bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vegetation resurvey is robust to plot location uncertainty
Authors: Kopecký Martin , Macek Martin
Published: January 2015

Aim

Resurveys of historical vegetation plots are increasingly used for the assessment of decadal changes in plant species diversity and composition. However, historical plots are usually relocated only approximately. This potentially inflates temporal changes and undermines results.

Location

Temperate deciduous forests in Central Europe.

Methods

To explore whether robust conclusions can be drawn from resurvey studies despite location uncertainty, we compared temporal changes in species richness, frequency, composition and compositional heterogeneity between exactly and approximately relocated plots. We hypothesized that compositional changes should be lower and changes in species richness should be less variable on exactly relocated plots, because pseudoturnover inflates temporal changes on approximately relocated plots.

Results

Temporal changes in species richness were not more variable, and temporal changes in species composition and compositional heterogeneity were not higher on approximately relocated plots. Moreover, the frequency of individual species changed similarly on both plot types.

Main conclusions

The resurvey of historical vegetation plots is robust to uncertainty in original plot location and, when done properly, provides reliable evidence of decadal changes in plant communities. This provides important background for other resurvey studies and opens up the possibility for large‐scale assessments of plant community change.
Testing the co‐invasion hypothesis: ectomycorrhizal fungal communities onAlnus glutinosaandSalix fragilisin New Zealand
Authors: Bogar Laura M. , Dickie Ian A. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: January 2015

Aim

It has been proposed that co‐invasion with ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi is a common mechanism by which non‐indigenous trees overcome symbiont limitation, yet virtually all prior evidence has come from a single plant family, the Pinaceae. We tested the co‐invasion hypothesis by examining theEMfungal communities associated with a specialized host,Alnus glutinosa(black alder), and a generalist host,Salix fragilis(crack willow), in New Zealand, where both trees are invasive. We aimed to find out if these two hosts, which often co‐occur on invaded riverbanks, (1) were forming novelEMfungal associations in New Zealand and (2) had potential to facilitate each other through sharedEMfungi.

Location

New Zealand.

Methods

We collected root tip samples from both host plants at riparian sites on the North Island and South Island and usedDNAsequence‐based identification to characterizeEMfungal communities.

Results

Both trees relied upon exoticEMfungi from their indigenous ranges and did not associate with any known endemic New ZealandEMfungi.Alnushad highly similar communities on both islands, while theSalixcommunities were distinct. AllEMfungi on South IslandAlnuswere also present on South IslandSalix, while North IslandSalixdid not substantially shareEMfungal associates withAlnus.

Main conclusions

Overall, our study indicates that plant hosts with specialized and more generalistEMfungal communities can both successfully invade new habitats with non‐indigenousEMfungi. While there may be some potential for facilitation between these twoEMplants hosts via shared non‐indigenous fungi, this outcome was context specific. Our findings suggest that the specificity of fungal mutualists is not a major barrier to the spread of invasive plants and cannot be taken as evidence an introduced plant will not become invasive.
High levels of anomalous self‐experience are associated with longer duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Haug Elisabeth , Øie Merete , Andreassen Ole A. , Bratlien Unni , Nelson Barnaby , Melle Ingrid , Møller Paul
Published: January 2015

Aim

To investigate the relationship between anomalous self‐experiences and duration of untreated psychosis in a sample of patients with first‐episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Methods

Anomalous self‐experiences were assessed by means of the Examination of Anomalous Self‐Experience manual in 55 patients referred to their first adequate treatment for schizophrenia. Diagnoses, symptom severity, functioning and childhood trauma were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Premorbid Adjustment Scale, Social Functioning Scale and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Substance misuse was measured with the Drug Use Disorder Identification Test, and alcohol use was measured with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Duration of untreated psychosis was measured in accordance with a standardized procedure.

Results

High levels of anomalous self‐experiences are significantly associated with longer duration of untreated psychosis, an association which held after correcting for other variables associated with long duration of untreated psychosis.

Conclusions

The field of early detection in psychosis is in need of additional clinical perspectives to make further progress. Improved understanding and assessment of anomalous self‐experiences may help clinicians to detect these important phenomena and provide earlier help, and thus reduce treatment delay.
It's all about Timing: Age–Dependent Consequences of Founder Exits and New Member Additions
Authors: Guenther Christina , Oertel Simon , Walgenbach Peter
Published: January 2015

This article explores the effects of changes in the initial venture team on a firm's failure risk by considering firm age. The results show that founder exits are especially critical for firm survival in the first years of a firm's existence, whereas the entry of a new team member is more beneficial in later years. Further, an investigation of multiple founder exits shows that the time that elapses between two exits has a U–shaped relationship with a firm's hazard risk. Discussing these findings in terms of imprinting and the liability of newness, we contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of venture team dynamics and firm survival.
Mare and foal survival and subsequent fertility of mares treated for uterine torsion
Authors: Spoormakers T. J. P. , Graat E. A. M. , ter Braake F. , Stout T. A. E. , Bergman H. J.
Published: January 2015

Reasons for performing study

Previous surveys have reported that mare and foal survival after correction of uterine torsion (UT) varies from 60 to 84% and from 30 to 54%, respectively. Furthermore, resolution via a standing flank laparotomy (SFL) has been associated with better foal, but not mare, survival.

Objectives

To compare the success of SFL with other correction methods (e.g. midline or flank laparotomy under general anaesthesia; correction per vaginam).

Study design

Retrospective analysis of clinical records.

Methods

Data on correction technique, stage of gestation, degree of rotation, survival and subsequent fertility for 189 mares treated for UT at 3 equine referral hospitals in The Netherlands during 1987–2007 were analysed.

Results

Mean stage of gestation at diagnosis was 283 days (range 153–369 days), with the majority of UTs (77.5%) occurring before Day 320 of gestation. After correction of UT, 90.5% of mares and 82.3% of foals survived to hospital discharge, between 3 and 39 days later, and to foaling. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that correction method and stage of gestation at UT affected survival of foals and mares. For foals, survival was 88.7% after SFL compared with 35.0% after other methods (P = 0.001). When UT occurred at <320 days, 90.6% of foals survived, compared with 56.1% at ≥320 days (P = 0.007). For mare survival, an interaction between stage of gestation and correction method was detected (P = 0.02), with higher survival after SFL (97.1%) than other methods (50.0%) at <320 days of gestation (P<0.01). When UT occurred at ≥320 days, mare survival did not differ between techniques (76.0 vs. 68.8%; P = 0.6). Of 123 mares that were bred again, 93.5% became pregnant; fertility did not differ between mares treated by SFL (93.9%) and other techniques (87.5%; P = 0.9).

Conclusions

Standing flank laparotomy is the surgical technique of choice for resolving uncomplicated equine UT (i.e. with no coexisting gastrointestinal lesions) except when the stage of gestation exceeds 320 days.
Quantitative motor unit action potential analysis of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoideus and biceps femoris muscles in adultRoyalDutch sport horses
Authors: Jose‐Cunilleras E. , Wijnberg I. D.
Published: January 2015

Reasons for performing study

Reference values for quantitative electromyography (QEMG) in shoulder and hindlimb muscles of horses are limited.

Objectives

To determine normative data onQEMGanalysis of supraspinatus (SS), infraspinatus (IS), deltoideus (DT) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles.

Study design

Experimental observational study and retrospective case series.

Methods

Seven adult healthyRoyalDutch sport horses underwent quantitative motor unit action potential analysis of each muscle using commercial electromyography equipment. Measurements were made according to published methods. One‐wayANOVAwas used to compare quantitative motor unit action potential variables between muscles, withpost hoctesting according toBonferroni, with significance set at P<0.05. TheQEMGand clinical information from horses with lower motor neuron disorders (n = 7) or myopathy (n = 4) were summarised retrospectively.

Results

The 95% confidence intervals of duration, amplitude, phases, turns, area and size index of quantitative motor unit action potential were 8.7–10.4 ms, 651–867 μV, 3.2–3.7, 3.7–4.7, 1054–1457 μV·ms and 1.1–1.5 forSS, 9.6–11.0 ms, 779–1082 μV, 3.3–3.7, 3.8–4.7, 1349–2204 μV·ms and 1.4–1.9 forIS, 6.0–9.1 ms, 370–691 μV, 2.9–3.7, 2.8–4.5, 380–1374 μV·ms and 0.3–1.3 forDTand 5.7–7.8 ms, 265–385 μV, 2.7–3.2, 2.6–3.1, 296–484 μV·ms and 0.2–0.5 forBF, respectively. Mean duration, amplitude, number of phases and turns, area and size index were significantly (P<0.01) higher inSSandISthan inDTandBFmuscles. In addition, 4 of 7 normal horses had >15% polyphasic motor unit action potentials inSSandISmuscles.

Conclusions

Differences between muscles should be taken into account when performingQEMGin order to be able to distinguish normal horses from horses with suspected neurogenic or myogenic disorders. These normal data provide the basis for objectiveQEMGassessment of shoulder and hindlimb muscles. Quantitative electromyography appears to be helpful in diagnosing neuropathies and discriminating these from myopathies.
Patient evaluation of service quality in government homeopathic hospitals in West Bengal, India: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Koley Munmun , Saha Subhranil , Singh Arya Jogendra , Choubey Gurudev , Ghosh Aloke , Deb Das Kaushik , Ganguly Subhasish , Dey Samit , Ghosh Shubhamoy , Nag Goutam , Ali Swaif , Saha Sangita , Bhattacharyya Kajal , Singh Rakesh
Published: January 2015

Background

Service quality (SQ) is the perceived difference between expectation and performance along the quality dimensions. It is central to the process of continuous quality improvement; however, SQ has rarely been studied in homeopathic hospital settings.

Objective

To examine the quality of service provided by four government homeopathic hospitals in West Bengal, India.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional survey, 644 patients from a systematically selected sample were invited to complete a modified Bengali SERVQUAL instrument (a quality management framework comprising 22 items with four‐point Likert scale response sets descending from 4=strongly agree to 1=strongly disagree). The SQ expectation and perception scores were generated across five dimensions: reliability, responsiveness, empathy, assurance and tangibles. Service‐quality gaps were then analysed.

Results

Mean differences between patient perceptions and expectations of SQ revealed statistically significant gaps (P<0.0001) across all five dimensions and all 22 individual items of the survey. Multiple regression found residence significantly (P<0.001) influenced perceived quality gaps. The questionnaire used in this study showed promising psychometrics, including acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.6) and item‐corrected total correlations (ICC; Pearson's r >0.3).

Conclusion

The services patients received at various homeopathic hospitals in West Bengal, India, did not meet patient expectations across the five domains of SERVQUAL. This gap needs to be addressed through focused improvement efforts.
Developing environmental flow recommendations for freshwater mussels using the biological traits of species guilds
Authors: Gates Kiza K. , Vaughn Caryn C. , Julian Jason P.
Published: January 2015

North American freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are a diverse and imperilled fauna that are very sensitive to flow alterations. Previous attempts to develop environmental flows for mussels have struggled to accommodate their varied habitat requirements and complex life histories.

We review what is known about the habitat requirements of mussels, how they can vary among species within a community, and how this variation influences the effectiveness of different environmental flow methodologies.

We propose a trait‐based environmental flow method that addresses the needs of mussel guilds differentiated by their thermal tolerances and reproductive strategies. Used previously for fish, plants and macroinvertebrates, the guild approach groups species by traits and identifies flow requirements of guilds as opposed to entire communities.

We apply the guild approach to the mussel fauna of the Kiamichi and Little Rivers in south‐eastern Oklahoma, U.S.A., and illustrate how changes in the hydrograph can be made to better meet the seasonal flow needs of differing mussel guilds and their host fish.

The guild environmental flow method can provide flow recommendations that cater to the life history and habitat requirements represented within diverse mussel communities. In addition, the method can be adapted among regions where trait data are available or combined with rating models that estimate trait data for understudied species.
Potassium: a neglected nutrient in global change
Authors: Sardans Jordi , Peñuelas Josep
Published: January 2015

Aim

Potassium (K) is the second most abundant nutrient in plant photosynthetic tissues after nitrogen (N). Thousands of physiological and metabolic studies in recent decades have established the fundamental role of K in plant function, especially in water‐use efficiency and economy, and yet macroecological studies have mostly overlooked this nutrient.

Methods

We have reviewed available studies on the content, stoichiometry and roles of K in the soil–plant system and in terrestrial ecosystems. We have also reviewed the impacts of global change drivers on K content, stoichiometry and roles.

Conclusions

The current literature indicates that K, at a global level, is as limiting as N and phosphorus (P) for plant productivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Some degree of K limitation has been seen in up to 70% of all studied terrestrial ecosystems. However, in some areas atmospheric K deposition from human activities is greater than that from natural sources. We are far from understanding the K fluxes between the atmosphere and land, and the role of anthropogenic activities in these fluxes. The increasing aridity expected in wide areas of the world makes K more critical through its role in water‐use efficiency. N deposition exerts a strong impact on the ecosystem K cycle, decreasing K availability and increasing K limitation. Plant invasive success is enhanced by higher soil K availability, especially in environments without strong abiotic stresses. The impacts of other drivers of global change, such as increasing atmospheric CO2 or changes in land use, remain to be elucidated. Current models of the responses of ecosystems and carbon storage to projected global climatic and atmospheric changes are now starting to consider N and P, but they should also consider K, mostly in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems.
Steroid minimization immunosuppression protocol using basiliximab in adult living donor liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis
Authors: Hibi Taizo , Shinoda Masahiro , Itano Osamu , Obara Hideaki , Kitago Minoru , Abe Yuta , Yagi Hiroshi , Tanaka Masayuki , Hoshino Ken , Fujino Akihiro , Kuroda Tatsuo , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Tanabe Minoru , Shimazu Motohide , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: January 2015

Aim

Recent randomized trials have failed to prove the benefit of steroid‐free immunosuppression in liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related cirrhosis. Furthermore, there is a lack of data on the use of basiliximab in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This pilot study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a steroid minimization protocol using basiliximab compared with standard immunosuppression.

Methods

A single center, prospective cohort analysis was conducted to compare two immunosuppression regimens in adult recipients who underwent LDLT for HCV since 2004: calcineurin inhibitor/mizoribine/basiliximab (the St− group) and calcineurin inhibitor/mizoribine/steroid (the St+ group). Study end‐points were rejection rates, recurrent HCV, patient survival and other adverse events up to 2 years after transplantation.

Results

A total of 27 consecutive patients were enrolled. Transplantation characteristics were similar between the two groups (14 St− and 13 St+) except ABO incompatible cases being more common in the St+ group. Rejection rates, recurrent HCV, patient survival, fibrosis stage and new‐onset diabetes mellitus at 2 years were comparable between the two groups. ABO incompatibility did not affect short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Nine St− and seven St+ recipients underwent interferon and ribavirin therapy for recurrent HCV, with a sustained virological response rate of 33% and 29%, respectively.

Conclusion

A steroid minimization protocol with basiliximab in adult LDLT for HCV is safe and affords equivalent rejection rates compared with standard immunosuppression. However, no significant differences are observed with respect to recurrent HCV, patient survival and metabolic complications.
Unemployment, Government Healthcare Spending, and Cerebrovascular Mortality, Worldwide 1981–2009: An Ecological Study
Authors: Maruthappu Mahiben , Shalhoub Joseph , Tariq Zoon , Williams Callum , Atun Rifat , Davies Alun H. , Zeltner Thomas
Published: January 2015

Background

The global economic downturn has been associated with unemployment rises, reduced health spending, and worsened population health. This has raised the question of how economic variations affect health outcomes.

Aim

We sought to determine the effect of changes in unemployment and government healthcare expenditure on cerebrovascular mortality globally.

Methods

Data were obtained from the World Bank and World Health Organization. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the effect of changes in unemployment and government healthcare expenditure on cerebrovascular mortality. Country-specific differences in infrastructure and demographics were controlled for. One- to five-year lag analyses and robustness checks were conducted.

Results

Across 99 countries worldwide, between 1981 and 2009, every 1% increase in unemployment was associated with a significant increase in cerebrovascular mortality (coefficient 187, CI: 86·6–288, P = 0·0003). Every 1% rise in government healthcare expenditure, across both genders, was associated with significant decreases in cerebrovascular deaths (coefficient 869, CI: 383–1354, P = 0·0005). The association between unemployment and cerebrovascular mortality remained statistically significant for at least five years subsequent to the 1% unemployment rise, while the association between government healthcare expenditure and cerebrovascular mortality remained significant for two years. These relationships were both shown to be independent of changes in gross domestic product per capita, inflation, interest rates, urbanization, nutrition, education, and out-of-pocket spending.

Conclusions

Rises in unemployment and reductions in government healthcare expenditure are associated with significant increases in cerebrovascular mortality globally. Clinicians may also need to consider unemployment as a possible risk factor for cerebrovascular disease mortality.
Stroke Incidence and Case-Fatality among Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Populations in the Northern Territory of Australia, 1999–2011
Authors: You Jiqiong , Condon John R. , Zhao Yuejen , Guthridge Steven L.
Published: January 2015

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia. The impact of stroke on the Australia Indigenous people is, however, unclear.

Aim

This study describes hospital-based stroke incidence and case fatality in the Northern Territory population in Australia.

Methods

Retrospective study of Northern Territory residents with a first-ever stroke episode and case fatality among Northern Territory residents in 1999–2011.

Results

The rate ratio of age-adjusted stroke incidence between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations was 2·8 for men and 2·7 for women, similar to those reported elsewhere in Australia. The rate ratio increased to 3·8 (95% confidence interval: 3·4–4·3) after adjusting for multiple risk factors. There was no change in annual incidence between 1999 and 2011 for either non-Indigenous (incidence rate ratio per year 1·01, 95% confidence interval: 1·00–1·03) or Indigenous people (incidence rate ratio: 1·00, 95% confidence interval: 0·98–1·02), although incidence did increase for non-Indigenous people in the 15–39 year age group (incidence rate ratio:1·09, 95% confidence interval:1·02–1·17) and for Indigenous people in the 40–64 year age group (incidence rate ratio:1·03, 95% confidence interva 1·00–1·06). The case fatality rate decreased from 22% in 1999 to 12% in 2011. In-hospital deaths were more common among; older and Indigenous people, for those with other chronic diseases, and from haemorrhagic stroke compared with ischemic stroke.

Conclusions

In the Northern Territory, as elsewhere in Australia, Indigenous Australians are more likely than other Australians to suffer a stroke. Lack of falling in incidence in the Northern Territory population highlights the importance for ongoing comprehensive primary and acute care in reducing risk factors and managing stroke patients.
Carotid Plaque Inflammation Assessed with 18F-FDG PET/CT is Higher in Symptomatic Compared with Asymptomatic Patients
Authors: Skagen Karolina , Johnsrud Kjersti , Evensen Kristin , Scott Helge , Krohg-Sørensen Kirsten , Reier-Nilsen Frode , Revheim Mona-Elisabeth , Fjeld Jan Gunnar , Skjelland Mona , Russell David
Published: January 2015

Background

Carotid artery plaque inflammation is thought to be an important marker of plaque vulnerability and increased stroke risk.

Aim

The main aim of this study was to assess the level of agreement between 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake on PET (positron emission tomography) scan in carotid plaques, with cerebrovascular symptoms, carotid plaque ultrasound echogenicity and histological assessments of plaque inflammation.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with ≥70% carotid stenosis scheduled for carotid endarterectomy underwent a Colour Duplex ultrasound, 18F-FDG PET/CT and blood tests less than 24 h prior to surgery. Plaques were defined as symptomatic when associated with ipsilateral cerebral ischemic symptoms within 30 days prior to inclusion. Plaques were assessed histologically following endarterectomy. The level of agreement between 18F-FDG uptake (mean SUVmax and SUVmax), and target-to-background ratio, symptoms, plaque echolucency, and histological evidence of inflammation was assessed.

Results

The amount of 18F-FDG uptake in plaques and the amount of inflammation on histological assessment were significantly correlated (r = 0·521, P = 0·003). 18F-FDG uptake was significantly higher in symptomatic plaques with median SUVmax 1·75 (1·26–2·04) in symptomatic, and 1·43 (1·15–2·28) in asymptomatic patients ( P = 0·03). 18F-FDG uptake was also positively correlated with echolucency on Doppler ultrasound ( P = 0·03).

Conclusion

18F-FDG uptake on PET/CT correlated with histological assessments of inflammation and was higher in patients with symptomatic compared with asymptomatic carotid artery plaques. These results support the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection inflammation in carotid atherosclerosis, which may be of help in the detection of vulnerable plaques.
Threshold for NIH Stroke Scale in Predicting Vessel Occlusion and Functional Outcome after Stroke Thrombolysis
Authors: Cooray Charith , Fekete Klara , Mikulik Robert , Lees Kennedy R. , Wahlgren Nils , Ahmed Niaz
Published: January 2015

Background

Data are limited on optimal threshold for baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale in predicting outcome after stroke thrombolysis (intravenous thrombolysis). Aims Finding thresholds for baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores that predict functional outcome and baseline vessel occlusion.

Methods

We analyzed 44 331 patients with available modified Rankin Scale score at three-months and 11 632 patients with computed tomography/magnetic resonance angiography documented vessel occlusion at baseline in the SITS-International Stroke Thrombolysis Register. Main outcomes were functional independency (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) at three-months and baseline vessel occlusion. We obtained area under the curves by receiver operating characteristic analysis and calculated multivariately adjusted odds ratio for the outcomes of interest based on baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores.

Results

For functional independency, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores of 12 (area under the curve 0·775) and for baseline vessel occlusion, scores of 11 (area under the curve 0·678) were optimal threshold values. For functional independency, adjusted odds ratio decreased to 0·07 (95% CI 0·05–0·11), and for presence of baseline occlusion, aOR increased to 3·28 (95% CI 3·04–3·58) for National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores 12 and 11, respectively, compared with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 0. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale thresholds decreased with time from stroke onset to imaging, with 2–3 points, respectively, if time to imaging exceeded three-hours.

Conclusions

Ideally, all acute stroke patients should have immediate access to multimodal imaging. In reality these services are limited. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores of 11 and 12 were identified as markers of baseline vessel occlusion and functional independency after intravenous thrombolysis, respectively. These values are time dependent; therefore, a threshold of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 9 or 10 points may be considered in the prehospital selection of patients for immediate transfer to centers with multimodal imaging and availability of highly specialized treatments.
Short‐term diabetes‐ and diuresis‐induced alterations of the bladder are mostly reversible in rats
Authors: Xiao Nan , Huang Yexiang , Kavran Michael , Elrashidy Rania A , Liu Guiming
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To determine whether diabetes mellitus‐ and diuresis‐induced alterations in the bladder can be reversed in rats.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly distributed into eight groups (n = 16 per group): 3 weeks and 11 weeks age‐matched controls, 3 weeks and 11 weeks after streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus, 3 weeks after diabetes mellitus induction then treated with insulin for 8 weeks, 3 weeks and 11 weeks after 5% sucrose‐induced diuresis, and 3 weeks after 5% sucrose‐induced diuresis followed by removal of 5% sucrose for 8 weeks. Bodyweight, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1c were monitored. At the designated time‐points, 24‐h urinary habits were examined, and cystometry was carried out in half of the animals. The bladders from the remaining animals were harvested for histological examination, and quantification of smooth muscle, urothelium and collagen components.

Results

Insulin treatment reversed hyperglycemia and polyuria in diabetic animals successfully, which was shown by normalization of blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c and 24‐h urinary habits. Subsequently, bodyweight, bladder weight and percentage change of bladder components (smooth muscle, collagen, urothelium) in total bladder cross‐sectional area were reversed to almost normal levels, and the bladder dysfunction was mostly reversed by 8 weeks of glycemic control, seen in the cystometry study. Similar alterations and reversed effects were seen in diuretic rats without and with 5% sucrose removal, respectively.

Conclusions

Short‐term (3‐week induction) diabetes‐ and polyuria‐induced functional and morphological alterations of the bladder can mostly be reversed in rats.
Mental effort during active and passive coping: A dual‐task analysis
Authors: BONGARD STEPHAN
Published: January 2015

This study was designed to examine the invested mental effort during active and passive coping by means of performance data. Dual‐task performance was measured while subjects coped with a situation, either actively or passively. Thirty‐six male students worked on a primary mental arithmetic task (MAT) and a secondary choice reaction time task simultaneously. Half of the sample could avoid an aversive tone by performing well on the MAT. For the remaining half, their performance had no influence on the tone. The aversive tone stimulation of these subjects was yoked to a “partner,” in the first group. Subjects with control showed elevated cardiovascular responses and inferior secondary task performance than subjects without control. No differences were found in the performance on the MAT. These results were in line with the assumption that subjects with control spent more effort on the primary task. Subjects under the active coping condition probably payed more attention to the tone, which consumed more cognitive resources.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation in the Postpneumonectomy Population: A Feasibility, Safety, and Outcomes Study
Authors: KANMANTHAREDDY ARUN , VALLAKATI AJAY , REDDY YERUVA MADHU , DIXIT SANJAY , DI BIASE LUIGI , MANSOUR MOUSSA , BOOLANI HEMANT , GUNDA SAMPATH , BUNCH T. JARED , DAY JOHN D. , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , BUDDAM AVANIJA , KORIPALLI SANDEEP , BOMMANA SUDHARANI , NATALE ANDREA , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA
Published: January 2015

AF Ablation in Pulmonary Vein Stumps

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of the remnant pulmonary vein (PV) stumps in pneumonectomy patients has not been well characterized.

Methods

This is a multicenter observational study of patients with a remnant PV stump after pneumonectomy. Consecutive patients with a history of pneumonectomy and who had undergone RF ablation for drug refractory AF were identified from the AF database at the participating institutions.

Results

There were 15 patients in whom pneumonectomy was performed, for resection of tumors in 10, infection in 4, and bullae in 1 patient and who underwent RF ablation for AF. The mean age was 63 ± 7 years. The stumps were from the right lower PV in 5, left upper PV in 5, left lower PV in 3, and right upper PV in 2 patients. All the PV stumps were electrically active with PV potentials and 9 (60%) of them had triggered activity. PVI was performed in 14 and focal isolation in 1 patient. At 1‐year follow‐up, 80% were free of AF, off of antiarrhythmic medications.

Conclusion

PV stumps in AF patients with previous pneumonectomy are electrically active and are frequently the sites of active firing. Isolation of these PV stumps can be accomplished safely and effectively using catheter ablation with no practical concern for PV stenosis or compromising PV stump integrity.
Feasibility, Efficacy, and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Monitoring of the Initial Impedance Decrease as a Surrogate of Catheter Contact
Authors: REICHLIN TOBIAS , LANE CHRISTOPHER , NAGASHIMA KOICHI , NOF EYAL , CHOPRA NAGESH , NG JUSTIN , BARBHAIYA CHIRAG , TADROS TOMAS , JOHN ROY M. , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , MICHAUD GREGORY F.
Published: January 2015

AF Ablation Guided by Initial Impedance Drop

Background

The initial impedance decrease during radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an indirect marker of catheter contact and lesion formation. We aimed to assess feasibility, efficacy, and safety of an ablation approach guided by initial impedance decrease.

Methods

A total of 25 patients with paroxysmal AF had point‐by‐point, wide antral pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. RF applications were aborted if a decrease of at least 5 Ω did not occur in the first 10 seconds; otherwise, ablation was continued for at least 20 seconds. Power was 30 Watts and reduced to 15–25 Watts on the posterior wall.

Results

A total of 28% of RF applications were terminated because of inadequate impedance decrease. The remaining lesions showed a median decrease of 7.6 Ω (IQR 5.0–10.7) at 10 seconds and median duration of RF lesions was 38 seconds. Note that, 100 PVs were isolated with 49 rings. PVI occurred before anatomic completion of the ablation ring of adequate lesions in 39/49 (80%) and concurrent with ring completion in 7/49 (14%). Additional lesions were required in 3/49 (6%) rings. After PVI, additional lesions were required to eliminate dormant conduction in 2/47 (4%) and pace‐capture on the ablation line in 24/49 vein pairs (49%). During short‐term follow‐up, 3 nonfatal esophageal injuries and 2 late pericardial effusions occurred. During a mean follow‐up of 431 ± 87 days, 21/25 patients (84%) remained free of recurrent symptomatic atrial arrhythmias.

Conclusions

PVI guided by initial impedance decrease is feasible and results in PVI concurrent with or before completion of the ablation ring in 94% of patients. Single procedure efficacy after one year of follow‐up was 84%. Near‐term complications suggest that deeper lesions are created, indicating that further reduction of RF‐power and duration is warranted.
Development and validation of a real‐time PCR assay for the detection of anguillid herpesvirus 1
Authors: van Beurden S J , Voorbergen‐Laarman M A , Roozenburg I , van Tellingen J , Haenen O L M , Engelsma M Y
Published: January 2015

Anguillid herpesvirus 1 (AngHV1) causes a haemorrhagic disease with increased mortality in wild and farmed European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.) and Japanese eel Anguilla japonica, Temminck & Schlegel). Detection of AngHV1 is currently based on virus isolation in cell culture, antibody‐based typing assays or conventional PCR. We developed, optimized and concisely validated a diagnostic TaqMan probe based real‐time PCR assay for the detection of AngHV1. The primers and probe target AngHV1 open reading frame 57, encoding the capsid protease and scaffold protein. Compared to conventional PCR, the developed real‐time PCR is faster, less labour‐intensive and has a reduced risk of cross‐contamination. The real‐time PCR assay was shown to be analytically sensitive and specific and has a high repeatability, efficiency and r2‐value. The diagnostic performance of the assay was determined by testing 10% w/v organ suspensions and virus cultures from wild and farmed European eels from the Netherlands by conventional and real‐time PCR. The developed real‐time PCR assay is a useful tool for the rapid and sensitive detection of AngHV1 in 10% w/v organ suspensions from wild and farmed European eels.
Determinants of Future Microbial Food Safety in Canada for risk communication
Authors: Charlebois Sylvain , Summan Amit
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the factors that are affecting food safety in Canada today, and those that will become increasingly important in the future. The tools used to complete this analysis are primarily the review of scientific and “gray” literature, and the analysis of multiple sources of data. We develop a methodology for ranking the factors and rank the factors according to their predicted effect on foodborne disease in Canada. The analysis reveals the top three factors that will be detrimental to food safety as pathogen evolution, increase in temperatures and increase in extreme weather events. Future studies may benefit from an analysis of factors by commodity.

Practical Applications

Food regulatory bodies, such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, have a finite number of resources to address emerging food safety risks. A framework for ranking factors effecting food safety discussed in this paper will help determine the optimal distribution of resources designated for preventative and mitigative food safety programs and can better assist food regulators in anticipating emerging systemic risks. Although the focus of this paper is on the Canadian context, many of the results may be applied to other Western countries.
ArabidopsisPED2 positively modulates plant drought stress resistance
Authors: Shi Haitao , Ye Tiantian , Yang Fan , Chan Zhulong
Published: January 2015

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone that functions in seed germination, plant development, and multiple stress responses. Arabidopsis Peroxisome defective 2 (AtPED2) (also known as AtPEXOXIN14, AtPEX14), is involved in the intracellular transport of thiolase from the cytosol to glyoxysomes, and perosisomal matrix protein import in plants. In this study, we assigned a new role for AtPED2 in drought stress resistance. The transcript level of AtPED2 was downregulated by ABA and abiotic stress treatments. AtPED2 knockout mutants were insensitive to ABA‐mediated seed germination, primary root elongation, and stomatal response, while AtPED2 over‐expressing plants were sensitive to ABA in comparison to wide type (WT). AtPED2 also positively regulated drought stress resistance, as evidenced by the changes of water loss rate, electrolyte leakage, and survival rate. Notably, AtPED2 positively modulated expression of several stress‐responsive genes (RAB18, RD22, RD29A, and RD29B), positively affected underlying antioxidant enzyme activities and negatively regulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level under drought stress conditions. Moreover, multiple carbon metabolites including amino acids, organic acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, and aromatic amines were also positively regulated by AtPED2. Taken together, these results indicated a positive role for AtPED2 in drought resistance, through modulation of stress‐responsive genes expression, ROS metabolism, and metabolic homeostasis, at least partially.
Optic Neuritis and the Visual Pathway: Evaluation of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum by Resting‐State fMRI and Diffusion Tensor MRI
Authors: Lopes Fernanda Cristina Rueda , Alves‐Leon Soniza Vieira , Godoy Jose Mauricio , de Souza Batista Scherpenhuijzen Simone , Fezer Leticia , Gasparetto Emerson Leandro
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Optic neuritis (ON) is an acute episode of inflammation in the visual pathway (VP). It may occur as part of a demyelinating disease, which can affect white matter (WM) throughout the VP. Compensatory cortical adaptations may occur following WM damage to maintain visual integrity. Our aim was to investigate whether resting‐state functional MRI (rsfMRI) can detect cortical adaptations following ON attacks and to correlate rsfMRI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of WM within the VP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum patients were compared to healthy controls at least 6 months after ON onset. DTI and rsfMRI were performed and post‐processed using FSL tools (TBSS for DTI and MELODIC for fMRI).

RESULTS

Ptients had higher synchronization values than controls in the visual network (3.48 vs. 2.12, P < .05). A weak trend of correlation was revealed between fMRI and structural analysis by DTI using fractional anisotropy (right side: R = −.36, P < .08; left side: R = .075, P < .73).

CONCLUSIONS

The rsfMRI detected cortical reorganization following ON attack, but WM was considerably preserved in the posterior VP.
Pests controlling pests: does predator control lead to greaterEuropean rabbit abundance inAustralasia?
Authors: Norbury Grant , Jones Chris
Published: January 2015

InNewZealand andAustralia, rural landowners believe that local predator control to protect indigenous biota exacerbatesEuropean rabbitOryctolagus cuniculusproblems on their land. We assess the validity of their concerns by reviewing the published literature on effects of predators on rabbit abundance.

InNewZealand, where rabbits and their predators are introduced, predators appear to have relatively little effect on rabbit numbers compared with other factors leading to mortality, such as disease, flooding of burrows and burrow collapse. Similarly, inAustralia, rabbit numbers are driven primarily by climate and its effects on food abundance and quality, and by disease. However, where rabbit numbers are low following drought or major epizootics, predation can limit population recovery. In theIberianPeninsula, where rabbits and their predators are indigenous, the effects of predators are unknown, as they are often confounded by other factors. Rabbit numbers are influenced mostly by habitat, food, disease and rainfall. Elsewhere inEurope, predators have their strongest effect when rabbit numbers have been reduced by other factors, but have little effect on high‐density rabbit populations.

InAustralasia, abundance of predators (especially rabbit specialists) can usually be predicted from rabbit abundance, not vice versa. Although predation effects can be limiting under certain conditions, they are minor compared to the roles of climate, food, disease and habitat.

A key unresolved question is whether those circumstances where predator control might lead to increases in rabbit populations can be identified with enough certainty to allow reliable predictions to be generated. One approach is to implement robust rabbit, predator and disease monitoring programmes at sites with predator control operations. Data on changes in rabbits, predators, and disease prevalence could be combined with local data on other key factors to facilitate reasonable inference about effects of predators on rabbits. The inclusion of carefully matched non‐treatment areas is crucial if such programmes are to succeed.
Marital Distress and the Failure to Eat: The Expressive Dimensions of Feeding, Eating, and Self‐care in Urban South Asia
Authors: Snell‐Rood Claire
Published: January 2015

This article examines appetite loss among married women living in a Delhi slum. Research has shown that through feeding, women in South Asia gain domestic authority and become part of the families into which they marry. I use observations and interviews collected over 14 months in one poor urban community to explore the social dimensions of feeding and abstaining from eating in a context of marital and food insecurity. Results show that women report appetite loss in response to domestic violence, the stress of marital fights, and fears about the dissolution of their marriages. In other instances, women report that they forget to eat because of dedication to caregiving or refuse to eat because of their husbands’ failure to attend to their needs. In the context of this research, I show that food insecurity research would benefit from considering the kinship and gender politics involved in feeding and eating behaviors.
Ionic interaction of positive amino acid residues of fungal hydrophobin RolA with acidic amino acid residues of cutinase CutL1
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Tanaka Takumi , Tsushima Yusei , Muragaki Kimihide , Uehara Kenji , Takeuchi Shunsuke , Maeda Hiroshi , Yamagata Youhei , Nakayama Mayumi , Yoshimi Akira , Abe Keietsu
Published: January 2015

Hydrophobins are amphipathic proteins secreted by filamentous fungi. When the industrial fungus Aspergillus oryzae is grown in a liquid medium containing the polyester polybutylene succinate co‐adipate (PBSA), it produces RolA, a hydrophobin, and CutL1, a PBSA‐degrading cutinase. Secreted RolA attaches to the surface of the PBSA particles and recruits CutL1, which then condenses on the particles and stimulates the hydrolysis of PBSA. Here, we identified amino acid residues that are required for the RolA–CutL1 interaction by using site‐directed mutagenesis. We quantitatively analyzed kinetic profiles of the interactions between RolA variants and CutL1 variants by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The QCM analyses revealed that Asp142, Asp171 and Glu31, located on the hydrophilic molecular surface of CutL1, and His32 and Lys34, located in the N‐terminus of RolA, play crucial roles in the RolA–CutL1 interaction via ionic interactions. RolA immobilized on a QCM electrode strongly interacted with CutL1 (KD = 6.5 nM); however, RolA with CutL1 variants, or RolA variants with CutL1, showed markedly larger KD values, particularly in the interaction between the double variant RolA‐H32S/K34S and the triple variant CutL1‐E31S/D142S/D171S (KD = 78.0 nM). We discuss a molecular prototype model of hydrophobin‐based enzyme recruitment at the solid–water interface.
Presence, species distribution, and density of Malassezia yeast in patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis – a community‐based case–control study and review of literature
Authors: Barac Aleksandra , Pekmezovic Marina , Milobratovic Danica , Otasevic‐Tasic Suzana , Radunovic Milena , Arsic Arsenijevic Valentina
Published: January 2015

Malassezia yeast belongs to the normal cutaneous flora and under certain conditions it causes seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD). There is no culture‐based study about the presence and density of the Malassezia in SD patients in Serbia. Aim was to show the presence, species distribution and density of Malassezia in patients with SD on lesional skin (LS) and non‐lesional skin (NLS) and healthy controls (HC) and to compare data between Serbia and other countries. The study included 70 HC and 60 patients with SD in the study group (SG). Isolation, identification and examination of density of Malassezia colony‐forming units from LS and NLS were performed. Malassezia was found more frequently in the SG than in HC, 90% and 60%, respectively (P < 0.01). The most frequent isolates in SG on LS were M. slooffiae (26%), followed by M. globosa (17%) and M. sympodialis (17%). The yeast density was much higher on LS of SG than on NLS of SG or in the HC group (P < 0.05). Higher density of Malassezia was shown on LS of SG than on NLS of SG and HC. M. slooffiae is the most prevalent species in SD patients in Serbia. This study demonstrated a positive relationship between severity of SD and presence of Malassezia spp.
Trichosporon asahii infection presenting as chronic meningo‐ventriculitis and intra ventricular fungal ball: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kumar Anil , Udayakumaran Suhas , Babu Rachana , Rajamma Bindhu M. , Prakash Anupam , Panikar Dilip , Karim Shamsul , Chowdhary Anuradha
Published: January 2015

Central nervous system trichosporonosis is a rare clinical entity and so far only six cases including three each of brain abscess and meningitis has been on record. We report a rare case of chronic meningo‐ventriculitis and intraventricular fungal ball due to Trichosporon asahii in an 18‐year‐old immunocompetent male from Burundi, east Africa. Neuroendoscopy showed multiple nodules and a fungal ball within the ventricle, which on culture grew T. asahii. He was initially empirically treated with liposomal amphotericin B. However, the antifungal susceptibility testing of T. asahii isolate revealed high minimum inhibitory concentration for amphotericin B (2 μg ml−1), flucytosine (16 μg ml−1) and caspofungin (2 μg ml−1) but exhibited potent activity for voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole. The patient rapidly succumbed to cardiac arrest before antifungal therapy could be changed. Although disseminated trichosporonosis has been increasingly reported the diagnosis represents a challenge especially in rare clinical settings such as intraventricular fungal ball in the present case, which has not been described previously.