bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between lung capacity and abnormal glucose metabolism: findings from China and Australia
Authors: Yu Dahai , Chen Tao , Qin Rui , Cai Yamei , Jiang Zhixin , Zhao Zhanzheng , Simmons David
Published: December 2015

Objective

Restricted pulmonary function is found among people with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the dose–response relationship between pulmonary function measurements [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS)/type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 1454 adults in rural Victoria, Australia, and 5824 adults in Nanjing, China, from randomly selected households provided clinical history, oral glucose tolerance test, lipids, anthropometric, blood pressure and spirometric measurements. MS was defined by International Diabetes Federation criteria. Adjusted odds ratios for MS and type 2 diabetes with lung capacity measurements were estimated using logistic regression. Dose–response relationships were explored using the restricted cubic spline models.

Results

There was a nonlinear relationship between FEV1 and the risk of type 2 diabetes and MS (both P < 0·0001) in both the Australian and Chinese populations. The FEV1 associated with the lowest risk of type 2 diabetes and MS was above 2·70 l (95%CI: 2·68 to 2·72 l and 2·65 to 2·76 l in Chinese and Australian populations, respectively). The discrimination of the model could be significantly improved using the FEV1 threshold in both the Australian and Chinese populations.

Conclusions

In both the Australian and Chinese populations, the risk of type 2 diabetes and MS is lowest with a FEV1 of 2·65–2·76 l. This might be used in clinical practice in different countries as a prompt to screen for type 2 diabetes and MS in patients with obstructive lung disease and to ensure there was no abnormal glucose metabolism before the commencement of steroids if indicated.
SOS1 frameshift mutations cause pure mucosal neuroma syndrome, a clinical phenotype distinct from multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B
Authors: Owens Martina , Kivuva Emma , Quinn Anthony , Brennan Paul , Caswell Richard , Allen Hana Lango , Vaidya Bijay , Ellard Sian
Published: December 2015

Background

Mucosal neuromas, thickened corneal nerves and marfanoid body habitus are characteristic phenotypic features of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) and often provide an early clue to the diagnosis of the syndrome. Rarely, patients present with typical physical features of MEN2B but without associated endocrinopathies (medullary thyroid carcinoma or pheochromocytoma) or a RET gene mutation; this clinical presentation is thought to represent a distinct condition termed ‘pure mucosal neuroma syndrome’.

Methods

Exome sequencing was performed in two unrelated probands with mucosal neuromas, thickened corneal nerves and marfanoid body habitus, but no MEN2B‐associated endocrinopathy or RET gene mutation. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm mutations detected by exome sequencing and to test in family members and 3 additional unrelated index patients with mucosal neuromas or thickened corneal nerves.

Results

A heterozygous SOS1 gene frameshift mutation (c.3266dup or c.3248dup) was identified in each proband. Sanger sequencing showed that proband 1 inherited the c.3266dup mutation from his affected mother, while the c.3248dup mutation had arisen de novo in proband 2. Sanger sequencing also identified one further novel SOS1 mutation (c.3254dup) in one of the 3 additional index patients.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the existence of pure mucosal neuroma syndrome as a clinical entity distinct from MEN2B that can now be diagnosed by genetic testing.
Understanding the genetic and environmental specificity and overlap between well‐being and internalizing symptoms in adolescence
Authors: Haworth Claire M.A. , Carter Kathryn , Eley Thalia C. , Plomin Robert
Published: December 2015

Moderate inverse correlations are typically found between well‐being and mental illness. We aimed to investigate the role of genes and environments in explaining the relationships between two aspects of well‐being and two measures of internalizing symptoms. Altogether, 4700 pairs of 16‐year‐old twins contributed data on subjective happiness and life satisfaction, as well as symptoms of depression and emotional problems. Well‐being was moderately correlated with internalizing symptoms (range = −0.45, −0.58). Multivariate twin model‐fitting indicated both genetic and environmental overlap. Life satisfaction and happiness demonstrated different patterns of overlap, with stronger genetic links between life satisfaction and depression. Non‐shared environmental influences were largely specific to each trait. This study supports the theory of mental health and illness being partly (but not entirely) correlated dimensions. There are also significant genetic and environmental factors to identify for well‐being that go beyond the absence of mental illness. It is therefore possible that different interventions are needed for treating mental illness and promoting mental health.
Red cell distribution width and mortality in carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Wonnerth Anna , Krychtiuk Konstantin A. , Mayer Florian J. , Minar Erich , Wojta Johann , Schillinger Martin , Koppensteiner Renate , Hoke Matthias
Published: December 2015

Background

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with morbidity and mortality in chronic cardiac disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of RDW as a predictor of adverse outcome in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.

Materials and methods

We prospectively studied 1065 of 1286 consecutive patients with neurological asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis as assessed by duplex Doppler sonography. The study end points were all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality respectively.

Results

During a median follow‐up time of 6·2 years (interquartile range 5·9–6·6), corresponding to 5551 overall person‐years, 275 patients (25·8%) died. Of them, 182 patients (66·2%) died due to cardiovascular causes. RDW was significantly associated with adverse outcome. In a continuous multivariate Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio for each per cent increase in RDW was 1·39 (95% CI 1·27–1·53; P < 0·001) for all‐cause and 1·43 (95% CI 1·28–1·60; P < 0·001) for cardiovascular mortality respectively. Kaplan–Meier estimates showed a gradual relationship between increasing quartiles of RDW and death (log rank P < 0·001). Adjusted hazard ratios for all‐cause death ranged from 0·89 to 1·94 for the highest vs. the lowest quartile (P < 0·001 for trend) and for cardiovascular death from 1·08 to 2·34 for the highest vs. the lowest quartile (P < 0·001 for trend) respectively.

Conclusions

Red cell distribution width was significantly and independently associated with all‐cause and cardiovascular death in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
Renal microRNA‐ and RNA‐profiles in progressive chronic kidney disease
Authors: Rudnicki Michael , Perco Paul , D′haene Barbara , Leierer Johannes , Heinzel Andreas , Mühlberger Irmgard , Schweibert Ninella , Sunzenauer Judith , Regele Heinz , Kronbichler Andreas , Mestdagh Pieter , Vandesompele Jo , Mayer Bernd , Mayer Gert
Published: December 2015

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression via regulating mRNAs involved in renal homeostasis. However, their association with clinical outcome remains poorly understood.

Materials and methods

We performed miRNA and mRNA expression profiling on renal biopsy sections by qPCR (miRNA) and microarrays (mRNA) in a discovery (n = 43) and in a validation (n = 29) cohort. miRNAs differentiating stable and progressive cases were inversely correlated with putative target mRNAs, which were further characterized by pathway analysis using KEGG pathways.

Results

miR‐30d, miR‐140‐3p, miR‐532‐3p, miR‐194, miR‐190, miR‐204 and miR‐206 were downregulated in progressive cases. These seven miRNAs correlated with upregulated 29 target mRNAs involved in inflammatory response, cell–cell interaction, apoptosis and intra‐cellular signalling. In particular, miR‐206 and miR‐532‐3p were associated with distinct biological processes via the expression of their target mRNAs: Reduced expression of miR‐206 in progressive disease correlated with the upregulation of target mRNAs participating in inflammatory pathways (CCL19, CXCL1, IFNAR2, NCK2, PTK2B, PTPRC, RASGRP1 and TNFRSF25). Progressive cases also showed a lower expression of miR‐532‐3p and an increased expression of target transcripts involved in apoptosis pathways (MAP3K14, TNFRSF10B/TRAIL‐R2, TRADD and TRAF2). In the validation cohort, we confirmed the decreased expression of miR‐206 and miR‐532‐3p, and the inverse correlation of these miRNAs with the expression of nine of the 12 target genes. The levels of the identified miRNAs and the target mRNAs correlated with clinical parameters and histological damage indices.

Conclusions

These results suggest the involvement of specific miRNAs and mRNAs in biological pathways associated with the progression of CKD.
Aquaporin‐1 and 8 expression in the gallbladder mucosa might not be associated with the development of gallbladder stones in humans
Authors: Ambe Peter C. , Gödde Daniel , Zirngibl Hubert , Störkel Stephan
Published: December 2015

Background

Cholecystolithiasis is a highly prevalent condition in the Western world. Gallbladder stone‐related conditions represent the second most common gastrointestinal pathology. Cholesterol stones represent over 80% of gallstones. Cholesterol stones develop secondary to crystallization of bile cholesterol. Water resorption from gallbladder bile via aquaporin in the gallbladder mucosa might play a role in the development of cholesterol stones. This study investigated the expression of Aquaporin‐1 (AQP1) and Aquaporin‐8 (AQP8) in the human gallbladder mucosa and their possible association with the formation of gallbladder stones.

Methods

The expression of AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa was examined via immunohistochemical staining. The expression of both AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa of stone carriers (study group) was compared to that of nonstone carriers (control group).

Results

Eighty‐four gallbladder specimens from 44 male (52·2%) and 40 female (47·6%) patients were analysed. The study group included 47 specimens from stone carriers, while 37 specimens from stone‐free gallbladders were included in the control group. Immunostaining for both AQP1 and AQP8 was positive in 80 cases. AQP1 was expressed both over the apical and intercellular membrane, while AQP8 was expressed only over the apical membrane. A similar distribution was recorded in specimens from the cystic duct. Immunostaining with AQP1 was generally stronger in comparison with AQP8. No significant (P > 0·05) relationship was found between aquaporin expression and the presence or absence of gallbladder stones.

Conclusion

AQP1 and AQP8 are both expressed in the gallbladder and cystic duct mucosa. However, their role in the development of gallbladder stones is still to be proven.
Eltrombopag safety and efficacy for primary chronic immune thrombocytopenia in clinical practice
Authors: González‐López Tomás José , Alvarez‐Román María Teresa , Pascual Cristina , Sánchez‐González Blanca , Fernández‐Fuentes Fernando , Jarque Isidro , Pérez‐Rus Gloria , Pérez‐Crespo Susana , Bernat Silvia , Hernández‐Rivas José Angel , Andrade Marcio M. , Cortés Montserrat , Gómez‐Nuñez Marta , Olivera Pavel , Martínez‐Robles Violeta , Fernández‐Rodríguez Angeles , Fuertes‐Palacio Miguel Angel , Fernández‐Miñano Carmen , de Cabo Erik , Fisac Rosa , Aguilar Carlos , Bárez Abelardo , Peñarrubia María Jesús , García‐Frade Luis Javier , González‐Porras José Ramón
Published: December 2015

Background

Eltrombopag is effective and safe in chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, clinical trials may not accurately reflect what happens in clinical practice. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in primary chronic ITP in a real‐world setting.

Methods

A total of 164 primary patients with chronic ITP from 40 Spanish centers, who had been treated with eltrombopag, were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The median age of our cohort (72% women) was 63 yr (interquartile range, IQR, 45–75 yr). The median time with ITP diagnosis was 81 months (IQR, 30–192 months). The median number of therapies prior to eltrombopag was 3 (IQR, 2–4). At the time of eltrombopag start, 45 patients (30%) were receiving concomitant treatment for ITP. Forty‐six patients (30%) had bleeding signs/symptoms the month before the treatment started. The median platelet count at eltrombopag initiation was 22 × 109/L (IQR, 8–39 × 109/L). A total of 135 patients (88.8%) achieved a platelet response. The median time to platelet response was 12 d (95% CI, 9–13 d). Maintained platelet response rate during the 15‐month period under examination was 75.2%. Twenty‐eight patients (18.4%) experienced adverse events, mainly grades 1–2.

Conclusion

Eltrombopag is highly effective and well tolerated in unselected patients with primary chronic ITP.
Not for Parents Only: Begging Calls Allow Nest‐Mate Discrimination in Juvenile Zebra Finches
Authors: Ligout Séverine , Dentressangle Fabrice , Mathevon Nicolas , Vignal Clémentine
Published: December 2015

The benefits of recognition of family members may range from inbreeding avoidance to cooperative and coordinated behaviors within the family group. In birds, recognition of family members has almost exclusively been studied between parents and offspring or within cooperatively breeding societies. Yet, recognition of nest‐mates could be of special importance in recently fledged birds of colonial species by helping in locating the nest, maintaining family group cohesion, or allowing detection of feeding opportunities by recognizing the begging calls nest‐mates produced on the return of a parent. Here we study nest‐mate discrimination based on begging calls in fledglings of domesticated zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), a gregarious songbird living in loose colonies in which juveniles may gather in crèches and are fed by parents up to 20 d after fledging. Using playback tests, we show that fledglings called more and spent more time near the loudspeaker in response to the begging calls of their nest‐mates than to the calls of other familiar individuals. Because each fledgling was exposed to the repeated association of the begging calls of its nest‐mates and the subsequent feeding of its parents, this preferential response to the nest‐mates' calls could be a conditioned response to the food reward. Whereas fledglings answered more to male fledgling calls than to female fledgling calls, response to playback was influenced neither by the sex of the subject nor by its brood size. Discriminant function analysis based on acoustic parameters showed that begging calls carried an individual signature as well as a brood signature which might account for such nest‐mate discrimination. Begging signals are major study systems of the evolution of communication in the face of conflicts of interest between signalers and receivers. Our results suggest that eavesdropping and communication networks may be other informative frameworks to understand the design of offspring solicitation signals.
Algal Turbidity Hampers Ornament Perception, but Not Expression, in a Sex‐Role‐Reversed Pipefish
Authors: Sundin Josefin , Rosenqvist Gunilla , Myhren Siri , Berglund Anders
Published: December 2015

Sexual ornaments are used both in intra‐ and intersexual contexts, and these signals have evolved to function in the particular habitat the animal is adapted to. Habitat characteristics may, however, change rapidly due to anthropogenic effects, sometimes at rates too fast for many organisms to adaptively respond. In aquatic ecosystems, eutrophication is currently changing chemical as well as visual properties of the environment. Algae blooms increase water turbidity, and the reduction of water transparency thus has the potential to alter visual ornaments and their perception. However, results are not congruent. Rather, algae turbidity may decrease, increase, or leave ornaments unaffected. The effect seems to depend on exposure time, condition, population and species. Here, we found that the perception of sexual signals, but not their expression, was hampered by turbidity in the sex‐role‐reversed pipefish Nerophis ophidion. In a laboratory experiment we found that female sexual ornaments (i.e., blue color markings and a skinfold) and fecundity was unaffected by turbidity. Male adaptive mate choice for larger females with large ornament was, however, hampered under turbid conditions, whereas in clear water males choose larger, more ornamented females. Thus, we show that water turbidity had no effect on signal expression but did hamper ornament perception and consequently randomized mate choice.
Environmental heat and airborne pollen concentration are associated with increased asthma severity in horses
Authors: Bullone M. , Murcia R. Y. , Lavoie J‐P.
Published: December 2015

Reason for performing study

Clinical exacerbations of severe equine asthma (formerly recurrent airway obstruction [RAO]) are more frequently reported during winter when horses are exposed to airborne dusts during stabling. However, we have also observed a worsening of clinical signs on days during a heatwave.

Objectives

To investigate the association between environmental temperature and humidity and clinical signs of asthma in horses during clinical exacerbation of the disease.

Study design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Methods

Historical data on 14 severe asthmatic horses exposed to a dusty environment and evaluated using a previously validated clinical scoring system were analysed. Barn temperature and relative humidity values were obtained and air enthalpy (h) calculated. Correlation tests were used to study the relationship between mean daily clinical scores of horses and environmental variables. Lung function parameters recorded at 4 day intervals during hot (25°C) and warm (18°C) barn conditions were compared using a paired t test.

Results

Significant positive correlations were observed between the mean daily clinical score and temperature (r = 0.58, P = 0.01) and air enthalpy (r = 0.55, P = 0.02). Maximal daily temperature correlated with airborne pollen concentrations (r = 0.51, P = 0.0002). In the absence of changes in the management of horses, higher barn temperature and enthalpy were associated with increased transpulmonary pressure (P = 0.005), pulmonary resistance (P = 0.008) and elastance values (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Providing a cold environment may help attenuate the severity of airway obstruction in uncontrolled exacerbations of severe equine asthma. Furthermore, variations in environmental heat and associated pollen concentrations should also be taken into account when evaluating the response to therapy in clinical or research settings.
Transoesophageal ultrasound and computer tomographic assessment of the equinecricoarytenoid dorsalismuscle: Relationship between muscle geometry and exercising laryngeal function
Authors: Kenny M. , Cercone M. , Rawlinson J. J. , Ducharme N. G. , Bookbinder L. , Thompson M. , Cheetham J.
Published: December 2015

Reasons for performing study

Early detection of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) is of considerable interest to the equine industry.

Objectives

To describe two imaging modalities, transoesophageal ultrasound (TEU) and computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reconstruction to assess laryngeal muscle geometry, and determine the relationship betweencricoarytenoid dorsalis(CAD) geometry and function.

Study design

Two‐phase study evaluatingCADgeometry in experimental horses and horses with naturally occurringRLN.

Methods

EquineCADmuscle volume was determined fromCTscan sets using volumetric reconstruction with LiveWire. The midbody and caudal dorsal‐ventral thickness of theCADmuscle was determined using aTEUin the same horses; and in horses with a range of severity ofRLN(n = 112).

Results

Transoesophageal ultrasound was able to readily image theCADmuscles and lower left:rightCADthickness ratios were observed with increasing disease severity. Computed tomography based muscle volume correlated very closely withex vivomuscle volume (R2= 0.77).

Conclusions

Computed tomography reconstruction can accurately determine intrinsic laryngeal muscle geometry. A relationship betweenTEUmeasurements ofCADgeometry and laryngeal function was established. These imaging techniques could be used to track the response of theCADmuscle to restorative surgical treatments such as nerve muscle pedicle graft, nerve anastomosis and functional electrical stimulation.
Tyr217 and His213 are important for substrate binding and hydroxylation of 3‐hydroxybenzoate 6‐hydroxylase from Rhodococcus jostii RHA1
Authors: Sucharitakul Jeerus , Medhanavyn Dheeradhach , Pakotiprapha Danaya , van Berkel Willem J. H. , Chaiyen Pimchai
Published: December 2015

3‐Hydroxybenzoate 6‐hydroxylase (3HB6H) from Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 is an NADH‐specific flavoprotein monooxygenase that contains FAD as a redox‐active cofactor. The enzyme catalyzes para‐hydroxylation of 3‐hydroxybenzoate (3HB) to form 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoate (2,5‐DHB). Based on the enzyme crystal structure, residue His213 is located close to the hydroxyl moiety, whereas Tyr217 is close to the carboxylate group of 3HB. Y217A and Y217S did not show any perturbation of flavin absorption upon addition of 3HB, whereas Y217F has a Kd value for 3HB binding of 7.5 mm, which is ~ 50‐fold larger than that found for wild‐type enzyme. The results clearly indicate that Tyr217 is necessary for substrate binding. All His213 variants can bind to 3HB with similar affinity as the wild‐type enzyme and form C4a‐hydroperoxy intermediate. H213S, H213D and H213E produce 2,5‐DHB with yields of 28 ± 5%, 52 ± 7% and 92 ± 6%, respectively, whereas H213A cannot catalyze hydroxylation. The results indicate that the interaction between the hydroxyl group of 3HB and residue 213 is important for substrate hydroxylation. Interestingly, the hydroxylation rate constant of H213E (35 s−1) is similar to that of wild‐type enzyme (36 s−1) and this variant has an efficiency of hydroxylation (92 ± 6%) similar to the wild‐type enzyme (86 ± 2%). Difference spectra of enzyme‐bound substrate suggest that 3HB binds to H213E in the phenolic form. The results indicate that His213 and Glu213 in H213E may act as a catalytic base to initiate the substrate deprotonation and facilitate the electrophilic aromatic substitution of 3HB.
Consumer identity and marketing implications: Indian urban youth
Authors: Kartik Deval , Willis Rob , Jones Cassie
Published: December 2015

Youth consumption has been an area of research interest as well as societal concern. Globalization and proliferation of media have been cited as the main reasons for rise in consumption, especially among youth. This paper has examined how the Indian Urban youth represent their Consumer Identities through their narratives. In 1991, India opened up to Globalization and its effect on the youth consumption is now wide spread. Studies in other parts of the world have shown youth to be ‘Raving Hedonists’ and ‘Squanderer’ as well as Rational and Economical Consumers. An empirical approach was taken to establish the typology of Indian Youth Consumers. Empirical data for this research was collected by conducting in‐depth interviews in 2013, covering various states of India, with students in the age group of eighteen to twenty three years, who are financially dependent on their parents. Forty in‐depth interviews, representing thirteen distinct linguistic identities were conducted and analysed. Studies done in other parts of the world such as UK, Finland, Norway and Belgium have established typologies of youth consumers such as Hedonist, Squanderer, Rational and Economical Consumer Identities. While these Consumer Identities exist among Indian Urban Youth, the researchers have identified additional Consumer Identity Typologies of Reluctant, Dependent and Aspirant Consumers. The youth in India is somewhat similar to youth elsewhere and yet has its own distinction as consumers. The fact that India has a very high youth population makes this study significant.
Convenience food consumption in the Nordic countries and St. Petersburg area
Authors: Kahma Nina , Mäkelä Johanna , Niva Mari , Ganskau Elena , Minina Vera
Published: December 2015

Building on the theoretical framework provided by sociological research on eating practices, family meals, self‐cooked meals and time use, this study examines national differences and similarities in the use of convenience food in Northern Europe. The study draws on two quantitative sets of data, the primary data set (N = 8248) collected in 2012 in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, and the complementary data set (N = 800) collected in St. Petersburg area in 2013. In general, consumers’ attitudes towards convenience food were negative. Time saving was an important motivator for convenience consumption in all countries. The effects of other attitudes were diffuse and factors such as low cost, health effects, and taste of convenience food, affected convenience consumption differently in different countries. In the four Nordic countries women used less convenience food than men. In Finland and in Norway older respondents used convenience food less often than the young. Generally, the use of convenience food was most frequent among those living alone. The effects of education and occupation were small, implying that the phase of life is more important than social stratification in explaining convenience food consumption. In the St. Petersburg data, there were no differences related to social background.
Interviewing with or without the partner present? – an underexposed dilemma between ethics and methodology in nursing research
Authors: Norlyk Annelise , Haahr Anita , Hall Elisabeth
Published: December 2015

Aim

To discuss ethical and methodological challenges related to in‐depth interviews with patients and partners when interviewed together or separately.

Background

Increased interest in exploring illness phenomena from both patients' and partners' perspectives has emerged. The decision about how to collect data is challenging. Patients and partners can be interviewed separately or together; in both scenarios researchers face complex questions of methodology and ethics. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on individual or joint interviewing and the effect of absence/presence of the partner on data collection.

Design

Discussion paper that draws on data from three phenomenological studies.

Data sources

Referring to three cases from our phenomenological studies, we discuss the different types of ethical and methodological dilemmas faced when undertaking joint and separate interviews with couples. Furthermore, we discuss how the unexpected presence of the partner potentially influences the data gathered from the patient.

Implication for nursing

The cases demonstrate the interrelatedness of ethics and methodology in studies based on in‐depth interviews with couples. Nurse researchers may be caught up in a dilemma between ethical concerns and methodological considerations. We argue that the presence of the partner during an interview session might influence the data and favour expressions of shared rather than individual experiences of the phenomenon studied. Furthermore, we argue that ethical concerns must be given higher priority than methodology when interviewing couples.

Conclusion

An increased awareness of the tension between ethical and methodological challenges in joint or individual interviewing with patients and partners is necessary, as this issue is underexposed.
Occurrence and habitat use of the critically endangered smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata in the Bahamas
Authors: Guttridge T. L. , Gulak S. J. B. , Franks B. R. , Carlson J. K. , Gruber S. H. , Gledhill K. S. , Bond M. E. , Johnson G. , Grubbs R. D.
Published: December 2015

This study documents and discusses recent (2002–2015) sightings and captures of smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata in the Bahamas. Movement patterns and habitat preferences of five P. pectinata are examined: two tracked with acoustic telemetry in Bimini and three tagged with pop‐up archival transmitting tags in Andros. Historically, P. pectinata may have been distributed throughout the Bahamas; however, since 2002 only 61 encounters were recorded including: Andros (30), Bimini (19) and a handful across other Islands (12). In Bimini, all P. pectinata were >225 cm (stretched total length, LST) suggesting that it is not used as a nursery area. Pristis pectinata in Andros ranged from c. 80 to 450 cm (LST) indicating that this island might be an important nursery and breeding habitat. Pristis pectinata tracked in both islands remained at depths <3 m, often adjacent to mangrove habitats, displaying residency from 42 days (Bimini) to 180 days (Andros). These preliminary findings confirm the Bahamas as an important habitat for P. pectinata and emphasize the urgent need for national protection and management of this population.
Segregation or aggregation? Sex‐specific patterns in the seasonal occurrence of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias at the Neptune Islands, South Australia
Authors: Bruce B. , Bradford R.
Published: December 2015

The seasonal patterns of occurrence of male and female white sharks Carcharodon carcharias at the Neptune Islands in South Australia were reviewed. Analyses of a 14 year data series indicate that females seasonally aggregate in late autumn and winter coinciding with the maximum in‐water availability of lactating female long‐nose fur seals and seal pups. During this period, observed male:female sex ratios were similar; whereas during late spring and summer, males continued to visit, but females were rarely recorded. There was no evidence for segregation by sex or size at the Neptunes, but the highly focused seasonal pattern of occurrence of females compared with the year‐round records of males suggests that there are likely to be differences between the sexes in overall distribution and movement patterns across southern Australia. It is suggested that foraging strategies and prey selection differ between sexes in C. carcharias across the life‐history stages represented and that sex‐specific foraging strategies may play an important role in structuring movement patterns and the sex ratios observed at such aggregation sites. Differences between sexes in distribution, movement patterns and foraging strategies are likely to have implications for modelling the consequences of fisheries by‐catch between regions or jurisdictions and other spatially or temporally discrete anthropogenic effects on C. carcharias populations. Such differences urge for caution when estimating the size of C. carcharias populations based on observations at pinniped colonies due to the likelihood of sex‐specific differences in movements and patterns of residency. These differences also suggest a need to account for sex‐specific movement patterns and distribution in population and movement models as well as under conservation actions.
Reef sharks: recent advances in ecological understanding to inform conservation
Authors: Osgood G. J. , Baum J. K.
Published: December 2015

Sharks are increasingly being recognized as important members of coral‐reef communities, but their overall conservation status remains uncertain. Nine of the 29 reef‐shark species are designated as data deficient in the IUCN Red List, and three‐fourths of reef sharks had unknown population trends at the time of their assessment. Fortunately, reef‐shark research is on the rise. This new body of research demonstrates reef sharks' high site restriction, fidelity and residency on coral reefs, their broad trophic roles connecting reef communities and their high population genetic structure, all information that should be useful for their management and conservation. Importantly, recent studies on the abundance and population trends of the three classic carcharhinid reef sharks (grey reef shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus and whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obesus) may contribute to reassessments identifying them as more vulnerable than currently realized. Because over half of the research effort has focused on only these three reef sharks and the nurse shark Ginglymostoma cirratum in only a few locales, there remain large taxonomic and geographic gaps in reef‐shark knowledge. As such, a large portion of reef‐shark biodiversity remains uncharacterized despite needs for targeted research identified in their red list assessments. A research agenda for the future should integrate abundance, life history, trophic ecology, genetics, habitat use and movement studies, and expand the breadth of such research to understudied species and localities, in order to better understand the conservation requirements of these species and to motivate effective conservation solutions.
Using stable isotopes and C:N ratios to examine the life‐history strategies and nutritional sources of larval lampreys
Authors: Evans T. M. , Bauer J. E.
Published: December 2015

Natural abundance stable‐isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) and C:N ratios were used to study the ammocoete phase of two common non‐parasitic lamprey species (least brook lamprey Lampetra aepyptera and American brook lamprey Lethenteron appendix) in two tributaries of the Ohio River (U.S.A.). The C:N ratios suggest that each species employs different lipid accumulation strategies to support its metamorphosis and recruitment into an adult animal. Ammocoete δ13C values generally increased with increasing C:N values. In contrast to δ13C, ammocoete δ15N values were weakly related to the total length (LT) in L. aepyptera, but positively correlated to both LT and C:N ratios in L. appendix. In L. appendix, C:N also correlated positively with LT, and presumably age. A Bayesian mixing model using δ13C and δ15N was used to estimate nutritional subsidies of different potential food resources to ammocoetes at each site. The models suggested that although nutritional subsidies to ammocoetes varied as a function of site, ammocoetes were generally reliant on large contributions (42–62% at three sites) from aquatic plants. Contributions from aquatic sediment organic matter were also important at all sites (32–63%) for ammocoetes, with terrestrially derived plant materials contributing smaller amounts (4‐33%). These findings provide important insights into the feeding ecology and nutrition of two species of lampreys. They also suggest that similar and other quantitative approaches are required to (1) fully understand how the observed stable‐isotopes ratios are established in ammocoetes and (2) better assess ammocoete nutritional subsidies in different natal streams.
Real‐time PCR validation of visually identified snapper Chrysophrys auratus (Sparidae) eggs
Authors: Dias P. J. , Wakefield C. B. , Fairclough D. V. , Jackson G. , Travers M. J. , Snow M.
Published: December 2015

In this study, a total of 212 eggs were visually identified as snapper Chrysophrys auratus. Real‐time PCR confirmed visual identification in 69% of cases but corroboration varied widely among plankton samples. The use of molecular tools to support visual identification prior to adopting daily egg production stock assessment methods should be considered.
Freshwater and coastal migration patterns in the silver‐stage eel Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Barry J. , Newton M. , Dodd J. A. , Lucas M. C. , Boylan P. , Adams C. E.
Published: December 2015

The unimpeded downstream movement patterns and migration success of small female and male Anguilla anguilla through a catchment in north‐west Europe were studied using an acoustic hydrophone array along the River Finn and into the Foyle Estuary in Ireland. Twenty silver‐stage A. anguilla (total length, LT, range: 332–520 mm) were trapped 152 km upstream from a coastal marine sea‐lough outlet and internally tagged with acoustic transmitters of which 19 initiated downstream migration. Migration speed was highly influenced by river flow within the freshwater (FW) compartment. Anguilla anguilla activity patterns were correlated with environmental influences; light, tidal direction and lunar phase all influenced the initiation of migration of tagged individuals. Migration speed varied significantly between upstream and lower river compartments. Individuals migrated at a slower speed in transitional water and sea‐lough compartments compared with the FW compartment. While 88·5% survival was recorded during migration through the upper 121 km of the river and estuary, only 26% of A. anguilla which initiated downstream migration were detected at the outermost end of the acoustic array. Telemetry equipment functioned efficiently, including in the sea‐lough, so this suggests high levels of mortality during sea‐lough migration, or less likely, long‐term sea‐lough residence by silver A. anguilla emigrants. This has important implications for eel management plans.
Assessment of the Bioactive Capacity of Mixed Juice Scum Extracts from Sugarcane Mills
Authors: Lu Angen , Pu Yuanyuan , Zou Qingsong , Yao Xiaomai , Wang Dunqiu , Chen Shan
Published: December 2015

The scum is a semisolid by‐product in canesugar mills where flotation technology is used for mixed juice clarification. To evaluate its potential bioactive properties, an aqueous extract, a 70% ethanol extract and a 100% ethanol extract from the scum were obtained and used for antioxidant activity assessment. Chemical assays of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) were used to determine the total antioxidant activity, and a chemiluminescence assay was conducted to assess the hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide anion (
) radicals’ scavenging activity. Results showed that all extracts had high antioxidant activity, of which the 100% ethanol extract was more powerful in DPPH, ABTS and •OH assays. Potential antioxidants in ethanol extracts could be associated with sugarcane wax, polyphenols and flavonoids, while in the aqueous extract, it could be water‐soluble vitamins and proteins which resulted in the highest (
) scavenging activity. This study suggested that the scum has potential bioactive application.

Practical Applications

Comprehensive utilization of sugarcane mixed juice scum plays an important role in extending the application of flotation clarification technology in canesugar industry. General composition analysis of the scum in the study suggested the possibility of using scum as a raw resource of animal feeds, as it contains a high percentage of protein, cellulose and sucrose. High antioxidant activity of scum extracts implicated its potential utilizations in producing antioxidant related products in food industry.
Hollow Fibers Filtration and Cleaning Processes Under Ultrasound and Gas Bubbling Combination
Authors: Hashemi Shahraki Masoud , Maskooki Abdolmajid , Faezian Ali
Published: December 2015

Fouling is one of the main obstacles to filtration process. In this study, the effects of gas bubbling by carbonated feed, gas bubbling by direct injection of CO2 (GB‐DI‐CO2) and N2 (GB‐DI‐N2) and ultrasound (US) were evaluated on flux enhancement during milk solution ultrafiltration and flux recovery during cleaning process of fouled hollow fibers membrane module. Results showed that the US and gas bubbling (GB) treatments significantly enhanced the performance of both ultrafiltration and cleaning processes, however, the effect of GB‐DI‐CO2 was not considerable. The best results were achieved when the GB‐DI‐N2 treatment was applied with US treatment in filtration and cleaning process, under this treatment, the permeation flux was remarkably enhanced up to 288.57% during ultrafiltration as well as the fouling percentage was reduced to 15.55% after cleaning the fouled membrane. Furthermore, the US was more effective than the GB during cleaning process.

Practical Applications

Filtration process is faced to flux decline as a result of fouling. The ultrasound at low frequency and liquid–gas two phase flow can affect the concentration polarization and cake layer significantly. The combination of these techniques can be used as an effective methods to handle the fouling and flux decline. Also artificial neural networks model is able to predict the flux permeation of hollow‐fibers filtration under ultrasound and gas bubbling combination as a complex condition practically.
Influence of Water Sorption Phenomena on the Shelf Life of Third Generation Snacks
Authors: Flores Jesús Guadalupe Pérez , Ordaz Judith Jaimez , Morga Javier Añorve , Olivares Luis Guillermo González , Ovando Araceli Castañeda , Contreras López Elizabeth
Published: December 2015

The shelf life of third generation snacks (pellets) was estimated through the measurement of physicochemical parameters. Samples were provided by a snack manufacturing industry and were placed in three different types of packaging: high density polyethylene (HDPE); polypropylene/kraft paper; and polypropylene/HDPE. The samples were tested under different conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Water activity (aw) at 25 and 40°C and moisture gain (89% relative humidity, 25°C) were analyzed for 60 days. The polypropylene + HDPE packaging showed the best properties for sample preservation, allowing for a shelf life of 1 month under extreme conditions of humidity. Therefore, it is possible to extend the shelf life of the pellets studied by using proper packaging materials to limit phenomena of water sorption.

Practical Applications

For most food companies, to know the shelf life of their products is fundamental to avoid economic losses due to undesirable changes on them. However, shelf life determination of food products is a complex process that involves a series of microbiological, physicochemical and sensory parameters. Although the kinetic studies of the behavior of those parameters contribute to preserve the quality of the product during long periods of time, they are usually expensive and time consuming. The practical application of the method used in this research is that it represents an alternative to shelf life prediction of snack products without using expensive or complicated equipment or chemical reactants.
Osmotic Dehydration of Banana Slices Using Direct and Indirect Sonication: Optimization and Microstructure Analysis
Authors: Farhaninejad Zeynab , Fathi Milad , Shahedi Mohammad , Sadeghi Morteza
Published: December 2015

The objective of this work was to study osmotic dehydration of banana slices using direct and indirect sonication. The optimum process was determined by response surface methodology and the effect of treatments, including mechanical agitation, indirect sonication and direct sonication, on banana microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Optimization of process in terms of maximum water loss and minimum solid gain, color and surface area changes was performed, and the direct sonication in sucrose concentration of 53.95% (w/v) had the best performance. Microstructure studies proved that ultrasound was responsible for creation of microchannels through the cell distortion and disconnection between cavities. Moreover, effective diffusivity for solid and water diffusion increased by 1,342.1% and 1,184.5% for direct sonication and 229.0% and 294.7% for indirect sonication for sucrose concentration 60% (w/v), respectively. Ultrasound led to increase of porosity by about 21.38% and 36.47% for indirect and direct sonication, respectively, in comparison with untreated sample.

Practical Applications

Drying is an expensive and energy intensive process needing long‐time operation. Indirect ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration was previously used to enhance drying efficiency. In this article, direct ultrasound was applied to dehydrate banana slices. The results indicated that this method is very powerful, which could increase effective diffusion up to 1,342.1%. Response surface methodology was applied to maximize water loss and minimize solid gain, color and surface area changes. Direct sonication could be recommended for dehydration of fruits and vegetables.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with celiac disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ungprasert Patompong , Wijarnpreecha Karn , Tanratana Pansakorn
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

Patients with celiac disease (CD) might be at an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to chronic inflammation and vitamin deficiency. However, epidemiologic studies attempting to investigate this risk have yielded inconsistent results. We conducted this meta‐analysis with the aims to better characterize this possible association.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies that reported odds ratio, relative risk, hazard ratio, or standardized incidence ratio comparing the risk of VTE in patients with CD versus participants without CD. Generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird was used to calculate the pooled risk ratio.

Results:

Out of 279 potentially relevant articles, four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. We found a statistically significant increased risk of VTE among patients with CD with the pooled risk ratio of 1.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.53). The statistical heterogeneity was moderate with an I2 of 69%.

Conclusions:

A significantly increased risk of VTE among patients with CD was demonstrated in this meta‐analysis. Further studies are required to clarify how this risk should be addressed in clinical practice.
Worldwide Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potentials in Transportation by 2050
Authors: Taptich Michael N. , Horvath Arpad , Chester Mikhail V.
Published: December 2015

Reductions in the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of passenger and freight transportation are possible through adoption of fuel‐saving technologies, demand switching between modes, and large‐scale electrification of fleets, in addition to other actions. In this study, future scenarios to 2030 and 2050 are the basis for assessment of GHG reduction potentials for major passenger and freight modes (automobiles, buses, trains, aircraft, and oceangoing vessels) across eight regions of the world. New fuel‐saving technologies can significantly reduce the life‐cycle GHG footprint of both passenger and freight vehicles, but not uniformly worldwide. Countries outside of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) lag behind OECD countries in GHG reduction potentials for all modes but oceangoing vessels owing to a combination of slower adoption of fuel‐saving technologies and a slower decarbonization of electricity generation and other processes. The reduction of GHG intensity will occur more slowly for freight modes than for passenger modes. However, improved fuel efficiency has negative feedbacks to the effectiveness of mode‐switching and alternative fuel adoption policies through 2050 because improvements in the fuel efficiency of vehicles alone may cause the marginal benefits of GHG abatement policies to diminish over time. This trend may be reversed if alternative fuel pathways decarbonize at faster rates than conventional transportation fuels. The largest opportunities for GHG reductions occur in non‐OECD countries. Given the many factors that distinguish transportation systems between developed and developing nations (e.g., availability of new technologies, the financial ability to acquire them, and policies to incentivize their adoption), many benefits could be gained through interregional cooperation.