bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Major to Ultra Trace Element Bulk Rock Chemical Analysis of Nanoparticulate Pressed Powder Pellets by LA‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Peters Daniel , Pettke Thomas
Published: June 2016

An efficient, clean procedure for the measurement of element mass fractions in bulk rock nanoparticulate pressed powder pellets (PPPs) by 193 nm laser ablation ICP‐MS is presented. Samples were pulverised by wet milling and pelletised with microcrystalline cellulose as a binder, allowing non‐cohesive materials such as quartz or ceramics to be processed. The LA‐ICP‐MS PPP analytical procedure was optimised and evaluated using six different geological reference materials (JP‐1, UB‐N, BCR‐2, GSP‐2, OKUM and MUH‐1), with rigorous procedural blank quantification employing synthetic quartz. Measurement trueness of the procedure was equivalent to that achieved by solution ICP‐MS and LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of glass. The measurement repeatability was as low as 0.5–2% (1s, n = 6) and, accordingly, PPP homogeneity could be demonstrated. Calibration based on the reference glasses NIST SRM 610, NIST SRM 612, BCR‐2G and GSD‐1G revealed matrix effects for glass and PPP measurement with NIST SRM 61×; using basalt glasses eliminated this problem. Most significantly, trace elements not commonly measured (flux elements Li, B; chalcophile elements As, Sb, Tl, In, Bi) could be quantified. The PPP‐LA‐ICP‐MS method overcomes common problems and limitations in analytical geochemistry and thus represents an efficient and accurate alternative for bulk rock analysis.
Non‐response to daclatasvir and asunaprevir therapy in patients co‐infected with hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 2
Authors: Sohda Tetsuro , Yamauchi Eri , Anan Akira , Yokoyama Keiji , Fukunaga Atsushi , Yamauchi Ryo , Fukuda Sho , Takata Kazuhide , Tanaka Takashi , Hanano Takayuki , Kitamura Yuji , Morihara Daisuke , Takeyama Yasuaki , Irie Makoto , Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro
Published: June 2016

Direct‐acting antiviral agents for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been developed such as combined daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) treatment. This typically enables HCV serotype 1 patients to achieve a high sustained virological response rate, but a small number of such patients fail to respond to therapy. We investigated three HCV patients who showed no response to DCV and ASV therapy. Hepatitis C genotyping was undertaken in the three patients using nested polymerase chain reaction and polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing in the core region of the HCV genome. All three patients possessed HCV serotype 1, and no mutations were identified in either the non‐structural protein 3 or 5A region. The three patients were shown to be co‐infected with HCV genotypes 1 and 2 because genotypes 2a and 2b were also identified. This is the first report into failed response to DCV and ASV therapy in patients co‐infected with HCV genotypes 1 and 2.
3‐O‐Laurylglyceryl ascorbate reinforces skin barrier function through not only the reduction of oxidative stress but also the activation of ceramide synthesis
Authors: Katsuyama Y. , Taira N. , Tsuboi T. , Yoshioka M. , Masaki H. , Muraoka O.
Published: June 2016

Objective

A higher trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) occurs in rough skin, in elder skin and also in atopic dermatitis. An impaired skin barrier function is considered to be caused by an incomplete construction of the intercellular lamellar structure due to the quantitative reduction of ceramides. Since these symptoms coexist with oxidative stress, we hypothesized that impairment of the skin barrier function is accelerated by oxidative stress. Thus, the purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of oxidative stress on ceramide synthesis and to characterize whether antioxidants can improve skin barrier function. 3‐O‐Laurylglyceryl ascorbate (VC‐3LG), which is a newly amphipathic derivative of ascorbic acid, was evaluated as a candidate antioxidant.

Methods

We characterized the mRNA expression levels of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) treated with H2O2 using real‐time PCR analysis. In order to evaluate the effect of VC‐3LG on skin barrier function, we used several assays with reconstructed human epidermis equivalents (RHEEs).

Results

Ceramide synthesis was down‐regulated in NHEKs by oxidative stress. Treatment with VC‐3LG abrogated the down‐regulation of SPT mRNA in NHEKs caused by oxidative stress, and stimulated SPT mRNA expression levels. In experiments characterizing the antioxidative properties of VC‐3LG, VC‐3LG reduced oxidative stress in NHEKs by up‐regulating catalase mRNA expression. In addition, VC‐3LG stimulated the skin barrier function in RHEEs, which had lower TEWL values compared with untreated RHEEs. Furthermore, VC‐3LG increased the quantity of ceramide in RHEEs.

Conclusion

Taken together, we conclude that VC‐3LG reinforces the skin barrier function due to its reduction of oxidative stress and its promotion of ceramide synthesis.
Thermal Stability and Ionic Conductivity of Calcia‐Stabilized Zirconia with Alumina Addition
Authors: Kim Buyoung , Ryu Jiseung , Jeon Seol , Jo Seunghyeon , Lee Heesoo , Shin Min‐Chul
Published: June 2016

The thermal expansion and ionic conduction of 15 mol% CaO‐stabilized zirconia (CSZ) with added Al2O3 were investigated. Specimens with 0.5 and 1 mol% Al2O3 maintained the cubic phase, and the thermal diffusivity increased from 0.499 to 0.661 mm2/s with a 1 mol% addition. The addition of 5 mol% caused a decrease in the thermal diffusivity (0.609 mm2/s) with the formation of the monoclinic phase. The thermal expansion coefficient of the CSZ decreased, and the thermal diffusivity increased with the addition of Al2O3. The ionic conductivity was increased up to the addition of 1 mol% due to scavenging of siliceous by Al2O3, while the 5 mol% addition showed a decrease in conductivity with the formation of the intergranular phase.
Dermatology consultations significantly contribute quality to care of hospitalized patients: a prospective study of dermatology inpatient consults at a tertiary care center
Authors: Galimberti Fabrizio , Guren Lauren , Fernandez Anthony P. , Sood Apra
Published: June 2016

Background

Cutaneous abnormalities are common in hospitalized patients but are frequently missed or misdiagnosed by admitting teams. Inpatient dermatology consultations provide important information to help diagnose and manage these patients. However, few studies have analyzed dermatology inpatient consultations and their effect.

Methods

We prospectively collected information for 691 consecutive dermatology consultations from November 2013 to November 2014.

Results

Patients ranged in age from newborns to 97 years old. The internal medicine service requested the most consultations (45%). Only 6.5% of consultations were requested within 24 hours of appearance of cutaneous findings. Before consultation, 70.3% of patients did not receive treatment for or based on their cutaneous findings. Dermatology consultation resulted in treatment change in 81.9% of patients. The most common diagnoses were drug rash and contact dermatitis. Biopsies confirmed 71.7% of the initial bedside diagnoses by the dermatology consultation team.

Conclusions

Common skin diseases were responsible for the majority of dermatology consultations. Most patients were not treated for their cutaneous conditions before the dermatology consultation. Dermatology consultations resulted in treatment changes in the majority of cases.
CCL2, but not its receptor, is essential to restrict immune privileged central nervous system‐invasion of Japanese encephalitis virus via regulating accumulation of CD11b+ Ly‐6Chi monocytes
Authors: Kim Jin Hyoung , Patil Ajit Mahadev , Choi Jin Young , Kim Seong Bum , Uyangaa Erdenebileg , Hossain Ferdaus Mohd Altaf , Park Sang‐Youel , Lee John Hwa , Kim Koanhoi , Eo Seong Kug
Published: June 2016

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a re‐emerging zoonotic flavivirus that poses an increasing threat to global health and welfare due to rapid changes in climate and demography. Although the CCR2–CCL2 axis plays an important role in trafficking CD11b+ Ly‐6Chi monocytes to regulate immunopathological diseases, little is known about their role in monocyte trafficking during viral encephalitis caused by JEV infection. Here, we explored the role of CCR2 and its ligand CCL2 in JE caused by JEV infection using CCR2‐ and CCL2‐ablated murine models. Somewhat surprisingly, the ablation of CCR2 and CCL2 resulted in starkly contrasting susceptibility to JE. CCR2 ablation induced enhanced resistance to JE, whereas CCL2 ablation highly increased susceptibility to JE. This contrasting regulation of JE progression by CCR2 and CCL2 was coupled to central nervous system (CNS) infiltration of Ly‐6Chi monocytes and Ly‐6Ghi granulocytes. There was also enhanced expression of CC and CXC chemokines in the CNS of CCL2‐ablated mice, which appeared to induce CNS infiltration of these cell populations. However, our data revealed that contrasting regulation of JE in CCR2‐ and CCL2‐ablated mice was unlikely to be mediated by innate natural killer and adaptive T‐cell responses. Furthermore, CCL2 produced by haematopoietic stem cell‐derived leucocytes played a dominant role in CNS accumulation of Ly‐6Chi monocytes in infected bone marrow chimeric models, thereby exacerbating JE progression. Collectively, our data indicate that CCL2 plays an essential role in conferring protection against JE caused by JEV infection. In addition, blockage of CCR2, but not CCL2, will aid in the development of strategies for prophylactics and therapeutics of JE.
Retracted:Tusk shells in trouble? Physiology and behavior in response to changing temperature in a scaphopod (Mollusca: Scaphopoda: Dentaliida)
Authors: Sigwart Julia D. , Carey Nicholas , Sumner‐Rooney Lauren H.
Published: June 2016

Scaphopods (tusk shells) are infaunal marine predators that occur at locally high densities in coastal and deep‐sea mud habitats, and as consumers of foraminifera they are important in carbon cycling. We investigated oxygen metabolism and burying behavior of the scaphopodRhabdus rectiusand its responses to altered temperatures. These are the first measurements of oxygen uptake rates for any member of this taxonomic class. In response to elevated temperatures, oxygen uptake rates increased, but the ability of animals to bury themselves in sediment was compromised. Female scaphopods were significantly larger than males and, when corrected for body mass, oxygen uptake rates were consistently higher for female individuals than for males. This is consistent with previous anecdotal observations of females in other scaphopod species being larger and potentially more active. In conditions of declining oxygen availability, individuals ofRhabdus rectiusshowed strong oxyregulatory ability by maintaining the same oxygen uptake rate displayed in normoxic conditions. The ability to maintain normal metabolic functioning even in conditions of oxygen limitation would benefit a species living in a benthic environment that may be prone to temporary or transient anoxic events. Yet the decrease in normal escape response in moderately elevated temperatures indicates these animals may be at risk from rising sea temperatures.
Relationship Between Obesity, Hypertension, and Aldosterone Production in Postmenopausal African American Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Laffin Luke J. , Majewski Colleen , Liao Chuanhong , Bakris George L.
Published: June 2016

Increased abdominal obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, especially in African American women. The adipocyte is documented to produce a number of inflammatory factors including the hormone aldosterone. There are very few data documenting aldosterone production from adipocytes of postmenopausal women as well as data demonstrating the effects of angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB) on its production in predominately African American women. The authors hypothesize that increased central adipocyte mass in obese postmenopausal women contributes to increased production of aldosterone that is suppressed with the ARB azilsartan medoxomil. The authors tested this hypothesis in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study of 34 hypertensive postmenopausal women (mean age 57.5±7.5 years), 91% of whom were African American. Patients had a mean 24‐hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure of 127±13 mm Hg off any blocker of the renin‐angiotensin system but while taking other antihypertensive medications. The authors further validated aldosterone production in a nested cohort of women using fat cells from a fat pad biopsy. Azilsartan reduced 24‐hour urinary aldosterone by 47.3% from baseline (P=.03), with between‐groups differences in urine aldosterone of −5.3±52.3% placebo vs −47.3±32.9% azilsartan (P=.07) at 6 months. An adrenal cell line treated with adipocyte‐conditioned media from subcutaneous abdominal adipocytes of postmenopausal women (n=3) showed an increase in aldosterone production blocked by an ARB (1948±1297 pg/mL fat alone vs 894±438 pg/mL fat + ARB; P=.022). The authors conclude that aldosterone is produced from subcutaneous adipocytes of obese postmenopausal women. Moreover, use of an ARB significantly reduces aldosterone production within 6 months of use in these women as well as in cells exposed to their adipocytes.
Multiple cryptic species of sympatric generalists within the avian blood parasiteHaemoproteus majoris
Authors: Nilsson E. , Taubert H. , Hellgren O. , Huang X. , Palinauskas V. , Markovets M. Y. , Valkiūnas G. , Bensch S.
Published: June 2016

The avian haemosporidian parasiteHaemoproteus majorishas been reported to infect a wide range of passerine birds throughout the Holarctic ecozone. Five cytochromeb(cytb) lineages have been described as belonging to the morphological speciesH. majoris, and these form a tight phylogenetic cluster together with 13 undescribed lineages that differ from each other by < 1.2% in sequence divergence. Records in a database (MalAvi) that contains global findings of haemosporidian lineages generated by universal primers suggest that these lineages vary substantially in host distribution. We confirm this pattern in a data set collected at Lake Kvismaren, Sweden, where three of the generalist lineages have local transmission. However, whether these lineages represent intraspecific mitochondrial diversity or clusters of cryptic species has previously not been examined. In this study, we developed novel molecular markers to amplify the partial segments of four nuclear genes to determine the level of genetic diversity and gene phylogenies among the five morphologically described cytblineages ofH. majoris. All five cytblineages were strongly associated with unique nuclear alleles at all four nuclear loci, indicating that each mitochondrial lineage represents a distinct biological species. Within lineages, there was no apparent association between nuclear alleles and host species, indicating that they form genetically unstructured populations across multiple host species.
The context dependence of assortative mating: a demonstration with conspecific salmonid populations
Authors: Gauthey Z. , Hendry A. P. , Elosegi A. , Tentelier C. , Labonne J.
Published: June 2016

Assortative mating is thought to play a key role in reproductive isolation. However, most experimental studies of assortative mating do not take place in multiple natural environments, and hence, they ignore its potential context dependence. We implemented an experiment in which two populations of brown trout (Salmo trutta) with different natural flow regimes were placed into semi‐natural stream channels under two different artificial flow regimes. Natural reproduction was allowed, and reproductive isolation was measured by means of parentage assignment to compare within‐population vs. between‐population male–female mating and relative offspring production. For both metrics, reproductive isolation was highly context dependent: no isolation was evident under one flow regime, but strong isolation was evident under the other flow regime. These patterns were fully driven by variance in the mating success of males from one of the two populations. Our results highlight how reproductive isolation through assortative mating can be strongly context dependent, which could have dramatic consequences for patterns of gene flow and speciation under environmental change.
Development of different diagnostic techniques for Endolimax piscium (archamoebae) and their applicability in Solea senegalensis clinical samples
Authors: Constenla M , Padrós F , del Pozo R , Palenzuela O
Published: June 2016

Systemic amoebiasis of sole is caused by Endolimax piscium, a cryptic parasitic archamoeba whose epidemiology and pathogeny are yet unknown. To establish reliable detection methods for this parasite, a battery of molecular diagnostic tools (ISH, PCR and qPCR) were developed and evaluated with a panel of clinical samples from symptomatic diseased fish and from apparently normal animals of different stocks. As there is neither enough background information on the epidemiology of the disease nor a validated reference method, comparison of tests used a composite reference method approach. The ISH technique was the most specific and sensitive in intestine samples and particularly useful as a reference confirmatory method, while the best method in muscle samples was qPCR. Application of the tests to asymptomatic fish demonstrated presence of parasites in a large proportion (>25%) of their intestines, suggesting that this is the point of entry of the amoebae and the initial stage in the development of the disease. The triggering factors that facilitate the breaching of the intestinal barrier by E. piscium, causing granulomatous lesions in other organs and systemic spreading, are not completely understood but our results point to the connective tissue as a preferential target for parasite development and migration.
Case studies of spinal deformities in ornamental koi, Cyprinus carpio L.
Authors: Chin H N , Loh R , Hong Y C , Gibson‐Kueh S
Published: June 2016

This is a study of vertebral deformities in ornamental koi based on computed radiography and skeletons cleaned by dermestid beetles (Dermestes maculatus). All koi developed gradual onset of swimming abnormalities as adults. Extensive intervertebral osteophyte formation correlated with age of fish and was associated with hindquarter paresis in one koi. Vertebral compression and fusion were the most common spinal deformities occurring at multiple sites, similar to findings in other farmed fish. Site‐specific spinal deformities were thought to develop due to differences in swimming behaviour and rates of vertebral growth. One koi had offspring with spinal deformities. Spinal deformities are significant problems in both European and Australian food fish hatcheries. The heritability of vertebral deformities in farmed fish is reportedly low unless there is concurrent poor husbandry or nutritional deficiencies. The specific aetiologies for vertebral deformities in koi in this study could not be ascertained. Current knowledge on spinal deformities in the better studied European food fish species suggests multifactorial aetiologies. Future research should include prospective longitudinal studies of larger numbers of koi from hatch and consideration of all potential risk factors such as husbandry, nutrition, temperature, photoperiod and genetics.
Molecular characterization and confocal laser scanning microscopic study of Pygidiopsis macrostomum (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) parasites of guppies Poecilia vivipara
Authors: Borges J N , Costa V S , Mantovani C , Barros E , Santos E G N , Mafra C L , Santos C P
Published: June 2016

Pygidiopsis macrostomum and Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis (Digenea: Heterophyidae) parasitize guppies as intermediate hosts and, respectively, fish‐eating mammals or birds as definitive hosts. Heterophyids have zoonotic potential, and molecular studies associated with morphological and ecological aspects have helped to clarify their taxonomy and phylogeny. Poecilia vivipara naturally parasitized by metacercariae of both species (100% prevalence) exhibit no external signs of parasitism. In this work, four new sequences of P. macrostomum (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and ITS2 rDNA) and one new sequence of A. (P.) pindoramensis (mtDNA cox‐1) are presented. Phylogeny reconstructions linked P. macrostomum to other heterophyids, but the separation of the Heterophyidae and Opisthorchiidae remains unclear. Additionally, we used indirect immunocytochemistry and the phalloidin‐fluorescence techniques allied with confocal laser scanning microscopy to describe muscular and neuronal structures of P. macrostomum. A complex arrangement of muscular fibres is associated with the tegument, suckers, gut and reproductive system. Radial fibres around the ventral sucker are thick, branched and extend to the body wall. High‐resolution confocal imaging revealed a typical digenean muscular arrangement and important heterophyid morphological traits. These data will support future control measures to reduce the parasitism in guppies reared in fish farming systems, especially for aquarium and experimental purposes.
Chronic hepatitis B in children: Therapeutic challenges and perspectives
Authors: Defresne Florence , Sokal Etienne
Published: June 2016

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV‐related hepatitis in children remains an unmet medical need, as current treatments are only partially effective, and only in a limited number of affected children. So‐called “immunotolerant” children have not shown increased serological responses to available treatments. In cases involving more active disease, serological response has only been obtained in approximately one‐third of patients when using interferon, while other cases exhibited virological response solely under continuous treatment with nucleoside analogs. Guidelines have recently been established to aid pediatricians in effectively managing this condition. With the available medications, no treatment is so far indicated for immunotolerant children, but only for cases presenting increased alanine aminotransferase levels to over 1.5–2 times the upper limit of normal for over 6 months, and without spontaneous HB envelope antigen to antibody seroconversion. The therapeutic arsenal approved by the Food and Drugs Administration and European Medicines Agency for children remains limited because of the lack of large‐scale clinical trials validating treatments already approved for the adult population. Yet, the recent discovery of a specific HBV‐cell surface receptor, NTCP, allows for new treatment perspectives regarding the future.
Sigma receptor type 1 knockout mice show a mild deficit in plasticity but no significant change in synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the hippocampus
Authors: Snyder Melissa A. , McCann Kieran , Lalande Maryline J. , Thivierge Jean‐Philipe , Bergeron Richard
Published: June 2016

The sigma‐1 receptor (σ‐1R) is a chaperone protein located at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) mitochondrial interface with roles in neuroprotection and cognition. Increasing evidence suggests that loss of σ‐1R function could contribute to neurological disease states making it a target for therapeutic intervention. Our objective was to elucidate the consequences to synaptic transmission and plasticity when σ‐1R is absent. We utilized a knockout mouse in which the gene encoding for σ‐1R was deleted (σ‐1R‐KO mouse). Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus, we examined neuronal excitability and glutamatergic synaptic function. Surprisingly, we detected no significant change in action potential firing and basic cellular characteristics. Furthermore, we found no significant change to pre‐synaptic function as indicated by a similar paired‐pulse ratio and miniature excitatory post‐synaptic current frequency in σ‐1R‐KO compared to wild‐type (WT) mice. Similarly, the glutamate gated AMPA receptor and NMDA receptors were unaffected with no significant difference in AMPA/NMDA ratio or decay kinetics in σ‐1R‐KO compared to WT mice. We further examined long‐term potentiation in extracellular field recordings in CA1 stratum radiatum following Schaffer collateral stimulation. Interestingly, we found a small but significant reduction in the magnitude of long‐term potentiation in mutant compared to WT mice. The results of this investigation suggest that basic cellular physiology is unaffected by σ‐1R loss, however the neuronal network is partially compromised.

image

The sigma‐1 receptor (σ‐1R) is a chaperone protein with roles in neuroprotection and cognition. We determined the consequences to synaptic transmission and plasticity when σ‐1R was absent. Utilizing the σ‐1R knockout mouse and electrophysiological recordings, we found no change in neuronal excitability and glutamatergic synaptic function. However, we found a significant reduction in long‐term potentiation.
Developmental and Functional Effects of Steroid Hormones on the Neuroendocrine Axis and Spinal Cord
Authors: Zubeldia‐Brenner L. , Roselli C. E. , Recabarren S. E. , Gonzalez Deniselle M. C. , Lara H. E.
Published: June 2016

This review highlights the principal effects of steroid hormones at central and peripheral levels in the neuroendocrine axis. The data discussed highlight the principal role of oestrogens and testosterone in hormonal programming in relation to sexual orientation, reproductive and metabolic programming, and the neuroendocrine mechanism involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype. Moreover, consistent with the wide range of processes in which steroid hormones take part, we discuss the protective effects of progesterone on neurodegenerative disease and the signalling mechanism involved in the genesis of oestrogen‐induced pituitary prolactinomas.
Characterization of the cyanobacteria and associated bacterial community from an ephemeral wetland in New Zealand
Authors: Secker Nick H. , Chua Jocelyn P. S. , Laurie Rebecca E. , McNoe Les , Guy Paul L. , Orlovich David A. , Summerfield Tina C.
Published: June 2016

New Zealand ephemeral wetlands are ecologically important, containing up to 12% of threatened native plant species and frequently exhibiting conspicuous cyanobacterial growth. In such environments, cyanobacteria and associated heterotrophs can influence primary production and nutrient cycling. Wetland communities, including bacteria, can be altered by increased nitrate and phosphate due to agricultural practices. We have characterized cyanobacteria from the Wairepo Kettleholes Conservation Area and their associated bacteria. Use of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing identified several operational taxonomic units (OTUs) representing filamentous heterocystous and non‐heterocystous cyanobacterial taxa. One Nostoc OTU that formed macroscopic colonies dominated the cyanobacterial community. A diverse bacterial community was associated with the Nostoc colonies, including a core microbiome of 39 OTUs. Identity of the core microbiome associated with macroscopic Nostoc colonies was not changed by the addition of nutrients. One OTU was highly represented in all Nostoc colonies (27.6%–42.6% of reads) and phylogenetic analyses identified this OTU as belonging to the genus Sphingomonas. Scanning electron microscopy showed the absence of heterotrophic bacteria within the Nostoc colony but revealed a diverse community associated with the colonies on the external surface.
Candida glabrata's recurrent infections: biofilm formation during Amphotericin B treatment
Authors: Rodrigues C.F. , Silva S. , Azeredo J. , Henriques M.
Published: June 2016

Candida species are responsible for recurrent human infections, mostly in immunocompromised patients, due to their high vulnerability. Candida glabrata has a major role in systemic candidiasis and Amphotericin B (AmB), a polyene only used in hospitals, is frequently used to treat this disease. Lately, however, clinical evidences of Candida recurrent infections during these treatments are being described, probably due to biofilm (re)formation during this therapy. Thus, this work aims at inferring if C. glabrata biofilms are still being formed during AmB treatment. For that, C. glabrata biofilms were formed in the presence of AmB and analysed by dry weight. Matrix composition was analysed quantifying carbohydrates and, specifically, β-1,3 glucans. Results demonstrated that, although in a lesser extent, C. glabrata is able to develop biofilms in the presence of AmB, with a thick extracellular matrix, with an increase on carbohydrates, especially β-1,3 glucans. Therefore, it is confirmed that complex biofilms of C. glabrata can be formed during an AmB treatment.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study shows new insights regarding recurrent candidiasis. The authors demonstrated that Amphotericin B did not totally prevent the development of biofilms during Candida glabrata's infection treatment and that the change in the biofilm matrices may have a high responsibility for the fail in the treatment of systemic candidiasis.
Depth‐dependent plasticity in opsin gene expression varies between damselfish (Pomacentridae) species
Authors: Stieb Sara M. , Carleton Karen L. , Cortesi Fabio , Marshall N. Justin , Salzburger Walter
Published: June 2016

Phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in adapting the visual capability of many animal species to changing sensory requirements. Such variability may be driven by developmental change or may result from environmental changes in light habitat, thereby improving performance in different photic environments. In this study, we examined inter‐ and intraspecific plasticity of visual sensitivities in seven damselfish species, part of the species‐rich and colourful fish fauna of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Our goal was to test whether the visual systems of damselfish were tuned to the prevailing light environment in different habitats and/or other aspects of their lifestyle. More specifically, we compared the opsin gene expression levels from individuals living in different photic habitats. We found that all species expressed rod opsin (RH1) used for dim‐light vision, and primarily three cone opsins (SWS1, RH2B and RH2A) used for colour vision. While RH1 levels changed exclusively following a diurnal cycle, cone opsin expression varied with depth in four of the seven species. Estimates of visual pigment performance imply that changes in opsin expression adjust visual sensitivities to the dominant photic regime. However, we also discovered that some species show a more stable opsin expression profile. Further, we found indication that seasonal changes, possibly linked to changes in the photic environment, might also trigger opsin expression. These findings suggest that plasticity in opsin gene expression of damselfish is highly species‐specific, possibly due to ecological differences in visual tasks or, alternatively, under phylogenetic constraints.
Taxon interactions control the distributions of cryoconite bacteria colonizing a High Arctic ice cap
Authors: Gokul Jarishma K. , Hodson Andrew J. , Saetnan Eli R. , Irvine‐Fynn Tristram D. L. , Westall Philippa J. , Detheridge Andrew P. , Takeuchi Nozomu , Bussell Jennifer , Mur Luis A. J. , Edwards Arwyn
Published: June 2016

Microbial colonization of glacial ice surfaces incurs feedbacks which affect the melting rate of the ice surface. Ecosystems formed as microbe–mineral aggregates termed cryoconite locally reduce ice surface albedo and represent foci of biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling. Consequently, greater understanding the ecological processes in the formation of functional cryoconite ecosystems upon glacier surfaces is sought. Here, we present the first bacterial biogeography of an ice cap, evaluating the respective roles of dispersal, environmental and biotic filtration occurring at local scales in the assembly of cryoconite microbiota. 16S rRNA gene amplicon semiconductor sequencing of cryoconite colonizing a Svalbard ice cap coupled with digital elevation modelling of physical parameters reveals the bacterial community is dominated by a ubiquitous core of generalist taxa, with evidence for a moderate pairwise distance–decay relationship. While geographic position and melt season duration are prominent among environmental predictors of community structure, the core population of taxa appears highly influential in structuring the bacterial community. Taxon co‐occurrence network analysis reveals a highly modular community structured by positive interactions with bottleneck taxa, predominantly Actinobacteria affiliated to isolates from soil humus. In contrast, the filamentous cyanobacterial taxon (assigned to Leptolyngbya/Phormidesmis pristleyi) which dominates the community and binds together granular cryoconite are poorly connected to other taxa. While our study targeted one ice cap, the prominent role of generalist core taxa with close environmental relatives across the global cryosphere indicate discrete roles for cosmopolitan Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria as respective keystone taxa and ecosystem engineers of cryoconite ecosystems colonizing ice caps.
The Causal Effects of Income Support and Housing Benefits on Mental Well‐Being: An Application of a Bayesian Network
Authors: Ozdamar Oznur , Giovanis Eleftherios
Published: June 2016

This study explores the causal effects of air pollution, income support, housing benefits and household income on the subjective mental well‐being in United Kingdom (UK). Additionally, the analysis considers the effects of air pollution and weather conditions. The estimates are based on data from the British Household Panel Survey. The results show that those who are unemployed or who have a low income and who claim the benefits report higher levels of mental well‐being than those who do not claim them. Moreover, the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for an improvement on air quality are lower in the case of the Bayesian Network.
ThrR, a DNA‐binding transcription factor involved in controlling threonine biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Rosenberg Jonathan , Müller Peter , Lentes Sabine , Thiele Martin J. , Zeigler Daniel R. , Tödter Dominik , Paulus Henry , Brantl Sabine , Stülke Jörg , Commichau Fabian M.
Published: June 2016

The threonine dehydratase IlvA is part of the isoleucine biosynthesis pathway in the Gram‐positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Consequently, deletion of ilvA causes isoleucine auxotrophy. It has been reported that ilvA pseudo‐revertants having a derepressed hom‐thrCB operon appear in the presence of threonine. Here we have characterized two classes of ilvA pseudo‐revertants. In the first class the hom‐thrCB operon was derepressed unmasking the threonine dehydratase activity of the threonine synthase ThrC. In the second class of mutants, threonine biosynthesis was more broadly affected. The first class of ilvA pseudo‐revertants had a mutation in the Phom promoter (P*hom), resulting in constitutive expression of the hom‐thrCB operon. In the second class of ilvA pseudo‐revertants, the thrR gene encoding a putative DNA‐binding protein was inactivated, also resulting in constitutive expression of the hom‐thrCB operon. Here we demonstrate that ThrR is indeed a DNA‐binding transcription factor that regulates the hom‐thrCB operon and the thrD aspartokinase gene. DNA binding assays uncovered the DNA‐binding site of ThrR and revealed that the repressor competes with the RNA polymerase for DNA binding. This study also revealed that ThrR orthologs are ubiquitous in genomes from the Gram‐positive phylum Firmicutes and in some Gram‐negative bacteria.
Pseudopilin residue E5 is essential for recruitment by the type 2 secretion system assembly platform
Authors: Nivaskumar Mangayarkarasi , Santos‐Moreno Javier , Malosse Christian , Nadeau Nathalie , Chamot‐Rooke Julia , Tran Van Nhieu Guy , Francetic Olivera
Published: June 2016

Type II secretion systems (T2SSs) promote secretion of folded proteins playing important roles in nutrient acquisition, adaptation and virulence of Gram‐negative bacteria. Protein secretion is associated with the assembly of type 4 pilus (T4P)‐like fibres called pseudopili. Initially membrane embedded, pseudopilin and T4 pilin subunits share conserved transmembrane segments containing an invariant Glu residue at the fifth position, E5. Mutations of E5 in major T4 pilins and in PulG, the major pseudopilin of the Klebsiella T2SS abolish fibre assembly and function. Among the four minor pseudopilins, only PulH required E5 for secretion of pullulanase, the substrate of the Pul T2SS. Mass‐spectrometry analysis of pili resulting from the co‐assembly of PulGE5A variant and PulGWT ruled out an E5 role in pilin processing and N‐methylation. A bacterial two‐hybrid analysis revealed interactions of the full‐length pseudopilins PulG and PulH with the PulJ‐PulI‐PulK priming complex and with the assembly factors PulM and PulF. Remarkably, PulGE5A and PulHE5A variants were defective in interaction with PulM but not with PulF, and co‐purification experiments confirmed the E5‐dependent interaction between native PulM and PulG. These results reveal the role of E5 in a recruitment step critical for assembly of the functional T2SS, likely relevant to T4P assembly systems.
Contemporary management of benign parotid tumours – the increasing evidence for extracapsular dissection
Authors: Brennan PA , Ammar M , Matharu J
Published: June 2016

Benign parotid tumours have historically often been managed surgically by superficial parotidectomy. While this approach usually gives a generous cuff of surrounding normal parotid tissue to increase tumour margins, it requires a much larger incision than the increasingly used extracapsular dissection (ECD) technique. Furthermore, superficial parotidectomy can result in marked facial hollowing, Frey syndrome and an increased risk of both temporary and permanent facial nerve weakness. ECD has been popularised as a safe alternative to parotidectomy primarily for the removal of mobile, benign parotid tumours with safe outcomes and reduced risk to the facial nerve. In this article, we review the growing body of evidence for ECD and include our own experience confirming the move away from superficial parotidectomy in contemporary practice for the treatment of benign parotid tumours.
Diversity of Phytophthora species in natural ecosystems of Taiwan and association with disease symptoms
Authors: Jung T. , Chang T. T. , Bakonyi J. , Seress D. , Pérez‐Sierra A. , Yang X. , Hong C. , Scanu B. , Fu C. H. , Hsueh K. L. , Maia C. , Abad‐Campos P. , Léon M. , Horta Jung M.
Published: June 2016

In 2013 a survey of Phytophthora diversity was performed in 25 natural and seminatural forest stands and 25 rivers in temperate montane and subtropical lowland regions of Taiwan. Using baiting assays, 10 described species and 17 previously unknown taxa of Phytophthora were isolated from 71.5% of the 144 rhizosphere soil samples from 33 of 40 tree species sampled in 24 forest stands, and from 19 rivers: P. capensis, P. citrophthora, P. plurivora, P. tropicalis, P. citricola VII, P. sp. × botryosa‐like, P. sp. × meadii‐like and P. sp. occultans‐like from Clade 2; P. palmivora from Clade 4; P. castaneae and P. heveae from Clade 5; P. chlamydospora and P. sp. forestsoil‐like from Clade 6; P. cinnamomi (Pc), P. parvispora, P. attenuata nom. prov., P. flexuosa nom. prov., P. formosa nom. prov., P. intricata nom. prov., P. × incrassata nom. prov. and P. × heterohybrida nom. prov. from Clade 7; P. sp. palustris and five new hybrid species from Clade 9. The A1 mating type of Pc was widespread in both montane and lowland forests and rarely associated with disease, whereas the A2 mating type was limited to lowland forests and in some cases causing severe dieback. Most other Phytophthora species were not associated with obvious disease symptoms. It is concluded that (i) Taiwan is within the centre of origin of most Phytophthora taxa found, (ii) Pc A2 is an introduced invasive pathogen, and (iii) interspecific hybridizations play a major role in speciation and species radiations in diverse natural ecosystems.
Diversity of genusLasiodiplodiaassociated with perennial tropical fruit plants in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Coutinho I. B. L. , Freire F. C. O. , Lima C. S. , Lima J. S. , Gonçalves F. J. T. , Machado A. R. , Silva A. M. S. , Cardoso J. E.
Published: June 2016

Until now, onlyLasiodiplodia theobromaehas been reported in association with gummosis and dieback of cashew plants and other tropical fruit plants in northeastern Brazil. This study aims to identify and characterize species ofLasiodiplodiaassociated with gummosis and dieback on tropical fruit plants grown in Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí and Rio Grande do Norte States in northeastern Brazil with a description of two new species:Lasiodiplodia caatinguensissp. nov. andLasiodiplodia pontaesp. nov. Fungal identification was accomplished using a combination of morphophysiological and pathogenic characteristics, together with phylogenetic analyses based on partial translation elongation factor 1‐α sequence (TEF1‐α), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β‐tubulin (β‐tub). Six species ofLasiodiplodiawere identified as being associated with several tropical fruit species:Lasiodiplodia brasiliense(Manilkara zapota,Mangifera indicaandSpondias purpurea),L. caatinguensissp. nov. (Anacardium occidentale,Citrus sinensis,S. purpureaandS. lutea),L. euphorbicola(Annona muricataandCocos nucifera),L. pontaesp. nov. (A. occidentaleandS. purpurea),L. pseudotheobromae(A. occidentale,S. purpureaandTamarindus indica) andL. theobromae(A. occidentale,S. purpureaandTalisia esculenta).This is the first study to use molecular data ofLasiodiplodiataken from the stems and branches ofAnnonaspp.,A. occidentale,M. zapota,T. indica,T. esculentaandSpondiasspp. AfterL. caatinguensissp. nov., the speciesL. pseudotheobromaeandL. theobromaewere the second most frequent species. All identified species were able to cause necrotic lesions at different levels of severity when inoculated on mango fruits and young plants ofAnnonaspp., cashew andSpondiasspp.
Vesicles Cytoplasmic Injection: An Efficient Technique to Produce Porcine Transgene‐Expressing Embryos
Authors: Luchetti CG , Bevacqua RJ , Lorenzo MS , Tello MF , Willis M , Buemo CP , Lombardo DM , Salamone DF
Published: June 2016

Contents

The use of vesicles co‐incubated with plasmids showed to improve the efficiency of cytoplasmic injection of transgenes in cattle. Here, this technique was tested as a simplified alternative for transgenes delivery in porcine zygotes. To this aim, cytoplasmic injection of the plasmid alone was compared to the injection with plasmids co‐incubated with vesicles both in diploid parthenogenic and IVF zygotes. The plasmid pcx‐egfp was injected circular (CP) at 3, 30 and 300 ng/μl and linear (LP) at 30 ng/μl. The experimental groups using parthenogenetic zygotes were as follows: CP naked at 3 ng/μl (N = 105), 30 ng/μl (N = 95) and 300 ng/μl (N = 65); Sham (N = 105); control not injected (N = 223); LP naked at 30 ng/μl (N = 78); LP vesicles (N = 115) and Sham vesicles (N = 59). For IVF zygotes: LP naked (N = 44) LP vesicles (N = 94), Sham (N = 59) and control (N = 79). Cleavage, blastocyst and GFP+ rates were analysed by Fisher's test (p < 0.05). The parthenogenic CP naked group showed lower cleavage respect to control (p < 0.05). The highest concentration of plasmids to allow development to blastocyst stage was 30 ng/μl. There were no differences in DNA fragmentation between groups. The parthenogenic LP naked group resulted in high GFP rates (46%) and also allowed the production of GFP blastocysts (33%). The cytoplasmic injection with LP vesicles into parthenogenic zygotes allowed 100% GFP blastocysts. Injected IVF showed higher cleavage rates than control (p < 0.05). In IVF zygotes, only the use of vesicles produced GFP blastocysts. The use of vesicles co‐incubated with plasmids improves the transgene expression efficiency for cytoplasmic injection in porcine zygotes and constitutes a simple technique for easy delivery of plasmids.
Sperm Morphology Assessment in Captive Neotropical Primates
Authors: Swanson WF , Valle RR , Carvalho FM , Arakaki PR , Rodas‐Martínez AZ , Muniz JAPC , García‐Herreros M
Published: June 2016

Contents

The main objective of this study was to evaluate sperm morphology in four neotropical primate species to compare the sperm morphological traits and the sperm morphometric parameters as a basis for establishing normative sperm standards for each species. Data from 80 ejaculates collected from four primate species, Callithrix jacchus, Callimico goeldii, Alouatta caraya and Ateles geoffroyi, were analysed for detection of sperm morphological alterations using subjective World Health Organization (WHO‐2010) standards and Sperm Deformity Index (SDI) criteria, objective computer‐assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASMA) and subpopulation sperm determination (SSD) methods. There were multiple differences (p < 0.01) observed among primate species in values obtained from WHO‐2010, SDI, CASMA and SSD sperm analysis methods. In addition, multiple significant positive and negative correlations were observed between the sperm morphological traits (SDI, Sperm Deformity Index Head Defects, Sperm Deformity Index Midpiece Defects, Sperm Deformity Index Tail Defects, Normal Sperm, Head Defects, Midpiece Defects and Tail Defects) and the sperm morphometric parameters (SSD, Area (A), Perimeter (P), Length (L), Width (W), Ellipticity, Elongation and Rugosity) (p ≤ 0.046). In conclusion, our findings using different evaluation methods indicate that pronounced sperm morphological variation exists among these four neotropical primate species. Because of the strong relationship observed among morphological and morphometric parameters, these results suggest that application of objective analysis methods could substantially improve the reliability of comparative studies and help to establish valid normative sperm values for neotropical primates.
Morphological expression of bedforms formed by supercritical sediment density flows on four fjord‐lake deltas of the south‐eastern Canadian Shield (Eastern Canada)
Authors: Normandeau Alexandre , Lajeunesse Patrick , Poiré Antoine G. , Francus Pierre
Published: June 2016

High‐resolution swath bathymetry data collected in fjord‐lakes Pentecôte, Walker and Pasteur (eastern Québec, Canada) allowed imaging in great detail the deltas of four rivers in order to understand the factors controlling the formation and downslope evolution of bedforms present on their slopes. The morphometry and morphology of 199 bedforms reflect the behaviour of sediment density flows. The shape of the bedforms, mostly crescentic, and the relationships between their morphological properties indicate that they were formed by supercritical density flows and that they are cyclic steps. The crescentic shape suggests an upslope migration while the aspect ratios and increasing wavelengths with distance from the shore (and decreasing slopes) are compatible with a cyclic step origin. At the rollover point, the acceleration of the density flows on steep slopes produces tightly spaced hydraulic jumps and favours short wavelength and symmetrical bedforms. Further downslope, decreasing slopes and increasing specific discharge increase the wavelength and asymmetry of the bedforms. The wavelength and asymmetry are increased because density flows require longer distances to become supercritical again on lower slopes after each successive hydraulic jump. Bedform morphometry and morphology are used to reconstruct density flow behaviour downslope. Froude numbers are high near the rollover point and gradually decrease downslope as the slope becomes gentler. Conversely, the specific discharge and flow depth are low near the rollover point and gradually increase downslope as the flow either erodes sediments or becomes more dilute due to sediment deposition and water entrainment. The supercritical density flows are believed to be triggered mainly by hyperpycnal flows but some evidence of delta‐front slope failures is also observed. The differences in delta morphology and bedform development between the four deltas are linked to basin morphology and watershed hydrology, but also mainly to the fjord heritage of the lakes that allowed the focusing of sediment at the delta front.