bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bait worms: a valuable and important fishery with implications for fisheries and conservation management
Authors: Watson Gordon J , Murray Joanna M , Schaefer Martin , Bonner Adam 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBait is an integral part of coastal life, but is perceived as a low‐value resource as fisheries are data‐limited, locally focussed and largely unregulated even though the ecological impacts of collection are considerable. An empirical assessment of three UK‐based ragworm fisheries combined with an analysis of published literature has produced the first global assessment of polychaete bait fisheries. The five most expensive (retail price per kg) marine species sold on the global fisheries market are polychaetes (Glycera dibranchiata, Diopatra aciculata, Nereis (Alitta) virens, Arenicola defodiens and Marphysa sanguinea). We estimate that 1600 t of N. virens per annum (worth £52 million) are landed in the UK with approximately 121 000 tonnes of polychaetes collected globally valued at £5.9 billion. Using remote closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor collectors, activity at local sites is considerable with a mean of 3.14 collectors per tide (day and night) at one site and individuals digging for up to 3 h per tide, although intensity differed seasonally and between sites. Collectors removed on average 1.4 kg of N. virens per person per hour, walking a considerable distance across the intertidal sediment to reach areas that were usually already dug. The implications of these human activity and biomass removal levels are explored in the context of fisheries and conservation management. At local, regional and national scales, polychaete bait fisheries are highly valuable, extract significant biomass and have considerable impacts; therefore, they urgently require governance equivalent to other fisheries.
Creation of active TIM barrel enzymes through genetic fusion of half‐barrel domain constructs derived from two distantly related glycosyl hydrolases
Authors: Sharma Prerna , Kaila Pallavi , Guptasarma Purnananda 
Published: October 2016

Diverse unrelated enzymes that adopt the beta/alpha (or TIM) barrel topology display similar arrangements of beta/alpha units placed in a radial eight‐fold symmetry around the barrel's axis. The TIM barrel was originally thought to be a single structural domain; however, it is now thought that TIM barrels arose from duplication and fusion of smaller half‐barrels consisting of four beta/alpha units. We describe here the design, expression and purification, as well as characterization of folding, activity and stability, of chimeras of two TIM barrel glycosyl hydrolases, made by fusing different half‐barrel domains derived from an endoglucanase from Clostridium cellulolyticum, CelCCA and a beta‐glucosidase from Pyrococcus furiosus, CelB. We show that after refolding following purification from inclusion bodies, the two half‐barrel fusion chimeras (CelCCACelB and CelBCelCCA) display catalytic activity although they assemble into large soluble oligomeric aggregated species containing chains of mixed beta and alpha structure. CelBCelCCA displays hyperthermophile‐like structural stability as well as significant stability to chemical denaturation (Cm of 2.6 m guanidinium hydrochloride), whereas CelCCACelB displays mesophile‐like stability (Tm of ~ 71 °C). The endoglucanase activities of both chimeras are an order of magnitude lower than those of CelB or CelCCA, whereas the beta‐glucosidase activity of CelBCelCCA is about two orders of magnitude lower than that of CelB. The chimera CelCCACelB shows no beta‐glucosidase activity. Our results demonstrate that half‐barrel domains from unrelated sources can fold, assemble and function, with scope for improvement.EnzymePyrococcus furiosus beta‐glucosidase (CelB, EC: 3.2.1.21).Clostridium cellulolyticum endoglucanase A (CelCCA, EC: 3.2.1.4).
Association of type 2 diabetes with prolonged hospital stay and increased rate of readmission in patients with lower limb cellulitis
Authors: Wijayaratna S. M. , Cundy T. , Drury P. L. , Sehgal S. , Wijayaratna S. A. , Wu F. 
Published: October 2016

Background/AimsLower limb (LL) cellulitis‐related hospitalisations are prevalent in type 2 diabetes subjects. We assess its costs and factors associated with length of stay and readmissions.MethodsA retrospective case‐control study at an urban hospital servicing a multi‐ethnic population in New Zealand, where 7% of the adult population is estimated to have diabetes. Admissions with LL cellulitis in 2008–2013 were identified using coding records. Subsequent hospitalisations after 1 month with the same diagnosis were classified as readmissions. Glycaemic control was assessed by HbA1c measured within 6 months of the index admission.ResultsThere were 4600 admissions with LL cellulitis in 3636 patients, including 719 patients (20%) with type 2 diabetes. Hospital stay was longer for type 2 diabetes patients (median 5.3 vs 3.0 days, P < 0.001), independent of age, ethnicity and HbA1c. Accompanying LL ulceration was more frequent in type 2 diabetes patients (50% vs 17%, P < 0.001); however, admissions remained longer for type 2 diabetes patients without ulceration (median 3.4 vs 2.8 days, P < 0.001). Readmission rates were also higher in type 2 diabetes patients compared to non‐diabetes patients (HR 1.7, P < 0.001), even in the absence of ulceration (HR 2.2, P < 0.001). Age, HbA1c and ethnicity did not distinguish those prone to readmissions in the type 2 diabetes cohort. Type 2 diabetes patients accounted for a fifth of all admissions and one third of the estimated costs.ConclusionsA high proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes was admitted with LL cellulitis. They had significantly longer admissions and higher readmission rates. Age, HbA1c and ethnicity did not predict length of stay or recurrence.
Accounting for female space sharing in St. Kilda Soay sheep (Ovis aries) results in little change in heritability estimates
Authors: Regan C. E. , Pilkington J. G. , Bérénos C. , Pemberton J. M. , Smiseth P. T. , Wilson A. J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhen estimating heritability in free‐living populations, it is common practice to account for common environment effects, because of their potential to generate phenotypic covariance among relatives thereby biasing heritability estimates. In quantitative genetic studies of natural populations, however, philopatry, which results in relatives being clustered in space, is rarely accounted for. The two studies that have been carried out so far suggest absolute declines in heritability estimates of up to 43% when accounting for space sharing by relatives. However, due to methodological limitations these estimates may not be representative. We used data from the St. Kilda Soay sheep population to estimate heritabilities with and without accounting for space sharing for five traits for which there is evidence for additive genetic variance (birthweight, birth date, lamb August weight, and female post‐mortem jaw and metacarpal length). We accounted for space sharing by related females by separately incorporating spatial autocorrelation, and a home range similarity matrix. Although these terms accounted for up to 18% of the variance in these traits, heritability estimates were only reduced by up to 7%. Our results suggest that the bias caused by not accounting for space sharing may be lower than previously thought. This suggests that philopatry does not inevitably lead to a large bias if space sharing by relatives is not accounted for. We hope our work stimulates researchers to model shared space when relatives in their study population share space, as doing so will enable us to better understand when bias may be of particular concern.
Host nuclear genotype influences phenotype of a conditional mutualist symbiont
Authors: Hunter M. S. , Asiimwe P. , Himler A. G. , Kelly S. E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractArthropods commonly carry maternally inherited intracellular bacterial symbionts that may profoundly influence host biology and evolution. The intracellular symbiontRickettsiasp. nr.belliiswept rapidly into populations of the sweetpotato whiteflyBemisia tabaciin the south‐westernUSA. Previous laboratory experiments showed female‐bias and fitness benefits were associated withRickettsiainfection, potentially explaining the high frequencies of infection observed in field populations, but the effects varied with whitefly genetic line. Here, we explored whether host extranuclear or nuclear genes influenced the variation in theRickettsia–host phenotype in two genetic lines of the whitefly host, each withRickettsia‐infected and uninfected sublines. Introgression between theRickettsia‐infected subline of one genetic line and theRickettsia‐uninfected subline of the other was used to create two new sublines, each with the maternally inherited extranuclear genetic lineages of one line (Rickettsia,two other symbionts and the mitochondria) and the nuclear genotype of the other. Performance assays comparing the original and new lines showed that in addition toRickettsia, the interaction ofRickettsiainfection with host nuclear genotype influenced development time and the sex ratio of the progeny, whereas the extranuclear genotype did not. Host nuclear genotype, but not extranuclear genotype, also influenced the titre ofRickettsia. Our results support the hypothesis that differences in host nuclear genotype alone may explain considerable within‐population variation in host–symbiont phenotype and may contribute to the observed variation inRickettsia–whitefly interactions worldwide.
Sex‐specific selection under environmental stress in seed beetles
Authors: Martinossi‐Allibert I. , Arnqvist G. , Berger D. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSexual selection can increase rates of adaptation by imposing strong selection in males, thereby allowing efficient purging of the mutation load on population fitness at a low demographic cost. Indeed, sexual selection tends to be male‐biased throughout the animal kingdom, but little empirical work has explored the ecological sensitivity of this sex difference. In this study, we generated theoretical predictions of sex‐specific strengths of selection, environmental sensitivities and genotype‐by‐environment interactions and tested them in seed beetles by manipulating either larval host plant or rearing temperature. Using fourteen isofemale lines, we measured sex‐specific reductions in fitness components, genotype‐by‐environment interactions and the strength of selection (variance in fitness) in the juvenile and adult stage. As predicted, variance in fitness increased with stress, was consistently greater in males than females for adult reproductive success (implying strong sexual selection), but was similar in the sexes in terms of juvenile survival across all levels of stress. Although genetic variance in fitness increased in magnitude under severe stress, heritability decreased and particularly so in males. Moreover, genotype‐by‐environment interactions for fitness were common but specific to the type of stress, sex and life stage, suggesting that new environments may change the relative alignment and strength of selection in males and females. Our study thus exemplifies how environmental stress can influence the relative forces of natural and sexual selection, as well as concomitant changes in genetic variance in fitness, which are predicted to have consequences for rates of adaptation in sexual populations.
Survival and development of immature Aedes aegypti in artificial desiccating breeding sites under laboratory conditions
Authors: Luz C. , Marques C. S. , Rodrigues J. , de Sousa N. A. , Fernandes É. K. K. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe ability of aquatic stages of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), key vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses, to survive in minimal residues of water has remained unstudied. We found that larvae eclosed from up to 50% of eggs set in permanent water films on water agar (at 1–2% agar), and some (≤9.5%) of these first‐instar larvae developed to second instar (L2). Mean larval survival was about 2 weeks; the longest periods of survival were 31.6 and 38.7 days in a water film and in free water controls, respectively. In another test, L3 moved in the films, with the greatest displacements of the larvae being up to 45 mm per day in the first 3 days; subsequent displacements in the water film were distinctly reduced during the next 20 days by which time all L3 had died. L3 did not detect or move in any directed manner in the film towards nearby small quantities of free water. Most pupae (≥93.7%) placed into water films or in water survived and developed to adults within 3 days. The unexpected survival of aquatic immature stages in desiccating breeding sites might be a reason for both the tenacious persistence of mosquito populations in seasons with infrequent rainfall and failures of classical control strategies against this important vector.
Ultrastructure and Molecular Phylogeny of Iotanema spirale gen. nov. et sp. nov., a New Lineage of Endobiotic Fornicata with Strikingly Simplified Ultrastructure
Authors: Yubuki Naoji , Zadrobílková Eliška , Čepička Ivan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFornicata (Metamonada) is a group of Excavata living in low‐oxygen environments and lacking conventional mitochondria. It includes free‐living Carpediemonas‐like organisms from marine habitats and predominantly parasitic/commensal retortamonads and diplomonads. Current modest knowledge of biodiversity of Fornicata limits our ability to draw a complete picture of the evolutionary history in this group. Here, we report the discovery of a novel fornicate, Iotanema spirale gen. nov. et sp. nov., obtained from fresh feces of the gecko Phelsuma madagascariensis. Our phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene demonstrate that I. spirale is closely related to the free‐living, marine strain PCS and the Carpediemonas‐like organism Hicanonectes teleskopos within Fornicata. Iotanema spirale exhibits several features uncommon to fornicates, such as a single flagellum, a highly reduced cytoskeletal system, and the lack of the excavate ventral groove, but shares these characters with the poorly known genus Caviomonas. Therefore, I. spirale is accommodated within the family Caviomonadidae, which represents the third known endobiotic lineage of Fornicata. This study improves our understanding of character evolution within Fornicata when placed within the molecular phylogenetic context.
Problem Drinking and Depression in Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Mowbray Orion , Washington Tiffany , Purser Greg , O‘Shields Jay 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo examine the intersection of depression and alcohol use among older adults with multiple chronic health conditions (MCCs).DesignWave 1 data from the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (2005–06).SettingCommunity‐based sampling throughout the United States.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 57 to 85 who identified as active alcohol consumers (N = 1,643).MeasurementsParticipants reported whether they currently had MCCs, problem drinking (defined as affirming two or more of the four CAGE screening questions), symptoms associated with depression, and other social and health measures.ResultsAlthough older adults with MCCs were no more likely to be problem drinkers than those with no MCCs, those with MCCs and depression were nearly five times as likely to experience problem drinking as older adults with MCCs and no depression.ConclusionOlder adults with MCCs have differences that have implications for health, including mental health problems. Implementing screening and assessment in medical care settings for problem drinking and improving self‐management interventions to include consequences of alcohol use components are critical avenues for reducing healthcare expenditures and improving quality of life of individuals with MCC.
Curcumin as potential therapeutic natural product: a nanobiotechnological perspective
Authors: Shome Soumitra , Talukdar Anupam Das , Choudhury Manabendra Dutta , Bhattacharya Mrinal Kanti , Upadhyaya Hrishikesh 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems can resolve the poor bioavailability issue allied with curcumin. The therapeutic potential of curcumin can be enhanced by making nanocomposite preparation of curcumin with metal oxide nanoparticles, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles that increases its bioavailability in the tissue.

Key findings
Curcumin has manifold therapeutic effects which include antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Curcumin can inhibit diabetes, heavy metal and stress-induced hypertension with its antioxidant, chelating and inhibitory effects on the pathways that lead to hypertension. Curcumin is an anticancer agent that can prevent abnormal cell proliferation. Nanocurcumin is an improved form of curcumin with enhanced therapeutic properties due to improved delivery to the diseased tissue, better internalization and reduced systemic elimination.

Summary
Curcumin has multiple pharmacologic effects, but its poor bioavailability reduces its therapeutic effects. By conjugating curcumin to metal oxide nanoparticles or encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanogels and polymeric nanoparticles, the water solubility and bioavailability of curcumin can be improved and thus increase its pharmacological effectiveness.
The development of sustained release drug delivery platforms using melt-extruded cellulose-based polymer blends
Authors: Wilson Matthew R , Jones David S , Andrews Gavin P 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
This research examined the application of hot melt extrusion (HME) in the preparation of matrix formulations containing hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as a base polymer in combination with methyl cellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

Methods
The limit to which formulations could control drug release under varying paddle speeds, high alcohol environments and high and low drug loads was investigated on a Caleva 10 ST dissolution tester. Rheological studies and hot plate imaging highlighted the impact of thermoresponsive polymers on drug release. The rate and percentage release of drug were analysed using a one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test.

Key findings
No significant differences in the amount of drug released were calculated as a result of paddle speed variation or in the presence of 40% v/v ETOH. The phase separation effects of temperature-sensitive polymers HPC and MC and the characteristic gel shrinkage and fluid expulsion were shown to be contributing factors. The use of the partition activity, α, identified the extent to which formulations were affected by phase separation.

Conclusion
Hot melt extrusion was successfully used to manufacture cellulose-based formulations. Thermoresponsive polymers HPC and MC significantly impacted drug release properties.
Effects of juniper essential oil on growth performance, some rumen protozoa, rumen fermentation and antioxidant blood enzyme parameters of growing Saanen kids
Authors: Yesilbag D. , Biricik H. , Cetin I. , Kara C. , Meral Y. , Cengiz S. S. , Orman A. , Udum D. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper essential oil on the growth performance, rumen fermentation parameters, rumen protozoa population, blood antioxidant enzyme parameters and faecal content in growing Saanen kids. Thirty‐six male Saanen kids (36 ± 14 days of age) were used in the study. Each group consisted of 9 kids. The control group (G1) was fed with a diet that consisted of the above concentrated feed and oat hay, whereas the experimental groups consumed the same diet but with the concentrated feed uniformly sprayed with juniper essential oil 0.4 ml/kg (G2), 0.8 ml/kg (G3) or 2 ml/kg (G4). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in live weight, live weight gain or feed consumption between the control and experimental groups. There was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in feed efficiency in the G3 group. There were no differences in the rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile or faecal pH of the control and experimental groups. The rumen NH3N values were similar at the middle and end of the experiment, but at the start of the experiment, the rumen NH3N values differed between the control and experimental groups (p < 0.05). The faecal score value was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the experimental groups. The addition of juniper essential oil supplementation to the rations caused significant effects on the kids’ antioxidant blood parameters. Although the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase values were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the experimental groups (G2, G3 and G4), especially group G4, the blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) value significantly decreased in the experimental groups. The results of this study suggest that supplementation of juniper oil is more effective on antioxidant parameters than on performance parameters and may be used as a natural antioxidant product.
Short‐term methionine supplementation during the early post‐partum period in primiparous rabbits improves prolificacy associated with an increase in serum concentrations of IGF‐I
Authors: Lopéz‐Cedillo Z. B. , Rosales‐Torres A. M. , Mendoza G. D. , Heuze Y. , Ávila‐Espítia A. E. , Guzmán A. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methionine supplementation on energy metabolism and reproductive performance during the early post‐partum period in primiparous does. Forty nulliparous New Zealand White does were used. Females were randomized in two groups at calving: the control group (n = 20) was fed with the basal diet, and the methionine group (n = 20) was fed the basal diet plus 1 g/animal/day of methionine from the day of calving to 4 days post‐partum. Results showed that methionine supplementation increased (p = 0.032) the concentration of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 with respect to control group 4 days post‐partum. It similarly increased the prolificacy (p = 0.03), the number of kits born alive per litter (p = 0.06) and the body gain weight of the litter during supplementation (p = 0.035). These results were observed despite the does in the methionine group having a deeper negative energy balance than the does in the control group. Finally, methionine supplementation did not affect receptivity (p = 0.23), fertility (p = 0.49), the number of kits born dead per litter (p = 0.86) insulin and metabolites as glucose, non‐esterified fatty acids and triglycerides. In conclusion, our results show that methionine supplementation during the first 4 days of the post‐partum period in rabbits increases total litter size and the corporal weight of kits and is associated with an increase in blood concentration of IGF‐1.