bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Multicriteria Decision Analysis to Address Conservation Conflicts
Authors: DAVIES A. L. , BRYCE R. , REDPATH S. M.
Published: July 2013

Conservation conflicts are increasing on a global scale and instruments for reconciling competing interests are urgently needed. Multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a structured, decision‐support process that can facilitate dialogue between groups with differing interests and incorporate human and environmental dimensions of conflict. MCDA is a structured and transparent method of breaking down complex problems and incorporating multiple objectives. The value of this process for addressing major challenges in conservation conflict management is that MCDA helps in setting realistic goals; entails a transparent decision‐making process; and addresses mistrust, differing world views, cross‐scale issues, patchy or contested information, and inflexible legislative tools. Overall we believe MCDA provides a valuable decision‐support tool, particularly for increasing awareness of the effects of particular values and choices for working toward negotiated compromise, although an awareness of the effect of methodological choices and the limitations of the method is vital before applying it in conflict situations.

Uso de Análisis de Decisiones Multicriterio para Abordar Conflictos de Conservación
Increase in Quantity and Quality of Suitable Areas for Invasive Species as Climate Changes
Authors: BERTELSMEIER CLEO , LUQUE GLORIA M. , COURCHAMP FRANCK
Published: July 2013

As climatically suitable range projections become increasingly used to assess distributions of species, we recommend systematic assessments of the quality of habitat in addition to the classical binary classification of habitat. We devised a method to assess occurrence probability, captured by a climatic suitability index, through which we could determine variations in the quality of potential habitat. This relative risk assessment circumvents the use of an arbitrary suitability threshold. We illustrated our method with 2 case studies on invasive ant species. We estimated invasion potential of the destroyer ant (Monomorium destructor) and the European fire ant (Myrmica rubra) on a global scale currently and by 2080 with climate change. We found that 21.1% of the world's landmass currently has a suitable climate for the destroyer ant and 16% has a suitable climate for European fire ant. Our climatic suitability index showed that both ant species would benefit from climate change, but in different ways. The size of the potential distribution increased by 35.8% for the destroyer ant. Meanwhile, the total area of potential distribution remained the same for the European fire ant (>0.05%), but the level of climatic suitability within this range increased greatly and led to an improvement in habitat quality (i.e., of invasive species’ establishment likelihood). Either through quantity or quality of suitable areas, both invasive ant species are likely to increase the extent of their invasion in the future, following global climate change. Our results show that species may increase their range if either more areas become suitable or if the available areas present improved suitability. Studies in which an arbitrary suitability threshold was used may overlook changes in area quality within climatically suitable areas and as a result reach incorrect predictions.

Incremento de la Cantidad y Calidad de Áreas Idóneas para Especies Invasoras a Medida que Cambia el Clima
Lichen Conservation in Heavily Managed Boreal Forests
Authors: MCMULLIN RICHARD TROY , THOMPSON IAN D. , NEWMASTER STEVEN G.
Published: July 2013

Lichens are an important component of the boreal forest, where they are long lived, tend to accumulate in older stands, and are a major food source for the threatened woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). To be fully sustainable, silvicultural practices in the boreal forest must include the conservation of ecological integrity. Dominant forest management practices, however, have short‐term negative effects on lichen diversity, particularly the application of herbicides. To better understand the long‐term effects of forest management, we examined lichen regeneration in 35 mixed black spruce (Picea mariana) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) forest stands across northern Ontario to determine recovery following logging and postharvest silvicultural practices. Our forest stands were 25–40 years old and had undergone 3 common sivilcultural treatments that included harvested and planted; harvested, planted, and treated with N‐[phosphonomethyl] glycine (glyphosate); and harvested, planted, and treated with 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D). Forest stands with herbicide treatments had lower lichen biomass and higher beta and gamma diversity than planted stands that were not treated chemically or control stands. In northwestern Ontario, planted stands that were not treated chemically had significantly greater (p < 0.05) alpha diversity than stands treated with herbicides or control stands. Our results show that common silvicultural practices do not emulate natural disturbances caused by wildfires in the boreal forest for the lichen community. We suggest a reduction in the amount of chemical application be considered in areas where lichen biomass is likely to be high and where the recovery of woodland caribou is an objective.

Conservación de Líquenes en Bosques Boreales Manejados Intensivamente
Effects of Errors and Gaps in Spatial Data Sets on Assessment of Conservation Progress
Authors: VISCONTI P. , DI MARCO M. , ÁLVAREZ‐ROMERO J. G. , JANUCHOWSKI‐HARTLEY S. R. , PRESSEY R. L. , WEEKS R. , RONDININI C.
Published: July 2013

Data on the location and extent of protected areas, ecosystems, and species’ distributions are essential for determining gaps in biodiversity protection and identifying future conservation priorities. However, these data sets always come with errors in the maps and associated metadata. Errors are often overlooked in conservation studies, despite their potential negative effects on the reported extent of protection of species and ecosystems. We used 3 case studies to illustrate the implications of 3 sources of errors in reporting progress toward conservation objectives: protected areas with unknown boundaries that are replaced by buffered centroids, propagation of multiple errors in spatial data, and incomplete protected‐area data sets. As of 2010, the frequency of protected areas with unknown boundaries in the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) caused the estimated extent of protection of 37.1% of the terrestrial Neotropical mammals to be overestimated by an average 402.8% and of 62.6% of species to be underestimated by an average 10.9%. Estimated level of protection of the world's coral reefs was 25% higher when using recent finer‐resolution data on coral reefs as opposed to globally available coarse‐resolution data. Accounting for additional data sets not yet incorporated into WDPA contributed up to 6.7% of additional protection to marine ecosystems in the Philippines. We suggest ways for data providers to reduce the errors in spatial and ancillary data and ways for data users to mitigate the effects of these errors on biodiversity assessments.

Efectos de Errores y Vacíos en Conjuntos de Datos Espaciales sobre la Evaluación del Progreso de la Conservación
Effects of Pond Draining on Biodiversity and Water Quality of Farm Ponds
Authors: USIO NISIKAWA , IMADA MIHO , NAKAGAWA MEGUMI , AKASAKA MUNEMITSU , TAKAMURA NORIKO
Published: July 2013

Farm ponds have high conservation value because they contribute significantly to regional biodiversity and ecosystem services. In Japan pond draining is a traditional management method that is widely believed to improve water quality and eradicate invasive fish. In addition, fishing by means of pond draining has significant cultural value for local people, serving as a social event. However, there is a widespread belief that pond draining reduces freshwater biodiversity through the extirpation of aquatic animals, but scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of pond draining is lacking. We conducted a large‐scale field study to evaluate the effects of pond draining on invasive animal control, water quality, and aquatic biodiversity relative to different pond‐management practices, pond physicochemistry, and surrounding land use. The results of boosted regression‐tree models and analyses of similarity showed that pond draining had little effect on invasive fish control, water quality, or aquatic biodiversity. Draining even facilitated the colonization of farm ponds by invasive red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), which in turn may have detrimental effects on the biodiversity and water quality of farm ponds. Our results highlight the need for reconsidering current pond management and developing management plans with respect to multifunctionality of such ponds.

Efectos del Drenado de Estanques sobre la Biodiversidad y la Calidad del Agua en Estanques de Cultivo
Economic and Ecological Outcomes of Flexible Biodiversity Offset Systems
Authors: HABIB THOMAS J. , FARR DANIEL R. , SCHNEIDER RICHARD R. , BOUTIN STAN
Published: July 2013

The commonly expressed goal of biodiversity offsets is to achieve no net loss of specific biological features affected by development. However, strict equivalency requirements may complicate trading of offset credits, increase costs due to restricted offset placement options, and force offset activities to focus on features that may not represent regional conservation priorities. Using the oil sands industry of Alberta, Canada, as a case study, we evaluated the economic and ecological performance of alternative offset systems targeting either ecologically equivalent areas (vegetation types) or regional conservation priorities (caribou and the Dry Mixedwood natural subregion). Exchanging dissimilar biodiversity elements requires assessment via a generalized metric; we used an empirically derived index of biodiversity intactness to link offsets with losses incurred by development. We considered 2 offset activities: land protection, with costs estimated as the net present value of profits of petroleum and timber resources to be paid as compensation to resource tenure holders, and restoration of anthropogenic footprint, with costs estimated from existing restoration projects. We used the spatial optimization tool MARXAN to develop hypothetical offset networks that met either the equivalent‐vegetation or conservation‐priority targets. Networks that required offsetting equivalent vegetation cost 2–17 times more than priority‐focused networks. This finding calls into question the prudence of equivalency‐based systems, particularly in relatively undeveloped jurisdictions, where conservation focuses on limiting and directing future losses. Priority‐focused offsets may offer benefits to industry and environmental stakeholders by allowing for lower‐cost conservation of valued ecological features and may invite discussion on what land‐use trade‐offs are acceptable when trading biodiversity via offsets.

Resultados Económicos y Ecológicos de Sistemas de Compensación de Biodiversidad Flexible Habib et al.
Response of Neotropical Bat Assemblages to Human Land Use
Authors: GARCÍA‐MORALES RODRIGO , BADANO ERNESTO I. , MORENO CLAUDIA E.
Published: July 2013

Neotropical bats are sensitive to human‐induced habitat changes, and some authors believe bats can be used as bioindicators. In the literature, however, the results are disparate. Some results show bat diversity deceases as disturbance increases, whereas others indicate no effect. Determining the general response patterns of bats when they encounter different degrees of human‐induced disturbance across the Neotropics would help to determine their usefulness as bioindicators. In a series of meta‐analyses, we compared the occurrence frequency of bat species between well‐preserved forests and human‐use areas. We obtained data through an extensive review of published peer‐reviewed articles, theses, and reports. The overall effect size indicated that human‐use areas harbored more bat species than well‐preserved forests. Different response patterns emerged when meta‐analyses were conducted separately by family, feeding habit, vegetation stratum, and conservation status. Our results suggest that bat assemblages display strong responses to forest loss and land‐use change and that the direction and magnitude of these responses depends on the bat group under study and the type of disturbance. Our results are consistent with the idea that bats are useful for assessing the effects of habitat changes in the Neotropics. However, with our meta‐analyses we could not detect fine differences in bat feeding habits, especially within Phyllostomidae, or elucidate the effect of landscape configuration.

Respuesta de Ensambles de Murciélagos Neotropicales al Uso de Suelo por Humanos
Demographic Evidence of Illegal Harvesting of an Endangered Asian Turtle
Authors: SUNG YIK‐HEI , KARRAKER NANCY E. , HAU BILLY C. H.
Published: July 2013

Harvesting pressure on Asian freshwater turtles is severe, and dramatic population declines of these turtles are being driven by unsustainable collection for food markets, pet trade, and traditional Chinese medicine. Populations of big‐headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) have declined substantially across its distribution, particularly in China, because of overcollection. To understand the effects of chronic harvesting pressure on big‐headed turtle populations, we examined the effects of illegal harvesting on the demography of populations in Hong Kong, where some populations still exist. We used mark‐recapture methods to compare demographic characteristics between sites with harvesting histories and one site in a fully protected area. Sites with a history of illegal turtle harvesting were characterized by the absence of large adults and skewed ratios of juveniles to adults, which may have negative implications for the long‐term viability of populations. These sites also had lower densities of adults and smaller adult body sizes than the protected site. Given that populations throughout most of the species’ range are heavily harvested and individuals are increasingly difficult to find in mainland China, the illegal collection of turtles from populations in Hong Kong may increase over time. Long‐term monitoring of populations is essential to track effects of illegal collection, and increased patrolling is needed to help control illegal harvesting of populations, particularly in national parks. Because few, if any, other completely protected populations remain in the region, our data on an unharvested population of big‐headed turtles serve as an important reference for assessing the negative consequences of harvesting on populations of stream turtles.

Evidencia Demográfica de la Captura Ilegal de una Tortuga Asiática en Peligro
Effect of Widespread Agricultural Chemical Use on Butterfly Diversity across Turkish Provinces
Authors: PEKIN BURAK K.
Published: July 2013

Although agricultural intensification is thought to pose a significant threat to species, little is known about its role in driving biodiversity loss at regional scales. I assessed the effects of a major component of agricultural intensification, agricultural chemical use, and land‐cover and climatic variables on butterfly diversity across 81 provinces in Turkey, where agriculture is practiced extensively but with varying degrees of intensity. I determined butterfly species presence in each province from data on known butterfly distributions and calculated agricultural chemical use as the proportion of agricultural households that use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. I used constrained correspondence analyses and regression‐based multimodel inference to determine the effect of environmental variables on species composition and richness, respectively. The variation in butterfly species composition across the provinces was largely explained (78%) by the combination of agricultural chemical use, particularly pesticides, and climatic and land‐cover variables. Although overall butterfly richness was primarily explained by climatic and land‐cover variables, such as the area of natural vegetation cover, threatened butterfly richness and the relative number of threatened butterfly species decreased substantially as the proportion of agricultural households using pesticides increased. These findings suggest that widespread use of agricultural chemicals, or other components of agricultural intensification that may be collinear with pesticide use, pose an imminent threat to the biodiversity of Turkey. Accordingly, policies that mitigate agricultural intensification and promote low‐input farming practices are crucial for protecting threatened species from extinction in rapidly industrializing nations such as Turkey.

Efectos del Uso Extensivo de Agroquímicos sobre la Diversidad de Mariposas en Provincias Turcas
Shifting Baselines and The Extinction of The Caribbean Monk Seal
Authors: BAISRE JULIO A.
Published: July 2013

The recent extnction of the Caribbean monk seal Monachus tropicalis has been considered an example of a human‐caused extinction in the marine environment, and this species was considered a driver of the changes that have occurred in the structure of Caribbean coral reef ecosystems since colonial times. I searched archaeological records, historical data, and geographic names (used as a proxy of the presence of seals) and evaluated the use and quality of these data to conclude that since prehistoric times the Caribbean monk seal was always rare and vulnerable to human predation. This finding supports the hypothesis that in AD 1500, the Caribbean monk seal persisted as a small fragmented population in which individuals were confined to small keys, banks, or isolated islands in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This hypothesis is contrary to the assumption that the species was widespread and abundant historically. The theory that the main driver of monk seal extinction was harvesting for its oil for use in the sugar cane industry of Jamaica during the 18th century is based primarily on anecdotal information and is overemphasized in the literature. An analysis of reported human encounters with this species indicates monk seal harvest was an occasional activity, rather than an ongoing enterprise. Nevertheless, given the rarity of this species and its restricted distribution, even small levels of hunting or specimen collecting must have contributed to its extinction, which was confirmed in the mid‐20th century. Some sources had been overlooked or only partially reviewed, others misinterpreted, and a considerable amount of anecdotal information had been uncritically used. Critical examination of archaeological and historical records is required to infer accurate estimations of the historical abundance of a species. In reconstructing the past to address the shifting baseline syndrome, it is important to avoid selecting evidence to confirm modern prejudices.

Puntos de Referencia Cambiantes y la Extinción de la Foca Monje Caribeña
Application of the Anthropogenic Allee Effect Model to Trophy Hunting as a Conservation Tool
Authors: HARRIS RICHARD B. , COONEY ROSIE , LEADER‐WILLIAMS NIGEL
Published: July 2013

Trophy hunting can provide economic incentives to conserve wild species, but it can also involve risk when rare species are hunted. The anthropogenic Allee effect (AAE) is a conceptual model that seeks to explain how rarity may spread the seeds of further endangerment. The AAE model has increasingly been invoked in the context of trophy hunting, increasing concerns that such hunting may undermine rather than enhance conservation efforts. We question the appropriateness of uncritically applying the AAE model to trophy hunting for 4 reasons. First, the AAE assumes an open‐access resource, which is a poor characterization of most trophy‐hunting programs and obscures the potential for state, communal, or private‐property use rights to generate positive incentives for conservation. Second, study results that show the price of hunting increases as the rarity of the animal increases are insufficient to indicate the presence of AAE. Third, AAE ignores the existence of biological and behavioral factors operating in most trophy‐hunting contexts that tend to regulate the effect of hunting. We argue that site‐specific data, rather than aggregated hunting statistics, are required to demonstrate that patterns of unsustainable exploitation can be well explained by an AAE model. Instead, we suggest that conservation managers seeking to investigate and identify constraints that limit the potential conservation role of trophy hunting, should focus on the critical governance characteristics that shape the potential conservation role of trophy hunting, such as corruption, insecure property rights, and inadequate sharing of benefits with local people.

Aplicación del Modelo Antropogénico del Efecto Allee sobre la Caza de Trofeos como una Herramienta de Conservación
Effects of Knowledge of an Endangered Species on Recreationists’ Attitudes and Stated Behaviors and the Significance of Management Compliance for Ohlone Tiger Beetle Conservation
Authors: CORNELISSE TARA M. , DUANE TIMOTHY P.
Published: July 2013

Recreation is a leading cause of species decline on public lands, yet sometimes it can be used as a tool for conservation. Engagement in recreational activities, such as hiking and biking, in endangered species habitats may even enhance public support for conservation efforts. We used the case of the endangered Ohlone tiger beetle(Cicindela ohlone)to investigate the effect of biking and hiking on the beetle's behavior and the role of recreationists’ knowledge of and attitudes toward Ohlone tiger beetle in conservation of the species. In Inclusion Area A on the University of California Santa Cruz (U.S.A.) campus, adult Ohlone tiger beetles mate and forage in areas with bare ground, particularly on recreational trails; however, recreation disrupts these activities. We tested the effect of recreation on Ohlone tiger beetles by observing beetle behavior on trails as people walked and road bikes at slow and fast speed and on trails with no recreation. We also surveyed recreationists to investigate how their knowledge of the beetle affected their attitudes toward conservation of the beetle and stated compliance with regulations aimed at beetle conservation. Fast cycling caused the beetles to fly off the trail more often and to fly farther than slow cycling or hiking. Slow cycling and hiking did not differ in their effect on the number of times and distance the beetles flew off the trail. Recreationists’ knowledge of the beetle led to increased stated compliance with regulations, and this stated compliance is likely to have tangible conservation outcomes for the beetle. Our results suggest management and education can mitigate the negative effect of recreation and promote conservation of endangered species.

Efectos del Conocimiento de una Especie en Peligro sobre las Actitudes y Comportamientos Declarados de los Recreacionistas y el Significado del Manejo de la Conformidad para la Conservación del Escarabajo Tigre de Ohlone
KLF5 strengthens drug resistance of ovarian cancer stem‐like cells by regulating survivin expression
Authors: Dong Z. , Yang L. , Lai D.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

Ovarian cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs), which can form non‐adherent sphere cells in a stem‐cell selection culture system, exhibit stemness and drug resistance to chemotherapeutics, which are properties not observed in differentiated cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that Kruppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) is involved in cell proliferation and mediates cell survival and tumourigenesis. Here, we investigated the role of KLF5 and its downstream target survivin, in strengthening drug resistance of ovarian CSCs.

Materials and methods

Ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was cultured under serum‐free conditions and differentiating conditions to promote formation of sphere cells and differentiated cells, respectively. siRNA‐KLF5 was used to knock down KLF5, and survivin expression vector was used to overexpress survivin. Cells were further analysed by qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were performed to investigate the relationship between KLF5 and survivin expression. Drug resistance was examined by MTT and apoptosis assays.

Results

KLF5 was highly expressed in the ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 sphere cells, accompanied by elevated survivin expression. Silencing KLF5 by small interfering RNA in sphere cells down‐regulated survivin expression, which also sensitized the sphere cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic drugs (cisplatin or paclitaxel). Furthermore, ChIP assay, survivin overexpression and EMSA results indicated that KLF5 controlled survivin expression by directly binding the surivin promoter in the cells.

Conclusions

The KLF5‐mediated signalling pathway is a potential target for elimination of ovarian CSCs.
Novel pathogenic epitopes of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Delarasse Cecile , Smith Paul , Baker David , Amor Sandra
Published: July 2013

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a minor protein of the central nervous system myelin, is recognized as a potential target in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica. The extracellular domain of MOG is commonly used in a wide range of mouse strains and other animals to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an autoimmune animal model of multiple sclerosis, because it is a target for antibody‐mediated attack. Previous studies, using selected peptides, have indicated that MOG35–55 peptide is an encephalitogenic epitope in C57BL/6 (H‐2b) mice. A more systematic analysis of both T‐cell and B‐cell responses following immunization of C57BL/6 mice with either recombinant extracellular mouse MOG protein (1–116) or with overlapping peptides spanning the whole sequence of MOG, before assessment of responses to 15 mer and 23 mer peptides was undertaken. The studies identified T‐cell responses within the MOG35–55 (extracellular domain) but also two new immunogenic and encephalitogenic T‐cell epitopes within residues MOG113–127, MOG120–134 (localized in the transmembrane region) and MOG183–197 (in the second hydrophobic MOG domain). In addition, residue MOG113–127 was found to be a B‐cell epitope, suggesting that this may be a useful adjunct for the induction of EAE as well as for immunological studies in C57BL/6 mice, which are increasingly being used to study immune function through the use of transgenic and gene knockout technology.
The impact of neuroimmune changes on development of amyloid pathology; relevance to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lynch Marina A.
Published: July 2013

Neuroinflammatory changes are a characteristic of several, if not all, neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and are typified by increased microglial activation. Microglia express several receptors making them highly reactive and plastic cells, and, at least in vitro, they adopt different phenotypes in a manner analogous to their peripheral counterparts, macrophages. Microglia also express numerous cell surface proteins enabling them to interact with cells and the evidence indicates that maintenance of microglia in a quiescent state relies, at least to some extent, on an interaction with neurons by means of specific ligand–receptor pairs, for example CD200–CD200R. It is clear that microglia also interact with T cells and recent evidence indicates that co‐incubation of microglia with T helper type 1 cells markedly increases their activation. Under normal conditions, small numbers of activated T cells gain entry to the brain and are involved in immune surveillance but infiltration of significant numbers of T cells occurs in disease and following injury. The consequences of T cell infiltration appear to depend on the conditions, with descriptions of both neurodestructive and neuroprotective effects in animal models of different diseases. This review will discuss the modulatory effect of T cells on microglia and the impact of infiltration of T cells into the brain with a focus on Alzheimer's disease, and will propose that infiltration of interferon‐γ‐producing cells may be an important factor in triggering inflammation that is pathogenic and destructive.
TMEM106B and frontotemporal lobar degeneration: can over‐expression tell us how reductions are beneficial?
Authors: Barger Steven W.
Published: July 2013

Read the full article ‘TMEM106B p.T185S regulates TMEM106B protein levels: implications for frontotemporal dementia’ on doi:10.1111/jnc.12329.
GZ‐793A, a lobelane analog, interacts with the vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 to inhibit the effect of methamphetamine
Authors: Horton David B. , Nickell Justin R. , Zheng Guangrong , Crooks Peter A. , Dwoskin Linda P.
Published: July 2013

(R)‐3‐[2,6‐cis‐Di(4‐methoxyphenethyl)piperidin‐1‐yl]propane‐1,2‐diol (GZ‐793A) inhibits methamphetamine‐evoked dopamine release from striatal slices and methamphetamine self‐administration in rats. GZ‐793A potently and selectively inhibits dopamine uptake at the vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT2). This study determined GZ‐793A's ability to evoke [3H]dopamine release and inhibit methamphetamine‐evoked [3H]dopamine release from isolated striatal synaptic vesicles. Results show GZ‐793A concentration‐dependent [3H]dopamine release; nonlinear regression revealed a two‐site model of interaction with VMAT2 (High‐ and Low‐EC50 = 15.5 nM and 29.3 μM, respectively). Tetrabenazine and reserpine completely inhibited GZ‐793A‐evoked [3H]dopamine release, however, only at the High‐affinity site. Low concentrations of GZ‐793A that interact with the extravesicular dopamine uptake site and the High‐affinity intravesicular DA release site also inhibited methamphetamine‐evoked [3H]dopamine release from synaptic vesicles. A rightward shift in the methamphetamine concentration‐response was evident with increasing concentrations of GZ‐793A, and the Schild regression slope was 0.49 ± 0.08, consistent with surmountable allosteric inhibition. These results support a hypothetical model of GZ‐793A interaction at more than one site on the VMAT2 protein, which explains its potent inhibition of dopamine uptake, dopamine release via a High‐affinity tetrabenazine‐ and reserpine‐sensitive site, dopamine release via a Low‐affinity tetrabenazine‐ and reserpine‐insensitive site, and a low‐affinity interaction with the dihydrotetrabenazine binding site on VMAT2. GZ‐793A inhibition of the effects of methamphetamine supports its potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse.

image

GZ‐793A inhibits methamphetamine‐evoked dopamine release from synaptic vesicles through a surmountable allosteric mechanism and interacts with several sites on the vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT2), including high‐ and‐low affinity intravesicular dopamine release sites, high‐affinity extravesicular dopamine uptake sites and low‐affinity extravesicular dihydrotetrabenazine binding sites. VMAT2 interactions likely underlie the ability of GZ‐793A to attenuate the neurochemical and behavioral effects of methamphetamine.
Role of adiponectin and its receptor in prediction of reproductive outcome of metformin treatment in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Hamed Hossam O.
Published: July 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of metformin on serum adiponectin and adiponectin receptor‐1 (AdipoR1) and evaluate their role in prediction of ovulation in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Material and Methods

The study cohort included 68 PCOS patients with clomiphene citrate resistance (group 1) and 28 healthy women as controls (group 2). Baseline serum adiponectin, AdipoR1, total testosterone (T), and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) were measured in all participants. Group 1 received metformin (1500 mg/day) for 6 months followed by second blood sampling.

Results

Group 1 had significantly lower baseline adiponectin and AdipoR1 (P = 0.001) compared to group 2. During treatment, metformin resulted in conception in 5/68 (7%), ovulation in 33/68 (48%) and regular cycles in 41/68 (60%) patients. Group 1 showed post‐metformin higher adiponectin and AdipoR1 (P = 0.01) and lower HOMA‐IR (P = 0.006) and T (P = 0.001) compared to pre‐treatment levels. Post‐metformin ovulatory patients had higher adiponectin and AdipoR1 and lower HOMA‐IR and T compared to anovulatory patients. Multivariate regression analysis in group 1 showed that only T and HOMA‐IR were significant independent factors for predicting ovulatory cycles during metformin treatment (P = 0.04 and P = 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Metformin treatment enhances both adiponectin activity and insulin sensitivity, resulting in a less hyperandrogenic state in patients with PCOS. Serum adiponectin and AdipoR1 are poor predictors of ovulatory outcome during treatment.
Evaluation of the diagnostic value of the first‐trimester maternal serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein level for prediction of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Kashanian Maryam , Aghbali Farnaz , Mahali Neda
Published: July 2013

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of maternal serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) measurement during the first trimester of pregnancy for predicting pre‐eclampsia.

Material and Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed on 394 pregnant women who were at the gestational age of 8–13 weeks. In all women, serum hs‐CRP was measured by latex agglutination test. The women were then monitored to delivery. We compared the hs‐CRP of the two groups, those with and without pre‐eclampsia. We used the receiver–operator curve for finding the optimum cut‐off points.

Results

Out of 394 women, 42 cases (10.7%) were complicated by pre‐eclampsia, of whom 23 women (56.1%) had severe pre‐eclampsia. Mean serum hs‐CRP of the pre‐eclamptic group was higher than that of the normotensive group (7.06 ± 2.6 mg/L vs 3.6 ± 2.3 mg/L, P = 0.001). The receiver–operator curve showed a significant difference between the under‐curve zone for the hs‐CRP level with the reference line. Serum hs‐CRP of 4 mg/L showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy as 78.1%, 72.1%, 25%, 96.5% and 72.8%, respectively. Hs‐CRP of more than 7 mg/L was found in 26 (61.9%) cases of pre‐eclampsia and 22 (6.25%) normotensive pregnancies, which showed a significant difference (P = 0.001, relative risk = 12.1, 95% confidence interval: 6.91–21.15).

Hs‐CRP of more than 7 mg/L was found in 17 (73.91%) cases of severe pre‐eclampsia and 22 (6.25%) normotensive pregnancies, which showed a significant difference (P = 0.001, relative risk = 9.35, 95% confidence interval: 4.48–19.52).

Conclusion

Hs‐CRP measurements during the first trimester of pregnancy are helpful in predicting pre‐eclampsia.
Surgical and obstetric outcomes of laparoscopic management for women with heterotopic pregnancy
Authors: Eom Jeong Min , Choi Joong Sub , Ko Jung Hwa , Lee Jung Hun , Park Seon Hye , Hong Jin Hwa , Hur Chang Young
Published: July 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the obstetric outcomes and clinical efficacy of laparoscopic surgery for women with heterotopic pregnancy.

Material and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of women who had undergone laparoscopic surgery for heterotopic pregnancy. The primary outcome was the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of heterotopic pregnancy and the secondary outcomes were obstetric outcomes.

Results

Seventeen women underwent laparoscopic surgery for heterotopic pregnancy: 14 with tubal heterotopic pregnancies and three with cornual heterotopic pregnancies. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Of these women, 13 delivered 14 healthy babies, whereas two failed to maintain their pregnancies; one had a missed abortion 2 weeks after the surgery and the other had a miscarriage due to preterm premature rupture of the membrane at 16 gestational weeks. The remaining two women have ongoing pregnancies.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery performed by experienced surgeons is a feasible and beneficial surgical modality for treating heterotopic pregnancy.
Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for adnexal masses
Authors: Yang Yun Seok , Hur Myung Haeng , Oh Kwoan Young , Kim Soo Young
Published: July 2013

Aim

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is currently a very important topic for surgeons. This study aimed to describe the initial clinical experience of transvaginal NOTES for adnexal masses and investigate its feasibility and surgical outcome.

Methods

We performed transvaginal NOTES in seven patients with adnexal masses through a 2‐cm incision in the posterior vaginal fornix. A transvaginal NOTES system comprising a wound protractor and a surgical glove with sheaths was used. Resection was performed according to the method of standard laparoscopic adnexal surgery. The adnexal mass was removed via the incision of the posterior vaginal fornix after complete resection.

Results

Since June 2011, seven patients have undergone transvaginal NOTES for adnexal masses. All cases were completed successfully without conversion to standard laparoscopic approach. The median age of the patients was 48 years (range, 36–60) and the median body mass index was 23.6 (range, 20.4–25.3). The median tumor size was 6 cm (range, 3.7–6.7). The median operative time was 45 min (range, 40–80). The estimated blood loss was minimal (range, 5–300 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1–3). No postoperative complications were observed at follow‐up. All the patients were very satisfied with the cosmetic result.

Conclusion

The findings show transvaginal NOTES with our method to be a feasible, safe and effective surgical technique that results in excellent cosmesis. It may be an alternative technique for the treatment of properly selected female patients with adnexal masses. More experience and instrumental improvement suitable for transvaginal NOTES are needed.
Number of women requiring care at a tertiary hospital equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit at night in an area with a population of 2 million
Authors: Yamada Takahiro , Cho Kazutoshi , Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takashi , Akaishi Rina , Ishikawa Satoshi , Minakami Hisanori
Published: July 2013

Aim

Women with imminent premature labor (IPL) are transported to a tertiary hospital equipped with neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) even during the night. However, there have been no extensive studies of the occurrence rate of night IPL. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence rate of night IPL in an area with a population of 2 million.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data collected by the Sapporo Obstetric System for Emergency Patients launched in October 2008, in which women, physicians, and ambulance staff who sought appropriate obstetric/gynecological facilities available in the night (19.00–06.00 hours) were informed of candidate hospitals by coordinators through telephone consultation. This system covered the Sapporo area, which has a population of 2 000 000 and 17 000 births annually. Approximately 14% and 86% of women received antenatal care at six and 35 obstetric facilities with and without NICU, respectively, in this area. Night IPL was defined as a threatened premature labor and transport to one of six tertiary hospitals with NICU between 19.00 and 06.00 hours the next morning.

Results

During a 4‐year period from 1 October 2008 to 30 September 2012, the Sapporo Obstetric System for Emergency Patients received 158 ± 23 (mean ± standard deviation) monthly telephone consultations (range 114–218 per month). The monthly number of patients with night IPL was 3.0 ± 2.2 (range 0–9 per month).

Conclusions

The monthly number of cases of night IPL was around three among women who received antenatal care at obstetrics facilities without NICU in an area with a population of 2 000 000.
Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐10, interferon‐gamma and vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic hepatitis delta
Authors: Karatayli S. C. , Ulger Z. E. , Ergul A. A. , Keskin O. , Karatayli E. , Albayrak R. , Ozkan M. , Idilman R. , Yalcin K. , Bozkaya H. , Uzunalimoğlu O. , Yurdaydin C. , Bozdayi A. M.
Published: July 2013

No data exist to assess certain polymorphisms that have a potential effect on the immune response in patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD). The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms in 6 polymorphic sites: IL‐10 ‐1082 (rs1800896), IL‐10 ‐627 (rs1800872), IFN‐γ +874 (rs62559044), TNF‐α ‐308 (rs1800629), vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI (rs2228570) and VDR TaqI (rs731236). The genotypes of 67 patients with CHD and 119 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were compared. In addition, 56 individuals with resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were used as a control group for patients with CHB. Polymorphisms in TNF‐α, IL‐10, and VDR genes were analysed using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. The IFN‐γ gene polymorphism was detected by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients with CDH were more likely to have advanced liver disease compared with patients with CHB (P < 0.0001). IL‐10 ‐1082 and VDR TaqI polymorphisms showed significant differences between patients with CHD and CHB. The high secretory IL‐10 ‐1082 genotype GG was less frequent in CHD compared with patients with CHB and resolved HBV (17.7%, 37.4% and 47.1%, respectively (P < 0.05 for CHD vs CHB and resolved HBV). The frequency of the high secretory VDR TaqI TT genotype was 86.6% in patients with CHD, 62.7% in patients with CHB and 62.5% in resolved HBV individuals (CHD vs CHB: P < 0.05). None of the polymorphisms analysed had an effect on HBV persistence. IL‐10 ‐1082 and VDR TaqI polymorphisms may contribute to the more severe liver disease associated with CHD compared with CHB.
Investigation of the geographical scale of adaptive phenological variation and its underlying genetics in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Brachi Benjamin , Villoutreix Romain , Faure Nathalie , Hautekèete Nina , Piquot Yves , Pauwels Maxime , Roby Dominique , Cuguen Joël , Bergelson Joy , Roux Fabrice
Published: July 2013

Despite the increasing number of genomic tools, identifying the genetics underlying adaptive complex traits remains challenging in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. This is due, at least in part, to the lack of data on the geographical scale of adaptive phenotypic variation. The aims of this study were (i) to tease apart the historical roles of adaptive and nonselective processes in shaping phenological variation in A. thaliana in France and (ii) to gain insights into the spatial scale of adaptive variation by identifying the putative selective agents responsible for this selection. Forty‐nine natural stands from four climatically contrasted French regions were characterized (i) phenologically for six traits, (ii) genetically using 135 SNP markers and (iii) ecologically for 42 variables. Up to 63% of phenological variation could be explained by neutral genetic diversity. The remaining phenological variation displayed stronger associations with ecological variation within regions than among regions, suggesting the importance of local selective agents in shaping adaptive phenological variation. Although climatic conditions have often been suggested as the main selective agents acting on phenology in A. thaliana, both edaphic conditions and interspecific competition appear to be strong selective agents in some regions. In a first attempt to identify the genetics of phenological variation at different geographical scales, we phenotyped worldwide accessions and local polymorphic populations from the French RegMap in a genome‐wide association (GWA) mapping study. The genomic regions associated with phenological variation depended upon the geographical scale considered, stressing the need to account for the scale of adaptive phenotypic variation when choosing accession panels for GWAS.
Vertical nontransovarial transmission of Bartonella in fleas
Authors: Morick Danny , Krasnov Boris R. , Khokhlova Irina S. , Gutiérrez Ricardo , Gottlieb Yuval , Harrus Shimon
Published: July 2013

Pathogens use diverse pathways to infect host populations by vertical and/or horizontal routes. Horizontal transmission of bacteria belonging to the Bartonella genus via haematophagous vectors is well known. Vertical transmission of Bartonella species was also suggested to occur but its routes remain to be unveiled. In a previous study, we showed the absence of transovarial transmission of Bartonella species OE 1‐1 in Xenopsylla ramesis fleas, and that fleas feeding on Bartonella‐positive jirds produced Bartonella‐positive gut voids. This current study aimed to investigate whether vertical nontransovarial transmission of Bartonella occurs in fleas. For this aim, the X. ramesis–Bartonella sp. OE 1‐1 model was used. Four groups of fleas including Bartonella‐positive and Bartonella‐negative female fleas and larval offspring had access to either Bartonella‐negative or Bartonella‐positive gut voids and faeces. Sixteen per cent of flea offspring that had access to Bartonella‐positive faeces and gut voids became Bartonella positive. Our findings demonstrate that Bartonella‐positive flea faeces and gut voids are proper infection sources for flea larvae and indicate that vertical nontransovarial transmission of bartonellae occurs in fleas. This information broadens our understanding of Bartonella transmission routes in flea vectors and enlightens pathways of bartonellae transmission and maintenance in flea populations in nature.
TNFα Secretion of Monocytes Exposed to Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment: A Possible Working Mechanism of PRF Chronic Pain Management
Authors: Maretto Fabio , Vennik Marco , Albers Kim I. , van Duijn Bert
Published: July 2013

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRF) is a promising new technique increasingly used in treatment of chronic pain. The molecular working mechanism of PRF is not exactly known and is currently being investigated. This study investigates a possible role of PRF‐induced modulation of TNFα secretion by differentiated monocytes in chronic pain management. The results show no significant PRF‐induced change in TNFα secretion of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐stimulated monocytes. However, PRF does significantly increase TNFα secretion of differentiated monocytes that have not been stimulated with LPS. This may indicate a possible role of PRF treatment in increasing TNFα production of nonstimulated monocytes. More research is needed to determine whether this is truly a part of the working mechanism of PRF in chronic pain management and which other factors are involved.