bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural triploid Lilium leichtlinii var. maximowiczii populations in Korea
Authors: Kim Jong Hwa , Truong Nguyen Xuan , Song Ye‐Su , Kim Nam‐Soo
Published: May 2015

To clarify the ploidy and distribution of Lilium leichtlinii var. maximowiczii populations in Korea, we inspected several mountains and northern valleys and almost all of the sea coast of South Korea. We found nine diploid populations and 19 triploid populations. Many large and small populations were distributed around northern Chungcheongbook‐do and Gyunggi‐do and all over Kangwon‐do. The diploid plants were smaller than the triploid plants in almost all of their morphological characteristics. This is the second report of natural polyploid complexes of diploids and triploids in the genus Lilium.
Early rhizosphere microbiome composition is related to the growth and Zn uptake of willows introduced to a former landfill
Authors: Bell Terrence H. , Cloutier‐Hurteau Benoît , Al‐Otaibi Fahad , Turmel Marie‐Claude , Yergeau Etienne , Courchesne François , St‐Arnaud Marc
Published: May 2015

Although plants introduced for site restoration are pre‐selected for specific traits (e.g. trace element bioaccumulation, rapid growth in poor soils), the in situ success of these plants likely depends on the recruitment of appropriate rhizosphere microorganisms from their new environment. We introduced three willow (Salix spp.) cultivars to a contaminated landfill, and performed soil chemical analyses, plant measurements, and Ion Torrent sequencing of rhizospheric fungal and bacterial communities at 4 and 16 months post‐planting. The abundance of certain dominant fungi was linked to willow accumulation of Zn, the most abundant trace element at the site. Interestingly, total Zn accumulation was better explained by fungal community structure 4 months post‐planting than 16 months post‐planting, suggesting that initial microbial recruitment may be critical. In addition, when the putative ectomycorrhizal fungi Sphaerosporella brunnea and Inocybe sp. dominated the rhizosphere 4 months post‐planting, Zn accumulation efficiency was negatively correlated with fungal diversity. Although field studies such as this rely on correlation, these results suggest that the soil microbiome may have the greatest impact on plant function during the early stages of growth, and that plant–fungus specificity may be essential.
Environmentally co‐occurring mercury resistance plasmids are genetically and phenotypically diverse and confer variable context‐dependent fitness effects
Authors: Hall James P.J. , Harrison Ellie , Lilley Andrew K. , Paterson Steve , Spiers Andrew J. , Brockhurst Michael A.
Published: May 2015

Plasmids are important mobile elements that can facilitate genetic exchange and local adaptation within microbial communities. We compared the sequences of four co‐occurring pQBR family environmental mercury resistance plasmids and measured their effects on competitive fitness of a Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 host, which was isolated at the same field site. Fitness effects of carriage differed between plasmids and were strongly context dependent, varying with medium, plasmid status of competitor and levels of environmental mercury. The plasmids also varied widely in their rates of conjugation and segregational loss. We found that few of the plasmid‐borne accessory genes could be ascribed functions, although we identified a putative chemotaxis operon, a type IV pilus‐encoding cluster and a region encoding putative arylsulfatase enzymes, which were conserved across geographically distant isolates. One plasmid, pQBR55, conferred the ability to catabolize sucrose. Transposons, including the mercury resistance Tn5042, appeared to have been acquired by different pQBR plasmids by recombination, indicating an important role for horizontal gene transfer in the recent evolution of pQBR plasmids. Our findings demonstrate extensive genetic and phenotypic diversity among co‐occurring members of a plasmid community and suggest a role for environmental heterogeneity in the maintenance of plasmid diversity.
Monotonic Knowledge Models, Cycles, Linear Versions and Auctions with Differential, Finite Information
Authors: Rodrigues‐Neto José A.
Published: May 2015

In games of incomplete information where each player's information is represented by a partition of the state space, this paper presents a characterisation of monotonic models in terms of connected partitions and another in terms of versions . A model is monotonic if and only if there is a linear version, and this is true if and only if there is a real‐valued function on the state space such that every partition of the model is connected with respect to this function. These results help us understand the strength of the connectedness assumption on common‐value, second‐price auctions with differential, finite information. We offer a simple sufficient condition for non‐monotonicity to check if models are monotonic.
Phytoplankton pigment biomarkers: HPLC separation using a pentafluorophenyloctadecyl silica column
Authors: Sanz Noelia , García‐Blanco Ana , Gavalás‐Olea Antonio , Loures Patricia , Garrido José L.
Published: May 2015

The use of pigment data to map microalgal populations in natural waters has become an established and convenient way of studying phytoplankton. However, the chromatographic analysis of algal pigments is a major challenge due to the diversity of molecules spanning a wide range of polarities, but also including many that have closely similar chemical structures. Among these sets of compounds of similar structure, the separation of mono and divinylic pairs of chlorophylls is of particular importance due to their relevance as chemotaxonomical biomarkers.

In this work, we have taken advantage of the special type of solute–stationary phase interactions provided by pentafluorophenyl phases together with the high retention values resulting from an octadecyl spacer in the column to develop a method for the joined analysis of chlorophylls and carotenoids. The mobile phase contains organic solvents of low toxicity, methanol and ethanol and ammonium acetate buffer, in a simple binary elution gradient.

More than seventy photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls, carotenes and xanthophylls) can be determined in the same chromatographic analysis employing the method here presented. The complete resolution of mono and divinylic forms of chlorophylls a, b and c is achieved in less than 42 min. The same analysis allows the separation of most chemotaxonomically important carotenoids, including positional isomers.

The method can successfully be applied to the characterization of the pigment composition of members of different classes in the main chloroplast lineages (red and green) of the evolution of photosynthetic eukaryotes, in the study of biosynthetic processes of chlorophylls and especially in the description of plankton populations in natural waters. It is particularly suited for the simultaneous detection of green algae and the cyanobacteria of outstanding global importance Prochlorococcus marinus.
Generating spatially constrained null models for irregularly spaced data using Moran spectral randomization methods
Authors: Wagner Helene H. , Dray Stéphane
Published: May 2015

Spatial autocorrelation jeopardizes the validity of statistical inference, for example correlation and regression analysis. Restricted randomization methods can account for the effect of spatial autocorrelation in the observed data by building it into an empirical null model for hypothesis testing. This can be achieved, for example, based on conditional simulation, which fits a highly parameterized geostatistical model to the observed spatial structure, or, for data observed on a regular transect or grid, with Fourier spectral randomization methods that can flexibly model spatial structure at any scale. This study uses Moran eigenvector maps to extend spectral randomization to irregularly spaced samples.

We present different algorithms to perform restricted randomization to suit different types of research questions: individual randomization of each variable, joint randomization of a group of variables while keeping within‐group correlations fixed, and randomization with a fixed correlation between original data and randomized replicates (e.g. as input for simulation studies). The performance of the proposed Moran spectral randomization methods for regularly and irregularly spaced samples is assessed with correlation analysis of simulated data.

Moran spectral randomization closely matched the spatial structure of original simulated data sets, with identical or nearly identical Moran's I values and power spectra, depending on the algorithm. In correlation analysis of two spatially autocorrelated variables, Moran spectral randomization produced correct type I error rates for stationary spatial data, even for very small and highly irregular samples, but was sensitive to linear trend. When one or both variables lacked spatial structure, Moran spectral randomization tests were more conservative than correlation t‐tests.

The proposed Moran spectral randomization method requires a minimum of parameterization and is able to address multivariate data with spatial structure at multiple scales, with the option of controlling levels of correlation with the original data. It can provide technically unlimited numbers of randomizations even for small samples while closely maintaining the spatial characteristics of uni‐ or multivariate data at all spatial scales. The method is applicable for correlation analysis of stationary, autocorrelated spatial or temporal series. Further research should assess whether the method can be extended to multiple regression analysis.
Brain structural changes in schizoaffective disorder compared to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Amann B. L. , Canales‐Rodríguez E. J. , Madre M. , Radua J. , Monte G. , Alonso‐Lana S. , Landin‐Romero R. , Moreno‐Alcázar A. , Bonnin C. M. , Sarró S. , Ortiz‐Gil J. , Gomar J. J. , Moro N. , Fernandez‐Corcuera P. , Goikolea J. M. , Blanch J. , Salvador R. , Vieta E. , McKenna P. J. , Pomarol‐Clotet E.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Brain structural changes in schizoaffective disorder, and how far they resemble those seen in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have only been studied to a limited extent.

Method

Forty‐five patients meeting DSM‐IV and RDC criteria for schizoaffective disorder, groups of patients with 45 matched schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and 45 matched healthy controls were examined using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM).

Results

Analyses comparing each patient group with the healthy control subjects found that the patients with schizoaffective disorder and the patients with schizophrenia showed widespread and overlapping areas of significant volume reduction, but the patients with bipolar disorder did not. A subsequent analysis compared the combined group of patients with the controls followed by extraction of clusters. In regions where the patients differed significantly from the controls, no significant differences in mean volume between patients with schizoaffective disorder and patients with schizophrenia in any of five regions of volume reduction were found, but mean volumes in the patients with bipolar disorder were significantly smaller in three of five.

Conclusion

The findings provide evidence that, in terms of structural gray matter brain abnormality, schizoaffective disorder resembles schizophrenia more than bipolar disorder.
Differentiation of spring carabid beetle assemblages between semi‐natural habitats and adjoining winter wheat
Authors: Anjum‐Zubair Muhammad , Entling Martin H. , Bruckner Alexander , Drapela Thomas , Frank Thomas
Published: May 2015

Semi‐natural habitats are part of agri‐environment programmes throughout Europe. Little is known about activity‐density and assemblage composition of carabid beetles within sown wildflower areas (SWA) compared with conventional grassy field margins and adjoining arable fields.

In 10 landscapes, two pairs of winter wheat fields with adjoining SWA and grassy field margin were studied. We compared activity‐density, species richness, ecological traits and assemblage composition of carabids among 20 winter wheat fields, 10 adjoining grassy field margins and 10 adjoining SWA.

Beetle activity‐density was higher in wheat fields compared with adjoining semi‐natural habitats regarding total carabids, macropterous, polyphagous‐carnivorous and euryoecious open habitat beetles. Although total species richness (analysis of variance) did not significantly differ among habitat types, we found significantly higher species numbers in SWA than in wheat fields adjoining SWA and grassy margins when the number of recorded species was standardized to the number of individuals (rarefaction). Carabid assemblages in wheat fields differed from assemblages in adjoining SWA and grassy margins.

The results of the present study emphasize the important contribution of semi‐natural habitats to diversify the spring carabid fauna in agroecosystems. In particular, SWA were shown to be useful to enhance carabid biodiversity conservation in agroecosystems, rather than to enhance their density‐dependent functions.
A plant pathogen causes extensive mortality in an invasive insect herbivore
Authors: Graziosi Ignazio , Rieske Lynne K.
Published: May 2015

We investigate a plant–microbe–insect interaction where a plant pathogenic microorganism is utilizing an invasive insect herbivore as an alternate resource, and test the hypothesis that the microorganism is affecting the population dynamics of the herbivore on its woody host plant.

We investigated the presence of necrotic lesions formed by an unknown microbe on galls induced by the Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), a global pest on Castanea hosts. We hypothesize that colonization by this plant‐associated microbe impacts survival and invasiveness of the gallmaker and, using Koch's postulates, we evaluate its effects on the gallmaker and on the gallmaker's primary natural enemy.

Morphologically identical colonies were isolated from galls and insects, and DNA sequences matched with the fungal genus Colletotrichum, a causal agent of plant‐pathogenic anthracnose. Inoculations generated comparable symptoms. After the formation of superficial lesions, the pathogen rapidly penetrates galls, colonizing insect tissue in gall chambers and causing extensive larval mortality. Minimal effects were evident on the associated parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera: Torymidae).

We report a plant pathogen utilizing a gall‐inducing arthropod at the same time as sparing its parasite and expand reports of Colletotrichum impacting insects. We shed light on a complex of interactions influencing an important invader.
The potential global distribution of the Bronze bug Thaumastocoris peregrinusCarpintero and Dellapé (Hemiptera: Thaumastocoridae)
Authors: Saavedra Maria C. , Avila Gonzalo A. , Withers Toni M. , Holwell Gregory I.
Published: May 2015

Thaumastocoris peregrinus is a sap‐feeding insect native to Australia that has become a serious global pest of Eucalyptus species. To date, T. peregrinus has been found in more than 10 countries across Europe, Africa, South America and Oceania.

In the present study, we used the climate modelling software climex (Hearne Scientific Software Pty Ltd, Australia) to predict the potential distribution of T. peregrinus globally and in New Zealand. climex parameters were based on experimental data obtained in the present study and from records collated from the insect's native and invasive distribution.

The model of the potential native geographical distribution closely agrees with the known distribution of T. peregrinus and predicts potential expansion into more tropical areas of Australia. In New Zealand, the predicted potential distribution of T. peregrinus matches its current distribution and predicts that, if a suitable host is present, the species will be able to establish in most of the North Island and in northern and eastern regions of the South Island.

Globally, the model predicts that many of the world's temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical areas are climatically suitable for establishment of T. peregrinus. This predicted distribution closely matches the global distribution of eucalypt plantations, which are essential for the establishment of this pest.

climex projections of potential suitability for T. peregrinus reported in the present study may prove useful for risk assessments and for the identification of areas susceptible to invasion by this pest.
Resuscitating preterm infants with 100% oxygen is associated with higher oxidative stress than room air
Authors: Tataranno ML , Oei JL , Perrone S , Wright IM , Smyth JP , Lui K , Tarnow‐Mordi WO , Longini M , Proietti F , Negro S , Saugstad OD , Buonocore G
Published: May 2015

Aim

The starting fraction of inspired oxygen for preterm resuscitation is a matter of debate, and the use of room air in full‐term asphyxiated infants reduces oxidative stress. This study compared oxidative stress in preterm infants randomised for resuscitation with either 100% oxygen or room air titrated to internationally recommended levels of preductal oxygen saturations.

Methods

Blood was collected at birth, two and 12 hours of age from 119 infants <32 weeks of gestation randomised to resuscitation with either 100% oxygen (n = 60) or room air (n = 59). Oxidative stress markers, including advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP) and isoprostanes (IsoP), were measured with high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Results

Significantly higher levels of AOPP were found at 12 hours in the 100% oxygen group (p < 0.05). Increases between two‐ and 12‐hour AOPP (p = 0.004) and IsoP (p = 0.032) concentrations were significantly higher in the 100% oxygen group.

Conclusion

Initial resuscitation with room air versus 100% oxygen was associated with lower protein oxidation at 12 hour and a lower magnitude of increase in AOPP and IsoP levels between two and 12 hours of life. Correlations with clinical outcomes will be vital to optimise the use of oxygen in preterm resuscitation.
Use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors and the heart rate corrected QT interval in a real‐life setting: the population‐based Rotterdam Study
Authors: Maljuric Nevena M. , Noordam Raymond , Aarts Nikkie , Niemeijer Maartje N. , van den Berg Marten E. , Hofman Albert , Kors Jan A. , Stricker Bruno H. , Visser Loes E.
Published: May 2015

Aims

Selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), specifically citalopram and escitalopram, are thought to cause QTc prolongation, although studies have shown contradictory results. Nevertheless, a maximum citalopram dosage of 20 mg in high risk patients (e.g. >60 years of age) is recommended. We aimed to investigate the association between use of (individual) SSRIs and QTc in a population‐based study in older adults.

Methods

This study, which was part of the prospective Rotterdam Study (period 1991–2012), included participants with up to five electrocardiograms (ECGs). We used linear mixed models to compare QTcF (QT corrected according to Fridericia) measured during use of individual SSRIs with QTcF measured during non‐use of any antidepressant. For citalopram, analyses were additionally restricted to a maximum dosage of 20 mg in participants aged 60 years and older.

Results

We included 12 589 participants with a total of 26 620 ECGs of which 436 ECGs were made during SSRI use. The mean QTcF was similar during use of any drugs from the SSRI class and during non‐use. After stratifying to individual SSRIs, ECGs recorded during use of citalopram had the longest QTc compared with ECGs recorded during non‐use (+12.8 ms, 90% CI 7.5, 18.2). This result remained similar in the analysis comprising participants aged 60 years and older with a maximum prescribed daily dosage of 20 mg citalopram.

Conclusions

Although no SSRI class effect was observed, use of citalopram was associated with a longer QTcF, even after considering the recommended restrictions. Other SSRIs may not give a clinically relevant QTcF prolongation.
The evolution of an annual life cycle in killifish: adaptation to ephemeral aquatic environments through embryonic diapause
Authors: Furness Andrew I.
Published: May 2015

An annual life cycle is characterized by growth, maturity, and reproduction condensed into a single, short season favourable to development, with production of embryos (seeds, cysts, or eggs) capable of surviving harsh conditions which juveniles or adults cannot tolerate. More typically associated with plants in desert environments, or temperate‐zone insects exposed to freezing winters, the evolution of an annual life cycle in vertebrates is fairly novel. Killifish, small sexually dimorphic fishes in the Order Cyprinodontiformes, have adapted to seasonally ephemeral water bodies across much of Africa and South America through the independent evolution of an annual life history. These annual killifish produce hardy desiccation‐resistant eggs that undergo diapause (developmental arrest) and remain buried in the soil for long periods when fish have perished due to the drying of their habitat. Killifish are found in aquatic habitats that span a continuum from permanent and stable to seasonal and variable, thus providing a useful system in which to piece together the evolutionary history of this life cycle using natural comparative variation. I first review adaptations for life in ephemeral aquatic environments in killifish, with particular emphasis on the evolution of embryonic diapause. I then bring together available evidence from a variety of approaches and provide a scenario for how this annual life cycle evolved. There are a number of features within Aplocheiloidei killifish including their inhabitation of marginal or edge aquatic habitat, their small size and rapid attainment of maturity, and egg properties that make them particularly well suited to the colonization of ephemeral waters.
Risk factors for elevated blood lead levels among children aged 6–36 months living in Greece
Authors: Kapitsinou A. , Soldatou A. , Tsitsika A. , Kossiva L. , Tsentidis Ch. , Nisianakis P. , Theocharis S. , Garoufi A.
Published: May 2015

Background

Childhood lead poisoning remains a critical environmental health concern because even low blood lead levels (BLLs) can result in permanent adverse health effects. Social factors and living conditions have been correlated with BLLs. There is no recent survey about the prevalence of elevated BLLs among children in Greece. The purpose of this study was to assess BLLs among children aged 6–36 months born and living in Greece and to evaluate their association with demographic, socio‐economic and housing conditions.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional hospital‐based study including 814 randomly selected children aged 6–36 months, BLLs and haematological parameters were evaluated. A questionnaire investigating demographic and socio‐economic conditions was completed in all children. Statistical analysis was performed usingSTATAfor Windows v.8.5, andP< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean BLLs of the population were 2.78 (SD = 2.34) µg/dl, and the median was 2.02 µg/dl; 11.7% had BLLs above 5 µg/dl, while 15 children (1.8%) exceeded 10 µg/dl. Being a toddler, being Roma or Asian, living in an industrial/low‐income neighbourhood or in an old house, using traditional herbs and/or spices and having a mother with a manual occupation were independent risk factors for elevated BLLs.

Conclusion

Lead exposure remains a threat for optimal health especially for toddlers and children of socio‐economically disadvantaged families living in Greece. A nationwide survey to assess lead exposure in children is necessary to guide prevention governmental policies.
Comorbid depression/anxiety and teeth removed: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2010
Authors: Wiener R. Constance , Wiener Michael A. , McNeil Daniel W.
Published: May 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between participants (i) who reported having had clinical diagnoses of depression and anxiety with 6+ teeth removed and (ii) who reported having had clinical diagnoses of depression and anxiety with edentulism.

Methods

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey 2010 was used for the study. Analyses involved using SAS 9.3® to determine variable frequencies, Rao–Scott chi‐square bivariate analyses, and Proc Surveylogistic for the logistic regressions on complex survey designs. Participants eligibility included being 18 years or older and having complete data on depression, anxiety, and number of teeth removed.

Results

There were 76 292 eligible participants; 13.4% reported an anxiety diagnosis, 16.7% reported a depression diagnosis, and 8.6% reported comorbid depression and anxiety. The adjusted logistic regression models were significant for anxiety and depression alone and in combination for 6+ teeth removed (AOR: anxiety 1.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.38; P = 0.0773; AOR: depression 1.23; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.37; P = 0.0275; P < 0.0001; and AOR: comorbid depression and anxiety 1.30; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.49; P = 0.0001). However, the adjusted models with edentulism as the outcome failed to reach significance.

Conclusions

Comorbid depression and anxiety are associated independently with 6+ teeth removed compared with 0–5 teeth removed in a national study conducted in United States. Comorbid depression and anxiety were not shown to be associated with edentulism as compared with any teeth present.
Regulator of dendritic cell migration, ASAP1 is associated with increased susceptibility to tuberculosis
Authors: Waltl S.
Published: May 2015

Susceptibility to tuberculosis is associated with variants in the ASAP1 gene encoding a regulator of dendritic cell migration

Curtis J et al. (2015)

Nature Genetics 47(5):523–527.
Patterns in the use of rainforest vertical space by Neotropical aerial insectivorous bats: all the action is up in the canopy
Authors: Marques J. Tiago , Ramos Pereira M. J. , Palmeirim J. M.
Published: May 2015

In tropical rainforests environmental conditions vary dramatically from the ground to the canopy, resulting in a marked stratification in the way vertical space is used by organisms, but research work is often limited to the understorey layer. Aerial insectivorous bats are a highly diverse group that plays key roles in the ecology of rainforests, but their use of vertical space remains elusive.

Using automatic ultrasound recording stations placed in the canopy, subcanopy and understorey we tested if bat activity and species diversity are vertically stratified, both in the forest interior and near the edges of water bodies. These patterns were tested separately for individual species, and for two functional groups – open space and edge space bats.

Insectivorous bat activity increased by roughly seven fold, and species diversity doubled, from the understorey to the canopy. Both edge space and open space bats were more active in the upper strata, but this tendency was much more accentuated in the latter. Myotis riparius was the only species with greater activity near the understorey. These patterns were altered at the edges of water bodies, where vertical stratification was much less marked.

The observed patterns are parsimoniously explained by constraints imposed by vegetation clutter that change across strata, which affect bat species differently. Only bats better adapted to closed spaces are usually capable of foraging within the understorey, whereas the majority of species can exploit the free spaces immediately below the canopy; open space bats seem to concentrate their activity above the canopy. This importance of the inter strata open spaces for bat foraging highlights the need to preserve pristine stratified rainforests, as even selective logging usually disrupts vertical stratification. Moreover, the concentration of insectivorous bats at the upper strata of rainforests underlines the need to include canopy level sampling in ecological studies.
Identification of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma ziziphi’ associated with persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fasciation in China
Authors: Wang J. , Gao R. , Yu X. M. , An M. , Qin Z. H. , Liu J. , Ai C. X.
Published: May 2015

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) trees, with fasciation symptoms (PF), were observed in an orchard located in suburban Tai'an, Shandong Province, China. A specific fragment of the phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene, approximately 1.2 kb in length, was amplified from two symptomatic plants via nested polymerase chain reaction, while no fragment was obtained from healthy controls. The two samples (PF1 and PF2) resulted with 99.5% nucleotide sequence identity. Phylogenetic and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that PF1 was a member of ribosomal subgroup B of the elm yellows group (16SrV), and PF2 may represent a novel subgroup within the 16SrV group, designed as 16SrV‐I. This is the first report of phytoplasmas of the 16SrV group associated with persimmon fasciation disease.
Comparison of porcine anti‐human lymphocyte globulin and rabbit anti‐human thymocyte globulin in the treatment of severe aplastic anemia: a retrospective single‐center study
Authors: Ma Xiaorong , Wang Jin , Zhang Wanggang , Cao Xingmei , Chen Yinxia , He Aili , Liu Jie , Yang Nan , Wang Jianli , Yang Yun , Xu Yan
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To compare the safety and efficacy of porcine antilymphocyte globulin (pALG) and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) in treating severe aplastic anemia (SAA).

Methods

Seventy‐seven patients with SAA that received immunosuppressive therapy between July 2004 and December 2013 at the Department of Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, were retrospectively analyzed. Forty‐five patients received treatment including pALG (pALG group), and 32 patients received treatment including rATG (rATG group). Effective treatment rates between the two groups 1 yr after the treatment were compared; Kaplan–Meier 5‐yr survival curve and log‐rank test compared survival rates between the groups. All adverse responses were recorded.

Results

The 1‐yr overall response rate in the pALG group (83.78%) was significantly higher than that in the rATG group (66.67%, P = 0.036), and the 5‐yr overall survival rate in the pALG group (82.22%) was also higher than that in the rATG group (68.75%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.32). The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups, and no treatment‐related deaths occurred.

Conclusions

The efficacies, survival, and safety profiles of pALG‐based treatments are similar to or even better than those of rATG‐based treatments. These results may help guide the clinical use of pALG in immunosuppressive therapy for SAA.
Transcranial direct current stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex modulates arithmetic learning
Authors: Grabner Roland H. , Rütsche Bruno , Ruff Christian C. , Hauser Tobias U.
Published: May 2015

The successful acquisition of arithmetic skills is an essential step in the development of mathematical competencies and has been associated with neural activity in the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC). It is unclear, however, whether this brain region plays a causal role in arithmetic skill acquisition and whether arithmetic learning can be modulated by means of non‐invasive brain stimulation of this key region. In the present study we addressed these questions by applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left PPC during a short‐term training that simulates the typical path of arithmetic skill acquisition (specifically the transition from effortful procedural to memory‐based problem‐solving strategies). Sixty participants received either anodal, cathodal or sham tDCS while practising complex multiplication and subtraction problems. The stability of the stimulation‐induced learning effects was assessed in a follow‐up test 24 h after the training. Learning progress was modulated by tDCS. Cathodal tDCS (compared with sham) decreased learning rates during training and resulted in poorer performance which lasted over 24 h after stimulation. Anodal tDCS showed an operation‐specific improvement for subtraction learning. Our findings extend previous studies by demonstrating that the left PPC is causally involved in arithmetic learning (and not only in arithmetic performance) and that even a short‐term tDCS application can modulate the success of arithmetic knowledge acquisition. Moreover, our finding of operation‐specific anodal stimulation effects suggests that the enhancing effects of tDCS on learning can selectively affect just one of several cognitive processes mediated by the stimulated area.
Clinical significance of CYP2C9‐status guided valproic acid therapy in children
Authors: Bűdi Tamás , Tóth Katalin , Nagy Andrea , Szever Zsuzsa , Kiss Ádám , Temesvári Manna , Háfra Edit , Garami Miklós , Tapodi Adrienn , Monostory Katalin
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Valproic acid (VPA)–induced adverse effects, which are sometimes serious in children, can be associated with alterations in VPA metabolism. VPA‐evoked toxicity is attributed to both the parent compound and its unsaturated metabolites, primarily formed by the cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C9 enzyme. Thus, patients’ CYP2C9‐status may account for the predisposition to adverse reactions, and testing CYP2C9‐status may contribute to the improvement and rationalization of VPA therapy in children.

Methods

In the CYPtest group, children's CYP2C9‐status was screened before initiating antiepileptic therapy. CYP2C9‐status was estimated by the identification of defective CYP2C9 allelic variants (CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3) and current CYP2C9 expression in patients’ leukocytes, which reflects hepatic CYP2C9 activities. When the results of CYP2C9 genotyping and CYP2C9 expression were combined, the patients’ VPA‐metabolizing capacity was predicted, and VPA dosing was adjusted to the patients’ CYP2C9‐status. Clinical and biochemical parameters, such as VPA serum levels, blood cell counts, liver function parameters, and adverse effects in patients of CYPtest group were compared with those of the control group treated with VPA according to conventional clinical practice.

Results

CYP2C9‐guided treatment significantly reduced VPA misdosing and consequently decreased the ratio of patients out of the range of target VPA blood concentrations. In the CYPtest group of children who received CYP2C9‐status adapted dose, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level and the ratio of patients with abnormal ALP levels were substantially lower than in the control group. The incidence of serious side effects, notably hyperammonemia, was reduced in the CYPtest group; however, some other side effects, such as weight changes and somnolence, could not be avoided.

Significance

The knowledge of pediatric patients’ CYP2C9‐status can contribute to the optimization of VPA dosing and to the avoidance of misdosing‐induced side effects.
Equine atypical myopathy caused by hypoglycin A intoxication associated with ingestion of sycamore maple tree seeds
Authors: Żuraw A. , Dietert K. , Kühnel S. , Sander J. , Klopfleisch R.
Published: May 2015

Reasons for performing study

Evidence suggest there is a link between equine atypical myopathy (EAM) and ingestion of sycamore maple tree seeds.

Objectives

To further evaluate the hypothesis that the ingestion of hypoglycin A (HGA) containing sycamore maple tree seeds causes acquired multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and might be associated with the clinical and pathological signs of EAM.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

Necropsy and histopathology, using hematoxylin and eosin and Sudan III stains, were performed on a 2.5‐year‐old mare that died following the development of clinical signs of progressive muscle stiffness and recumbency. Prior to death, the animal ingested sycamore maple tree seeds (Acer pseudoplatanus). Detection of metabolites in blood and urine obtained post mortem was performed by rapid ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Data from this case were compared with 3 geldings with no clinical history of myopathy.

Results

Macroscopic examination revealed fragments of maple tree seeds in the stomach and severe myopathy of several muscle groups including Mm. intercostales, deltoidei and trapezii. Histologically, the affected muscles showed severe, acute rhabdomyolysis with extensive accumulation of finely dispersed fat droplets in the cytoplasm of degenerated skeletal muscle cells not present in controls. Urine and serum concentrations of several acyl carnitines and acyl glycines were increased, and both contained metabolites of HGA, a toxic amino acid present in sycamore maple tree seeds.

Conclusions

The study supports the hypothesis that ingestion of HGA‐containing maple tree seeds may cause EAM due to acquired multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Indexing and Stock Price Efficiency
Authors: Qin Nan , Singal Vijay
Published: May 2015

Indexing has experienced substantial growth over the last two decades because it is an effective way of holding a diversified portfolio while minimizing trading costs and taxes. In this article, we focus on one negative externality of indexing: the effect on the efficiency of stock prices. Based on a sample of large and liquid US stocks, we find that greater indexing leads to less efficient stock prices, as indicated by stronger post‐earnings‐announcement drift and greater deviations of stock prices from the random walk. We conjecture that reduced incentives for information acquisition and arbitrage induced by indexing and passive trading are probably the main causes for degradation in price efficiency.
Estuarine fish communities respond to climate variability over both river and ocean basins
Authors: Feyrer Frederick , Cloern James E. , Brown Larry R. , Fish Maxfield A. , Hieb Kathryn A. , Baxter Randall D.
Published: May 2015

Estuaries are dynamic environments at the land–sea interface that are strongly affected by interannual climate variability. Ocean–atmosphere processes propagate into estuaries from the sea, and atmospheric processes over land propagate into estuaries from watersheds. We examined the effects of these two separate climate‐driven processes on pelagic and demersal fish community structure along the salinity gradient in the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA. A 33‐year data set (1980–2012) on pelagic and demersal fishes spanning the freshwater to marine regions of the estuary suggested the existence of five estuarine salinity fish guilds: limnetic (salinity = 0–1), oligohaline (salinity = 1–12), mesohaline (salinity = 6–19), polyhaline (salinity = 19–28), and euhaline (salinity = 29–32). Climatic effects propagating from the adjacent Pacific Ocean, indexed by the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO), affected demersal and pelagic fish community structure in the euhaline and polyhaline guilds. Climatic effects propagating over land, indexed as freshwater outflow from the watershed (OUT), affected demersal and pelagic fish community structure in the oligohaline, mesohaline, polyhaline, and euhaline guilds. The effects of OUT propagated further down the estuary salinity gradient than the effects of NPGO that propagated up the estuary salinity gradient, exemplifying the role of variable freshwater outflow as an important driver of biotic communities in river‐dominated estuaries. These results illustrate how unique sources of climate variability interact to drive biotic communities and, therefore, that climate change is likely to be an important driver in shaping the future trajectory of biotic communities in estuaries and other transitional habitats.
HIV infection is associated with an increased prevalence of coronary noncalcified plaque among participants with a coronary artery calcium score of zero: Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS)
Authors: Metkus TS , Brown T , Budoff M , Kingsley L , Palella FJ , Witt MD , Li X , George RT , Jacobson LP , Post WS
Published: May 2015

Objectives

HIV‐infected individuals bear increased cardiovascular risk even in the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In the general population, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning is of value for cardiovascular risk stratification, but whether a CAC score of zero implies a low noncalcified coronary plaque burden in HIV‐infected persons is unknown.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaque and compared noncalcified coronary plaque burden between HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected participants who had CAC scores of zero in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) using coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography.

Results

HIV infection was associated with the presence of noncalcified coronary plaque among these men with CAC scores of zero. In a model adjusted only for age, race, centre, and pre‐ or post‐2001 cohort, the prevalence ratio for the presence of noncalcified plaque was 1.27 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.56; P = 0.02). After additionally adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, HIV infection remained associated with the presence of noncalcified coronary plaque (prevalence ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.6; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Among men with CAC scores of zero, HIV infection is associated with an increased prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaque independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This finding suggests that CAC scanning may underestimate plaque burden in HIV‐infected men.
Psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire
Authors: Kool Nienke , van Meijel Berno , van der Bijl Jaap , Koekkoek Bauke , Kerkhof Ad
Published: May 2015

The attitude of nurses and treatment staff is crucial in the treatment of patients who self‐harm. However, many patients experience that attitude as negative. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire. A total of 261 questionnaires were used to measure validity and reliability. Sensitivity to change was measured using a post‐test measurement (n = 171) and a subgroup of 78 participants were given the questionnaire twice for test–retest measurement. Factor analysis revealed four factors explaining 33% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha values ranged 0.585–0.809, with 0.637 for the total scale. Intraclass correlation coefficient was assessed in order to estimate test–retest reliability, revealing the questionnaire was stable over time; the exception was factor 3, which had a value of 0.63. Sensitivity to change was found for the total score, factor one and two, and for three of the five items of factor three. We conclude that the Dutch version of the Attitude Towards Deliberate Self‐Harm Questionnaire possesses adequate psychometric properties and is potentially an acceptable instrument for measuring the attitude of nurses and health‐care staff towards patients who self‐harm in Dutch‐speaking countries.
Natural history of dental caries in very young Australian children
Authors: Gussy Mark , Ashbolt Rosie , Carpenter Lauren , Virgo‐Milton Monica , Calache Hanny , Dashper Stuart , Leong Pamela , de Silva Andrea , de Livera Alysha , Simpson Julie , Waters Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

Background

Whilst the global burden of caries is increasing, the trajectory of decay in young children and the point at which prevention should occur has not been well established.

Aim

To identify the ‘natural history’ of dental caries in early childhood.

Design

A birth cohort study was established with 467 mother/child dyads followed at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 36 months of age. Parent‐completed surveys captured demographic, social, and behavioural data, and oral examinations provided clinical and data.

Results

Eight per cent of children (95% confidence interval (CI): 5–12%) at 18 months and 23% (95% CI: 18–28%) at 36 months experienced decay. Interesting lesion behaviour was found between 18 and 36 months, with rapid development of new lesions on sound teeth (70% of teeth, 95% CI: 63–76%) and regression of many lesions from non‐cavitated lesions to sound (23% of teeth, 95% CI: 17–30%). Significant associations were found between soft drink consumption and lesion progression.

Conclusions

Findings suggest optimal time periods for screening and prevention of a disease which significantly impacts multiple health and well‐being outcomes across the life course.
Exchange Bias in the Layered Manganese La2O3Mn2Se2 as a Function of Temperature and Cooling Magnetic Fields
Authors: Xie Liang , Zhang Hongguang
Published: May 2015

We investigate the exchange bias (EB) phenomenon in the layered manganese oxychalcogenides La2O3Mn2Se2. The spin canting of the antiferromagnetic (AFM) background leads to the ferromagnetic (FM) contribution and the exchange coupling at the FM/AFM interface is responsible for the EB phenomenon. Due to the subtle equilibrium of the magnetic states, the EB field shows strong temperature and cooling field HFC dependences. These results suggest that the EB effect in La2O3Mn2Se2 could be tuned by HFC and temperature, which is important for designing related devices.
Unravelling the historical biogeography and diversification dynamics of a highly diverse conifer‐feeding aphid genus
Authors: Meseguer Andrea S. , Coeur d'acier Armelle , Genson Gwenaelle , Jousselin Emmanuelle
Published: May 2015

Aim

Scenarios of aphid evolution suggest that adaptation to host plants plays a major role in aphid diversification. It is therefore commonly assumed that host association has also shaped the biogeographical patterns of aphids; particularly, it has been hypothesized that the intercontinental disjunctions observed in the Holarctic for many aphid groups resulted from the disappearance or migration of their hosts. We explored this hypothesis for the conifer‐feeding genusCinara, one of the most diverse and widely distributed aphid genera in the Holarctic.

Location

Holarctic.

Methods

SixDNAfragments from 361 specimens representing 92 species were used to reconstruct the phylogeny ofCinaraspecies. We used species‐delimitation methods to identify putative species, and estimated times of divergence using Bayesian relaxed clocks and fossil calibrations. We investigated rates of diversification, biogeographical and host‐association history using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches.

Results

Cinaraoriginated in Asiac. 50 Ma following a host switch to conifers from an angiosperm‐feeding ancestor. The steady diversification observed since then suggests that this host switch did not cause adaptive radiation inCinara, as previously assumed. Switches between conifer host genera could have facilitated the expansion ofCinarain the Holarctic, but the intercontinental disjunctions observed today are most likely the result of vicariance mediated by climatic or geological barriers.

Main conclusions

This study shows that biogeographical and diversification patterns inCinarahave not only been shaped by host‐plant adaptation processes, but also by the climatic and geological changes that occurred through the Cenozoic.
Editorial: Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a continuing challenge to researchers, practitioners and carers
Authors: Lesch Klaus‐Peter
Published: May 2015

This editorial introduces a collection of research papers and a review on ADHD, highlighting the continuing challenge that ADHD poses in research and practice. The articles include a Practitioner Review providing a comprehensive review focusing on current knowledge about barriers and facilitators operating at the individual, organisational and societal level; a study reporting a randomised controlled trial of parent training for ADHD pre‐schoolers; an empirical paper on sex differences in ADHD symptom severity; a study of the co‐development of ADHD and externalizing behaviour across the lifespan; a study of the genetic architecture of neurocognitive abilities in the general population; and finally a study examining the differential association among three behavioural dimensions leading to early‐onset conduct problems.