bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Valsalva manoeuvre: physiology and clinical examples
Authors: Pstras L. , Thomaseth K. , Waniewski J. , Balzani I. , Bellavere F.
Published: December 2015

The Valsalva manoeuvre (VM), a forced expiratory effort against a closed airway, has a wide range of applications in several medical disciplines, including diagnosing heart problems or autonomic nervous system deficiencies. The changes of the intrathoracic and intra‐abdominal pressure associated with the manoeuvre result in a complex cardiovascular response with a concomitant action of several regulatory mechanisms. As the main aim of the reflex mechanisms is to control the arterial blood pressure (BP), their action is based primarily on signals from baroreceptors, although they also reflect the activity of pulmonary stretch receptors and, to a lower degree, chemoreceptors, with different mechanisms acting either in synergism or in antagonism depending on the phase of the manoeuvre. A variety of abnormal responses to the VM can be seen in patients with different conditions. Based on the arterial BP and heart rate changes during and after the manoeuvre several dysfunctions can be hence diagnosed or confirmed. The nature of the cardiovascular response to the manoeuvre depends, however, not only on the shape of the cardiovascular system and the autonomic function of the given patient, but also on a number of technical factors related to the execution of the manoeuvre including the duration and level of strain, the body position or breathing pattern. This review of the literature provides a comprehensive analysis of the physiology and pathophysiology of the VM and an overview of its applications. A number of clinical examples of normal and abnormal haemodynamic response to the manoeuvre have been also provided.
Gastric bypass surgery is protective from high‐fat diet‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Mosinski J. D. , Pagadala M. R. , Mulya A. , Huang H. , Dan O. , Shimizu H. , Batayyah E. , Pai R. K. , Schauer P. R. , Brethauer S. A. , Kirwan J. P.
Published: December 2015

Aim

High‐fat diets are known to contribute to the development of obesity and related co‐morbidities including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The accumulation of hepatic lipid may increase endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and contribute to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic disease. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery would counter the effects of a high‐fat diet (HFD) on obesity‐associated NAFLD.

Methods

Sixteen of 24 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to Sham (N = 8) or Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery (N = 8) and compared to Lean controls (N = 8). Obese rats were maintained on a HFD throughout the study. Insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and hepatic steatosis, triglyceride accumulation, ER stress and apoptosis were assessed at 90 days post‐surgery.

Results

Despite eating a HFD for 90 days post‐surgery, the RYGB group lost weight (−20.7 ± 6%, P < 0.01) and improved insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) compared to Sham. These results occurred with no change in food intake between groups. Hepatic steatosis and ER stress, specifically glucose‐regulated protein‐78 (Grp78, P < 0.001), X‐box binding protein‐1 (XBP‐1) and spliced XBP‐1 (P < 0.01), and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) gene expression, were normalized in the RYGB group compared to both Sham and Lean controls. Significant TUNEL staining in liver sections from the Obese Sham group, indicative of accelerated cell death, was absent in the RYGB and Lean control groups. Additionally, fasting plasma glucagon like peptide‐1 was increased in RYGB compared to Sham (P < 0.02).

Conclusion

These data suggest that in obese rats, RYGB surgery protects the liver against HFD‐induced fatty liver disease by attenuating ER stress and excess apoptosis.
Antidepressant or Antipsychotic Overdose in the Intensive Care Unit – Identification of Patients at Risk
Authors: Borg Linda , Julkunen Anna , Rørbæk Madsen Kristian , Strøm Thomas , Toft Palle
Published: December 2015

It is often advised that patients who have ingested an overdose of antidepressants (AD) or antipsychotics (AP) are monitored with continuous ECG for minimum of 12–24 hr. These patients are often observed in an ICU. Our aim was to identify the number of patients with AD and/or AP overdose without adverse signs at hospital admission that turned out to need intensive care treatment. The effect of the antidepressants overdose risk assessment (ADORA) system was evaluated in patients with antidepressant as well as antipsychotic overdose. Our hypothesis was that patients with low ADORA do not need intensive care treatment. This retrospective study was conducted in adult patients admitted to the ICU at Odense University Hospital after an overdose with AP and/or AD between 1 January 2009 and 1 September 2014. Patients with predefined adverse signs in the emergency department were excluded due to obvious need of intensive care. Of the 157 patients included, 12 patients (8%) developed events during the ICU stay. Only 3 patients received intubation, vasoactive drugs and/or dialysis. None developed ventricular dysrhythmias. There were no fatalities. All the patients with low‐risk assessment by ADORA within the first 6 hr did not develop events within the first 24 hr after hospital admission. The vast majority of patients with AD and/or AP overdose and no adverse signs at admission did not require intensive care treatment. Low‐risk ADORA identified patients with antidepressant as well as antipsychotic overdose who would not require initial intensive care treatment. This is the first time the ADORA system has been evaluated in patients with antidepressant as well as antipsychotic overdose.
Consumer evaluation and satisfaction with individual versus group parent training for children with hyperkinetic disorder (HKD)
Authors: Heubeck Bernd G. , Otte Thomas A. , Lauth Gerhard W.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the social validity of cognitive‐behavioural parent training (CBPT) delivered in two formats to parents who have children with hyperkinetic disorder (HKD) with and without medication.

Design

Compared individual with group treatment as part of a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Method

Obtained a broad range of evaluations and satisfaction ratings post‐treatment and related them to pre‐treatment and treatment factors.

Results

Attendance rates were high in the individual and slightly less in the group training. Levels of satisfaction were high in both treatment arms with large numbers rating the outcomes, the trainers and the overall training very favourably. Medication showed no effect on parental evaluations. Evaluation of outcomes and satisfaction with the trainer emerged as strong predictors of overall programme satisfaction.

Conclusion

The social validity of cognitive‐behavioural parent training for hyperkinetic children was supported by high levels of treatment acceptability across a range of indicators and for children with and without medication.

Practitioner points

Both forms of treatment delivery lead to high rates of consumer satisfaction.

Consumer evaluations of CBPT appear independent of medication for HKD.

Course satisfaction is clearly associated with two factors that trainers can affect: The parent–trainer relationship and parents' sense of achievement.

Limitations include the following

Far more mothers than fathers attended the trainings.

Attitudes may differ in other cultures.
Receptor tyrosine kinase‐like orphan receptor 1, a target of NKX2‐1/TTF‐1 lineage‐survival oncogene, inhibits apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1‐mediated pro‐apoptotic signaling in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ida Lisa , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Yanagisawa Kiyoshi , Kajino Taisuke , Shimada Yukako , Suzuki Motoshi , Takahashi Takashi
Published: December 2015

We previously identified receptor tyrosine kinase‐like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) as a transcriptional target of the NKX2‐1/TTF‐1 lineage‐survival oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma. ROR1 consequently sustains a favorable balance between pro‐survival phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–protein kinase B and pro‐apoptotic apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)‐p38MAPK signaling. In contrast to recent advances in understanding how ROR1 sustains pro‐survival signaling, the mechanism of ROR1 repression of pro‐apoptotic signaling remains rather elusive. In the present study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of ROR1‐mediated inhibition of the ASK1‐p38MAPK signaling pathway. Growth inhibition mediated by siROR1 was partially but significantly alleviated by ASK1 co‐knockdown in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Also, ASK1 phosphorylation at Thr845, which reflects its activated state, was clearly inhibited by ROR1 overexpression in both steady state and oxidative stress‐elicited conditions in MSTO‐211H cells. In addition, we found that ROR1 was physically associated with ASK1 at the C‐terminal serine threonine‐rich domain of ROR1. Furthermore, ROR1 kinase activity was shown to be required to repress the ASK1–p38 axis and oxidative stress‐induced cell death. The present findings thus support our notion that ROR1 sustains lung adenocarcinoma survival, at least in part, through direct physical interaction with ASK1 and consequential repression of the pro‐apoptotic ASK1–p38 axis in a ROR1 kinase activity‐dependent manner.
A New, High Yield, Rapid, and Cost‐Effective Protocol to Deprotection of Cysteine‐Rich Conopeptide, Omega‐Conotoxin MVIIA
Authors: Eisapoor Seyed Sahand , Jamili Shahla , Shahbazzadeh Delavar , Ghavam Mostafavi Pargol , Pooshang Bagheri Kamran
Published: December 2015

Almost all conopeptides purified from Conus venoms are cysteine‐rich peptides. Among them, omega‐conotoxin MVIIA, FDA approved peptide drug (Prialt®), selected as a cysteine‐rich model that its protection from oxidation is critical during solid phase synthesis. Deprotection of cysteines is a crucial step after peptide synthesis. The current study aimed to set up a new highly efficient deprotection protocol for omega‐conotoxin MVIIA. Deprotection was performed based on mercury acetate with significant major modification. The protocol accomplished based on the best molar ratio of peptide/mercury/2‐ME that adjusted to 0.2 mm/3 mm/10 mm (50 μg/1 mg/10 μL). The yield and purity of omega‐conotoxin MVIIA obtained at 93 and 95%, respectively. The total time of protocol shortened to 90 min instead of 6–20 h in routine methods. In this study, omega‐conotoxin MVIIA was recovered in high yield and in the shortest time. Despite of other known protocols, molar ratio adjusted to minimum amount. In conclusion, this protocol would be suggested to cost‐effective deprotection of thiol groups for similar cysteine‐rich peptides.
EFFECTIVENESS OF MONETARY POLICY IN SWEDEN
Authors: Moessner Richhild , de Haan Jakob , Jansen David‐Jan
Published: December 2015

We study whether the sensitivity of Swedish interest rates to domestic economic news was affected by the zero lower bound (ZLB) and forward guidance. We find that the sensitivity was reduced at the ZLB at short but not at longer maturities, suggesting that monetary policy remained effective at longer horizons. Moreover, it was unaffected during a later period of the ZLB/negative policy rates, suggesting that monetary policy remained effective at all horizons then. We also find that the sensitivity of interest rates to domestic news was unaffected by forward guidance, suggesting that market participants understood the conditionality of the forward guidance. (JEL E52, E58)
The role of cardiopulmonary bypass in lung transplantation
Authors: Mohite Prashant N. , Sabashnikov Anton , Patil Nikhil P. , Garcia‐Saez Diana , Zych Bartlomeij , Zeriouh Mohamed , Romano Rosalba , Soresi Simona , Reed Anna , Carby Martin , De Robertis Fabio , Bahrami Toufan , Amrani Mohamed , Marczin Nandor , Simon Andre R. , Popov Aron‐Frederik
Published: December 2015

Background

The risk–benefit for utilizing cardio‐pulmonary bypass (CPB) in lung transplantation (LTx) remains debatable. This study compares outcomes after LTx utilizing different CPB strategies – elective CPB vs. off‐pump vs. off‐pump with unplanned conversion to CPB.

Methods

A total of 302 LTx performed over seven yr were divided into three groups: “off‐pump” group (n = 86), “elective on‐pump” group (n = 162), and “conversion” group (n = 54). The preoperative donor and recipient demographics and baseline characteristics and the postoperative outcomes were analyzed; 1:1 propensity score matching was used to identify patients operated upon using elective CPB who had risk profiles similar to those operated upon off‐pump (propensity‐matching 1) as well as those emergently converted from off‐pump to CPB (propensity‐matching 2).

Results

Preoperative group demographic characteristics were comparable; however, the “off‐pump” patient group was significantly older. The “conversion” group had a significantly greater number of patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, preoperative mechanical ventilation, and preoperative extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Postoperatively, patients from the “conversion” group had significantly poorer PaO2/FiO2 ratios upon arrival in intensive care unit (ICU) and at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively, and they required more prolonged ventilation, longer ICU admission, and they experienced an increased need for ECLS than the other groups. Overall, cumulative survival at one, two, and three yr was significantly worse in patients from the “conversion” group compared to the “off‐pump” and “elective on‐pump” groups – 61.9% vs. 94.4% vs. 86.9%, 54.4% vs. 90.6% vs. 79.5% and 39.8% vs. 78.1% vs. 74.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The “off‐pump” group had significantly better PaO2/FiO2 ratios, and a significantly shorter duration of ventilation, ICU stay, and hospital length of stay when compared to the propensity‐matched “elective on‐pump” group. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes and overall survival between the “converted” group and the propensity‐matched “elective on‐pump” group.

Conclusions

Despite segregation of unplanned CPB conversion cases from elective on‐pump cases, patients with comparable preoperative demographic/risk profiles demonstrated better early postoperative outcomes and, possibly, an improved early survival with an off‐pump strategy. A considerable proportion of high‐risk patients require intraoperative conversion from off‐pump to CPB, and this seems associated with suboptimal outcomes; however, there is no significant benefit to employing an elective on‐pump strategy over emergent conversion in the high‐risk group.
Fine needle aspiration cytology features of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Purkait S. , Agarwal S. , Mathur S. R. , Jain D. , Iyer V. K.
Published: December 2015

Background

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is an uncommon thyroid malignancy with biological behaviour intermediate between well‐differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma. The cytological diagnosis of PDTC is often difficult as a result of a lack of well‐established cytomorphological features and a considerable degree of morphological overlap with other commoner thyroid neoplasms.

Objective

To review the cytomorphological features of PDTC with the aim of highlighting salient diagnostic morphological features and differential diagnostic problems.

Methods

Seven cases of histologically proven PDTC with available aspiration cytology smears were reviewed for the presence of distinguishing cytomorphological features.

Results

The architectural arrangement of tumour cells was the most important diagnostic parameter. Cellular nests, three‐dimensional clusters dyscohesive aggregates and singly dispersed cells in the background were present in all cases. A unique ‘garlanded appearance’, owing to the peripheral orientation of nuclei within the tumour cell clusters, was noted (71.4%) along with the presence of basement membrane‐like material (71.4%). Transgressing vessels (85.7%) and endothelial wrapping of cell clusters (71.4%) were also noted. Interestingly, most cases lacked necrosis and mitotic activity that are included in the histological diagnostic criteria for PDTC.

Conclusion

Although PDTC has considerable cytomorphological overlap with well‐differentiated thyroid tumours, this present study highlights certain cytomorphological features that may suggest the correct pre‐operative diagnosis, important for the appropriate management.
Left Ventricular Longitudinal and Circumferential Layer‐Specific Myocardial Strains and Their Determinants in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Shi Jing , Pan Cuizhen , Kong Dehong , Cheng Leilei , Shu Xianhong
Published: December 2015

Background

The reference values and impact of physiologic variables on echocardiographic quantification of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal and circumferential layer‐specific myocardial strains in large series of healthy persons remain unknown. This study prospectively investigated the impact of age, gender, and other physiologic parameters on LV longitudinal and circumferential layer‐specific myocardial strains.

Methods

119 healthy volunteers (age range, 22–76; 50% women) underwent echocardiography. Short‐axis (for circumferential strain) and apical (for longitudinal strain) views were analyzed using modified speckle tracking software enabling the analysis of strains in three myocardial layers.

Results

In normal subjects, longitudinal and circumferential strain was highest in the endocardium and lowest in the epicardium, longitudinal and circumferential three‐layer strain was highest in the apex and lowest in the base. The mean global longitudinal strain in the endocardial layer (GLS‐endo), in the mid‐myocardial layer (GLS‐mid) and in the epicardial layer (GLS‐epi) were −24.3 ± 3.1%, −21.3 ± 2.9%, and −18.9 ± 2.8%, respectively. Gender, HR, and SV (stroke volume) were independent predictors of GLS‐endo, GLS‐mid, and GLS‐epi. The mean global circumferential strain in the endocardial layer (GCS‐endo), in the mid‐myocardial layer (GCS‐mid) and in the epicardial layer (GCS‐epi) were −34.3 ± 4.4%, −20.5 ± 3.0%, and −11.8 ± 2.7%, respectively. HR independently predicted GCS‐endo, GCS‐mid, and GCS‐epi.

Conclusions

Three‐layer analysis of longitudinal and circumferential strain using two‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2DSTI) can be performed on a clinical basis and may become an important method for the assessment of real time, quantitative global, and regional LV function.
Day vs. night predation on artificial caterpillars in primary rainforest habitats – an experimental approach
Authors: Seifert Carlo L. , Schulze Christian H. , Dreschke Tobias C. T. , Frötscher Heinrich , Fiedler Konrad
Published: December 2015

The influence of natural enemies has led to the evolution of various predator avoidance strategies in herbivorous insects. Many caterpillars are exclusively active at night and rest during the day. It is widely assumed that nocturnal activity in caterpillars reduces their risk of falling prey to their natural enemies. To test this hypothesis, we compared predation pressure between day and night in tree‐fall gaps and closed‐canopy forest sites in an Amazonian primary lowland rainforest. Artificial clay caterpillars, showing camouflaged colouration (green), were exposed as potential prey to a natural predator community. Attacks were significantly more frequent during daytime and were reduced by about a quarter at night in tree‐fall gaps, and by a third in closed‐canopy forest sites. This supports the idea of time‐dependent activity in caterpillars as an antipredatory adaptation. Further, independent of the time of day, predation pressure on caterpillars was significantly higher in tree‐fall gaps compared to closed‐canopy forest habitats. Nearly all predation events were caused by arthropods, whereas birds played a negligible role. Across both habitat types and time scales, ants acted as major predator group, emphasising their important role in population control of herbivorous insects in lowland rainforest ecosystems. This is the first experimental study using artificial caterpillars to examine whether time‐scheduling of exposition might influence predation risk amongst undefended, solitary, free‐living lepidopteran larvae.
Continuous exposure to the deterrents cis‐jasmone and methyl jasmonate does not alter the behavioural responses of Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Egger Barbara , Spangl Bernhard , Koschier Elisabeth Helene
Published: December 2015

Behavioural responses of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), a generalist, cell sap‐feeding insect species with piercing‐sucking mouthparts, after continuous exposure to two deterrent secondary plant compounds are investigated. We compared in choice assays on bean leaf discs, the settling, feeding, and oviposition preferences of F. occidentalis females that had no experience with the two fatty acid derivatives methyl jasmonate and cis‐jasmone before testing (naïve thrips) vs. females that had been exposed to the deterrent compounds before testing (experienced thrips). The thrips were exposed to the deterrents at low or high concentrations for varied time periods and subsequently tested on bean leaf discs treated with the respective deterrent at either a low or a high concentration. Frankliniella occidentalis females avoided settling on the deterrent‐treated bean leaf discs for an observation period of 6 h, independent of their previous experience. Our results demonstrate that feeding and oviposition deterrence of the jasmonates to the thrips were not altered by continuous exposure of the thrips to the jasmonates. Habituation was not induced, neither by exposure to the low concentration of the deterrents nor by exposure to the high concentration. These results indicate that the risk of habituation to two volatile deterrent compounds after repeated exposure is not evident in F. occidentalis. This makes the two compounds potential candidates to be integrated in pest management strategies.
An astigmatid defence volatile against a phytoseiid mite
Authors: Midthassel Audun , Leather Simon , Wright Denis J. , Baxter Ian H. , Farman Dudley I. , Cork Alan
Published: December 2015

Numerous semiochemicals have been isolated from several species of astigmatid mites with various identified or unidentified functions. Alarm pheromonal activity is widespread with neryl formate and neral, being the most common compounds eliciting alarm response in conspecifics. The cosmopolitan astigmatid mite Suidasia medanensis (= S. pontifica) Oudemans (Acari: Suidasidae) has been reported to use neral as an alarm pheromone, but neral can also act as an allomone towards predators of oribatid mites. Suidasia medanensis can be utilised as a factitious prey for mass‐rearing of the phytoseiid predatory mite Amblyseius (= Typhlodromips) swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), which is used for biological control of insect and mite pests in protected crops. This study investigated the potential defence properties of the S. medanensis volatiles against A. swirskii, comparing the repellency to pollen‐reared (naïve) vs. S. medanensis‐reared (experienced) predators using a synthetic blend of the isomers neral and geranial (1:1) as a model compound. In a repellency bioassay, the synthetic blend elicited a significant repellence to A. swirskii with no difference between naïve and experienced predators. During capture success studies, S. medanensis under repeated attack could release sufficient quantities of the defence volatile to deter 1–5 attacks from A. swirskii, whereas hexane‐treated S. medanensis artificially depleted of volatiles were significantly more vulnerable to an attack. This is the first report of an astigmatid defence volatile with repellent activity to a phytoseiid mite and the starting point to understanding semiochemical interactions in any current or novel factitious predator‐prey mass‐rearing system.
Interaction between lithification and resource availability in the microbialites of Río Mesquites, Cuatro Ciénegas, México
Authors: Corman J. R. , Poret‐Peterson A. T. , Uchitel A. , Elser J. J.
Published: December 2015

Lithified microbial structures (microbialites) have been present on Earth for billions of years. Lithification may impose unique constraints on microbes. For instance, when CaCO3forms, phosphate may be captured via coprecipitation and/or adsorption and potentially rendered unavailable for biological uptake. Therefore, the growth of microbes associated with CaCO3may be phosphorus‐limited. In this study, we compared the effects of resource addition on biogeochemical functions of microbial communities associated with microbialites and photoautotrophic microbial communities not associated with CaCO3deposition in Río Mesquites, Cuatro Ciénegas, México. We also manipulated rates of CaCO3deposition in microbialites to determine whether lithification reduces the bioavailability of phosphorus (P). We found that P additions significantly increased rates of gross primary production (F2,13 = 103.9,P < 0.001), net primary production (F2,13 = 129.6,P < 0.0001) and ecosystem respiration (F2,13 = 6.44,P < 0.05) in the microbialites, while P addition had no effect on photoautotrophic production in the non‐CaCO3‐associated microbial communities. Growth of the non‐CaCO3‐associated phototrophs was only marginally stimulated when nitrogen and P were added simultaneously (F1,36 = 3.98,P = 0.053). In the microbialites, resource additions led to some shifts in the abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria but mostly had little effect on bacterial community composition. Ca2+uptake rates increased significantly with organic carbon additions (F1,13 = 8.02,P < 0.05). Lowering of CaCO3deposition by decreasing calcium concentrations in the water led to increased microbial biomass accumulation rates in terms of both organic carbon (F4,48 = 5.23,P < 0.01) and P (F6,48 = 13.91,P < 0.001). These results provide strong evidence in support of a role of lithification in controlling P limitation of microbialite communities.
Fossil forests in the Austral Basin (Argentina) marking a Cenomanian heterogeneous forced regressive surface
Authors: Varela A. N. , Iglesias A. , Poiré D. , Zamuner A. , Richiano S. , Brea M.
Published: December 2015

The mid‐Cretaceous greenhouse period in the southern Patagonia Argentina (Austral Basin) is represented by the Mata Amarilla Formation. It is composed of three informal sections which were deposited in littoral and continental environments. The boundary between the lower and middle sections of the Mata Amarilla Formation shows a drastic reduction in accommodation/sediment supply (A/S) ratio, interpreted as a forced regressive surface. This surface is characterized by a well‐developed palaeosol, associated with the extensive preservation of a podocarp‐dominated fossil forest over a vast area (more than 5400 km2). Sedimentological and palaeopedological analyses, in conjunction with forest structure, tree density and growth ring analyses, indicate that the mid‐Cenomanian forced regression can be distinguished as a non‐uniform surface developed over a short period of time. This sequence boundary is recognized through a heterogeneous regional surface, delimited in the western part of the study area by an erosional surface generated by a large lateral channel migration recorded by sheet‐like channel deposits with transported logs. By comparison, towards the eastern part of the study area, it appears as a paraconformity bounded by a very mature vertic Alfisol, which may have taken 40–100 ky to develop, and the preservation of a fossil forest in life position with a minimum age of 337 years. It is concluded that the extensive presence of these fossil forests at the same stratigraphic level in a vast region respond to changes in A/S ratio in a forced regressive surface at basin scale.
Climate and land use changes will degrade the configuration of the landscape for titi monkeys in eastern Brazil
Authors: Gouveia Sidney F. , Souza‐Alves João Pedro , Rattis Ludmila , Dobrovolski Ricardo , Jerusalinsky Leandro , Beltrão‐Mendes Raone , Ferrari Stephen F.
Published: December 2015

Land use changes have profound effects on populations of Neotropical primates, and ongoing climate change is expected to aggravate this scenario. The titi monkeys from eastern Brazil (Callicebus personatus group) have been particularly affected by this process, with four of the five species now allocated to threatened conservation status categories. Here, we estimate the changes in the distribution of these titi monkeys caused by changes in both climate and land use. We also use demographic‐based, functional landscape metrics to assess the magnitude of the change in landscape conditions for the distribution predicted for each species. We built species distribution models (SDMs) based on maximum entropy for current and future conditions (2070), allowing for different global circulation models and contrasting scenarios of glasshouse gas concentrations. We refined the SDMs using a high‐resolution map of habitat remnants. We then calculated habitat availability and connectivity based on home‐range size and the dispersal limitations of the individual, in the context of a predicted loss of 10% of forest cover in the future. The landscape configuration is predicted to be degraded for all species, regardless of the climatic settings. This include reductions in the total cover of forest remnants, patch size and functional connectivity. As the landscape configuration should deteriorate severely in the future for all species, the prevention of further loss of populations will only be achieved through habitat restoration and reconnection to counteract the negative effects for these and several other co‐occurring species.
Seasonal responses of terrestrial ecosystem water‐use efficiency to climate change
Authors: Huang Mengtian , Piao Shilong , Zeng Zhenzhong , Peng Shushi , Ciais Philippe , Cheng Lei , Mao Jiafu , Poulter Ben , Shi Xiaoying , Yao Yitong , Yang Hui , Wang Yingping
Published: December 2015

Ecosystem water‐use efficiency (EWUE) is an indicator of carbon–water interactions and is defined as the ratio of carbon assimilation (GPP) to evapotranspiration (ET). Previous research suggests an increasing long‐term trend in annual EWUE over many regions and is largely attributed to the physiological effects of rising CO2. The seasonal trends in EWUE, however, have not yet been analyzed. In this study, we investigate seasonal EWUE trends and responses to various drivers during 1982–2008. The seasonal cycle for two variants of EWUE, water‐use efficiency (WUE, GPP/ET), and transpiration‐based WUE (WUEt, the ratio of GPP and transpiration), is analyzed from 0.5° gridded fields from four process‐based models and satellite‐based products, as well as a network of 63 local flux tower observations. WUE derived from flux tower observations shows moderate seasonal variation for most latitude bands, which is in agreement with satellite‐based products. In contrast, the seasonal EWUE trends are not well captured by the same satellite‐based products. Trend analysis, based on process‐model factorial simulations separating effects of climate, CO2, and nitrogen deposition (NDEP), further suggests that the seasonal EWUE trends are mainly associated with seasonal trends of climate, whereas CO2 and NDEP do not show obvious seasonal difference in EWUE trends. About 66% grid cells show positive annual WUE trends, mainly over mid‐ and high northern latitudes. In these regions, spring climate change has amplified the effect of CO2 in increasing WUE by more than 0.005 gC m−2 mm−1 yr−1 for 41% pixels. Multiple regression analysis further shows that the increase in springtime WUE in the northern hemisphere is the result of GPP increasing faster than ET because of the higher temperature sensitivity of GPP relative to ET. The partitioning of annual EWUE to seasonal components provides new insight into the relative sensitivities of GPP and ET to climate, CO2, and NDEP.
Anthocyanin contents in the seed coat of black soya bean and their anti‐human tyrosinase activity and antioxidative activity
Authors: Jhan J.‐K. , Chung Y.‐C. , Chen G.‐H. , Chang C.‐H. , Lu Y.‐C. , Hsu C.‐K.
Published: December 2015

Objective

The seed coat of black soya bean (SCBS) contains high amount of anthocyanins and shows antioxidant and anti‐mushroom tyrosinase activities. The objectives of this study were to analyse the anthocyanins in SCBS with different solvents and to find the relationship between anthocyanin profile with anti‐human and anti‐mushroom tyrosinase activities.

Methods

SCBS was extracted with hot water, 50 and 80% ethanol, 50 and 80% acetone and 50 and 80% acidified acetone. Total phenol and total flavonoid contents in the extracts were determined. Anthocyanins in the extracts were analysed using HPLC and LC/MS/MS. A genetically engineered human tyrosinase was used to evaluate the anti‐tyrosinase potential of the extracts from SCBS.

Results

80% acetone extract from SCBS obtained the highest total phenol, total flavonoid and cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) contents among all the extracts, whereas the hot water extract showed the lowest antioxidant contents. Three anthocyanin compounds were found in all the extracts from SCBS, and the analysis of HPLC and LC/MS/MS indicated that they were C3G, delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (D3G) and peonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (P3G). The ratios of C3G (2.84 mg g−1), D3G (0.34 mg g−1) and P3G (0.35 mg g−1) in 80% acidified acetone extract were 76.6, 9.1 and 9.3%, respectively. All the extracts from SCBS possessed anti‐human tyrosinase activity. Moreover, a good correlation was found between the anti‐human tyrosinase activities and C3G contents in the extracts.

Conclusion

Antioxidants in SCBS also possess anti‐human and anti‐mushroom tyrosinase activities.
Effects of the addition of nanoparticulate calcium carbonate on setting time, dimensional change, compressive strength, solubility and pH of MTA
Authors: Bernardi A. , Bortoluzzi E. A. , Felippe W. T. , Felippe M. C. S. , Wan W. S. , Teixeira C. S.
Published: December 2015

Aim

To evaluate nanoparticulate calcium carbonate (NPCC) using transmission electron microscopy and the effects of NPCC addition to MTA in regard to the setting time, dimensional change, compressive strength, solubility and pH.

Methodology

The experimental groups were G1 (MTA), G2 (MTA with 5% NPCC) and G3 (MTA with 10% NPCC). The tests followed ISO and ADA standards. The specimens in the dimensional change and compressive strength tests were measured immediately after setting, after 24 h and after 30 days. In the solubility test, rings filled with cement were weighed after setting and after 30 days. The pH was measured after 24 h and 30 days. The data were analysed with the ANOVA, Tukey's and Kruskal–Wallis tests (α = 5%).

Results

The setting time was reduced (P < 0.05) in samples from G2 and G3 compared to G1. After 24 h, the dimensional change was similar amongst the groups, and after 30 days, G2 was associated with less alteration than G1 and G3. There was a difference in the compressive strength (P < 0.001) after 24 h and 30 days (G1 > G2 > G3). The solubility test revealed a difference amongst the groups when the specimens were hydrated: G2 > G1 > G3 and dehydrated: G3 > G2 > G1. The pH of the groups was similar at 24 h with higher values in each group after 30 days (P < 0.05), and G2 and G3 had similar mean pH values but both were higher than G1.

Conclusions

Nanoparticulate calcium carbonate had a cubic morphology with few impurities. The addition of nanoparticulate calcium carbonate to MTA accelerated the setting time, decreased compressive strength and, after 30 days, resulted in lower dimensional change (G2), higher solubility and a higher pH.
Mixture of alkaline tetrasodium EDTA with sodium hypochlorite promotes in vitro smear layer removal and organic matter dissolution during biomechanical preparation
Authors: Tartari T. , Oda D. F. , Zancan R. F. , da Silva T. L. , de Moraes I. G. , Duarte M. A. H. , Bramante C. M.
Published: December 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the following: (i) the quantity of free chlorine in mixtures of equal proportions of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with trisodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTAHNa3) and alkaline tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTANa4); (ii) organic matter dissolution; and (iii) the time necessary to remove the smear layer by these irrigants alone and when mixed.

Methodology

The solutions were mixed in a 1 : 1 ratio and then iodometrically titrated over time to determine the quantity of free available chlorine. The capability of organic matter dissolution by the solutions alone and the mixtures of irrigants was analysed by weighing bovine muscle tissue specimens before and after submission to the following groups (n = 10): G1 – 0.9% saline solution (control), G2 – 2.5% NaOCl, G3 – 17% EDTAHNa3, G4 – 10% EDTANa4, G5 – 20% EDTANa4, G6 – 5% NaOCl + 17% EDTAHNa3, G7 – 5% NaOCl + 10% EDTANa4 and G8 – 5% NaOCl + 20% EDTANa4. The times necessary for smear layer removal were determinated on discs of bovine dentine with a standardized smear layer produced with SiC papers using a scanning electron microscope that did not require the samples to be sputter coated. The dentine discs were submitted to the same experimental groups previously described (n = 10) over several time periods, and the photomicrographs acquired were scored for the presence of smear layer. The parametric data of tissue dissolution were analysed using two‐way anova and one‐way anova with Tukey's post hoc tests (α < 0.05), whilst nonparametric data of smear layer removal were analysed by Friedman test (α < 0.05) and the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn's post hoc (α < 0.05).

Results

EDTAHNa3 caused an almost complete and immediate loss of free available chlorine from NaOCl, whilst EDTANa4 promoted a slow and concentrat‐ion‐dependent decline. The organic matter was not dissolved in the control group, EDTA groups or the mixture of NaOCl + 17% EDTAHNa3 group (P > 0.05). NaOCl alone and the associations of NaOCl + EDTANa4 dissolved tissue at all periods analysed (P < 0.05). The smear layer was not removed in the control and NaOCl groups (P > 0.05). The smear layer was removed at 1 min in the NaOCl + 17% EDTAHNa3 group (P < 0.05); 2 min in 17% EDTAHNa3 group (P < 0.05); and 5 min in 10% EDTANa4, 20% EDTANa4, 5% NaOCl + 10% EDTANa4 and 5% NaOCl + 20% EDTANa4 groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Alkaline EDTANa4 was slower in removing the smear layer than EDTAHNa3, but when mixed with NaOCl during biomechanical canal preparation promoted organic matter dissolution and smear layer removal simultaneously. However, the mixing of NaOCl and EDTANa4 should be performed immediately before use to prevent the reduction of free available chlorine.
Development of ready‐to‐eat rice starch‐based puffed products by coupling freeze‐drying and microwave
Authors: Jiamjariyatam Rossaporn
Published: December 2015

The rice starch mixtures with varying amylose contents (AC) of 0.12–19.00% weight were prepared by mixing waxy and nonwaxy rice starches. The 5% rice bran oil shortening was added in the starch paste. After gelatinisation, thin slabs of starch pastes were aged at 4 °C for 24 h. The aged slabs were dried by freeze‐drying to obtain 25% moisture content. A microwave oven set to 600 J s−1 for 90 s was then used for puffing. The crucial factors affecting the snack purchase were texture and nutrition. The relative crystallinity and retrogradation enthalpy (∆Hr) of freeze‐dried pellets increased with increasing the AC. From using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), endotherms of pellets were shown only when AC > 0.12%. An amylose–lipid complex was shown in pellets with AC ≥ 9.00%. Relationships between the AC and all puffed product properties were linear. Increasing AC provided greater hardness, fracturability, bulk density, but lower expansion ratio. From the sensory evaluation, the panellists preferred the puffed products with 9.00% AC. Increasing the AC gave higher crispness, hardness, brittleness, air cell opacity and density, but resulted in less puffiness. Thus, the microwave drying has the potential to puff a healthy expanded snack but giving the desirable properties depends on AC.
Detection of Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica,Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. by real‐time multiplex PCR using amplicon DNA melting analysis and probe‐based assay
Authors: Skerniškytė Jūratė , Armalytė Julija , Kvietkauskaitė Raimonda , Šeputienė Vaida , Povilonis Justas , Sužiedėlienė Edita
Published: December 2015

Syto9 and probe‐based multiplex real‐time PCR assays for simultaneous detection of a group of foodborne pathogens (named SYLC group), targeting Salmonella spp. (invA gene), Yersinia enterocolitica (ystA gene), Listeria monocytogenes (hly gene) and Campylobacter spp. (rrna gene), have been developed. The Syto9 assay generates amplicon DNA melting curve with four peaks of 86.5 ± 0.5, 84 ± 0.5, 81.5 ± 0.5 and 90.5 ± 0.5 °C corresponding Salmonella spp., Y. enterocolitica, L. monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. targets, respectively. The sensitivities of the Syto9 and TaqMan assays in artificially inoculated chicken wing rinses were in a range of 3.2 × 102 to 3.1 × 104 and 9.8 × 102 to 1.9 × 104 colony‐forming units per millilitre, respectively, depending on the pathogen. All tested target strains (n = 100) were correctly detected by the both assays, whereas nontarget strains (n = 100) demonstrated no cross‐reactivity representing 100% specificity. The assays are suitable for application in qualitative and quantitative detection of SYLC group pathogens in food matrices.
Erectile function status is highly associated with prostate‐specific antigen bounce in localized prostate cancer patients treated with permanent prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Matsushima Masashi , Kikuchi Eiji , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Kosaka Takeo , Mizuno Ryuichi , Ohashi Toshio , Mikami Shuji , Miyajima Akira , Shigematsu Naoyuki , Oya Mototsugu
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To examine the relationship between erectile function status and prostate‐specific antigen bounce after prostate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer.

Methods

We identified 154 patients who were followed up for at least 24 months after brachytherapy. Erectile function status was assessed prospectively before brachytherapy (baseline), and 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months postoperatively using the International Index of Erectile Function‐15 questionnaire. Prostate‐specific antigen bounce was defined as an increase of at least 0.4 ng/mL from a previous prostate‐specific antigen level with a subsequent decline equal to, or less than, the initial nadir without treatment. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify a significant set of independent predictors of prostate‐specific antigen bounce after brachytherapy.

Results

Prostate‐specific antigen bounce was observed in 38 (24.7%) men. The prostate‐specific antigen bounce group had a higher erectile function domain score, higher orgasmic function domain score, and higher total International Index of Erectile Function‐15 score before (at baseline) and after brachytherapy (3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months after brachytherapy) than their counterparts (P < 0.05). Of the 77 patients who completed the International Index of Erectile Function‐15 questionnaire 18 months after brachytherapy (the median time of prostate‐specific antigen bounce), sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction domain scores, and total International Index of Erectile Function scores 18 months after brachytherapy correlated with the occurrence of prostate‐specific antigen bounce. A multivariate analysis identified the intercourse satisfaction domain score 18 months after brachytherapy as an independent indicator for the occurrence of prostate‐specific antigen bounce (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

International Index of Erectile Function‐15 score seems to be correlated with the prostate‐specific antigen bounce in prostate cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy, and an occurrence of prostate‐specific antigen bounce seems to be more likely in those who are more sexually active.
Association between hepatitis B virus infection and risk of multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Y. , Bai O. , Liu C. , Du Z. , Wang X. , Wang G. , Li W.
Published: December 2015

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health concern. Although recent findings suggest an inverse relationship between HBV infection and multiple myeloma (MM), the true relationship between these two conditions remains unclear.

Aim

The primary aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the association between HBV infection, defined as hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, and the incidence of MM.

Methods

We searched the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases from January 1975 to July 2014 and reviewed the reference lists of all retrieved articles. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed‐ and random‐effects models.

Results

We identified nine case–control studies involving 30 646 patients with MM and 379 837 controls. HBV infection was not significantly associated with the development of MM (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.92–1.82; P = 0.14). A similar risk of developing MM was present in different HBV‐prevalent countries. However, significant heterogeneity was observed among studies (P = 0.01). A statistically significant relationship between HBV infection and increased MM risk was detected in sub‐analyses evaluating high‐quality studies and those with hospital‐based controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

HBV infection may be associated with an increased risk of MM. However, confirmation of this relationship and the specific molecular mechanisms involved in the association between HBV infection and the development of MM require further exploration.
Inaccurate risk perceptions contribute to treatment gaps in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Thakkar J. , Heeley E. L. , Chalmers J. , Chow C. K.
Published: December 2015

Background

All patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at high risk of recurrent events. Despite strong evidence, large treatment gaps exist in CVD secondary prevention. We hypothesise that patients' self‐perception and general practitioner's (GP) assessment of future cardiovascular (CV) risk may influence secondary prevention behaviours.

Aim

To examine in patients with known CVD the perceived risk of future CV events and its relationship with use of secondary prevention medications and risk factor control.

Methods

We examined patient and practitioner's perceived risk and its relationship with the uptake of secondary prevention recommendations in adults with CVD participating in the Australian Hypertension and Absolute Risk Study.

Results

Among the 1453 participants, only 11% reported having a high absolute risk and 29% reported high relative risk of recurrent events. The GP categorised only 30% as having a 5‐year risk ≥15%. After adjusting for covariates, hospitalisation within the preceding 12 months was the only significant predictor of patients' accurate risk perception. Conventional CV risk factors were predictive of the GP’s risk estimates. Patients who accurately understood their risk reported higher smoking cessation rates (7 vs 3%, P = 0.003) and greater use of antiplatelet, blood pressure lowering therapy and statins (P ≤ 0.01). However, there was no relationship between GP’s risk perception and secondary prevention treatments.

Conclusion

Both patients and GP have optimistic bias and underestimate the risk of future CV events. Patients' accurate self‐perception, but not GP risk perception, was associated with improved secondary preventative behaviours. This suggests that helping patients to understand their risk may influence their motivation towards secondary prevention. Providing support to GP or programmes to help patients better understand their risks could have potential benefit on secondary prevention behaviours.