bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacist–physician collaborative care model for patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in Brazil: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aguiar Patricia M. , da Silva Cláudio Henrique P. , Chiann Chang , Dórea Egídio Lima , Lyra Divaldo P. , Storpirtis Sílvia
Published: July 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a pharmacist–physician collaborative care model on clinical outcomes in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and determine characteristics that influence this effect.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a secondary care clinic for 80 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 40–79 years and glycosylated haemoglobin (A1C) level ≥ 7.0%. The intervention group received individual, face‐to‐face pharmaceutical consultations and remote telephone support after a routine visit. The main measures were clinical outcomes (A1C, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol) and process indicators (medication adherence, medication regimen complexity, use of medicines). Multiple regression models were used to determine the variables that could explain the reduction and individualized control of A1C.

Results

From the initial sample of 80 patients, 73 completed this study. Compared with usual care, patients in the intervention group showed greater reduction in A1C (−0.79 vs. −0.16; P = 0.010); and an increase in the percentage of patients achieving the individualized goal of A1C (25.0% vs. 5.4%; P = 0.020). In addition, there was an increase in the percentage of adherent patients and in the average scores of medication adherence. Participation in the intervention group, higher baseline A1C levels and greater change in medication adherence were all significant predictors of improvement in A1C levels.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the collaborative care model proposed is feasible and more effective than the usual care in the reduction and individualized control of A1C levels in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
First report of Fusarium oxysporum species complex infection in zebrafish culturing system
Authors: Kulatunga D C M , Dananjaya S H S , Park B K , Kim C‐H , Lee J , De Zoysa M
Published: July 2016

Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) is a highly diverse fungus. Recently, F. oxysporum infection was identified from zebrafish (Danio rerio) culturing system in Korea. Initially, a rapid whitish smudge was appeared in the water with the fungal blooming on walls of fish tanks. Microscopic studies were conducted on fungal hyphae, colony pigmentation and chlamydospore formation and the presence of macro‐ and microspores confirmed that the isolated fungus as F. oxysporum. Furthermore, isolated F. oxysporum was confirmed by internal transcribed spacer sequencing which matched (100%) to nine F. oxysporum sequences available in GenBank. Experimental hypodermic injection of F. oxysporum into adult zebrafish showed the development of fungal mycelium and pathogenicity similar to signs observed. Histopathologic results revealed a presence of F. oxysporum hyphae in zebrafish muscle. Fusarium oxysporum growth was increased with sea salt in a concentration‐dependent manner. Antifungal susceptibility results revealed that F. oxysporum is resistant to copper sulphate (up to 200 μg mL−1) and sensitive to nystatin (up to 40 μg mL−1). This is the first report of FOSC from zebrafish culture system, suggesting it appears as an emerging pathogen, thus posing a significant risk on zebrafish facilities in the world.
Investigation and management of an outbreak of multispecies mycobacteriosis in Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus fosteri) including the use of triple antibiotic treatment
Authors: Strike T B , Feltrer Y , Flach E , Macgregor S K , Guillaume S
Published: July 2016

Disease due to non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is common in fish. Current recommendations focus on outbreak management by depopulating entire fish stocks and disinfecting tanks. Treatment is not advocated. Treatment may be appropriate, however, where individual, valuable fish are concerned. ZSL London Zoo managed an outbreak of mycobacteriosis in a valuable group of imported F1 captive‐bred Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus fosteri) by depopulation, isolation, extensive testing and daily oral antibiotic treatment. Four species of Mycobacterium (M. marinum, M. fortuitum, M. chelonae and M. peregrinum) were involved in this outbreak, each with unique antibiotic sensitivities. Triple therapy with rifampicin, doxycycline and enrofloxacin for 8 months was the most effective antibiotic combination, resulting in full disease resolution. No side effects were noted and, more than 18 months post‐treatment, no recurrence had occurred. This is the first report of mycobacterial disease in lungfish and the first report of a polymycobacterial outbreak in fish involving these four species of Mycobacterium. This report demonstrates the value of extensive isolation and identification. Also, as therapies currently advised in standard texts did not reflect the antibiotic sensitivity of the NTM found in the fish reported here, we recommend that antibiotic treatment should always be based on sensitivity testing.
Rheological Characteristics and Microstructure of Milk Yogurt as Influenced by Quinoa Flour Addition
Authors: Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Franciuc Simona Geanina , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: July 2016

The effect of quinoa flour addition on the physicochemical and rheological properties and microstructure of the yogurt were studied. The quinoa flour addition determined an increase of milk acidity with a reduction of the pH value leading to milk gelation. Rheological studies showed that all yogurt samples have a shear thinning behavior, described by the power‐law model. Up to 1% quinoa flour addition flow behavior index decreased, while the consistency coefficient and apparent viscosity increased significantly. The epifluorescence light microscopy images of yogurt samples showed that the gel network presented the same stability with lower resistance to syneresis at a high level of quinoa flour addition.

Practical Applications

The best results in terms of whey separation, yogurt microstructure and rheological properties suggest that a 0.6% quinoa flour dose may be successfully used in the development of new yogurt products improving, thus, their technological and nutritional quality.
Effect of Chitosan as an Antifungal and Preservative Agent on Postharvest Blueberry
Authors: Jiang Hengjun , Sun Zhimin , Jia Ruixiu , Wang Xiangyang , Huang Jianying
Published: July 2016

Preventing deterioration and extending shelf life by using natural agents remain challenges in the distribution of premium‐quality blueberry. Herein,Botryotinia fuckeliana(B. fuckeliana) was isolated from the rotting postharvest blueberry and identified, and the causal pathogen was re‐isolated from the decay blueberry to confirm Koch's postulates. Experimental results indicated that spore germination and mycelial growth ofB. fuckeliana, were significantly inhibited by chitosan in a concentration‐dependent mode. Application of chitosan coating to blueberry exhibited positive effect on the changes of weight loss, firmness, total phenolics and anthocyanins, as storage time increased. Hence, chitosan may be potentially applied in food industry for controlling the decay and extending the shelf life of postharvest blueberry.

Practical Applications

Blueberry has received considerable attention due to its content of health promoting micronutrients and several bioactive phytochemicals. However, it is often shortened by weight or moisture loss, and fungi infection under high humidity condition resulting in sensorial and nutritional changes. This study aims to provide experimental evidence for application of chitosan in the maintenance of quality (inhibits the microbial spoilage, retards weight loss, maintains the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents) of postharvest blueberry.
Fabricated Mango Pulp‐Gellan Gels: Effect of Selected Additives on Rheological and Sensory Attributes
Authors: Tiwari Shipra , Bhattacharya Suvendu
Published: July 2016

Studies were carried out to develop nutritious gels using gellan gum (1–2%, w/w), mango pulp (0–40%), sugar (0–20%) and ferrous sulfate (0–0.10%). Ferrous sulfate was added as the source of iron in the gels. In addition, flaxseed powder (0–10%) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) (0‐5%) were incorporated to selected gel samples. The storage modulus (G′) of the sols varied widely from 0.47 to 7,147.50 Pa, and depended on the levels of the four variables. The loss modulus (0.21–626.40 Pa) of sols was mostly affected by mango pulp. Fracture strain of the gels varied between 10.4 and 57.5%; it was mainly affected by the concentrations of mango pulp followed by FeSO4 and sugar. The optimized gel, produced with gellan, pulp, sugar, FeSO4, flaxseed powder and WPC, resulted in the sensory overall acceptability of 8.2 and the desirability index of 85.8%. These results are expected to be useful for developing chewy/springy fabricated gels.

Practical Applications

Fabricated gel with unique nutritional and consumer acceptability is an expanding field of research and commercial exploitation. The rheological and sensory attributes are the key features for acceptance of such products. The present paper thus deals with the role of such gel forming ingredients using gellan gum. The results of this investigation are expected to be useful for the development of nutrient enriched gels incorporated with fruit source (mango), iron source (FeSO4), flaxseed and whey protein isolate.
Notions of Work, Patrimony, and Production in the Life of the Colón Opera House
Authors: Lazar Sian
Published: July 2016

En este artículo, se analiza el conflicto entre el gobierno municipal y los trabajadores de la casa de ópera de Buenos Aires (conocido como el Teatro Colón) a finales del siglo XXI. Durante el 2009, un número importante de trabajadores se organizaron en un ‘estado de movilización permanente’ con finalidad de protestar en contra el cierre del teatro y el despido de 370 trabajadore. El argumento principal consistía en que el Teatro Colón se estaba convirtiendo de un ‘teatro de fábrica’—con su propio personal técnico y artístico—en un mero lugar para producciones itinerantes y puntos de venta. La historia del Teatro Colón era por consecuencia, la historia de la ‘neoliberalización’ del Estado argentino en miniatura: un traslado de la producción a la subcontratación con flexibilización laboral, la pérdida de capacidades nacionales técnicas, la lógica de negocio y posiblemente la destrucción de monumentos arquitectónicos. Puesto que el conflicto se trataba de uno de los teatros de ópera más famosos del continente, la historia de los trabajadores fue también enredada en cuestiones de elitismo, de patrimonio cultural y arquitectónico asi como el papel de las instituciones culturales en la alta sociedad. Al contar el conflicto desde la perspectiva de los trabajadores movilizados, exploro sus nociones de trabajo y producción. Me pregunto si la cultura o el arte se puede producir en un sentido material y si la metáfora de material (de ser trabajadores en un ‘teatro de fábrica’) es algo más que un medio para movilizar a la gente.
The factors associated with sexual recovery in male patients with acute myocardial infarction under phase II cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Lim Seung‐Kyu , Sim Doo sun , Han Jae‐Young
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic factors of short‐term sexual recovery in patients with acute myocardial infarction after phase II cardiac rehabilitation for six weeks.

Background

It is often observed that patients who have suffered acute myocardial infarction and have sufficient aerobic capacity for sexual activity do not recover sexual activity. Until now, few studies have investigated factors associated with recovery of sexual activity.

Design

Observational study.

Methods

Among 627 male patients with acute myocardial infarction who were referred for cardiac rehabilitation from October 2010–September 2014, 72 were finally analysed. Subjects who met all the following criteria were included: (1) completed a questionnaire about sexual activity before and after phase II cardiac rehabilitation; (2) showed usual sexual activity before onset of acute myocardial infarction and (3) revealed decreased sexual activity at baseline of cardiac rehabilitation compared to preacute myocardial infarction status despite ≥5 maximal metabolic equivalents. Information on sociodemographic characteristics and cardiopulmonary function obtained before cardiac rehabilitation was used for the analysis.

Results

(1) Twenty‐five of the 72 subjects (34·7%) had improved sexual activity after six weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, but 47 (65·3%) continued the status of no‐recovery sexual activity after cardiac rehabilitation. (2) Age, body mass index and use of statins were significantly different between subjects who recovered and those who did not. (3) No differences in other clinical characteristics and cardiopulmonary functions were detected between the two groups. (4) Age and body mass index were significant factors associated with recovery of sexual activity.

Conclusions

Age and body mass index were significant factors associated with recovery of sexual activity in acute myocardial infarction patients. Aerobic capacity at baseline of cardiac rehabilitation was not an independent factor to predict the recovery of sexual activity.

Relevance to clinical practice

These results should be considered when educating patients under phase II cardiac rehabilitation on their return to normal sexual activity.
Staff perceptions of best practice for information transfer about multitrauma patients on discharge from the emergency department: a focus group study
Authors: Calleja Pauline , Aitken Leanne , Cooke Marie
Published: July 2016

Aims and Objectives

To understand: (1) staff perceptions of best practice for information transfer for multitrauma patients on discharge from the emergency department; (2) what information should be conveyed at transfer and (3) how information is transferred.

Background

Information transfer for multitrauma patients is an integral factor for continuity of care, safety, quality assurance and patient outcomes; however, this has not been the focus of previous studies.

Design

This was a qualitative study using focus group interviews.

Methods

Data were collected during focus group interviews across five clinical areas. Themes were derived from the data with consensus from three data coders. Purposive sampling was used and included staff caring for trauma patients during patient transition out of the emergency department. Participants were representatives of the emergency department, perioperative care, intensive care unit, high dependency care unit and the trauma service unit. Twenty‐six registered nurses and two medical officers participated.

Results

Five focus group interviews were held. Themes emerged from the data including ‘Variability’, ‘Continuity’ and ‘Putting the pieces together’. The first three themes were all influenced by the fourth theme of ‘Values/Context’. Considered together these themes influenced staff perception of the quality of information transfer for multitrauma patients on discharge from the emergency department.

Conclusions

Staff perceived best practice for information transfer to be clear, concise, relevant documentation that travelled with the patient and interactive communication at handover that adhered to agreed principles and a minimum data set specific to trauma patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinicians involved in handover need to actively listen, avoiding ‘doing’ at the same time, be aware of essential questions to ask about the patient. An agreed expectation between different clinical areas needs to exist about information transfer to reduce variability. The minimum data required to provide ongoing safe care for multitrauma patients are identified.
Functional brain imaging of episodic memory decline in ageing
Authors: Nyberg L.
Published: July 2016

The episodic long‐term memory system supports remembering of events. It is considered to be the most age‐sensitive system, with an average onset of decline around 60 years of age. However, there is marked interindividual variability, such that some individuals show faster than average change and others show no or very little change. This variability may be related to the risk of developing dementia, with elevated risk for individuals with accelerated episodic memory decline. Brain imaging with functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signalling or positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to reveal the brain bases of declining episodic memory in ageing. Several studies have demonstrated a link between age‐related episodic memory decline and the hippocampus during active mnemonic processing, which is further supported by studies of hippocampal functional connectivity in the resting state. The hippocampus interacts with anterior and posterior neocortical regions to support episodic memory, and alterations in hippocampus–neocortex connectivity have been shown to contribute to impaired episodic memory. Multimodal MRI studies and more recently hybrid MRI/PET studies allow consideration of various factors that can influence the association between the hippocampal BOLD signal and memory performance. These include neurovascular factors, grey and white matter structural alterations, dopaminergic neurotransmission, amyloid‐Β and glucose metabolism. Knowledge about the brain bases of episodic memory decline can guide interventions to strengthen memory in older adults, particularly in those with an elevated risk of developing dementia, with promising results for combinations of cognitive and physical stimulation.
Statins, familial hypercholesterolemia, and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Reaven G. M.
Published: July 2016

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Vuorio et al.
Delayed Light Activation Improves Color Stability of Dual‐Cured Resin Cements
Authors: Furuse Adilson Y. , Santana Lino Oliveira Carvalho , Rizzante Fabio Antonio Piola , Ishikiriama Sérgio Kiyoshi , Bombonatti Juliana Fraga , Correr Gisele Maria , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the color change caused by post‐irradiation conversion (ΔE24h and ΔE8 days) and artificial aging (ΔEAGING) of resin cements light activated through ceramics of different opacities immediately and 6 minutes after manipulating the material.

Materials and Methods

Resin cement disks (Allcem and LuxaCore) were light activated through ceramics (without ceramic, e.max HT, LT, and MO) immediately and 6 minutes after the manipulation (n = 10). Spectrophotometry was used to evaluate ΔE24h and ΔE8 days after 37˚C‐dry‐dark‐storage for 24 hours and 8 days, and ΔEAGING after 60˚C‐water‐storage for 24 hours. Data were analyzed with three‐way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05).

Results

Regarding the post‐irradiation color change, significant differences were found between the cements (p < 0.0001), light activation protocols (p = 0.037), and ceramics (p < 0.001). The immediate activation (16.2 ± 0.1) showed lower ΔE values than the delayed activation (16.5 ± 0.1). Ceramics influenced the ΔE values as follows: MO (14.0 ± 1.2) < LT (14.9 ± 1.2) ≈ HT (15.4 ± 1.2) < control (21.2 ± 1.2). Regarding ΔEAGING, significant differences were found between cements (p < 0.001), light activation (p = 0.006), and ceramics (p < 0.001). The delayed activation (8.4 ± 0.1) showed lower values than the immediate activation (8.9 ± 0.1). Ceramic spacers influenced ΔEAGING as follows: control (5.6 ± 0.2) < MO (6.6 ± 0.2) < HT (11.0 ± 0.2) ≈ LT (11.5 ± 0.2).

Conclusion

The delayed light activation resulted in increased color stability, while the ceramic interposition resulted in lower color stability.
Treatment of endotoxaemia and septicaemia in the equine patient
Authors: Werners A. H.
Published: July 2016

Endotoxins, constituents of the cell wall of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, regularly result in severe illness and death in horses. In endotoxaemia, these constituents are present in the systemic circulation; in septicaemia, whole microbes invade normally sterile parts of the body. Interaction of these endotoxins with pathogen recognition receptors leads to an inflammatory response that cannot always be sufficiently contained and hence needs direct treatment. Over the last decennia, our understanding of the pathophysiology of endotoxaemia and septicaemia has significantly increased. Based on improved understanding of the interaction between receptors and endotoxins as well as the subsequent downstream signalling pathways, new therapeutic targets have been identified in laboratory animal species and humans. Important species differences in the recognition of endotoxins and pathogens by their receptors as well as the inflammatory response to receptor activation hamper extrapolation of this information to the horse (and other species). Historically, horses with endotoxaemia and septicaemia have been treated mainly symptomatically and supportively. Based on the identified therapeutic targets, this review describes the current knowledge of the treatment for endotoxaemia and septicaemia in the horse with reference to the findings in other animal species and humans.
The theory of the nested species–area relationship: geometric foundations of biodiversity scaling
Authors: Storch David
Published: July 2016

The relationship between sampled area and the number of species within that area, the species–area relationship (SAR), is a major biodiversity pattern and one of a few law‐like regularities in ecology. While the SAR for isolated units (islands or continents) is assumed to result from the dynamics of species colonization, speciation and extinction, the SAR for contiguous areas in which smaller plots are nested within larger sample areas can be attributed to spatial patterns in the distribution of individuals. The nested SAR is typically triphasic in logarithmic space, so that it increases steeply at smaller scales, decelerates at intermediate scales and increases steeply again at continental scales. I will review current theory for this pattern, showing that all three phases of the SAR can be derived from simple geometric considerations. The increase of species richness with area in logarithmic space is generally determined by overall species rarity, so that the rarer the species are on average, the higher is the local slope z. Rarity is scale‐dependent: species occupy only a minor proportion of area at broad spatial scales, leading to upward accelerating shape of the SAR at continental scales. Similarly, species are represented by only a few individuals at fine spatial scales, leading to high SAR slope also at small areas. Geometric considerations reveal links of the SAR to other macroecological patterns, namely patterns of β‐diversity, the species–abundance distribution, and the relationship between energy availability (or productivity) and species richness. Knowledge of the regularities concerning nested SARs may be used for standardizing unequal areas, upscaling species richness and estimating species loss due to area loss, but all these applications have their limits, which also follow from the geometric considerations.
Linking the impacts of plant invasion on community functional structure and ecosystem properties
Authors: Castro‐Díez Pilar , Pauchard Aníbal , Traveset Anna , Vilà Montserrat
Published: July 2016

Questions

Many studies report a decrease of native species richness in communities after plant invasion by exotic taxa, but the implications of species losses on community functional structure and ecosystem processes have been less explored. The questions addressed are: (1) what are the impacts of invasive plant taxa on the functional structure of the recipient community; and (2) are there links between such functional structure and ecosystem properties representing key ecosystem processes?

Location

Costal habitats of Mallorca and Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.

Methods

In paired invaded and non‐invaded plots, species frequencies and ecosystem properties related to biogeochemical cycles (soil C and N content, soil moisture and decomposition rate) were assessed. For every native species we obtained values of several functional traits (plant height, woodiness, N fixation and evergreenness). Then we calculated indices of community functional structure (community‐weighted means for each trait; functional diversity: richness, evenness, divergence and dispersion; and functional redundancy) and compared them between paired invaded and non‐invaded plots. The relationship with ecosystem properties was assessed using GLM.

Results

The spectra of trait distribution changed in the invaded assemblages towards a higher frequency of woodiness and evergreenness. Invaded communities showed decreased species richness, and lower functional richness, divergence, dispersion and redundancy. In contrast, ecosystem properties were scarcely sensitive to invasion. Functional redundancy was negatively related to soil N of invaded plots and soil moisture in the dry season, which suggests higher depletion of soil resources when several species share the same combination of trait values.

Conclusions

Carpobrotus invasion led to a functional homogenization within communities, which probably reduces their resilience. The functional structure of the community was more responsive to invasion than the ecosystem properties. The weak relationship between functional indices and ecosystem properties suggests that they may respond to invasion at different rates.
The formation environment of potassic‐chloro‐hastingsite in the nakhlites MIL 03346 and pairs and NWA 5790: Insights from terrestrial chloro‐amphibole
Authors: Giesting Paul A. , Filiberto Justin
Published: July 2016

Potassic‐chloro‐hastingsite has been found in melt inclusions in MIL 03346, its paired stones, and NWA 5790. It is some of the most chlorine‐rich amphibole ever analyzed. In this article, we evaluate what crystal chemistry, terrestrial analogs, and experiments have shown about how chlorine‐dominant amphibole (chloro‐amphibole) forms and apply these insights to the nakhlites. Chloro‐amphibole is rare, with about a dozen identified localities on Earth. It is always rich in potassium and iron and poor in titanium. In terrestrial settings, its presence has been interpreted to result from medium to high‐grade alteration (>400 °C) of a protolith by an alkali and/or iron chloride‐rich aqueous fluid. Ferrous chloride fluids exsolved from mafic magmas can cause such alteration, as can crustal fluids that have reacted with rock and lost H2O in preference to chloride, resulting in concentrated alkali chloride fluids. In the case of the nakhlites, an aqueous alkali‐ferrous chloride fluid was exsolved from the parental melt as it crystallized. This aqueous chloride fluid itself likely unmixed into chloride‐dominant and water‐dominant fluids. Chloride‐dominant fluid was trapped in some melt inclusions and reacted with the silicate contents of the inclusion to form potassic‐chloro‐hastingsite.
Genomics of speciation and introgression in Princess cichlid fishes from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Gante Hugo F. , Matschiner Michael , Malmstrøm Martin , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Jentoft Sissel , Salzburger Walter
Published: July 2016

How variation in the genome translates into biological diversity and new species originate has endured as the mystery of mysteries in evolutionary biology. African cichlid fishes are prime model systems to address speciation‐related questions for their remarkable taxonomic and phenotypic diversity, and the possible role of gene flow in this process. Here, we capitalize on genome sequencing and phylogenomic analyses to address the relative impacts of incomplete lineage sorting, introgression and hybrid speciation in the Neolamprologus savoryi‐complex (the ‘Princess cichlids’) from Lake Tanganyika. We present a time‐calibrated species tree based on whole‐genome sequences and provide strong evidence for incomplete lineage sorting in the early phases of diversification and multiple introgression events affecting different stages. Importantly, we find that the Neolamprologus chromosomes show centre‐to‐periphery biases in nucleotide diversity, sequence divergence, GC content, incomplete lineage sorting and rates of introgression, which are likely modulated by recombination density and linked selection. The detection of heterogeneous genomic landscapes has strong implications on the genomic mechanisms involved in speciation. Collinear chromosomal regions can be protected from gene flow and harbour incompatibility genes if they reside in lowly recombining regions, and coupling can evolve between nonphysically linked genomic regions (chromosome centres in particular). Simultaneously, higher recombination towards chromosome peripheries makes these more dynamic, evolvable regions where adaptation polymorphisms have a fertile ground. Hence, differences in genome architecture could explain the levels of taxonomic and phenotypic diversity seen in taxa with collinear genomes and might have contributed to the spectacular cichlid diversity observed today.
Sexual dimorphism in striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) crania from South Africa
Authors: Conry Danielle S. , Pistorius Pierre A. , Plön Stephanie , Hofmeyr G. J. Greg
Published: July 2016

This study assessed the extent of sexual dimorphism in striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) cranial size and shape off the South African coast. Dorsal and ventral features of 60 striped dolphin crania from both the western and eastern coasts of South Africa were analyzed using landmark‐based geometric morphometrics. Although there was no evidence of dimorphism in cranial size, evidence for small, but significant, variation in both dorsal and ventral cranial shape was found between the sexes. The observed dimorphism was partly associated with changes in shape around the temporal fossa, occipital condyle and supraoccipital bone, the nasal bone, and the paraoccipital process and basiocciptal. The temporal fossa serves as an attachment point for the temporal muscle, which functions to close the lower jaw, and the occipital area serves as the anterior insertion of the epaxial muscles, which power the upstroke of the flukes during swimming. Both the paraoccipital process and basiocciptal are associated with the functioning of the hyoid apparatus, which serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments involved in feeding and sound production. These findings suggest the possibility of differences in diet, foraging behavior, vocalizations, and locomotion between the sexes of this species.
Expression of the Theobroma cacao Bax‐inhibitor‐1 gene in tomato reduces infection by the hemibiotrophic pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa
Authors: Scotton Danielle Camargo , Azevedo Mariana Da Silva , Sestari Ivan , Da Silva Jamille Santos , Souza Lucas Anjos , Peres Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira , Leal Gildemberg Amorim , Figueira Antonio
Published: July 2016

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a key role in plant responses to pathogens, determining the success of infection depending on the pathogen lifestyle and on which participant of the interaction triggers cell death. The hemibiotrophic basidiomycete Moniliophthora perniciosa is the causal agent of witches' broom disease of Theobroma cacao L. (cacao), a serious constraint for production in South America and the Caribbean. It has been hypothesized that M. perniciosa pathogenesis involves PCD, initially as a plant defence mechanism, which is diverted by the fungus to induce necrosis during the dikaryotic phase of the mycelia. Here, we evaluated whether the expression of a cacao anti‐apoptotic gene would affect the incidence and severity of M. perniciosa infection using the ‘Micro‐Tom’ (MT) tomato as a model. The cacao Bax‐inhibitor‐1 (TcBI‐1) gene, encoding a putative basal attenuator of PCD, was constitutively expressed in MT to evaluate function. Transformants expressing TcBI‐1, when treated with tunicamycin, an inducer of endoplasmic reticulum stress, showed a decrease in cell peroxidation. When the same transformants were inoculated with the necrotrophic fungal pathogens Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sclerotium rolfsii and Botrytis cinerea, a significant reduction in infection severity was observed, confirming TcBI‐1 function. After inoculation with M. perniciosa, TcBI‐1 transformant lines showed a significant reduction in disease incidence compared with MT. The overexpression of TcBI‐1 appears to affect the ability of germinating spores to penetrate susceptible tissues, restoring part of the non‐host resistance in MT against the S‐biotype of M. perniciosa.
Development and evaluation of a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for the rapid detection of Talaromyces marneffei MP1 gene in human plasma
Authors: Hien Ha Thuc Ai , Thanh Tran Tan , Thu Nguyen Thi Mai , Nguyen Ashley , Thanh Nguyen Tat , Lan Nguyen Phu Huong , Simmons Cameron , Shikuma Cecilia , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Thwaites Guy , Le Thuy
Published: July 2016

Penicilliosis caused by Talaromyces marneffei is a common AIDS‐defining illness in South and Southeast Asia. Diagnosis is based on culture which can take up to 14 days for identification, leading to treatment delay and increased mortality. We developed a TaqMan real‐time PCR assay targeting the MP1 gene encoding an abundant cell wall protein specific to T. marneffei. The assay's performance was evaluated in MP1‐containing plasmids, clinical isolates, and plasma from HIV‐infected patients with and without penicilliosis. The assay consistently detected 10 copies of MP1‐containing plasmids per reaction and 100 T. marneffei yeast cells per millilitre plasma. There were no amplification with seven other Penicillium species and six other HIV‐associated fungal pathogens tested. The assay was evaluated in 70 patients with AIDS: 50 patients with culture‐confirmed penicilliosis and 20 patients with opportunistic infections other than penicilliosis. The diagnostic sensitivity was 70.4% (19/27, 95% CI: 51.5–84.1%) and 52.2% (12/23, 95% CI: 33.0–70.8%) in plasma samples collected prior to and within 48 h of antifungal therapy respectively. The diagnostic specificity was 100% (20/20, 95% CI: 83.9–100%). This assay provides a useful tool for the rapid diagnosis of T. marneffei infection and has the potential to improve the management of patients with penicilliosis.
Life history trait divergence among populations of a non‐palatable species reveals strong non‐trophic indirect effects of an abundant herbivore
Authors: Heckel Christopher D. , Kalisz Susan
Published: July 2016

When large herbivores exert selection on their prey plant species, co‐occurring, non‐prey species may experience selection through non‐trophic indirect effects. Such selection is likely common where herbivores are overabundant. Yet, empirical studies of non‐trophic indirect effects as drivers of non‐prey trait evolution are lacking. Here we test for adaptive shifts in life history traits in an unpalatable species, Arisaema triphyllum, a common forest perennial that is unique because it exhibits size‐dependent sex switching. We collected A. triphyllum from six sites that experience a gradient in abiotic stress caused by deer browse pressure on prey plant species that generate indirect effects. We grew A. triphyllum from these sites in a common garden for five years to evaluate life history predictions linking strong indirect effects and abiotic stress to changes in life history traits: flowering onset size threshold, female flowering size threshold, relative growth rate (RGR), biomass allocation, and asexual reproduction. Despite observed differences among phenotypes in the field, expression of flowering onset size threshold, biomass allocation, and asexual reproduction did not differ among the six populations in the garden, indicating common plastic responses. In contrast, A. triphyllum collected from sites experiencing the two highest deer impacts exhibited smaller female flowering size thresholds and the highest RGR. Responses in these traits support the predictions of adaptive divergence in response to indirect effects. Our results reinforce the idea that non‐trophic indirect effects of large herbivores can elicit evolutionary responses in some traits of non‐prey species. In general, life history traits of unpalatable species may be cryptically adapting to stressful indirect effects where large herbivores are overabundant.
Bergmann's rule: a biophysiological rule examined in birds
Authors: Salewski Volker , Watt Cortney
Published: July 2016

The most studied ecogeographic rule is Bergmann's rule, but aspects of the original paper are often presented incorrectly even though Bergmann (1847) is explicitly cited. The goal of this paper is to 1) summarize the contents of Bergmann's paper, supported by direct translations, and 2) to discuss the main issues surrounding Bergmann's rule based on Bergmann's intentions and early definitions of the rule.

Although Bergmann himself never formulated an explicit rule, based on Bergmann's (1847) intentions and early definitions of Bergmann's rule, Bergmann's rule is: “Within species and amongst closely related species of homeothermic animals a larger size is often achieved in colder climates than in warmer ones, which is linked to the temperature budget of these animals.” Bergmann (1847) assumed that the surface area of an animal is a measure for heat dissipation and an animal's volume a measure of its heat production. As body size increases, an animal's surface area increases less than its volume; however, modifications in morphology and behaviour will also influence the temperature budget. Bergmann hypothesized that when everything but size is equal, the smaller animals should live in warmer areas. This was supported by empirical data on > 300 bird species belonging to 86 genera.

Recommendations for use of the term Bergmann's rule include 1) inclusion of a thermoregulatory mechanism, 2) application only to homoeothermic animals, 3) but to any taxonomic group, 4) tests of the rule should test the assumption that larger animals have to produce less heat to increase body temperatures, and 5) future authors should either go back to the original publication (Bergmann 1847) when referring to it or simply not cite it at all.

Synthesis

Based on Bergmann's (1847) intentions and early definitions, Bergmann's rule is: “Within species and amongst closely related species of homeothermic animals a larger size is often achieved in colder climates than in warmer ones, which is linked to the temperature budget of these animals.” Recommendations for use of the term Bergmann's rule include 1) inclusion of a thermoregulatory mechanism, 2) application only to homoeothermic animals, 3) and to any taxonomic group, 4) tests of the rule should examine whether larger animals have to produce less heat to increase body temperatures, and 5) authors should go back to the original publication (Bergmann 1847) when referring to it.
Medulloblastoma with epithelioid features in the cerebellar vermis
Authors: Miyata Kenji , Hori Toshinori , Yamakawa Kiyoshi , Takasu Michihiko , Hayakawa Tomohito , Shimomura Yasuto , Iwata Atsuko , Okumura Akihisa , Nakura Takahiro , Jyoko Masahiro , Mori Yoshimasa , Takahashi Emiko , Hirato Junko
Published: July 2016

A 6‐year‐old girl was admitted with a mass lesion in the cerebellar vermis. She underwent subtotal tumor resection, and on immunohistopathology the tumor consisted of two different parts: typical medulloblastoma (MB) characteristics and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) features, despite positive integrase interactor 1 expression. The patient was diagnosed with MB with epithelioid features. Chemoradiation therapy was started because of tumor recurrence at the primary site and dissemination to the spinal cord, as determined on magnetic resonance imaging 2 weeks after surgery. The patient died due to tumor progression 13 months after initial diagnosis, although transient partial remission was achieved.
Cryptosporidium in humans and animals—a one health approach to prophylaxis
Authors: Ryan U. , Zahedi A. , Paparini A.
Published: July 2016

Cryptosporidium is a major cause of moderate‐to‐severe diarrhoea in humans worldwide, second only to rotavirus. Due to the wide host range and environmental persistence of this parasite, cryptosporidiosis can be zoonotic and associated with foodborne and waterborne outbreaks. Currently, 31 species are recognized as valid, and of these, Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum are responsible for the majority of infections in humans. The immune status of the host, both innate and adaptive immunity, has a major impact on the severity of the disease and its prognosis. Immunocompetent individuals typically experience self‐limiting diarrhoea and transient gastroenteritis lasting up to 2 weeks and recover without treatment, suggesting an efficient host antiparasite immune response. Immunocompromised individuals can suffer from intractable diarrhoea, which can be fatal. Effective drug treatments and vaccines are not yet available. As a result of this, the close cooperation and interaction between veterinarians, health physicians, environmental managers and public health operators is essential to properly control this disease. This review focuses on a One Health approach to prophylaxis, including the importance of understanding transmission routes for zoonotic Cryptosporidium species, improved sanitation and better risk management, improved detection, diagnosis and treatment and the prospect of an effective anticryptosporidial vaccine.
A systematic literature review of university technology transfer from a quadruple helix perspective: toward a research agenda
Authors: Miller Kristel , McAdam Rodney , McAdam Maura
Published: July 2016

Within recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of the University's role in economic development. This has resulted in University Technology Transfer (UTT) taking place within an increasingly complex network of regional stakeholders. This complexity has resulted in quadruple helix models where the triple helix model of academia, industry and regional government now includes societal based innovation users as a fourth helix. Despite this development, extant research is fragmented and lacks coherent frameworks and conceptualisations which fully depict the dynamic and evolving nature of UTT. Accordingly, this article reviews Mode 2 UTT from a quadruple helix perspective to identify key themes to develop a research agenda which reflects progression from a triple into a quadruple helix ecosystem.
Ecological restoration of rural landscapes: stewardship, governance, and fairness
Authors: Martin Paul
Published: July 2016

Much rural environmental policy reflects a largely unquestioned belief that if farmers' stewardship ethos could be improved, unsustainable land use would largely be resolved. This article suggests that though a high level of farmer commitment to sustainable land use is necessary for effective stewardship, this is far from sufficient to achieve the desired ends. This article highlights institutional challenges that are not being adequately addressed and poses unanswered questions for public policy and research. These arise from issues that include land tenure norms and rules; governance complexity and fragmentation causing transaction costs and frustration; and problems of fairness related partly to the economic incapacity of some landholders to do what is needed for sustainable land use. This article suggests rural natural resource governance should consider more carefully the accountability of government and the socioeconomic issues of rural sustainability.
MFN vs Tariff Discrimination in the Presence of Cross Ownership
Authors: Din Hong‐Ren , Andy Wang Kuang‐Cheng , Liang Wen‐Jung
Published: July 2016

We develop a three‐country two‐firm model to examine the superiority of most favored nation (MFN) vs tariff discrimination in global welfare by taking into account the cross ownership between exporters. We obtain several interesting results as follows. First, given cross ownership of financial interests and linear demand, the government of the importing country will impose a lower (higher) tariff on the low‐cost (high‐cost) firm and the global welfare under tariff discrimination will be higher than that under MFN, regardless of whether the mode of competition is Cournot or Bertrand competition, when the magnitude of cross ownership is relatively large compared with the cost difference. Second, given the cross ownership of corporate control and linear demand, the global welfare under tariff discrimination will be identical to that under MFN.
Spontaneous ‐Symmetry Breaking in Nonlinearly Coupled van der Pol Oscillators
Authors: Jutley Jessica J. , Aceves Alejandro B.
Published: July 2016

Parity‐time () symmetry, initially proposed in the context of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory, has recently been studied and demonstrated in optical and electronic systems where laboratory demonstrations are possible. The model considered here consists of two nonlinearly coupled van der Pol (VDP) oscillators, originally studied in [1]. This dimer serves as an experimental realization of a class of nonlinear systems, where the anharmonic component has gain for one oscillator and loss of equal strength for the other, so that Hermiticity is broken while symmetry is preserved. The existence of spontaneous symmetry breaking at some critical value of the gain/loss parameter is proven by use of modulation theory in the weakly nonlinear regime, and by use of asymptotic methods to demonstrate relaxed oscillations for a strongly nonlinear coupling. We then prove similar phenomena in an infinite chain composed of such VDP dimers in the long‐wave limit. Finally, we perform initial studies of asymmetric transport properties in the VDP arrays.
Global Efforts in the Development of Vaccines for Tuberculosis: Requirements for Improved Vaccines Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Méndez‐Samperio P.
Published: July 2016

Currently, more than 9.0 million people develop acute pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) each year and about 1.5 million people worldwide die from this infection. Thus, developing vaccines to prevent active TB disease remains a priority. This article discusses recent progress in the development of new vaccines against TB and focusses on the main requirements for development of improved vaccines against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). Over the last two decades, significant progress has been made in TB vaccine development, and some TB vaccine candidates have currently completed a phase III clinical trial. The potential public health benefits of these vaccines are possible, but it will need much more effort, including new global governance investment on this research. This investment would certainly be less than the annual global financial toll of TB treatment.