bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triassic to Early Jurassic climatic trends recorded in the Jameson Land Basin, East Greenland: clay mineralogy, petrography and heavy mineralogy
Authors: Decou Audrey , Andrews Steven D. , Alderton David H. M. , Morton Andrew
Published: March 2016

During the Early Triassic the Jameson Land Basin (Central East Greenland) was located around 30° N, in the Northern arid belt, but by the Early Jurassic was positioned at a latitude of approximately 50° N. This study examines the record of this transition through a largely continental succession using clay mineralogy, sedimentology, petrography and heavy mineralogy. The Jameson Land Basin is aligned north–south and is 280 km long and 80 km wide. Following an Early Triassic marine phase the basin was filled by predominantly continental sediments. The Early‐to‐Late Triassic succession comprises coarse alluvial clastics (Pingo Dal Formation) overlain by a succession of fine‐grained evaporite‐rich playa/lacustrine sediments (Gipsdalen Formation), indicative of arid climatic conditions. The overlying buff, dolomitic and then red lacustrine mudstones with subordinate sandstones (Fleming Fjord Formation) record reduced aridity. The uppermost Triassic grades into dark organic‐rich, and in places coaly, mudstones and buff coarse‐grained sandstones of lacustrine origin that belong to the Kap Stewart Group, which spans the Triassic–Jurassic boundary, and appear to record more humid climatic conditions. Clay mineralogy analyses highlight significant variations in the kaolinite/illite ratio, from both mudstone and sandstone samples, through the Triassic and into the earliest Jurassic. Complementary heavy mineral analyses demonstrate that the variations recognised in clay mineralogy and sandstone maturity through the Triassic–Early Jurassic succession are not a product of major provenance change or the effect of significant diagenetic alteration. The observed variations are consistent with sedimentological evidence for a long‐term trend towards more humid conditions through the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, and the suggestion of a significant pluvial episode in the mid‐Carnian.
Non‐genetic polymorphisms in rotifers: environmental and endogenous controls, development, and features for predictable or unpredictable environments
Authors: Gilbert John J.
Published: March 2016

Pronounced non‐genetic polymorphisms, or polyphenisms, occur in some monogonont rotifers reproducing by diploid, female parthenogenesis. In many brachionids, there is great variation in spine length. In trimorphic species ofAsplanchna, females can vary in size and shape, from a small saccate morph to giant cruciform and campanulate morphs. In species that also reproduce sexually, diploid eggs can develop into two types of females. Amictic females produce diploid eggs that develop parthenogenetically into females; mictic females produce haploid eggs that develop parthenogenetically into males or, if fertilized, into resting eggs. In a species ofSynchaeta, amictic females produce diploid eggs that can be either thin‐shelled and subitaneous or thicker‐shelled and diapausing. In all cases, morph determination occurs during the oogenesis or embryological development of diploid eggs in the maternal body cavity. For the first time, these polymorphisms are reviewed together and compared regarding a number of features associated with transitions from default to induced morphs: (i) type of variation (morphological, physiological, or both; continuous or discrete); (ii) inducing signal (environmental, endogenous, or both); (iii) universality of response to that signal (all or only some individuals); (iv) fitness cost; (v) reversibility; and (vi) ecological significance. Most of the polymorphisms fall into two major categories regarding these features. Transitions suitable for predictable environments involve: universal responses to environmental signals; continuous morphological variation; low reproductive cost; rapid reversibility; and adaptations for defence, hydrodynamics or prey ingestion. Transitions suitable for unpredictable environments are bet‐hedging strategies and usually involve: partial (stochastic) responses to environmental or endogenous signals; discontinuous physiological variation; initiation of diapause, and thus high reproductive cost and slow reversibility. Two cases of morphological variation also involve the simultaneous production of different morphs and likely are adaptations for an uncertain future: continuous spine‐length variation due to maternal age inBrachionus calyciflorus, and production of discrete cruciform and campanulate females inAsplanchnaspp.
Identification of ganglioside GM2 activator playing a role in cancer cell migration through proteomic analysis of breast cancer secretomes
Authors: Shin Jihye , Kim Gamin , Lee Jong Won , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Yoo Seok , Yu Jong‐Han , Lee Seung‐Taek , Ahn Sei Hyun , Kim Hoguen , Lee Cheolju
Published: March 2016

Cancer cell secretomes are considered a potential source for the discovery of cancer markers. In this study, the secretomes of four breast cancer (BC) cell lines (Hs578T, MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231, and SK‐BR‐3) were profiled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 1410 proteins were identified with less than 1% false discovery rate, of which approximately 55% (796 proteins) were predicted to be secreted from cells. To find BC‐specific proteins among the secreted proteins, data of immunohistochemical staining compiled in the Human Protein Atlas were investigated by comparing the data of BC tissues with those of normal tissues. By applying various criteria, including higher expression level in BC tissues, higher predicted potential of secretion, and sufficient number of tandem mass spectra, 12 biomarker candidate proteins including ganglioside GM2 activator (GM2A) were selected for confirmation. Western blot analysis and ELISA for plasma samples of healthy controls and BC patients revealed elevation of GM2A in BC patients, especially those who were estrogen receptor‐negative. Additionally, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of GM2A in BC cells decreased migration in vitro, whereas the overexpression of GM2A led to an increase in cell migration. Although GM2A as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in BC should be carefully verified further, this study has established the potential role of GM2A in BC progression.
RELN and VLDLR mutations underlie two distinguishable clinico‐radiological phenotypes
Authors: Valence S. , Garel C. , Barth M. , Toutain A. , Paris C. , Amsallem D. , Barthez M.‐A. , Mayer M. , Rodriguez D. , Burglen L.
Published: March 2016

Pontocerebellar hypoplasias (PCH) are characterized by lack of development and/or early neurodegeneration of cerebellum and brainstem. We report five patients referred for PCH, showing atypical clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features suggestive of defects in the Reelin pathway. We screened for mutations in RELN or VLDLR and compared the phenotype of these patients with that of previously reported patients. All patients had profound cerebellar hypoplasia on MRI with peculiar cerebellar morphology, associated with flattened pons and neocortical abnormalities. Patient 1 had profound motor and intellectual disability with moderate lissencephaly suggestive of RELN mutations and was shown to harbor a splicing homozygous RELN mutation. The four other patients had a milder phenotype consistent with CARMQ1 (cerebellar ataxia and mental retardation with or without quadrupedal locomotion). These patients showed mild simplification or thickening of cortical gyration and had VLDLR mutations. Reelin signaling regulates neuronal migration in the developing mammalian brain. VLDLR is a key component of the Reelin pathway. Our patients had a very small and dysplatic cerebellar vermis that should suggest the involvement of these genes. Moreover, differences in clinical severity, involvement of the cerebellar hemispheres, together with the severity of the neocortical defect, enables RELN‐mutated patients to be distinguished from VLDLR‐mutated patients.
Hypermethylated DNA as a biomarker for colorectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Rasmussen S. L. , Krarup H. B. , Sunesen K. G. , Pedersen I. S. , Madsen P. H. , Thorlacius‐Ussing O.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Improved methods for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) are essential for increasing survival. Hypermethylated DNA in blood or stool has been proposed as a biomarker for CRC. Biochemical methods have improved in recent years, and several hypermethylated genes that are sensitive and specific for CRC have been proposed. Articles describing the use of hypermethylated promoter regions in blood or stool as biomarkers for CRC were systematically reviewed.

Method

A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline, Web of Science and Embase databases. Studies were included if they analysed hypermethylated genes from stool or blood samples in correlation with CRC. Studies in languages other than English and those based on animal models or cell lines were excluded.

Results

The literature search yielded 74 articles, including 43 addressing blood samples and 31 addressing stool samples. In blood samples, hypermethylated ALX4, FBN2, HLTF, P16, TMEFF1 and VIM were associated with poor prognosis, hypermethylated APC, NEUROG1, RASSF1A, RASSF2A, SDC2, SEPT9, TAC1 and THBD were detected in early stage CRC and hypermethylated P16 and TFPI2 were associated with CRC recurrence. In stool samples, hypermethylated BMP3, PHACTR3, SFRP2, SPG20, TFPI2 and TMEFF2 were associated with early stage CRC.

Conclusion

Hypermethylation of the promoters of specific genes measured in blood or stool samples could be used as a CRC biomarker and provide prognostic information. The majority of studies, however, include only a few patients with poorly defined control groups. Further studies are therefore needed before hypermethylated DNA can be widely applied as a clinical biomarker for CRC detection and prognosis.
Institutional Determinants of Private Shareholder Engagement in Brazil and South Africa: The Role of Regulation
Authors: Yamahaki Camila , Frynas Jędrzej George
Published: March 2016

Manuscript type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study investigates to what extent regulation encourages private shareholder engagement attitudes and behavior (including behind‐the‐scenes consultations, letters, meetings, and ongoing dialogues) of pension funds and asset managers with listed investee companies on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues in Brazil and South Africa.

Research Findings/Insights

Drawing on 44 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with pension fund representatives, asset managers, and other investment players, the findings suggest that legislation provides limited direct encouragement to private engagement behavior. However, legislation encourages attitudes toward Responsible Investment by enhancing investor understanding of Responsible Investment, increasing the interest of pension funds and asset consultants in the Responsible Investment practices of asset managers, and reducing the fear of pension funds to violate their fiduciary duties, thereby promoting an enabling environment for ESG engagement.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This article adds to the literature on comparative corporate governance and shareholder engagement. To the best of our knowledge, this is first study that specifically analyzes how regulation affects private shareholder engagement behavior in emerging markets, providing empirical support for the institutional perspective. The findings also suggest that the sophistication of the legislation on ESG issues in Brazil and South Africa is more typical of developed countries, indicating the need for a more fine‐grained analysis of emerging markets in corporate governance studies.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study draws investors' attention to the importance of understanding the national legal environment of the companies with which they engage and offers insights to governments interested in fostering ESG engagement practices.
Platelet function in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case control study
Authors: Makhlouf Hoda Ahmed , Sadek Samiaa Hamdy , Nafady Asmaa Abdel Hakim
Published: March 2016

Background

The effect of association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes (DM) on platelet function has not been studied before.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of the association between COPD and DM on platelet function and C reactive protein (CRP).

Patients and Methods

This case control study was carried out on 110 stable COPD patients who were classified into diabetic and nondiabetic groups. In addition, 40 apparently healthy, age and sex‐matched individuals were included in this study as a control group. Chest X‐ray, pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gases were done for COPD patients. CRP and complete blood count (CBC) were measured in both patient and control groups.

Results

Mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit (PCT) and CRP were significantly higher in COPD patients either nondiabetic or diabetic compared to control group. Moreover, MPV and CRP markers were significantly higher in COPD diabetic patients compared to nondiabetic. There was no significant difference in various laboratory data among different stages of COPD either diabetic or nondiabetic (P > 0.05). In COPD patients, MPV was a significantly positively correlated with CRP and PDW (r = 0.346, P < 0.001; r = 0.510, P < 0.001, respectively) and negatively correlated with PLT count (r = −0.294, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

MPV, PDW, PCT and CRP were significantly higher in COPD patients either nondiabetic or diabetic. Platelet function may be modified by the systemic inflammation that associated with COPD. Platelet activation as a prothrombotic sequence of this disease may be used as novel therapeutic target.
Comparative cardiovascular safety of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists versus other antidiabetic drugs in routine care: a cohort study
Authors: Patorno E. , Everett B. M. , Goldfine A. B. , Glynn R. J. , Liu J. , Gopalakrishnan C. , Kim S. C.
Published: March 2016

Aims

To evaluate the comparative cardiovascular disease (CVD) safety of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) in head‐to‐head comparisons with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, sulphonylureas or insulin, when added to metformin, as used in ‘real‐world’ patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Within a large US commercial health plan database linked to laboratory test results, we identified three pairwise 1 : 1 propensity‐score‐matched cohorts of patients with T2DM aged ≥18 years treated with metformin who initiated a GLP‐1 RA or a comparator, i.e. DPP‐4 inhibitor (n = 35 534), second‐generation sulphonylureas (n = 28 138) or insulin (n = 47 068), between 2005 and 2013. We examined the association between drug initiation and a composite CVD endpoint, comprising hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke or coronary revascularization.

Results

During the course of 1 year, there were 13.9 and 13.7 CVD events per 1000 person‐years among propensity‐score‐matched initiators of GLP‐1 RAs versus DPP‐4 inhibitors [hazard ratio (HR) 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–1.24]; and 12.1 versus 14.0 events among initiators of GLP‐1 RAs versus sulphonylureas (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.69–1.08). The effect estimates for GLP‐1 RAs versus insulin were sensitive to the adjustment for glycated haemoglobin, after which the HR was 1.01 (95% CI 0.73–1.41). Results were robust across several sensitivity analyses, including an as‐treated analysis considering up to 8.7 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

This large study, performing head‐to‐head comparisons of GLP‐1 RAs with other antidiabetic agents in real‐world patients, provides estimates of relative safety precise enough to exclude large differences in CVD risk and adds further understanding to results from recent clinical trials.
Serum tryptase concentration and progression to end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Jesky Mark D. , Stringer Stephanie J. , Fenton Anthony , Ng Khai Ping , Yadav Punit , Ndumbo Miguel , McCann Katerina , Plant Tim , Dasgupta Indranil , Harding Stephen J. , Drayson Mark T. , Redegeld Frank , Ferro Charles J. , Cockwell Paul
Published: March 2016

Background

Mast cell activation can lead to nonclassical activation of the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System. However, the relevance of this to human chronic kidney disease is unknown. We assessed the association between serum tryptase, a product of mast cell activation, and progression to end‐stage renal disease or mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. We stratified patients by use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor II blockers (ACEi/ARB).

Materials and methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 446 participants recruited into the Renal Impairment in Secondary Care study. Serum tryptase was measured at recruitment by sandwich immunoassay. Cox regression analysis was undertaken to determine variables associated with progression to end‐stage renal disease or death.

Results

Serum tryptase concentration was independently associated with progression to end‐stage renal disease but not with death. In patients treated with ACEi or ARB, there was a strong independent association between higher tryptase concentrations and progression to end‐stage renal disease; when compared to the lowest tertile, tryptase concentrations in the middle and highest tertiles had hazard ratios [HR] of 5·78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1·19–28·03, P = 0·029) and 6·19 (95% CI 1·49–25·69, P = 0·012), respectively. The other independent risk factors for progression to end‐stage renal disease were lower age, male gender, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher urinary albumin creatinine ratio.

Conclusion

Elevated serum tryptase concentration is an independent prognostic factor for progression to end‐stage renal disease in patients with chronic kidney disease who are receiving treatment with an ACEi or ARB.
Higher hydrocortisone dose increases bilirubin in hypopituitary patients‐ results from an RCT
Authors: Werumeus Buning Jorien , Kootstra‐Ros Jenny E. , Brummelman Pauline , van den Berg Gerrit , van der Klauw Melanie , Wolffenbuttel Bruce H. R. , van Beek André P. , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: March 2016

Background

Bilirubin has anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties, which may explain its proposed protective effects on the development of cardiometabolic disorders. Glucocorticoids affect heme oxygenase regulation in vitro, which plays a key role in bilirubin production. Effects of variations in glucocorticoid exposure on circulating bilirubin levels in humans are unknown. Here we tested whether a higher hydrocortisone replacement dose affects circulating bilirubin in hypopituitary patients.

Materials and methods

A randomized double‐blind cross‐over study (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01546992) was performed in 47 patients with secondary adrenal failure [10‐week exposure to a higher hydrocortisone dose (0·4–0·6 mg/kg body weight) vs. 10 weeks of a lower hydrocortisone dose (0·2–0·3 mg/kg body weight)].

Results

Plasma total bilirubin was increased by 10% from 7 to 8 μM in response to the higher hydrocortisone dose (P = 0·033). This effect was inversely related to age (P = 0·042), but was unaffected by sex, obesity and (replacement for) other hormonal insufficiencies. The higher hydrocortisone dose also resulted in lower alkaline phosphatase (P = 0·006) and aspartate aminotransferase activities (P = 0·001).

Conclusion

Bilirubin is modestly increased in response to higher glucocorticoid exposure in humans, in conjunction with lower alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, which are supposed to represent biomarkers of a pro‐inflammatory state and enhanced liver fat accumulation.
Family Ecologies and Child Risk for Obesity: Focus on Regulatory Processes
Authors: Fiese Barbara H. , Bost Kelly K.
Published: March 2016

Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem. The causes of obesity are complex and extend across biological and social ecologies. This article focuses on how proximal regulatory processes connect biological risk for obesity and family systems. Response to satiety, distress during feeding, organization of family routines, and exposure to food marketing are provided as examples of the complexity of risk for obesity. The article concludes with recommendations for practice and policy to prevent childhood obesity and to empower families to take an active role in their community.
Neurobiological Bases of Executive Function and Social‐Emotional Development: Typical and Atypical Brain Changes
Authors: Barrasso‐Catanzaro Christina , Eslinger Paul J.
Published: March 2016

Neuroscience research has uncovered dynamic brain changes during typical and atypical development. Although these neurobiological processes have been recognized in behaviors such as reading and learning, they are applicable as well to children's self‐regulation, decision making, and sociomoral behavior. In this article the authors focus on brain systems mediating these complex aspects of human development and highlight the key role of the prefrontal cortex. This region is unique in size, anatomy, and physiology in humans and requires multiple decades to mature. It is sensitive to social influences and underlies much of our social cognition and emotions, shared cultural values, and goal‐oriented approach to life. Influences on executive and sociomoral processes include early parental nurturing, socioeconomic adversity, social modeling, and schooling. When prefrontal cortex and related systems are disrupted because of injury, stress, or disease, executive and sociomoral difficulties can surface and be challenging to remediate, although researchers continue to examine treatment options.
Should Parents' Physical Punishment of Children Be Considered a Source of Toxic Stress That Affects Brain Development?
Authors: Gershoff Elizabeth T.
Published: March 2016

The notion that negative childhood experiences can be sources of toxic stress that have short‐ and long‐term consequences for children's health and well‐being has gained increasing attention in recent years. The family environment can be a key source of stress, particularly when parents inflict pain on children; when that pain rises to the level of physical abuse the stress is thought to be toxic. In this article the author considers the possibility that nonabusive physical punishment may also constitute a source of toxic stress in the lives of children that affects their brain structure and functioning. The research linking physical abuse and physical punishment to children's brain structure and functioning is summarized, and the article concludes with a discussion of implications for future research, policy, and practice.
Nontoxic Family Stress: Potential Benefits and Underlying Biology
Authors: Repetti Rena L. , Robles Theodore F.
Published: March 2016

Exposure to family stressors that are an ordinary part of daily life is essential for healthy development. Most children show a “positive” response when stressful events provoke mild or moderately intense levels of emotional arousal and provide opportunities for recovery. Through processes of habituation and practice, responding to these types of stressors can foster the development of emotion regulation and coping under normative levels of exposure. Parents influence children's opportunities to experience self‐regulation and their psychological responses to stress and thereby shape their preparation to respond to stressors in the future. Different levels of stress exposure are also associated with different patterns of resting activity and responses to stress in the neuroendocrine and immune systems. When incorporated with information on exposures, protective factors, and outcomes, those biological responses can help us understand how resistance to future stressors is increased through exposure to nontoxic levels of family stress.
Selective zircon accumulation in a new benthic foraminifer, Psammophaga zirconia, sp. nov.
Authors: Sabbatini A. , Negri A. , Bartolini A. , Morigi C. , Boudouma O. , Dinelli E. , Florindo F. , Galeazzi R. , Holzmann M. , Lurcock P. C. , Massaccesi L. , Pawlowski J. , Rocchi S.
Published: March 2016

Benthic foraminifera are single‐celled eukaryotes that make a protective organic, agglutinated or calcareous test. Some agglutinated, single‐chambered taxa, including Psammophaga Arnold, 1982, retain mineral particles in their cytoplasm, but the selective mechanism of accumulation is not clear. Here, we report the ability of a foraminiferal species to select and accumulate zircons and other heavy minerals in their cytoplasm. In particular, the use of Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with an Energy Dispersive X‐ray microanalysis system (SEM–EDS) enabled a representative overview of the mineral diversity and showed that the analysed Psammophaga zirconia sp. nov. individuals contained dominantly crystals of zircon (51%), titanium oxides (27%), and ilmenite (11%) along with minor magnetite and other minerals. The studied specimens occur in the shallow central Adriatic Sea where the sediment has a content of zircon below 1% and of other heavy minerals below 4%. For that reason we hypothesize that: (i) P. zirconia may be able to chemically select minerals, specifically zircon and rutile; (ii) the chemical mechanism allowing the selection is based on electrostatic interaction, and it could work also for agglutinated foraminifera (whether for ingestion, like Xenophyophores, or incorporation in the test as in many other described taxa). In particular, this aptitude for high preferential uptake and differential ingestion or retention of zircon is reported here for the first time, together with the selection of other heavy minerals already described in members of the genus Psammophaga. They are generally counted among early foraminifera, constructing a morphologically simple test with a single chamber. Our molecular phylogenetic study confirms that P. zirconia is a new species, genetically distinctive from other Psammophaga, and occurs in the Adriatic as well as in the Black Sea.
Demographic responses to weather fluctuations are context dependent in a long‐lived amphibian
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Arsovski Dragan , Thirion Jean‐Marc , Bonnaire Eric , Pichenot Julian , Boitaud Sylvain , Miaud Claude , Joly Pierre , Besnard Aurélien
Published: March 2016

Weather fluctuations have been demonstrated to affect demographic traits in many species. In long‐lived organisms, their impact on adult survival might be buffered by the evolution of traits that reduce variation in interannual adult survival. For example, skipping breeding is an effective behavioral mechanism that may limit yearly variation in adult survival when harsh weather conditions occur; however, this in turn would likely lead to strong variation in recruitment. Yet, only a few studies to date have examined the impact of weather variation on survival, recruitment and breeding probability simultaneously in different populations of the same species. To fill this gap, we studied the impact of spring temperatures and spring rainfall on survival, on reproductive skipping behavior and on recruitment in five populations of a long‐lived amphibian, the yellow‐bellied toad (Bombina variegata). Based on capture–recapture data, our findings demonstrate that survival depends on interactions between age, population and weather variation. Varying weather conditions in the spring result in strong variation in the survival of immature toads, whereas they have little effect on adult toads. Breeding probability depends on both the individual's previous reproductive status and on the weather conditions during the current breeding season, leading to high interannual variation in recruitment. Crucially, we found that the impact of weather variation on demographic traits is largely context dependent and may thus differ sharply between populations. Our results suggest that studies predicting the impact of climate change on population dynamics should be taken with caution when the relationship between climate and demographic traits is established using only one population or few populations. We therefore highly recommend further research that includes surveys replicated in a substantial number of populations to account for context‐dependent variation in demographic processes.
Disentangling the biogeography of ship biofouling: barnacles in the Northeast Pacific
Authors: Ashton G. V. , Davidson I. C. , Geller J. , Ruiz G. M.
Published: March 2016

Aim

The movement of biofouling organisms by ships results in the transfer of marine species across biogeographical boundaries on a global scale. We used barnacles, a relatively well‐studied taxon, to investigate the extent to which modern commercial vessels disperse biofouling species beyond their current known ranges.

Location

Vessels predominantly operated in the North Pacific; sampling was conducted in Los Angeles (CA), Portland (OR), Ketchikan (AK) and Apra Harbor (GU).

Methods

Barnacles were collected from submerged surfaces of commercial vessel hulls and identified to the lowest taxonomic unit using a combination of taxonomic and molecular phylogenetic techniques. Their known native and non‐native geographical ranges were assessed and compared with the voyage history of the vessels.

Results

Forty distinct taxonomic groups of barnacles (22 assigned to species) were detected from 15 vessels. Six of these recognized species have a world‐wide distribution, due to natural and anthropogenic dispersal. Sixteen species were on vessels with voyage routes that extend beyond the barnacles' known distributions, including 12 species sampled outside of their known range.

Main conclusions

A diverse suite of barnacle species is in continuous motion globally on commercial vessel hulls, and the potential scale of this transfer is underscored by the documented species richness for ship biofouling and what is known about the global fleet of vessels. We estimate roughly 680,000 separate arrival events per year for barnacle species to US ports distributed on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Genetic methods revealed high richness compared with previous studies, and the real rate is likely to be much higher than this because (1) it is likely that not all species on a vessel were sampled and (2) only a subset of sampled barnacles were successfully sequenced. Our limited knowledge about the total species pool in flux on ship hulls around the globe constrains our ability to analyse and interpret processes affecting species distribution patterns in the Anthropocene.
Dissolution, dislocation and dimensional changes of endodontic sealers after a solubility challenge: a micro‐CT approach
Authors: Silva E. J. , Perez R. , Valentim R. M. , Belladonna F. G. , De‐Deus G. A. , Lima I. C. , Neves A. A.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To evaluate, using a novel micro‐CT approach, the solubility and dimensional changes of an MTA‐based sealer inside the root canal system after a solubility challenge. The MTA‐based material (MTA Fillapex) was compared to a gold standard epoxy‐based endodontic sealer (AH Plus).

Methodology

Ten human mandibular premolars with a single canal were divided randomly into two groups (n = 5) according to the sealer used. The canals were instrumented using the Reciproc System (VDW) with a R40 file and filled with R40 gutta‐percha cones and one of the sealers. The filled canals were immediately scanned in a micro‐CT, and after that, the teeth were immersed in 20 mL phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C for 7 days, when they were removed and rescanned. Final image stacks were registered against the initial stacks and the numerical difference between the initial and final volume of the filling material was obtained. Calculations were performed to identify dimensional changes of the filling material. All image stacks were 3D rendered to disclose areas of dislocation of the filling material inside or outside the root canal. The Shapiro–Wilk's test revealed that data were normally distributed; thus, the Student's t‐test was used to detect statistically significant changes, assuming a 5% α‐error.

Results

No significant changes were seen for the percentage volume of material lost after the solubility challenge for both AH Plus and MTA Fillapex groups (1.44% and 1.16%, respectively). A significant difference was, however, found for the volume of filling material which revealed dimensional changes after the solubility test (6.68% for MTA Fillapex and 1.09% for AH Plus). In fact, observation of 3D models disclosed that MTA Fillapex was associated with material extrusion through the foramen in all but one sample. In AH Plus filled samples, no material extrusion was detected.

Conclusions

Although the solubility of both sealers was similar using this novel micro‐CT approach, MTA Fillapex was associated with significant dimensional changes related to material extrusion through the apex after PBS storage compared to AH Plus.
Analysis of tryptase‐positive mast cells and immunoexpression of MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 in periapical lesions
Authors: Andrade A. L. D. L. , Santos E. M. , Carmo A. F. , Freitas R. A. , Galvão H. C.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To evaluate the immunoexpression of tryptase, MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 in periapical lesions, correlating them with the type of lesion, intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the epithelial lining.

Methodology

Twenty periapical granulomas (PGs), twenty radicular cysts (RCs) and twenty residual radicular cysts (RRCs) were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis using antitryptase, anti‐MMP‐9 and anti‐MMP‐13 antibodies. Immunoexpression of MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 was quantitatively evaluated both in the connective tissue of all lesions and in the epithelial lining of RCs and RRCs. Tryptase‐positive mast cells were counted only in the connective tissue. The data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis and Fisher's exact tests, as well as Spearman's correlation test (P < 0.05).

Results

In comparison with RCs and RRCs, PGs exhibited higher immunoexpression of tryptase, MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 (P = 0.002, P = < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In comparison with lesions with inflammatory infiltrates grades I and II, lesions with inflammatory infiltrate grade III had higher median percentages of MMP‐13‐positive cells (P = 0.003) and a tendency for higher expression of MMP‐9 (P = 0.059). No significant difference was observed between the expression of the studied markers and epithelial thickness (P > 0.05). There were positive correlations between the number of tryptase‐positive mast cells and the immunoexpression of MMP‐9, as well as between the immunoexpression of MMP‐9 and MMP‐13.

Conclusion

A larger number of tryptase‐positive mast cells and greater enzymatic activity of MMP‐9 and MMP‐13 were found in PGs compared to RCs and RRCs. These findings are a characteristic of the dynamics of periapical diseases.
Healing enhancement of diabetic wounds by locally infiltrated epidermal growth factor is associated with systemic oxidative stress reduction
Authors: Ojalvo Ariana García , Acosta Jorge Berlanga , Marí Yssel Mendoza , Mayola Maday Fernández , Pérez Calixto Valdés , Gutiérrez William Savigne , Marichal Ileydis Iglesias , Seijas Eduardo Álvarez , Kautzman Alicia Molina , Pacheco Angélica Estrada , Armstrong David G.
Published: March 2016

The diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the leading cause of lower extremity amputation worldwide and is directly associated with comorbidity, disability and mortality. Oxidative stress mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of these wounds. Intra‐lesional infiltration of epidermal growth factor has emerged as a potential therapeutic alternative to allow for physiological benefit while avoiding the proteolytic environment at the centre of the wound. The aim of this study was to characterise the response of patients with DFUs to epidermal growth factor treatment in terms of redox status markers. Experimental groups included patients with DFUs before and 3–4 weeks after starting treatment with epidermal growth factor; compensated and non‐compensated diabetic patients without ulcers; and age‐matched non‐diabetic subjects. Evaluations comprised serum levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant reserve markers. Patients with DFUs exhibited the most disheveled biochemical profile, with elevated oxidative stress and low antioxidant reserves, with respect to non‐ulcerated diabetic patients and to non‐diabetic subjects. Epidermal growth factor intra‐lesional administration was associated with a significant recovery of oxidative stress and antioxidant reserve markers. Altogether, our results indicate that epidermal growth factor intra‐ulcer therapy contributes to restore systemic redox balance in patients with DFUs.
Management of enteroatmospheric fistula with negative pressure wound therapy in open abdomen treatment: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Bobkiewicz Adam , Walczak Dominik , Smoliński Szymon , Kasprzyk Tomasz , Studniarek Adam , Borejsza‐Wysocki Maciej , Ratajczak Andrzej , Marciniak Ryszard , Drews Michal , Banasiewicz Tomasz
Published: March 2016

The management of enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) in open abdomen (OA) therapy is challenging and associated with a high mortality rate. The introduction of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in open abdomen management significantly improved the healing process and increased spontaneous fistula closure. Retrospectively, we analysed 16 patients with a total of 31 enteroatmospheric fistulas in open abdomen management who were treated using NPWT in four referral centres between 2004 and 2014. EAFs were diagnosed based on clinical examination and confirmed with imaging studies and classified into low (<200 ml/day), moderate (200–500 ml/day) and high (>500 ml/day) output fistulas. The study group consisted of five women and 11 men with the mean age of 52·6 years [standard deviation (SD) 11·9]. Since open abdomen management was implemented, the mean number of re‐surgeries was 3·7 (SD 2·2). There were 24 EAFs located in the small bowel, while four were located in the colon. In three patients, EAF occurred at the anastomotic site. Thirteen fistulas were classified as low output (41·9%), two as moderate (6·5%) and 16 as high output fistulas (51·6%). The overall closure rate was 61·3%, with a mean time of 46·7 days (SD 43·4). In the remaining patients in whom fistula closure was not achieved (n = 12), a protruding mucosa was present. Analysing the cycle of negative pressure therapy, we surprisingly found that the spontaneous closure rate was 70% (7 of 10 EAFs) using intermittent setting of negative pressure, whereas in the group of patients treated with continuous pressure, 57% of EAFs closed spontaneously (12 of 21 EAFs). The mean number of NPWT dressing was 9 (SD 3·3; range 4–16). In two patients, we observed new fistulas that appeared during NPWT. Three patients died during therapy as a result of multi‐organ failure. NPWT is a safe and efficient method characterised by a high spontaneous closure rate. However, in patients with mucosal protrusion of the EAFs, spontaneous closure appears to be impossible to achieve.
BaTiO3–Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 Ceramics for High‐Temperature Capacitor Applications
Authors: Muhammad Raz , Iqbal Yaseen , Reaney Ian M
Published: March 2016

Solid solutions of (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) were prepared via a standard mixed‐oxide solid‐state sintering route and investigated for potential use in high‐temperature capacitor applications. Samples with 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.6 showed a temperature independent plateau in permittivity (εr). Optimum properties were obtained for x = 0.5 which exhibited a broad and stable relative εr ~940 ± 15% from ~25°C to 550°C with a loss tangent <0.025 from 74°C to 455°C. The resistivity of samples increased with increasing Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 concentration. The activation energies of the bulk were observed to increase from 1.18 to 2.25 eV with an increase in x from 0 to 0.6. These ceramics exhibited excellent temperature stable dielectric properties and are promising candidates for high‐temperature multilayer ceramic capacitors for automotive applications.
Factors Affecting Global Inventory Prepositioning Locations in Humanitarian Operations—A Delphi Study
Authors: Richardson Delia A. , de Leeuw Sander , Dullaert Wout
Published: March 2016

This article investigates the factors that are important to humanitarian organizations when determining locations for inventory prepositioning in preparation for emergencies—a critical decision faced by humanitarian managers. Current research in the sector is rich with mathematical models that focus on this decision, although these models have a limited scope in terms of decision factors. Through a Delphi study our article investigates, identifies, and orders a comprehensive set of factors that decision makers in the humanitarian sector take into consideration when determining where to preposition inventory on the global level. Through this process, 10 main factors are identified, with the top five factors being required: speed of emergency response, the availability and quality of infrastructure, the availability and quality of business support services, the cost of operating the facility, and the availability and quality of labor. We also include suggestions for facility location research based on the outcomes of our study.
Rapid evolution and gene expression: a rapidly evolving Mendelian trait that silences field crickets has widespread effects on mRNA and protein expression
Authors: Pascoal S. , Liu X. , Ly T. , Fang Y. , Rockliffe N. , Paterson S. , Shirran S. L. , Botting C. H. , Bailey N. W.
Published: March 2016

A major advance in modern evolutionary biology is the ability to start linking phenotypic evolution in the wild with genomic changes that underlie that evolution. We capitalized on a rapidly evolving Hawaiian population of crickets (Teleogryllus oceanicus) to test hypotheses about the genomic consequences of a recent Mendelian mutation of large effect which disrupts the development of sound‐producing structures on male forewings. The resulting silent phenotype, flatwing, persists because of natural selection imposed by an acoustically orienting parasitoid, but it interferes with mate attraction. We examined gene expression differences in developing wing buds of wild‐type and flatwing male crickets using RNA‐seq and quantitative proteomics. Most differentially expressed (DE) transcripts were down‐regulated in flatwing males (625 up vs. 1716 down), whereas up‐ and down‐regulated proteins were equally represented (30 up and 34 down). Differences between morphs were clearly not restricted to a single pathway, and we recovered annotations associated with a broad array of functions that would not be predicted a priori. Using a candidate gene detection test based on homology, we identified 30% of putative Drosophila wing development genes in the cricket transcriptome, but only 10% were DE. In addition to wing‐related annotations, endocrine pathways and several biological processes such as reproduction, immunity and locomotion were DE in the mutant crickets at both biological levels. Our results illuminate the breadth of genetic pathways that are potentially affected in the early stages of adaptation.
Sexual antagonism and meiotic drive cause stable linkage disequilibrium and favour reduced recombination on the X chromosome
Authors: Rydzewski W. T. , Carioscia S. A. , Liévano G. , Lynch V. D. , Patten M. M.
Published: March 2016

Sexual antagonism and meiotic drive are sex‐specific evolutionary forces with the potential to shape genomic architecture. Previous theory has found that pairing two sexually antagonistic loci or combining sexual antagonism with meiotic drive at linked autosomal loci augments genetic variation, produces stable linkage disequilibrium (LD) and favours reduced recombination. However, the influence of these two forces has not been examined on the X chromosome, which is thought to be enriched for sexual antagonism and meiotic drive. We investigate the evolution of the X chromosome under both sexual antagonism and meiotic drive with two models: in one, both loci experience sexual antagonism; in the other, we pair a meiotic drive locus with a sexually antagonistic locus. We find that LD arises between the two loci in both models, even when the two loci freely recombine in females and that driving haplotypes will be enriched for male‐beneficial alleles, further skewing sex ratios in these populations. We introduce a new measure of LD, , which accounts for population allele frequencies and is appropriate for instances where these are sex specific. Both models demonstrate that natural selection favours modifiers that reduce the recombination rate. These results inform observed patterns of congealment found on driving X chromosomes and have implications for patterns of natural variation and the evolution of recombination rates on the X chromosome.
Hidden genetic variation in the germline genome of Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Dimond K. L. , Zufall R. A.
Published: March 2016

Genome architecture varies greatly among eukaryotes. This diversity may profoundly affect the origin and maintenance of genetic variation within a population. Ciliates are microbial eukaryotes with unusual genome features, such as the separation of germline and somatic genomes within a single cell and amitotic division. These features have previously been proposed to increase the rate of molecular evolution in these species. Here, we assessed the fitness effects of genetic variation in the two genomes of natural isolates of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. We find more extensive genetic variation in fitness in the transcriptionally silent germline genome than in the expressed somatic genome. Surprisingly, this variation is not primarily deleterious, but has both beneficial and deleterious effects. We conclude that Tetrahymena genome architecture allows for the maintenance of genetic variation that would otherwise be eliminated by selection. We consider the effect of selection on the two genomes and the impacts of reproductive strategies and the mechanism of sex determination on the structure of this variation.
The utility of linked cancer registry and health administration data for describing system‐wide outcomes and research: a BreastScreen example
Authors: Buckley Elizabeth S , Sullivan Tom , Farshid Gelareh , Hiller Janet E , Roder David M
Published: March 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Stratification of women with screen‐detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by risk of subsequent invasive breast cancer (IBC) could assist treatment planning and selection of surveillance protocols that accord with risk. We assessed the utility of routinely collected administrative data for stratifying by IBC risk following DCIS detection in a population‐based screening programme to inform ongoing surveillance protocols.

Methods

A retrospective cohort design was used, employing linked data from the South Australian breast screening programme and cancer registry. Women entered the study at screening commencement and were followed until IBC diagnosis, death or end of the study period (1 December 2010), whichever came first. Routinely collected administrative data were analyzed to identify predictors of invasive breast cancer.

Results

Proportional hazards regression confirmed that the DCIS cohort had an elevated risk of IBC after adjustment for relevant confounders (HR = 4.0 (95% CL 3.4, 4.8)), which accorded with previous study results. Within the DCIS cohort, conservative breast surgery and earlier year of screening commencement were both predictive of an elevated invasive breast cancer risk.

Conclusions

These linked cancer registry and administrative data gave plausible estimates of IBC risk following DCIS diagnosis, but were limited in coverage of key items for further risk stratification. It is important that the research utility of administrative datasets is maximized in their design phase in collaboration with researchers.