bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeographical regions and phytogeography of the eucalypts
Authors: González‐Orozco Carlos E. , Thornhill Andrew H. , Knerr Nunzio , Laffan Shawn , Miller Joseph T.
Published: September 2013

Aim

To map spatial patterns of species richness, species endemism and species turnover of the eucalypts; to propose a biogeographical regionalization of eucalypts based on species turnover; and to identify the environmental correlates of these patterns.

Location

Australia andMalesia.

Methods

We analysed 798 eucalypt species (Angophora,CorymbiaandEucalyptus) with distributions acrossAustralia andMalesia using square cells with a resolution of 100 × 100 km. Species richness, endemism and species turnover were calculated. Phytogeographical regions were identified using an agglomerative cluster analysis derived from a matrix of pairwiseSimpson's beta (βsim) dissimilarity values. Eleven environmental variables were used to analyse the environmental correlates of species turnover. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of the βsim,Getis‐OrdGi* hotspot spatial statistics and an ordination of the βsim‐NMDSwere used to investigate the environmental drivers at the continental level and for each of the phytogeographical regions.

Results

We identified three centres of species richness and fourteen of endemism, of which several are newly identified. The main centres of species richness agree with previous studies. Six major eucalypt phytogeographical regions are proposed based on the species turnover: monsoon, tropical/subtropical, south‐east, south‐west,Eremaean north andEremaean south. These findings are supported by significant environmental differences of theNMDSvectors and theGi* statistics. The environmental drivers of species turnover are broadly consistent with the continental patterns of summer and winter rainfall below and above theTropic ofCapricorn.

Main conclusions

The proposed phytogeographical regions are similar to theAustralian biomes. Climate is the main driver of the phytogeographical regions, varying from region to region. Comprehensive bioregionalization frameworks and phytogeography updates, as proposed here, are fundamental for enhancing our understanding of the spatial distribution of biodiversity and therefore benefit global biogeography and help planners to identify regions of high conservation relevance.
More satisfied, but why? A pooled patient‐level analysis of treatment satisfaction following the initiation of insulin glargine vs. comparators in insulin‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Polonsky W. , Traylor L. , Wei W. , Shi R. , Ameer B. , Vlajnic A. , Nicolucci A.
Published: September 2013

Aim

To assess patient‐reported outcomes associated with initiating insulin glargine among insulin‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This was a pooled analysis of patient‐level data from Phase 3, randomized controlled trials evaluating once‐daily insulin glargine vs. comparator treatment for ≥24 weeks in previously insulin‐naïve adult patients with T2DM and poor glycaemic control. Eligible studies utilized strict, predefined insulin titration algorithms with weekly dose‐adjustment to achieve fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels of ≤5.6 mmol/l. Treatment satisfaction was measured using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) change (c) and status (s) versions.

Results

A total of 1577 patients from four studies were included; 830 patients treated with insulin glargine and 747 with comparators. At week 24, DTSQc scores improved in both groups with a significantly higher increase in treatment satisfaction for insulin glargine vs. comparators (13.5 vs. 12.1; p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that significant predictors of DTSQc improvement at week 24 were insulin glargine treatment (p < 0.0001), higher baseline DTSQs (p < 0.0001), and lower baseline body weight (p = 0.0103). Greater improvement in DTSQc at week 24 was significantly associated with decrease from baseline in glycosylated haemoglobin (p < 0.001) and FPG (p = 0.0001); a numerically more positive change in weight from baseline approached significance (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Initiation of insulin glargine in insulin‐naïve patients with T2DM is associated with greater improvements in treatment satisfaction than alternative interventions, with perceived improvements in glycaemic control and baseline weight likely to be important factors.
Reducing capacity of water extracts of biochars and their solubilization of soilMn andFe
Authors: Graber E. R. , Tsechansky L. , Lew B. , Cohen E.
Published: September 2013

Biochar, being produced in an oxygen‐restricted environment, is chemically more reduced than the original feedstock. Consequently, it was hypothesized that reduced biochar components could participate in redox‐mediated reactions in the soil. This hypothesis was tested by measuring the reducing capacities of aqueous extracts of biochars and the reduction and solubilization of soilMn andFe oxides by the extracts. The reduction capacity of extracts from biochars produced from three feedstocks (eucalyptus wood,EUC; olive pomace,OP; and greenhouse waste,GHW) at different highest pyrolysis treatment temperatures (HTT; 350, 450, 600 and 800°C) was less for theEUCfeedstock than the others, and was greater for biochars produced at lowerHTTs. The organic fraction of the extracts apparently was responsible for the major part of the reducing capacity. Extracts of smaller‐HTTbiochars, having greater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents, had greater reducing capacities than extracts of larger‐HTTbiochars from the same feedstock. Extracts of twoGHWbiochars (GHW‐450 andGHW‐600) solubilizedMn andFe from soils atpHvalues below 8. The extract with the greater reducing capacity (GHW‐450) solubilized both metals to a significantly greater extent. Smaller‐HTTbiochars produced from agricultural wastes, having a greater variety and concentration of soluble reducing agents, are expected to have more impact on soil redox reactions than larger‐HTTbiochars. By participating in chemical and biological redox‐mediated reactions in the soil, biochar could influence microbial electron shuttling, nutrient cycling, pollutant degradation, contaminant mobilization and abiotic formation of humic structures.
The spatial patterns of directional phenotypic selection
Authors: Siepielski Adam M. , Gotanda Kiyoko M. , Morrissey Michael B. , Diamond Sarah E. , DiBattista Joseph D. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: September 2013

Local adaptation, adaptive population divergence and speciation are often expected to result from populations evolving in response to spatial variation in selection. Yet, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the major features that characterise the spatial patterns of selection, namely the extent of variation among populations in the strength and direction of selection. Here, we analyse a data set of spatially replicated studies of directional phenotypic selection from natural populations. The data set includes 60 studies, consisting of 3937 estimates of selection across an average of five populations. We performed meta‐analyses to explore features characterising spatial variation in directional selection. We found that selection tends to vary mainly in strength and less in direction among populations. Although differences in the direction of selection occur among populations they do so where selection is often weakest, which may limit the potential for ongoing adaptive population divergence. Overall, we also found that spatial variation in selection appears comparable to temporal (annual) variation in selection within populations; however, several deficiencies in available data currently complicate this comparison. We discuss future research needs to further advance our understanding of spatial variation in selection.
Analysis of mitochondrial COI sequences of the Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) species complex in Thailand
Authors: Julsirikul Duangta , Worapong Jeerapun , Kitthawee Sangvorn
Published: September 2013

Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is an Opiinae parasitoid used to control tephritid fruit flies, which cause tremendous economic losses of fruits worldwide. In Thailand, D. longicaudata is classified as three sibling species, DLA, DLB and DLBB, based on the morphological and biological species concepts but their genetic variation has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the genetic differentiation of the mitochondrial COI gene to clarify the ambiguous taxonomy of this species complex. The 603‐bp COI region was sequenced from laboratory‐bred colonies and field‐collected specimens from seven locations representing five geographical regions in Thailand. DLA was associated with the host Bactrocera correcta while DLB and DLBB were associated with Bactrocera dorsalis. The interspecific nucleotide differences of COI sequences among the three groups ranged from 6.70% to 7.62% (Kimura 2‐parameter distance), which adequately separates species complexes within the order Hymenoptera and supports the current sibling species classification. The neighbor joining, maximum likelihood and consensus Bayesian phylogenetic trees constructed from COI sequences revealed that the three sibling species of laboratory and field‐collected D. longicaudata are monophyletic with 100% support. The high genetic variation and molecular phylogeny of the COI sequences were shown to discriminate between the D. longicaudata species examined in this study.
Functional and structural brain networks in epilepsy: What have we learned?
Authors: van Diessen Eric , Diederen Sander J. H. , Braun Kees P. J. , Jansen Floor E. , Stam Cornelis J.
Published: September 2013

Brain functioning is increasingly seen as a complex interplay of dynamic neural systems that rely on the integrity of structural and functional networks. Recent studies that have investigated functional and structural networks in epilepsy have revealed specific disruptions in connectivity and network topology and, consequently, have led to a shift from “focus” to “networks” in modern epilepsy research. Disruptions in these networks may be associated with cognitive and behavioral impairments often seen in patients with chronic epilepsy. In this review, we aim to provide an overview that would introduce the clinical neurologist and epileptologist to this new theoretical paradigm. We focus on the application of a theory, called “network analysis,” to characterize resting‐state functional and structural networks and discuss current and future clinical applications of network analysis in patients with epilepsy.
Microstructural integrity of early‐ versus late‐myelinating white matter tracts in medial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Lee Chu‐Yu , Tabesh Ali , Benitez Andreana , Helpern Joseph A. , Jensen Jens H. , Bonilha Leonardo
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) exhibit structural brain damage involving gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM). The mechanisms underlying tissue loss in MTLE are unclear and may be associated with a combination of seizure excitotoxicity and WM vulnerability. The goal of this study was to investigate whether late‐myelinating WM tracts are more vulnerable to injury in MTLE compared with early myelinating tracts.

Methods

Diffusional kurtosis imaging scans were obtained from 25 patients with MTLE and from 36 matched healthy controls. Diffusion measures from regions of interest (ROIs) for both late‐ and early myelinating WM tracts were analyzed. Regional Z‐scores were computed with respect to normal controls to compare WM in early myelinating tracts versus late‐myelinating tracts.

Key Findings

We observed that late‐myelinating tracts exhibited a larger decrease in mean, axial, and radial kurtosis compared with early myelinating tracts. We also observed that the change in radial kurtosis was more pronounced in late‐myelinating tracts ipsilateral to the side of seizure onset.

Significance

These results suggest a developmentally based preferential susceptibility of late‐myelinating WM tracts to damage in MTLE. Brain injury in epilepsy may be due to the pathologic effects of seizures in combination with regional WM vulnerability.
Distal limb desensitisation following analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath in horses using four different techniques
Authors: Jordana M. , Martens A. , Duchateau L. , Vanderperren K. , Saunders J. , Oosterlinck M. , Pille F.
Published: September 2013

Reasons for performing study

Controversy exists about the desensitisation obtained after diagnostic analgesia of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) during lameness examinations.

Objectives

To determine whether DFTS analgesia results in inadvertent desensitisation of the palmar/plantar digital nerves and whether this depends on the injection technique used.

Study design

Crossover experimental study.

Methods

The DFTS of 9 horses were injected with local anaesthetic solution and radiodense contrast medium using one of the following techniques: Proximal (at lateral proximal recess of the DFTS), Axial (axial to the lateral proximal sesamoid bone), Base (at base of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone), and Distal (at palmar/plantar mid‐pastern). In total, 72 injections were performed. Skin desensitisation at the heel bulbs was tested with a dynamometer before and at 15, 30, 90 and 120 min after injection.

Results

Overall, complete desensitisation of a heel bulb at one or more time points after injection occurred in 22 limbs (30.6%). An additional 7 limbs were partially desensitised. Complete skin desensitisation occurred in 10, 3, 4 and 5 limbs using the Proximal, Axial, Base and Distal techniques respectively. Significant differences between techniques were only found at T30. The probability of skin desensitisation at the heel bulbs was 4 times higher when using the Proximal compared with the Axial and Base techniques in the forelimbs, and 3 times higher compared with the Axial and Distal techniques in the hindlimbs. Skin desensitisation nearly always occurred exclusively on the lateral heel bulb. Bilateral desensitisation only occurred in 5 limbs.

Conclusions

Anaesthesia of the palmar/plantar digital nerves with distal limb desensitisation often occurs after DFTS analgesia. A higher chance of desensitisation exists when injecting the proximal DFTS recess. It is advisable to verify skin sensitivity at the heel bulbs after DFTS analgesia to avoid false interpretations about the origin of pain causing lameness.
Syndromic surveillance for evaluating the occurrence of healthcare‐associated infections in equine hospitals
Authors: Ruple‐Czerniak A. A. , Aceto H. W. , Bender J. B. , Paradis M. R. , Shaw S. P. , Van Metre D. C. , Weese J. S. , Wilson D. A. , Wilson J. , Morley P. S.
Published: September 2013

Reasons for performing study

Methods that can be used to estimate rates of healthcare‐associated infections and other nosocomial events have not been well established for use in equine hospitals. Traditional laboratory‐based surveillance is expensive and cannot be applied in all of these settings.

Objectives

To evaluate the use of a syndromic surveillance system for estimating rates of occurrence of healthcare‐associated infections among hospitalised equine cases.

Study design

Multicentre, prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

This study included weaned equids (n = 297) that were admitted for gastrointestinal disorders at one of 5 participating veterinary referral hospitals during a 12‐week period in 2006. A survey form was completed by the primary clinician to summarise basic case information, procedures and treatments the horse received, and whether one or more of 7 predefined nosocomial syndromes were recognised at any point during hospitalisation. Adjusted rates of nosocomial events were estimated using Poisson regression. Risk factors associated with the risk of developing a nosocomial event were analysed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among the study population, 95 nosocomial events were reported to have occurred in 65 horses. Controlling for differences among hospitals, 19.7% (95% confidence interval, 14.5–26.7) of the study population was reported to have had at least one nosocomial event recognised during hospitalisation. The most commonly reported nosocomial syndromes that were unrelated to the reason for hospitalisation were surgical site inflammation and i.v. catheter site inflammation.

Conclusions

Syndromic surveillance systems can be standardised successfully for use across multiple hospitals without interfering with established organisational structures, in order to provide useful estimates of rates related to healthcare‐associated infections.
Serum levels of leptin receptor in patients with malignant melanoma as a new tumor marker
Authors: Mizutani Hironori , Fukushima Satoshi , Masuguchi Shinichi , Yamashita Junji , Miyashita Azusa , Nakahara Satoshi , Aoi Jun , Inoue Yuji , Jinnin Masatoshi , Ihn Hironobu
Published: September 2013

Leptin is known to be abnormally expressed in a variety of cancers, and leptin receptors have been reported to be expressed on human melanoma cells. In this study, we evaluated the possibility that the serum levels of leptin receptor could be a tumor marker of malignant melanoma (MM). Serum samples were obtained from 71 patients with MM, and the serum levels of leptin receptor were measured by double‐determinant ELISA. Interestingly, serum levels of leptin receptor decreased gradually with the stages of MM, being highest at in situ and lowest at stage IV. There was also a trend of reverse correlation between tumor thickness and serum levels of leptin receptor. To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating the serum levels of leptin receptor in MM, and serum leptin receptor levels may be used as a useful tumor marker of MM.
Full‐length dysferlin expression driven by engineered human dystrophic blood derived CD133+ stem cells
Authors: Meregalli Mirella , Navarro Claire , Sitzia Clementina , Farini Andrea , Montani Erica , Wein Nicolas , Razini Paola , Beley Cyriaque , Cassinelli Letizia , Parolini Daniele , Belicchi Marzia , Parazzoli Dario , Garcia Luis , Torrente Yvan
Published: September 2013

The protein dysferlin is abundantly expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscles, where its main function is membrane repair. Mutations in the dysferlin gene are involved in two autosomal recessive muscular dystrophies: Miyoshi myopathy and limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B. Development of effective therapies remains a great challenge. Strategies to repair the dysferlin gene by skipping mutated exons, using antisense oligonucleotides (AONs), may be suitable only for a subset of mutations, while cell and gene therapy can be extended to all mutations. AON‐treated blood‐derived CD133+ stem cells isolated from patients with Miyoshi myopathy led to partial dysferlin reconstitution in vitro but failed to express dysferlin after intramuscular transplantation into scid/blAJ dysferlin null mice. We thus extended these experiments producing the full‐length dysferlin mediated by a lentiviral vector in blood‐derived CD133+ stem cells isolated from the same patients. Transplantation of engineered blood‐derived CD133+ stem cells into scid/blAJ mice resulted in sufficient dysferlin expression to correct functional deficits in skeletal muscle membrane repair. Our data suggest for the first time that lentivirus‐mediated delivery of full‐length dysferlin in stem cells isolated from Miyoshi myopathy patients could represent an alternative therapeutic approach for treatment of dysferlinopathies.
Modulation of ligand–heme reactivity by binding pocket residues demonstrated in cytochrome c' over the femtosecond–second temporal range
Authors: Russell Henry J. , Hardman Samantha J. O. , Heyes Derren J. , Hough Michael A. , Greetham Gregory M. , Towrie Michael , Hay Sam , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: September 2013

The ability of hemoproteins to discriminate between diatomic molecules, and the subsequent affinity for their chosen ligand, is fundamental to the existence of life. These processes are often controlled by precise structural arrangements in proteins, with heme pocket residues driving reactivity and specificity. One such protein is cytochrome c', which has the ability to bind nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) on opposite faces of the heme, a property that is shared with soluble guanylate cycle. Like soluble guanylate cyclase, cytochrome c' also excludes O2 completely from the binding pocket. Previous studies have shown that the NO binding mechanism is regulated by a proximal arginine residue (R124) and a distal leucine residue (L16). Here, we have investigated the roles of these residues in maintaining the affinity for NO in the heme binding environment by using various time‐resolved spectroscopy techniques that span the entire femtosecond–second temporal range in the UV‐vis spectrum, and the femtosecond–nanosecond range by IR spectroscopy. Our findings indicate that the tightly regulated NO rebinding events following excitation in wild‐type cytochrome c' are affected in the R124A variant. In the R124A variant, vibrational and electronic changes extend continuously across all time scales (from fs–s), in contrast to wild‐type cytochrome c' and the L16A variant. Based on these findings, we propose a NO (re)binding mechanism for the R124A variant of cytochrome c' that is distinct from that in wild‐type cytochrome c'. In the wider context, these findings emphasize the importance of heme pocket architecture in maintaining the reactivity of hemoproteins towards their chosen ligand, and demonstrate the power of spectroscopic probes spanning a wide temporal range.
The oxygen‐tolerant and NAD+‐dependent formate dehydrogenase from Rhodobacter capsulatus is able to catalyze the reduction of CO2 to formate
Authors: Hartmann Tobias , Leimkühler Silke
Published: September 2013

The formate dehydrogenase from Rhodobacter capsulatus (RcFDH) is an oxygen‐tolerant protein with an (αβγ)2 subunit composition that is localized in the cytoplasm. It belongs to the group of metal and NAD+‐dependent FDHs with the coordination of a molybdenum cofactor, four [Fe4S4] clusters and one [Fe2S2] cluster associated with the α‐subunit, one [Fe4S4] cluster and one FMN bound to the β‐subunit, and one [Fe2S2] cluster bound to the γ‐subunit. RcFDH was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized. Cofactor analysis showed that the bis‐molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide cofactor is bound to the FdsA subunit containing a cysteine ligand at the active site. A turnover rate of 2189 min−1 with formate as substrate was determined. The back reaction for the reduction of CO2 was catalyzed with a kcat of 89 min−1. The preference for formate oxidation shows an energy barrier for CO2 reduction of the enzyme. Furthermore, the FMN‐containing and [Fe4S4]‐containing β‐subunit together with the [Fe2S2]‐containing γ‐subunit forms a diaphorase unit with activities for both NAD+ reduction and NADH oxidation. In addition to the structural genes fdsG, fdsB, and fdsA, the fds operon in R. capsulatus contains the fdsC and fdsD genes. Expression studies showed that RcFDH is only active when both FdsC and FdsD are present. Both proteins are proposed to be involved in bis‐molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide modification and insertion into RcFDH.
Sharp evaluation of the Oore–Burns integral for cracks subjected to arbitrary normal stress field
Authors: Livieri P. , Segala F.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a new approximation formula for the Oore–Burns integral related to three‐dimensional weight functions. The approach drastically reduces the computational time of the Oore–Burns integral with respect to previous formulations because the mesh over the integration domain can be very coarse without loss of accuracy. This is made possible by analytic evaluation of the coefficient of δ1/2 of the deviation between the integral and its Riemann sum (δ is the size of the mesh over the crack). In the case of a penny‐shaped crack, the new equation can be considered as an explicit formulation of the exact weight function of Galin.

In order to confirm the accuracy of our new formulation, we consider the case of penny‐shaped cracks under different types of mode I loading. Predictions of the stress intensity factor are compared with analytical predictions along the crack, and the new equation appears to be stable with respect to the refinement of the mesh. Furthermore, it is accurate even when the stress field is represented with high‐order polynomial terms.

Finally, we apply our approximation of the Oore–Burns integral to an elliptical crack with small eccentricity under uniform pressure. Agreement with the Irwin solution is excellent.
Probabilistic risk analysis of fracture of aircraft structures using a Bayesian approach to update the distribution of the equivalent initial flaw sizes
Authors: Torregosa R. F. , Hu W.
Published: September 2013

A new method has been proposed to improve the accuracy of the probabilistic risk analysis of aircraft structures by progressively updating the distribution of the initial flaw sizes based on subsequent observations. The current flight hours of an aircraft are used to update the initial assumption of the distribution of the initial flaw sizes, based on the Bayes' theorem. Two Bayesian updating methods are presented: the first using the successful flight hours of the aircraft being analysed and the second using flight histories of similar aircraft in the fleet. In the first method, it is demonstrated that the Bayesian updating method can improve the risk analysis results of a single aircraft by utilising its own flight history. In the second method, it is demonstrated that the risk analysis result can be improved by utilising the collective flight histories of all aircraft in a fleet.
Fish trophic divergence along a lake productivity gradient revealed by historic patterns of invasion and eutrophication
Authors: Tuckett Quenton M. , Simon Kevin S. , Saros Jasmine E. , Halliwell David B. , Kinnison Michael T.
Published: September 2013

Studies of trophic divergence in fishes and other organisms emphasise resource availability as a driving factor, but usually in terms of alternate resources within particular resource‐limited systems. In contrast, the role of overall ecosystem productivity in shaping trophic diversity among systems has received less attention.

Divergence along productivity gradients may be relevant because aquatic systems span a range of productivities, humans are accelerating the natural process of eutrophication, and productivity controls community and ecosystem processes that govern the availability and costs/benefits of alternative resources.

Here, we study whether populations of white perch (Morone americana) differ in traits related to trophic divergence and how such variation might be predicted by landscape patterns of lake productivity.

White perch populations differed in their body dimensions, fin lengths and gill raker structures. Each of these traits showed significant and often strong (r2up to 0.91) correlations with lake Secchi depth and other metrics of lake productivity, such that white perch from more eutrophic systems tended to be larger, have more gibbous bodies, longer fins, more subterminal mouths and gill rakers with greater spacing. Isotopic 15N was correlated with phenotypic divergence, and fish from eutrophic systems exhibited a trophic shift at smaller sizes.

Our results suggest that productivity has surprising ability to predict trait variation at the landscape scale. The fact that a number of the study populations were established in the last century and that some lakes became eutrophic in that period, suggests fish trophic traits can respond quickly to lake conditions.
Effects of an invasive crayfish on the littoral macroinvertebrates of large boreal lakes are habitat specific
Authors: Ruokonen Timo J. , Karjalainen Juha , Hämäläinen Heikki
Published: September 2013

Invasive crayfish are widely acknowledged to have negative effects on benthic food webs in lakes, but few studies have investigated such effects at wider spatial scales and in varying habitats under natural conditions.

We examined the effects of introduced signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of different habitats in two large boreal lakes. We evaluated whether the density, taxon richness and species composition are altered by the non‐native crayfish and whether the responses are similar for stony and vegetated habitats and across a depth gradient. We also studied the influence of crayfish on periphyton biomass at stony sites, as a potential link to changes in macroinvertebrate communities.

In both lakes, macroinvertebrate density was similar between crayfish and non‐crayfish sites across the habitats and depths studied. However, macroinvertebrate taxon richness was significantly lower, and community composition was altered in the presence of crayfish at stony sites. No similar pattern was detected at vegetated sites or in deeper sublittoral areas. The amount of periphyton was similar regardless of the presence of crayfish, and no clear direct or indirect crayfish–periphyton interaction was detected.

Our results suggest that introduced signal crayfish can have negative effects on the littoral macroinvertebrates of large boreal lakes, but that these effects are habitat specific. Our findings highlight how the evaluation of possible effects of invasive species needs to be carried out comprehensively across different habitats and spatial scales if conclusions are to be robust.
Can local landscape attributes explain species richness patterns at macroecological scales?
Authors: Xu Chi , Huang Zheng Y. X. , Chi Ting , Chen Bin J. W. , Zhang Mingjuan , Liu Maosong
Published: September 2013

Aim

Although the influence on species richness of landscape attributes representing landscape composition and spatial configuration has been well documented at landscape scales, its effects remain little understood at macroecological scales. We aim to assess the role of landscape attributes, and their relative importance compared with climate, habitat heterogeneity and human influence (CHH) in particular, in shaping broad‐scale richness patterns.

Location

Mainland China.

Methods

Species richness data for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians were derived from the China Species Information Service. Together with the richness data, CHH variables and class‐ and landscape‐level landscape metrics were calculated using grain sizes of 50 km × 50 km, 100 km × 100 km and 200 km × 200 km. At these multiple scales, the species richness of each taxonomic group was correlated with CHH and landscape variables using both ordinary least square (OLS) and simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) models; variation partitioning was used to assess the relative strength of landscape attributes versus CHH variables.

Results

In general, climate is the most influential factor shaping richness patterns. Landscape attributes, especially class‐level attributes, can also explain considerable variation in richness. Variation partitioning showed largely overlapped fractions of explained variation between landscape attributes and CHH variables. The pure explanatory power of landscape attributes was small for mammals, reptiles and amphibians, showing R2 of 1–3%, while it was considerably larger for birds, showing R2 of 5–10%. The environment–richness correlations showed scale dependency, but the pure explanatory power of landscape attributes appeared to show small changes across the scale range used in this study.

Main conclusions

In addition to CHH variables, landscape attributes can explain some broad‐scale richness patterns, especially for birds. The incorporation of landscape attributes will be conducive to better understanding the drivers of richness patterns and modelling species richness at macroecological scales.
A two‐centre comparative evaluation of new automated assays for von Willebrand factor ristocetin cofactor activity and antigen
Authors: Stufano F. , Lawrie A. S. , La Marca S. , Berbenni C. , Baronciani L. , Peyvandi F.
Published: September 2013

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is caused by a quantitative and/or qualitative deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). The laboratory diagnosis of VWD is dependent on the measurement of VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) and ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo). The aim of this study was to undertake a two‐centre evaluation of two new automated VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo assays systems from Instrumentation Laboratory (Bedford, USA). Using the two new analytical systems that operated with different detection principles: immunoturbidimetric (TOP500 analyser) and chemiluminescent (AcuStar analyser), VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo levels were determined in samples from 171 healthy normal subjects, 80 VWD patients (16 type 1, 58 type 2 and 6 type 3) and 7 acquired von Willebrand syndrome patients. With commercial lyophilized normal and pathological plasmas VWF: Ag and VWF:RCo assays performed on both analysers exhibited low levels of inter‐assay imprecision (AcuStar: CV% range 3.3–6.9; TOP500: CV% range 2.6–6.3). Samples from normal healthy subjects (range: VWF:Ag 44.6–173.9 IU dL−1; VWF:RCo 43.1–191.5 IU dL−1) and patients (range: VWF:Ag <0.3–115.1 IU dL−1; VWF:RCo <0.5–57.2 IU dL−1) showed a good correlation between the two VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo methods (rs = 0.92 and 0.82 respectively), with only a few inconsistent cases among the patients' samples evaluated. The chemiluminescent assays had a lower limit of detection for both VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo compared to immunoturbidimetric tests (0.3 IU dL−1 vs. 2.2 IU dL−1 and 0.5 IU dL−1 vs. 4.4 IU dL−1 respectively). The TOP500 and AcuStar VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo assays were precise and compare well between centres, making these systems suitable for the diagnosis of VWD in non‐specialized and reference laboratories.
Determination of pesticide residues in olive oils with protected geographical indication or designation of origin
Authors: Likudis Zisimos , Costarelli Vassiliki , Vitoratos Andreas , Apostolopoulos Constantinos
Published: September 2013

Seventy olive oil samples with protected geographical indication (PGI) or designation of origin (PDO) were analysed for fifty‐one target pesticides by means of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The highest detection rates were observed for penconazole (n = 20), α‐endosulfan (n = 18), β‐endosulfan (n = 16) and flufenoxuron (n = 12). Four of the seventy investigated samples contained pesticide residues in levels exceeding MRLs. However, the investigated samples showed decreased occurrence and levels of pesticides residues in comparison with previous studies concerning samples from Greek conventional and organic cultivations. According to Spearman matrix, powerful correlations were obtained between α‐endosulfan and β‐endosulfan, detected as pair in thirteen samples and between flufenoxuron and penconazole detected as pair in eleven samples. Among Greek olive oil samples, the Cretan ones showed the lower detection rates and the lowest average number of detected pesticides per sample (1.75) in the case of pesticides positive samples.
Chemical and volatile composition of lychee wines fermented with four commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains
Authors: Chen Dai , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: September 2013

This study evaluated the chemical and volatile composition of lychee wines fermented with four commercial yeast strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: EC‐1118, R2, 71B and MERIT.ferm. Yeast cell population, pH, malic acid, ammonia and some amino acids had significant differences between strain 71B and other strains. There were strain variations with regard to degradation and retention of some juice volatiles as well as formation of new volatile compounds such as most esters and certain terpene compounds. Ethyl octanoate had the highest odour activity value (OAV of 500–1100), followed by ethyl hexanoate (about 50–85), among the common odorants in all lychee wines. Ethyl octanoate reached its highest OAV (1077) in the lychee wine fermented with strain EC1118, whereas ethyl hexanoate had the highest OAV (85) in the wine fermented with strain MERIT.ferm. Cis‐rose oxide, the character‐impact volatile in lychee juice with highest OAV (161), was dramatically reduced to trace levels after fermentation.
Physical properties, chemical characterization and fatty acid composition of Mexican chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds
Authors: Porras‐Loaiza Patricia , Jiménez‐Munguía María T. , Sosa‐Morales María Elena , Palou Enrique , López‐Malo Aurelio
Published: September 2013

Chia seeds were utilized by Aztecs as food and for medicinal purposes. Nowadays, this crop is gaining importance in many countries, due to its nutritional attributes. Some physical properties and chemical characteristics of chia seeds from four different regions of Mexico were evaluated and compared. Seed size distribution was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the region, with similar values of seed length (2.03–2.10 mm), width (1.27–1.32 mm), thickness (0.77–0.81 mm) and surface area (4.95–5.42 mm2). Bulk density (662–741 kg m−3), geometry and granulometric distribution were also determined. Origin of tested seeds significantly (P < 0.05) influenced their composition; all seeds had high contents of protein (18.5–22.3%), fat (21.5–32.7%) and fibre (20.1–36.1%). Chia seeds ratio between omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids was 3:1 for the studied regions; seeds from Chiapas and Michoacán had the highest proportion of ω‐6 and ω‐3 fatty acids. The studied seeds contained phenolic compounds in the range of 0.53–0.71 mg GAE g−1.
Deficiency of antithrombin and protein C gene in 202 Chinese venous thromboembolism patients
Authors: Gu Y. , Shen W. , Zhang L. , Zhang J. , Ying C.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Antithrombin and protein C gene deficiencies are commonly inherited risk factors for VTE patients. We aim to investigate the deficiency of these two gene in 202 Chinese patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

Antithrombin activity (AT: A) and protein C activity (PC: A) were measured in 202 VTE patients, and for those with unexplainable low results, PCR and direct sequencing of the related genes were carried out.

Results

Deficiency levels of antithrombin and protein C gene were found to be 2% and 8%, respectively. AT or PC hereditary deficiency can be found in 10% patients with VTE.

Conclusion

Protein C gene deficiency might be more prevalent than AT gene deficiency in Chinese VTE patients. Functional assay combined with genetic analysis is useful in the diagnosis of inherited defects in VTE patients.
Detecting minimal residual disease in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia using 8‐color flow cytometry protocol in routine hematological practice
Authors: Stehlíková O. , Chovancová J. , Tichý B. , Krejčí M. , Brychtová Y. , Panovská A. , Francová Skuhrová H. , Burčková K. , Borský M. , Loja T. , Mayer J. , Pospíšilová Š. , Doubek M.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection has become increasingly important for the assessment of therapy response in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, current MRD analysis methods, both molecular genetic and flow cytometric, are time‐consuming and require experienced laboratory staff.

Methods

To reduce the demands of flow cytometric MRD detection in CLL, we have introduced a novel flow cytometric 8‐color protocol. The MRD analysis results using this protocol were then compared with the commonly employed 4‐color protocol and the molecular genetic (real‐time quantitative allele‐specific oligonucleotide IGH polymerase chain reaction; RQ‐ASO IGH PCR) approach.

Results

Forty‐two CLL patient samples were repeatedly analyzed after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (n = 20) or after fludarabine‐based therapy (n = 22), and 100% concordance was found using both flow cytometric protocols. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation (r = 0.94) between flow cytometric and RQ‐ASO IGH PCR results in MRD detection.

Conclusion

Flow cytometry is less time‐consuming, less financially demanding, and moreover, MRD assessment using our novel 8‐color protocol is less complicated than the 4‐color approach and molecular methods.
Patients using antifungals following laryngectomy: a qualitative study of community pharmacists in the North of England
Authors: Todd Adam , Husband Andrew K , Hurren Anne , Kler Simran , Ling Jonathan
Published: September 2013

Objective

To explore community pharmacists’ understanding and opinions in relation to the prevention of fungal colonisation of voice prostheses amongst laryngectomy patients.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 12 community pharmacists from the North of England. Interviews were undertaken until data saturation was reached and responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

Key findings

Six themes emerged from the data analysis. These were: terminology confusion about laryngectomy, stoma and voice prostheses; smoking as a risk factor for the development of laryngeal cancer; using nystatin to prevent biofilm formation; counselling information related to nystatin; prescription intervention and additional education in relation to laryngectomy. The theme of counselling information related to nystatin use and additional education was a key finding: our data show that when dispensing nystatin to patients with a voice prosthesis, community pharmacists would either give no advice related to medication use or would give incorrect advice that may lead to premature prosthesis failure amongst this patient group.

Conclusion

This study highlights that community pharmacists lack understanding in relation to laryngectomy and are unaware of the off-label doses and administration methods of the drugs (specifically nystatin) used to prevent fungal colonisation on voice prostheses. Additional information sources in the form of an educational leaflet, possibly obtained through the local department of speech and language therapy, would be perceived as a valuable resource to support community pharmacists who are required to manage these patients in the community.
Antimicrobial dressing efficacy against mature Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm on porcine skin explants
Authors: Phillips Priscilla L , Yang Qingping , Davis Stephen , Sampson Edith M , Azeke John I , Hamad Afifa , Schultz Gregory S
Published: September 2013

An ex vivo porcine skin explant biofilm model that preserves key properties of biofilm attached to skin at different levels of maturity (0–3 days) was used to assess the efficacy of commercially available antimicrobial dressings and topical treatments. Assays were also performed on the subpopulation of antibiotic tolerant biofilm generated by 24 hours of pre‐treatment with gentamicin (120× minimal inhibitory concentration) prior to agent exposure. Five types of antimicrobial agents (iodine, silver, polyhexamethylene biguanide, honey and ethanol) and four types of moisture dressings (cotton gauze, sodium carboxymethylcellulose fibre, calcium alginate fibre and cadexomer beads) were assessed. Time‐release silver gel and cadexomer iodine dressings were the most effective in reducing mature biofilm [between 5 and 7 logarithmic (log) of 7‐log total], whereas all other dressing formulations reduced biofilm between 0·3 and 2 log in 24 or 72 hours with a single exposure. Similar results were found after 24‐hour exposure to silver release dressings using an in vivo pig burn wound model, demonstrating correlation between the ex vivo and in vivo models. Results of this study indicate that commonly used microbicidal wound dressings vary widely in their ability to kill mature biofilm and the efficacy is influenced by time of exposure, number of applications, moisture level and agent formulation (sustained release).
A closer examination of atraumatic dressings for optimal healing
Authors: Davis Stephen C , Li Jie , Gil Joel , Valdes Jose , Solis Michael , Treu Ryan , Kirnser Robert S
Published: September 2013

The concept that undisturbed wound healing, optimised by dressing choice, improves wound outcomes has become a focal point of consideration when evaluating wound management regimens in recent years. However, little evidence exists related to wound contact layers and the potential detrimental effects of the intimate contact with the wound bed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of atraumatic wound contact dressings on the healing of partial‐thickness wounds in comparison to untreated air‐exposed wounds. Using an in vivo porcine wound model the handling properties of each dressing in terms of adhesion were analysed. Methods of wound characterisation included histological analysis of granulation tissue formation and epithelialisation and this was correlated with various clinical observations. Differences were found between dressings in terms of adherence to the wound bed and surrounding skin, capacity to retain wound exudates and enhancement of healing.
Role of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide in nicorandil‐induced ulcerations: from hypothesis to demonstration
Authors: Trechot Philippe , Jouzeau Jean‐Yves , Brouillard Clotilde , Scala‐Bertola Julien , Petitpain Nadine , Cuny Jean‐François , Gauchotte Guillaume , Schmutz Jean‐Luc , Barbaud Annick
Published: September 2013

Nicorandil, a nicotinamide ester, was first reported to be involved in the induction of oral ulcers in 1997. Since then, many reports of single or multiple nicorandil‐induced ulcerations (NIUs) have been reported. We hypothesised that in the case of high‐dosage nicorandil or after an increased dosage of nicorandil, nicotinic acid and nicotinamide (two main metabolites of nicorandil) cannot appropriately merge into the endogenous pool of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/phosphate, which leads to abnormal distribution of these metabolites in the body. In recent or maintained trauma, nicotinamide increases blood flow at the edge of the raw area, inducing epithelial proliferation, while nicotinic acid ulcerates this epithelial formation, ultimately flooding the entire scar. We demonstrate, by comparison to a control patient non‐exposed to nicorandil, an abnormal amount of nicotinic acid (×38) and nicotinamide (×11) in the ulcerated area in a patient with NIUs. All practitioners, especially geriatricians, dermatologists and surgeons, must be aware of these serious and insidious side effects of nicorandil. It is critical to rapidly reassess the risk–benefit ratio of this drug for any patient, and not only for those with diverticular diseases.
Caring for a Child with Learning Disabilities Over a Prolonged Period of Time: An Exploratory Survey on the Experiences and Health of Older Parent Carers Living in Scotland
Authors: Cairns Deborah , Brown Jayne , Tolson Debbie , Darbyshire Chris
Published: September 2013

Background

The negative health impacts of prolonged caregiving are widely reported. However, there is a paucity of evidence concerning the impacts of a lifetime of caring on older parents of offspring with learning disabilities.

Design and Methods

An exploratory postal survey including the Medical Outcome Study (Short Form) 36 version 2 (SF‐36v2) was completed by 100 older parent carers. The reported survey is part of a larger mixed method study including in‐depth interviews.

Results

The majority of respondents (n = 91) reported caring for 50 h or more per week with multiple caregiving duties. While the SF‐36v2 reported physical health of older parent carers to be similar to UK norms, their mental health was significantly reduced.

Implications for practice

These important findings highlight the vulnerability of ageing parents of offspring with learning disabilities. This previously underreported situation warrants further investigation and urgent attention from health and social care agencies and professionals.