bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of social defeat on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area in male and female California mice
Authors: Greenberg Gian D. , Steinman Michael Q. , Doig Ian E. , Hao Rebecca , Trainor Brian C.
Published: October 2015

Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) have important functions related to rewards but are also activated in aversive contexts. Electrophysiology studies suggest that the degree to which VTA dopamine neurons respond to noxious stimuli is topographically organized across the dorsal–ventral extent. We used c‐fos immunohistochemistry to examine the responses of VTA dopamine neurons in contexts of social defeat and social approach. Studying monogamous California mice (Peromyscus californicus) allowed us to observe the effects of social defeat on both males and females. Females exposed to three episodes of defeat, but not a single episode, had more tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)/c‐fos‐positive cells in the ventral (but not dorsal) VTA compared with controls. This observation suggests that repeated exposure to aversive contexts is necessary to trigger activation of VTA dopamine neurons. Defeat did not affect TH/c‐fos colocalizations in males. We also examined the long‐term effects of defeat on c‐fos expression in a social interaction test. As previously reported, defeat reduced social interaction in females but not males. Surprisingly, there were no effects of defeat stress on TH/c‐fos colocalizations in any subregion of the VTA. However, females had more TH/c‐fos‐positive cells than males across the entire VTA, and also had greater c‐fos‐positive cell counts in posterior subregions of the nucleus accumbens shell. Our results show that dopamine neurons in the VTA are more responsive to social contexts in females and that the ventral VTA in particular is sensitive to aversive contexts.
Multivariate regulation of soil CO2 and N2O pulse emissions from agricultural soils
Authors: Liang Liyin L. , Grantz David A. , Jenerette G. Darrel
Published: October 2015

Climate and land‐use models project increasing occurrence of high temperature and water deficit in both agricultural production systems and terrestrial ecosystems. Episodic soil wetting and subsequent drying may increase the occurrence and magnitude of pulsed biogeochemical activity, affecting carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles and influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this study, we provide the first data to explore the responses of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes to (i) temperature, (ii) soil water content as percent water holding capacity (%WHC), (iii) substrate availability throughout, and (iv) multiple soil drying and rewetting (DW) events. Each of these factors and their interactions exerted effects on GHG emissions over a range of four (CO2) and six (N2O) orders of magnitude. Maximal CO2 and N2O fluxes were observed in environments combining intermediate %WHC, elevated temperature, and sufficient substrate availability. Amendments of C and N and their interactions significantly affected CO2 and N2O fluxes and altered their temperature sensitivities (Q10) over successive DW cycles. C amendments significantly enhanced CO2 flux, reduced N2O flux, and decreased the Q10 of both. N amendments had no effect on CO2 flux and increased N2O flux, while significantly depressing the Q10 for CO2, and having no effect on the Q10 for N2O. The dynamics across DW cycles could be attributed to changes in soil microbial communities as the different responses to wetting events in specific group of microorganisms, to the altered substrate availabilities, or to both. The complex interactions among parameters influencing trace gas fluxes should be incorporated into next generation earth system models to improve estimation of GHG emissions.
Postoperative quality of life following single‐visit root canal treatment performed by rotary or reciprocating instrumentation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pasqualini D. , Corbella S. , Alovisi M. , Taschieri S. , Del Fabbro M. , Migliaretti G. , Carpegna G. C. , Scotti N. , Berutti E.
Published: October 2015

Aim

To compare the impact of rotary and reciprocating instrumentation on postoperative quality of life (POQoL) after single‐visit primary root canal treatment.

Methodology

A randomized controlled clinical trial was designed and carried out in a University endodontic practice in northern Italy. Healthy subjects with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis, symptomatic irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis with or without apical periodontitis (symptomatic or asymptomatic) scheduled for primary root canal treatment were enrolled. Single‐visit root canal treatment was performed with ProTaper™ S1‐S2‐F1‐F2 (rotary group, n = 23) and WaveOne™ Primary (reciprocating group, n = 24). Irrigation was performed with 5% NaOCl and 10% EDTA. Root canal filling was performed with the continuous‐wave technique and ZOE sealer. POQoL indicators were evaluated for 7 days post‐treatment. The variation of each indicator over time was compared using anova for repeated measures (P < 0.05). The impact of each variable on POQoL was analysed with a multivariate logistic regression model (P < 0.05).

Results

Pain curves demonstrated a more favourable time‐trend in the rotary group (mean, P = 0.077; maximum, P = 0.015). Difficulty in eating (P = 0.017), in performing daily activities (P = 0.023), in sleeping (P = 0.021) and in social relations (P = 0.077), was more evident in the reciprocating group. Patients' perception of the impact of treatment on POQoL was more favourable in the rotary group (P = 0.006). Multirooted tooth type and pre‐existing periradicular inflammation were associated with a decrease in POQoL.

Conclusion

Reciprocating instrumentation affected POQoL to a greater extent than rotary instrumentation.
Mysterious chronic urticaria caused by Blastocystis spp.?
Authors: Lepczyńska Małgorzata , Chen Wen‐Chieh , Dzika Ewa
Published: October 2015

Species of the genus Blastocystis, which are single‐cell, intestinal protozoan parasites of humans and animals, remain mysterious, with unclear clinical and epidemiologic significance. In recent years, many researchers have suggested a possible connection between Blastocystis spp. infection and chronic urticaria. In the present article, we review the literature and discuss the possible associations between the clinical symptomatology and pathogenicity of this organism in terms of its subtypes, morphologic forms, genetic diversity, and interactions with other intestinal microbiota.
The Use of Noninvasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation to Inhibit Sympathetically Induced Sinus Node Acceleration: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
Authors: ZHOU XIAOYA , ZHOU LIPING , WANG SONGYUN , YU LILEI , WANG ZHUO , HUANG BING , CHEN MINGXIAN , WAN JUN , JIANG HONG
Published: October 2015

NVNS and Sympathetically Induced Sinus Node Acceleration

Background

Hyperactivity of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system may underlie the pathogenesis of inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST). Studies have proven that cervical vagal stimulation could inhibit stellate ganglion neural activity.

Subjects

To investigate whether noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation (NVNS) could inhibit sympathetically induced sinus node acceleration by reducing right stellate ganglion (RSG) neural activity.

Methods

Sixteen anesthetized dogs were randomly divided into NVNS group (with NVNS, n = 8) and control group (with sham NVNS, n = 8). NVNS was delivered to the vagus nerve innervating at the right tragus with a voltage of 80% below the threshold, the minimal voltage to slow the sinus rate or atrioventricular conduction. The maximal sinus rate accelerations induced by high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) of RSG and RSG neural activity were measured at baseline and 3 hours after NVNS. At the end, SK2, c‐fos, and NGF protein expression in RSG were examined in both groups.

Results

Compared to baseline, the maximal sinus node acceleration induced by RSG stimulation and the RSG neural activity were both significantly attenuated after 3 hours of NVNS (P < 0.05 for both). However, these indices did not change significantly in the control group (P > 0.05). SK2 expression in RSG was significantly higher and c‐fos and NGF expressions were significantly lower in the NVNS group than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation may suppress RSG activity possibly by modulating SK2, c‐fos, and NGF expressions in RSG, thus inhibiting sympathetically induced sinus node acceleration.
The combined effects of pre‐ and post‐copulatory processes are masking sexual conflict over mating rate in Gerris buenoi
Authors: Devost E. , Turgeon J.
Published: October 2015

In polygynandrous animals, post‐copulatory processes likely interfere with precopulatory sexual selection. In water striders, sexual conflict over mating rate and post‐copulatory processes are well documented, but their combined effect on reproductive success has seldom been investigated. We combine genetic parentage analyses and behavioural observations conducted in a competitive reproductive environment to investigate how pre‐ and post‐copulatory processes influence reproductive success in Gerris buenoi Kirkaldy. Precopulatory struggles had antagonistic effects on male and female reproductive success: efficiently gaining copulations was beneficial for males, whereas efficiently avoiding copulations was profitable for females. Also, high mating rates and an intermediate optimal resistance level of females supported the hypothesis of convenience polyandry. Contrary to formal predictions, high mating rates (i.e. the number of copulations) did not increase reproductive success in males or decrease reproductive success in females. Instead, the reproductive success of both sexes was higher when offspring were produced with several partners and when there were few unnecessary matings. Thus, male and female G. buenoi displayed different interests in reproduction, but post‐copulatory processes were masking the effects of copulatory mating success on reproductive success. Given the high mating rates observed, sperm competition could easily counter the effect of mating rates, perhaps in interaction with cryptic female choice and/or fecundity selection. Our study presents a complex but realistic overview of sexual selection forces at work in a model organism for the study of sexual conflict, confirming that insights are gained from investigating all episodes in the reproduction cycle of polygynandrous animals.
Huanglongbing: An overview of a complex pathosystem ravaging the world's citrus
Authors: da Graça John V. , Douhan Greg W. , Halbert Susan E. , Keremane Manjunath L. , Lee Richard F. , Vidalakis Georgios , Zhao Hongwei
Published: October 2015

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB) has become a major disease and limiting factor of production in citrus areas that have become infected. The destruction to the affected citrus industries has resulted in a tremendous increase to support research that in return has resulted in significant information on both applied and basic knowledge concerning this important disease to the global citrus industry. Recent research indicates the relationship between citrus and the causal agent of HLB is shaped by multiple elements, in which host defense responses may also play an important role. This review is intended to provide an overview of the importance of HLB to a wider audience of plant biologists. Recent advances on host‐pathogen interactions, population genetics and vectoring of the causal agent are discussed.
Visualization of water drying in porous materials by X‐ray phase contrast imaging
Authors: YANG F. , GRIFFA M. , BONNIN A. , MOKSO R. , DI BELLA C. , MÜNCH B. , KAUFMANN R. , LURA P.
Published: October 2015

We present in this study results from X‐ray tomographic microscopy with synchrotron radiation performed both in attenuation and phase contrast modes on a limestone sample during two stages of water drying. No contrast agent was used in order to increase the X‐ray attenuation by water. We show that only by using the phase contrast mode it is possible to achieve enough water content change resolution to investigate the drying process at the pore‐scale. We performed 3D image analysis of the time‐differential phase contrast tomogram. We show by the results of such analysis that it is possible to obtain a reliable characterization of the spatial redistribution of water in the resolved pore system in agreement with what expected from the theory of drying in porous media and from measurements performed with other approaches. We thus show the potential of X‐ray phase contrast imaging for pore‐scale investigations of reactive water transport processes which cannot be imaged by adding a contrast agent for exploiting the standard attenuation contrast imaging mode.
Relieved or disappointed – experiences of accepted and rejected living kidney donors: a prospective qualitative study
Authors: Agerskov Hanne , Ludvigsen Mette Spliid , Bistrup Claus , Pedersen Birthe D
Published: October 2015

Aim and objectives

To investigate the perceived experiences and considerations among potential kidney transplantation donors in relation to acceptance or rejection as donors.

Background

Kidney transplantations are successfully performed in all Western countries, but the prevalence of patients waiting for organs from deceased donors far exceeds the number of organs available. This shortfall has promoted donation by living donors, who enter the donation process with feelings of hope, concern and patience to be accepted or rejected for donation.

Design

A phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach was applied in the study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants. Data were interpreted and discussed in accordance with Ricoeur's theory of interpretation involving: naïve reading, structural analysis, critical interpretation and discussion.

Results

Accepted donors experienced relief and delight. Reflections were made on being prepared for donation and on the risks involved. Relationships between donors and recipients became closer. Rejected donors experienced frustration and disappointment, including anxiety about the recipient's prospects. Rejected donors reflected on the reason for rejection, and this could include considerations about changes to their own lifestyle. Reactions from relatives had an impact on donors.

Conclusions

The study concluded that both the accepted and rejected donors were vulnerable and in need of attention, engagement, support and care. The study draws attention to the need for healthcare professionals to be open and sensitive to the donors′ descriptions of their unique experiences of being accepted or rejected for kidney donation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses should be aware that dialogue with donors, including reflections on experiences, is important to reduce and alleviate vulnerability and to give the best possible support and attention, including the opportunity to promote optimal postdonation outcomes.
Decreased levels of stem cell factor in subjects with incident coronary events
Authors: Wigren M. , Rattik S. , Hultman K. , Björkbacka H. , Nordin‐Fredrikson G. , Bengtsson E. , Hedblad B. , Siegbahn A. , Gonçalves I. , Nilsson J.
Published: October 2015

Background

It has been proposed that vascular progenitor cells play an important role in vascular repair, but their possible clinical importance in cardiovascular disease has not been fully characterized. Vascular endothelial growth factor A, placental growth factor and stem cell factor (SCF) are three growth factors that are important in recruiting vascular progenitor cells. In this study, we investigated the association between the plasma levels of these growth factors and incident coronary events (CEs).

Methods

Levels of the three growth factors were measured using the proximity extension assay technique in baseline plasma samples from 384 subjects with a first CE (mean follow‐up 14.0 ± 4.3 years) and 409 event‐free control subjects matched by sex and age, as well as in homogenates from 201 endarterectomy specimens.

Results

After controlling for known cardiovascular disease risk factors in a Cox regression model, subjects in the lowest SCF tertile had a hazard ratio of 1.70 (95% confidence interval 1.14–2.54) compared with subjects in the highest SCF tertile. Lower SCF levels were also associated with more severe carotid disease, less fibrous atherosclerotic plaques and an increased incidence of heart failure. Expression of the SCF receptor c‐kit was demonstrated in the subendothelial layer and fibrous cap of human atherosclerotic plaques. Smokers and subjects with diabetes had decreased levels of SCF compared with control subjects.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to provide evidence to support a key role for SCF and progenitor cells in vascular repair. We suggest that the SCF–c‐kit pathway may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease.
Immunohistochemical expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin and glucocorticoid and calcitonin receptors in central giant‐cell lesions
Authors: Noya Maiz Nancy , de la Rosa‐García Estela , Irigoyen Camacho María Esther
Published: October 2015

Background

Central giant‐cell lesions (CGCLs) are reactive lesions that consist histologically of spindle‐shaped stromal cells, (fibroblasts and myofibroblasts) loosely arranged in a fibrous stroma, multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells with haemorrhagic areas. This study identified the immunoexpression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin in spindle‐shaped stromal cells, and glucocorticoid and calcitonin receptors in multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear cells. Their association with the clinical and radiographic characteristics of these lesions was identified.

Methods

Thirty‐five cases of CGCLs were studied. Expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin, glucocorticoid and calcitonin was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The labelling index was 100 times the quotient of the number of positive cells divided by the total number of cells of each type. Logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results

Alpha‐smooth muscle actin was positive (54%) for spindle stromal cells (myofibroblasts). A significant association was observed with root resorption (P = 0.004) and cortical bone destruction (P = 0.024). Glucocorticoid immunoexpression was positive for 99% of the giant cells and 86.7% of the mononuclear cells. Glucocorticoid immunoexpression in the mononuclear cells was associated with root resorption (P = 0.031). A longer evolution time was associated with lower immunoexpression of glucocorticoid (OR 12.4: P = 0.047). Calcitonin immunoexpression was positive in 86% of the giant cells. Immunoexpression of calcitonin was associated with age (P = 0.040).

Conclusions

Myofibroblasts are important components of CGCLs, stromal cells and alpha‐smooth muscle. Actin immunoexpression was associated with root and cortical bone resorption.
Serum‐derived hepatitis C virus 1a infection of human astrocyte cell line SVG
Authors: Rajalakshmy A. R. , Malathi J. , Madhavan H. N.
Published: October 2015

Neuroinvasion of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is evidenced by recent clinical studies. In this study, serum‐derived HCV infection of astrocytes was analysed. Astrocytes were infected with HCV‐positive serum, and viral replication was assessed on different days postinfection. RT‐PCR was positive for HCV‐negative strand on 5th and 7th day postinfection in the HCV‐positive serum‐infected astrocytes. Real‐time RNA count in the cell culture supernatant was steadily increasing from day 3 to day 7. To reconfirm the viral replication, astrocytes were treated with an antiviral before the serum infection, and the antiviral treatment significantly reduced the viral RNA count. Further, the virus‐infected cells stained positive for the presence of viral core protein. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of HCV‐like particles in the astrocyte cell culture supernatant. In conclusion, serum‐derived HCV replicates in human astrocyte cell line SVG.
High‐Frequency Continuous Pulsed Magnetic Stimulation Does Not Adversely Affect Development on Whole Body Organs in Female Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: SATO Eiichi , YAMANISHI Tomonori , IMAI Yasuo , KOBAYASHI Masashi , SAKAMOTO Taku , ONO Yuko , FUJII Akiko , YAMAGUCHI Takehiko , NAKAMURA Tsukasa , UEDA Yoshihiko
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To conduct histopathological studies on various organs in three different groups of female rats for adverse effects of pulsed magnetic stimulation (MS). Blood tests and body and organ weights were also studied.

Methods

A high‐frequency continuous magnetic stimulator was used (SMN‐X, Nihon Kohden, Tokyo). Thirty‐four female Sprague–Dawley rats (SPF) were randomly divided into three groups: treatment (MS) groups with 12 and 36 stimulations (seven rats in each); sham groups exposed only to sounds of stimulation for 12 and 36 times; (seven rats in each); and control groups with no stimulation or sound during the same periods of 12 and 36 stimulations (five rats in each). The MS group received magnetic stimulation at the maximum output level (560 mT peak) at 10 Hz for 25 min once daily for 5 days a week. After treatment various organs including genital organs were removed for histological and endocrinological examinations.

Results

No changes were seen in body and organ weights and daily behaviors among the three groups. No adverse influence of magnetic stimulation was noted on histopathological examinations of liver, spleen, kidney, lung, heart, thymus, urinary bladder, skeletal muscle and bone marrow. No intragroup changes were seen among the three groups with regard to endocrinological findings including blood cell counts, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), estrogen and progesterone levels.

Conclusions

Pulsed magnetic stimulation exerted no apparent adverse effect on the various organs, hormone levels, body weight, and daily behaviors in female rats.
Biases, gaps, and opportunities in mammalian extinction risk research
Authors: Verde Arregoitia Luis D.
Published: October 2015

A subdiscipline of conservation science involves the study of differences between threatened and non‐threatened species. The relevance of multispecies analyses of extinction risk to conservation practice has been questioned, but there has been no synthesis of the allocation of research effort to different regions and groups of mammals to assess whether or not sufficient knowledge is available to support conservation science where it is most needed.

I reviewed 68 comparative studies of mammalian extinction risk to test whether existing research reflects our concern for threatened species. Additionally, I examined the variables used and various methodological issues that can lead to uninformative results.

Known spatial and taxonomic biases in conservation science persisted in extinction risk research, leaving large proportions of globally threatened taxa unstudied. Primates and carnivores had more dedicated studies, whereas small mammals such as rodents and the Eulipotyphla (true shrews, talpids, solenodons, gymnures, and hedgehogs) lack research effort despite their high diversity, threat, and extinction record. Except for the Australian mammal fauna (a clear priority given the number of threatened, extinct, and endemic taxa), most areas of conservation importance remain underrepresented in these types of studies.

Detailed country‐level analyses can provide applicable results for understudied regions. I propose Southeast Asia and the Caribbean for further research, given their high levels of extinction, threat and endemism, and their unique biogeographic histories. Finally, I offer suggestions for general methodological improvements to avoid problems with missing data and statistical circularity in order to maximise conservation relevance.
A survey of tick‐borne pathogens in dogs and their ticks in the Pantanal biome, Brazil
Authors: MELO A. L. T. , WITTER R. , MARTINS T. F. , PACHECO T. A. , ALVES A. S. , CHITARRA C. S. , DUTRA V. , NAKAZATO L. , PACHECO R. C. , LABRUNA M. B. , AGUIAR D. M.
Published: October 2015

Tick and blood samples collected from domestic dogs in the Brazilian Pantanal were tested by molecular methods for the presence of tick‐borne protozoa and bacteria. Among 320 sampled dogs, 3.13% were infected by Babesia vogeli (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae), 8.75% by Hepatozoon canis (Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae), 7.19% by Anaplasma platys (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), and 0.94% by an unclassified Anaplasma sp. In three tick species collected from dogs, the following tick‐borne agents were detected: (a) B. vogeli, An. platys and Ehrlichia canis (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae), infecting Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks; (b) H. canis, an unclassified Anaplasma sp. and Rickettsia amblyommii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), infecting Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks, and (c) Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest, an emerging human pathogen, infecting Amblyomma ovale ticks. Molecular analysis, based on a mitochondrial gene, revealed that the Am. cajennense s.l. ticks of the present study corresponded to Amblyomma sculptum, a member of the Am. cajennense species complex, and that Rh. sanguineus s.l. belonged to the tropical lineage. Whereas dogs are exposed to a number of tick‐borne bacterial and protozoan agents in the Pantanal biome, humans are potentially exposed to infection by spotted fever group rickettsiae (e.g. R. amblyommii and Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest) because both Am. sculptum and Am. ovale are among the most important human‐biting ticks in Brazil.
Echidnopsis thulinii sp. nov. (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae) with a review of the infrageneric classification of the genus
Authors: Gilbert Michael G.
Published: October 2015

Echidnopsis thulinii M. G. Gilbert is described from northern Somalia. The infrageneric classification of Echidnopsis Hook. f. is reviewed in the light of recently published molecular phylogenies. The new species belongs to E. sect. Echidnopsis and a key to the species of this section is provided. A lectotype, supported by an epitype, is designated for E. virchowii K. Schum. Echidnopsis sect. Profundicoronata Bruyns is included within sect. Vadosicoronata Bruyns and two new sections recognised: E. sect. Pseudopectinaria (Lavranos) M. G. Gilbert, based on the genus Pseudopectinaria Lavranos, and E. sect. Sobolifera M. G. Gilbert. A key is given to the sections of Echidnopsis.
Psychological factors selectively upregulate rectal pain perception in hypersensitive patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Grinsvall C. , Törnblom H. , Tack J. , Van Oudenhove L. , Simrén M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Visceral hypersensitivity and psychological symptoms are frequent features in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Exploring mechanistic pathways leading to visceral hypersensitivity is of importance to direct future studies and treatment options. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of psychological factors to the perception of painful and non‐painful rectal sensations in hyper‐ vs normosensitive IBS patients.

Methods

We included 138 IBS patients (Rome II criteria) who underwent an ascending method of limited rectal balloon distension paradigm. At the end of each distension step, subjects rated the perceived intensity of non‐painful (‘unpleasantness’) and painful rectal sensations on visual analog scales. Sensitivity status was determined based on pain thresholds. Anxiety, depression and somatization were assessed by questionnaires. Mixed models were used to test the relationship between sensitivity status, psychological variables, and pain & unpleasantness ratings upon increasing distension.

Key Results

Hypersensitive IBS patients had lower sensory thresholds for pain, first perception, urge to defecate, and discomfort (p < 0.0001). Upon increasing distension, they rated both painful and non‐painful sensations as more intense than normosensitive patients (p < 0.0001). Psychological factors were associated with higher pain ratings during distension in hypersensitive (p < 0.006–0.0001), but not in normosensitive patients. Anxiety, but not depression or somatization, was associated with increased intensity ratings of non‐painful sensations (p < 0.001), independent of sensitivity status.

Conclusions & Inferences

Hypersensitive IBS patients are characterized by increased perception of pain, but also of non‐painful sensations. Psychological factors increase the perception of painful sensations in hypersensitive patients only, whereas non‐painful visceral sensations were exaggerated in anxious patients regardless of the sensitivity status.
Activation of colo‐rectal high‐threshold afferent nerves by Interleukin‐2 is tetrodotoxin‐sensitive and upregulated in a mouse model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Campaniello M. A. , Harrington A. M. , Martin C. M. , Ashley Blackshaw L. , Brierley S. M. , Hughes P. A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Chronic visceral pain is a defining feature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS patients often show alterations in innate and adaptive immune function which may contribute to symptoms. Immune mediators are known to modulate the activity of viscero‐sensory afferent nerves, but the focus has been on the innate immune system. Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) is primarily associated with adaptive immune responses but its effects on colo‐rectal afferent function in health or disease are unknown.

Methods

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity determined the extent of inflammation in health, acute trinitrobenzene‐sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis, and in our post‐TNBS colitis model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity (CVH). The functional effects of IL‐2 on high‐threshold colo‐rectal afferents and the expression of IL‐2R and NaV1.7 mRNA in colo‐rectal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons were compared between healthy and CVH mice.

Key Results

MPO activity was increased during acute colitis, but subsided to levels comparable to health in CVH mice. IL‐2 caused direct excitation of colo‐rectal afferents that was blocked by tetrodotoxin. IL‐2 did not affect afferent mechanosensitivity in health or CVH. However, an increased proportion of afferents responded directly to IL‐2 in CVH mice compared with controls (73% vs 33%; p < 0.05), and the abundance of IL‐2R and NaV1.7 mRNA was increased 3.5‐ and 2‐fold (p < 0.001 for both) in colo‐rectal DRG neurons.

Conclusions & Inferences

IL‐2, an immune mediator from the adaptive arm of the immune response, affects colo‐rectal afferent function, indicating these effects are not restricted to innate immune mediators. Colo‐rectal afferent sensitivity to IL‐2 is increased long after healing from inflammation.
Microtubule dynamics of the centrosome‐like polar organizers from the basal land plant Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Buschmann Henrik , Holtmannspötter Michael , Borchers Agnes , O'Donoghue Martin‐Timothy , Zachgo Sabine
Published: October 2015

The liverwort Marchantia employs both modern and ancestral devices during cell division: it forms preprophase bands and in addition it shows centrosome‐like polar organizers. We investigated whether polar organizers and preprophase bands cooperate to set up the division plane.

To this end, two novel green fluorescent protein‐based microtubule markers for dividing cells of Marchantia were developed.

Cells of the apical notch formed polar organizers first and subsequently assembled preprophase bands. Polar organizers were formed de novo from multiple mobile microtubule foci localizing to the nuclear envelope. The foci then became concentrated by bipolar aggregation. We determined the comet production rate of polar organizers and show that microtubule plus ends of astral microtubules polymerize faster than those found on cortical microtubules. Importantly, it was observed that conditions increasing polar organizer numbers interfere with preprophase band formation.

The data show that polar organizers have much in common with centrosomes, but that they also have specialized features. The results suggest that polar organizers contribute to preprophase band formation and in this way are involved in controlling the division plane. Our analyses of the basal land plant Marchantia shed new light on the evolution of plant cell division.
Plant compartment and biogeography affect microbiome composition in cultivated and native Agave species
Authors: Coleman‐Derr Devin , Desgarennes Damaris , Fonseca‐Garcia Citlali , Gross Stephen , Clingenpeel Scott , Woyke Tanja , North Gretchen , Visel Axel , Partida‐Martinez Laila P. , Tringe Susannah G.
Published: October 2015

Desert plants are hypothesized to survive the environmental stress inherent to these regions in part thanks to symbioses with microorganisms, and yet these microbial species, the communities they form, and the forces that influence them are poorly understood.

Here we report the first comprehensive investigation of the microbial communities associated with species of Agave, which are native to semiarid and arid regions of Central and North America and are emerging as biofuel feedstocks. We examined prokaryotic and fungal communities in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, leaf and root endosphere, as well as proximal and distal soil samples from cultivated and native agaves, through Illumina amplicon sequencing.

Phylogenetic profiling revealed that the composition of prokaryotic communities was primarily determined by the plant compartment, whereas the composition of fungal communities was mainly influenced by the biogeography of the host species. Cultivated A. tequilana exhibited lower levels of prokaryotic diversity compared with native agaves, although no differences in microbial diversity were found in the endosphere.

Agaves shared core prokaryotic and fungal taxa known to promote plant growth and confer tolerance to abiotic stress, which suggests common principles underpinning Agave–microbe interactions.
The tomato plastidic fructokinase SlFRK3 plays a role in xylem development
Authors: Stein Ofer , Damari‐Weissler Hila , Secchi Francesca , Rachamilevitch Shimon , German Marcelo A. , Yeselson Yelena , Amir Rachel , Schaffer Arthur , Holbrook N. Michele , Aloni Roni , Zwieniecki Maciej A. , Granot David
Published: October 2015

Plants have two kinds of fructokinases (FRKs) that catalyze the key step of fructose phosphorylation, cytosolic and plastidic. The major cytosolic tomato FRK, SlFRK2, is essential for the development of xylem vessels.

In order to study the role of SlFRK3, which encodes the only plastidic FRK, we generated transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) plants with RNAi suppression of SlFRK3 as well as plants expressing beta‐glucoronidase (GUS) under the SlFRK3 promoter.

GUS staining indicated SlFRK3 expression in vascular tissues of the leaves and stems, including cambium, differentiating xylem, young xylem fibers and phloem companion cells. Suppression of SlFRK3 reduced the stem xylem area, stem and root water conductance, and whole‐plant transpiration, with minor effects on plant development. However, suppression of SlFRK3 accompanied by partial suppression of SlFRK2 induced significant growth‐inhibition effects, including the wilting of mature leaves. Grafting experiments revealed that these growth effects are imposed primarily by the leaves, whose petioles had unlignified, thin‐walled xylem fibers with collapsed parenchyma cells around the vessels. A cross between the SlFRK2‐antisense and SlFRK3‐RNAi lines exhibited similar wilting and anatomical effects, confirming that these effects are the result of the combined suppression of SlFRK3 and SlFRK2.

These results demonstrate a role of the plastidic SlFRK3 in xylem development and hydraulic conductance.
Phytoplankton community interactions and environmental sensitivity in coastal and offshore habitats
Authors: Griffiths Jennifer R. , Hajdu Susanna , Downing Andrea S. , Hjerne Olle , Larsson Ulf , Winder Monika
Published: October 2015

Assessing the relative importance of environmental conditions and community interactions is necessary for evaluating the sensitivity of biological communities to anthropogenic change. Phytoplankton communities have a central role in aquatic food webs and biogeochemical cycles, therefore, consequences of differing community sensitivities may have broad ecosystem effects. Using two long‐term time series (28 and 20 years) from the Baltic Sea, we evaluated coastal and offshore major phytoplankton taxonomic group biovolume patterns over annual and monthly time‐scales and assessed their response to environmental drivers and biotic interactions. Overall, coastal phytoplankton responded more strongly to environmental anomalies than offshore phytoplankton, although the specific environmental driver changed with time scale. A trend indicating a state shift in annual biovolume anomalies occurred at both sites and the shift's timing at the coastal site closely tracked other long‐term Baltic Sea ecosystem shifts. Cyanobacteria and the autotrophic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum were more strongly related than other groups to this trend with opposing relationships that were consistent across sites. On a monthly scale, biotic interactions within communities were rare and did not overlap between the coastal and offshore sites. Annual scales may be better able to assess general patterns across habitat types in the Baltic Sea, but monthly community dynamics may differ at relatively small spatial scales and consequently respond differently to future change.
Plant–mycorrhizal fungus co‐occurrence network lacks substantial structure
Authors: Encinas‐Viso Francisco , Alonso David , Klironomos John N. , Etienne Rampal S. , Chang Esther R.
Published: October 2015

The interactions between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) maintain a crucial link between macroscopic organisms and the soil microbial world. These interactions are of extreme importance for the diversity of plant communities and ecosystem functioning. Despite this importance, only recently has the structure of plant–AMF interaction networks been studied. These recent studies, which used genetic data, suggest that these networks are highly structured, very similar to plant–animal mutualistic networks. However, the assembly process of plant–AMF communities is still largely unknown, and an important feature of plant–AMF interactions has not been incorporated: they occur at an extremely localized scale. Studying plant–AMF networks in a spatial context seems therefore a crucial step. This paper studies a plant–AMF spatial co‐occurrence network using novel methodology based on information theory and a unique set of spatially explicit species‐level data. We apply three null models of which only one accounts for spatial effects. We find that the data show substantial departures from null expectations for the two non‐spatial null models. However, for the null model considering spatial effects, there are few significant co‐occurrences compared with the other two null models. Thus, plant–AMF spatial co‐occurrences seem to be mostly explained by stochasticity, with a small role for other factors related to plant–AMF specialization. Furthermore, we find that the network is not significantly nested or modular. We conclude that this plant–AMF spatial co‐occurrence network lacks substantial structure and, therefore, plants and AMF species do not track each other over space. Thus, random encounters seem more important in the first step of the assembly of plant–AMF communities.

Synthesis

The symbiotic interaction between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is crucial for ecosystem functioning. However, the factors affecting the assembly of plant‐AMF communities are poorly understood. An important factor of the assembly of plant‐AMF communities has been overlooked: plant‐AMF interactions occur at a localized spatial scale. Our study investigated the importance of space in the structure of plant‐AMF communities. We studied a plant‐AMF spatial co‐occurrence network using a unique set of spatially explicit data and applied three null models. We found that plant‐AMF spatial co‐occurrences seem to be mostly explained by stochasticity. In particular, our study shows that this plant‐AMF spatial co‐occurrence network lacks substantial structure and, therefore, plants and AMF species do not track each other over space. Thus, random encounters seem to drive the assembly of plant‐AMF communities.
Intraoral hyperpigmentation due to imatinib mesylate. A review of the literature
Authors: Pancholi Nilesh , Taneja Pankaj
Published: October 2015

Aim

The purpose of this article was to review the literature on intraoral pigmentation seen in patients who have received imatinib mesylate therapy in order to increase awareness of this phenomenon and discuss its presentation. The literature review will also aid the differential diagnosis made by clinicians.

Material and methods

A literature search was performed using the Embase, Medline and PubMed databases, as well as a web search. English language papers discussing intraoral pigmentation in patients receiving imatinib therapy were included in the review. A manual search of the reference lists of included articles was also conducted.

Results

A total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These articles comprised of 18 cases of intraoral pigmentation associated with imatinib mesylate. Intraoral pigmentation was reported in 10 female and 8 male patients ranging from 13 to 70 years of age. The most common intraoral site affected was the hard palate. Histological findings showed increased melanin in the lamina propria layer, consistent with drug‐related melanosis.

Conclusions

The review has shown that there is evidence to support an association between imatinib therapy and intraoral hyperpigmentation. A number of mechanisms for this have been hypothesised. This benign phenomenon, which can affect different oromucosal sites, may be diagnosed based on clinical findings, and does not require intervention or modification of drug therapy. Clinicians, however, should be aware of this and include it within their differential diagnoses.
Ability of hemostatic assessment to detect bleeding disorders and to predict abnormal surgical blood loss in children: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Guay Joanne , Faraoni David , Bonhomme Fanny , Borel Derlon Annie , Lasne Dominique
Published: October 2015

Background

Systematic preoperative coagulation testing is still widely used in children scheduled for surgery, although current guidelines recommend that a bleeding history should be the first choice for hemostatic assessment. We performed a systematic review with meta‐analysis to evaluate the pertinence of bleeding questionnaire and screening laboratory testing to detect bleeding disorders (BDs) in children and to predict abnormal surgical blood loss.

Methods

A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE(R), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Health technology Assessment, and all EBM Reviews (Cochrane DSR, ACP Journal Club, DARE, CCTR, CMR, HTA, and NHSEED and EBM Reviews) up to October 22, 2013. Prospective trials containing 20 children or more and any tests evaluating either the ability of the test to detect a congenital BD or the ability of the test to predict increased surgical blood loss were retained. The quality of the study was judged with the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and two investigators extracted data independently. Data were combined to calculate the pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI 95%). I2 statistics were used to assess statistics heterogeneity.

Results

Data could be extracted from 16 studies. Best results for detecting a congenital abnormality at potential risk for increased surgical blood loss were obtained with the PFA‐100 (DOR = 113.0; 95% CI, 22.6–566.2; I2 = 0%) in two studies, followed by the bleeding time in two other studies (DOR = 110.7; 95% CI, 24.4–502.3; I2 = 0%). With a high amount of heterogeneity, questionnaires showed disappointing performances (DOR = 7.9; 95% CI: 3.5–17.5; I2 = 72.6%).

Conclusion

Current evidence does not identify a tool that adequately predicts BDs and/or abnormal surgical blood loss in children. Questionnaires currently available do not perform well. In the setting of a pediatric coagulation clinic, the PFA‐100 has the highest chance of detecting a BD. This meta‐analysis highlights the weakness of the literature regarding the prediction of perioperative bleeding due to congenital hemostatic disorders in children.
High‐density SNP genotyping array for hexaploid wheat and its secondary and tertiary gene pool
Authors: Winfield Mark O. , Allen Alexandra M. , Burridge Amanda J. , Barker Gary L. A. , Benbow Harriet R. , Wilkinson Paul A. , Coghill Jane , Waterfall Christy , Davassi Alessandro , Scopes Geoff , Pirani Ali , Webster Teresa , Brew Fiona , Bloor Claire , King Julie , West Claire , Griffiths Simon , King Ian , Bentley Alison R. , Edwards Keith J.
Published: October 2015

In wheat, a lack of genetic diversity between breeding lines has been recognized as a significant block to future yield increases. Species belonging to bread wheat's secondary and tertiary gene pools harbour a much greater level of genetic variability, and are an important source of genes to broaden its genetic base. Introgression of novel genes from progenitors and related species has been widely employed to improve the agronomic characteristics of hexaploid wheat, but this approach has been hampered by a lack of markers that can be used to track introduced chromosome segments. Here, we describe the identification of a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms that can be used to genotype hexaploid wheat and to identify and track introgressions from a variety of sources. We have validated these markers using an ultra‐high‐density Axiom® genotyping array to characterize a range of diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid wheat accessions and wheat relatives. To facilitate the use of these, both the markers and the associated sequence and genotype information have been made available through an interactive web site.
Association of Pre‐Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain with Preterm Births and Fetal Size: an Observational Study from Lebanon
Authors: El Rafei Rym , Abbas Hussein A. , Charafeddine Lama , Nakad Pascale , Al Bizri Ayah , Hamod Dany , Yunis Khalid A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are reported to impact the preterm birth (PTB) rate and newborn size. Most studies have been conducted in developed countries, although PTB and adverse pregnancy outcomes are more frequent in the developing world. The aim of this study is to elucidate the association of pre‐pregnancy BMI and GWG on the occurrence of PTB and sub‐optimal fetal size in Lebanon.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study using a hospital‐based register covering 35% of births in Lebanon between 2001 and 2012. Data were collected on 170 428 pregnancies from 32 hospitals using medical records and interviews.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, underweight women had increased odds of having very preterm [odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 2.14], preterm (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.28, 1.58), and small for gestational age (SGA) (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.37, 1.63) neonates. When BMI was analysed with GWG, only SGA remained significant in underweight women with low GWG. For all BMI groups, low GWG was protective against large for gestational age (LGA) and high GWG increased the odds of LGA. GWG, both low (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15, 1.35) and high (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.32, 1.55) increased the risk of PTB in normal weight women. The same result was obtained for overweight women.

Conclusions

High GWG increased the risk of LGA for all groups and PTB in normal weight and overweight women, whereas low GWG increased the risk of SGA and PTB. Given that there are not many studies from middle income/developing countries on patterns of weight gain during pregnancy, findings from this study may help with pre‐conception counselling with emphasis on the importance of an optimal pre‐pregnancy BMI and appropriate weight gain during pregnancy.