bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updating Biodiversity Studies in Loricate Protists: The Case of the Tintinnids (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Spirotrichea)
Authors: Santoferrara Luciana F. , Bachy Charles , Alder Viviana A. , Gong Jun , Kim Young‐Ok , Saccà Alessandro , da Silva Neto Inácio D. , Strüder‐Kypke Michaela C. , Warren Alan , Xu Dapeng , Yi Zhenzhen , Agatha Sabine
Published: February 2016

Species determination is crucial in biodiversity research. In tintinnids, identification is based almost exclusively on the lorica, despite its frequent intraspecific variability and interspecific similarity. We suggest updated procedures for identification and, depending on the aim of the study, further steps to obtain morphological, molecular, and ecological data. Our goal is to help improving the collection of information (e.g. species re‐/descriptions and DNA barcodes) that is essential for generating a natural tintinnid classification and a reliable reference for environmental surveys. These suggestions are broadly useful for protistologists because they exemplify data integration, quality/effort compromise, and the need for scientific collaborations.
Description of the Halophile Euplotes qatarensis nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea, Euplotida) Isolated from the Hypersaline Khor Al‐Adaid Lagoon in Qatar
Authors: Fotedar Rashmi , Stoeck Thorsten , Filker Sabine , Fell Jack W. , Agatha Sabine , Al Marri Masoud , Jiang Jiamei
Published: February 2016

The morphology, ontogenesis, and phylogenetic relationships of a halophile euplotid ciliates, Euplotes qatarensis nov. spec., isolated from the Khor Al‐Adaid Lagoon in Qatar were investigated based on live observation as well as protargol‐ and silver nitrate‐impregnated methods. The new species is characterised by a combination of features: the halophile habitat, a cell size of 50–65 × 33–40 μm, seven dorsal ridges, 10 commonly sized frontoventral cirri, two widely spaced marginal cirri, 10 dorsolateral kineties, and a double silverline pattern. The morphogenesis is similar to that of its congeners: (i) the oral primordium develops hypoapokinetally and the parental oral apparatus is retained; (ii) the frontoventral‐transverse field of five streaks gives rise to the frontal, ventral, and transverse cirri, but not to the cirri I/1 and the marginal cirri; (iii) the dorsal somatic ciliature develops by intrakinetal proliferation of basal bodies in two anlagen per kinety that are just anterior and posterior to the future division furrow; (iv) the caudal cirri are formed by the two rightmost dorsolateral kineties. The SSU rDNA sequence of E. qatarensis branches with full support in the Euplotopsis elegans–Euplotes nobilii–Euplotopsis raikovi clade. The closest related publicly available SSU rDNA sequence is the one of E. nobilii, with which E. qatarensis has 93.4% sequence similarity. Euplotes parawoodruffi Song & Bradbury, 1997 is transferred to the genus Euplotoides based on the absence of frontoventral cirrus VI/3.
Hydrological cycle effects on the aquatic community in a Neotropical stream of the Andean piedmont during the 2007–2010 ENSO events
Authors: Ríos‐Pulgarín M. I. , Barletta M. , Mancera‐Rodriguez N. J.
Published: February 2016

The seasonal and interannual changes in the fish, macroinvertebrates and phycoperiphyton assemblages of the Guarinó River were examined in relation to the physical and chemical environmental changes associated with the hydrological cycle and the El Niño‐Niña/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) between 2007 and 2010. Four samplings (in dry and rainy seasons) were performed per year. Environmental variables (temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, oxygen, total nitrogen, orthophosphate, depth and flow rate) were measured. The temporal patterns of the taxonomic compositions for the three assemblages and the functional composition of fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages with respect to environmental variables were examined through canonical discriminant analysis, multidimensional scaling and multiple correlations. The presence and abundance of fishes, macroinvertebrates and algae species were regulated by environmental variables associated with extreme hydrological events, which derived from the natural torrential regimen of the basin and larger‐scale phenomena, such as El Niño and La Niña. Fish abundance and richness were significantly correlated with algal density and pH, the macroinvertebrate density was negatively related to the flow rate and the richness was positively correlated with algal density. The algae richness was positively correlated with pH and negatively correlated with the flow rate and nitrogen. The algal density was positively correlated with pH and temperature and negatively correlated with river flow. The phycoperiphyton assemblage exhibited more direct responses in its density and richness to the hydrological changes (r2 = 0·743 and 0·800, respectively). In functional terms, the El Niño phenomenon was defined by a greater abundance of omnivorous and insectivorous fishes, as well as filter feeders, scrapers and macroinvertebrate predators. During La Niña, a greater abundance of benthic fishes (both detritivorous and insectivorous) and shredder and collector‐gatherer macroinvertebrates was observed. Differentiated responses recorded in the community were based on adaptive strategies for the local hydrological regime that enable fast recovery under conditions such as ENSO phenomena. Composition changes according to adaptations to different hydrological scenarios and the predominance of generalists' trophic guilds and species with plasticity in their habits and their ranges of environmental tolerance were found, supporting the habitat templet model.
Responses of fish assemblages of sandy beaches to different anthropogenic and hydrodynamic influences
Authors: Franco A. C. S. , Ramos Chaves M. C. N. , Castel‐Branco M. P. B. , Neves Dos Santos L.
Published: February 2016

This study tested whether some attributes of the diversity, communities and populations of surf‐zone fish assemblages varied with different hydrodynamic and anthropogenic influences at four Guanabara Bay sandy beaches: Dentro (sheltered with limited human access), Fora (exposed with limited human access), Urca (sheltered with unlimited human access) and Vermelha (exposed with unlimited human access), between autumn 2011 and summer 2012. Twenty‐nine species and 1613 individuals were recorded from 76 trawls. The 10 most abundant species accounted for 94·5% of the total number, but only four species (Diplodus argenteus, Harengula clupeola, Sardinella brasiliensis and Sphoeroides greeleyi) were recorded at all four beaches, revealing a high level of species substitution. Fish assemblages differed not only for diversity attributes, but also at community and population levels, with lower values of the Shannon–Wiener index, richness and total fish abundance and biomass at Vermelha beach, and higher densities of Trachinotus carolinus, Atherinella brasiliensis and S. greeleyi related to beaches with high anthropogenic influence. The findings reveal that fish assemblages of Dentro, Fora, Urca and Vermelha beaches differed not only in response to hydrodynamic influences, but also due to the effects of different degrees of human interference (i.e. presence of solid residues, population density and fishing impacts), emphasizing the importance of the sheltered and less anthropogenically affected beaches, as spawning, nursery and growth areas.
A low rate of multiple maternity for pregnant male northern pipefish Syngnathus fuscus
Authors: Paczolt K. A. , Martin W. E. , Ratterman N. L. , Jones A. G.
Published: February 2016

Microsatellite parentage analysis was applied to 22 broods of the northern pipefish Syngnathus fuscus for the first time. The majority of males mated singly, 23% of males mated with two females, and no males mated with more than two females. The arrangement of embryos within the brood pouch of multiply mated males reflects a previously undocumented fill pattern where full‐sib groups are segregated within the pouch by both right and left sides as well as anterior and posterior ends.
Effect of Mulberry Leaf Extracts on Color, Lipid Oxidation, Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Oxidative Breakdown Products of Raw Ground Beef During Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Zhang Xinzhuang , Li Deyong , Meng Qingxiang , He Cui , Ren Liping
Published: February 2016

The study investigated the effects of mulberry leaf extracts (MLE) on the color, lipid oxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative breakdown products of raw ground beef during refrigerated storage. The five treatments were: MLE at 0, 100, 500 and 1,000 μg/g muscle (C, low concentration mulberry leaves extracts (LM), medium concentration mulberry leaves extracts (MM) and high concentration mulberry leaves extracts (HM)) and positive control with 20 μg Vitamin E/g muscle (VE). MLE maintained color, reduced peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values during storage (P < 0.05) with no effect on free thiol. MLE increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase at 312 h (P < 0.05). There were more phospholipids from the HM treatment than the control group (P < 0.05); unsaturated fatty acids and reducing sugars in the VE group were higher than the C group (P < 0.05). The results indicated that MLE could better use as natural antioxidants to maintain the meat quality, extend shelf‐life and prevent economic loss for food processing industry. In addition, one interesting finding was that the antioxidant mechanism of MLE was different comparing to VE during the different stages of lipid oxidation, which MLE worked at the first step and VE protected the second step when phospholipid was decomposed into unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, we could conclude that it would be better to combine the MLE and VE to protect the meat quality during refrigerated storage.

Practical Applications

Mulberry leaves were rich in alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, which could be responsible for health benefits as well as herbal medicine for many years in various cultures. Some studies had found that MLE had the antioxidant activities. However, scientific information about the antioxidant properties of MLE in meat and their influence on meat quality is still scarce. The results indicate that MLE have the antioxidant activity, helping maintain the meat color, inhibiting lipid oxidant and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. In addition, the antioxidant mechanism of MLE protected phospholipids from oxidation and VE mainly protected the unsaturated fatty acids and reducing sugars. This research explains the antioxidant mechanism of MLE could better use as natural antioxidants to maintain the meat quality, extend shelf‐life and prevent economic loss for food processing industry.
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome increases source‐confusion errors: A pilot study
Authors: Sarhane Majdouline , Daurat Agnès
Published: February 2016

We explored external source monitoring (i.e., discrimination between memories of two externally derived sources) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Our specific aim was to ascertain whether, relative to controls, patients exhibit more source‐confusion errors when there are similarities between two external memory sources. We recruited 22 patients with OSAS and 22 controls matched for sex, age, and education. The experimental procedure we used came in three phases. First, participants viewed a target film. Second, they were shown a mixed set of photographs, some taken from the film (target photographs), others not (photographs taken from other films not viewed by participants; lures). Lures differed either conceptually or perceptually from the target film. Third, the following day, participants were shown a set of photographs and urged to determine whether the photographs were taken from the target film or whether they were images they had seen for the first time in Phase 2. Patients correctly attributed the same number of target photographs to the target film as controls. By contrast, they incorrectly attributed more lures to the target film than controls did, especially when the lures were semantically similar to the film (perceptual lures). Both perceptual and conceptual source‐confusion errors were significantly correlated with oxygen desaturation during sleep. Results suggest that the higher number of source‐confusion errors observed in patients with OSAS was linked to an impaired ability to recollect specific perceptual details of the study items and that hypoxia is the main contributing factor to this deficit.
Time‐Space Distanciation: An Interdisciplinary Account of How Culture Shapes the Implicit and Explicit Psychology of Time and Space
Authors: Sullivan Daniel , Keefer Lucas A. , Stewart Sheridan A. , Palitsky Roman
Published: February 2016

The growing body of research on temporal and spatial experience lacks a comprehensive theoretical approach. Drawing on Giddens’ framework, we present time‐space distanciation (TSD) as a construct for theorizing the relations between culture, time, and space. TSD in a culture may be understood as the extent to which (1) time and space are abstracted as separate dimensions and (2) activities are extended and organized across time and space. After providing a historical account of its development, we outline a multi‐level conceptualization of TSD supported by research on cultural differences in the experience of time and space. We impact this conceptualization by examining two ethnographic case studies. We conclude by highlighting future research directions. TSD is an integrative, interdisciplinary, multi level construct with the potential to guide the burgeoning social science of time and space.
A phase 3b study of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in treatment‐naive and treatment‐experienced Korean patients chronically infected with genotype 2 hepatitis C virus
Authors: Ahn S. H. , Lim Y. S. , Lee K. S. , Paik S. W. , Lee Y. J. , Jeong S. H. , Kim J. H. , Yoon S. K. , Yim H. J. , Tak W. Y. , Han S. Y. , Yang J. C. , Mo H. , Mathias A. , Han L. , Knox S. J. , Brainard D. M. , Kim Y. J. , Byun K. S. , Kim Y. S. , Heo J. , Han K. H.
Published: February 2016

In Korea, patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are typically treated with pegylated interferon‐alpha plus ribavirin, but interferons are contraindicated in many patients and are often poorly tolerated, particularly by the elderly and those with advanced liver disease. No interferon‐free treatment regimens are approved in Korea. Sofosbuvir is an oral nucleotide analog inhibitor of the HCV nonstructural 5B RNA polymerase. It is approved in the USA, European Union and Japan for treating a number of HCV genotypes, including genotype 2. Genotype 2 has a seroprevalence of 38–46% in Korea. This single‐arm, phase 3b study (NCT02021643) examined the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (12‐week duration) in chronic genotype 2 HCV‐infected treatment‐naive and treatment‐experienced Korean patients with and without cirrhosis. The proportion of patients with sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation (SVR12) was 97% (125/129), with 96% (101/105) of treatment‐naive and 100% (24/24) of treatment‐experienced patients achieving SVR12. Two patients experienced virologic failure (n = 1, on‐treatment failure; n = 1, relapse). No patient discontinued study treatment due to an adverse event (AE). The most common treatment‐emergent AEs were headache (18%, 23/129) and pruritus (15%, 19/129). Few patients had grade 3 AEs (5%, 6/129) or grade 3 laboratory abnormalities (12%, 15/129). No grade 4 AE was reported. These data suggest that 12 weeks of treatment with the all‐oral, interferon‐free regimen of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin is effective and well tolerated in Korean patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection.
The effect of current and historical landscape structure and species life‐history traits on species distribution in dry grassland‐like forest openings
Authors: Husáková Iveta , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: February 2016

Questions

In a fragmented landscape, the distribution of plant species is determined not only by local habitat conditions but also by the landscape structure, including its changing nature, and by the life‐history traits of species present. Whereas the importance of all these factors has been investigated in a range of previous studies, our understanding of the effects of individual traits on species dependence on landscape structure is still rather limited. The aim of this study was to identify factors responsible for plant species composition in dry grassland‐like forest openings and to identify the relationship between life‐history traits and species distribution.

Location

Křivoklátsko Biosphere Reserve, the Czech Republic.

Methods

We examined the effect of current and past landscape structures, habitat continuity and habitat conditions on species composition. We tested the importance of species traits for species response to the landscape structure.

Results

In addition to habitat conditions, species composition was determined by landscape structures in the past and at present, and the past landscape structure in each time period separately was equally important to the present landscape structure. Perennial species that are insect‐ or wind‐pollinated, flower over limited periods of time, are relatively tall, are dispersed by animals, are not ruderal, have low nutrient requirements and maintain competitive or partly stress‐tolerant strategies were found to be restricted to continuous localities existing at least since 1973 or 1988 and to localities that are currently well interconnected. In contrast, short, self‐pollinated, ruderal species prevail in currently less‐connected localities.

Conclusions

The results indicate that knowledge of the past landscape structure is important for understanding the current species distribution, and that species traits can be used as useful predictors of species responses to the past landscape structure.
Population and phylogenomic decomposition via genotyping‐by‐sequencing in Australian Pelargonium
Authors: Nicotra Adrienne B. , Chong Caroline , Bragg Jason G. , Ong Chong Ren , Aitken Nicola C. , Chuah Aaron , Lepschi Brendan , Borevitz Justin O.
Published: February 2016

Species delimitation has seen a paradigm shift as increasing accessibility of genomic‐scale data enables separation of lineages with convergent morphological traits and the merging of recently diverged ecotypes that have distinguishing characteristics. We inferred the process of lineage formation among Australian species in the widespread and highly variable genus Pelargonium by combining phylogenomic and population genomic analyses along with breeding system studies and character analysis. Phylogenomic analysis and population genetic clustering supported seven of the eight currently described species but provided little evidence for differences in genetic structure within the most widely distributed group that containing P. australe. In contrast, morphometric analysis detected three deep lineages within Australian Pelargonium; with P. australe consisting of five previously unrecognized entities occupying separate geographic ranges. The genomic approach enabled elucidation of parallel evolution in some traits formerly used to delineate species, as well as identification of ecotypic morphological differentiation within recognized species. Highly variable morphology and trait convergence each contribute to the discordance between phylogenomic relationships and morphological taxonomy. Data suggest that genetic divergence among species within the Australian Pelargonium may result from allopatric speciation while morphological differentiation within and among species may be more strongly driven by environmental differences.
Pulmonary fungal infections in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia: is it the time to revise the radiological diagnostic criteria?
Authors: Maccioni Francesca , Vetere Simone , De Felice Carlo , Al Ansari Najwa , Micozzi Alessandra , Gentile Giuseppe , Foà Robin , Girmenia Corrado
Published: February 2016

The definition of pulmonary fungal infections (PFI) according to the EORTC‐MSG criteria may lack diagnostic sensitivity due to the possible presentation of PFI with different radiological pictures. We evaluated the hypothesis to apply less restrictive radiological criteria to define PFI in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) submitted to chemotherapy. Overall, 73 consecutive episodes of pulmonary infiltrates associated to positive serum galactomannan test or fungal isolation or galactomannan detection from respiratory specimens were considered. CT scans acquired at the onset of symptoms (time‐0) and within 4 weeks (time‐1) were analysed to identify specific (group A) or aspecific radiological signs (group B). Pulmonary infiltrates fulfilled the EORTC‐MSG criteria in 49 patients (group A), whereas in 24 patients (group B) they did not reach the criteria due to aspecific CT findings at time‐0. Eleven of 21 (52.4%) patients of the group B evaluable for the evolution of the radiological findings fulfilled EORTC‐MSG criteria at time‐1. All the analysed clinical and mycological characteristics, response to antifungal therapy and survival were comparable in the two groups. Our study seems to confirm the possibility to extend the radiological suspicion of PFI to less restrictive chest CT findings when supported by microbiological criteria in high‐risk haematological patients.
Effectiveness and safety of an extended‐release tablet of sodium valproate for the prophylactic treatment of migraine: Postmarketing surveillance in Japan
Authors: Takeshima Takao , Suzuki Norihiro , Matsumori Yasuhiko , Shimmoto Naoki , Kurihara Yuji , Gunji Ryoji , Sakai Fumihiko
Published: February 2016

Background

Sodium valproate is a standard drug for first‐line prophylactic treatment of migraine. However, little information is available of its use in Japanese patients.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an extended‐release tablet of sodium valproate in the prophylactic treatment for Japanese patients with migraine by postmarketing surveillance.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter and non‐interventional observation study in routine clinical practice. A total of 1222 patients with migraine of all age groups (aged <10 to ≤80 years) and both sexes (17.3% men and 82.7% women) from 169 sites were enrolled.

Results

Migraine frequency during a 4‐week period was reduced from 10.2 ± 6.0 days in 1040 patients to 5.0 ± 4.6 days in 944 patients (P < 0.001): 70.8% of patients experienced remission of migraine by ≥30%, 59.0% by ≥50% and 11.8% by ≥100%. Multivariate analysis and stratification sampling showed that this sodium valproate tablet was the most effective in patients with more migraine days, and complete remission was observed in 29% of patients whose migraine days were less than 3 days per 4 weeks at baseline. The extended‐release tablet of sodium valproate reduced migraine intensity and duration of migraine attacks. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was 6.3% (67/1070 patients) and well tolerated. However, four pregnancies were discovered in this survey.

Conclusions

This first large observation study in Japan suggests that an extended‐release tablet of sodium valproate is effective and safe for the prophylactic treatment of patients with migraine in routine clinical practice.
A chloroplast‐localized protein LESION AND LAMINA BENDING affects defence and growth responses in rice
Authors: Tamiru Muluneh , Takagi Hiroki , Abe Akira , Yokota Takao , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Okamoto Haruko , Saitoh Hiromasa , Takahashi Hideyuki , Fujisaki Koki , Oikawa Kaori , Uemura Aiko , Natsume Satoshi , Jikumaru Yusuke , Matsuura Hideyuki , Umemura Kenji , Terry Matthew J. , Terauchi Ryohei
Published: February 2016

Understanding how plants allocate their resources to growth or defence is of long‐term importance to the development of new and improved varieties of different crops.

Using molecular genetics, plant physiology, hormone analysis and Next‐Generation Sequencing (NGS)‐based transcript profiling, we have isolated and characterized the rice (Oryza sativa) LESION AND LAMINA BENDING (LLB) gene that encodes a chloroplast‐targeted putative leucine carboxyl methyltransferase.

Loss of LLB function results in reduced growth and yield, hypersensitive response (HR)‐like lesions, accumulation of the antimicrobial compounds momilactones and phytocassanes, and constitutive expression of pathogenesis‐related genes. Consistent with these defence‐associated responses, llb shows enhanced resistance to rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) and bacterial blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae). The lesion and resistance phenotypes are likely to be caused by the over‐accumulation of jasmonates (JAs) in the llb mutant including the JA precursor 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid. Additionally, llb shows an increased lamina inclination and enhanced early seedling growth due to elevated brassinosteroid (BR) synthesis and/or signalling.

These findings show that LLB functions in the chloroplast to either directly or indirectly repress both JA‐ and BR‐mediated responses, revealing a possible mechanism for controlling how plants allocate resources for defence and growth.
The jasmonate‐responsive AaMYC2 transcription factor positively regulates artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
Authors: Shen Qian , Lu Xu , Yan Tingxiang , Fu Xueqing , Lv Zongyou , Zhang Fangyuan , Pan Qifang , Wang Guofeng , Sun Xiaofen , Tang Kexuan
Published: February 2016

The plant Artemisia annua is well known due to the production of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone that is widely used in malaria treatment. Phytohormones play important roles in plant secondary metabolism, such as jasmonic acid (JA), which can induce artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua. Nevertheless, the JA‐inducing mechanism remains poorly understood.

The expression of gene AaMYC2 was rapidly induced by JA and AaMYC2 binds the G‐box‐like motifs within the promoters of gene CYP71AV1 and DBR2, which are key structural genes in the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway.

Overexpression of AaMYC2 in A. annua significantly activated the transcript levels of CYP71AV1 and DBR2, which resulted in an increased artemisinin content. By contrast, artemisinin content was reduced in the RNAi transgenic A. annua plants in which the expression of AaMYC2 was suppressed. Meanwhile, the RNAi transgenic A. annua plants showed lower sensitivity to methyl jasmonate treatment than the wild‐type plants.

These results demonstrate that AaMYC2 is a positive regulator of artemisinin biosynthesis and is of great value in genetic engineering of A. annua for increased artemisinin production.
Thalassemia: a look to the future
Authors: Nathan David G.
Published: February 2016

To assess the future of a clinical science one must first assess the rate of accrual of understanding in the past century. From the time of Cooley's description (1925) to 1964, the year of the first Symposium, progress was glacial because the molecular biology revolution in medicine was in its infancy and therapy other than transfusion was impossible. But between 1964 and 2015, progress has been huge on every front. Our patients ushered in the molecular biology revolution in medicine. They have benefited from far better understanding of molecular pathophysiology, substantial improvements in transfusion and chelation, more effective stem cell transplantation, the beginnings of gene therapy, and now major advances in our capacity to reinduce fetal hemoglobin. We have only lagged in the application of prevention technology in the less developed world that suffers the most from thalassemia and sickle cell disease. We must redouble our efforts to spare patients from these cruel diseases.
GaAlAs laser‐induced pulp mineralization involves dentin matrix protein 1 and osteopontin expression
Authors: Shigetani Y , Ohkura N , Yoshiba K , Ohshima H , Hosoya A , Yoshiba N , Okiji T
Published: February 2016

Objectives

GaAlAs lasers induce pulp mineralization by promoting reparative dentinogenesis. This study analyzed the expression of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and osteopontin in GaAlAs laser‐irradiated rat molars, to examine the hypothesis that these proteins play a role in the laser‐induced reparative dentinogenic process.

Materials and methods

The mesial surfaces of the upper first molars of 8‐week‐old Wistar rats were irradiated with a pulsed GaAlAs laser. After 1–14 days, mRNA expression of DMP1 and osteopontin in the coronal pulp was analyzed using real‐time PCR. DMP1, osteopontin, and heat shock protein 25 (HSP25) were immunolocalized at 1–21 days.

Results

The pulp exhibited a degenerative zone in its mesial portion on days 1–3, and progressive formation of reparative dentin lined with HSP25‐immunoreactive odontoblast‐like cells, from day 7 onwards. DMP1 and osteopontin mRNA expression were significantly upregulated on days 1–7 and 3–7, respectively. From day 7 onwards, DMP1 and osteopontin immunoreactivity colocalized along the boundary between the primary and reparative dentin.

Conclusion

GaAlAs laser irradiation of rat molars induced upregulated DMP1 and osteopontin mRNA expression in the coronal pulp, followed by the formation of reparative dentin and the colocalization of DMP1 and osteopontin immunoreactivity at the site at which this tissue first appeared.
The genetic underpinnings of population cyclicity: establishing expectations for the genetic anatomy of cycling populations
Authors: Row Jeffrey R. , Wilson Paul J. , Murray Dennis L.
Published: February 2016

Despite extensive research into the mechanisms underlying population cyclicity, we have little understanding of the impacts of numerical fluctuations on the genetic variation of cycling populations. Thus, the potential implications of natural and anthropogenically‐driven variation in population cycle dynamics on the diversity and evolutionary potential of cyclic populations is unclear. Here, we use Canada lynx Lynx canadensis matrix population models, set up in a linear stepping‐stone, to generate demographic replicates of biologically realistic cycling populations. Overall, increasing cycle amplitude predictably reduced genetic diversity and increased genetic differentiation, with cyclic effects increased by population synchrony. Modest dispersal rates (1–3% of the population) between high and low amplitude cyclic populations did not diminish these effects suggesting that spatial variation in cyclic amplitude should be reflected in patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation at these rates. At high dispersal rates (6%) groups containing only high amplitude cyclic populations had higher diversity and lower differentiation than those mixed with low amplitude cyclic populations. Negative density‐dependent dispersal did not impact genetic diversity, but did homogenize populations by reducing differentiation and patterns of isolation by distance. Surprisingly, temporal changes in diversity and differentiation throughout a cycle were not always consistent with population size. In particular, negative density‐dependent dispersal simultaneously decreased differences in genetic diversity while increasing differences in genetic differentiation between numerical peaks and nadirs. Combined, our findings suggest demographic changes at fine temporal scales can impact genetic variation of interacting populations and provide testable predictions relating population cyclicty to genetic variation. Further, our results suggest that including realistic demographic and dispersal parameters in population genetic models and using information from temporal changes in genetic variation could help to discern complex demographic scenarios and illuminate population dynamics at fine temporal scales.
Oxidative stress and antioxidative systems: recipes for successful data collection and interpretation
Authors: Noctor Graham , Mhamdi Amna , Foyer Christine H.
Published: February 2016

Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are common to many fundamental responses of plants. Enormous and ever‐growing interest has focused on this research area, leading to an extensive literature that documents the tremendous progress made in recent years. As in other areas of plant biology, advances have been greatly facilitated by developments in genomics‐dependent technologies and the application of interdisciplinary techniques that generate information at multiple levels. At the same time, advances in understanding ROS are fundamentally reliant on the use of biochemical and cell biology techniques that are specific to the study of oxidative stress. It is therefore timely to revisit these approaches with the aim of providing a guide to convenient methods and assisting interested researchers in avoiding potential pitfalls. Our critical overview of currently popular methodologies includes a detailed discussion of approaches used to generate oxidative stress, measurements of ROS themselves, determination of major antioxidant metabolites, assays of antioxidative enzymes and marker transcripts for oxidative stress. We consider the applicability of metabolomics, proteomics and transcriptomics approaches and discuss markers such as damage to DNA and RNA. Our discussion of current methodologies is firmly anchored to future technological developments within this popular research field.
Coexisting anxiety disorders alter associations with physical disorders in the elderly: A Taiwan cross‐sectional nationwide study
Authors: Chang Wei Hung , Chen Wei Tseng , Lee I Hui , Chen Po See , Yang Yen Kuang , Chen Kao Chin
Published: February 2016

Aim

We used population‐based analyses to explore whether anxiety disorders are associated with certain physical illnesses, as previous studies have suggested, and whether a greater number of comorbid anxiety disorders would influence physical illnesses in the elderly.

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, we included subjects aged over 60 years. The study included 954 subjects with anxiety disorders (as defined by the ICD‐9‐CM) and 4770 control subjects without anxiety disorders. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for the risks of physical illnesses in both groups.

Results

Subjects with anxiety disorders had higher OR for cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.33–2.80), cerebrovascular disease (OR = 2.07), peptic ulcer (OR = 3.41), and hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.99). Furthermore, a greater number of comorbid anxiety disorders may further increase the OR of the aforementioned physical illnesses, except for peripheral vascular disorder, when compared to those without anxiety disorders.

Conclusion

Elderly subjects with more anxiety disorders may be associated with vascular and metabolic problems. Clinicians should carefully assess the physical illnesses of elderly patients with anxiety disorders.
Clinical and genetic features of lysinuric protein intolerance in Japan
Authors: Noguchi Atsuko , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Murayama Kei , Yamamoto Shigenori , Komatsu Hiroshi , Kizu Rika , Takayanagi Masaki , Okuyama Torayuki , Endo Fumio , Takasago Yuhei , Shoji Yutaka , Takahashi Tsutomu
Published: February 2016

Background

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting the transport of cationic amino acid caused by mutations in solute carrier family 7 amino acid transporter light chain, y+L system, member 7 (SLC7A7). This disorder occurs worldwide, especially in Finland and Japan, where founder effect mutations have been reported. Detailed features of the clinical symptoms and mutation types in Japanese LPI, however, remain unclear to date.

Methods

An epidemiological nationwide survey of LPI patients was carried out via mail to all domestic university and general hospitals in Japan. Next, the clinical information for each LPI patient was obtained, in the form of a questionnaire, from the attending physicians who replied to the letters.

Results

We received answered questionnaires for 43 LPI patients in 19 hospitals. We selected 35 patients who were genetically diagnosed with LPI. The most common clinical manifestations were with protein aversion, ferritinemia, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase, and hyperammonemia. The most frequent SLC7A7 mutation in Japanese LPI patients is p.R410*, which is a founder effect mutation in northern Japan. In total, nine types of mutation were detected in this survey, six of which (p.R410*, p.S238F, c.1630delC, p.S489P, c.1673delG, and IVS3‐IVS5del9.7 kb) have not been reported in other countries.

Conclusion

The clinical and genetic features of 35 Japanese patients with LPI were characterized, and no correlation between genotype and phenotype was observed. The importance of early diagnosis for better prognosis of LPI is emphasized.
Efficacy of rituximab therapy against intractable steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Nakagawa Taku , Shiratori Atsutoshi , Kawaba Yasuo , Kanda Kyoko , Tanaka Ryojiro
Published: February 2016

Background

Some cases of childhood steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) are intractable. We examined the cases of three patients with SRNS resistant to various treatment, but who achieved complete remission after being treated with rituximab (RTX) followed by methylprednisolone pulse (MP) therapy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all new‐onset SRNS in the period from January 1997 to December 2013 was performed. Three of the 13 patients who received conventional treatment continued to have NS for >6 months, despite also being treated with immunosuppressants and receiving frequent albumin treatment. In addition, two of the patients received plasma exchange therapy, but it was ineffective. Therefore, RTX was used once a week for 4 weeks, followed by several courses of MP therapy.

Results

Two of the three intractable SRNS patients achieved complete remission after treatment with RTX followed by MP therapy, and the remaining patient achieved incomplete remission after the first round of this treatment. That patient subsequently achieved complete remission after the second round of the treatment. RTX did not cause any serious side‐effects, and all three patients had normal renal function at the final observation.

Conclusions

Complete remission was achieved in all 13 SRNS patients. RTX followed by MP therapy might be effective against SRNS refractory to conventional treatments and requiring frequent albumin treatment. Prospective clinical study examining the effectiveness and safety of this approach is required.
Serotonin modulates Arabidopsis root growth via changes in reactive oxygen species and jasmonic acid–ethylene signaling
Authors: Pelagio‐Flores Ramón , Ruiz‐Herrera León Francisco , López‐Bucio José
Published: February 2016

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) is a bioactive indoleamine with neurotransmitter function in vertebrates, which represents an emerging signaling molecule in plants, playing key roles in the development and defense. In this study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and jasmonic acid (JA)–ethylene (Et) signaling in root developmental alterations induced by serotonin was investigated. An Arabidopsis thaliana mutant defective at the RADICAL‐INDUCED CELL DEATH1 (RCD1) locus was resistant to paraquat‐induced ROS accumulation in primary roots and showed decreased inhibition or root growth in response to serotonin. A suite of JA‐ and Et‐related mutants including coronatine insensitive1, jasmonic acid resistant1 (jar1), etr1, ein2 and ein3 showed tolerance to serotonin in the inhibition of primary root growth and ROS redistribution within the root tip when compared with wild‐type (WT) seedlings. Competence assays between serotonin and AgNO3, a well‐known blocker of Et action, showed that primary root growth in medium supplemented with serotonin was normalized by AgNO3, whereas roots of eto3, an Et overproducer mutant, were oversensitive to serotonin. Comparison of ROS levels in WT, etr1, jar1 and rcd1 primary root tips using the ROS‐specific probe 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate and confocal imaging showed that serotonin inhibition of primary root growth likely occurs independently of its conversion into melatonin. Our results provide compelling evidence that serotonin affects ROS distribution in roots, involving RCD1 and components of the JA–Et signaling pathways.
A Cognitive‐Affective Scale for Hurricane Risk Perception
Authors: Trumbo Craig W. , Peek Lori , Meyer Michelle A. , Marlatt Holly L. , Gruntfest Eve , McNoldy Brian D. , Schubert Wayne H.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to develop a reliable and valid measure of hurricane risk perception. The utility of such a measure lies in the need to understand how people make decisions when facing an evacuation order. This study included participants located within a 15‐mile buffer of the Gulf and southeast Atlantic U.S. coasts. The study was executed as a three‐wave panel with mail surveys in 2010–2012 (T0baselineN= 629, 56%; T1retentionN= 427, 75%; T2retentionN= 350, 89%). An inventory based on the psychometric model was developed to discriminate cognitive and affective perceptions of hurricane risk, and included open‐ended responses to solicit additional concepts in the T0survey. Analysis of the T0data modified the inventory and this revised item set was fielded at T1and then replicated at T2. The resulting scales were assessed for validity against existing measures for perception of hurricane risk, dispositional optimism, and locus of control. A measure of evacuation expectation was also examined as a dependent variable, which was significantly predicted by the new measures. The resulting scale was found to be reliable, stable, and largely valid against the comparison measures. Despite limitations involving sample size, bias, and the strength of some reliabilities, it was concluded that the measure has potential to inform approaches to hurricane preparedness efforts and advance planning for evacuation messages, and that the measure has good promise to generalize to other contexts in natural hazards as well as other domains of risk.
An Empirical Analysis of Post‐Merger Organizational Integration
Authors: Smeets Valerie , Ierulli Kathryn , Gibbs Michael
Published: February 2016

We study post‐merger organizational integration using linked employer–employee data. Integration is implemented by reassigning a small number of high‐skilled workers, especially in R&D and management. Workforce mixing is concentrated to establishments set up after merger, rather than to previously existing establishments. Worker turnover is high after merger, but new hiring yields stable total employment. Target employees have higher turnover and reassignment, particularly if the target firm is small relative to the acquiring firm. These findings might suggest that integration is costly, but can be achieved by focusing on key employees. Alternatively, the reassignment of a few key employees is sufficient for achieving integration.
Do Lower Caseloads Improve the Performance of Public Employment Services? New Evidence from German Employment Offices
Authors: Hainmueller Jens , Hofmann Barbara , Krug Gerhard , Wolf Katja
Published: February 2016

The caseworker‐to‐clients ratio is an important, but understudied, policy parameter that affects both the quality and cost of public employment services that help job seekers find employment. We exploit a large‐scale pilot by Germany's employment agency, which hired 490 additional caseworkers in 14 of its 779 offices. We find that lowering caseloads caused a decrease in the rate and duration of local unemployment as well as a higher re‐employment rate. Disentangling the mechanisms that contributed to this improvement, we find that offices with lowered caseloads increased monitoring and imposed more sanctions but also intensified search efforts and registered additional vacancies.
Discriminant musculo‐skeletal leg characteristics between sprint and endurance elite Caucasian runners
Authors: Bex T. , Iannaccone F. , Stautemas J. , Baguet A. , De Beule M. , Verhegghe B. , Aerts P. , De Clercq D. , Derave W.
Published: February 2016

Excellence in either sprinting or endurance running requires specific musculo‐skeletal characteristics of the legs. This study aims to investigate the morphology of the leg of sprinters and endurance runners of Caucasian ethnicity. Eight male sprinters and 11 male endurance runners volunteered to participate in this cross‐sectional study. They underwent magnetic resonance imaging and after data collection, digital reconstruction was done to calculate muscle volumes and bone lengths. Sprinters have a higher total upper leg volume compared to endurance runners (7340 vs 6265 cm3). Specifically, the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and hamstrings showed significantly higher muscle volumes in the sprint group. For the lower leg, only a higher muscle volume was found in the gastrocnemius lateralis for the sprinters. No differences were found in muscle volume distribution, center of mass in the different muscles, or relative bone lengths. There was a significant positive correlation between ratio hamstrings/quadriceps volume and best running performance in the sprint group. Sprinters and endurance runners of Caucasian ethnicity showed the greatest distinctions in muscle volumes, rather than in muscle distributions or skeletal measures. Sprinters show higher volumes in mainly the proximal and lateral leg muscles than endurance runners.
Identification of a new HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*15:300, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li W.‐X. , Xia J.‐A. , Mao Y. , Li G. , Shen G.
Published: February 2016

HLA‐B*15:300 differs from B*15:01:01:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position 540(G > C) with an amino exchange.
Comprehensive description of blood microbiome from healthy donors assessed by 16S targeted metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Païssé Sandrine , Valle Carine , Servant Florence , Courtney Michael , Burcelin Rémy , Amar Jacques , Lelouvier Benjamin
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have revealed that the blood of healthy humans is not as sterile as previously supposed. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of the microbiome present in different fractions of the blood of healthy individuals.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was conducted in 30 healthy blood donors to the French national blood collection center (Établissement Français du Sang). We have set up a 16S rDNA quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay as well as a 16S targeted metagenomics sequencing pipeline specifically designed to analyze the blood microbiome, which we have used on whole blood as well as on different blood fractions (buffy coat [BC], red blood cells [RBCs], and plasma).

RESULTS

Most of the blood bacterial DNA is located in the BC (93.74%), and RBCs contain more bacterial DNA (6.23%) than the plasma (0.03%). The distribution of 16S DNA is different for each fraction and spreads over a relatively broad range among donors. At the phylum level, blood fractions contain bacterial DNA mostly from the Proteobacteria phylum (more than 80%) but also from Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. At deeper taxonomic levels, there are striking differences between the bacterial profiles of the different blood fractions.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that a diversified microbiome exists in healthy blood. This microbiome has most likely an important physiologic role and could be implicated in certain transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections. In this regard, the amount of 16S bacterial DNA or the microbiome profile could be monitored to improve the safety of the blood supply.