bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extinction debt for plants and flower‐visiting insects in landscapes with contrasting land use history
Authors: Bommarco Riccardo , Lindborg Regina , Marini Lorenzo , Öckinger Erik
Published: February 2014

Aim

Species are lost world‐wide because of habitat destruction and fragmentation. Impacted communities can exhibit transient dynamics in response to such environmental changes, where slow extinctions and immigration delay the arrival to a new equilibrium. Life history traits such as generation time, resource use and dispersal capacity, as well as landscape history can be expected to affect possible extinction debt, but few have examined this for multiple taxa in the same study and particularly so for arthropods. The aim was to assess under which current and historical land use circumstances an extinction debt occurs for vascular plants and three insect taxa.

Location

South‐eastern Sweden.

Method

We sampled current species richness of habitat specialist and generalist butterflies, bees, hoverflies, and vascular plants in 45 dry to mesic semi‐natural grassland fragments of various size and degree of connectivity, and situated in landscapes with contrasting land use conversion history. Habitat loss was estimated in each landscape by comparing modern maps to ~45 year old digitized aerial photographs. An extinction debt can be assumed if historical habitat size and connectivity better explain current species distribution than current habitat variables do.

Results

Bees responded rapidly to habitat loss possibly as a result of their primary nesting resource being destroyed. Interestingly, species richness of specialist plants was best explained by historical habitat connectivity, richness of hoverflies by historical habitat area, and richness of butterflies by both historical habitat area and connectivity, indicating extinction debt for these taxa. Habitat generalist butterflies and hoverflies, but not plants and bees, exhibited extinction debt mainly in relation to habitat area. No effect of landscape type was found on the observed extinction debt.

Main conclusions

Slow extinctions of persistent and long‐lived plants might explain extinction debt for both plants and herbivorous insects linked to these plants.
Double balloon enteroscopy: Effective and minimally invasive method for removal of retained video capsules
Authors: Makipour Kian , Modiri Alexandra N. , Ehrlich Adam , Friedenberg Frank K. , Maranki Jennifer , Enestvedt Brintha K. , Heller Steven , Tokar Jeffrey , Haluszka Oleh
Published: February 2014

Background and Aim

Prior case series document removal of retained video capsules predominantly via surgical intervention. Data on endoscopic removal of retained capsules are limited. Our aim was to describe an endoscopic method of retrieval using double balloon enteroscopy (DBE).

Methods

A retrospective case series examination found 10 patients who underwent DBE for retrieval of a retained video capsule at two large tertiary referral academic centers from May 2007 to June 2013.

Results

Mean age of patients was 64.9 ± 18.1 years (four females, six males). Five patients failed to pass the capsule as a result of an ileal or jejunal stricture (one patient with ulcerative colitis; four patients with Crohn's disease); two patients had a small bowel stricture as a result of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug enteropathy; one patient had intermittent partial small bowel obstruction without evidence of a stricture; one patient had an obstructing malignant jejunal mass and one patient had a small bowel stricture as a result of radiation enteritis. Endoscopic removal via DBE was successful in eight of 10 patients (80%). The remaining two patients underwent surgical removal of the retained capsule. The two failed cases of capsule retrieval were both patients with suspected ileal disease.

Conclusions

The most common cause of capsule retention was underlying Crohn's disease. DBE is an effective and minimally invasive method of capsule retrieval, including those patients with ileal disease, which has not been previously described. DBE can prevent unnecessary surgery while providing endoscopic therapy of inflammatory strictures by dilation.
A comparison of UP‐PCR and RAPD markers to study genetic diversity of Fusicladium effusum (G. Winter), cause of pecan scab
Authors: Bock C. H. , Endalew T. T. , Biswas B. K. , Yadav A. K. , Sitther V. , Hotchkiss M. W. , Stevenson K. L. , Wood B. W.
Published: February 2014

Fusicladium effusum infects pecan causing yield loss, but no information is available on the genetic diversity of F. effusum. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) and universally primed polymerase chain reaction (UP‐PCR) were compared to detect polymorphisms on a group of 20 isolates of F. effusum from 11 geographical locations in the southeastern USA. Two tests (run 1 and 2) of both the RAPD and UP‐PCRs were conducted to assess the repeatability of the methods, and the markers scored on agarose gels. In addition, the UP‐PCR markers from run 1 were scored using an automated capillary system. Both RAPDs and UP‐PCR markers detected a high level of polymorphism among the scored markers (92 and 91% of RAPD markers, and 86 and 87% of manually scored UP‐PCR markers in run 1 and 2 were polymorphic, respectively; 93% of UP‐PCR markers were polymorphic when scored using the automated system). Unweighted paired group method of arithmetic averages (UPGMA) analysis showed both RAPDs and UP‐PCR markers individually identified each isolate, producing three groupings, but only the groupings based on run 1 and 2 of the UP‐PCR contained the same isolates. Bootstrap analysis based on the Dice coefficient produced phenograms from the UP‐PCR data with weak to moderate node support (≥54) for the primary branch, but no support for the RAPDs data (≤34). A Mantel test of runs 1 and 2 using RAPDs or UP‐PCR showed good agreement (r = 0.8761 and 0.8289, p < 0.0001), but poor agreement between RAPDs and UP‐PCR. UP‐PCR results based on the interisolate Dice coefficients showed a weak to strong association with distance. Based on these results, both RAPDs and UP‐PCR markers were capable of demonstrating polymorphisms and identifying relationships among isolates of F. effusum; however, UP‐PCR markers appear to be more reliable.
Prey Responses to Predator's Sounds: A Review and Empirical Study
Authors: Hettena Alexandra M. , Munoz Nicole , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: February 2014

Many animals assess their risk of predation by listening to and evaluating predators' vocalizations. We reviewed the literature to draw generalizations about predator discrimination abilities, the retention of these abilities over evolutionary time, and the potential underlying proximate mechanisms responsible for discrimination. Broadly, we found that some prey possess an ability to respond to a predator after having been evolutionarily isolated from a specific predator (i.e., predators are allopatric) and that some prey are predisposed to respond to certain types of predators that they coevolved with but without having ecological experience. However, these types of studies are lacking, and relatively, few studies have examined predator discrimination abilities in ungulates. To begin addressing these knowledge gaps, we performed field experiments on Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in which we investigated the ability of deer to discriminate among familiar predators [coyotes (Canis latrans) and mountain lions (Puma concolor)] and an evolutionary relevant predator with which deer have had no recent exposure [locally extinct wolves (Canis lupus)]. We found that Mule deer respond to and discriminate among predators based on predator vocalizations and have retained an ability to respond to wolves that have been extinct from the study area since the early 20th century. Previous playback studies have shown that responses vary among human‐habituated and non‐habituated populations and differ according to human proximity. Deer greater than 0.5 km from human residences allocated more time to heightened responses both before and after stimulus playback. Our findings may help predict how prey–predator interactions may change as a result of the recovering wolf population with a basis in ecological and evolutionary experience in predator discrimination and desensitization.
Organic carbon stocks and sequestration rates of forest soils in Germany
Authors: Grüneberg Erik , Ziche Daniel , Wellbrock Nicole
Published: February 2014

The National Forest Soil Inventory (NFSI) provides the Greenhouse Gas Reporting in Germany with a quantitative assessment of organic carbon (C) stocks and changes in forest soils. Carbon stocks of the organic layer and the mineral topsoil (30 cm) were estimated on the basis of ca. 1.800 plots sampled from 1987 to 1992 and resampled from 2006 to 2008 on a nationwide grid of 8 × 8 km. Organic layer C stock estimates were attributed to surveyed forest stands and CORINE land cover data. Mineral soil C stock estimates were linked with the distribution of dominant soil types according to the Soil Map of Germany (1 : 1 000 000) and subsequently related to the forest area. It appears that the C pool of the organic layer was largely depending on tree species and parent material, whereas the C pool of the mineral soil varied among soil groups. We identified the organic layer C pool as stable although C was significantly sequestered under coniferous forest at lowland sites. The mineral soils, however, sequestered 0.41 Mg C ha−1 yr−1. Carbon pool changes were supposed to depend on stand age and forest transformation as well as an enhanced biomass input. Carbon stock changes were clearly attributed to parent material and soil groups as sandy soils sequestered higher amounts of C, whereas clayey and calcareous soils showed small gains and in some cases even losses of soil C. We further showed that the largest part of the overall sample variance was not explained by fine‐earth stock variances, rather by the C concentrations variance. The applied uncertainty analyses in this study link the variability of strata with measurement errors. In accordance to other studies for Central Europe, the results showed that the applied method enabled a reliable nationwide quantification of the soil C pool development for a certain period.
Migrant care workers and rehospitalization among older patients discharged from acute care hospitals
Authors: Fusco Sergio , Corsonello Andrea , Chiatti Carlos , Fabbietti Paolo , Salerno Giovanni , De Bonis Eugenio , Corica Francesco , Lattanzio Fabrizia
Published: February 2014

Aim

The relationship between support at home and rehospitalization has not been extensively studied until now. In particular, little is known about the impact of being assisted by migrant care workers (MCW) and rehospitalization. We aimed at investigating such a relationship in a population of older patients discharged from hospitals.

Methods

Our series consisted of 506 patients aged 65 years or older consecutively enrolled in a prospective observational study involving 11 acute care medical wards throughout Italy. The outcome of the study was the occurrence of at least one rehospitalization during 1‐year follow up. Information derived from comprehensive geriatric assessment, discharge diagnoses and prescribed drugs were collected during the index hospitalization. Data about formal and informal assistance (spouse, son, other relative, MCW, home nursing) were collected. The relationship between study variables and rehospitalization was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Being assisted by MCW was independently associated with the outcome (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.10–4.37), as were complete dependency (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.28–5.79) and overall comorbidity (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10–1.43). Older age was associated with a lower likelihood of rehospitalization (age 75–84 vs <75 years OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30–0.92; age ≥85 vs <75 years OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12–0.65).

Conclusions

Being assisted by MCW could contribute to an increase in the rate of use of hospital resources for older complex patients. This finding raises the need for educational efforts targeting MCW. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 196–203.
Relationship of thresholds of physical performance to nutritional status in older hospitalized male cardiac patients
Authors: Izawa Kazuhiro P , Watanabe Satoshi , Oka Koichiro
Published: February 2014

Aim

Nutrition is the focus of a new treatment target in older hospitalized cardiac patients. However, little is known about the differences in nutritional status in relation to physical performance in these inpatients. We determined the differences in physical performance based on the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and physical performance cut‐off values according to the GNRI in older male cardiac inpatients.

Methods

We enrolled 251 Japanese male inpatients aged ≥65 years (mean age 74.7 years) with cardiac disease in the present cross‐sectional study. We divided the patients into two groups according to GNRI: high‐GNRI group (≥92 points; n = 178) and low‐GNRI group (<92 points; n = 73). In‐hospital physical performance as measured by handgrip strength (HG), knee extensor muscle strength (KEMS), gait speed (GS), and one‐leg standing time (OLST) was assessed and compared between the two groups to determine cut‐off values of physical performance.

Results

After adjustment for age, HG, KEMS, GS and OLST were significantly lower in the low‐GNRI versus high‐GNRI group. Cut‐off values by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were 25.75 kgf (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.740; P < 0.001) for HG strength, 46.1% for bodyweight (AUC = 0.742; P < 0.01) for KEMS, 1.45 m/s (AUC = 0.782; P < 0.01) for GS and 11.32 s (AUC = 0.705; P < 0.01) for OLST.

Conclusion

The risk of poor nutrition, as shown by a low GNRI, could be a useful predictor of physical performance. The cut‐off values determined in the present study might be expected minimum target values that can be attained by Japanese older male cardiac inpatients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 189–195.
Service Personalization as a Response to Noncompliance with Routine Childhood Vaccination
Authors: Gofen Anat , Needham Catherine
Published: February 2014

Governmental reaction to citizens’ noncompliance with policy is often portrayed as a retrospective enforcement effort, in which incentives and information serve as the main mechanisms to change citizens’ noncompliant behavior. This study suggests that government may adapt existing policy arrangements to encourage compliance rather than enforce implementation. Such responses recognize that noncompliance is an ongoing decision‐making process rather than a single event, with scope for government intervention at different points. Drawing on toddlers’ nonvaccination inIsrael as a test case, findings indicate that to minimize noncompliance and its public health implications, officials have responded by personalizing the standardized service. Personalization is a pragmatic response that recognizes that hesitant parents may be amenable to modified interventions as an alternative to complete exit. Nevertheless, personalization challenges the very notion of a public health intervention based on a standard protocol and raises new dilemmas around where private responsibilities end and public ones begin.
The influence of cement filler load on the radiopacity of various fibre posts ex vivo
Authors: Goracci C. , Juloski J. , Schiavetti R. , Mainieri P. , Giovannetti A. , Vichi A. , Ferrari M.
Published: February 2014

Aim

To verify whether the filler load of luting agents influences the radiopacity of intraradicularly placed posts.

Methodology

Digital radiographs of the following posts were taken: RelyX Fiber Post (3M ESPE), GC Fiber Post (GC Corporation), DT Light Post Illusion (RTD), DT Light SL Post (RTD), Endo‐Composipost (RTD), FibreKleer Parallel Post (Jeneric Pentron Incorporated), FRC Postec (Ivoclar Vivadent), Parapost Taper Lux (Còltene/Whaledent AG), Radix Fiber Post (Dentsply Maillefer), EverStick Post (Stick Tech Ltd), Dentin Post X (Komet), Tech 21 X‐op (Isasan), ENA Post (Micerium). Post radiopacity was measured in millimetres of aluminium (mmAl) with reference to an aluminium step wedge. Two extracted contralateral premolars were root filled. After post space preparation, taking the midpoint of the post hole as a reference, each tooth was cut longitudinally into two halves in a mesiodistal direction. On each half, the exposed root dentine was ground flat to the deepest point of the post space, and an even layer of cement was placed and light‐cured. To obtain a clinically relevant layer of cement, the material thickness was reduced to 75 μm by grinding with wet abrasive paper. A cement formulation with 30 wt% of filler was tested in one premolar, whilst a formulation with 70 wt% of filler was utilized in the contralateral tooth. Posts were then placed between the two facing root halves of each premolar, and radiopacity was measured in mmAl. Data were analysed using t‐test for paired samples (P < 0.05).

Results

Radiopacity of posts ranged between 1.44 (ENA Post) and 5.78 mmAl (FibreKleer). In the presence of the more heavily filled cement, significantly higher values of post radiopacity were measured (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The radiopacity of the luting agent contributed to the overall post radiovisibility within the root. Even when the cement with lower filler content was used in combination with the least radiodense dowels, the post was detectable within the root.
Acute management of skin tears: a change in practice pilot study
Authors: Vandervord John G , Tolerton Sarah K , Campbell Peter A , Darke Jan M , Loch‐Wilkinson Anna‐Marie V
Published: February 2014

Skin tears are an increasingly common injury occurring in the elderly population and have significant associated morbidity secondary to poor wound healing, prolonged hospital stays and reduced mobility. There has been a shift in practice for the acute management of skin tears within our institution, which has resulted in improved outcomes and reduced morbidity for this common and debilitating injury. Review of past and current practices including cost analyses has led to the establishment of a management protocol for the hospital and wider area health service with the aim to reduce the burden of disease amongst our ever‐expanding elderly population.
Surgical site infection: poor compliance with guidelines and care bundles
Authors: Leaper David J , Tanner Judith , Kiernan Martin , Assadian Ojan , Edmiston Charles E
Published: February 2014

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are probably the most preventable of the health care‐associated infections. Despite the widespread international introduction of level I evidence‐based guidelines for the prevention of SSIs, such as that of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK and the surgical care improvement project (SCIP) of the USA, SSI rates have not measurably fallen. The care bundle approach is an accepted method of packaging best, evidence‐based measures into routine care for all patients and, common to many guidelines for the prevention of SSI, includes methods for preoperative removal of hair (where appropriate), rational antibiotic prophylaxis, avoidance of perioperative hypothermia, management of perioperative blood glucose and effective skin preparation. Reasons for poor compliance with care bundles are not clear and have not matched the wide uptake and perceived benefit of the WHO ‘Safe Surgery Saves Lives’ checklist. Recommendations include the need for further research and continuous updating of guidelines; comprehensive surveillance, using validated definitions that facilitate benchmarking of anonymised surgeon‐specific SSI rates; assurance that incorporation of checklists and care bundles has taken place; the development of effective communication strategies for all health care providers and those who commission services and comprehensive information for patients.
Nutritional capacities of bark and wood decaying bacteria with particular emphasis on condensed tannin degrading strains
Authors: Deschamps A. M.
Published: February 2014

A collection of 66 strains of wood and bark decaying bacteria were tested for their assimilation capacities of cellulose, lignin, xylan, pectins and tannins. The data obtained give a more comprehensive understanding of the bacterial activity during the decay of bark in nature, particularly in the degradation of tannins.

A collection of 66 bacterial strains were isolated for their capacities to degrade kraft‐lignin, tannic acid and condensed tannins (wattle and quebracho). These strains were tested for their capacity to assimilate the major bark and wood components as a sole carbon source. Plant inhabiting as well as saprophytic genera were identified including Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Sporocytophaga and Pseudomonas strains but Enterobacteria and micrococci were also isolated. The data reported in this paper show that several types of bacteria degrade rapidly not only condensed and hydrolyzable tannins but degrade also the other wood components suggesting an important bacterial contribution to the decay of bark and timber in nature.

Capacités nutritionnelles de bactéries dégradant l'écorce et le bois, et plus particulièrement des tannins condensés

Soixante six souches bactériennes ont été isolées pour leur aptitude à dégrader la lignin‐kraft, l'acide tannique et les tannins condensés (mimosa et quebracho). L'assimilation des composants principaux de l'écorce et du bois comme seule source de carbone a été testée pour chaque souche. Des germes saprophytes ou adaptés aux végétaux ont été identifiés comme Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Sporocytophaga et Pseudomonas, ainsi que des microcoques et des entérobactéries. Les résultats rapportés dans cet article montrent que de nombreux types de bactéries peuvent non seulement dégrader rapidement les tannins hydrolysables et condensés mais dégrader en měme temps d'autres composants végétaux et participer ainsi activement à la biodégradation de l'écorce et du bois dans la nature.

Die Nahrungsquellen rinden‐ und holzbewohnender Bakterien unter besonderer Berücksichtigung Tannin‐abbauender Stämme

Eine Kollektion von 66 Bakterienstämmen war wegen ihrer Fähigkeit zum Abbau von Lignin, Gerbsäure und Tanninen (Akazie und Quebracho) zusammengestellt worden. Die Stämme wurden auf ihre Fähigkeit zur Nutzung wichtiger Rinden‐ und Holzkomponenten als alleinige Kohlenstoffquelle getestet. Unter den pflanzenbewohnenden und saprophytischen Gattungen wurden identifiziert: Cellulomonas‐, Corynebacterium‐, Bacillus‐, Sporocytophaga‐ und Pseudomonas‐Stämme, aber auch Entero‐Bakterien und Mikrococci wurden isoliert. Die Resultate zeigen, daß viele Bakterien nicht nur relativ rasch Tannine, sondern auch andere Holzkomponenten abzubauen vermögen und damit einen wesentlichen Anteil der Bakterien am natürlichen Rinden‐ und Holzabbau anzeigen.
Comparison of brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation in youth with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ohsugi Koji , Sugawara Hidenori , Ebina Kanako , Shiga Kentaro , Kikuchi Nobuyuki , Mori Masaaki , Yokota Shumpei
Published: February 2014

Aims/Introduction

Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) is a method of evaluating the function of vascular endothelial cells and is utilized for early diagnosis of atherosclerotic diseases. Only a few studies evaluated the risks for major vascular complications in youth with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus from the aspect of the early development of atherosclerosis. We studied whether there is a difference in vascular endothelial cell function between youth with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

We assessed %FMD of 24 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 27 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 12–20 years along with glycated hemoglobin, lipid metabolism markers such as triglycerides, and inflammatory biomarkers such as total adiponectin levels in adolescent patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. The significance of the difference in each factor between the type 1 and type 2 diabetes groups was assessed using Student's t‐test.

Results

The %FMD was significantly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes. The body mass index and blood pressure were significantly higher, and total and high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin levels were significantly lower in patients with type 2 diabetes. %FMD significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

The results suggest that youth with type 2 diabetes have more advanced damage of the vascular endothelium and therefore are at higher risk for major vascular complications. Therefore, monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis would also be beneficial in youth with diabetes mellitus, and measurement of FMD could be further warranted.
Evaluation of insulin regimens as an effective option for glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A propensity score‐matched cohort study across Japan (JDDM31)
Authors: Kanatsuka Azuma , Sato Yasunori , Kawai Koichi , Hirao Koichi , Kobayashi Masashi , Kashiwagi Atsunori ,   Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study Group
Published: February 2014

Aims/Introduction

We evaluated the long‐term efficacy of insulin regimens in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and poor glycemic control despite oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD).

Materials and Methods

We carried out a propensity score‐matched cohort study using the CoDiC® database of the Japan Diabetes Data Management Study Group across 54 institutions in Japan from 2005 to 2010. A total of 10,854 patients on OAD in 2005 were studied, and 1,253 patients (11.5%) were treated with insulin until 2010. The changes in insulin regimens and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were analyzed over this study period.

Results

Propensity score matching showed no differences in the baseline patient characteristics. A total of 96 patients transferred to insulin, and HbA1c gradually and significantly decreased in the patients on a twice‐daily premixed preparation of rapid‐acting human‐insulin analogs (twice‐daily MIX) and basal–bolus therapy with rapid‐acting human‐insulin analogs (RA) plus long‐acting insulin analog (LA; P < 0.001). A total of 418 patients had insulin added to OAD treatment, and HbA1c decreased in the patients with a twice‐daily MIX (P < 0.001), but HbA1c did not differ from the baseline values in the patients on basal LA (P = 0.497). The mean decline in HbA1c at the end of the study was therefore larger in the patients receiving twice‐daily MIX than in the patients receiving basal LA (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study could suggest the potential loss of opportunity for many patients treated using basal LA to have received alternative insulin regimens and to achieve better glycemic control.
Antibacterial Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticle Loaded with Nisin for the Prolonged Effect
Authors: Alishahi Alireza
Published: February 2014

Chitosan is a polysaccharide that has gained high interest in recent times to encapsulate active compounds because of its nontoxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility and immunity system induction. The characterizations of chitosan nanoparticle were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Zetasizer. The particle size and zeta potential were 86 ± 0.23 nm and +34 ± 0.43, respectively. In vitro release rate studies revealed that nisin was released from the nanoparticle over a 60‐day period but the release rate increased from 23% to 65% as the pH of buffer increased from 2.5 to 7.2. Antibacterial effect of the nanoparticle against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated via analyzing integrity of cell membranes and transmission electron microscopy data. The integrity of cell membranes of the bacteria was destroyed when bacterial suspensions were treated with the nanoparticle. The results showed high potential of the nanoparticle to be used as potent antibacterial agent over prolonged time.

Practical Applications

Chitosan nanoparticle loaded with nisin has a promising application in food area for its safe and effective nature as natural antibacterial.
Contribution of cysteine aminotransferase and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase to hydrogen sulfide production in peripheral neurons
Authors: Miyamoto Ryo , Otsuguro Ken‐ichi , Yamaguchi Soichiro , Ito Shigeo
Published: February 2014

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous neuromodulator produced from L‐cysteine. H2S is generated by three distinct enzymatic pathways mediated by cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE), cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS), and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) coupled with cysteine aminotransferase (CAT). This study investigated the relative contributions of these three pathways to H2S production in PC12 cells (rat pheochromocytoma‐derived cells) and the rat dorsal root ganglion. CBS, CAT, and MPST, but not CSE, were expressed in the cells and tissues, and appreciable amounts of H2S were produced from L‐cysteine in the presence of α‐ketoglutarate, together with dithiothreitol. The production of H2S was inhibited by a CAT inhibitor (aminooxyacetic acid), competitive CAT substrates (L‐aspartate and oxaloacetate), and RNA interference (RNAi) against MPST. Immunocytochemistry revealed a mitochondrial localization of MPST in PC12 cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons, and the amount of H2S produced by CAT/MPST at pH 8.0, a physiological mitochondrial matrix pH, was comparable to that produced by CSE and CBS in the liver and the brain, respectively. Furthermore, H2S production was markedly increased by alkalization. These results indicate that CAT and MPST are primarily responsible for H2S production in peripheral neurons, and that the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism may influence neuronal H2S generation.

image

In the peripheral nervous system, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been implicated in neurogenic pain or hyperalgesia. This study provides evidence that H2S is synthesized in peripheral neurons through two mitochondrial enzymes, cysteine aminotransferase (CAT) and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST). We propose that mitochondrial metabolism plays key roles in the physiology and pathophysiology of the peripheral nervous system via regulation of neuronal H2S production.
Evidence That Hypothalamic RFamide Related Peptide‐3 Neurones are not Leptin‐Responsive in Mice and Rats
Authors: Rizwan M. Z. , Harbid A. A. , Inglis M. A. , Quennell J. H. , Anderson G. M.
Published: February 2014

Leptin, a permissive hormonal regulator of fertility, provides information about the body's energy reserves to the hypothalamic gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal system that drives reproduction. Leptin does not directly act on GnRH neurones, and the neuronal pathways that it uses remain unclear. RFamide‐related peptide‐3 (RFRP‐3) neurones project to GnRH neurones and primarily inhibit their activity. We tested whether leptin could act via RFRP‐3 neurones to potentially modulate GnRH activity. First, the effects of leptin deficiency or high‐fat diet‐induced obesity on RFRP‐3 cell numbers and gene expression were assessed in male and female mice. There was no significant difference in Rfrp mRNA levels or RFRP‐3‐immunoreactive cell counts in wild‐type versus leptin‐deficient ob/ob animals, or in low‐fat versus high‐fat diet fed wild‐type mice. Second, the presence of leptin‐induced signalling in RFRP‐3 neurones was examined in male and female wild‐type mice and rats. Dual label immunohistochemistry revealed leptin‐induced phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 in close proximity to RFRP‐3 neurones, although there was very little (2–13%) colocalisation and no significant differences between vehicle and leptin‐treated animals. Furthermore, we were unable to detect leptin receptor mRNA in a semi‐purified RFRP‐3 cell preparation. Because GABA neurones form critical leptin‐responsive GnRH inputs, we also determined whether RFRP‐3 and GABA cells were colocalised. No such colocalisation was detected. These results support the concept that leptin has little or no effects on RFRP‐3 neurones, and that these neurones are unlikely to be an important neuronal pathway for the metabolic regulation of fertility by leptin.
Risk Premiums in Dynamic Term Structure Models with Unspanned Macro Risks
Authors: JOSLIN SCOTT , PRIEBSCH MARCEL , SINGLETON KENNETH J.
Published: February 2014

This paper quantifies how variation in economic activity and inflation in the United States influences the market prices of level, slope, and curvature risks in Treasury markets. We develop a novel arbitrage‐free dynamic term structure model in which bond investment decisions are influenced by output and inflation risks that areunspannedby (imperfectly correlated with) information about the shape of the yield curve. Our model reveals that, between 1985 and 2007, these risks accounted for a large portion of the variation in forward terms premiums, and there was pronounced cyclical variation in the market prices of level and slope risks.
Expression of Concern: Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (Actim PROM test) for detection of premature rupture of fetal membranes
Authors: Abdelazim Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2014

Aim

This study was designed to detect the accuracy of the insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) in diagnosing premature rupture of fetal membranes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 150 pregnant women after 37 weeks' gestation were included in this study and divided into two groups according to presence or absence of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM); 75 patients with PROM were included in group I and 75 patients without PROM were included in group II as controls. The diagnosis of PROM was based on patient's history of sudden gush of water, pooling of amniotic fluid, positive Ferning pattern, positive Nitrazine test, confirmed by visualization of fluid passing from the cervical canal during sterile speculum examination and transabdominal ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid index.

Results

In this study, the sensitivity and the specificity of IGFBP‐1 (Actim PROM test) in diagnosing PROM were 89.3% and 82.7%, respectively, as compared with 84% sensitivity and 78.7% specificity for Ferning test, and 86.7% sensitivity and 81.3% specificity for Nitrazine test. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of IGFBP‐1 were 83.8% and 88.6%, respectively, as compared with 79.7% PPV and 83.1% NPV for the Ferning test, and 82.2% PPV and 85.9% NPV for the Nitrazine test. The IGFBP‐1 was more accurate (86%) for detection of PROM than the Ferning (81.3%) or Nitrazine (84.0%) tests.

Conclusion

The Actim PROM test for detection of IGFBP‐1 in the vaginal fluid is a simple bedside test and can be used as a complimentary test to confirm the clinical diagnosis of PROM.
Influence of maximum bite force on jaw movement during gummy jelly mastication
Authors: Kuninori T. , Tomonari H. , Uehara S. , Kitashima F. , Yagi T. , Miyawaki S.
Published: February 2014

It is known that maximum bite force has various influences on chewing function; however, there have not been studies in which the relationships between maximum bite force and masticatory jaw movement have been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maximum bite force on masticatory jaw movement in subjects with normal occlusion. Thirty young adults (22 men and 8 women; mean age, 22·6 years) with good occlusion were divided into two groups based on whether they had a relatively high or low maximum bite force according to the median. The maximum bite force was determined according to the Dental Prescale System using pressure‐sensitive sheets. Jaw movement during mastication of hard gummy jelly (each 5·5 g) on the preferred chewing side was recorded using a six degrees of freedom jaw movement recording system. The motion of the lower incisal point of the mandible was computed, and the mean values of 10 cycles (cycles 2–11) were calculated. A masticatory performance test was conducted using gummy jelly. Subjects with a lower maximum bite force showed increased maximum lateral amplitude, closing distance, width and closing angle; wider masticatory jaw movement; and significantly lower masticatory performance. However, no differences in the maximum vertical or maximum anteroposterior amplitudes were observed between the groups. Although other factors, such as individual morphology, may influence masticatory jaw movement, our results suggest that subjects with a lower maximum bite force show increased lateral jaw motion during mastication.
Management of food allergy: A survey of Australian paediatricians
Authors: Morawetz Deborah Y , Hiscock Harriet , Allen Katrina J , Davies Sarah , Danchin Margie H
Published: February 2014

Aim

The prevalence of Immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated food allergy in the developed world is increasing, overwhelming tertiary allergy services. Alternative models of care are required. General paediatricians could provide this care but may require further training to do so. We aimed to determine Australian general paediatricians': (i) knowledge and management of IgE‐mediated food allergy; (ii) access to and use of diagnostic services; and (iii) interest in further training.

Methods

Members of the Australian Paediatric Research Network completed an online survey in 2011/12. A case study elicited paediatrician's knowledge of diagnostic history taking, testing and key management principles. Study‐designed questions assessed paediatricians' current practice, access to allergy services and interest in further training.

Results

One hundred sixty‐eight (43%) of 390 paediatricians responded; 93 paediatricians reported managing food allergy. Diagnostic and management practices varied widely. Paediatricians had high levels of agreement (>90%) for only three of 13 questions pertaining to diagnosis and management. Only 56 (61%) correctly identified that a diagnosis of IgE‐mediated food allergy requires a history consistent with a clinical reaction and a positive specific serum IgE antibody or skin prick test result. Reported waiting times for tertiary allergy services ranged from 5.4 (private) to 10.6 months (public). Most (91%) paediatricians expressed interest in further training.

Conclusions

General paediatricians would benefit from further training if they are to practice allergy care as their diagnosis and management is often inconsistent with international guidelines. Training could be delivered online to maximise reach and uptake. If effective, such a model could relieve some of the burden experienced by Australian tertiary allergy services.
First Report of Strawberry latent ringspot virus in Vaccinium darrowii
Authors: Woo Elizabeth , Pearson Michael
Published: February 2014

Strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV) was detected in blueberry (Vaccinium darrowii), a host not previously reported. A total of 89 samples were obtained from one site in the North Island of New Zealand and tested by reverse transcription—polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay. Both RT‐PCR and sequencing results showed the presence of SLRSV in four samples. Although SLRSV is known to have a wide host range, this appears to be the first report of SLRSV in blueberry.
Effect of Magnesium on the Development of Sheath blight in Rice
Authors: Schurt Daniel A. , Lopes Ueder P. , Duarte Henrique S. S. , Rodrigues Fabrício Á.
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the effect of magnesium (Mg) on sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, development on rice plants from cultivars BR‐IRGA 409 and Labelle grown in nutrient solution containing 0.062, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.50 mm of Mg. Sheath blight progress on inoculated sheaths was evaluated by measuring lesions expansion (mm) at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after inoculation. Data were used to calculate the area under lesion expansion progress curve (AULEPC). The relationship between the foliar Mg concentration and the Mg rates was quadratic. The Mg concentration on leaf sheaths tissue was highest at the Mg rates of 0.389 and 0.400 mm, respectively, for cultivars BR‐IRGA 409 and Labelle. A linear model best described the relationship between the AULEPC and the Mg rates. The AULEPC decreased by 48.7 and 26.2% for plants of cultivars BR‐IRGA 409 and Labelle, respectively, as the Mg rates in the nutrient solution increased. The results permitted to conclude that high foliar Mg concentration played a pivotal role to decrease sheath blight lesions expansion.
Single Center Outcomes after Reconstructive Surgical Correction of Adult Acquired Buried Penis: Measurements of Erectile Function, Depression, and Quality of Life
Authors: Rybak James , Larsen Stephen , Yu Michelle , Levine Laurence A.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Management of adult acquired buried penis is a troublesome situation for both patient and surgeon. The buried penis has been associated with significant erectile and voiding dysfunction, depression, and overall poor quality of life (QOL).

Aim

To identify outcomes following reconstructive surgery with release of buried penis, escutcheonectomy, and circumcision with or without skin grafting.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 11 patients treated by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2011, patient ages were 44–69; complete data review was available on all 11.

Outcome Measures

Validated European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 15 QOL, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) surveys assessed patient QOL, depression, and erectile function pre- and postoperatively.

Results

Mean body mass index (BMI) was 48.8 (42.4–64.6). Mean operative time was 191 minutes (139–272). Mean length of stay was 2.1 days. Ten of 11 patients required phallic skin grafting. There was one perioperative complication resulting in respiratory failure and overnight stay in the intensive care unit. Wound complications were seen in 2/11 patients, and 1 needed surgical debridement for superficial wound infection. Skin graft take was seen in 100% of the patients. Ninety-one percent of patients noted significant improvement in voiding postoperatively. Ninety-one percent of patients reported significant erectile dysfunction preoperatively. Subsequently, IIEF scores improved post surgery by an average of 7.7 points. Clinical depression was noted to be present in 7/11 patients preoperatively and 2/11 postoperatively based on CES-D surveys. QOL improved significantly in 10/11 compared with preoperative baseline; however, many patients noted significant difficulties based on their weight and other comorbidities.

Conclusions

Management of adult acquired buried penis is a challenging, yet correctable problem. In our series it appears that by using established surgical techniques we were able to achieve significant improvements in erectile function, QOL, and measures of depression.
A methodology for the semi‐automatic digital image analysis of fragmental impactites
Authors: Chanou A. , Osinski G. R. , Grieve R. A. F.
Published: February 2014

A semi‐automated digital image analysis method is developed for the comparative textural study of impact melt‐bearing breccias. This method uses the freeware software ImageJ developed by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Digital image analysis is performed on scans of hand samples (10–15 cm across), based on macroscopic interpretations of the rock components. All image processing and segmentation are done semi‐automatically, with the least possible manual intervention. The areal fraction of components is estimated and modal abundances can be deduced, where the physical optical properties (e.g., contrast, color) of the samples allow it. Other parameters that can be measured include, for example, clast size, clast‐preferred orientations, average box‐counting dimension or fragment shape complexity, and nearest neighbor distances (NnD). This semi‐automated method allows the analysis of a larger number of samples in a relatively short time. Textures, granulometry, and shape descriptors are of considerable importance in rock characterization. The methodology is used to determine the variations of the physical characteristics of some examples of fragmental impactites.
An unusual clast in lunar meteorite MacAlpine Hills 88105: A unique lunar sample or projectile debris?
Authors: Joy K. H. , Crawford I. A. , Huss G. R. , Nagashima K. , Taylor G. J.
Published: February 2014

Lunar meteorite MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 88105 is a well‐studied feldspathic regolith breccia dominated by rock and mineral fragments from the lunar highlands. Thin section MAC 88105,159 contains a small rock fragment, 400 × 350 μm in size, which is compositionally anomalous compared with other MAC 88105 lithic components. The clast is composed of olivine and plagioclase with minor pyroxene and interstitial devitrified glass component. It is magnesian, akin to samples in the lunar High Mg‐Suite, and also alkali‐rich, akin to samples in the lunar High Alkali Suite. It could represent a small fragment of late‐stage interstitial melt from an Mg‐Suite parent lithology. However, olivine and pyroxene in the clast have Fe/Mn ratios and minor element concentrations that are different from known types of lunar lithologies. As Fe/Mn ratios are notably indicative of planetary origin, the clast could either (1) have a unique lunar magmatic source, or (2) have a nonlunar origin (i.e., consist of achondritic meteorite debris that survived delivery to the lunar surface). Both hypotheses are considered and discussed.
Cryptococcus gattii VGII in a Plathymenia reticulata hollow in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Anzai Mariana Caselli , Lazéra Márcia dos Santos , Wanke Bodo , Trilles Luciana , Dutra Valéria , de Paula Daphine Ariadne Jesus , Nakazato Luciano , Takahara Doracilde Terumi , Simi Walquirya Borges , Hahn Rosane Christine
Published: February 2014

Little is known about the ecology of agents of cryptococcosis in Mato Grosso, without any data regarding to the sources of both agents in the environment. This study aimed to investigate Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans associated with decay in tree hollows within the urban area of three different cities of Mato Grosso. Seventy‐two environmental samples collected from 72 living trees in the cities of Cuiabá, Várzea Grande and Chapada dos Guimarães were sampled and analysed. One tree (Plathymenia reticulata, Leguminosae) in the city of Cuiabá yielded 19 colonies identified as C. gattii molecular type VGII. The isolation of C. gattii VGII in the downtown city of Cuiabá is important because it fits in the Northern Macroregion, suggesting expanding and urbanisation of this genotype in different Brazilian cities.