bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural response to combined insecticide and temperature stress in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Fournier‐Level A. , Neumann‐Mondlak A. , Good R. T. , Green L. M. , Schmidt J. M. , Robin C. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractInsecticide resistance evolves extremely rapidly, providing an illuminating model for the study of adaptation. With climate change reshaping species distribution, pest and disease vector control needs rethinking to include the effects of environmental variation and insect stress physiology. Here, we assessed how both long‐term adaptation of populations to temperature and immediate temperature variation affect the genetic architecture of DDT insecticide response in Drosophila melanogaster. Mortality assays and behavioural assays based on continuous activity monitoring were used to assess the interaction between DDT and temperature on three field‐derived populations from climate extremes (Raleigh for warm temperate, Tasmania for cold oceanic and Queensland for hot tropical). The Raleigh population showed the highest mortality to DDT, whereas the Queensland population, epicentre for derived alleles of the resistance gene Cyp6g1, showed the lowest. Interaction between insecticide and temperature strongly affected mortality, particularly for the Tasmanian population. Activity profiles analysed using self‐organizing maps show that the insecticide promoted an early response, whereas elevated temperature promoted a later response. These distinctive early or later activity phases revealed similar responses to temperature and DDT dose alone but with more or less genetic variance depending on the population. This change in genetic variance among populations suggests that selection particularly depleted genetic variance for DDT response in the Queensland population. Finally, despite similar (co)variation between traits in benign conditions, the genetic responses across population differed under stressful conditions. This showed how stress‐responsive genetic variation only reveals itself in specific conditions and thereby escapes potential trade‐offs in benign environments.
Effectiveness of hand hygiene depends on the patient's health condition and care environment
Authors: Okada Junko , Yamamizu Yukiko , Fukai Kiyoko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe present authors examined how patient hand contamination was associated with underlying disease and treatment environment in order to determine effective hand hygiene methods.MethodsSamples were collected from inpatients (45 with hematological malignancies, 48 postoperative), outpatients (48 undergoing hemodialysis, 55 on chemotherapy), and 44 individuals living in nursing homes. All participants provided informed consent for study participation. All subjects performed hand hygiene. Before and after hand hygiene, samples of bacteria were collected from the palm of the hand onto agar media. Bacteria were counted and bacterial strains were identified. The authors then collected smear samples from the contralateral palm and measured adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels.ResultsPatient hand contamination was the highest in hemodialysis patients, followed by residents of nursing homes, postoperative patients, patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, and patients of hematological malignancies. Regardless of the underlying disease and treatment environment, patients were able to reduce the number of bacterial colonies and ATP by proper hand hygiene. Compared with wet wipes, hand washing seemed to remove bacteria more effectively. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 30 subjects, none of whom were patients of hematological malignancies. Of these, 19 tested negative for MRSA after performing proper hand hygiene.ConclusionPatient hand contamination is affected by underlying disease and care environment, but can be reduced by encouraging proper hand washing. Proper patient hand hygiene can reduce MRSA on patients' hands, and thus may serve as an effective tool for prevention of healthcare‐associated infections.
Converging roles of ion channels, calcium, metabolic stress, and activity pattern of Substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons in health and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Duda Johanna , Pötschke Christina , Liss Birgit 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDopamine‐releasing neurons within the Substantia nigra (SN DA) are particularly vulnerable to degeneration compared to other dopaminergic neurons. The age‐dependent, progressive loss of these neurons is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), as the resulting loss of striatal dopamine causes its major movement‐related symptoms. SN DA neurons release dopamine from their axonal terminals within the dorsal striatum, and also from their cell bodies and dendrites within the midbrain in a calcium‐ and activity‐dependent manner. Their intrinsically generated and metabolically challenging activity is created and modulated by the orchestrated function of different ion channels and dopamine D2‐autoreceptors. Here, we review increasing evidence that the mechanisms that control activity patterns and calcium homeostasis of SN DA neurons are not only crucial for their dopamine release within a physiological range but also modulate their mitochondrial and lysosomal activity, their metabolic stress levels, and their vulnerability to degeneration in PD. Indeed, impaired calcium homeostasis, lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic stress in SN DA neurons represent central converging trigger factors for idiopathic and familial PD. We summarize double‐edged roles of ion channels, activity patterns, calcium homeostasis, and related feedback/feed‐forward signaling mechanisms in SN DA neurons for maintaining and modulating their physiological function, but also for contributing to their vulnerability in PD‐paradigms. We focus on the emerging roles of maintained neuronal activity and calcium homeostasis within a physiological bandwidth, and its modulation by PD‐triggers, as well as on bidirectional functions of voltage‐gated L‐type calcium channels and metabolically gated ATP‐sensitive potassium (K‐ATP) channels, and their probable interplay in health and PD.
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We propose that SN DA neurons possess several feedback and feed‐forward mechanisms to protect and adapt their activity‐pattern and calcium‐homeostasis within a physiological bandwidth, and that PD‐trigger factors can narrow this bandwidth. We summarize roles of ion channels in this view, and findings documenting that both, reduced as well as elevated activity and associated calcium‐levels can trigger SN DA degeneration.This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
Solubility parameter-based screening methods for early-stage formulation development of itraconazole amorphous solid dispersions
Authors: Piccinni Piero , Tian Yiwei , McNaughton Alyn , Fraser Jane , Brown Stephen , Jones David S , Li Shu , Andrews Gavin P 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Objectives
This article uses conventional and newly extended solubility parameter (δ) methods to identify polymeric materials capable of forming amorphous dispersions with itraconazole (itz).

Methods
Combinations of itz and Soluplus, Eudragit E PO (EPO), Kollidon 17PF (17PF) or Kollidon VA64 (VA64) were prepared as amorphous solid dispersions using quench cooling and hot melt extrusion. Storage stability was evaluated under a range of conditions using differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction.

Key findings
The rank order of itz miscibility with polymers using both conventional and novel δ-based approaches was 17PF &gt; VA64 &gt; Soluplus &gt; EPO, and the application of the Flory–Huggins lattice model to itz–excipient binary systems corroborated the findings. The solid-state characterisation analyses of the formulations manufactured by melt extrusion correlated well with pre-formulation screening. Long-term storage studies showed that the physical stability of 17PF/vitamin E TPGS–itz was poor compared with Soluplus and VA64 formulations, and for EPO/itz systems variation in stability may be observed depending on the preparation method.

Conclusion
Results have demonstrated that although δ-based screening may be useful in predicting the initial state of amorphous solid dispersions, assessment of the physical behaviour of the formulations at relevant temperatures may be more appropriate for the successful development of commercially acceptable amorphous drug products.
Which diagnostic findings in disorders with excessive daytime sleepiness are really helpful? A retrospective study
Authors: Kretzschmar Ute , Werth Esther , Sturzenegger Christian , Khatami Ramin , Bassetti Claudio L. , Baumann Christian R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDue to extensive clinical and electrophysiological overlaps, the correct diagnosis of disorders with excessive daytime sleepiness is often challenging. The aim of this study was to provide diagnostic measures that help discriminating such disorders, and to identify parameters, which don't. In this single‐center study, we retrospectively identified consecutive treatment‐naïve patients who suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness, and analyzed clinical and electrophysiological measures in those patients in whom a doubtless final diagnosis could be made. Of 588 patients, 287 reported subjective excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is the only disorder that could be identified by polysomnography alone. The diagnosis of insufficient sleep syndrome relies on actigraphy as patients underestimate their sleep need and the disorder shares several clinical and electrophysiological properties with both narcolepsy type 1 and idiopathic hypersomnia. Sleep stage sequencing on MSLT appears helpful to discriminate between insufficient sleep syndrome and narcolepsy. Sleep inertia is a strong indicator for idiopathic hypersomnia. There are no distinctive electrophysiological findings for the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome. Altogether, EDS disorders are common in neurological sleep laboratories, but usually cannot be diagnosed based on PSG and MSLT findings alone. The diagnostic value of actigraphy recordings can hardly be overestimated.
Rarefaction and elevational richness pattern: a case study in a high tropical island (New Caledonia, SW Pacific)
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Birnbaum Philippe 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimsTo analyse the elevational richness pattern of tree species in New Caledonian tropical rain forests and investigate how the richness pattern is affected by standardizing on area vs standardizing on number of individuals and by sample coverage.LocationNew Caledonia (SW Pacific).MethodsWe re‐analysed data from the New Caledonian Plant Inventory and Permanent Plot Network (NC‐PIPPN). In this plot network, all trees (DBH ≥ 5 cm) were inventoried from 201 plots measuring 20 × 20 m and located between 5 and 1292 m a.s.l. We tested whether the number of trees inventoried in these plots affected the elevational richness pattern, and if so, whether plots with large trees have a low species density because of a low number of inventoried trees. This was done by applying individual‐based and coverage‐based rarefaction procedures with different cut‐off threshold values and re‐testing the relationship between estimated species richness and elevation.ResultsAbout 40% of the variability in species density is explained by variation in the density of trees, which in turn had no obvious pattern with elevation. Plots with large trees (high quadratic mean DBH) contained fewer individuals and thus fewer species. Applying rarefaction changed the observed elevational pattern from a peak in species richness approximately in the middle of the studied elevational gradient to a peak at lower elevations. Both the choice of the rarefaction procedure and the cut‐off threshold value used to estimate species richness may dramatically change the elevational pattern.ConclusionsWhen the local species pool is large, the use of small plots relative to tree size induces a high correlation between species richness and the number of trees inventoried per plot. To analyse appropriately an elevational pattern for such small plot sizes, species richness should be rarefied to provide additional perspectives. We show that rarefaction changes the elevation at which species richness is expected to be maximal and that increasing the cut‐off threshold value sharpens the observed humped pattern.
Aquatic biodiversity assessment for the lazy
Authors: Hoffmann Constanze , Schubert Grit , Calvignac‐Spencer Sébastien 
Published: February 2016

The world is covered in DNA. In any ecosystem, extracellular DNA fragments can be found that once formed the genomes of a variety of micro‐ and macroorganisms. A few years ago, it was proposed to use this environmental DNA (eDNA) as a source of information on local vertebrate biodiversity (Ficetola et al. ; Taberlet et al. ). This idea offered an elegant solution to take up the gauntlet of rapidly increasing monitoring needs. Coupled with barcoding efforts, it promised to be cost‐efficient in many respects, for example man‐hours and taxonomic expertise. Ecologists and conservation biologists with an interest in aquatic ecosystems have enthusiastically adopted and pioneered this new method, producing dozens of eDNA studies. Most of these studies have, however, focused on a single or a few aquatic species. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Valentini et al. () move the field a step further by demonstrating that metabarcoding approaches – which simultaneously target large groups of organisms such as amphibians or fish – can match and sometimes even outperform other inventory methods.
Imprints of multiple glacial refugia in the Pyrenees revealed by phylogeography and palaeodistribution modelling of an endemic spider
Authors: Bidegaray‐Batista Leticia , Sánchez‐gracia Alejandro , Santulli Giulia , Maiorano Luigi , Guisan Antoine , Vogler Alfried P. , Arnedo Miquel A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMediterranean mountain ranges harbour highly endemic biota in islandlike habitats. Their topographic diversity offered the opportunity for mountain species to persist in refugial areas during episodes of major climatic change. We investigate the role of Quaternary climatic oscillations in shaping the demographic history and distribution ranges in the spider Harpactocrates ravastellus, endemic to the Pyrenees. Gene trees and multispecies coalescent analyses on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences unveiled two distinct lineages with a hybrid zone around the northwestern area of the Catalan Pyrenees. The lineages were further supported by morphological differences. Climatic niche‐based species distribution models (SDMs) identified two lowland refugia at the western and eastern extremes of the mountain range, which would suggest secondary contact following postglacial expansion of populations from both refugia. Neutrality test and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analyses indicated that several local populations underwent severe bottlenecks followed by population expansions, which in combination with the deep population differentiation provided evidence for population survival during glacial periods in microrefugia across the mountain range, in addition to the main Atlantic and Mediterranean (western and eastern) refugia. This study sheds light on the complexities of Quaternary climatic oscillations in building up genetic diversity and local endemicity in the southern Europe mountain ranges.
Mucormycosis in Iran: a systematic review
Authors: Vaezi Afsane , Moazeni Maryam , Rahimi Mohammad Taghi , de Hoog Sybren , Badali Hamid 
Published: February 2016

SummaryFungi in the order Mucorales cause acute, invasive and frequently fatal infections in susceptible patients. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of all reported mucormycosis cases during the last 25 years in Iran. After a comprehensive literature search, we identified 98 cases in Iran from 1990–2015. The mean patient age was 39.8 ± 19.2 years. Diabetes was the most common underlying condition (47.9%), and 22.4% of the patients underwent solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. The most common clinical forms of mucormycosis were rhinocerebral (48.9%), pulmonary (9.2%) and cutaneous (9.2%). Eight cases of disseminated disease were identified. Overall mortality in the identified cases was 40.8%, with the highest mortality rate in patients diagnosed with disseminated infection (75%). The mortality rate in rhinocerebral infection patients was significantly lower (45.8%). Rhinocerebral infection was the most common clinical manifestation in diabetes patients (72.9%). Patients were diagnosed using various methods including histopathology (85.7%), microscopy (12.3%) and culture (2.0%). Rhizopus species were the most prevalent (51.7%), followed by Mucor species (17.2%). Sixty‐nine patients were treated with a combination of surgery and antifungal therapy (resulting survival rate, 66.7%). Owing to the high mortality rate of advanced mucormycosis, early diagnosis and treatment may significantly improve survival rates. Therefore, increased monitoring and awareness of this life‐threatening disease is critical.
Susceptibility profile and epidemiological cut‐off values of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex from Argentina
Authors: Córdoba Susana , Isla Maria G. , Szusz Wanda , Vivot Walter , Altamirano Rodrigo , Davel Graciela 
Published: February 2016

SummaryEpidemiological cut‐off values (ECVs) based on minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution have been recently proposed for some antifungal drug/Cryptococcus neoformans combinations. However, these ECVs vary according to the species studied, being serotypes and the geographical origin of strains, variables to be considered. The aims were to define the wild‐type (WT) population of the C. neoformans species complex (C. neoformans) isolated from patients living in Argentina, and to propose ECVs for six antifungal drugs. A total of 707 unique C. neoformans isolates obtained from HIV patients suffering cryptococcal meningitis were studied. The MIC of amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole was determined according to the EDef 7.2 (EUCAST) reference document. The MIC distribution, MIC50, MIC90 and ECV for each of these drugs were calculated. The highest ECV, which included ≥95% of the WT population modelled, was observed for flucytosine and fluconazole (32 μg ml−1 each). For amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole, the ECVs were: 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 0.06 μg ml−1 respectively. The ECVs determined in this study may aid in identifying the C. neoformans strains circulating in Argentina with decreased susceptibility to the antifungal drugs tested.
Fulminant case of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder initiated with area postrema symptoms
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiaki , Manabe Yasuhiro , Nakano Yumiko , Yunoki Taijun , Kono Syoichiro , Narai Hisashi , Omori Nobuhiko , Abe Koji 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe report a 59‐year‐old man with intractable vomiting and hiccups, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, quadriparesis, and encephalopathy of a short duration after the first episode as a result of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high‐intensity areas in the hypothalamic, periventricular areas, and the presence of continuous lesions from the brainstem to the spinal cord. Intractable vomiting and hiccups should be considered as a hallmark of an exacerbation. Attentive consideration might be required, because the early initiation of treatment could prevent a subsequent neurological disorder.
Retrograde trafficking from the endosome to the trans‐Golgi network mediated by the retromer is required for fungal development and pathogenicity in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zheng Wenhui , Zheng Huawei , Zhao Xu , Zhang Ying , Xie Qiurong , Lin Xiaolian , Chen Ahai , Yu Wenying , Lu Guodong , Shim Won‐Bo , Zhou Jie , Wang Zonghua 
Published: February 2016

Summary

In eukaryotes, the retromer is an endosome‐localized complex involved in protein retrograde transport. However, the role of such intracellular trafficking events in pathogenic fungal development and pathogenicity remains unclear.

The role of the retromer complex in Fusarium graminearum was investigated using cell biological and genetic methods.

We observed the retromer core component FgVps35 (Vacuolar Protein Sorting 35) in the cytoplasm as fast‐moving puncta. FgVps35‐GFP co‐localized with both early and late endosomes, and associated with the trans‐Golgi network (TGN), suggesting that FgVps35 functions at the donor endosome membrane to mediate TGN trafficking. Disruption of microtubules with nocodazole significantly restricted the transportation of FgVps35‐GFP and resulted in severe germination and growth defects. Mutation of FgVPS35 not only mimicked growth defects induced by pharmacological treatment, but also affected conidiation, ascospore formation and pathogenicity. Using yeast two‐hybrid assays, we determined the interactions among FgVps35, FgVps26, FgVps29, FgVps17 and FgVps5 which are analogous to the yeast retromer complex components. Deletion of any one of these genes resulted in similar phenotypic defects to those of the ΔFgvps35 mutant and disrupted the stability of the complex.

Overall, our results provide the first clear evidence of linkage between the retrograde transport mediated by the retromer complex and virulence in F. graminearum.
Genome size and ploidy influence angiosperm species' biomass under nitrogen and phosphorus limitation
Authors: Guignard Maïté S. , Nichols Richard A. , Knell Robert J. , Macdonald Andy , Romila Catalina‐Andreea , Trimmer Mark , Leitch Ilia J. , Leitch Andrew R. 
Published: February 2016

Summary

Angiosperm genome sizes (GS) range c. 2400‐fold, and as nucleic acids are amongst the most phosphorus‐ (P) and nitrogen (N)‐demanding cellular biomolecules, we test the hypothesis that a key influence on plant biomass and species composition is the interaction between N and P availability and plant GS.

We analysed the impact of different nutrient regimes on above‐ground biomass of angiosperm species with different GS, ploidy level and Grime's C‐S‐R (competitive, stress‐tolerant, ruderal) plant strategies growing at the Park Grass Experiment (Rothamsted, UK), established in 1856.

The biomass‐weighted mean GS of species growing on plots with the addition of both N and P fertilizer were significantly higher than that of plants growing on control plots and plots with either N or P. The plants on these N + P plots are dominated by polyploids with large GS and a competitive plant strategy.

The results are consistent with our hypothesis that large genomes are costly to build and maintain under N and P limitation. Hence GS and ploidy are significant traits affecting biomass growth under different nutrient regimes, influencing plant community composition and ecosystem dynamics. We propose that GS is a critical factor needed in models that bridge the knowledge gap between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.