bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction sockets: erratic healing impeding factors
Authors: Kim Jung‐Hoon , Susin Cristiano , Min Jeong‐Hyun , Suh Hee‐Yeon , Sang Eun‐Jung , Ku Young , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Koo Ki‐Tae
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of this exploratory study was to analyse prevalence of extraction sockets showing erratic healing and evaluate factors potentially impeding healing.

Methods

Erratic healing was defined as extraction sites showing clinical observations of fibrous scar tissue occupying the extraction site rather than bone following 12 or more weeks of healing. Computerized tomography was used to evaluate characteristics and calculate Hounsfield unit scores for sites showing erratic healing.

Results

A total of 1226 dental records from Seoul National University Dental Hospital archives including patients subject to extractions prior to implant placement were evaluated. Seventy subjects (5.71%) and 97 sites (4.24%) exhibited erratic extraction socket healing. Maxillary incisor/canine sites showed the lowest (0.47%), whereas mandibular molar sites the highest (5.41%) occurrence. In the multivariable analysis, erratic healing was more likely to occur in subjects <60 years old (OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.26–3.94), subjects with hypertension (OR = 2.37, 95%CI = 1.24–4.55), in molar sites (OR = 4.91, 95%CI = 1.41–17.07), and following single tooth extractions (OR = 2.98, 95%CI = 1.36–6.53). Computerized tomography showed the highest incidence of bone loss for the buccal wall (49.3%).

Conclusion

Erratic extraction socket healing appears a not uncommon sequel and local factors seem to be major contributors to its occurrence.
Tunnel technique with connective tissue graft versus coronally advanced flap with enamel matrix derivative for root coverage: a RCT using 3D digital measuring methods. Part I. Clinical and patient‐centred outcomes
Authors: Zuhr Otto , Rebele Stephan F. , Schneider David , Jung Rony E. , Hürzeler Markus B.
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to introduce 3D digital measuring methods for evaluating the outcomes after surgical root coverage (RC) and to assess the clinical performance of the tunnel technique with subepithelial connective tissue graft (TUN) versus the coronally advanced flap (CAF) with enamel matrix derivative in the treatment of shallow localized gingival recession defects.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐four patients contributed a total of 47 Miller class I or II recessions for scientific evaluation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at 6 and 12 months. Precise study models gained at baseline and follow‐up examinations were optically scanned and virtually superimposed for digital evaluation of clinical outcome measures including percentage of RC and complete root coverage (CRC). Patient‐centred outcomes were evaluated with questionnaires. Final aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the root coverage esthetic score (RES).

Results

At 12 months, RC was 98.4% for TUN‐treated and 71.8% for CAF‐treated defects (p = 0.0004). CRC was observed in 78.6% (TUN) and 21.4% (CAF) of the cases (p = 0.0070). Results for patient‐centred outcomes were equivalent for both groups but evaluation of the final aesthetic outcomes using the RES revealed a significant difference (9.06 versus 6.92, p = 0.0034) in favour of TUN.

Conclusions

TUN resulted in significantly better clinical outcomes compared with CAF. The new measuring method provided high accuracy and unforeseen precision in the evaluation of treatment outcomes after surgical RC.
The Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire: a longitudinal validation study
Authors: Baker Sarah R. , Gibson Barry J. , Sufi Farzana , Barlow Ashley , Robinson Peter G.
Published: October 2013

Aim

To validate the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire in terms of responsiveness to change and to determine the minimally important difference.

Materials and Methods

The study was a secondary analysis of data from three randomized controlled trials with 311 participants. Three aspects of responsiveness were examined: change within individuals, differences among people who improved, stayed the same or worsened using an external referent and change due to treatment. Responsiveness to treatments of differing efficacy was assessed in trials with negative and active controls.

Results

The measure showed excellent internal reliability, test–retest reliability and criterion validity. The measure was highly responsive to change within individuals (Cohen's effect sizes: 0.28, 0.56, 0.86) showing decreases in the total score (i.e. improvement in OHrQoL) across all trials. The effect sizes in participants whose self‐reported QoL “improved” were large (0.73–1.31). Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire detected a treatment effect in one of two negative control trials (effect size: 0.47). Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire scores were similar in the test and control groups in the active control trial. The minimally important difference range was between 22 and 39 points.

Conclusions

The measure is longitudinally reliable, valid and responsive and can discriminate between treatments of different efficacy.
Serotonin transporter‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) genotype and stressful life events interact to predict preschool‐onset depression: a replication and developmental extension
Authors: Bogdan Ryan , Agrawal Arpana , Gaffrey Michael S , Tillman Rebecca , Luby Joan L
Published: October 2013

Background

Scientific enthusiasm about gene × environment interactions, spurred by the 5‐HTTLPR (serotonin transporter‐linked polymorphic region) × SLEs (stressful life events) interaction predicting depression, have recently been tempered by sober realizations of small effects and meta‐analyses reaching opposing conclusions. These mixed findings highlight the need for further research. Converging evidence suggests that the effects of 5‐HTTLPR genotype may be neurodevelopmental in origin, but we are not aware of empirical studies that have investigated whether the 5‐HTTLPR genotype × SLE interaction predicts preschool‐onset depression (PO‐MDD), the earliest validated form of depression.

Methods

Children (n = 234) aged 3–5 were recruited for a longitudinal study designed to examine PO‐MDD. In a comprehensive baseline assessment, the child's primary caregivers completed questionnaires and were interviewed about their child's behaviors, psychiatric symptoms, and exposure to SLEs.

Results

A 5‐HTTLPR × SLEs interaction emerged, such that children homozygous for the short allele were more susceptible to depression in the context of elevated SLE than long allele carriers. In contrast, at low SLE exposure, short allele homozygotes had fewer depressive symptoms. The data were best fit by a plasticity model with a substantial reduction in fit by diathesis‐stress models.

Conclusions

Extending studies in adult and adolescent populations, these data suggest that 5‐HTTLPR genotype may provide plasticity to environmental influence, for better or worse. Specifically, children homozygous for the short allele were more susceptible to the depressogenic effects of SLEs but benefitted, in the form of reduced depressive symptoms, in the context of relatively benign environmental conditions (i.e. relatively low SLE exposure). These data highlight the importance of examining gene × environment interactions across development, environment, and outcome but should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size.
Increased use of lethal methods and annual increase of suicide rates in Korean adolescents: comparison with adolescents in the United States
Authors: Park Subin , Cho Soo‐Churl , Kim Bung‐Nyun , Kim Jae‐Won , Yoo Hee Jeong , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: October 2013

Background

The lethality of the suicide method is a strong risk factor for completed suicide. We examined whether the annual change in the pattern of suicide methods was related to the annual change in suicide rates among adolescents in South Korea and the United States.

Methods

We analyzed annual data for the 2000–2009 period for South Korea and the 2000–2008 period for the United States to examine time trends in the suicide rates and suicide methods of adolescents aged 10–19 years in two countries. Data on suicide methods were obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database.

Results

Suicide rates among adolescents in the United States have remained relatively steady since 2000, whereas the suicide among Korean adolescents has increased. Between 2000 and 2009, the most common suicide method among Korean adolescents was jumping for boys and girls, whereas it was hanging for girls and firearms for boys in the United States. Along with the annual increase in suicide rates in South Korea, the incidences of jumping among males and hanging (and recently jumping) among females have increased steadily, whereas suicide by self‐poisoning steadily decreased. In the United States, between 2000 and 2008, the proportion of suicides committed by hanging increased, whereas those committed using firearms steadily decreased, particularly among adolescent females.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the increased use of lethal suicide methods is reflected in the increase in suicide rates in Korean adolescents. The most fruitful approach to addressing the rises in jumping suicides among Korean adolescents and hanging suicides among adolescents in the United States may be through population‐based initiatives to reduce the physical availability (e.g., limiting access to or fencing off tall structures) and the social acceptability (e.g., effective and responsible regulations for reporting suicide) of these methods.
Palmitate induces reactive oxygen species production and β‐cell dysfunction by activating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase through Src signaling
Authors: Sato Yuichi , Fujimoto Shimpei , Mukai Eri , Sato Hiroki , Tahara Yumiko , Ogura Kasane , Yamano Gen , Ogura Masahito , Nagashima Kazuaki , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: October 2013

Aims/Introduction

Chronic hyperlipidemia impairs pancreatic β‐cell function, referred to as lipotoxicity. We have reported an important role of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction by activation of Src, a non‐receptor tyrosine kinase, in impaired glucose‐induced insulin secretion (GIIS) from diabetic rat islets. In the present study, we investigated the role of ROS production by Src signaling in palmitate‐induced dysfunction of β‐cells.

Materials and Methods

After rat insulinoma INS‐1D cells were exposed to 0.6 mmol/L palmitate for 24 h (palmitate exposure); GIIS, ROS production and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) activity were examined with or without exposure to10 μmol/L 4‐amino‐5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐7‐(t‐butyl)pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidine (PP2), a Src inhibitior, for 30 or 60 min.

Results

Exposure to PP2 recovered impaired GIIS and decreased ROS overproduction as a result of palmitate exposure. Palmitate exposure increased activity of NOX and protein levels of NOX2, a pathological ROS source in β‐cells. Palmitate exposure increased the protein level of p47phox, a regulatory protein of NOX2, in membrane fraction compared with control, which was reduced by PP2. Transfection of small interfering ribonucleic acid of p47phox suppressed the augmented p47phox protein level in membrane fraction, decreased augmented ROS production and increased impaired GΙIS by palmitate exposure. In addition, exposure to PP2 ameliorated impaired GIIS and decreased ROS production in isolated islets of KK‐Ay mice, an obese diabetic model with hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions

Activation of NOX through Src signaling plays an important role in ROS overproduction and impaired GΙIS caused by chronic exposure to palmitate, suggesting a lipotoxic mechanism of β‐cell dysfunction of obese mice.
Trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in community‐dwelling Japanese subjects: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Mukai Naoko , Doi Yasufumi , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Nagata Masaharu , Yoshida Daigo , Hata Jun , Fukuhara Masayo , Nakamura Udai , Kitazono Takanari , Kiyohara Yutaka
Published: October 2013

Aims/Introduction

We examined secular trends in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in community‐dwelling Japanese subjects.

Materials and Methods

A total of 2,490 subjects in 1988 and 2,852 subjects in 2002 aged 40–79 years underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, and their glucose tolerance status was defined by the 1998 World Health Organization criteria.

Results

The age‐adjusted prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased significantly from 1988 to 2002 in men (14.6% in 1988 to 20.8% in 2002, P < 0.001) and women (9.1% in 1988 to 11.2% in 2002, P = 0.002). A significant rise in the age‐adjusted prevalence of prediabetes was also observed in both sexes (26.2% in 1988 to 35.3% in 2002, P < 0.001 for men; 22.5% in 1988 to 25.1% in 2002, P = 0.04 for women). In age‐stratified analysis, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased markedly over time in men aged 60–69 and 70–79 years (both P < 0.001) and women aged 70–79 years (P = 0.02). The prevalence of overall and central obesity increased significantly in men aged 60–69 and 70–79 years, and women aged 70–79 years from 1988 to 2002, whereas the frequency of regular exercise decreased significantly in men aged 70–79 years between the surveys.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes increased significantly in both sexes from the 1980s to the 2000s in a general Japanese population, and that the increasing prevalence of obesity and the decline in physical activity exerted an influence on this rising trend.
Effects of bariatric surgery on metabolic and nutritional parameters in severely obese Korean patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective 2‐year follow up
Authors: Kim Mee Kyoung , Kim Wook , Kwon Hyuk‐Sang , Baek Ki‐Hyun , Kim Eung Kook , Song Ki‐Ho
Published: October 2013

Aims/Introduction

Little is known about the long‐term effects of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in severely obese Asian individuals.

Methods and Materials

A total of 33 severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes underwent RYGB. All patients were followed up for 2 years. Visceral and abdominal subcutaneous fat areas were assessed using computed tomography (CT) before, and 12 and 24 months after RYGB. The muscle attenuation (MA) of paraspinous muscles observed by CT were used as indices of intramuscular fat.

Results

The mean percentage weight loss was 22.2 ± 5.3% at 12 months, and 21.3 ± 5.1% at 24 months after surgery. Compared with the baseline values, the visceral fat area was 53.6 ± 17.1% lower 24 months after surgery, and the abdominal subcutaneous fat area was 32.7 ± 16.1% lower 24 months after surgery. The MA increased from 48.7 ± 10.0 at baseline to 52.2 ± 8.9 (P = 0.009) 12 months after surgery. The MA after the first 12 months maintained changes until 24 months. Triglycerides and free fatty acids were reduced after surgery, whereas the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased significantly after surgery. At the last follow‐up visit, 18 patients (55%) had diabetes remission. The percentage of iron and vitamin D deficiency was 30% and 52%, respectively.

Conclusions

We found that patients subjected to RYGB had significant sustained reductions in visceral and intramuscular fat. There were durable improvements in the cardiometabolic abnormalities without any significant comorbidities. However, there were mild nutritional deficiencies in these patients despite daily supplementation with multivitamins and minerals.
Association between serum adipocytokine levels and microangiopathies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jung Chan‐Hee , Kim Bo‐Yeon , Mok Ji‐Oh , Kang Sung‐Koo , Kim Chul‐Hee
Published: October 2013

Aims/Introduction

It is thought that adipocytokines contribute to the increased risk of vascular complications in type 2 diabetes. However, there is still limited information on the relationship between microangiopathies and adipocytokines, such as adiponectin, leptin and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

The present study examined the relationship between fasting serum adiponectin, leptin, and TNF‐α levels and microangiopathies in Korean type 2 diabetes. A total of 153 patients were recruited and evaluated for diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Serum adiponectin, TNF‐α and leptin levels were measured.

Results

Serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in patients with nephropathy than in those without nephropathy (P = 0.017), and were significantly higher in patients with retinopathy or neuropathy than those without retinopathy or neuropathy (P = 0.01 and P = 0.002, respectively). The mean levels of leptin were significantly higher in patients with neuropathy than in those without neuropathy (P = 0.002). The mean levels of TNF‐α were not significantly different according to any of the three microangiopathies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio for the presence of neuropathy in the highest tertile of adiponectin was 4.3 (95% confidence interval 1.59–11.62), as compared with the patients in the lowest tertile of adiponectin level.

Conclusions

Levels of adipocytokines were significantly different according to the presence of each microangiopathy. In particular, higher serum adiponectin was independently associated with increased odds for the presence of neuropathy. Future prospective studies with larger numbers of patients are required to establish a direct relationship between plasma adipocytokine concentrations and the development or severity of diabetic microangiopathies.
Interactive effects of an isocaloric high‐protein diet and resistance exercise on body composition, ghrelin, and metabolic and hormonal parameters in untrained young men: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kim Hyun Ho , Kim Yun Jin , Lee Sang Yeoup , Jeong Dong Wook , Lee Jeong Gyu , Yi Yu Hyone , Cho Young Hye , Choi Eun Jung , Kim Hyun Jun
Published: October 2013

Aims/Introduction

The interactive effects of resistance training and dietary protein on hormonal responses in adults are not clear and remain controversial. We tested the effect of an isocaloric high‐protein diet on body composition, ghrelin, and metabolic and hormonal parameters during a 12‐week resistance training program in untrained healthy young men.

Material and Methods

We randomized 18 healthy young men to a standard diet (ST group) or an isocaloric high protein diet (HP group). Both groups participated in a 12‐week resistance exercise program. We measured body composition, lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) indices, total ghrelin, and exercise‐related hormones at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results

In the HP group, lean body mass (LBM), total ghrelin, growth hormone, testosterone and cortisol levels showed an increase, whereas body fat percentage and HOMA‐IR showed a decrease at 12 weeks, compared with baseline (P ≤ 0.05). In the ST group, no changes in these parameters were observed during the 12‐week period. During the 12‐week period, significant differences in the pattern of change of LBM (P = 0.032), total ghrelin (P = 0.037), HOMA‐IR (P = 0.040) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.011) over time were observed between the groups.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that an isocaloric high‐protein diet can ameliorate body composition, metabolic profiles and energy metabolism during a 12‐week scheduled resistance training program in untrained healthy young men. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT01714700).
An exploratory split‐face study of a dual‐wavelength laser system on erythromelanosis follicularis faciei in Chinese population
Authors: Wang B. , Wu Y. , Zhu X. , Xu X.‐G. , Chen H.‐D. , Li Y.‐H.
Published: October 2013

Background

Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei (EFF) is clinically characterized by well‐demarcated erythema, hyperpigmentation and follicular papules. No satisfactory therapy has been widely accepted.

Objective

This study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency and complications of a dual‐wavelength laser system in the treatment of EFF in Chinese population.

Methods

Twelve Chinese patients with EFF were enrolled in this study. One side of the face was randomized to receive five successions of treatments at intervals of 6–8 weeks, with the other side spared as control. The parameters were set as follows: energy densities of 6.5–7.5 J/cm2 with pulsed dye laser (PDL) and 35–50 J/cm2 with Nd:YAG; pulse duration of 0.5 ms with PDL and 15 ms with Nd:YAG; a delay time of 100 ms between delivery of the two wavelengths. The efficacy was evaluated using subjective assessment and non‐invasive measurement.

Results

After five sessions of treatment, over 40% patients achieved more than 50% (moderate or significant) improvement. The efficacy maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. The values of erythema index and melanin index on treated side were significantly less than those on untreated side after sessions of treatments. Adverse effects of treated side were limited.

Conclusion

Using this split‐face module, dual‐wavelength laser system treatment is proved to be suitable for Chinese EFF. Adverse effects were minimal.
Chromosomal instability associated with a novel BLM frameshift mutation (c.1980‐1982delAA) in two unrelated Tunisian families with Bloom syndrome
Authors: Salah G. Ben , Salem I. Hadj , Masmoudi A. , Rhouma B. Ben , Turki H. , Fakhfakh F. , Ayadi H. , Kamoun H.
Published: October 2013

The Bloom syndrome (BS) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with dwarfism, immunodeficiency, reduced fertility and cancer risk. BS cells show genomic instability, particularly an hyper exchange between the sister chromatids due to a defective processing of the DNA replication intermediates. It is caused by mutations in the BLM gene which encodes a member of the RecQ family of DExH box DNA helicases. In this study, we reported cytogenetic, BLM linkage and mutational analyses for two affected Tunisian families. The Cytogenetic parameters were performed by chromosomal aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays and results showed a significant increase in mean frequency of CA and SCE in BS cells. BLM linkage performed by microsatellite genotyping revealed homozygous haplotypes for the BS patients, evidence of linkage to BLM gene. Mutational analysis by direct DNA sequencing revealed a novel frameshift mutation (c.1980‐1982delAA) in exon 8 of BLM gene, resulting in a truncated protein (p.Lys662fsX5). The truncated protein could explain genomic instability and its related symptoms in the BS patients. The screening of this mutation is useful for BS diagnosis confirmation in Tunisian families.
Atopy as a risk factor for thyroid autoimmunity in children affected with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Pedullá M. , Fierro V. , Papacciuolo V. , Alfano R. , Ruocco E.
Published: October 2013

Background

As a result of several clinical reports addressing coincidence or coprevalence of atopy and autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis and type I diabetes mellitus, there has been considerable interest in defining the relationship between the expression of allergic and autoimmune disease in populations of patients. Although thyroid autoimmunity has been regularly associated with chronic urticaria in children, the cofrequency of thyroid autoimmunity and atopic dermatitis has not yet been investigated. The aim of the study was to describe our experience with children affected by atopic dermatitis and associated thyroid autoimmunity.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2012, 147 children affected by atopic dermatitis were consecutively referred to the Pediatric Clinic of the Pediatric Department at the Second University of Naples. Seventy healthy children of comparable ages, unaffected by atopic dermatitis, atopy or thyroid disease, served as a control group.

Results

On the basis of skin prick test results we selected 54 IgE‐mediated (36.7%) and 93 non‐IgE‐mediated AD (63.3%) children. Fourteen of 147 patients (9.52%) showed increased levels of antithyroid antibodies.

Conclusions

Our results therefore suggest that atopy, especially food allergy, and autoimmunity are two potential outcomes of dysregulated immunity.
Clonal diversity driven by parasitism in a freshwater snail
Authors: Dagan Y. , Liljeroos K. , Jokela J. , Ben‐Ami F.
Published: October 2013

One explanation for the widespread abundance of sexual reproduction is the advantage that genetically diverse sexual lineages have under strong pressure from virulent coevolving parasites. Such parasites are believed to track common asexual host genotypes, resulting in negative frequency‐dependent selection that counterbalances the population growth‐rate advantage of asexuals in comparison with sexuals. In the face of genetically diverse asexual lineages, this advantage of sexual reproduction might be eroded, and instead sexual populations would be replaced by diverse assemblages of clonal lineages. We investigated whether parasite‐mediated selection promotes clonal diversity in 22 natural populations of the freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculata. We found that infection prevalence explains the observed variation in the clonal diversity of M. tuberculata populations, whereas no such relationship was found between infection prevalence and male frequency. Clonal diversity and male frequency were independent of snail population density. Incorporating ecological factors such as presence/absence of fish, habitat geography and habitat type did not improve the predictive power of regression models. Approximately 11% of the clonal snail genotypes were shared among 2–4 populations, creating a web of 17 interconnected populations. Taken together, our study suggests that parasite‐mediated selection coupled with host dispersal ecology promotes clonal diversity. This, in return, may erode the advantage of sexual reproduction in M. tuberculata populations.
The role of founder effects on the evolution of reproductive isolation
Authors: Matute D. R.
Published: October 2013

Several theories argue that large changes in allele frequencies through genetic drift after a small founding population becomes allopatrically isolated can lead to significant changes in reproductive isolation and thus trigger the origin of new species. For this reason, founder speciation has been proposed as a potent force in the generation of new species. Nonetheless, the relative importance of such ‘founder effects’ remains largely untested. In this report, I used experimental evolution to create one thousand replicates that underwent an extreme bottleneck and to study whether founder effects can lead to an increase in reproductive isolation inDrosophila yakuba. Even though the most common outcome of inbreeding is extinction, founder effects can lead to increased premating reproductive isolation in a very small proportion of cases. Changes in reproductive isolation after a founding population bottleneck are similar to changes in other phenotypic traits, in which inbreeding might displace the mean phenotypic value and substantially increase the phenotypic variance. This increase in phenotypic variance does not confer an increase in the response to selection for reproductive isolation in artificial selection experiments, indicating that the increased phenotypic variance is not caused by increases in additive genetic variance. These results also demonstrate that, similar to morphological and life‐history traits, behavioural traits can be affected by inbreeding and genetic drift.
The relative contribution of drift and selection to transcriptional divergence among Babine Lake tributary populations of juvenile rainbow trout
Authors: Wellband K. W. , Heath D. D.
Published: October 2013

Fine‐scale population structure has been widely described for salmonid populations using neutral genetic markers, but whether that structure reflects adaptive differences among the populations remains of interest to evolutionary biologists and conservation managers alike. The use of transcriptomics to quantify population differences in genetically controlled functional gene expression traits holds promise for investigating this divergence associated with possible local adaptation. We use custom microarrays to characterize population divergence in transcription at functionally relevant (metabolic and immune function) genes among tributary populations of rainbow trout from Babine Lake, BC and compare it to neutral divergence estimated from microsatellite markers. Transcriptional divergence (PST) was determined at resting state and in response to metabolic and immune challenges, two major sources of mortality and thus selective forces on juvenile salmonids. Results indicate that the majority of selected genes [56 genes (65%), 64 genes (63%) and 38 genes (78%) under control, temperature and immune challenges respectively] show transcriptional divergence (PST > FST) that is consistent with the action of divergent selection. Patterns of pairwise PST among populations are inconsistent with evolution by drift. In general, it appears that the magnitude and pattern of population divergence in transcription reflect the action of natural selection and identify selection on transcription as a mechanism for local adaptation. These results reinforce the need to conserve salmonids on a tributary basis and provide insight into genetic mechanisms that facilitate local adaptation.
Epistasis and maternal effects in experimental adaptation to chronic nutritional stress inDrosophila
Authors: Vijendravarma R. K. , Kawecki T. J.
Published: October 2013

Based on ecological and metabolic arguments, some authors predict that adaptation to novel, harsh environments should involve alleles showing negative (diminishing return) epistasis and/or that it should be mediated in part by evolution of maternal effects. Although the first prediction has been supported in microbes, there has been little experimental support for either prediction in multicellular eukaryotes. Here we use a line‐cross design to study the genetic architecture of adaptation to chronic larval malnutrition in a population ofDrosophila melanogasterthat evolved on an extremely nutrient‐poor larval food for 84 generations. We assayed three fitness‐related traits (developmental rate, adult female weight and egg‐to‐adult viability) under the malnutrition conditions in 14 crosses between this selected population and a nonadapted control population originally derived from the same base population. All traits showed a pattern of negative epistasis between alleles improving performance under malnutrition. Furthermore, evolutionary changes in maternal traits accounted for half of the 68% increase in viability and for the whole of 8% reduction in adult female body weight in the selected population (relative to unselected controls). These results thus support both of the above predictions and point to the importance of nonadditive effects in adaptive microevolution.
Lack of parallel genetic patterns underlying the repeated ecological divergence of beach and stream‐spawning kokanee salmon
Authors: Frazer K. K. , Russello M. A.
Published: October 2013

Recent progress in methods for detecting adaptive population divergence in situ shows promise for elucidating the conditions under which selection acts to generate intraspecific diversity. Rapid ecological diversification is common in fishes; however, the role of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to local environments is poorly understood. It is now possible to investigate genetic patterns to make inferences regarding phenotypic traits under selection and possible mechanisms underlying ecotype divergence, particularly where similar novel phenotypes have arisen in multiple independent populations. Here, we employed a bottom‐up approach to test for signatures of directional selection associated with divergence of beach‐ and stream‐spawning kokanee, the obligate freshwater form of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Beach‐ and stream‐spawners co‐exist in many post‐glacial lakes and exhibit distinct reproductive behaviours, life‐history traits and spawning habitat preferences. Replicate ecotype pairs across five lakes in British Columbia, Canada were genotyped at 57 expressed sequence tag‐linked and anonymous microsatellite loci identified in a previous genome scan. Fifteen loci exhibited signatures of directional selection (high FST outliers), four of which were identified in multiple lakes. However, the lack of parallel genetic patterns across all lakes may be a result of: 1) an inability to detect loci truly under selection; 2) alternative genetic pathways underlying ecotype divergence in this system; and/or 3) phenotypic plasticity playing a formative role in driving kokanee spawning habitat differences. Gene annotations for detected outliers suggest pathogen resistance and energy metabolism as potential mechanisms contributing to the divergence of beach‐ and stream‐spawning kokanee, but further study is required.
Genetic architecture of sensory exploitation: QTL mapping of female and male receiver traits in an acoustic moth
Authors: Alem S. , Streiff R. , Courtois B. , Zenboudji S. , Limousin D. , Greenfield M. D.
Published: October 2013

The evolution of extravagant sexual traits by sensory exploitation occurs if males incidentally evolve features that stimulate females owing to a pre‐existing environmental response that arose in the context of natural selection. The sensory exploitation process is thus expected to leave a specific genetic imprint, a pleiotropic control of the original environmental response and the novel sexual response in females. However, females may be subsequently selected to improve their discrimination of environmental and sexual stimuli. Accordingly, responses may have diverged and the original genetic architecture may have been modified. These possibilities may be considered by studying the genetic architecture of responses to male signals and to the environmental stimuli that were purportedly ‘exploited’ by those signals. However, no previous study has addressed the genetic control of sensory exploitation. We investigated this question in an acoustic pyralid moth, Achroia grisella, in which a male ultrasonic song attracts females and perception of ultrasound likely arose in the context of detecting predatory bats. We examined the genetic architecture of female response to bat echolocation signals and to male song via a cartographic study of quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing these receiver traits. We found several QTL for both traits, but none of them were colocalized on the same chromosomes. These results indicate that – to the extent to which male A. grisella song originated by the process of sensory exploitation – some modification of the female responses occurred since the origin of the male signal.
How to distinguish altruism from spite (and why we should bother)
Authors: Krupp D. B.
Published: October 2013

Social behaviour is often described as altruistic, spiteful, selfish or mutually beneficial. These terms are appealing, but it has not always been clear how they are defined and what purpose they serve. Here, I show that the distinctions among them arise from the ways in which fitness is partitioned: none can be drawn when the fitness consequences of an action are wholly aggregated, but they manifest clearly when the consequences are partitioned into primary and secondary (neighbourhood) effects. I argue that the primary interaction is the principal source of adaptive design, because (i) it is this interaction that determines the fit of an adaptation and (ii) it is the actor and primary recipients whom an adaptation foremost affects. The categories of social action are thus instrumental to any account of evolved function.
The social evolution of dispersal with public goods cooperation
Authors: Taylor T. B. , Rodrigues A. M. M. , Gardner A. , Buckling A.
Published: October 2013

Selection can favour the evolution of individually costly dispersal if this alleviates competition between relatives. However, conditions that favour altruistic dispersal also mediate selection for other social behaviours, such as public goods cooperation, which in turn is likely to mediate dispersal evolution. Here, we investigate – both experimentally (using bacteria) and theoretically – how social habitat heterogeneity (i.e. the distribution of public goods cooperators and cheats) affects the evolution of dispersal. In addition to recovering the well‐known theoretical result that the optimal level of dispersal increases with genetic relatedness of patch mates, we find both mathematically and experimentally that dispersal is always favoured when average patch occupancy is low, but when average patch occupancy is high, the presence of public goods cheats greatly alters selection for dispersal. Specifically, when public goods cheats are localized to the home patch, higher dispersal rates are favoured, but when cheats are present throughout available patches, lower dispersal rates are favoured. These results highlight the importance of other social traits in driving dispersal evolution.
Contribution of the X chromosome to a marked reduction in lifespan in interspecies female hybrids of Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana
Authors: Dickman C. T. D. , Moehring A. J.
Published: October 2013

When two species come into contact and interbreed, the production of unfit hybrids can limit or prevent gene flow between the populations, thus maintaining each species’ separate identity. The genetic basis of this hybrid dysfunction has recently begun to be elucidated, particularly for hybrid sterility and inviability. Although these dysfunctions can certainly act as a barrier to gene flow, other post‐zygotic barriers may also play an important role in isolating species from one another. This study examines the genetic basis of the more subtle mechanism of species isolation via a marked reduction in lifespan of interspecies hybrid offspring. We found that females with homozygous X chromosomes in an otherwise interspecies hybrid background displayed a significant reduction in lifespan; this effect is not due to genetic background and appears to arise from complex genetic interactions. Separately, there is an additional severe reduction in lifespan for attached‐X females when they have mated with males of either parental species, which is partly due to interspecific genetic interactions, but primarily due to a female's increased sensitivity to mating when bearing a Y chromosome or the attached‐X chromosome construct.
Corticosterone regulates multiple colour traits in Lacerta [Zootoca] vivipara males
Authors: San‐Jose L. M. , Fitze P. S.
Published: October 2013

Ornamental colours usually evolve as honest signals of quality, which is supported by the fact that they frequently depend on individual condition. It has generally been suggested that some, but not all types of ornamental colours are condition dependent, indicating that different evolutionary mechanisms underlie the evolution of multiple types of ornamental colours even when these are exhibited by the same species. Stress hormones, which negatively affect condition, have been shown to affect colour traits based on different pigments and structures, suggesting that they mediate condition dependence of multiple ornament types both among and within individuals. However, studies investigating effects of stress hormones on different ornament types within individuals are lacking, and thus, evidence for this hypothesis is scant. Here, we investigated whether corticosterone mediates condition dependence of multiple ornaments by manipulating corticosterone levels and body condition (via food availability) using a two‐factorial design and by assessing their effect on multiple colour traits in male common lizards. Corticosterone negatively affected ventral melanin‐ and carotenoid‐based coloration, whereas food availability did not affect coloration, despite its significant effect on body condition. The corticosterone effect on melanin‐ and carotenoid‐based coloration demonstrates the condition dependence of both ornaments. Moreover, corticosterone affected ventral coloration and had no effect on the nonsexually selected dorsal coloration, showing specific effects of corticosterone on ornamental ventral colours. This suggests that corticosterone simultaneously mediates condition dependence of multiple colour traits and that it therefore accounts for covariation among them, which may influence their evolution via correlational selection.
Changing clinical practice: management of paediatric community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Elemraid Mohamed A. , Rushton Stephen P. , Thomas Matthew F. , Spencer David A. , Eastham Katherine M. , Gennery Andrew R. , Clark Julia E. ,   North East of England Paediatric Respiratory Infection Study Group
Published: October 2013

Rationale and aim

To compare clinical features and management of paediatric community‐acquired pneumonia (PCAP) following the publication of UK pneumonia guidelines in 2002 with data from a similar survey at the same hospitals in 2001–2002 (pre‐guidelines).

Methods

A prospective survey of 11 hospitals in Northern England was undertaken during 2008–2009. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded on children aged ≤16 years who presented with clinical and radiological features of pneumonia.

Results

542 children were included. There was a reduction in all investigations performed (P < 0.001) except C‐reactive protein (P = 0.448) between surveys. These included full blood count (76% to 61%); blood culture (70% to 53%) and testing of respiratory secretions for viruses (24% to 12%) and bacteria (18% to 8%). Compared to pre‐guidelines, there was a reduction in the use of intravenous antibiotics as a proportion of the total prescribed from 47% to 36% (P < 0.001) and a change in the route of antibiotic administration with increasing preference for oral alone (16% pre‐compared to 50% post‐guidelines, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Apart from the acute phase reactants that should not be measured routinely, these changes are in line with the guideline recommendations. Improvements in antibiotic use are possible and have implications for future antimicrobial stewardship programmes. Further work using cost‐effectiveness analysis may also demonstrate a financial benefit to health services from adoption of guidelines.
First report of viral nervous necrosis‐induced mass mortality in hatchery‐reared larvae of clownfish, Amphiprion sebae Bleeker
Authors: Binesh C P , Renuka K , Malaichami N , Greeshma C
Published: October 2013

Frequent mortality was observed in the larval rearing facility of marine clownfish, Amphiprion sebae Bleeker. Mortality resulted in 80% loss of larval stock. Moribund larvae showed clinical signs typical of viral nervous necrosis, such as uncoordinated, corkscrew‐like swimming behaviour, hypersensitivity to stimuli, darkening of body and assembly into large groups, similar to bunches of grapes. The aetiology of the disease was confirmed by gross observation of clinical signs, histopathology and molecular diagnosis. Histological studies revealed severe vacuolation in the brain and in the bipolar and ganglion layers of the eye. Molecular diagnosis by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) specific to piscine nodavirus yielded a positive result. The partial nucleotide sequences of the PCR‐amplified fragment were 97–98% similar to other betanodavirus isolates reported globally and more closely aligned with red‐spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV). This is the first report of susceptibility of clownfish, A. sebae, to betanodavirus and the presence of the RGNNV in India.
In vitro passages impact on virulence of Saprolegnia parasitica to Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. parr
Authors: Songe M M , Thoen E , Evensen Ø , Skaar I
Published: October 2013

The effect of serial in vitro subculturing on three pathogenic strains of Saprolegnia parasitica was investigated. The isolates were passed through Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. parr, and then re‐isolated as single spore colonies. All strains caused infection. The isolate obtained from diseased fish served as a virulent reference culture and was designated ‘AP’ (‘activated through passage’). Successive subculturing was made by obtaining an inoculum from AP to produce the 2nd subculture and then passaged to the 3rd subculture (from the 2nd), until the 15th passage was obtained. Spores used to produce storage cultures were collected at passages 5, 10 and 15. The different passages of each strain were used to artificially infect Atlantic salmon parr. Morphological characterization of growth patterns was performed to observe differences occurring due to serial in vitro subculturing. Two of the strains declined in virulence after 15 successive in vitro subcultures, whereas one did not. This study is the first to investigate attenuation of virulence in Saprolegnia and whether or not isolates of S. parasitica should be passed through the fish host prior to challenge experiments. It reveals that some strains degenerate more rapidly than others when subjected to successive in vitro subculturing on glucose–yeast extract.
Development of chitosan conjugated DNA vaccine against nodavirus in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879)
Authors: Ramya V L , Sharma R , Gireesh‐Babu P , Patchala S R , Rather A , Nandanpawar P C , Eswaran S
Published: October 2013

The protective efficacy of a DNA construct containing extra small virus antisense (XSVAS) gene of nodavirus encapsulated with chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated in giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879). The delivery was carried out using oral and immersion methods. A plasmid concentration of 100 ng μL−1 when conjugated with chitosan NPs was found to be more effective in increasing the survivability of the infected prawn. The particle mean size, zeta potential and loading efficiency percentage were 297 nm, 27 mV and 85%, respectively. The ability of the chitosan to form a complex with the plasmid was studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. The NPs were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Persistence study showed the presence of the DNA construct up to 30th day post‐treatment. The oral treatment was found to be better than the immersion treatment for delivery of the chitosan‐conjugated DNA construct. This is probably the first report on the delivery of nanoconjugated DNA construct in M. rosenbergii, against nodavirus.