bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intragenus competition between coccolithoviruses: an insight on how a select few can come to dominate many
Authors: Nissimov Jozef I. , Napier Johnathan A. , Allen Michael J. , Kimmance Susan A.
Published: May 2015

Viruses are a major cause of coccolithophore bloom demise in both temperate and sub‐temperate oceanic regions. Most infection studies on coccolithoviruses have been conducted with a single virus strain, and the effect of intragenus competition by closely related coccolithoviruses has been ignored. Here we conducted combined infection experiments, infecting Emiliania huxleyi CCMP 2090 with two coccolithoviruses: EhV‐86 and EhV‐207 both simultaneously and independently. EhV‐207 displayed a shorter lytic cycle and increased production potential than EhV‐86 and was remarkably superior under competitive conditions. Although the viruses displayed identical adsorption kinetics in the first 2 h post infection, EhV‐207 gained a numerical advantage as early as 8 h post infection. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that when infecting in combination, EhV‐207 was not affected by the presence of EhV‐86, whereas EhV‐86 was quickly out‐competed, and a significant reduction in free and cell‐associated EhV‐86 was seen as early as 2 days after the initial infection. The observation of such clear phenotypic differences between genetically distinct, yet similar, coccolithovirus strains, by flow cytometry and quantitative real‐time PCR allowed tentative links to the burgeoning genomic, transcriptomic and metabolic data to be made and the factors driving their selection, in particular to the de novo coccolithovirus‐encoded sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway. This work illustrates that, even within a family, not all viruses are created equally, and the potential exists for relatively small genetic changes to infer disproportionately large competitive advantages for one coccolithovirus over another, ultimately leading to a few viruses dominating the many.
Partial Replacement of Protective Tariffs by Production Subsidies and Welfare
Authors: Ogawa Yoshitomo , Ono Yoshiyasu
Published: May 2015

Using a two‐country framework, this paper examines the welfare effect of partially replacing a tariff with a production subsidy. It considers some plausible situations for industry protection, including where the initial tariff is higher than the optimal tariff, where a certain output of the protected commodity must be maintained, and where domestic production of the sector yields some externalities. In these cases it is shown that the partial replacement benefits the country. Properties of the optimal replacement are also explored.
Inhibition of Gallic Acid on the Growth and Biofilm Formation of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Shao Dongyan , Li Jing , Li Ji , Tang Ruihua , Liu Liu , Shi Junling , Huang Qingsheng , Yang Hui
Published: May 2015

New strategies for biofilm inhibition are becoming highly necessary because of the concerns to synthetic additives. As gallic acid (GA) is a hydrolysated natural product of tannin in Chinese gall, this research studied the effects of GA on the growth and biofilm formation of bacteria (Escherichia coli [Gram‐negative] and Streptococcus mutans [Gram‐positive]) under different conditions, such as nutrient levels, temperatures (25 and 37 °C) and incubation times (24 and 48 h). The minimum antimicrobial concentration of GA against the two pathogenic organisms was determined as 8 mg/mL. GA significantly affected the growth curves of both test strains at 25 and 37 °C. The nutrient level, temperature, and treatment time influenced the inhibition activity of GA on both growth and biofim formation of tested pathogens. The inhibition effect of GA on biofilm could be due to other factors in addition to the antibacterial effect. Overall, GA was most effective against cultures incubated at 37 °C for 24 h and at 25 °C for 48 h in various concentrations of nutrients and in vegetable wash waters, which indicated the potential of GA as emergent sources of biofilm control products.
Effects of the invasive plant Eupatorium adenophorum on the exotic mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and their natural enemies
Authors: Zhou Aiming , Bi Jinqi , Xu Jianxiong , Wang Man-Qun
Published: May 2015

The mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and the plant Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng are highly invasive species in China. Previous studies have shown that E. adenophorum is a suitable reservoir for the development of P. solenopsis populations. The natural enemies of P. solenopsis (predator Menochilus sexmaculata and parasitoid Aenasius bambawalei) were infrequently present on E. adenophorum. We hypothesize that E. adenophorum facilitates the colony growth of P. solenopsis by excluding their enemies.

We measured the biological parameters of P. solenopsis on E. adenophorum and two cultivated host plants (Gossypium hirsutum and Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis). The results show that, when reared by E. adenophorum, female mealybugs had a shorter developmental duration, greater fecundity, higher survival and larger populations.

Compared with cultivated plants, M. sexmaculata experienced lower predatory performance and fecundity on E. adenophorum. Phenacoccus solenopsis also exhibited a lower percentage of parasitism on E. adenophorum. Both predator and parasitoids avoided colonizing the mealybug infested and uninfested E. adenophorum plants in a significant way. These results suggest that E. adenophorum may facilitate the colony growth of P. solenopsis by excluding enemies through their chemical cues.
Treatment of permanent chemotherapy‐induced alopecia with low dose oral minoxidil
Authors: Yang Xinyi , Thai Keng‐Ee
Published: May 2015

Chemotherapy‐induced alopecia is a well‐established cause of major distress to patients. Permanent chemotherapy‐induced alopecia (PCIA) is the absence of or incomplete hair regrowth lasting longer than 6 months after the cessation of chemotherapy and it does not respond to standard treatments of scalp cooling or topical minoxidil. The increasing numbers of reports of PCIA highlight the need for research into an effective treatment. We report a case of a 39 year‐old woman with cosmetically significant regrowth after continuous therapy with oral minoxidil.
Patch testing in Australia: Is it adequate?
Authors: Tizi Stephanie , Nixon Rosemary L
Published: May 2015

Background/Objectives

Patch testing (PT) is essential for making the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, the extent of PT undertaken by Australian dermatologists is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate and type of PT in Australia, the perceived obstacles to PT, and to explore the exposure to PT in dermatology training.

Methods

Data were collected on private PT (analysing Medicare item numbers) and public hospital‐based PT (estimated via verbal reports). An online survey on PT was sent to Fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

Results

It was found that total PT numbers, combining Medicare item number and public hospital data, were below the suggested optimum in all states and in Australia overall. Of the 173 respondents to the survey, 61% reported they patch tested and 78% reported they referred for PT. TrueTest was the most commonly used PT system, although it is known to be inadequate. Dermatologists who PT as registrars were significantly more likely to PT as consultants (P value = 0.0029). Cost, expertise required and staffing were considered major obstacles to performing PT. Accessibility and cost to the patient were common obstacles to referral.

Conclusions

The combination of suboptimal PT rates and inadequate PT means that patients are missing out on being diagnosed with ACD in Australia. Increasing the exposure of registrars to PT, supporting specialised centres, the development of the Australian Baseline Series and the Contact Allergen Bank will, it is hoped, improve the rates of comprehensive PT in Australia.
Attenuation of food allergy symptoms following treatment with human milk oligosaccharides in a mouse model
Authors: Castillo‐Courtade L. , Han S. , Lee S. , Mian F. M. , Buck R. , Forsythe P.
Published: May 2015

Background

The prebiotic nature of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and increasing evidence of direct immunomodulatory effects of these sugars suggest that they may have some therapeutic potential in allergy. Here, we assess the effect of two HMOs, 2’‐fucosyllactose and 6’‐sialyllactose, on symptomatology and immune responses in an ovalbumin‐sensitized mouse model of food allergy.

Methods

The effects of oral treatment with 2′‐fucosyllactose and 6′‐sialyllactose on anaphylactic symptoms induced by oral ovalbumin (OVA) challenge in sensitized mice were investigated. Mast cell functions in response to oral HMO treatment were also measured in the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model, and direct effects on IgE‐mediated degranulation of mast cells were assessed.

Results

Daily oral treatment with 2′‐fucosyllactose or 6′‐sialyllactose attenuated food allergy symptoms including diarrhea and hypothermia. Treatment with HMOs also suppressed antigen‐induced increases in mouse mast cell protease‐1 in serum and mast cell numbers in the intestine. These effects were associated with increases in the CD4+CD25+IL‐10+ cell populations in the Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, while 6′‐sialyllactose also induced increased IL‐10 and decreased TNF production in antigen‐stimulated splenocytes. Both 2′‐fucosyllactose and 6′‐sialyllactose reduced the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis response, but only 6′‐sialyllactose directly inhibited mast cell degranulation in vitro, at high concentrations.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that 2′‐fucosyllactose and 6′‐sialyllactose reduce the symptoms of food allergy through induction of IL‐10+ T regulatory cells and indirect stabilization of mast cells. Thus, human milk oligosaccharides may have therapeutic potential in allergic disease.
The Changing Shape of Welfare Policy in Korea: Analysis of Break Point in the Welfare Budget
Authors: Ko Hyejin
Published: May 2015

This paper aims to investigate the welfare policy change in South Korea. Based on punctuated equilibrium theory, I analyze kurtosis and break point of the distribution of variation in the general government welfare budget. As a result, the change in welfare budget levels in South Korea has been quite moderate. But two break points were set in 1977 and 1999. These cutoff points are related with the change of the Korean Welfare State and clearly distinguished from different times. That is, the characteristics of structure that were built during these two time periods have lasted until now. Specifically, the responsibility of state in welfare is narrow. And the feature of employment‐friendly welfare policy was formed in 1977. Also, the focus on livelihood security and employment in welfare spending was constructed in 1999. The analysis of budget is a useful tool in examining the policy change. We expect to find more specific characteristics of the Korean welfare state including special accounts and funds in future.
Evaluation of the QT effect of a combination of piperaquine and a novel anti‐malarial drug candidate OZ439, for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria
Authors: Darpo Borje , Ferber Georg , Siegl Peter , Laurijssens Bart , Macintyre Fiona , Toovey Stephen , Duparc Stephan
Published: May 2015

Aims

The aim was to investigate the QT effect of a single dose combination regimen of piperaquine phosphate (PQP) and a novel aromatic trioxolane, OZ439, for malaria treatment.

Methods

Exposure–response (ER) analysis was performed on data from a placebo‐controlled, single dose, study with OZ439 and PQP. Fifty‐nine healthy subjects aged 18 to 55 years received OZ439 alone or placebo in a first period, followed by OZ439 plus PQP or matching placebos in period 2. OZ439 and PQP doses ranged from 100–800 mg and 160–1440 mg, respectively. Twelve‐lead ECG tracings and PK samples were collected serially pre‐ and post‐dosing.

Results

A significant relation between plasma concentrations and placebo‐corrected change from baseline QTcF (ΔΔQTcF) was demonstrated for piperaquine, but not for OZ439, with a mean slope of 0.047 ms per ng ml−1 (90% CI 0.038, 0.057). Using an ER model that accounts for plasma concentrations of both piperaquine and OZ439, a largest mean QTcF effect of 14 ms (90% CI 10, 18 ms) and 18 ms (90% CI 14, 22 ms) was predicted at expected plasma concentrations of a single dose 800 mg OZ439 combined with PQP 960 mg (188 ng ml−1) and 1440 mg (281 ng ml−1), respectively, administered in the fasted state.

Conclusions

Piperaquine prolongs the QTc interval in a concentration‐dependent way. A single dose regimen combining 800 mg OZ439 with 960 mg or 1440 mg PQP is expected to result in lower peak piperaquine plasma concentrations compared with available 3 day PQP‐artemisinin combinations and can therefore be predicted to cause less QTc prolongation.
Adverse Events During Immunotherapy Against Grass Pollen‐Induced Allergic Rhinitis – Differences Between Subcutaneous and Sublingual Treatment
Authors: Aasbjerg Kristian , Dalhoff Kim Peder , Backer Vibeke
Published: May 2015

Allergic rhinitis (AR) triggered by grass pollen is a common disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. Treatment consists of symptom‐alleviating drugs, such as topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. Another option is potentially curative immunotherapy, currently available as sublingual and subcutaneous treatment. We investigated the potential differences in the prevalence and severity of adverse events related to subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) against grass pollen‐induced AR. A thorough literature search was performed with PubMed and EMBASE. The findings were compared with the available summaries of product characteristics (SPC) and with commercial pharmacology databases (Micromedex). The majority of available safety data originate from registered products of standardized allergens. A surprisingly large percentage of drugs, especially those used in the United States, have no systematically collected safety data. No sufficiently powered randomized trials comparing sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) were available, but general safety assessments indicate that sublingual tablet treatment is safer than subcutaneous treatment. Not all commonly used immunotherapy drugs are officially registered, and not all have systematically collected safety data. This is especially true for older drugs used in the United States. In contrast, newer drugs that have undergone extensive clinical testing have better documentation, but unified collection of safety data is still lacking. Considering the evidence available, most drugs elicit similar side effects from the same organ systems, and symptoms from the sublingual drug classes are probably less severe. However, a head‐to‐head comparison of safety and efficacy is lacking.
How we treat delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Gardner Kate , Hoppe Carolyn , Mijovic Aleksandar , Thein Swee L.
Published: May 2015

Transfusion therapy is effective in the prevention and treatment of many complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). However, its benefits must be balanced against its risks, including delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTR). Not only is the relative rate of alloimmunization higher in patients with SCD than in other patient populations, but attendant risks associated with DHTR are even greater in SCD. Clinicians' awareness of DHTR events is poor because symptoms of DHTR mimic acute vaso‐occlusive pain and immunohaematology findings are often negative. Transfusions delivered in the acute rather than elective setting appear to confer a higher risk of DHTR. Management of DHTR in SCD depends on the clinical severity, ranging from supportive care to immunosuppression, and optimization of erythropoiesis. DHTR must be considered in any recently transfused patient presenting with acute sickle cell pain. Meticulous documentation of transfusion and immunohaematology history is key. We anticipate an increase in DHTR events in SCD patients with the increasing use of red blood cell transfusion therapy.
Transnational dental care among Canadian immigrants
Authors: Calvasina Paola , Muntaner Carles , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: May 2015

Objective

This study examines predictors of transnational dental care utilization, or the use of dental care across national borders, over a 4‐year period among immigrants to Canada.

Methods

Data from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC, 2001–2005) were used. Sampling and bootstrap weights were applied to make the data nationally representative. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors associated with immigrants' transnational dental care utilization.

Results

Approximately 13% of immigrants received dental care outside Canada over a period of 4 years. Immigrants lacking dental insurance (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.55–2.70), those reporting dental problems (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12–1.88), who were female (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.22–2.08), aged ≥ 50 years (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.45–3.64), and who were always unemployed (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.20–2.39) were more likely to report transnational dental care utilization. History of social assistance was inversely correlated with the use of dental services outside Canada (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30–0.83).

Conclusions

It is estimated that roughly 11 500 immigrants have used dental care outside Canada over a 4‐year period. Although transnational dental care utilization may serve as an individual solution for immigrants' initial barriers to accessing dental care, it demonstrates weaknesses to in‐country efforts at providing publicly funded dental care to socially marginalized groups. Policy reforms should be enacted to expand dental care coverage among adult immigrants.
Warfarin pharmacogenetics in the era of new oral anticoagulants
Authors: Wright G.E.B.
Published: May 2015

Genetics and the clinical response to warfarin and edoxaban: findings from the randomized, double‐blind ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 trial

Mega et al. (2015)

Lancet
State‐of‐the‐Art in GPU‐Based Large‐Scale Volume Visualization
Authors: Beyer Johanna , Hadwiger Markus , Pfister Hanspeter
Published: May 2015

This survey gives an overview of the current state of the art in GPU techniques for interactive large‐scale volume visualization. Modern techniques in this field have brought about a sea change in how interactive visualization and analysis of giga‐, tera‐ and petabytes of volume data can be enabled on GPUs. In addition to combining the parallel processing power of GPUs with out‐of‐core methods and data streaming, a major enabler for interactivity is making both the computational and the visualization effort proportional to the amount and resolution of data that is actually visible on screen, i.e. ‘output‐sensitive’ algorithms and system designs. This leads to recent output‐sensitive approaches that are ‘ray‐guided’, ‘visualization‐driven’ or ‘display‐aware’. In this survey, we focus on these characteristics and propose a new categorization of GPU‐based large‐scale volume visualization techniques based on the notions of actual output‐resolution visibility and the current working set of volume bricks—the current subset of data that is minimally required to produce an output image of the desired display resolution. Furthermore, we discuss the differences and similarities of different rendering and data traversal strategies in volume rendering by putting them into a common context—the notion of address translation. For our purposes here, we view parallel (distributed) visualization using clusters as an orthogonal set of techniques that we do not discuss in detail but that can be used in conjunction with what we present in this survey.
A protocol for the delimitation of areas of endemism and the historical regionalization of the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest using harvestmen distribution data
Authors: DaSilva Marcio Bernardino , Pinto‐da‐Rocha Ricardo , DeSouza Adriano Medeiros
Published: May 2015

The concept of areas of endemism (AoEs) has rarely been discussed in the literature, even though the use of methods to ascertain them has recently increased. We introduce a grid‐based protocol for delimiting AoEs using alternative criteria for the recognition of AoEs that are empirically tested with harvestmen species distributions in the Atlantic Rain Forest. Our data, comprising 778 records of 123 species, were analysed using parsimony analysis of endemicity and endemicity analysis on four different grids (two cell sizes and two cell placements). Additionally, we employed six qualitative combined criteria for the delimitation of AoEs and applied them to the results of the numerical analyses in a new protocol to objectively delimit AoEs. Twelve AoEs (the most detailed delimitation of the Atlantic Rain Forest so far) were delimited, partially corroborating the main divisions previously established in the literature. The results obtained with the grid‐based methods were contradictory and were plagued by artefacts, probably due to the existence of different endemism patterns in one cell or to a biogeographical barrier set obliquely to latitudinal and longitudinal axes, for example. Consequently, the congruence patterns found by them should not be considered alone; qualitative characteristics of species and clade distributions and abiotic factors should be evaluated together. Mountain slopes are the main regions of endemism, and large river valleys are the main divisions. Refuges, marine transgressions and tectonic activity seem to have played an important role in the evolution of the Atlantic Rain Forest.
Analysis of incomplete excisions of basal‐cell carcinomas after breadloaf microscopy compared with 3D‐microscopy: a prospective randomized and blinded study
Authors: Boehringer Alexandra , Adam Patrick , Schnabl Saskia , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Breuninger Helmut
Published: May 2015

Basal‐cell carcinomas may show irregular, asymmetric subclinical growth. This study analyzed the efficacy of ‘breadloaf’ microscopy (serial sectioning) and three‐dimensional (3D) microscopy in detecting positive tumor margins. Two hundred eighty‐three (283) tumors (51.2%) were put into the breadloaf microscopy group; 270 tumors (48.8%) into the 3D microscopy group. The position of any detected tumor outgrowths was identified in clock face fashion. The time required for cutting and embedding the specimens and the examination of the microscopic slides was measured. Patient/tumor characteristics and surgical margins did not differ significantly. Tumor outgrowths at the excision margin were found in 62 of 283 cases (21.9%) in the breadloaf microscopy group and in 115 of 270 cases (42.6%) in the 3D microscopy group, constituting a highly significant difference (p < 0.001). This difference held true with incomplete excision of fibrosing (infiltrative/sclerosing/morpheaform) tumors [32.9% in the breadloaf microscopy group and 57.5% in the 3D microscopy group (p = 0.003)] and also with solid (nodular) tumors [16.1 and 34.2%, respectively (p < 0.001)]. The mean overall examination time required showed no important difference. In summary, for detection of tumor outgrowths, 3D microscopy has almost twice the sensitivity of breadloaf microscopy, particularly in the situation of aggressive/infiltrative carcinomas.
Improved glucose control with reduced hypoglycaemic risk when linagliptin is added to basal insulin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Inzucchi S. E. , Nauck M. A. , Hehnke U. , Woerle H.‐J. , von Eynatten M. , Henry R. R.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To assess the efficacy, hypoglycaemia risk and other safety markers of linagliptin as an additional therapy in older patients (aged ≥70 years) inadequately controlled with basal insulin.

Methods

A prespecified safety analysis from the linagliptin trials programme was carried out to explore the hypoglycaemia risk when linagliptin was added to background basal insulin therapy in elderly patients (≥70 years). To do this, two eligible, randomized, placebo‐controlled, clinical trials (NCT00954447 and NCT01084005) of 24 and ≥52 weeks, respectively, were analysed.

Results

A total of 247 elderly individuals [mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) age 74 ± 4 years, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.2 ± 0.8%] on basal insulin (mean ± s.d. baseline dose 36 ± 25 IU/day) were identified. Alongside placebo‐adjusted change in HbA1c with linagliptin of −0.77% [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.95 to 0.59; p < 0.0001] after 24 weeks, the hazard ratios (HRs) of both overall and confirmed hypoglycaemia [blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/l (70 mg/dl)], were significantly lower with linagliptin than with placebo: HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.39–0.97) versus 0.59 (95% CI 0.37–0.94), respectively (both p < 0.05). Moreover, significantly less confirmed hypoglycaemia was present in linagliptin‐treated patients with renal impairment [HR 0.45 (95% CI 0.27–0.76)], moderate hyperglycaemia [HbA1c 7.5 to <9.0%; HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.27–0.99)], lower fasting plasma glucose levels [<152 mg/dl; HR 0.49 (95% CI 0.28–0.86)] and those treated with higher insulin doses [insulin ≥35.6 IU/day; HR 0.46 (95% CI 0.23–0.91); p < 0.05 for all]. Severe hypoglycaemia was rare and the incidence was lower with linagliptin (0.8%) versus placebo (2.5%): HR 0.21 (95% CI 0.02–2.30).

Conclusions

Despite improvements in hyperglycaemia and no relevant on‐trial insulin dose reductions, adding linagliptin to basal insulin appears to decrease hypoglycaemia risk. The biological basis of this phenomenon warrants further research but may involve counter‐regulatory effects of incretin hormones.
Large‐scale oceanographic fluctuations drive Antarctic petrel survival and reproduction
Authors: Descamps Sébastien , Tarroux Arnaud , Lorentsen Svein‐Håkon , Love Oliver P. , Varpe Øystein , Yoccoz Nigel G.
Published: May 2015

Polar Regions are experiencing environmental changes at unprecedented rates. These changes can spread throughout entire food webs from lower trophic levels to apex predators. As many top predators forage over large areas, these indirect effects may be associated with large‐scale patterns of climate variability. Using global climate indices that are known to impact the Southern Ocean ecosystem (the El Niño Southern Oscillation and Antarctic Oscillation Indices) we assessed their efficacy to predict variation in the demographic parameters of Antarctic seabirds. First, we used a long‐term dataset on adult survival (estimated from capture–mark–recapture data) and reproduction of Antarctic petrel Thalassoica antarctica, from the largest known breeding colony (Svarthamaren, Dronning Maud Land) and examined whether large‐scale oceanographic fluctuations impact survival and reproduction. Second, we conducted an exhaustive literature review to determine whether the effects of large‐scale environmental variability on Antarctic seabirds have a coherent fingerprint across the Antarctic continent and nearby islands. We found that most of the variation in both reproductive success, timing of hatching, and survival of Antarctic petrels can be accurately modeled using the two modes of large‐scale climate variability in Antarctica. The literature review, combined with the results from our field study, suggests that while the anticipated trends in the global patterns of climatic variability will generally have detrimental effects on populations of top predators in the Southwest Atlantic, these conclusions cannot be extrapolated to all seabird populations in Antarctica without additional data.
First report of Exobasidium gracile causing hypertrophied leaves of Camellia sasanqua in South Korea
Authors: Lee C. K. , Lee S. H. , Shin H. D. , Park J.‐H.
Published: May 2015

This study presents the first report of Exobasidium gracile in South Korea. In 2012, a Camellia sasanqua tree with typical Exobasidium disease symptoms was observed for the first time in South Korea. The causal fungus was determined as E. gracile. The identification was based on host range, symptomatology, morphology and two‐gene sequence analyses.
Failure Risk and the Cross‐Section of Hedge Fund Returns
Authors: Kim Jung‐Min
Published: May 2015

Modeling a hedge fund's probability of failure with a dynamic logit regression, I find that the probability of a fund's failure has a significantly negative effect on the fund's future returns. A quintile portfolio with the highest failure probability underperforms a quintile portfolio with the lowest failure probability by 5% to 6% per year from 1997 to 2012. The results are robust to the definition of hedge fund failure and controlling for a large set of risk factors and fund characteristics. Moreover, the negative effect of failure probability on future fund returns is stronger for funds with weak share restrictions.
A global viability assessment of the European eel
Authors: Bevacqua Daniele , Melià Paco , Gatto Marino , De Leo Giulio A.
Published: May 2015

The global European eel (Anguilla anguilla) stock is critically endangered according to the IUCN, and the European Commission has urged the development of conservation plans aimed to ensure its viability. However, the complex life cycle of this panmictic species, which reproduces in the open ocean but spends most of its prereproductive life in continental waters (thus embracing a huge geographic range and a variety of habitat types), makes it difficult to assess the long‐term effectiveness of conservation measures. The interplay between local and global stressors raises intriguing cross‐scale conservation challenges that require a comprehensive modelling approach to be addressed. We developed a full life cycle model of the global European eel stock, encompassing both the oceanic and the continental phases of eel's life, and explicitly allowing for spatial heterogeneity in vital rates, availability of suitable habitat and settlement potential via a metapopulation approach. We calibrated the model against a long‐term time series of global European eel catches and used it to hindcast the dynamics of the stock in the past and project it over the 21st century under different management scenarios. Although our analysis relies on a number of inevitable simplifying assumptions and on data that may not embrace the whole range of variation in population dynamics at the small spatiotemporal scale, our hindcast is consistent with the general pattern of decline of the stock over recent decades. The results of our projections suggest that (i) habitat loss played a major role in the European eel decline; (ii) the viability of the global stock is at risk if appropriate protection measures are not implemented; (iii) the recovery of spawner escapement requires that fishing mortality is significantly reduced; and (iv) the recovery of recruitment might not be feasible if reproductive output is not enhanced.
Unexpected stimulation of soil methane uptake as emergent property of agricultural soils following bio‐based residue application
Authors: Ho Adrian , Reim Andreas , Kim Sang Yoon , Meima‐Franke Marion , Termorshuizen Aad , de Boer Wietse , van der Putten Wim H. , Bodelier Paul L. E.
Published: May 2015

Intensification of agriculture to meet the global food, feed, and bioenergy demand entail increasing re‐investment of carbon compounds (residues) into agro‐systems to prevent decline of soil quality and fertility. However, agricultural intensification decreases soil methane uptake, reducing, and even causing the loss of the methane sink function. In contrast to wetland agricultural soils (rice paddies), the methanotrophic potential in well‐aerated agricultural soils have received little attention, presumably due to the anticipated low or negligible methane uptake capacity in these soils. Consequently, a detailed study verifying or refuting this assumption is still lacking. Exemplifying a typical agricultural practice, we determined the impact of bio‐based residue application on soil methane flux, and determined the methanotrophic potential, including a qualitative (diagnostic microarray) and quantitative (group‐specific qPCR assays) analysis of the methanotrophic community after residue amendments over 2 months. Unexpectedly, after amendments with specific residues, we detected a significant transient stimulation of methane uptake confirmed by both the methane flux measurements and methane oxidation assay. This stimulation was apparently a result of induced cell‐specific activity, rather than growth of the methanotroph population. Although transient, the heightened methane uptake offsets up to 16% of total gaseous CO2 emitted during the incubation. The methanotrophic community, predominantly comprised of Methylosinus may facilitate methane oxidation in the agricultural soils. While agricultural soils are generally regarded as a net methane source or a relatively weak methane sink, our results show that methane oxidation rate can be stimulated, leading to higher soil methane uptake. Hence, even if agriculture exerts an adverse impact on soil methane uptake, implementing carefully designed management strategies (e.g. repeated application of specific residues) may compensate for the loss of the methane sink function following land‐use change.
Lipid‐based nutrient supplements do not affect efavirenz but lower plasma nevirapine concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV patients
Authors: Abdissa A , Olsen MF , Yilma D , Tesfaye M , Girma T , Christiansen M , Hagen CM , Wiesner L , Castel S , Aseffa A , McIlleron H , Pedersen C , Friis H , Andersen AB
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNSs) are increasingly used in HIV programmes in resource‐limited settings. However, the possible effects of LNSs on the plasma concentrations of antiretroviral drugs have not been assessed. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of LNSs on plasma efavirenz and nevirapine trough concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

The effects of LNSs were studied in adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a randomized trial. Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 17 kg/m2 (n = 282) received daily supplementation of an LNS containing whey (LNS/w), an LNS containing soy (LNS/s) or no LNS. Trough plasma concentrations of efavirenz and nevirapine were measured at 1 and 2 months. Genotyping for 516 G>T and 983 T>C polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 locus was performed. Multilevel linear mixed‐effects models were used to assess the associations between LNS and plasma efavirenz and nevirapine concentrations.

Results

In patients with BMI > 17 kg/m2, nevirapine concentrations were lower in the LNS/w and LNS/s groups by a median of −2.3 μg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) −3.9; −0.9 μg/mL; P = 0.002] and −2.1 μg/mL (IQR −3.9; −0.9 μg/mL; P = 0.01), respectively, compared with the group not receiving supplements. There were no differences between groups with respect to efavirenz plasma concentrations. The CYP2B6 516 G>T polymorphism was associated with a 5 μg/mL higher plasma efavirenz concentration compared with the wild type (P < 0.0001), while it was not associated with plasma nevirapine concentrations.

Conclusions

Intake of an LNS was associated with lower plasma nevirapine trough concentrations, indicating possible drug−LNS interactions. The clinical relevance of such reductions in nevirapine exposure is not clear. Plasma efavirenz concentration was not affected by the LNS.
Central neural activation following contact sensitivity peripheral immune challenge: evidence of brain–immune regulation through C fibres
Authors: Thinschmidt Jeffrey S. , King Michael A. , Korah Maria , Perez Pablo D. , Febo Marcelo , Miyan Jaleel , Grant Maria B.
Published: May 2015

This study tested the hypothesis that peripheral immune challenges will produce predictable activation patterns in the rat brain consistent with sympathetic excitation. As part of examining this hypothesis, this study asked whether central activation is dependent on capsaicin‐sensitive C‐fibres. We induced skin contact sensitivity immune responses with 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), in the presence or absence of the acute C‐fibre toxin capsaicin (8‐methyl‐N‐vanillyl‐6‐nonenamide) to trigger immune responses with and without diminished activity of C‐fibres. Innovative blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging data revealed that the skin contact sensitivity immune responses induced with DNCB were associated with localized increases in brain neuronal activity in treated rats. This response was diminished by pre‐treatment with capsaicin 1 week before scans. In the same animals, we found expression of the immediate early gene c‐Fos in sub‐regions of the amygdala and hypothalamic sympathetic brain nuclei. Significant increases in c‐Fos expression were found in the supraoptic nucleus, central amygdala and medial habenula following immune challenges. Our results support the idea that selective brain regions, some of which are associated with sympathetic function, process or modulate immune function through pathways that are partially dependent on C‐fibres. Together with previous studies demonstrating the motor control pathways from brain to immune targets, these findings indicate a central neuroimmune system to monitor host status and coordinate appropriate host responses.
Implementation of a smoke‐free policy in an inpatient psychiatric facility: Patient‐reported adherence, support, and receipt of nicotine‐dependence treatment
Authors: Stockings Emily A. , Bowman Jenny A. , Bartlem Kate M. , McElwaine Kathleen M. , Baker Amanda L. , Terry Margarett , Clancy Richard , Knight Jenny , Wye Paula M. , Colyvas Kim , Wiggers John H.
Published: May 2015

The implementation of smoke‐free policies in inpatient psychiatric facilities, including patient adherence, mental health nursing staff support, and provision of nicotine‐dependence treatment to patients, has been reported to be poor. The extent to which the quality of smoke‐free policy implementation is associated with patient views of a policy is unknown. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 181 patients (53.6%, n = 97 smokers; and 46.4%, n = 84 non‐smokers) in an Australian inpatient psychiatric facility with a total smoke‐free policy. Smokers' adherence to the policy was poor (83.5% smoked). Only half (53.6%) perceived staff to be supportive of the policy. Most smokers used nicotine‐replacement therapy (75.3%); although few received optimal nicotine‐dependence treatment (19.6%). Overall, 45.9% of patients viewed the smoke‐free policy in the unit as positive (29.9% smokers; 64.3% non‐smokers). For smokers, adhering to the ban, perceiving staff to be supportive, and reporting that the nicotine‐replacement therapy reduced cravings to smoke were associated with a more positive view towards the smoke‐free policy. These findings support the importance of patient adherence, mental health nursing staff support, and adequate provision of nicotine‐dependence treatment in strengthening smoke‐free policy implementation in inpatient psychiatric settings.
Effect of sealing infected dentin with glass ionomer cement on the abundance and localization of MMP‐2, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 in young permanent molars in vivo
Authors: Kuhn Eunice , Reis Alessandra , Campagnoli Eduardo Bauml , Chibinski Ana Cláudia Rodrigues , Carrilho Marcela Rocha de Oliveira , Wambier Denise Stadler
Published: May 2015

Background

The study of MMPs’ behavior in carious lesions contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in dentin reorganization after restoration.

Aim

To compare the abundance and localization of MMPs 2, 8, and 9 in infected dentin before and after restoration.

Design

The sample consisted of 23 young permanent molars with active deep carious lesions. Infected carious dentin samples were collected from the same tooth at baseline and 60 days after cavity lining with GIC and composite resin restoration and processed for immunohistochemistry assays. After digital images were obtained, two calibrated operators analyzed the samples according to the immunostaining intensity and the MMPs’ localization. Chi‐square test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The intensity of immunostaining for MMP‐8 was reduced after 60 days (P = 0.02), and no difference was observed for MMP‐2 (P = 0.32) and MMP‐9 (P = 0.14). The MMPs’ distribution was generalized in the intertubular dentin and absent or located in the intratubular dentin, regardless of the period.

Conclusion

The sealing of infected carious dentin in young permanent molars reduced the expression of MMP‐8, which is consistent with the initial remodeling process of the dentin matrix.
Synchronization of laying by great spotted cuckoos and recognition ability of magpies
Authors: Soler Manuel , Pérez‐Contreras Tomás , Soler Juan José
Published: May 2015

Brood parasites rely entirely on the parental care of host species to raise the parasitic nestlings until independence. The reproductive success of avian brood parasites depends on finding host nests at a suitable stage (i.e. during egg laying) for parasitism and weakly defensive (i.e. non‐ejector) hosts. Finding appropriate nests for parasitism may, however, vary depending on ecological conditions, including parasite abundance in the area, which also varies from one year to another and therefore may influence coevolutionary relationships between brood parasites and their hosts. In this scenario, we explored: 1) the degree of laying synchronization between great spotted cuckoosClamator glandariusand magpiesPica picaduring two breeding seasons, which varied in the level of selection pressure due to brood parasitism (i.e. parasitism rate); 2) magpie responses to natural parasitism in the pre‐laying period and successfulness of parasitic eggs laid at this stage; and 3) magpie responses to experimental parasitism performed at different breeding stages. We found that, during the year of higher parasitism rate, there was an increase in the percentage of parasitic eggs laid before magpies started laying. However, the synchronization of laying was poor both years regardless of the differences in the parasitism rate. The ejection rate was significantly higher during the pre‐egg‐laying and the post‐hatching stages than during the laying stage, and hatching success of parasitic eggs laid during the pre‐egg‐laying stage was zero. Thus, non‐synchronized parasitic eggs are wasted and therefore poor synchronization should be penalized by natural selection. We discuss four different hypotheses explaining poor synchronization.
Contemporary genetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in a recently deglaciated landscape
Authors: Lewis Tania M. , Pyare Sanjay , Hundertmark Kris J.
Published: May 2015

Aim

We examined contemporary genetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in a recently deglaciated landscape to identify the number and geographical range of populations, the level of admixture, landscape features that limit or promote genetic connectivity, and probable population sources of bears in Glacier Bay following the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA). We sought to determine whether brown bears exhibit genetic structure corresponding with landscape features and whether source populations of recent colonizers could be determined using nuclear genetic markers.

Location

Southeast Alaska is composed of many islands, fjords and ice‐covered lands with a complex history of changing glaciation and sea level throughout the Pleistocene and into the Holocene. Glacier Bay was again covered by ice during the LIA until c. 260 years ago when rapid retreat began exposing land for colonization.

Methods

We used DNA microsatellites to examine the genetic diversity of 105 brown bears. We identified the number of genetically distinct populations and the degree of admixture using Bayesian allele frequency assignment tests, determined colonizing population sources based on fixation and differentiation indices, and tested correlations between the genetic relatedness and a suite of landscape models.

Results

The shoreline of Glacier Bay hosts brown bears from at least two distinct genetic populations which may represent contemporary colonizing sources. There is also indication of a third group specific to Glacier Bay that may represent a historical colonizing population. The three genetic populations overlap in northern Glacier Bay, with relatively low admixture between the populations, indicating current immigration.

Main conclusions

Glacier Bay fjord inhibits dispersal and funnels recolonizing bears from east and west refugia in a northward direction. At the northern end of Glacier Bay these populations are currently coming into secondary contact after hundreds and possibly thousands of years of separation, creating a population‐level biological contact zone.
Metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients with varying degrees of glycemic control during Ramadan: An observational study
Authors: Siaw Melanie Y. L. , Chew Daniel E. K. , Toh Matthias P. H. S. , Seah Darren E. J. , Chua Ruimin , Tan Jielin , Lee Evonne Y. Q. , Chan Sui Yung , Lee Joyce Y. C.
Published: May 2015

Aims/Introduction

The changes in metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients who fast during Ramadan have not been studied in Singapore. This study aimed to examine the trends of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetic patients with varying degrees of glycemic control and different types of therapeutic approaches during Ramadan.

Methods

The present retrospective study used a national electronic database to examine the metabolic parameter of Malay patients with type 2 diabetes. Eligible patients were stratified into three groups based on their mean HbA1c control before Ramadan: group 1 (HbA1c ≥10%), group 2 (HbA1c 7.1–9.9%) and group 3 (HbA1c ≤7%). Patients with a glomerular filtration rate <15 mL/min were excluded. The trends of metabolic parameters were traced before, during and after Ramadan.

Results

Of 13,565 patients examined, 5,172 patients (38.1%) were eligible for this study. Mean change of HbA1c varied from −1.4% to +0.2% during Ramadan, with the greatest reduction observed in group 1 (P < 0.001). A minimal systolic blood pressure reduction was observed in groups 2 and 3 (2 mmHg; P < 0.01). Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides changes were insignificant. A small, 0.1%, reduction in mean HbA1c was observed in patients taking oral antidiabetic agents during Ramadan (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Blood glucose was most affected during Ramadan, particularly in patients with mean baseline HbA1c ≥10%. The type of antidiabetic agent used did not seem to contribute to glycemic changes.
New Bacillus thuringiensis strain isolated from the gut of Malabari goat is effective against Tetranychus macfarlanei
Authors: Neethu K. B. , Priji P. , Unni K. N. , Sajith S. , Sreedevi S. , Ramani N. , Anitha K. , Rosana B. , Girish M. B. , Benjamin S.
Published: May 2015

This study illustrates a novel strain (designated as BPU5) of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolated from the rumen of Malabari goat, capable of producing polymorphic δ‐endotoxin crystals concomitantly with sporulation in Luria–Bertani medium (LB), and the δ‐endotoxin was efficient to combat Tetranychus macfarlanei, a devastating mite. Polymorphic δ‐endotoxin crystals produced were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and monitored its production concomitantly with sporulation in LB with or without sugar supplements. Toxicity of the δ‐endotoxin was assessed on T. macfarlanei using leaf disc bioassay method. Mortality rate was determined by comparing the survival of mites on the diet (prepared in 10% sucrose and powdered rice husk) containing different concentrations (1–10 mg/ml) of 72‐h‐old crude pellet (dried mixture of δ‐endotoxin (17 mg/g pellet), endospores and a few vegetative cells) or control diet with autoclaved pellet. The maximum production (1.39 mg/ml) of δ‐endotoxin was observed at 72 h in LB. Among the sugars (glucose, sucrose, maltose or lactose) tested as additional carbon source, glucose (8 g/l) enhanced (1.82 mg/ml) the production of δ‐endotoxin by 30%. The lethal concentration (LC50) required to kill 50% mites was estimated as 8.024 mg/ml. The δ‐endotoxin produced by B. thuringiensis BPU5 is shown to efficiently combat T. macfarlanei, a devastating mite infesting agricultural fields.