bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress tolerance in a novel system: Genetic and environmental sources of (co)variation for cold tolerance in the butterfly Eurema smilax
Authors: Andrew Samuel C. , Kemp Darrell J.
Published: July 2016

The physiological ability to survive climatic extremes, such as low temperature, is a major determinant of species distribution. Research suggests that tropically restricted insect populations may possess low to zero variation in stress tolerance, thereby limiting any potential to adapt to colder climates. This paradigm derives largely from contrasts among Drosophila populations and species along the tropical–temperate cline of eastern Australia. Butterfly groups, such as the variously distributed representatives of the genus Eurema, offer opportunities to test the taxonomic breadth of this paradigm. We contribute here by investigating plasticity, repeatability and heritability (h2) for cold tolerance in Eurema smilax. This continentally widespread species (extending from the Torres Strait to the south coast of Victoria) offers an important comparative basis for evaluating stress tolerance in geographically restricted congenerics. We reared two generations of E. smilax under laboratory conditions and measured recovery from a chill‐coma assay, which is one of the commonly used methods for characterizing adult cold stress tolerance. Trials on F2s conducted over three consecutive days revealed individual repeatability (r = 0.405). However, recovery time decreased systematically across trials, which is characteristic of a phenotypically plastic ‘hardening’ response to prior cold exposure. Generalized linear modelling, wherein genetic variance was estimated via an ‘animal model’ approach, indicated no difference between sexes and no effect of body size, but a significant additive genetic term, corresponding to a heritability estimate of h2 = 0.414 ± 0.100. These data suggest significant adaptive potential for cold tolerance in E. smilax but show that individuals may also respond directly to extremes of cold via phenotypic plasticity. This indicates the potential to adapt to varied thermal extremes, which would be expected for a broadly distributed species that is resilient to climate change.
Comprehensive investigation of nucleotide diverdity in yaks
Authors: Yue Xiangpeng , Liang Yusheng , Liang Yulin , Li Fadi
Published: July 2016

To understand the maternal genetic diversity of Tianzhu white yak better, we analyzed mtDNA D‐loop sequences of 209 Tianzhu white yaks, which are from the central region of Tianzhu white yak habitat. Accordingly, a total of 45 haplotypes were identified in Tianzhu white yaks in this study, and 18 of them were unique. The nucleotide diversity and haplotype diversity of population studied were 0.024 ± 0.003 and 0.946 ± 0.007 respectively, revealing that Tianzhu white yak possess a relatively high genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analysis, combining D‐loop sequences in this study with 533 previous published D‐loop sequences of 13 yak breeds, indicated that Tianzhu white yaks fell mainly into haplogroup A and that a small portion belonged to haplogroups B, C, D and E. Moreover, six haplotypes of 20 individuals identified in Tianzhu white yak were in the taurine haplogroup, indicating hybridization between Bos taurus and Tianzhu white yaks. In summary, this study supplies a comprehensive maternal genetic pattern for Tianzhu white yak and provides a basic reference for future breeding programs to conserve the purebred Tianzhu white yak.
Locus‐specific ancestry to detect recent response to selection in admixed Swiss Fleckvieh cattle
Authors: Khayatzadeh N. , Mészáros G. , Utsunomiya Y. T. , Garcia J. F. , Schnyder U. , Gredler B. , Curik I. , Sölkner J.
Published: July 2016

Identification of selection signatures is one of the current endeavors of evolutionary genetics. Admixed populations may be used to infer post‐admixture selection. We calculated local ancestry for Swiss Fleckvieh, a composite of Simmental (SI) and Red Holstein Friesian (RHF), to infer such signals. Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip data for 300 admixed, 88 SI and 97 RHF bulls were used. The average RHF ancestry across the whole genome was 0.70. To identify regions with high deviation from average, we considered two significance thresholds, based on a permutation test and extreme deviation from normal distribution. Regions on chromosomes 13 (46.3–47.3 Mb) and 18 (18.7–25.9 Mb) passed both thresholds in the direction of increased SI. Extended haplotype homozygosity within (iHS) and between (Rsb) populations was calculated to explore additional patterns of pre‐ and post‐admixture selection signals. The Rsb score of admixed and SI was significant in a wide region of chromosome 18 (6.6–24.6 Mb) overlapped with one area of strong local ancestry deviation. FTO, with pleiotropic effect on milk and fertility, NOD2 on dairy and NKD1 and SALL1 on fertility traits are located there. Genetic differentiation of RHF and SI (Fst), an alternative indicator of pre‐admixture selection in pure populations, was calculated. No considerable overlap of peaks of local ancestry deviations and Fst was observed. We found two regions with significant signatures of post‐admixture selection in this very young composite, applying comparatively stringent significance thresholds. The signals cover relatively large genomic areas and did not allow pinpointing of the gene(s) responsible for the apparent shift in ancestry proportions.
Genetic diversity analyses reveal first insights into breed‐specific selection signatures within Swiss goat breeds
Authors: Burren A. , Neuditschko M. , Signer‐Hasler H. , Frischknecht M. , Reber I. , Menzi F. , Drögemüller C. , Flury C.
Published: July 2016

We used genotype data from the caprine 50k Illumina BeadChip for the assessment of genetic diversity within and between 10 local Swiss goat breeds. Three different cluster methods allowed the goat samples to be assigned to the respective breed groups, whilst the samples of Nera Verzasca and Tessin Grey goats could not be differentiated from each other. The results of the different genetic diversity measures show that Appenzell, Toggenburg, Valais and Booted goats should be prioritized in future conservation activities. Furthermore, we examined runs of homozygosity (ROH) and compared genomic inbreeding coefficients based on ROH (FROH) with pedigree‐based inbreeding coefficients (FPED). The linear relationship between FROH and FPED was confirmed for goats by including samples from the three main breeds (Saanen, Chamois and Toggenburg goats). FROH appears to be a suitable measure for describing levels of inbreeding in goat breeds with missing pedigree information. Finally, we derived selection signatures between the breeds. We report a total of 384 putative selection signals. The 25 most significant windows contained genes known for traits such as: coat color variation (MITF, KIT, ASIP), growth (IGF2, IGF2R, HRAS, FGFR3) and milk composition (PITX2). Several other putative genes involved in the formation of populations, which might have been selected for adaptation to the alpine environment, are highlighted. The results provide a contemporary background for the management of genetic diversity in local Swiss goat breeds.
Effectiveness of bevacizumab and cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer across selected public hospitals in Queensland
Authors: Chapman Suzannah J , McKavanagh Daniel , Burge Matthew E , McPherson Ian , Walpole Euan , Hollingworth Samantha A
Published: July 2016

Aim

Metastatic colorectal cancer has a large burden of disease in Australia. Medical therapy is fundamental to extending survival and improving quality of life. The benefits of two costly medicines, bevacizumab and cetuximab, used in Australia remain unclear. The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine the use of these two medicines in metastatic colorectal cancer across five public hospitals in south east Queensland and to compare clinical outcomes to those of published clinical trials.

Methods

We extracted data from the chemotherapy prescribing database for patients planned for bevacizumab or cetuximab therapy between 2009 and 2013. Median overall survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods.

Results

There were 490 bevacizumab‐containing protocols planned and 292 patients received at least one dose of bevacizumab. Median overall survival was 17.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.4–19.3). Of 208 planned cetuximab‐containing protocols, 134 patients received at least one dose of cetuximab. Median overall survival was 9.1 months (95% CI, 7.6–12.0). Thirty‐day mortality rates from date of first dose were 0.7% for bevacizumab and 7.5% for cetuximab.

Conclusion

Overall survival of patients receiving bevacizumab and cetuximab was consistent with clinical trials, providing some assurance that benefits seen in trials are observed in usual practice. This study provides a methodology of using routinely collected health data for clinical monitoring and research. Because of the high cost of these medicines and the lack of toxicity data in this study, further analysis in the postmarketing setting should be explored.
Growth hormone receptor isoforms and fracture risk in adult‐onset growth hormone‐deficient patients
Authors: Mormando M. , Chiloiro S. , Bianchi A. , Giampietro A. , Angelini F. , Tartaglione L. , Nasto L. , Milardi D. , Formenti A.M. , Giustina A. , De Marinis L.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Growth hormone deficiency is considered the most important factor determining skeletal fragility in hypopituitary patients. Osteoblasts and chondrocytes express growth hormone (GH) receptor. Two GH receptor isoforms (GHRi) have been identified: they differ for the presence/absence of a protein fragment encoded by exon 3 of GHR gene. Consequently, three genotypes were identified: carriers of both the full‐length proteins (flfl‐GHR), carriers of one full‐length protein and one deleted protein (fld3‐GHR) and carriers of both deleted proteins (d3d3‐GHR). This polymorphism confers a higher sensitivity to endogenous GH and to recombinant human GH (rhGH); its effect on bone metabolism and skeletal fragility is unknown. The aim of this article was to investigate the role of GHRi in predicting skeletal fragility in adult‐onset GHD (AO‐GHD) patients.

Subjects and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between the d3‐GHR isoform and the prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures (VFs) in AO‐GHD. Ninety‐three AO‐GHD were enrolled. Forty‐nine patients carried flfl‐GHRi (52·7%), and 44 patients (47·3%) carried at least one allele of the d3‐GHR isoform. Thirty‐two VFs were documented. Fifty‐seven patients underwent rhGH replacement therapy.

Results

Median age was significantly higher in fractured patients as compared to nonfractured ones; d3‐carrier patients showed a lower VF risk as compared to flfl‐GHRi (OR: 0·37, 95% IC: 0·24–0·55, P < 0·0001). This finding was also confirmed in AO‐GHD undergoing rhGH replacement therapy.

Conclusion

This study suggests that d3‐GHR may protect AO‐GHD particularly when treated with rhGH from the risk of VFs.
Outcomes of 6.5‐mm Hydrophilic Implants and Long Implants Placed with Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation in the Atrophic Posterior Maxilla: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Comparison
Authors: Yu Huajie , Wang Xing , Qiu Lixin
Published: July 2016

Background

Very few controlled studies have compared short and long implants placed with appropriate sinus floor elevation techniques.

Purpose

To compare the 2‐year outcomes of 6.5‐mm hydrophilic implants placed with osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) and standard implants placed with lateral sinus floor elevation in patients with a severely atrophic posterior maxilla.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with a residual bone height of 4–5 mm were randomized to receive one of the two above‐mentioned treatments. Intra‐ and postoperative complications were recorded. The implant survival rate, peri‐implant bone level, and periapical endosinus bone gain were assessed.

Results

Of the 80 inserted implants, one in the long implant group failed because of abscess formation. The peri‐implant bone level change (0.35 ± 0.60 mm vs 0.40 ± 0.71 mm) was not significantly different between the two groups. The endosinus bone gain was 2.94 ± 0.81 mm and 10.19 ± 0.95 mm in the short and long implant groups, respectively. No serious adverse events related to implant surgery were recorded.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the placement of 6.5‐mm short implants with OSFE is an effective alternative for the rehabilitation of a severely atrophic posterior maxilla.
Shear wave elastography for the assessment of muscle stiffness in children with CP: insights and challenges
Authors: Bar‐On Lynn , Slane Laura C
Published: July 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Brandenburg et al. on pages 1288–1294 of this issue.
Effect size for the main cognitive function determinants in a large cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mura T. , Amieva H. , Goldberg M. , Dartigues J.‐F. , Ankri J. , Zins M. , Berr C.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

The aim of our study was to examine the effect sizes of different cognitive function determinants in middle and early old age.

Methods

Cognitive functions were assessed in 11 711 volunteers (45 to 75 years old), included in the French CONSTANCES cohort between January 2012 and May 2014, using the free and cued selective reminding test (FCSRT), verbal fluency tasks, digit–symbol substitution test (DSST) and trail making test (TMT), parts A and B. The effect sizes of socio‐demographic (age, sex, education), lifestyle (alcohol, tobacco, physical activity), cardiovascular (diabetes, blood pressure) and psychological (depressive symptomatology) variables were computed as omega‐squared coefficients (ω2; part of the variation of a neuropsychological score that is independently explained by a given variable).

Results

These sets of variables explained from R2 = 10% (semantic fluency) to R2 = 26% (DSST) of the total variance. In all tests, socio‐demographic variables accounted for the greatest part of the explained variance. Age explained from ω2 = 0.5% (semantic fluency) to ω2 = 7.5% (DSST) of the total score variance, gender from ω2 = 5.2% (FCSRT) to a negligible part (semantic fluency or TMT) and education from ω2 = 7.2% (DSST) to ω2 = 1.4% (TMT‐A). Behavioral, cardiovascular and psychological variables only slightly influenced the cognitive test results (all ω2 < 0.8%, most ω2 < 0.1%).

Conclusion

Socio‐demographic variables (age, gender and education) are the main variables associated with cognitive performance variations between 45 and 75 years of age in the general population.
Evaluating, predicting and mapping belowground carbon stores in Kenyan mangroves
Authors: Gress Selena K. , Huxham Mark , Kairo James G. , Mugi Lilian M. , Briers Robert A.
Published: July 2016

Despite covering only approximately 138 000 km2, mangroves are globally important carbon sinks with carbon density values three to four times that of terrestrial forests. A key challenge in evaluating the carbon benefits from mangrove forest conservation is the lack of rigorous spatially resolved estimates of mangrove sediment carbon stocks; most mangrove carbon is stored belowground. Previous work has focused on detailed estimations of carbon stores over relatively small areas, which has obvious limitations in terms of generality and scope of application. Most studies have focused only on quantifying the top 1 m of belowground carbon (BGC). Carbon stored at depths beyond 1 m, and the effects of mangrove species, location and environmental context on these stores, are poorly studied. This study investigated these variables at two sites (Gazi and Vanga in the south of Kenya) and used the data to produce a country‐specific BGC predictive model for Kenya and map BGC store estimates throughout Kenya at spatial scales relevant for climate change research, forest management and REDD+ (reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation). The results revealed that mangrove species was the most reliable predictor of BGC; Rhizophora muronata had the highest mean BGC with 1485.5 t C ha−1. Applying the species‐based predictive model to a base map of species distribution in Kenya for the year 2010 with a 2.5 m2 resolution produced an estimate of 69.41 Mt C [±9.15 95% confidence interval (C.I.)] for BGC in Kenyan mangroves. When applied to a 1992 mangrove distribution map, the BGC estimate was 75.65 Mt C (±12.21 95% C.I.), an 8.3% loss in BGC stores between 1992 and 2010 in Kenya. The country‐level mangrove map provides a valuable tool for assessing carbon stocks and visualizing the distribution of BGC. Estimates at the 2.5 m2 resolution provide sufficient details for highlighting and prioritizing areas for mangrove conservation and restoration.
Do dynamic global vegetation models capture the seasonality of carbon fluxes in the Amazon basin? A data‐model intercomparison
Authors: Restrepo‐Coupe Natalia , Levine Naomi M. , Christoffersen Bradley O. , Albert Loren P. , Wu Jin , Costa Marcos H. , Galbraith David , Imbuzeiro Hewlley , Martins Giordane , da Araujo Alessandro C. , Malhi Yadvinder S. , Zeng Xubin , Moorcroft Paul , Saleska Scott R.
Published: July 2016

To predict forest response to long‐term climate change with high confidence requires that dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) be successfully tested against ecosystem response to short‐term variations in environmental drivers, including regular seasonal patterns. Here, we used an integrated dataset from four forests in the Brasil flux network, spanning a range of dry‐season intensities and lengths, to determine how well four state‐of‐the‐art models (IBIS, ED2, JULES, and CLM3.5) simulated the seasonality of carbon exchanges in Amazonian tropical forests. We found that most DGVMs poorly represented the annual cycle of gross primary productivity (GPP), of photosynthetic capacity (Pc), and of other fluxes and pools. Models simulated consistent dry‐season declines in GPP in the equatorial Amazon (Manaus K34, Santarem K67, and Caxiuanã CAX); a contrast to observed GPP increases. Model simulated dry‐season GPP reductions were driven by an external environmental factor, ‘soil water stress’ and consequently by a constant or decreasing photosynthetic infrastructure (Pc), while observed dry‐season GPP resulted from a combination of internal biological (leaf‐flush and abscission and increased Pc) and environmental (incoming radiation) causes. Moreover, we found models generally overestimated observed seasonal net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and respiration (Re) at equatorial locations. In contrast, a southern Amazon forest (Jarú RJA) exhibited dry‐season declines in GPP and Re consistent with most DGVMs simulations. While water limitation was represented in models and the primary driver of seasonal photosynthesis in southern Amazonia, changes in internal biophysical processes, light‐harvesting adaptations (e.g., variations in leaf area index (LAI) and increasing leaf‐level assimilation rate related to leaf demography), and allocation lags between leaf and wood, dominated equatorial Amazon carbon flux dynamics and were deficient or absent from current model formulations. Correctly simulating flux seasonality at tropical forests requires a greater understanding and the incorporation of internal biophysical mechanisms in future model developments.
Minor post‐extraction complications other than BRONJ in older patients on oral bisphosphonates – a retrospective study
Authors: Lain Russell , Ajwani Shilpi
Published: July 2016

Background

Oral bisphosphonates (BP) have been prescribed widely in osteoporosis patients. Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) has been reported as a major complication, but there is little information about minor complications.

Objective

This retrospective study describes post‐operative complications – other than BRONJ – associated with dental extractions in patients on oral BP and compares outcomes with patients not on oral BP.

Methods

The study period was 2004–05 ending December 2005, prior to the introduction of protocols for minimising risks related to extractions in patients on BP therapy. Records of patients aged 60 years and over who underwent extractions during this period at Sydney Dental Hospital were examined and post‐operative complications analysed.

Results

There were 266 participants identified on oral BP therapy out of an available number of 3811 available files based retrospectively from records of 4126 participants who underwent extractions during the two‐year period. In the oral BP group, 10% had complications compared with 2% in the non‐oral BP group (p < 0.0001). This relationship remained significant even after adjusting for age, gender, operator, type and site of procedure. Delayed healing (36%) and exposed alveolar bone which required an intervention (31%) were the most common complications in the BP group.

Conclusion

The prevalence of minor post‐operative complications among BP participants was significantly higher than in non‐BP participants. The nature of the complications was in the range of pathology familiar to – and treatable by – the general dentist.
Local vs. Regional Groundwater Flow Delineation from Stable Isotopes at Western North America Springs
Authors: Springer Abraham E. , Boldt Elizabeth M. , Junghans Katie M.
Published: July 2016

The recharge location for many springs is unknown because they can be sourced from proximal, shallow, atmospheric sources or long‐traveled, deep, regional aquifers. The stable isotope (18O and 2H) geochemistry of springs water can provide cost‐effective indications of relative flow path distance without the expense of drilling boreholes, conducting geophysical studies, or building groundwater flow models. Locally sourced springs generally have an isotopic signature similar to local precipitation for that region and elevation. Springs with a very different isotopic composition than local meteoric inputs likely have non‐local recharge, representing a regional source. We tested this local vs. regional flow derived hypothesis with data from a new, large springs isotopic database from studies across Western North America in Arizona, Nevada, and Alberta. The combination of location‐specific precipitation data with stable isotopic groundwater data provides an effective method for flow path determination at springs. We found springs in Arizona issue from a mix of regional and local recharge sources. These springs have a weak elevation trend across 1588 m of elevation where higher elevation springs are only slightly more depleted than low elevation springs with a δ18O variation of 5.9‰. Springs sampled in Nevada showed a strong elevation‐isotope relationship with high‐elevation sites discharging depleted waters and lower elevation springs issuing enriched waters; only a 2.6‰ difference exists in 18O values over an elevation range of more than 1500 m. Alberta's springs are mostly sourced from local flow systems and show a moderate elevation trend of 1200 m, but the largest range in δ18O, 7.1‰.
Red blood cell distribution width: can it be a predictive marker for long‐term valvular involvement in children with acute rheumatic carditis?
Authors: Kucuk M. , Ozdemir R. , Karadeniz C. , Celegen K. , Demirol M. , Yilmazer M. M. , Mese T. , Unal N.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to evaluate Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with acute rheumatic carditis during the acute phase and after anti‐inflammatory therapy.

Methods

Pediatric patients diagnosed with acute rheumatic carditis (ARC) between 2006 and 2014 and age‐ and sex‐matched controls were retrospectively analyzed. At the time of diagnosis and after 2 months of medical therapy, we reviewed the obtained demographic features; echocardiographic data; complete blood count reports, including RDW; acute phase reactants, including C‐reactive protein; and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values.

Results

The number of the cases with ARC and age‐ and sex‐matched controls were 100 and 110, respectively. The mean age of patients was 11.6 ± 2.5 years. WBC and platelet counts, RDW were found to be significantly higher in patient group compared with controls at the time of diagnosis, prior to the onset of treatment. RDW, platelet count, CRP, and ESR levels significantly decreased after an 8 weeks of medical treatment. RDW values after the medical treatment were still significantly higher compared with controls. RDW values were significantly higher in patients with multiple valvular involvement both prior to and after the treatment. Moreover, we found a significant and positive correlation between the RDW and the severity of mitral regurgitation in our patients (r: 0.46, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High levels of RDW after initial medical treatment may indicate an ongoing subtle inflammatory process that leads to future stenotic valvular lesions. However, long‐term follow‐up studies are needed involving adulthood period to support this hypothesis.
Attention bias modification for youth with social anxiety disorder
Authors: Pergamin‐Hight Lee , Pine Daniel S. , Fox Nathan A. , Bar‐Haim Yair
Published: July 2016

Background

Attention bias modification treatment (ABMT) targets threat‐related attention biases in anxiety disorders. Most clinical trials of ABMT have focused on adults or small samples of youth. The current randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines ABMT efficacy in youth with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and tests possible moderators of treatment outcomes.

Method

Sixty‐seven youth with SAD were randomly assigned to ABMT or attention control training (ACT) conditions. Anxiety severity was measured at baseline, posttreatment, and 3‐month follow‐up. ClinicalTrials.gov name and identifier: Attention bias modification treatment for children with social anxiety, NCT01397032; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Results

Both ABMT and ACT induced significant reductions in clinician and self‐rated social anxiety (ps < .001). An additional reduction was observed at the 3‐month follow‐up in clinician‐rated anxiety symptoms (p = .03). Moderation effects were nonsignificant for the clinician‐rated anxiety outcome, but age moderated self‐reported anxiety. Older but not younger children, showed significant reduction in anxiety following ABMT relative to ACT (p < .001). Individual differences in attention control also moderated ABMT's effect on self‐reported anxiety (p = .05). Children rated by their parents as lower on attention control benefited more from ABMT than those rated higher on attention control. Baseline attention bias did not moderate anxiety (p = .17).

Conclusions

Despite significant reductions in social anxiety, no specific evidence for ABMT was found relative to a control condition. Age and attention control moderated ABMT effects on self‐reported SAD symptoms, with clinical effects for older relative to younger children and for those with lower attention control. These results highlight the need to consider developmental influences in the implementation of ABMT protocols.
Flow Characterization of Milk Protein Foam Transport in Horizontal Channels
Authors: Zoheidi Ladan , Chin Hyoungtak , Rauh Cornelia , Delgado Antonio
Published: July 2016

Foams are considered as highly complex phenomena and their complexity becomes more challenging when they start to flow. An experimental foaming system based on the milk protein foam was developed in order to investigate the foam flow characterization which enabled the foam transport through a horizontal channel. The article presents the macroscopic phenomena, mechanism and flow characterization of milk protein foam during mechanical transport. The protein foam quality was obtained by controlling the gas and liquid flowrate. The pressure gradient was measured as a function of the foam quality and the influence of the gas and liquid flowrate on the pressure drop was studied. The foam flow revealed a uniform profile within a pressure drop deviation of 600–850 Pam‐1. The foam rheology was described by the well‐known Moody chart for Newtonian fluids and the empirical power‐law model. The corresponding friction factor and Reynolds number were obtained from the entire foam qualities exhibited a close agreement with the well‐known equation for laminar flow of a single Newtonian fluid in a pipe (
) with a constant value of 36.723 and an exponent of 1.034.

Practical Applications

The improvement of foam product qualities in food stuffs is undoubtedly a major concern for food producers. Because proteins are widely used foaming agents in food industry, a comprehensive knowledge of protein foam flow is required. The aim of this study was assigned to offer the first experimental results in terms of the milk protein foam flow dynamics, corresponding pressure gradient and related foam rheology in a horizontal channel flow in order to improve the manufacturing process.
Analysis of polymorphism and hepatic expression of duodenal cytochrome b in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Rudnicka Alina , Woziwodzka Anna , Wróblewska Anna , Rybicka Magda , Bielawski Krzysztof P , Sikorska Katarzyna , Bernat Agnieszka
Published: July 2016

Background and Aim

Pathological iron overload is commonly found in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and considered as a negative prognostic factor of the disease. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs884409 in duodenal cytochrome b gene (CYBRD1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of hemochromatosis. In our study we investigated the impact of the CYBRD1 genotype and expression on iron overload in CHC patients.

Methods

Liver biopsy specimens and whole blood samples from 243 patients with CHC were included in the study. Iron deposits in hepatocytes, serum markers of iron overload, and expression profile of gene‐regulators of iron homeostasis were analyzed. Genotyping and analysis of gene expression of the CYBRD1 were performed. The frequency of SNP and the expression levels of CYBRD1 were compared between the groups of patients with and without markers of iron overload.

Results

The single nucleotide variant rs884409 G was associated with elevated serum iron levels, increased markers of liver inflammation, and oxidative stress. Hepatic expression of CYBRD1 was associated with the expression of Tfr2, Id1, and HO‐1 genes, serum ferritin levels, and with increased iron accumulation in liver.

Conclusion

These results implicate CYBRD1 involvement in iron homeostasis in CHC.
Prognostic significance of number of nodes removed in patients with node‐negative early cervical cancer
Authors: Mao Siyue , Dong Jun , Li Sheng , Wang Yiqi , Wu Peihong
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the number of removed lymph nodes was associated with survival of patients with node‐negative early cervical cancer and to analyze the prognostic significance of clinical and pathologic features in these patients.

Methods

Patients with FIGO stage IA–IIB cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy without receiving preoperative therapy were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were all proved to have lymph‐node‐negative disease and classified into five groups based on the number of nodes removed. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards regression model were used in prognostic analysis.

Results

The final dataset included 359 patients: 45 (12.5%) patients had ≤10 nodes removed, 93 (25.9%) had 11–15, 98 (27.3%) had 16–20, 64 (17.8%) had 21–25, and 59 (16.4%) had >25 nodes removed. There was no association between the number of nodes removed and survival of patients with node‐negative early cervical cancer (χ2 = 6.19, P = 0.185). Similarly, subgroup analyses for FIGO stage IB1–IIB also showed that the number of lymph nodes was not significantly related to survival in each stage. Multivariate analyses showed that histology and depth of invasion were independent prognostic factors for survival in these patients.

Conclusion

If a standardized lymphadenectomy is performed, the number of lymph nodes removed is not an independent prognostic factor for patients with node‐negative early cervical cancer. Our study suggests that there is inconclusive evidence to support survival benefit of complete lymphadenectomy among these patients.
Relation between quality of life and mental health in pregnant women with prior pregnancy loss
Authors: Abbaspoor Zahra , Razmju Parvanah Sarparast , Hekmat Kadijah
Published: July 2016

Aim

This paper intends to compare quality of life (QoL) and mental health among pregnant women with and without previous pregnancy loss.

Methods

An analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted on 409 women between the 16th and 30th weeks of gestation in health centers in Ahvaz, Iran, including 145 women with prior pregnancy loss (group 1) and 264 women without such history (group 2). Data were collected using the QoL Short Form‐36 questionnaire, the Mental Health Questionnaire 25 and a questionnaire for assessing sociodemographic variables. Data were analyzed using spss version 22. Results were analyzed using the χ2‐test, the Student's t‐test and logistic regression. P < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant.

Results

There was a significant difference between the two groups in respect to QoL and mental health. Women with previous pregnancy loss had lower scores in total and in all subscales of the QoL Short Form‐36 (P < 0.001) and higher scores in total and in six out of the nine subscales of the Mental Health Questionnaire 25 compared to women without these histories.

Conclusion

Women with history of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth seem to have poorer QoL and mental health during their subsequent pregnancy than those without such experience.
Case of a woman with acromegaly whose presenting complaint was prolonged post‐partum amenorrhea
Authors: Hara Tomomi , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Oride Aki , Moriyama Masayuki , Kyo Satoru
Published: July 2016

We report a case of a woman who was incidentally diagnosed with acromegaly after referral for prolonged post‐partum amenorrhea. A 25‐year‐old woman, gravida 2 para 1, had a normal transvaginal delivery and breastfeeding had been discontinued more than a year after delivery. Thereafter, spontaneous menstruation did not restart and she underwent hormonal therapy. Subsequently, she was referred to our university hospital for prolonged amenorrhea. Hormonal examination revealed severe hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (luteinizing hormone 0.5 mIU/mL, follicle‐stimulating hormone < 1.0 mIU/mL, estradiol 13 pg/mL), along with a modest increase in serum prolactin levels (43.2 ng/mL). She also complained of milk ejection on nipple stimulation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head was performed, because an organic abnormality in the central nervous system was suspected to be causing the amenorrhea, which revealed mass lesions extending from the pituitary fossa to the suprasellar area with similar signal intensity as the gray matter. In addition, bitemporal hemianopsia was observed on campimetry. After further examination, the patient was diagnosed with acromegaly.
Influence of graded levels of calcium and vitamin K in the diets of laying hens during the growing phase and their effects on the laying phase
Authors: Souza C. , Santos T. C. , Murakami A. E. , Iwaki L. C. V. , Mello J. F.
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin K (vit K) and Ca in the diets of laying hens on bone and blood parameters and performance during the growing phase and the effects on the laying phase up to 32 weeks. The study utilized 120 Hy‐Line W‐36 pullets in the growing phase (13–18 weeks), 80 laying hens in the production phase (20–32 weeks), distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement, two levels of Ca (0.8 and 1.4%) and five levels of vit K supplementation (0, 2, 8, 16 and 32 mg/kg) with four experimental units. An experimental diet was fed during the growing phase, and the commercial diet was fed during the production phase and were analysed for biochemistry and bone variables at 18 and 32 weeks. In pullets, a significant interaction of levels of vit K and Ca was observed for total serum calcium (mg/dl), Seedor index, Ca in the bones (%) and medullary bone (%). Pullets at 18 weeks of age, receiving diets with 1.4% Ca, displayed a quadratic effect of vit K with better results for these variables with 17.86, 14.59, 14.48 and 16.80 mg/kg of vit K, respectively. For level 0.8% Ca no effect of vit K was observed. The treatments during the growing phase had no effect on egg production, performance and biochemistry serum until 32 weeks. Medullary bone (%), there was a significant interaction for 1.4% Ca and a quadratic effect for vit K, with greater medullary bone areas observed with 6.09 mg/kg vit K in the diet. Supplementation with vit K in a diet with 1.4% Ca during the growing phase allowed for an increase in the area of medullary bone at 18 weeks, which was maintained until 32 weeks.
Fluids during diagenesis and sulfate vein formation in sediments at Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Schwenzer S. P. , Bridges J. C. , Wiens R. C. , Conrad P. G. , Kelley S. P. , Leveille R. , Mangold N. , Martín‐Torres J. , McAdam A. , Newsom H. , Zorzano M. P. , Rapin W. , Spray J. , Treiman A. H. , Westall F. , Fairén A. G. , Meslin P.‐Y.
Published: July 2016

We model the fluids involved in the alteration processes recorded in the Sheepbed Member mudstones of Yellowknife Bay (YKB), Gale crater, Mars, as revealed by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover investigations. We compare the Gale crater waters with fluids modeled for shergottites, nakhlites, and the ancient meteorite ALH 84001, as well as rocks analyzed by the Mars Exploration rovers, and with terrestrial ground and surface waters. The aqueous solution present during sediment alteration associated with phyllosilicate formation at Gale was high in Na, K, and Si; had low Mg, Fe, and Al concentrations—relative to terrestrial groundwaters such as the Deccan Traps and other modeled Mars fluids; and had near neutral to alkaline pH. Ca and S species were present in the 10−3 to 10−2 concentration range. A fluid local to Gale crater strata produced the alteration products observed by Curiosity and subsequent evaporation of this groundwater‐type fluid formed impure sulfate‐ and silica‐rich deposits—veins or horizons. In a second, separate stage of alteration, partial dissolution of this sulfate‐rich layer in Yellowknife Bay, or beyond, led to the pure sulfate veins observed in YKB. This scenario is analogous to similar processes identified at a terrestrial site in Triassic sediments with gypsum veins of the Mercia Mudstone Group in Watchet Bay, UK.
Shatter cones at the Keurusselkä impact structure and their relation to local jointing
Authors: Hasch Maximilian , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Raschke Ulli , Zaag Patrice Tristan
Published: July 2016

Shatter cones are the only distinct meso‐ to macroscopic recognition criterion for impact structures, yet not all is known about their formation. The Keurusselkä impact structure, Finland, is interesting in that it presents a multitude of well‐exposed shatter cones in medium‐ to coarse‐grained granitoids. The allegedly 27 km wide Keurusselkä impact structure was formed about 1150 Ma ago in rocks of the Central Finland Granitoid Complex. Special attention was paid in this work to possible relationships between shatter cones and local, as well as regionally occurring, fracture or joint systems. A possible shatter cone find outside the previously suggested edge of the structure could mean that the Keurusselkä impact structure is larger than previously thought. The spacing between joints/fractures from regional joint systems was influenced by the impact, but impact‐induced fractures strongly follow the regional joint orientation trends. There is a distinct relationship between shatter cones and joints: shatter cones occur on and against joint surfaces of varied orientations and belonging to the regional orientation trends. Planar fractures (PF) and planar deformation features (PDF) were found in three shatter cone samples from the central‐most part of the impact structure, whereas other country rock samples from the same level of exposure but further from the assumed center lack shock deformation features. PDF occurrence is enhanced within 5 mm of shatter cone surfaces, which is interpreted to suggest that shock wave reverberation at preimpact joints could be responsible for this local enhancement of shock deformation. Some shatter cone surfaces are coated with a quasi‐opaque material which is also found in conspicuous veinlets that branch off from shatter cone surfaces and resemble pseudotachylitic breccia veins. The vein‐filling is composed of two mineral phases, one of which could be identified as a montmorillonitic phyllosilicate. The second phase could not be identified yet. The original composition of the fill could not be determined. Further work is required on this material. Observed joints and fractures were discussed against findings from Barringer impact crater. They show that impact‐induced joints in the basement rock do not follow impact‐specific orientations (such as radial, conical, or concentric).
Historical environmental change in Africa drives divergence and admixture of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes: a precursor to successful worldwide colonization?
Authors: Bennett Kelly Louise , Shija Fortunate , Linton Yvonne‐Marie , Misinzo Gerald , Kaddumukasa Martha , Djouaka Rousseau , Anyaele Okorie , Harris Angela , Irish Seth , Hlaing Thaung , Prakash Anil , Lutwama Julius , Walton Catherine
Published: July 2016

Increasing globalization has promoted the spread of exotic species, including disease vectors. Understanding the evolutionary processes involved in such colonizations is both of intrinsic biological interest and important to predict and mitigate future disease risks. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a major vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika, the worldwide spread of which has been facilitated by Ae. aegypti's adaption to human‐modified environments. Understanding the evolutionary processes involved in this invasion requires characterization of the genetic make‐up of the source population(s). The application of approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to sequence data from four nuclear and one mitochondrial marker revealed that African populations of Ae. aegypti best fit a demographic model of lineage diversification, historical admixture and recent population structuring. As ancestral Ae. aegypti were dependent on forests, this population history is consistent with the effects of forest fragmentation and expansion driven by Pleistocene climatic change. Alternatively, or additionally, historical human movement across the continent may have facilitated their recent spread and mixing. ABC analysis and haplotype networks support earlier inferences of a single out‐of‐Africa colonization event, while a cline of decreasing genetic diversity indicates that Ae. aegypti moved first from Africa to the Americas and then to Asia. ABC analysis was unable to verify this colonization route, possibly because the genetic signal of admixture obscures the true colonization pathway. By increasing genetic diversity and forming novel allelic combinations, divergence and historical admixture within Africa could have provided the adaptive potential needed for the successful worldwide spread of Ae. aegypti.
An autopsied case of MM1 + MM2‐cortical with thalamic‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease presenting with hyperintensities on diffusion‐weighted MRI before clinical onset
Authors: Iwasaki Yasushi , Mori Keiko , Ito Masumi , Mimuro Maya , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yoshida Mari
Published: July 2016

A 78‐year‐old Japanese man presented with rapidly progressive dementia and gait disturbances. Eight months before the onset of clinical symptoms, diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) demonstrated hyperintensities in the right temporal, right parietal and left medial occipital cortices. Two weeks after symptom onset, DWI showed extensive hyperintensity in the bilateral cerebral cortex, with regions of higher brightness that existed prior to symptom onset still present. Four weeks after clinical onset, periodic sharp wave complexes were identified on an electroencephalogram. Myoclonus was observed 8 weeks after clinical onset. The patient reached an akinetic mutism state and died 5 months after onset. Neuropathological examination showed widespread cerebral neocortical involvement of fine vacuole‐type spongiform changes with large confluent vacuole‐type spongiform changes. Spongiform degeneration with neuron loss and hypertrophic astrocytosis was also observed in the striatum and medial thalamus. The inferior olivary nucleus showed severe neuron loss with hypertrophic astrocytosis. Prion protein (PrP) immunostaining showed widespread synaptic‐type PrP deposition with perivacuolar‐type PrP deposition in the cerebral neocortex. Mild to moderate PrP deposition was also observed extensively in the basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum and brainstem, but it was not apparent in the inferior olivary nucleus. PrP gene analysis showed no mutations, and polymorphic codon 129 showed methionine homozygosity. Western blot analysis of protease‐resistant PrP showed both type 1 scrapie type PrP (PrPSc) and type 2 PrPSc. Based on the relationship between the neuroimaging and pathological findings, we speculated that cerebral cortical lesions with large confluent vacuoles and type 2 PrPSc would show higher brightness and continuous hyperintensity on DWI than those with fine vacuoles and type 1 PrPSc. We believe the present patient had a combined form of MM1 + MM2‐cortical with thalamic‐type sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD), which suggests a broader spectrum of sCJD clinicopathological findings.
Geographical thinking in nursing inquiry, part one: locations, contents, meanings
Authors: Andrews Gavin J.
Published: July 2016

Spatial thought is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance in nursing. Building on a long disciplinary tradition of conceptualizing and studying ‘nursing environment’, the past twenty years has witnessing the establishment and refinement of explicitly geographical nursing research. This article – part one in a series of two – reviews the perspectives taken to date, ranging from historical precedent in classical nursing theory through to positivistic spatial science, political economy, and social constructivism in contemporary inquiry. This discussion sets up part two, which considers the potential of non‐representational theory for framing future studies.
Body–drug assemblages: theorizing the experience of side effects in the context of HIV treatment
Authors: Gagnon Marilou , Holmes Dave
Published: July 2016

Each of the antiretroviral drugs that are currently used to stop the progression of HIV infection causes its own specific side effects. Despite the expansion, multiplication, and simplification of treatment options over the past decade, side effects continue to affect people living with HIV. Yet, we see a clear disconnect between the way side effects are normalized, routinized, and framed in clinical practice and the way they are experienced by people living with HIV. This paper builds on the premise that new approaches are needed to understand side effects in a manner that is more reflective of the subjective accounts of people living with HIV. Drawing on the work of Deleuze and Guattari, it offers an original application of the theory of ‘assemblage’. This theory offers a new way of theorizing side effects, and ultimately the relationship between the body and antiretroviral drugs (as technologies). Combining theory with examples derived from empirical data, we examine the multiple ways in which the body connects not only to the drugs but also to people, things, and systems. Our objective is to illustrate how this theory dares us to think differently about side effects and allows us to originally (re)think the experience of taking antiretroviral drugs.