bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of thermal fluctuations on reaction norms in specialist and generalist parasitic wasps
Authors: Foray Vincent , Desouhant Emmanuel , Gibert Patricia
Published: August 2013

Reaction norms depict the environmental effects on phenotypic traits and are used to predict the global change consequences on species distributions. However, studies performed at constant temperatures have limited ecological significance because expressed phenotypes depend on the range and frequency of environmental states.

Using Jensen's inequality (i.e. a mathematical property of nonlinear functions), we predicted that the effect of thermal fluctuations on the phenotype depends on the shape of the reaction norm. Thermal fluctuations around the optimal temperature are expected to reduce the phenotypic trait values, especially for specialists because of their narrower reaction norms.

This study measured the effects of diel fluctuations in developmental temperature on phenotypic expression of traits related to fitness and energetic resources in two strains of the parasitoid wasp Venturia canescens from different habitats: a thermal generalist strain and a specialist one. In a first experiment, we compared the effect of constant thermal regimes versus fluctuating ones having the same means (20, 25 and 30 °C) on reaction norms of life‐history traits and of energetic reserves. In a second experiment, we examined the effects of a natural thermoperiod in the field on these traits.

Our results show that the shape of the reaction norm defines the phenotypic changes induced by the development under fluctuating thermal conditions. These results match the predictions of the Jensen's inequality. Moreover, our results emphasize the significance of taking into account several phenotypic life‐history traits to study the adaptive value of phenotypic plasticity. We also show that the level of energetic resources depends on the mean developmental temperature and not on the thermal regime. Finally, the field experiment confirms that the phenotype of these parasitoids depends on the temperature variation.

Our study highlights the relevance of the Jensen's inequality to predict the effect of thermal fluctuations on fitness of parasitoids with contrasted thermal sensitivities.
Sexual size dimorphism requires a corresponding sex difference in development time: a meta‐analysis in insects
Authors: Teder Tiit
Published: August 2013

The degree and direction of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) vary greatly between animal species. At the ontogenetic level, SSD may result from sex differences in birth size, growth rate and/or development time. Nevertheless, evidence concerning proximate causation of SSD is scattered, and the data used to infer ontogenetic determinants of SSD have not always been appropriate for this purpose.

I use a comprehensive literature‐derived data base of relevant sex‐specific traits on 169 species to address the significance of sex differences in larval development time (SDTD) as a proximate source of SSD in insects.

In a clear majority of species (79%), SSD and SDTD were qualitatively congruent, that is, the larger sex had also a longer larval development. In strongly size‐dimorphic species, the qualitative correspondence between SSD and SDTD was nearly universal. Consistently, in a phylogenetically diverse array of insect clades, SDTD increased with increasing SSD across species.

The results indicate that the evolution and maintenance of high SSD values are rarely possible without a prolonged development of the larger sex.

The role of sex differences in growth rate as the ontogenetic determinant of SSD in insects requires further studies that should ideally be based on detailed monitoring of larval growth schedules.

The increase in SDTD with increasing SSD is consistent with the idea that the widespread phenomenon of protandry (the emergence of male adults before females) may not be selected for per se, but rather may primarily be an incidental by‐product of other selection pressures.
Body mass dependent use of hibernation: why not prolong the active season, if they can?
Authors: Bieber Claudia , Lebl Karin , Stalder Gabrielle , Geiser Fritz , Ruf Thomas
Published: August 2013

Hibernation is the most effective means for energy conservation during winter in mammals. The drawbacks of deep and prolonged torpor include reduced immunocompetence, and consequently, hibernators should be selected to minimize torpor expression when climatic conditions or energy availability (e.g. food or fat stores) permit. Therefore, it seems surprising that some hibernators employ extraordinary long hibernation seasons, lasting well beyond periods with unfavourable conditions.

Because of their extended use of torpor, edible dormice (Glis glis) provide an ideal model for scrutinizing interactions between energy reserves (i.e. body fat stores) and thermoregulatory patterns. We used a multimodel inference approach to analyse body temperature data (i.e. use of torpor) from 42 entire hibernation seasons over 4 years in females in relation to body mass.

Body mass prior to hibernation did not affect the duration of the hibernation season, but animals hibernated for c. 8 months, that is, 2 months longer than required by environmental conditions. Fatter individuals aroused significantly more often, had a higher mean minimum body temperature during torpor and remained euthermic for longer periods than leaner animals.

Surplus energy was therefore not used to shorten the hibernation season, but to rewarm more frequently, and to allow shallower torpor bouts. These adjustments apparently serve to avoid negative effects of torpor and, perhaps equally importantly, to minimize the time active above‐ground. We argue that maintaining a short active season, despite surplus energy reserves, may be explained by known beneficial effects of hibernation on survival rates (via predator avoidance).

Our data provide quantitative evidence that hibernation is a flexible tool within life‐history strategies. We conclude that, apart from energetic necessities due to harsh environmental conditions, predator avoidance may be an important factor influencing patterns of hibernation and torpor in mammals. Thus, our study indicates that climatic conditions alone are not a good predictor of hibernation patterns or survival in hibernating species during global climate change.
Rapid evolution: from genes to communities, and back again?
Authors: Ellner Stephen P.
Published: August 2013

Ecologists now recognize that ecologically important traits sometimes undergo large heritable changes on the same time‐scale as ecological change (‘rapid’ or ‘contemporary’ evolution). We know much less about the meanings of ‘sometimes’ (how often?) and ‘important’ (how important?). I review some of what I and my collaborators have learned about rapid evolution and suggest some of its implications.

Rapid evolution is common: when conditions change, traits evolve. But the rate of change is hard to predict, even across a set of published laboratory predator–prey experiments, and very similar trait changes can result from very different molecular mechanisms, even within one species.

Evolutionary rescue (adaptive response to a detrimental environmental change) is common, but not always effective. The full range is observed, from little to almost complete compensation for environmental change.

Cases of limited compensation show that strong selection is necessary, but not sufficient for rapid adaptation. The response of the copepod Onychodiaptomus sanguineus to fluctuating predation shows that the time‐scale of environmental variation is important. The response of Daphnia galeata to eutrophication shows that life‐history trade‐offs and constraints can prevent evolution from buffering the entire life history against environmental changes.

Eco‐evolutionary dynamics are harder to predict when traits affecting multiple interactions evolve. Theory predicted, and experiments confirmed, a much larger range of possible evolutionary outcomes when a prey species evolves defences against two predators rather than one. These and other recent findings suggest that the devil is in the details: many subtle factors, such as how trade‐offs depend on resource availability, can have large effects on eco‐evolutionary dynamics.

Ecologists are increasingly engaged in predicting the ecological effects of human impacts such as species introductions and climate change. Forecasting evolutionary responses is part of that challenge. One implication of the ‘newest synthesis’ is that rapid adaptation to changing conditions is nothing new, so the past and present can tell us a lot about the future. If prediction is our goal, then developing predictive theory for eco‐evolutionary dynamics, and testing it in tractable model systems, should be a priority.
Tracing type 1 diabeticTibet miniature pig's bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro by magnetic resonance imaging (1型糖尿病西藏小型猪骨髓间充质干细胞体外磁共振成像示踪)
Authors: Tang Kuan‐Xiao , Yan Jin‐Hua , Shen Yun‐Feng , Li Bao‐Ying , Chen Ying‐Ming , Liu Da‐Yue , Ma De‐Dong , Li Jie , Liang Hua , Weng Jian‐Ping
Published: August 2013

Background

Traditional cell‐tracking methods fail to meet the needs of preclinical or clinical research. Thus, the aim of the present study was to establish a new method of double labeling bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from type 1 diabetic (T1D) minipigs with super‐paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and tracing them usingMRIin vitro.

Methods

IsolatedBMSCsfromT1Dminipigs were labeled witheGFPand different concentrations ofSPIO. The effects of lentivirus (LV)‐eGFPtransfection andSPIOon the viability and growth curves ofBMSCswere determined byTrypan blue exclusion, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2 thiazoyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry. Cellular ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluateBMSCslabeled withSPIO‐eGFPcomplexes 6 weeks after labeling.

Results

Expression ofeGFPinBMSCspeaked 96 h after transfection withLV‐eGFP. Prussian blue staining revealed scattered blue granules in the cytoplasm ofSPIO‐labeled cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the dense granules aggregated mainly in secondary lysosomes. OnMRI,T2*‐weighted imaging was far more sensitive forSPIO‐labeledBMSCsthan other image sequences 3 and 6 weeks after the cells had been labeled withSPIO‐eGFP.

Conclusions

We have developed a relatively simple and safe method for double labeling ofBMSCsfromT1Dminipigs usingSPIOandLV‐eGFPand tracing them in vitro byMRIfor 6 weeks.
What predicts improvement of sexual function after pelvic floor surgery? A follow‐up study
Authors: Lonnée‐Hoffmann Risa A.M. , Salvesen Øyvind , Mørkved Siv , Schei Berit
Published: August 2013

Objective

To analyze factors predictive for changes in sexual function after pelvic floor surgery and explore differences between stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

St Olav Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.

Sample

Of 346 mailed questionnaires for women scheduled for SUI and POP surgery, 65 questionnaires were available for analysis together with examination findings before and 1 year after surgery.

Methods

Postal questionnaires including Prolapse and Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ 12), Hopkins Symptom Checklist 5 for psychological distress, questions from the validated Body Image Questionnaire, a general health question, questions addressing goals for improvement after surgery, clinical findings based on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System and Brief Sexual Function Index for partners. Uni‐ and multivariate linear regressions adjusting for age were performed.

Main outcome measures

Change in PISQ 12 score at follow‐up.

Results

Sexual function significantly improved in the total group (p = 0.000). After stratification into SUI and POP surgery, improvement only remained significant after SUI surgery (p = 0.001). Improvement for the total group was predicted by good health or coital incontinence, whereas psychological distress or the goal of improved defecation predicted deterioration. For women undergoing SUI surgery, increasing age, parity or the goal of improving sexuality or body image predicted improvement, while for women undergoing POP surgery, menopausal status or anterior colporrhaphy predicted improvement.

Conclusion

Significantly improved sexuality was observed after pelvic floor surgery. Predictive factors for change differed for women undergoing SUI surgery and and those undergoing POP surgery.
Gender differences in fascicular lengthening during eccentric contractions: the role of the patella tendon stiffness
Authors: Hicks K. M. , Onambele‐Pearson G. L. , Winwood K. , Morse C. I.
Published: August 2013

Aim

Elastic tendons have been suggested to attenuate fascicle lengthening during eccentric contractions; however, there is no in vivo evidence to support this hypothesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether patella tendon stiffness modulates vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle lengthening during eccentric contractions in males and females.

Method

Vastus lateralis and patella tendon properties were measured in males and females owing to previously reported intrinsic gender differences in tendon properties. During maximal voluntary eccentric knee extensions, VL fascicle lengthening and torque were recorded at every 10° (range of motion 20–90°).

Results

A significant correlation between maximal patella tendon stiffness and change in fascicle length (r = 0.476, P = 0.023) was observed. Similarly, there was a significant correlation between maximal Young's modulus and change in fascicle length (r = 0.470, P = 0.049). As expected, patella tendon stiffness and Young's modulus were significantly higher in males compared with females (P < 0.05). Interestingly, change in VL fascicle length during the eccentric contractions was significantly greater in males compared with females (P < 0.05). Based on patella tendon moment arm measurements, VL muscle‐tendon unit elongation was estimated to be significantly greater in males compared with females (5.24 and 4.84 cm respectively).

Conclusion

The significant difference in fascicle lengthening during eccentric contractions may be partly explained by the significantly higher patella tendon moment arm, patella tendon stiffness and Young's modulus found in males compared with females. The current study provides in vivo evidence to support the hypothesis that the tendon acts as a ‘mechanical buffer’ during eccentric contractions.
The use of novel Therakos™ Cellex® for extracorporeal photopheresis in treatment of graft‐versus‐host disease in paediatric patients
Authors: Rangarajan Hemalatha G. , Punzalan Rowena C. , Camitta Bruce M. , Talano Julie‐An M.
Published: August 2013

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an established second line treatment option for graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) post‐haematopoietic progenitor cell transplant. At our centre, the Therakos™ Cellex® has replaced the Therakos™ UVAR‐XTS™ machine for ECP since 2009. We reviewed the records of 385 procedures using the Therakos™ Cellex® for safety and tolerability. Nine patients underwent ECP for GVHD. The median age was 13·5 years (range 3·7–24) and weight was 49·2 kg (range 18·5–86·3). The mean duration per procedure was 106 min (range 60–205). Fifteen (3·9%) procedures were cancelled and 10 (2·6%) were delayed, with central venous line (CVL) issues being the most frequent problem. With the use of prophylactic tissue plasminogen activator, fewer CVL‐related occlusions were observed (4·7% vs. 2·3%). There was one episode of a CVL‐associated thrombosis and one episode of delayed bleeding. There were four episodes of viral reactivation, four CVL‐associated infections (1142 catheter days) and one episode of systemic inflammatory response syndrome. No patient experienced symptomatic hypotension. This is the first report outlining the safety and tolerability of the Therakos™ Cellex® device for ECP in children and young adults.
Mefloquine–Oxazolidine Derivatives: A New Class of Anticancer Agents
Authors: Rodrigues Felipe A. R. , Bomfim Igor da S. , Cavalcanti Bruno C. , Pessoa Claudia , Goncalves Raoni S. B. , Wardell James L. , Wardell Solange M. S. V. , de Souza Marcus V. N.
Published: August 2013

A series of 23 racemic mefloquine–oxazolidine derivatives, 4‐[3‐(aryl)hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,4‐a]pyridin‐1‐yl]‐2,8‐bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolines, derived from (R*, S*)‐(±)‐mefloquine and arenealdehydes, have been evaluated for their activity against four cancer cell lines (HCT‐8, OVCAR‐8, HL‐60, and SF‐295). Good cytotoxicities have been determined with IC50 values ranging from 0.59 to 4.79 μg/mL. In general compounds with aryl groups having strong electron‐releasing substituents, such as HO and MeO, or electron‐rich heteroaryl groups, for example imidazol‐2‐y‐l, are active. However, other factors such as steric effects may play a role. As both the active and non‐active conformations of the mefloquine–oxazolidine derivatives are similar, it is concluded that molecular conformations do not play a significant role either. This study is the first to evaluate mefloquine derivatives as antitumor agents. The mefloquine–oxazolidine derivatives are considered to be useful leads for the rational design of new antitumor agents.
Greater Focus Needed on Alien Plant Impacts in Protected Areas
Authors: Hulme Philip E. , Pyšek Petr , Pergl Jan , Jarošík Vojtěch , Schaffner Urs , Vilà Montserrat
Published: August 2013

Alien plants pose significant threats to protected areas worldwide yet many studies only describe the degree to which these areas have become invaded. Research must move toward a better understanding of alien plant impacts since managers urgently require an appropriate evidence base to prioritize control/eradication targets. We analyze a global database of quantitative studies of alien plant impacts to evaluate existing knowledge of alien plant impacts within and outside protected areas. Although protected areas are a significant focus for quantitative impact studies, the biogeographic emphasis of most research effort does not coincide with the global distribution of protected areas nor the plant species or life‐forms recognized to have greatest impacts on ecosystems. While impacts were often as significant within protected areas as outside, only a minority of studies provide any subsequent management recommendations. There is therefore considerable scope to improve the evidence base on alien plant management in protected areas.
Timber Harvesting Does Not Increase Fire Risk and Severity in Wet Eucalypt Forests of Southern Australia
Authors: Attiwill P.M. , Ryan M.F. , Burrows N. , Cheney N.P. , McCaw L. , Neyland M. , Read S.
Published: August 2013

Lindenmayeret al. proposed that logging makes “some kinds of forests more prone to increased probability of ignition and increased fire severity.” The proposition was developed most strongly in relation to the wet eucalypt forests of south‐eastern Australia. A key argument was that logging in wet forests results in drier forests that tend to be more fire‐prone, and this argument has gained prominence both in the literature and in policy debate. We find no support for that argument from considerations of eucalypt stand development, and from reanalysis of the only Australian study cited by Lindenmayeret al. In addition, there is no evidence from recent megafires in Victoria that younger regrowth (<10 years) burnt with greater severity than older forest (>70 years); furthermore, forests in reserves (with no logging) did not burn with less severity than multiple‐use forests (with some logging). The flammability of stands of different ages can be explained in terms of stand structure and fuel accumulation, rather than as a dichotomy of regrowth stands being highly flammable but mature and old‐growth stands not highly flammable. Lack of management of fire‐adapted ecosystems carries long‐term social, economic, and environmental consequences.
Evaluating Linked Social–Ecological Systems in Marine Protected Areas
Authors: López‐Angarita Juliana , Moreno‐Sánchez Rocío , Maldonado Jorge Higinio , Sánchez Juan A.
Published: August 2013

In view of current worldwide coral reef decline, and the shortcomings of traditional top‐down management schemes of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), decision makers and scientists face the important challenge of developing new approaches to generate effective conservation strategies. This study evaluates MPAs as linked social–ecological systems (SES) to inform better management by calculating indices for ecological health, social adaptive capacity, and the impact intensity of overfishing, pollution, and tourism. A series of ecological and socioeconomic indicators are used to estimate these indices and determine relevant conservation strategies in two protected areas in the Colombian Caribbean. Results reveal a precarious situation of high impact intensity combined with low ecological health and adaptive capacity. This study provides further evidence supporting the need for reconciliation of SES and a framework by which decision makers can assess priorities to increase MPA effectiveness. We highlight the need for system reorganization and recommend bottom‐up comanagement schemes as a priority strategy to strengthen adaptive capacity.
Leukocytoclastic vasculitis masking chronic vascular changes in previously undiagnosed erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Thom Graham , Lam Minh , Lucas Michaela , Rossi Enrico
Published: August 2013

A 31‐year old man presented with swelling and purpura of the dorsum of the hands following sun exposure. There was a preceding lifelong history of photosensitivity, but this episode, which occurred after the recent commencement of oral iron therapy, and after recent alcohol ingestion, was much more severe than any preceding episode. Skin biopsy performed 48 h after the onset of symptoms showed features consistent with the early stages of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Direct immunofluorescence showed homogeneous thick staining of the vessel walls with IgG, IgM and IgA, together with abundant perivascular fibrinogen. A subsequent periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) stain on the skin biopsy revealed thickening of the walls of dermal vessels, which was not discernible in routinely stained (hematoxylin/eosin) sections. The diagnosis of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) was confirmed by significantly elevated erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels and positive plasma fluorimetry. The diagnosis of porphyria may have been missed by routine skin microscopy if not for the additional information provided by clinical history, direct immunofluorescence and PAS stain. The pathogenesis and histopathology of acute and chronic vascular changes in EPP are reviewed.
Primed low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and constraint‐induced movement therapy in pediatric hemiparesis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gillick Bernadette T , Krach Linda E , Feyma Tim , Rich Tonya L , Moberg Kelli , Thomas William , Cassidy Jessica M , Menk Jeremiah , Carey James R
Published: August 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of five treatments of 6 Hz primed, low‐frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) to promote recovery of the paretic hand in children with congenital hemiparesis.

Method

Nineteen children with congenital hemiparesis aged between 8 and 17 years (10 males, nine females; mean age 10 years 10 months, SD 2 years 10 months; Manual Ability Classification Scale levels I‐III) underwent five sessions of either real rTMS (n=10) or sham rTMS (n=9) alternated daily with CIMT. CIMT consisted of 13 days of continuous long‐arm casting with five skin‐check sessions. Each child received a total of 10 hours of one‐to‐one therapy. The primary outcome measure was the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and the secondary outcome variables were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and stereognosis. A Wilcoxon signed‐rank sum test was used to analyze differences between pre‐ and post‐test scores within the groups. Analysis of covariance was used to compute mean differences between groups adjusting for baseline. Fisher's exact test was used to compare individual change in AHA raw scores with the smallest detectable difference (SDD) of 4 points.

Results

All participants receiving treatment finished the study. Improvement in AHA differed significantly between groups (p=0.007). No significant differences in the secondary outcome measures were found. Eight out of 10 participants in the rTMS/CIMT group showed improvement greater than the SDD, but only two out of nine in the sham rTMS/CIMT group showed such improvement (p=0.023). No serious adverse events occurred.

Interpretation

Primed, low‐frequency rTMS combined with CIMT appears to be safe, feasible, and efficacious in pediatric hemiparesis. Larger clinical trials are now indicated.
All‐cause mortality and cardiovascular effects associated with the DPP‐IV inhibitor sitagliptin compared with metformin, a retrospective cohort study on the Danish population
Authors: Scheller N. M. , Mogensen U. M. , Andersson C. , Vaag A. , Torp‐Pedersen C.
Published: August 2013

Aim

We performed a retrospective cohort study, investigating the clinical outcomes including mortality and cardiovascular disease of sitagliptin compared with metformin monotherapies.

Methods

All patients receiving monotherapy with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitors (DPP‐IV) inhibitor sitagliptin between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011 were identified. All‐cause mortality and a composite endpoint of stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and all‐cause mortality associated with sitagliptin monotherapy were compared with metformin monotherapy. In addition, as an indicator of efficacy we analysed the hazard ratio of changing treatment.

Results

A total of 84 756 patients were included in the analysis, 1228 (1.4%) received sitagliptin monotherapy whereas the remaining 83 528 (98.6%) patients received metformin monotherapy. Patients using metformin were younger than patients using sitagliptin (59.0 ± 15.2 vs. 62.5 ± 13.1) were less often male (51.6 vs. 54.2%) and had longer treatment duration with monotherapy (1.8 ± 1.3 vs. 0.9 ± 1.1 years). Compared with patients receiving metformin, patients using sitagliptin showed no statistically significant excess risks of all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.71; p = 0.153] or the composite endpoint (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.92–1.61; p = 0.164). However, the use of sitagliptin monotherapy was associated with an increased likelihood of changing treatment (hazard ratio, 4.88; 95% CI, 4.46–5.35; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a retrospective analysis, sitagliptin monotherapy compared with metformin monotherapy was not associated with any statistical significant increased risk of all‐cause mortality or the composite endpoint, but was associated with an increased likelihood of changing glucose‐lowering treatment.
The effect of antiobesity drugs on waist circumference: a mixed treatment comparison
Authors: Chilton M. , Dunkley A. , Carter P. , Davies M. J. , Khunti K. , Gray L. J.
Published: August 2013

Aim

To use meta‐analytic techniques to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of orlistat and lorcaserin in the treatment of people who are overweight and obese.

Methods

We identified publications from searches of electronic databases and extracted data from studies that compared orlistat or lorcaserin to lifestyle advice (standard care), placebo, sibutramine, rimonabant or metformin and collected information on waist circumference change or withdrawals due to adverse events (AEs). A mixed treatment comparison (MTC) meta‐analysis was performed on the data extracted.

Results

Orlistat was found to be significantly better than placebo and standard care in reducing waist circumference at 6 and 12 months; orlistat reduced waist circumference by −6.96 cm [95% credible interval (CrI): −8.93, −4.96 cm] compared to standard care at 6 months. The results suggested that lorcaserin reduced waist circumference by a greater amount than all other interventions at 12 months, for example, lorcaserin lead to a greater reduction of −2.45 cm (95% CrI: −4.99, 0.08 cm) in comparison to placebo, although these differences were not statistically significant. Although data were very limited, metformin reduced waist circumference by a greater amount (−2.11 cm, 95% CI: −1.00, −3.22 cm) than orlistat at 6 months. On average, 6.5% of patients on orlistat and 5.4% of those on lorcaserin discontinued their treatment due to AEs at 12 months.

Conclusions

Orlistat should be considered as an addition to lifestyle interventions in the treatment of obesity. Lorcaserin has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and these results suggest that it is similar in both efficacy and safety compared to orlistat.
Species limits, quarantine risk and the intrigue of a polyphagous invasive pest with highly restricted host relationships in its area of invasion
Authors: Rafter Michelle A. , Hereward James P. , Walter Gimme H.
Published: August 2013

Scirtothrips aurantiiis a generalist horticultural pest in its native African range and recently established quite widely in Australia on the invasive succulent weedBryophyllum delagoense. Paradoxically, this thrips is not polyphagous in its incursive range. The issue is principally one of quarantine. Will the thrips in Australia shift, perhaps adaptively, to citrus, and should the primary focus be on containment aroundAustralian citrus, or does the real quarantine risk exist offshore with thrips present on citrus inAfrica? We examined the phylogenetic relationships betweenBryophyllum‐associated thrips populations in Australia and populations sampled from various host plant species inSouthAfrica (includingBryophyllum) using bothCO1 and 28s markers. Eight variable microsatellite markers were developed to assess the extent of gene flow between the thrips on different hosts inSouthAfrica. TheCOIphylogeny resolvedS. aurantiiinto three distinct clades with samples collected fromB. delagoensein South Africa and Australia representing a single clade, a second clade associated withGloriosalilies and the third with horticultural hosts. The microsatellite analysis confirmed that the populations associated with citrus andBryophyllumdo not hybridize with one another in sympatry. We conclude that the citrus‐damaging thrips are not currently present inAustralia and remain a serious quarantine concern in relation toAustralian horticulture.
Heart failure patients' descriptions of participation in structured home care
Authors: Näsström Lena M. , Idvall Ewa A‐C. , Strömberg Anna E.
Published: August 2013

Background

To strengthen the patient's position in health care, patient participation has been decreed in policy documents and legalizations. For patients suffering from heart failure, self‐care is an important part of disease management and participation is crucial to succeed with this.

Objective

To examine how heart failure patients receiving structured home care described participation in the care.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting and participants

Thirteen men and six women, aged between 63 and 90 years, were interviewed. The informants received structured home care at four home care units in Sweden. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Five categories with associated subcategories describing participation in care were identified: communication between patients and health‐care professionals (HCPs) including time and space for dialogue and exchange of care‐related information, accessibility to care through awareness of the plan for home visits or feasibility to initiate home visits, active involvement in care by engaging in self‐care and collaboration with HCPs, trustful relation with HCPs, with confidence in competence and individually adapted care, options for decision making, by making decisions or entrusting decisions.

Conclusions

Patient participation could be strengthened through structured home care. Participation was facilitated when there was a balance between the patient's own preferences to influence care and the health‐care professional's actions and values and the organization of care. Barriers to participation could depend on the health‐care organization, lack of continuity and confidence in HCPs.
Erbium‐Ion‐Doped Tellurite Glasss Fibers and Waveguides — Devices and Future Prospective: PART I
Authors: Joshi Purushottam , Irannejad Mehrdad , Zhao Zhanxiang , Fernandez Toney , Richards Billy , Jose Gin , Jha Animesh , Lousteau Joris
Published: August 2013

This review article focuses on the suitability of Er3+‐doped tellurium oxide glass for optical amplification in fiber, waveguides and as a component for optical integration to meet the emerging demand for broadband and fiber‐to‐home networks. The importance of the glass structure, in the context of Er3+‐ion spectroscopy, is emphasized for dissolving large concentrations of dopant ions. The spectroscopic methodologies involved in maximizing the gain per unit length of Er3+‐doped fiber is explained. In Part II of this study, a review of how the fiber gain data was then employed to engineer amplification in waveguides, which can be integrated with semiconductor pump sources, is presented.
Hospital admissions for dental treatment among children with cleft lip and/or palate born between 1997 and 2003: an analysis of Hospital Episode Statistics in England
Authors: Fitzsimons Kate J. , Copley Lynn P. , Smallridge Jacqueline A. , Clark Victoria J. , van der Meulen Jan H. , Deacon Scott A.
Published: August 2013

Background

Children with clefts have an increased tendency for dental anomalies and caries.

Aim

To determine the pattern of hospital admissions for dental treatment during primary dentition among children with clefts.

Design

Cohort study based on Hospital Episode Statistics, an administrative database of all admissions to National Health Service hospitals in England. Patients born alive between 1997 and 2003 who had both a cleft diagnosis and cleft repair were included. The number of hospital admissions for surgical removal of teeth, simple extraction of teeth, and restoration of teeth before the age of seven was examined.

Results

Eight hundred and fifty‐eight hospital admissions for dental treatment among 6551 children (<7 year) with a cleft were identified. 66.4% of admissions were primarily for caries and 95.6% involved extractions. 11.4% of children had at least one admission for dental treatment. The presence of additional anomalies, having a more severe cleft type, and living in relatively deprived areas increased the risk of hospital admission.

Conclusions

Factors increasing the risk of hospital admission among cleft children should be taken into account when planning services. Efforts to reduce the number of hospital admissions should be focused on disease prevention, particularly among those most at risk of caries.
Inside the leader relationship: constructive controversy for team effectiveness inChina
Authors: Chen Nancy Yi Feng , Tjosvold Dean
Published: August 2013

Research is needed to understand the dynamics by which high‐quality leader relationships have their productive effects on followers. This study proposes that these leader relationships do not simply induce compliance but encourage employees and managers to discuss their diverse views open‐mindedly and constructively. Team leaders indicated leader–member relationship with employees who rated their constructive controversy and their team's effectiveness and feelings of respect, support, and reduced stress. Structural equation analysis suggested that leader–member relationship affects employee team productivity and emotions through constructive controversy. The study's findings and previous research were interpreted as suggesting that high‐quality leader relationships coupled with constructive controversy provide a foundation for effective team leadership inChina.
Volunteer engagement and intention to quit from a self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Haivas Simona , Hofmans Joeri , Pepermans Roland
Published: August 2013

Drawing on self‐determination theory, the current study investigates the mediation process of satisfaction with the 3 basic needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) between autonomous motivation and volunteers' turnover intention and work engagement. A study of 349 Romanian volunteers reveals an interesting dichotomy. For work engagement, the positive effect of autonomy and competence needs satisfaction appears to have been partially mediated by autonomous motivation. Turnover intention, however, was directly influenced by the degree of autonomy and competence needs satisfaction. Moreover, satisfaction of the relatedness need had no effect on the 2 outcome variables when controlling for satisfaction of autonomy and competence needs. Implications and possible explanations are suggested.
Influence of psychological attachment patterns on periodontal disease – a pilot study with 310 compliant patients
Authors: Graetz Christian , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Senf Dana , Semar Katrin , Herzog Wolfgang , Dörfer Christof E.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Psychosocial variables have received increased attention in periodontology. Attachment theory adds to known risk factors by linking early interactional experiences with adult tendencies of stress‐regulation, health behaviour, symptom reporting, and healthcare utilization. The study investigates associations between attachment patterns and periodontal parameters.

Methods

Within the context of a longitudinal study on periodontal diseases, 310 patients with aggressive (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) filled out questionnaires on psychological attachment patterns. The influence of attachment style on health behaviour, treatment attendance and utilization, and periodontal variables was tested.

Results

We found associations between psychological attachment anxiety on smoking and higher number of session use, independent of disease severity, which was more pronounced for women. Patients with higher attachment avoidance attended periodontal treatment later when diagnosed with CP and earlier with AgP. For men, we found differential associations for attachment avoidance and anxiety and number of teeth at beginning of treatment.

Conclusion

Psychological attachment patterns are a promising target for understanding periodontal disease in addition to known psychosocial risk factors.
The impact of psoriasis on work‐related problems: a multicenter cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ayala F. , Sampogna F. , Romano G.V. , Merolla R. , Guida G. , Gualberti G. , Paparatti U.d.L. , Amerio P. , Balato N. , Potenza C. ,   The Daniele Study Group
Published: August 2013

Background

Psoriasis can have cumulative physical and psychosocial effects preventing sufferers from achieving their full‐life potential. Few studies have addressed the impact of psoriasis on work‐related characteristics.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of psoriasis on education prospects and work limitations in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Methods

This study was conducted in 29 dermatology centres across Italy. Information was collected by questionnaire during office visits.

Results

A total of 787 patients (64% male, aged 50 years) completed the questionnaire. At the time of the survey, mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score and disease duration were 10 and 19 years respectively. Current smokers had higher PASI scores compared to non‐smokers (10.8 vs. 9.4, P = 0.02). Plaque psoriasis was the most frequently described (91.2%). Fifty‐five percent of patients had limited expectations of career progression. Similarly, in 42% of cases, psoriasis reduced the prospects of improvement in employment status and 35% of patients reported having reduced earning potential. Approximately 60% of patients reported that psoriasis localized to their hands or feet caused work limitations, whilst in about 25%, it caused them to quit their job. Approximately 37% of patients reported having lost between 3–10 work days in the past 3 months due to clinical assessment or treatment. Logistic regression revealed that gender, low standard of education, number of localizations, shame, anger and self‐esteem were predictors significantly associated with limitations in work.

Conclusions

Moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis has a profound negative impact on the employment capacity of patients in Italy. Psoriasis also contributes to days lost from work, affects job opportunity, career prospects and revenue potential.
Construction of KHV‐CJ ORF25 DNA vaccine and immune challenge test
Authors: Zhou J‐X , Wang H , Li X‐W , Zhu X , Lu W‐L , Zhang D‐M
Published: August 2013

KHV ORF25 fragments were cloned from Koi Herpes Virus‐CJ (KHV‐CJ) strains isolated in our laboratory. The amplified products were inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pIRES‐neo, forming recombinant plasmid pIRES‐ORF25. The recombinant plasmid pIRES‐ORF25 at 1 μg per koi, 10 μg per koi and 50 μg per koi was intramuscularly injected into healthy kois, respectively. The results showed that the recombinant pIRES‐ORF25 could induce the production of specific antibodies in koi determined by indirect ELISA. The differences of immune effect between three doses were not significant (P > 0.05), but all of them could induce the production of neutralizing antibodies. The immune challenge test showed that the mortality of koi injected with PBS, blank pIRES‐neo vector and nothing was 90%, 92.5% and 85% at 25 days. While the mortalities of koi injected with eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES‐ORF25 were 20%, 17.5% and 12.5%. Differences in comparison with the control group were highly significant (P < 0.01). Histopathological staining revealed that the tissues of the immunized koi did not change apparently. In conclusion, the DNA vaccine pIRES‐ORF25 construct could well protect koi against KHV and had the potential to be applied in practice.
Effect of long‐term exposure and delayed drying time on moisture and mechanical integrity of flooded homes
Authors: Aglan H. , Ludwick A. , Kitchens S. , Amburgey T. , Diehl S. , Borazjani H.
Published: August 2013

A housing flood unit (FU) and large wall section samples were constructed from conventional building materials and exposed to simulated flooding. Conditions resembling the flooding after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA, were mimicked, specifically long‐term flooding (3 weeks) and standing periods (3 weeks). The effect of natural drying of the FU, followed by forced drying, on the moisture and mechanical integrity of building elements and components was studied. The results were compared with a similar study where the flood and standing times before drying were considerably shorter (3 and 5 days, respectively). The long‐term flood exposure and delayed re‐entry resulted in severe delamination and blistering of the gypsum board below water level on almost all the walls of the FU. Natural ventilation by opening windows was not effective in reducing the moisture content of the gypsum board. A combination of dehumidification and air conditioning dried the FU and test samples in about 1 week. Short‐term (3 days) flood exposure and re‐entry 5 days later caused significantly less visual damage to the walls of the FU in comparison with the long‐term exposure. Mechanical testing of the interior wall samples yielded similar results for both the long‐term and short‐term studies. For both studies, the mechanical strength above and below the water line was similar after the prescribed drying period. This type of data is important in order to utilise most effectively the components of a structure affected by flooding, as well as for development of protocols for the restoration of building components.
Vascular endothelial growth factor single‐nucleotide polymorphism in gall bladder cancer
Authors: Mishra Kumudesh , Behari Anu , Kapoor Vinay Kumar , Khan M. Salman , Prakash Swayam , Agrawal Suraksha
Published: August 2013

Background and Aim

Angiogenesis plays a key role in growth, progression, and metastasis of various cancers. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism has been associated with several cancers. Role of VEGF has not been reported in gallbladder cancer (GBC). Present study was designed to investigate the role of VEGF polymorphism in GBC and in other (benign) gallbladder diseases, that is chronic cholecystitis (CC) and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC).

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 195 GBC, 140 CC, and 47 XGC patients and 300 normal healthy controls. VEGF polymorphisms were investigated using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction for g.43737830A>G and g.3437A>C, polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism for c.*237C>T, and g.43736418delTinsG amplified by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

At g.43737830A>G, GA genotype showed susceptibility (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65 and OR = 1.68) and GG genotype showed protective association (OR = 0.58 and OR = 0.50) with GBC and CC. Allele A of VEGF g.43737830A>G was risk associated with GBC and CC (OR = 1.48 and OR = 1.70), while G allele was risk protective for GBC and CC (OR = 0.67 and OR = 0.58). At g.3437A>C, genotype CA was risk protective for GBC (OR = 0.61). TT genotype of c.*237C>T was susceptible for GBC and CC (OR = 2.59 and OR = 3.48), while CC genotype was risk protective for GBC and CC (OR = 0.61 and OR = 0.34). T allele of c.*237C>T polymorphism was risk associated with GBC and CC (OR = 1.63 and OR = 2.90), while C allele was risk protective for GBC and CC (OR = 0.38 and OR = 0.28). Haplotype I‐C‐A‐C was risk protective for GBC (OR = 0.27).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that c.*237C>T and g.43737830A>G polymorphisms are useful markers of susceptibility to GBC.
A functional role for NS5ATP9 in the induction of HCV NS5A‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Quan M. , Liu S. , Li G. , Wang Q. , Zhang J. , Zhang M. , Li M. , Gao P. , Feng S. , Cheng J.
Published: August 2013

Autophagy has been shown to facilitate replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the mechanism by which HCV induces autophagy has not been fully established. NS5A, a nonstructural protein expressed by HCV, regulates numerous cellular pathways, including autophagy, by up‐regulating Beclin 1; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To obtain new insights into HCV‐regulated autophagy, NS5ATP9 was overexpressed in HepG2 and L02 cells, resulting in up‐regulation of endogenous Beclin 1 mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The luciferase‐reporter assay results showed that both NS5A and NS5ATP9 could transactivate Beclin 1 promoter activity, but that NS5A could not transactivate the Beclin 1 promoter in NS5ATP9‐silenced HepG2 and L02 cells. Up‐regulation of Beclin 1 mRNA and protein expression by NS5A could also be attenuated by NS5ATP9 knock‐down. Furthermore, the HepG2 and L02 cells that transiently overexpressed NS5ATP9 had enhanced accumulation of vacuoles carrying the autophagy marker LC3, consistent with the conversion of endogenous LC3‐I to LC3‐II. In contrast, the conversion of endogenous LC3‐I to LC3‐II could not be enhanced by NS5A in NS5ATP9‐silenced HepG2 cells. These results highlight an important potential role for NS5ATP9 in HCV NS5A‐induced hepatocyte autophagy.