bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex niche divergence underlies lineage diversification in Oophaga poison frogs
Authors: Posso‐Terranova Andrés , Andrés José A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimDespite the incredible diversity of lowland tropical rain forests, we still have limited understanding of the drivers of speciation in these ecoregions. Here, we investigated the relative contribution of geographical and environmental factors to the diversification of a Neotropical genus of poison frogs (Oophaga).LocationCentral and South America, including regions from southern Nicaragua to northern Ecuador.MethodsWe generated gene genealogies (12S, 16S, COI, CytB and tRNA‐val, SIAH1, H3 and Rag1) and used species phylogenetic methods (MDC and *beast) to generate a robust phylogeny of Oophaga frogs. Then, we combined the resulting phylogenetic hypothesis with detailed geographical data and environmental niche modelling (ENM) to test the role of geographical isolation, climatic niche divergence and altitudinal gradients.ResultsGene genealogies were discordant and did not show exclusive genealogical patterns; however, species tree resolved the phylogenetic relationship among Oophaga species with strong node support (> 0.9 ML/BPP). Geographical ranges showed little overlap between distantly related species. However, within the South American and Central American clades, sister taxa showed substantially overlapping ranges. Analyses of ecological disparity (DTT) indicated a departure from a neutral (Brownian) model of evolution, and age‐range correlations, predicted niche occupancy profiles, and Seeva analyses showed that different species tend to evolve under different potential climatic niches.Main conclusionsOophaga frogs originated in Central America and reached South America after the closure of the Panama Isthmus. The South‐ and Central‐American clades of this genus have convergently evolved to similar patterns of geographical distribution and niche occupancy. Within clades, sister taxa showed parapatric distributions replacing each other along elevational gradients as predicted by the models of divergence along continuous ecological gradients. Accordingly, we found strong shifts in climatic niches throughout the history of these two clades. However, the largest niche shifts seem to post‐date the final elevation of the Talamanca and northern Andes. Overall, our data suggest that speciation along climatic gradients on a structured landscape has been a major evolutionary force behind the diversification of Oophaga poison frogs.
Efavirenz Inhibits the Human Ether‐A‐Go‐Go Related Current (hERG) and Induces QT Interval Prolongation in CYP2B6*6*6 Allele Carriers
Authors: ABDELHADY AHMED M. , SHUGG TYLER , THONG NANCY , LU JESSICA BO LI , KREUTZ YVONNE , JAYNES HEATHER A. , ROBARGE JASON D. , TISDALE JAMES E. , DESTA ZERUESENAY , OVERHOLSER BRIAN R. 
Published: June 2016

Efavirenz Induced QTc Interval ProlongationBackgroundEfavirenz (EFV) has been associated with torsade de pointes despite marginal QT interval lengthening. Since EFV is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 enzyme, we hypothesized that EFV would lengthen the rate‐corrected QT (QTcF) interval in carriers of the CYP2B6*6 decreased functional allele.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate EFV‐associated QT interval changes with regard to CYP2B6 genotype and to explore mechanisms of QT interval lengthening.MethodsEFV was administered to healthy volunteers (n = 57) as a single 600 mg dose followed by multiple doses to steady‐state. Subjects were genotyped for known CYP2B6 alleles and ECGs and EFV plasma concentrations were obtained serially. Whole‐cell, voltage‐clamp experiments were performed on cells stably expressing hERG and exposed to EFV in the presence and absence of CYP2B6 expression.ResultsEFV demonstrated a gene–dose effect and exceeded the FDA criteria for QTcF interval prolongation in CYP2B6*6/*6 carriers. The largest mean time‐matched differences ∆∆QTcF were observed at 6 hours (14 milliseconds; 95% CI [1; 27]), 12 hours (18 milliseconds; 95% CI [–4; 40]), and 18 hours (6 milliseconds; 95% CI [–1; 14]) in the CYP2B6*6/*6 genotype. EFV concentrations exceeding 0.4 μg/mL significantly inhibited outward hERG tail currents (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that homozygous carriers of CYP2B6*6 allele may be at increased risk for EFV‐induced QTcF interval prolongation via inhibition of hERG.
Histamine intolerance in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Siebenhaar F. , Melde A. , Magerl M. , Zuberbier T. , Church M.K. , Maurer M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundHistamine intolerance and pseudoallergy to foods have been suggested to be causes of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) with some patients reporting exacerbation with histamine‐rich foods.ObjectiveThe study aim was to identify the rate of histamine‐intolerant CSU patients and to characterize the relevance of histamine intolerance as an underlying cause of CSU.MethodsA cohort of 157 of moderate to severe CSU patients (UAS7 ≥ 10) was asked to provide a detailed clinical history, particularly in relation to symptom development after eating histamine‐rich foods. They subsequently undertook a histamine‐free pseudoallergen‐low diet followed by a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral histamine provocation (75 mg).ResultsOne third of patients (34%) had a positive history of histamine intolerance. There was no statistical difference between the mean UAS7 scores of patients with positive and negative histories (22.4 ± 1.0 vs. 22.7 ± 0.8). When kept on diet, 46% of patients responded with reduced CSU activity (UAS7 reduction of ≥7). Following double‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral histamine provocation, 17% of patients gave a positive weal response. There appeared to be little relationship between patient history, response to diet and the weal response to oral histamine provocation. First, the history‐positive and ‐negative groups contained similar proportions of diet and histamine provocation weal‐positive patients. Second, the diet‐positive and ‐negative groups contained similar proportions of history‐positive and histamine provocation weal‐positive patients. Third, the histamine provocation weal‐positive and ‐negative groups had similar rates of history‐ and diet‐positive patients. Finally, only 2 of the 157 patients were positive in all three domains.ConclusionsCSU due to histamine intolerance appears to be rare and cannot be diagnosed based on the history. The study confirms that avoidance diets low in pseudoallergens can improve urticaria symptoms, this is probably not due to the absence of dietary histamine.
Antimicrobial peptide CAP18 and its effect on Yersinia ruckeri infections in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum): comparing administration by injection and oral routes
Authors: Chettri J K , Mehrdana F , Hansen E B , Ebbensgaard A , Overgaard M T , Lauritsen A H , Dalsgaard I , Buchmann K 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe antimicrobial peptide CAP18 has been demonstrated to have a strong in vitro bactericidal effect on Yersinia ruckeri, but its activity in vivo has not been described. In this work, we investigated whether CAP18 protects rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) against enteric red mouth disease caused by this pathogen either following i.p. injection or by oral administration (in feed). It was found that injection of CAP18 into juvenile rainbow trout before exposure to Y. ruckeri was associated with lowered mortality compared to non‐medicated fish although it was less effective than the conventional antibiotic oxolinic acid. Oral administration of CAP18 to trout did not prevent infection. The proteolytic effect of secretions on the peptide CAP18 in the fish gastrointestinal tract is suggested to account for the inferior effect of oral administration.
Safety Evaluation and Antibacterial Activity of Enterococci Isolated from Lighvan Cheese
Authors: Joghataei Mehri , Yavarmanesh Masoud , Dovom Mohammad Reza Edalatian 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTwenty three enterococci were isolated from Lighvan cheese. Enterococcal isolates identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, were evaluated for their safety and also examined for antibacterial activity and presence of the genes coding for enterocins. Four enterococcal isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against Listeria innocua and E. faecalis and harbored the bacteriocin genes (enterocins A, B, P, X and 31) too. Multiple combinations of virulence determinant genes (vanA, vanB, gelE, esp, asa1, cpd and ace) were detected in enterococcal isolates with the exception of 5 E. faecium isolates. While the isolates exhibited resistance to some antibiotics, all of them were susceptible to ampicillin and vancomycin. In conclusion, this study shows the presence of enterococci with potential biopreservative activity in Lighvan cheese; however it also warrants further research on the safety and origins of enterococci in this cheese.Practical ApplicationsLighvan is a very popular cheese in Iran with a specific texture and taste which is produced in little amount from raw sheep milk and ripened in manmade underground galleries. There are a few studies about the microflora of this cheese and the point is that enterococcus species have proven to be always dominant. Safety evaluation of these bacteria is really necessary as far as the Lighvan cheese is produced from raw milk and also the controversial viewpoint that there is about the GRAS state of enterococcus species. Recognition of the safe strains of enterococcus species isolated from the lighvan cheese would help to produce a more hygienic and safer industrial product.
Protective and Risk Factors for 5‐Year Survival in the Oldest Veterans: Data from the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Cho Jinmyoung , Copeland Laurel A. , Stock Eileen M. , Zeber John E. , Restrepo Marcos I. , MacCarthy Andrea A. , Ory Marcia G. , Smith Paul A. , Stevens Alan B. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo characterize physical and mental diseases and use of healthcare services and identify factors associated with mortality in the oldest individuals using the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).DesignRetrospective study with 5‐year survival follow‐up.SettingVHA, system‐wide.ParticipantsVeterans using the VHA aged 80 and older as of October 2008 (N = 721,588: n = 665,249 aged 80–89, n = 56,118 aged 90–99, n = 221 aged 100–115).MeasurementsDemographic characteristics, physical and mental diseases, healthcare services, and 5‐year survival were measured.ResultsAccelerated failure time models identified protective and risk factors associated with mortality according to age group. During 5 years of follow‐up, 44% of participants died (survival rate: 59% aged 80–89, 32% aged 90–99, 15% aged ≥100). In the multivariable model, protective effects for veterans aged 80–99 were female sex, minority race or ethnicity, being married, having certain physical and mental diagnoses (hypertension, cataract, dyslipidemia, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder), having urgent care visits, having invasive surgery, and having few (1–3) prescriptions. Risk factors were lower VHA priority status, physical and mental conditions (diabetes mellitus, anemia, congestive heart failure, dementia, anxiety, depression, smoking, substance abuse disorder), hospital admission, and nursing home care. For those aged 100 and older, being married, smoking, hospital admission, nursing home care, invasive surgery, and prescription use were significant risk factors; only emergency department (ED) use was protective.ConclusionAlthough the data are limited to VHA care (thus missing Medicare services), this study shows that many veterans served by the VHA live to advanced old age despite multiple chronic conditions. Further study is needed to determine whether a comprehensive, coordinated care system like VHA is associated with greater longevity for very old persons.
A comparative study of vascular injection fluids in fresh‐frozen and embalmed human cadaver forearms
Authors: Doomernik D. E. , Kruse R. R. , Reijnen M. M. P. J. , Kozicz T. L. , Kooloos J. G. M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractOver the years, various vascular injection products have been developed to facilitate anatomical dissections. This study aimed to compare the most commonly used vascular injection products in fresh‐frozen and formalin‐embalmed cadaver specimens. An overview of the properties, advantages and limitations of each substance was given, and a comparison of vascular infusion procedures in both preservation methods was made. A literature search was performed in order to identify the most commonly used vascular injection products. Acrylic paint, latex, gelatin, silicone, Araldite F and Batson's No. 17 were selected for the study. One fresh‐frozen and one embalmed cadaver forearm were infused with each injection product according to a uniform protocol. The curing time, skin‐ and subcutaneous tissue penetration, degree of filling of the arterial tree, extravasations, consistency of the injected vessels during dissection, and the costs of each injection fluid were noted. There was a large variation between the injection fluids in processing‐ and curing time, colour intensity, flexibility, fragility, elasticity, strength, toxicity and costs. All fluids were suitable for infusion. The penetration of injection fluid into the skin and subcutaneous tissue was significantly better in fresh‐frozen specimens (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009, respectively), with significantly smaller branches casted (P = 0.004). Vascular infusion of fresh‐frozen cadaver specimens results in a significantly better filled coloured arterial tree, enabling more detail to be achieved and smaller branches casted. The biomechanical properties of fresh‐frozen soft tissues are less affected compared with formalin fixation. All the injection fluids studied are suitable for vascular infusion, but their different properties ensure that certain products and procedures are more suitable for specific study purposes.
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea in Australian children
Authors: Tamanyan Knarik , Walter Lisa M , Davey Margot J , Nixon Gillian M , Horne Rosemary SC , Biggs Sarah N 
Published: June 2016

AimThis study aims to determine whether demographic or clinical factors predict obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity in Australian children.MethodsDemographic details and medical histories of 301 Australian children (3–17 years old) referred for assessment of OSA were examined retrospectively. Children underwent overnight polysomnography and were classified as having primary snoring (PS) (obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index (OAHI) ≤ 1 event per hour; n = 150), mild OSA (>1 OAHI ≤ 5 events per hour; n = 76) or moderate/severe (MS) OSA (OAHI > 5 events per hour; n = 75). Information obtained from parent‐report questionnaire determined the predictive value of the following factors for determining OSA severity: gender, ethnicity, body mass index, asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, socio‐economic status and parental smoking status (mother/father/both). Chi‐squared analyses were used to compare the distribution of the demographic and clinical factors across the three groups. Statistically significant risk factors were subsequently entered into logistic regression analysis.ResultsEthnicity and parental smoking were significant risk factors for MS OSA. Children with non‐Caucasian ethnicity were 36% more likely than Caucasian children to be diagnosed with MS OSA than PS (P = 0.002). Children with fathers who smoked were 53% more likely to have MS OSA than PS compared with those with fathers who did not smoke (P = 0.008). Obesity was associated with OSA severity in primary school‐aged children only. Gender, socio‐economic status and history of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis were not risk factors.ConclusionsNon‐Caucasian ethnicity, paternal smoking and obesity in older children were associated with an increased risk of polysomnography‐confirmed MS OSA in Australian children.
The State of Nursing Home Information Technology Sophistication in Rural and Nonrural US Markets
Authors: Alexander Gregory L. , Madsen Richard W. , Miller Erin L. , Wakefield Douglas S. , Wise Keely K. , Alexander Rachel L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo test for significant differences in information technology sophistication (ITS) in US nursing homes (NH) based on location.MethodsWe administered a primary survey January 2014 to July 2015 to NH in each US state. The survey was cross‐sectional and examined 3 dimensions (IT capabilities, extent of IT use, degree of IT integration) among 3 domains (resident care, clinical support, administrative activities) of ITS. ITS was broken down by NH location. Mean responses were compared across 4 NH categories (Metropolitan, Micropolitan, Small Town, and Rural) for all 9 ITS dimensions and domains. Least square means and Tukey's method were used for multiple comparisons.Principal FindingsMethods yielded 815/1,799 surveys (45% response rate). In every health care domain (resident care, clinical support, and administrative activities) statistical differences in facility ITS occurred in larger (metropolitan or micropolitan) and smaller (small town or rural) populated areas.ConclusionsThis study represents the most current national assessment of NH IT since 2004. Historically, NH IT has been used solely for administrative activities and much less for resident care and clinical support. However, results are encouraging as ITS in other domains appears to be greater than previously imagined.
Evidence of Hepatitis E virus breaking through the blood–brain barrier and replicating in the central nervous system
Authors: Shi R. , Soomro M. H. , She R. , Yang Y. , Wang T. , Wu Q. , Li H. , Hao W. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryNeurologic dysfunctions such as Guillain–Barre′ syndrome, encephalitis, meningitis and transverse myelitis occur frequently in patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, and this study was conducted to better characterize the role of HEV in the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders. Genotype 4 strain of swine HEV was used to inoculate Mongolian gerbils. Reverse transcription–nested polymerase chain reaction (RT‐nPCR), ELISA, histopathology, ultrastructural pathology and enzyme immunohistochemistry method were conducted to investigate the replication and localization of HEV in the central nervous system (CNS) and the consequent pathological changes. Both positive‐ and negative‐strand HEV RNA was detectable in brain and spinal cord from 7 to 28 dpi (days postinoculation) via RT‐nPCR. Various pathological changes such as perineural invasion, neuron necrosis, microglia nodule, lymphocyte infiltration, perivascular cuff and myelin degeneration were observed in HEV‐positive brains and spinal cords. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining targeting on HEV ORF2 protein revealed positive signals concentrated mainly in the cytoplasm of neuron, ependymal epithelium and choroid plexus area. Positive area density of ZO‐1 (zonula occludens‐1) in brain of HEV‐positive gerbils decreased, while the GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) expression was upregulated compared with control groups. These results provide strong evidence that HEV is able to damage the blood–brain barrier (BBB), replicate in brain and spinal cord, and hammer the causative role of HEV in the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders.
A Feline‐Specific Anti‐Nerve Growth Factor Antibody Improves Mobility in Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease–Associated Pain: A Pilot Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Gruen M.E. , Thomson A.E. , Griffith E.H. , Paradise H. , Gearing D.P. , Lascelles B.D.X. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundNeutralizing antibodies against nerve growth factor (NGF) are analgesic in rodent models, naturally occurring degenerative joint disease (DJD) pain in dogs, and chronic pain in humans.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of a fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody (NV‐02) for the treatment of DJD pain and mobility impairment in cats.AnimalsThirty‐four client‐owned cats with DJD‐associated pain and mobility impairment.MethodsIn a placebo‐controlled, pilot, masked clinical study, cats were randomized to a single treatment with NV‐02 (0.4 mg/kg SC [n = 11] or 0.8 mg/kg SC [n = 12]) or placebo (saline, SC [n = 11]). Activity was measured objectively. Additionally, owners completed clinical metrology instruments (client‐specific outcome measures [CSOM] and feline musculoskeletal pain index [FMPI]) on days 0 (screening), 14 (baseline), 35, 56, and 77. A repeated‐measures model was used to evaluate the objective activity data.ResultsNV‐02 significantly increased objectively measured activity overall (P = .017) and at 2 (P = .035), 3 (P = .007), 4 (P = .006), 5 (P = .007), and 6 (P = .017) weeks after treatment. CSOM scores (P = .035) and pain (P = .024) showed a significant effect of treatment 3 weeks after administration. In the treatment group, 83% of the owners correctly identified the treatment administered compared with 45% of owners in the placebo group (P = .013). No treatment‐related adverse effects were identified.ConclusionsThese pilot data demonstrate a 6‐week duration positive analgesic effect of this fully felinized anti‐NGF antibody in cats suffering from DJD‐associated pain.
Increasing Signalized Intersection Capacity with Unconventional Use of Special Width Approach Lanes
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Yue , Wang Tao 
Published: June 2016

AbstractHeavy traffic volume coupled with insufficient capacity due to limited space cause most of traffic congestion at urban signalized intersections. This article presents an innovative design to increase the capacity of heavily congested intersections by using the special width approach lane (SWAL), which consists of two narrow approach lanes that are dynamically utilized by either two passenger cars or a heavy vehicle (e.g., buses or trucks) depending on the composition of traffic. The impact of the SWAL on the saturation flow rate is quantified and validated, followed by an optimization model for best geometric layout and signal timing design with the presence of the SWAL. The optimization model is formulated as a mixed‐integer‐linear‐program for intersection capacity maximization which can be efficiently solved by the standard branch‐and‐bound technique. Results of extensive numerical analyses and case studies show the effectiveness of SWAL to increase intersection capacity, indicating its promising application at intersections with very limited space that prevents the addition of separate lanes.
The evaluation of local oxidative/nitrosative stress in patients with pityriasis versicolor: a preliminary study
Authors: Kurutas Ergul Belge , Ozturk Perihan 
Published: June 2016

SummaryYeast of Malassezia, members of the microbiologic flora of the skin, cause pityriasis versicolor and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of other superficial dermatoses. The mechanisms by which the yeast cause these dermatoses, however, are not yet clear, and there have been no studies on the interaction between fungi and keratinocytes, especially the effects of fungi on the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species by human keratinocytes. This is the first study we aimed to evaluate the role of oxidative/nitrosative stress in affected skin areas in patients with pityriasis versicolor. Sixty pityriasis versicolor patients and 60 healthy subjects as control group were enrolled. Scraping samples were obtained from the lesional skin areas in patients and from the normal skin areas in controls. The distribution of lesions of pityriasis versicolor was mild in all patients. We have isolated two Malassezia species: M. furfur being isolated in 75% of patients, followed by M. globosa (25%). The levels of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers were significantly higher in patients than the controls (P < 0.001). Our results demonstrated that pityriasis versicolor is associated with significant alteration in oxidant/antioxidant balance. It might be secondary consequence of pityriasis versicolor infection or contributing factor in its pathogenesis.