bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking the origins of lice, haemosporidian parasites and feather mites of the Galápagos flycatcher (Myiarchus magnirostris)
Authors: Sari Eloisa H. R. , Klompen Hans , Parker Patricia G.
Published: December 2012

Aim

To discover the origins of the lice, haemosporidian parasites and feather mites found on or in Galápagos flycatchers (Myiarchus magnirostris), by testing whether they colonized the islands with the ancestors of M. magnirostris or if they were acquired by M. magnirostris after its arrival in the Galápagos Islands.

Location

The Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) and north‐western Costa Rica.

Methods

We collected lice, feather mites and blood samples from M. magnirostris on seven of the Galápagos Islands (n = 254), and from its continental sister species, M. tyrannulus, in Costa Rica (n = 74), and identified them to species level using traditional taxonomy and DNA sequencing.

Results

The blood parasites from the two bird species were different: Plasmodium was found only in M. tyrannulus, while a few individuals of M. magnirostris were infected by Haemoproteus multipigmentatus from Galápagos doves (Zenaida galapagoensis). Myiarchus tyrannulus was parasitized by three louse species, two of which (Ricinus marginatus and Menacanthus distinctus) were also found on Myiarchus magnirostris. We also collected one louse specimen from M. magnirostris, which was identified as Brueelia interposita, a species commonly found on finches and yellow warblers from the Galápagos, but never recorded on M. tyrannulus. The richness of mite species was lower for M. magnirostris than for M. tyrannulus; all mite species or genera from M. magnirostris were also sampled on M. tyrannulus, but M. tyrannulus had two additional mite species.

Main conclusions

Our results revealed that two of the louse and three of the mite species we found on M. magnirostris are likely to have come to the archipelago with these birds’ colonizing ancestors, but that one louse and one haemosporidian species were acquired from the Galápagos bird community after the arrival of the M. magnirostris lineage. We also confirmed that, for closely related hosts, island mite richness was lower than on the continent.
Local forest structure, climate and human disturbance determine regional distribution of boreal bird species richness in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Zhang Jian , Kissling W. Daniel , He Fangliang
Published: December 2012

Aim

It is challenging to disentangle how local habitat structure, climate, and human disturbance interplay to determine broad‐scale variation of species richness. Here, we separated various measures of local forest structure and composition, abiotic factors, and human land cover that constrain species richness of bird guilds in the boreal forest.

Location

Boreal forest, western Canada.

Methods

Data on breeding birds, habitat structure, climate and human footprints in 206 sites were sampled, with each site centred on an area of 1 ha in size. The 206 sites cover a large geographical extent with a distance of c. 1000 km between the most distant sites. We modelled bird guild species richness in relation to forest structure and composition (woody plant richness, forest biomass, number of vegetation layers, canopy openness), abiotic environment (temperature, precipitation, elevation), and percentage area of human land cover. We classified bird species into different guilds based on dietary preference, habitat specialization and migratory status, and used structural equations to quantify effect strengths of predictor variables.

Results

We found that temperature, low levels of human land cover, woody plant richness and number of vegetation layers had strong positive correlations with overall bird species richness in the boreal forest. Moreover, local forest structure and composition showed a pronounced variation in their relationships with species richness of different guilds. Insectivores, old‐growth forest specialists, forest generalists, long‐distance migrants and winter residents showed strong positive correlations with woody plant richness, whereas old‐growth forest specialists and winter residents were strongly related to forest biomass as well. The number of vegetation layers was positively related to species richness of most guilds, whereas the response to canopy openness was most pronounced for old‐growth forest specialists and winter residents (being negatively correlated).

Main conclusions

In addition to climate and human disturbance, local forest structure and composition are important determinants of broad‐scale variation of bird species richness in boreal forest. However, the strength and direction (positive/negative) of determinants is guild‐specific, suggesting a strong functional component to community structure.
Identity of tendon stem cells – how much do we know?
Authors: Lui Pauline Po Yee
Published: December 2012

Tendon stem cells are multi‐potent adult stem cells with broad differentiation plasticity that render them of great importance in cell‐based therapies for the repair of tendons. We called them tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) to indicate the tissue origin from which the stem cells were isolated in vitro. Based on the work of other sources of MSCs and specific work on TDSCs, some properties of TDSCs have been characterized / implicated in vitro. Despite these findings, tendon stem cells remained controversial cells. This was because MSCs residing in different organs, although very similar, were not identical cells. There is evidence of differences in stem cell‐related properties and functions related to tissue origins. Similar to other stem cells, tendon stem cells were identified and characterized in vitro. Their in vivo identities, niche (both anatomical locations and regulators) and roles in tendons were less understood. This review aims to summarize the current evidence of the possible anatomical locations and niche signals regulating the functions of tendon stem cells in vivo. The possible roles of tendon stem cells in tendon healing and non‐healing are presented. Finally, the potential strategies for understanding the in vivo identity of tendon stem cells are discussed.
Events of wound healing/regeneration in the canine supraalveolar periodontal defect model
Authors: Dickinson Douglas P. , Coleman Brandon G. , Batrice Nathan , Lee Jaebum , Koli Komal , Pennington Cathy , Susin Cristiano , Wikesjö Ulf M. E.
Published: December 2012

Aim

The objective of this research was to elucidate early events in periodontal wound healing/regeneration using histological and immunohistochemical techniques.

Methods

Routine critical‐size, supraalveolar, periodontal defects including a space‐providing titanium mesh device were created in 12 dogs. Six animals received additional autologous blood into the defect prior to wound closure. One animal from each group was killed for analysis at 2, 5, 9, 14 days, and at 4 and 8 weeks.

Results

Both groups behaved similarly. Periodontal wound healing/regeneration progressed through three temporal phases. Early phase (2–5 days): heterogeneous clot consolidation and cell activation in the periodontal ligament (PDL) and trabecular bone was associated with PDL regeneration and formation of a pre‐osteoblast population. Intermediate phase (9–14 days): cell proliferation (shown by PCNA immunostaining)/migration led to osteoid/bone, PDL and cementum formation. Late phase (4–8 weeks): primarily characterized by tissue remodelling/maturation. Fibrous connective tissue from the gingival mucosa entered the wound early, competing with regeneration. By day 14, the wound space was largely filled with regenerative and reparative tissues.

Conclusion

Activation of cellular regenerative events in periodontal wound healing/regeneration is rapid; the general framework for tissue formation is broadly outlined within 14 days. Most bone formation apparently originates from endosteally derived pre‐osteoblasts; the PDL possibly acting as a supplementary source, with a primary function likely being regulatory/homeostatic. Blood accumulation at the surgical site warrants exploration; supplementation may be beneficial.
Evaluation of risk factors for body weight increment in psoriatic patients on infliximab: a multicentre, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mahé E. , Reguiai Z. , Barthelemy H. , Quiles‐Tsimaratos N. , Chaby G. , Girard C. , Estève E. , Maccari F. , Descamps V. , Schmutz J.‐L. , Begon E. , Bravard P. , Maillard H. , Boyé T. , Beauchet A. , Sigal M.‐L. ,   for the GEM Resopso
Published: December 2012

Background  A significant weight gain has been reported in patients with psoriasis treated with anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐alpha agents. Among these patients, there are contradictory results about risk factors for weight gain.

Objective  Assessing risk factors for weight increment in psoriatic patients on infliximab (IFX).

Methods  This study was a 4‐month, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional, multicentre study on adults with psoriasis performed in 19 French dermatological centres. All the patients who received IFX for at least 1 year were prospectively included, with retrospective analysis of data. Impact of sex, age, severity of the disease, cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities, and previous and simultaneous systemic treatments on weight changes, was analysed. Weight gain was defined as an increment of more than 2% of baseline weight.

Results  Overall, 191 psoriatic patients (males: 68.6%; mean age: 46.9 years) were included. Mean weight gain was 1.6 kg (2.1%) after 1 year of IFX. Half (48.2%) suffered from a weight gain, and 9.9% from a weight increment of 10% or more. Baseline weight and Body Mass Index, and cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities did not influence weight. Men (P = 0.007) and patients with severe psoriasis (BSA, P = 0.005) had a tendency to put on weight. Patients with a hospital dietary follow‐up (P = 0.01; OR = 0.36 [0.16–0.79]) and patients on methotrexate (P = 0.03; OR = 0.41 [0.18–0.93]) during IFX treatment are thinner, in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusion  Severe weight increment is frequent on IFX treatment, mainly in men, and patients with severe psoriasis. Dietary follow‐up or simultaneous use of methotrexate could limit this weight increment.
A cross‐sectional study on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in psoriasis compared to psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Bostoen J. , Van Praet L. , Brochez L. , Mielants H. , Lambert J.
Published: December 2012

Background  Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests associations between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and metabolic disease. Elucidating the complex relationship between these comorbidities may have important management implications.

Objective  The aim of this study was to examine the difference in prevalence of metabolic disease burden between patients with psoriasis who lack arthritic manifestations (PsO) and PsA patients.

Methods  We performed a cross‐sectional study in 123 patients with PsO and PsA. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the new criteria developed by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) in 2004. Therefore, clinical examination and standard survey were performed and fasting blood samples were collected.

Results  One hundred and four patients were analysed, of which 49 were PsO and 55 were PsA patients. We found that prevalence of the metabolic syndrome according to the IDF criteria was significantly higher in the PsO (44.9%) compared with the PsA group (25.5%) (P = 0.037). Looking closer at the individual components of the metabolic syndrome, this difference can mainly be attributed to the significantly higher prevalence of abdominal obesity in PsO (83.7%) vs. PsA (65.5%) (P = 0.034). For other individual components of the metabolic syndrome such as triglycerides, high‐density lipoproteins, hypertension and plasma glucose, we could not show statistically significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion  Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in patients with PsO than in PsA patients, mainly determined by the higher prevalence of abdominal obesity in PsO compared with PsA group.
Temperature and starvation effects on food exploitation by Argentine ants and native ants in New Zealand
Authors: McGrannachan C. M. , Lester P. J.
Published: December 2012

The abundance and distribution of an invasive species is influenced by its relative ability to find resources under a variety of conditions. We examined the exploitative ability of the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile (Mayr)), in comparison with two common New Zealand ant species Monomorium antarcticum (Fr. Smith) and Prolasius advenus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) (Fr. Smith), using maze trials under different temperature and starvation regimes. Our results showed temperature significantly affected the mean time to discover food resources, but different species responded differently to changes in temperature. A change in temperature from 23°C to 13°C resulted in an approximately 8‐fold increase in the time to discover food for native P. advenus, but discovery times remained relatively similar for invasive Argentine ants. Starvation did not significantly influence the ability of species to find food. Argentine ants consistently located and recruited to food faster than the native species. We examined for variation in walking speed under the experimental conditions as a mechanism for our results. The results revealed Argentine ants and P. advenus to have similar walking speeds at each temperature‐starvation treatment and both were faster than M. antarcticum. However, Argentine ants had rates of turning or returning to the nest that were lower than the native species. This result suggests that Argentine ants show greater ‘exploratory willingness’ or ‘novelty seeking’ behaviour. Our results suggest that Argentine ants are able to discovery and exploit resources more efficiently than these native species under a wide spectrum of environmental and physiological conditions. Such relative efficiencies have likely contributed to the success of this invader.
The impact on Iranian mothers and fathers who have children with an autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Samadi S. A. , McConkey R.
Published: December 2012

Background

To date, most research with families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been undertaken in English‐speaking countries. Increased levels of stress allied with poorer health have been commonly reported for mothers, with less attention paid to fathers. This study aimed to document the personal impact on Iranian mothers and fathers and identify the correlates of increased stress and poorer emotional well‐being.

Method

In all, 103 parents (58 mothers and 45 fathers) from 74 families who had a child with ASD volunteered to take part in the study. Each participant completed through interview, standardised rating scales of parenting stress, emotional well‐being and family functioning as well as rating their child's autistic symptoms, including stereotyped behaviours.

Results

Mothers had significantly higher scores than fathers on measures of stress and emotional well‐being. Although these variables were highly correlated, binary logistic regression identified that the poorer health was also associated with lower educational levels of the parents, more behavioural problems with the child and fewer autistic symptoms overall. A similar regression analysis of stress scores identified no gender differences but found that lower stress was associated with mothers and fathers who were joint caregivers and when the family lived with relatives.

Conclusions

Iranian parents experience broadly similar responses to parents in other countries, which suggests that the impact of ASD outweighs any cultural differences that might otherwise be present in parental responses to caring for children. In common with families internationally, these parents are likely to benefit from opportunities to become better informed about ASD and the management of their child at home allied with increased support from families and friends.
Screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors at baseline and post intervention among adults with intellectual disabilities in an urbanised Asian society
Authors: Wee L. E. , Koh G. C‐H. , Auyong L. S. , Cheong A. , Myo T. T. , Lin J. , Lim E. , Tan S. , Sundaramurthy S. , Koh C. W. , Ramakrishnan P. , Aariyapillai‐Rajagopal R. , Vaidynathan‐Selvamuthu H. , Ma‐Ma K.
Published: December 2012

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) face significant barriers to screening participation. We determined predictors for regular cardiovascular health screening at baseline among adults with ID in Singapore, and evaluated the effectiveness of a 3‐month screening intervention.

Methods

The study population involved all adults with ID aged ≥40 years receiving services from the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS), the largest such provider in Singapore. Over 3 months in 2011, adult clients not screened regularly at baseline for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were offered free and convenient blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid testing; data on other cardiovascular disease risk factors were also collected. Chi‐square and logistic regression identified predictors of regular screening at baseline.

Results

Participation was 95.0% (227/239). At baseline, among adults with ID, 61.8% (118/191), 24.8% (52/210) and 18.2% (34/187) had gone for regular hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia screening respectively; post intervention, rates rose to 96.9%, 89.5% and 88.8% respectively. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (22.5% with hypertension, 10.6% with diabetes, 34.8% with dyslipidaemia, 10.7% obese and 90.6% lacking regular exercise) was high compared against the general population. While receiving residential services was associated with regular hypertension screening, receiving non‐residential services and being independently mobile were associated with regular participation in fasting blood tests (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cardiovascular disease risk factors are common among adults with ID and clinicians should proactively screen such populations. Provision of free and convenient screening for cardiovascular disease risk improved screening participation.
Multistage progressive evolution of rare osumilite‐bearing assemblages preserved in ultrahigh‐temperature granulites from In Ouzzal (Hoggar, Algeria)
Authors: Adjerid Z. , Godard G. , Ouzegane KH. , Kienast J.‐R.
Published: December 2012

Osumilite is reported in Palaeoproterozoic Al–Mg‐rich granulites from the Khanfous area (Tekhamalt, In Ouzzal, Hoggar, Algeria). The main peak assemblages are osumilite + sapphirine + biotite + orthopyroxene + sillimanite and osumilite + orthopyroxene + sillimanite + quartz ± biotite (±K‐feldspar) in silica‐deficient and silica‐saturated granulites respectively. Osumilite coexists with F‐rich biotite (XF ≈ 0.6). The observed microstructures, the mass balance of metamorphic reactions and P–T pseudosections modelled for bulk‐rock and reaction‐microdomain compositions indicate a clockwise P–T metamorphic evolution at ultrahigh temperatures, without substantial post‐peak deformation. The peak P–T conditions recorded by the osumilite‐bearing assemblages are 8.5–9.0 kbar and 930–980 °C. During retrogression, osumilite was partially or totally replaced by fine‐grained pseudomorphs of cordierite + orthopyroxene + K‐feldspar + quartz at ~7 kbar and ~850 °C. This study confirms that osumilite can occur only in Mg‐rich metamorphic rocks that experienced ultrahigh‐temperature metamorphism under anhydrous conditions. In the presence of a hydrous fluid, it is replaced, even at high temperatures, by cordierite‐bearing assemblages. This important feature explains the rarity of osumilite in granulite facies rocks and its common replacement by cordierite + orthopyroxene + K‐feldspar + quartz pseudomorphs. The peak conditions suggest that a delamination of the lithospheric mantle underneath the In Ouzzal crust brought the asthenosphere close to the Mohorovičić discontinuity.
Fatigue and sleep disturbance in HIV‐positive women: a qualitative and biomedical approach
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ti , Lee Shih‐Yu , Shiu Cheng‐Shi , Simoni Jane M , Pan Chengen , Bao Meijuan , Lu Hongzhou
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

This study explores how sleep and energy levels were affected in Chinese women diagnosed with HIV in China employing the Actiwatch actigraphy system to collect data on the women's sleep characteristics.

Background

The worldwide AIDS pandemic, a major impetus behind the recent focus on global aspects of health, is one area in which the behavioural and biomedical expertise of nursing science is sorely needed. In particular, few studies of HIV+ women have examined the association of HIV‐related stress with sleep disturbance and fatigue. Especially, fatigue and sleep disturbances are a common complaint among people with HIV.

Design

A qualitative study with actigraphy device used.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 19 HIV+ women in Shanghai, China, from December 2009–March 2010 and within this group, nine of the women agreed to wear an Actiwatch actigraphy device for 72 hours.

Results

Two major themes emerged from the in‐depth interviews are as follows: sleep disturbance and fatigue. Participants presented varying amounts of sleeplessness, and fatigue resulting from nightmares, worrying about whether to disclose their diagnosis, and whether they might transmit the disease to their partners or children. Among the nine Actiwatch study participants, data shown that those who experienced fragmented sleep also slept more during the daytime.

Conclusions

In this study, Chinese HIV+ women described how stress had caused them to become sleepless. The objective data collected via Actiwatch showed that these women required longer nap times, which indicates they did not have refreshing nocturnal sleep. Designing a culturally acceptable stress management intervention for these women is urgently needed.

Relevance to clinical practice

Sleep and fatigue level should be evaluated in each visit with HIV care. Nurses need to be trained in evaluating the HIV+ patients' sleep and fatigue status and refer them to psychologist and/or relaxation technique accordingly. Self‐management intervention for HIV+ individuals should also include the sleep hygiene into consideration.
Still Blue‐Collar after all these Years? An Ethnography of the Professionalization of Emergency Ambulance Work
Authors: McCann Leo , Granter Edward , Hyde Paula , Hassard John
Published: December 2012

This paper explores the professionalization project of paramedics, based on an ethnographic study of UK National Health Service (NHS) ambulance personnel. Drawing on concepts derived from institutional theory and the sociology of professions, we argue that the project is enacted at two levels, namely a formal, structural and senior level reflecting changing legitimation demands made on NHS practitioners and pursued through institutional entrepreneurship, and an informal, agentic, ‘street level’ enacted by the practitioners themselves via ‘institutional work’. Focusing on this latter, front‐line level, our ethnographic data demonstrate that the overall impact of the senior level professionalization project on the working lives of paramedics has been somewhat muted, mostly because it has had limited power over the organizations that employ paramedics. Given the slow progress of the senior level professionalization project, paramedics at street level continue to enact subtle forms of institutional work which serve to maintain ‘blue‐collar professionalism’ – a form originally identified in Donald Metz's ethnography of ambulance work. Our analysis draws attention to the complex and contested nature of professionalization projects, in that their enactment at senior and street levels can be somewhat misaligned and possibly contradictory.
Conformity and Distinctiveness in a Global Institutional Framework: The Legitimation of Ontario Fine Wine
Authors: Voronov Maxim , De Clercq Dirk , Hinings C. R.
Published: December 2012

The study investigates how local actors pursue two paradoxical aspects of legitimacy in a global institutional framework: the need for global conformity and the need for local distinctiveness. Drawing on the notion of glocalization, it explicates how this pursuit is accomplished by actors' selective fidelity to global norms and adaptation of these norms to local conditions. The empirical work consists of a five‐year qualitative case study of the Ontario wine industry. It provides empirical evidence for the presence of several non‐mutually exclusive paths through which local actors seek legitimation in a global context. The study offers important implications for future research on legitimation and globalization.
Managing Legitimacy in Complex and Heterogeneous Environments: Sustainable Development in a Globalized World
Authors: Scherer Andreas Georg , Palazzo Guido , Seidl David
Published: December 2012

The sustainability problems with regard to the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services increasingly challenge the legitimacy of corporations. The literature distinguishes three strategies that corporations commonly employ to respond to legitimacy problems: adapt to external expectations, manipulate the perception of their stakeholders, or engage in a discourse with those who question their legitimacy. We discuss three approaches to determine the appropriate response strategy: one‐best‐way approach, contingency approach, and paradox approach. We argue that in the face of heterogeneous environments with conflicting demands, corporations that follow a paradox approach are likely to be more successful in preserving their legitimacy than those that adopt one of the other two approaches. We develop a theoretical framework for the application of different response strategies and explore the management of paradoxes by way of structural, contextual, or reflective means.
Do the smiles of the world's most influential individuals have common parameters?
Authors: Orce‐Romero A. , Iglesias‐Linares A. , Cantillo‐Galindo M. , Yañez‐Vico R. M. , Mendoza‐Mendoza A. , Solano‐Reina E.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to determine – on the basis of the most recent yearly listings – whether there were any common measurable variables associated with the smiles of the world's most influential people. A total of 168 subjects were selected from the lists of Time magazine's 100 most influential people during the period 2006–2010. Smiling frontal view photographs were obtained. Thirty‐six variables for each subject were traced and measured using photogrammetric analysis to obtain qualitative and quantitative proportions and measurements. Differences with respect to gender, occupation and year of listing were tested to 95% significance, using the Student's t‐test and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The chi‐squared test was used for qualitative variables. Irrespective of gender or occupation, the similar quantifiable characteristics of the smiles of the most influential subjects were the following: vertical upper lip proportion, smile width, incisor exposure, buccal corridor ratio, smile symmetry index and intra‐dental proportions (P > 0·05). Other qualitative standards were as follows: smile symmetry, the buccal corridors and smile arc, direction of occlusal cant and the degree of deviation between maxillary and facial midlines. Differences were found for gingival display and smile height parameters (P = 0·001). The smiles of the world's most influential people revealed common standards, regardless of occupation or gender, which may play a decisive role in the expressions of influential faces.
First Report of Root‐knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne arenaria) on Angelica dahurica in China
Authors: Wang Xizhuo , Wang Laifa F. , Piao Chungen , Ma Jianwei , Shang Yutong , Li Yong , Guo Minwei
Published: December 2012

Angelica dahurica is an important Chinese herbal medicine plant, and its rhizome is of high medicinal value. In recent years, a severe decline in yield has been observed in Bozhou City (China's largest A. dahurica producing area), Anhui province, China. It showed symptoms of decline, stunting, yellowing and many galls in the roots, which was the characterization of infestation by root‐knot nematodes. A survey of root‐knot nematodes on its roots was conducted in this area from June to September, 2011. Based on our results, the nematode species on A. dahurica was identified as Meloidogyne arenaria by the morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. arenaria on A. dahurica in China.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Pepper Mild Mottle Virus from Turkey
Authors: Çağlar Behcet Kemal , Fidan Hakan , Elbeaino Toufic
Published: December 2012

Using double‐antibody sandwich–enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA), pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) was detected in 27 pepper (Capsicum spp.) plants of 3000 tested and found to be present in Adana, Antalya, Kahramanmaraş, Mersin and Şanlıurfa, all provinces devoted to pepper production in southern Turkey. Results of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using primers specific to RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and capsid protein (CP) genes confirmed those of ELISA by amplifying all PMMoV‐infected plants. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and PCR assays using sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker primers showed that PMMoV from Turkey overcomes L3‐gene‐mediated resistance, so pepper plantations are susceptible to PMMoV infection. Sequences of CPs showed high amino acid identities (92–99%) with their homologues in the database and, furthermore, to share a distinguished molecular print found common uniquely in pathotypes P1,2,3. The phylogenetic tree allocated the Turkish isolates in one cluster together with PMMoV pathotypes P1,2,3 of the Italian, Spanish and Israeli isolates, all reported to overcome the L3‐resistance‐breaking gene in pepper. This is the first molecular information on PMMoV isolates present in Turkey, for which this information could have guiding significance in future pepper resistance breeding in the country.
Protecting South Asian Wheat Production from Stem Rust (Ug99) Epidemic
Authors: Sharma Rajiv K. , Singh Pawan K. , Vinod  , Joshi Arun K. , Bhardwaj Subhash C. , Bains Navtej S. , Singh Sukhwinder
Published: December 2012

The Ug99 group of stem rust races (Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn.) has evolved and migrated. While the original variant overcame the widely deployed gene Sr31, and Sr21 (in Chinese Spring background), but not Sr21 in Einkorn, a new strain of Ug99, virulent on Sr24, was detected in 2006 and caused a severe epidemic in 2007 in Kenya. Forms virulent on Sr36 and Sr21 were identified in 2007. Likewise, an Ug99 variant virulent to both Sr21 and Sr24 was identified in 2008 in Kenya. Simultaneously, the original strain spread to Yemen and Sudan in 2006. Fears of a spread into Asia were confirmed when this race was detected in Iran in 2007. This has raised serious concerns that Ug99 could follow the same migratory route from Africa to Asia as Yr9 and cause major epidemics across the epidemiological region of South Asia. In 2005–06, screening in Kenya and Ethiopia of wheat materials from Asian countries revealed a very low frequency of lines resistant to Ug99 and its variants. Under the umbrella of the Borlaug Global Rust Initiative (BGRI), significant efforts have been made to counter the challenges posed by Ug99 and its derivative races. Diverse sources of resistance to the pathogen have been identified and incorporated in high‐yielding wheat backgrounds. The most promising strategy has been to deploy spring wheat varieties possessing adult plant resistance (APR) in infested and bordering areas to decrease inoculum amounts and slow down the development of new virulence, for example four CIMMYT genotypes with Sr2+ have been released in Afghanistan and their seed is also distributed in region bordering Iran. For an immediate remedy, race‐specific resistance genes can be deployed in combinations using marker‐assisted selection. Several Ug99‐resistant varieties have already been released in South Asian countries (Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan), and seed dissemination is underway. The Ug99 risk in the region can be reduced to minimum levels by identifying, releasing and providing seed of high‐yielding and resistant cultivars.
Effect of ensiling moist field bean (Vicia faba), pea (Pisum sativum) and lupine (Lupinus spp.) grains on the contents of alkaloids, oligosaccharides and tannins
Authors: Gefrom A. , Ott E. M. , Hoedtke S. , Zeyner A.
Published: December 2012

Ensiling legume grain may be an inexpensive and ecologically interesting method to produce a high‐protein feed of local origin. The typically patchy maturation recommends harvesting and ensiling the seeds in moist condition. Developing a method for preserving legume grains harvested before maturation by lactic acid fermentation would have several advantages. Under laboratory conditions, crushed legume seeds of beans, peas and lupines with high moisture content of 35 % were ensiled with different additives (molasses and lactic acid bacteria). To characterize the final silages, contents of proximate nutrients and antinutritional factors (alkaloids, oligosaccharides, tannins) were analysed. The addition of lactic acid bacteria ensured a fast and pronounced lactic acid production and decreased contents of undesired fermentation products like ethanol. An additional use of molasses for ensilage did not provide a remarkable additional benefit. Excluding sugar and starch, the contents of proximate nutrients were not remarkably altered after ensiling. As an overall effect, lactic acid fermentation reduced tannins and oligosaccharides. It can be supposed that the oligosaccharides after breakdown of the complex molecules acted as a source of fermentable carbohydrates. A relevant reduction of alkaloids did not occur. The lactic acid fermentation of legume grains can be recommended as an appropriate method for conservation. With respect to the economic advantages and compared with methods of chemical preservation, the lactic acid fermentation of legume grains under anaerobic conditions is an environmentally compliant procedure and therefore also an option for organic farming.
Efficacy and safety of continuous 4‐year telbivudine treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Y. , Thongsawat S. , Gane E. J. , Liaw Y.‐F. , Jia J. , Hou J. , Chan H. L. Y. , Papatheodoridis G. , Wan M. , Niu J. , Bao W. , Trylesinski A. , Naoumov N. V.
Published: December 2012

In the phase‐III GLOBE/015 studies, telbivudine demonstrated superior efficacy vs lamivudine during 2‐year treatment in HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). After completion, 847 patients had an option to continue telbivudine treatment for further 2 years. A total of 596 (70%) of telbivudine‐treated patients, who were serum HBV DNA positive or negative and without genotypic resistance to telbivudine at the end of the GLOBE/015 trials, were enrolled into a further 2‐year extension study. A group of 502 patients completed 4 years of continuous telbivudine treatment and were included in the telbivudine per‐protocol population. Amongst 293 HBeAg‐positive patients, 76.2% had undetectable serum HBV DNA and 86.0% had normal serum ALT at the end of 4 years. Notably, the cumulative rate of HBeAg seroconversion was 53.2%. Amongst 209 HBeAg‐negative patients, 86.4% had undetectable HBV DNA and 89.6% had normal serum ALT. In patients who had discontinued telbivudine treatment due to HBeAg seroconversion, the HBeAg response was durable in 82% of patients (median 111 weeks of off‐treatment follow‐up). The cumulative 4‐year resistance rate was 10.6% for HBeAg‐positive and 10.0% for HBeAg‐negative patients. Most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and transient. Renal function measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased by 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 (16.6%) from baseline to 4 years (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, in HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative CHB patients without resistance after 2 years, two additional years of telbivudine treatment continued to provide effective viral suppression with a favourable safety profile. Moreover, telbivudine achieved 53% of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive patients.
Polymorphic APOBEC3 modulates chronic hepatitis B in Moroccan population
Authors: Ezzikouri S. , Kitab B. , Rebbani K. , Marchio A. , Wain‐Hobson S. , Dejean A. , Vartanian J.‐P. , Pineau P. , Benjelloun S.
Published: December 2012

The cytidine deaminase apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic subunit‐3 (APOBEC3) induces G‐to‐A hypermutation in hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes and operates as part of the innate antiviral immune system. We investigated the associations between the presence of APOBEC3 variants and HBV carriage in a case–control study in the Moroccan population. A polymorphic deletion affecting the APOBEC3B gene and the H186R variant of APOBEC3G were genotyped in 179 HBV chronic carriers and 216 healthy control subjects. In addition, to assess the overall impact of APOBEC3 deaminases on circulating HBV, we looked for hyperedited forms of the viral genome using the 3DPCR technique and analysed editing context. Data analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the frequencies of deleted APOBEC3B alleles (P = 0.261) or genotypes (P = 0.333) between patients with chronic hepatitis B and control subjects. By contrast, subjects bearing deleted genotype had a faster progression of liver disease than those with the insertion genotype (adjusted OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 0.38–36.12). The analysis of the APOBEC3G H186R polymorphism revealed that R/R genotype frequencies were not significantly different in HBV infected patients and in healthy subjects. 3DPCR was positive in 26 samples (14%) among 179. Amplified viral segments displayed monomorphic G>A transitions highly reminiscent of APOBEC3G activity. Most intriguingly, hemi/homozygous carriers of the APOBEC3B deletion had significantly lower virus loads than patients with the wild type (median 539 vs. 2213 IU/mL, P = 0.0023). This result suggests that genetic variations in APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases do not predispose to chronicity but may modulate the course of persistent HBV infection.
Effect of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism on Coagulation Parameters
Authors: Rose L. , Dunn M.E. , Bédard C.
Published: December 2012

Background

Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) has been associated with thrombotic disease in dogs.

Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to use thromboelastography (TEG) and measurement of thrombin generation (TG) to characterize the hypercoagulable state in dogs with HAC. We hypothesized that dogs with HAC would have a hypercoagulable profile on TEG tracings and an increase in thrombin generation as measured by endogenous thrombin potential (ETP).

Animals

Sixteen dogs with HAC. Dogs were compared with a population of normal dogs used to obtain reference intervals.

Methods

TEG tracings on citrated whole blood were obtained from 15 dogs, and TG measurements on frozen‐thawed platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) were obtained from 15 dogs.

Results

For the TEG analysis, when results of individual dogs were compared with the reference interval, 12/15 dogs had at least 1 parameter associated with hypercoagulability. When the population of HAC dogs was compared with a population of healthy dogs, HAC dogs had decreases in R and K and increases in α and MA values. The ETP was increased when the HAC group was compared with a population of normal dogs. However, only 3/15 dogs had an ETP above reference interval, and 1/15 had a decreased lag time.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Of 16 dogs with HAC, 12/15 had evidence of hypercoagulability when evaluated by TEG, 4/15 when evaluated by TG, and 2 dogs had increases in ETP and MA.
Systematic Review of Evidence Relating to the Treatment of Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs
Authors: Swann J.W. , Skelly B.J.
Published: December 2012

Despite being the most prevalent autoimmune disease of dogs, there is considerable variation between individuals and institutions in the treatment regimens that are employed for the management of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia. The aim of this review was to evaluate evidence relating to the treatment of the disease systematically and to use this evidence to draw conclusions that are applicable in wider veterinary practice. Search tools were employed to identify relevant articles and these were assessed according to stated criteria. The overall quality of published evidence was poor, with many articles failing to provide details of the enrollment, treatment, monitoring, and assessment stages of the study process. In view of this, firm conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the treatment of this disease and further research of a higher quality is required.
Vitamin D in chronic liver disease
Authors: Stokes Caroline S. , Volmer Dietrich A. , Grünhage Frank , Lammert Frank
Published: December 2012

Chronic liver disease (CLD) and several related extrahepatic manifestations such as hepatic osteodystrophy are associated with deficiency of vitamin D, which has therefore been suggested as therapeutic target. Vitamin D undergoes hepatic 25‐hydroxylation, rendering the liver critical to the metabolic activation of this vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in CLD patients, and vitamin D levels are inversely related to the severity of CLD. Declining levels of carrier proteins such as albumin and vitamin D‐binding protein might also be critical in CLD. Intervention studies report improvements of CLD following supplementation, and benefits to health outcomes in particular with respect to hepatitis C virus infection have recently been documented.

Content:We discuss vitamin D sources, functions and metabolism with a focus on the inherent complications of analytical measurements, such as the interference of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D C‐3 epimers. Global discrepancies in the definition of optimal serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels are covered, and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in CLD is reviewed. We also address the functional mechanisms underlying this deficiency, and refer to associations between genetic variation in vitamin D metabolism and CLD. Lastly, we consider the health implications of a vitamin D deficiency in CLD and consider therapeutic options.

Herein, we focus on the epidemiological and functional relationships between vitamin D deficiency and CLD, followed by a discussion of the potential implications for therapeutic interventions.
Statistical analyses of protein sequence alignments identify structures and mechanisms in signal activation of sensor histidine kinases
Authors: Szurmant Hendrik , Hoch James A.
Published: December 2012

Statistical analyses of genome sequence‐derived protein sequence data can identify amino acid residues that interact between proteins or between domains of a protein. These statistical methods are based on evolution‐directed amino acid variation responding to structural and functional constraints in proteins. The identified residues form a basis for determining structure and folding of proteins as well as inferring mechanisms of protein function. When applied to two‐component systems, several research groups have shown they can be used to identify the amino acid interactions between response regulators and histidine kinases and the specificity therein. Recently, statistical studies between the HisKA and HATPase‐ATP‐binding domains of histidine kinases identified amino acid interactions for both the inactive and the active catalytic states of such kinases. The identified interactions generated a model structure for the domain conformation of the active state. This conformation requires an unwinding of a portion of the C‐terminal helix of the HisKA domain that destroys the inactive state residue contacts and suggests how signal‐binding determines the equilibrium between the inactive and active states of histidine kinases. The rapidly accumulating protein sequence databases from genome, metagenome and microbiome studies are an important resource for functional and structural understanding of proteins and protein complexes in microbes.
Appressorium‐localized NADPH oxidase B is essential for aggressiveness and pathogenicity in the host‐specific, toxin‐producing fungus Alternaria alternata Japanese pear pathotype
Authors: Morita Yuichi , Hyon Gang‐Su , Hosogi Naoki , Miyata Nao , Nakayashiki Hitoshi , Muranaka Yoshinori , Inada Noriko , Park Pyoyun , Ikeda Kenichi
Published: December 2012

Black spot disease, Alternaria alternata Japanese pear pathotype, produces the host‐specific toxin AK‐toxin, an important pathogenicity factor. Previously, we have found that hydrogen peroxide is produced in the hyphal cell wall at the plant–pathogen interaction site, suggesting that the fungal reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation machinery is important for pathogenicity. In this study, we identified two NADPH oxidase (NoxA and NoxB) genes and produced nox disruption mutants. ΔnoxA and ΔnoxB disruption mutants showed increased hyphal branching and spore production per unit area. Surprisingly, only the ΔnoxB disruption mutant compromised disease symptoms. A fluorescent protein reporter assay revealed that only NoxB localized at the appressoria during pear leaf infection. In contrast, both NoxA and NoxB were highly expressed on the cellulose membrane, and these Nox proteins were also localized at the appressoria. In the ΔnoxB disruption mutant, we could not detect any necrotic lesions caused by AK‐toxin. Moreover, the ΔnoxB disruption mutant did not induce papilla formation on pear leaves. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that the ΔnoxB disruption mutant also did not penetrate the cuticle layer. Moreover, ROS generation was not essential for penetration, suggesting that NoxB may have an unknown function in penetration. Taken together, our results suggest that NoxB is essential for aggressiveness and basal pathogenicity in A. alternata.
Identification of candidate effector genes in the transcriptome of the rice root knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Haegeman Annelies , Bauters Lander , Kyndt Tina , Rahman Mohammad Masuder , Gheysen Godelieve
Published: December 2012

Plant‐parasitic nematodes secrete so‐called effectors into their host plant which are able to suppress the plant's defence responses, alter plant signalling pathways and, in the case of root knot nematodes, induce the formation of giant cells. Putative effectors have been successfully identified by genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics approaches. In this study, we investigated the transcriptome of the rice root knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola by 454 sequencing of second‐stage juveniles as well as mRNA‐seq of rice infected tissue. Over 350 000 reads derived from M. graminicola preparasitic juveniles were assembled, annotated and checked for homologues in different databases. From infected rice tissue, 1.4% of all reads generated were identified as being derived from the nematode. Using multiple strategies, several putative effector genes were identified, both pioneer genes and genes corresponding to already known effectors. To check whether these genes could be involved in the interaction with the plant, in situ hybridization was performed on a selection of genes to localize their expression in the nematode. Most were expressed in the gland cells or amphids of the nematode, confirming possible secretion of the proteins and hence a role in infection. Other putative effectors showed a different expression pattern, potentially linked with the excretory/secretory system. This transcriptome study is a good starting point to functionally investigate novel effectors derived from M. graminicola. This will lead to better insights into the interaction between these nematodes and the model plant rice. Moreover, the transcriptome can be used to identify possible target genes for RNA interference (RNAi)‐based control strategies. Four genes proved to be interesting targets by showing up to 40% higher mortality relative to the control treatment when soaked in gene‐specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).