bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology, development and reproduction of Pyrgomorpha vignaudii (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)
Authors: Kekeunou Sévilor , Mbeng Donatus , Oumarou‐Ngoute Charly , Wandji Alain Christel
Published: February 2015

Pyrgomorpha vignaudii (Guérin‐Méneville, 1849) is a pest of a wide variety of crop plants in Africa. To facilitate the search for a sustainable strategy against this pest, we have studied the post‐embryonic development, morphology and reproduction on Manihot esculenta in the laboratory. Five‐hundred and two larvae at the first stage of development obtained in the laboratory were individually reared in cages. Post‐embryonic development passed through seven stages. The total number of days spent for larval development varied from 77 to 108. The mean duration of development of stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 larvae were, respectively, 16.48 ± 0.43, 14.40 ± 0.55, 13.70 ± 0.61, 15.07 ± 0.84, 15.21 ± 1.31 and 16.21 ± 1.27 days. After the final molt, the females of P. vignaudii take an average of 12.7 ± 1.04 days before the first mating. The time between the first mating and first oviposition ranged from 14 to 34 days (averagely 25.2 ± 4.62 days). The females realized one to nine ovipositions during their lives. The number of eggs per egg‐pods (ootheca) varied from 16 to 93 with a mean of 45.31 ± 3.51. Our results provide valuable information for the search for a control strategy against P. vignaudii.
Point process models for presence‐only analysis
Authors: Renner Ian W. , Elith Jane , Baddeley Adrian , Fithian William , Hastie Trevor , Phillips Steven J. , Popovic Gordana , Warton David I.
Published: February 2015

Presence‐only data are widely used for species distribution modelling, and point process regression models are a flexible tool that has considerable potential for this problem, when data arise as point events.

In this paper, we review point process models, some of their advantages and some common methods of fitting them to presence‐only data.

Advantages include (and are not limited to) clarification of what the response variable is that is modelled; a framework for choosing the number and location of quadrature points (commonly referred to as pseudo‐absences or ‘background points’) objectively; clarity of model assumptions and tools for checking them; models to handle spatial dependence between points when it is present; and ways forward regarding difficult issues such as accounting for sampling bias.

Point process models are related to some common approaches to presence‐only species distribution modelling, which means that a variety of different software tools can be used to fit these models, includingmaxentor generalised linear modelling software.
Comparative performance of two whole‐genome capture methodologies on ancient DNA Illumina libraries
Authors: Ávila‐Arcos María C. , Sandoval‐Velasco Marcela , Schroeder Hannes , Carpenter Meredith L. , Malaspinas Anna‐Sapfo , Wales Nathan , Peñaloza Fernando , Bustamante Carlos D. , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: February 2015

Application of whole‐genome capture (WGC) methods to ancient DNA (aDNA) promises to increase efficiency of ancient genome sequencing.

We compared the performance of two recent WGC methods in enriching human aDNA within Illumina libraries built using both double‐stranded and single‐stranded build protocols. Although both methods effectively enriched aDNA, we observed consistent differences between the methods, providing the opportunity to further explore parameters influencing WGC experiments.

Our results suggest bait length has a potential influence on library enrichment. Moreover, we show WGC biases against shorter molecules that are enriched in single‐stranded libraries preparation protocols. Lastly, we document the effect of WGC on features including clonality, GC composition and repetitive DNA content.

Our findings provide insights relevant to those planning WGC on aDNA and suggest future tests and optimization to improve WGC efficiency.
Increasing the efficiency of MCMC for hierarchical phylogenetic models of categorical traits using reduced mixed models
Authors: Hadfield Jarrod D.
Published: February 2015

Integrating out the random effects in generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) cannot be done analytically unless the response is Gaussian. Many stochastic, deterministic or hybrid algorithms have been developed to perform the integration. With categorical data and probit link (aka the threshold model), the random effect structure can be partitioned into a part that can be easily integrated deterministically (the R‐structure) and a part that cannot (the G‐structure).

We show that in the context of phylogenetic mixed models, part of the G‐structure (the phylogenetic effects at the tips) can be moved into the R‐structure and integrated out deterministically. This result follows directly from the concept of the reduced animal model from quantitative genetics (Journal of Animal Science, 51, 1980, 1277) and its implications for discrete data (Genetics Selection Evolution, 42, 2010, 1).

Although the conditional distribution of the phylogenetic variance is no longer in standard from, it does provide a stable and efficient 2‐block MCMC algorithm for situations when the phylogenetic heritability is assumed to be one. We show that a GLMM with such an assumption is equivalent to the model proposed by Felsenstein (American Naturalist, 179, 2005, 145). Extensions to multivariate models are straightforward and a 3‐block algorithm can be constructed when there is only a single categorical trait but multiple Gaussian traits. With ≥2 categorical traits, an additional non‐Gibbs update is required for the correlation (sub)matrix.

An implementation of these algorithms is distributed in therpackage MCMCglmm and is up to several orders of magnitude faster than published alternatives.
Neonates with Bartter syndrome have enormous fluid and sodium requirements
Authors: Azzi Antonio , Chehade Hassib , Deschênes Georges
Published: February 2015

Aim

Managing neonatal Bartter syndrome by achieving adequate weight gain is challenging. We assessed the correlation between weight gain in neonatal Bartter syndrome and the introduction of fluid and sodium supplementations and indomethacin during the first 4 weeks of life.

Methods

Daily fluid and electrolytes requirements were analysed using linear regression and Spearman correlation coefficients. The weight gain coefficient was calculated as daily weight gain after physiological neonatal weight loss.

Results

We studied seven infants. The highest weight gain coefficients occurred between weeks two and four in the five neonates who either received prompt amounts of fluid (maximum 810 mL/kg/day) and sodium (maximum 70 mmol/kg/day) or were treated with indomethacin. For the two patients with the highest weight gain coefficient, water and sodium supplementations were decreased in weeks two to four leading to a significant negative Spearman correlation between weight gain and fluid supplements (r = −0.55 and −0.68) and weight gain and sodium supplementations (r = −0.96 and −0.72). The two patients with the lowest weight gain coefficient had positive Spearman correlation coefficients between weight gain and fluid and sodium supplementations.

Conclusion

Infants with neonatal Bartter syndrome required rapid and enormous fluid and sodium supplementations or the early introduction of indomethacin treatment to achieve adequate weight gain during the early postnatal period.
Expression pattern and clinicopathologic significance of NKD1 in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Li Jie , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Liu Ping‐Guo , Zhao Wen‐Xiu , Xie Cheng‐Rong , Zhao Bi‐Xin , Wang Xiao‐Min
Published: February 2015

It has been reported that NKD1 was an antagonist of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. While there is little information regarding NKD1 expression pattern in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic significance and expression pattern of NKD1 in HCC. NKD1 protein expressions in 69 paired HCC cancer/adjacent non‐cancerous tissues were detected by Western blot. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on 58 cases of HCC with integrated clinical information. NKD1 protein expression was divided into normal and low expression group and correlations between NKD1 protein expression and clinicopathologic factors were then evaluated. Western blot results showed that NKD1 protein levels were significantly lower in cancerous tissues compared with corresponding normal tissue (p < 0.05). In addition, we found that the level of NKD1 protein expression in HCC was significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.011), intra or extra‐hepatic metastasis (p = 0.010) and differentiation (p = 0.003). This is to our knowledge the first report investigating NKD1 protein expression pattern in HCC. Our data show that decreased NKD1 protein expression is associated with clinicopathologic factors, and suggest that NKD1 may play an important role in the development of HCC and could serve as a novel biomarker for HCC after further investigation.
CYP2B6*6 allele and age substantially reduce steady‐state ketamine clearance in chronic pain patients: impact on adverse effects
Authors: Li Yibai , Jackson Kate A. , Slon Barry , Hardy Janet R. , Franco Michael , William Leeroy , Poon Peter , Coller Janet K. , Hutchinson Mark R. , Currow David C. , Somogyi Andrew A.
Published: February 2015

Aims

Ketamine analgesia is limited by low intrinsic efficacy compounded by large interindividual variability in drug responses, possibly due to the heterogeneity in drug concentration. The CYP2B6*6 allele is associated with substantially reduced ketamine metabolism in vitro and, therefore, may affect ketamine clearance. Our aims were to examine the impact of the CYP2B6*6 allele on ketamine plasma clearance and on adverse effects in chronic pain patients.

Methods

CYP2B6 genotypes were identified in 49 chronic pain patients who received 24 h continuous subcutaneous infusions of ketamine. Steady‐state plasma concentrations of ketamine (Css,k) and norketamine (Css,nk) were determined using HPLC.

Results

The median plasma clearance of ketamine after 100 mg 24 h–1 dose was significantly lower in patients with the CYP2B6*6/*6 (21.6 l h–1) and CYP2B6*1/*6 (40.6 l h–1) genotypes compared with patients with the CYP2B6*1/*1 genotype (68.1 l h–1, P < 0.001). The ketamine : norketamine plasma metabolic ratio was significantly higher in patients with the CYP2B6*6/*6 genotype than in those with the CYP2B6*1/*6 and the CYP2B6*1/*1 genotypes (P < 0.001). Patients who experienced adverse effects had lower plasma clearance (45.6 l h‐1) than those who did not (52.6 l h‐1, P = 0.04). The CYP2B6*6 genotype and age, and their combined impact explained 40%, 30% and 60% of the variation in Css,k, respectively. Similar results were observed after higher doses.

Conclusions

The CYP2B6*6 allele is associated with a substantial decrease in steady‐state ketamine plasma clearance in chronic pain patients. The decreased clearance and resultant higher plasma concentrations may be associated with a higher incidence of ketamine adverse effects.
Rebels With a Cause? Adolescent Defiance From the Perspective of Reactance Theory and Self‐Determination Theory
Authors: Van Petegem Stijn , Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Beyers Wim
Published: February 2015

The present investigation focused on adolescents' defiance against parents by drawing upon psychological reactance theory (Brehm, 1966) and self‐determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Psychological reactance would be elicited when freedom is taken away, thereby motivating individuals to engage in oppositional behavior. Throughout four studies (total N = 1,472, age ranging between 12 and 21 years), it was examined whether a controlling parenting style related to adolescents' experiences of autonomy need frustration (i.e., pressure) and reactance. Reactance, in turn, would relate to more externalizing and internalizing problems. Support was obtained for these associations in community and clinical samples, making use of different informants, and controlling for responsiveness and rule setting. A vignette‐based study provided further support. The discussion highlights theoretical and clinical implications.
Do Parents Foster Self‐Esteem? Testing the Prospective Impact of Parent Closeness on Adolescent Self‐Esteem
Authors: Harris Michelle A. , Gruenenfelder‐Steiger Andrea E. , Ferrer Emilio , Donnellan M. Brent , Allemand Mathias , Fend Helmut , Conger Rand D. , Trzesniewski Kali H.
Published: February 2015

Close parent–child relationships are viewed as important for the development of global self‐esteem. Cross‐sectional research supports this hypothesis, but longitudinal studies provide inconsistent prospective effects. The current study uses data from Germany (N = 982) and the United States (N = 451) to test longitudinal relations between parent–child closeness and adolescent self‐esteem. The authors used self‐, parent‐, and observer‐reported parent–child closeness and self‐reported self‐esteem from ages 12 to 16. Results replicated concurrent correlations found in the literature, but six longitudinal models failed to show prospective relations. Thus, the longitudinal effect of parent–child closeness and self‐esteem is difficult to detect with adolescent samples. These findings suggest the need for additional theorizing about influences on adolescent self‐esteem development and longitudinal research with younger samples.
Shading Curves: Vector‐Based Drawing With Explicit Gradient Control
Authors: Lieng Henrik , Tasse Flora , Kosinka Jiří , Dodgson Neil A.
Published: February 2015

A challenge in vector graphics is to define primitives that offer flexible manipulation of colour gradients. We propose a new primitive, called a shading curve, that supports explicit and local gradient control. This is achieved by associating shading profiles to each side of the curve. These shading profiles, which can be manually manipulated, represent the colour gradient out from their associated curves. Such explicit and local gradient control is challenging to achieve via the diffusion curve process, introduced in 2008, because it offers only implicit control of the colour gradient. We resolve this problem by using subdivision surfaces that are constructed from shading curves and their shading profiles.
Keratinized mucosa around implants in partially edentulous posterior mandible: 10‐year results of a prospective comparative study
Authors: Roccuzzo Mario , Grasso Giancarlo , Dalmasso Paola
Published: February 2015

Objective

The aim of this research was to investigate the clinical conditions around dental implants placed in the posterior mandible of healthy or moderately periodontally compromised patients, in relation to the presence or not of keratinized mucosa (KT).

Materials and methods

One hundred and twenty‐eight patients who needed an implant in the posterior mandible were consecutively enrolled in a private specialist practice. Only one implant per patient was examined originally placed either within KT or alveolar (AM) mucosa. At 10 years, clinical and radiographic measures were recorded by a calibrated operator. The number of sites treated according to therapy modalities C and D (antibiotics and/or surgery) during the 10 years was also registered.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients completed the 10‐year study. The absence of KT was associated with higher plaque accumulation, greater soft‐tissue recession (REC), and a higher number of sites that required additional surgical and/or antibiotic treatment. Patient‐reported outcomes regarding maintenance procedures presented major differences between the groups. In 11 of the 35 AM cases, additional free gingival graft (FGG) was successfully employed to reduce discomfort and to facilitate optimal plaque control.

Conclusion

Implants that are not surrounded by KT are more prone to plaque accumulation and REC, even in patients exercising sufficient oral hygiene and receiving adequate supporting periodontal therapy (SPT). In selected cases, particularly in the edentulous posterior mandible, where ridge resorption leads to reduced vestibular depth and lack of KT, additional FGG can be beneficial to facilitate proper oral hygiene procedures.
Laparoscopic NOSE colectomy with a camera sleeve: a technique in evolution
Authors: Wolthuis A. M. , De Buck Van Overstraeten A. , D'Hoore A.
Published: February 2015

Aim

Although natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) reduces abdominal access trauma, specimen retrieval with a bag can be difficult, due to the size of the specimen. This technical note aims to show feasibility of laparoscopic NOSE colectomy with a camera sleeve based on a well‐documented video.

Method

Over a 9‐month period all patients who had laparoscopic NOSE colectomy were included in the study. Camera sleeve extraction was compared with specimen retrieval bag extraction.

Results

Eight patients (6 females, median age 63 years, median BMI 23 kg/m²) underwent NOSE with a camera sleeve versus nine patients with a specimen retrieval bag. Patient characteristics and operative details were similar in both groups. There were no conversions. Median hospital stay was 4 days in both groups.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic NOSE colectomy with a camera sleeve is feasible, but it remains to be shown that this technical modification will lead to an increase in indications for left‐sided colonic resections.
Threatened species impact assessments: survey effort requirements based on criteria for cumulative impacts
Authors: Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , McCarthy Michael A. , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: February 2015

Aim

Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) often involve establishing whether a species of concern is present at the site considered for development. When surveys falsely conclude that sites are unoccupied, species prevalence in the region is cumulatively reduced. We argue that setting an acceptable level of induced decline in species occurrence provides a defensible strategy to determine minimum survey effort requirements. We investigate methods for setting such requirements.

Location

Eastern Australia, although we demonstrate methods applicable wherever species detection data are available to inform survey design.

Methods

We use probability theory to investigate required survey effort when aiming to limit decline in species occurrence. We use optimization tools to provide a method that, in addition, minimizes overall survey costs. We demonstrate the methods using data for an Australian gliding marsupial.

Results

A method based on ensuring a constant probability of occupied site misclassification directly links with a prescribed acceptable decline in occurrence. Optimization results indicate that, under particular conditions, a cost‐efficient survey effort allocation can be achieved by setting a constant posterior probability of occupancy at sites where the species is not detected, provided the target level is set in accordance with the acceptable decline in occurrence. Our results provide a critical examination of the approach recently proposed by Wintle et al. (2012) for determining minimum survey effort requirements.

Main conclusions

EIA survey effort requirements should explicitly link uncertainty in establishing species absence with the broader consequences of failing to detect species presence in places subject to proposed impacts. A direct method, which involves keeping a constant probability of occupied site misclassification, only requires information about species detectability. Alternatively, a method that minimizes overall survey costs can be used. This approach also requires occupancy probability estimates so its performance relies on availability of an informative species distribution model.
Productivity, Exit, and Crisis in the Manufacturing and Service Sectors
Authors: Casacuberta Carlos , Gandelman Néstor
Published: February 2015

Using micro data from the manufacturing and service sectors in Uruguay, we analyze the relationship between firm exit and firm productivity. We find that even during profound crisis years, when the financial sector collapsed, exit of firms is associated with lower productivity. This suggests that even in the presence of severe financial friction, cleansing effects dominate the scarring or sullying effect of recessions.
Leaf traits of congeneric host plants explain differences in performance of a specialist herbivore
Authors: CRIPPS MICHAEL G. , JACKMAN SARAH D. , ROSTÁS MICHAEL , VAN KOTEN CHIKAKO , BOURDÔT GRAEME W.
Published: February 2015

1. Within the host range of herbivorous insects, performance hierarchies are often correlated with relatedness to a primary host plant, as plant traits are phylogenetically conserved. Therefore, it was hypothesised that differences in herbivore performance on closely related plant species are due to resistance traits that vary in magnitude, rather than in the nature of the traits.

2. This hypothesis was tested by manipulating putative resistance traits of three congeneric thistle species (Cirsium arvense, Cirsium palustre, and Cirsium vulgare) and assessing the performance of the oligophagous, leaf‐feeding beetle, Cassida rubiginosa. Measurements were done of survival, weight gain, and development time of the beetle on its primary host, C. arvense, and two alternative hosts under low and high nutrient availability, and on shaved and unshaved leaves.

3. Survival of C. rubiginosa was strongly dependent on plant species with final mean survival rates of 47%, 16%, and 8% on C. arvense, C. palustre, and C. vulgare, respectively. Survival was primarily explained by leaf trichome densities, and to a lesser extent by specific leaf area. Leaf flavonoid concentrations did not explain differences in beetle survival, and there were no differences in beetle weight gain or development time of individuals that survived to adulthood.

4. No beetles survived on unshaved (hairy) C. vulgare plants, but manipulating leaf trichome densities of the thistle species by shaving the leaves moderated the plant‐specific resistance, and equalised the survival rates. Survival of C. rubiginosa on alternative congeneric hosts was explained by a common physical resistance trait that varied in magnitude.
Temperate forest termites: ecology, biogeography, and ecosystem impacts
Authors: MAYNARD DANIEL S. , CROWTHER THOMAS W. , KING JOSHUA R. , WARREN ROBERT J. , BRADFORD MARK A.
Published: February 2015

1. Wood decomposition in temperate forests is dominated by termites, fungi, and some species of ants and beetles. Outside of urban areas, temperate termite ecology is largely unknown, particularly when compared to tropical termites and other temperate organisms in the functional guild of wood‐decomposing animals.

2. This review combines climate habitat modelling with knowledge of species physiology, behaviour, and community interactions to identify and prioritise future research on temperate termite ecology and biogeography.

3. Using a correlative climate model, the regional distributions of three common temperate forest termite species are shown to correlate with different aspects of climate (e.g. mean versus minimum monthly temperature), but that overall their distributions within temperate systems correlate more strongly with temperature variables than with precipitation variables.

4. Existing data are synthesised to outline how the subterranean, wood‐nesting behaviour of most temperate forest termite species links their activity to an additional set of non‐climate controls: wood type and tree species, soil depth, fungal activity, ant abundances and phenology, and competitive asymmetries among termite species.

5. Although fine‐scale estimates of temperate termite abundances are rare, we provide upper bounds on their ecosystem impacts and illustrate how their regional abundances may influence forest structure and habitat availability for other organisms.

6. This review highlights that rigorous ecological studies in non‐urban, intact ecosystems – with a particular focus on community interactions – are critically needed to accurately project future abundances, economic impacts, and ecosystem effects of temperate forest termites.
Transnationalism and the History of Historiography: A Transatlantic Perspective
Authors: Stelzel Philipp
Published: February 2015

This essay discusses recent research in the history of historiography. Much of this scholarship has been written from a comparative perspective. Even more recently, historiographical studies have turned to transnational approaches. The essay surveys the field and discusses the chances as well as the limitations of this “transnational turn.” While transnational approaches can contribute new insights into historiographical developments, one should see them as complementary rather than as a replacement for microhistorical, national, or comparative foci.
Metastatic cervical carcinoma of the jaw presenting as periapical disease
Authors: Torregrossa V. R. , Faria K. M. , Bicudo M. M. , Vargas P. A. , Almeida O. P. , Lopes M. A. , Santos‐Silva A. R.
Published: February 2015

Aim

To present a case report of a metastasis from cervical cancer to the maxilla, which was misdiagnosed as periapical disease and to caution clinicians that metastases could have a disguised clinical presentation that must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of periapical disease in oncologic patients.

Although metastatic tumours of the jaws are uncommon, they may mimic benign inflammatory processes and reactive lesions. The ability of metastatic lesions to mimic periapical disease is discussed and a brief review of the literature is presented, emphasizing the importance of correct diagnosis to prevent delay in diagnosing cancer. Attention should therefore be given to the patient's medical history, especially of those with a previous history of cancer, and all dental practitioners should be aware of the possibility of metastases that may be confused with periapical disease. Finally, endodontists are well placed to recognize malignant and metastatic oral lesions during the initial clinical stages, given that their treatments are usually based on frequent dental appointments and long‐term follow‐ups.
Elevated Diastolic, But Not Systolic, Blood Pressure Measured in the Emergency Department Predicts Future Development of Hypertension in Normotensive Individuals
Authors: Shiber‐Ofer Shachaf , Shohat Zipora , Grossman Alon
Published: February 2015

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is reported in many individuals without hypertension presenting to the emergency department (ED). Whether this condition represents a transient state or is predictive for the development of future hypertension is unknown. This observational prospective study investigated patients admitted to an ED without a diagnosis of hypertension in whom BP values were ≥140/90 mm Hg. The primary outcome was development of hypertension during follow‐up. Overall, 195 patients were recruited and at the end of follow‐up (average 30.14±15.96 months), 142 patients were diagnosed with hypertension (73%). The mean age (50±12.25 vs 48.31±13.9, P=.419) and sex distribution (78 men/64 women vs 24 men/20 women, respectively; P=.148) were similar in both groups. There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic BP between those who developed hypertension on follow‐up and those who did not (177.6 mm Hg±22.6/106.1 mm Hg±16.9 vs 168.6 mm Hg±18/95.2 mm Hg±12.2; P=.011 for systolic BP, P<.001 for diastolic BP). In multivariate analysis the only significant predictive factor for the development of hypertension was diastolic hypertension recorded in the ED (P=.03). Elevated diastolic, but not systolic, BP among patients presenting to the ED is associated with future development of hypertension in previously normotensive individuals.
A comparison of high‐ and low‐virulence Flavobacterium columnare strains reveals differences in iron acquisition components and responses to iron restriction
Authors: Beck B H , Li C , Farmer B D , Barnett L M , Lange M D , Peatman E
Published: February 2015

Flavobacterium columnare, the causative agent of columnaris disease causes substantial mortality worldwide in numerous freshwater finfish species. Due to its global significance, an improved understanding of the factors that contribute to virulence is urgently needed. In a laboratory challenge, we found that significantly greater mortality was observed in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) challenged with isolate LSU‐066‐04 (LSU) as compared to fish challenged with isolate LV‐359‐01 (LV). Strikingly, mortality was 100% in LSU‐challenged fish, with all fish dying within the first 24 h after challenge, while mortality in the LV‐challenged group was significantly lower with 26.7% of fish dying on days 1–4 post‐challenge. There were no differences in initial bacterial adhesion between the isolates at 1–2 h post‐challenge; however, by 4 h LSU‐challenged fish had a greater bacterial load on the gill. Next, to better understand this variation in virulence, we examined transcriptional and functional attributes related to iron acquisition. The isolates were differentially sensitive to iron restriction both in vitro and in vivo and the basal expression of TonB family member genes and a ferroxidase gene differed significantly. Our findings provide new insight into iron uptake and pathogen virulence, and offer promising new targets for columnaris prevention and treatment.
Amyloid β‐abrogated TrkA ubiquitination in PC12 cells analogous to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zheng Chen , Geetha Thangiah , Gearing Marla , Ramesh Babu Jeganathan
Published: February 2015

Amyloid beta (Aβ) protein is the primary proteinaceous deposit found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence suggests that Aβ plays a central role in the development of AD pathology. Here, we show in PC12 cells, Aβ impairs tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and its association with p75NTR, p62, and TRAF6 induced by nerve growth factor. The ubiquitination and tyrosine phosphorylation of TrkA was also found to be impaired in postmortem human AD hippocampus compared to control. Interestingly, the nitrotyrosylation of TrkA was increased in AD hippocampus and this explains why the phosphotyrosylation and ubiquitination of TrkA was impaired. In AD brain, the production of matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7), which cleaves proNGF, was reduced, thereby leading to the accumulation of pro‐NGF and a decrease in the level of active NGF. TrkA signaling events, including Ras/MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways, are deactivated with Aβ and in the human AD hippocampus. Findings show that Aβ blocks the TrkA ubiquitination and downstream signaling similar to AD hippocampus.

image

Cell survival and differentiation are essential for living organisms. We propose that under normal conditions, nerve growth factor (NGF) leads to Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) phosphorylation, ubiquitination and its association with p75NTR, p62 and TRAF6, thereby promoting cell survival and differentiation. In diseased conditions such as Alzheimer's, proNGF leads to nitrotyrosylation of TrkA, thereby impairing its ubiquitination and downstream signaling which results in apoptosis. TRAF6 = tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6; Ub = ubiquitin.
Uptake and metabolism of fructose by rat neocortical cells in vivo and by isolated nerve terminals in vitro
Authors: Hassel Bjørnar , Elsais Ahmed , Frøland Anne‐Sofie , Taubøll Erik , Gjerstad Leif , Quan Yi , Dingledine Raymond , Rise Frode
Published: February 2015

Fructose reacts spontaneously with proteins in the brain to form advanced glycation end products (AGE) that may elicit neuroinflammation and cause brain pathology, including Alzheimer's disease. We investigated whether fructose is eliminated by oxidative metabolism in neocortex. Injection of [14C]fructose or its AGE‐prone metabolite [14C]glyceraldehyde into rat neocortex in vivo led to formation of 14C‐labeled alanine, glutamate, aspartate, GABA, and glutamine. In isolated neocortical nerve terminals, [14C]fructose‐labeled glutamate, GABA, and aspartate, indicating uptake of fructose into nerve terminals and oxidative fructose metabolism in these structures. This was supported by high expression of hexokinase 1, which channels fructose into glycolysis, and whose activity was similar with fructose or glucose as substrates. By contrast, the fructose‐specific ketohexokinase was weakly expressed. The fructose transporter Glut5 was expressed at only 4% of the level of neuronal glucose transporter Glut3, suggesting transport across plasma membranes of brain cells as the limiting factor in removal of extracellular fructose. The genes encoding aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase, enzymes of the polyol pathway that forms glucose from fructose, were expressed in rat neocortex. These results point to fructose being transported into neocortical cells, including nerve terminals, and that it is metabolized and thereby detoxified primarily through hexokinase activity.

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We asked how the brain handles fructose, which may react spontaneously with proteins to form ‘advanced glycation end products’ and trigger inflammation. Neocortical cells took up and metabolized extracellular fructose oxidatively in vivo, and isolated nerve terminals did so in vitro. The low expression of fructose transporter Glut5 limited uptake of extracellular fructose. Hexokinase was a main pathway for fructose metabolism, but ketohexokinase (which leads to glyceraldehyde formation) was expressed too. Neocortical cells also took up and metabolized glyceraldehyde oxidatively.
Ghrelin regulates phasic dopamine and nucleus accumbens signaling evoked by food‐predictive stimuli
Authors: Cone Jackson J. , Roitman Jamie D. , Roitman Mitchell F.
Published: February 2015

Environmental stimuli that signal food availability hold powerful sway over motivated behavior and promote feeding, in part, by activating the mesolimbic system. These food‐predictive cues evoke brief (phasic) changes in nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine concentration and in the activity of individual NAc neurons. Phasic fluctuations in mesolimbic signaling have been directly linked to goal‐directed behaviors, including behaviors elicited by food‐predictive cues. Food‐seeking behavior is also strongly influenced by physiological state (i.e., hunger vs. satiety). Ghrelin, a stomach hormone that crosses the blood‐brain barrier, is linked to the perception of hunger and drives food intake, including intake potentiated by environmental cues. Notwithstanding, whether ghrelin regulates phasic mesolimbic signaling evoked by food‐predictive stimuli is unknown. Here, rats underwent Pavlovian conditioning in which one cue predicted the delivery of rewarding food (CS+) and a second cue predicted nothing (CS−). After training, we measured the effect of ghrelin infused into the lateral ventricle (LV) on sub‐second fluctuations in NAc dopamine using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry and individual NAc neuron activity using in vivo electrophysiology in separate groups of rats. LV ghrelin augmented both phasic dopamine and phasic increases in the activity of NAc neurons evoked by the CS+. Importantly, ghrelin did not affect the dopamine nor NAc neuron response to the CS−, suggesting that ghrelin selectively modulated mesolimbic signaling evoked by motivationally significant stimuli. These data demonstrate that ghrelin, a hunger signal linked to physiological state, can regulate cue‐evoked mesolimbic signals that underlie food‐directed behaviors.

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Cues that predict food availability powerfully regulate food‐seeking behavior. Here we show that cue‐evoked changes in both nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine (DA) and NAc cell activity are modulated by intra‐cranial infusions of the stomach hormone ghrelin ‐ a hormone known to act centrally to promote food intake. These data demonstrate that hormones associated with physiological state (i.e., hunger) can affect encoding of food‐predictive cues in brain regions that drive food‐motivated behavior.
The meaning of ‘life’ and other abstract words: Insights from neuropsychology
Authors: Hoffman Paul
Published: February 2015

There are a number of long‐standing theories on how the cognitive processing of abstract words, like ‘life’, differs from that of concrete words, like ‘knife’. This review considers current perspectives on this debate, focusing particularly on insights obtained from patients with language disorders and integrating these with evidence from functional neuroimaging studies. The evidence supports three distinct and mutually compatible hypotheses. (1) Concrete and abstract words differ in their representational substrates, with concrete words depending particularly on sensory experiences and abstract words on linguistic, emotional, and magnitude‐based information. Differential dependence on visual versus verbal experience is supported by the evidence for graded specialization in the anterior temporal lobes for concrete versus abstract words. In addition, concrete words have richer representations, in line with better processing of these words in most aphasic patients and, in particular, patients with semantic dementia. (2) Abstract words place greater demands on executive regulation processes because they have variable meanings that change with context. This theory explains abstract word impairments in patients with semantic‐executive deficits and is supported by neuroimaging studies showing greater response to abstract words in inferior prefrontal cortex. (3) The relationships between concrete words are governed primarily by conceptual similarity, while those of abstract words depend on association to a greater degree. This theory, based primarily on interference and priming effects in aphasic patients, is the most recent to emerge and the least well understood. I present analyses indicating that patterns of lexical co‐occurrence may be important in understanding these effects.
Predictors of maternal state anxiety on arrival at a Japanese hospital outpatient clinic: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ueki Shingo , Niinomi Kazuteru , Takashima Yuko , Kimura Ryoko , Komai Kazuyo , Murakami Kiyotaka , Fujiwara Chieko
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To identify the factors that predict maternal state anxiety when mothers and their sick children visit the outpatient unit of a paediatric hospital.

Background

While previous studies have focused on predictors of anxiety in mothers with ill children, the existing literature is limited in study design, research timing, respondent characteristics, sample size and data analysis.

Design

A cross‐sectional design with self‐administered questionnaires.

Methods

Mothers were recruited from the outpatient unit of a Japanese paediatric hospital (N = 1077). Participants' state anxiety scores were collected using the Japanese version of Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. The independent variables were the mothers' and sick children's background information.

Results

Participants were 1077 mothers; 990 provided valid responses. Mothers' mean state anxiety score was 49·72. Significant predictors of maternal anxiety were mothers' childrearing anxiety, child age, the sick child having a fever, sick child having siblings, having a person providing childrearing support, the mother's first visit to the hospital, out‐of‐hours visit and severity of the child's illness. The overall model explained 21·6% of the variance (multiple regression analysis).

Conclusions

As various factors predicted maternal anxiety, identifying methods to address these factors may reduce maternal state anxiety.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is potential for improved understanding of the predictors of maternal state anxiety to aid in the development of materials that would best measure anxiety. The present findings may also suggest some means of providing appropriate information and support to anxious mothers. Our findings cannot demonstrate causation, however, and teaching methods and supportive practices were not investigated; therefore, a qualitative study on the concrete content of maternal anxiety and an intervention study to create support services for anxious mothers is required. In addition, prospective or longitudinal studies are also important for investigating causation.
Follow‐up telephone calls to patients discharged after undergoing orthopaedic surgery: double‐blind, randomised controlled trial of efficacy
Authors: Clari Marco , Frigerio Simona , Ricceri Fulvio , Pici Andrea , Alvaro Rosaria , Dimonte Valerio
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a follow‐up telephone call to reduce the number of issues after hospital discharge.

Background

The postdischarge period is often a time of uncertainty and risk. The decreasing length of hospital stays has increased the need for specific instructions about the postdischarge period. A telephone follow‐up could be a valuable tool to fill this information gap.

Design

Double‐blind, randomised controlled trial.

Methods

The participants included medium or low‐intensity orthopaedic patients. We implemented a structured telephone follow‐up call conducted by a senior orthopaedic nurse to provide educational support to the intervention group (n = 110), while the control group (n = 109) received routine care after being discharged. Data were collected between September 2011–January 2012. Statistical differences between the two groups were tested using chi‐square test or Wilcoxon rank sum test, as appropriate. A linear regression model was performed to investigate factors involved into postdischarge outcomes.

Results

The intervention group had a statistically significant reduction in all postdischarge problems except for pain and mobilisation; the group also had a lower chance of experiencing frequent or severe problems. The educational intervention and prior poor health had a strong correlation with problems after discharge. Patients who received a telephone follow‐up call believed the information provided was valuable.

Conclusion

This nurse‐led follow‐up intervention significantly contributed to solving or reducing postdischarge health problems and contributed to reduce unnecessary burden on the community health system.

Relevance to clinical practice

A nurse‐led telephone follow‐up is a simple, feasible and low‐cost tool to improve patients' outcomes after discharge.
Initial nonresponse and survey response mode biases in survey research
Authors: Chi Donald L. , Chen Chao Ying
Published: February 2015

Objective

We evaluated survey response factors (particularly initial nonresponse and survey mode) that may be associated with bias in survey research.

Methods

We examined prevention‐related beliefs and outcomes for initial mail survey responders (n = 209), follow‐up mail survey responders (n = 78), and follow‐up telephone survey responders (n = 74). The Pearson chi‐square test and analysis of variance identified beliefs and behavioral outcomes associated with survey response mode.

Results

Follow‐up options to the initial mail survey improved response rates (22.0–38.0 percent). Initial mail survey responders more strongly believed topical fluoride protects teeth from cavities than others (P = 0.04). A significantly larger proportion of parents completing a follow‐up telephone survey (30.8 percent) refused topical fluoride for their child than those completing mail surveys (10.3–10.4 percent) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Multiple mode surveys with follow‐up improve response rates. Initial nonresponse and survey response mode may be associated with biases in survey research.
Effects of Salinity on Acute Toxicity of Ammonia and Oxygen Consumption Rates in Common Prawn, Palaemon serratus (Pennat, 1777)
Authors: Kır Mehmet , Öz Osman
Published: February 2015

Palaemon serratus juveniles (0.18 ± 0.06 g) were exposed to different concentrations of ammonia in a series of acute toxicity tests by the static renewal method at four salinity levels (10, 20, 30, and 40 ppt) at 29 C and at a pH of 8.0. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was also measured. The mortality rate increased with increasing concentrations of ammonia and longer exposure times. High salinity levels clearly increased the tolerance of shrimp to total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and unionized ammonia (NH3) (P < 0.05). The safe level for P. serratus was estimated to be 2.1, 3.5, 3.8, and 8.5 mg/L for TAN and 0.13, 0.21, 0.24, and 0.53 mg/L for NH3 at 10, 20, 30, and 40 ppt salinity levels, respectively. OCR of P. serratus increased with increasing salinity and TAN concentrations. This study clearly indicated that there is a relationship between an increment in salinity or TAN and the OCR of P. serratus juveniles (P < 0.05).
Dietary Maize Starch Influences Growth Performance, Apparent Digestibility Coefficient, and Hepatic Enzyme Activities of Carbohydrate Metabolism in Obscure Puffer, Takifugu obscurus (Abe)
Authors: Liu Xiang‐He , Ye Chao‐Xia , Zheng Li‐Mian , Ou Cheng‐Cheng , Wang An‐Li , Ye Ji‐Dan , Kong Jiang‐Hong
Published: February 2015

A 60‐d feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary maize starch on growth performance, feed utilization, and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) and key hepatic enzyme activities regulating glycolytic and gluconeogenic metabolic pathways of juvenile obscure puffer, Takifugu obscurus (Abe) (initial body weight = 7.9 ± 0.2 g). Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing graded levels of maize starch (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%) were formulated. Results demonstrated that weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein productive value (PPV), and energy productive value (EPV) increased with increasing dietary maize starch up to 25% (P < 0.05), and thereafter WG, SGR, PER, PPV, and EPV declined. Hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index, plasma glucose, triglycerides, and liver glycogen and liver lipid concentration of fish significantly increased with increasing dietary maize starch level (P<0.05). ADC of starch reduced significantly up to 25%, while ADC of dry matter showed a contrary tendency. However, survival, whole body and muscle compositions, and ADCs of protein and lipid showed no significant differences. Dietary maize starch supplements tended to enhance gluconokinase and pyruvate kinase activities of the liver, but no significant differences were observed in activities of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase‐1, fructose‐1, 6‐bisphosphatase, and glucose‐6‐phosphatase in the liver among dietary treatments. Based on WG and FCR, the appropriate dietary maize starch supplementations of juvenile obscure puffer were estimated to be 23.5 and 22.5% of diet, respectively.
The interaction of Saccharomyces paradoxus with its natural competitors on oak bark
Authors: Kowallik Vienna , Miller Eric , Greig Duncan
Published: February 2015

The natural history of the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is poorly understood and confounded by domestication. In nature, S. cerevisiae and its undomesticated relative S. paradoxus are usually found on the bark of oak trees, a habitat very different from wine or other human fermentations. It is unclear whether the oak trees are really the primary habitat for wild yeast, or whether this apparent association is due to biased sampling. We use culturing and high‐throughput environmental sequencing to show that S. paradoxus is a very rare member of the oak bark microbial community. We find that S. paradoxus can grow well on sterile medium made from oak bark, but that its growth is strongly suppressed when the other members of the community are present. We purified a set of twelve common fungal and bacterial species from the oak bark community and tested how each affected the growth of S. paradoxus in direct competition on oak bark medium at summer and winter temperatures, identifying both positive and negative interactions. One Pseudomonas species produces a diffusible toxin that suppresses S. paradoxus as effectively as either the whole set of twelve species together or the complete community present in nonsterilized oak medium. Conversely, one of the twelve species, Mucilaginibacter sp., had the opposite effect and promoted S. paradoxus growth at low temperatures. We conclude that, in its natural oak tree habitat, S. paradoxus is a rare species whose success depends on the much more abundant microbial species surrounding it.