase was examined in the rat retina using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Superoxide formation was examined using dihydroethidium stain.Results:  Dihydroethidium analyses showed increased superoxide formation in the retina of the diabetic group. The superoxide formation was suppressed with lipoic acid treatment. Western blot analysis showed that NADPH oxidase was decreased in the diabetic group and returned to normal level in the lipoic acid‐treated group. Treatment with lipoic acid blocked hyperglycaemia induced increases of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin 2 and erythropoietin shown by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.Conclusions:  Lipoic acid treatment suppressed expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin 2 and erythropoietin via blockade of superoxide formation. Antioxidant treatment is suspected to have an antiangiogenic effect.