bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic differentiation within multiple common grassland plants supports seed transfer zones for ecological restoration
Authors: Durka Walter , Michalski Stefan G. , Berendzen Kenneth W. , Bossdorf Oliver , Bucharova Anna , Hermann Julia‐Maria , Hölzel Norbert , Kollmann Johannes 
Published: February 2016

Summary

Ecological restoration of grasslands is increasingly based on regional seeds derived from predefined seed transfer zones. However, the degree and spatial pattern of genetic differentiation among provenances of different seed transfer zones is largely unknown.

We assessed the genetic differentiation among eight out of 22 German seed transfer zones for seven common grassland species (Arrhenatherum elatius, Centaurea jacea, Daucus carota, Galium album, Hypochaeris radicata, Knautia arvensis and Lychnis flos‐cuculi) using AFLP markers. We analysed genetic population structure with AMOVA and Bayesian cluster analysis and tested for isolation by distance and isolation by environment.

In all of the investigated species, almost all pairs of provenances were genetically differentiated. Bayesian cluster analysis revealed species‐specific numbers and spatial patterns of gene pools, with between two (Arrhenatherum) and eight clusters (Lychnis). Most investigated seed transfer zones represented a unique gene pool in the majority of the species.

We found isolation by distance in four species, isolation by environment, driven by climatic seasonality, in three species, and a lack of both in three species. Thus, the observed genetic differentiation appears to be caused by both neutral and adaptive processes.

Synthesis and applications. Our study shows that grassland plants are indeed strongly genetically differentiated across Germany supporting the strategy of seed transfer zones for ecological restoration. Although the predefined seed transfer zones are unlikely to match the exact genetic structure of many species, they serve their purpose by capturing a substantial amount of intraspecific genetic variation across species.
Homicidal Poisoning in China Using Several Anesthetic Drugs
Authors: Ye Yi , Yan Youyi , Gong Daoyin , Guo Run , Yang Lin , Liao Linchuan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe authors describe a case of a well‐designed homicidal poisoning in China. A male was treated with starvation, intravenous fluids and antibiotics while in the hospital for acute diarrhea. He suddenly suffered from shortness of breath and subsequently died. A forensic autopsy was carried out, and several specimens were collected for toxicological screening. Propofol was tentatively identified in the blood by GC‐MS. Based on the presence of propofol in the blood, a suspect confessed that two other drugs, namely midazolam and vecuronium, were involved in this murder. Analytical drug quantification was then performed by GC‐MS and LC‐MS/MS. Blood analysis revealed the following: propofol at 0.5 μg/mL, midazolam at 0.098 μg/mL, and vecuronium at 0.10 μg/mL. These results suggest that the cause of death was respiratory depression due to the acute combined effect of several anesthetic drugs administered by the victim's companion.
Outcompeted by an invader? Interference and exploitative competition between tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) and Barbados leaf‐toed gecko (Phyllodactylus pulcher) for diurnal refuges in anthropogenic coastal habitats
Authors: WILLIAMS Robert , PERNETTA Angelo P. , HORROCKS Julia A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHouse geckos in the genus Hemidactylus are highly successful colonizers of regions beyond their native range, with colonization often resulting in displacement of native gecko species through competitive interactions for daytime refuge (crevices) and prey resources. We report on data collected from nighttime surveys undertaken in April–May 2014 on Barbados, West Indies, that focused on the distribution and abundance of the endemic Barbados leaf‐toed gecko (Phyllodactylus pulcher) and the introduced tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) along unlit coastal walls and among boulders in the grounds of a hotel resort. In contrast to patterns of displacement of native species by H. mabouia seen elsewhere, P. pulcher was more abundant than H. mabouia on coastal walls, whereas the latter was found in greater numbers using boulders at this site. Walls and boulders differed with regard to availability of diurnal refugia suitable for geckos, with the walls having high frequency of small crevices with openings <20 mm, and boulders offering very little cover other than the underside of the boulder itself. To investigate whether this niche separation was a result of differences in diurnal refuge use between the species, we conducted experimental trials in which geckos were allowed to select between refugia with different characteristics. Both species selected for narrower and warmer refugia, and refugia that had been previously occupied by the other species. These shared preferences for refugia type suggest that other factors underlie the niche separation observed in the field. In supporting high densities of P. pulcher, coastal walls could offer important secondary habitat by augmenting the natural cliff side habitat of this endemic gecko, a finding that could be exploited for the conservation of this candidate species for Critically Endangered classification.
Dissection of the sensor domain of the copper‐responsive histidine kinase CorS from Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Sánchez‐Sutil María Celestina , Marcos‐Torres Francisco Javier , Pérez Juana , Ruiz‐González María , García‐Bravo Elena , Martínez‐Cayuela Marina , Gómez‐Santos Nuria , Moraleda‐Muñoz Aurelio , Muñoz‐Dorado José 
Published: February 2016

SummaryMyxococcus xanthus CorSR is a two‐component system responsible for maintaining the response of this bacterium to copper. In the presence of this metal it upregulates, among others, the genes encoding the multicopper oxidase CuoA and the P1B‐ATPase CopA. Dissection of the periplasmic sensor domain of the histidine kinase CorS by the analysis of a series of in‐frame deletion mutants generated in this portion of the protein has revealed that copper sensing requires a region of 28 residues in the N terminus and another region of nine residues in the C terminus. Point mutations at His34, His38 and His171 demonstrate that they are essential for the ability of CorS to sense copper. Furthermore, the use of a bacterial two‐hybrid system has revealed dimerization between monomers of CorS even in the absence of any metal, and that copper enhances this interaction. When dimerization was tested with proteins mutated at the three essential His residues, it was observed that these proteins maintain the intrinsic dimerization ability in the absence of metal. In contrast to the wild‐type protein, copper did not strengthen the interaction, corroborating that copper binding to the three His residues of CorS is required for enhancing dimerization and transmitting the signal.
Geographically conserved microbiomes of four temperate water tunicates
Authors: Cahill Patrick L. , Fidler Andrew E. , Hopkins Grant A. , Wood Susanna A. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryTunicates are useful models for exploring microbiomes because they have an innate immune system resembling that of chordates. Automated ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer analysis and High‐Throughput Sequencing were used to compare the tunic microbiomes of Ciona robusta (formerly Ciona intestinalis type A), Ciona savignyi, Botrylloides leachi and Botryllus schlosseri sampled from three distinct locations with limited genetic connectivity. Bacterial phylotype profiles were conserved within each species, and there were no detectable differences between tunic and tunic + cuticle subsamples from an individual. Bacterial operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity was lowest for C. savignyi (320 ± 190 OTUs) and highest for B. schlosseri (1260 ± 190 OTUs). Each species had a distinct set of bacterial OTUs (pseudo‐F = 3.0, p > 0.001), with the exception of B. leachi and B. schlosseri from one sampling location (t = 1.2, p = 0.09). Of note were OTUs assigned to Alphaproteobacteria from C. robusta plus Phyllobacteriaceae and Endozoicomonas from C. savignyi. These OTUs contributed 51, 22 and 10% of sequence reads, respectively, and are related to known bacterial symbionts. The within‐species conservation of core OTUs across three distinct and co‐occurring populations of tunicates provides compelling evidence that these tunicates foster defined microbiomes.
Fear and experience of childbirth among women who conceived with donated oocytes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sälevaara Mari , Punamäki Raija‐Leena , Poikkeus Piia , Flykt Marjo , Tulppala Maija , Tiitinen Aila 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the level of fear of childbirth, pregnancy‐related anxiety and experience of childbirth in women who conceived with donated oocytes (OD), with that in women with in vitro fertilization/intra‐cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) and spontaneous conception (SC).Material and methodsThis is a prospective cohort study. We compared women who received donated oocytes (n = 26) to matched controls, IVF/ICSI (n = 52) or SC (n = 52). Matching was made according to mothers' age, parity, plurality and the number of returned questionnaires. The participants completed the questionnaires during their second trimester and at 2 months postpartum. The Fear of Delivery Questionnaire and the Pregnancy Anxiety Scale served to study fear of childbirth, and the Delivery Satisfaction Scale served to study experience of childbirth.ResultsThe level of fear of childbirth was lower in the women who received donated oocytes than in the women who received IVF/ICSI (p = 0.028), but similar to those in the SC group. The level of pregnancy‐related anxiety was lower in the OD group than in the IVF/ICSI (p = 0.006) and SC groups (p = 0.019). The experience of childbirth did not differ between the groups. The mode of delivery was associated with the mothers' satisfaction with the delivery only in the OD group. Those who had an acute operative delivery were the most dissatisfied.ConclusionsAfter receiving adequate support prior to OD treatment, the women require no more support with fear of childbirth than other pregnant women, but they may require support after acute operative deliveries.
A comparison of the gut microbiome between long‐term users and non‐users of proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Clooney A. G. , Bernstein C. N , Leslie W. D. , Vagianos K. , Sargent M. , Laserna‐Mendieta E. J. , Claesson M. J. , Targownik L. E. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundProton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), though the mechanism is unclear. PPI induced alterations to the gut microbiome may facilitate the emergence of CDI, though the effects of PPIs on gut microbiota are not well characterised. [Correction added on 10 March 2016, after first online publication: microflora has been changed to microbiota throughout the article.]AimTo compare the faecal microbiomes of long‐term PPI users to those with no history of PPI use.MethodsWe used a population‐based database to identify individuals with ≥5 years of continuous PPI use along with non‐PPI using controls. Stool samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, with hierarchical clustering at genus level, along with alpha and beta diversity measures comparing the two groups. Metadata was accounted for using quantile regression to eliminate potential confounding variables in taxonomic abundance comparisons.ResultsSixty‐one subjects (32 PPI, 29 controls) were analysed. While no significant differences in alpha diversity were found between the PPI users and controls, a moderate shift of the PPI users away from the non‐PPI user cluster in the beta diversity was observed. After controlling for pertinent confounders, we discovered a decrease in Bacteroidetes and an increase in Firmicutes at the phylum level. We also performed species classifications and found Holdemania filiformis and Pseudoflavonifractor capillosus to be increased and decreased in the PPI cohort, respectively.ConclusionsLong‐term PPIs use has an effect on the gut microbiome. The alteration in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes may pre‐dispose to the development of CDI.
Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of the effects of axomadol and its O‐demethyl metabolite on pupil diameter and nociception in healthy subjects
Authors: Mangas‐Sanjuan Víctor , Pastor José Martín , Rengelshausen Jens , Bursi Roberta , Troconiz Iñaki F. 
Published: February 2016

AimThe aim of the present study was to characterize the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties of the active components of axomadol and to quantify their contribution to observed the pupillometric and analgesic (measured through the cold pressor test) effects linking the PD engagement biomarker with clinical response.MethodsHealthy subjects (n = 74) received either placebo or axomadol orally at doses ranging from 66 mg to 225 mg following multiple dosing regimens in two separate clinical trials. Plasma concentrations of the two enantiomers of axomadol and their metabolites, and PD responses were measured at specific times. The population analysis was performed using NONMEM 7.2.ResultsThe kinetics of the parent drug and its metabolite could be described simultaneously using an extra compartment mimicking the liver, where the metabolite is formed. The SS parent compound elicited a plasma concentration‐dependent increase in pupil diameter, with estimates (percentage relative standard errors) of maximal effect (Emax) and plasma concentration exerting a half‐maximal effect (C50) of 0.79 (17.4) mm, and 90.7 (27) ng ml−1, respectively. The predicted effect site concentrations of the RR O‐demethyl metabolite decreased the pupil diameter linearly, with an estimate of the slope of 0.00967 (18.7) mm·ml ng−1. An additive model, integrating the net effect on pupil diameter, described adequately the reduction in pain with a linear function. The PK/PD model revealed that each 0.5 mm change in pupil diameter is associated with a 10% decrease in cold pressor area under the concentration–time curve effects.ConclusionsThe PK/PD analysis performed enabled the individual contributions of the active compounds to the observed effects to be identified and quantified. These effects were in accordance with the known mechanisms of action – namely, opioid agonism and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition.
E‐learning in order to improve drug prescription for hospitalized older patients: a cluster‐randomized controlled study
Authors: Franchi Carlotta , Tettamanti Mauro , Djade Codjo Dgnefa , Pasina Luca , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio , Onder Graziano , Gussoni Gualberto , Manfellotto Dario , Bonassi Stefano , Salerno Francesco , Nobili Alessandro ,   on behalf of ELICADHE Investigators
Published: February 2016

AimsThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an e‐learning educational program meant to foster the quality of drug prescription in hospitalized elderly patients.MethodsTwenty geriatric and internal medicine wards were randomized to intervention (e‐learning educational program) or control (basic geriatric pharmacology notions). Logistic regression analysis was used in order to assess the effect of the intervention on the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM, primary outcome) at hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were a reduced prevalence of at least one potential drug–drug interaction (DDI) and potentially severe DDI at discharge. Mortality rate and incidence of re‐hospitalizations were other secondary outcomes assessed at the 12‐month follow‐up.ResultsA total of 697 patients (347 in the intervention and 350 in the control arms) were enrolled. No difference in the prevalence of PIM at discharge was found between arms (OR 1.29 95%CI 0.87–1.91). We also found no decrease in the prevalence of DDI (OR 0.67 95%CI 0.34–1.28) and potentially severe DDI (OR 0.86 95%CI 0.63–1.15) at discharge, nor in mortality rates and incidence of re‐hospitalization at 12‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsThis e‐learning educational program had no clear effect on the quality of drug prescription and clinical outcomes in hospitalized elderly patients. Given the high prevalence of PIMs and potential DDIs recorded in the frame of this study, other approaches should be developed in order to improve the quality of drug prescription in this population.
The pharmacodynamics, safety and pharmacokinetics of single doses of the motilin agonist, camicinal, in type 1 diabetes mellitus with slow gastric emptying
Authors: Hellström Per M , Tack Jan , Johnson Lakshmi Vasist , Hacquoil Kimberley , Barton Matthew E , Richards Duncan B , Alpers David H , Sanger Gareth J , Dukes George E 
Published: February 2016

Background and PurposeHere we have investigated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of single doses of camicinal in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients with a history of slow gastric emptying with symptoms consistent with gastroparesis.Experimental ApproachIn a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, incomplete block, three‐period, two‐centre crossover study, patients received oral administration of placebo and two of the three possible doses of camicinal (25, 50 or 125 mg). Gastric emptying (13C‐octanoic acid breath test), pharmacokinetics and safety were primary outcomes.Key ResultsNine of the 10 patients enrolled completed the study. Gastric half‐emptying time decreased by −95 min (95% CI: −156.8, −34.2) after a single dose of camicinal 125 mg compared with placebo (52 vs. 147 min, P < 0.05), representing a 65% improvement. A decrease of the gastric half‐emptying time compared with placebo (approximately 39 min) was observed with camicinal 25 and 50 mg, representing a 27% reduction for both doses (not statistically significant). A positive exposure–response relationship was demonstrated across all doses. The effects of camicinal on gastric half‐emptying time were not influenced by fasting glucose levels. Single doses up to 125 mg were well tolerated. Camicinal was well absorbed, exhibiting linear and approximately dose‐proportional pharmacokinetic characteristics and a clear exposure–response relationship with gastric emptying.Conclusions and ImplicationsCamicinal significantly accelerated gastric emptying of solids in T1DM patients following administration of a single oral dose. Camicinal was well tolerated and exhibited similar pharmacokinetic characteristics in diabetic patients to those previously reported in healthy volunteers.
Development of Children's Estimation Skills: The Ambiguous Role of Their Familiarity With Numerals
Authors: Ebersbach Mirjam 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEstimating magnitudes is central to life, as well as to mathematics. Symbolic estimates involve assigning symbolic numerals to nonsymbolic magnitudes (or vice versa), whereas nonsymbolic estimates refer to mapping between two nonsymbolic magnitudes. In general, estimates on both types of tasks become more accurate with age and among adults, are more accurate for smaller than larger magnitudes. However, children and adults show task‐specific biases in their estimates. Moreover, young children systematically over‐ or underestimate, especially concerning smaller magnitudes. In this article, I discuss potential explanations for children's estimation biases, considering children's familiarity with numerals, which enhances their ability to discriminate between numerals but seems to temporarily make their estimates in their familiar number range less accurate. I also consider developmental asynchronies in the production and comprehension of number words.
Increase in the length of superficial temporal artery biopsy over 14 years
Authors: Au Cheryl P , Sharma Neil S , McCluskey Peter , Ghabrial Raf 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundGiant cell arteritis is a systemic inflammatory vasculitis of large‐sized and medium‐sized arteries. Superficial temporal artery biopsy of at least 20 mm has traditionally been the standard length for histopathology to accurately diagnose giant cell arteritis. Recent studies suggest than a post‐fixation superficial temporal artery biopsy length of 7 to 10 mm is adequate for diagnosing giant cell arteritis.DesignThis is a retrospective observational study.Participants or samplesThe participants were all patients who underwent superficial temporal artery biopsy at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, a large tertiary teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia, from 2008 to 2014.MethodsPatients were identified using computerized hospital databases. Superficial temporal artery biopsy lengths were obtained from the histopathology reports.Main outcome measuresWe aimed to compare the superficial temporal artery biopsy lengths performed at a large tertiary hospital over the past 7 years, to those performed from 2000 to 2005, and to determine the frequency of diagnosis of giant cell arteritis over the two time periods.ResultsThere was a total of 96 superficial temporal artery biopsies performed from 2008 to 2014. The superficial temporal artery biopsy mean (standard deviation) length was 16.0(7.3) mm. This represented a significant (P = 0.015) increase in mean superficial temporal artery biopsy length when compared with a previous audit performed from 2000 to 2005 where the mean (standard deviation) superficial temporal artery biopsy was 11.7(6.2) mm. Of the 96 TABs, 20 (20.8%) were positive for giant cell arteritis, compared with a giant cell arteritis positivity rate of 20.4% for the previous audit period from 2000 to 2005.ConclusionThere has been a significant improvement in the length of superficial temporal artery biopsy performed at a tertiary hospital. Despite the increase in superficial temporal artery biopsy lengths, the giant cell arteritis positivity rate has remained stable.
Correlation of obstructive sleep apnoea and laryngopharyngeal reflux: phmetry study
Authors: Elhennawi D.M. , Ahmed M.R. , Abou‐halawa A.S. 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo study the correlation of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).DesignA descriptive study.SettingSuez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt.Patients62 patients with polysomnography confirmed OSA.InterventionPatients were evaluated with ambulatory 24‐h double channel pH monitoring.ResultsMean reflux symptom index in the study group was 9 ± 5.5, and it was > 13 in all patients with severe OSA. Signs of LPR reflux were present in 34 (55%) patients. Abnormal reflux was detected in the distal oesophagus in 41 patients (66%) and in the proximal oesophagus in 21 patients (34%). Patients with severe OSA had significantly higher nocturnal LPR reflux episodes compared to patients with mild disease (P < .05). Number of reflux episodes and total duration of reflux during sleep are significantly correlated to degree of OSA (P < .05). No difference was found in relation to age or sex. Daytime reflux was not related to the degree of obstructive sleep apnoea (P > .05).ConclusionLPR is common in patients with OSA. Patients with severe OSA have significantly higher nocturnal LPR. This should be considered when treating this group of patients.