bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of DNA barcoding as a tool for the conservation biogeography of subtropical forests in China
Authors: Liu Juan , Yan Hai‐Fei , Newmaster Steven G. , Pei Nancai , Ragupathy Subramanyam , Ge Xue‐Jun
Published: November 2014

Aim

Rapid and accurate species identification is the foundation for biodiversity assessment. DNA barcoding has been shown to be an effective tool to overcome the taxonomic impediment to facilitate biodiversity conservation in temperate forests. However, this tool has rarely been considered for use in tropical forests. This study aims to investigate the utility and species resolution of DNA barcoding in a subtropical region.

Location

The Dinghushan National Nature Reserve (DNNR) in China.

Methods

A DNA barcoding database was constructed for 531 trees present in the DNNR. We used a phylogenetic method (neighbour‐joining trees) and sequence similarity (all‐to‐all BLASTn searches) to evaluate the utility and species resolution of five DNA barcode regions (rbcL, matK, ITS, ITS2 and trnH‐psbA), both singly and in combinations of two or three region.

Results

The combination of rbcL + matK + ITS had the highest species resolution (94.19%). However, when considering the difficulty of sequence recoverability, rbcL + ITS2 performed best (64.64%). Species resolution for large genera containing more than two species was substantially lower than that for small genera with one and two species per genus. Local small spatial scales (1‐ha quadrats) resulted in moderately improved species resolution (70.82% for rbcL + ITS2) compared to larger spatial scales (20 and 1133 ha). We document incongruent signals between nuclear and cpDNA regions and the challenges associated with barcoding large genera inherent to subtropical floras.

Main conclusions

This study considerably expands the global DNA barcode database for subtropical trees. Based on cost‐effectiveness and the trade‐off between sequence recovery and species resolution, we suggest that the rbcL + ITS2 barcode combination is an effective tool for documenting plant diversity in the DNNR. This study also sheds some light on the limitations and challenges for the application of barcoding to conservation biogeography in subtropical forests.
Representing taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity: new challenges forMediterranean marine‐protected areas
Authors: Guilhaumon François , Albouy Camille , Claudet Joachim , Velez Laure , Ben Rais Lasram Frida , Tomasini Jean‐Antoine , Douzery Emmanuel J. P. , Meynard Christine N. , Mouquet Nicolas , Troussellier Marc , Araújo Miguel B. , Mouillot David
Published: November 2014

Aim

To assess gaps in the representation of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity among coastal fishes inMediterranean marine‐protected areas (MPAs).

Location

MediterraneanSea.

Methods

We first assessed gaps in the taxonomic representation of the 340 coastal fish species inMediterraneanMPAs, with representation targets (the species range proportion to be covered byMPAs) set to be inversely proportional to species' range sizes. We then asked whetherMPAs favoured representation of phylogenetically and functionally more distinct species or whether there was a tendency to favour less distinctive ones. We finally evaluated the overall conservation effectiveness of theMPAs using a metric that integrates species' phylogenetic and functional relationships and targets achievement. The effectiveness of theMPAsystem at protecting biodiversity was assessed by comparison of its achievements against a null model obtained by siting currentMPAs at random over the study area.

Results

Among the coastal fish species analysed, 16 species were not covered by anyMPA. All the remaining species only partially achieved the pre‐defined representation target. The currentMPAsystem missed fewer species than expected from sitingMPAs at random. However,c. 70% of the species did not achieve better protection in the currentMPAs than expected from sitingMPAs at random. Functional and evolutionary distinctiveness were weakly correlated with target achievement. The observed coverage of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity was not different or lower than expected from sitingMPAs at random.

Main conclusions

TheMediterraneanMPAsystem falls short in meeting conservation targets for coastal fish taxonomic diversity, phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity.MediterraneanMPAs do not encompass more biodiversity than expected by chance. This study reveals multiple ongoing challenges and calls for regional collaboration for the extension of theMediterranean system ofMPAs to meet international commitments and reduce the ongoing loss of marine biodiversity.
Jet Length/Velocity Ratio: A New Index for Echocardiographic Evaluation of Chronic Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: Güvenç Tolga Sinan , Karaçimen Denizhan , Erer Hatice Betül , İlhan Erkan , Sayar Nurten , Karakuş Gültekin , Çekirdekçi Elif , Eren Mehmet
Published: November 2014

Background

Management of aortic regurgitation depends on the assessment for severity. Echocardiography remains as the most widely available tool for evaluation of aortic regurgitation. In this manuscript, we describe a novel parameter, jet length/velocity ratio, for the diagnosis of severe aortic regurgitation.

Methods and Results

A total of 30 patients with aortic regurgitation were included to this study. Severity of aortic regurgitation was assessed with an aortic regurgitation index incorporating five echocardiographic parameters. Jet length/velocity ratio is calculated as the ratio of maximum jet penetrance to mean velocity of regurgitant flow. Jet length/velocity ratio was significantly higher in patients with severe aortic regurgitation (2.03 ± 0.53) compared to patients with less than severe aortic regurgitation (1.24 ± 0.32, P < 0.001). Correlation of jet length/velocity ratio with aortic regurgitation index was very good (r2 = 0.86) and correlation coefficient was higher for jet length/velocity ratio compared to vena contracta, jet width/LVOT ratio and pressure half time. For a cutoff value of 1.61, jet length/velocity ratio had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 88%, with an AUC value of 0.955.

Conclusions

Jet length/velocity ratio is a novel parameter that can be used to assess severity of chronic aortic regurgitation. Main limitation for usage of this novel parameter is jet impringement to left ventricular wall.
Relation of Epicardial Fat Thickness to the Severity of Heart Failure in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tabakci Mehmet Mustafa , Durmuş Halil İbrahim , Avci Anil , Toprak Cuneyt , Demir Serdar , Arslantaş Uğur , Cerşit Sinan , Fidan Serdar , Kulahçioğlu Şeyhmus , Batgerel Ulaankhuu , Kargin Ramazan
Published: November 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to assess whether epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is associated with the severity of heart failure in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICMP).

Methods

The study group was composed of 93 patients with NICMP and38 age‐ and sex‐matched healty individuals as the control group. The EFT was identified during end‐systole at the point on the free wall of the right ventricle.

Results

Patients with NICMP had significantly lower mean EFT than those in the control group (4.1 ± 0.8 vs. 6.1 ± 1.8 mm, P < 0.001). EFT was thinnest in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV (3.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between EFT, left ventricle EF (r = 0.540 P < 0.001), and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (r = −0.695, P < 0.001) values in patients with NICMP. In addition, when EFT was corrected for BMI, EFT/BMI was lower in patients with NYHA functional class III–IV than patients with NYHA class I–II and control group (0.13 ± 0.01, 0.16 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.04, respectively; P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between EFT/BMI, left ventricle EF (r = 0.489, P < 0.001), and BNP (r = −0.549, P < 0.001) in patients with NICMP. In multivariate regression analysis, EFT (P = 0.009), BNP (P = 0.039), and left atrium volume index (P = 0.039) were independently associated with impaired functional status.

Conclusion

Echocardiographic EFT is an inexpensive, simple, and readily available marker that may be used to asses the severity of chronic heart failure in patients with NICMP.
Is Real Time Contrast Echocardiography Useful for Assessment of the Right Ventricular Morphology, Function, and Perfusion?
Authors: Kamińska Marta , Sobkowicz Bożena , Sawicki Robert , Lewkowicz Janina , Tomaszuk‐Kazberuk Anna , Glińska Renata , Musiał Włodzimierz J.
Published: November 2014

Background

Contrast‐enhanced echocardiography (CE) is recommended to assess left ventricular function and perfusion but is rarely used to assess the right ventricle (RV). We used CE to assess RV function and perfusion and evaluated whether RV perfusion defects varied in different patient groups with RV failure due to pressure overload.

Methods

We studied 17 patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), 19 patients with chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension (CPH), and 7 healthy volunteers. The examination included RV opacification (RVO) and myocardial CE. RV end‐diastolic area (RVEDA), RV end‐systolic area (RVESA), fractional area change (FAC), and wall‐motion score index (WMSI) were assessed before and after contrast agent administration. Perfusion was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively.

Results

RVEDA, RVESA, FAC, and regional contractility were comparable before and after contrast agent injection. Significant perfusion defects were seen in PE and CPH (18/39 segments and 37/51 segments, respectively, vs. 0/21 segments in healthy volunteers; P < 0.0001). Wall‐perfusion score index (WPSI) was higher in PE and CPH compared to healthy volunteers (1.5 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.0; P = 0.02 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Linear correlations were noted between WMSI, FAC and WPSI (r = 0.5, P = 0.014 and r = −0.55, P = 0.005, respectively). Quantitative perfusion assessment revealed perfusion defects in the apical segment in the PE group. The mean region of interest value was insignificantly reduced in PE and CPH groups.

Conclusion

Contrast‐enhanced echocardiography is feasible and may be useful for RVO and perfusion assessment in patients with RV dysfunction due to systolic overload. The SonoVue contrast agent was well tolerated by stable patients with PE and CPH.
Transcriptomic responses to emamectin benzoate in Pacific and Atlantic Canada salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis with differing levels of drug resistance
Authors: Sutherland Ben J. G. , Poley Jordan D. , Igboeli Okechukwu O. , Jantzen Johanna R. , Fast Mark D. , Koop Ben F. , Jones Simon R. M.
Published: November 2014

Salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis are an ecologically and economically important parasite of wild and farmed salmon. In Scotland, Norway, and Eastern Canada, L. salmonis have developed resistance to emamectin benzoate (EMB), one of the few parasiticides available for salmon lice. Drug resistance mechanisms can be complex, potentially differing among populations and involving multiple genes with additive effects (i.e., polygenic resistance). Indicators of resistance development may enable early detection and countermeasures to avoid the spread of resistance. Here, we collect sensitive Pacific L. salmonis and sensitive and resistant Atlantic L. salmonis from salmon farms, propagate in laboratory (F1), expose to EMB in bioassays, and evaluate either baseline (Atlantic only) or induced transcriptomic differences between populations. In all populations, induced responses were minor and a cellular stress response was not identified. Pacific lice did not upregulate any genes in response to EMB, but downregulated degradative enzymes and transport proteins at 50 ppb EMB. Baseline differences between sensitive and now resistant Atlantic lice were much greater than responses to exposures. All resistant lice overexpressed degradative enzymes, and resistant males, the most resistant group, overexpressed collagenases to the greatest extent. These results indicate an accumulation of baseline expression differences related to resistance.
Response to commentary by Woinarski (Critical‐weight‐range marsupials in northern Australia are declining: a commentary on Fisher et al. (2014) ‘The current decline of tropical marsupials in Australia: is history repeating?’)
Authors: Fisher Diana O. , Johnson Chris N. , Lawes Michael J. , Fritz Susanne A. , McCallum Hamish , Blomberg Simon P. , VanDerWal Jeremy , Abbott Brett , Frank Anke , Legge Sarah , Letnic Mike , Thomas Colette R. , Fisher Alaric , Gordon Iain J. , Kutt Alex
Published: November 2014

The recent commentary by Woinarski (2014, Global Ecology and Biogeography, doi: 10.1111/geb.12165) disagreed with our conclusions on the correlates of decline in the marsupials of tropical Australia (Fisher et al., 2014, Global Ecology and Biogeography, 23, 181–190). We compared traits of species that were associated with range decline in southern and northern Australia. We found that habitat structure, climate and body size were correlated with range decline. In the north, declines of marsupials were most severe in savanna with moderate rainfall. In the south, the ranges of species in open habitat with very low rainfall have declined most. Also, the association between range decline and body mass differed between north and south: this is the main concern of Woinarski, who further disagreed with our choice of the Tropic of Capricorn as a boundary between north and south, our omission of rodents, how to treat timing of extinctions, and our inference that cats are major drivers of decline. We address these concerns in this response.
SiC Products Formed by Slip Casting Method
Authors: Gubernat Agnieszka , Zych Łukasz , Wierzba Wiktoria
Published: November 2014

The paper presents results of research designed to obtain a dense silicon carbide materials shaped by slip casting of aqueous suspensions. Aluminum oxide and yttrium oxide were used as sintering additives in a weight ratio of 3:2 in an amount of 10% by mass relative to the dry weight. The slip was electrostatically stabilized by adjusting pH. Measurement of the zeta potential as a function of pH and viscosity tests as a function of pH and volume fraction of the solid phase allowed for making selection of the suspension parameters, such as the solid volume loading (30%) and pH of ~ 8.5. Results of these investigations confirmed that it is possible to produce pseudoplastic slips suitable for slip casting. The increase in the strength of green bodies, allowing for their green processing, was obtained by addition of a commercial acrylic binder. SiC casts were sintered at 2050°C, which led to materials with high density and fine, homogeneous microstructure. The fracture toughness test revealed a positive effect of the sintering additives on KIc of the material, increasing its value to approximately 5 MPa·m1/2.
Frequencies of allele groups HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 in a population from the northwestern region of São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Ayo C. M. , da Silveira Camargo A. V. , Xavier D. H. , Batista M. F. , Carneiro O. A. , Brandão de Mattos C. C. , Ricci O. , de Mattos L. C.
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to estimate the HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 allele groups frequencies in a population of 1559 volunteer bone marrow donors from the northwestern region of São Paulo State grouped according to ethnicity. An additional objective was to compare the allele frequencies of the current study with data published for other Brazilian populations. The allele groups were characterized by the PCR‐rSSO method using Luminex® technology. Twenty HLA‐A, 32 HLA‐B and 13 HLA‐DRB1 allele groups were identified. The most common allele groups in European descent and mixed African and European descent samples were HLA‐A*02, HLA‐B*35 and HLA‐DRB1*13, while HLA‐A*02, HLA‐B*35 and HLA‐DRB1*11 were more common in African descent samples. The HLA‐A*23, HLA‐A*36, HLA‐B*58 and HLA‐B*81 allele groups were more common in sample from African descent than European descent, and the HLA‐DRB1*08 was more common in mixed African and European descent than in European descent. Allele group frequencies were compared with samples from other Brazilian regions. The HLA‐A*30 and HLA‐A*23 were more common in this study than in the populations of Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná; and the HLA‐A*01, HLA‐B*18, HLA‐B*57 and HLA‐DRB1*11 were more common in this study than in the population of Piauí. The least frequent allele groups were HLA‐A*31, HLA‐B*15, HLA‐B*40 and HLA‐DRB1*08 for the population of Piauí, HLA‐A*01 and HLA‐A*11 for Parana, HLA‐A*02 and ‐A*03 for Rio Grande do Sul and HLA‐DRB1*04 for Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Piauí. These data provide an overview on the knowledge on HLA diversity in the population of the northwestern region of São Paulo State and show that the genes of this system are useful to distinguish different ethnic groups.
Performance analysis of newly developed point‐of‐care hemoglobinometer (TrueHb) against an automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex XT 1800i) in terms of precision in hemoglobin measurement
Authors: Srivastava A. , Koul V. , Dwivedi S. N. , Upadhyaya A. D. , Ahuja A. , Saxena R.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the newly developed handheld hemoglobinmeter (TrueHb) by comparing its performance against and an automated five‐part hematology analyzer, Sysmex counter XT 1800i (Sysmex).

Methods

Two hundred venous blood samples were subjected through their total hemoglobin evaluation on each device three times. The average of the three readings on each device was considered as their respective device values, that is, TrueHb values and Sysmex values. The two set of values were comparatively analyzed. The repeatability of the performance of TrueHb was also evaluated against Sysmex values.

Results

The scatter plot of TrueHb values and Sysmex values showed linear distribution with positive correlations (r = 0.99). The intraclass correlation (ICC) values between the two set of values was found to be 0.995. Regression coefficients through origin, β, was found to be 0.995, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging between 0.9900 and 1.0000. The mean difference in Bland–Altman plots of TrueHb values against the Sysmex values was found to be −0.02, with limits of agreement between ‐0.777 and 0.732 g/dL. Statistical analysis suggested good repeatability in results of TrueHb, having a low mean CV of 2.22, against 4.44, that of Sysmex values, and 95% confidence interval of 1.99–2.44, against 3.85–5.03, that of Sysmex values.

Conclusion

These results suggested a strong positive correlation between the two measurements devices. It is thus concluded that TrueHb is a good point‐of‐care testing tool for estimating hemoglobin.
Sunda to Sahul dispersals in Trichosanthes (Cucurbitaceae): a dated phylogeny reveals five independent dispersal events to Australasia
Authors: de Boer Hugo J. , Steffen Karin , Cooper Wendy E.
Published: November 2014

Aim

The Cucurbitaceae genus Trichosanthes is widespread in Asia and Australia, and previous studies have shown that the genus originated in Asia, and that three independent lineages dispersed through the Sunda archipelago to Australasia. The timing and routes of these three dispersals, as well as the dispersal of two widespread species found in Australia and New Guinea, were investigated.

Location

Sunda–Sahul dispersals with a focus on New Guinea and Australia.

Methods

A combined dataset of nuclear ribosomal (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2) and plastid DNA (matK, ndhF, rpl20–rps12, rps16) was used for maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis to infer the relationships of the studied taxa. A fossil‐calibrated molecular dating was used to time the dispersal events, and a biogeographical analysis was used to study the origin and dispersal of the genus.

Results

The two widespread species, T. pilosa and T. cucumerina, form monophyletic groups in Australia, suggesting single dispersals. Molecular dating analysis dates four of the dispersal events to the Miocene, and two to the Oligo‐Miocene boundary and the initial Sahul shelf collision with the Philippine plate. Most known Sahul–Philippine dispersals concern species that migrated from the Sahul shelf, whereas dispersals south are fewer. Southward Miocene dispersals include species that were present on the Sunda shelf before the tectonic formation of the Makassar Straits. All lineages that dispersed to Australasia have undergone extensive diversification following dispersal. Lineages adapted to wet tropical climates have speciated mostly in New Guinea, and lineages adapted to monsoon tropical climates have speciated mostly in northern Australia.

Main conclusions

Dispersals in Trichosanthes pre‐date human colonization of Australasia, suggesting natural long‐distance dispersal and establishment of all lineages. Diversification within lineages found in both Australia and New Guinea is limited, corroborating frequent land connections between these areas during the Pleistocene. Sunda–Sahul dispersals are likely to have been more common through time than previously suggested, especially in genera with floating fruit such as Trichosanthes.
A tree well travelled: global genetic structure of the invasive tree Acacia saligna
Authors: Thompson Genevieve D. , Bellstedt Dirk U. , Richardson David M. , Wilson John R. U. , Le Roux Johannes J.
Published: November 2014

Aim

Invasiveness of an introduced species in one region is often used to predict risk and inform management of the same species elsewhere. This assumes that entities in both regions are equivalent in their ecology and response to management. However, intraspecific genetic variation can result in differences in performance between regions. We conducted population genetic and phylogeographic analyses of the widely introduced and intraspecifically diverse Australian tree species Acacia saligna, in order to improve our understanding of its worldwide invasion history.

Location

The native range of A. saligna in Western Australia and introduced ranges in eastern Australia, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the USA.

Methods

We analysed microsatellite genotype data obtained from 447 individuals of A. saligna (including reference populations of known subspecies lineages) using Bayesian assignment analysis. We also reconstructed parsimony networks and a phylogeny using data from the nuclear external transcribed spacer (ETS) gene region for a subset of 120 individuals.

Results

There was no consistent genetic pattern in introduced populations in different parts of the world. All three subspecies lineages of A. saligna have been moved around the world, showing high levels of admixture in some introduced populations. A previously identified novel and cultivated South African lineage was also identified in Portugal and Italy.

Main conclusions

With different subspecies lineages present in different regions globally, it is unclear exactly how effective management approaches of invasions in one region will be in other regions. For example, the successful biological control agents against cultivated lineages of A. saligna in South Africa will probably be effective against similar genotypes in Portugal but not against dissimilar lineages present elsewhere. Further work is needed to conclusively link the relative extent of invasions to genetic differences, and to determine whether genetic novelty can explain the widespread invasions of A. saligna observed in South Africa and Portugal.
Evolutionary priority effects in New Zealand alpine plants across environmental gradients
Authors: Leopold Devin R. , Tanentzap Andrew J. , Lee William G. , Heenan Peter B. , Fukami Tadashi
Published: November 2014

Aim

Priority effects, in which the order and timing of species arrival influence community assembly, are thought to be stronger in less stressful environments, reflecting increased competition, but this hypothesis has rarely been examined over evolutionary time. Here, we test the hypothesis using an island community of alpine plants.

Location

Murchison Mountains, South Island, New Zealand.

Methods

Lineage age data for 14 monophyletic New Zealand alpine plant genera, with stem ages ranging from 2 to 17 Ma, were paired with species presence and abundance data in 261 plots, covering nearly 400 km2. The relationships between lineage age and the relative abundance and richness of focal genera across elevation (800–1620 m) and precipitation (2500–5000 mm yr−1) gradients were investigated using linear models in a Bayesian framework.

Results

The relative abundance of focal genera increased with lineage age, but this effect was weaker at higher elevation and precipitation, where plants are likely to have experienced more stressful conditions. The relative richness of focal genera increased at a consistent rate despite significant changes in overall richness of focal genera across both elevation and precipitation gradients.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that priority effects, on a time‐scale of millions of years and involving significant evolutionary change, influence community assembly, leading to increased dominance of older lineages, but that the strength of these effects may vary with environmental conditions. Environmental gradients correlated with abiotic stress, such as elevation in alpine systems, may be particularly important for predicting the strength of both ecological and evolutionary priority effects.
A Cross‐Disciplinary Examination of Firm Orientations’ Performance Outcomes: The Role of Supply Chain Flexibility
Authors: Gligor David M.
Published: November 2014

Although market orientation (MO) has long been considered an important business philosophy, the examination of MO outside the firm's boundaries has been rather limited. To address this, this study explores how supply chain orientation and operational flexibility (FLX) facilitate the implementation of MO. Although the positive impact of MO on firm performance has been well established, this study highlights that such benefits are enhanced by the development of supply chain related capabilities. Results indicate that market‐oriented firms are more likely to realize the strategic importance of managing the supply chain when operating under conditions of high environmental munificence, dynamism, and complexity. This provides a better understanding of the complex relationship between the demand and supply sides of the firm. This study highlights the importance of marketing theory and concepts to supply chain management scholars, and vice versa. This further accentuates the importance of eliminating the disconnect between supply and demand‐management processes, also described as the “Great Divide” (Drucker 1973; Esper et al. 2010a,b). A number of key managerial implications are offered as well.
Telomere length attrition and chronic periodontitis: an ARIC Study nested case–control study
Authors: Sanders Anne E. , Divaris Kimon , Naorungroj Supawadee , Heiss Gerardo , Risques Rosa A.
Published: November 2014

Aim

This nested case–control study sought to determine whether an accelerated rate of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) shortening over 6 years was associated with chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

We sampled cases (n = 178) with severe chronic periodontitis and controls (n = 178) with no/mild chronic periodontitis from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Controls were frequency‐matched to cases by study site, age, sex and race. Age ranged from 53 to 73 years. Severe chronic periodontitis was defined using the CDC‐AAP case classification. LTL was measured from DNA collected at two time points, 6 years apart, with quantitative polymerase chain reaction relative to a single‐copy control gene. Multiple linear regression evaluated associations between LTL measured at baseline, follow‐up and change scores with severe chronic periodontitis, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Cases had shorter LTL than controls at baseline (p = 0.03) and follow‐up (p = 0.04) after adjusting for confounding. Overall there was a net reduction in LTL over time (p = 0.02). The rate of LTL did not differ between cases and controls (p = 0.80).

Conclusions

Leukocyte telomere length shortening occurred at the same rate among adults with and without severe chronic periodontitis. This suggests that LTL shortening may have occurred earlier in the life course.
Coinfection and the evolution of drug resistance
Authors: Hansen J. , Day T.
Published: November 2014

Recent experimental work in the rodent malaria model has shown that when two or more strains share a host, there is competitive release of drug‐resistant strains upon treatment. In other words, the propagule output of a particular strain is repressed when competing with other strains and increases upon the removal of this competition. This within‐host effect is predicted to have an important impact on the evolution and growth of resistant strains. However, how this effect translates to epidemiological parameters at the between‐host level, the level at which disease and resistance spread, has yet to be determined. Here we present a general, between‐host epidemiological model that explicitly takes into account the effect of coinfection and competitive release. Although our model does show that when there is coinfection competitive release may contribute to the emergence of resistance, it also highlights an additional between‐host effect. It is the combination of these two effects, the between‐host effect and the within‐host effect, that determines the overall influence of coinfection on the emergence of resistance. Therefore, even when competitive release of drug‐resistant strains occurs, within an infected individual, it is not necessarily true that coinfection will result in the increased emergence of resistance. These results have important implications for the control of the emergence and spread of drug resistance.
Comparing measures of breeding inequality and opportunity for selection with sexual selection on a quantitative character in bighorn rams
Authors: Martin A. M. , Festa‐Bianchet M. , Coltman D. W. , Pelletier F.
Published: November 2014

The reliability and consistency of the many measures proposed to quantify sexual selection have been questioned for decades. Realized selection on quantitative characters measured by the selection differentialiwas approximated by metrics based on variance in breeding success, using either the opportunity for sexual selectionIsor indices of inequality. There is no consensus about which metric best approximates realized selection on sexual characters. Recently, the opportunity for selection on character meanOSMwas proposed to quantify the maximum potential selection on characters. Using 21 years of data on bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), we investigated the correlations between seven indices of inequality,Is,OSMandion horn length of males. Bighorn sheep are ideal for this comparison because they are highly polygynous and sexually dimorphic, ram horn length is under strong sexual selection, and we have detailed knowledge of individual breeding success. Different metrics provided conflicting information, potentially leading to spurious conclusions about selection patterns.Iδ, an index of breeding inequality, and, to a lesser extent,Isshowed the highest correlation withion horn length, suggesting that these indices document breeding inequality in a selection context.OSMon horn length was strongly correlated withi,Isand indices of inequality. By integrating information on both realized sexual selection and breeding inequality,OSMappeared to be the best proxy of sexual selection and may be best suited to explore its ecological bases.
Water discharge affects Atlantic salmonSalmo salarsmolt production: a 27 year study in the River Orkla, Norway
Authors: Hvidsten N. A. , Diserud O. H. , Jensen A. J. , Jensås J. G. , Johnsen B. O. , Ugedal O.
Published: November 2014

A model that explains 48% of the annual variation in Atlantic salmonSalmo salarsmolt production in the River Orkla, Norway, has been established. This variation could be explained by egg deposition, minimum daily discharge during the previous winter and minimum weekly discharge during the summer 3 years before smolt migration. All coefficients in the model were positive, which indicates that more eggs and higher minimum discharge levels during the winter before smolt migration and the summer after hatching benefit smolt production. Hence, when the spawning target of the river is reached, the minimum levels of river discharge, in both winter and summer, are the main bottlenecks for the parr survival, and hence for smolt production. The River Orkla was developed for hydropower production in the early 1980s by the construction of four reservoirs upstream of the river stretch accessible toS. salar. Although no water has been removed from the catchment, the dynamics of water flow has been altered, mainly by increasing discharges during winter and reducing spring floods. In spite of the higher than natural winter discharges, minimum winter discharge is still a determinant of smolt production. Hence, in regulated rivers, the maintenance of discharges to ensure that they are as high as possible during dry periods is an important means of securing highS. salarsmolt production.
GID1 modulates stomatal response and submergence tolerance involving abscisic acid and gibberellic acid signaling in rice
Authors: Du Hao , Chang Yu , Huang Fei , Xiong Lizhong
Published: November 2014

Plant responses to abiotic stresses are coordinated by arrays of growth and developmental programs. Gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) play critical roles in the developmental programs and environmental responses, respectively, through complex signaling and metabolism networks. However, crosstalk between the two phytohormones in stress responses remains largely unknown. In this study, we report that GIBBERELLIN‐INSENSITIVE DWARF 1 (GID1), a soluble receptor for GA, regulates stomatal development and patterning in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The gid1 mutant showed impaired biosynthesis of endogenous ABA under drought stress conditions, but it exhibited enhanced sensitivity to exogenous ABA. Scanning electron microscope and infrared thermal image analysis indicated an increase in the stomatal conductance in the gid1 mutant under drought conditions. Interestingly, the gid1 mutant had increased levels of chlorophyll and carbohydrates under submergence conditions, and showed enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging ability and submergence tolerance compared with the wild‐type. Further analyses suggested that the function of GID1 in submergence responses is partially dependent on ABA, and GA signaling by GID1 is involved in submergence tolerance by modulating carbohydrate consumption. Taken together, these findings suggest GID1 plays distinct roles in stomatal response and submergence tolerance through both the ABA and GA signaling pathways in rice.
Extracurricular activities and the development of social skills in children with intellectual and specific learning disabilities
Authors: Brooks B. A. , Floyd F. , Robins D. L. , Chan W. Y.
Published: November 2014

Background

Children with intellectual disability and specific learning disabilities often lack age‐appropriate social skills, which disrupts their social functioning. Because of the limited effectiveness of classroom mainstreaming and social skills training for these children, it is important to explore alternative opportunities for social skill acquisition. Participation in social activities is positively related to children's social adjustment, but little is known about the benefits of activity participation for children with intellectual and specific learning disabilities.

Methods

This study investigated the association between frequency and type of social activity participation and the social competence of 8–11‐year‐old children with intellectual disability (n = 40) and specific learning disabilities (n = 53), in comparison with typically developing peers (n = 24).

Results

More time involved in unstructured activities, but not structured activities, was associated with higher levels of social competence for all children. This association was strongest for children with intellectual disability, suggesting that participation in unstructured social activities was most beneficial for these children.

Conclusion

Future research on the quality of involvement is necessary to further understand specific aspects of unstructured activities that might facilitate social development.
Glycine bidirectionally regulates ischemic tolerance via different mechanisms including NR2A‐dependent CREB phosphorylation
Authors: Chen Zheng , Hu Bin , Wang Fuzhou , Du Linlin , Huang Baosheng , Li Lixin , Qi Jia , Wang Xiang
Published: November 2014

The exact effect of glycine pre‐treatment on brain ischemic tolerance (IT) remains quite controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of glycine on IT. We used rat models of both in vitro ischemia (oxygen and glucose deprivation) and in vivo ischemia (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion). Low doses of glycine (L‐Gly) significantly decreased hippocampal ischemic LTP (i‐LTP), infarct volume, and neurological deficit scores which were administered before ischemia was induced in rats, whereas high doses of glycine exerted deteriorative effects under the same condition. These findings suggested that exogenous glycine may induce IT in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, L‐Gly‐dependent neuronal protection was inversed by L689, a selective NMDAR glycine site antagonist both in vitro (abolished i‐LTP depression) and in vivo (increased infarct size reduction), but not glycine receptor (GlyR) inhibitor strychnine. Importantly, L‐Gly‐induced IT was achieved by NR2A‐dependent cAMP‐response element binding protein phosphorylation. These data imply that glycine pre‐treatment may represent a novel strategy for inducing IT based on synaptic NMDAR‐dependent neuronal transmission.

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A model of glycine induced dose‐dependent bidirectional regulations in ischemic tolerance. (a) Under low dose of Gly pre‐treatment, glycine induces NMDAR potentiation and CREB‐dependent neuroprotection through the NMDAR co‐agonist binding site. (b) Under high dose of Gly pre‐treatment, the excessive glycine in synaptic cleft can activate neighboring extrasynaptic sites and combine to the GlyRs. Then, the deteriorative effects would be triggered after NMDAR endocytosis and synaptic depression. AMPAR, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor; CREB, cAMP response element‐binding protein; Gly, glycine; GlyR, glycine receptor; GlyT1, gycine transportor 1; NMDAR, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor.
Low levels of methyl β‐cyclodextrin disrupt GluA1‐dependent synaptic potentiation but not synaptic depression
Authors: Choi Tae‐Yong , Jung Sunmin , Nah Jihoon , Ko Hui‐Yeon , Jo Su‐Hyun , Chung Gehoon , Park Kyungpyo , Jung Yong‐Keun , Choi Se‐Young
Published: November 2014

Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) is a reagent that depletes cholesterol and disrupts lipid rafts, a type of cholesterol‐enriched cell membrane microdomain. Lipid rafts are essential for neuronal functions such as synaptic transmission and plasticity, which are sensitive to even low doses of MβCD. However, how MβCD changes synaptic function, such as N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R) activity, remains unclear. We monitored changes in synaptic transmission and plasticity after disrupting lipid rafts with MβCD. At low concentrations (0.5 mg/mL), MβCD decreased basal synaptic transmission and miniature excitatory post‐synaptic current without changing NMDA‐R‐mediated synaptic transmission and the paired‐pulse facilitation ratio. Interestingly, low doses of MβCD failed to deplete cholesterol or affect α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPA‐R) and NMDA‐R levels, while clearly reducing GluA1 levels selectively in the synaptosomal fraction. Low doses of MβCD decreased the inhibitory effects of NASPM, an inhibitor for GluA2‐lacking AMPA‐R. MβCD successfully decreased NMDA‐R‐mediated long‐term potentiation but did not affect the formation of either NMDA‐R‐mediated or group I metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression. MβCD inhibited de‐depression without affecting de‐potentiation. These results suggest that MβCD regulates GluA1‐dependent synaptic potentiation but not synaptic depression in a cholesterol‐independent manner.

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MβCD at low concentrations (0.5 mg/mL) did not deplete cholesterol or affect AMPA‐R and NMDA‐R levels in the lipid raft fraction, while clearly reducing GluA1 levels in the synaptosomal fraction. Interestingly, MβCD decreased LTP but did not affect LTD induction. These results suggest that MβCD regulates GluA1‐dependent synaptic potentiation but not synaptic depression in a lipid raft‐independent manner. AMPA‐R, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor; GluA1, AMPAR subunit glutamate receptor 1; LTD, long‐term depression; LTP, long‐term potentiation; MβCD, methyl β–cyclodextrin; NMDA‐R, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor.
Age differences in cognitive performance: A study of cultural differences in Historical Context
Authors: Ojeda Natalia , Aretouli Eleni , Peña Javier , Schretlen David J.
Published: November 2014

Ethnicity and cultural experience can affect neuropsychological performance, but they are rarely assessed in historical context. Attention measures are considered strongly biologically determined and therefore potentially culture‐fair. In this study, we assessed the cross‐cultural equivalence of Spanish and English versions of the Trail Making Test (TMT; Reitan, 1958, Perceptual and Motor Skills, 8, 271–276) and the Brief Test of Attention (BTA; Schretlen et al., 1996, The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 10, 80–89) in two large samples of Americans (N = 203) and Spaniards (N = 213), divided into younger and older subgroups. The older Spaniards lived under Franco's political regime (1936–1975), whereas the Americans never experienced such repression. Overall, TMT performance was culture‐sensitive, whereas BTA performance was not. However, when both groups were stratified by age, cultural differences in TMT performance were restricted to older participants, suggesting that historical experience across generations might have contributed to the observed differences in cognitive performance. Even such basic cognitive processes as attention, working memory, and resource sharing might be shaped to some degree by historical experiences that contribute to cultural differences.
Mid‐regional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide and the assessment of volaemic status and differential diagnosis of profound hyponatraemia
Authors: Nigro N. , Winzeler B. , Suter‐Widmer I. , Schuetz P. , Arici B. , Bally M. , Blum C. A. , Nickel C. H. , Bingisser R. , Bock A. , Rentsch Savoca K. , Huber A. , Müller B. , Christ‐Crain M.
Published: November 2014

Background

Hyponatraemia is common and its differential diagnosis and consequent therapy management is challenging. The differential diagnosis is mainly based on the routine clinical assessment of volume status, which is often misleading. Mid‐regional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (MR‐proANP) is associated with extracellular and cardiac fluid volume.

Methods

A total of 227 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department with profound hypo‐osmolar hyponatraemia (Na < 125 mmol L−1) were included in this prospective multicentre observational study conducted in two tertiary centres in Switzerland. A standardized diagnostic evaluation of the underlying cause of hyponatraemia was performed, and an expert panel carefully evaluated volaemic status using clinical criteria. MR‐proANP levels were compared between patients with hyponatraemia of different aetiologies and for assessment of volume status.

Results

MR‐proANP levels were higher in patients with hypervolaemic hyponatraemia compared to patients with hypovolaemic or euvolaemic hyponatraemia (P = 0.0002). The area under the curve (AUC) to predict an excess of extracellular fluid volume, compared to euvolaemia, was 0.73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62–0.84]. Additionally, in multivariate analysis, MR‐proANP remained an independent predictor of excess extracellular fluid volume after adjustment for congestive heart failure (P = 0.012). MR‐proANP predicted the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) versus hypovolaemic and hypervolaemic hyponatraemia with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.69–0.84).

Conclusion

MR‐proANP is associated with extracellular fluid volume in patients with hyponatraemia and remains an independent predictor of hypervolaemia after adjustment for congestive heart failure. MR‐proANP may be a marker for discrimination between the SIAD and hypovolaemic or hypervolaemic hyponatraemia.
Functional Phenotype and its Correlation with Therapeutic Response and Inflammatory Type of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Feline Lower Airway Disease
Authors: Lin C.‐H. , Wu H.‐D. , Lee J.‐J. , Liu C.‐H.
Published: November 2014

Background

Currently, functional assessment to monitor therapeutic response in feline lower airway disease (FLAD) has limited application.

Objectives

To evaluate if expiratory indices derived from pseudo‐tidal breathing flow‐volume loop (pTBFVL) representing lower airway obstruction would decrease after clinical improvement and to investigate the correlation between functional phenotype and inflammatory cell type in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.

Animals

Nineteen client‐owned cats withFLAD.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Functional assessment withpTBFVLindices (eg, peak to mid‐expiratory flow; PEF/EF50) and conventional barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP) parameters (eg, enhanced pause) was carried out before receiving treatment.BALwas performed to analyze inflammatory cell types. Signs were assessed by scoring. The cats were treated with glucocorticoids daily and functional testing was repeated.

Results

Loop indicesPEF/EF50 andPEF/EF25 were significantly decreased after treatment (P < .001). ConventionalBWBPparameters were not significantly different before and after treatment. Cats withPEF/EF50 > 1.51 before treatment had a significantly higher granulocyte (eosinophil plus neutrophil) percentage inBALfluid (P = .014). Granulocyte percentage inBALfluid was strongly correlated withPEF/EF25 (P = .001,rs = 0.74) and moderately correlated withPEF/EF50 (P = .022,rs = 0.57), whereas eosinophil or neutrophil percentage alone had no significant correlation with functional parameters.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Functional parameters includingPEF/EF50 andPEF/EF25 can be used for monitoring therapeutic response. The presence of airflow limitation during mid‐ to late expiration is affected by the overall extent of granulocyte infiltration.