bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of equivocal melanocytic lesions detected by digital dermoscopy follow‐up
Authors: Lovatto L. , Carrera C. , Salerni G. , Alós L. , Malvehy J. , Puig S.
Published: March 2015

Background

Digital follow‐up is a useful method for the detection of melanoma in atypical mole syndrome patients. The combination of digital follow‐up (DFU) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) could be useful to increase the accuracy in the classification of equivocal lesions in atypical mole syndrome patients.

Objectives

To assess the impact of RCM analysis on sensitivity and specificity of digital follow‐up in a high‐risk melanoma setting.

Methods

Retrospective study with dermoscopy and RCM of consecutive equivocal atypical melanocytic lesions exhibiting changes in digital dermoscopy in a referral centre.

Results

Sixty‐four lesions from 51 patients were included. Thirteen changing lesions (20.3%) corresponded to eight melanomas in situ and five invasive melanomas with Breslow less than 1 mm. Fifty‐one lesions corresponded to melanocytic naevus with variable atypia. Total dermoscopy scores were not different between naevus and melanoma neither in the baseline (mean 5.06 and 5.24; P = 0.37) nor in the follow‐up dermoscopic control (mean 5.44 and 5.55; P = 0.37). The only significant dermoscopic feature associated with melanoma in multivariate analysis was the presence of streaks after follow‐up (P = 0.027; OR = 3.6; CI 1.50–8.70). The confocal microscopy evaluation (by means both the Modena and Barcelona methods) showed a sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of melanoma of 100% and 69% respectively. Based on our experience, the combination of RCM and DFU could have avoided 35 of 51 nevi excised.

Conclusions

Reflectance confocal microscopy evaluation of equivocal lesions detected by DFU improved the accuracy in the detection of melanoma. The combination of dermoscopy, DFU and confocal microscopy in equivocal lesions can be useful to dramatically reduce the number of excisions of benign lesions in atypical mole syndrome patients.
Segmental hypomelanosis and hypermelanosis arranged in a checkerboard pattern are distinct naevi: flag‐like hypomelanotic naevus and flag‐like hypermelanotic naevus
Authors: Torchia D. , Happle R.
Published: March 2015

The categorization of congenital hypo‐ or hyperpigmented skin lesions following a segmental pattern has been a long‐lasting matter of debate and have been reported under various and often incorrect terms. To reassess published hypomelanotic and hypermelanotic lesions that did not follow Blaschko lines nor a phylloid pattern of mosaicism, we carried out an extensive and critical review of the worldwide literature. Seventy‐four retrieved cases consisted of lateralized hypomelanotic lesions arranged in a flag‐like pattern or appearing as large patches of grossly oval or angulated shape and sharp, serrated margins. Sometimes lesions harboured maculopapular melanocytic naevi or cooccurred with other segmentally arranged naevi. A probably non‐random association with extracutaneous anomalies was also reported on rare occasions. In 70 cases, lateralized hypermelanotic patches were arranged in a flag‐like pattern that often appeared as large quadrangular patches. Sometimes lesions harboured Spitz naevi. Ten cases belonged to phacomatosis melanorosea, whereas several others were part of so far uncategorized cases of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis. Flag‐like hypomelanosis is a distinct naevus type, for which the term ‘flag‐like hypomelanotic naevus’ is suggested. Its cooccurrence with extracutaneous abnormalities might represent a specific syndrome. Flag‐like hypermelanosis is a distinct naevus type, for which the term ‘flag‐like hypermelanotic naevus’ is suggested. Its co‐occurrence with naevus roseus defines phacomatosis melanorosea. Flag‐like hypermelanotic naevus should be distinguished from the checkerboard‐like areas of darker skin as observed in chimaeras.
Spatial and numerical relationships of arthropod communities associated with key pests of maize
Authors: Lundgren J. G. , McDonald T. , Rand T. A. , Fausti S. W.
Published: March 2015

Pest management largely focuses on managing individual pest species with little concern for the diverse communities that co‐occur with key pests and potentially shape their population dynamics. During anthesis, we described the foliar arthropod communities on 53 maize farms throughout the region of eastern South Dakota. The resulting communities were examined for trends in local associations in the abundances of taxa with key pests in the system (rootworms [Diabrotica spp.], European corn borers [Ostrinia nubilalis], aphids and Western bean cutworm [Striacosta albicosta]) using regression analyses. Regional spatial clustering in the abundances of key pests with members of the community was explored using Moran's I test statistic. The distributions of rootworms and European corn borer were mapped. A total of 37 185 arthropods representing at least 91 taxa were collected in South Dakota maize; there was an average of 5.06 predators and 8.29 herbivores found per plant. Key pests were never found at economically threatening levels (with one exception for Diabrotica). Numerous species were consistently numerically associated with each of the key pests across the farms during anthesis. Occasionally, these pests shared species with which they were locally associated with; for example, coccinellid egg abundances were predictive of the abundances of all key pest species except rootworm adults. Spatial analysis across the region suggested that species co‐occurred with key pests based on local characteristics surrounding the fields, rather than as a result of regional characteristics. Exceptions were documented; namely aphids and Western bean cutworms that spatially clustered with a handful of other members of the community. The results of the study point out that the abundances of key pests of maize were interconnected through indirect associations in the abundances of other members of the community. These associations may be useful for manipulating maize agroecosystems to minimize the effects of maize pests.
Heterogeneity of Physical Function Responses to Exercise Training in Older Adults
Authors: Chmelo Elizabeth A. , Crotts Charlotte I. , Newman Jill C. , Brinkley Tina E. , Lyles Mary F. , Leng Xiaoyan , Marsh Anthony P. , Nicklas Barbara J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To describe the interindividual variability in physical function responses to supervised resistance and aerobic exercise training interventions in older adults.

Design

Data analysis of two randomized, controlled exercise trials.

Setting

Community‐based research centers.

Participants

Overweight and obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥27.0 kg/m2) sedentary men and women aged 65 to 79 (N = 95).

Intervention

Five months of 4 d/wk of aerobic training (AT, n = 40) or 3 d/wk of resistance training (RT, n = 55).

Measurements

Physical function assessments: global measure of lower extremity function (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)), 400‐m walk, peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak), and knee extensor strength.

Results

On average, both exercise interventions significantly improved physical function. For AT, there was a 7.9% increase in VO2peak; individual absolute increases varied from 0.4 to 4.3 mL/kg per minute, and four participants (13%) showed no change or a decrease in VO2peak. For RT, knee extensor strength improved an average of 8.1%; individual increases varied from 1.2 to 63.7 Nm, and 16 participants (30%) showed no change or a decrease in strength. Usual gait speed, 400‐m walk time, chair rise time, and SPPB improved for the majority of AT participants and usual gait speed, chair rise time, and SPPB improved for the majority of RT participants, but there was wide variation in the magnitude of improvement. Only change in 400‐m walk time with RT was related to exercise adherence (correlation coefficient = −0.31, P = .004).

Conclusion

Despite sufficient levels of adherence to both exercise interventions, some participants did not improve function, and the magnitude of improvement varied widely. Additional research is needed to identify factors that optimize responsiveness to exercise to maximize its functional benefits in older adults.
A High‐Resolution Approach to Mapping Energy Flows through Water Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Spang Edward S. , Loge Frank J.
Published: March 2015

Using data from the water service area of the East Bay Municipal Utility District in Northern California, we develop and discuss a method for assessing, at a high resolution, the energy intensity of water treated and delivered to customers of a major metropolitan water district. This method extends previous efforts by integrating hourly data from supervisory control and data acquisition systems with calculations based on the actual structure of the engineered infrastructure to produce a detailed understanding of energy use in space and time within the territory of a large‐scale urban water provider. We found significant variations in the energy intensity of delivered potable water resulting from seasonal and topographic effects. This method enhances our understanding of the energy inputs for potable water systems and can be applied to the entire delivery and postuse water life cycle. A nuanced understanding of water's energy intensity in an urban setting enables more intelligent, targeted efforts to jointly conserve water and energy resources that take seasonal, distance, and elevation effects into account.
Critical role of the miR‐200 family in regulating differentiation and proliferation of neurons
Authors: Pandey Ankita , Singh Parul , Jauhari Abhishek , Singh Tanisha , Khan Farah , Pant Aditya B. , Parmar Devendra , Yadav Sanjay
Published: March 2015

The generation of differentiated and functional neurons is a complex process, which requires coordinated expression of several proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs). The present study using nerve growth factor (NGF)‐differentiated PC12 cells led to the identification of miR‐200, miR‐221/222 and miR‐34 families as major up‐regulated miRNAs in fully differentiated neurons. Similar to PC12 cells, induction of miR‐200 family was observed in differentiating neural stem cells, demonstrating a direct role of miR‐200 family in neuronal differentiation. Over‐expression of miR‐200 induced neurite formation in PC12 cells and regulated neuronal markers in favour of differentiation. However, inhibition of miR‐200 induced proliferation of PC12 cells. In differentiating PC12 cells and neural stem cells, an inverse relationship was observed between expression of reprogramming transcription factors (SOX2, KLF4, NANOG, OCT4 and PAX6) and miR‐200. Over‐expression of miR‐200 in PC12 cells significantly down‐regulated mRNA and protein levels of SOX2 and KLF4. Moreover, we observed two phases of dramatic down‐regulation of miR‐200 expression in developing rat brains correlating with periods of neuronal proliferation. In conclusion, our results indicate that increased expression of the miR‐200 family promotes neuronal differentiation, while decreased expression of the miR‐200 family promotes neuronal proliferation by targeting SOX2 and KLF4.
Surveying the hidden attitudes of hospital nurses’ towards poverty
Authors: Wittenauer James , Ludwick Ruth , Baughman Kristin , Fishbein Rebecca
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore the attitudes held by registered nurses about persons living in poverty.

Background

As a profession, nursing has strong commitment to advocating for the socioeconomically disadvantaged. The links among poverty and health disparities are well established and research demonstrates that attitudes of providers can influence how those in poverty use health services. Although nurses are the largest sector of healthcare providers globally, little research has been published on their attitudes towards patients they care for who live in poverty.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Used a convenience sample of 117 registered nurses who completed the Attitudes Towards Poverty Short Form that contained three subscales. Regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the nurses' age, education, and years of experience, political views and financial security with their total score and subscale scores.

Results

Nurses were more likely to agree with stigmatising statements than statements that attributed poverty to personal deficiency or structural factors. In the multivariate analysis, years of experience were associated with more positive attitudes towards those living in poverty. Nurses with the most experience had less stigmatising beliefs about poverty and were more likely to endorse structural explanations. Those with a baccalaureate education were also more likely to endorse structural explanations for poverty.

Conclusions

Gaining knowledge about attitudes towards and the factors influencing those attitudes, for example, education, are important in helping combat the disparities associated with poverty.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses have a duty to evaluate their individual attitudes and biases towards those living in poverty and how those attitudes and biases may influence daily practice. Assessing nurses' attitudes towards poverty may aid in better means of empowering nurses to seek solutions that will improve health conditions for those living in poverty.
Validation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index in complete denture wearers
Authors: Campos J. A. D. B. , Zucoloto M. L. , Geremias R. F. , Nogueira S. S. , Maroco J.
Published: March 2015

To perform a validation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) for complete denture wearers and present a proposal for estimation of perceived oral health. This is a cross‐sectional study with non‐probabilistic sampling. A total of 211 subjects with a mean age of 62·5 (s.d. = 11·4) years participated, being 169 female. The GOHAI was applied in a personal interview. The construct/convergent/discriminant validity was tested using structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the fit of three proposals of the GOHAI: three‐factor, one‐factor and second‐order hierarchical models. The stability of the models was evaluated in independent samples. The three‐factor model presented an inadequate fit, and items 3, 4 and 9 were removed. The new structure presented an acceptable fit and strong invariance in independent samples. The convergent, discriminant validity and internal consistency were below adequate. The one‐factor model presented an adequate fit to the sample. Convergent validity was compromised. A strong invariance of the one‐factor model was observed. To calculate the overall scores of the GOHAI factors (three‐factor model) or of the oral health perception (one‐factor model), a matrix of regression weights for each item in the model was presented as a suggestion. We found an adequate fit of the both structures of the GOHAI for denture wearers, but the three‐factor structure was more parsimonious. We suggested considering the weights of the regression model to calculate the overall score of perceived oral health or of its factors in different samples.
Suicide Ideation and Attempts Among Adolescents Engaged in Risk Behaviors: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Thullen Matthew J. , Taliaferro Lindsay A. , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J.
Published: March 2015

This study addressed gaps in the literature regarding how different profiles of adolescent risk behavior relate to suicide. Data came from the 2010 Minnesota Student Survey of 9th and 12th grade students. Latent class analysis derived a set of four classes reflecting unique patterns of eight behaviors: maladaptive dieting, prescription drug misuse, illegal drug use, marijuana use, problem drinking, risky sexual behavior, perpetration of interpersonal violence, and self‐injury. A class demonstrating high engagement in all risk behaviors, and a class highest on self‐injury and maladaptive dieting but low on several other risk behaviors, showed high risk for suicide. Practitioners should carefully monitor adolescents engaging in multiple risk behaviors for suicide, especially if self‐injury and maladaptive dieting are present.
Increased risk of hip fracture associated with dually treated HIV/hepatitis B virus coinfection
Authors: Byrne D. D. , Newcomb C. W. , Carbonari D. M. , Nezamzadeh M. S. , Leidl K. B. F. , Herlim M. , Yang Y. X. , Hennessy S. , Kostman J. R. , Leonard M. B. , Localio A. R. , Lo Re V.
Published: March 2015

HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are each associated with reduced bone mineral density, but it is unclear whether HIV/HBV coinfection is associated with an increased risk of fracture. We determined whether dually treated HIV/HBV patients had a higher incidence of hip fracture compared to treated HBV‐monoinfected, antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐treated HIV‐monoinfected and HIV/HBV‐uninfected patients. We conducted a cohort study among 4156 dually treated HIV/HBV‐coinfected, 2053 treated HBV‐monoinfected, 96 253 ART‐treated HIV‐monoinfected, and 746 794 randomly sampled uninfected persons within the US Medicaid populations of California, Florida, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania (1999–2007). Coinfected patients were matched on propensity score to persons in each comparator cohort. Weighted survival models accounting for competing risks were used to estimate cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident hip fracture for dually treated coinfected patients compared to (i) HBV‐monoinfected receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue or interferon alfa therapy, (ii) HIV‐monoinfected on ART and (iii) uninfected persons. Dually treated coinfected patients had a higher cumulative incidence of hip fracture compared to ART‐treated HIV‐monoinfected (at 5 years: 1.70% vs 1.24%; adjusted HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.03–1.83]) and uninfected (at 5 years: 1.64% vs 1.22%; adjusted HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.03–1.84]) persons. The cumulative incidence of hip fracture was higher among coinfected than treated HBV‐monoinfected patients (at 5 years: 0.70% vs 0.27%), but this difference was not statistically significant in competing risk analysis (adjusted HR, 2.62 [95% CI, 0.92–7.51]). Among Medicaid enrollees, the risk of hip fracture was higher among dually treated HIV/HBV‐coinfected patients than ART‐treated HIV‐monoinfected and uninfected persons.
Where next for hepatitis B and C surveillance?
Authors: Wiktor S. Z.
Published: March 2015

Hepatitis B and C infections are responsible for significant burden of disease accounting for 1.3 million deaths globally. There is a lack of quality data on the burden of disease due to these infections. One approach to informing policy makers on trends in hepatitis B and C is through case reporting of diagnosed cases. Data on these cases can identify outbreaks of hepatitis and monitor trends in acute and chronic infection. The European Centers for Disease Control (ECDC) has developed standardized case definitions and a harmonized reporting framework. Two articles in this issue summarize the trends in hepatitis B and C infection in Europe. The results show considerable variability in reported cases across countries, reflecting in part differences in testing practices. Risk factor information highlights the continued importance of injecting drug use as a risk factor for hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis case reporting provides valuable information, and more complete reporting will improve the utility of the data. For a comprehensive epidemiologic assessment of the burden of hepatitis, case reporting should be complemented by other sources of data, such as serologic and behavioural surveys.
From soaking wet to bone dry: predicting plant community composition along a steep hydrological gradient
Authors: Baastrup‐Spohr Lars , Sand‐Jensen Kaj , Nicolajsen Sascha Veggerby , Bruun Hans Henrik
Published: March 2015

Question

Why do plants grow where they grow? Prediction of species' occurrence and abundance in relation to the environment is a core aim of ecology, as is understanding the link between environmental stressors and adaptive traits. Community assembly may be viewed as a sequence of filters, sorting species according to their functional traits. We ask if the strength of filtering changes along a strong hydrological gradient? Can we predict species′ relative abundance using few, but biologically relevant traits? And are strongly filtered traits better predictors of community assembly?

Location

A hydrological gradient from pond to dry limestone pavements on the Island of Öland, South Sweden.

Methods

Plant community composition and six morpho‐physiogical plant traits were measured along a pronounced gradient in water supply and soil depth. The strength of filtering was quantified using a trait dispersion index, while the prediction of species′ relative abundance and importance of individual traits was assessed with the community assembly by trait selection (CATS) model.

Results

We show that species are filtered by the hydrological environment through the traits root porosity, specific leaf area and resistance to water loss on drying. For individual traits, the strength of filtering waxes and wanes along the gradient. This strongly suggests that the mechanism, through which species are filtered into communities, acts through different traits as environmental conditions change along the gradient. The CATS model predicted 66% of the variation in species' relative abundances using six traits. In general, the traits subject to filtering also were most important in predicting species abundance.

Conclusions

Few plant traits are exposed to environmental filtering across the entire hydrological gradient, and most traits are strongly filtered only in parts of the gradient (e.g. root porosity in wet soils and water loss on drying on thin dry soils). Evidence for congruence between trait dispersion indices and the CATS model was established, underpinning the importance to plant community assembly of environmental filtering of species through their traits. New functional traits relevant to a specific environmental gradient – and not just some standard traits from a public database – can contribute significantly to resolve how plant communities are assembled.
Biogeography, macroecology and species' traits mediate competitive interactions in the orderLagomorpha
Authors: Leach Katie , Montgomery W. Ian , Reid Neil
Published: March 2015

In addition to abiotic determinants, biotic factors, including competitive, interspecific interactions, limit species' distributions. Environmental changes in human disturbance, land use and climate are predicted to have widespread impacts on interactions between species, especially in the orderLagomorpha due to the higher latitudes and more extreme environmental conditions they occupy.

We reviewed the published literature on interspecific interactions in the orderLagomorpha and compared the biogeography, macroecology, phylogeny and traits of species known to interact with those of species with no reported interactions, to investigate how projected future environmental change may affect interactions and potentially alter species' distributions.

Thirty‐three lagomorph species have competitive interactions reported in the literature; the majority involve hares (Lepussp.) or the eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus). Key regions for interactions are located between 30–50°Nof theEquator, and include easternAsia (southernRussia on the border ofMongolia) andNorthAmerica (north‐westernUSA).

Closely related, large‐bodied, similarly sized species occurring in regions of human‐modified, typically agricultural landscapes, or at high elevations, are significantly more likely to have reported competitive interactions than other lagomorph species.

We identify species' traits associated with competitive interactions, and highlight some potential impacts that future environmental change may have on interspecific interactions. Our approach using bibliometric and biological data is widely applicable, and with relatively straightforward methodologies, can provide insights into interactions between species.

Our results have implications for predicting species' responses to global change, and we advise that capturing, parameterizing and incorporating interspecific interactions into analyses (e.g. species distribution modelling) may be more important than suggested by the literature.
Combining reverse genetics and nuclear magnetic resonance‐based metabolomics unravels trypanosome‐specific metabolic pathways
Authors: Bringaud Frédéric , Biran Marc , Millerioux Yoann , Wargnies Marion , Allmann Stefan , Mazet Muriel
Published: March 2015

Numerous eukaryotes have developed specific metabolic traits that are not present in extensively studied model organisms. For instance, the procyclic insect form of Trypanosoma brucei, a parasite responsible for sleeping sickness in its mammalian‐specific bloodstream form, metabolizes glucose into excreted succinate and acetate through pathways with unique features. Succinate is primarily produced from glucose‐derived phosphoenolpyruvate in peroxisome‐like organelles, also known as glycosomes, by a soluble NADH‐dependent fumarate reductase only described in trypanosomes so far. Acetate is produced in the mitochondrion of the parasite from acetyl‐CoA by a CoA‐transferase, which forms an ATP‐producing cycle with succinyl‐CoA synthetase. The role of this cycle in ATP production was recently demonstrated in procyclic trypanosomes and has only been proposed so far for anaerobic organisms, in addition to trypanosomatids. We review how nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry can be used to analyze the metabolic network perturbed by deletion (knockout) or downregulation (RNAi) of the candidate genes involved in these two particular metabolic pathways of procyclic trypanosomes. The role of succinate and acetate production in trypanosomes is discussed, as well as the connections between the succinate and acetate branches, which increase the metabolic flexibility probably required by the parasite to deal with environmental changes such as oxidative stress.
Combined medico‐surgical strategy for invasive sino‐orbito‐cerebral breakthrough fungal infection with Hormographiella aspergillata in an acute leukaemia patient
Authors: Heiblig M. , Bozzoli V. , Saison J. , Thomas X. , De Croze D. , Traverse‐Glehen A. , Cosmidis A. , Chidiac C. , Ferry T. , Alanio A. , Bienvenu A. L. , Dupont D. , Ducastelle‐Lepretre S. , Michallet M. , Ader F.
Published: March 2015

Hormographiella aspergillata is a rare causative agent of invasive filamentous breakthrough infection, mostly arising after echinocandin exposure. We report a neutropenic patient who developed a severe sino‐orbito‐cerebral H. aspergillata infection while receiving empirical caspofungin, successfully controlled by an aggressive strategy associating surgical debridement and combined high‐dose regimen of antifungal drugs.
Endothelin‐receptor antagonists for diabetic nephropathy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan Wenming , Li Yi , Wang Ji , Li Jing , Gou Shenju , Fu Ping
Published: March 2015

Aim

Endothelin‐receptor antagonists may be a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy, but their use remains controversial. This meta‐analysis seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endothelin‐receptor antagonists for patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Literature reviews of the PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endothelin‐receptor antagonist treatment with placebo in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Quality assessment was performed by using the Cochrane Handbook's tools for assessing risk of bias; meta‐analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3.

Resutls

Five RCTs (n = 2034 patients) were included for analysis. Compared with placebo, endothelin‐receptor antagonists showed significant benefits for lowering albuminuria (five trials, n = 2034 patients; SMD 0.66 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.76), but there was no significant difference in the risk of death (two trials, n = 1674 patients; RR 1.49 95% CI 0.81 to 2.76). In addition, risk of cardiovascular events and other serious adverse events were significantly higher in the endothelin‐receptor antagonists group than the placebo group (four trials, n = 1956 patients; RR 1.45 95% CI 1.07 to 1.97; five trials, n = 2034 patients; RR 1.32 95% CI 1.10 to 1.58).

Conclusion

Endothelin‐receptor antagonists can reduce albuminuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy, although use resulted in more serious adverse events compared with placebo. There is a potential need for further RCTs, which has larger sample size and longer duration.
Difference in Striga‐susceptibility is reflected in strigolactone secretion profile, but not in compatibility and host preference in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in two maize cultivars
Authors: Yoneyama Kaori , Arakawa Ryota , Ishimoto Keiko , Kim Hyun Il , Kisugi Takaya , Xie Xiaonan , Nomura Takahito , Kanampiu Fred , Yokota Takao , Ezawa Tatsuhiro , Yoneyama Koichi
Published: March 2015

Strigolactones released from plant roots trigger both seed germination of parasitic weeds such as Striga spp. and hyphal branching of the symbionts arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Generally, strigolactone composition in exudates is quantitatively and qualitatively different among plants, which may be involved in susceptibility and host specificity in the parasite–plant interactions. We hypothesized that difference in strigolactone composition would have a significant impact on compatibility and host specificity/preference in AM symbiosis.

Strigolactones in root exudates of Striga‐susceptible (Pioneer 3253) and ‐resistant (KST 94) maize (Zea mays) cultivars were characterized by LC‐MS/MS combined with germination assay using Striga hermonthica seeds. Levels of colonization and community compositions of AM fungi in the two cultivars were investigated in field and glasshouse experiments.

5‐Deoxystrigol was exuded exclusively by the susceptible cultivar, while the resistant cultivar mainly exuded sorgomol. Despite the distinctive difference in strigolactone composition, the levels of AM colonization and the community compositions were not different between the cultivars.

The present study demonstrated that the difference in strigolactone composition has no appreciable impact on AM symbiosis, at least in the two maize cultivars, and further suggests that the traits involved in Striga‐resistance are not necessarily accompanied by reduction in compatibility to AM fungi.
Inferior alveolar nerve function recovers after decompression of large mandibular cystic lesions
Authors: Liang Y‐j , He W‐j , Zheng P‐b , Liao G‐q
Published: March 2015

Objective

The treatment of large mandibular cystic lesions (diameter > 35 mm) is controversial. Few studies determine the inferior alveolar nerve function after decompression which is one of the major options for treating such lesions. We aim to investigate the recovery of inferior alveolar nerve function after decompression.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with large mandibular cystic lesions, diagnosed as keratocystic odontogenic tumor, ameloblastoma, or dentigerous cyst, were included. Inferior alveolar nerve function was observed by monitoring the pulp vitality of involved teeth (n = 64) with electric pulp test before decompression and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after decompression, respectively.

Results

The pulp vitality of the involved teeth was significantly decreased before decompression. Recovery of pulp vitality could be observed after decompression, indicating the recovery of inferior alveolar nerve function. A majority (96.9%) of the vital pulp was preserved in the involved teeth after decompression.

Conclusions

Recovery of inferior alveolar nerve function was remarkable in patients with large mandibular cystic lesions after decompression, indicated by the recovery of pulp vitality of involved teeth. When decompression is preferred, conservative therapy rather than root canal therapy is recommended for the teeth with root tip exposed in the cystic lesions and without pulposis.
Opposing selective pressures decouple pattern and process of parasitic infection over small spatial scale
Authors: Byers James E. , Malek Anna J. , Quevillon Lauren E. , Altman Irit , Keogh Carolyn L.
Published: March 2015

Species face multiple selective pressures that may require opposing responses to mitigate. On rocky shorelines, fitness of the intertidal snail Littorina littorea is determined by both parasitism and predation. We experimentally demonstrated that L. littorea was at greatest risk of infection from trematode parasites high in the intertidal zone where it was in closest proximity to abundant gull feces (the vector for the snail's parasites). However, because of extreme, size‐selective predation pressure at low tidal elevations, small snails often live high in the intertidal until they have grown sufficiently large. By prolonging their exposure to infection higher on the shore, ontogenetic responses to predation risk accentuate parasite risk. Counterintuitively, snails exhibited the highest trematode prevalence at the lowest tidal elevations where they had almost no risk of contracting infection. By carrying contracted infections into the lowest tidal zones, the larger, predation‐resistant snails invert hotspots of infection risk and prevalence, underscoring that size‐dependent selection pressures can decouple infection process and pattern even over small scales.
Consistent effects of consumer species loss across different habitats
Authors: Mrowicki Robert J. , Maggs Christine A. , O'Connor Nessa E.
Published: March 2015

Our knowledge of the effects of consumer species loss on ecosystem functioning is limited by a paucity of manipulative field studies, particularly those that incorporate inter‐trophic effects. Further, given the ongoing transformation of natural habitats by anthropogenic activities, studies should assess the relative importance of biodiversity for ecosystem processes across different environmental contexts by including multiple habitat types. We tested the context‐dependency of the effects of consumer species loss by conducting a 15‐month field experiment in two habitats (mussel beds and rock pools) on a temperate rocky shore, focussing on the responses of algal assemblages following the single and combined removals of key gastropod grazers (Patella vulgata, P. ulyssiponensis, Littorina littorea and Gibbula umbilicalis). In both habitats, the removal of limpets resulted in a larger increase in macroalgal richness than that of either L. littorea or G. umbilicalis. Further, by the end of the study, macroalgal cover and richness were greater following the removal of multiple grazer species compared to single species removals. Despite substantial differences in physical properties and the structure of benthic assemblages between mussel beds and rock pools, the effects of grazer loss on macroalgal cover, richness, evenness and assemblage structure were remarkably consistent across both habitats. There was, however, a transient habitat‐dependent effect of grazer removal on macroalgal assemblage structure that emerged after three months, which was replaced by non‐interactive effects of grazer removal and habitat after 15 months. This study shows that the effects of the loss of key consumers may transcend large abiotic and biotic differences between habitats in rocky intertidal systems. While it is clear that consumer diversity is a primary driver of ecosystem functioning, determining its relative importance across multiple contexts is necessary to understand the consequences of consumer species loss against a background of environmental change.

Synthesis

The roles of species may vary with environmental context, making it difficult to predict how biodiversity loss affects ecosystem functioning across multiple habitats. We tested how natural algal assemblages in two distinct intertidal habitats responded to the removal of different combinations of key consumer species. Despite an initial habitat‐dependent effect of consumer loss, habitat type did not modify the longer‐term responses of algal assemblages to either the identity or number of consumer species removed. Our findings show that, in certain systems, consumer diversity remains a primary driver of ecosystem functioning across widely different environmental contexts.
Replicating and breaking models: good for you and good for ecology
Authors: Thiele Jan C. , Grimm Volker
Published: March 2015

There are two major limitations to the potential of computational models in ecology for producing general insights: their design is path‐dependent, reflecting different underlying questions, assumptions, and data, and there is too little robustness analysis exploring where the model mechanisms explaining certain observations break down. We here argue that both limitations could be overcome if modellers in ecology would more often replicate existing models, try to break the models, and explore modifications. Replication comprises the re‐implementation of an existing model and the replication of its results. Breaking models means to identify under what conditions the mechanisms represented in a model can no longer explain observed phenomena. The benefits of replication include less effort being spent to enter the iterative stage of model development and having more time for systematic robustness analysis. A culture of replication would lead to increased credibility, coherence and efficiency of computational modelling and thereby facilitate theory development.
The fossil record of ichthyosaurs, completeness metrics and sampling biases
Authors: Cleary Terri J. , Moon Benjamin C. , Dunhill Alexander M. , Benton Michael J.
Published: March 2015

Ichthyosaurs were highly successful marine reptiles with an abundant and well‐studied fossil record. However, their occurrences through geological time and space are sporadic, and it is important to understand whether times of apparent species richness and rarity are real or the result of sampling bias. Here, we explore the skeletal completeness of 351 dated and identified ichthyosaur specimens, belonging to all 102 species, the first time that such a study has been carried out on vertebrates from the marine realm. No correlations were found between time series of different skeletal metrics and ichthyosaur diversity. There is a significant geographical variation in completeness, with the well‐studied northern hemisphere producing fossils of much higher quality than the southern hemisphere. Medium‐sized ichthyosaurs are significantly more complete than small or large taxa: the incompleteness of small specimens was expected, but it was a surprise that larger specimens were also relatively incomplete. Completeness varies greatly between facies, with fine‐grained, siliciclastic sediments preserving the most complete specimens. These findings may explain why the ichthyosaur diversity record is low at times, corresponding to facies of poor preservation potential, such as in the Early Cretaceous. Unexpectedly, we find a strong negative correlation between skeletal completeness and sea level, meaning the most complete specimens occurred at times of global low sea level, and vice versa. Completeness metrics, however, do not replicate the sampling signal and have limited use as a global‐scale sampling proxy.
Interventional Procedures for Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents: A Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Shah Ravi D. , Cappiello Dario , Suresh Santhanam
Published: March 2015

This review discusses the role of interventional procedures in the treatment of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Due to lack of scientific evidence, significant controversy surrounds the utility of invasive techniques for managing pediatric chronic pain states. Interventional procedures are a widely accepted modality for pain management in adults. The use of such techniques in children is supported only by case reports, case series, and very few randomized controlled studies. In addition, the potential for severe complications leaves open a debate on the safety of these invasive procedures, which must be confirmed by more extensive and accurate prospective studies.
Silicon‐mediated changes in polyamines participate in silicon‐induced salt tolerance in Sorghum bicolor L.
Authors: Yin Lina , Wang Shiwen , Tanaka Kiyoshi , Fujihara Shinsuke , Itai Akihiro , Den Xiping , Zhang Suiqi
Published: March 2015

Silicon (Si) is generally considered a beneficial element for the growth of higher plants, especially under stress conditions, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Si improves salt tolerance through mediating important metabolism processes rather than acting as a mere mechanical barrier. Seedlings of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) growing in hydroponic culture were treated with NaCl (100 mm) combined with or without Si (0.83 mm). The result showed that supplemental Si enhanced sorghum salt tolerance by decreasing Na+ accumulation. Simultaneously, polyamine (PA) levels were increased and ethylene precursor (1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid: ACC) concentrations were decreased. Several key PA synthesis genes were up‐regulated by Si under salt stress. To further confirm the role of PA in Si‐mediated salt tolerance, seedlings were exposed to spermidine (Spd) or a PA synthesis inhibitor (dicyclohexylammonium sulphate, DCHA) combined with salt and Si. Exogenous Spd showed similar effects as Si under salt stress whereas exogenous DCHA eliminated Si‐enhanced salt tolerance and the beneficial effect of Si in decreasing Na+ accumulation. These results indicate that PAs and ACC are involved in Si‐induced salt tolerance in sorghum and provide evidence that Si plays an active role in mediating salt tolerance.
Increased phosphate transport of Arabidopsis thaliana Pht1;1 by site‐directed mutagenesis of tyrosine 312 may be attributed to the disruption of homomeric interactions
Authors: Fontenot Elena B. , Ditusa Sandra Feuer , Kato Naohiro , Olivier Danielle M. , Dale Renee , Lin Wei‐Yi , Chiou Tzyy‐Jen , Macnaughtan Megan A. , Smith Aaron P.
Published: March 2015

Members of the Pht1 family of plant phosphate (Pi) transporters play vital roles in Pi acquisition from soil and in planta Pi translocation to maintain optimal growth and development. The study of the specificities and biochemical properties of Pht1 transporters will contribute to improving the current understanding of plant phosphorus homeostasis and use‐efficiency. In this study, we show through split in vivo interaction methods and in vitro analysis of microsomal root tissues that Arabidopsis thaliana Pht1;1 and Pht1;4 form homomeric and heteromeric complexes. Transient and heterologous expression of the Pht1;1 variants, Pht1;1Y312D, Pht1;1Y312A and Pht1;1Y312F, was used to analyse the role of a putative Pi binding residue (Tyr 312) in Pht1;1 transporter oligomerization and function. The homomeric interaction among Pht1;1 proteins was disrupted by mutation of Tyr 312 to Asp, but not to Ala or Phe. In addition, the Pht1;1Y312D variant conferred enhanced Pi transport when expressed in yeast cells. In contrast, mutation of Tyr 312 to Ala or Phe did not affect Pht1;1 transport kinetics. Our study demonstrates that modifications to the Pht1;1 higher‐order structure affects Pi transport, suggesting that oligomerization may serve as a regulatory mechanism for modulating Pi uptake.
CHX14 is a plasma membrane K‐efflux transporter that regulates K+ redistribution in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Penghui , Motes Christy M. , Park Sunghun , Hirschi Kendal D.
Published: March 2015

Potassium (K+) is essential for plant growth and development, yet the molecular identity of many K+ transporters remains elusive. Here we characterized cation/H+ exchanger (CHX) 14 as a plasma membrane K+ transporter. CHX14 expression was induced by elevated K+ and histochemical analysis of CHX14 promoter::GUS transgenic plants indicated that CHX14 was expressed in xylem parenchyma of root and shoot vascular tissues of seedlings. CHX14 knockout (chx14) and CHX14 overexpression seedlings displayed different growth phenotypes during K+ stress as compared with wild‐type seedlings. Roots of mutant seedlings displayed higher K+ uptake rates than wild‐type roots. CHX14 expression in yeast cells deficient in K+ uptake renders the mutant cells more sensitive to deficiencies of K+ in the medium. CHX14 mediates K+ efflux in yeast cells loaded with high K+. Uptake experiments using 86Rb+ as a tracer for K+ with both yeast and plant mutants demonstrated that CHX14 expression in yeast and in planta mediated low‐affinity K+ efflux. Functional green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged versions of CHX14 were localized to both the yeast and plant plasma membranes. Taken together, we suggest that CHX14 is a plasma membrane K+ efflux transporter involved in K+ homeostasis and K+ recirculation.
Behavioral symptoms and sleep problems in children with anxiety disorder
Authors: Iwadare Yoshitaka , Kamei Yuichi , Usami Masahide , Ushijima Hirokage , Tanaka Tetsuya , Watanabe Kyota , Kodaira Masaki , Saito Kazuhiko
Published: March 2015

Background

Sleep disorders are frequently associated with childhood behavioral problems and mental illnesses such as anxiety disorder. To identify promising behavioral targets for pediatric anxiety disorder therapy, we investigated the associations between specific sleep and behavioral problems.

Methods

We conducted retrospective reviews of 105 patients aged 4–12 years who met the DSM‐IV criteria for primary diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (n = 33), separation anxiety disorder (n = 23), social phobia (n = 21), or obsessive compulsive disorder (n = 28). Sleep problems were evaluated using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and behavioral problems by the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, Oppositional Defiant Behavior Inventory (ODBI), and Depression Self‐Rating Scale for Children.

Results

Depressive behavior was weakly correlated with CSHQ subscores for sleep onset delay and night waking but not with total sleep disturbance. Anxiety was correlated with bedtime resistance, night waking, and total sleep disturbance score. Oppositional defiance was correlated with bedtime resistance, daytime sleepiness, sleep onset delay, and most strongly with total sleep disturbance. On multiple regression analysis ODBI score had the strongest positive association with total sleep disturbance and the strongest negative association with total sleep duration.

Conclusions

Sleep problems in children with anxiety disorders are closely related to anxiety and oppositional defiant symptoms.