bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next step toward a molecular phylogeny of click‐beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae): redefinition of Pityobiinae, with a description of a new subfamily Parablacinae from the Australasian Region
Authors: Kundrata Robin , Gunter Nicole L , Douglas Hume , Bocak Ladislav
Published: November 2015

Elateridae represents one of the largest families within Coleoptera, yet their interrelationships remain under‐investigated. Molecular data are missing for most lineages, especially for the species‐poor suprageneric taxa. In this study, we investigated the limits and phylogenetic position of Pityobiinae sensu Calder (1996), a group of several small genera from the New World and Australasia, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. We merged new sequence data with those deposited in GenBank, producing a final matrix of 178 terminal taxa and covering the main click‐beetle subfamilies. The resulting topologies showed Elaterinae as sister to remaining click‐beetle lineages, and Agrypninae as sister to the Morostomatinae + Dendrometrinae + Cardiophorinae + Negastriinae clade. Members of Hemiopinae, Lissominae, Thylacosterninae and Pityobiinae formed basal lineages within Elateridae − Elaterinae. We found Lissominae to be polyphyletic, including Thylacosterninae as a terminal lineage and with Oestodini forming an independent lineage outside that clade. Therefore, the subfamily Oestodinae stat. nov. was reinstated for the North American genera Oestodes LeConte and Bladus LeConte. The Australian genera Dicteniophorus Candèze, Drymelater Calder and Stichotomus Candèze were transferred from Dendrometrinae to Elaterinae. Pityobiinae was recovered as two distant lineages in all analyses and correspondingly the subfamily is reduced to contain only the North American Pityobius LeConte and tentatively the South American Tibionema Solier, for which we have no DNA sequences. Additionally, we propose Parablacinae subfam. nov. for the remaining former pityobiine genera from Australia and New Zealand. The new subfamily includes Parablax Schwarz, Metablax Candèze, Wynarka Calder, Xuthelater Calder, Tasmanelater Calder, Parasaphes Candèze and also Ophidius Candèze, which is transferred here from Elaterinae. We failed to find universally diagnostic synapomorphies in adult morphology for Parablacinae, a common problem in elaterid taxonomy. Future research, including a comprehensive phylogeny of the subfamily and re‐examination of the morphology of its species is crucial to understanding the limits and classification of this lineage.
Studies of the susceptibility of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Timor‐Leste to pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides
Authors: Frances Stephen P , Morton Clinton J , Pettit William J
Published: November 2015

Aedes aegypti is the mosquito vector of dengue worldwide and also occurs in far northern Queensland, where cases of dengue occur annually. Aedes aegypti from colonies established from Townville, Queensland, Australia, and Dili, Timor‐Leste, were exposed in bottle bioassays to determine their susceptibility to three pyrethroids, the organophosphate, malathion and two commercial pyrethroid‐based products: Reslin® (50 g/l bioresmethrin) and Aqua‐K‐Othrine® (20 g/l deltamethrin) both containing the synergist, piperonyl butoxide. Aedes aegypti from Dili, Timor‐Leste, were resistant to permethrin, lamda‐cyhalothrin and resmethrin, but were susceptible to malathion and the two pyrethroid products. Biochemical microplate assays were used to measure activity levels of three enzymes (oxidase, esterase and glutathione‐S‐transferase), and there were no significant increases in the activity of oxidase and glutathione‐S‐transferase, but an increase in esterase activity in A. aegypti from Dili was detected. The study showed that mosquitoes originating in Timor‐Leste are tolerant of pyrethroid insecticides used in Australia and monitoring of insecticide susceptibility in A. aegypti introduced into Australia needs to be maintained to ensure that adequate control of dengue vectors is achieved.
Life Transitions and Brand Switching: How Changes in Social Relationships are Linked to Changes in Yogurt Brand and Grocery Chain Choice
Authors: Reitmeier Martina E. , Roosen Jutta
Published: November 2015

Older consumers are often neglected as a target group because they are considered brand loyal and not flexible in their consumption habits. However, previous research suggests that life transitions may be associated with changes in consumers’ behavior. To investigate whether late‐life transitions are associated with a greater likelihood of changing the regularly bought yogurt brand, we analyzed real purchase data of German consumers from 2004 to 2008. Our findings provide empirical evidence that changes in social relationships (change in household size, relocation) are associated with a higher likelihood of changes in first yogurt brand and first grocery chain for older consumers. These findings have implications for policy makers and marketing practitioners.

Les consommateurs plus âgés sont souvent négligés comme groupe‐cible, car ils sont considérés comme étant fidèles à leurs marques et peu flexibles dans leurs habitudes de consommation. Cependant, des recherches antérieures suggèrent que les transitions de la vie peuvent être associées à des changements d'habitudes de consommation alimentaire. Afin de déterminer si les transitions qui se passent en fin de vie sont associés avec une plus grande probabilité de changer la marque de yoghourt achetée régulièrement, nous analysons les données d'achats réels des consommateurs allemands de 2004 à 2008. Nos résultats fournissent des preuves empiriques sur la probabilité de changements de (a) la marque première de yoghourt et la chaîne de supermarché première pour les consommateurs les plus âgés à la suite des changements dans les relations sociales comme le changement de la taille de ménage et le déménagement. Et en plus ces résultats ont des répercutions pour les décideurs et les professionnels du marketing.
New Evidence on Export Price Elasticity from China and Six OECD Countries
Authors: Aiello Francesco , Bonanno Graziella , Via Alessia
Published: November 2015

This paper provides new evidence on export price elasticities by analyzing the cases of China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the USA over the period 1990–2012. Estimates have been made using panel data techniques for non‐stationary data. After demonstrating that long‐run relationships are stable to any structural break, it is found that exports are significantly determined by foreign demand, with long‐run income elasticity significantly higher than unity for China, Japan, Germany, the UK and the USA. Conversely, exports are price inelastic for most of the countries in the sample, in both the long run and the short run. The exception is France, whose export price elasticity is lower (higher) than unity in the short run (long run).
Inflation Transmission in Greater China
Authors: Liu Ming‐Hua , Margaritis Dimitris , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2015

This paper examines inflation dynamics in Greater China. Using an asymmetric error correction model, we investigate how inflation in Hong Kong and Macao are related to inflation in Chinese Mainland. Our results based on data from July 1997 to December 2012 reveal that a long‐term equilibrium relation exists between inflation in Chinese Mainland and inflation in both Hong Kong and Macao, the two Special Administrative Regions of China. The degree of inflation pass‐through is higher for Macao than for Hong Kong. Moreover, we find no evidence of asymmetries in either Hong Kong and Macao's adjustment speeds towards long‐run equilibrium or in the short‐run pass‐through of accelerating or decelerating inflation in the Mainland. Collectively, our results show a close relationship among price dynamics of the three economies and call for a reconsideration of the exchange rate anchor in the Greater China Region.
Colorectal cancer screening of the general population in East Asia
Authors: Sano Yasushi , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Li Xiao‐Bo , Wong Martin C.S. , Chiu Han‐Mo , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Utsumi Takahiro , Hattori Santa , Sano Wataru , Iwatate Mineo , Chiu Philip , Sung Joseph
Published: November 2015

In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing, and CRC has been becoming the major cause of cancer deaths in Asian countries. Therefore, an organized screening program to reduce CRC incidence and mortality is currently implemented in each country. In the present review, we summarize the current status and future perspectives of CRC screening of the general population in East Asian and South‐East Asian countries. The fecal occult blood test is widely used for CRC screening in these countries, and its effectiveness in reducing CRC incidence and mortality has been demonstrated; however, the low participation rate in CRC screening programs is a problem to be solved in every country. Improvement in the public awareness of CRC and promotion of CRC screening by physicians will help to raise the participation rate and reduce the number of deaths caused by CRC. Regarding screening colonoscopy, several studies have recently demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. However, at present, CRC screening colonoscopy is not adopted as a primary population‐based screening tool because of staffing constraints in relation to large population sizes, increased medical costs, and potential adverse events (e.g. perforation and drug‐induced anaphylaxis). Further study is required to consider colonoscopy as CRC screening that is established in Western countries.
Treatment intensification with an insulin degludec (IDeg)/insulin aspart (IAsp) co‐formulation twice daily compared with basal IDeg and prandial IAsp in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled phase III trial
Authors: Rodbard H. W. , Cariou B. , Pieber T. R. , Endahl L. A. , Zacho J. , Cooper J. G.
Published: November 2015

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two insulin intensification strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes previously treated with basal insulin – insulin degludec (IDeg) and insulin aspart (IAsp) – administered as a co‐formulation (IDegAsp) or as a basal‐bolus regimen (IDeg and IAsp in separate injections).

Methods

This 26‐week, open‐label, treat‐to‐target, phase IIIb, non‐inferiority trial randomized patients (1 : 1) to IDegAsp twice daily with main meals (n = 138; IDegAsp group) or IDeg once daily and IAsp 2–4 times daily (n = 136; IDeg+IAsp group).

Results

After 26 weeks, the mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) for the IDegAsp group and 6.8% (51 mmol/mol) for the IDeg+IAsp group (Δ%HbA1c from baseline −1.31 and −1.50%, respectively). The non‐inferiority of IDegAsp versus IDeg+IAsp was not confirmed for mean change in HbA1c [estimated treatment difference (ETD) 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.04, 0.41; p = non‐significant]. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (56.5 and 59.6%, respectively). IDegAsp treatment resulted in a significantly lower total daily insulin dose, a smaller change in body weight, numerically lower rates of confirmed hypoglycaemia (self‐reported plasma glucose <3.1 mmol/l; rate ratio 0.81; p = non‐significant), and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemic episodes (rate ratio 0.80; p = non‐significant) versus IDeg+IAsp. Patient‐reported outcome scores for social functioning were significantly higher for IDegAsp versus IDeg+IAsp (ETD 2.2; 95% CI 0.3, 4.1; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both intensification strategies effectively improved glycaemic control. Although non‐inferiority was not confirmed, there were no significant differences between the groups that could affect clinical utility.
Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm with Fistula to the Coronary Sinus, Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, Ruptured Anterior Leaflet Chordae Tendineae with Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Cajas‐Morales Claudia , Martinez‐Beltran Citlalic , Criales‐Vera Sergio , Arias‐Godinez Jose Antonio , Espinola‐Zavaleta Nilda
Published: November 2015

Mini‐Abstract

We are reporting a case of a 52‐year‐old man with a 2‐year history of dyspnea on moderate exertion and orthopnea. In the last year, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea developed. Echocardiography showed an aneurysm of the right coronary artery with a fistula to the coronary sinus, persistent left superior vena cava, and ruptured anterior mitral leaflet chordae tendineae with severe mitral regurgitation. The computed tomography confirmed these findings. The patient was scheduled for surgery.
Right Atrial Mechanics Long‐Term after Biventricular Repair of Pulmonary Atresia or Stenosis with Intact Ventricular Septum
Authors: To Ashley Hoi‐man , Lai Clare Tik‐man , Wong Sophia J. , Cheung Yiu‐fai
Published: November 2015

Background

This study tested the hypothesis that right atrial (RA) mechanics are altered in patients after repair of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) and pulmonary stenosis (PS) and to explore their relationships with right ventricular (RV) diastolic function and P‐wave indices.

Methods

Thirty‐six adult patients, 16 with PAIVS and 20 with PS patients, and 20 age‐matched healthy subjects were studied. Right atrial mechanics were assessed using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) with quantification of positive, negative, and total strain, and strain rates at ventricular systole (aSRs), early diastole (aSRed), and atrial contraction (aSRac). Right ventricular diastolic function was assessed by Doppler interrogation and STE. Maximum P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion were measured.

Results

Compared with controls, PAIVS and PS patients had significantly lower RA positive and total strain, aSRs and aSRed (all P < 0.05). Parameters of RV diastolic function including transtricuspid early (E) and late (A) diastolic inflow velocities, E/A ratio, early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (e), early to late diastolic annular velocity ratio, E/e ratio, and RV early diastolic strain rate were found to correlate significantly with RA positive and total strain and aSRed (all P < 0.05). Maximum P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion increased progressively across control, PS, and PAIVS groups (P for trend <0.001). Both P‐wave indices correlated negatively with RA positive strain, total strain, and aSRed (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Impairment of RA mechanics occurs in patients long term after repair of PAIVS and PS and is associated with RV diastolic dysfunction, longer P‐wave duration, and greater P‐wave dispersion.
Patients with Diabetes and Significant Epicardial Coronary Artery Disease Have Increased Systolic Left Ventricular Apical Rotation and Rotation Rate at Rest
Authors: Rasalingam Ravi , Holland Mark R. , Cooper Daniel H. , Novak Eric , Rich Michael W. , Miller James G. , Pérez Julio E.
Published: November 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether resting myocardial deformation and rotation may be altered in diabetic patients with significant epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) with normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Setting

Diagnosis of epicardial CAD in patients with diabetes.

Patients and Methods

Eighty‐four patients with diabetes suspected of epicardial CAD scheduled for cardiac catheterization had a resting echocardiogram performed prior to their procedure. Echocardiographic measurements were compared between patients with and without significant epicardial CAD as determined by cardiac catheterization.

Main Outcome Measures

Measurement of longitudinal strain, strain rate, apical rotation, and rotation rate, using speckle tracking echocardiography.

Results

Eighty‐four patients were studied, 39 (46.4%) of whom had significant epicardial CAD. Global peak systolic apical rotation was significantly increased (14.9 ± 5.1 vs. 11.0 ± 4.8 degrees, P < 0.001) in patients with epicardial CAD along with faster peak systolic apical rotation rate (90.4 ± 29 vs. 68.1 ± 22.2 degrees/sec, P < 0.001). These findings were further confirmed through multivariate logistic regression analysis (global peak systolic apical rotation OR = 1.17, P = 0.004 and peak systolic apical rotation rate OR = 1.05, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with diabetes with significant epicardial CAD and normal LVEF exhibit an increase in peak systolic apical counterclockwise rotation and rotation rate detected by echocardiography, suggesting that significant epicardial CAD and its associated myocardial effects in patients with diabetes may be detected noninvasively at rest.
The natural occurrence of secondary bacterial symbionts in aphids
Authors: ZYTYNSKA SHARON E. , WEISSER WOLFGANG W.
Published: November 2015

1. Many insects host secondary bacterial symbionts that are known to have wide‐ranging effects on their hosts, from host‐plant use to resistance against natural enemies. This has been most widely studied in aphids, which have become a model system to study insect–bacteria interactions.

2. While there is an increasing understanding of the role of symbionts in aphids from controlled laboratory studies, we are only beginning to explore the impact of hosting these symbionts on eco‐evolutionary dynamics in natural systems. To date, many research groups have identified bacterial symbionts from various aphid species, providing us with a bank of literature on aphid–symbiont associations in natural populations.

3. The role of secondary symbionts in aphids is discussed, and the taxonomic and geographical distribution of symbionts among aphids are summarised, and the potential reasons for the patterns observed. The need to test for multiple symbiont species (and co‐infections) across many individuals and the whole distribution range of an aphid is highlighted, including sampling on all known host‐plant species.

4. It is further important also to consider variation within the symbiont, the aphid‐host and the surrounding community, e.g. host‐plants or the natural enemies, to understand how these have the potential to mediate aphid–symbiont interactions.

5. Finally, the knowledge gained from experimental work should now be used to understand the role of aphid secondary symbionts in field systems, to fully understand the potentially far‐reaching consequences of aphid endosymbionts on community and ecosystem processes.
Seasonal dynamics of the soil microbial community: assimilation of old and young carbon sources in a long‐term field experiment as revealed by natural 13C abundance
Authors: Börjesson G. , Menichetti L. , Thornton B. , Campbell C. D. , Kätterer T.
Published: November 2015

Microbial biomass is a small part of the total soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, but plays a major role in its turnover. A field experiment in Sweden, amended with different mineral and organic materials since 1956, was changed from continuous C3 plants to C4 vegetation (silage maize) in 2000. In 2012, soil samples from three fertilizer treatments (calcium nitrate, calcium nitrate plus straw and sewage sludge) and two controls (bare fallow and cropped unfertilized) were taken on three occasions (before, during and after cropping). Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) were extracted from all soil samples and analysed for 12C and 13C contents in individual PLFAs. Seasonal variation in total PLFAs was small except for the most SOC‐rich treatment (sewage sludge). Weighted means of δ13C in PLFAs showed that the plots fertilized with calcium nitrate only had the largest δ13C values in PLFAs before (−20.24‰) and after the vegetation period (−20.37‰). However, during the vegetation period the values were much smaller (−21.85‰). This coincided with a strong increase in the PLFA 18:2ω6,9, indicating the use of old organic matter by fungi. Monounsaturated PLFAs indicative of Gram‐negative bacteria were more frequent before and after the growing season. This observed ‘rebound’ effect of the δ13C PLFA values during the vegetation period indicates that seasonal turnover of the microbial biomass can be substantial.
Oxidative mitigation of aquatic methane emissions in large Amazonian rivers
Authors: Sawakuchi Henrique O. , Bastviken David , Sawakuchi André O. , Ward Nicholas D. , Borges Clovis D. , Tsai Siu M. , Richey Jeffrey E. , Ballester Maria Victoria R. , Krusche Alex V.
Published: November 2015

The flux of methane (CH4) from inland waters to the atmosphere has a profound impact on global atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) levels, and yet, strikingly little is known about the dynamics controlling sources and sinks of CH4 in the aquatic setting. Here, we examine the cycling and flux of CH4 in six large rivers in the Amazon basin, including the Amazon River. Based on stable isotopic mass balances of CH4, inputs and outputs to the water column were estimated. We determined that ecosystem methane oxidation (MOX) reduced the diffusive flux of CH4 by approximately 28–96% and varied depending on hydrologic regime and general geochemical characteristics of tributaries of the Amazon River. For example, the relative amount of MOX was maximal during high water in black and white water rivers and minimal in clear water rivers during low water. The abundance of genetic markers for methane‐oxidizing bacteria (pmoA) was positively correlated with enhanced signals of oxidation, providing independent support for the detected MOX patterns. The results indicate that MOX in large Amazonian rivers can consume from 0.45 to 2.07 Tg CH4 yr−1, representing up to 7% of the estimated global soil sink. Nevertheless, climate change and changes in hydrology, for example, due to construction of dams, can alter this balance, influencing CH4 emissions to atmosphere.
Immunosuppressive evidence of Tityus serrulatus toxins Ts6 and Ts15: insights of a novel K+ channel pattern in T cells
Authors: Pucca Manuela B. , Bertolini Thaís B. , Cerni Felipe A. , Bordon Karla C. F. , Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan , Bonato Vânia L. , Arantes Eliane C.
Published: November 2015

The voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is a novel target for immunomodulation of autoreactive effector memory T cells, which play a major role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this study, the Ts6 and Ts15 toxins isolated from Tityus serrulatus (Ts) were investigated for their immunosuppressant roles on CD4+ cell subsets: naive, effector (TEF), central memory (TCM) and effector memory (TEM). The electrophysiological assays confirmed that both toxins were able to block Kv1.3 channels. Interestingly, an extended Kv channel screening shows that Ts15 blocks Kv2.1 channels. Ts6 and Ts15 significantly inhibit the proliferation of TEM cells and interferon‐γ production; however, Ts15 also inhibits other CD4+ cell subsets (naive, TEF and TCM). Based on the Ts15 inhibitory effect of proliferation of all CD4+ cell subsets, and based on its blocking effect on Kv2.1, we investigated the Kv2.1 expression in T cells. The assays showed that CD4+ and CD8+ cells express the Kv2.1 channels mainly extracellularly with TCM cells expressing the highest number of Kv2.1 channels. We also provide in vivo experimental evidence to the protective effect of Ts6 and Ts15 on delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction. Altogether, this study presents the immunosuppressive behaviour of Ts6 and Ts15 toxins, indicating that these toxins could be promising candidates for autoimmune disease therapy. Moreover, this is the first report illustrating the involvement of a novel K+ channel subtype, Kv2.1, and its distribution in T‐cell subsets.
Successful eradication of helical rim keloids with surgical excision followed by pressure therapy using a combination of magnets and silicone gel sheeting
Authors: Park Tae Hwan , Rah Dong Kyun
Published: November 2015

Extremely limited data are available for the treatment of helical rim keloids. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the successful treatment of helical rim keloids using surgical exicison followed by a newly designed pressure therapy device. We treated 40 pure helical rim keloids in 36 patients with surgical excisions followed by pressure therapy using a combination of magnets and silicone gel sheeting for 12 hours over a period of 2 years, from May 2012 to February 2014, at tertiary medical centre. The follow‐up period was 18 months. Primary outcome was recurrence of keloids. Secondary outcome was patient satisfaction as assessed by the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The overall recurrence‐free rate was 95·0% after a follow‐up period of 18 months. Scores obtained from the POSAS showed that most items were reported to be improved. This adjuvant therapy protocol resulted in excellent outcomes in cases of helical rim keloids compared to previously published protocols.
Phylogenetic Position and Molecular Chronology of a Colonial Green Flagellate,Stephanosphaera pluvialis(Volvocales, Chlorophyceae), among Unicellular Algae
Authors: Munakata Hidehito , Nakada Takashi , Nakahigashi Kenji , Nozaki Hisayoshi , Tomita Masaru
Published: November 2015

The genusBalticolacomprises a group of unicellular green flagellate algae and is composed of four species formerly classified in the genusHaematococcus.Balticolais closely related to a colonial green flagellate,Stephanosphaera pluvialis. Although the phylogeny among these genera was previously investigated based on two nuclear gene sequences, the phylogenetic sister ofS.pluvialishas yet to be determined. In the present study, the species diversity ofBalticolaandStephanosphaerawas investigated using 18SrRNAgene sequences, and phylogenetic analyses of combined nuclear and chloroplast gene sequences were performed to understand the evolutionary origin of coloniality inStephanosphaera. The divergence times of four colonial volvocalean flagellates from their respective unicellular sisters were also estimated. SixBalticolagenotypes and a singleStephanosphaeragenotype were recognized, and oneBalticolagenotype was resolved as the sister ofS.pluvialis, showing thatBalticolais a nonmonophyletic genus. The divergence time ofStephanosphaerafrom its nearestBalticolarelative was estimated to be 4–63 million years ago, and these genera represent the most recently diverged pair of unicellular and colonial flagellates among the Volvocales.
Alternative Questions
Authors: Biezma María , Rawlins Kyle
Published: November 2015

This paper surveys the current state of art in research on alternative questions. Alternative questions stand at the confluence of three major topics in semantics, pragmatics, and syntax: questions, disjunction, and intonational meaning/focus. We focus on these components of alternative questions as themes in our survey, arguing for an emerging consensus that (i) disjunction in alternative questions must be modeled in an alternative‐sensitive way, leading to ‘non‐classical’ treatments where disjunction interacts directly with the semantics and/or pragmatics of questioning (here the debate is about the exact details of this interaction), (ii) to understand alternative questions the interaction of the question structure with intonation and especially focus must be explored, and (iii) a major missing piece in existing work is an exploration of the cross‐linguistic picture. In particular, there are many languages where alternative questions involve a specialized coordinator, which calls into question the uniform treatment of disjunction in alternative questions in general.
Differential effects of antifungal agents on expression of genes related to formation of Candida albicans biofilms
Authors: Chatzimoschou Athanasios , Simitsopoulou Maria , Antachopoulos Charalampos , Walsh Thomas J. , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to analyse specific molecular mechanisms involved in the intrinsic resistance of C. albicans biofilms to antifungals. We investigated the transcriptional profile of three genes (BGL2, SUN41, ECE1) involved in Candida cell wall formation in response to voriconazole or anidulafungin after the production of intermediate and mature biofilms. C. albicans M61, a well‐documented biofilm producer strain, was used for the development of intermediate (12 h and 18 h) and completely mature biofilms (48 h). After exposure of cells from each biofilm growth mode to voriconazole (128 and 512 mg l−1) or anidulafungin (0.25 and 1 mg l−1) for 12–24 h, total RNA samples extracted from biofilm cells were analysed by RT‐PCR. The voriconazole and anidulafungin biofilm MIC was 512 and 0.5 mg l−1 respectively. Anidulafungin caused significant up‐regulation of SUN41 (3.7–9.3‐fold) and BGL2 (2.2–2.8 fold) in intermediately mature biofilms; whereas, voriconazole increased gene expression in completely mature biofilms (SUN41 2.3‐fold, BGL2 2.1‐fold). Gene expression was primarily down‐regulated by voriconazole in intermediately, but not completely mature biofilms. Both antifungals caused down‐regulation of ECE1 in intermediately mature biofilms.
Introduction: The Comparative Anthropology of the Buddhist Gift
Authors: Sihlé Nicolas
Published: November 2015

This introduction draws attention to recent, renewed engagements with comparison in anthropology. This special issue—the first published collective endeavour to contribute to a comparative anthropology of Buddhism—constitutes an attempt to examine collectively the comparative potential of a major anthropological theme, the gift, in Buddhist contexts. One of the distinctive features of this set of papers is to consider the ‘gift’ within a somewhat larger spectrum of ‘transfers’ (following in particular Testart's terminology), including in particular practices of remuneration for religious services. These papers also exemplify a diverse range of modalities in comparative approach.
Religious Donations, Ritual Offerings, and Humanitarian Aid: Fields of Practice According to Forms of Giving in Burma
Authors: de la Perrière Bénédicte Brac
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the religious donation–meaning oriented interactions that occur between a lay donor and his or her monastic recipient or between laypeople and religious institutions as a whole–is first examined in the Burmese Buddhist context, in regard to the Maussian theory of the gift. The formal analysis of ‘serving rice’ to monks during their daily alms tour, the main form of religious donation, demonstrates that it is in keeping with the definition of a free gift rather than involving reciprocity, although it is supposed to be rewarded by merit through an impersonal process. Then, moving from a formal analysis of the ethnography of religious donation (ahlu) to the contextual analysis of the differentiated uses of various forms of giving in contemporary Burma, the discussion aims at highlighting differences with practices of ‘ritual offering’ (kadaw bwe) and ‘humanitarian aid’(ke hse yay) showing how these different forms of interaction shape contrasted fields of practice. The transaction occurring in religious donations then emerges as setting into motion a crucial social process, the enactment and reproduction of the difference in status between monastics and laypeople that is one of the main social processes contributing to the differentiation of a Buddhist‐defined ‘religious field’.
When the wind blows: The changing role for the airborne particulate matter in respiratory disease
Authors: Smart David
Published: November 2015

See article, page 88
Attitudes of dentists toward persons with intellectual disabilities in Jordanian hospitals
Authors: Al‐Zboon Eman , Hatmal Ma'mon M.
Published: November 2015

This study examined attitudes of dentists in Jordanian hospitals toward persons with intellectual disabilities. The study also assessed the effect of gender and years of experience of the dentists on their attitudes. Fifty‐four dentists were asked to rank their attitudes toward persons with intellectual disabilities on an attitude survey. The results revealed highly positive attitudes of dentists toward persons with intellectual disabilities at Jordanian hospitals. There was no significant effect of years of experiences or gender of the dentists on these attitudes. The positive attitudes of dentists in this study can be used to encourage the medical sector to focus on improvement of services.
Blood transmission studies of prion infectivity in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus): the Baxter study
Authors: Ritchie Diane L. , Gibson Susan V. , Abee Christian R. , Kreil Thomas R. , Ironside James W. , Brown Paul
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Four secondary transmissions of variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) infectivity have been associated with the transfusion of nonleukoreduced red blood cells collected from vCJD patients during the asymptomatic phase of the disease. Establishing efficient experimental models for assessing the risk of future transmissions of vCJD infectivity via blood transfusion is of paramount importance in view of a study of archived appendix samples in which the prevalence of asymptomatic vCJD infection in the United Kingdom was estimated at approximately 1 in 2000 of the population. In this study, we investigated transmission of vCJD and sporadic CJD (sCJD) infectivity from blood using the squirrel monkey, which is highly susceptible to experimental challenge with human prion disease.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Whole blood collected from vCJD‐ and sCJD‐infected squirrel monkeys was transfused at multiple time points into recipient squirrel monkeys. Blood recipients were euthanized approximately 7 years after their first blood transfusion.

RESULTS

No clinical or pathologic signs of a prion disease were observed in either the sCJD‐ or the vCJD‐transfused monkeys, and immunohistochemistry and biochemical investigations showed no PrPTSE in central nervous system or lymphoreticular tissues. Similarly, monkeys inoculated intracerebrally (IC) and intravenously (IV) with either buffy coat or plasma from vCJD and sCJD patients failed to develop disease. However, white blood cells from a chimpanzee‐passaged strain of human Gerstmann‐Sträussler‐Scheinker (GSS) disease transmitted autopsy‐proven disease to two IC‐inoculated monkeys after incubation periods of 34 and 39 months.

CONCLUSION

Blood transmits GSS but not sCJD or vCJD infectivity to IC‐ or IV‐inoculated squirrel monkeys within a 7‐year observation period.
The area under the curve of l‐lactate in neonatal foals from birth to 14 days of age
Authors: Sheahan Breanna J. , Wilkins Pamela A. , Lascola Kara M. , Martin Victoria , Po Eleonora
Published: November 2015

Background

Prior studies have shown the prognostic utility of measuring l‐lactate in critically ill neonatal foals, both as single (at admission) and serial measurements. Greater prognostic sensitivity and specificity may be achieved by use of the area under the l‐lactate versus time curve (LACArea) over the first 24 hours of hospitalization, which captures both severity and duration of hyperlactatemia. Prior to application of this concept in sick equine neonates, a reference interval for LACArea should be determined.

Methods

The concentration of lactate [LAC] was measured in blood obtained via direct jugular venipuncture from clinically normal foals on Days 1 (birth–24 h of age), 3, 7, and 14 following birth at 6‐hour intervals for each 24‐hour period. LACArea was calculated using the trapezoidal method. Differences in LACArea by Day were determined by MANOVA with a priori Bonferroni correction, P ≤ 0.05.

Results

LACArea differed by Day (P = 0.001), being largest on Day 1, followed by Day 3. Days 7 and 14 were smallest and not different from each other.

Conclusion

LACArea decreases substantially and predictably over the first week of life in normal neonatal foals. Knowing how LACArea normally changes over the first 2 weeks of life will aid in future study of LACArea as it applies to sick neonatal foals, allowing for consideration of maturational changes potentially unrelated to disease.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—URETHROVAGINAL FISTULA CAUSED BY A MIGRATING GRASS AWN IN THE VAGINA
Authors: Agut Amalia , Carrillo Juana D. , Anson Agustina , Belda Eliseo , Soler Marta
Published: November 2015

A young intact female dog was presented with urinary incontinence. Abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of hyperechoic linear structures within the cranial vagina suggestive of foreign material. A computed tomography (CT) retrograde vaginourethrogram demonstrated the presence of a fistulous tract between the urethra and vagina. A presumptive diagnosis of urethrovaginal fistula due to migration of foreign material was made. The grass awn was removed with vaginoscopic‐guided retrieval. Fourteen days later, surgical repair of the fistula and an ovariohysterectomy were done. This case report emphasizes the usefulness of CT for diagnosis and precise anatomical localization of genitourinary tract fistulas.
Inflation Pressures for Ex Vivo Lung Biopsies After Application of Graduated Compression Staples
Authors: Imhoff Darren J. , Monnet Eric
Published: November 2015

Objective

To compare 2 graduated compression staples (Tri‐Staple™, Covidien, Norwalk, CT) and standard staples (Endo GIA™, Covidien) for lung biopsy in dogs.

Study Design

Ex vivo experimental study, randomized, unblocked.

Animals

Lung lobes (n = 18) from 4 canine cadavers.

Methods

Eighteen lung lobes were harvested from 4 dogs immediately after euthanasia and randomized to 1 of 3 staples (n = 6 per stapler type). Each lung lobe was intubated and maintained inflated at 10 cmH2O. A biopsy of the periphery of each lung lobe was taken approximately 3 cm from the edge with a stapling device; the Tri‐Staple™ medium/thick (TST), Tri‐Staple™ vascular/medium (TSV), and Endo GIA™ 45‐2.5 (EG). Each lobe was inflated to a maximum of 45 cmH2O of water to determine the pressure at which air leakage occurred (leak pressure).

Results

The mean (95% confidence interval) leak pressure was 38.0 cmH2O (33.1–42.9) for EG, 29.2 (24.3–34.0) for TSV, and 26.0 (21.1–30.9) for TST. The mean leak pressure was significantly higher for EG than TSV (P = .016) and for EG than TST (P = .002), but was not different between TSV and TST (P = .344). One TSV leaked at 20 cmH2O and 1 TST leaked at 17 cmH2O. The surface area of the biopsy samples was not significantly different for staple types (P = .183).

Conclusion

Both TST and TSV leaked at significantly lower airway pressures than EG and may not be suitable for canine lung biopsy as some specimens leaked at pressures of 20 cmH2O or less.
Estudio de la propagación sexual del arboloco Montanoa quadrangularis Schultz Bipontianus Asteraceae
Authors: Tamayo-Rincón Marcela , Rodríguez-Perez Loyla , Escobar-Torres William
Published: November 2015

 Objective. To develop sexual propagation methodologies for Montanoa quadrangularis Schultz  Bipontianus (arboloco). Materials and methods. Seeds were harvested from trees grown at the Chilaca environmental station (Geoambiente Ltda.) located in Pacho, Cundinamarca, Colombia. The study was carried out in two phases: firstly, substrate effect on germination responses was evaluated in seedbed conditions. Substrates evaluated were: local soil, local soil mixed with worm humus, and peat. Additionally, two spatial arrangements were assessed:  seeds sown at random and at 0.5 cm in depth. Secondly, in nursery conditions the effect of the substrates local soil, local soil mixed with worm humus and peat, as well as the effect of developmental stages of the plants (with 2, 4, and 6 leaves) on their further growth and development were evaluated. Results. In seedbed conditions, the germination capacity was highly influenced by peat substrate (83.67%) whereas in local soil the germination capacity was 40.83%.   In  nursery conditions, 6-leaf plants grown  in  local soil mixed with worm humus showed the best responses on parameters such as  plant total length  (9.51 cm), leaf area (36.69 cm2), and total dry weight (0.10 g). Conclusions. The type of substrate used in seedbed conditions influenced the germination capacity of M. quadrangularis seeds. The substrate and the developmental stage of the plant had a significant influence on the growth and development of arboloco plants.

Key words: germination indices, plant growth and development, forestry species.
La preferencia de hábitat de géneros de Zoantharia depende de la morfología de la esponja.
Authors: Montenegro-González Javier , Acosta Alberto
Published: November 2015

Abstract

 Objective. Studies about sponge-zoanthid symbioses have been focused on understanding the specificity of the association, rather than testing what are the characteristics that make the host suitable to be colonized. For the first time it is investigated whether the Zoantharia Parazoanthus and Epizoanthus preference is related to the host sponge morphology (shape and mechanical resistance). Materials and methods. Sponges were categorized according to their shape and mechanical resistance. The presence/absence of zoanthids was recorded in 1,068 sponges at San Andres Island, and their habitat preference was evaluated using indices and confidence intervals. Results. 85 Parazoanthus colonies (78% of the total associations) and 24 Epizoanthus colonies (22%) were associated to sponges (10.2% in total). Parazoanthus uses branched and compressible sponges although prefers encrusting and fragile sponges, while Epizoanthus showes the opposite pattern, it can inhabit encrusting and fragile sponges but prefers branched and compressible sponges. Conclusion. These results indicated that sponge morphology is an important trait in zoanthid habitat selection. On the other hand, the similarity in the habitat used by zoanthids suggests the possibility of inter-generic competition if common resources are limited in time and space, while the differential habitat preference allows the competitive coexistence of both genera.

Key words: Epizoanthus, host, Parazoanthus, symbiont, sponge, morphology.

 
Estudio preliminar morfológico y morfométrico de encéfalo del pez tiburoncito, Ariopsis seemanni, (Pisces: Ariidae)
Authors: Londoño Claudia , Hurtado Giraldo Hernán
Published: November 2015

 Objective. To describe morphologically and morphometrically the encephalon of Ariopsis seemanni. Materials and methods. We worked with 10 juvenile specimens which were processed according to the ethical standards for handling fish. Measurements of the total and standard length (cm) and weight (g) were taken for each individual. Specimens were fixed in 4% formaldehyde. The encephalon was removed, the different regions were identified and the measurement of the different lobes was done, indicating their location, morphology, length and area using lateral, dorsal and ventral digitalized images that were measured with the Scion Image program. We calculated means and standard deviations, and obtained the percentage equivalence of each structure in relation to the entire encephalon. These data were then related to the habits of the species. Results. We identified the olfactory bulbs, telencephalic hemispheres, optic lobes, cerebellum, among others. Of the cranial nerves, only the optic nerve was observed. The largest structure of the encephalon is the cerebellum (44 ± 1.2% and 0.23 ± 0.03 cm2 area), followed by the telencephalic hemispheres (28 ± 0.57% and 0.13 ± 0.02 cm2 area). Conclusions. The encephalon morphology of A. seemanni presented the general pattern of teleosts of the order Siluriformes, with the cerebellum as the largest structure of the encephalon. Based on the morphology and morphometry observed in the encephalon, we suggest that A. seemanni uses primarily vision and taste to explore the environment.

Key words: teleost, cerebral morphology, sensory sensitivity, neuroecolgy, Ariopsis seemanni.
Estudio computacional de las relaciones evolutivas de los receptores ionotrópicos NMDA, AMPA y kainato en cuatro especies de primates
Authors: Moreno-Pedraza Francy Johanna , Lareo Leonardo René , Reyes-Montaño Edgar Antonio
Published: November 2015

Objective. To identify the influence of changes on the secondary structure and evolutionary relationship of NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors in Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Pongo pygmaeus and Macaca mulatta. Materials and methods. We identified 91 sequences for NMDA, AMPA and kainate receptors and analyzed with software for predicting secondary structure, phosphorylation sites, multiple alignments, selection of protein evolution models and phylogenetic prediction. Results. We found that subunits GLUR5, NR2A, NR2C and NR3A showed structural changes in the C-terminal region and formation or loss of phosphorylation sites in this zone. Additionally the phylogenetic prediction suggests that the NMDA NR2 subunits are the closest to the ancestral node that gives rise to the other subunits. Conclusions. Changes in structure and phosphorylation sites in GLUR5, NR2A, NR2C and NR3A subunits suggest variations in the interaction of the C-terminal region with kinase proteins and with proteins with PDZ domains, which could affect the trafficking and anchoring of the subunits. On the other hand, the phylogenetic prediction suggests that the changes that occurred in the NR2 subunits gave rise to the other subunits of glutamate ionotropic receptors, primarily because the NMDA and particularly the NR2D subunits are the most closely related to the ancestral node that possibly gave rise to the iGluRs.

Key words: glutamate ionotropic receptors, iGluRs, NMDA, NR1, NR2A, NR2C, NR3A, AMPA, GluR5.
Análisis inmunofenotípico de muestras normales de médula ósea: aplicaciones en el control de calidad en los laboratorios de citometría
Authors: Roa-Higuera Diana Carolina , Fiorentino-Gómez Susana , Rodríguez-Pardo Viviana Marcela , Campos-Arenas Alba Myriam , Infante-Acosta Elvira Antonia , Cardozo-Romero Claudia Cecilia , Quijano-Gómez Sandra Milena
Published: November 2015

Objective. To describe a standardized flow cytometry protocol for the relative and absolute quantification of hematopoietic cell subpopulations from normal bone marrow, and to evaluate the expression of different lineage-specific cell markers with a reactivity associated to cell differentiation to be used as part of the routine quality control in cytometry laboratories. Materials and methods. The immunophenotypical analysis of different cell subpopulations was done with samples from normal bone marrow using a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies useful in the characterization of acute leukemias with four different fluorescences, by means of a protocol that combines cell labeling of membrane and cytoplasm antigens. Expression analysis was done in terms of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Fluorescent beads at a known concentration were added for calculating the absolute count of cells.  Results. The antibody panel used allowed the identification and quantification of different normal leukocyte subpopulations of lymphatic and myeloid origin, including CD34+ stem cells and more differentiated cell populations in the granulocytic, monocytic, and erythroid cell lines. We established reference values for cell populations and cell marker expression ranges as part of routine quality control of cytometry laboratories. Conclusion. Immunophenotypic patterns identified as well as absolute and relative reference values for the different normal leukocyte populations from bone marrow can be used by cytometry laboratories as a basis for establishing reference parameters in phenotypic analyses of hematologic neoplasia.

Key words: multiparametric flow cytometry, immunophenotype, hematologic neoplasia, normal bone marrow, reference values, quality control.