bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteria may contribute to distant species recognition in ant–aphid mutualistic relationships
Authors: Fischer Christophe Y. , Detrain Claire , Thonart Philippe , Haubruge Eric , Francis Frédéric , Verheggen François J. , Lognay Georges C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMutualistic interactions between ant and aphid species have been the subject of considerable historical and contemporary investigations, the primary benefits being cleaning and protection for the aphids and carbohydrate‐rich honeydew for the ants. Questions remained, however, as to the volatile semiochemical factor influencing this relationship. A recent study highlighted the role of bacterial honeydew volatile compounds in ant attraction. Here, ant's ability to distantly discriminate 2 aphid species was investigated based on bacterial honeydew semiochemicals emissions using a two‐way olfactometer. Both the mutualistic aphidAphis fabaeL. and the nonmyrmecophilous aphidAcyrthosiphon pisumHarris were found to be attractive for the antLasius nigerL. The level of attraction was similar in both assays (control vs. one of the aphid species). However, when given a choice between these 2 aphid species, ants showed a significant preference forAphis fabae. Honeydew volatiles, mostly from bacterial origins, are known to be a key element in ant attraction. Using the same olfactometry protocol, the relative attractiveness of volatiles emitted by honeydews collected from each aphid species and by bacteria isolated from each honeydew was investigated. Again, ants significantly preferred volatiles released byAphis fabaehoneydew and bacteria. This information suggests that microbial honeydew volatiles enable ants to distantly discriminate aphid species. These results strengthen the interest of studying the occurrence and potential impact of microorganisms in insect symbioses.
Are Front of Pack Claims Indicators of Nutrition Quality? Evidence from 2 Product Categories
Authors: Schaefer Debra , Hooker Neal H. , Stanton John L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAmerican grocery shoppers face an array of front of pack (FOP) nutrition and health claims when making food selections. Such systems have been categorized as summary or nutrient specific. Either type should help consumers make judgments about the nutrition quality of a product. This research tests if the type or quantity of FOP claims are indeed good indicators of objective nutrition quality. Claim and nutrition information from more than 2200 breakfast cereals and prepared meals launched between 2006 and 2010 were analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regression models. Results suggest that no type or number of front of pack claims could distinguish “healthy” foods. However, some types and frequencies of FOP claims were significant predictors of higher or lower levels of certain key nutrients. Given the complex and crowded label environment in which these FOP claims reside, one may be concerned that such cues are not closely related to objective measures of nutrition quality.
Effects of Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water on Inactivation of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus Spores in Suspension and on Carriers
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Li Baoming , Jadeja Ravirajsinh , Hung Yen‐Con 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSpores of some Bacillus species are responsible for food spoilage and foodborne disease. These spores are highly resistant to various interventions and cooking processes. In this study, the sporicidal efficacy of acidic electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water (AEW) and slightly acidic EO water (SAEW) with available chlorine concentration (ACC) of 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mg/L and treatment time for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 min were tested on Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus spores in suspension and on carrier with or without organics. The reduction of spore significantly increased with increasing ACC and treatment time (P < 0.05). Nondetectable level of B. cereus spore in suspension occurred within 2 min after exposure to both EO waters containing 120 mg/L ACC, while only SAEW at 120 mg/L and 2 min treatment achieved >6 log reductions of B. subtilis spore. Both types of EO water with ACC of 60 mg/L and 6 min treatment achieved a reduction of B. subtilis and B. cereus spores to nondetectable level. EO water with ACC of 80 mg/L and treatment time of 3 min on carrier test without organics addition resulted in reductions of B. subtilis spore to nondetectable level. But, addition of 0.3% organics on carrier decreased the inactivation effect of EO water. This study indicated that EO water was highly effective in inactivation of B. subtilis and B. cereus spores in suspension or on carrier, and therefore, rendered it as a promising disinfectant to be applied in food industry.
Evaluation of abdominal circumference and salivary amylase activities after unsedated colonoscopy using carbon dioxide and air insufflations
Authors: Kiriyama Shinsuke , Naitoh Hiroshi , Fukuchi Minoru , Yuasa Kazuhisa , Horiuchi Katsuhiko , Fukasawa Takaharu , Tabe Yuichi , Yamauchi Hayato , Suzuki Masaki , Yoshida Tomonori , Saito Yutaka , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess and compare abdominal distention and stress in unsedated colonoscopy using carbon dioxide (CO2) and air insufflations.MethodsTwo hundred and five patients underwent colonoscopic examinations without sedation using either CO2 or air insufflation. Abdominal circumference and salivary amylase (sAMY) activities before and 0 and 15 min after colonoscopy were measured by a nurse who was blinded to the grouping of the patients.ResultsIn all, 102 and 103 patients were randomly recruited in the CO2 and air insufflation groups, respectively. sAMY activities before and 0 and 15 min after colonoscopy were not significantly different between the two groups. Abdominal circumference measured immediately and 15 min after colonoscopy was significantly smaller in CO2 insufflation group than in the air insufflation group (81.2 cm vs 84.0 cm, and 79.7 cm vs 83.6 cm, respectively; P <0.05). The increasing ratio of abdominal circumference immediately after colonoscopy was not significantly different between the two groups; however, the ratio at 15 min after colonoscopy using CO2 insufflation was significantly lower than that in the air insufflation group (1.007 vs 1.028, P <0.001).ConclusionsAMY activities after unsedated colonoscopy using CO2 insufflation were not improved; however, CO2 insufflation decreases abdominal circumference after colonoscopy compared with air insufflation.
Innovative molecular diagnosis of Trichinella species based on β‐carbonic anhydrase genomic sequence
Authors: Zolfaghari Emameh Reza , Kuuslahti Marianne , Näreaho Anu , Sukura Antti , Parkkila Seppo 
Published: December 2015

SummaryTrichinellosis is a helminthic infection where different species of Trichinella nematodes are the causative agents. Several molecular assays have been designed to aid diagnostics of trichinellosis. These assays are mostly complex and expensive. The genomes of Trichinella species contain certain parasite‐specific genes, which can be detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. We selected β‐carbonic anhydrase (β‐CA) gene as a target, because it is present in many parasites genomes but absent in vertebrates. We developed a novel β‐CA gene‐based method for detection of Trichinella larvae in biological samples. We first identified a β‐CA protein sequence from Trichinella spiralis by bioinformatic tools using β‐CAs from Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Thereafter, 16 sets of designed primers were tested to detect β‐CA genomic sequences from three species of Trichinella, including T. spiralis, Trichinella pseudospiralis and Trichinella nativa. Among all 16 sets of designed primers, the primer set No. 2 efficiently amplified β‐CA genomic sequences from T. spiralis, T. pseudospiralis and T. nativa without any false‐positive amplicons from other parasite samples including Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara cati and Parascaris equorum. This robust and straightforward method could be useful for meat inspection in slaughterhouses, quality control by food authorities and medical laboratories.
Daily alcohol use as an independent risk factor for HIV seroconversion among people who inject drugs
Authors: Young Samantha V. , Wood Evan , Dong Huiru , Kerr Thomas , Hayashi Kanna 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimsTo estimate the relationship between daily alcohol use and HIV seroconversion among people who inject drugs (PWID) in a Canadian setting.Design and SettingData from an open prospective cohort study of PWID in Vancouver, Canada, recruited via snowball sampling and street outreach between May 1996 and November 2013. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire including standardized behavioural assessment and HIV antibody testing were conducted semi‐annually. Baseline HIV‐seronegative participants completing ≥ 1 follow‐up visits were eligible for the present analysis.ParticipantsA total of 1683 eligible participants, were followed for a median of 79.8 [interquartile range (IQR) = 33.3–119.1] months.MeasurementsThe primary end‐point was time to HIV seroconversion, with the date of HIV seroconversion estimated as the mid‐point between the last negative and the first positive antibody test results. The primary explanatory variable was self‐reported daily alcohol use in the previous 6 months assessed semiannually. Other covariates considered included demographic, behavioural, social/structural and environmental risk factors for HIV infection among PWID (e.g. daily cocaine injection, methadone use, etc.).FindingsOf 1683 PWID, there were 176 HIV seroconversions during follow‐up with an incidence density of 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–1.7] cases per 100 person‐years. At baseline, 339 (20.1%) consumed alcohol at least daily in the previous 6 months. In multivariable extended Cox regression analyses, daily alcohol use remained associated independently with HIV seroconversion (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.48; 95% CI = 1.00–2.17).ConclusionsDaily alcohol use appears to be an independent risk factor for HIV seroconversion among our cohort of PWID.
Medical treatments for opioid use disorder in Iran: a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled comparison of buprenorphine/naloxone and naltrexone maintenance treatment
Authors: Mokri Azarakhsh , Chawarski Marek C. , Taherinakhost Hamidreza , Schottenfeld Richard S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimsWith the broad goals of developing a clinical research and training program and disseminating effective opioid use disorder treatments in Iran, this pilot clinical trial compared the effectiveness of oral naltrexone (NTX) and sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone (BNX).DesignTwelve‐week single‐site, two‐group parallel randomized double‐blind clinical trial.SettingAn out‐patient clinical research program in Tehran, Iran.ParticipantsFollowing medically assisted withdrawal, participants with opioid use disorder were assigned randomly to NTX (n = 51) or BNX (n = 51).InterventionMedications were administered three times per week, double‐blind, double‐dummy for 12 weeks. All participants received weekly group drug counseling.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was initial duration of opioid abstinence verified by urine toxicology tests. Secondary outcomes included the number of opioid‐negative urine tests, treatment retention and proportions with sustained, verified opioid‐abstinence for 12 weeks.FindingsMean [95% confidence interval (CI)] number of days of initial duration of verified abstinence was 28.8 (20.0–37.5) with BNX and 21.6 (14.4–28.7) with NTX (P = 0.205). The mean (95% CI) number of opioid‐negative urine tests was 19.7 (17.7–21.6) with BNX and 15.4 (13.1–17.8) with NTX (P = 0.049). The mean (95% CI) number of days in treatment was 70.6 (63.6–77.7) with BNX versus 56.5 (47.8–65.3) with NTX (P = 0.013). The rate of sustained, 12‐week opioid abstinence was 16% (8/51) in the BNX group and 8% (4/51) in the NTX group (P = 0.219).ConclusionsAmong patients with opioid use disorder in Iran, sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone was associated with a greater number of opioid‐negative urine tests and treatment retention than oral naltrexone, but not significantly greater initial abstinence duration or proportions with sustained abstinence.
Drivers of vegetation change in grasslands of the Sheffield region, northern England, between 1965 and 2012/13
Authors: Stevens Carly J. , Ceulemans Tobias , Hodgson John G. , Jarvis Susan , Grime J. Philip , Smart Simon M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractQuestionsHow has vegetation species diversity and species composition changed between 1965 and 2012/13 in acidic and calcareous grasslands? What has driven this change in vegetation?LocationA 2400‐km2 area around Sheffield, northern England.MethodsIn 1965 a survey was conducted to describe grassland vegetation of the Sheffield region. We repeated this survey in 2012/13, revisiting acidic and calcareous grassland sites (455 quadrats). Climate, N and sulphur deposition, cattle and sheep stocking rates, soil pH, altitude, aspect and slope were considered to be potential drivers of variation in vegetation. We analysed temporal changes in vegetation and examined relationships with spatial and temporal variation in driver variables.ResultsBoth acidic and calcareous grasslands showed clear changes in species composition between the two time periods. In acidic grasslands there was no significant change in richness but there were declines in diversity. There were significant increases in Ellenberg N. Nitrogen deposition and grazing were identified as potential drivers of spatial and temporal patterns but it was not possible to discriminate the respective impacts of potential drivers. In calcareous grasslands there were declines in species richness, diversity and appropriate diversity indices. Climate and soil pH were identified as potential drivers of spatial and temporal patterns.ConclusionsDespite only small site losses compared to other surveys in the UK, especially within the national park, both calcareous and acidic grasslands showed very clear changes in species composition. In acidic grasslands, high abundance of Pteridium aquilinum was a particular problem and had increased considerably between the two survey periods. Atmospheric N deposition and grazing were identified as drivers of species diversity. A number of calcareous grasslands showed signs of reduced management intensity leading to scrub invasion.
Subcategorization of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS): a study applying Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS)
Authors: Yoon Jung Hyun , Kwon Hyeong Ju , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Kwak Jin Young 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical significance and compare the imaging features according to the Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) between atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) subcategories.Design & patientsA total of 192 thyroid nodules in 188 patients (mean age: 50·2 ± 11·8 years) that had been initially diagnosed as AUS/FLUS on US‐guided fine needle aspiration (US‐FNA) were included. One cytopathologist retrospectively reviewed the cytology slides, subcategorizing cytology results into AUS and FLUS. A TIRADS category was assigned to each thyroid nodule according to the number of suspicious US features. Clinical, US features and malignancy rates were compared between the two subcategories.ResultsOf the 192 AUS/FLUS lesions, 149 (77·6%) were subcategorized as AUS and 43 (22·4%) as FLUS. Of the 192 AUS/FLUS nodules, 82 (42·7%) were malignant. The malignancy rates between AUS and FLUS subcategories were not significantly different, 45·6% to 32·6%, respectively (P = 0·127). When applying TIRADS, significant differences were seen in TIRADS category between benign and malignant nodules in the AUS subcategory (P < 0·001), but not in the FLUS subcategory (P = 0·414). The malignancy rates in TIRADS categories 3, 4a, 4b, 4c and 5 were 15·4%, 22·2%, 33·3%, 57·1% and 80·0% (P < 0·001) in AUS nodules and 40·0%, 50·0%, 23·5%, 22·2% and 0·0% (P = 0·414) in FLUS nodules, respectively.ConclusionSuspicious US features are useful in predicting malignancy among AUS subcategories but not in FLUS subcategories. Subcategorization into AUS and FLUS cytology may be helpful in deciding upon treatment or management of thyroid nodules.
Thyrotoxicosis associated with the use of amiodarone: the utility of ultrasound in patient management
Authors: Theodoraki Aikaterini , Vanderpump Mark P. J. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAmiodarone is an anti‐arrhythmic drug that commonly affects the thyroid, causing hypothyroidism or thyrotoxicosis. Amiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is caused by excessive thyroid hormone biosynthesis in response to iodine load in autonomously functioning thyroid glands with pre‐existing nodular goitre or underlying Graves' disease (type 1 or AIT 1), or by a destructive thyroiditis typically occurring in normal glands (type 2 or AIT 2). Indeterminate or mixed forms are also recognized. The distinction is clinically useful as AIT 1 is treated predominantly with thionamides, whereas AIT 2 is managed with glucocorticoids. We review the tools used to differentiate type 1 from type 2 thyrotoxicosis, with specific reference to the imaging modalities used.
Testosterone and cardiac mass and function in men with type 1 diabetes in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study (EDIC)
Authors: Kim Catherine , Bebu Ionut , Braffett Barbara , Cleary Patricia A. , Arends Valerie , Steffes Michael , Wessells Hunter , Orchard Trevor , Sarma Aruna V. ,   DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveLow testosterone concentrations have been reported to be associated with increased risk of congestive heart failure, but the mechanisms are unclear. Our objective was to examine the relationship between endogenous testosterone and measures of cardiac mass and function among men with type 1 diabetes.DesignSecondary analysis of a prospective observational study.ParticipantsMen (n = 508) in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, the observational follow‐up of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).MeasurementsTestosterone assessed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry at EDIC year 10 and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) measures at EDIC years 14/15. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and left ventricular (LV) mass, volume, ejection fraction and cardiac index before and after adjustment for age, randomization arm, alcohol and cigarette use, macroalbuminuria, haemoglobin A1c, insulin dose, body mass index, lipids, blood pressure, use of antihypertensive medications and microvascular complications.ResultsIn fully adjusted models, total testosterone concentrations were significantly associated with LV mass (P = 0·014), end‐diastolic volume (P = 0·002), end‐systolic volume (P = 0·012) and stroke volume (P = 0·022), but not measures of LV function after adjustment for cardiac risk factors. Bioavailable testosterone was associated with LV mass, but not volume or function, while SHBG was associated with volume, but not mass or function.ConclusionsAmong men with type 1 diabetes, higher total testosterone was associated with higher LV mass and volume, but not with function. The clinical significance of this association remains to be established.
Glucocorticoid therapy for adrenal insufficiency: nonadherence, concerns and dissatisfaction with information
Authors: Chapman S.C.E. , Llahana S. , Carroll P. , Horne R. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveAppropriate self‐management of glucocorticoid therapy (GC) is crucial for patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). We aimed to describe patients’ self‐reported nonadherence to GC, evaluate perceived doubts about need for GC, concerns about adverse effects, and dissatisfaction with information received about GC.DesignCross‐sectional survey.PatientsPatients prescribed GC for AI (n = 81) from five European countries.MeasurementsOnline survey including the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire© (BMQ Specific, adapted for AI) and Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale© (Prof Rob Horne; SIMS).ResultsMost patients (85·2%) reported a degree of nonadherence to GC. The most frequent types of nonadherence concerned changing the timing of GC doses, for example taking a dose later in the day than advised (37·0%). Few patients doubted their personal need for daily GC, but most reported high concerns about GC including potential weight gain (50·6%), osteoporosis (53·6%) and the continuing risk of adrenal crisis (50·6%). Dissatisfaction with information about GC was frequent, with participants particularly dissatisfied with the amount of information they had received about potential problems with GC. People who expressed dissatisfaction with information about GC, and concerns about its adverse effects were also more likely to report nonadherence (P < 0·05).ConclusionsNonadherence to treatment, concerns about potential adverse effects and dissatisfaction with the information provided about treatment were frequently reported by this European sample of AI patients. Many AI patients may need additional information about their GC and support to address concerns about GC and facilitate adherence.
Informality and Flexible Specialization: Apprenticeships and Knowledge Spillovers in an Indian Silk Weaving Cluster
Authors: Basole Amit 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThis article draws on quantitative and qualitative data from the Banaras (Varanasi) silk weaving cluster in North India to show how informal institutions based on family and community interact with the relations of production to enable flexible specialization while reproducing or accentuating inequality. The family‐based apprenticeship system produces a supply of highly skilled workers but contributes to labour surplus by lowering the costs of entry and making exit difficult. Surplus labour ensures that productivity gains resulting from technical improvements do not accrue to weavers as higher wages. A community of artisans called thenaqsheband(designers) produces fabric patterns that are central to the industry's market. Geographical clustering results in quick diffusion of these designs and free imitation is the key to innovation. But this entails hyper‐competition, conservative changes, a culture of secrecy and quickly dissipating monopoly rents. The Banaras case enables us to understand how collective efficiencies as well as inefficiencies are created by the same institutions.