bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Naturally occurring genetic mutations in the 5′‐upstream regulatory region of bovine FSHB generate a novel cis‐regulatory element that affects its expression
Authors: Dai Lisheng , Xu Yanli , Yu Wangyang , Liu Siyuan , Gao Yan , Zhang Lianjiang , Yuan Bao , Chen Jian , Ma Tenghe , Zhang Jiabao
Published: October 2015

We previously reported that numerous naturally occurring genetic mutations in the 5′‐upstream regulatory region (5′‐URR) of the bovine follicle‐stimulating hormone beta‐subunit gene (FSHB) were associated with reduced serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, poor‐quality semen and low fertility in bulls. In addition, two different FSHB mRNA transcripts resulting from the linked mutations of genomic DNA were discovered in mutation‐bearing bull pituitaries. Here, using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we identified c.‐1539_‐1538delGGinsTTAACT mutations in the 5′‐URR that generated a novel cis‐regulatory element in bovine FSHB. Moreover, this novel element seemed to play a role in repressing FSHB transcription based on a promoter activity analysis in LβT2 gonadotrope cells. Quantitative assays of FSHB mRNA in the bovine pituitaries suggested that the levels of FSHB wild‐type transcripts in the mutation‐bearing bulls were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in those of bulls without FSHB genetic mutations and that the levels of FSHB‐mutated transcripts were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of wild‐type transcripts in the mutation‐bearing bulls. Altogether, our results suggest that decreased serum FSH levels and male fertility in bulls with the c.‐1539_‐1538delGGinsTTAACT mutation likely result from the alteration of cis‐regulatory elements and induction of FSHB transcription.
Comparison of outcomes between minimally invasive oesophagectomy and open oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer
Authors: Xiong Wen‐Ling , Li Rui , Lei Hai‐Ke , Jiang Zheng‐Ying
Published: October 2015

Background

A systematic review with meta‐analysis was performed to compare perioperative outcomes between minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) and open oesophagectomy (OE).

Methods

PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched up to January 2015 using keywords: esophageal cancer, MIE, OE, hybrid MIE. Randomized controlled trials or prospective studies comparing the efficacy of OE with MIE or hybrid MIE in oesophageal cancer patients were included. Sensitivity analysis and quality assessment were performed.

Results

MIE required longer operation time (pooled standardized difference in means = 0.565; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.272, 0.858; P < 0.001) than OE, but resulted in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, lower incidence of pneumonia and vocal cord palsy (P values ≤0.026). There was no difference between MIE and OE regarding lymph node yield (pooled standardized difference in means = 0.078; 95% CI = −0.111, 0.267; P = 0.419). Length of intensive care unit stay, in‐hospital mortality and 30‐day mortality were also similar (P values ≥0.419) in both groups.

Conclusions

Regarding certain clinical outcomes, MIE may be more beneficial than OE.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band revisional surgery: a single surgeon series
Authors: Lewin Joel , Campbell Beth , Sanghvi Kaushal A. , Skinner Christine , Hopkins George
Published: October 2015

Background

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe and proven surgical option for morbid obesity; however, the need for revisional surgery is being increasingly reported. This study reports outcomes and incidence for a large cohort of patients requiring revisional LAGB surgery for various indications.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 1524 primary LAGB placed between 2003 and 2013 by a single surgeon at a single institution was performed, analysing data for all patients in this cohort requiring revisional LAGB surgery.

Results

A total of 434 revisions were performed on 349 patients. A total of 278 patients had a single revision, with 71 patients having two or more revisions. Revisions amounting to 213 were band repositions, 68 were band removal only and 153 were band removal with conversion to another bariatric procedure, mostly Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (n = 143). A total of 47 (35.1%) ‘band‐to‐band’ revision patients were lost to follow‐up. Patients undergoing ‘band‐to‐band’ revision for a slipped band, patient intolerance and mechanical band failure had mean excess weight loss (EWL) at 4 years of 49.9% (n = 35), 38.6% (n = 10) and 67.4% (n = 6), respectively. Port or tubing revisions were not included. Mean follow‐up for ‘band‐to‐band’ revision patients was 33.4 months (standard deviation 26.4 months). 22.9% of patients required one or more band revision procedures by 2013, increased from 13% in 2008.

Conclusion

Continued EWL is achieved with repositioning or replacement of a LAGB. However, a significant and increasing rate of re‐operation over time exists.
Food Culture, Preferences and Ethics in Dysphagia Management
Authors: Kenny Belinda
Published: October 2015

Adults with dysphagia experience difficulties swallowing food and fluids with potentially harmful health and psychosocial consequences. Speech pathologists who manage patients with dysphagia are frequently required to address ethical issues when patients' food culture and/ or preferences are inconsistent with recommended diets. These issues incorporate complex links between food, identity and social participation.

A composite case has been developed to reflect ethical issues identified by practising speech pathologists for the purposes of illustrating ethical concerns in dysphagia management. The case examines a speech pathologist's role in supporting patient autonomy when patients and carers express different goals and values. The case presents a 68‐year‐old man of Australian/Italian heritage with severe swallowing impairment and strong values attached to food preferences. The case is examined through application of the dysphagia algorithm, a tool for shared decision‐making when patients refuse dietary modifications. Case analysis revealed the benefits and challenges of shared decision‐making processes in dysphagia management. Four health professional skills and attributes were identified as synonymous with shared decision making: communication, imagination, courage and reflection.
Health‐related quality of life in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a multinational, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Landfeldt Erik , Lindgren Peter , Bell Christopher F , Guglieri Michela , Straub Volker , Lochmüller Hanns , Bushby Katharine
Published: October 2015

Aim

To estimate health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Method

HRQOL was assessed using the Health Utilities Index Questionnaire (HUI) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) neuromuscular module version 3.0 online. Results were stratified by disease stage (early/late ambulatory/non‐ambulatory) and caregivers’ perceptions of patients’ health and mental status.

Results

A total of 770 patient–caregiver pairs (173 German, 122 Italian, 191 UK, and 284 USA) participated. Most caregivers (>84%) perceived their patients as happy/somewhat happy and in excellent/very good/good health, irrespective of current ambulatory class. In contrast, mean patient utility (reflecting public preferences: 0, dead; 1, perfect health) deteriorated with disease course, from 0.75 in early ambulatory males to 0.15 in the most severely affected patients. Mean patient PedsQL scores (0–100, higher score indicating better HRQOL) decreased from 80 to 57 across ambulatory classes.

Interpretation

HRQOL in DMD, measured through public preferences, is substantially impaired in relation to the general population and significantly associated with disease progression. Still, most patients are perceived as happy and in good health by their caregivers, indicating that influential domains of HRQOL remain intact through the disease progression. Our findings emphasize the challenges in measuring HRQOL in a rare, progressive childhood condition such as DMD.
One‐hour plasma glucose as a predictor of the development of Type 2 diabetes in Japanese adults
Authors: Oka R. , Aizawa T. , Miyamoto S. , Yoneda T. , Yamagishi M.
Published: October 2015

Aims

To test the hypothesis that 1‐h plasma glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test is a better predictor of the development of diabetes than 2‐h plasma glucose, independently of indices of insulin secretion or action in Japanese adults.

Methods

A historical cohort study was conducted in 1445 Japanese workers who did not have diabetes. The association between 1‐h plasma glucose and the development of Type 2 diabetes was analysed.

Results

Overall, 95 of the study participants developed Type 2 diabetes during a mean follow‐up of 4.5 years. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for 1‐h plasma glucose for future diabetes [0.88 (95% CI 0.84–0.91)] was greater than that for 2‐h plasma glucose [0.79 (95% CI 0.74–0.84)], and for insulinogenic [0.73 (95% CI 0.68–0.78)] and disposition indices [0.79 (95% CI 0.74–0.84); P < 0.05]. Compared with the first quartile, the hazard ratio for future diabetes in the fourth quartile of 1‐h plasma glucose was 42.5 [95% CI 5.7–315.2 (P < 0.05)] and the hazard ratio in the fourth quartile of 2‐h plasma glucose was 4.4 [95% CI 1.8–10.8 (P < 0.05)], after adjustments for covariates including fasting plasma glucose. The significance of the elevated hazard ratio in the fourth quartile of 1‐h plasma glucose was maintained after adjustments for 2‐h plasma glucose, insulinogenic index or disposition index, whereas the elevation of the hazard ratio in the fourth quartile of 2‐h plasma glucose was diminished and was no longer significant after adjustments for 1‐h plasma glucose.

Conclusions

One‐hour plasma glucose had a greater association with the future development of Type 2 diabetes than did 2‐h plasma glucose, independently of oral glucose tolerance test‐derived indices of insulin action in a Japanese population.
Protecting against ischaemic stroke in rats by heat shock protein 20‐mediated exercise
Authors: Lin Chien‐Min , Chang Cheng‐Kuei , Chang Ching‐Ping , Hsu Yu‐Chih , Lin Mao‐Tsun , Lin Jia‐Wei
Published: October 2015

Background

Exercise preconditioning (EP+) has been widely accepted as a being of safe and effective preventive measure for stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether EP+ improves outcomes of ischaemic stroke by promoting neuronal and glial expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 20.

Materials and methods

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (288 in number) were used to investigate the contribution of HSP20‐containing neurons and HSP20‐containing glial cells in the exercise‐mediated neuroprotection in the stroke condition using middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Results

Exercise preconditioning, in addition to increasing the numbers of both the HSP20‐containg neurons (88 ± 8 vs. 43 ± 4; n = 8 each group; P < 0·05) and the HSP20‐containg astrocytes (102 ± 10 vs. 56 ± 5; n = 8; P < 0·05) significantly attenuated stroke‐induced brain infarct (140 ± 9 vs. 341 ± 20 mm3; n = 8 per group; P < 0·01), neuronal apoptosis (20 ± 5 vs. 87 ± 7; n = 8 per group; n = 8; P < 0·01), glial apoptosis (29 ± 5 vs. 101 ± 4; n = 8; P < 0·01), and neurological deficits (6·6 ± 0·3 vs. 11·7 ± 0·8; n = 8 per group; P < 0·01). Reducing the numbers of both HSP20‐containing neurons and HSP20‐contaiing glia by intracerebral injection of pSUPER small interfering RNAί expressing HSP20 significantly reversed the beneficial effects of EP+ in attenuating stroke‐induced cerebral infarct, neuronal and glial apoptosis, and neurological deficits.

Conclusions

The numbers of both the HSP20‐containing neurons and the HSP20‐containing glia inversely correlated with the outcomes of ischaemic stroke. In addition, preischaemic treadmill exercise improves outcomes of ischaemic stroke by increasing the numbers of both the HSP20‐containing neurons and the HSP20‐containing glia.
Diagnosis and management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in Australia: findings from the first 5 years of the Australian TTP/thrombotic microangiopathy registry
Authors: Blombery P. , Kivivali L. , Pepperell D. , McQuilten Z. , Engelbrecht S. , Polizzotto M. N. , Phillips L. E. , Wood E. , Cohney S. ,   on behalf of the TTP registry steering committee
Published: October 2015

Background

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life‐threatening thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). In 2009, the Australian TTP/TMA registry was established to collect data on patients presenting with TTP/TMA throughout Australia.

Aim

To summarise information on the diagnosis and management of patients with TTP collected in the first 5 years (2009–2014) of the Australian TTP registry.

Methods

Registry data from June 2009 to October 2014 were reviewed.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients were identified with TTP (defined as ADAMTS13 activity <10%), accounting for 72 clinical episodes. ADAMTS13 inhibitor testing was performed in nine out of 57 patients (16%), reflecting the limited availability of accredited testing facilities. Sixty‐seven out of 72 episodes were treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (PEx) using cryodepleted plasma (40% of episodes), fresh frozen plasma (36%) or a mixture (22%). Median exposure to plasma products was 55.9 L. PEx was commenced ≥2 days from stated diagnosis in 15% of episodes. Adverse reactions to PEx were common with documented allergic reactions (including life threatening) in 21% of episodes. Adjunctive immunosuppression was documented in 76% of episodes (corticosteroid 71% and rituximab 39%). Platelet transfusion was administered in 15% of episodes.

Conclusions

Data from the Australian TTP/TMA registry suggest a heterogenous approach to the diagnosis and management of TTP in Australia over the assessed period. These observations highlight areas for improvement and standardisation of practice, including comprehensive diagnostic testing, more immediate access to PEx and a more uniform approach to adjunctive immunosuppression and supportive care.
Melatonin inhibits apoptosis and improves the developmental potential of vitrified bovine oocytes
Authors: Zhao Xue‐Ming , Hao Hai‐Sheng , Du Wei‐Hua , Zhao Shan‐Jiang , Wang Hao‐Yu , Wang Na , Wang Dong , Liu Yan , Qin Tong , Zhu Hua‐Bin
Published: October 2015

Vitrification of oocytes has been shown to be closely associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic events. However, little information is available the effect of melatonin on the ROS levels and apoptotic events in vitrified oocytes. Therefore, we studied the effect of melatonin on ROS and apoptotic events in vitrified bovine oocytes by supplementing vitrification solution or in vitro maturation (IVM) and vitrification solution with 10−9 m melatonin. We analyzed the ROS, mitochondrial Ca2+ (mCa2+) and membrane potential (ΔΨm), externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), caspase‐3 activation, DNA fragmentation, mRNA expression levels of Bax and Bcl2 l1, and developmental potential of vitrified bovine oocytes. Vitrified bovine oocytes exhibited increased levels of ROS, mCa2+, Bax mRNA, and caspase‐3 protein and higher rates of PS externalization and DNA fragmentation, and decreased ΔΨm and Bcl2 l1 mRNA expression level. However, melatonin supplementation in vitrification solution or IVM and vitrification solution significantly decreased the levels of ROS, mCa2+, Bax mRNA expression, and caspase‐3 protein, and PS externalization and DNA fragmentation rates, and increased the ΔΨm and Bcl2 l1 mRNA expression level in vitrified oocytes, resulting in an increased developmental ability of vitrified bovine oocytes after parthenogenetic activation. The developmental ability of vitrified oocytes with melatonin supplementation in IVM and vitrification solution was similar to that of fresh ones. This study showed that supplementing the IVM and vitrification medium or vitrification medium with 10−9 m melatonin significantly decreased the ROS level and inhibited apoptotic events of vitrified bovine oocytes, consequently increasing their developmental potential.
Drivers of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) daily activity: prey availability, human disturbance or habitat structure?
Authors: Díaz‐Ruiz F. , Caro J. , Delibes‐Mateos M. , Arroyo B. , Ferreras P.
Published: October 2015

Daily activity patterns in mammals depend on food availability, reproductive stage, habitat selection, intraspecific interactions and predation risk, among other factors. Some mammals exhibit behavioral plasticity in activity patterns, which allows them to adapt to environmental changes. A good example of this can be found in the red fox Vulpes vulpes. This species is adapted to living in highly humanized environments, where it is often culled because it may affect human interests (e.g. through the consumption of game species or livestock). We assessed the potential main drivers of the daily activity patterns of the red fox in 12 Iberian Mediterranean areas through the use of camera traps. Among drivers, we considered main prey availability (European wild rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus), degree of human disturbance (e.g. distance to human settlements, and intensity of predator control) and habitat structure. Our results revealed a predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal activity of foxes with local variations. Although overall fox activity increased with rabbit availability, the temporal overlap with prey activity was on average low, because foxes increased activity when rabbits decreased theirs (twilight‐night). Red fox activity rhythms seemed to be determined by human presence where human disturbance is high. In addition, diurnal activity decreased in areas with higher levels of human disturbance (closer to human settlements and high predator control intensity) and increased in dense habitats. Our study shows that daily activity patterns of highly adaptable species are determined by several interacting drivers, resulting in complex behavioral patterns. This suggests that further ecological studies should consider different factors simultaneously for a better understanding of daily activity patterns of wildlife in different landscapes.
The Multivalent Adhesion Molecule SSO1327 plays a key role in Shigella sonnei pathogenesis
Authors: Mahmoud Rasha Y. , Stones Daniel Henry , Li Wenqin , Emara Mohamed , El‐domany Ramadan A. , Wang Depu , Wang Yili , Krachler Anne Marie , Yu Jun
Published: October 2015

Shigella sonnei is a bacterial pathogen and causative agent of bacillary dysentery. It deploys a type III secretion system to inject effector proteins into host epithelial cells and macrophages, an essential step for tissue invasion and immune evasion. Although the arsenal of bacterial effectors and their cellular targets have been studied extensively, little is known about the prerequisites for deployment of type III secreted proteins during infection. Here, we describe a novel S. sonnei adhesin, SSO1327 which is a multivalent adhesion molecule (MAM) required for invasion of epithelial cells and macrophages and for infection in vivo. The S. sonnei MAM mediates intimate attachment to host cells, which is required for efficient translocation of type III effectors into host cells. SSO1327 is non‐redundant to IcsA; its activity is independent of type III secretion. In contrast to the up‐regulation of IcsA‐dependent and independent attachment and invasion by deoxycholate in Shigella flexneri, deoxycholate negatively regulates IcsA and MAM in S. sonnei resulting in reduction in attachment and invasion and virulence attenuation in vivo. A strain deficient for SSO1327 is avirulent in vivo, but still elicits a host immune response.
Asymmetric facilitation can reduce size inequality in plant populations resulting in delayed density‐dependent mortality
Authors: Lin Yue , Berger Uta , Yue Ming , Grimm Volker
Published: October 2015

Size inequality in plant populations is a ubiquitous feature that has received much attention due to ecological and evolutionary implications. The mechanisms driving size inequality were mainly attributed to different modes of competition (symmetric versus asymmetric), while the potential effects of different modes of facilitation (symmetric versus asymmetric) to this pattern have not yet been fully explored. We employed an individual‐based model to explore the relative roles of both competition and facilitation simultaneously along an environmental stress gradient. Special emphasis was given to the assessment of symmetric facilitation (plants receive benefit from each other equally or proportionally to benefactors’ sizes) and asymmetric facilitation (beneficiary plants receive benefits from benefactor plants that are higher than proportional to the benefactors’ size) in altering plant size inequality. We found that independent of the particular mode of competition, symmetric facilitation generally increased size inequality, whereas asymmetric facilitation decreased it. This pattern was consistent along the stress gradient. Because of their different effects on size inequality, symmetric facilitation accelerated self‐thinning, whereas asymmetric facilitation delayed the onset of density‐dependent mortality, promoting survival under intermediate stress conditions. We compared our model predictions with both 1) a previous modelling study focusing on the effect of (symmetric) facilitation on the size inequality, and 2) re‐analysed data from a published experiment generating asymmetric facilitation of plants against enhanced ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B). Whereas our model predictions and the results of the empirical experiment were consistent, we found that previous theoretical results that solely relied on symmetric facilitation need to be re‐adjusted. Our study showed that combinations of different modes of competition and facilitation can alter size inequality in different ways and with important consequences for the onset of density‐dependent mortality during population development. Explicitly considering different modes and mechanisms of interactions (both facilitation and competition) will improve mechanistic understanding in plant ecology.
Proterozoic photosynthesis – a critical review
Authors: Butterfield Nicholas J.
Published: October 2015

Chlorophyll‐based photosynthesis has fuelled the biosphere since at least the early Archean, but it was the ecological takeover of oxygenic cyanobacteria in the early Palaeoproterozoic, and of photosynthetic eukaryotes in the late Neoproterozoic, that gave rise to a recognizably modern ocean–atmosphere system. The fossil record offers a unique view of photosynthesis in deep time, but is deeply compromised by differential preservation and non‐diagnostic morphologies. The pervasively polyphyletic expression of modern cyanobacterial phenotypes means that few Proterozoic fossils are likely to be members of extant clades; rather than billion‐year stasis, their similarity to modern counterparts is better interpreted as a combination of serial convergence and extinction, facilitated by high levels of horizontal gene transfer. There are few grounds for identifying cyanobacterial akinetes or crown‐group Nostocales in the Proterozoic record. Such recognition undermines the results of various ancestral state reconstruction analyses, as well as molecular clock estimates calibrated against demonstrably problematic Proterozoic fossils. Eukaryotic organisms are likely to have acquired their (stem‐group nostocalean) photoendosymbionts/plastids by at least the Palaeoproterozoic, but remained ecologically marginalized by incumbent cyanobacteria until the late Neoproterozoic appearance of suspension‐feeding animals.
The key regulator of submergence tolerance, SUB1A, promotes photosynthetic and metabolic recovery from submergence damage in rice leaves
Authors: Alpuerto Jasper Benedict , Hussain Rana Muhammad Fraz , Fukao Takeshi
Published: October 2015

The submergence‐tolerance regulator, SUBMERGENCE1A (SUB1A), of rice (Oryza sativa L.) modulates gene regulation, metabolism and elongation growth during submergence. Its benefits continue during desubmergence through protection from reactive oxygen species and dehydration, but there is limited understanding of SUB1A's role in physiological recovery from the stress. Here, we investigated the contribution of SUB1A to desubmergence recovery using the two near‐isogenic lines, submergence‐sensitive M202 and tolerant M202(Sub1). No visible damage was detected in the two genotypes after 3 d of submergence, but the sublethal stress differentially altered photosynthetic parameters and accumulation of energy reserves. Submergence inhibited photosystem II photochemistry and stimulated breakdown of protein and accumulation of several amino acids in both genotypes at similar levels. Upon desubmergence, however, more rapid return to homeostasis of these factors was observed in M202(Sub1). Submergence considerably restrained non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) in M202, whereas the value was unaltered in M202(Sub1) during the stress. Upon reaeration, submerged plants encounter sudden exposure to higher light. A greater capability for NPQ‐mediated photoprotection can benefit the rapid recovery of photosynthetic performance and energy reserve metabolism in M202(Sub1). Our findings illuminate the significant role of SUB1A in active physiological recovery upon desubmergence, a component of enhanced tolerance to submergence.
Correction for Range Restriction in Meta‐Analysis Revisited: Improvements and Implications for Organizational Research
Authors: Le Huy , Oh In‐Sue , Schmidt Frank L. , Wooldridge Colin D.
Published: October 2015

In this study, we present a more accurate method for correcting for range restriction (Case V) that expands upon Bryant and Gokhale's (1972) method. We further present detailed steps to incorporate the Case V method into Schmidt and Hunter's (2015) psychometric meta‐analysis methods (both individual correction and artifact distribution approaches). We then evaluate the accuracy of the Case V method vis‐à‐vis existing methods. Monte‐Carlo simulation results indicate that the Case V method provides very accurate estimates for the mean true score correlation and reasonably accurate estimates for the true standard deviation. More important, Case V almost always provides more accurate results than alternative methods (particularly, Case IV). To illustrate how the Case V method works with real data, we conduct a reanalysis of Judge, Heller, and Mount's (2002) meta‐analysis examining the relationships between the Big 5 personality traits and job satisfaction. Results indicate that the true score correlations between the Big 5 traits and job satisfaction have been underestimated, whereas their true standard deviations have been overestimated. Implications for range restriction corrections in organizational research are discussed.
The individual and relational risks of providing support to an inconsolable partner
Authors: KARIMIHA GELAREH , REHMAN UZMA S. , MACDONALD TARA K.
Published: October 2015

The two studies in this article examined how perceptions of partner inconsolability are associated with the self‐esteem and relationship satisfaction of the caregiver. Study 1 documented a negative correlation between perceptions of partner inconsolability and relationship satisfaction, particularly among those high in rejection sensitivity. This association held even when controlling for both self‐ and partner‐reported levels of caregiving, as well as individual characteristics of both partners that may bias perceptions of inconsolability. In Study 2, participants who recalled a time when their partner was inconsolable reported lower state self‐esteem, and among individuals high in rejection sensitivity, lower relationship satisfaction.
Cell morphology and life history of Dictyocha octonaria (Dictyochophyceae, Ochrophyta) from Wellington Harbour, New Zealand
Authors: Chang F. Hoe
Published: October 2015

Even though many aspects of Dictyocha fibula and D. speculum have long been studied, very little is known about D. octonaria. For the first time a clonal culture derived from a single cell of D. octonaria from Wellington Harbour was studied in detail. In the skeleton‐bearing stage three morphotypes were observed – skeleton bearing, mucocyst‐bearing and amoeboid, while in the naked stage only the naked form was studied. In this study the mucocyst‐bearing form was described as a new morphotype. Vegetative reproduction of the skeleton‐bearing form in the exponential growth phase was by both direct binary fission and by first forming a doublet and then two separate daughter cells, while that of naked form was by simple binary fission. Occasionally double skeletons were observed as end products of both the vegetative and sexual reproductions. In sexual reproduction all three forms in the skeleton‐bearing stage exhibited the same polymorphic life history involving a multinucleate stage. The newly formed daughter cells of all three forms developed individual siliceous skeletons prior to being released from the parent cell. The naked form in the naked stage, however, exhibited a separate polymorphic life history that produced only skeleton‐free daughter cells. For the first time both vegetative and sexual reproduction of D. octonaria were documented.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points System for a Bull Semen Production Centre
Authors: Goularte KL , Madeira EM , Ferreira CER , Duval EH , Vieira AD , Mondadori RG , Lucia T
Published: October 2015

Contents

Bull semen production centres (SPC) generally present satisfactory quality control for sperm processing, but non‐standardized hygiene procedures. This study describes a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system developed for bull SPC and subsequently implemented in a commercial SPC. After the identification of hazards at each step of semen processing and the determination of their risk and severity, monitoring and corrective procedures were designed to assess the system's efficiency. The HACCP system identified six microbiological hazards, 10 physical hazards, four chemical hazards and three critical control points. After the establishment of Good Processing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Sanitizing Operating Procedures, the system was validated through an audit, to identify eventual failures and to define measures to correct them.
Influence of Different Protocols of Urethral Catheterization after Pharmacological Induction (Ur.Ca.P.I.) on Semen Quality in the Domestic Cat
Authors: Cunto M , Küster DG , Bini C , Cartolano C , Pietra M , Zambelli D
Published: October 2015

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence that different protocols of urethral catheterization after pharmacological induction (Ur.Ca.P.I.) may have on the semen quality of the domestic cat. The study has been divided into two experiments: one in which different dosages of medetomidine administrated are evaluated and the second one in which the timing of the catheterization after pharmacological induction is tested. In the first experiment, 18 cats were sedated with the recommended dosage of medetomidine (130 μg/kg i.m.) while the other 18 were sedated with a lower dose of the same drug (50 μg/kg i.m.). In the second experiment, three groups were implemented, each containing 25 subjects. In group 1, the semen collection was performed immediately once the pharmacological effect of the drug was reached; in group 2, the semen collection was performed three times every 5 min after the pharmacological effect was reached; finally, in group 3, Ur.Ca.P.I. was performed 20 min after the pharmacological effect was reached. All the different protocols permitted sperm collection, nevertheless the first experiment showed a better quality in terms of volume, concentration, total number of spermatozoa (p < 0.01) and quality of the movement (motility p < 0.05 and forward progressive motility p < 0.01), using a high medetomidine dosage rather than 50 μg/kg i.m. In the second experiment, forward motility was statistically higher (p < 0.01) in the first group and total volume was higher (p < 0.01) in the second and third group, while other parameters were statistically not different. Results suggest that a single catheterization immediately after the onset of the pharmacological effect leads to a good‐quality semen with the lowest possibility of damaging the urethra and that a sedation with 130 μg/kg of medetomidine leads to a better quality sperm collection than 50 μg/kg does.
External controls on the distribution, fabrics and mineralization of modern microbial mats in a coastal hypersaline lagoon, Cayo Coco (Cuba)
Authors: Bouton Anthony , Vennin Emmanuelle , Pace Aurélie , Bourillot Raphaël , Dupraz Christophe , Thomazo Christophe , Brayard Arnaud , Désaubliaux Guy , Visscher Pieter T.
Published: October 2015

Active, carbonate‐mineralizing microbial mats flourish in a tropical, highly evaporative, marine‐fed lagoonal network to the south of Cayo Coco Island (Cuba). Hypersaline conditions support the development of a complex sedimentary microbial ecosystem with diverse morphologies, a variable intensity of mineralization and a potential for preservation. In this study, the role of intrinsic (i.e. microbial) and extrinsic (i.e. physicochemical) controls on microbial mat development, mineralization and preservation was investigated. The network consists of lagoons, forming in the interdune depressions of a Pleistocene aeolian substratum; they developed due to a progressive increase in sea‐level since the Holocene. The hydrological budget in the Cayo Coco lagoonal network changes from west to east, increasing the salinity. This change progressively excludes grazers and increases the saturation index of carbonate minerals, favouring the development and mineralization of microbial mats in the easternmost lagoons. Detailed mapping of the easternmost lagoon shows four zones with different flooding regimes. The microbial activity in the mats was recorded using light–dark shifts in conjunction with microelectrode O2 and HS− profiles. High rates of O2 production and consumption, in addition to substantial amounts of exopolymeric substances, are indicative of a potentially strong intrinsic control on mineralization. Seasonal, climate‐driven water fluctuations are key for mat development, mineralization, morphology and distribution. Microbial mats show no mineralization in the permanently submersed zone, and moderate mineralization in zones with alternating immersion and exposure. It is suggested that mineralization is also driven by water‐level fluctuations and evaporation. Mineralized mats are laminated and consist of alternating trapping and binding of grains and microbially induced magnesium calcite and dolomite precipitation. The macrofabrics of the mats evolve from early colonizing Flat mats to complex Cerebroid or Terrace structures. The macrofabrics are influenced by the hydrodynamic regime: wind‐driven waves inducing relief terraces in windward areas and flat morphologies on the leeward side of the lagoon. Other external drivers include: (i) storm events that either promote (for example, by bioclasts covering) or prevent (for example, by causing erosion) microbial mat preservation; and (ii) subsurface degassing, through mangrove roots and desiccation cracks covered by Flat mats (i.e. forming Hemispheroids and Cerebroidal structures). These findings provide in‐depth insights into understanding fossil microbialite morphologies that formed in lagoonal settings.
Conclusion: The Political Consequences of the Polarization of Swiss Politics
Authors: Kriesi Hanspeter
Published: October 2015

In this conclusion, I attempt to provide a synthesis of the findings of this superb set of papers and put them into a broader perspective. For this purpose, I also rely on some other more recent assessments of Swiss politics – in particular on Sciarini, Fischer and Traber's (2015) replication of my own study of Swiss politics in the 1970s, which covers the most important political decision‐making processes of 2000–2006, and on a recent special issue of the Swiss Political Science Review (SPSR 2014) that is dedicated to the 2011 Swiss Elections. I proceed in four steps: first, I discuss the guiding theme of this collection of papers – the increasing party competition and the related polarization of Swiss politics, as well as the drivers of this development. Then, I turn to the consequences of this development for Swiss politics and Swiss policies. I conclude with a summary discussion, where I draw attention to the forgotten elephant in the room – the Great Recession and the Euro‐crisis.
Retracted: Cucumber metal tolerance protein CsMTP9 is a plasma membrane H+‐coupled antiporter involved in the Mn2+ and Cd2+ efflux from root cells
Authors: Migocka Magdalena , Papierniak Anna , Kosieradzka Anna , Posyniak Ewelina , Maciaszczyk‐Dziubinska Ewa , Biskup Robert , Garbiec Arnold , Marchewka Tadeusz
Published: October 2015

Retraction statement: ‘Cucumber metal tolerance protein CsMTP 9 is a plasma membrane H+‐coupled antiporter involved in the Mn2+ and Cd2+ efflux from root cells’ by Magdalena Migocka, Anna Papierniak, Anna Kosieradzka, Ewelina Posyniak, Ewa Maciaszczyk‐Dziubinska, Robert Biskup, Arnold Garbiec and Tadeusz Marchewka (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/tpj.13056) and ‘Cucumber metal tolerance protein 7 (CsMTP7) is involved in the accumulation of Fe in mitochondria under Fe excess’ by Magdalena Migocka, Karolina Małas, Ewa Maciaszczyk‐Dziubinska, Anna Papierniak, Ewelina Posyniak and Arnold Garbiec (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/tpj.14006)

The above articles published online in The Plant Journal on 20 October 2015 and 22 June 2018 respectively have been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor‐in‐Chief (Lee Sweetlove), John Wiley & Sons Ltd and the Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University. The retraction has been agreed due to concern over image manipulation and duplication.
In vitro susceptibility of contagious ovine digital dermatitis associated Treponema spp. isolates to antimicrobial agents in the UK
Authors: Angell Joseph W. , Clegg Simon R. , Sullivan Leigh E. , Duncan Jennifer S. , Grove‐White Dai H. , Carter Stuart D. , Evans Nicholas J.
Published: October 2015

Background

Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an important cause of infectious lameness in sheep in the UK and Ireland and has a severe impact on the welfare of affected individuals. The three treponemal phylogroups Treponema medium/Treponema vincentii‐like, Treponema phagedenis‐like and Treponema pedis spirochaetes have been associated with clinical CODD lesions and are considered to be a necessary cause of disease. There are scant data on the antimicrobial susceptibility of the treponemes cultured from CODD lesions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine in vitro the miniumum inhibitory concentration/ minimum bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC) of antimicrobials used in the sheep industry for isolates of the three CODD associated treponeme phylogroups T. medium/T. vincentii‐like, T. phagedenis‐like and T. pedis.

Animals

Twenty treponeme isolates; from 19 sheep with clinical CODD lesions.

Methods

A microdilution method was used to determine in vitro the MIC/MBC of 10 antimicrobial agents for 20 treponeme isolates (five T. medium/T. vincentii‐like, 10 T. phagedenis‐like and five T. pedis). The antimicrobials tested were penicillin G, amoxicillin, oxytetracycline, tilmicosin, lincomycin, spectinomycin, tylosin, tildipirosin, tulathromycin and gamithromycin.

Results

The treponeme isolates tested showed low MICs and MBCs to all 10 antimicrobials tested. They were most susceptible to gamithromycin and tildipirosin (MIC90: 0.0469 mg/L), and were least susceptible to lincomycin, spectinomycin and oxytetracycline (MIC90: 48 mg/L, 24 mg/L and 3 mg/L, respectively).

Conclusions

These data are comparable to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility data for treponemes cultured from bovine digital dermatitis lesions. Dependent on local licensing, penicillin and tilmicosin appear to be the best candidates for future in vivo studies.
Serological Evidence of Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus Infections in Greek Swine
Authors: Kyriakis C. S. , Papatsiros V. G. , Athanasiou L. V. , Valiakos G. , Brown I. H. , Simon G. , Van Reeth K. , Tsiodras S. , Spyrou V. , Billinis C.
Published: October 2015

The introduction of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus in pigs changed the epidemiology of influenza A viruses (IAVs) in swine in Europe and the rest of the world. Previously, three IAV subtypes were found in the European pig population: an avian‐like H1N1 and two reassortant H1N2 and H3N2 viruses with human‐origin haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase proteins and internal genes of avian decent. These viruses pose antigenically distinct HAs, which allow the retrospective diagnosis of infection in serological investigations. However, cross‐reactions between the HA of pH1N1 and the HAs of the other circulating H1 IAVs complicate serological diagnosis. The prevalence of IAVs in Greek swine has been poorly investigated. In this study, we examined and compared haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titres against previously established IAVs and pH1N1 in 908 swine sera from 88 herds, collected before and after the 2009 pandemic. While we confirmed the historic presence of the three IAVs established in European swine, we also found that 4% of the pig sera examined after 2009 had HI antibodies only against the pH1N1 virus. Our results indicate that pH1N1 is circulating in Greek pigs and stress out the importance of a vigorous virological surveillance programme.
Elevated Temperature Fretting Wear Behavior of Cobalt-Based Alloys
Authors: Sathisha C. H. , Ravikumar B. N. , Anand K. , Shalini T.
Published: October 2015

Structural parts in gas turbines undergo fretting wear, and as clearances open up, it turns into impact wear. Uncoated cobalt-based substrates that are used in such applications show poor resistance to fretting/impact damage and undergo extensive/unacceptable level of degradation. Commonly used substrate materials such as uncoated cobalt-based materials show poor resistance to fretting/impact wear. This study is focused on assessing the performance of high velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) tungsten carbide (WC) coatings and sintered tungsten carbide inserts as potential solutions for mitigating this issue. Sintered WC12Co with grain size range from 0.2 μm to 4.5 μm and HVOF coating with composition of WC–17%Co was tested. It was found that the HVOF coatings performed better than sintered material and the behavior was attributed to the hard WC particles surrounded by the higher volume fraction of cobalt binder. In the HVOF coating, the normal load was better accommodated by the decarburized WC but a fairly tough binder-surrounding matrix. An additional factor is that the sintered WC had significant volume fraction of undesirable W2C phase, which apparently underwent fracture during the test, thus showing an inferior behavior compared to the HVOF WC coating.
Spherical grating based x‐ray Talbot interferometry
Authors: Cong Wenxiang , Xi Yan , Wang Ge
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

Grating interferometry is a state‐of‐the‐art x‐ray imaging approach, which can acquire information on x‐ray attenuation, phase shift, and small‐angle scattering simultaneously. Phase‐contrast imaging and dark‐field imaging are very sensitive to microstructural variation and offers superior contrast resolution for biological soft tissues. However, a common x‐ray tube is a point‐like source. As a result, the popular planar grating imaging configuration seriously restricts the flux of photons and decreases the visibility of signals, yielding a limited field of view. The purpose of this study is to extend the planar x‐ray grating imaging theory and methods to a spherical grating scheme for a wider range of preclinical and clinical applications.

Methods:

A spherical grating matches the wave front of a point x‐ray source very well, allowing the perpendicular incidence of x‐rays on the grating to achieve a higher visibility over a larger field of view than the planer grating counterpart. A theoretical analysis of the Talbot effect for spherical grating imaging is proposed to establish a basic foundation for x‐ray spherical gratings interferometry. An efficient method of spherical grating imaging is also presented to extract attenuation, differential phase, and dark‐field images in the x‐ray spherical grating interferometer.

Results:

Talbot self‐imaging with spherical gratings is analyzed based on the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction formula, featuring a periodic angular distribution in a polar coordinate system. The Talbot distance is derived to reveal the Talbot self‐imaging pattern. Numerical simulation results show the self‐imaging phenomenon of a spherical grating interferometer, which is in agreement with the theoretical prediction.

Conclusions:

X‐ray Talbot interferometry with spherical gratings has a significant practical promise. Relative to planar grating imaging, spherical grating based x‐ray Talbot interferometry has a larger field of view and improves both signal visibility and dose utilization for pre‐clinical and clinical applications.
Technical Note: Phantom study to evaluate the dose and image quality effects of a computed tomography organ‐based tube current modulation technique
Authors: Gandhi Diksha , Crotty Dominic J. , Stevens Grant M. , Schmidt Taly Gilat
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

This technical note quantifies the dose and image quality performance of a clinically available organ‐dose‐based tube current modulation (ODM) technique, using experimental and simulation phantom studies. The investigated ODM implementation reduces the tube current for the anterior source positions, without increasing current for posterior positions, although such an approach was also evaluated for comparison.

Methods:

Axial CT scans at 120 kV were performed on head and chest phantoms on an ODM‐equipped scanner (Optima CT660, GE Healthcare, Chalfont St. Giles, England). Dosimeters quantified dose to breast, lung, heart, spine, eye lens, and brain regions for ODM and 3D‐modulation (SmartmA) settings. Monte Carlo simulations, validated with experimental data, were performed on 28 voxelized head phantoms and 10 chest phantoms to quantify organ dose and noise standard deviation. The dose and noise effects of increasing the posterior tube current were also investigated.

Results:

ODM reduced the dose for all experimental dosimeters with respect to SmartmA, with average dose reductions across dosimeters of 31% (breast), 21% (lung), 24% (heart), 6% (spine), 19% (eye lens), and 11% (brain), with similar results for the simulation validation study. In the phantom library study, the average dose reduction across all phantoms was 34% (breast), 20% (lung), 8% (spine), 20% (eye lens), and 8% (brain). ODM increased the noise standard deviation in reconstructed images by 6%–20%, with generally greater noise increases in anterior regions. Increasing the posterior tube current provided similar dose reduction as ODM for breast and eye lens, increased dose to the spine, with noise effects ranging from 2% noise reduction to 16% noise increase. At noise equal to SmartmA, ODM increased the estimated effective dose by 4% and 8% for chest and head scans, respectively. Increasing the posterior tube current further increased the effective dose by 15% (chest) and 18% (head) relative to SmartmA.

Conclusions:

ODM reduced dose in all experimental and simulation studies over a range of phantoms, while increasing noise. The results suggest a net dose/noise benefit for breast and eye lens for all studied phantoms, negligible lung dose effects for two phantoms, increased lung dose and/or noise for eight phantoms, and increased dose and/or noise for brain and spine for all studied phantoms compared to the reference protocol.