bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can semiochemicals attract both western flower thrips and their anthocorid predators?
Authors: Davidson M.M. , Nielsen M.‐C. , Butler R.C. , Castañé C. , Alomar O. , Riudavets J. , Teulon D.A.J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFrankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) (western flower thrips, WFT) is a key pest in a range of crops worldwide. Anthocorid species (Hemiptera) are important natural enemies of thrips. Several experiments were undertaken to determine whether a thrips lure, methyl isonicotinate (MI), affected the behaviour of WFT and anthocorids found in outdoor crops. Currently, this volatile compound is used in conjunction with sticky traps for monitoring thrips predominantly in greenhouses in Northern Europe. In the present study, in a nectarine [Prunus persica (L.) (Rosaceae)] orchard and an outdoor capsicum [Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae)] crop in Spain, blue sticky and white water traps with MI caught significantly more WFT than traps without MI. The volatile compound also significantly increased both blue sticky and white water trap capture of anthocorids – predominantly Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) – in the capsicum crop. These results indicate that the behaviour of both WFT and O. laevigatus were altered by the presence of the compound and suggest there is potential to develop novel tools based on MI in conjunction with biological control strategies for thrips management.
Transition of new dental graduates into practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Ali K. , Tredwin C. , Kay E. , Slade A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsThe aims of this study were to explore the transition of new dental graduates to gain a deeper understanding of the merits and challenges of a mentored year for new graduates in general dental practice settings.MethodsThe study was conducted in the south‐west region of England. Qualitative methods were used to engage a range of stakeholders in dental education including dental students, academics, general dental practitioners, new graduates, specialists and representatives of the postgraduate dental deanery. Purposive sampling was employed, and after ethical approval, participants were contacted through professional channels. All interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim. The data were imported into NVivo 10 (QSR International Pty Ltd) and analysed thematically.ResultsSixteen participants representing a variety of stakeholder groups were interviewed. The participants shared their perceptions and experiences regarding the transition new dental graduates into dental practice. The challenges and benefits are discussed along with strategies to facilitate a smooth transition.ConclusionsThis study provides an insight into experience of a mentored year for new dental graduates in general practice settings. Foundation training provides a structured introduction into general practice and serves as a safety net before new graduates gain further independence in clinical practice.
Seasonal potential fishing ground prediction of neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) in the western and central North Pacific
Authors: Alabia Irene D. , Saitoh Sei‐Ichi , Mugo Robinson , Igarashi Hiromichi , Ishikawa Yoichi , Usui Norihisa , Kamachi Masafumi , Awaji Toshiyuki , Seito Masaki 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe explored the seasonal potential fishing grounds of neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) in the western and central North Pacific using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models fitted with squid fishery data as response and environmental factors from remotely sensed [sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH), eddy kinetic energy (EKE), wind stress curl (WSC) and numerical model‐derived sea surface salinity (SSS)] covariates. The potential squid fishing grounds from January–February (winter) and June–July (summer) 2001–2004 were simulated separately and covered the near‐coast (winter) and offshore (summer) forage areas off the Kuroshio–Oyashio transition and subarctic frontal zones. The oceanographic conditions differed between regions and were regulated by the inherent seasonal variability and prevailing basin dynamics. The seasonal and spatial extents of potential squid fishing grounds were largely explained by SST (7–17°C in the winter and 11–18°C in the summer) and SSS (33.8–34.8 in the winter and 33.7–34.3 in the summer). These ocean properties are water mass tracers and define the boundaries of the North Pacific hydrographic provinces. Mesoscale variability in the upper ocean inferred from SSH and EKE were also influential to squid potential fishing grounds and are presumably linked to the augmented primary productivity from nutrient enhancement and entrainment of passive plankton. WSC, however, has the least model contribution to squid potential fishing habitat relative to the other environmental factors examined. Findings of this work underpin the importance of SST and SSS as robust predictors of the seasonal squid potential fishing grounds in the western and central North Pacific and highlight MaxEnt's potential for operational fishery application.
Downregulation of miR‐146a, cyclooxygenase‐2 and advanced glycation end‐products in simvastatin‐treated older patients with hyperlipidemia
Authors: Yang Zhou Xin , Wang Ya Zhen , Jia Bing Bing , Mao Gen Xiang , Lv Yuan Dong , Wang Guo Fu , Yu Hong 
Published: February 2015

AimHyperlipidemia is a disease with abnormally elevated levels of lipids/lipoproteins in the blood, and it is regarded as an important risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statins have been found to prevent vascular diseases by reducing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and regulation of immune responses. Here, we aim to study the expression change of immune‐related microRNA and genes in older patients with hyperlipidemia after treatment with simvastatin.MethodsA total of 25 older male patients with hyperlipidemia were included in the study and received simvastatin treatment (20 mg/day). Clinical characteristics of these patients were examined, including lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, blood routine and biochemical characters. We tested miR‐146a, interleukin‐1‐receptor‐associated kinase 1, tumor necrosis factor‐receptor‐associated factor 6 and cyclooxygenase‐2 level by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and expressions of advanced glycation end‐products, p53 and p21 were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSimvastatin treatment effectively reduced total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, but had little effect on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein was slightly reduced. Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and advanced glycation end‐products were significantly reduced. Furthermore, simvastatin effectively reduced the expression of p53 and p21. Significantly downregulated miR‐146a, and an obvious reduction of interleukin‐1‐receptor‐associated kinase 1were also detected, whereas tumor necrosis factor‐receptor‐associated factor 6 remained unchanged. Besides, there was a significant reduction of alanine transaminase, aspertate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.ConclusionSimvastatin treatment could inhibit inflammation and senescence‐associated genes in older patients with hyperlipidemia, suggesting its application in inflammatory and age‐related diseases. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 322–328.
Viral and inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with HIV‐1‐associated neurocognitive impairment during antiretroviral treatment switch
Authors: Tiraboschi JM , Muñoz‐Moreno JA , Puertas MC , Alonso‐Villaverde C , Prats A , Ferrer E , Rozas N , Maso M , Ouchi D , Martinez‐Picado J , Podzamczer D 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate HIV‐1 viral load (VL) and inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neurocognitive performance in patients with neurocognitive impairment (NCI) while they were receiving tenofovir (TDF)/ emtricitabine (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) and after switching to a regimen with enhanced central nervous system (CNS) penetrability.MethodsThis was a prospective, single‐arm pilot study. HIV‐1‐infected patients with plasma viral suppression and HIV‐associated NCI on a regimen including TDF/FTC/EFV were switched to abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC)/maraviroc (MVC). The Global Deficit Score (GDS) was used to score cognitive function at baseline and 48 weeks after treatment switch. Both CSF and blood samples were taken at baseline and between weeks 24 and 36 after switching. HIV‐1 RNA in plasma and CSF was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase−polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Inflammatory biomarkers in CSF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsA total of 71 patients receiving TDF/FTC/EFV were screened. Twelve of them (17%) had documented NCI, lacked the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*57:01 haplotype and harboured Chemokine Receptor Type‐5 (CCR5)‐tropic virus. Eight patients had detectable HIV‐1 RNA (between 2.7 and 41.6 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) in CSF at baseline. All participants had elevated levels of neopterin and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP‐1) in CSF at baseline. Eight out of 12 patients completed their follow‐up assessment after treatment switch. The GDS decreased from 0.55 to 0.4 (P = 0.085). Median HIV‐1 RNA in CSF decreased from 3.49 to 2.20 (P = 0.23). Among the inflammation markers in CSF, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α decreased significantly from median 0.51 to 0.35 pg/mL (P = 0.027), showing a correlation with the changes in neopterin, interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐6.ConclusionsMost patients with NCI receiving TDF/FTC/EFV had low‐level viraemia and/or increased inflammatory markers in CSF. Treatment switching to an MVC‐containing regimen with better CNS penetration resulted in a trend towards improvement in neurocognitive status and reduced TNF‐α concentrations in CSF.
Childhood Pre‐B acute lymphoblastic leukemia and glutathione S‐transferase omega 1 and 2 polymorphisms
Authors: Rezazadeh D. , Moradi M.‐T. , Kazemi A. , Mansouri K. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIntroductionAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent malignancy among children and makes up 23% of total childhood cancers worldwide. Pre‐B ALL is one of the most common ALLs, comprising about 80% of childhood cases. A variety of genes are involved in metabolizing carcinogens. These gene polymorphisms can result in less efficient or overly‐down metabolic pathways, which may contribute to the susceptibility to develop cancer. Glutathione S‐transferase omega (GSTO) is a new known class among GSTs superfamily. GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms have been reported to be related to several types of disease. We assessed the association between GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms and childhood pre‐B ALL risk in Iran.MethodsThis case–control study analyzed GSTO1 A140D (rs. 4925) and GSTO2 N142D (rs. 156697) gene polymorphisms using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method, in 100 patients and 120 healthy controls.ResultsThe genotype frequencies were not significantly different between patients and healthy controls. Odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for mutant homozygotes were 1.54 (0.628–3.778) and 0.791 (0.349–1.793) for GSTO1 A140D and GSTO2 N142D, respectively.ConclusionThis study found no significant association between Pre‐B ALL and GSTO1 A140D and GSTO2 N142D polymorphisms.
Chronic bacterial seminal vesiculitis as a potential disease entity in men with chronic prostatitis
Authors: Park Soo‐Hwan , Ryu Ji‐Kan , Choo Gwoan‐Youb , Chung Yeun‐Goo , Seong Do‐Hwan , Kim Chang‐Ho , Choe Won‐Sik , Ryu Dong‐Soo , Hyun In Young , Suh Jun‐Kyu 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate bacterial infection in the seminal vesicles by bacteriological examination and radionuclide imaging in men with chronic prostatitis.MethodsThe study included 50 patients with chronic prostatitis who showed hot uptake in seminal vesicles on Tc‐99 m ciprofloxacin imaging and eight patients who did not show hot uptake. The evaluation included the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and four‐glass test. In all participants, transperineal aspiration of seminal vesicle fluid under the guidance of transrectal ultrasonography and bacteriological examination was carried out.ResultsOf the 50 patients who showed hot uptake in the seminal vesicles on the isotope study, microorganisms were isolated from the seminal vesicle fluid in 17 patients (positive predictive value, 34%). The most common causative organisms were Escherichia coli in 13 patients (26%), followed by coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus species in two patients (4%), Enterococcus faecalis in one patient (2%) and Chlamydia trachomatis in one patient (2%). No microorganisms were isolated in the eight patients who did not show hot uptake in the seminal vesicles (negative predictive value, 100%). However, there were no significant differences in National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index total scores and subscores between the study groups.ConclusionsChronic bacterial seminal vesiculitis might simultaneously affect a considerable portion of patients with chronic prostatitis, although the clinical implication of the disease remains to be further investigated.
A Conversation with John C. Gower
Authors: Cox David R. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryEditors' Note: This conversation covers the extensive contributions of John C. Gower to statistical methodology, computing and applications. It also touches on the pioneering development of statistical computing at Rothamsted Experimental Station and the relevant work of Frank Yates, John Nelder and others who were at Rothamsted. See also the accompanying paper by John Gower (1985) on developments in statistical computing at Rothamsted (see Note 1) and the epilogue from Roger Payne.
Evaluation of Cold Tolerance in NERICAs Compared with Japanese Standard Rice Varieties at the Reproductive Stage
Authors: Wainaina C. M. , Inukai Y. , Masinde P. W. , Ateka E. M. , Murage H. , Kano‐Nakata M. , Nakajima Y. , Terashima T. , Mizukami Y. , Nakamura M. , Nonoyama T. , Saka N. , Asanuma S. , Yamauchi A. , Kitano H. , Kimani J. , Makihara D. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNew Rice for Africa (NERICA) is a general name for interspecific rice varieties derived from a cross between the high‐yielding Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) between locally adapted African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.). Eight NERICAs were evaluated for cold tolerance (CT) at the reproductive stage and compared with their O. sativa parents and three Japanese standard rice varieties over 3 years. Cold tolerance was evaluated based on the filled grain ratio (FGR) after cold water irrigation. The FGR was greatly reduced by cold water irrigation. NERICA 1, 2 and 7 had higher FGR (51.9–57.9 %), while NERICA 6, 15 and 16 had lower FGR (6.2–14.5 %). NERICA 1, 2 and 7 were less affected by cold stress, with a 31 % mean reduction in FGR, while NERICA 6, 15 and 16 were greatly affected, with their FGRs being reduced by more than 80 %. NERICA 3 and 4 were moderately affected by cold stress, with about 45 % reduction rate in FGR. FGR significantly influenced the grain weights of the varieties with strong positive correlations (r = 0.83–0.91; P < 0.001), and thus, similar trends in grain weights were observed. Grain weights were reduced by 61.7–96.4 % under cold stress. NERICA 1, 2 and 7 showed significantly better performance than NERICA 3 and 4, while NERICA 6, 15 and 16 performed poorly under cold water irrigation. The Japanese varieties Koshihikari (very tolerant) and Ozora (moderately tolerant) were more affected by cold water irrigation than NERICA 1, 2 and 7. On the basis of the mean reduction rate (%) in FGR under cold stress, the varieties were classified as follows: NERICA 1, 2 and 7 as tolerant; NERICA 3 and 4 as moderately tolerant; and NERICA 6, 15 and 16 as susceptible to cold stress. However, NERICA 7 grain yields were lower under cold stress due to both greatly reduced number of panicles per plant and number of spikelets per panicle. Therefore, NERICA 1 and 2 are suitable candidates for production in the highland regions of East Africa and should be promoted for production.
Identification of TMPRSS6 cleavage sites of hemojuvelin
Authors: Rausa Marco , Ghitti Michela , Pagani Alessia , Nai Antonella , Campanella Alessandro , Musco Giovanna , Camaschella Clara , Silvestri Laura 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHemojuvelin (HJV), the coreceptor of the BMP‐SMAD pathway that up‐regulates hepcidin transcription, is a repulsive guidance molecule (RGMc) which undergoes a complex intracellular processing. Following autoproteolysis, it is exported to the cell surface both as a full‐length and a heterodimeric protein. In vitro membrane HJV (m‐HJV) is cleaved by the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS6 to attenuate signalling and to inhibit hepcidin expression. In this study, we investigated the number and position of HJV cleavage sites by mutagenizing arginine residues (R), potential TMPRSS6 targets, to alanine (A). We analysed translation and membrane expression of HJV R mutants and the pattern of fragments they release in the culture media in the presence of TMPRSS6. Abnormal fragments were observed for mutants at arginine 121, 176, 218, 288 and 326. Considering that all variants, except HJVR121A, lack autoproteolytic activity and some (HJVR176A and HJVR288A) are expressed at reduced levels on cell surface, we identified the fragments originating from either full‐length or heterodimeric proteins and defined the residues 121 and 326 as the TMPRSS6 cleavage sites in both isoforms. Using the N‐terminal FLAG‐tagged HJV, we showed that residue 121 is critical also in the rearrangement of the N‐terminal heterodimeric HJV. Exploiting the recently reported RGMb crystallographic structure, we generated a model of HJV that was used as input structure for all‐atoms molecular dynamics simulation in explicit solvent. As assessed by in silico studies, we concluded that some arginines in the von Willebrand domain appear TMPRSS6 insensitive, likely because of partial protein structure destabilization.
Another functional frame‐shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) associated with male infertility
Authors: Duan Shiwei , Shi Changgeng , Chen Guowu , Zheng Ju‐fen , Wu Bin , Diao Hua , Ji Lindan , Gu Yihua , Xin Aijie , Wu Yancheng , Zhou Weijin , Miao Maohua , Xu Limin , Li Zheng , Yuan Yao , Wang Peng , Shi Huijuan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDEFB126 rs140685149 mutation was shown to cause sperm dysfunction and subfertility. Indel rs11467497 is another 4‐nucleotide frame‐shift mutation (151bp upstream of rs140685149) that leads to the premature termination of translation and the expression of peptide truncated at the carboxyl terminus. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive association study to check the contribution of rs140685149 and rs11467497 to male infertility. Our results confirmed the previous findings that there was no association between rs140685149 and sperm motility. In contrast, we found a significant association of another indel rs11467497 with male infertility. Moreover, rs11467497 was shown to be associated with higher number of round cells in the infertile males with low sperm motility. Surprisingly, the two mutations commonly existed in the sperm donors (n = 672), suggesting a potential application of the two indels in the screening for eligible sperm donors. Western blotting assays showed the sperms with rs140685149 2‐nt deletion tended to have unstable DEFB126 protein in contrast of no DEFB126 protein expressed in the sperms with rs11467497 4‐nt deletion, suggesting a more severe consequence caused by rs11467497 mutation. In conclusion, our study presented a significant contribution of another functional frame‐shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) to male infertility.
Efficacy and safety of linagliptin monotherapy in Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: A multinational, 24‐week, randomized, clinical trial
Authors: Chen Yuhong , Ning Guang , Wang Changjiang , Gong Yan , Patel Sanjay , Zhang Candice , Izumoto Toshiyasu , Woerle Hans‐Juergen , Wang Weiqing 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionAsian patients represent a large portion of the global population with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but are underrepresented in trials of glucose‐lowering therapies. The present randomized, phase III, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, 24‐week study evaluated the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, linagliptin, as monotherapy in Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsPatients who were treatment naïve or had been treated with one oral antidiabetes drug were randomized to either linagliptin 5 mg daily or a placebo after washout. The primary end‐point was a change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin after 24 weeks.ResultsA total of 300 Asian (87% Chinese) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomized to linagliptin or placebo at a 2:1 ratio. After 24 weeks of treatment, adjusted mean (standard error) glycated hemoglobin decreased by a placebo‐corrected −0.50 ± 0.11 (P < 0.0001). In patients with baseline glycated hemoglobin ≥8.5%, the placebo‐corrected decrease in glycated hemoglobin was −0.91 ± 0.20% (P < 0.0001). Adverse events occurred in 28.0 and 28.3% of linagliptin and placebo patients, respectively, but few were drug‐related (3.0 and 2.0%, respectively). Hypoglycemia was reported by one linagliptin patient and no placebo patients. Treatment with linagliptin was weight neutral.ConclusionsIn Asian patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, linagliptin 5 mg as monotherapy was efficacious and well tolerated over 24 weeks.
Parallels between two geographically and ecologically disparate cave invasions by the same species,Asellus aquaticus(Isopoda,Crustacea)
Authors: Konec M. , Prevorčnik S. , Sarbu S. M. , Verovnik R. , Trontelj P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCaves are long‐known examples of evolutionary replications where similar morphologies (troglomorphies) evolve independently as the result of strong natural selection of the extreme environment. Recently, this paradigm has been challenged based on observations that troglomorphies are inconsistent across taxa and different subterranean habitats. We investigated the degree of replicated phenotypic change in two independent cave invasions by the freshwater isopodAsellus aquaticus; the first in a sulphidic aquifer in Romania, the second in a sinking river in the Dinaric Karst in Slovenia. Both ancestral surface populations still live alongside the subterranean ones. Phylogenetic analyses show independence of the two colonization events, and microsatellite analysis shows no evidence of ongoing genetic exchange between surface and subterranean ecomorphs. The overall morphology has changed dramatically at both sites (50 of 62 morphometric traits). The amount of phenotypic change did not reflect differences in genetic diversity between the two ancestral populations. Multivariate analyses revealed divergent evolution in caves, not parallel or convergent as predicted by the current paradigm. Still, 18 traits changed in a parallel fashion, including eye and pigment loss and antennal elongation. These changes might be a consequence of darkness as the only common ecological feature, because Romanian caves are chemoautotrophic and rich in food, whereas Slovenian caves are not. Overall, these results show that morphologically alike surface populations can diverge after invading different subterranean habitats, and that only about one‐third of all changing traits behave as troglomorphies in the traditional sense.