bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faster diversification on land than sea helps explain global biodiversity patterns among habitats and animal phyla
Authors: Wiens John J.
Published: September 2015

Terrestrial environments occupy ~ 30% of the Earth's surface yet contain ~ 80% of all species. The causes of this dramatic biodiversity gradient have remained relatively unstudied. Here, I test the fundamental prediction that predominantly non‐marine clades have more rapid rates of diversification than marine clades, using a time‐calibrated phylogeny of animal phyla. The results strongly support this hypothesis. This pattern helps explain the higher richness of terrestrial environments and the dramatic variation in species richness among animal phyla. The results show the importance of ecology in explaining large‐scale patterns of clade richness and of diversification rates in explaining Earth's largest biodiversity patterns. The results also demonstrate remarkable niche conservatism in habitats, in some cases lasting > 800 million years. Finally, the results highlight the surprisingly high species richness of freshwater habitats, which are nearly equal to marine environments despite their much smaller area (~ 2% of Earth's surface vs. 70% for marine habitats).
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug associated right dorsal colitis in the horse
Authors: Davis J. L.
Published: September 2015

Right dorsal colitis in horses is a disease characterised by mucosal ulceration and oedema that is localised to the right dorsal colon. It is considered one of the more severe adverse effects associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly phenylbutazone. Diagnosis is typically made based on a history ofNSAIDadministration, the presence of hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia, as well as ultrasound evidence of thickening and oedema of the right dorsal colon wall. Definitive diagnosis is made at surgery or necropsy. Treatment involves discontinuation ofNSAIDtherapy, dietary management, and mucosal protectants such as misoprostol and sucralfate. Prognosis is dependent upon early recognition and appropriate treatment. Horses on prolonged courses ofNSAIDs should have frequent monitoring of serum total protein and albumin concentrations, as this is one of the earliest and most consistent clinicopathological findings.
RETRACTED: Insight for Building a Successful Academic Journey
Authors: Lee Young‐A
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this paper is to share insight for launching a successful career in an academic institution. The topics addressed are as follows: strategic planning of a career, developing long‐ and short‐term goals, developing a solid research stream, building mentor–mentee relationship, building grantsmanship, becoming a published author, teaching and student advising, networking and being collegial, and promoting one's work‐life balance. The interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of academics is emphasized throughout this paper.
Adults’ Remembrances of Parental Acceptance–Rejection in Childhood Predict Current Rejection Sensitivity in Adulthood
Authors: Ibrahim Dara M. , Rohner Ronald P. , Smith Rhiannon L. , Flannery Kaitlin M.
Published: September 2015

Interpersonal acceptance–rejection theory predicts that the experience of parental rejection in childhood leads to the development of rejection sensitivity that tends to extend into adulthood. This study provides the first test of this prediction within the framework of the theory. Self‐report surveys were administered to 271 undergraduates (M age = 21.73). Adults’ remembrances of both maternal and paternal acceptance–rejection in childhood were significantly related to their current levels of rejection sensitivity. Moreover, acceptance–rejection from the same‐sex parent explained more of the variance in rejection sensitivity than did acceptance–rejection from the other‐sex parent.
Renting in Rural America
Authors: Ziebarth Ann
Published: September 2015

While the overwhelming majority of Americans are homeowners, there are more than 17 million people living in rental housing in small towns and rural places. Home to a wide variety of households, rental housing provides an essential shelter option that supports family well‐being as well as providing a substantial contribution to the rural economy. The purpose of this review was to highlight the importance of rental housing for the well‐being of rural families and the economic development of rural communities. I begin with an overview of housing in rural America emphasizing the availability, adequacy, and affordability of rural rental housing. Then, I explain who rents in rural America and the characteristics of rural rental households. Public policies and programs to address housing needs in rural areas are described in the next section. The fourth section focuses on barriers to rural rental housing development. I conclude by presenting theoretical explanations for the conditions of rural rental housing and provide suggestions for research.
Two New Resources Available Through the Family and Consumer Sciences Research Center
Authors: Myers Lori A.
Published: September 2015

The FCS Research Center continues to expand its resources, products, and services to guide and advance research in the family and consumer sciences profession. The new tools should help to promote graduate study and encourage networking and collaboration among FCS researchers and students.
Phylogenetic community structure when competition and environmental filtering determine abundances
Authors: Freilich Mara A. , Connolly Sean R.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Ecologists have long been concerned with understanding how local communities are assembled from the pool of species present in the broader biogeographical region. Although there has been considerable interest in the use of measures of species relatedness as tools to detect community assembly process, empirical and simulation studies have produced mixed results on the effectiveness of the technique. Here, we ask how well the most commonly used metrics of such community phylogenetic patterns detect the operation of filtering and competition in simulated communities where filtering and competition determine species abundances as well as co‐occurrence patterns.

Location

Simulated local communities assembled from a simulated regional species pool.

Methods

We simulate the evolution of niche traits for a regional species pool on a phylogeny, and then simulate the assembly of a local community from this regional species pool using a Lotka–Volterra model. We then test whether the net relatedness index (NRI) or the nearest taxon index (NTI) can detect the assembly process. We compare the performance of abundance‐weighted (NRIAW and NTIAW) and occurrence‐based (NRIO and NTIO) versions of the metrics along a gradient of local community size as a percentage of the regional pool.

Results

We find that abundance weighting can substantially increase the power to detect assembly processes. Moreover, clustering and over‐dispersion are, in fact, most detectable when assembly processes act mainly on abundance rather than occurrence. Where they differed, NTIAW tended to outperform NRIAW at detecting limiting‐similarity competition. NRIAW outperformed NTIAW at detecting filtering except when filtering was very strong compared with limiting‐similarity competition.

Main conclusions

Our findings imply that phylogenetic information is more likely to yield information about community assembly when abundance information is incorporated, and local communities contain a relatively large fraction of the regional species pool.
Association between bleeding tendency and health‐related quality of life in carriers of moderate and severe haemophilia
Authors: Olsson A. , Hellgren M. , Berntorp E. , Baghaei F.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Carriers of severe and moderate haemophilia A and B are expected to have approximately 50% of the normal level of factors VIII and IX. However, due to X chromosome inactivation in early embryonic life, factor levels can vary considerably. This can lead to increased bleeding tendency, which may in turn impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess HRQOL in carriers of severe and moderate haemophilia with and without increased bleeding tendency.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐four adult carriers and 90 controls were recruited. Bleeding tendency was evaluated using a structured bleeding assessment tool. HRQOL was measured by the short form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire. The SF‐36 scores were compared with Swedish normative age‐matched data and reported as Z scores.

Results

There was no significant difference between the whole groups of carriers and controls in the Z scores of the eight SF‐36 domains. The mental component summary (MCS) was lower in carriers, compared with controls (P = 0.048). The subgroup of carriers with an increased bleeding tendency had significantly lower Z scores compared to controls regarding the General Health (P = 0.008), the Social Functioning (P = 0.040) and the Mental Health (P = 0.048) domains. The MCS was significantly lower in this carrier subgroup than in controls (P = 0.033).

Conclusion

We conclude that the subgroup of carriers of haemophilia with increased bleeding tendency have impaired HRQOL. The SF‐36 results indicate that this condition affects mental rather than physical health.
Enterococcus faecalis endophthalmitis as a metastatic complication of hemodialysis vascular access‐related sepsis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sahin Osman Zikrullah , Kara Ekrem , Belice Tahir , Ayaz Teslime , Baydur Sahin Serap , Ozturk Cinar , Yildirim Safak , Metin Yavuz , Sahutoglu Tuncay
Published: September 2015

Catheter and/or arteriovenous (A‐V) graft‐related bacteremia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Endocarditis, septic arthritis, epidural abscess, septic embolism, and osteomyelitis are the most common complications of catheter and/or A‐V graft‐related bacteremia; however, endogenous endophthalmitis is rarely seen. To the best of our knowledge, Enterococcus faecalis is the first case report in this population. We hereby report a case of endogenous endophthalmitis caused by E. faecalis as a complication of catheter and/or A‐V graft‐related bacteremia in a diabetic patient, who was undergoing HD for 5 years. We also discuss the etiology, clinical features, and outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis in HD patients with a brief review of the literature. Although broad‐spectrum parenteral (intravenous and intravitreal) antibiotics were used for 4 weeks, evisceration of the left eye could not be avoided. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare but rapidly blinding complication of catheter and/or A‐V graft‐related bacteremia in HD patients. It can develop as a result of silent catheter and/or A‐V graft infections, which may lead to recurrent bacteremia. E. faecalis should be considered as a pathogen in this population who had recent history of catheter or A‐V graft procedure.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Rates in Patients Undergoing Endoscopy in the Interior of Borneo
Authors: Chai Feng Yih , Chong Hock Chin , Tan Yew Eng , Heng Sophia Si Ling , Asilah Siti Mohd Desa , Ridwan Hashim
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Very limited data are available on the Helicobacter pylori infection among the population of interior Borneo. We aimed to investigate the H. pylori infection rate among an endoscoped interior Borneo population and to report the differences between the infected and noninfected patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of the rapid urease test (RUT) records in Endoscopy Unit Hospital Keningau from January 2009 to May 2014. Student's t‐test, chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test were used accordingly. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for H. pylori infection. Birth cohort was analyzed against H. pylori infection rate with chi‐square test.

Results

Overall, there were 215 of 774 (27.8%) positive RUTs. Patients with H. pylori infection were younger (47.66 ± 14.93 vs 50.50 ± 15.02 years, p = .019), more likely to be female (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.12–2.13, p = .008) and originated from the Pensiangan district (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.01–2.64, p = .047). Chinese patients were less likely infected with H. pylori (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.16–0.80, p = .013). Birth cohort was significantly associated with H. pylori infection rate (χ2(7) = 14.71, p = .040) with an increasing trend of H. pylori infection rate in patients born later (χ2(1) = 5.26, p = .022).

Conclusion

The overall H. pylori infection rate in this population was unexpectedly low. Accordingly, it may be a recent arrival in this community. Gender, age, dietary practice, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity were among the factors associated with H. pylori infection.
An exploration of strategies used by older people to obtain information about health‐ and social care services in the community
Authors: Mc Grath Margaret , Clancy Kathleen , Kenny Anne
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To explore the strategies used by older people living in Ireland to obtain information about community health and social services.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory design was used. Focus groups (n = 3) were conducted with community dwelling older people (n = 17). A series of vignettes were used to guide discussion regarding hypothetical situations that approximated real‐life scenarios for older people. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Obtaining information about community health and social services is an ongoing process that requires continuous commitment by older adults. Key strategies which emerged from the data included (i) taking a proactive stance towards accessing health information, (ii) making use of personal networks in your community and (iii) developing ‘insider’ knowledge.

Conclusion

Older people in this study had a proactive approach to obtaining health information and identified the importance of taking responsibility for managing their own needs. Despite this, obtaining basic information about community health and social services was a challenging and time‐consuming process. Future research should focus on developing health literacy interventions that build upon and expand the strategies currently used by older people.
Breast lesions of uncertain malignant nature and limited metastatic potential: proposals to improve their recognition and clinical management
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Badve Sunil , Eusebi Vincenzo , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Fox Stephen B , Dabbs David J , Decker Thomas , Hodi Zsolt , Ichihara Shu , Lee Andrew HS , Palacios José , Richardson Andrea L , Vincent‐Salomon Anne , Schmitt Fernando C , Tan Puay‐Hoon , Tse Gary M , Ellis Ian O
Published: September 2015

Breast lesions comprise a family of heterogeneous entities with variable patterns of presentation, morphology and clinical behaviour. The majority of breast lesions are classified traditionally into benign and malignant conditions and their behaviour can, in the vast majority of cases, be predicted with a reasonable degree of accuracy. However, there remain lesions which show borderline features and lie in a grey zone between benign and malignant, as their behaviour cannot be predicted reliably. Defined pathological categorization of such lesions is challenging, and for some entities is recognized to be subjective and include a range of diagnoses, and forms of terminology, which may trigger over‐ or undertreatment. The rarity of these lesions makes the acquisition of clinical evidence problematic and limits the development of a sufficient evidence base to support informed decision‐making by clinicians and patients. Emerging molecular evidence is providing a greater understanding of the biology of these lesions, but this may or may not be reflected in their clinical behaviour. Herein we discuss some breast lesions that are associated with uncertainty regarding classification and behaviour, and hence management. These include biologically invasive malignant lesions associated with uncertain metastatic potential, such as low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma, low‐grade fibromatosis‐like spindle cell carcinoma and encapsulated papillary carcinoma. Other lesions of uncertain malignant nature remain, such as mammary cylindroma, atypical microglandular adenosis, mammary pleomorphic adenoma and infiltrating epitheliosis. The concept of categories of (1) breast lesions of uncertain malignant nature and (2) breast lesions of limited metastatic potential are proposed with details of which histological entities could be included in each category, and their management implications are discussed.
Reviewing Leadership Styles: Overlaps and the Need for a New ‘Full‐Range’ Theory
Authors: Anderson Marc H. , Sun Peter Y. T.
Published: September 2015

A central topic in leadership research concerns the impact of leadership style – the pattern of attitudes that leaders hold and behaviors they exhibit. Since the year 2000, several new leadership styles have been proposed to capture important missing aspects beyond the dominant charismatic/transformational and transactional framework. The authors review the emerging literature on these new styles – ideological leadership, pragmatic leadership, authentic leadership, ethical leadership, spiritual leadership, distributed leadership, and integrative public leadership – as well as the recent work on servant leadership. They also comment on the Ohio State studies on leadership, and then discuss the ways in which these many styles overlap with transformational leadership and each other, and issue a call to leadership researchers to collectively develop a new ‘full‐range’ model of leadership that encompasses and distills what is unique about these various styles. The authors argue that such an integrated full‐range model is necessary for research on leadership style to progress.
Treatment strategies for advanced renal cell carcinoma: A new paradigm for surgical treatment
Authors: Tomita Yoshihiko
Published: September 2015

The induction of targeted drugs for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma has changed the treatment strategy for systemic therapy. Surgical treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma should also be reconsidered in the light of the effect of targeted drugs. The clinical benefit of cytoreductive nephrectomy for cases of metastatic renal cell carcinoma was proved in randomized trials in the cytokine era. However, at present, there has not been level 1 evidence for this in the targeted therapy era. Patients with better performance status and without poor risk factors tend to benefit from cytoreductive nephrectomy. Two ongoing large‐scale randomized studies might shed light on this issue. One of the remarkable differences in the efficacy between cytokines and targeted drugs, particularly tyrosine kinase inhibitors, is the reduction in the size of the primary tumors by tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including sunitinib and axitinib. Initial experiences with targeted therapy suggest that the neoadjuvant setting of tyrosine kinase inhibitors could be a viable option when the primary tumor shows local invasion and/or is unresectable. The present study does not support the routine neoadjuvant use of sunitinib because of the possibility of disease progression during the neoadjuvant therapy, and modest response and benefit. Axitinib, in contrast, shows larger reduction in the size of the primary tumor and might be used in the near future. Another issue is the combination of targeted therapy with metastasectomy. There is a lack of evidence for improved prognosis resulting from the neoadjuvant setting of tyrosine kinase inhibitors followed by metastasectomy. Further studies are warranted to investigate this.
Red cell and platelet transfusion burden following myeloablative allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Le Viellez A. , P'Ng S. , Buffery S. , Wright M. , Cooney J. , Cannell P. , Purtill D.
Published: September 2015

Background

Adult allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) usually requires blood transfusion support of red cells and platelets. There are few studies describing transfusion burden after allogeneic HSCT.

Aims

This study aims to quantify and identify determinants of transfusion burden after allogeneic HSCT to improve planning, inventory management and patient counselling.

Methods

A retrospective audit of blood use (red cells and platelets) of all adult HSCT (n = 169) was performed over an 8‐year period extracted from pathology and hospital databases. ABO compatibility, graft type, conditioning regimens and patient factors were analysed for up to 12 months post transplant.

Results

Transfusion burden was lower than expected and lower than reported by other groups. The median number of units transfused was four red cells and four platelets by day 30, and six red cells and six platelets by day 365. The median time to transfusion independence was 12 days for red cells and 16 days for platelets. Factors associated with increased red cell use included sex, disease stage, graft type (cord blood) and ABO compatibility. Disease stage and graft type (cord blood) were associated with increased platelet transfusion.

Conclusions

Donor and patient characteristics are associated with transfusion burden after allogeneic HSCT. Determining transfusion burden in HSCT and identifying determinants of increased transfusion use assist in inventory planning and patient information.
Discharge documentation improvement project: a pilot study
Authors: Tan B. , Mulo B. , Skinner M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Discharge summaries remain a critical communication tool with primary care physicians. In a previous study of over 200 general medicine discharge summaries, we demonstrated that only 50% contain information regarding the indication and follow up required of any medicine changes on discharge.

Aim

In this follow up pilot study, we assess the role of feedback and token incentives in improving discharge documentation.

Methods

Over a 14‐week period, we randomly audited a selection of discharge summaries on a fortnightly basis. The results of these audits were fed back to the junior medical staff who compiled these summaries. If over 80% of the audited discharge summaries adequately documented the indication, with required follow up for new medication changes, junior doctors were provided with a token, non‐monetary incentive for their efforts. At the end of the study period, we then conducted a survey of the junior doctors involved and collected feedback regarding their impressions of the study.

Results

Over the study period, 722 discharge summaries were completed and eligible for analysis. Over this time, mean appropriate documentation regarding medicine indication improved by 32%, and follow‐up documentation improved by 10%. Overall, the participants felt the interventions were beneficial and that they should be continued beyond the study period.

Conclusions

Education coupled with regular feedback and non‐monetary incentives can potentially lead to improvements in the quality of discharge summaries.
Immigrant Occupational Composition and the Earnings of Immigrants and Natives in Germany: Sorting or Devaluation?
Authors: Heizmann Boris , Busch-Heizmann Anne , Holst Elke
Published: September 2015

In this article, the influence of immigrant occupational composition on the earnings of immigrants and natives in Germany is examined. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study and the German Microcensus, several relevant concepts are tested. The notion of quality sorting states that the differences in wages that are associated with the immigrant share within occupations are due only to differences in qualification requirements. Cultural devaluation assumes a negative influence over and above that of quality sorting. The findings indicate that both processes are at work. Additional analyses reveal that the impact of immigrant occupational composition is largely restricted to white-collar occupations, which underlines the importance of considering historical differences between occupation types in classic migration destinations such as Germany.
The Effect of Integrating Family Planning with a Maternal and Newborn Health Program on Postpartum Contraceptive Use and Optimal Birth Spacing in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Saifuddin , Ahmed Salahuddin , McKaig Catharine , Begum Nazma , Mungia Jaime , Norton Maureen , Baqui Abdullah H.
Published: September 2015

Meeting postpartum contraceptive need remains a major challenge in developing countries, where the majority of women deliver at home. Using a quasi‐experimental trial design, we examine the effect of integrating family planning (FP) with a community‐based maternal and newborn health (MNH) program on improving postpartum contraceptive use and reducing short birth intervals <24 months. In this two‐arm trial, community health workers (CHWs) provided integrated FP counseling and services during home visits along with their outreach MNH activities in the intervention arm, but provided only MNH services in the control arm. The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in the intervention arm was 15 percent higher than in the control arm at 12 months, and the difference in CPRs remained statistically significant throughout the 24 months of observation. The short birth interval of less than 24 months was significantly lower in the intervention arm. The study demonstrates that it is feasible and effective to integrate FP services into a community‐based MNH care program for improving postpartum contraceptive use and lengthening birth intervals.
Unusual forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major
Authors: Solomon M. , Greenberger S. , Baum S. , Pavlotsky F. , Barzilai A. , Schwartz E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to Leishmania major (L. major) is common in the Middle East; however, this skin infection may be under‐diagnosed when it presents atypically.

Objective

To highlight the occurrence of uncommon presentations of CL that may elude diagnosis.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was performed among patients who presented at The Sheba Medical Center between 2005 and 2014 with atypical clinical presentations of CL due to L. major.

Results

Twelve patients with unusual clinical presentations of L. major CL were identified. All infections were acquired in L. major – endemic areas of Israel. The average age was 37 years. The average number of lesions was 2. Nine patients presented with a form that mimicked other forms of CL, such as lupoid, giant ulcer, sporotrichoid and recidivans, and three had a variant resembling other infectious skin diseases, such as erysipeloid and verruciform. All patients required systemic therapy.

Conclusion

Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. major can masquerade as many other infectious and inflammatory diseases. In addition, it can mimic clinical forms of New World CL. We suggest that in endemic countries or in travellers returning from countries where L. major is endemic, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Leishmania‐specific DNA should be performed routinely in cases of unusual presentations of dermatitis with a single or a few lesions, even if a diagnosis of CL was not considered by the referring clinician.
Quality assessment of acute viral bronchiolitis clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. , Sossa‐Briceño Monica P. , Acuña‐Cordero Ranniery
Published: September 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Recently, in an attempt to reduce variability in clinical practice and produce better results for patients, several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the appropriate diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis in infants have been developed. However, the quality of available CPGs for bronchiolitis management has not yet been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of acute viral bronchiolitis CPGs.

Method

We performed a systematic and exhaustive search of CPGs on bronchiolitis published from 2000 to 2014. Three independent appraisers assessed the quality of the CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. A standardized score was calculated for each of the six domains, and the CPGS were rated as recommended, recommended with modifications, or not recommended.

Results

Six CPGs published between the years 2000 and 2014 were selected from a total of 111 citations. There was substantial agreement among reviewers (ICC: 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61–0.89). The domains that scored the highest were ‘scope and purpose’, with a mean value of 92.1% (range: 77.8–100%), and ‘clarity of presentation’ [83.3% (69.4–91.7%)]. Those that scored the lowest were ‘applicability’ [44.3% (8.3–77.1%)], and ‘stakeholder involvement’ [66.7% (47.2–94.4%)]. Three CPGS were evaluated as being recommended with modifications, and only two were recommended for use in clinical practice.

Conclusions

Available bronchiolitis CPGs vary in quality, and the findings of the present study are useful for identifying aspects or domains where there is room for improvement in future CPGs.
Significant increase of oral bacteria in the early pregnancy period in Japanese women
Authors: Fujiwara Natsumi , Tsuruda Keiko , Iwamoto Yuko , Kato Fuminori , Odaki Teruko , Yamane Nobuko , Hori Yuriko , Harashima Yuka , Sakoda Ayako , Tagaya Akira , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi , Sugai Motoyuki , Noguchi Mayumi
Published: September 2015

Aim

Oral microflora during pregnancy is critical to oral health care in the mother and her child. We examined the changes in the oral microbiota between pregnancy and nonpregnancy periods.

Methods

The study was performed using 132 healthy pregnant women enrolled from Hiroshima City Asa Citizens Hospital and 51 healthy nonpregnant women as control. During pregnancy, 132 subjects were assessed for seven microbial species by the cultured method and polymerase chain reaction at the early (7–16 weeks gestation), the middle (17–28 weeks), and the late (29–39 weeks) pregnancy periods. Pregnant women completed a series of questionnaires regarding oral and systemic health and lifestyle habits.

Results

The total cultivable microbial counts in the early pregnancy were significantly higher than that of the nonpregnant women (P < 0.05). The incidences of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in gingival sulcus during the early and middle pregnancy were significantly higher than the nonpregnant group (P < 0.05), while Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum did not change. Candida species were more frequently detected during the middle and late pregnancy.

Conclusion

The data suggest that pregnancy, especially in the early periods, promotes the proliferation of microorganisms in the oral cavity and facilitates a colonization of periodontal pathogens.
Protein trafficking during plant innate immunity
Authors: Wang Wen‐Ming , Liu Peng‐Qiang , Xu Yong‐Ju , Xiao Shunyuan
Published: September 2015

Plants have evolved a sophisticated immune system to fight against pathogenic microbes. Upon detection of pathogen invasion by immune receptors, the immune system is turned on, resulting in production of antimicrobial molecules including pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins. Conceivably, an efficient immune response depends on the capacity of the plant cell's protein/membrane trafficking network to deploy the right defense‐associated molecules in the right place at the right time. Recent research in this area shows that while the abundance of cell surface immune receptors is regulated by endocytosis, many intracellular immune receptors, when activated, are partitioned between the cytoplasm and the nucleus for induction of defense genes and activation of programmed cell death, respectively. Vesicle transport is an essential process for secretion of PR proteins to the apoplastic space and targeting of defense‐related proteins to the plasma membrane or other endomembrane compartments. In this review, we discuss the various aspects of protein trafficking during plant immunity, with a focus on the immunity proteins on the move and the major components of the trafficking machineries engaged.
CONSONORM_HG: a new method of norm calculation for mid‐ to high‐grade metamorphic rocks
Authors: Mathieu L. , Trépanier S. , Daigneault R.
Published: September 2015

The CONSONORM_HG norm provides a standardized solution to approximate metamorphic assemblages for mid‐ to high‐grade metamorphic rocks. Other applications for this norm include: (i) the standardized classification of metamorphic rocks; (ii) the interpretation of hydrothermal alteration using indices calculated from normative minerals; (iii) the estimation of the carbonate content of rocks, even when CO2 has not been analysed. CONSONORM_HG is designed for rocks dominated by silicates, Fe–Ti oxides or carbonates, and it approximates the main mineral assemblages of amphibolite, granulite, greenschist and blueschist facies metamorphic rocks. The norm calculates silicate assemblages using one of the three Al–Ca–NaK–FeMg tetrahedra, a convenient way of representing a large number of silicate assemblages, for each of the 17 P–T conditions modelled and based on the Fe–Mg–Mn composition of the sample. In addition to silicate minerals, CONSONORM_HG calculates Fe–Ti oxides and other accessory minerals from minor elements, sulphides from analysed sulphur and/or from analysed metals and also carbonates from analysed CO2 or from normative CO2 estimated from the loss on ignition. CONSONORM_HG also integrates many reactions to address silicon deficits, as well as quartz–carbonate reactions to approximate natural assemblages better. The normative calculation is validated using published whole‐rock analyses and petrographic descriptions and its various applications are discussed.
Simplified Method for Insertion of Steerable Guide into the Left Atrium Using a Pigtail Guide Wire During the MitraClip® Procedure: A Technical Tip
Authors: Buchner Stefan , Dreher Ansgar , Resch Markus , Schach Christian , Birner Christoph , Luchner Andreas
Published: September 2015

Background

To assess whether a new floppy pigtail guidewire provides sufficient support for introduction of the 22F‐steerable guide catheter (SG) into the left atrium and is less time‐consuming during the MitraClip®‐procedure without necessity of probing and inserting a stiff wire into the pulmonary vein.

Methods

In group 1, traditional probing of the left upper pulmonary vein and insertion of a standard stiff wire was used. In group 2, direct insertion of the floppy pigtail guidewire directly after transseptal puncture was used.

Results

Patients in group 1 (n = 18) and group 2 (n = 21) did not differ significantly with respect to mitral regurgitation severity (3.2 ± 0.4 vs 3.2 ± 0.4; P = 0.814) and etiology (functional 78% vs 71%, P = 0.651). Comparing both methods, a significant reduction in time‐to‐SG was observed in group 2 versus group 1 (17 ± 7 minutes vs 30 ± 11 minutes; P = 0.001). The rate of crossing failures was 0% with use of the floppy pigtail guidewire as well as with the traditional technique. No complications were observed with use of the floppy pigtail guidewire.

Conclusions

Utilization of a thin, floppy pigtail guidewire for left atrium access is safe and markedly accelerates insertion of the SG for the MitraClip®‐procedure without crossing failures of the atrial septum. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:472–478)
Mastocytosis: the puzzling clinical spectrum and challenging diagnostic aspects of an enigmatic disease
Authors: Gülen T. , Hägglund H. , Dahlén B. , Nilsson G.
Published: September 2015

Mastocytosis is a complex disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal mast cells (MC) in the skin, bone marrow and/or other visceral organs. The clinical manifestations result from MC‐derived mediators and, less frequently, from destructive infiltration of MCs. Patients suffer from a variety of symptoms including pruritus, flushing and life‐threatening anaphylaxis. Whilst mastocytosis is likely to be suspected in a patient with typical skin lesions [i.e. urticaria pigmentosa (UP)], the absence of cutaneous signs does not rule out the diagnosis of this disease. Mastocytosis should be suspected in cases of recurrent, unexplained or severe insect‐induced anaphylaxis or symptoms of MC degranulation without true allergy. In rare cases, unexplained osteoporosis or unexplained haematological abnormalities can be underlying feature of mastocytosis, particularly when these conditions are associated with elevated baseline serum tryptase levels. The diagnosis is based on the World Health Organization criteria, in which the tryptase level, histopathological and immunophenotypic evaluation of MCs and molecular analysis are crucial. A somatic KIT mutation, the most common of which is D816V, is usually detectable in MCs and their progenitors. Once a diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (SM) is made, it is mandatory to assess the burden of the disease, its activity, subtype and prognosis, and the appropriate therapy. Mastocytosis comprises seven different categories that range from indolent forms, such as cutaneous and indolent SM, to progressive forms, such as aggressive SM and MC leukaemia. Although prognosis is good in patients with indolent forms of the disease, patients with advanced categories have a poor prognosis.
First Report of Grey Mould Disease on Abelmoschus esculentus Caused by Botrytis cinerea in China
Authors: Zhao Qian , Chai A‐Li , Shi Yan‐Xia , Xie Xue‐Wen , Li Bao‐Ju
Published: September 2015

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), or Lady's finger, is a plant originating from Africa and is grown as a multipurpose crop in Asia, America and Europe nowadays. Grey mould disease was observed on okras in several okra fields in Ledong County, Hainan Province, and Shunyi District, Beijing City, during September to December in 2014 with the incidence varying from 20 to 55%. To identify the pathogen, the detailed morphological, cultural characteristics, pathogenicity test along with the DNA sequences for four gene regions ITS, G3PDH, HSP60 and RPB2 of our isolate were compared with those of some previously reported Botrytis cinerea and other similar species of the genus Botrytis. Results suggested this is the first report of grey mould disease on Abelmoschus esculentus caused by Botrytis cinerea in China.
Collections‐based systematics: Opportunities and outlook for 2050
Authors: Wen Jun , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. , Appelhans Marc S. , Dorr Laurence J. , Funk Vicki A.
Published: September 2015

Systematic biology is a discipline rooted in collections. These collections play important roles in research and conservation and are integral to our efforts to educate society about biodiversity and conservation. Collections provide an invaluable record of the distribution of organisms throughout the world and through recent and geological time, and they are the only direct documentation of the biological, physical, and cultural diversity of the planet: past, present, and future. Recent developments in bioinformatics and cyberinfrastructure are transforming systematics by opening up new opportunities and as a result major digitization efforts have increasingly made available large amounts of biodiversity data. The collections‐based systematics community needs to train the next‐generation of systematists with integrative skills, address grand questions about biodiversity at different scales, develop a community‐wide cyberinfrastructure, effectively disseminate systematic data to biologists and the public, and proactively educate the public and policy makers on the importance of systematics and collections in the biodiversity crisis of the Anthropocene. Specifically, we call for a new global Biodiversity CyberBank, comparable to GenBank for genetic data, to be the repository of all biodiversity data, as well as a World Organization of Systematic Biology to lead major initiatives of the field. We also outline a new workflow for taxonomic monographs, which utilizes both the traditional strengths of synthesizing diverse collections‐based taxonomic data and the capacity of online resources and bioinformatics tools.
Spotted hyaenas switch their foraging strategy as a response to changes in intraguild interactions with lions
Authors: Périquet S. , Valeix M. , Claypole J. , Drouet‐Hoguet N. , Salnicki J. , Mudimba S. , Revilla E. , Fritz H.
Published: September 2015

Large carnivores are keystone species and their foraging strategies may be a determinant in the functioning of communities and ecosystems. The plastic foraging behaviour of carnivores is likely to be influenced by a suite of factors. Here, we studied spotted hyaena diet during two contrasting periods in terms of lion population abundance to investigate the changes in spotted hyaena foraging strategies in response to changes in expected intraguild interactions in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. The analysis of hyaena scats and feeding sites of GPS‐tracked individuals revealed that during the period of high lion abundance, spotted hyaena consumption and preference for very large prey (elephant and giraffe) increased, while that of large (buffalo) and medium‐sized prey (zebra, wildebeest and kudu) decreased, despite an increase in spotted hyaena foraging group size. These results suggest a shift from active predation to scavenging as the potential risk of kleptoparasitism by lions and intraguild competition increased. However, the likely increase of lion predation on very large prey due to the increased proportion of adult males in the lion population could also result in intraguild facilitation by providing spotted hyaenas with additional food sources and thus promote coexistence between these species. Our findings suggest that changes in the numerical abundance of competing species can affect their diet and prey preference, which could ultimately increase the intensity of competition (and facilitation) between carnivores and may thus impact prey populations and possibly ecosystem functioning.
Indigenous aliphatic amines in the aqueously altered Orgueil meteorite
Authors: Aponte José C. , Dworkin Jason P. , Elsila Jamie E.
Published: September 2015

The CI1 Orgueil meteorite is a highly aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrite. It has been extensively studied, and despite its extensive degree of aqueous alteration and some documented instances of contamination, several indigenous organic compounds including amino acids, carboxylic acids, and nucleobases have been detected in its carbon‐rich matrix. We recently developed a novel gas chromatographic method for the enantiomeric and compound‐specific isotopic analyses of meteoritic aliphatic monoamines in extracts and have now applied this method to investigate the monoamine content in Orgueil. We detected 12 amines in Orgueil, with concentrations ranging from 1.1 to 332 nmol g−1 of meteorite and compared this amine content in Orgueil with that of the CM2 Murchison meteorite, which experienced less parent‐body aqueous alteration. Methylamine is four times more abundant in Orgueil than in Murchison. As with other species, the amine content in Orgueil extracts shows less structural diversity than that in Murchison extracts. We measured the compound‐specific stable carbon isotopic ratios (δ13C) for 5 of the 12 monoamines detected in Orgueil and found a range of δ13C values from –20 to +59‰. These δ13C values fall into the range of other meteoritic organic compounds, although they are 13C‐depleted relative to their counterparts extracted from the Murchison meteorite. In addition, we measured the enantiomeric composition for the chiral monoamines (R)‐ and (S)‐sec‐butylamine in Orgueil, and found it was racemic within experimental error, in contrast with the l‐enantiomeric excess found for its amino acid structural analog isovaline. The racemic nature of sec‐butylamine in Orgueil was comparable to that previously observed in Murchison, and to other CM2 and CR2 carbonaceous chondrites measured in this work (ALH 83100 [CM1/2], LON 94101 [CM2], LEW 90500 [CM2], LAP 02342 [CR2], and GRA 95229 [CR2]). These results allow us to place some constraints on the effects of aqueous alteration observed over the monoamine concentrations in Orgueil and Murchison, and to evaluate the primordial synthetic relationships between meteoritic monoamines and amino acids.
Tracking the progression of speciation: variable patterns of introgression across the genome provide insights on the species delimitation between progenitor–derivative spruces (Picea mariana×P. rubens)
Authors: de Lafontaine Guillaume , Prunier Julien , Gérardi Sébastien , Bousquet Jean
Published: September 2015

The genic species concept implies that while most of the genome can be exchanged somewhat freely between species through introgression, some genomic regions remain impermeable to interspecific gene flow. Hence, interspecific differences can be maintained despite ongoing gene exchange within contact zones. This study assessed the heterogeneous patterns of introgression at gene loci across the hybrid zone of an incipient progenitor–derivative species pair,Picea mariana(black spruce) andPicea rubens(red spruce). The spruce taxa likely diverged in geographic isolation during the Pleistocene and came into secondary contact during late Holocene. A total of 300SNPs distributed across the 12 linkage groups (LG) of black spruce were genotyped for 385 individual trees from 33 populations distributed across the allopatric zone of each species and within the zone of sympatry. An integrative framework combining three population genomic approaches was used to scan the genomes, revealing heterogeneous patterns of introgression. A total of 23SNPs scattered over 10 LG were considered impermeable to introgression and putatively under diverging selection. These loci revealed the existence of impermeable genomic regions forming the species boundary and are thus indicative of ongoing speciation between these two genetic lineages. Another 238SNPs reflected selectively neutral diffusion across the porous species barrier. Finally, 39 highly permeableSNPs suggested ancestral polymorphism along with balancing selection. The heterogeneous patterns of introgression across the genome indicated that the speciation process between black spruce and red spruce is young and incomplete, albeit some interspecific differences are maintained, allowing ongoing species divergence even in sympatry. The approach developed in this study can be used to track the progression of ongoing speciation processes.