bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional traits, convergent evolution, and periodic tables of niches
Authors: Winemiller Kirk O. , Fitzgerald Daniel B. , Bower Luke M. , Pianka Eric R.
Published: June 2015

Ecology is often said to lack general theories sufficiently predictive for applications. Here, we examine the concept of a periodic table of niches and feasibility of niche classification schemes from functional trait and performance data. Niche differences and their influence on ecological patterns and processes could be revealed effectively by first performing data reduction/ordination analyses separately on matrices of trait and performance data compiled according to logical associations with five basic niche ‘dimensions’, or aspects: habitat, life history, trophic, defence and metabolic. Resultant patterns then are integrated to produce interpretable niche gradients, ordinations and classifications. Degree of scheme periodicity would depend on degrees of niche conservatism and convergence causing species clustering across multiple niche dimensions. We analysed a sample data set containing trait and performance data to contrast two approaches for producing niche schemes: species ordination within niche gradient space, and niche categorisation according to trait‐value thresholds. Creation of niche schemes useful for advancing ecological knowledge and its applications will depend on research that produces functional trait and performance datasets directly related to niche dimensions along with criteria for data standardisation and quality. As larger databases are compiled, opportunities will emerge to explore new methods for data reduction, ordination and classification.
Plant domestication slows pest evolution
Authors: Turcotte Martin M. , Lochab Amaneet K. , Turley Nash E. , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: June 2015

Agricultural practices such as breeding resistant varieties and pesticide use can cause rapid evolution of pest species, but it remains unknown how plant domestication itself impacts pest contemporary evolution. Using experimental evolution on a comparative phylogenetic scale, we compared the evolutionary dynamics of a globally important economic pest – the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) – growing on 34 plant taxa, represented by 17 crop species and their wild relatives. Domestication slowed aphid evolution by 13.5%, maintained 10.4% greater aphid genotypic diversity and 5.6% higher genotypic richness. The direction of evolution (i.e. which genotypes increased in frequency) differed among independent domestication events but was correlated with specific plant traits. Individual‐based simulation models suggested that domestication affects aphid evolution directly by reducing the strength of selection and indirectly by increasing aphid density and thus weakening genetic drift. Our results suggest that phenotypic changes during domestication can alter pest evolutionary dynamics.
Euphresco: an opportunity for phytosanitary research coordination and funding in the EPPO region and abroad
Authors: Giovani B. , Steel E. , Anthoine G. , Blümel S. , Cruz M. L. , de la Peña A. , Kox L. F. F. , Maes M. , Unger J. G.
Published: June 2015

The European Phytosanitary Research and Coordination network (Euphresco, www.euphresco.net) is a network of organisations which were initiated as EU funded ERA‐NET projects in 2006 and 2010. The goal of the network is to strengthen the networking of research activities carried out at national or regional level and the mutual opening of research programmes. In 2014, having received EU funding twice, Euphresco members decided to continue to work together as a long‐term and self‐sustaining network. The coordination of Euphresco is now hosted within the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO), and in addition to consolidating the network and its procedures, it is also preparing the ground for future developments.
PestLens: an early‐warning system supporting U.S. safeguarding against exotic plant pests
Authors: Meissner H.E. , Fritz J.M. , Kohl L.M. , Moylett H.C. , Moan M.J. , Emerine S.E. , Kaye A.C.
Published: June 2015

The effectiveness of safeguarding and quarantine actions aimed at preventing the introduction and minimizing the impact of exotic plant pests relies on current information about those pests. National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) face the following challenges: staying up to date on continuously emerging new pest information, filtering and evaluating this information, disseminating it effectively and efficiently, applying it toward decision making, and coordinating and tracking the resulting decisions and safeguarding actions. PestLens, the web‐based early‐warning system of the NPPO of the United States, is designed to address all of these challenges. This paper describes the PestLens system and discusses lessons learned during system development and operation.
Peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the equine maxillary sinus
Authors: Federici M. , Del Chicca F. , Rütten M. , Fürst A. , Bischofberger A. S.
Published: June 2015

This case report describes an 8‐year‐old Belgian Warmblood mare that was initially diagnosed and treated for a dental sinusitis. Despite removal of the diseased teeth and appropriate treatment, the sinusitis did not resolve. Over time, growth of a peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the left maxillary sinus became apparent, with recurrence after surgical removal. The clinical, radiographic, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and pathological (gross and histological) findings of the first reported peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the equine paranasal region are described and illustrated.
Disseminated alimentary mycobacteriosis in the horse: a retrospective study of nine cases
Authors: Mönki J. A. K. , Hewetson M. , Hahn S. , Vainio K. , Skrzypczak T.
Published: June 2015

This paper summarises the clinical findings of 9 cases of disseminated alimentary mycobacteriosis in horses presented at a Finnish referral equine hospital 2009–2014. Four of 9 horses were Standardbreds and 8/9 horses were male. The median age was 2 years, ranging from 6 months to 15 years. The duration of clinical signs before admission ranged from 2 weeks to 6 months. All horses demonstrated deterioration of the clinical signs after a protracted period of the disease and were finally subjected to euthanasia after poor response to multiple medical therapies. The most common complaints on admission were weight loss and diarrhoea (9/9), pyrexia (7/9), ventral oedema (7/9), lethargy (7/9) and inappetance (6/9). The most common clinicopathological abnormalities were hypoalbuminaemia and hyperfibrinogenaemia, which were present in all horses. Rectal biopsy specimens were examined from 5/9 horses and specimens were stained with Ziehl‐Nielsen (ZN). At rectal biopsy, mild multifocal neutrophilic or mild granulomatous proctitis was recognised in all 5 horses, but theZNstain for mycobacteria was positive in only one biopsy. A liver biopsy was taken from one horse in which hepatomegaly was observed clinically and revealed marked granulomatous hepatitis with the presence of mycobacteria. The rectal biopsy from this horse wasZNnegative. Atpost mortemexamination, chronic, multifocal to coalescing granulomatous typhlocolitis and lymphadenitis were found in all horses with the small intestine less frequently involved. At histopathological examination ofpost mortemsamples, aZNstain was performed and intracellular acid‐fast bacilli were identified in macrophages and multinucleated giant cells in the large intestine, liver and lymph nodes in 9/9 horses and in the small intestine in 5/9 horses.Mycobacterium aviumssp.hominissuiswas isolated in 5/9 horses frompost mortemsamples.
Marine ornamental fish imports in the European Union: an economic perspective
Authors: Leal Miguel Costa , Vaz Marcela Carraro Melo , Puga João , Rocha Rui Jorge Miranda , Brown Chris , Rosa Rui , Calado Ricardo
Published: June 2015

The marine ornamental fish trade (MOFT) is a worldwide industry that targets a remarkable quantity and diversity of reef fish species and provides an important source of revenue for exporting countries, particularly developing nations in Southeast Asia. Here we provide, for the first time, an economic assessment of the MOFT to the European Union (EU), one of the key players of the marine aquarium trade, along with the USA and Japan. Data from EUROSTAT (the European Statistical System) was analysed for the MOFT between 2000 and 2011. Results show that this industry was not affected by the economic crisis and accounted for a total of 135 million Euros during the study period. Both the UK and Indonesia have been reinforcing their importance as leading importer and exporter countries, respectively. The long‐term temporal pattern of the MOFT by EU and non‐EU countries is described, as well as its diversity and evenness between importing and exporting countries. The present economic assessment also identifies the key players of this industry, and ultimately contributes to management and conservation practices that may enhance the sustainable use of world's coral reefs.
Confirming, Validating, and Norming the Factor Structure of Systemic Therapy Inventory of Change Initial and Intersession
Authors: Pinsof William M. , Zinbarg Richard E. , Shimokawa Kenichi , Latta Tara A. , Goldsmith Jacob Z. , Knobloch‐Fedders Lynne M. , Chambers Anthony L. , Lebow Jay L.
Published: June 2015

Progress or feedback research tracks and feeds back client progress data throughout the course of psychotherapy. In the effort to empirically ground psychotherapeutic practice, feedback research is both a complement and alternative to empirically supported manualized treatments. Evidence suggests that tracking and feeding back progress data with individual or nonsystemic feedback systems improves outcomes in individual and couple therapy. The research reported in this article pertains to the STIC® (Systemic Therapy Inventory of Change)—the first client‐report feedback system designed to empirically assess and track change within client systems from multisystemic and multidimensional perspectives in individual, couple, and family therapy. Clients complete the STIC Initial before the first session and the shorter STIC Intersession before every subsequent session. This study tested and its results supported the hypothesized factor structure of the six scales that comprise both STIC forms in a clinical outpatient sample and in a normal, random representative sample of the U.S. population. This study also tested the STIC's concurrent validity and found that its 6 scales and 40 of its 41 subscales differentiated the clinical and normal samples. Lastly, the study derived clinical cut‐offs for each scale and subscale to determine whether and how much a client's score falls in the normal or clinical range. Beyond supporting the factorial and concurrent validity of both STIC forms, this research supported the reliabilities of the six scales (Omegahierarchical) as well as the reliabilities of most subscales (alpha and rate–rerate). This article delineates clinical implications and directions for future research.
Proton myo‐inositol cotransporter is a novel γ‐secretase associated protein that regulates Aβ production without affecting Notch cleavage
Authors: Teranishi Yasuhiro , Inoue Mitsuhiro , Yamamoto Natsuko Goto , Kihara Takahiro , Wiehager Birgitta , Ishikawa Taizo , Winblad Bengt , Schedin‐Weiss Sophia , Frykman Susanne , Tjernberg Lars O.
Published: June 2015

γ‐Secretase is a transmembrane protease complex that is responsible for the processing of a multitude of type 1 transmembrane proteins, including the amyloid precursor protein and Notch. γ‐Secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein results in the release of the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ), which is involved in the pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. Processing of Notch leads to the release of its intracellular domain, which is important for cell development. γ‐Secretase associated proteins (GSAPs) could be of importance for substrate selection, and we have previously shown that affinity purification of γ‐secretase in combination with mass spectrometry can be used for finding such proteins. In the present study, we used this methodology to screen for novel GSAPs from human brain, and studied their effect on Aβ production in a comprehensive gene knockdown approach. Silencing of probable phospholipid‐transporting ATPase IIA, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophin‐3 growth factor receptor precursor and proton myo‐inositol cotransporter (SLC2A13) showed a clear reduction of Aβ and these proteins were selected for further studies on Aβ production and Notch cleavage using small interfering RNA‐mediated gene silencing, as well as an overexpression approach. Silencing of these reduced Aβ secretion in a small interfering RNA dose‐dependent manner. Interestingly, SLC2A13 had a lower effect on Notch processing. Furthermore, overexpression of SLC2A13 increased Aβ40 generation. Finally, the interaction between γ‐secretase and SLC2A13 was confirmed using immunoprecipitation and a proximity ligation assay. In summary, SLC2A13 was identified as a novel GSAP that regulates Aβ production without affecting Notch cleavage. We suggest that SLC2A13 could be a target for Aβ lowering therapy aimed at treating Alzheimer's disease.
Functional trait responses of aquatic macroinvertebrates to simulated drought in a Neotropical bromeliad ecosystem
Authors: Dézerald Olivier , Céréghino Régis , Corbara Bruno , Dejean Alain , Leroy Céline
Published: June 2015

The duration of the dry seasons in south‐eastern Amazonia is expected to increase. Little is known of how freshwater assemblages respond to drought in the humid rainforests and of the extent to which they resist the absence of rainfall before the collapse of the system.

We manipulated rainshelters over tank‐forming bromeliads (i.e. the interlocking leaf axils of these plants form wells that collect rainwater) to simulate an exceptionally long dry period (49 days, compared with a 10‐year mean ± SD annual maximum number of 17 ± 5.3 days without rainfall at the study site) and then a rewetting period. By sampling weekly over 3 months, we followed the dynamics of the representation of abundance‐weighted traits in invertebrate assemblages in these treatment plants and in a control group.

The functional structure of assemblages was drought resistant until the water volume in the bromeliad pools dropped by 90%, when there was a sudden shift in the functional trait structure due to the loss of most populations except the drought‐resistant culicids. Traits related to life history, body size and preferred food showed significant responses to drought. There was a convergence in the functional traits of species surviving in dry plants, strengthening the idea that environmental filtering, rather than stochasticity, determines the functional trajectory of aquatic assemblages during drought.

At the end of the dry period, samples of the detritus potentially containing drought‐resistant eggs/cysts (and eventually live larvae) were taken from the dry plants and rewetted in the laboratory, allowing us to distinguish resistant species from those requiring recolonisation via subsequent oviposition by adults from elsewhere. Patches of water‐filled bromeliads persisting in the area provided the most important pool of colonists, and communities returned to the pre‐disturbance state within 1–2 weeks of rewetting.

Our results suggest that the functional trait structure of invertebrate assemblages in bromeliads could remain stable under scenarios of precipitation change that would triple the duration of current dry periods at a local scale. Future experiments should evaluate how environmental factors might alter the tipping point between resistance to drought and a collapse in ecosystem processes.
Small stonefly predators affect microbenthic and meiobenthic communities in stream leaf packs
Authors: Majdi Nabil , Traunspurger Walter , Richardson John S. , Lecerf Antoine
Published: June 2015

Predators affect benthic communities and ecological processes through consuming and scaring prey as well as through engineering effects on the habitat. Experimental evidence of top–down predatory effects in leaf packs comes from studies assessing how large predators affect shredders and therefore the litter decomposition rate. In this study, we investigated the effects of smaller invertebrate predators on micro‐ and meiobenthic communities.

In outdoor, flow‐through stream channels, we created a gradient in the density of predacious Chloroperlidae stonefly larvae in enclosures containing alder leaf litter and exposed to natural colonisation by invertebrates and decomposers. We expected that: (i) predators would reduce the biomass and density of invertebrate colonisers, (ii) the strength of predator effects on invertebrates would vary with prey body size; and (iii) increasing predator numbers in enclosures would diminish the per capita strength of predator–prey interactions due to intraguild interference. We also anticipated that litter decomposition would be slower in the presence of predators providing that microbial decomposers did not compensate for the reduction in shredders by an increase in their biomass.

Chloroperlidae had negative effects on the biomass of most major invertebrate taxa, including rotifers, nematodes and larvae of the Chironomidae Corynoneura and Brillia (the dominant shredder in leaf packs). The predatory effect on nematode biomass was strongest for dominant small‐bodied species. Fungal biomass in leaf litter was reduced in the presence of predators, whereas bacterial biomass was not affected.

In addition to feasible direct predation on Chironomidae, Chloroperlidae apparently inhibited meiofauna colonisation of leaf litter, probably through the bioturbation of fine sediment trapped on leaf surfaces.

At the end of the experiment, the mortality of Chloroperlidae in enclosures was considerable at the highest predator density treatment. This observation, along with evidence of the reduced per capita strength of predator–prey interactions with increasing predator density, suggested that intraguild interference moderates the effect of predators in leaf packs.

Our findings are consistent with a key role of small predators in determining the abundance of invertebrates and microbial decomposers in leaf packs. However, in our study, there was no cascade down to the standing stock of leaf litter.
Prepubertal exposure to bisphenol‐A induces ERα upregulation and hyperplasia in adult gerbil female prostate
Authors: Campos Mônica S. , Galvão André L. V. , Rodríguez Daniel A. O. , Biancardi Manoel F. , Marques Mara R. , Vilamaior Patrícia S. L. , Santos Fernanda C. A. , Taboga Sebastião R.
Published: June 2015

Prostate physiology is highly dependent on oestrogenic and androgenic homeostasis. Interferences in this equilibrium, especially in early periods of life, may disrupt the prostate and increase the susceptibility to the development of diseases with ageing. Taking this into account, and considering the increase of environmental chemicals with endocrine‐disrupting potential such as bisphenol‐A (BPA), this study aimed to evaluate the prostates of adult female gerbils exposed to BPA and BPA plus testosterone from pubertal to adult periods. Morphological, stereological and chemical analyses revealed that long‐term BPA exposure, even in environmental dosages, increases the proliferative status of the prostate, increases the number of ERα‐positive stromal cells and elicits the development of prostatic hyperplasia in adult female gerbils. Moreover, we also observed that the association with testosterone did not increase the proliferative status of the gland, which shows that low levels of BPA are enough to cause an oestrogenic disruption of the prostate in young adults. This evidence suggests that this oestrogenic endocrine disruptor may increase the susceptibility to prostatic disorders with ageing.
Hypotensive, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of bioactive compounds from microalgae and marine micro‐organisms
Authors: Zhao Chao , Wu Yijing , Yang Chengfeng , Liu Bin , Huang Yifan
Published: June 2015

Microalgae and marine micro‐organisms (MMs) have received increasing attention for the production of biologically active compounds due to their exclusive characteristics, which have adapted to the specific and extreme conditions of environments. These micro‐organisms are of considerable importance as new and promising potential sources of a huge number of natural bioactive compounds for functional foods and pharmaceutical development. Important natural bioactive compounds exhibiting a wide range of activities such as antimicrobial, antitumour, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antituberculosis, antiparasitic, anthelmintic, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects have recently been isolated. To date, only a small number of MMs have been investigated for hypotensive, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities. This study focuses specifically on revealing and discussing prospective human applications of MMs on functional foods and clinical practice and their metabolites associated with hypotensive, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities.
A Reliable Method for Recycling (RE)‐Ba‐Cu‐O (RE: Sm, Gd, Y) Bulk Superconductors
Authors: Shi Yunhua , Namburi Devendra Kumar , Wang Miao , Durrell John , Dennis Anthony , Cardwell David
Published: June 2015

Single grain (RE)‐Ba‐Cu‐O (RE: Sm, Gd, Y) high‐temperature superconductors are able to generate high magnetic fields. However, the relatively high cost of the raw materials and the low yield of the manufacturing process have impeded the development of practical applications of these materials to date. This article describes a simple, reliable, and economical method of recycling failed bulk (RE)‐Ba‐Cu‐O (RE: Sm, Gd, Y) samples. Sixty‐four failed bulk samples, with diameters up to 31 mm, were recycled with a yield of 90%. The key innovation in this recycling process involves reintroducing the liquid phase into the melt process, which is normally lost during the primary peritectic processing of these materials. This enables the direct re‐growth of failed samples from solid form without the need for re‐grinding into powder. We also demonstrate that the superconducting performance and microstructure of the recycled samples is similar to that of the primary grown samples.
Geographical variability in the controls of giant kelp biomass dynamics
Authors: Bell Tom W. , Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Reed Daniel C. , Siegel David A.
Published: June 2015

Aim

Coastal marine environments experience a wide range of biotic and abiotic forces that can limit and punctuate the geographical range and abundance of species through time. Determining the relative strengths and nonlinear effects of these processes is vital to understanding the biogeographical structures of species. There has been an ongoing discussion concerning the relative importance of these processes in controlling the dynamics of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, an important structure‐forming species on shallow reefs in the eastern Pacific. We used novel spatial time‐series that span nearly three decades to determine the dominant drivers of giant kelp canopy biomass and the temporal and spatial scales over which they operate across the dominant range of the giant kelp in North America.

Location

Near‐shore areas from Año Nuevo, California, to the USA/Mexico border.

Methods

We employed empirical orthogonal functions to elucidate the primary drivers of giant kelp canopy biomass across space and time and then fit generalized additive and linear models to determine the nonlinear effect and relative importance of each of these potential drivers along the c. 1500‐km study region over a 25‐year period.

Results

Wave disturbance, nitrate availability and the state of the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation were the most important environmental predictors of giant kelp canopy biomass, explaining 24.5%, 12.7% and 6.1% of the variance, respectively. Environmental drivers of canopy biomass exhibited profound spatial differences in relative effect sizes. Nonlinear effect shapes of each potential biomass driver were determined, which explained these spatial differences.

Main conclusions

These large‐scale analyses help to reconcile the local‐scale conclusions of canopy biomass dynamics across the California coastline and show that these dynamics differ predictably in space and time in accordance with local and regional differences in environmental drivers. By characterizing the nonlinear effects of these drivers, we identified spatio‐temporal patterns of processes that cannot be detected by remote sensing.
Electrocardiographic QRS Fragmentation as a Marker for Myocardial Fibrosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: KONNO TETSUO , HAYASHI KENSHI , FUJINO NOBORU , OKA RIE , NOMURA AKIHIRO , NAGATA YOJI , HODATSU AKIHIKO , SAKATA KENJI , FURUSHO HIROSHI , TAKAMURA MASAYUKI , NAKAMURA HIROYUKI , KAWASHIRI MASA‐AKI , YAMAGISHI MASAKAZU
Published: June 2015

fQRS Predicts Myocardial Fibrosis in HCM

Introduction

Myocardial fibrosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) usually shows a patchy distribution, which may not be detected by pathological Q waves on 12‐lead ECGs. Fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) reflect intraventricular conduction delay and can be a marker of myocardial fibrosis. We assessed whether fQRS show better correlation with myocardial fibrosis than pathological Q waves in HCM.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study included 108 patients with HCM who underwent 12‐lead ECG and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE‐CMR). The number of leads with pathological Q waves was not correlated with the extent of LGE measured at any different standard deviations (SDs) (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 SD), whereas the number of leads with fQRS showed the best correlation with LGE at 6 SD (r = 0.32, P = 0.0008). Further, the number of leads with fQRS was an independent predictor for the extent of LGE at 6 SD. fQRS showed higher accuracy for detecting myocardial fibrosis defined by LGE at 6 SD than pathological Q waves; the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of fQRS were 40%, 80%, and 64%, respectively, whereas those of pathological Q waves were 7%, 97%, and 60%, respectively. fQRS in lateral leads showed the highest accuracy (75%), followed by inferior leads (59%) and anterior leads (57%), for detecting LGE at 6 SD in the corresponding left ventricular segment.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that fQRS may have a substantially higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy compared with pathological Q waves for detecting myocardial fibrosis in HCM.
Efficient cross‐section preparation method for high‐resolution imaging of hard polymer composites with a scanning electron microscope
Authors: BRODUSCH N. , YOURDKHANI M. , HUBERT P. , GAUVIN R.
Published: June 2015

Characterization of distribution and arrangement of filler particles in polymer composites is of primary importance to understand and maximize their mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. An innovative procedure that allows reliable and straightforward preparation of cross‐sections of polymer composites with the use of mechanical polishing, ion beam etching and soft gaseous etching is presented in this paper. Because of the inherent difference between the organic amorphous matrix and the inorganic crystalline nature of composite fillers, the removal of matrix layers at the surface of the cross‐section at the expense of the inorganic materials allowed characterizing the composite filler particles structure and distribution over the surface. Since beam broadening did not occur before the beam hit the nanoparticles, high‐resolution imaging in the scanning electron microscope was possible and true dimensions and orientation of the particles were observed. This provided more flexibility in selecting the primary beam voltage; especially, the use of low beam energy greatly improved the image contrast and reduced charging effects resulting from the primary electron beam bombardment. It was shown that only polymers with a carbonated main chain could be etched selectively by the gaseous etching process.
Diagnostic efficacy of 3‐D hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography in the detection of tubal occlusion: Systematic meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Jiangxiu , Cai Mingjin , Liang Weixiang , Deng Zhifeng , Xie Yinong
Published: June 2015

Aim

Evaluation of tubal status is critical in the diagnostic work‐up of infertile women. The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnostic efficacy of three‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (3‐D HyCoSy) for tubal occlusion.

Methods

MedLine, Embase, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, CNKI, Chinese VIP Database, Chinese Wanfang Database and Chinese Biomedicine Database were searched for relevant trials published from June 1994 to August 2013. Meta‐DiSc (version 1.4) was used for the meta‐analysis. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity, as well as area under the curve (AUC) and the pooled diagnostic accuracy (Q*) derived from a summary receiver operating characteristic analysis. The heterogeneity test was done using the Cochran Q statistic and the I2 statistic. Significant difference was defined as P < 0.10 (Q‐statistic) or I2 > 50% (I2‐statistic) and a random effect model was used to pool data, otherwise the fixed effects model was used.

Results

A total of 11 studies (1037 Fallopian tubes) were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled estimates for diagnostic efficacy of 3‐D HyCoSy had a sensitivity of 0.92 (95%CI: 0.89–0.94) and specificity of 0.95 (95%CI: 0.93–0.96). AUC and Q* were 0.976 and 0.929, respectively, but there was significant heterogeneity in sensitivity across the included studies.

Conclusions

3‐D HyCoSy had good diagnostic performance in the detection of tubal occlusion.
Tubal pregnancy associated with additional conception in a contralateral tube
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroshi , Kiyokawa Takako , Okayama Jun , Usui Hirokazu , Shozu Makio
Published: June 2015

Pregnancy of unknown location is defined as empty endometrial cavity despite positive pregnancy test, and often develops as overt intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy. The pathophysiology of persistent pregnancy of unknown location, however, which involves continuous low serum human chorionic gonadotropin without any visible implantation site, is unknown. We report a case of left tubal pregnancy associated with additional conception in the contralateral tube. Left tubal pregnancy was suspected in a 40‐year‐old nulligravid woman after two embryo transfers following in vitro fertilization. Laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy was performed for bilateral hydrosalpinx. Products from an additional conception were identified in the right tube. Short tandem repeat analysis using genomic DNA from resected specimens indicated two conceptions of different origin. The extra conception identified on microscopy may indicate one pathogenesis of persistent pregnancy of unknown location. Salpingectomy of the contralateral tube with hydrosalpinx is an option to prevent persistent occult pregnancy.
Mechanical Complication Rates and Optimal Horizontal Distance of the Most Distally Positioned Implant‐Supported Single Crowns in the Posterior Region: A Study with a Mean Follow‐Up of 3 Years
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hong , Lee Jong‐Bin , Park Jung‐Im , Choi Seong‐Ho , Kim Young‐Taek
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the 3‐year mechanical complication rates of the most distally positioned implant‐supported single crowns (ISSCs) in the posterior region, and how these complication rates are affected by several clinical factors (i.e., gender, mean age, horizontal distance [HD], position in the jaw, placement location, duration of functional loading, clinical crown‐to‐implant length ratio [C/I ratio], and crown height space of the implant).

Materials and Methods

The mechanical complications (i.e., abutment screw loosening [ASL], abutment screw fracture [ASF], and ceramic fracture [CF]) associated with the implants were identified by examining the patients’ treatment records, clinical photographs, and intraoral periapical radiographs. Statistical analyses were performed using chi‐square and Student's t‐test to identify the relationship between various clinical factors and the mechanical complication rates. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was conducted to determine the optimal cut‐off value for the HD between the most distally positioned ISSCs and the mesially adjacent natural tooth beyond which complications occur.

Results

The study inclusion criteria were met by 183 patients who had undergone implant surgery in the period 2004 to 2011, involving a total of 221 implant treatments. Mechanical complications were present in 40 (18.1%) of the 221 investigated ISSCs. ASL was the most common complication (n = 28, 12.7%), followed in order by CF (n = 9, 4.1%) and ASF (n = 3, 1.4%). Repeated ASL and CF occurred in four (1.8%) and two (0.9%) implants, respectively. The mechanical complication rates differed significantly between implants with different HDs (p = 0.009) and clinical C/I ratios (p = 0.019); however, there was no significant association between the other clinical factors and the mechanical complication rates.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it appears that the incidence of mechanical complications is higher for the most distally positioned ISSCs in the posterior region than for those positioned at other sites. Furthermore, since the rate of mechanical complications increases with increasing HD, an HD of 3.7 mm or less is recommended.
DNA barcodes identify Chinese medicinal plants and detect geographical patterns of Sinosenecio (Asteraceae)
Authors: Gong Wei , Liu Ying , Chen Jing , Hong Yu , Kong Hang‐Hui
Published: June 2015

DNA barcodes have proved to be efficient for plants species discrimination and identification using short and standardized genomic regions. The genus Sinosenecio (Asteraceae) is used for traditional medicinal purposes in China. Most species of the genus occur in restricted geographical regions and exhibit a wide range of morphological variations within species, making them difficult to differentiate in the field. Previously, taxonomic revisions have been made based on morphological and cytological evidence. In the present study, barcoding analysis was performed on 107 individuals representing 38 species in this genus to evaluate the performance of four candidate barcoding loci (matK, rbcL, trnH‐psbA and internal transcribed spacer [ITS]) and detect geographical patterns. Three different methods based on genetic distance, sequence similarity, and the phylogenetic tree were used. Comparably high species discrimination power was detected in species‐level taxonomic process by the ITS dataset alone or combined with other loci, which was suggested to be the most suitable barcode for Sinosenecio. Our results are congruent with previous taxonomic studies concerning the monophyly of the S. oldhamianus group. The present study provides an empirical paradigm for the identification of medicinal plant species and their geographical patterns, ascertaining the congruence between taxonomical studies and barcoding analysis in Sinosenecio.
Minimal nocturnal oxygen saturation predicts future subclinical carotid atherosclerosis: the Wisconsin sleep cohort
Authors: Gunnarsson Sverrir I. , Peppard Paul E. , Korcarz Claudia E. , Barnet Jodi H. , Hagen Erika W. , Hla K. Mae , Palta Mari , Young Terry , Stein James H.
Published: June 2015

Previous data on the associations between nocturnal oxygen saturation parameters and carotid atherosclerosis are conflicting. We examined the prospective associations of nocturnal oxygen saturation (SaO2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors with carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and plaques. We used data on 689 Wisconsin sleep cohort participants who had baseline overnight polysomnography followed by carotid ultrasonography a mean (SD) of 7.8 (2.5) years later. Far wall common carotid IMT was measured using B‐mode ultrasound. Bilateral common, bifurcation and internal carotid artery segments were evaluated for plaque score. Participants (8) were aged 56 years (55% male); 32% had hypertension and mean body mass index (BMI) was 31 (7) kg m2. Mean and minimum nocturnal SaO2 were 95% (2) and 86% (7), respectively. Mean percentage sleep time with SaO2 < 90% was 2% (8). Both mean (odds ratio [OR]: 0.60 lower plaque count per 5% higher mean SaO2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–0.96, P = 0.033) and minimum SaO2 (OR: 0.88 lower plaque count per 5% higher minimum SaO2, 95% CI: 0.80–0.97, P = 0.013) predicted carotid plaque score after adjusting for age, sex and BMI. Minimum SaO2 predicted future plaque score after adding adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors (OR: 0.90 lower plaque count per 5% higher minimum SaO2, 95% CI: 0.81–0.99, P = 0.038). Mean SaO2 was not associated with carotid IMT after CVD risk factor adjustment. We conclude that minimum nocturnal SaO2 is an independent predictor of future carotid plaque burden. Other nocturnal SaO2 parameters are not associated with future carotid IMT or plaques after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors.
Impatiens adamowskiana sp. nov. (Balsaminaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India
Authors: Gogoi Rajib , Borah Souravjyoti
Published: June 2015

Impatiens adamowskiana from the lower Dibang valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India, is newly described and illustrated. The species is characterized by quadrangular winged stem, sessile leaves with attenuate base, 10–17 pairs of lateral veins, up to 20 cm long inflorescence with up to 30 flowers, red flower, navicular lower sepal, and upcurved spur.
Anoectochilus nandanensis sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from northern Guangxi, China
Authors: Qu Xin‐Cheng , Huang Yun‐Feng , Feng Hui‐Zhe , Hu Ren‐Chuan
Published: June 2015

Anoectochilus nandanensis, a new species from northern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to A. emeiensis K. Y. Lang in habit, but distinguished by the size of the plant, leaves and lateral sepals, as well as the flanges of the mesochile.
Toward systems‐level analysis of agricultural production from crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM): scaling from cell to commercial production
Authors: Davis Sarah C. , Ming Ray , LeBauer David S. , Long Stephen P.
Published: June 2015

Systems‐level analyses have become prominent tools for assessing the yield, viability, economic consequences and environmental impacts of agricultural production. Such analyses are well‐developed for many commodity crops that are used for food and biofuel, but have not been developed for agricultural production systems based on drought‐tolerant plants that use crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). We review the components of systems‐level evaluations, and identify the information available for completing such analyses for CAM cropping systems. Specific needs for developing systems‐level evaluations of CAM agricultural production include: improvement of physiological models; assessment of product processing after leaving the farm gate; and application of newly available genetic tools to the optimization of CAM species for commercial production.

Contents

Summary
66

I.
Introduction
66

II.
Systems‐level analysis of agricultural commodities
68

III.
Modeling tools for CAM agricultural systems
68

IV.
Genomic information for CAM agricultural crops
70

V.
Assessment of trade‐offs
71

VI.
Conclusions
71

Acknowledgements
71

References
72
Is the relationship between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic health in adolescents independent of dietary intake? A systematic review
Authors: Fletcher E. , Leech R. , McNaughton S. A. , Dunstan D. W. , Lacy K. E. , Salmon J.
Published: June 2015

Screen time, but not overall sedentary behaviour, is consistently related to cardiometabolic health in adolescents. Because of the associations screen time has with dietary intake, diet may be an important factor in the screen time and health relationship; however, evidence has not previously been synthesized. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to explore whether the associations between various sedentary behaviours and cardiometabolic risk markers are independent of dietary intake in adolescents. Online databases and personal libraries were searched for peer‐reviewed original research articles published in English before March 2014. Included studies assessed associations between sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic markers in 12‐ to 18‐year‐olds and adjusted for dietary intake. Twenty‐five studies met the inclusion criteria. From the 21 studies examining sedentary behaviour and adiposity, the majority found significant positive associations between television viewing, screen time and self‐reported overall sedentary behaviour with markers of adiposity, independent of dietary intake. No significant associations between screen time with blood pressure and cholesterol were reported. Sedentary behaviour appears to be associated with adiposity in adolescents, irrespective of dietary intake. However, the variability of dietary variables between studies suggests further work is needed to understand the role of dietary intake when examining these associations in youth.
Argument for a non‐linear relationship between severity of human obesity and dopaminergic tone
Authors: Horstmann A. , Fenske W. K. , Hankir M. K.
Published: June 2015

Alterations in the dopaminergic system have been implicated in both animal and human obesity. However, to date, a comprehensive model on the nature and functional relevance of this relationship is missing. In particular, human data remain equivocal in that seemingly inconsistent reports exist of positive, negative or even no relationships between dopamine D2/D3 receptor availability in the striatum and measures of obesity. Further, data on receptor availability have been commonly interpreted as reflecting receptor density, despite the possibility of an alternative interpretation, namely alterations in the basal levels of endogenous dopaminergic tone. Here, we provide a unifying framework that is able to explain the seemingly contradictory findings and offer an alternative and novel perspective on existing data. In particular, we suggest (i) a quadratic relationship between alterations in the dopaminergic system and degree of obesity, and (ii) that the observed alterations are driven by shifts in the balance between general dopaminergic tone and phasic dopaminergic signalling. The proposed model consistently integrates human data on molecular and behavioural characteristics of overweight and obesity. Further, the model provides a mechanistic framework accounting not only for the consistent observation of altered (food) reward–responsivity but also for the differences in reinforcement learning, decision‐making behaviour and cognitive performance associated with measures of obesity.
Repeatability of a novel corneal indentation device for corneal biomechanical measurement
Authors: Lam Andrew K. C. , Hon Ying , Leung Leo K. K. , Lam David C. C.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the repeatability of a new device for measuring corneal biomechanics.

Methods

Twenty‐nine normal subjects aged 20–28 years (23.4 ± 1.7 years) underwent measurements of corneal stiffness and tangent elastic modulus using a novel corneal indentation device. Corneal topography, axial biometry and Goldmann applanation tonometry were also performed during the visit. Subjects returned after about 1 week, at approximately the same time, and with the corneal biomechanics, corneal topography and Goldmann applanation tonometry measured again. Both the intrasession and intersession repeatability was assessed.

Results

Both the corneal stiffness and tangent elastic modulus demonstrated good intrasession repeatability (corneal stiffness: coefficient of variation = 7.32%, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75; tangent elastic modulus: coefficient of variation = 7.34%, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84). The mean modulus after normalised to normal intraocular pressure of 15.5 mmHg was 0.755 ± 0.159 MPa. There was no significant difference between the two visits (paired t‐tests: p > 0.05). The repeatability [1.96 times the standard deviation (S.D.) of the intersession difference] of the corneal stiffness and the tangent elastic modulus was 0.0022 N mm−1 and 0.197 MPa, respectively.

Conclusion

The corneal indentation device has good intrasession and intersession repeatability. It has good potential to measure corneal biomechanics clinically, even at different corneal regions.
Blood donation and blood donor mortality after adjustment for a healthy donor effect
Authors: Ullum Henrik , Rostgaard Klaus , Kamper‐Jørgensen Mads , Reilly Marie , Melbye Mads , Nyrén Olof , Norda Rut , Edgren Gustaf , Hjalgrim Henrik
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that blood donors experience lower mortality than the general population. While this may suggest a beneficial effect of blood donation, it may also reflect the selection of healthy persons into the donor population. To overcome this bias, we investigated the relation between blood donation frequency and mortality within a large cohort of blood donors. In addition, our analyses also took into consideration the effects of presumed health differences linked to donation behavior.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using the Scandinavian Donation and Transfusion database (SCANDAT), we assessed the association between annual number of donations in 5‐year windows and donor mortality by means of Poisson regression analysis. The analyses included adjustment for demographic characteristics and for an internal healthy donor effect, estimated among elderly donors exempted from continued donation because of age criteria.

RESULTS

Statistical analyses included 1,182,495 donors of whom 15,401 died during 9,526,627 person‐years of follow‐up. Analyses adjusted only for demographic characteristics showed a 18.6% reduction in mortality per additional annual donation (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.8%‐20.4%). After additional adjustment for the internal healthy donor effect, each additional annual donation was associated with a 7.5% decreased mortality risk 7.5% (95% CI, 5.7%‐9.4%).

CONCLUSION

We observed an inverse relationship between donation frequency and mortality. The magnitude of the association was reduced after adjustment for an estimate of self‐selection in the donor population. Our observations indicate that repeated blood donation is not associated with premature death, but cannot be interpreted as conclusive evidence of a beneficial health effect.
Thromboelastometric evaluation of hemostasis in dogs infected withLeishmania infantum
Authors: Bruno Barbara , Maurella Cristiana , Falco Sara , Tarducci Alberto , Zanatta Renato , D'Angelo Antonio , Borrelli Antonio
Published: June 2015

Objective

Evaluation of hemostasis using thromboelastometry in dogs with leishmaniasis before and after treatment.

Design

Longitudinal observational study.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighty‐four adult, client‐owned dogs.

Measurements and Main Results

Whole blood samples for the coagulation profile were collected from symptomatic dogs with leishmaniasis (group S), asymptomatic dogs with leishmaniasis after treatment (group T), and a control group of healthy dogs (group H). Hemostasis was evaluated by means of standard coagulation profile (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen) and by thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the upper reference range in all 3 groups. Comparison of the ROTEM variables between the 3 groups showed statistically significant differences between group S versus groups T and H, but remaining within the reference ranges. Statistically significant differences in hematocrit and fibrinogen concentrations were noted between groups (group S vs. H: hematocritP= 0.001, fibrinogenP= 0.002; Group S vs. T: hematocritP= 0.001, fibrinogenP= 0.001). These variations have interfered with some parameters of the ROTEM profile.

Conclusions

This study showed normal standard coagulation profiles in all 3 groups evaluated. The ROTEM results did not fall outside of the maximum values of the reference ranges.