bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of parasite island syndromes without long‐term host population isolation: parasite dynamics in Macaronesian blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla
Authors: Pérez‐Rodríguez Antón , Ramírez Álvaro , Richardson David S. , Pérez‐Tris Javier
Published: June 2013

Aim

The study of parasite biogeography on islands is important for our understanding of both the processes involved in the evolution of parasite assemblages worldwide and the ecology and conservation of insular communities. By studying the haemosporidian blood parasites of a bird that has recently colonized a number of oceanic islands, we were able to test hypotheses relating to the processes of parasite colonization and community assembly prior to the permanent isolation of host species on islands.

Location

The Atlantic Ocean archipelagos of Madeira and the Canary Islands.

Methods

We used cytochrome b DNA sequences to determine the prevalence and richness of parasites of the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon in blackcaps, Sylvia atricapilla, a widespread passerine that colonized these archipelagos during the Last Glacial Maximum. We compared insular blackcap parasite assemblages with those observed in 37 blackcap populations sampled on mainland Europe.

Results

The insular parasite assemblage was impoverished, containing c. 10% of the parasites found on the continent. None of the parasites observed on the islands were blackcap specific. Some of the observed parasites appear to have switched from blackcaps to other Macaronesian host species, whereas others were of Afrotropical origin and were acquired after blackcaps colonized the islands. The prevalence of parasites in the island populations of blackcaps was lower than in mainland blackcap populations and parasite richness decreased with increasing island distance to the continent.

Main conclusions

Macaronesian blackcaps do not face the strong parasite load encountered by their mainland counterparts despite the fact that blackcap migration from the continent may directly transport mainland blackcap parasites to the islands. This supports the idea that normal mainland host–parasite associations are compromised on islands and that parasite island syndromes (low richness, frequent host‐switching and reduced specialization) evolve even before insular host populations become completely isolated from their mainland counterparts.
Climate or migration: what limited European beech post‐glacial colonization?
Authors: Saltré Frédérik , Saint‐Amant Rémi , Gritti Emmanuel S. , Brewer Simon , Gaucherel Cédric , Davis Basil A. S. , Chuine Isabelle
Published: June 2013

Aim

Despite the recent improvements made in species distribution models (SDMs), assessing species' ability to migrate fast enough to track their climate optimum remains a challenge. This study achieves this goal and demonstrates the reliability of a process‐based SDM to provide accurate projections by simulating the post‐glacial colonization of European beech.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We simulated the post‐glacial colonization of European beech over the last 12,000 years by coupling a process‐based SDM (PHENOFIT) and a new migration model based on Gibbs point processes, both parameterized with modern ecological data. Simulations were compared with palaeoarchives and phylogeographic data on European beech.

Results

Model predictions are consistent with palaeoarchives and phylogeographic data over the Holocene. The results suggest that post‐glacial expansion of European beech was limited by climate on its north‐eastern leading edge, while limited by its migration abilities on its north‐western leading edge. The results show a mean migration rate of beech varying from 270 m yr −1 to 280 m yr−1 and a maximum migration rate varying from 560 m yr−1 to 630 m yr−1, when limited and not limited by climate, respectively. They also highlight the relative contribution of known and suspected glacial refugia in present beech distribution and confirm the results of phylogeographic studies.

Main conclusions

For the first time, we were able to reproduce accurately the colonization dynamics of European beech during the last 12 kyr using a process‐based SDM and a migration model, both parameterized with modern ecological data. Our methodology has allowed us to identify the different factors that affected European beech migration during its post‐glaciation expansion in different parts of its range. This method shows great potential to help palaeobotanists and phylogeographers locate putative glacial refugia, and to provide accurate projections of beech distribution change in the future.
Climate‐driven global changes in carbon use efficiency
Authors: Zhang Yangjian , Yu Guirui , Yang Jian , Wimberly Michael C. , Zhang XianZhou , Tao Jian , Jiang Yanbin , Zhu Juntao
Published: June 2013

Aim

Carbon use efficiency [net primary production (NPP)/gross primary production (GPP) ratio] is a parameter related to the allocation of photosynthesized products by plants and is commonly used in many biogeochemical cycling models. But how this parameter changes with climates is still unknown. Faced by an aggravated global warming, there is a heightened necessity in unravelling the dependence of the NPP/GPP ratio on climates. The objective of this study was to examine how ongoing climate change is regulating global patterns of change in the NPP/GPP ratio. The study finding would elucidate whether the global vegetation ecosystem is becoming more or less efficient in terms of carbon storage under climatic fluctuation.

Location

The global planetary ecosystem.

Methods

The annual NPP/GPP ratio of the global terrestrial ecosystem was calculated over a 10‐year period based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data and an ecosystem productivity model. The temporal dynamics of the global NPP/GPP ratio and their dependence on climate were investigated.

Results

The global NPP/GPP ratio exhibited a decreasing trend from 2000 to 2009 due to decreasing NPP and stable GPP over this period. The temporal dynamics of the NPP/GPP ratio were strongly controlled by temperature and precipitation. Increased temperature lowered the NPP/GPP ratio, and increased precipitation led to a higher NPP/GPP ratio.

Conclusions

The NPP/GPP ratio exhibits a clear temporal pattern associated with climatic fluctuations at a global scale. The associations of the NPP/GPP ratio with climatic variability challenge the conventional assumption that the NPP/GPP ratio should be consistent independent of environmental conditions. More importantly, the findings of this study have fundamental significance for our understanding of ongoing global climatic change. In regions and time periods experiencing drought or increased temperatures, plant ecosystems would suffer a higher ecosystem respiration cost and their net productivity would shrink.
Expression of moesin and CD44 is associated with poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jung Woon Yong , Kang Youngran , Lee Hyunjoo , Mok Young‐Jae , Kim Han Kyeom , Kim Aeree , Kim Baek‐hui
Published: June 2013

Aims

CD44 has been reported as a negative prognostic marker in gastric cancer. It interacts with moesin in epithelial–mesenchymal transition. To date, to our knowledge, there has been no clinical study dealing with the relationship between moesin and gastric adenocarcinoma. We analysed the expression of moesin and CD44 in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue, and correlations with clinicopathological factors.

Methods and results

A retrospective analysis was made of 430 patients who had undergone gastrectomy at the Korea University Guro Hospital between 2002 and 2005 for gastric adenocarcinoma. Using tissue microarray and immunohistochemical staining, moesin expression was observed in 192 (44.7%) cases; it was associated significantly with poorly differentiated histology, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion and advanced pathological TNM stage. CD44 expression was not correlated with clinicopathological features or moesin expression. Moesin expression was a strong predictor of lymph node metastasis in logistic regression analysis. Both moesin expression and CD44 expression were associated significantly with poor overall survival in univariate analysis. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, moesin and CD44 were independent markers of poor prognosis, along with pathological TNM stage and older patient age.

Conclusion

Moesin expression and CD44 expression might be useful markers of poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma.
Variable beliefs about the need for accuracy in the oral production of German: an exploratory study
Authors: Chavez Monika
Published: June 2013

In dieser Studie ging es darum, herauszufinden in welcher Beziehung Lernereigenschaften zu Lernermeinungen hinsichtlich der Notwendigkeit von morphosyntaktischer, lexikalischer, phonologischer, und pragmatischer Genauigkeit in der oralen Zweitsprachproduktion stehen, wenn als Ziel jeweils die Verständlichkeit oder Angenehmheit für muttersprachliche Ohren, die Erreichung der besten Note (A), oder die Zufriedenheit mit der eigenen Leistung vorgegeben wurden. Dreihundertneunundvierzig Deutschlernende im ersten, zweiten, oder dritten Lernjahr an einer amerikanischen Universität nahmen an der Studie teil. Sie bewerteten 19 morphosyntaktische, lexikalische, phonologische, und pragmatische Formen des Deutschen viermal (jeweils ein Mal für jedes vorgegebene Ziel) auf einer 5‐Punkte Skala, so dass jeder Teilnehmer insgesamt 76 Bewertungen abgab. StudienteilnehmerINNEN sowie Teilnehmer, für die die intellektuelle Herausforderung im Vordergrund ihres Sprachstudiums steht, und – in geringerem Ausmaß – Teilnehmer mit besonders guten Lernerfolgen, neigten generell zu einem stärkeren Glauben an die Notwendigkeit von Genauigkeit, taten es aber zur Verfolgung unterschiedlicher Ziele. Erfahrungen im Umgang mit muttersprachlichen Sprechern entweder durch Auslandaufenthalte oder durch lokale Erfahrungen spielten nur eine geringfügige Rolle und waren dann auch entgegen anfänglicher Erwartungen mit einem geringeren Glauben an die Notwendigkeit von Genauigkeit im Umgang mit Muttersprachlern und einem stärkeren Glauben an die Notwendigkeit von Genauigkeit zur Zufriedenheit mit der eigenen Leistung assoziiert. Der Umstand, dass sich die Bewertungen von Studierenden mit Auslandserfahrung von denen von Lernern, deren Kontakt zu Muttersprachlern lokal begrenzt war, unterschieden, weist darauf hin, dass die physische Umgebung, in der sogenannte authentische Kontakte geknüpft werden, ausschlaggegebend sein könnte. Außerdem unterschieden sich die Antworten von Lernern mit extrem kurzen Auslandsaufenthalten von denen mit längeren oder gar keinen Aufenthalten. Die Bewertungen von Lernern, die angegeben hatten, dass grammatische oder lexikalische Genauigkeit sehr wichtig für sie sei, unterschieden sich nicht signifikant von denen ihrer Kollegen.
Minimising time to treatment: targeted strategies to minimise time to thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Tai Y. J. , Yan B.
Published: June 2013

Time to thrombolysis is a critical determinant of favourable outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke. It is not infrequent that patient outcomes are compromised due to out‐of‐hospital and in‐hospital time delays. On the other hand, time delays could be minimised through the identification of barriers and the implementation of targeted solutions. This review outlines the different strategies in minimising treatment delays and offers recommendations. Literature search in PubMed, Medline and EBSCO Host was conducted to identify studies that are relevant to reduction of time to treatment from January 1995 to December 2012. Strategies to reduce time to thrombolysis are categorised into pre‐hospital strategies, in‐hospital strategies and post‐treatment decision strategies. Proposed pre‐hospital strategies include public education on stroke symptoms awareness, prioritising stroke by emergency medical services, increasing ease of access to medical records, pre‐hospital notification, and mobile computed tomography scanning. In‐hospital strategies include a streamlined code stroke system, computed tomography scanner co‐location with emergency department, 24/7 availability of stroke physicians, point‐of‐care laboratory testing and access to expert neuroimaging interpretation. Post‐decision strategies include increasing availability of intravenous thrombolysis and simplification of informed consent procurement. Time to thrombolysis delays is multifactorial. Effective reduction of time delays for acute ischaemic stroke requires the correct identification of and targeted strategies to overcome time barriers.
Prospective data collection of off‐label use of rituximab in Australian public hospitals
Authors: O'Connor K. , Liddle C.
Published: June 2013

Background

Rituximab is a chimeric, anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody registered for the treatment of B‐cell malignancies and refractory rheumatoid arthritis in Australia. In addition to these approved indications, there has been growing interest in the use of off‐label rituximab in the management of a variety of diseases.

Aims

To determine the current usage of off‐label rituximab in Australia, we collected nationwide data.

Methods

Information regarding patients receiving rituximab for off‐label indications was prospectively collected for a 6‐month period from Australian public hospitals. Data recorded included clinical indication, dosing schedule, previous therapy and efficacy assessment. The level of evidence for the use of rituximab was determined for each off‐label indication.

Results

During the 6‐month period, a total of 364 instances of off‐label rituximab use was recorded in the national database. A total of 63 underlying diagnoses was identified. These were subclassified into haematological disorders (19%), autoimmune connective tissue diseases (12%), vasculitis (12%), neurological disorders (12%), transplant‐related uses (12%), haematological malignancies (11%), muscle disorders (8%), renal diseases (6%), dermatological conditions (5%), other conditions (2%) and ocular diseases (1%). Forty per cent of these requests were supported only by level 4 evidence of benefit. Data highlighted the non‐standardised approaches to drug approval mechanisms, dosing schedules and monitoring for efficacy.

Conclusions

Off‐label rituximab is prescribed for a diverse range of clinical conditions. Determining a safe and effective means of regulating this use within an evidence‐based framework remains an ongoing challenge.
Low‐Temperature Sintering of β‐Spodumene Ceramics Using Li2O–GeO2 as a Sintering Additive
Authors: Ogiwara Toshio , Noda Yoshimasa , Kimura Osamu
Published: June 2013

Low‐temperature sintering of β‐spodumene ceramics with low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was attained using Li2O–GeO2 sintering additive. Single‐phase β‐spodumene ceramics could be synthesized by heat treatment at 1000°C using highly pure and fine amorphous silica, α‐alumina, and lithium carbonate powders mixture via the solid‐state reaction route. The mixture was calcined at 950°C, finely pulverized, compacted, and finally sintered with or without the sintering additive at 800°C–1400°C for 2 h. The relative density reached 98% for the sample sintered with 3 mass% Li2O–GeO2 additive at 1000°C. Its Young's modulus was 167 GPa and flexural strength was 115 MPa. Its CTE (from R.T. to 800°C) was 0.7 × 10−6 K−1 and dielectric constant was 6.8 with loss tangent of 0.9% at 5 MHz. These properties were excellent or comparative compared with those previously reported for the samples sintered at around 1300°C–1400°C via melt‐quenching routes. As a result, β‐spodumene ceramics with single phase and sufficient properties were obtained at about 300°C lower sintering temperature by adding Li2O–GeO2 sintering additive via the conventional solid‐state reaction route. These results suggest that β‐spodumene ceramics sintered with Li2O–GeO2 sintering additive has a potential use as LTCC for multichip modules.
An integrative literature review on preparing nursing students through simulation to recognize and respond to the deteriorating patient
Authors: Fisher Duana , King Lindy
Published: June 2013

Aims

To synthesize studies that explored simulation as preparation of nursing students for recognition and response to the deteriorating patient.

Background

New graduate nurses are expected to have the skills to recognize and respond to rapidly deteriorating patient conditions. To this end, education programmes have turned increasingly to simulation to assist students to gain the necessary skills.

Design

Integrative review.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Informit, ProQuest, Ovid MEDLINE, SAGE Journals and Web of Knowledge electronic databases, keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria were searched. Eighteen studies published between 2004–2012 were found.

Review Methods

Studies were appraised using recognized evaluation tools. Thematic analysis was undertaken and emergent themes were extracted with similar and divergent perspectives sought.

Results

Six themes were identified namely, ‘transferability of simulation skills to clinical practice’, ‘exposure to broader range of experiences’, ‘confidence levels in relation to simulation training’, ‘competence/performance’, ‘clinical judgment’ and ‘student perceptions of preparedness for practice following simulation’.

Conclusion

Simulation exposes students to a broader range of experiences whilst in a safe environment with transference of skills to clinical practice occurring. Confidence, clinical judgement, knowledge and competence, all vital in the care of a deteriorating patient, were enhanced. However, evidence of simulation used specifically to prepare nursing students to recognize and respond to the deteriorating patient appeared limited. This educational field appears rich for interprofessional collaboration and further research.
Managing Forests for Increased Regional Water Yield in the Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain
Authors: McLaughlin Daniel L. , Kaplan David A. , Cohen Matthew J.
Published: June 2013

With growing populations fueling increased groundwater abstraction and forecasts of greater water scarcity in the southeastern United States, identifying land management strategies that enhance water availability will be vital to maintaining hydrologic resources and protecting natural systems. Management of forested uplands for lower basal area, currently a priority for habitat improvement on public lands, may also increase water yield through decreased evapotranspiration (ET). To explore this hypothesis, we synthesized studies of precipitation andETin coastal plain pine stands to develop a statistical model of water yield as a function of management strategy, stand structure, and ecosystem water use. This model allowed us to estimate changes in water yield in response to varying management strategies across spatial scales from the individual stand to a regional watershed. Results suggest that slash pine stands managed at lower basal areas can have up to 64% more cumulative water yield over a 25‐year rotation compared to systems managed for high‐density timber production, with the greatest increases in stands also managed for recurrent understory fire. Although there are important uncertainties in the magnitude of additional water yield and its final destination (i.e., surface water bodiesvs. groundwater), this analysis highlights the potential for management activities on public and private timber lands to partially offset increasing demand on surface and groundwater resources.
Evaluation of Overtopping Riprap Design Relationships
Authors: Abt Steven R. , Thornton Christopher I. , Scholl Bryan A. , Bender Theodore R.
Published: June 2013

Rock riprap is one of the most widely used erosion control methods for protecting embankments, levees, spillways, and instream structures subjected to overtopping flow conditions. At least 21 stone‐sizing relationships exist to determine the median stone size of a protective riprap layer based on the results of 96 overtopping, laboratory experiments. Test parameters include median stone size, slope, unit discharge, coefficient of uniformity, and riprap layer thickness. A regression analysis was performed relating the observed median stone size to the predicted median stone size to each of the 21 relationships, yielding a coefficient of determination (R2) and percent error for the full spectrum of data. Zonal (partial spectrum of rock sizes) and complexity analyses were also conducted for each relationship. It was resolved that the Khan and Ahmad, and Chang relationships best aligned with the composite dataset. The predictive expressions by Olivier, Hartung and Scheuerlein, Knauss, Maynord, Abt and Johnson, and Siebel yield a noteworthy second tier of stone‐sizing relationships for overtopping conditions.
Water Stress Projections for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States in 2060: Anthropogenic and Ecological Consequences
Authors: Tavernia Brian G. , Nelson Mark D. , Caldwell Peter , Sun Ge
Published: June 2013

Future climate and land‐use changes and growing human populations may reduce the abundance of water resources relative to anthropogenic and ecological needs in the Northeast and Midwest (U.S.). We used output from WaSSI, a water accounting model, to assess potential changes between 2010 and 2060 in (1) anthropogenic water stress for watersheds throughout the Northeast and Midwest and (2) native fish species richness (i.e., number of species) for the Upper Mississippi water resource region (UMWRR). Six alternative scenarios of climate change, land‐use change, and human population growth indicated future water supplies will, on average across the region, be adequate to meet anthropogenic demands. Nevertheless, the number of individual watersheds experiencing severe stress (demand > supplies) was projected to increase for most scenarios, and some watersheds were projected to experience severe stress under multiple scenarios. Similarly, we projected declines in fish species richness for UMWRR watersheds and found the number of watersheds with projected declines and the average magnitude of declines varied across scenarios. All watersheds in the UMWRR were projected to experience declines in richness for at least two future scenarios. Many watersheds projected to experience declines in fish species richness were not projected to experience severe anthropogenic water stress, emphasizing the need for multidimensional impact assessments of changing water resources.
Composition and diversity patterns of megafauna discards in the deep‐water shrimp trawl fishery off Brazila
Authors: Perez J. A. A. , Pereira B. N. , Pereira D. A. , Schroeder R.
Published: June 2013

Composition and spatial diversity patterns of retained and discarded catches in the deep‐water shrimp (family Aristeidae) trawling fishery off Brazil were assessed by observers on‐board commercial operations in 2005 and 2006. These trawls caught 19 440 kg and 180 076 individuals of which 76·0 and 65·2%, respectively, were discarded at sea. Finfishes represented 54% of the numerical catch but were almost fully discarded (98%). Crustaceans represented 40% of the numerical catch and were mostly retained (80%). The scarlet shrimp Aristaeopsis edwardsiana comprised approximately half of the retained catch. The remainder of the retained proportion comprised mainly the red giant shrimp Aristaeomorpha foliacea, the alistado shrimp Aristeus antillensis and small quantities of Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi and gulf hake Urophycis mystacea. Discards comprised 108 species including 72 fish species, 19 crustaceans and 10 cephalopods. The large‐scaled lanternfish Neoscopelus macrolepidotus was dominant in the discards, followed by the benthopelagic fishes Monomitopus agassizii, Synagrops bellus, Dibranchus atlanticus and Gadella imberbis and various macrurid species. This fishery was restricted to a limited bathymetric range (700–800 m), where discrete megafauna assemblages exist and may have been significantly affected.
Orlistat improves endothelial function in obese adolescents: A randomised trial
Authors: Yu Clare CW , Li Albert M , Chan Karly OW , Chook Ping , Kam Jack TC , Au Chun T , So Raymond CH , Sung Rita YT , McManus Alison M
Published: June 2013

Aim

To investigate the effect of orlistat on endothelial function in obese adolescents.

Methods

Single‐blind 10‐week controlled trial of 67 normolipidaemic obese adolescents randomised into three groups. Group 1 (diet alone), Group 2 (diet and orlistat), Group 3 (diet, orlistat and exercise). Endothelial function measured by flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting blood lipids, insulin and glucose levels were recorded at baseline and at 10 weeks.

Results

Sixty four subjects completed the study. Groups were comparable at baseline. FMD increased significantly with orlistat (Groups 2 and 3) but not in Group 1. Orlistat treatment resulted in significantly reduced bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were unchanged. Triglyceride and insulin levels were significantly reduced in all three groups. The reduction in cholesterols did not correlate with reductions in weight and BMI. A slight reduction of body fat, both with and without orlistat treatment, correlated with reduction in BMI after adjustment for baseline values. Blood pressure was unaltered by orlistat. Calorie intake was reduced with orlistat, and the decrease noted in % fat and increase in % carbohydrate was significant only in those taking orlistat. The addition of exercise (Group 3 compared with Group 2) altered no parameter.

Conclusions

Orlistat improves endothelial function and reduces bodyweight, BMI, fasting total and LDL‐cholesterol in obese adolescents when combined with dietary control. Improvement in endothelial function if maintained could reflect long‐term cardiovascular benefit.
Diabetes in young people in the Top End of the Northern Territory
Authors: Stone Monique , Baker Alice , Maple Brown Louise
Published: June 2013

Aim

There is an increasing prevalence and burden of diabetes in young people, particularly Indigenous Australians. There have been no previous reports of the prevalence or burden of diabetes in young people in the Top End of the Northern Territory, a region of many risk factors for diabetes.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of cases of diabetes in children and adults aged less than 25 years who were seen at Royal Darwin Hospital as inpatients or outpatients between 2007 and 2011.

Results

From a population base of approximately 75 000 young people living north of Tenant Creek, there were 70 young people with type 1 diabetes (12 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians) and 37 young people with type 2 diabetes (31 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians). The median body mass index of those with type 2 diabetes was 28 kg/m2, and only 29% had a body mass index >30 kg/m2. Overall, glycaemic control was poor.

Conclusions

Rates of diabetes in young people in the Top End appear high. Case ascertainment and data collection were difficult for this study, highlighting the need for better database and systems for diabetes management.
JAK2/STAT3 activation by melatonin attenuates the mitochondrial oxidative damage induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Yang Yang , Duan Weixun , Jin Zhenxiao , Yi Wei , Yan Juanjuan , Zhang Song , Wang Ning , Liang Zhenxing , Li Yue , Chen Wensheng , Yi Dinghua , Yu Shiqiang
Published: June 2013

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is harmful to the cardiovascular system and causes mitochondrial oxidative stress. Numerous data indicate that the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is specifically involved in preventing myocardial IRI. Melatonin has potent activity against IRI and may regulate JAK2/STAT3 signaling. This study investigated the protective effect of melatonin pretreatment on myocardial IRI and elucidated its potential mechanism. Perfused isolated rat hearts and cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to melatonin in the absence or presence of the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor AG490 or JAK2 siRNA and then subjected to IR. Melatonin conferred a cardio‐protective effect, as shown by improved postischemic cardiac function, decreased infarct size, reduced apoptotic index, diminished lactate dehydrogenase release, up‐regulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl2, and down‐regulation of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax. AG490 or JAK2 siRNA blocked melatonin‐mediated cardio‐protection by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Melatonin exposure also resulted in a well‐preserved mitochondrial redox potential, significantly elevated mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and decreased formation of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which indicates that the IR‐induced mitochondrial oxidative damage was significantly attenuated. However, this melatonin‐induced effect on mitochondrial function was reversed by AG490 or JAK2 siRNA treatment. In summary, our results demonstrate that melatonin pretreatment can attenuate IRI by reducing IR‐induced mitochondrial oxidative damage via the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Whole genome comparison of six Crocosphaera watsonii strains with differing phenotypes
Authors: Bench Shellie R. , Heller Philip , Frank Ildiko , Arciniega Martha , Shilova Irina N. , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: June 2013

Crocosphaera watsonii, a unicellular nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium found in oligotrophic oceans, is important in marine carbon and nitrogen cycles. Isolates of C. watsonii can be separated into at least two phenotypes with environmentally important differences, indicating possibly distinct ecological roles and niches. To better understand the evolutionary history and variation in metabolic capabilities among strains and phenotypes, this study compared the genomes of six C. watsonii strains, three from each phenotypic group, which had been isolated over several decades from multiple ocean basins. While a substantial portion of each genome was nearly identical to sequences in the other strains, a few regions were identified as specific to each strain and phenotype, some of which help explain observed phenotypic features. Overall, the small‐cell type strains had smaller genomes and a relative loss of genetic capabilities, while the large‐cell type strains were characterized by larger genomes, some genetic redundancy, and potentially increased adaptations to iron and phosphorus limitation. As such, strains with shared phenotypes were evolutionarily more closely related than those with the opposite phenotype, regardless of isolation location or date. Unexpectedly, the genome of the type‐strain for the species, C. watsonii WH8501, was quite unusual even among strains with a shared phenotype, indicating it may not be an ideal representative of the species. The genome sequences and analyses reported in this study will be important for future investigations of the proposed differences in adaptation of the two phenotypes to nutrient limitation, and to identify phenotype‐specific distributions in natural Crocosphaera populations.
Novel approach for the development of axenic microalgal cultures from environmental samples
Authors: Cho Dae‐Hyun , Ramanan Rishiram , Kim Byung‐Hyuk , Lee Jimin , Kim Sora , Yoo Chan , Choi Gang‐Guk , Oh Hee‐Mock , Kim Hee‐Sik
Published: June 2013

We demonstrated a comprehensive approach for development of axenic cultures of microalgae from environmental samples. A combination of ultrasonication, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), and micropicking was used to isolate axenic cultures of Chlorella vulgaris Beyerinck (Beijerinck) and Chlorella sorokiniana Shihira & R.W. Krauss from swine wastewater, and Scenedesmus sp. YC001 from an open pond. Ultrasonication dispersed microorganisms attached to microalgae and reduced the bacterial population by 70%, and when followed by cell sorting yielded 99.5% pure microalgal strains. The strains were rendered axenic by the novel method of micropicking and were tested for purity in both solid and liquid media under different trophic states. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA gene confirmed the absence of unculturable bacteria, whereas fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further confirmed the axenicity. This is the most comprehensive approach developed to date for obtaining axenic microalgal strains without the use of antibiotics and repetitive subculturing.
The influence of habitat structure on juvenile fish in a New Zealand estuary
Authors: Parsons Darren M. , Morrison Mark A. , Thrush Simon F. , Middleton Crispin , Smith Matt , Spong Keren T. , Buckthought Dane
Published: June 2013

Estuarine and sheltered coastal habitats that contain physical structure are potentially important nurseries for juvenile fish. Many of these structured habitats, however, are potentially vulnerable to stressors such as elevated turbidity. Quantifying the benefits that structured habitats provide to juvenile fish may therefore be an important step in the management process. We investigated the value of structured habitat for juvenile fishes in northeastern New Zealand, using artificial seagrass units (ASUs) with varying blade density. ASUs were predominantly settled by juvenile snapper (Pagrus auratus) and spotty (Notolabrus celidotus). The density of both snapper and spotty was greatest on ASUs with the highest blade density. For snapper, a gradient in abundance was present (with higher abundance closer to the harbour mouth), suggesting either a gradient in the supply of recruits or a potential recruitment shadow effect. The size distribution of juvenile snapper (12–70 mm fork length) was very similar on both sampling trips, despite the 2‐month interim period, suggesting an ontogenetic habitat shift dependent on size. The condition of juvenile snapper from ASUs with the highest blade density was also greater than the other ASU treatments. Overall, these results provide new empirical evidence that habitats with physical structure within shallow estuarine systems are important to early stage juvenile fishes such as snapper, and indicate that the location‐specific context of that habitat is also likely important.
Multiplex PCR assay for the detection of common dermatophyte nail infections
Authors: Dhib I. , Fathallah A. , Yaacoub A. , Hadj Slama F. , Said M. B. , Zemni R.
Published: June 2013

Onychomycosis is one of the most prevalent dermatophytic diseases. Mycological methods used in the conventional diagnosis may not be optimal. Multiplex (MX) PCR was reported as a reliable alternative. Dermatophyte gene sequence records were used to design a MX PCR for detection and identification of dermatophytes in nail specimens. A MX PCR method based on the amplification of the chitin synthase 1 and internal transcribed spacer genes was developed. The study included 93 strains of dermatophytes and non‐dermatophytic fungi, six dermatophytic reference strains and 201 nail specimens from patients with dermatophytic onyxis. DNA extraction directly from nail samples was carried out by using the QIAamp DNA extraction kit (Quiagen). A set of primers was designed and their specificity was assessed. MX PCR detected the causal agent in specimens from which Trichophyton rubrum and T. interdigitale grew in culture and also identified a dermatophyte species in an additional 32 specimens that were negative in microscopy and culture. None of the investigated non‐dermatophytic strains was positive. Sensitivity of MX PCR was higher as compared to mycological examination (97% vs. 81.1%). MX PCR for direct detection of dermatophytes from nail samples yielded mixed flora in 32.8% of samples. MX PCR proved sensitive and adequate for the diagnosis of dermatophytic onychomycosis. It is much adapted to cases where culture is negative or contaminated by overgrowing moulds, which makes the identification of the causal agent problematic.
Clinical evaluation of a novel commercial multiplex‐based PCR diagnostic test for differential diagnosis of dermatomycoses
Authors: Mehlig L. , Garve C. , Ritschel A. , Zeiler A. , Brabetz W. , Weber C. , Bauer A.
Published: June 2013

Dermatomycoses are very common worldwide with increasing prevalence. An accurate and rapid detection of fungi is most important for the choice of antimycotics and the success of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new commercial multiplex‐based PCR which allows the detection and differentiation of the most relevant human pathogen fungi causing dermatomycoses in Europe. The accuracy and reproducibility of this application were verified in a clinical performance assessment in comparison to direct microscopy and culture using DNA isolates from 253 clinical samples. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 87.3%, 94.3%, 87.3% and 94.3%, respectively, were calculated for dermatophytes when confirmed by direct microscopy, culture or both. The corresponding values for Candida spp. were 62.7%, 93.5%, 77.8%, and 87.4%, respectively. Furthermore, in comparison to culture, the multiplex PCR was able to detect additional 38 Trichophytum rubrum and 12 Trichophytum interdigitale infections. These results were confirmed by independent PCR analysis. From DNA isolation to diagnosis the multiparameter diagnostic kit gives rise to a 1‐day workflow, enables fast clarification of disease aetiology and, thus, contributes to specific therapy selection. The latter is particularly important in light of growing resistance to antimycotics.
Effects of school‐based interventions for direct delivery of physical activity on fitness and cardiometabolic markers in children and adolescents: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sun C. , Pezic A. , Tikellis G. , Ponsonby A‐L. , Wake M. , Carlin J. B. , Cleland V. , Dwyer T.
Published: June 2013

To evaluate the effectiveness of school‐based physical activity interventions on fitness, adiposity and cardiometabolic outcomes among schoolchildren.Medline,Embase,EBSCOhost CINAHLandERICdatabases were searched up toOctober 2012. Inclusion criteria: intervention delivered at school with controls having no intervention or usual physical education classes; participants aged 5–18 years; outcomes spanning some or all of the above. We assessed levels of evidence for identified trials based on methodological quality and sample size. Dose of the interventions (a total summary measure of intensity, frequency and duration) were considered. Eighteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs, total participants = 6,207) were included, of which six were large, higher quality trials with high dose of the intervention. The intervention was consistent in increasing fitness with large, higher quality studies and high dose of intervention providing strong evidence. Dose of school‐based physical activity is an important determinant of trial efficiency. Some large, higher qualityRCTsprovided strong evidence for interventions to decrease skin‐fold thickness, increase fitness and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Evidence for body mass index, body fat and waist circumference, blood pressure and triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol remain inconclusive and require additional higher quality studies with high dose of interventions to provide conclusive evidence.
A retrospective audit to examine the effectiveness of preoperative warming on hypothermia in spine deformity surgery patients
Authors: Görges Matthias , Ansermino J. Mark , Whyte Simon D.
Published: June 2013

Background

Hypothermia (core body temperature <36°C) during surgery has been associated with surgical site infection, a major risk in all spine deformity surgeries. Forced air warming is an important method of intraoperative temperature maintenance in children. In mid‐2010, we empirically introduced preoperative warming as a strategy to reduce intraoperative hypothermia.

Objective

We report the prevalence and extent of hypothermia during spine deformity surgeries at our institution and evaluate the effect of the introduction of preoperative warming.

Methods

We performed a retrospective audit of temperature data in children who underwent spine deformity surgeries during two‐seven‐month periods: November 2011 to June 2012 and 2 years prior to this period (before preoperative warming implementation). Specifically, the following data were obtained: (i) case duration; (ii) first measured temperature; (iii) last measured temperature; (iv) percentage of case spent hypothermic; (v) number of hypothermic episodes per case, and (vi) delay between case start and time of first temperature measured. Data were compared visually and using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Confidence intervals (CI) were obtained using the Hodges–Lehmann estimator.

Results

Preoperative warming reduced the percentage of case duration spent hypothermic by a median of 111.1 min (P < 0.001, 95% CI 77.1–139.9 min). Additionally, it increased the first measured temperature by a median of 0.5°C (P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.3–0.7°C). The last temperature at the end of the case remained unchanged (P = 0.57, 95% CI −0.2–0.1°C).

Conclusion

Preoperative warming of children undergoing spine deformity surgery significantly reduces the percentage of case spent hypothermic, thereby potentially reducing risk of perioperative complications.
A Child with Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Moon Hye‐Rim , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Choi Jee Ho , Moon Kee Chan
Published: June 2013

We describe a case of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in an 11‐year‐old girl. She complained of erythematous plaques on her thighs and polyarthritis for 1 year. Histopathologic examination revealed the features of IGD. This case indicates that IGD with arthritis can occur in children and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions associated with arthritis in children.
Immunocompetence increases with larval body size in a phytophagous moth
Authors: VOGELWEITH FANNY , THIERY DENIS , MORET YANNICK , MOREAU JÉRÔME
Published: June 2013

Despite the obvious benefit of an immune system, its efficacy against pathogens and parasites may show great variation among individuals, populations and species. Understanding the causes of this variation is becoming a central theme in ecology. Many biotic and abiotic factors are known to influence immunocompetence (temperature, age, etc.). However, for a given age, size among individuals varies, probably as a result of accumulated resources. Thus, these variable resources could be allocated to immune defence and, consequently, body size may explain part of the variation in immune responsiveness. However, the influence of body size on immune defence is often overlooked. The present study investigates variations in haemocyte count and phenoloxidase activity in larvae of the phytophagous vine moth Eupoecilia ambiguella Hübner of the same age, although differing in body size. The measurements of immune function are made both when the insects are immunologically naïve and 24 h after a bacterial immune challenge. The base levels of these immune parameters do not covary with body size in naïve larvae. After the bacterial immune challenge, more haemocytes and phenoloxidase enzyme are mobilized, and the mobilization of these immune effectors is correlated positively with individual body size. Thus, larger larvae exhibit higher immunocompetence than smaller ones, suggesting that smaller larvae might be more vulnerable to infection. These results suggest that body size is probably an underestimated variable, which nevertheless modulates the insect immune system and should thus be considered as a covariate in insect immune system measurement. It is recommended therefore, that body size should be taken into account in ecological immunity studies with insects. © 2013 The Royal Entomological Society
Within‐population variation in resistance of Digitaria sanguinalis to Ustilago syntherismae resulting from different modes of seed germination and environment
Authors: Mas M. T. , Verdú A. M. C.
Published: June 2013

In annual plants affected by inflorescence‐invading smut pathogens, avoidance of infection is crucial, while in the event of infection, the existence of different degrees of tolerance could also affect the interaction dynamics. Two experiments were performed with Digitaria sanguinalis spikelets vacuum inoculated with ustilospores of Ustilago syntherismae. In the first experiment, they were sown in pots and mature plants were checked to detect internal hyphae. Observations revealed the presence of symptomless mycelium in a few plants. In the second experiment the spikelets, from two different lots, were grown in a chamber. The objective was to explore the importance of two factors in the degree of seedling infection, one genotypic – type of germination (TG; radicular or coleoptilar) and one environmental – 48 h dark treatment (DT) applied just after germination. Analysis of the infection frequency showed that all the main effects (seed lot origin, TG and DT) were significant, while interactions were not. For TG, the estimated least square mean infection percentages were 66% for radicular germination and 46% for coleoptilar germination. Darkness increased seedling infection by 25%. Differences between TG, DT and their relationship with mesocotyl length exposed to the germinating spores are discussed.
Seismic rupture during the 1960 Great Chile and the 2010 Maule earthquakes limited by a giant Pleistocene submarine slope failure
Authors: Geersen Jacob , Völker David , Behrmann Jan H. , Kläschen Dirk , Weinrebe Wilhelm , Krastel Sebastian , Reichert Christian
Published: June 2013

Determining factors that limit coseismic rupture is important to evaluate the hazard of powerful subduction zone earthquakes such as the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki event (Mw = 9.0). In 1960 (Mw = 9.5) and 2010 (Mw = 8.8), Chile was hit by such powerful earthquakes, the boundary of which was the site of a giant submarine slope failure with chaotic debris subducted to seismogenic zone depth. Here, a continuous décollement is absent, whereas away from the slope failure, a continuous décollement is seismically imaged. We infer that underthrusting of inhomogeneous slide deposits prevents the development of a décollement, and thus the formation of a thin continuous slip zone necessary for earthquake rupture propagation. Thus, coseismic rupture during the 1960 and 2010 earthquakes seems to be limited by underthrusted upper plate mass‐wasting deposits. More generally, our results suggest that upper plate dynamics and resulting surface processes can play a key role for determining rupture size of subduction zone earthquakes.
Services Trade, Regulation and Regional Integration: Evidence from Sectoral Data
Authors: van der Marel Erik , Shepherd Ben
Published: June 2013

We use new World Bank Services Trade Restrictiveness Indices (STRIs) to measure the impact of regulation on cross‐border services trade at the sectoral level. We find that policy barriers as measured by the overall STRI for each sector have a negative and significant effect on total services trade, as well as trade in business and financial services. The effect in other sectors is not statistically significant. However, disaggregating the policy data by mode produces stronger results: policy restrictiveness negatively impacts trade in all sectors except wholesale and retail trade. There is thus considerable evidence of cross‐sectoral heterogeneity in the impact of regulations. In addition, we find evidence of cross‐modal substitution in total services trade, but complementarity in business, financial and insurance services. Finally, we find that regional trade agreements tend to promote trade overall and in business and financial services; however, the effect seems to be primarily driven by the impact of the European Union.