bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projecting pest population dynamics under global warming: the combined effect of inter‐ and intra‐annual variations
Authors: Zidon Royi , Tsueda Hirotsugu , Morin Efrat , Morin Shai
Published: May 2016

The typical short generation length of insects makes their population dynamics highly sensitive not only to mean annual temperatures but also to their intra‐annual variations. To consider the combined effect of both thermal factors under global warming, we propose a modeling framework that links general circulation models (GCMs) with a stochastic weather generator and population dynamics models to predict species population responses to inter‐ and intra‐annual temperature changes. This framework was utilized to explore future changes in populations of Bemisia tabaci, an invasive insect pest‐species that affects multiple agricultural systems in the Mediterranean region. We considered three locations representing different pest status and climatic conditions: Montpellier (France), Seville (Spain), and Beit‐Jamal (Israel). We produced ensembles of local daily temperature realizations representing current and future (mid‐21st century) climatic conditions under two emission scenarios for the three locations. Our simulations predicted a significant increase in the average number of annual generations and in population size, and a significant lengthening of the growing season in all three locations. A negative effect was found only in Seville for the summer season, where future temperatures lead to a reduction in population size. High variability in population size was observed between years with similar annual mean temperatures, suggesting a strong effect of intra‐annual temperature variation. Critical periods were from late spring to late summer in Montpellier and from late winter to early summer in Seville and Beit‐Jamal. Although our analysis suggested that earlier seasonal activity does not necessarily lead to increased populations load unless an additional generation is produced, it is highly likely that the insect will become a significant pest of open‐fields at Mediterranean latitudes above 40° during the next 50 years. Our simulations also implied that current predictions based on mean temperature anomalies are relatively conservative and it is better to apply stochastic tools to resolve complex responses to climate change while taking natural variability into account. In summary, we propose a modeling framework capable of determining distinct intra‐annual temperature patterns leading to large or small population sizes, for pest risk assessment and management planning of both natural and agricultural ecosystems.
Comparison of solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence, light‐use efficiency, and process‐based GPP models in maize
Authors: Wagle Pradeep , Zhang Yongguang , Jin Cui , Xiao Xiangming
Published: May 2016

Accurately quantifying cropland gross primary production (GPP) is of great importance to monitor cropland status and carbon budgets. Satellite‐based light‐use efficiency (LUE) models and process‐based terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) have been widely used to quantify cropland GPP at different scales in past decades. However, model estimates of GPP are still subject to large uncertainties, especially for croplands. More recently, space‐borne solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) has shown the ability to monitor photosynthesis from space, providing new insights into actual photosynthesis monitoring. In this study, we examined the potential of SIF data to describe maize phenology and evaluated three GPP modeling approaches (space‐borne SIF retrievals, a LUE‐based vegetation photosynthesis model [VPM], and a process‐based soil canopy observation of photochemistry and energy flux [SCOPE] model constrained by SIF) at a maize (Zea mays L.) site in Mead, Nebraska, USA. The result shows that SIF captured the seasonal variations (particularly during the early and late growing season) of tower‐derived GPP (GPP_EC) much better than did satellite‐based vegetation indices (enhanced vegetation index [EVI] and land surface water index [LSWI]). Consequently, SIF was strongly correlated with GPP_EC than were EVI and LSWI. Evaluation of GPP estimates against GPP_EC during the growing season demonstrated that all three modeling approaches provided reasonable estimates of maize GPP, with Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) of 0.97, 0.94, and 0.93 for the SCOPE, VPM, and SIF models, respectively. The SCOPE model provided the best simulation of maize GPP when SIF observations were incorporated through optimizing the key parameter of maximum carboxylation capacity (Vcmax). Our results illustrate the potential of SIF data to offer an additional way to investigate the seasonality of photosynthetic activity, to constrain process‐based models for improving GPP estimates, and to reasonably estimate GPP by integrating SIF and GPP_EC data without dependency on climate inputs and satellite‐based vegetation indices.
Model selection and assessment for multi‐species occupancy models
Authors: Broms Kristin M. , Hooten Mevin B. , Fitzpatrick Ryan M.
Published: May 2016

While multi‐species occupancy models (MSOMs) are emerging as a popular method for analyzing biodiversity data, formal checking and validation approaches for this class of models have lagged behind. Concurrent with the rise in application of MSOMs among ecologists, a quiet regime shift is occurring in Bayesian statistics where predictive model comparison approaches are experiencing a resurgence. Unlike single‐species occupancy models that use integrated likelihoods, MSOMs are usually couched in a Bayesian framework and contain multiple levels. Standard model checking and selection methods are often unreliable in this setting and there is only limited guidance in the ecological literature for this class of models. We examined several different contemporary Bayesian hierarchical approaches for checking and validating MSOMs and applied these methods to a freshwater aquatic study system in Colorado, USA, to better understand the diversity and distributions of plains fishes. Our findings indicated distinct differences among model selection approaches, with cross‐validation techniques performing the best in terms of prediction.
Grazer diversity interacts with biogenic habitat heterogeneity to accelerate intertidal algal succession
Authors: Whalen Matthew A. , Aquilino Kristin M. , Stachowicz John J.
Published: May 2016

Environmental heterogeneity contributes to coexistence by allowing species with different traits to persist when different species perform best at different times or places. This interaction between niche differences and environmental variability may also help explain relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, but few data are available to rigorously evaluate this hypothesis. We assessed how a biologically relevant aspect of environmental heterogeneity interacts with species diversity to determine ecosystem processes in a natural rocky intertidal community. We used field removals to factorially manipulate biogenic habitat heterogeneity (barnacles, bare rock, and plots that were 50/50 mixes of the two habitat types) and gastropod grazer species richness and then tracked algal community succession and recovery over the course of 1 yr. We found that herbivore diversity, substrate heterogeneity, and their interaction played unique roles in the peak abundance and timing of occurrence of different algal functional groups. Early successional microalgae were most heavily grazed in diverse herbivore assemblages and those with barnacles present, which was likely due to complementary feeding strategies among all three grazers. In contrast, late successional macroalgae were strongly influenced by the presence of a habitat generalist limpet. In this herbivore's absence, heterogeneous habitats (i.e., mixtures of bare rock and barnacles) experienced the greatest algal accumulation, which was partly a result of complementary habitat use by the remaining herbivores. The complex way habitat identity and heterogeneity altered grazer‐algal interactions in our study suggests species’ differences and environmental heterogeneity both separately and interactively contribute to the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Nipped in the bud: mesograzer feeding preference contributes to kelp decline
Authors: O'Brien John M. , Scheibling Robert E.
Published: May 2016

Small invertebrate grazers can disproportionately reduce plant fitness by discriminately consuming valuable tissues, but the context and attendant consequences of this activity at higher levels of ecological organization rarely are considered. To assess the impact of a gastropod mesograzer Lacuna vincta on fecundity and potential reproductive output of the habitat‐forming kelp Saccharina latissima, we measured the intensity and distribution of grazing damage on kelp blades at five sites of varying kelp density, during the annual reproductive peak (October–November) in Nova Scotia. We found most grazing damage on reproductive individuals consisted of superficial excavations, and was concentrated on the central sorus (region where sporangia develop) compared to the vegetative blade margins. Grazing intensity on sori (percent grazed) averaged 29.6% across sites and sampling periods. The distribution of grazing on non‐reproductive individuals was opposite to that of reproductive ones, indicating that snails shift feeding from blade margins to the center as sori develop. Choice and no‐choice feeding assays in the laboratory revealed that focused grazing on sori is likely due to an active feeding preference for sporogenous over vegetative tissue. This preference was correlated with the distribution of chemical defense between tissues (phlorotannin content was ~2.5 times higher in vegetative tissue than sori), but not nutritional quality (no difference in C/N ratio). We deduce, with support from histological observations, that consumption of sorus tissue by L. vincta reduces fecundity of S. latissima. Extrapolating our results to estimate potential reproductive output within kelp beds suggests that spore supply and recruitment limitation may be predominantly imposed by the scarcity of reproductive individuals in the most degraded kelp beds. However, loss of reproductive output to grazing could extend recruitment limitations that impede recovery of waning kelp populations in Nova Scotia.
A framework for inferring biological communities from environmental DNA
Authors: Shelton Andrew Olaf , O'Donnell James Lawrence , Samhouri Jameal F. , Lowell Natalie , Williams Gregory D. , Kelly Ryan P.
Published: May 2016

Environmental DNA (eDNA), genetic material recovered from an environmental medium such as soil, water, or feces, reflects the membership of the ecological community present in the sampled environment. As such, eDNA is a potentially rich source of data for basic ecology, conservation, and management, because it offers the prospect of quantitatively reconstructing whole ecological communities from easily obtained samples. However, like all sampling methods, eDNA sequencing is subject to methodological limitations that can generate biased descriptions of ecological communities. Here, we demonstrate parallels between eDNA sampling and traditional sampling techniques, and use these parallels to offer a statistical structure for framing the challenges faced by eDNA and for illuminating the gaps in our current knowledge. Although the current state of knowledge on some of these steps precludes a full estimate of biomass for each taxon in a sampled eDNA community, we provide a map that illustrates potential methods for bridging these gaps. Additionally, we use an original data set to estimate the relative abundances of taxon‐specific template DNA prior to PCR, given the abundance of DNA sequences recovered post‐PCR‐and‐sequencing, a critical step in the chain of eDNA inference. While we focus on the use of eDNA samples to determine the relative abundance of taxa within a community, our approach also applies to single‐taxon applications (including applications using qPCR), studies of diversity, and studies focused on occurrence. By grounding inferences about eDNA community composition in a rigorous statistical framework, and by making these inferences explicit, we hope to improve the inferential potential for the emerging field of community‐level eDNA analysis.
Threshold effect of habitat loss on bat richness in cerrado‐forest landscapes
Authors: Muylaert Renata L. , Stevens Richard D. , Ribeiro Milton C.
Published: May 2016

Understanding how animal groups respond to contemporary habitat loss and fragmentation is essential for development of strategies for species conservation. Until now, there has been no consensus about how landscape degradation affects the diversity and distribution of Neotropical bats. Some studies demonstrate population declines and species loss in impacted areas, although the magnitude and generality of these effects on bat community structure are unclear. Empirical fragmentation thresholds predict an accentuated drop in biodiversity, and species richness in particular, when less than 30% of the original amount of habitat in the landscape remains. In this study, we tested whether bat species richness demonstrates this threshold response, based on 48 sites distributed across 12 landscapes with 9–88% remaining forest in Brazilian cerrado‐forest formations. We also examined the degree to which abundance was similarly affected within four different feeding guilds. The threshold value for richness, below which bat diversity declines precipitously, was estimated at 47% of remaining forest. To verify if the response of bat abundance to habitat loss differed among feeding guilds, we used a model selection approach based on Akaike's information criterion. Models accounted for the amount of riparian forest, semideciduous forest, cerrado, tree plantations, secondary forest, and the total amount of forest in the landscape. We demonstrate a nonlinear effect of the contribution of tree plantations to frugivores, and a positive effect of the amount of cerrado to nectarivores and animalivores, the groups that responded most to decreases in amount of forest. We suggest that bat assemblages in interior Atlantic Forest and cerrado regions of southeastern Brazil are impoverished, since we found lower richness and abundance of different groups in landscapes with lower amounts of forest. The relatively higher threshold value of 47% suggests that bat communities have a relatively lower resistance to habitat degradation than other animal groups. Accordingly, conservation and restoration strategies should focus on increasing the amount of native vegetation of landscapes so as to enhance species richness of bats.
Litter chemistry and chemical diversity drive ecosystem processes in forest ponds
Authors: Stoler Aaron B. , Burke David J. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: May 2016

Research suggests that a positive relationship exists between diversity and ecological function, yet the multi‐trophic effects of biodiversity remain poorly understood. The resource complementarity hypothesis suggests that increasing the trait diversity of resources provides a more complete diet for consumers, elevating consumer feeding rates. Whereas previous tests of this mechanism have measured trait diversity as the variation of single traits or the richness of functional groups, we employed a multivariate trait index to manipulate the chemical diversity of temperate tree litter species in outdoor pond mesocosms. We inoculated outdoor mesocosms with diverse and multi‐trophic communities of microbial and macro‐consumer species that rely on leaf litter for energy and nutrients. Litter was provided at three levels of chemical trait diversity, a constant level of species richness, and an equal representation of all litter species. Over three months, we measured more than 65 responses, and assessed the effects of litter chemical diversity and chemical trait means (i.e., community‐weighted means). We found that litter chemical diversity positively correlated with decomposition rate of leaf litter, but had no effect on biomass or density of producers and consumers. However, the pond communities often responded to chemical trait means, particularly those related to nutrients, structure, and defense. Our results suggest that resource complementarity does have some effect on the release of energy and nutrients from decomposing substrates in forest ponds, but does not have multi‐trophic effects. Our results further suggest that loss of tree biodiversity could affect forest ecosystem functionality, and particularly the processes occurring in and around ponds and wetlands.
Species sorting along a subsidy gradient alters bacterial community stability
Authors: Muscarella Mario E. , Jones Stuart E. , Lennon Jay T.
Published: May 2016

The movement of resources between terrestrial and aquatic habitats has strong effects on ecological processes in recipient ecosystems. Allochthonous inputs modify the quality and quantity of the available resource pool in ways that may alter the composition and stability of recipient communities. Inputs of terrestrial dissolved organic carbon (tDOC) into aquatic ecosystems represent a large influx of resources that has the potential to affect local communities, especially microorganisms. To evaluate the effects of terrestrial inputs on aquatic bacterial community composition and stability, we manipulated the supply rate oftDOCto a set of experimental ponds. Along thetDOCsupply gradient, we measured changes in diversity and taxon‐specific changes in relative abundance and activity. We then determined community stability by perturbing each pond using a pulse of inorganic nutrients and measuring changes in composition and activity (i.e., responsiveness) along the gradient. TerrestrialDOCsupply significantly altered the composition of the active bacterial community. The composition of the active bacterial community changed via decreases in richness and evenness as well as taxon‐specific changes in relative abundance and activity indicating species sorting along the gradient. Likewise, the responsiveness of the active bacterial community decreased along the gradient, which led to a more stable active community. We did not, however, observe these changes in diversity and stability in the total community (i.e., active and inactive organisms), which suggests thattDOCsupply modifies bacterial community stability through functional not structural changes.Together, these results show that altered aquatic terrestrial linkages can have profound effects on the activity and stability of the base of the food web and thus can alter ecosystem functioning.
Evaluating harvest‐based control of invasive fish with telemetry: performance of sea lamprey traps in the Great Lakes
Authors: Holbrook Christopher M. , Bergstedt Roger A. , Barber Jessica , Bravener Gale A. , Jones Michael L. , Krueger Charles C.
Published: May 2016

Physical removal (e.g., harvest via traps or nets) of mature individuals may be a cost‐effective or socially acceptable alternative to chemical control strategies for invasive species, but requires knowledge of the spatial distribution of a population over time. We used acoustic telemetry to determine the current and possible future role of traps to control and assess invasive sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, in the St. Marys River, the connecting channel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Exploitation rates (i.e., fractions of an adult sea lamprey population removed by traps) at two upstream locations were compared among three years and two points of entry to the system. Telemetry receivers throughout the drainage allowed trap performance (exploitation rate) to be partitioned into two components: proportion of migrating sea lampreys that visited trap sites (availability) and proportion of available sea lampreys that were caught by traps (local trap efficiency). Estimated exploitation rates were well below those needed to provide population control in the absence of lampricides and were limited by availability and local trap efficiency. Local trap efficiency estimates for acoustic‐tagged sea lampreys were lower than analogous estimates regularly obtained using traditional mark–recapture methods, suggesting that abundance had been previously underestimated. Results suggested major changes would be required to substantially increase catch, including improvements to existing traps, installation of new traps, or other modifications to attract and retain more sea lampreys. This case study also shows how bias associated with telemetry tags can be estimated and incorporated in models to improve inferences about parameters that are directly relevant to fishery management.
Utilización de las proteínas séricas y caseínas como suplementos dietéticos para la prolongación del efecto de saciedad en mujeres obesas
Authors: Reyna Nadia , Moreno-Rojas Rafael , Mendoza Laura , Parra Karla , Linares Sergia , Reyna Eduardo , Cámara-Martos Fernando
Published: May 2016

Se estudió el consumo de tres tipos de suplementos, proteínas del lactosuero, caseínas y maltodextrinas (control) en la disminución de la ingesta energética y prolongación del efecto de saciedad de 60 mujeres obesas. Después de 10 semanas, la reducción del peso corporal, IMC, % de grasa corporal y circunferencia de la cintura fue significativamente mayor (p < 0,001) en el grupo que consumió las proteínas lactoséricas frente a los otros dos grupos (control y caseínas). También se observa un descenso en la ingesta energética de -383 kcal/día en las mujeres que consumieron las proteínas de lactosuero frente a un descenso de -144 kcal/día en el grupo de caseínas y de tan solo -70 kcal/día en el grupo control. Finalmente la regulación del efecto de saciedad mediante escala visual analógica fue también más efectiva en el caso de las proteínasséricas, que en el caso de las caseínas y maltodextrinas.
Revisores 2015
Authors: De Redacción Comité
Published: May 2016

Revisores 2015
Community water fluoridation predicts increase in age-adjusted incidence and prevalence of diabetes in 22 states from 2005 and 2010
Authors: Fluegge Kyle
Published: May 2016

Community water fluoridation is considered a significant public health achievement of the 20th century. In this paper, the hypothesis that added water fluoridation has contributed to diabetes incidence and prevalence in the United States was investigated. Panel data from publicly available sources were used with population-averaged models to test the associations of added and natural fluoride on the outcomes at the county level in 22 states for the years 2005 and 2010. The findings suggest that a 1 mg increase in the county mean added fluoride significantly positively predicts a 0.23 per 1,000 person increase in age-adjusted diabetes incidence (P < 0.001), and a 0.17% increase in age-adjusted diabetes prevalence percent (P < 0.001), while natural fluoride concentration is significantly protective. For counties using fluorosilicic acid as the chemical additive, both outcomes were lower: by 0.45 per 1,000 persons (P < 0.001) and 0.33% (P < 0.001), respectively. These findings are adjusted for county-level and time-varying changes in per capita tap water consumption, poverty, year, population density, age-adjusted obesity and physical inactivity, and mean number of years since water fluoridation started. Sensitivity analyses revealed robust effects for both types of fluoride. Community water fluoridation is associated with epidemiological outcomes for diabetes.
Benzotriazole Enrichment in Snowmelt Discharge Emanating from Engineered Snow Storage Facilities
Authors: Alvey Josh K. , Hagedorn Birgit , Dotson Aaron
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT: 

Snowpacks in urban environments can retain a high load of anthropogenic contaminants that, upon melting, can deliver concentrated contaminant pulses into the aquatic environment. In climates with an extended period of snowfall accumulation, such as in Anchorage, Alaska, contaminant amplification within meltwater may affect aquatic ecosystem health. A spatiotemporal study of benzotriazoles on snow, meltwater and soils was performed in association with three urban snow disposal facilities. Benzotriazole elution from engineered snow disposal sites behaved similarly to inorganic salt and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) during the initial melt period, with maximum concentrations between 2.23‐7.39 μg/L; similar enrichment was observed in creeks. Assays of disposal site soils revealed the presence of tolytriazole. Furthermore, using fluorescence spectroscopy and PARAFAC analysis, a modeled component representative of benzotriazoles was identified, a possible indicator of anthropogenic input rather than a unique indicator for benzotriazole compounds.
The Acute-Phase Protein Orosomucoid Regulates Food Intake and Energy Homeostasis via Leptin Receptor Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sun Yang , Yang Yili , Qin Zhen , Cai Jinya , Guo Xiuming , Tang Yun , Wan Jingjing , Su Ding-Feng , Liu Xia
Published: May 2016

The acute-phase protein orosomucoid (ORM) exhibits a variety of activities in vitro and in vivo, notably modulation of immunity and transportation of drugs. We found in this study that mice lacking ORM1 displayed aberrant energy homeostasis characterized by increased body weight and fat mass. Further investigation found that ORM, predominantly ORM1, is significantly elevated in sera, liver, and adipose tissues from the mice with high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity and db/db mice that develop obesity spontaneously due to mutation in the leptin receptor (LepR). Intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of exogenous ORM decreased food intake in C57BL/6, HFD, and leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, which was absent in db/db mice and was significantly reduced in mice with arcuate nucleus (ARC) LepR knockdown, whereas enforced expression of ORM1 in ARC significantly decreased food intake, body weight, and serum insulin level. Furthermore, we found that ORM is able to bind directly to LepR and activate the receptor-mediated JAK2–STAT3 signaling in hypothalamus tissue and GT1-7 cells, which was derived from hypothalamic tumor. These data indicated that ORM could function through LepR to regulate food intake and energy homeostasis in response to nutrition status. Modulating the expression of ORM is a novel strategy for the management of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Selective Insulin Resistance and the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases in Diabetes: The 2015 Edwin Bierman Award Lecture
Authors: King George L. , Park Kyoungmin , Li Qian
Published: May 2016

Th e Edwin Bierman Award Lecture is presented in honor of the memory of Edwin L. Bierman, MD, an exemplary scientist, mentor, and leader in the field of diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. The award and lecture recognizes a leading scientist in the field of macrovascular complications and contributing risk factors in diabetes. George L. King, MD, of the Section of Vascular Cell Biology and Complications, Dianne Nunnally Hoppes Laboratory for Diabetes Complications, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, received the prestigious award at the American Diabetes Association’s 75th Scientific Sessions, 5–9 June 2015, in Boston, MA. He presented the Edwin Bierman Award Lecture, “Selective Insulin Resistance and the Development of Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes,” on Sunday, 7 June 2015.

This review is focused on the factors and potential mechanisms that are causing various cardiovascular pathologies. In diabetes, insulin’s actions on the endothelium and other vascular cells have significant influence on systemic metabolisms and the development of cardiovascular pathologies. Our studies showed that insulin receptors on the endothelium are important for insulin transport across the endothelial barrier and mediate insulin’s actions in muscle, heart, fat, and the brain. Insulin actions on the vascular cells are mediated by two pathways involving the actions of either IRS/PI3K/Akt or Grb/Shc/MAPK. Insulin’s activation of IRS/PI3K/Akt results in mostly antiatherogenic actions, as this pathway induces activation of eNOS, the expressions of HO-1 and VEGF, and the reduction of VCAM-1. In contrast, insulin’s activation of the Grb/Shc/MAPK pathway mediates the expressions of ET-1 and PAI-1 and migration and proliferation of contractile cells, which have proatherogenic actions. Elevated levels of glucose, free fatty acids, and inflammatory cytokines due to diabetes and insulin resistance selectively inhibit insulin’s antiatherogenic actions via the IRS/PI3K/Akt pathway. This review provides evidence to support the importance of insulin actions in preventing cardiovascular pathology that can be selectively inhibited via the IRS/PI3K/Akt cascade in diabetes.
Identifying Barriers to Appropriate Use of Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: Policy Lab Results
Authors: Rubin Jennifer K. , Hinrichs-Krapels Saba , Hesketh Rachel , Martin Adam , Herman William H. , Rubino Francesco
Published: May 2016

Despite increasing recognition of the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of bariatric/metabolic surgery in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, few patients who may be appropriate candidates and may benefit from this type of surgery avail themselves of this treatment option. To identify conceptual and practical barriers to appropriate use of surgical procedures, a Policy Lab was hosted at the 3rd World Congress on Interventional Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes on 29 September 2015. Twenty-six stakeholders participated in the Policy Lab, including academics, clinicians, policy-makers, industry leaders, and patient representatives. Participants were provided with a summary of available evidence about the cost-effectiveness of bariatric/metabolic surgery and the costs of increasing the use of bariatric/metabolic surgery, using U.K. and U.S. scenarios as examples of distinct health care systems. There was widespread agreement among this group of stakeholders that bariatric/metabolic surgery is a legitimate and cost-effective approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. The following four building blocks were identified to facilitate policy changes: 1) communicating the scale of the costs and harms associated with rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes; 2) properly articulating the role of bariatric/metabolic surgery for certain population groups; 3) identifying new funding sources for bariatric/metabolic surgery; and 4) incorporating bariatric/metabolic surgery into the appropriate clinical pathways. Although more research is needed to identify specific clinical scenarios for the prioritization of bariatric/metabolic surgery, the case appears to be strong enough to engage relevant policy-makers and practitioners in a concerted discussion of how to better use metabolic surgical resources in conjunction with other interventions in good diabetes practice.
Prandial Options to Advance Basal Insulin Glargine Therapy: Testing Lixisenatide Plus Basal Insulin Versus Insulin Glulisine Either as Basal-Plus or Basal-Bolus in Type 2 Diabetes: The GetGoal Duo-2 Trial
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Guerci Bruno , Hanefeld Markolf , Gentile Sandro , Aronson Ronnie , Tinahones Francisco J. , Roy-Duval Christine , Souhami Elisabeth , Wardecki Marek , Ye Jenny , Perfetti Riccardo , Heller Simon
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based options on how to intensify basal insulin, we explored head-to-head prandial interventions in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin glargine with or without 1–3 oral antidiabetic agents (OADs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients were randomized to lixisenatide once daily or insulin glulisine given once or thrice daily, added to glargine, with or without metformin, if HbA1c remained ≥7 to ≤9% (≥53 to ≤75 mmol/mol) after 12 weeks of glargine optimization with OADs other than metformin stopped at the start of optimization. Coprimary end points at 26 weeks were 1) noninferiority (95% CI upper bound <0.4% [<4.4 mmol/mol]) in HbA1c reduction with lixisenatide versus glulisine once daily, and either 2a) noninferiority in HbA1c reduction for lixisenatide versus glulisine thrice daily or 2b) superiority in body weight change for lixisenatide versus glulisine thrice daily. Fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, composite efficacy/safety end points, and adverse events were also assessed.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between arms (n = 298, diabetes and basal insulin duration of 12.2 and 3.2 years, respectively; BMI 32.2 kg/m2). HbA1c improved from 8.5% to 7.9% (69 to 63 mmol/mol) with glargine optimization and further to 7.2%, 7.2%, and 7.0% (55, 55, and 53 mmol/mol) with lixisenatide and glulisine once daily and thrice daily, respectively; all coprimary end points were met. Symptomatic hypoglycemia and body weight were lower in lixisenatide versus glulisine patients. More gastrointestinal events occurred with lixisenatide.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as add-on to basal insulin may become a preferred treatment intensification option, attaining meaningful glycemic targets with fewer hypoglycemic events without weight gain versus basal-plus or basal-bolus in uncontrolled basal insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated With Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Referred for Clinically Indicated 24-Hour Holter Monitoring
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Rigamonti Antonio , Bonapace Stefano , Bolzan Bruna , Pernigo Matteo , Morani Giovanni , Franceschini Lorenzo , Bergamini Corinna , Bertolini Lorenzo , Valbusa Filippo , Rigolon Riccardo , Pichiri Isabella , Zoppini Giacomo , Bonora Enzo , Violi Francesco , Targher Giovanni
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have suggested that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of heart rate–corrected QT interval prolongation and atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Currently, no data exist regarding the relationship between NAFLD and ventricular arrhythmias in this patient population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 330 outpatients with type 2 diabetes without preexisting atrial fibrillation, end-stage renal disease, or known liver diseases who had undergone 24-h Holter monitoring for clinical reasons between 2013 and 2015. Ventricular arrhythmias were defined as the presence of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), >30 premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) per hour, or both. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Compared with patients without NAFLD, those with NAFLD (n = 238, 72%) had a significantly higher prevalence of >30 PVCs/h (19.3% vs. 6.5%, P < 0.005), nonsustained VT (14.7% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.005), or both (27.3% vs. 9.8%, P < 0.001). NAFLD was associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.47 [95% CI 1.65–7.30], P < 0.001). This association remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, serum γ-glutamyltransferase levels, medication use, and left ventricular ejection fraction (adjusted OR 3.01 [95% CI 1.26–7.17], P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first observational study to show that NAFLD is independently associated with an increased risk of prevalent ventricular arrhythmias in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy with or without clinically significant macular edema: The influencing factors
Authors: Suwal Barsha , Shrestha Jeevan Kumar , Joshi Sagun Narayan , Sharma Ananda Kumar
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is the commonest micro vascular complication in patients with diabetes and remains a leading cause of blindness in people of working age group. Objective: to determine the prevalence of clinically significant macular edema (CSME) and the influence of systemic risk factors Materials and methods: It is a hospital based comparative study conducted in 220 eyes of 110 diabetic patients. DR was graded according to International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale and CSME was defined according to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) system. The patients were grouped as 1) CSME group (DR and CSME in one or both eyes) and 2) Non- CSME group(CSME in none of the eyes but with any grade of DR).Level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), serum total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and urine for albumin were studied in both groups. Results: CSME was present in 36% of 110 patients. Poor glycemic control and high total cholesterol level showed positive association with CSME (p<0.05). LDL and TG levels were higher and HDL lower in CSME group. However, no statistical significance was found. Conclusion: The CSME is significantly associated with poorer glycemic control and elevated total cholesterol level.
Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) without the use of sutures/fibrin glue
Authors: Agrawal Ajai , Pratap V B
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has been used for a wide variety of ocular surface problems. Current techniques for the AMT involve suturing of the graft or patch over the ocular surface or use of fibrin glue.Objective: To describe a new sutureless technique of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) without the use of sutures/fibrin glue.Materials and methods: Amniotic membrane transplantation as overlay or patch was done in fourteen eyes of eight patients with severe dry eye due to Stevens Johnson syndrome for ocular surface reconstruction, promotion of epithelization, reduction of inflammation and symptomatic relief from dry eye. In this new technique of amniotic membrane transplantation, we mount the amniotic membrane with its epithelial side up on a conformer & place it on the ocular surface without applying any sutures.Conclusion: In all the fourteen eyes of eight patients operated at our centre, the amniotic membrane take up was satisfactory, with significant reduction of inflammation and symptomatic relief from dry eye. This is a simple, fast effective technique with surgical outcomes comparable to amniotic membrane transplantation using sutures/ fibrin glue.
Unilateral visual loss due to central retinal artery occlusion with total ophthalmoplegia following cervical spine surgery in prone position
Authors: Raj Amit , Arya Sudesh Kumar , Sood Sunandan
Published: May 2016

Background: Blindness after spinal surgery is a rare complication, but it is serious, irreversible and incurable. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is rare after spinal surgery and ophthalmoplegia is even rarer. Case: A 52-year-old male patient complained of loss of vision in right eye immediately after cervical spine surgery. On examination, the patient’s visual acuity in right eye was absent perception of light. Right eye pupil was dialated and relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) was present. Extraocular movements were absent in all gazes in right eye. Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) was 26 mmHg in right eye and 16 mmHg in the left. Posterior segment examination revealed blurred disc margin with ischemic whitening of retina, thin and attenuated retinal arterioles and a central cherry red spot in right eye. Left eye was essentially normal. Observations: The causal factors of blindness in the patient were likely ischemia of the retina after venous congestion or temporary arterial occlusion resulting from changes in pressure to the tissues of the orbit. Factors including prolonged prone positioning with head end dependent position and possibility of orbital compression by the headrest could have contributed to impaired venous drainage, increase in IOP and reduction in perfusion pressure. Conclusion: Loss of vision post spinal surgery is a rarest of complication yet grave and irreversible. Because the problem involves mainly prone positioning of the patient, an appropriate position should be found so that facial and ocular compression can be avoided.
Penetrating ocular fish hook injury: a case report
Authors: Chakraborti Chandana , Mukhopadhya Udayaditya , Mazumder Dayal Bandhu , Tripathi Partha , Samanta Swapan Kumar
Published: May 2016

Background: Fishing is a popular rural recreational activity. Fortunately, penetrating ocular injuries with fish hooks are rare. These injuries are usually caused by fish hook prongs penetrating the ocular tissues. We report a rare case of penetrating fish hook injury to the globe and its successful surgical management.Case: A 12- year-old female child was referred to the causality with a fish hook embedded in her right eye. She sustained the injury while fishing with her father. The fish hook had penetrated the globe obliquely. The hook was removed via its entrance wound under general anesthesia. Subsequently the child developed traumatic cataract which was operated with a final visual outcome of 6/12. Conclusion: Visual prognosis can be profoundly affected by the initial management. Prompt surgical intervention as done in our case is recommended to prevent significant visual loss.
The Illusion of Better Living: Comparative Analysis of Prefab Housing Estates with the Contemporary Realizations in Cracow
Authors: Poklewski-Koziell Damian
Published: May 2016

The disadvantages of the construction system based on prefabricated elements are commonly known. These include the low standard of finish, high energy consumption, and what Jan Gehl especially points out, a lack of life between the buildings. However, we must not forget that the housing of that period was based upon the principles of modernism, which appealed to elementary human needs in terms of space, light and greenery. This article attempt to answer the question as to whether the authors of the housing estates built in Cracow have, for the last 25 years, drawn the right conclusions from the previous years? Have they managed to reject the ‘wrong’ and continued with the ‘right’ solutions? And most importantly, has there been a general improvement in the quality of the living space?
The Oligopeptide Permease Opp Mediates Illicit Transport of the Bacterial P-site Decoding Inhibitor GE81112
Authors: Maio Alessandro , Brandi Letizia , Donadio Stefano , Gualerzi Claudio
Published: May 2016

GE81112 is a tetrapeptide antibiotic that binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit and specifically inhibits P-site decoding of the mRNA initiation codon by the fMet-tRNA anticodon. GE81112 displays excellent microbiological activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in both minimal and complete, chemically defined, broth, but is essentially inactive in complete complex media. This is due to the presence of peptides that compete with the antibiotic for the oligopeptide permease system (Opp) responsible for its illicit transport into the bacterial cells as demonstrated in the cases of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Mutations that inactivate the Opp system and confer GE81112 resistance arise spontaneously with a frequency of ca. 1 × 10−6, similar to that of the mutants resistant to tri-l-ornithine, a known Opp substrate. On the contrary, cells expressing extrachromosomal copies of the opp genes are extremely sensitive to GE81112 in rich medium and GE81112-resistant mutations affecting the molecular target of the antibiotic were not detected upon examining >109 cells of this type. However, some mutations introduced in the 16S rRNA to confer kasugamycin resistance were found to reduce the sensitivity of the cells to GE81112.
Metrics for Polyphonic Sound Event Detection
Authors: Mesaros Annamaria , Heittola Toni , Virtanen Tuomas
Published: May 2016

This paper presents and discusses various metrics proposed for evaluation of polyphonic sound event detection systems used in realistic situations where there are typically multiple sound sources active simultaneously. The system output in this case contains overlapping events, marked as multiple sounds detected as being active at the same time. The polyphonic system output requires a suitable procedure for evaluation against a reference. Metrics from neighboring fields such as speech recognition and speaker diarization can be used, but they need to be partially redefined to deal with the overlapping events. We present a review of the most common metrics in the field and the way they are adapted and interpreted in the polyphonic case. We discuss segment-based and event-based definitions of each metric and explain the consequences of instance-based and class-based averaging using a case study. In parallel, we provide a toolbox containing implementations of presented metrics.
Drivers of Acceptance of a New Beverage in Europe
Authors: Silva Ana , Franco Maria , Mady Cissé , Pallet Dominique , Tomlins Keith , Bennett Ben , Pintado Manuela , Sottomayor Miguel
Published: May 2016

One of the challenges of studying food consumption behavior is to identify the drivers of choice for a food product. This is particularly important to design and develop new foods for which no previous information is available. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Bissap) is an herbaceous plant and an important source of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which confer a number of potential health benefits to derived products. The consumption of Bissap in beverage form is widespread in Africa and Asia, but not yet in Europe. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main drivers of consumer acceptance of a traditional African beverage made from Bissap to which they had not been previously exposed. First, three focus groups (n = 22) were performed in Portugal to characterize the sensory profile of four Bissap beverages, to reveal perceptions and attitudes towards Bissap beverages, and to identify potential choice attributes. Subsequently, a full-profile conjoint analysis (n = 99) was performed, where consumers evaluated 37 Bissap beverage profiles, aiming to estimate choice attribute importance and to identify relevant market segments. Focus group findings showed that consumers would choose Bissap because they perceived as a healthy choice, and due to its novelty. The conjoint study showed an ideal profile for a Bissap beverage costing €0.99/L, <18 kcal/100 mL, packaged in Tetra-pack, light red color, and containing labeling information about antioxidants and Bissap. Four clusters of consumers were identified: price sensitive, body concerned, packaging attracted, and demanding, highlighting the most influential choice attributes: price, calories, and packaging. Findings provide useful guidance for new product development of an African product in the European lifestyle. Results might be useful from a nutraceutical point of view and to the food/beverages industry.
A Simplified Technique for Implant-Abutment Level Impression after Soft Tissue Adaptation around Provisional Restoration
Authors: Kutkut Ahmad , Abu-Hammad Osama , Frazer Robert
Published: May 2016

Impression techniques for implant restorations can be implant level or abutment level impressions with open tray or closed tray techniques. Conventional implant-abutment level impression techniques are predictable for maximizing esthetic outcomes. Restoration of the implant traditionally requires the use of the metal or plastic impression copings, analogs, and laboratory components. Simplifying the dental implant restoration by reducing armamentarium through incorporating conventional techniques used daily for crowns and bridges will allow more general dentists to restore implants in their practices. The demonstrated technique is useful when modifications to implant abutments are required to correct the angulation of malpositioned implants. This technique utilizes conventional crown and bridge impression techniques. As an added benefit, it reduces costs by utilizing techniques used daily for crowns and bridges. The aim of this report is to describe a simplified conventional impression technique for custom abutments and modified prefabricated solid abutments for definitive restorations.