bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in vitro assay to study chikungunya virus RNA synthesis and the mode of action of inhibitors
Authors: Albulescu Irina C. , Tas Ali , Scholte Florine E. M. , Snijder Eric J. , van Hemert Martijn J.
Published: August 2014

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes severe persistent arthralgia. To better understand the molecular details of CHIKV RNA synthesis and the mode of action of inhibitors, we have developed an in vitro assay to study CHIKV replication/transcription complexes isolated from infected cells. In this assay 32P-CTP was incorporated into the CHIKV genome, subgenomic (sg) RNA and into a ~7.5 kb positive-stranded RNA, termed RNA II. We mapped RNA II, which was also found in CHIKV-infected cells, to the 5′ end of the genome up to the start of the sgRNA promoter region. Most of the RNA-synthesizing activity, negative-stranded RNA and a relatively large proportion of nsP1 and nsP4 were recovered from a crude membrane fraction obtained by pelleting at 15 000 . Positive-stranded RNA was mainly found in the cytosolic S15 fraction, suggesting it was released from the membrane-associated replication/transcription complexes (RTCs). The newly synthesized RNA was relatively stable and remained protected from cellular nucleases, possibly by encapsidation. A set of compounds that inhibit CHIKV replication in cell culture was tested in the in vitro RTC assay. In contrast to 3′dNTPs, chain terminators that acted as potent inhibitors of RTC activity, ribavirin triphosphate and 6-aza-UTP did not affect the RNA-synthesizing activity in vitro. In conclusion, this in vitro assay for CHIKV RNA synthesis is a useful tool for mechanistic studies on the RTC and mode of action studies on compounds with anti-CHIKV activity.
Genome sequencing of the perciform fishLarimichthys croceaprovides insights into stress adaptation
Authors: Ao Jingqun , Mu Yinnan , Xiang Li-Xin , Fan DingDing , Feng MingJi , Zhang Shicui , Shi Qiong , Zhu Lv-Yun , Li Ting , Ding Yang , Nie Li , Li Qiuhua , Dong Wei-ren , Jiang Liang , Sun Bing , Zhang XinHui , Li Mingyu , Zhang Hai-Qi , Xie ShangBo , Zhu YaBing , Jiang XuanTing , Wang Xianhui , Mu Pengfei , Chen Wei , Yue Zhen , Wang Zhuo , Wang Jun , Shao Jian-Zhong , Chen Xinhua
Published: August 2014

The large yellow croakerLarimichthys crocea(L. crocea) is one of the most economically important marine fish in China and East Asian countries. It also exhibits peculiar behavioral and physiological characteristics, especially sensitive to various environmental stresses, such as hypoxia and air exposure. These traits may renderL. croceaa good model for investigating the response mechanisms to environmental stress. To understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation and response ofL. croceato environmental stress, we sequenced and assembled the genome ofL. croceausing a bacterial artificial chromosome and whole-genome shotgun hierarchical strategy. The final genome assembly was 679 Mb, with a contig N50 of 63.11 kb and a scaffold N50 of 1.03 Mb, containing 25,401 protein-coding genes. Gene families underlying adaptive behaviours, such as vision-related crystallins, olfactory receptors, and auditory sense-related genes, were significantly expanded in the genome ofL. crocearelative to those of other vertebrates. Transcriptome analyses of the hypoxia-exposedL. croceabrain revealed new aspects of neuro-endocrine-immune/metabolism regulatory networks that may help the fish to avoid cerebral inflammatory injury and maintain energy balance under hypoxia. Proteomics data demonstrate that skin mucus of the air-exposedL. croceahad a complex composition, with an unexpectedly high number of proteins (3,209), suggesting its multiple protective mechanisms involved in antioxidant functions, oxygen transport, immune defence, and osmotic and ionic regulation. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of fish adaptation and response to hypoxia and air exposure.
The landscape of human STR variation
Authors: Willems Thomas , Gymrek Melissa , Highnam Gareth ,   The 1000 Genomes Project Consortium, Mittelman David , Erlich Yaniv
Published: August 2014

Short tandem repeats are among the most polymorphic loci in the human genome. These loci play a role in the etiology of a range of genetic diseases and have been frequently utilized in forensics, population genetics, and genetic genealogy. Despite this plethora of applications, little is known about the variation of most STRs in the human population. Here, we report the largest-scale analysis of human STR variation to date. We collected information for nearly 700,000 STR loci across more than 1000 individuals in Phase 1 of the 1000 Genomes Project. Extensive quality controls show that reliable allelic spectra can be obtained for close to 90% of the STR loci in the genome. We utilize this call set to analyze determinants of STR variation, assess the human reference genome’s representation of STR alleles, find STR loci with common loss-of-function alleles, and obtain initial estimates of the linkage disequilibrium between STRs and common SNPs. Overall, these analyses further elucidate the scale of genetic variation beyond classical point mutations.
Activity of the Brassinosteroid Transcription Factors BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 and BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-ETHYL METHANESULFONATE-SUPPRESSOR1/BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT2 Blocks Developmental Reprogramming in Response to Low Phosphate Availability
Authors: Singh Amar Pal , Fridman Yulia , Friedlander-Shani Lilach , Tarkowska Danuse , Strnad Miroslav , Savaldi-Goldstein Sigal
Published: August 2014

Plants feature remarkable developmental plasticity, enabling them to respond to and cope with environmental cues, such as limited availability of phosphate, an essential macronutrient for all organisms. Under this condition, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots undergo striking morphological changes, including exhaustion of the primary meristem, impaired unidirectional cell expansion, and elevated density of lateral roots, resulting in shallow root architecture. Here, we show that the activity of two homologous brassinosteroid (BR) transcriptional effectors, BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 (BZR1) and BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1-ETHYL METHANESULFONATE-SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1)/BZR2, blocks these responses, consequently maintaining normal root development under low phosphate conditions without impacting phosphate homeostasis. We show that phosphate deprivation shifts the intracellular localization of BES1/BZR2 to yield a lower nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, whereas replenishing the phosphate supply reverses this ratio within hours. Phosphate deprivation reduces the expression levels of BR biosynthesis genes and the accumulation of the bioactive BR 28-norcastasterone. In agreement, low and high BR levels sensitize and desensitize root response to this adverse condition, respectively. Hence, we propose that the environmentally controlled developmental switch from deep to shallow root architecture involves reductions in BZR1 and BES1/BZR2 levels in the nucleus, which likely play key roles in plant adaptation to phosphate-deficient environments.
Structural basis for the transformation pathways of the sodium naproxen anhydrate–hydrate system
Authors: Bond Andrew D. , Cornett Claus , Larsen Flemming H. , Qu Haiyan , Raijada Dhara , Rantanen Jukka
Published: August 2014

Crystal structures are presented for two dihydrate polymorphs (DH-I and DH-II) of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sodium (S)-naproxen. The structure of DH-I is determined from twinned single crystals obtained by solution crystallization. DH-II is obtained by solid-state routes, and its structure is derived using powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state13C and23Na MAS NMR, and molecular modelling. The validity of both structures is supported by dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D) calculations. The structures of DH-I and DH-II, and in particular their relationships to the monohydrate (MH) and anhydrate (AH) structures, provide a basis to rationalize the observed transformation pathways in the sodium (S)-naproxen anhydrate–hydrate system. All structures contain Na+/carboxylate/H2O sections, alternating with sections containing the naproxen molecules. The structure of DH-I is essentially identical to MH in the naproxen region, containing face-to-face arrangements of the naphthalene rings, whereas the structure of DH-II is comparable to AH in the naproxen region, containing edge-to-face arrangements of the naphthalene rings. This structural similarity permits topotactic transformation between AH and DH-II, and between MH and DH-I, but requires re-organization of the naproxen molecules for transformation between any other pair of structures. The topotactic pathways dominate at room temperature or below, while the non-topotactic pathways become active at higher temperatures. Thermochemical data for the dehydration processes are rationalized in the light of this new structural information.
Pregnancy outcomes of mothers with an alcohol‐related diagnosis: a population‐based cohort study for the period 1983–2007
Authors: Srikartika VM , O'Leary CM
Published: August 2014

Objective

To examine fetal outcomes of mothers with an alcohol‐related diagnosis.

Design

Population‐based cohort.

Setting

Western Australia (WA).

Population

Births on the WA Midwives Notification System (1983–2007).

Methods

Infants of mothers with an alcohol‐related diagnosis [International Classification of Disease (ICD), 9th/10th revisions] recorded on WA health data sets (non‐Aboriginal n = 13 807; Aboriginal n = 9766) were identified through the WA data linkage system. A comparison cohort of infants born to mothers without an alcohol diagnosis was frequency matched on maternal age, year of birth of the offspring, and Aboriginal status (non‐Aboriginal n = 40 148; Aboriginal n = 20 643).

Main outcome measures

Poisson regression‐generated adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth, and low‐Apgar score, calculated separately for non‐Aboriginal and Aboriginal infants of mothers with an alcohol diagnosis recorded during pregnancy and any alcohol diagnosis. Population‐attributable fractions were calculated.

Results

The aRR for non‐Aboriginal infants when a maternal alcohol diagnosis was recorded during pregnancy ranged from 1.79 (95% CI 1.42–2.16) for SGA to 2.57 (95% CI 1.69–4.27) for preterm birth <32 weeks of gestation, and for Aboriginal infants ranged from 2.69 (95% CI 2.28–3.16) to 1.99 (95% CI 1.40–2.84), respectively. The highest population‐atributable fractions were for any alcohol diagnosis and for Aboriginal infants. For Aboriginal births, approximately 9% (95% CI 4.74–12.97) and 10.1% (95% CI 5.50–14.49) of moderate and very preterm births, respectively, and 24.4% (95% CI 13.5–21.2%) of SGAs were attributable to having a mother with any alcohol‐related diagnosis.

Conclusions

Mothers with an alcohol diagnosis are at increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. The public health impact of maternal alcohol‐use disorders on fetal outcomes is significant.
Acute kidney injury in major gynaecological surgery: an observational study
Authors: Vaught AJ , Ozrazgat‐Baslanti T , Javed A , Morgan L , Hobson CE , Bihorac A
Published: August 2014

Objective

To assess the prevalence, outcomes and cost associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) defined by consensus risk, injury, failure, loss, and end‐stage kidney (RIFLE) criteria after gynaecologic surgery.

Design

Retrospective single‐centre cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical centre.

Sample

Two thousand three hundred and forty‐one adult women undergoing major inpatient gynaecologic surgery between January 2000 and November 2010.

Methods

AKI was defined by RIFLE criteria as an increase in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 50% from the reference creatinine. We used multivariable regression analyses to determine the association between perioperative factors, AKI, mortality and cost.

Main outcome measures

AKI, combined major adverse events (hospital mortality, sepsis or mechanical ventilation), 90‐day mortality and hospital cost.

Results

Overall prevalence of AKI was 13%. The prevalence of AKI was associated with the primary diagnosis. Of women with benign tumour surgeries, 5% (43/801) experienced AKI compared with 18% (211/1159) of women with malignant disease (P < 0.001). Only 1.3% of the whole cohort had evidence of urologic mechanical injury. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, AKI patients had nine times the odds of a major adverse event compared to patients without AKI (adjusted odds ratio 8.95, 95% confidence interval 5.27–15.22). We have identified several readily available perioperative factors that can be used to identify patients at high risk for AKI after in‐hospital gynaecologic surgery.

Conclusions

AKI is a common complication after major inpatient gynaecologic surgery associated with an increase in resource utilisation and hospital cost, morbidity and mortality.
The Patterns of Health Care Utilization by Elderly Europeans: Frailty and Its Implications for Health Systems
Authors: Ilinca Stefania , Calciolari Stefano
Published: August 2014

Objective

To examine the patterns of health care utilization by the elderly and test the influence of functional decline.

Data Source and Study Design

We used the three regular waves of the SHARE survey to estimate the influence of frailty on health care utilization in 10 European countries. We controlled for the main correlates of frailty and unobserved individual effects.

Results

The frail elderly increase their primary and hospital care utilization before the onset of disability. Multimorbidity moderates the effect of frailty on care utilization.

Conclusions

The prevalence of frailty is high in most countries and is expected to increase. This renders frailty prevention and remediation efforts imperative for two complementary reasons: to promote healthier aging and to reduce the burden on health systems.
Lipases and Their Functionality in the Production of Wheat‐Based Food Systems
Authors: Gerits Lien R. , Pareyt Bram , Decamps Karolien , Delcour Jan A.
Published: August 2014

In the last several decades, food industries have increasingly used lipases as a result of the functional versatility of these enzymes and their potential beneficial effects in terms of processing and product quality. This review article discusses lipases and their functional effects during cereal‐based food processing with a focus on the production of bread and cakes. Their dough and batter intermediates, respectively, are essentially semi‐solid foams that upon baking are converted into solid cellular sponges. In both cases, the lipid fraction(s) from wheat (in the case of bread and cake), egg and/or bakery fat (in the case of cake) exert major roles in gas incorporation and stabilization in the cited semi‐solid foams. An up‐to‐date overview on the (potential) substrates, the different lipase enzymes, their action mechanism, their functionality, and how they impact bread and cake quality is presented. We also hypothesize on how the observed effects can be interpreted in terms of the altered lipid chemistry.
The Paradox of Mixed‐Species Biofilms in the Context of Food Safety
Authors: Jahid Iqbal Kabir , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: August 2014

Formation of mixed‐species biofilms constitutes a common adaptation of foodborne pathogens and indigenous microbiota for prolonged survival in their food niche. Nevertheless, the potential role of mixed‐species biofilms in food safety remains to be elucidated. The formation of mixed‐species biofilms on food and food processing surfaces depends on various physical, chemical, and biological processes including species composition, especially of the indigenous microbiota and nutrients, food types, temperature, quorum sensing, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, biofilms maturation, and dispersal steps. Compared to monospecies, mixed‐species are highly resistant to antimicrobials, possibly due to higher EPS production, internalization into food, fitness of species, denser and thicker biofilms maturation, and interspecific protection of 1 species by others, although there are much debate among studies. The fitness of mixed‐species biofilms populations is suggested to be of a cooperative, competitive, or neutral nature based on the genetic background of the involved species. Currently, various methods using microarray, confocal microscopy, proteomics, and selective media are being explored for the detection of mixed‐species biofilms to resolve the conflict issues. Here, we review recent progress in this emerging field in the context of food safety and propose that novel and alternative techniques like antiquorum sensing, antibiofilms, enzymes, hurdle techniques, and bacteriophages will significantly help to control the formation of mixed‐species biofilms for enhanced food safety. The next challenge will be to integrate the fitness and resistance patterns of mixed‐species biofilms in the laboratory with those of natural settings.
A Review of Thermo‐Oxidative Degradation of Food Lipids Studied by 1H NMR Spectroscopy: Influence of Degradative Conditions and Food Lipid Nature
Authors: Martínez‐Yusta Andrea , Goicoechea Encarnación , Guillén María D.
Published: August 2014

This review summarizes present‐day knowledge provided by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) concerning food lipid thermo‐oxidative degradation. The food lipids considered include edible oils and fats of animal and vegetable origin. The thermo‐oxidation processes of food lipids of very different composition, occurring at low, intermediate, or high temperatures, with different food lipid surfaces exposed to oxygen, are reviewed. Mention is made of the influence of both food lipid nature and degradative conditions on the thermo‐oxidation process. Interest is focused not only on the evolution of the compounds that degrade, but also on the intermediate or primary oxidation compounds formed, as well as on the secondary ones, from both qualitative and quantitative points of view. Very valuable qualitative and quantitative information is provided by 1H NMR, which can be useful for metabolomic and lipidomic studies. The chemical shift assignments of spectral signals of protons of primary (hydroperoxides and hydroxides associated with conjugated dienes) and secondary, or further (aldehydes, epoxides, among which 9,10‐epoxy‐12‐octadecenoate [leukotoxin] can be cited, alcohols, ketones) oxidation compounds is summarized. It is worth noting the ability of 1H NMR to detect toxic oxygenated α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, like 4‐hydroperoxy‐, 4,5‐epoxy‐, and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐alkenals, which can be generated in the degradation of food lipids having omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated groups in both biological systems and foodstuffs. They are considered as genotoxic and cytotoxic, and are potential causative agents of cancer, atherosclerosis, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Lipid Oxidation in Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions: Involvement of the Interfacial Layer
Authors: Berton‐Carabin Claire C. , Ropers Marie‐Hélène , Genot Claude
Published: August 2014

More polyunsaturated fats in processed foods and fewer additives are a huge demand of public health agencies and consumers. Consequently, although foods have an enhanced tendency to oxidize, the usage of antioxidants, especially synthetic antioxidants, is restrained. An alternate solution is to better control the localization of reactants inside the food matrix to limit oxidation. This review establishes the state‐of‐the‐art on lipid oxidation in oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions, with an emphasis on the role of the interfacial region, a critical area in the system in that respect. We first provide a summary on the essential basic knowledge regarding (i) the structure of O/W emulsions and interfaces and (ii) the general mechanisms of lipid oxidation. Then, we discuss the factors involved in the development of lipid oxidation in O/W emulsions with a special focus on the role played by the interfacial region. The multiple effects that can be attributed to emulsifiers according to their chemical structure and their location, and the interrelationships between the parameters that define the physicochemistry and structure of emulsions are highlighted. This work sheds new light on the interpretation of reported results that are sometimes ambiguous or contradictory.
Comparison of Global Food Traceability Regulations and Requirements
Authors: Charlebois Sylvain , Sterling Brian , Haratifar Sanaz , Naing Sandi Kyaw
Published: August 2014

The food traceability regulations of 21 Organization for Economic Co‐Operation and Development (OECD) countries were examined with attention to whether these regulations are comprehensive for all food commodities and processed foods. The countries were evaluated based on responses to a series of questions that were developed to allow assessment of their traceability programs. The questions sought background information on whether: mandatory traceability regulation(s) exists at the national level within a given country; regulations include imported products, and the nature of required documentation for imports; an electronic database(s) for traceability exists and, if present, its accessibility; and labeling regulations allow consumer access and understanding of traceability. The examination ranked the countries that have specific traceability regulations for all commodities, both domestic and imports, as “Progressive,” while countries with less broad or stringent regulations were ranked as “Moderate,” and countries that were still in the developmental stage of mandatory or industry‐led traceability requirements were ranked as “Regressive.” Aggregate scores were developed from all of the rankings, determined on the basis of the questions, for each of the 21 countries, to provide an overall world ranking score. The aggregate scores were “Superior,” “Average,” or “Poor.”
Lysozyme in Wine: An Overview of Current and Future Applications
Authors: Liburdi K. , Benucci I. , Esti M.
Published: August 2014

Lysozyme, a muramidase enzyme from egg whites (EC 3.2.1.17), is widely used in soluble form to control lactic acid bacteria in different foods. Moreover, hen egg white lysozyme is a hydrolytic enzyme that can be used to the control malolactic fermentation (MLF) during winemaking. MLF is only desirable in red and in some white wine, this suggest that MLF is at fault and needs to be controlled in all other types of wine. Lysozyme exhibits selective antimicrobial activity based on the hydrolysis of peptidoglycan cell wall constituents in lactic acid bacteria. In the last decade, several studies identified allergic reactions due to the presence of lysozyme in food. Given this relatively high incidence of lysozyme sensitization, and in accordance with the recently changed EC food legislation (1266/2010/CE), the use of lysozyme as an additive has to be declared on the ingredient label. To overcome this problem, the immobilization of the enzyme on insoluble supports, which allows the enzyme to be removed, has been the preferred strategy. In this context, this article offers a review of reports on lysozyme enological use over the last decade. It surveys the immobilization techniques and support materials used for lysozyme food preservation. This study attempts to provide useful guidance from the wealth of available immobilization data in the literature and, more importantly, to develop an integrated perspective on how to customize lysozyme for future enological uses.
Whitefly‐transmitted RNA viruses that affect intensive vegetable production
Authors: Navas‐Castillo J. , López‐Moya J.J. , Aranda M.A.
Published: August 2014

Intensive vegetable production is constantly facing the emergence of new viral diseases. Apart from the intrinsic features of viruses as plant pathogens, the highly dynamic turnover of cultivars and cultural practices, and the global trade of seeds and products characteristic of intensive vegetable production may favour the emergence of new viruses, as well as the expansion of the geographical range of vectors responsible for their dissemination. Indeed, the efficient transmission of viruses plays a major role in the impact and outcome of viral epidemics. Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) that belong to the genera Bemisia and Trialeurodes are efficient virus vectors. Whiteflies transmit viruses of at least four genera, one of DNA viruses, the genus Begomovirus, and three of RNA viruses, Crinivirus, Ipomovirus and Torradovirus. Begomoviruses have been the subject of recent reviews. In this article we review the genome structure, epidemiology and control of whitefly‐transmitted RNA viruses that belong to the genera Crinivirus, Ipomovirus and Torradovirus, with an extended discussion on the particular viruses within these genera that are currently causing important outbreaks, such are Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) and Tomato torrado virus (ToTV).
Elevated dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex suppresses cocaine seeking via D1 receptor overstimulation
Authors: Devoto Paola , Fattore Liana , Antinori Silvia , Saba Pierluigi , Frau Roberto , Fratta Walter , Gessa Gian Luigi
Published: August 2014

Previous investigations indicate that the dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitors disulfiram and nepicastat suppress cocaine‐primed reinstatement of cocaine self‐administration behaviour. Moreover, both inhibitors increase dopamine release in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and markedly potentiate cocaine‐induced dopamine release in this region. This study was aimed to clarify if the suppressant effect of DBH inhibitors on cocaine reinstatement was mediated by the high extracellular dopamine in the rat mPFC leading to a supra‐maximal stimulation of D1 receptors in the dorsal division of mPFC, an area critical for reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behaviour. In line with previous microdialysis studies in drug‐naïve animals, both DBH inhibitors potentiated cocaine‐induced dopamine release in the mPFC, in the same animals in which they also suppressed reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Similar to the DBH inhibitors, L‐DOPA potentiated cocaine‐induced dopamine release in the mPFC and suppressed cocaine‐induced reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behaviour. The bilateral microinfusion of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 into the dorsal mPFC not only prevented cocaine‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking but also reverted both disulfiram‐ and L‐DOPA‐induced suppression of reinstatement. Moreover, the bilateral microinfusion of the D1 receptor agonist chloro‐APB (SKF 82958) into the dorsal mPFC markedly attenuated cocaine‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. These results suggest that stimulation of D1 receptors in the dorsal mPFC plays a crucial role in cocaine‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking, whereas the suppressant effect of DBH inhibitors and L‐DOPA on drug‐induced reinstatement is mediated by a supra‐maximal stimulation of D1 receptors leading to their inactivation.
Keystone resources available to wild pollinators in a winter‐flowering tree crop plantation
Authors: Saunders Manu E. , Luck Gary W. , Gurr Geoff M.
Published: August 2014

Homogeneous tree crop plantations can adversely impact wild pollinator communities by limiting the temporal continuity of food and the availability of nesting sites. Identifying how structural differences between plantations and natural vegetation influence pollinator communities is necessary for ecological management of agroecosystems.

Communities of potential wild pollinators (native bees, wasps, flies) were compared between monoculture almond plantations and native vegetation in a semi‐arid region of southern Australia, before, during and after the late winter almond flowering period. Abundance and richness of each insect group were related to site heterogeneity and keystone structural resources at each site, focusing on food and nesting resources.

Relationships with site heterogeneity varied between taxa and across months. Native bee abundance and richness were strongly associated with specific keystone resources, despite showing no association with site heterogeneity.

The present study highlights the value of focusing on biologically meaningful resources when investigating relationships between insects and habitat, rather than on generalized heterogeneity metrics. The results suggest that maintaining keystone resources in agroecosystems can support the conservation of insects and ecosystem services, especially in areas where homogeneous agricultural systems overlap dynamic natural ecosystems.
Serious hepatic complications of selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium‐90 microsphere radioembolization for unresectable liver tumors
Authors: Kuo James C , Tazbirkova Andrea , Allen Robert , Kosmider Suzanne , Gibbs Peter , Yip Desmond
Published: August 2014

Aim

Selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium‐90 microsphere radioembolization has been used to treat unresectable liver tumors and its acute toxicity has been well described. Subacute and long‐term hepatic complications related to radioembolization however may be underreported in the literature. This retrospective study describes the incidence and sequelae of serious hepatic complications in patients who underwent radioembolization for unresectable liver tumors.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical notes of patients who received radioembolization for unresectable liver tumors from 2001 to 2011 at two Australian institutions was performed to identify those who developed clinically significant hepatic complications. Relevant clinical data were obtained and analyzed to determine their incidence and sequelae.

Results

A total of 205 patients were identified, of whom 10 (4.9%) developed serious hepatic complications with 7 (3.4%) attributable to radioembolization‐induced liver disease. None had preexisting underlying liver disease or progressive hepatic metastases at the time of developing hepatic complication. The median time to the onset of hepatic complications was 3.5 months (range 1–67 months); six patients had a complete resolution eventually, including one patient who subsequently underwent hepatic metastasectomy safely. Three patients died as a result of fulminant hepatic failure.

Conclusion

Selective internal radiation therapy with radioembolization was associated with serious hepatic complications with an incidence of 4.9% and a mortality rate of 1.5% in 205 patients from two Australian institutions. The risk of serious hepatic toxicity therefore needs to be discussed when counseling patients regarding this potential treatment option.
The composition and function of all‐male herds of Thornicroft's giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti, in Zambia
Authors: Bercovitch Fred B. , Berry Philip S. M.
Published: August 2014

Temporary all‐male social groups are formed in a number of animal species. We examined 34 years of data collected from 36 male Thornicroft's giraffe in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia, to test a set of predictions related to five possible functions of all‐male herds (predator protection, practicing aggressive skills, prolonging life, nutritional demands and resource learning). We found that all‐male herds were significantly smaller than mixed‐sex herds, usually contained a mature bull, and were not dependent upon season or habitat. Dyadic associations between males in single sex herds were quite weak, with <25% of potential male dyads sighted together in an all‐male herd. Our data are best explained as a resource learning strategy adopted by males to obtain more extensive knowledge about the habitat, including both food and female distribution. However, other benefits in the form of predator protection, dietary intake and sharpening competitive skills for future contests over estrous females also seem to mediate formation of giraffe all‐male groups. We conclude that the primary advantage of roaming in all‐male herds changes during the life history of males.
Estimation of birthweight by measurement of fetal thigh soft‐tissue thickness improves the detection of macrosomic fetuses
Authors: Scioscia Marco , Stepniewska Anna , Trivella Giamberto , De Mitri Paola , Bettocchi Stefano
Published: August 2014

The accuracy of sonographic estimation of birthweight in suspected macrosomic fetuses is compromised by the imprecision of the biometrical measurements. This prospective study evaluated the performance of an equation based on linear measurement of the soft tissue above the external side of the fetal femur. The performance of this algorithm was compared with two classical algorithms. Sonographic measurements were taken within 48 h before of delivery. Sixty‐two patients with fetuses with suspected macrosomia were enrolled. The studied formulas were compared between them and showed a significant correlation with birthweight (p < 0.0001) and satisfactory statistical performances (r > 0.9). The new formula showed a reduced standard deviation that means a lower internal error in the prediction. This study supports the potential of this new approach for the estimation of birthweight in large fetuses based on sonographic linear measurements only.
Succession in salt marshes – large‐scale and long‐term patterns after abandonment of grazing and drainage
Authors: Rupprecht Franziska , Wanner Antonia , Stock Martin , Jensen Kai
Published: August 2014

Questions

In the early 1990s, grazing and drainage have been abandoned in many artificially created mainland salt marshes of the Wadden Sea to increase their natural character and heterogeneity of vegetation composition. We asked: how did vegetation succession in the low and high marsh respond to this change in management from a large‐scale and long‐term perspective, and what were the major drivers of successional change?

Location

Wadden Sea coast, Schleswig‐Holstein, Germany.

Methods

We used vegetation data from the Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Program (TMAP) for around half of the Wadden Sea mainland salt marshes to identify main successional pathways of the TMAP vegetation types Puccinellia maritima and Festuca rubra, dominating low and high marsh areas, respectively, prior to the change in management. Drivers of succession were analysed using classification and regression tree models, a non‐parametric vegetation modelling technique.

Results

Since the abandonment of grazing and drainage, progressive succession towards the TMAP vegetation types Atriplex portulacoides and Elymus athericus strongly increased and mostly occurred in abandoned areas at medium to high elevation. Retarded and retrogressive succession decreased and mostly occurred in grazed and low‐lying areas. Persistance of the early successional vegetation type Puccinellia maritima in the salt marshes of the northern Wadden Sea suggests that large‐scale gradients of salinity, inundation frequency and sedimentation lead to geographical variation in the pace of succession.

Conlusions

Considered from a large‐scale and long‐term perspective, abandonmnent of grazing and drainage caused spread of grazing‐sensitive plant species from mid‐ and late‐successional stages. This change in vegetation composition affects species diversity and ecosystem functions of the Wadden Sea mainland salt marshes. Grazing regime and elevation were found to be the most important drivers of succession. To achieve and maintain large‐scale heterogeneity in vegetation composition, we recommend management to maintain a mosaic of grazed and ungrazed areas, and to consider the role of large‐scale gradients of environmental factors driving succession.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of thiazide‐induced hyponatraemia: time to reconsider electrolyte monitoring regimens after thiazide initiation?
Authors: Barber Jennifer , McKeever Tricia M. , McDowell Sarah E. , Clayton Jennifer A. , Ferner Robin E. , Gordon Richard D. , Stowasser Michael , O'Shaughnessy Kevin M. , Hall Ian P. , Glover Mark
Published: August 2014

Aims

Hyponatraemia is one of the major adverse effects of thiazide and thiazide‐like diuretics and the leading cause of drug‐induced hyponatraemia requiring hospital admission. We sought to review and analyze all published cases of this important condition.

Methods

Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science and PubMed electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant articles published before October 2013. A proportions meta‐analysis was undertaken.

Results

One hundred and two articles were identified of which 49 were single patient case reports. Meta‐analysis showed that mean age was 75 (95% CI 73, 77) years, 79% were women (95% CI 74, 82) and mean body mass index was 25 (95% CI 20, 30) kg m−2. Presentation with thiazide‐induced hyponatraemia occurred a mean of 19 (95% CI 8, 30) days after starting treatment, with mean trough serum sodium concentration of 116 (95% CI 113, 120) mm and serum potassium of 3.3 (95% CI 3.0, 3.5) mm. Mean urinary sodium concentration was 64 mm (95% CI 47, 81). The most frequently reported drugs were hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide and bendroflumethiazide.

Conclusions

Patients with thiazide‐induced hyponatraemia were characterized by advanced age, female gender, inappropriate saliuresis and mild hypokalaemia. Low BMI was not found to be a significant risk factor, despite previous suggestions. The time from thiazide initiation to presentation with hyponatraemia suggests that the recommended practice of performing a single investigation of serum biochemistry 7–14 days after thiazide initiation may be insufficient or suboptimal. Further larger and more systematic studies of thiazide‐induced hyponatraemia are required.
Covariate measurement error correction methods in mediation analysis with failure time data
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Prentice Ross L.
Published: August 2014

Mediation analysis is important for understanding the mechanisms whereby one variable causes changes in another. Measurement error could obscure the ability of the potential mediator to explain such changes. This article focuses on developing correction methods for measurement error in the mediator with failure time outcomes. We consider a broad definition of measurement error, including technical error, and error associated with temporal variation. The underlying model with the “true” mediator is assumed to be of the Cox proportional hazards model form. The induced hazard ratio for the observed mediator no longer has a simple form independent of the baseline hazard function, due to the conditioning event. We propose a mean‐variance regression calibration approach and a follow‐up time regression calibration approach, to approximate the partial likelihood for the induced hazard function. Both methods demonstrate value in assessing mediation effects in simulation studies. These methods are generalized to multiple biomarkers and to both case‐cohort and nested case‐control sampling designs. We apply these correction methods to the Women's Health Initiative hormone therapy trials to understand the mediation effect of several serum sex hormone measures on the relationship between postmenopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk.
Common misconceptions about data analysis and statistics
Authors: Motulsky Harvey J
Published: August 2014

Linked Article

This article is part of a Virtual Themed Issue on Best Practice in Statistical Reporting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1476‐5381/homepage/statistical_reporting.htm. The latest BJP Instructions to Authors on statistics can be found in the editorial Curtis et al. (2014). DOI:10.1111/bph.12856
Bone augmentation using a synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide‐based and a xenogenic hydroxyapatite‐based bone substitute materials with and without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2
Authors: Thoma D. S. , Kruse A. , Ghayor C. , Jung R. E. , Weber F. E.
Published: August 2014

Aim

To test whether or not bone regeneration using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) is comparable to hydroxyapatite/silica oxide (HA/SiO) and to test the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) as an adjunct to DBBM for localized bone regeneration.

Materials and methods

In each of the 10 rabbits, 4 titanium cylinders were placed on the external cortical plates of their calvaria. Four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: (i) empty, (ii) HA/SiO, (iii) DBBM, and (iv) DBBM plus rhBMP‐2 (DBBM/BMP). The animals were sacrificed at week 8. Descriptive histology and histomorphometric assessment using a superimposed test grid of points and cycloids were performed.

Results

The mean number of points of the test grid coinciding with bone within the cylinder reached 124 ± 35 bone points for empty controls, 92 ± 40 bone points for DBBM, 98 ± 44 bone points for synthetic HA/SiO, and 146 ± 34 bone points DBBM/BMP. The P‐value for DBBM with and without BMP reached a borderline statistical significance of 0.051. However, the area of bone regeneration within the cylinders peaked for DBBM/BMP and was statistically significantly higher compared with empty cylinders (P < 0.05). The bone‐to‐bone substitute contact ranged between 32.9% ± 21.7 for DBBM, 39.6 ± 18.4% for HA/SiO, and 57.8% ± 10.2 for DBBM/BMP. The differences between DBBM/BMP and controls (DBBM, HA/SiO) were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

DBBM and HA/SiO rendered comparable amounts of bone regeneration. The addition of rhBMP‐2 to DBBM resulted in more favorable outcomes with respect to the area of bone regeneration and to bone‐to‐implant contact, thereby indicating the potential of this growth factor to enhance bone regeneration within this animal model.
Topics of internal medicine for undergraduate dental education: a qualitative study
Authors: Kunde A. , Harendza S.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Due to the ageing population, internal medicine has become increasingly important for dental education. Although several studies have reported dentists' dissatisfaction with their internal medicine training, no guidelines exist for internal medicine learning objectives in dental education. The aim of this study was to identify topics of internal medicine considered to be relevant for dental education by dentists and internists.

Methods

Eight dentists from private dental practices in Hamburg and eight experienced internal medicine consultants from Hamburg University Hospital were recruited for semi‐structured interviews about internal medicine topics relevant for dentists. Internal diseases were clustered into representative subspecialties. Dentists and internists were also asked to rate medical diseases or emergencies compiled from the literature by their relevance to dental education.

Results

Coagulopathy and endocarditis were rated highest by dentists, whilst anaphylaxis was rated highest by internists. Dentists rated hepatitis, HIV, organ transplantation and head/neck neoplasm significantly higher than internists. The largest number of different internal diseases mentioned by dentists or internists could be clustered under cardiovascular diseases. The number of specific diseases dentists considered to be relevant for dental education was higher in the subspecialties cardiovascular diseases, haematology/oncology and infectiology.

Conclusion

We identified the internal medicine topics most relevant for dental education by surveying practising dentists and internists. The relevance of these topics should be confirmed by larger quantitative studies to develop guidelines how to design specific learning objectives for internal medicine in the dental curriculum.
Effects of the volatile anesthetic sevoflurane on tonic GABA currents in the mouse striatum during postnatal development
Authors: Ando Nozomi , Sugasawa Yusuke , Inoue Ritsuko , Aosaki Toshihiko , Miura Masami , Nishimura Kinya
Published: August 2014

The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane, which is widely used in pediatric surgery, has proposed effects on GABAA receptor‐mediated extrasynaptic tonic inhibition. In the developing striatum, medium‐sized spiny projection neurons have tonic GABA currents, which function in the excitatory/inhibitory balance and maturation of striatal neural circuits. In this study, we examined the effects of sevoflurane on the tonic GABA currents of medium spiny neurons in developing striatal slices. Sevoflurane strongly increased GABAA receptor‐mediated tonic conductance at postnatal days 3–35. The antagonist of the GABA transporter‐1, 1‐[2‐[[(diphenylmethylene)imino]oxy]ethyl]‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydro‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride further increased tonic GABA conductance during the application of sevoflurane, thereby increasing the total magnitude of tonic currents. Both GABA (5 μm) and 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4‐c]pyridine‐3‐ol hydrochloride, the δ‐subunit‐containing GABAA receptor agonist, induced tonic GABA currents in medium spiny neurons but not in cholinergic neurons. However, sevoflurane additively potentiated the tonic GABA currents in both cells. Interestingly, 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4‐c]pyridine‐3‐ol hydrochloride‐sensitive neurons made a large current response to sevoflurane, indicating the contribution of the δ‐subunit on sevoflurane‐enhanced tonic GABA currents. Our findings suggest that sevoflurane can affect the tone of tonic GABA inhibition in a developing striatal neural network.
The effect of passively acquired antibodies onLawsonia intracellularisinfection and immunity in the horse
Authors: Page A. E. , Stills H. F. , Horohov D. W.
Published: August 2014

Reasons for performing study

Multiple hypotheses into the age‐based susceptibility of animals toLawsonia intracellularisexist,including the decline of passively acquired antibodies.

Objectives

To determine whether the decline in passively acquired antibodies in horses is responsible for the age predilection of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). Additional objectives included examination of various risk factors for the development ofEPEas well as the determination of naturally occurring attack rates for clinical and subclinicalEPE.

Study design

Prospective, multifarm field study.

Methods

A total of 369 mare and foal pairs from 15 centralKentuckyThoroughbred farms were used in this study, which took place fromJanuary 2012 toFebruary 2013. Serum samples were collected from mares and foals within 48 h of parturition, and then monthly from foals toFebruary of their yearling year.Lawsonia intracellularis‐specific antibodies were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

No effect of passively acquired antibodies on the occurrence of presumptive clinical or subclinicalEPEwas noted. In total, 5.3% and 6.3% of seropositive horses developed presumptive clinical or subclinicalEPE, respectively. In multiple logistic regression models, colts were at a significantly greater risk than fillies of developing presumptive clinicalEPE(odds ratio [OR] 5.468, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.134–26.362, P = 0.034) or a combination of either presumptive clinical or subclinicalEPE(OR3.861, 95%CI1.461–10.206, P = 0.006) while foals that were weaned inSeptember or beyond were at a lower risk of developing presumptiveEPE(OR= 0.281, 95%CI0.0807–0.981, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

This is the first study to show that passively acquired antibodies toL. intracellularisdo not have an effect on the occurrence of clinical or subclinicalEPE. A number of novel findings, including identification of the disease rate among naturally exposed horses, warrant additional work as they may help to identify potential risk factors forL. intracellularisexposure and/or the reservoir host(s) of the bacterium.