bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex pitch perception mechanisms are shared by humans and a New World monkey
Authors: Song Xindong , Osmanski Michael S. , Guo Yueqi , Wang Xiaoqin
Published: December 2015

Significance

Complex pitch perception serves a pivotal role in human audition, especially in speech and music perception. It has been suggested that pitch perception mechanisms demonstrated in humans are not shared by nonhuman species. Here we provide evidence that a New World monkey, the common marmoset, shares all primary features of complex pitch perception mechanisms with humans. Combined with previous findings of a specialized pitch processing region in both marmoset and human auditory cortex, this evidence suggests that pitch perception mechanisms likely originated early in primate evolution.
Self-duality and a Hall-insulator phase near the superconductor-to-insulator transition in indium-oxide films
Authors: Breznay Nicholas P. , Steiner Myles A. , Kivelson Steven Allan , Kapitulnik Aharon
Published: December 2015

Significance

The magnetic-field tuned superconductor-to-insulator transition (H-SIT) is a paradigmatic quantum phase transition and, along with the quantum-Hall liquid-to-insulator transitions (QHIT), is among the best experimentally studied ones. However, in the transition and the proximate ground-state phases, it has consistently exhibited features that are seemingly at odds with the generally accepted theoretical “story.” The clear evidence we have found of particle–vortex duality at the H-SIT is one such example, as is the associated evidence that the proximate insulating phase is fundamentally distinct from a conventional “Anderson insulator” in that

ρ

x
y

, rather than diverging, tends to a finite value as

T
→
0

. That these features are analogous to behaviors previously documented near the QHIT supports the existence of the correspondence between the two problems implied by the composite boson theory.
GR SUMOylation and formation of an SUMO-SMRT/NCoR1-HDAC3 repressing complex is mandatory for GC-induced IR nGRE-mediated transrepression
Authors: Hua Guoqiang , Paulen Laetitia , Chambon Pierre
Published: December 2015

Significance

Glucocorticoids (GCs), acting through binding to the GC receptor (GR), are peripheral effectors of circadian and stress-related homeostatic functions fundamental for survival throughout vertebrate life span. They are widely used to combat inflammatory and allergic disorders, and their therapeutic effects have been mainly ascribed to their capacity to suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The present study unveils, at the molecular level, the mechanisms that underlie the GC-induced GR direct transrepression function mediated by the evolutionary conserved inverted repeated negative response element. This knowledge paves the way to the elucidation of the functions of the GR at the submolecular levels and to the future educated design and screening of drugs, which could be devoid of undesirable debilitating effects on prolonged GC therapy.
Mechanistic insights into c-di-GMP–dependent control of the biofilm regulator FleQ fromPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Matsuyama Bruno Y. , Krasteva Petya V. , Baraquet Claudine , Harwood Caroline S. , Sondermann Holger , Navarro Marcos V. A. S.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen that can cause fatal chronic infections, relies on the intracellular second-messenger c-di-GMP to form robust multicellular biofilms during host tissue colonization. c-di-GMP is sensed directly by the transcription regulator FleQ, which inversely regulates flagellar motility and exopolysaccharide secretion to secure a planktonic to sessile life-form transition. FleQ belongs to the diverse family of AAA+ ATPase enhancer-binding proteins, but how its noncanonical function on transcriptional regulation is controlled by c-di-GMP remains enigmatic. Here, we report structural and functional data that identify an unusual mode of c-di-GMP recognition accompanied by a major quaternary structure reorganization. Our analyses offer a consensus to previous studies and unique insights into the mechanism of action of FleQ and FleQ-like proteins.
Structure and stabilization of the Hendra virus F glycoprotein in its prefusion form
Authors: Wong Joyce J. W. , Paterson Reay G. , Lamb Robert A. , Jardetzky Theodore S.
Published: December 2015

Significance

Hendra virus (HeV) is a deadly member of the
Henipavirus
genus of paramyxoviruses, which causes high mortality in humans and horses. We determined the crystal structure of the HeV fusion protein, F, in its metastable, prefusion conformation. The structure is highly conserved compared with parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) F, but divergent from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F. The structural similarities suggest a common mode of activation for PIV5 and HeV F despite low sequence homology. Structural differences in the HeV F cleavage/activation loop are observed that may be explained by a requirement for cleavage by cathepsins. The HeV F structure was used to predict disulfide bonds that stabilize its prefusion conformation, providing a construct for vaccine and functional studies.
Progressive forest canopy water loss during the 2012–2015 California drought
Authors: Asner Gregory P. , Brodrick Philip G. , Anderson Christopher B. , Vaughn Nicholas , Knapp David E. , Martin Roberta E.
Published: December 2015

Significance

The state of California has a globally important economy and a population exceeding 38 million. The state relies on its forested watersheds to support numerous services, such as water provisioning, carbon storage, timber products, ecotourism, and recreation. However, secular changes in air temperature, combined with periodic and prolonged drought, pose a compounding challenge to forest health. Here we use new remote-sensing and modeling techniques to assess changes in the canopy water content of California’s forests from 2011 to 2015. Our resulting maps of progressive canopy water stress identify at-risk forest landscapes and watersheds at fine resolution, and offer geographically explicit information to support innovative forest management and policies in preparation for climate change.
Synthetic matrices reveal contributions of ECM biophysical and biochemical properties to epithelial morphogenesis
Authors: Enemchukwu Nduka O. , Cruz-Acuña Ricardo , Bongiorno Tom , Johnson Christopher T. , García José R. , Sulchek Todd , García Andrés J.
Published: December 2015

Epithelial cells cultured within collagen and laminin gels proliferate to form hollow and polarized spherical structures, recapitulating the formation of a rudimentary epithelial organ. However, the contributions of extracellular matrix (ECM) biochemical and biophysical properties to morphogenesis are poorly understood because of uncontrolled presentation of multiple adhesive ligands, limited control over mechanical properties, and lot-to-lot compositional variability in these natural ECMs. We engineered synthetic ECM-mimetic hydrogels with independent control over adhesive ligand density, mechanical properties, and proteolytic degradation to study the impact of ECM properties on epithelial morphogenesis. Normal cyst growth, polarization, and lumen formation were restricted to a narrow range of ECM elasticity, whereas abnormal morphogenesis was observed at lower and higher elastic moduli. Adhesive ligand density dramatically regulated apicobasal polarity and lumenogenesis independently of cell proliferation. Finally, a threshold level of ECM protease degradability was required for apicobasal polarity and lumen formation. This synthetic ECM technology provides new insights into how cells transduce ECM properties into complex morphogenetic behaviors.
Acoustic parameters of sounds emitted by Sotalia guianensis : dialects or acoustic plasticity
Authors: Leão Dalila T. , Monteiro-Filho Emygdio L. A. , Silva Flávio J. L.
Published: December 2015

Selective pressure from the environment on species may select adaptations as a whole, including the specific context of acoustics. Some authors report that the acoustic repertoire of Sotalia guianensis presents dialects as a geographical reflection. However, others propose that the environmental characteristics are the factor that imposes these variations. The present study evaluated if S. guianensis modifies its sound emissions at the Curral Cove (CC) and the Guaraíras Lagoon Complex (GLC), different habitats at similar latitudes. At the GLC, dolphins use higher whistle frequencies as well as higher number of click per second, facts that may be related to sound precision for communication between individuals and prey capture. Variations in the dolphins’ sounds may be related to differences in the environments such as natural background noise—biotic and abiotic—and characteristics such as turbidity, temperature, salinity, and modification in sound propagation due to depth and bottom properties. The pulsed calls’ sound category did not present modification between habitats probably due to context in which they are used since they occur during high physical contact. It is possible that the variation of the sound parameters between the CC and GLC environments is a reflection of the species’ adaptive potential, since a population can adjust the sounds emitted by its individuals to the environment’s features, revealing acoustic plasticity.

A pressão seletiva do ambiente sobre as espécies ali viventes pode selecionar adaptações como um todo, inclusive no contexto acústico específico. Alguns autores relatam que o repertório acústico de Sotalia guianensis apresenta dialetos como reflexo geográfico; entretanto, outros autores propõem que as características do ambiente são o fator que impõem essas variações. O presente estudo avaliou se S. guianensis modifica suas emissões sonoras entre a Enseada do Curral (CC) e o Complexo Lagunar de Guaraíras (GLC), habitats diferentes localizados em latitudes semelhantes. No GLC, os golfinhos utilizam frequências mais altas de assobios assim como maior número de cliques por segundo, fatos que podem estar relacionados com a precisão dos sons para a comunicação entre indivíduos e a captura de presas. As variações nos sons dos golfinhos podem estar relacionadas às diferenças nos ambientes, como ruídos de fundo naturais—bióticos e abióticos—características como turbidez, temperatura e salinidade; e modificação da propagação do som devido profundidade e propriedades do fundo. A categoria sonora grito não apresentou modificação entre os habitas provavelmente devido ao contexto em que são usados, pois ocorrem durante alto contato físico entre os indivíduos. É possível que a variação dos parâmetros sonoros entre os ambientes de CC e GLC seja reflexo do potencial adaptativo da espécie, pois uma mesma população pode ajustar os sons emitidos pelos seus indivíduos às características do ambiente revelando uma plasticidade acústica.
Involvement of Fungal Pectin Methylesterase Activity in the Interaction Between Fusarium graminearum and Wheat
Authors: Sella Luca , Castiglioni Carla , Paccanaro Maria Chiara , Janni Michela , Schäfer Wilhelm , D’Ovidio Renato , Favaron Francesco
Published: December 2015

The genome of Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head blight of wheat, contains two putative pectin methylesterase (PME)-encoding genes. However, when grown in liquid culture containing pectin, F. graminearum produces only a single PME, which was purified and identified. Its encoding gene, expressed during wheat spike infection, was disrupted by targeted homologous recombination. Two Δpme mutant strains lacked PME activity but were still able to grow on highly methyl-esterified pectin even though their polygalacturonase (PG) activity showed a reduced capacity to depolymerize this substrate. The enzymatic assays performed with purified F. graminearum PG and PME demonstrated an increase in PG activity in the presence of PME on highly methyl-esterified pectin. The virulence of the mutant strains was tested on Triticum aestivum and Triticum durum spikes, and a significant reduction in the percentage of symptomatic spikelets was observed between 7 and 12 days postinfection compared with wild type, demonstrating that the F. graminearum PME contributes to fungal virulence on wheat by promoting spike colonization in the initial and middle stages of infection. In contrast, transgenic wheat plants with increased levels of pectin methyl esterification did not show any increase in resistance to the Δpme mutant, indicating that the infectivity of the fungus relies only to a certain degree on pectin degradation.
Dark Period Following UV-C Treatment Enhances Killing of Botrytis cinerea Conidia and Controls Gray Mold of Strawberries
Authors: Janisiewicz Wojciech J. , Takeda Fumiomi , Glenn D. Michael , Camp Mary J. , Jurick Wayne M.
Published: December 2015

Strawberries are available throughout the year either from production in the field or from high and low tunnel culture. Diversity of production conditions results in new challenges in controlling diseases before and after harvest. Fungicides have traditionally been used to control these diseases; however, their limitations necessitate a search for new approaches. We found that UV-C irradiation of Botrytis cinerea, a major pathogen of strawberry, can effectively kill this fungus if a dark period follows the treatment. The inclusion of a 4-h dark period resulted in almost complete kill of B. cinerea conidia on agar media at a dose of 12.36 J/m2. The UV-C dose did not cause a reduction in photosynthesis in strawberry leaves or discoloration of sepals, even after exposing plants repeatedly (twice a week) for 7 weeks. Although irradiation of dry conidia of B. cinerea with this dose resulted in some survival, the conidia were not infective and not able to cause decay even when inoculated onto a highly susceptible mature apple fruit. Irradiation of strawberry pollen at 12.36 J/m2 did not affect pollen germination, tube growth and length in vitro, or germination and tube growth in the style of hand-pollinated emasculated strawberry flowers. No negative effect of the UV-C treatment was observed on fruit yield and quality in high tunnel culture. In the fruit and flower petal inoculation tests, the UV-C treatment was highly effective in reducing fruit decay and petal infection. This UV-C treatment with an exposure time of 60 s may be useful in controlling gray mold in tunnel production of strawberries and may also have the potential for use in intensive field and indoor production of other fruits and vegetables providing that a 4-h dark period follows the irradiation.
Pain assessment in context: a state of the science review of the McGill pain questionnaire 40 years on
Authors: Main Chris J.
Published: December 2015

The McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) and its later derivative the short form-MPQ have been used widely both in experimental and clinical pain studies. They have been of considerable importance in stimulating research into the perception of pain and now, with the publication of its latest variant, the short form-MPQ-2, it is appropriate to appraise their utility in the light of subsequent research into the nature of pain and the purpose of pain assessment. Following a description of the content and development of the questionnaires, issues of validity, reliability, and utility are addressed, not only in terms of the individual pain descriptors and the scales, but also in terms of methods of quantification. In addition, other methods of pain depiction are considered. In the second part of the review, advances in pain measurement and methodology, in the elucidation of pain mechanisms and pathways, in the psychology of pain, and in the nature of pain behavior are presented and their implications for pain assessment in general and the MPQ family of measures in particular will be addressed. It is suggested that pain assessment needs to be cast in its social context. We need to understand the influences on pain expression using a socio-communication model of pain that recognizes the function of pain and the importance of both innate pain responses and the effects of social learning. The review concludes with recommendations for future use of the MPQ and identifies a number of research challenges which lie ahead.
Chicken rRNA gene cluster structure
Authors: Demin Alexander , Koshel Elena , Saifitdinova Alsu , Galkina Svetlana , Fukagawa Tatsuo , Gaginskaya Elena
Published: December 2015

Background

Repeated clusters of ribosomal genes whose activity results in the nucleolus formation are extremely important in multicellular organism genome. Despite the extensive exploration into vertebrate genomes, in many model objects the ribosomal cluster structure is still underinvestigated. So far, complete description for primary structure of avian ribosomal cluster has not been reported.

Results

This work represents the first successful assembly of complete chicken ribosome cluster sequence. The sequence was deposited to GenBank under accession numberKT445934.The total cluster size frompre-rRNAtranscriptional start site to the 3′ end of3’ETSamounted to 11444 bp.18S rRNAgene size is 1823 base pairs,5.8S rRNA –157 bp,28S rRNA –4443 bp. The5 ‘ETSspacer core size is 1839 bp,3’ETS –about 350 bp.,ITS1 –2099 bp, andITS2 –733 bp. The assembly was validated throughin situfluorescent hybridization (FISH) analysis on metaphase chromosomes of chicken.ITS1andITS2spacer sequences have been found to have high GC pair content and form secondary structures featuring high melting temperature.

Conclusions

Decoding of the chicken rRNA gene cluster sequence extends the use of birds as a model object for exploration into nucleolus organizer region (NOR) regulation and nucleolus functions, e.g. in ontogenesis. This data might also be useful to address certain problems of population and evolutionary genetics.
Nectar accessibility determines fitness, flower choice and abundance of hoverflies that provide natural pest control
Authors: van Rijn Paul C. J. , Wäckers Felix L.
Published: December 2015

In modern agricultural landscapes, many organisms providing ecosystem services such as pollination and natural pest control are likely constrained by shortage of nectar and/or pollen required for adult nutrition. More and more flower‐rich field margin strips and other habitats are created to eliminate these constraints. For most target organisms, however, it is not well known which (types of) flowers are effective in providing suitable pollen and nectar.

We studied the suitability of a wide range of flowers as a food source for zoophagous hoverflies (hoverflies with predatory larvae) at five different levels: nectar accessibility (based on flower morphology), realized adult fitness, flower choice (both based on cage experiments), flower visitation and hoverfly abundance in mixed vegetation (both based on field observations).

Realized survival of Episyrphus balteatus is related to effective flower depth by a sigmoid function. The critical flower depth is 1·6 mm, which is less than the proboscis size of the hoverfly. For Asteraceae, the critical floret depth is even less than 1·0 mm, which – in contrast to common knowledge – rules out most species within this family.

Both flower choice in the laboratory and flower visitation rates in the field are well correlated with nectar accessibility and realized adult survival.

In mixed floral vegetation, the number of zoophagous hoverflies is highly correlated with the abundance of only those flowers that have accessible nectar for these hoverflies.

Synthesis and applications. This comparative study demonstrates that nectar (and not pollen) accessibility is the main driver determining flower resource suitability, flower choice and abundance of zoophagous hoverflies in arable field margins. The study identifies the limited range of plant species that can effectively support these beneficial insects. Preserving the right flowers in and around agricultural fields could enhance local populations and the pest control and pollination services they provide.
Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α inhibition produced anti‐allodynia effect and suppressed inflammatory cytokine production in early stage of mouse complex regional pain syndrome model
Authors: Hsiao Hung‐Tsung , Lin Ya‐Chi , Wang Jeffrey Chi‐Fei , Tsai Yu‐Chuan , Liu Yen‐Chin
Published: December 2015

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is related to microcirculation impairment associated with tissue hypoxia and peripheral cytokine overproduction in the affected limb. Previous studies suggest that the pathogenesis involves hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and exaggerated regional inflammatory response. 1‐methylpropyl 2‐imidazolyl disulfide (PX‐12) acts as the thioredoxin‐1 (Trx‐1) inhibitor and decreases the level of HIF‐1α, and can rapidly be metabolized for Trx‐1 redox inactivation. This study hypothesized that PX‐12 can decrease the cytokine production for nociceptive sensitization in the hypoxia‐induced pain model. CD1 mice weighing around 30 g were used. The animal CRPS model was developed via the chronic post‐ischaemic pain (CPIP) model. The model was induced by using O‐rings on the ankles of the mice hind limbs to produce 3‐h ischaemia–reperfusion injury on the paw. PX‐12 (25 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg) was given through tail vein injection immediately after ischaemia. Animal behaviour was tested using the von Frey method for 7 days. Local paw skin tissue was harvest from three groups (control, 5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg) 2 h after injection of PX‐12. The protein expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and HIF‐1α was analysed with the Western blotting method. Mice significantly present an anti‐allodynia effect in a dose‐related manner after the PX‐12 administration. Furthermore, PX‐12 not only decreased the expression of HIF‐1α but also decreased the expression of IL‐1β over the injured palm. This study, therefore, shows the first evidence of the anti‐allodynia effect of PX‐12 in a CPIP animal model for pain behaviour. The study concluded that inhibition of HIF‐1α may produce an analgesic effect and the associated suppression of inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β in a CPIP model.
Word reading aloud skills: their positive redefinition through ageing
Authors: Chapleau Marianne , Wilson Maximiliano A. , Potvin Karel , Harvey‐Langton Alexandra , Montembeault Maxime , Brambati Simona M.
Published: December 2015

Background

Successful reading can be achieved by means of two different procedures: sub‐word processes for the pronunciation of words without semantics or pseudowords (PW) and whole‐word processes that recruit word‐specific information regarding the pronunciation of words with atypical orthography‐to‐phonology mappings (exception words, EW).

Methods

We compared reading abilities between 35 young and 35 older adults in an experimental reading task including low‐frequency regular (RW), EW and PW.

Results

A significant effect of word type, group and an interaction word type by group was found for errors. Young adults made significantly more regularization errors than older subjects for EWs. Conversely, young readers read PW and RW significantly faster. These results indicate that older adults compared with younger adults are more accurate when reading low‐frequency EW.

Conclusion

The fact that young adults were faster than the elderly for PW and RW reading, together with a larger number of regularization errors in EW reading, suggests that they relied on sub‐word processes to a larger extent than the older group.

Highlights

What is already known about this topic:

Sub‐word processes are based on the use of consistent or regular orthography‐to‐phonology mappings that represent the sub‐units that compose words and are mainly used for pseudoword reading.

Whole‐word processes use item‐specific information regarding the pronunciation of a particular word and are mainly used for exception word reading.

During reading acquisition, and as reading experience increase, children switch from sub‐word processing strategies to a more efficient use of whole‐word processes.

What this paper adds:

The ability to read exception words continues to improve over the lifespan, even in later stages of life.

Elderly adults rely on whole‐word processes to a larger extent than younger adults.

Implications for theory, policy or practice:

These results contrast with the general idea that ageing is associated with general cognitive decline, so older people should be encouraged to engage in reading activities.

The fact that this cognitive ability is improved during ageing could provide insightful information for developing intervention programmes in patients with acquired reading disorders.
Assessing the fetal effects of maternal obesity via transcriptomic analysis of cord blood: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Edlow AG , Hui L , Wick HC , Fried I , Bianchi DW
Published: December 2015

Objective

To analyse fetal gene expression at term using umbilical cord blood, in order to provide insights into the effects of maternal obesity on human development.

Design

Prospective case–control study.

Setting

Academic tertiary care centre.

Population

Eight obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and eight lean (body mass index <25 kg/m2) pregnant women undergoing prelabour caesarean delivery at term.

Methods

Women were matched for gestational age and fetal sex. Cord blood RNA was extracted and hybridised to gene expression arrays. Differentially regulated genes were identified using paired t‐tests and the Benjamini–Hochberg correction. Functional analyses were performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, BioGPS and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis with a fetal‐specific annotation. Z‐scores ≥2.0 or P‐values <0.01 were considered significant.

Main outcome measure

Functions of differentially regulated genes in fetuses of obese women.

Results

A total of 701 differentially regulated genes were identified, producing an expression profile implicating neurodegeneration, decreased survival of sensory neurons, and decreased neurogenesis in the fetuses of obese women. Upstream regulators related to inflammatory signalling were significantly activated; those related to insulin receptor signalling, lipid homeostasis, regulation of axonal guidance, and cellular response to oxidative stress were significantly inhibited. Of 26 tissue‐specific genes that were differentially regulated in fetuses of obese women, six mapped to the fetal brain.

Conclusion

Maternal obesity affects fetal gene expression at term, implicating dysregulated brain development, inflammatory and immune signalling, glucose and lipid homeostasis, and oxidative stress. This may have implications for postnatal neurodevelopment and metabolism.

Tweetable abstract

Fetal cord blood transcriptome in obese women suggests neurodevelopmental and metabolic programming effects.
Gestational weight gain and preterm birth in obese women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Faucher MA , Hastings‐Tolsma M , Song JJ , Willoughby DS , Bader S Gerding
Published: December 2015

Background

Prepregnant obesity is a global concern and gestational weight gain has been found to influence the risks of preterm birth.

Objective

To assess the relationship between gestational weight gain and risk for preterm birth in obese women.

Search strategy

Four electronic databases were searched from 18 February through to 28 April 2015.

Selection criteria

Primary research reporting preterm birth as an outcome in obese women and gestational weight gain as a variable that could be compared to the 2009 Institute of Medicine's recommendations.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers independently assessed trials for inclusion. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess study bias.

Main results

Our search identified six studies meeting the inclusion criteria; five were conducted in the USA and one in Peru. Four studies with a total of 10 171 obese women were meta‐analysed. Significant heterogeneity was found between studies in the pooled analysis. Results for indicated preterm birth in obese women with gestational weight gain above the Institute of Medicine's recommendations showed increased risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.54; 95% CI 1.09–2.16).

Conclusions

Available science on this topic is limited to special populations of obese pregnant women. Generalisable research is needed to assess the variation in risk for preterm birth in obese women by differences in gestational weight gain and class of obesity controlling for significant variables in the pathway to preterm birth. This research has the potential to illuminate new science impacting preterm birth and interventions for prevention.

Tweetable abstract

A meta‐analysis of gestational weight gain in obese women and preterm birth.
Superfertility is more prevalent in obese women with recurrent early pregnancy miscarriage
Authors: Bhandari HM , Tan BK , Quenby S
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate the effects of obesity on superfertility.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

A tertiary referral implantation clinic.

Population

Four hundred and fourteen women attending a tertiary implantation clinic with a history of recurrent miscarriage (RMC), over a 4‐year period.

Methods

Pattern of pregnancy loss and time to pregnancy intervals for each pregnancy were collected by medical staff from women with RMC. The women were categorised into normal, overweight and obese according to their body mass index (BMI). Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed estimating the cumulative probability of a spontaneous pregnancy over time. The pregnancy loss patterns were correlated with BMI and data were compared between the categories using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Main outcome measures

Pregnancy loss pattern and time to pregnancy intervals.

Results

Overall, 23.2, 51.4 and 64.2% of women conceived within first 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. Obese women had cumulative pregnancy rates of 65.2 and 80% by three and 6 months, respectively, which was more than the cumulative pregnancy rates for women with normal BMI (49.2 and 65.8%). Comparison of survival curves indicated a significant difference in time to conceive for obese when compared with normal and overweight women (*P = 0.01), suggesting a higher prevalence of superfertility in obese women with RMC.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that obese women may have a greater efficacy to achieve pregnancy, but with an increased risk of miscarriage, which may suggest the possible metabolic effects of obesity on endometrium.

Tweetable abstract

A significantly higher prevalence of superfertility may be found in obese women with recurrent miscarriage.
Electroantennogram and behavioral responses of Cotesia plutellae to plant volatiles
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhang You‐Nan , Gurr Geoff M. , Vasseur Liette , You Min‐Sheng
Published: December 2015

Plant volatiles have been demonstrated to play an important role in regulating the behavior of Cotesia plutellae, a major larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, but little is currently known about the function of each volatile and their mixtures. We selected 13 volatiles of the DBM host plant, a cruciferous vegetable, to study the electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral responses of C. plutellae. EAG responses to each of the compounds generally increased with concentration. Strong EAG responses were to 100 μL/mL of trans‐2‐hexenal, benzaldehyde, nonanal and cis‐3‐hexenol, and 10 μL/mL of trans‐2‐hexenal and benzaldehyde with the strongest response provoked by trans‐2‐hexenal at 100 μL/mL. In the Y‐tube olfactometer, C. plutellae, was significantly attracted by 1 μL/mL of trans‐2‐hexenal and benzaldehyde. β‐caryophyllene, cis‐3‐hexenol or trans‐2‐hexenal significantly attracted C. plutellae at 10 μL/mL, while nonanal, benzyl alcohol, cis‐3‐hexenol or benzyl cyanide at 100 μL/mL significantly attracted C. plutellae. Trans‐2‐hexenal significantly repelled C. plutellae at 100 μL/mL. EAG of C. plutellae showed strong responses to all mixtures made of five various compounds with mixtures 3 (trans‐2‐hexenal, benzaldehyde, nonanal, cis‐3‐hexenol, benzyl cyanide, farnesene, eucalyptol) and 4 (trans‐2‐hexenal, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, β‐ionone, farnesene, eucalyptol) significantly attracting C. plutellae. These findings demonstrate that the behavior of C. plutellae can be affected either by individual compounds or mixtures of plant volatiles, suggesting a potential of using plant volatiles to improve the efficiency of this parasitoid for biocontrol of P. xylostella.
Impacts of 2 species of predatory Reduviidae on bagworms in oil palm plantations
Authors: Jamian Syari , Norhisham Ahmad , Ghazali Amal , Zakaria Azlina , Azhar Badrul
Published: December 2015

Integrated pest management (IPM) is widely practiced in commercial oil palm agriculture. This management system is intended to minimize the number of attacks by pest insects such as bagworms on crops, as well as curb economic loss with less dependency on chemical pesticides. One practice in IPM is the use of biological control agents such as predatory insects. In this study, we assessed the response of predatory natural enemies to pest outbreak and water stress, and document the habitat associations of potential pest predators. The abundances of 2 predatory insect species, namely Sycanus dichotomus and Cosmolestes picticeps (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), were compared bagworm outbreak sites and nonoutbreak sites within oil palm plantations. We also examined habitat characteristics that influence the abundances of both predatory species. We found that the abundance of C. picticeps was significantly higher in bagworm outbreak sites than in nonoutbreak sites. There were no significant differences in the abundance of S. dichotomus among outbreak and non‐outbreak sites. Both species responded negatively to water stress in oil palm plantations. Concerning the relationship between predatory insect abundance and in situ habitat quality characteristics, our models explained 46.36% of variation for C. picticeps and 23.17% of variation for S. dichotomus. Both species of predatory insects thrived from the planting of multiple beneficial plants in oil palm plantations. The results suggest that C. picticeps can be used as a biological agent to control bagworm populations in oil palm plantations, but S. dichotomus has no or little potential for such ecosystem service.
The strict anaerobic gut microbe Eubacterium hallii transforms the carcinogenic dietary heterocyclic amine 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP)
Authors: Fekry Mostafa I. , Engels Christina , Zhang Jianbo , Schwab Clarissa , Lacroix Christophe , Sturla Shana J. , Chassard Christophe
Published: December 2015

2‐Amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo(4,5‐b)pyridine (PhIP) is the most abundant food‐derived heterocyclic aromatic amine in well‐cooked meats and may contribute to the recognized carcinogenicity of processed meats. In this study, a panel of human gut microbes was tested for their ability to convert PhIP to a conjugate PhIP‐M1. Eubacterium hallii was newly identified to catalyse the conversion of PhIP to PhIP‐M1 with high efficiency. The reaction was shown to involve the metabolism of glycerol to 3‐hydroxypropionaldehyde as a key pathway. The proficiency of E. hallii in transforming PhIP in the presence of a complex intestinal microbiota was confirmed using batch fermentations inoculated with effluents from a continuous intestinal fermentation model mimicking human proximal and distal colon microbiota. In batch fermentations inoculated with proximal colon microbiota, PhIP‐M1 transformation corresponded to an up to 300‐fold increase of E. hallii. In contrast, PhIP transformation of distal colon microbiota was low but increased by 120‐fold after supplementation with E. hallii. These findings indicate for the first time the relevance of the abundant commensal strict anaerobe E. hallii in the transformation of a dietary carcinogen that could contribute to its detoxification in the human colon.
Novel species and expanded distribution of ellipsoidal multicellular magnetotactic prokaryotes
Authors: Chen Yi‐ran , Zhang Wen‐yan , Zhou Ke , Pan Hong‐miao , Du Hai‐jian , Xu Cong , Xu Jian‐hong , Pradel Nathalie , Santini Claire‐Lise , Li Jin‐hua , Huang Hui , Pan Yong‐xin , Xiao Tian , Wu Long‐Fei
Published: December 2015

Multicellular magnetotactic prokaryotes (MMPs) are a peculiar group of magnetotactic bacteria, each comprising approximately 10–100 cells of the same phylotype. Two morphotypes of MMP have been identified, including several species of globally distributed spherical mulberry‐like MMPs (s‐MMPs), and two species of ellipsoidal pineapple‐like MMPs (e‐MMPs) from China (Qingdao and Rongcheng cities). We recently collected e‐MMPs from Mediterranean Sea sediments (Six‐Fours‐les‐Plages) and Drummond Island, in the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the MMPs from Six‐Fours‐les‐Plages and the previously reported e‐MMP Candidatus Magnetananas rongchenensis have 98.5% sequence identity and are the same species, while the MMPs from Drummond Island appear to be a novel species, having > 7.1% sequence divergence from the most closely related e‐MMP, Candidatus Magnetananas tsingtaoensis. Identification of the novel species expands the distribution of e‐MMPs to Tropical Zone. Comparison of nine physical and chemical parameters revealed that sand grain size and the content of inorganic nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium and nitrite) in the sediments from Rongcheng City and Six‐Fours‐les‐Plages were similar, and lower than found for sediments from the other two sampling sites. The results of the study reveal broad diversity and wide distribution of e‐MMPs.
Effects and mechanisms of prolongevity induced by Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nakagawa Hisako , Shiozaki Takuya , Kobatake Eiji , Hosoya Tomohiro , Moriya Tomohiro , Sakai Fumihiko , Taru Hidenori , Miyazaki Tadaaki
Published: December 2015

Lactic‐acid bacteria are widely recognized beneficial host associated groups of the microbiota of humans and animals. Some lactic‐acid bacteria have the ability to extend the lifespan of the model animals. The mechanisms behind the probiotic effects of bacteria are not entirely understood. Recently, we reported the benefit effects of Lactobacillus gasseriSBT2055 (LG2055) on animal and human health, such as preventing influenza A virus, and augmentation of IgA production. Therefore, it was preconceived that LG2055 has the beneficial effects on longevity and/or aging. We examined the effects of LG2055 on lifespan and aging of Caenorhabditis elegans and analyzed the mechanism of prolongevity. Our results demonstrated that LG2055 has the beneficial effects on longevity and anti‐aging of C. elegans. Feeding with LG2055 upregulated the expression of the skn‐1 gene and the target genes of SKN‐1, encoding the antioxidant proteins enhancing antioxidant defense responses. We found that feeding with LG2055 directly activated SKN‐1 activity via p38 MAPK pathway signaling. The oxidative stress response is elicited by mitochondrial dysfunction in aging, and we examined the influence of LG2055 feeding on the membrane potential of mitochondria. Here, the amounts of mitochondria were significantly increased by LG2055 feeding in comparison with the control. Our result suggests that feeding with LG2055 is effective to the extend lifespan in C. elegans by a strengthening of the resistance to oxidative stress and by stimulating the innate immune response signaling including p38MAPK signaling pathway and others.
The Effect of Emergency Medicine Residents on Clinical Efficiency and Staffing Requirements
Authors: Clinkscales Jeffrey D. , Fesmire Francis M. , Hennings Jacob R. , Severance Harry W. , Seaberg David C. , Patil Nirav
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The effect of emergency medicine (EM) residents on the clinical efficiency of attending physicians is controversial. The authors hypothesized that implementing a new EM residency program would result in an increase in relative value units (RVUs) generated per hour by attending physicians and decrease staffing requirements.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational analysis of an emergency department before, during, and after the establishment of a new EM residency program. We analyzed the change in RVUs billed, patients seen, and hours worked by attending physicians, midlevel providers (MLPs), and residents, and addressed potential confounding factors.

Results

The clinical efficiency of attending physicians increased by 70%, or 4.98 RVUs/hour (from 7.12 [SD ± 1.4] RVUs/hour to 12.1 [SD ± 2.2] RVUs/hour, p < 0.001) with the implementation of an EM residency program. Overall, net department RVU generation rose by 32%, even as attending physician coverage decreased by 6.3% (p < 0.05), and MLP coverage dropped by 60% (p < 0.05). We estimated that the implementation of the residency saved 4,860 hours of attending physician coverage and 5,828 hours of MLP coverage per year. This represents an estimated $1,741,265 in annual staffing savings, comparable to the residency program's annual operating cost of $1,821,108.

Conclusions

The implementation of an EM residency program had a positive effect on the clinical efficiency of attending physicians and decreased staffing requirements.
Childhood maltreatment, personality disorders and 3‐year persistence of adult alcohol and nicotine dependence in a national sample
Authors: Elliott Jennifer C. , Stohl Malka , Wall Melanie M. , Keyes Katherine M. , Skodol Andrew E. , Eaton Nicholas R. , Shmulewitz Dvora , Goodwin Renee D. , Grant Bridget F. , Hasin Deborah S.
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims

Persistent cases of alcohol and nicotine dependence are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, and are predicted by childhood maltreatment and personality disorders. Our aim was to test whether personality disorders (individually or conjointly) mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the persistence of dependence.

Design

Personality disorders, modeled dimensionally, were tested as mediators of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the 3‐year persistence of alcohol and nicotine dependence in participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) who had current alcohol and nicotine dependence in their baseline interview. Individual personality disorders were assessed in separate models. Then, those that were significant were examined jointly in multiple mediator models to determine their total and unique effects.

Setting

A large, nationally representative US survey.

Participants

Participants ≥ 18 years who completed baseline and 3‐year follow‐up NESARC interviews who had baseline alcohol dependence (n = 1172; 68% male) or nicotine dependence (n = 4017; 52.9% male).

Measurements

Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule (AUDADIS‐IV) measures of childhood maltreatment, personality disorders and alcohol/nicotine dependence.

Findings

Individual models indicated that many personality disorders mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the 3‐year persistence of alcohol and nicotine dependence (each explaining 6–46% of the total effect, Ps < 0.05). In multiple mediator models, borderline and antisocial symptoms remained significant mediators, each explaining 20–37% of the total effect (Ps < 0.01).

Conclusions

Personality disorder symptoms (especially borderline and antisocial) help explain the association between childhood maltreatment and persistent alcohol and nicotine dependence.
Testis peritubular myoid cells increase their motility and express matrix‐metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) after interaction with embryonal carcinoma cells
Authors: Moreno‐Ruiz P. , Arluzea J. , Silván U. , Díez‐Torre A. , Andrade R. , Bonilla Z. , Díaz‐Núñez M. , Silió M. , Aréchaga J.
Published: December 2015

Today cancer research studies have highlighted the role of the cancer–stroma interaction in the regulation of invasive processes. However, very little is known about cell‐to‐cell relationships between germinal cancer cells and the somatic ones belong to their close environment, particularly at early invasion stages. Here, we have studied the potential role of the seminiferous peritubular myoid cells (PTCs), as potential part of the reactive stroma, like tumor myofibroblast, in the progression of embryonal carcinoma (EC). To this end, we show results on the in vitro interactions between F9 murine embryonal carcinoma cells (EC cells) and primary cultures of murine PTCs, using contact‐dependent and contact‐independent 2D co‐cultures. In these circumstances, when EC cells interact with PTCs they change their migratory behavior and matrix‐metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) was up‐regulated in PTCs. Additionally, among a variety of cytokines implicated in tumor‐stroma cross‐talk, we have examined in more detail the influence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). In this regard, it was observed that this cytokine induced a MMP‐9 secretion by PTCs in a pattern dependent on its concentration, whereas does not increase the migration capacity of cancer cells. All together, our results provide evidence for a role played by peritubular myoid cells and cancer‐cell secreted TNF‐ α for a change in the tumor microenvironment during the early stages of EC progression.
Easy method for fixation of the anvil using a one‐handed sliding‐knot technique after laparoscopic total gastrectomy
Authors: Yamada Takanobu , Shirai Junya , Osaragi Tomohiko , Sujishi Ken , Kumazu Yuta , Kamiya Mariko , Sugano Nobuhiro , Hatori Shinsuke , Yoneyama Katsuya , Kasahara Akio , Oshima Takashi , Yukawa Norio , Rino Yasushi , Yoshikawa Takaki , Masuda Munetaka , Yamamoto Yuji
Published: December 2015

Introduction

When esophagojejunostomy is performed using a circular stapler after laparoscopic total gastrectomy, fixing the anvil to the end of the esophagus is challenging. We describe an easy method for fixation of the anvil using a one‐handed sliding‐knot technique after the anvil has been inserted into the esophagus.

Materials and Surgical Technique

After removing the stomach, the main operator makes a whip stitch at the end of the esophagus using a long piece of monofilament string. Both ends of the string are pulled out from the port. A knot is then made and brought close the esophagus twice (sliding granny knots). After inserting the anvil into the esophagus, the main operator pulls the main standing string with one hand, applying vibration only. This causes the knots to tighten the anvil. Then, one or two knots are added to make sure that the anvil is firmly fixed in place. In addition, we routinely add one more ligation with a ready‐made ligating loop.

Discussion

This method is easy and reliable, and does not require special devices or skills when performing reconstruction after laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Because of these factors, it has the potential to be widely used to perform esophagojejunostomy.
Successful laparoscopic extirpation of a large omental lipoblastoma in a child
Authors: Furukawa Taizo , Aoi Shigeyoshi , Sakai Kohei , Higashi Mayumi , Fumino Shigehisa , Tajiri Tatsuro
Published: December 2015

Omental lipoblastoma is extremely rare among benign tumors. We herein report the case of a child who underwent laparoscopic extirpation of a large omental lipoblastoma. A 4‐year‐old girl was diagnosed with an intra‐abdominal solid tumor. Abdominal imaging revealed a fat density mass that was well encapsulated and measured 18 × 15 × 7.5 cm in size. Considering the MRI findings and movability of the tumor, we strongly suspected that the lesion was an omental lipoblastoma. We initially decided to perform laparoscopic exploration and, if possible, extirpation of the solid tumor sequentially. A total of five trocars were used, and the tumor was found to originate from the omentum. We successfully performed complete resection of the tumor laparoscopically. A histological examination revealed lipoblastoma. For large abdominal tumors in children, the laparoscopic approach is recommended as the first procedure when the tumor is preoperatively considered to be benign and resectable.