bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disrupted fine‐scale population processes in fragmented landscapes despite large‐scale genetic connectivity for a widespread and common cooperative breeder: the superb fairy‐wren (Malurus cyaneus)
Authors: Harrisson Katherine A. , Pavlova Alexandra , Amos J. Nevil , Takeuchi Naoko , Lill Alan , Radford James Q. , Sunnucks Paul 
Published: November 2012

Summary
Understanding how habitat fragmentation affects population processes (e.g. dispersal) at different spatial scales is of critical importance to conservation. We assessed the effects of habitat fragmentation on dispersal and regional and fine‐scale population structure in a currently widespread and common cooperatively breeding bird species found across south‐eastern Australia, the superb fairy‐wren Malurus cyaneus.
Despite its relative abundance and classification as an urban tolerant species, the superb fairy‐wren has declined disproportionately from low tree‐cover agricultural landscapes across the Box‐Ironbark region of north‐central Victoria, Australia. Loss of genetic connectivity and disruption to its complex social system may be associated with the decline of this species from apparently suitable habitat in landscapes with low levels of tree cover.
To assess whether reduced structural connectivity has had negative consequences for genetic connectivity in the superb fairy‐wren, we used a landscape‐scale approach to compare patterns of genetic diversity and gene flow at large (landscape/regional) and fine (site‐level) spatial scales. In addition, using genetic distances, for each sex, we tested landscape models of decreased dispersal through treeless areas (isolation‐by‐resistance) while controlling for the effect of isolation‐by‐distance.
Landscape models indicated that larger‐scale gene flow across the Box‐Ironbark region was constrained by distance rather than by lack of structural connectivity. Nonetheless, a pattern of isolation‐by‐resistance for males (the less‐dispersive sex) and lower genetic diversity and higher genetic similarity within sites in low‐cover fragmented landscapes indicated disruption to fine‐scale gene flow mechanisms and/or mating systems.
Although loss of structural connectivity did not appear to impede gene flow at larger spatial scales, fragmentation appeared to affect fine‐scale population processes (e.g. local gene flow mechanisms and/or mating systems) adversely and may contribute to the decline of superb fairy‐wrens in fragmented landscapes in the Box‐Ironbark region.
The nutrient supplying capabilities of Uzinura, an endosymbiont of armoured scale insects
Authors: Sabree Zakee L. , Huang Charlie Y. , Okusu Akiko , Moran Nancy A. , Normark Benjamin B. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryAn emerging common physiological feature of plant sap‐feeding insects is the presence of bacterial endosymbionts capable of providing essential nutrients to their host. These microbial partners are inviable outside of specialized host tissues, and therefore a cultivation‐independent approach, namely high‐throughput next‐generation genome sequencing, can be used to characterize their gene content and metabolic potential. To this end, we sequenced the first complete genome of the obligate endosymbiont, Candidatus ‘Uzinura diaspidicola’, of armoured scale insects. At 263 431 bp, Uzinura has an extremely reduced genome that is composed largely of genes encoding enzymes involved in translation and amino acid biosynthesis. The tiny size of the Uzinura genome parallels that observed in some other insect endosymbionts. Despite this extreme genome reduction, the absence of a known obligate partner bacterial symbiont suggests that Uzinura alone can supply sufficient nutrients to its host.
Personal and psychosocial predictors of psychological abuse by partners during and after pregnancy: a longitudinal cohort study in a community sample
Authors: Escribà‐Agüir V , Royo‐Marqués M , Artazcoz L , Romito P , Ruiz‐Pérez I , Martín‐Baena D 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and risk factors of psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingNine primary care centers in the Valencia Region (Spain).PopulationA consecutive sample of 1400 women in the first trimester of pregnancy, attending the prenatal programme in the Valencia Region of Spain in 2008, with follow‐up in the third trimester of pregnancy, and at 5 and 12 months postpartum. A total of 888 women (66.5%) participated in all four phases.MethodsA logistic regression model was fitted using generalised estimating equations to assess the effects of previous partner violence, consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs and social support on subsequent psychological partner violence.Main outcome measurePsychological IPV during follow‐up.ResultsWe observed an increase in the incidence of psychological IPV after birth, particularly at 5 months postpartum. The strongest predictor of psychological IPV was having experienced abuse 12 months before pregnancy (OR 10.46, 95%CI 2.40–45.61). Other predictors were consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs by the partner or a family member (OR3.50, 95%CI 1.38–8.85) and lack of affective social support (OR2.83, 95%CI 1.31–6.11).ConclusionsPrevious abuse and psychosocial risk factors predict partner psychological abuse after birth. Monitoring psychological IPV and effective interventions are needed not only during pregnancy but also during the postpartum period.
Mid‐gestational maternal cardiovascular profile in preterm and term pre‐eclampsia: a prospective study
Authors: Melchiorre K , Sutherland G , Sharma R , Nanni M , Thilaganathan B 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivePre‐eclampsia (PE) is associated with maternal cardiac remodelling and biventricular diastolic dysfunction. Preterm PE alone can also be associated with severe left ventricular hypertrophy and biventricular systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess whether the maternal cardiovascular profile at mid‐gestation in nulliparous normotensive women differs in women destined to develop preterm PE versus those who will develop PE at term.DesignProspective study.SettingTertiary referral university centre.PopulationA total of 269 women, including 152 at increased risk of developing PE as determined by mid‐gestational uterine artery Doppler assessment.MethodsWomen underwent blood pressure profiling, echocardio‐graphy, cardiac tissue Doppler and strain rate analysis at 20–23 weeks of gestation.Main outcome measuresMid‐gestational cardiovascular profile in women with normal pregnancy and those that subsequently developed preterm or term PE.ResultsPre‐eclampsia subsequently developed in 46 women, including 18 with preterm PE. Women who subsequently developed PE, irrespective of gestation, had evidence of left ventricular concentric remodelling (33%) which was not found in the control women (P < 0.0001). Only women who developed preterm PE exhibited a high resistance‐low volume haemodynamic state at mid‐gestation. The latter group also had evidence of left ventricular diastolic or systolic dysfunction (33%) and segmental impaired myocardial relaxation (72%).ConclusionsAsymptomatic cardiac diastolic dysfunction is evident at mid‐gestation in women who subsequently develop preterm PE but not in those who develop term PE. These cardiac findings are useful in understanding the pathophysiology of PE and corroborate the concept that PE is not a single disorder, but a cluster of symptoms that have several different aetiologies.
Self‐hypnosis for coping with labour pain: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Werner A , Uldbjerg N , Zachariae R , Rosen G , Nohr EA 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo estimate the use of epidural analgesia and experienced pain during childbirth after a short antenatal training course in self‐hypnosis to ease childbirth.DesignRandomised, controlled, single‐blinded trial using a three‐arm design.SettingAarhus University Hospital Skejby in Denmark during the period July 2009 until August 2011.PopulationA total of 1222 healthy nulliparous women.MethodUse of epidural analgesia and self‐reported pain during delivery was compared in three groups: a hypnosis group receiving three 1‐hour lessons in self‐hypnosis with additional audiorecordings to ease childbirth, a relaxation group receiving three 1‐hour lessons in various relaxation methods and mindfulness with audiorecordings for additional training, and a usual care group receiving ordinary antenatal care only.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome: Use of epidural analgesia. Secondary outcomes included self‐reported pain.ResultsThere were no between‐group differences in use of epidural analgesia—31.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 27.1–35.3) in the hypnosis group, 29.8% (95% CI 25.7–33.8) in the relaxation group and 30.0% (95% CI 24.0–36.0) in the control group. No statistically significant differences between the three groups were observed for any of the self‐reported pain measures.ConclusionIn this large randomised controlled trial of a brief course in self‐hypnosis to ease childbirth, no differences in use of epidural analgesia or pain experience were found across study groups. Before turning down self‐hypnosis as a method for pain relief, further studies are warranted with focus on specific subgroups.
Purification and characterization of prophenoloxidase from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Goudru Hanumanth G. , Kumar Sathish , Jayalakshmi Senigala K. , Ballal Chandish R. , Sharma Hari C. , Sreeramulu Kuruba 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPhenoloxidases are oxidative enzymes, which play an important role in both cell mediated and humoral immunity. Purification and biochemical characterization of prophenoloxidase from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were carried out to study its biochemical properties. Prophenoloxidase consists of a single polypeptide chain with a relative molecular weight of 85 kDa as determined by SDS–PAGE, MALDI–TOF MS and LC–ESI MS. After the final step, the enzyme showed 71.7 fold of purification with a recovery of 49.2%. Purified prophenoloxidase showed high specific activity and homology with phenoloxidase subunit‐1 of Bombyx mori and the conserved regions of copper binding (B) site of phenoloxidase. Purified prophenoloxidase has pH optima of 6.8 and has high catalytic efficiency towards the dopamine as a substrate in comparison to catechol and L‐Dopa. The PO activity was strongly inhibited by phenylthiourea, thiourea, dithiothreitol and kojic acid.
Positive correlation between chronic hyperglycemia and serum fetuin‐A levels in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese
Authors: Liu Yu , Xu Min , Xu Yu , Li Mian , Wang Tiange , Chen Yuhong , Bi Yufang 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between HbA1c and serum fetuin‐A levels in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese.Methods:  A total of 3790 subjects (1519 men; 2271 women) aged ≥40 years were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study in the Songnan community of Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. HbA1c levels were used to determine the presence of chronic hyperglycemia. Subjects were divided into three groups based on HbA1c levels: <6.5%, 6.5% ≤ HbA1c < 7.0%, and HbA1c ≥ 7.0%. “Elevated” fetuin‐A levels were defined as serum levels in the upper quartile (i.e. ≥367.39 mg/L).Results:  Mean serum fetuin‐A levels were higher in subjects with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% compared with those in whom HbA1c was <6.5% (309.32 vs 290.83 mg/L, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between HbA1c and serum fetuin‐A levels (β = 0.07; SE = 0.03; P = 0.04). After adjustment for possible confounders, an increased percentage of subjects with elevated fetuin‐A levels was found in the group with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% compared with the group in which HbA1c was <6.5% (odds ratio 1.38; 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.74). Interactions were found between HbA1c and both insulin resistance and the urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio for the percentage of elevated fetuin‐A levels (Pinteraction = 0.002 and 0.05, respectively).Conclusions:  In Chinese adults, a positive correlation was found between chronic hyperglycemia and serum fetuin‐A levels. Further research into the mechanisms underlying fetuin‐A regulation is needed to identify potential drug targets.
Nondestructive DNA sampling from bumblebee faeces
Authors: Scriven Jessica J. , Woodall Lucy C. , Goulson Dave 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGenetic studies provide valuable data to inform conservation strategies for species with small or declining populations. In these circumstances, obtaining DNA samples without harming the study organisms is highly desirable. Excrements are increasingly being used as a source of DNA in such studies, but such approaches have rarely been applied to arthropods. Bumblebees are ecologically and economically important as pollinators; however, some species have recently suffered severe declines and range contractions across much of Western Europe and North America. We investigated whether bumblebee faeces could be used for the extraction of DNA suitable for genotyping using microsatellite markers. We found that DNA could be extracted using a Chelex method from faecal samples collected either in microcapillary tubes or on filter paper, directly from captured individuals. Our results show that genotypes scored from faecal samples are identical to those from tissue samples. This study describes a reliable, consistent and efficient noninvasive method of obtaining DNA from bumblebees for use in population genetic studies. This approach should prove particularly useful in breeding and conservation programs for bumblebees and may be broadly applicable across insect taxa.
Population structure and ecology of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer Sparrman, 1779) in Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Megaze Aberham , Belay Gurja , Balakrishnan Mundanthra 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAn investigation of population structure and ecology of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer Sparrman, 1779) was carried out in the Chebera Churchura National Park, Ethiopia during the wet and dry seasons of 2005–2006. Sample counts of African buffaloes were carried out in an area of 1,215 km2. The estimated population of buffalo was 2,617 individuals. Males comprised 35.0%, while females 52.8% of the population. The remaining 12% of the population was young of both sexes and of all ages of unknown sex. It was difficult to categorize the young into male and female in the field, as their primary sexual characteristics were not easily visible. Male to female sex ratio was 1.00 : 1.51. Age structure was dominated by adults, which constituted 72.06% of the total population. Subadults comprised 22.02%, and young accounted for 5.9% of the population. Larger herds of up to 27 individuals were observed during the wet season and smaller herds of eight individuals during the dry season. The mean herd size during wet and dry seasons was 24.81 and 7.77, respectively. The African buffaloes were distributed in four habitat types such as grasslands, woodlands, montane forests and riverine habitat in the study area. They were observed more in the riverine vegetation types during the dry season. Relative abundance of food resources, green vegetation cover and water availability in the area were the major factors governing their distribution in the present study area. They spent a greater proportion of the time in feeding and resting/ruminating activities. On the average, 49.7% of the daytime was spent in feeding, and 38.75% of the day on resting (lying down and standing). Morning and the late afternoon activity peaks were more pronounced during the dry season than the wet season.
Indirect electrical injuries from capacitive coupling: a rarely mentioned electrosurgical complication in monopolar laparoscopy
Authors: Liu Qiang , Sun Xue‐Bing 
Published: November 2012

AbstractElectrothermal injuries in monopolar laparoscopy may derive indirectly, but rarely, from capacitive coupling releasing stray currents into neighboring non‐targeted tissues, with intact instrument insulation. Since 2007, seven episodes of indirect electrosurgical damage to non‐targeted tissues have been observed in our gynecological practice, including incidental coagulative necrosis of appendix, Fallopian tube, cystic pedicle, and broad ligament stump. Such an electrical response becomes greater where there is increased contact with the cystic wall (cysts <3 cm in diameter). Appropriate measures are available for minimizing capacitive coupling specifically caused by monopolar electrocautery. Thorough staff training, regular safety inspections, and strict procedure performance should exist to minimize such risks and injuries.
Clinicopathologic risk factors for recurrence of ovarian endometrioma following laparoscopic cystectomy
Authors: Sengoku Kazuo , Miyamoto Toshinobu , Horikawa Michiharu , Katayama Hideto , Nishiwaki Kunihiko , Kato Yasuhito , Kawanishi Yasuyuki , Saijo Yasuaki 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo identify epidemiologic risk factors and investigate whether the characteristics of removed ovarian tissue during surgery influence the recurrence of endometriomas.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingMedical university hospital.Population248 women with endometriomas.MethodsAll women who had a minimum of 2 years of follow‐up after the laparoscopic excision of endometriomas were analysed retrospectively. Specimens were analysed histologically.Main outcome measuresSixteen epidemiologic variables were analysed as possible risk factors for recurrence. The association between the characteristics of removed ovarian tissue (the thickness of the cyst wall, the thickness of ovarian tissue, and the morphological features) and endometrioma recurrence was investigated.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of endometriomas reached 42% at 60 months after surgery. We identified only a younger age at surgery as a risk factor, and postoperative pregnancy as a preventive factor. There were no differences in the mean thickness of the cyst wall and the removed ovarian tissue between patients with and without recurrence. No statistically significant associations were found between the morphologic characteristics of removed cyst wall, ovarian tissue, graded on a semi‐quantitative basis, and recurrence.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the rate of endometrioma recurrence had a significant relation to patient age and postoperative pregnancy; however, there was no association between the histological characteristics of the excised tissue and recurrence.
Follicle flushing in monofollicular in vitro fertilization almost doubles the number of transferable embryos
Authors: von Wolff Michael , Hua Yu‐Zhen , Santi Alessandro , Ocon Erika , Weiss Benedicte 
Published: November 2012

AbstractFollicle flushing has been proved to be ineffective in polyfollicular in vitro fertilization. To analyze the effect of flushing in monofollicular in vitro fertilization we aspirated and then flushed the follicles in 164 cycles. Total oocyte yield/aspiration was 44.5% in the aspirate, 20.7% in the 1st flush, 10.4% in the 2nd flush and 4.3% in the 3rd flush. By flushing, the total oocyte yield increased (p < 0.01) by 80.9%, from 44.5 to 80.5%. The total transfer rate increased (p < 0.01) by 91.0%, from 20.1 to 38.4%. The results indicate that the oocyte yield and the number of transferable embryos can be increased significantly by flushing.
Evidence‐based treatment strategies for treatment‐resistant bipolar depression: a systematic review
Authors: Sienaert Pascal , Lambrichts Lore , Dols Annemiek , De Fruyt Jürgen 
Published: November 2012

Sienaert P, Lambrichts L, Dols A, De Fruyt J.  Evidence‐based treatment strategies for treatment‐resistant bipolar depression: a systematic review.  Bipolar Disord 2012: 00: 000–000. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Objectives:  Treatment resistance in bipolar depression is a common clinical problem that constitutes a major challenge for the treating clinician as there is a paucity of treatment options. The objective of this paper was to review the evidence for treatment options in treatment‐resistant bipolar depression, as found in randomized controlled trials and with special attention to the definition and assessment of treatment resistance.Methods:  A Medline search (from database inception to May 2012) was performed using the search terms treatment resistance or treatment refractory, and bipolar depression or bipolar disorder, supplemented with 43 separate searches using the various pharmacologic agents or technical interventions as search terms.Results:  Only seven studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies examined the effects of ketamine (n = 1), (ar)modafinil (n = 2), pramipexole (n = 1), lamotrigine (n = 1), inositol (n = 1), risperidone (n = 1), and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (n = 2).Conclusions:  The available level I evidence for treatment strategies in resistant bipolar depression is extremely scarce, and although the response rates reported are reassuring, most of the strategies remain experimental. There is an urgent need for further study in homogeneous patient samples using a clear concept of treatment resistance.
Osseointegration of dental implants in extraction sockets preserved with porous titanium granules – an experimental study
Authors: Verket Anders , Lyngstadaas Ståle P. , Rønold Hans J. , Wohlfahrt Johan C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis study investigated osseointegration of dental implants inserted in healed extraction sockets preserved with porous titanium granules (PTG).Material and MethodsThree adult female minipigs (Gøttingen minipig™; Ellegaard A/S, Dalmose, Denmark) had the mandibular teeth P2, P3 and P4 extracted. The extraction sockets were preserved with metallic PTG (Tigran™ PTG; Tigran Technologies AB, Malmö, Sweden) n = 12, heat oxidized white porous titanium granules (WPTG) (Tigran™ PTG White) n = 12 or left empty (sham) n = 6. All sites were covered with collagen membranes (Bio‐Gide®; Geistlich Pharma, Wolhausen, Switzerland) and allowed 11 weeks of healing before implants (Straumann® Bone Level; Straumann, Basel, Switzerland) were inserted. The temperature was measured during preparation of the osteotomies. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA, Osstell™; Osstell AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) was performed at implant insertion and at termination. After 6 weeks of submerged implant healing, the pigs were euthanized and jaw segments were excised for microCT and histological analyses.ResultsIn the temperature and RFA analyses no significant differences were recorded between the test groups. The microCT analysis demonstrated an average bone volume of 61.7% for the PTG group compared to 50.3% for the WPTG group (P = 0.03) and 57.1% for the sham group. Histomorphometry demonstrated an average bone‐to‐implant contact of 68.2% for the PTG group compared to 36.6% for the WPTG group and 60.9% for the sham group (n.s). Eight out of ten implants demonstrated apical osseous defects in the WPTG group, but similar defects were observed in all groups.ConclusionsPTG preserved extraction sockets demonstrate a similar outcome as the sham control group for all analyses suggesting that this material potentially can be used for extraction socket preservation prior to implant installment. Apical osseous defects were however observed in all groups including the sham group, and a single cause could not be determined.