bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhizosphere bacteria containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylate deaminase increase growth and photosynthesis of pea plants under salt stress by limiting Na+ accumulation
Authors: Wang Qiyuan , Dodd Ian C. , Belimov Andrey A. , Jiang Fan
Published: January 2016

Although plant salt tolerance has been improved by soil inoculation with rhizobacteria containing the enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (which metabolises ACC, the immediate precursor of the phytohormone ethylene), it is not always clear whether ion homeostasis and plant water relations are affected. When pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alderman) was grown with 70 and 130 mM NaCl, the ACC-deaminase containing rhizobacterium Variovorax paradoxus 5C-2 increased total biomass by 25 and 54% respectively. Nutrient flow modelling showed that V. paradoxus 5C-2 increased K uptake and root to shoot K flow, but decreased Na flow and increased Na deposition in roots. Thus, shoot K+ : Na+ ratio increased following V. paradoxus 5C-2 inoculation. At 70 and 130 mM NaCl, rhizobacterial inoculation decreased stomatal resistance by 14 and 31% and decreased xylem balancing pressure by 7 and 21% respectively. Furthermore, rhizobacterial inoculation improved photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) by 12 and 19% and increased maximal electron transport rate (ETR) by 18 and 22% at 70 and 130 mM NaCl respectively. Thus V. paradoxus 5C-2 mitigates salt stress by improving water relations, ion homeostasis and photosynthesis of pea plants, and may provide an economic means of promoting growth of plants exposed to salt stress.
Structure determination of helical filaments by solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: He Lichun , Bardiaux Benjamin , Ahmed Mumdooh , Spehr Johannes , König Renate , Lünsdorf Heinrich , Rand Ulfert , Lührs Thorsten , Ritter Christiane
Published: January 2016

Significance

The mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) belongs to the emerging class of higher-order signaling machines that adopt a filamentous state on activation and propagate in a prion-like manner. Structures of helical filaments are challenging due to their size and variable symmetry parameters, which are notoriously difficult to obtain, but are a prerequisite for structure determination by electron microscopy and by solid-state NMR. Here we describe a strategy for their efficient de novo determination by a grid-search approach based exclusively on solid-state NMR data. In combination with classical NMR structure calculation, we could determine the atomic resolution structure of fully functional filaments formed by the globular caspase activation and recruitment domain of MAVS. A careful validation highlights the general applicability of this approach.
Bacterial RNA polymerase can retain σ
70
throughout transcription
Authors: Harden Timothy T. , Wells Christopher D. , Friedman Larry J. , Landick Robert , Hochschild Ann , Kondev Jane , Gelles Jeff
Published: January 2016

Significance

In all kingdoms of life, gene transcription is not carried out by RNA polymerase enzymes alone. Instead, the behavior of RNA polymerases during transcription initiation, elongation, and termination is regulated by accessory proteins that bind to the polymerase molecule. Bacterial σ proteins are historically thought of as transcription initiation factors primarily involved in promoter recognition. Here, we use light microscopy to directly observe the behavior of individual fluorescently labeled σ
70
subunits during transcript elongation by
Escherichia coli
RNA polymerase. We show that σ
70
can be retained on an RNA polymerase molecule throughout transcription and alters polymerase behavior during transcript elongation.
Mice plan decision strategies based on previously learned time intervals, locations, and probabilities
Authors: Tosun Tuğçe , Gür Ezgi , Balcı Fuat
Published: January 2016

Significance

A fundamental question is whether experience shapes appropriate behavior by selective reinforcement of that behavior or whether it instills knowledge of environmental parameters, which knowledge may then be deployed to direct behavior in novel situations. We initially trained mice on three different environmental parameters (time intervals, locations, and probabilities) and then confronted these mice for the first time with the situation that required them to combine and use these parameters to predict reward. Mice deployed this knowledge to inform an appropriate behavioral strategy. Their behavioral strategies appeared immediately and did not improve further. These results suggest that mice can directly apply their prior knowledge about time intervals, locations, and probabilities to their decisions without any need for trial and error.
KCC2 rescues functional deficits in human neurons derived from patients with Rett syndrome
Authors: Tang Xin , Kim Julie , Zhou Li , Wengert Eric , Zhang Lei , Wu Zheng , Carromeu Cassiano , Muotri Alysson R. , Marchetto Maria C. N. , Gage Fred H. , Chen Gong
Published: January 2016

Significance

Rett syndrome is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that currently has no cure. In this work, we demonstrate that human neurons derived from patients with Rett syndrome show a significant deficit in neuron-specific K
+
-Cl
−
cotransporter2 (KCC2) expression, resulting in a delayed GABA functional switch. Restoring KCC2 level rescues GABA functional deficits in Rett neurons. We further demonstrate that methyl CpG binding protein 2 regulates KCC2 expression through inhibiting RE1-silencing transcriptional factor. Our data suggest a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of Rett syndrome through modulation of KCC2.
Opposing roles for serotonin in cholinergic neurons of the ventral and dorsal striatum
Authors: Virk Michael S. , Sagi Yotam , Medrihan Lucian , Leung Jenny , Kaplitt Michael G. , Greengard Paul
Published: January 2016

Significance

The ventral striatum (vSt) and dorsal striatum (dSt) take part in different neuronal circuits that mediate emotional and motoric behaviors, respectively. vSt and dSt are populated by similar types of neurons, and little is known about the molecular differences between neurons of these regions. We report here that, in mice, serotonin [5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] oppositely regulates the excitability of cholinergic interneurons of the vSt and dSt. Postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors and presynaptic 5-HT1B receptors synergistically mediate inhibition of ACh release from cholinergic neurons of the vSt. Deletion of 5-HT1B from cholinergic neurons resulted in an impairment in hedonic, but not motoric behavior. The present results contribute to our understanding of the specific functional roles of these brain areas.
Sympathetic innervation controls homeostasis of neuromuscular junctions in health and disease
Authors: Khan Muzamil Majid , Lustrino Danilo , Silveira Willian A. , Wild Franziska , Straka Tatjana , Issop Yasmin , O’Connor Emily , Cox Dan , Reischl Markus , Marquardt Till , Labeit Dittmar , Labeit Siegfried , Benoit Evelyne , Molgó Jordi , Lochmüller Hanns , Witzemann Veit , Kettelhut Isis C. , Navegantes Luiz C. C. , Pozzan Tullio , Rudolf Rüdiger
Published: January 2016

Significance

The sympathetic nervous system regulates basic body functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and gland activities. Whereas hormone secretion from the adrenal medulla modulates these processes systemically, local and fast responses can be mediated by direct sympathetic innervation. Although many effects of the sympathetic system on skeletal muscle physiology and disease are known, direct sympathetic innervation targets in skeletal muscle have been scarcely studied. We investigated this aspect and found that neuromuscular junctions, the contact points between motor neurons and muscle fibers, are innervated by sympathetic neurons, which is of crucial importance for the integrity and function of nerve–muscle contact. Our findings help to understand and refine treatment of neuromuscular diseases, including myasthenic syndromes.
Activation of integrin α5 mediated by flow requires its translocation to membrane lipid rafts in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Fu Yi , Gu Mingxia , Zhang Lu , Li Dan , Li Hongliang , Chien Shu , Shyy John Y.-J. , Zhu Yi
Published: January 2016

Significance

This study reveals that atheroprone flow induces integrin α5 translocation into lipid rafts and hence activation to cause endothelial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, this mechanotransduction event leads to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Knockdown of integrin α5 ameliorated endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction in partially ligated carotid arteries of
Ldlr

−
/
−

mice. Furthermore, haploinsufficiency or functional inhibition of integrin α5 in mice improved EC function in the atheroprone area. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which atheroprone flow causes endothelial dysfunction that leads to vascular impairments such as atherosclerosis.
Evaluation of First Feeds for Larval Lost River Suckers
Authors: Barron James M , Twibell Ronald G , Gannam Ann L
Published: January 2016

The Lost River Sucker Deltistes luxatus is endemic to the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon and northern California. Population declines led to listing this species as endangered in 1988. Its native habitat has been greatly reduced and degraded putting their future in question. If this species is to be reared in captivity to prevent extinction, the development of culture methodologies is necessary. Successful initial feeding methods are one of the first areas of culture that need to be developed. Lost River Suckers begin feeding during the larval life stage. Larval fish often require live prey at the onset of feeding; however, it may be possible to start larvae on formulated microdiets. We investigated the use of live Artemia and two commercial microdiets (Hikari and Otohime brands) as first feeds over the course of a 41-d feeding trial. Starting on day 21 of the trial, feed sizes were increased, and the Artemia-fed fish were offered a commercial microdiet (Otohime) while being co-fed Artemia through day 26 of the trial (6 d cofeeding). After day 26 the Artemia-fed fish were only offered the microdiet. The response variables of total length, weight, survival, whole-body lipid content, and whole-body fatty acid profile were measured during and at termination of the trial. Fish grew significantly faster when started on Artemia and also displayed significantly higher survival compared with fish fed only commercial microdiets. Fish started on Artemia transitioned well to Otohime B1, and maintained 95.2% (SD, 2.2) survival over the 41-d feeding trial. The fatty acid profiles of the fish generally reflected the profiles of the diets they were fed. This study demonstrated that live Artemia followed by a transition to Otohime commercial feed is an effective feeding regimen for the duration of the larval phase of this species.
The Paradox of the Universal Triangle: Concepts, Language, and Prototypes
Authors: Lupyan Gary
Published: January 2016

For over 300 years, the humble triangle has served as the paradigmatic example of the problem of abstraction. How can we have the idea of a general triangle even though every experience with triangles is with specific ones? Classical cognitive science seemed to provide an answer in symbolic representation. With its easily enumerated necessary and sufficient conditions, the triangle would appear to be an ideal candidate for being represented in a symbolic form. I show that it is not. Across a variety of tasks—drawing, speeded recognition, unspeeded visual judgments, and inference—representations of triangles appear to be graded and context dependent. I show that using the category name “triangle” activates a more prototypical representation than using an arguably coextensive cue, “three-sided polygon”. For example, when asked to draw “triangles” people draw more typical triangles than when asked to draw “three-sided polygons”. Altogether, the results support the view that (even formal) concepts have a graded and flexible structure, which takes on a more prototypical and stable form when activated by category labels.
Mean curvature, volume and properness of isometric immersions
Authors: Gimeno Vicent , Palmer Vicente
Published: January 2016

We explore the relation among volume, curvature and properness of an

m
m

-dimensional isometric immersion in a Riemannian manifold. We show that, when the

L
p

L^p

-norm of the mean curvature vector is bounded for some

m
≤
p
≤
∞

m \leq p\leq \infty

, and the ambient manifold is a Riemannian manifold with bounded geometry, properness is equivalent to the finiteness of the volume of extrinsic balls. We also relate the total absolute curvature of a surface isometrically immersed in a Riemannian manifold with its properness. Finally, we relate the curvature and the topology of a complete and non-compact

2
2

-Riemannian manifold

M
M

with non-positive Gaussian curvature and finite topology, using the study of the focal points of the transverse Jacobi fields to a geodesic ray in

M
M

. In particular, we have explored the relation between the minimal focal distance of a geodesic ray and the total curvature of an end containing that geodesic ray.
Regional and Temporal Population Structure of Pseudoperonospora cubensis in Michigan and Ontario
Authors: Naegele R. P. , Quesada-Ocampo L. M. , Kurjan J. D. , Saude C. , Hausbeck M. K.
Published: January 2016

Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), caused by the oomycete pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating disease that affects cucurbit species worldwide. This obligate, wind-dispersed pathogen does not overwinter in Michigan or other northern regions and new isolates can enter the state throughout the growing season. To evaluate the regional and temporal population structure of P. cubensis, sporangia from CDM lesions were collected from cucurbit foliage grown in Michigan and Ontario field locations in 2011. Population structure and genetic diversity were assessed in 257 isolates using nine simple sequence repeat markers. Genetic diversity was high for isolates from Michigan and Canada (0.6627 and 0.6131, respectively). Five genetic clusters were detected and changes in population structure varied by site and sampling date within a growing season. The Michigan and Canada populations were significantly differentiated, and a unique genetic cluster was detected in Michigan.
Ventilation and the Response to Hypercapnia after Morphine in Opioid-naive and Opioid-tolerant Rats
Authors: Emery Michael J. , Groves Chase C. , Kruse Timothy N. , Shi Chen , Terman Gregory W.
Published: January 2016

AbstractAbstract

In morphine-sedated rats after chronic opioid administration, hypercapnic ventilatory response remained depressed despite gaining tolerance to morphine analgesia. This animal study suggests a possible increased risk of severe ventilatory depression in chronic opioid patients receiving sufficient opioid for postoperative analgesia.

Background

Opioid-related deaths are a leading cause of accidental death, with most occurring in patients receiving chronic pain therapy. Respiratory arrest is the usual cause of death, but mechanisms increasing that risk with increased length of treatment remain unclear. Repeated administration produces tolerance to opioid analgesia, prompting increased dosing, but depression of ventilation may not gain tolerance to the same degree. This study addresses differences in the degree to which chronic morphine (1) produces tolerance to ventilatory depression versus analgesia and (2) alters the magnitude and time course of ventilatory depression.

Methods

Juvenile rats received subcutaneous morphine for 3 days (n = 116) or vehicle control (n = 119) and were then tested on day 4 following one of a range of morphine doses for (a) analgesia by paw withdraw from heat or (b) respiratory parameters by plethysmography–respirometry.

Results

Rats receiving chronic morphine showed significant tolerance to morphine sedation and analgesia (five times increased ED50). When sedation was achieved for all animals in a dose group (lowest effective doses: opioid-tolerant, 15 mg/kg; opioid-naive, 3 mg/kg), the opioid-tolerant showed similar magnitudes of depressed ventilation (−41.4 ± 7.0%, mean ± SD) and hypercapnic response (−80.9 ± 15.7%) as found for morphine-naive (−35.5 ± 16.9% and −67.7 ± 15.1%, respectively). Ventilation recovered due to tidal volume without recovery of respiratory rate or hypercapnic sensitivity and more slowly in morphine-tolerant.

Conclusions

In rats, gaining tolerance to morphine analgesia does not reduce ventilatory depression effects when sedated and may inhibit recovery of ventilation.
Recasting the dynamic equilibrium model through a functional lens: the interplay of trait‐based community assembly and climate
Authors: Loranger Jessy , Violle Cyrille , Shipley Bill , Lavorel Sandra , Bonis Anne , Cruz Pablo , Louault Frédérique , Loucougaray Grégory , Mesléard François , Yavercovski Nicole , Garnier Éric
Published: January 2016

According to the dynamic equilibrium hypothesis (DEH), plant species richness is locally controlled by productivity and disturbance. Given that regional conditions widely affect local environmental variables such as soil nutrient availability, the DEH predictions could be improved by considering how climate influences local controls of species richness. Further, a trait‐based approach to community assembly has the potential to reveal a deeper, mechanistic understanding of species richness variation across environments. Here, we bring together DEH and trait‐based community assembly expectations to examine whether and how local relationships between diversity, disturbance and productivity are affected by habitat filtering and regional climate.

We specifically tested how gradients of local nutrient availability and disturbance intensity interact with climatic conditions to drive the species richness of grassland communities. Further, we recast the DEH through a functional lens by exploring how disturbance–diversity and nutrient availability–diversity relationships are shaped by the functional space occupied by species in a community and species packing within this functional space.

The functional space occupied by co‐occurring species and the way they are functionally packed are quantified using multi‐trait indices calculated with five core plant functional traits. Working with grassland communities spread across differing regional climatic conditions, we used mixed models to test whether the variation in taxonomic and functional metrics corresponded to the DEH predictions as well as to determine the relationship between those metrics.

Contrary to the expectations based on the relation between species richness and the functional components considered, taxonomic and functional metrics did not vary in accordance along environmental gradients. Climate strongly interacted with the local environment to modulate local diversity patterns, sometimes even inversing a given trend and falsifying the DEH predictions.

Synthesis. Our findings quantitatively highlight the interplay between regional and local environmental gradients in driving community assembly. We demonstrate that, depending on climatic conditions, observed patterns of both taxonomic and functional community composition can be opposite to expected productivity–diversity and disturbance–diversity relationships. This emphasizes the relevance of multifaceted studies of biodiversity and the need for a more systematic quantification of regional controls in community assembly studies.
Root functional parameters predict fine root decomposability at the community level
Authors: Prieto Iván , Stokes Alexia , Roumet Catherine
Published: January 2016

Root quality is one of the main drivers of fine root decomposition, an important process controlling soil carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in most terrestrial ecosystems. Root quality is defined by chemical and morphological traits, which differ across species and thus communities. This trait variation is assumed to follow a trade‐off between resource acquisition and conservation (i.e. the root economics spectrum). To what extent root quality or the economics spectrum influence fine root decomposition rates at the community level remains poorly understood, particularly within the context of land use change.

Changes in land use induce shifts in plant community composition, which also affect root distribution within the soil profile, resulting in changes in root quality. We hypothesize that at the community level, (i) root decomposability is driven by community root functional parameters (i.e. root traits measured at the community level), (ii) changes in root functional parameters among land use types and with soil depth translate into changes in root decomposability.

We collected shallow and deep fine roots (≤ 2 mm) from 20 plant communities across contrasting land use types in seven sites world‐wide, ranging from agricultural crops to natural forests and determined their decomposition rate in standard conditions. Fine root quality was related to known values of functional parameters for these communities, including specific root length (SRL), carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and lignin concentrations.

A combination of chemical functional parameters (lignin, C and N concentrations) best explained root decomposition rates at the community level, whereas root economics remained a poorer predictor of decomposability rates. Among land use gradients, roots from agricultural and agroforestry communities decomposed faster than roots from forest sites. Across and within plant communities, a consistently greater decomposability in shallow roots was observed. Both land use and depth effects were explained by changes in root chemical traits at the community level.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the conversion of plant communities from forests to agricultural lands leads to changes in root functional parameters that drastically increase root decomposition rates and may lead to major soil C losses, especially in shallow soil layers.
Changing Strategy Processes and Strategy Content in Public Sector Organizations? A Longitudinal Case Study of NPM Reforms’ Influence on Strategic Management
Authors: Hansen Jesper Rosenberg , Jacobsen Christian Bøtcher
Published: January 2016

New Public Management reforms have been argued to intensify the use of strategic management in public organizations, but there is a need to understand how reforms influence specific aspects such as strategy processes and strategy content. The NPM reforms are expected to formalize and professionalize strategy processes and strategy content towards greater competitiveness, but this may counter cooperation between organizations, which is essential in many areas for overall service provision. Research has provided little empirical knowledge about the simultaneous competition and cooperation in the public sector. This study offers such knowledge via a panel case study of five Danish upper secondary schools over a ten‐year period during a large NPM reform. The study includes three rounds of interviews with school principals before, during and after the reform, combined with secondary data. The study shows that, during reform implementation, strategy processes become more formalized and professionalized, and that teachers, in particular, lose influence. Regarding strategy content, the authors find an increase in external focus and competition, though schools maintain a focus on cooperation. The results suggest that NPM reforms can significantly change strategic management in public organizations, and that this is not necessarily at the expense of cooperation, at least in the short run.
Reliability of the Walker Cranial Nonmetric Method and Implications for Sex Estimation
Authors: Lewis Cheyenne J. , Garvin Heather M.
Published: January 2016

The cranial trait scoring method presented in Buikstra and Ubelaker (Standards for data collection from human skeletal remains. Fayetteville, AR: Arkansas Archeological Survey Research Series No. 44, 1994) and Walker (Am J Phys Anthropol, 136, 2008 and 39) is the most common nonmetric cranial sex estimation method utilized by physical and forensic anthropologists. As such, the reliability and accuracy of the method is vital to ensure its validity in forensic applications. In this study, inter‐ and intra‐observer error rates for the Walker scoring method were calculated using a sample of U.S. White and Black individuals (n = 135). Cohen's weighted kappas, intraclass correlation coefficients, and percentage agreements indicate good agreement between trials and observers for all traits except the mental eminence. Slight disagreement in scoring, however, was found to impact sex classifications, leading to lower accuracy rates than those published by Walker. Furthermore, experience does appear to impact trait scoring and sex classification. The use of revised population‐specific equations that avoid the mental eminence is highly recommended to minimize the potential for misclassifications.
Forensic Analysis of Human Autopsy Tissue for the Presence of Polydimethylsiloxane (Silicone) and Volatile Cyclic Siloxanes using Macro FT‐IR, FT‐IR Spectroscopic Imaging and Headspace GC‐MS
Authors: Lanzarotta Adam , Kelley Caroline Machal
Published: January 2016

This study describes effective and straightforward primary and secondary methods for the detection of silicone in human autopsy tissue. The primary method is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) specific and employs either macro‐attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FT‐IR) spectroscopy for samples with a high PDMS concentration (relative to that of the matrix) or micro‐FT‐IR spectroscopic imaging in a reflection/absorption modality for samples with a low PDMS concentration. Although the secondary method is not PDMS specific, it employs headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (HS/GC‐MS) for the detection of low molecular weight volatile cyclic siloxanes (VCS), which are characteristic marker compounds for PDMS. Overall, the combined results from the primary and secondary analyses provide reliable evidence for the presence of silicone.
A phase 1/2 study of carfilzomib in Japanese patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Tobinai Kensei , Matsumoto Morio , Suzuki Kenshi , Sunami Kazutaka , Ishida Tadao , Ando Kiyoshi , Chou Takaaki , Ozaki Shuji , Taniwaki Masafumi , Uike Naokuni , Shibayama Hirohiko , Hatake Kiyohiko , Izutsu Koji , Ishikawa Takayuki , Shumiya Yoshihisa , Kashihara Tomohisa , Iida Shinsuke
Published: January 2016

We conducted a phase 1/2 study of single‐agent carfilzomib in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of carfilzomib were examined in phase 1. The primary endpoint in phase 2 was the overall response rate (ORR). Carfilzomib was administered in a twice‐weekly, consecutive‐day dosing schedule. In Phase 1, doses of 15 or 20 mg/m2 were administered on this schedule or 20 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 2 of Cycle 1 and then 27 mg/m2 in the 20/27 mg/m2 cohort. Patients had a median of five prior therapies, including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent. The dose level did not reach the maximum tolerated dose. The most common adverse events were haematological. Notably, carfilzomib either induced new hypertension (n = 4) or aggravated previously existing hypertension (n = 6) in 10 of 50 patients. Four of the eight patients who previously experienced peripheral neuropathy (PN) experienced a recurrence with carfilzomib use, but no new cases of PN occurred. The ORR of the 20/27 mg/m2 40 patient cohort was similar to that in the pivotal US study. The dose was efficacious and tolerable in heavily pre‐treated Japanese patients; however, meticulous control of hypertension may be necessary for further carfilzomib use.
Reciprocity in group‐living animals: partner controlversuspartner choice
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Aureli Filippo
Published: January 2016

Reciprocity is probably the most debated of the evolutionary explanations for cooperation. Part of the confusion surrounding this debate stems from a failure to note that two different processes can result in reciprocity: partner control and partner choice. We suggest that the common observation that group‐living animals direct their cooperative behaviours preferentially to those individuals from which they receive most cooperation is to be interpreted as the result of the sum of the two separate processes of partner control and partner choice. We review evidence that partner choice is the prevalent process in primates and propose explanations for this pattern. We make predictions that highlight the need for studies that separate the effects of partner control and partner choice in a broader variety of group‐living taxa.
Prevalence of congenital limb defects: Data from birth defects registries in three provinces in Southern Thailand
Authors: Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Tangtrakulwanich Boonsin , Rachatawiriyakul Pornruedee , Sriplung Hutcha , Limpitikul Wannee , Dissaneevate Pathikan , Khunnarakpong Nattasit , Tantichantakarun Pongsak
Published: January 2016

This is the first population‐based study in Thailand on the prevalence of congenital limb defects (CLD). Data were obtained from recently established birth defects registries in three southern Thailand provinces during 2009–2013. Entries in the birth defects registries included live births, stillbirths after 24 weeks gestational age, and terminations of pregnancy following a prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomaly. The total of 186 393 births recorded included 424 CLD cases, giving an average prevalence of 2.27 per 1000 births (95% CI, 2.05–2.49). The most common CLD was talipes equinovarus (44.1%), followed by polydactyly (13.9%) and syndactyly (9.4%). The prevalence significantly increased with maternal age from 1.81 in mothers aged <30 years to 2.75 in mothers 30 to  < 35 years, and to 2.94 in mothers ≥35 years (P = 0.004). Overall 9.4% of the CLDs were syndromic CLD, again with significantly greater percentages in pregnant women aged ≥35 years than the non‐syndromic CLD (32.5% vs 17.5% respectively, P = 0.03). In conclusion, the overall prevalence of CLD in the 3 southern Thailand provinces examined was 2.27 per 1000 births, and syndromic CLD was significantly higher in pregnant women aged ≥35 years than younger pregnant women.
Compliance with enhanced recovery after surgery criteria and preoperative and postoperative counselling reduces length of hospital stay in colorectal surgery: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Forsmo H. M. , Pfeffer F. , Rasdal A. , Østgaard G. , Mohn A. C. , Körner H. , Erichsen C.
Published: January 2016

Aim

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare patients treated using a multimodal approach [enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)], with a special focus on counselling, to patients treated in a standard conventional care pathway, who underwent elective colorectal resection.

Method

In a single‐centre trial, adult patients eligible for open or laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomized to an ERAS programme or standard care. The primary end‐point was postoperative total hospital stay. Identical discharge criteria were defined for both treatment groups. Secondary end‐points included postoperative complications, postoperative C‐reactive protein levels, postoperative hospital stay, readmission rate and mortality. All parameters were recorded before operation, on the day of surgery and daily thereafter until discharge.

Results

Total hospital stay was significantly shorter among patients randomized to ERAS than among the standard group [median 5 days (range 2–50 days) vs median 8 days (range 2–48 days); P = 0.001]. The two treatment groups exhibited similar outcomes regarding overall major and minor morbidity, reoperation rate, readmission rate and 30‐day mortality. There were also no differences in tolerance of enteral nutrition or in the inflammatory response, as reflected by postoperative C‐reactive protein levels.

Conclusion

ERAS care was associated with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay. Without any difference in surgical or general complications, tolerance of enteral nutrition or postoperative C‐reactive protein levels, peri‐operative information and guidance for ensuring that patients comply with the ERAS approach appear to be important factors to reduce the length of hospital stay.
Review of the quality of total mesorectal excision does not improve the prediction of outcome
Authors: Demetter P. , Jouret‐Mourin A. , Silversmit G. , Vandendael T. , Sempoux C. , Hoorens A. , Nagy N. , Cuvelier C. , Van Damme N. , Penninckx F. ,   on behalf of PROCARE
Published: January 2016

Aim

A fair to moderate concordance in grading of the total mesorectal excision (TME) surgical specimen by local pathologists and a central review panel has been observed in the PROCARE (Project on Cancer of the Rectum) project. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the difference, if any, in the accuracy of predicting the oncological outcome through TME grading by local pathologists or by the review panel.

Method

The quality of the TME specimen was reviewed for 482 surgical specimens registered on a prospective database between 2006 and 2011. Patients with a Stage IV tumour, with unknown incidence date or without follow‐up information were excluded, resulting in a study population of 383 patients. Quality assessment of the specimen was based on three grades including mesorectal resection (MRR), intramesorectal resection (IMR) and muscularis propria resection (MPR). Using univariable Cox regression models, local and review panel histopathological gradings of the quality of TME were assessed as predictors of local recurrence, distant metastasis and disease‐free and overall survival. Differences in the predictions between local and review grading were determined.

Results

Resection planes were concordant in 215 (56.1%) specimens. Downgrading from MRR to MPR was noted in 23 (6.0%). There were no significant differences in the prediction error between the two models; local and central review TME grading predicted the outcome equally well.

Conclusion

Any difference in grading of the TME specimen between local histopathologists and the review panel had no significant impact on the prediction of oncological outcome for this patient cohort. Grading of the quality of TME as reported by local histopathologists can therefore be used for outcome analysis. Quality control of TME grading is not warranted provided the histopathologist is adequately trained.
Use of expert knowledge to elicit population trends for the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Adams‐Hosking Christine , McBride Marissa F. , Baxter Greg , Burgman Mark , de Villiers Deidre , Kavanagh Rodney , Lawler Ivan , Lunney Daniel , Melzer Alistair , Menkhorst Peter , Molsher Robyn , Moore Ben D. , Phalen David , Rhodes Jonathan R. , Todd Charles , Whisson Desley , McAlpine Clive A.
Published: January 2016

Aim

The koala is a widely distributed Australian marsupial with regional populations that are in rapid decline, are stable or have increased in size. This study examined whether it is possible to use expert elicitation to estimate abundance and trends of populations of this species. Diverse opinions exist about estimates of abundance and, consequently, the status of populations.

Location

Eastern and south‐eastern Australia

Methods

Using a structured, four‐step question format, a panel of 15 experts estimated population sizes of koalas and changes in those sizes for bioregions within four states. They provided their lowest plausible estimate, highest plausible estimate, best estimate and their degree of confidence that the true values were contained within these upper and lower estimates. We derived estimates of the mean population size of koalas and associated uncertainties for each bioregion and state.

Results

On the basis of estimates of mean population sizes for each bioregion and state, we estimated that the total number of koalas for Australia is 329,000 (range 144,000–605,000) with an estimated average decline of 24% over the past three generations and the next three generations. Estimated percentage of loss in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia was 53%, 26%, 14% and 3%, respectively.

Main conclusions

It was not necessary to achieve high levels of certainty or consensus among experts before making informed estimates. A quantitative, scientific method for deriving estimates of koala populations and trends was possible, in the absence of empirical data on abundances.
Conservation Biogeography of the Sahara‐Sahel: additional protected areas are needed to secure unique biodiversity
Authors: Brito José C. , Tarroso Pedro , Vale Cândida G. , Martínez‐Freiría Fernando , Boratyński Zbyszek , Campos João C. , Ferreira Sónia , Godinho Raquel , Gonçalves Duarte V. , Leite João V. , Lima Vanessa O. , Pereira Paulo , Santos Xavier , da Silva Maria J. Ferreira , Silva Teresa L. , Velo‐Antón Guillermo , Veríssimo Joana , Crochet Pierre‐André , Pleguezuelos Juan M. , Carvalho Sílvia B.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Identification of priority conservation areas and evaluation of coverage of the current protected areas are urgently needed to halt the biodiversity loss. Identifying regions combining similar environmental traits (climate regions) and species assemblages (biogroups) is needed for conserving the biodiversity patterns and processes. We identify climate regions and biogroups and map species diversity across the Sahara‐Sahel, a large geographical area that exhibits wide environmental heterogeneity and multiple species groups with distinct biogeographical affinities, and evaluate the coverage level of current network of protected areas for biodiversity conservation.

Location

Sahara‐Sahel, Africa.

Methods

We use spatially explicit climate data with the principal component analysis and model‐based clustering techniques to identify climate regions. We use distributions of 1147 terrestrial vertebrates (and of 125 Sahara‐Sahel endemics) and apply distance clustering methods to identify biogroups for both species groups. We apply reserve selection algorithms targeting 17% of species distribution, climate regions and biogroups to identify priority areas and gap analysis to assess their representation within the current protected areas.

Results

Seven climate regions were identified, mostly arranged as latitudinal belts. Concentrations of high species richness were found in the Sahel, but the central Sahara gathers most endemic and threatened species. Ten biogroups (five for endemics) were identified. A wide range of biogroups tend to overlap in specific climate regions. Identified priority areas are inadequately represented in protected areas, and six new top conservation areas are needed to achieve conservation targets.

Main conclusions

Biodiversity distribution in Sahara‐Sahel is spatially structured and apparently related to environmental variation. Although the majority of priority conservation areas are located outside the areas of intense human activities, many cross multiple political borders and require internationally coordinated efforts for implementation and management. Optimized biodiversity conservation solutions at regional scale are needed. Our work contradicts the general idea that deserts are uniform areas and provide options for the conservation of endangered species.
Waveform characterization of the soybean stem feeder Edessa meditabunda: overcoming the challenge of wiring pentatomids for EPG
Authors: Lucini T. , Panizzi A. R.
Published: January 2016

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are in general robust and restless insects, which makes them difficult to wire for electropenetrograph (EPG) studies. In addition, cuticular lipids may reduce wire effectiveness, and their removal could improve success of wiring. We compared wiring effectiveness for three species of stink bugs, differing in walking behaviour and degree of cuticular waxiness, that is, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood), Nezara viridula (L.), and Loxa deducta (Walker). Results indicated that removal of cuticular lipids by mechanical abrasion (via sanding) greatly improved attachment success with gold wire. Our hypothesis that heavier and bigger bugs would lose the wire attachment more quickly than lighter and smaller bugs was not confirmed, regardless of the sanding. In contrast, our hypothesis that greater movement of a bug would cause the wire to break more often was supported by extensive testing. Behaviour appears to be more relevant for successful wiring than body weight. We used the sanding and wiring technique to characterize and correlate direct current EPG waveforms for the large and restless stem‐feeding stink bug Edessa meditabunda (Fabricius) on soybean plants. This marks the first published example of pentatomid EPG waveforms. Edessa meditabunda recordings on soybean stems generated eight types of waveforms in three phases and two families, named as follows: non‐probing = Np and Z; pathway phase = Em1; X wave phase = X; ingestion phase, family I = Em2 and Em3; ingestion phase, family N = Em4 and Em5. These eight were described based on their frequencies, relative amplitudes, and level voltages. Histological studies of stylets within salivary sheaths correlated the Em1, Em2, and Em3 waveforms with specific penetration sites. The waveform with the longest duration when feeding was Em2, representing xylem sap ingestion; in addition, waveform Em3 (always preceded by an X wave) was correlated with phloem sap ingestion.
Consumptive and non‐consumptive effects of wolf spiders on cotton bollworms
Authors: Rendon Dalila , Whitehouse Mary E.A. , Taylor Phillip W.
Published: January 2016

Larvae of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that survive on genetically modified Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., Malvaceae) contribute to the risk of widespread resistance to Bt toxins. Current resistance management techniques include pupae busting, which involves deep tilling of the soil to kill overwintering pupae. Unfortunately, pupae busting runs counter to soil and water conserving techniques, such as minimum tillage. This problem could be relieved with biological control methods, whereby predators attack either larvae going to ground to pupate or moths emerging from the ground. We found that the wolf spider Tasmanicosa leuckartii (Thorell) (Araneae: Lycosidae), a common inhabitant of Australian cotton agroecosystems, is an effective predator of H. armigera, attacking and killing most larvae (66%) and emerging moths (77%) in simple laboratory arenas. Tasmanicosa leuckartii also reduced the number of emerging moths by 66% on average in more structurally complex glasshouse arenas. Males, females, and late‐instar juveniles of T. leuckartii were similarly effective. Tasmanicosa leuckartii also imposed non‐consumptive effects on H. armigera, as when a spider was present larvae in the laboratory areas spent less time on the cotton boll and more time on the soil and more mass was lost from the cotton boll. Increased loss of boll mass likely reflects changes in H. armigera foraging behavior induced by the presence of spiders (indirect non‐consumptive effects). Helicoverpa armigera spent more time as pupae when the spider was present in simple laboratory arenas, but not in more complex glasshouse enclosures. Overall, results indicate that T. leuckartii spiders can be effective predators of H. armigera late instars and moths but also suggest that, under some conditions, the presence of spiders could increase the damage to individual cotton bolls.
Aggregate stability and assessment of soil crustability and erodibility: I. Theory and methodology
Authors: Le Bissonnais Y.
Published: January 2016

Crusting and erosion of cultivated soils result from aggregate breakdown and the detachment of soil fragments by rain, and the susceptibility of soil to these processes is often inferred from measurements of aggregate stability. Here, theories of aggregate breakdown are reviewed and four main mechanisms (i.e. slaking, breakdown by differential swelling, mechanical breakdown by raindrop impact and physico‐chemical dispersion) are defined. Their relative importance depends on the nature of the rain, as well as on the soil's physical and chemical properties. The relations between aggregate breakdown, crusting and water erosion are analysed, and existing methods for the assessment of aggregate stability are reviewed. A unified framework for the measurement of aggregate stability is proposed to assess a soil's susceptibility to crusting and erosion. It combines three treatments having various wetting conditions and energies (fast wetting, slow wetting, and stirring after pre‐wetting) and measures the resulting fragment size distribution after each treatment. It is designed to compare different soils, or different climatic conditions for a given soil, not to compare time‐dependent changes in that soil.

Stabilité structurale et évaluation de la sensibilité des sols à la battance et à l'érosion: I: Théorie et méthologie

Résumé

La battance et l'érosion des sols cultivés résultent essentiellement de la désagrégation des mottes de terre et du détachement de fragments sous l'action des pluies. La mesure de la stabilité structurale est donc souvent utilisée pour évaluer la sensibilité des sols àla battance et àl'érosion hydrique. On peut distinguer quatre principaux mécanismes de désagrégation (l'éclatement, la désagrégation par gonflement différentiel, la désagrégation mécanique par l'impact des gouttes de pluie, la dispersion physico‐chimique) dont l'importance relative dépend des caractéristiques des pluies et des sols. Après un rappel sur ces mécanismes, cet article analyse leurs relations avec la battance et l'érosion puis décrit les caractéristiques des principales méthodes existant. On propose, à partir de cette analyse, un cadre méthodologique cohérent permettant d'évaluer la stabilité structurale des sols en relation avec la battance et l'érosion. La méthode combine trois traitements correspondant à différentes conditions d'humectation et différents niveaux d'énergie (humectation rapide par immersion, humectation lente par capillarité et agitation mécanique après préhumectation). La méthode est adaptée pour comparer le comportement intrinsèque de différents sols ou d'un sol donné dans différentes conditions climatiques, ainsi que pour tester l'influence de traitements ou amendements sur la stabilité structurale, mais pas pour tester les variations de stabilité dans le temps pour un sol donné.