bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between impaired fasting glucose and self‐reported sleep quality in a Chinese population
Authors: Hung Hao‐Chang , Yang Yi‐Ching , Ou Horng‐Yih , Wu Jin‐Shang , Lu Feng‐Hwa , Chang Chih‐Jen
Published: May 2012

Objective

Decreased sleep quality and duration predicts the development of type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is an established risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, there is limited research on the association between prediabetes and sleep quality. The aim of this study is to investigate this relationship in a Chinese population.

Methods

Subjects were recruited from the Prevention Health Center of National Cheng Kung University Hospital. Anthropometric data and metabolic parameters were measured. The diagnoses of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes followed the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

A total of 1805 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 1217), IFG (n = 118), IGT (n = 287), IFG+IGT (n = 80) and newly diagnosed diabetes (NDD, n = 103) were recruited. The global PSQI scores were 6·07 ± 2·44, 6·74 ± 3·23, 6·91 ± 3·51, 6·74 ± 2·26 and 7·16 ± 3·49 in subjects with NGT, IFG, IGT, IFG+IGT and NDD, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that female gender, smoking, IGT, IFG+IGT and NDD, but not IFG, were independent determinants of global PSQI score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, IGT, IFG+IGT and NDD, but not IFG, were predictors of poor sleepers.

Conclusions

Subjects with prediabetes and NDD had a significantly higher global PSQI score than those with NGT. Furthermore, female gender, smoking, IGT, IFG+IGT and NDD, but not IFG, were significantly associated with poor sleep quality independent of cardiometabolic risk factors in a Chinese population.
Full waveform inversion in the time lapse mode applied to CO2 storage at Sleipner
Authors: Queißer Manuel , Singh Satish C.
Published: May 2012

Carbon capture and storage is a viable greenhouse gas mitigation technology and the Sleipner CO2 sequestration site in the North Sea is an excellent example. Storage of CO2 at the Sleipner site requires monitoring over large areas, which can successfully be accomplished with time lapse seismic imaging. One of the main goals of CO2 storage monitoring is to be able to estimate the volume of the stored CO2 in the reservoir. This requires a parametrization of the subsurface as exact as possible. Here we use elastic 2D time‐domain full waveform inversion in a time lapse manner to obtain a P‐wave velocity constrain directly in the depth domain for a base line survey in 1994 and two post‐injection surveys in 1999 and 2006. By relating velocity change to free CO2 saturation, using a rock physics model, we find that at the considered location the aquifer may have been fully saturated in some places in 1999 and 2006.
Application of multi‐source waveform inversion to marine streamer data using the global correlation norm
Authors: Choi Yunseok , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: May 2012

Conventional multi‐source waveform inversion using an objective function based on the least‐square misfit cannot be applied to marine streamer acquisition data because of inconsistent acquisition geometries between observed and modelled data. To apply the multi‐source waveform inversion to marine streamer data, we use the global correlation between observed and modelled data as an alternative objective function. The new residual seismogram derived from the global correlation norm attenuates modelled data not supported by the configuration of observed data and thus, can be applied to multi‐source waveform inversion of marine streamer data. We also show that the global correlation norm is theoretically the same as the least‐square norm of the normalized wavefield. To efficiently calculate the gradient, our method employs a back‐propagation algorithm similar to reverse‐time migration based on the adjoint‐state of the wave equation. In numerical examples, the multi‐source waveform inversion using the global correlation norm results in better inversion results for marine streamer acquisition data than the conventional approach.
Tiller demography in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) swards as influenced by nitrogen fertilization, sowing method and grazing management
Authors: Scheneiter O. , Améndola C.
Published: May 2012

Tall fescue is an important temperate grassland species globally, but in many regions the effects of drought, heat and poor grazing management, reduce its persistence in summer. Furthermore, poor ground cover and low tiller population density (TP) in winter result in low radiation capture and thus limited potential to increase the low growth rates at that time. Knowledge of the effect of fertilization, defoliation managements and establishment methods on demography of tall fescue would help to improve sward management for better persistence and winter growth. Accordingly, an experiment was carried out in Pergamino, Argentina, to study the effects of two N‐ fertilizer levels, two grazing frequencies and two seeding row arrangements upon tall fescue TP demography. Herbage mass, tiller appearance (TA) and death rates were measured over 3 years. Seasonal fluctuations in TA and death rates determined well‐defined periods of increase and decrease in TP density. Maximum values were found at the end of winter and minimum ones at the end of spring, after the reproductive period. Nitrogen shortage and high herbage mass limited TA. Tiller death rate followed TA rate and was affected by nitrogen supply and defoliation frequency in the same way that TA was. Sowing arrangement affected tiller demography at the beginning of the experiment.
Effect ofLolium perennesward density on productivity under simulated and actual cattle grazing
Authors: Creighton P. , Gilliland T. J. , Delaby L. , Kennedy E. , Boland T. M. , O’Donovan M.
Published: May 2012

The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.; PRG) sward density on seasonal and total DM yield under simulated grazing and animal grazing by cattle, and to assess the effectiveness of visually estimated ground scores (GSs) for predicting sward PRG density. The study incorporated five different seeding rates of PRG, each replicated three times, to simulate swards ranging in PRG density typical of different ages and conditions. There was no significant difference between defoliation managements for total DM yield, but sward PRG density had a significant effect on both the seasonal and total DM herbage yield under both systems. Under simulated grazing, total DM yield ranged from 10·7 to 12·0 t DM ha−1with increasing sward PRG density at a GS range of 1·70–4·28 (mean of 2 years’ data,P < 0·01). Under animal grazing, the yield range was from 10·3 to 12·2 t DM ha−1for a GS range of 1·50–3·39 (mean of 2 years’ data,P < 0·01). The largest differences in DM yield occurred during the spring period. The relationship between sward DM yield and GS was significant (P < 0·001) for both simulated and animal‐grazed swards. Each unit increase in midseason GS (June) related to an average yield increase of 350 kg DM ha−1under simulated grazing and a 721 kg DM ha−1increase under cattle grazing. Every unit increase in the GS at the end of the grazing season (December) was associated with a 460 or 1194 kg DM ha−1increase under simulated and animal grazing, respectively. These results show that visual estimates of density were an effective tool in describing PRG density and that this could be related to DM yield potential. Further investigations may provide a threshold value below which the renewal of swards could be advised based on a visual GS of PRG.
Mandibular first molars with disto‐lingual roots: review and clinical management
Authors: Abella F. , Patel S. , Durán‐Sindreu F. , Mercadé M. , Roig M.
Published: May 2012

Abella F, Patel S, Durán‐Sindreu F, Mercadé M, Roig M. Mandibular first molars with disto‐lingual roots: review and clinical management. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 963–978, 2012.

The purpose of this review was (i) to conduct a literature review on the prevalence and morphologic classification of mandibular first molars with disto‐lingual (DL) roots, and (ii) to discuss the clinical approach to diagnosis and root canal treatment of these teeth. A search was carried out on electronic (MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane) and hand databases, which covered all publications from 1970 to December 2011. Two reviewers independently assessed the studies and recorded type of study, origin and sample sizes, number of teeth with three roots and type of root canal configuration. Forty‐five studies were identified with a total of 19 056 mandibular first molar teeth. The frequency of DL roots was 14.4% and was associated with certain ethnic populations. The most common canal configuration of mesial and distal roots was Vertucci types IV and I, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of DL roots according to gender. Variable results related to side were observed as well as a trend in bilateral occurrence. The root length of the DL roots was in general shorter than that of the disto‐buccal roots (DB). Most DL roots had a greater angle of curvature and a smaller radius of curvature in a bucco‐lingual orientation. The best methods to identify DL roots are a 25° mesial parallax periapical radiograph or cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). A trapezoidal shape access cavity is desirable to locate the orifice of the DL canal. Clinicians should be aware of the variable furcation levels during coronal pre‐flaring or post‐space preparation to avoid furcal/strip perforations and a weakening of DL roots.
The design and development of surgical templates for premolar transplants in adolescents
Authors: Day P. F. , Lewis B. R. K. , Spencer R. J. , Barber S. K. , Duggal M.
Published: May 2012

Day PF, Lewis BRK, Spencer RJ, Barber SK, Duggal M. The design and development of surgical templates for premolar transplants in adolescents. International Endodontic Journal., 45, 1042–1052, 2012.

The aim of designing and fabricating the surgical templates was to assist the surgical component of premolar transplantation, by establishing and replicating the root dimensions of the donor premolar tooth. The correct template could be used to assess the socket preparation (width and depth) prior to placement of the transplant in the recipient site, obviating the need to repeatedly try the donor tooth for fit at the recipient site, thereby minimising trauma to the periodontal ligament of the donor tooth. Seventy‐five mandibular premolars and 50 maxillary second premolars were selected with varying stages of root development. All teeth had been extracted for orthodontic reasons. The root was measured for its length (maxL) and maximum (maxW) and minimum width (minW) with digital callipers from standardised reference points. These measurements were then used in the design of premolar transplant templates. The mean measurements for second maxillary premolars were maxL 14.6 mm (±1.7), maxW 8.3 mm (±0.5) and minW 4.9 (±0.3). The mean measurements for mandibular premolars were maxL 14.8 (±1.6), maxW 7.4 (±0.6) and minW 5.3 (±0.5). From these measurements, a range of maxillary second premolar and mandibular premolar templates have been fabricated. These figures also inform the multidisciplinary planning process for the space requirements at the donor site prior to transplantation.
Developmental defects of enamel in primary teeth: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: CORRÊA‐FARIA PATRÍCIA , MARTINS‐JÚNIOR PAULO A. , VIEIRA‐ANDRADE RAQUEL G. , OLIVEIRA‐FERREIRA FERNANDA , MARQUES LEANDRO S. , RAMOS‐JORGE MARIA L.
Published: May 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 173–179

Background:  Studies on the prevalence of enamel defects in the primary dentition as a whole are scarce, as most investigations examine specific population groups.

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of enamel defects in primary teeth and determine whether prematurity, birthweight, and socio‐demographic variables are associated with such defects.

Design:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out with 381 children aged 3–5 years. Data were collected through clinical examinations and interviews with parents during the National Immunisation Day. The diagnosis of enamel defects was performed using the Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) Index. Through interviews, information was collected on socio‐demographic aspects, pregnancy, birthweight, prematurity, and breastfeeding. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program for Windows and involved descriptive analysis, Fisher’s exact test, the chi‐square test, and Poisson regression.

Results:  The prevalence of developmental defects of enamel was 29.9%. Demarcated opacity was the most frequent type of defect. Children with a history of very low birthweight had a greater prevalence of enamels defects (PR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.66–4.61). Prematurity and socio‐demographic variables were not associated with enamel defects.

Conclusion:  Children with a history of very low birthweight had a greater frequency of enamel defects in primary teeth.
Compensatory immigration depends on adjacent population size and habitat quality but not on landscape connectivity
Authors: Turgeon Katrine , Kramer Donald L.
Published: May 2012

1. Populations experiencing localized mortality can recover in the short term by net movement of individuals from adjacent areas, a process called compensatory immigration or spillover. Little is known about the factors influencing the magnitude of compensatory immigration or its impact on source populations. Such information is important for understanding metapopulation dynamics, the use of protected areas for conservation, management of exploited populations and pest control.

2. Using two small, territorial damselfish species (Stegastes diencaeus and S. adustus) in their naturally fragmented habitat, we quantified compensatory immigration in response to localized mortality, assessed its impact on adjacent source populations and examined the importance of potential immigrants, habitat quality and landscape connectivity as limiting factors. On seven experimental sites, we repeatedly removed 15% of the initial population size until none remained and immigration ceased.

3. Immigrants replaced 16–72% of original residents in S. diencaeus and 0–69% in S. adustus. The proportion of the source population that immigrated into depleted areas varied from 9% to 61% in S. diencaeus and from 3% to 21% in S. adustus. In S. diencaeus, compensatory immigration was strongly affected by habitat quality, to a lesser extent by the abundance of potential immigrants and not by landscape connectivity. In S. adustus, immigration was strongly affected by the density of potential migrants and not by habitat quality and landscape connectivity. On two control sites, immigration in the absence of creation of vacancies was extremely rare.

4. Immigration occurred in response to localized mortality and was therefore compensatory. It was highly variable, sometimes producing substantial impacts on both depleted and source populations. The magnitude of compensatory immigration was influenced primarily by the availability of immigrants and by the potential improvement in territory quality that they could achieve by immigrating and not by their ability to reach the depleted area.
Exploiting uncertain ecological fieldwork data with multi‐event capture–recapture modelling: an example with bird sex assignment
Authors: Genovart Meritxell , Pradel Roger , Oro Daniel
Published: May 2012

1. Sex plays a crucial role in evolutionary life histories. However, the inclusion of sex in demographic analysis may be a challenge in fieldwork, particularly in monomorphic species. Although behavioural data may help us to sex individuals in the field, this kind of data is unlikely to be error free and is usually discarded.

2. Here we propose a multi‐event capture–recapture model that enables us to exploit uncertain field observations regarding the sex of individuals based on behavioural or morphological criteria. The multi‐event capture–recapture model allows us to account for sex uncertainty not restricting our ability to estimate the parameters of interest. In this case, by adding the confirmed sex of just a few individuals, we greatly improve the efficiency of the optimization algorithm.

3. Using such an approach, we analysed sex differences in demographic parameters (e.g. survival, transience and sex ratio) in a population of Audouin’s gulls using observations from long‐term fieldwork monitoring (1988–2007). We also assessed the probability of ascertaining sex over time and the probability of error for each field‐sexing criterion.

4. We detected no strong effect of sex on either survival or transience probabilities, and both sexes showed a decreasing trend in survival over time and transience probability after recruitment increased with age and over time. The probability of ascertaining sex over time depended on observers’ experience. Strikingly, courtship feeding (but not copulation) emerged as the most reliable clue for sexing individuals, which would suggest that Audouin’s gulls engage in same‐sex sexual behaviour such as same‐sex mounting.

5. The present modelling emerged as a reliable method for estimating demographic parameters and state transition parameters in ecological studies in which field observations of sex or other individual states are assigned erroneously and uncertainly. This approach could also be useful for applied ecologists for assessing the reliability of their criteria for assigning sex or other individual covariates in the field, thereby permitting them to optimizing their field ecological protocols.
Conspecific cues and breeding habitat selection in an endangered woodland warbler
Authors: Farrell Shannon L. , Morrison Michael L. , Campomizzi Andrew J. , Wilkins R. Neal
Published: May 2012

1. Research on habitat selection has focused on the role of vegetative and geologic characteristics or antagonistic behavioural interactions.

2. Conspecifics can confer information about habitat quality and provide positive density‐dependent effects, suggesting habitat selection in response to the presence of conspecifics can be an adaptive strategy.

3. We conducted a manipulative field experiment investigating use of conspecific location cues for habitat selection and consequent reproductive outcomes for the endangered golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia). We investigated the response in woodlands across a range of habitat canopy cover conditions typically considered suitable to unsuitable and using vocal cues presented during two time periods: pre‐settlement and post‐breeding.

4. Warblers showed a strong response to both pre‐settlement and post‐breeding conspecific cues. Territory density was greater than four times higher in treatment sample units than controls. The magnitude of response was higher for cues presented during the pre‐settlement period. Positive response to conspecific cues was consistent even in previously unoccupied areas with low canopy cover typically considered unsuitable, resulting in aggregations of warblers in areas generally not considered potential habitat.

5. Pairing and reproductive success of males was not correlated with canopy cover, as commonly thought. Pairing success and fledging success increased with increasing territory density suggesting that conspecific density may be more important for habitat selection decisions than the canopy cover conditions typically thought to be most important. These results suggest the range of habitat within which birds can perform successfully may be greater than is typically observed.

6. Our results suggest the territory selection process may not be substantially influenced by competition in some systems. Settlement in response to conspecific cues produced aggregations within larger areas of similar vegetative characteristics. Understanding what cues drive habitat selection decisions and whether these cues are correlated with habitat quality is critical for conserving fitness‐enhancing habitats, avoiding creation of ecological traps, generating accurate predictions of species distributions and understanding how occupancy relates to habitat suitability.
Population density but not stability can be predicted from species distribution models
Authors: Oliver Tom H. , Gillings Simon , Girardello Marco , Rapacciuolo Giovanni , Brereton Tom M. , Siriwardena Gavin M. , Roy David B. , Pywell Richard , Fuller Robert J.
Published: May 2012

1. Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly used in applied conservation biology, yet the predictive ability of these models is often tested only on detection/non‐detection data. The probability of long‐term population persistence, however, depends not only upon patch occupancy but upon more fundamental population parameters such as mean population density and stability over time.

2. Here, we test estimated probability of occurrence scores generated from SDMs built using species occupancy data against independent empirical data on population density and stability for 20 bird and butterfly species across 1941 sites over 15 years. We devised a measure of population stability over time which was independent of mean density and time‐series duration, yet positively correlated with risk of local extinction. This may be a useful surrogate measure of population persistence for use in applied conservation.

3. We found that probability of occurrence scores were significantly positively correlated with mean population density for both butterflies and birds. In contrast, probability of occurrence scores were at best weakly positively correlated with population stability. Referring to established ecological theory, we discuss why SDMs may be appropriate for predicting population density but not stability.

4. Synthesis and applications.Species distribution models are often constructed using species occupancy data because, for the majority of species and regions, these are the best data available. The models are then often used for projecting species’ distributions in the future and identifying areas where management could be targeted to improve species’ prospects. However, our results suggest that an overreliance on these SDMs may result in an exclusive focus on landscape management approaches that promote patch occupancy and density, but may overlook features important for long‐term population persistence such as population stability. Other landscape metrics that take into account habitat heterogeneity or configuration may be required to predict population stability. To understand species persistence under rapid environmental change, count data from standardised monitoring schemes are an invaluable resource. These data provide additional insights into the factors affecting species’ extinction risks, which cannot easily be inferred from species’ occupancy data.
Towards environmentally sustainable agriculture in Brazil: challenges and opportunities for applied ecological research
Authors: Ferreira Joice , Pardini Renata , Metzger Jean Paul , Fonseca Carlos Roberto , Pompeu Paulo S. , Sparovek Gerd , Louzada Julio
Published: May 2012

1. Brazil is one of the world’s major producers of food and biofuels. Agricultural expansion has driven rapid economic development but has also had major impacts on biodiversity and the conservation of ecosystem services in the country.

2. Here, we analyse recent advances in applied ecological research on the consequences of agricultural expansion for biodiversity in Brazil, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss how ecological science can help guide the development of more sustainable agricultural systems.

3. The majority of native vegetation in Brazilian biomes is found within private lands, emphasizing the importance of recent reforms to the Brazilian Forest Act legislation. Using the example of the Forest Act, we critically assess the extent to which ecological research has provided guidance for policy decisions to date. We identify important knowledge gaps regarding the ecological impacts of agricultural expansion in Brazil and the general disconnection between ecological science and environmental policy processes.

4. Synthesis and applications. Increased efforts are needed from both researchers and policy makers to engage from the earliest stage possible in the identification, assessment and communication of environmental issues and possible management solutions. Narrowing the gap between research and policy is essential if the academic community is to capitalize effectively on recent governmental investments in research and provide the necessary evidence basis for reconciling agricultural production and environmental conservation in Brazil.
Translocation of wild populations: conservation implications for the genetic diversity of the black‐lipped pearl oysterPinctada margaritifera
Authors: LEMER SARAH , PLANES SERGE
Published: May 2012

Translocation has been widely studied as a tool for conservation management to restore or enhance degraded populations. On the contrary, few studies have been conducted on translocation for commercial purposes. In this study, we evaluate the genetic consequences of translocation of wild individuals ofPinctada margaritiferaon farmed and adjacent wild populations. We tested the hypotheses that translocations would induce high genetic heterogeneity in farmed populations and this heterogeneity would then leak into the adjacent wild populations. In fact, farmed samples exhibit high levels of heterogeneity and low pairwise relatedness compared to wild populations, highlighting the pooling of genetically divergent populations into farms. We also demonstrate that this heterogeneity is transmitted to adjacent wild populations as a result of interbreeding. Adjacent wild populations tend to have higher genetic diversity values and greater pairwise relatedness coefficient with farmed populations than wild populations. Overall, pearl culture in French Polynesia promotes the mixing of unrelated individuals in farmed locations and reduces genetic divergence among geographically distant populations as well as among farmed and wild populations of a same lagoon. We also studied for the first time a farmed population originating from spat collected in a lagoon where release of hatchery‐produced larvae occurred 10 years ago and we were able to identify four distinct genetic groups. These groups contribute highly to reproduction and caused considerable genetic drift in the lagoon, suggesting that hatchery‐produced larvae are neither sustainable method for pearl culture nor for conserving the diversity ofP. margaritiferain French Polynesia.
The OsHMA2 transporter is involved in root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn and Cd in rice
Authors: TAKAHASHI RYUICHI , ISHIMARU YASUHIRO , SHIMO HUGO , OGO YUKO , SENOURA TAKESHI , NISHIZAWA NAOKO K. , NAKANISHI HIROMI
Published: May 2012

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plants and humans. Cadmium (Cd) is a Zn analog and one of the most toxic heavy metals to humans. Here we investigated the role of the Zn/Cd transporter OsHMA2. OsHMA2:GFP fusion protein localized to the plasma membrane in onion epidermal cells. The yeast expressing OsHMA2 was able to reverse the growth defect in the presence of excess Zn. The expression of OsHMA2 in rice was observed mainly in the roots where OsHMA2 transcripts were abundant in vascular bundles. Furthermore, Zn and Cd concentrations of OsHMA2‐suppressed rice decreased in the leaves, while the Zn concentration increased in the roots compared with the wild type (WT). These results suggest that OsHMA2 plays a role in Zn and Cd loading to the xylem and participates in root‐to‐shoot translocation of these metals in rice. Furthermore, the Cd concentration in the grains of OsHMA2‐overexpressing rice as well as in OsSUT1‐promoter OsHMA2 rice decreased to about half that of the WT, although the other metal concentrations were the same as in the WT. A phenotype that reduces only the Cd concentration in rice grains will be very useful for transgenic approaches to food safety.
High throughput real‐time RT‐PCR assays for specific detection of cassava brown streak disease causal viruses, and their application to testing of planting material
Authors: Adams I. P. , Abidrabo P. , Miano D. W. , Alicai T. , Kinyua Z. M. , Clarke J. , Macarthur R. , Weekes R. , Laurenson L. , Hany U. , Peters D. , Potts M. , Glover R. , Boonham N. , Smith J.
Published: May 2012

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) caused by Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) is causing severe losses in cassava production in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Two real‐time RT‐PCR assays based on TaqMan chemistry capable of detecting and distinguishing these two viruses are described. These assays were used to screen 493 cassava samples collected from western and coastal Kenya, the main cassava regions of Uganda and inland Tanzania. Both viruses were found in all three countries and across regions therein. Association of CBSD leaf symptom status with CBSV and UCBSV assay results was weak, confirming the need for a diagnostic assay. For leaf samples that were observed with CBSD‐like leaf symptoms but shown as CBSV and UCBSV negative by the RT‐PCR assay, deep sequencing using a Roche 454 GS‐FLX was used to provide additional evidence for the absence of the viruses. The probability of the CBSD associated diagnostics detecting a single CBSV or UCBSV positive sample amongst other non‐CBSD samples was modelled. The results of this study are discussed in the context of the application of diagnostics of CBSD‐associated viruses under the Great Lakes Cassava Initiative and the need to minimize the risk of further spread of the viruses with cassava multiplication material. It is shown that high throughput testing undertaken at Fera of 300 cassava leaves taken from fields for seed multiplication, when analysed in pools of 10, has given a 95% probability of detecting 1% infected plants in the field.
Overwintering grapevine debris as an important source of Botrytis cinerea inoculum
Authors: Jaspers M. V. , Seyb A. M. , Trought M. C. T. , Balasubramaniam R.
Published: May 2012

Production of Botrytis cinerea conidia from infected grapevine debris (trash) left on the ground and in the canopy in the season following harvest was studied in vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand. When subsamples were incubated under high relative humidity in the laboratory, rachides had the greatest sporulation potential (P < 0·05), followed by tendrils, cane lengths and petioles. Trash remaining on the ground under the canopy had higher rates of sporulation (P < 0·05) than that in the inter‐row. The sporulation potential of rachides at different times during the growing season was assessed by placing them in vine canopies or on the inter‐row soil in three vineyards in late spring. Subsamples were removed on five occasions between flowering (capfall) and harvest, and incubated under high relative humidity in the laboratory. Mean numbers of conidia produced from the canopy rachides diminished from 3·5 × 105 per rachis at capfall to 2·6 × 104 at harvest, and from 3·9 × 105 to 2·7 × 103, respectively, from the ground rachides. The greater loss in sporulation capacity of ground rachides was considered to be associated with their earlier spontaneous sporulation and greater degradation in the moist inter‐row sward, where they lost 29% of their weight (P < 0·001) and 23% of their pedicels (P < 0·001), compared to the canopy rachides which lost 0% of their weight and 3% of their pedicels from capfall to harvest. This study has shown that necrotic, overwintering grapevine debris can produce B. cinerea conidia throughout the following growing season, so may contribute to the subsequent risk of bunch rot.
Neurocognitive functioning in patients recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Authors: Hellvin Tone , Sundet Kjetil , Simonsen Carmen , Aminoff Sofie R , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Andreassen Ole A , Melle Ingrid
Published: May 2012

Hellvin T, Sundet K, Simonsen C, Aminoff SR, Lagerberg TV, Andreassen OA, Melle I. Neurocognitive functioning in patients recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 227–238. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder (BD) is well established in the literature; however, there are few studies of neurocognition in patients early in the course of the illness. In this study we compare neurocognitive function in a cohort of first‐contact mania patients with a healthy control group matched for age, gender, and education.

Methods:  Patients with a first manic episode (FM) (n = 34) or previous untreated manic episodes (PM) (n = 21) were neuropsychologically tested following their first treated manic episode. A total of 110 matched healthy control comparison subjects were also tested. The following cognitive domains were evaluated: verbal and visual learning and memory, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and IQ. Results were corrected for speed of processing differences and were compared with previously reported results for multiple‐episode BD patients.

Results:  BD patients early in their disease course showed impairments in psychomotor speed, attention, learning and memory, executive functioning, and IQ. When controlling for speed of processing, measures of visuoconstructive reasoning and motor dexterity remained statistically significant. Eighteen percent of FM and 16% of PM patients were found to have clinically significant neurocognitive impairment. No significant relationship between clinical symptoms and neurocognition was found. The first‐contact mania patients studied were found to have smaller neurocognitive deficits compared to multiple‐episode patients in previous studies.

Conclusions:  Neurocognitive dysfunction is present in early BD and is clinically significant for a proportion of patients. Our findings also suggest that neurocognitive dysfunction may increase with illness progression.
Platelet uptake of GABA and glutamate in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Daniele Simona , Da Pozzo Eleonora , Abelli Marianna , Panighini Anna , Pini Stefano , Gesi Camilla , Lari Lisa , Cardini Alessandra , Cassano Giovanni Battista , Martini Claudia
Published: May 2012

Daniele S, Da Pozzo E, Abelli M, Panighini A, Pini S, Gesi C, Lari L, Cardini A, Cassano GB, Martini C. Platelet uptake of GABA and glutamate in patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 301–308. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) are the major neurotransmitters of the human central nervous system, and their actions are determined by specific transporters. Several studies suggest that GABA‐ and Glu‐uptake mechanisms are modified in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). We explored the functionality of the GABA and Glu transporters in three groups of patients with BD, each with a different polarity of index episode (manic, depressive, or euthymic) at the time of blood draw.

Methods:  Forty patients with a diagnosis of BD, according to DSM‐IV‐TR criteria, and 15 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. GABA and Glu uptake were evaluated in freshly prepared platelets using [3H]GABA or [3H]glutamate.

Results:  Compared to controls, GABA uptake was significantly increased in patients with depressive episodes and significantly decreased in subjects with manic episodes. Glu uptake was significantly increased in patients with index manic episodes and in euthymic patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between GABA platelet uptake and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and between Glu platelet uptake and Young Mania Rating Scale scores in patients with manic episodes.

Conclusions:  We found a relationship between GABA‐ and Glu‐uptake levels and the polarity of episodes in patients with BD. Our data suggest that the functionality of both GABA and Glu transporters could represent a useful neurobiological marker to characterize the real polarity of an index episode of illness in patients with BD.
Cross‐diagnostic comparison of duration mismatch negativity and P3a in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Jahshan Carol , Wynn Jonathan K , Mathis Kristopher I , Altshuler Lori L , Glahn David C , Green Michael F
Published: May 2012

Jahshan C, Wynn JK, Mathis KI, Altshuler LL, Glahn DC, Green MF. Cross‐diagnostic comparison of duration mismatch negativity and P3a in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 239–248. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia share common pathophysiological processes and may have similar perceptual abnormalities. Mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a – event‐related potentials associated with auditory preattentional processing – have been extensively studied in schizophrenia, but rarely in bipolar disorder. Furthermore, MMN and P3a have not been examined between diagnostic subgroups of patients with bipolar disorder. We evaluated MMN and P3a in patients with bipolar disorder compared to patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.

Methods:  MMN and P3a were assessed in 52 bipolar disorder patients, 30 schizophrenia patients, and 27 healthy control subjects during a duration‐deviant auditory oddball paradigm.

Results:  Significant MMN and P3a amplitude reductions were present in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia relative to controls. The MMN reduction was more prominent in patients with schizophrenia than bipolar disorder, at a trend level. P3a did not differ significantly between patient groups. There were no MMN or P3a differences between patients with bipolar I (n = 34) and bipolar II (n = 18) disorder. Patients with bipolar I disorder failed to show lateralized MMN, in contrast to the other groups. No MMN or P3a differences were found between patients with bipolar disorder taking (n = 12) and not taking (n = 40) lithium, as well as between those taking (n = 30) and not taking (n = 22) antipsychotic medications.

Conclusions:  Patients with bipolar disorder showed deficits in preattentive auditory processing, including MMN deficits that are less severe and P3a deficits that are slightly more pronounced, than those seen in schizophrenia.
Waiting to win: elevated striatal and orbitofrontal cortical activity during reward anticipation in euthymic bipolar disorder adults
Authors: Nusslock Robin , Almeida Jorge RC , Forbes Erika E , Versace Amelia , Frank Ellen , LaBarbara Edmund J , Klein Crystal R , Phillips Mary L
Published: May 2012

Nusslock R, Almeida JRC, Forbes EE, Versace A, Frank E, LaBarbara EJ, Klein CR, Phillips ML. Waiting to win: elevated striatal and orbitofrontal cortical activity during reward anticipation in euthymic bipolar disorder adults. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 249–260. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Bipolar disorder may be characterized by a hypersensitivity to reward‐relevant stimuli, potentially underlying the emotional lability and dysregulation that characterizes the illness. In parallel, research highlights the predominant role of striatal and orbitofrontal cortical (OFC) regions in reward‐processing and approach‐related affect. We aimed to examine whether bipolar disorder, relative to healthy, participants displayed elevated activity in these regions during reward processing.

Methods:  Twenty‐one euthymic bipolar I disorder and 20 healthy control participants with no lifetime history of psychiatric disorder underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning during a card‐guessing paradigm designed to examine reward‐related brain function to anticipation and receipt of monetary reward and loss. Data were collected using a 3T Siemens Trio scanner.

Results:  Region‐of‐interest analyses revealed that bipolar disorder participants displayed greater ventral striatal and right‐sided orbitofrontal [Brodmann area (BA) 11] activity during anticipation, but not outcome, of monetary reward relative to healthy controls (p < 0.05, corrected). Whole‐brain analyses indicated that bipolar disorder, relative to healthy, participants also displayed elevated left‐lateral OFC (BA 47) activity during reward anticipation (p < 0.05, corrected).

Conclusions:  Elevated ventral striatal and OFC activity during reward anticipation may represent a neural mechanism for predisposition to expansive mood and hypo/mania in response to reward‐relevant cues that characterizes bipolar disorder. Our findings contrast with research reporting blunted activity in the ventral striatum during reward processing in unipolar depressed individuals, relative to healthy controls. Examination of reward‐related neural activity in bipolar disorder is a promising research focus to facilitate identification of biological markers of the illness.
Age‐ and Gender‐Dependent Changes of Bovine Myocardium Architecture
Authors: Noci B. , Neocleous P. , Gemeinhardt O. , Hiebl B. , Berg R. , Plendl J. , Hünigen H.
Published: May 2012

Growth, gravidity and lactation put high demands on the performance of the myocardium. The aim of this study, which was performed in 40 female and 20 male bovines ranging from 1 to 4.5 years old, was to determine gross and microscopic morphometric data of bovine myocardium to establish a comparative measure of myocardial growth during juvenile development. During the developmental stage of young adulthood, age‐related increases in female myocardial characteristics included cardiac mass, left and right ventricular mass and the ratio of cardiac mass to loose connective tissue. Age‐related decreases were observed in the number of myocyte nuclei per mm² and the thickness of the right ventricular wall. Sex differences in these parameters were found between 2‐year‐old bulls (N = 20) and 2‐year‐old heifers (N = 10), with males having heavier hearts, thicker ventricular walls, less myocytes in the left ventricle and less connective tissue in both ventricles. Age and sex had no influence on the ratio of capillaries to myocytes, estimated at 0.98 in the adult bovine. Capillary density does not change during juvenile development, but cross‐sectional capillary area does adapt to myocyte cross‐sectional area, accounting for this relatively constant ratio.
Correlation Between Virulence and Morphological Characteristics of Microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae Isolates Infecting Olive
Authors: López‐Escudero Francisco Javier , Roca José Manuel , Valverde‐Corredor Antonio , Mercado‐Blanco Jesús
Published: May 2012

The spreading of highly virulent isolates of Verticillium dahliae, causing Verticillium wilt of olive, is one of the most threatening concerns for olive cultivation. Using an isolate collection from infected olive trees in southern Spain, the morphology of microsclerotia (MS) produced on water agar was correlated with their molecular characteristics by a PCR‐based pathotyping. Defoliating isolates (D) produced MS with a significantly higher length/width ratio than non‐defoliating (ND) ones. These parameters were correlated using the logistic model log (y/1 − y) = 3.73L/W − 6.95, when the pathotype was regressed on length/width ratio of the propagules. Inflection point of the logistic curve corresponded to length/width = 1.86. This morphological differentiation of virulence groups could be a simple and useful tool at commercial laboratories for the assignation of the pathotype of V. dahliae isolates during routine microbiological‐based diagnosis.
Bioinformatic Analysis of the L polymerase Gene Leads to Discrimination of New Rhabdoviruses
Authors: Petrzik Karel
Published: May 2012

Conserved block III of the RNA polymerase L gene is predicted to be essential for RNA polymerase function of cytorhabdoviruses and may be a target in exploring evolutionary relationships among rhabdoviruses. Sequence comparison of an amplified segment of the polymerase gene isolated from six English ivy samples revealed its high similarity with known plant cytorhabdoviruses. Lettuce yellow mottle virus was recognized as a closely related virus with 79.6% aa identity in the amplified region of the CB2 isolate and around 70% aa identity for the CB1, CB6 and CB18 isolates. The CB11 and CB16 isolates show a closer relationship to Raspberry vein chlorosis virus, with 75 and 69% aa identity, respectively. These data in combination with phylogenetic analyses resulted in discrimination of four new rhabdoviruses. The names Ivy latent viruses 1, 2, 3 and 4 (IvLV1, IvLV2, IvLV3 and IvLV4) are proposed for these viruses.
Urethral distension as a novel method to simulate sphincter insufficiency in the porcine animal model
Authors: Burdzińska Anna , Crayton Robert , Dybowski Bartosz , Koperski Łukasz , Idziak Marta , Fabisiak Michał , Pączek Leszek , Radziszewski Piotr
Published: May 2012

Objectives: To describe a novel animal model of intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Methods: The study was carried out on 10 female pigs. Injury to the urethral sphincter was induced by distension of the urethra. This was obtained by using the balloon of an 18‐F Dufour catheter for 5 min followed by its retraction through the urethra without draining the balloon. The urethral pressure profile was evaluated before injury, immediately postinjury and at day 28 postinjury in the experimental group (n = 5), and on day 1 and day 28 in the control uninjured group (n = 5). The maximal urethral closure pressure, the functional urethral length and the area under curve of the urethral pressure profile were measured.

Results: The mean maximal urethral closure pressure at the beginning of the experiment was 32 cmH2O, and the mean functional urethral length was 4.88 cm. The assessment at day 28 showed a reduction of the maximal urethral closure pressure (50% of the control,P > 0.05), the functional urethral length (52.5% of the control,P < 0.05) and the area under curve (52% of the control,P < 0.05) in injured pigs. Histologically, a fibrosis of the sphincter was detected without rupture of the muscle layer in all the samples.

Conclusions: The proposed porcine model can be used to obtain intrinsic sphincter deficiency‐like urodynamic findings without rupturing the sphincter. This methodology can be applied to investigate therapies for intrinsic sphincter deficiency.
The eroded genome of a Psychotria leaf symbiont: hypotheses about lifestyle and interactions with its plant host
Authors: Carlier Aurelien L. , Eberl Leo
Published: May 2012

Several plant species of the genus Psychotria (Rubiaceae) harbour Burkholderia sp. bacteria within specialized leaf nodules. The bacteria are transmitted vertically between plant generations and have not yet been cultured outside of their host. This symbiosis is also generally described as obligatory because plants devoid of symbionts fail to develop into mature individuals. We sequenced for the first time the genome of the symbiont of Psychotria kirkii in order to shed some light on the nature of their symbiotic relationship. We found that the 4 Mb genome of Candidatus Burkholderia kirkii (B. kirkii) is small for a Burkholderia species and displays features consistent with ongoing genome erosion such as large proportions of pseudogenes and transposable elements. Reductive genome evolution affected a wide array of functional categories that may hinder the ability of the symbiont to be free‐living. The genome does not encode functions commonly found in plant symbionts such as nitrogen fixation or plant hormone metabolism. Instead, a collection of genes for secondary metabolites' synthesis is located on the 140 kb plasmid of B. kirkii and suggests that leaf nodule symbiosis benefits the host by providing protection against herbivores or pathogens.