bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doppler echocardiographic myocardial stunning index predicts recovery of left ventricular systolic function after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Sharif Dawod , Matanis Wisam , Sharif‐Rasslan Amal , Rosenschein Uri
Published: August 2016

Background

Myocardial stunning is responsible for partially reversible left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Aim

To test the hypothesis that early coronary blood flow (CBF) to LV systolic function ratios, as an equivalent to LV stunning index (SI), predict recovery of LV systolic function after PPCI in patients with acute STEMI.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with acute anterior STEMI who had successful PPCI were evaluated and compared to 96 control subjects. Transthoracic echocardiography with measurement of LV ejection fraction (EF), LV, and left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery area wall‐motion score index (WMSI) as well as Doppler sampling of LAD blood velocities, early after PPCI and 5 days later, were performed. SI was evaluated as the early ratio of CBF parameters in the LAD to LV systolic function parameters.

Results

Early SI‐LVEF well predicted late LVEF (r=.51, P<.01) and the change in LVEF (r=.48, P<.017). Early SI‐LVMSI predicted well late LVEF (r=.56, P<.006) and the change in LVEF (r=.46, P<.028). Early SI‐LADWMSI predicted late LVEF (r=.44, P<.028). Other SI indices measured as other LAD‐CBF to LV systolic function parameters were not predictive of late LV systolic function.

Conclusions

LV stunning indices measured as early LAD flow to LVEF, LVWMSI, and LADWMSI ratios well predicted late LVEF and the change in LVEF. Thus, greater early coronary artery flow to LV systolic function parameter ratios predict a better improvement in late LV systolic function after PPCI.
Trade credit use and competition in the value chain
Authors: Hermes Niels , Lensink Robert , Lutz Clemens , Thu Uyen Nguyen Lam
Published: August 2016

Trade credit is a major source of finance in value chains in developed and emerging economies. Despite its ubiquitous use, this is one of the first empirical studies that analyzes why the use of trade credit varies along the value chain. We argue that competition faced by firms at different stages in the value chain and enforcement mechanisms that stimulate repayment jointly determine the use of trade credit. We distinguish two dimensions of competition, that is, rivalry and customer bargaining power. Competition may stimulate firms to provide trade credit to keep customers from switching to other suppliers. Yet, high contract enforcement costs relative to the value of the transactions, reduce the willingness to offer trade credit. We find empirical evidence showing that competition does not (strongly) influence the use of trade credit in the retail market, whereas it does in the markets for wholesalers and millers. We interpret these results as suggestive evidence that the retail, wholesale and milling market segments differ in terms of the enforcement costs involved in the provision of trade credit. Rivalry at the retail market segment makes switching easy for customers, even in case of default. As enforcement of repayment in this market segment is difficult and costly, trade credit appears to be a risky and less attractive marketing instrument for retailers. In contrast, in the wholesale and milling market segment, trade credit is widespread as stakeholders know each other, making informal mechanisms effective in supporting the enforcement of trade credit repayment.
Comparison of graduate‐entry and direct school leaver student performance on an applied dental knowledge test
Authors: Ali K. , Zahra D. , Tredwin C.
Published: August 2016

Aims

To compare the academic performance of graduate‐entry and direct school leavers in an undergraduate dental programme.

Methods

This study examined the results of students in applied dental knowledge (ADK) progress tests conducted during two academic years. A mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare the performance of graduate‐entry and direct school leavers. ADK was treated as a repeated measures variable, and the outcome variable of interest was percentage score on the ADK.

Results

The results show statistically significant main effects for ADK [F (1,113) = 61.58, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.35], Cohort [F (1,113) = 88.57, P < 0.001, η2p = 0.44] and Entry [F (1,113) = 11.31, P = 0.001, η2p = 0.09]. That is, students do better on each subsequent test (main effect of ADK), students in later years of the programme perform better than those in earlier years (main effect of cohort), and graduate‐entry students outperform direct school leavers.

Conclusions

This is the first study to explore the differences in the academic performance of graduate‐entry and direct school leavers in an undergraduate dental programme. The results show that the academic performance of graduate students was better than the direct school leavers in years 2 and 3. Further research is required to compare the performance of students longitudinally across the entire duration of undergraduate dental programmes and evaluate whether this difference persists throughout.
Prenatal testosterone exposure decreases colocalization of insulin receptors in kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin and agouti‐related peptide neurons of the adult ewe
Authors: Cernea Maria , Phillips Rebecca , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Coolen Lique M. , Lehman Michael N.
Published: August 2016

Insulin serves as a link between the metabolic and reproductive systems, communicating energy availability to the hypothalamus and enabling reproductive mechanisms. Adult Suffolk ewes prenatally exposed to testosterone (T) display an array of reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions similar to those seen in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), including insulin resistance. Moreover, prenatal T treatment alters neuropeptide expression in KNDy (co‐expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B/dynorphin) and agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) neurons in the arcuate nucleus, two populations that play key roles in the control of reproduction and metabolism, respectively. In this study, we determined whether prenatal T treatment also altered insulin receptors in KNDy and AgRP neurons, as well as in preoptic area (POA) kisspeptin, pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC), and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons of the adult sheep brain. Immunofluorescent detection of the beta subunit of insulin receptor (IRβ) revealed that KNDy, AgRP and POMC neurons, but not GnRH or POA kisspeptin neurons, colocalize IRβ in control females. Moreover, prenatal T treatment decreased the percentage of KNDy and AgRP neurons that colocalized IRβ, consistent with reduced insulin sensitivity. Administration of the anti‐androgen drug, Flutamide, during prenatal T treatment, prevented the reduction in IRβ colocalization in AgRP, but not in KNDy neurons, suggesting that these effects are programmed by androgenic and oestrogenic actions, respectively. These findings provide novel insight into the effects of prenatal T treatment on hypothalamic insulin sensitivity and raise the possibility that decreased insulin receptors, specifically within KNDy and AgRP neurons, may contribute to the PCOS‐like phenotype of this animal model.
Modulation of sensitivity to alcohol by cortical and thalamic brain regions
Authors: Jaramillo Anel A. , Randall Patrick A. , Frisbee Suzanne , Besheer Joyce
Published: August 2016

The nucleus accumbens core (AcbC) is a key brain region known to regulate the discriminative stimulus/interoceptive effects of alcohol. As such, the goal of the present work was to identify AcbC projection regions that may also modulate sensitivity to alcohol. Accordingly, AcbC afferent projections were identified in behaviorally naïve rats using a retrograde tracer which led to the focus on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), insular cortex (IC) and rhomboid thalamic nucleus (Rh). Next, to examine the possible role of these brain regions in modulating sensitivity to alcohol, neuronal response to alcohol in rats trained to discriminate alcohol (1 g/kg, intragastric [IG]) vs. water was examined using a two‐lever drug discrimination task. As such, rats were administered water or alcohol (1 g/kg, IG) and brain tissue was processed for c‐Fos immunoreactivity (IR), a marker of neuronal activity. Alcohol decreased c‐Fos IR in the mPFC, IC, Rh and AcbC. Lastly, site‐specific pharmacological inactivation with muscimol + baclofen (GABAA agonist + GABAB agonist) was used to determine the functional role of the mPFC, IC and Rh in modulating the interoceptive effects of alcohol in rats trained to discriminate alcohol (1 g/kg, IG) vs. water. mPFC inactivation resulted in full substitution for the alcohol training dose, and IC and Rh inactivation produced partial alcohol‐like effects, demonstrating the importance of these regions, with known projections to the AcbC, in modulating sensitivity to alcohol. Together, these data demonstrate a site of action of alcohol and the recruitment of cortical/thalamic regions in modulating sensitivity to the interoceptive effects of alcohol.
Substrate specificity determinants of class III nucleotidyl cyclases
Authors: Bharambe Nikhil G. , Barathy Deivanayaga V. , Syed Wajeed , Visweswariah Sandhya S. , Colaςo Melwin , Misquith Sandra , Suguna Kaza
Published: August 2016

The two second messengers in signalling, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, are produced by adenylyl and guanylyl cyclases respectively. Recognition and discrimination of the substrates ATP and GTP by the nucleotidyl cyclases are vital in these reactions. Various apo‐, substrate‐ or inhibitor‐bound forms of adenylyl cyclase (AC) structures from transmembrane and soluble ACs have revealed the catalytic mechanism of ATP cyclization reaction. Previously reported structures of guanylyl cyclases represent ligand‐free forms and inactive open states of the enzymes and thus do not provide information regarding the exact mode of substrate binding. The structures we present here of the cyclase homology domain of a class III AC from Mycobacterium avium (Ma1120) and its mutant in complex with ATP and GTP in the presence of calcium ion, provide the structural basis for substrate selection by the nucleotidyl cyclases at the atomic level. Precise nature of the enzyme–substrate interactions, novel modes of substrate binding and the ability of the binding pocket to accommodate diverse conformations of the substrates have been revealed by the present crystallographic analysis. This is the first report to provide structures of both the nucleotide substrates bound to a nucleotidyl cyclase.

Database

Coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession numbers: 5D15 (Ma1120CHD+ATP.Ca2+), 5D0E (Ma1120CHD+GTP.Ca2+), 5D0H (Ma1120CHD(KDA→EGY)+ATP.Ca2+), 5D0G (Ma1120CHD(KDA→EGY)+GTP.Ca2+).

Enzymes

Adenylyl cyclase (EC number: 4.6.1.1).
Assessing uncertainties in land cover projections
Authors: Alexander Peter , Prestele Reinhard , Verburg Peter H. , Arneth Almut , Baranzelli Claudia , Batista e Silva Filipe , Brown Calum , Butler Adam , Calvin Katherine , Dendoncker Nicolas , Doelman Jonathan C. , Dunford Robert , Engström Kerstin , Eitelberg David , Fujimori Shinichiro , Harrison Paula A. , Hasegawa Tomoko , Havlik Petr , Holzhauer Sascha , Humpenöder Florian , Jacobs‐Crisioni Chris , Jain Atul K. , Krisztin Tamás , Kyle Page , Lavalle Carlo , Lenton Tim , Liu Jiayi , Meiyappan Prasanth , Popp Alexander , Powell Tom , Sands Ronald D. , Schaldach Rüdiger , Stehfest Elke , Steinbuks Jevgenijs , Tabeau Andrzej , van Meijl Hans , Wise Marshall A. , Rounsevell Mark D. A.
Published: August 2016

Understanding uncertainties in land cover projections is critical to investigating land‐based climate mitigation policies, assessing the potential of climate adaptation strategies and quantifying the impacts of land cover change on the climate system. Here, we identify and quantify uncertainties in global and European land cover projections over a diverse range of model types and scenarios, extending the analysis beyond the agro‐economic models included in previous comparisons. The results from 75 simulations over 18 models are analysed and show a large range in land cover area projections, with the highest variability occurring in future cropland areas. We demonstrate systematic differences in land cover areas associated with the characteristics of the modelling approach, which is at least as great as the differences attributed to the scenario variations. The results lead us to conclude that a higher degree of uncertainty exists in land use projections than currently included in climate or earth system projections. To account for land use uncertainty, it is recommended to use a diverse set of models and approaches when assessing the potential impacts of land cover change on future climate. Additionally, further work is needed to better understand the assumptions driving land use model results and reveal the causes of uncertainty in more depth, to help reduce model uncertainty and improve the projections of land cover.
Genetically informed ecological niche models improve climate change predictions
Authors: Ikeda Dana H. , Max Tamara L. , Allan Gerard J. , Lau Matthew K. , Shuster Stephen M. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: August 2016

We examined the hypothesis that ecological niche models (ENMs) more accurately predict species distributions when they incorporate information on population genetic structure, and concomitantly, local adaptation. Local adaptation is common in species that span a range of environmental gradients (e.g., soils and climate). Moreover, common garden studies have demonstrated a covariance between neutral markers and functional traits associated with a species’ ability to adapt to environmental change. We therefore predicted that genetically distinct populations would respond differently to climate change, resulting in predicted distributions with little overlap. To test whether genetic information improves our ability to predict a species’ niche space, we created genetically informed ecological niche models (gENMs) usingPopulus fremontii(Salicaceae), a widespread tree species in which prior common garden experiments demonstrate strong evidence for local adaptation. Four major findings emerged: (i)gENMs predicted population occurrences with up to 12‐fold greater accuracy than models without genetic information; (ii) tests of niche similarity revealed that three ecotypes, identified on the basis of neutral genetic markers and locally adapted populations, are associated with differences in climate; (iii) our forecasts indicate that ongoing climate change will likely shift these ecotypes further apart in geographic space, resulting in greater niche divergence; (iv) ecotypes that currently exhibit the largest geographic distribution and niche breadth appear to be buffered the most from climate change. As diverse agents of selection shape genetic variability and structure within species, we argue thatgENMs will lead to more accurate predictions of species distributions under climate change.
Expression of activated Notch1 and Hey1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Jung Chang Won , Kong Jun Suk , Seol Hyesil , Park Sunhoo , Koh Jae Soo , Lee Seung‐Sook , Kim Min Joo , Choi Ik Joon , Myung Jae Kyung
Published: August 2016

Aims

The Notch signalling pathway is involved in normal development as well as tumorigenesis. However, it is unclear whether Notch activation is related to diverse clinicopathological factors in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods and results

We examined the relationship between clinicopathological factors and the expression of activated Notch1 and Hey1, which are indicators of Notch signalling pathway activation, in 109 PTC cases. Activated Notch1 showed strong, moderate and weak expression in 23, 48 and 36 cases, respectively. Its expression was related significantly to histopathological variants (P = 0.007), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.016), BRAF mutation (P = 0.036) and extent of surgery (P = 0.014). Hey1 immunostaining could be divided into two groups: positive and negative, with 26 and 83 cases, respectively. Its expression was related significantly to histopathological variants (P = 0.026), extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.005), BRAF mutation (P = 0.048) and recurrence or soft tissue metastasis (P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumour size (>1 cm), Hey1 immunoreactivity and the presence of lymph node metastasis were associated significantly with recurrence or soft tissue metastasis (odds ratio = 7.38, 4.28 and 12.00, respectively).

Conclusions

Thus, we found that activation of Notch signalling was correlated significantly with clinicopathological parameters. Therefore, Notch signalling could be a useful prognostic marker in patients with PTC.
Antiviral activity of aspirin against RNA viruses of the respiratory tract—an in vitro study
Authors: Glatthaar‐Saalmüller Bernadette , Mair Kerstin H. , Saalmüller Armin
Published: August 2016

Aim

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been used for more than 115 years in medicine. Research exists to show that aspirin has antiviral effects in vitro, for example, by blocking influenza virus propagation via NF‐κB inhibition when used at high concentrations and short‐term incubation steps. The aim of this study was to confirm the antiviral activity of aspirin against influenza virus and further elucidate the activity of aspirin against other respiratory viruses.

Methods

Tests to detect antiviral activity were performed using plaque‐reduction assays. Aspirin was administered to the virus‐infected cell cultures one hour after infection. Prior to these assays, the non‐cytotoxic concentrations of aspirin on cells used for propagation of the respective viruses were determined.

Results

Aspirin was found to be highly effective against influenza A H1N1 virus. The antiviral activity against further respiratory RNA viruses was less distinct. Respiratory syncytial virus was minimally inhibited. However, the activity of aspirin against rhinoviruses was more pronounced. Aspirin demonstrated antiviral activity against all human rhinoviruses (HRV), but the effect on members of the “major group” viruses, namely HRV14 and HRV39, was greater than on those of the “minor group,” HRV1A and HRV2.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate a specific antiviral activity of aspirin against influenza A virus and HRV. The mode of action against rhinoviruses is still unknown and requires further investigation, as does the possibility of aspirin being effective in vivo to treat the common cold.
Thermal plasticity inDrosophila melanogasterpopulations from eastern Australia: quantitative traits to transcripts
Authors: Clemson A. S. , Sgrò C. M. , Telonis‐Scott M.
Published: August 2016

The flexibility afforded to genotypes in different environments by phenotypic plasticity is of interest to biologists studying thermal adaptation because of the thermal lability of many traits. Differences in thermal performance and reaction norms can provide insight into the evolution of thermal adaptation to explore broader questions such as species distributions and persistence under climate change. One approach is to study the effects of temperature on fitness, morphological and more recently gene expression traits in populations from different climatic origins. The diverse climatic conditions experienced byDrosophila melanogasteralong the eastern Australian temperate‐tropical gradient are ideal given the high degree of continuous trait differentiation, but reaction norm variation has not been well studied in this system. Here, we reared a tropical and temperate population from the ends of the gradient over six developmental temperatures and examined reaction norm variation for five quantitative traits including thermal performance for fecundity, and reaction norms for thermotolerance, body size, viability and 23 transcript‐level traits. Despite genetic variation for some quantitative traits, we found no differentiation between the populations for fecundity thermal optima and breadth, and the reaction norms for the other traits were largely parallel, supporting previous work suggesting that thermal evolution occurs by changes in trait means rather than by reaction norm shifts. We examined reaction norm variation in our expanded thermal regime for a gene set shown to previously exhibit GxE for expression plasticity in east Australian flies, as well as key heat‐shock genes. Although there were differences in curvature between the populations suggesting a higher degree of thermal plasticity in expression patterns than for the quantitative traits, we found little evidence to support a role for genetic variation in maintaining expression plasticity.
Isolation by Time During an Arctic Phytoplankton Spring Bloom
Authors: Tammilehto Anna , Watts Phillip C. , Lundholm Nina
Published: August 2016

The arctic phytoplankton spring bloom, which is often diatom‐dominated, is a key event that provides the high latitude communities with a fundamental flux of organic carbon. During a bloom, phytoplankton may increase its biomass by orders of magnitude within days. Yet, very little is known about phytoplankton bloom dynamics, including for example how blooming affects genetic composition and diversity of a population. Here, we quantified the genetic composition and temporal changes of the diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus, which is one of the most important primary producers in the Arctic, during the spring bloom in western Greenland, using 13 novel microsatellite markers developed for this study. We found that genetic differentiation (quantified using sample‐specific FST) decreased between time points as the bloom progressed, with the most drastic changes in FST occurring at the start of the bloom; thus the genetic structure of the bloom is characterized by isolation by time. There was little temporal variation in genetic diversity throughout the bloom (mean HE = 0.57), despite marked fluctuations in F. cylindrus cell concentrations and the temporal change in sample‐specific FST. On the basis of this novel pattern of genetic differentiation, we suggest that blooming behavior may promote genetic diversity of a phytoplankton population.
Mycamoeba gemmipara nov. gen., nov. sp., the First Cultured Member of the Environmental Dermamoebidae Clade LKM74 and its Unusual Life Cycle
Authors: Blandenier Quentin , Seppey Christophe V. W. , Singer David , Vlimant Michèle , Simon Anaële , Duckert Clément , Lara Enrique
Published: August 2016

Since the first environmental DNA surveys, entire groups of sequences called “environmental clades” did not have any cultured representative. LKM74 is an amoebozoan clade affiliated to Dermamoebidae, whose presence is pervasively reported in soil and freshwater. We obtained an isolate from soil that we assigned to LKM74 by molecular phylogeny, close related to freshwater clones. We described Mycamoeba gemmipara based on observations made with light‐ and transmission electron microscopy. It is an extremely small amoeba with typical lingulate shape. Unlike other Dermamoebidae, it lacked ornamentation on its cell membrane, and condensed chromatin formed characteristic patterns in the nucleus. M. gemmipara displayed a unique life cycle: trophozoites formed walled coccoid stages which grew through successive buddings and developed into branched structures holding cysts. These structures, measuring hundreds of micrometres, are built as the exclusive product of osmotrophic feeding. To demonstrate that M. gemmipara is a genuine soil inhabitant, we screened its presence in an environmental soil DNA diversity survey performed on an experimental setup where pig cadavers were left to decompose in soils to follow changes in eukaryotic communities. Mycamoeba gemmipara was present in all samples, although related reads were uncommon underneath the cadaver.
Effect of different polysaccharides on swelling of composite whey protein hydrogels: A low field (LF) NMR relaxometry study
Authors: Ozel Baris , Uguz Sirvan S. , Kilercioglu Mete , Grunin Leonid , Oztop Mecit H.
Published: August 2016

Hydrogels are usually prepared from hydrophilic polymers and when different types of polymers are blended or emulsified with an oil phase the resulting gel is usually known as a composite gel. The objective of this study was to analyze the water uptake characteristics of whey protein‐polysaccharide containing composite hydrogels. Composite and composite emulsion gels were formulated in this study using whey protein, xanthan (XN), pectin (PC), alginate (AL), and sunflower oil. Water absorption of hydrogels was studied using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry through transverse relaxation time (T2) measurements, and Non‐Negative‐Least‐Square (NNLS) analysis. Swelling ratios (SR) of different gels were determined. Swelling of the gels was also evaluated mathematically and water uptake of hydrogels was explained by the power law model and diffusion rate constants based on power law model were determined. Results showed that NMR relaxometry could be used to differentiate water uptake mechanisms of composite hydrogels.

Practical applications

Biodegradable hydrogels provide controlled delivery of nutrients, bioactive agents such as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents at a desired site and time and at a specific rate. Incorporating bioactive agents to these gels also protects sensitive nutrients and may increase the shelf life of some potential food products. The swelling characteristics of hydrogels provide information about the possible release behavior of the hydrogels. When a hydrogel is loaded with an agent and placed in an aqueous medium, usually the release rate of the agent from the gel and the swelling ratio (SR) of the gel due to solvent uptake from the surrounding medium is proportional to each other. In this study, effects of different polysaccharides on the SR of composite whey protein hydrogels were determined by NMR relaxometry. NMR enabled fast and easy monitoring for hydrogel swelling. Furthermore, NMR provided more detailed information on swelling mechanism than conventional methods proving potential for further applications.
Simplifying The Big Mac Index
Authors: Clements Kenneth W. , Si Jiawei
Published: August 2016

The Economist magazine recently introduced a major innovation to its famous Big Mac Index of currency values by adjusting for differences in incomes of countries. A recent paper (O'Brien and Ruiz de Vargas, , OR) explains clearly the workings of the new index, something overlooked by The Economist. The current article draws on OR to suggest an alternative formulation that is attractive in its simplicity.
The palatal dentition of tetrapods and its functional significance
Authors: Matsumoto Ryoko , Evans Susan E.
Published: August 2016

The presence of a palatal dentition is generally considered to be the primitive condition in amniotes, with each major lineage showing a tendency toward reduction. This study highlights the variation in palatal tooth arrangements and reveals clear trends within the evolutionary history of tetrapods. Major changes occurred in the transition between early tetrapods and amphibians on the one hand, and stem amniotes on the other. These changes reflect the function of the palatal dentition, which can play an important role in holding and manipulating food during feeding. Differences in the arrangement of palatal teeth, and in their pattern of loss, likely reflect differences in feeding strategy but also changes in the arrangement of cranial soft tissues, as the palatal dentition works best with a well‐developed mobile tongue. It is difficult to explain the loss of palatal teeth in terms of any single factor, but palatal tooth patterns have the potential to provide new information on diet and feeding strategy in extinct taxa.
The global burden of hepatitis E outbreaks: a systematic review
Authors: Hakim Mohamad S. , Wang Wenshi , Bramer Wichor M. , Geng Jiawei , Huang Fen , de Man Robert A. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Pan Qiuwei
Published: August 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for repeated water‐borne outbreaks since the past century, representing an emerging issue in public health. However, the global burden ofHEVoutbreak has not been comprehensively described. We performed a systematic review of confirmedHEVoutbreaks based on published literatures.HEVoutbreaks have mainly been reported from Asian and African countries, and only a few from European and American countries. India represents a country with the highest number of reportedHEVoutbreaks.HEVgenotypes 1 and 2 were responsible for most of the large outbreaks in developing countries. During the outbreaks in developing countries, a significantly higher case fatality rate was observed in pregnant women. In fact, outbreaks have occurred both in open and closed populations. The control measures mainly depend upon improvement of sanitation and hygiene. This study highlights thatHEVoutbreak is not new, yet it is a continuous global health problem.
Resource partitioning among air‐breathing marine predators: are body size and mouth diameter the major determinants?
Authors: Saporiti Fabiana , Bearhop Stuart , Vales Damián G. , Silva Laura , Zenteno Lisette , Tavares Mauricio , Crespo Enrique A. , Cardona Luis
Published: August 2016

Although the body size of consumers may be a determinant factor in structuring food webs, recent evidence indicates that body size may fail to fully explain differences in the resource use patterns of predators in some situations. Here we compared the trophic niche of three sympatric and sexually dimorphic air‐breathing marine predators (the South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens, the South American fur seal, Arctocephalus australis, and the Magellanic penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus) in three areas of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (Río de la Plata and adjoining areas, Northern Patagonia and Southern Patagonia), in order to assess the importance of body size and mouth diameter in determining resource partitioning. Body weight and palate/bill breadth were used to characterize the morphology of each sex and species, whereas the trophic niche was assessed through the use of stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen. The quantitative method Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) was used to compute the area of the Bayesian ellipses and the overlap of the isotopic niches. The results showed that morphological similarity was significantly correlated with isotopic distance between groups within the δ13C–δ15N bi‐plot space in the Río de la Plata area, but not in Northern and Southern Patagonia. Furthermore, resource partitioning between groups changed regionally, and some morphologically distinct groups exhibited a large trophic overlap in certain areas, such as the case of male penguins and male sea lions in Southern Patagonia. Conversely, female sea lions always overlapped with the much larger males of the same species, but never overlapped with the morphologically similar male fur seals. These results indicate that body size and mouth diameter are just two of the factors involved in resource partitioning within the guild of air‐breathing predators considered here, and for whom – under certain environmental conditions – other factors are more important than morphology.
Rapid transcriptional acclimation following transgenerational exposure of oysters to ocean acidification
Authors: Goncalves Priscila , Anderson Kelli , Thompson Emma L. , Melwani Aroon , Parker Laura m. , Ross Pauline M. , Raftos David A.
Published: August 2016

Marine organisms need to adapt in order to cope with the adverse effects of ocean acidification and warming. Transgenerational exposure to CO2 stress has been shown to enhance resilience to ocean acidification in offspring from a number of species. However, the molecular basis underlying such adaptive responses is currently unknown. Here, we compared the transcriptional profiles of two genetically distinct oyster breeding lines following transgenerational exposure to elevated CO2 in order to explore the molecular basis of acclimation or adaptation to ocean acidification in these organisms. The expression of key target genes associated with antioxidant defence, metabolism and the cytoskeleton was assessed in oysters exposed to elevated CO2 over three consecutive generations. This set of target genes was chosen specifically to test whether altered responsiveness of intracellular stress mechanisms contributes to the differential acclimation of oyster populations to climate stressors. Transgenerational exposure to elevated CO2 resulted in changes to both basal and inducible expression of those key target genes (e.g. ecSOD, catalase and peroxiredoxin 6), particularly in oysters derived from the disease‐resistant, fast‐growing B2 line. Exposure to CO2 stress over consecutive generations produced opposite and less evident effects on transcription in a second population that was derived from wild‐type (nonselected) oysters. The analysis of key target genes revealed that the acute responses of oysters to CO2 stress appear to be affected by population‐specific genetic and/or phenotypic traits and by the CO2 conditions to which their parents had been exposed. This supports the contention that the capacity for heritable change in response to ocean acidification varies between oyster breeding lines and is mediated by parental conditioning.
Cityscape genetics: structural vs. functional connectivity of an urban lizard population
Authors: Beninde Joscha , Feldmeier Stephan , Werner Maike , Peroverde Daniel , Schulte Ulrich , Hochkirch Axel , Veith Michael
Published: August 2016

Functional connectivity is essential for the long‐term persistence of populations. However, many studies assess connectivity with a focus on structural connectivity only. Cityscapes, namely urban landscapes, are particularly dynamic and include numerous potential anthropogenic barriers to animal movements, such as roads, traffic or buildings. To assess and compare structural connectivity of habitats and functional connectivity of gene flow of an urban lizard, we here combined species distribution models (SDMs) with an individual‐based landscape genetic optimization procedure. The most important environmental factors of the SDMs are structural diversity and substrate type, with high and medium levels of structural diversity as well as open and rocky/gravel substrates contributing most to structural connectivity. By contrast, water cover was the best model of all environmental factors following landscape genetic optimization. The river is thus a major barrier to gene flow, while of the typical anthropogenic factors only buildings showed an effect. Nonetheless, using SDMs as a basis for landscape genetic optimization provided the highest ranked model for functional connectivity. Optimizing SDMs in this way can provide a sound basis for models of gene flow of the cityscape, and elsewhere, while presence‐only and presence–absence modelling approaches showed differences in performance. Additionally, interpretation of results based on SDM factor importance can be misleading, dictating more thorough analyses following optimization of SDMs. Such approaches can be adopted for management strategies, for example aiming to connect native common wall lizard populations or disconnect them from non‐native introduced populations, which are currently spreading in many cities in Central Europe.
Seascape genomics provides evidence for thermal adaptation and current‐mediated population structure in American lobster (Homarus americanus)
Authors: Benestan Laura , Quinn Brady K. , Maaroufi Halim , Laporte Martin , Clark Fraser K. , Greenwood Spencer J. , Rochette Rémy , Bernatchez Louis
Published: August 2016

Investigating how environmental features shape the genetic structure of populations is crucial for understanding how they are potentially adapted to their habitats, as well as for sound management. In this study, we assessed the relative importance of spatial distribution, ocean currents and sea surface temperature (SST) on patterns of putatively neutral and adaptive genetic variation among American lobster from 19 locations using population differentiation (PD) approaches combined with environmental association (EA) analyses. First, PD approaches (using bayescan, arlequin and outflank) found 28 outlier SNPs putatively under divergent selection and 9770 neutral SNPs in common. Redundancy analysis revealed that spatial distribution, ocean current‐mediated larval connectivity and SST explained 31.7% of the neutral genetic differentiation, with ocean currents driving the majority of this relationship (21.0%). After removing the influence of spatial distribution, no SST were significant for putatively neutral genetic variation whereas minimum annual SST still had a significant impact and explained 8.1% of the putatively adaptive genetic variation. Second, EA analyses (using Pearson correlation tests, bayescenv and lfmm) jointly identified seven SNPs as candidates for thermal adaptation. Covariation at these SNPs was assessed with a spatial multivariate analysis that highlighted a significant temperature association, after accounting for the influence of spatial distribution. Among the 505 candidate SNPs detected by at least one of the three approaches, we discovered three polymorphisms located in genes previously shown to play a role in thermal adaptation. Our results have implications for the management of the American lobster and provide a foundation on which to predict how this species will cope with climate change.
Evolution and function of eukaryotic‐like proteins from sponge symbionts
Authors: Reynolds David , Thomas Torsten
Published: August 2016

Sponges (Porifera) are ancient metazoans that harbour diverse microorganisms, whose symbiotic interactions are essential for the host's health and function. Although symbiosis between bacteria and sponges are ubiquitous, the molecular mechanisms that control these associations are largely unknown. Recent (meta‐) genomic analyses discovered an abundance of genes encoding for eukaryotic‐like proteins (ELPs) in bacterial symbionts from different sponge species. ELPs belonging to the ankyrin repeat (AR) class from a bacterial symbiont of the sponge Cymbastela concentrica were subsequently found to modulate amoebal phagocytosis. This might be a molecular mechanism, by which symbionts can control their interaction with the sponge. In this study, we investigated the evolution and function of ELPs from other classes and from symbionts found in other sponges to better understand the importance of ELPs for bacteria–eukaryote interactions. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all of the nine ELPs investigated were most closely related to proteins found either in eukaryotes or in bacteria that can live in association with eukaryotes. ELPs were then recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and exposed to the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, which is functionally analogous to phagocytic cells in sponges. Phagocytosis assays with E. coli containing three ELP classes (AR, TPR‐SEL1 and NHL) showed a significantly higher percentage of amoeba containing bacteria and average number of intracellular bacteria per amoeba when compared to negative controls. The result that various classes of ELPs found in symbionts of different sponges can modulate phagocytosis indicates that they have a broader function in mediating bacteria–sponge interactions.
Hidden histories of gene flow in highland birds revealed with genomic markers
Authors: Zarza Eugenia , Faircloth Brant C. , Tsai Whitney L.E. , Bryson Robert W. , Klicka John , McCormack John E.
Published: August 2016

Genomic studies are revealing that divergence and speciation are marked by gene flow, but it is not clear whether gene flow has played a prominent role during the generation of biodiversity in species‐rich regions of the world where vicariance is assumed to be the principal mode by which new species form. We revisit a well‐studied organismal system in the Mexican Highlands, Aphelocoma jays, to test for gene flow among Mexican sierras. Prior results from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) largely conformed to the standard model of allopatric divergence, although there was also evidence for more obscure histories of gene flow in a small sample of nuclear markers. We tested for these ‘hidden histories’ using genomic markers known as ultraconserved elements (UCEs) in concert with phylogenies, clustering algorithms and newer introgression tests specifically designed to detect ancient gene flow (e.g. ABBA/BABA tests). Results based on 4303 UCE loci and 2500 informative SNPs are consistent with varying degrees of gene flow among highland areas. In some cases, gene flow has been extensive and recent (although perhaps not ongoing today), whereas in other cases there is only a trace signature of ancient gene flow among species that diverged as long as 5 million years ago. These results show how a species complex thought to be a model for vicariance can reveal a more reticulate history when a broader portion of the genome is queried. As more organisms are studied with genomic data, we predict that speciation‐with‐bouts‐of‐gene‐flow will turn out to be a common mode of speciation.
Evolutionary processes and cellular functions underlying divergence in Alexandrium minutum
Authors: Le Gac Mickael , Metegnier Gabriel , Chomérat Nicolas , Malestroit Pascale , Quéré Julien , Bouchez Olivier , Siano Raffaele , Destombe Christophe , Guillou Laure , Chapelle Annie
Published: August 2016

Understanding divergence in the highly dispersive and seemingly homogeneous pelagic environment for organisms living as free drifters in the water column remains a challenge. Here, we analysed the transcriptome‐wide mRNA sequences, as well as the morphology of 18 strains of Alexandrium minutum, a dinoflagellate responsible for harmful algal blooms worldwide, to investigate the functional bases of a divergence event. Analysis of the joint site frequency spectrum (JSFS) pointed towards an ancestral divergence in complete isolations followed by a secondary contact resulting in gene flow between the two diverging groups, but heterogeneous across sites. The sites displaying fixed SNPs were associated with a highly restricted gene flow and a strong overrepresentation of nonsynonymous polymorphism, suggesting the importance of selective pressures as drivers of the divergence. The most divergent transcripts were homologs to genes involved in calcium/potassium fluxes across the membrane, calcium transduction signal and saxitoxin production. The implication of these results in terms of ecological divergence and build‐up of reproductive isolation is discussed. Dinoflagellates are especially difficult to study in the field at the ecological level due to their small size and the dynamic nature of their natural environment, but also at the genomic level due to their huge and complex genome and the absence of closely related model organism. This study illustrates the possibility to identify the traits of primary importance in ecology and evolution starting from high‐throughput sequencing data, even for such organisms.
Systems proteomic analysis reveals that clusterin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 increase in leptomeningeal arteries affected by cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Manousopoulou A. , Gatherer M. , Smith C. , Nicoll J. A. R. , Woelk C. H. , Johnson M. , Kalaria R. , Attems J. , Garbis S. D. , Carare R. O.
Published: August 2016

Aims

Amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation in the walls of leptomeningeal arteries as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a major feature of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we used global quantitative proteomic analysis to examine the hypothesis that the leptomeningeal arteries derived from patients with CAA have a distinct endophenotypic profile compared to those from young and elderly controls.

Methods

Freshly dissected leptomeningeal arteries from the Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource and Edinburgh Sudden Death Brain Bank from seven elderly (82.9 ± 7.5 years) females with severe capillary and arterial CAA, as well as seven elderly (88.3 ± 8.6 years) and five young (45.4 ± 3.9 years) females without CAA were used in this study. Arteries from four patients with CAA, two young and two elderly controls were individually analysed using quantitative proteomics. Key proteomic findings were then validated using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Bioinformatics interpretation of the results showed a significant enrichment of the immune response/classical complement and extracellular matrix remodelling pathways (P < 0.05) in arteries affected by CAA vs. those from young and elderly controls. Clusterin (apolipoprotein J) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐3 (TIMP3), validated using immunohistochemistry, were shown to co‐localize with Aβ and to be up‐regulated in leptomeningeal arteries from CAA patients compared to young and elderly controls.

Conclusions

Global proteomic profiling of brain leptomeningeal arteries revealed that clusterin and TIMP3 increase in leptomeningeal arteries affected by CAA. We propose that clusterin and TIMP3 could facilitate perivascular clearance and may serve as novel candidate therapeutic targets for CAA.
Topical tocopherol for treatment of reticular oral lichen planus: a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study
Authors: Bacci C , Vanzo V , Frigo AC , Stellini E , Sbricoli L , Valente M
Published: August 2016

Objective

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study assessed the efficacy of topical tocopherol acetate compared with placebo in easing oral discomfort in patients with reticular oral lichen planus (ROLP).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐four patients with clinically diagnosed and histologically confirmed ROLP were randomly assigned to two groups, which received first one of two treatments (treatment 1 or 2) for a month, then the other (treatment 2 or 1) for another month, with a two‐week washout between them. One treatment contained tocopherol acetate and the other only liquid paraffin. The primary outcome was less discomfort, measured on a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were as follows: length of striae measured and photographed at each follow‐up; surface area of lesions; and a modified Thongprasom score.

Results

No statistically significant differences emerged between the two treatments (1 vs 2) in terms of VAS scores (P > 0.05; 0.8624) or length of striae (P = 0.0883). Significant differences were seen for surface area of lesions (P < 0.05, P = 0.0045) and modified Thongprasom scores (P = 0.0052).

Conclusion

The two treatments differed only in terms of the surface area of the lesions and Thongprasom scores, not in VAS scores for discomfort or the length of patients’ striae. Topical tocopherol proved effective in the treatment of ROLP.