bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of interactions of a large fish–parasite network in a tropical floodplain
Authors: Lima Dilermando P. , Giacomini Henrique C. , Takemoto Ricardo M. , Agostinho Angelo A. , Bini Luis M. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. Describing and explaining the structure of species interaction networks is of paramount importance for community ecology. Yet much has to be learned about the mechanisms responsible for major patterns, such as nestedness and modularity in different kinds of systems, of which large and diverse networks are a still underrepresented and scarcely studied fraction.2. We assembled information on fishes and their parasites living in a large floodplain of key ecological importance for freshwater ecosystems in the Paraná River basin in South America. The resulting fish–parasite network containing 72 and 324 species of fishes and parasites, respectively, was analysed to investigate the patterns of nestedness and modularity as related to fish and parasite features.3. Nestedness was found in the entire network and among endoparasites, multiple‐host life cycle parasites and native hosts, but not in networks of ectoparasites, single‐host life cycle parasites and non‐native fishes. All networks were significantly modular. Taxonomy was the major host’s attribute influencing both nestedness and modularity: more closely related host species tended to be associated with more nested parasite compositions and had greater chance of belonging to the same network module. Nevertheless, host abundance had a positive relationship with nestedness when only native host species pairs of the same network module were considered for analysis.4. These results highlight the importance of evolutionary history of hosts in linking patterns of nestedness and formation of modules in the network. They also show that functional attributes of parasites (i.e. parasitism mode and life cycle) and origin of host populations (i.e. natives versus non‐natives) are crucial to define the relative contribution of these two network properties and their dependence on other ecological factors (e.g. host abundance), with potential implications for community dynamics and stability.
Impacts of highway crossings on density of brook charr in streams
Authors: Pépino Marc , Rodríguez Marco A. , Magnan Pierre 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. Habitat degradation and fragmentation are growing concerns in ecology, yet distinguishing between the effects of these processes can be a challenging task. In riverine landscapes, roads impact fish populations mainly through: (i) restriction of passage of individuals (fragmentation) and (ii) reduction in habitat quality downstream by increases in sediment load (habitat degradation). These two processes can be differentiated during road construction projects.2. This study examines the impacts of a highway expansion and the presence of existing highway crossings on local population density of brook charr Salvelinus fontinalis in stream reaches traversed by the highway. Density was estimated on three consecutive summers in 212 sections distributed among 36 streams. This extensive sampling design focused on replicated comparison of sites upstream and downstream of highway crossings and included different stages of highway construction (before, during and after) and types of highway crossing (low, intermediate and high passability). Mixed models were used to examine the impacts of the highway on population density.3. Highway construction activities had no detectable effect on density. However, existing highway crossings appeared to have a strong effect on density, which differed markedly between upstream and downstream sites near highway crossings of intermediate and low passabilities.4. A Markovian movement model yielded estimates of passability that were consistent with the classification of crossing types and provided evidence for the restriction of upstream movement at crossings as a plausible explanation for observed differences in local population density.5.
Synthesis and applications. Habitat fragmentation resulting from restriction of passage at highway crossings had markedly greater effects on local population density than short‐term impacts arising from construction activities. The modelling approaches used in this study can be useful management tools for the conservation of mobile fish species in fragmented riverine landscapes.
Healthy weight management during pregnancy: what advice and information is being provided
Authors: Brown A. , Avery A. 
Published: February 2012

How to cite this article
Brown A. & Avery A. (2012) Healthy weight management during pregnancy: what advice and information is being provided. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 378–388AbstractBackground:  Being overweight or obese during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality attributed to pregnancy‐related complications and also poses risks to the baby. The present study explores the information and advice given to pregnant women of different prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) classifications.Methods:  Women with singleton pregnancies and members of the National Childbirth Trust were invited to take part in the study via either National Childbirth Trust antenatal classes or e‐mail invitation. A questionnaire was developed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The number of times that women from different BMI groups were weighed, whether weight gain, diet or exercise advice was received, as well as knowledge of weight gain recommendations was compared using Mann–Whitney U‐tests and chi‐squared tests. Qualitative data were analysed by thematic content analysis.Results:  Sixty women took part in the study with complete data set available for 59 of them. The majority of participants (84.1%) were weighed at least once during pregnancy; overweight/obese women were weighed significantly more times than those who were underweight/normal weight (P = 0.014). Only 25.4% of women received weight gain advice; 64.3% received diet/exercise advice from a healthcare source. No significant difference was found with respect to whether advice was received or not when comparing BMI groups. Underweight/normal weight women tended to underestimate, whereas those who were overweight or obese overestimated weight gain recommendations. Themes derived from the qualitative data were: weight gain advice wanted, diet and exercise advice wanted, lack of advice and support, and anxiety.Conclusions:  Advice women receive antenatally on weight gain, diet and exercise is brief and generally not related to weight management. Clearer, more detailed and personalised advice is wanted, particularly on weight gain. A lack of advice and support from healthcare professionals leads women to seek information for themselves from potentially un‐regulated sources, and also to feelings of anxiety in some cases.
Factors predictive of length of stay for women in medium secure settings
Authors: LONG C. G. , DOLLEY O. 
Published: February 2012

Accessible summary
Factors predicting length of stay in a women's secure service were analyzed.
Patients were divided into short‐ and long‐stay groups.
Longer stay patients differed in terms of symptomatology, personality scale scores and need. Shorter stay patients engaged more in treatment.
AbstractAttempts to understand determinates of length of stay in secure settings has been given increased impetus by minimum standard setting and payment by results initiatives. Factors predictive of length of stay in the extant literature include, index offence, previous engagement in therapy, symptomatology, personality pathology and need. These factors were assessed for their predictive validity in a sample of 70 consecutive admissions to a women's medium secure service. Patients were divided into short‐ and long‐stay groups A loglinear analysis of intake variables indicated that the highest order interaction (duration of stay × diagnosis × index offence/previous engagement in therapy) was significant. Analysis of dynamic variables indicated that longer stays were associated with total symptomatology, paranoid pathological personality scale scores and Camberwell Assessment of Need Forensic Version need items of psychotic symptoms and psychological distress. Short‐stay patients showed higher levels of therapy engagement. Findings are confirmatory of some of the key variables to be considered when estimating length of stay and when planning treatment.
Involvement of PDK1, PKC and TOR signalling pathways in basal fluconazole tolerance in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Lee Hyeseung , Khanal Lamichhane Ami , Garraffo H. Martin , Kwon‐Chung Kyung J. , Chang Yun C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThis study shows the importance of PDK1, TOR and PKC signalling pathways to the basal tolerance of Cryptococcus neoformans towards fluconazole, the widely used drug for treatment of cryptococcosis. Mutations in genes integral to these pathway resulted in hypersensitivity to the drug. Upon fluconazole treatment, Mpk1, the downstream target of PKC was phosphorylated and its phosphorylation required Pdk1. We show genetically that the PDK1 and TOR phosphorylation sites in Ypk1 as well as the kinase activity of Ypk1 are required for the fluconazole basal tolerance. The involvement of these pathways in fluconazole basal tolerance was associated with sphingolipid homeostasis. Deletion of PDK1, SIN1 or YPK1 but not MPK1 affected cell viability in the presence of sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitors. Concurrently, pdk1Δ, sin1Δ, ypk1Δ and mpk1Δ exhibited altered sphingolipid content and elevated fluconazole accumulation compared with the wild type. The fluconazole hypersensitivity phenotype of these mutants, therefore, appears to be the result of malfunction of the influx/efflux systems due to modifications of membrane sphingolipid content. Interestingly, the reduced virulence of these strains in mice suggests that the cryptococcal PDK1, PKC, and likely the TOR pathways play an important role in managing stress exerted either by fluconazole or by the host environment.
Predicting large fetuses at birth: do multiple ultrasound examinations and longitudinal statistical modelling improve prediction?
Authors: Zhang Jun , Kim Sungduk , Grewal Jagteshwar , Albert Paul S. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryZhang J, Kim S, Grewal J, Albert PS. Predicting large fetuses at birth: do multiple ultrasound examinations and longitudinal statistical modelling improve prediction? Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 199–207.Predicting large fetuses at birth has long been a challenge in obstetric practice. We examined whether ultrasound examinations at multiple times during pregnancy improve the accuracy of prediction using repeated, longitudinal statistical modelling, and whether adding maternal characteristics improves the accuracy of prediction. We used data from a previous study conducted in Norway and Sweden from 1986 to 1989 in which each pregnant woman had four ultrasound examinations at around 17, 25, 33 and 37 weeks of gestation. At birth, infant size was classified as large‐for‐gestational age (LGA, >90th centile) and macrosomia (>4000 g) or not. We used a longitudinal random effects model with quadratic fixed and random effects to predict term LGA and macrosomia at birth. Receiver–operator curves and mean‐squared error were used to measure accuracy of the prediction. Ultrasound examination around 37 weeks had the best accuracy in predicting LGA and macrosomia at birth. Adding multiple ultrasound examinations at earlier gestations did not improve the accuracy. Adjusting for maternal characteristics had limited impact on the accuracy of prediction. Thus, a single ultrasound examination at late gestation close to birth is the simplest method currently available to predict LGA and macrosomia.
Differential leaf expansion can enable hydraulic acclimation to sun and shade
Authors: CARINS MURPHY MADELINE R. , JORDAN GREGORY J. , BRODRIBB TIMOTHY J. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAlthough leaf size is one of the most responsive plant traits to environmental change, the functional benefits of large versus small leaves remain unclear. We hypothesized that modification of leaf size within species resulting from differences in irradiance can allow leaves to acclimate to different photosynthetic or evaporative conditions while maintaining an efficient balance between hydraulic supply (vein density) and evaporative demand. To test this, we compared the function and anatomy of leaf hydraulic systems in the leaves of a woody angiosperm (Toona ciliata M. Roem.) grown under high and low irradiance in controlled conditions. Our results confirm that in this species, differential leaf expansion regulates the density of veins and stomata such that leaf hydraulic conductance and stomatal conductance remain proportional. A broader sample of field‐grown tree species suggested that differences in leaf venation and stomatal traits induced by sun and shade were not regulated by leaf size in all cases. Our results, however, suggest that leaf size plasticity can provide an efficient way for plants to acclimate hydraulic and stomatal conductances to the contrasting evaporative conditions of sun and shade.
Response of selected South Australian native plant species to Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Kueh K. H. , McKay S. F. , Facelli E. , Facelli J. M. , Velzeboer R. M. A. , Able A. J. , Scott E. S. 
Published: February 2012

Thirty‐seven South Australian native plant species from 11 families, including 15 threatened species in the state (of which six are listed as threatened under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) were assessed for response to infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Seedlings, 3–6 months old and grown in a greenhouse, were inoculated by placing infested pine wood plugs in the potting mix, maintained in moist conditions and assessed for mortality and disease symptoms for between 3 and 10 months. Thirty species were found to be susceptible, of which nine were highly susceptible, 15 moderately susceptible and six slightly susceptible. Three species were found to be resistant and results for four species were inconclusive. Six of the 15 threatened, rare or locally endangered species tested (Eucalyptus viminalis var. viminalis, Correa aemula, C. calycina, Olearia pannosa ssp. pannosa, Pomaderris halmaturina ssp. halmaturina and Prostanthera eurybioides) were moderately susceptible, while two (Allocasuarina robusta and Pultenaea graveolens) were highly susceptible. Significant populations of at least five of the threatened species susceptible to the disease are located close to confirmed or suspected Phytophthora‐infested areas or growing in areas conducive for P. cinnamomi. An effective management strategy is therefore required to avoid extinction of such species due to infection by the phytophthora dieback pathogen.
Extended access to cocaine self‐administration results in reduced glutamate function within the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Ben‐Shahar Osnat M. , Szumlinski Karen K. , Lominac Kevin D. , Cohen Ami , Gordon Evan , Ploense Kyle L. , DeMartini Jeremy , Bernstein Nicholas , Rudy Nicole M. , Nabhan Ahmad N. , Sacramento Arianne , Pagano Kelly , Carosso Giovanni A. , Woodward Nick 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have shown that brief access to cocaine yields an increase in D2 receptor binding in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but that extended access to cocaine results in normalized binding of D2 receptors (i.e. the D2 binding returned to control levels). Extended‐access conditions have also been shown to produce increased expression of the NR2 subunit of the N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor in the mPFC. These results implicate disrupted glutamate and dopamine function within this area. Therefore, in the present study, we monitored glutamate and dopamine content within the mPFC during, or 24 hours after, cocaine self‐administration in animals that experienced various amounts of exposure to the drug. Naïve subjects showed decreased glutamate and increased dopamine levels within the mPFC during cocaine self‐administration. Exposure to seven 1‐hour daily cocaine self‐administration sessions did not alter the response to self‐administered cocaine, but resulted in decreased basal dopamine levels. While exposure to 17 1‐hour sessions also resulted in reduced basal dopamine levels, these animals showed increased dopaminergic, but completely diminished glutamatergic, response to self‐administered cocaine. Finally, exposure to 17 cocaine self‐administration sessions, the last 10 of which being 6‐hour sessions, resulted in diminished glutamatergic response to self‐administered cocaine and reduced basal glutamate levels within the mPFC while normalizing (i.e. causing a return to control levels) both the dopaminergic response to self‐administered cocaine as well as basal dopamine levels within this area. These data demonstrate directly that the transition to escalated cocaine use involves progressive changes in dopamine and glutamate function within the mPFC.
Role of mGluR5 neurotransmission in reinstated cocaine‐seeking
Authors: Wang Xiusong , Moussawi Khaled , Knackstedt Lori , Shen Haowei , Kalivas Peter W. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTIn animal models of addiction, reducing glutamate stimulation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) inhibits drug‐seeking. The present study used the reinstatement model of cocaine‐seeking to show that blockade of mGluR5 directly in the core subcompartment of the nucleus accumbens (NAcore) prevented both conditioned cue‐ and cocaine‐reinstated drug‐seeking. Consistent with this finding, microinjection of the mGluR5 agonist (RS)‐2‐chloro‐5‐hydroxyphenylglycine into the NAcore produced modest reinstatement of lever pressing when given alone and significantly potentiated cue‐induced reinstatement. Homer proteins are contained in the post‐synaptic density and regulate mGluR5 intracellular signaling and trafficking to the membrane. Microinjecting a membrane permeable peptide antagonist of Homer binding to mGluR5 into the NAcore also inhibited cue‐ and cocaine‐reinstated lever pressing. However, this peptide did not change the surface expression of mGluR5, indicating that the peptide inhibitor did not alter the surface trafficking of mGluR5. Taken together, these data show that mGluR5 inhibition and stimulation in the NAcore can regulate cocaine‐seeking, and demonstrate that one mechanism for this effect is via interactions with Homer proteins.
Nicotine increases sucrose self‐administration and seeking in rats
Authors: Grimm Jeffrey W. , Ratliff Christine , North Kindsey , Barnes Jesse , Collins Stefan 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAssociations between nicotine in cigarettes and food consumption may alter the incentive value of food such that food cue‐reactivity is exaggerated during abstinence from smoking. This effect may contribute to the weight gain associated with cessation of smoking. We examined the effects of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg base subcutaneous) paired (NPD) or unpaired (NUP) with 10% sucrose self‐administration (SA; 0.2 ml/delivery, 1 h/day for 10 days) on SA response rate and intake as well as sucrose cue‐reactivity following either 1 or 30 days of forced abstinence. Rats were administered the training dose of nicotine prior to a second, consecutive cue‐reactivity session. NPD rats responded at over three times the rate for sucrose and earned nearly twice the number of sucrose deliveries as NUP rats or saline controls. Sucrose cue‐reactivity was greater after 30 days versus 1 day of forced abstinence for all groups. History of nicotine exposure had no effect on sucrose cue‐reactivity. However, the subsequent injection of nicotine increased sucrose cue‐reactivity only in the NPD groups. There were no abstinent‐dependent effects of nicotine challenge on sucrose cue‐reactivity. A study conducted in parallel with water as the reinforcer revealed a less dramatic effect of nicotine on intake. There was no history or abstinence‐dependent effects of nicotine on water cue‐reactivity. Nicotine increases the reinforcing effects of sucrose and sucrose‐paired cues when nicotine is present. An implication of these findings is that relapse to nicotine (cigarettes) could substantially elevate food cue‐reactivity.
Carrier‐bound nonallergenic Der p 2 peptides induce IgG antibodies blocking allergen‐induced basophil activation in allergic patients
Authors: Chen K.‐W. , Focke‐Tejkl M. , Blatt K. , Kneidinger M. , Gieras A. , Dall'Antonia F. , Faé I. , Fischer G. , Keller W. , Valent P. , Valenta R. , Vrtala S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundMore than 90% of house dust mite‐allergic patients are sensitized to the major Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen, Der p 2. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize an allergy vaccine based on carrier‐bound Der p 2 peptides, which should allow reducing IgE‐ and T‐cell‐mediated side‐effects during specific immunotherapy (SIT).MethodsFive Der p 2 peptides (P1–P5) were synthesized and analyzed regarding IgE reactivity and allergenic activity. Lymphoproliferative and cytokine responses induced with Der p 2 and Der p 2 peptides were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from mite‐allergic patients. Der p 2‐specific IgG antibodies induced with carrier‐bound Der p 2 peptides in mice and rabbits were tested for their capacity to inhibit IgE binding and basophil activation in allergic patients.ResultsOf five overlapping peptides (P1–P5) covering the Der p 2 sequence, two peptides (P2 and P4) were identified, which showed no relevant IgE reactivity, allergenic activity, and induced lower Der p 2‐specific T‐cell activation than Der p 2. However, when coupled to a carrier, P2 and P4 induced Der p 2‐specific IgG antibodies in animals, which inhibited allergic patients' IgE binding to the allergen and allergen‐induced basophil activation similar as antibodies induced with Der p 2.ConclusionsCarrier‐bound Der p 2 peptides should allow avoiding IgE‐mediated side‐effects, and because of their low potential to activate allergen‐specific T cells, they may reduce late‐phase side‐effects during SIT. Further, these peptides may be also useful for prophylactic vaccination.
IgE antibodies to animal‐derived lipocalin, kallikrein and secretoglobin are markers of bronchial inflammation in severe childhood asthma
Authors: Nordlund B. , Konradsen J. R. , Kull I. , Borres M. P. , Önell A. , Hedlin G. , Grönlund H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:Component‐resolved allergy diagnostics enables the detection of crossreactive or species‐specific allergen components. This study analysed Immunoglobulin E (IgE) profiles to single allergen components in relation to bronchial inflammation in severe childhood asthma.Methods:Ninety‐five schoolchildren were assessed, 39 with controlled mild‐to‐moderate asthma and 56 uncontrolled severe asthmatics. Allergen components (n = 111) of food allergens, pollen and perennial aeroallergens were analysed using an immunosolid‐phase allergen chip. Blood eosinophils (109 × l−1), bronchial inflammation (FeNO, ppb), lung function (FEV1%) and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) (dose–response slope of methacholine challenge) were measured.Results:A specific IgE response to more than three animal‐derived components – lipocalin (nMus m 1, rEqu c 1, Fel d 4, rCan f 1, 2), kallikrein (rCan f 5) and secretoglobin (rFel d 1) – was more common among severe asthmatics compared to children with controlled asthma (n = 14 vs n = 3, P = 0.030). These subjects also displayed higher blood eosinophils (0.65 vs 0.39, P = 0.021), higher Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (38 ppb vs 25 ppb, P = 0.021) and increased BHR (112 vs 28, P = 0.002) compared to other severe asthmatics positive to fewer lipocalin/kallikrein/secretoglobin components. Among all sensitized subjects, there were correlations between specific IgE levels for rFel d 4 and nMus m 1 (r = 0.751, P ≤ 0.001) and for rFel d 4 and rEqu c 1 (r = 0.850, P ≤ 0.001).Conclusion:Multi‐sensitization towards lipocalin, kallikrein and secretoglobin components is associated with increased bronchial inflammation in severe asthmatics. In addition, crossreactive patterns were observed between different lipocalin components.