bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
General stress sigma factor RpoS influences time required to enter the viable but non‐culturable state in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Kusumoto Akiko , Asakura Hiroshi , Kawamoto Keiko 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTIn stressful conditions, bacteria enter into the viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state; in this state, they are alive but fail to grow on conventional media on which they normally grow and develop into colonies. The molecular basis underlying this state is unknown. We investigated the role of the alternative sigma factor RpoS (σ38) in the VBNC induction using Salmonella Dublin, Salmonella Oranienburg and Salmonella Typhimurium LT2. VBNC was induced by osmotic stress in LT2 and Oranienburg. Dublin also entered the VBNC state, but more slowly than LT2 and Oranienburg did. The LT2 rpoS gene was initiated from an alternative initiation codon, TTG; therefore, LT2 had smaller amounts of RpoS than Dublin and Oranienburg. Oranienburg had a single amino acid substitution (D118N) in RpoS (RpoSSO). Disruption of rpoS caused rapid VBNC induction. VBNC induction was significantly delayed by Dublin‐type RpoS (RpoSSD), but only slightly by RpoSSO. These results indicate that RpoS delays VBNC induction and that the rapid induction of VBNC in LT2 and Oranienburg may be due to lower levels of RpoS and to the D118N amino acid substitution, respectively. Reduced RpoS intracellular level was observed during VBNC induction. During the VBNC induction, Salmonella might regulate RpoS which is important for maintenance of culturablity under stresses.
Meta‐analysis: oral anti‐viral agents in adults with decompensated hepatitis B virus cirrhosis
Authors: Singal A. K. , Fontana R. J. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe optimal oral anti‐viral agent to use in patients with decompensated HBV cirrhosis remains unclear.AimWe performed a meta‐analysis of the oral nucleos(t)ide analogues in patients with decompensated HBV cirrhosis.MethodsOne year efficacy and safety outcomes in 22 studies published in English between95 and 2010 were analysed.ResultsSubstantial heterogeneity was noted in the inclusion/exclusion criteria, controls, and sensitivity of the HBV DNA assay used. Pooled 1‐year data showed benefit favouring lamivudine (LAM) vs. untreated controls for Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score improvement by ≥2 (OR: 117 (15 921), P ≤ 0.0001) and transplant‐free survival (OR: 3.2 (1.2, 9), P = 0.022). Adefovir (ADV) led to undetectable HBV DNA at 1‐year in 41% compared to 83% with LAM and 80% with entecavir (ETV). Overall, 1‐year transplant‐free survival rates varied from 78% with LAM to 95% and 94% with Tenofovir (TDF) and Telbivudine (TBV), respectively. The 1‐year incidence of drug resistant HBV was 0% with ADV, ETV and TDF and 11% with LAM although TBV was associated with a 29% incidence at 2 years. Drug‐related adverse events were infrequently reported.ConclusionsAll the oral anti‐viral agents were associated with improved virological, biochemical and clinical parameters at 1‐year. However, the efficacy of lamivudine and telbivudine is limited by drug resistance, and adefovir is limited by its potency and slower onset of action. Additional studies of tenofovir and entecavir are needed to determine the optimal agent(s) for treatment naïve patients and in those with drug‐resistant decompensated HBV cirrhosis.
The evolution of the high‐elevated depocenters of the northern Sierras Pampeanas (ca. 28˚ SL), Argentine broken foreland, South‐Central Andes: the Pipanaco Basin
Authors: Dávila Federico M. , Giménez Mario E. , Nóbile Julieta C. , Martínez M. Patricia 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Pipanaco Basin, in the southern margin of the Andean Puna plateau at ca. 28°SL, is one of the largest and highest intermontane basins within the northernmost Argentine broken foreland. With a surface elevation >1000 m above sea level, this basin represents a strategic location to understand the subsidence and subsequent uplift history of high‐elevation depositional surfaces within the distal Andean foreland. However, the stratigraphic record of the Pipanaco Basin is almost entirely within the subsurface, and no geophysical surveys have been conducted in the region. A high‐resolution gravity study has been designed to understand the subsurface basin geometry. This study, together with stratigraphic correlations and flexural and backstripping analysis, suggests that the region was dominated by a regional subsidence episode of ca. 2 km during the Miocene‐Pliocene, followed by basement thrusting and ca. 1–1.5 km of sediment filling within restricted intermontane basin between the Pliocene‐Pleistocene. Based on the present‐day position of the basement top as well as the Neogene‐Present sediment thicknesses across the Sierras Pampeanas, which show slight variations along strike, sediment aggradation is not the most suitable process to account for the increase in the topographic level of the high‐elevation, close‐drainage basins of Argentina. The close correlation between the depth to basement and the mean surface elevations recorded in different swaths indicates that deep‐seated geodynamic process affected the northern Sierras Pampeanas. Seismic tomography, as well as a preliminary comparison between the isostatic and seismic Moho, suggests a buoyant lithosphere beneath the northern Sierras Pampeanas, which might have driven the long‐wavelength rise of this part of the broken foreland after the major phase of deposition in these Andean basins.
Generalist predation on forest tent caterpillar varies with forest stand composition: an experimental study across multiple life stages
Authors: NIXON AMY E. , ROLAND JENS 
Published: January 2012

1. Generalist enemies can regulate low‐density forest insect populations, and are widely considered to cause greater mortality in more diverse habitats. Forest tent caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria Hübner; FTC) are a major defoliator of aspen (Populus tremuloides Micheaux) in the boreal forest, a region with a mosaic of forest stand types. This heterogeneity may influence FTC outbreaks if generalist predation or parasitism differs among stands of different tree composition.2. Using exclusion experiments we estimate predation and parasitism of FTC across multiple life‐history stages in low‐density populations occupying both aspen (low diversity) and mixedwood stands (high diversity).3. Arthropod and avian generalist predators were responsible for most natural enemy‐caused mortality of immature FTC, but their relative impacts varied among FTC life‐history stages. Contrary to expectation, predation on late instar larvae and pupae was higher in the less diverse aspen stands and early instar mortality did not differ.4. By considering multiple life‐history stages, our results provide a more comprehensive view of natural enemy‐caused morality of immature FTC. Because generalist predation on FTC was higher in aspen than in mixedwood stands, we suggest that FTC populations may be slower to reach outbreak levels in aspen stands.
Non‐consumptive effects of a natural enemy on a non‐prey herbivore population
Authors: FILL ANDREW , LONG ELIZABETH Y. , FINKE DEBORAH L. 
Published: January 2012

1. Predator–prey interactions have traditionally focused on the consumptive effects that predators have on prey. However, predators can also reduce the abundance of prey through behaviourally‐mediated non‐consumptive effects. For example, pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) drop from their host plants in response to the risk of attack, reducing population sizes as a consequence of lost feeding opportunities.2. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the non‐consumptive effects of predators could extend to non‐prey herbivore populations as a result of non‐lethal incidental interactions between herbivores and foraging natural enemies.3. Polyculture habitats consisting of green peach aphids (Myzus persicae Sulzer) feeding on collards and pea aphids feeding on fava beans were established in greenhouse cages. Aphidius colemani Viereck, a generalist parasitoid that attacks green peach aphids but not pea aphids, was released into half of the cages and the abundance of the non‐host pea aphid was assessed.4. Parasitoids reduced the population growth of the non‐host pea aphid by increasing the frequency of defensive drops; but this effect was dependent on the presence of green peach aphids.5. Parasitoids probably elicited the pea aphid dropping behaviour through physical contact with pea aphids while foraging for green peach aphids. It is unlikely that pea aphids were responding to volatile alarm chemicals emitted by green peach aphids in the presence of the parasitoid.6. In conclusion, the escape response of the pea aphid provided the opportunity for a parasitoid to have non‐target effects on an herbivore with which it did not engage in a trophic interaction. The implication is that natural enemies with narrow diet breadths have the potential to influence the abundance of a broad range of prey and non‐prey species via non‐consumptive effects.
What shapes local density? The importance of migration rates and local growth for density‐patch size relationships in two Cionus weevils
Authors: ANDERSSON PETTER , HAMBÄCK PETER A. 
Published: January 2012

1. The relative effect of migration and local growth on the spatio‐temporal density‐distribution of two co‐existing herbivorous weevils, Cionus scrophulariae L. and C. tuberculosus Scop., in 32 host plant Scrophularia nodosa L. patches of varying sizes was investigated.2. Predictions of the temporal development of the slope in the density‐patch size relationships were derived from a basic population model with scale‐dependent migration rates. The model indicated that the slopes in the density‐patch size relationships during the early season should be reflected by the net scaling of immigration and emigration rates, whereas the slopes during the later season should increase as a result of local growth.3. Emigration rates of the weevils were estimated in a field experiment, were the weevils coexisted in space and time. These results were then combined with a previous estimate of immigration rates in order to determine the net scaling of migration rates.4. The emigration rate differed between species, caused by different movement rates in small patches, which could explain differences in the general slope of the density‐patch size relationships of the weevils in the natural figwort patches throughout the summer. The slopes in the relationships in the early season were largely predicted by the net scaling of migration rates. The slope also increased in the later season for C. tuberculosus, whereas the slope decreased for C. scrophulariae.5. It was concluded that the understanding of both inter‐ and intra‐specific variations in density‐patch size relationships of insect herbivores can be improved using population models incorporating scale‐dependent migration and local growth.
A seed parasitoid wasp prevents berries from changing their colour, reducing their attractiveness to frugivorous birds
Authors: TAKAGI ETSURO , IGUCHI KAZUNOBU , SUZUKI MASANORI , TOGASHI KATSUMI 
Published: January 2012

1. Frugivorous and seed‐feeding insects may alter the traits of fruits, such as shape and size, which may influence fruit attractiveness to frugivorous birds. Consequently, trait‐mediated interactions may occur in systems where plants, seed‐dispersing frugivorous vertebrates, and frugivorous or seed‐feeding insects interact. We investigated colour manipulation in Ilex integra Thunb. berries caused by the seed parasitoid wasp Macrodasyceras hirsutum Kamijo and how that manipulation relates to fruit attractiveness for frugivorous birds.2. In winter, the colour of I. integra berries varied from green to red, but most berries were greenish, indicating that the berries were immature. Berry dissection indicated that the number of live parasitoid larvae present within each berry was closely related to berry colour – the greater the number of live larvae, more intense is the green colour of the berry. However, the wasp larvae did not modify the shape or size of the berries. More than 98% of berries that were protected from the insects by gauze bags ripened and turned red. In the present study, berries with unfertilised seeds alone turned red. Field‐feeding preference tests showed that the brown‐eared bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis Temminck preferred red berries to green berries.3. We demonstrated that the seed parasitoid wasp manipulates the berry colour, but not its shape or size, in a density‐dependent manner. Because green berries suffered less from bird foraging, we believe that this colour manipulation helps the wasps to avoid being killed by the birds. The present study indicates that manipulation by wasps may reduce the level of mutualism between the tree and seed‐dispersing birds.
The formation of P particle increased immunogenicity of norovirus P protein
Authors: Tan Ming , Jiang Xi 
Published: January 2012

SummaryAs a commentary on a recently published paper in Immunology, this article summaries the principle of norovirus P particle as a promising vaccine against noroviruses. It emphasizes the importance of P particle formation in the immune enhancement of the vaccine and methods for production/verification of high quality P particles which may be easily neglected by researchers.
Mutualistic cleaner fish initiate trait‐mediated indirect interactions by influencing the behaviour of coral predators
Authors: Adam Thomas C. 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. Indirect interactions resulting from changes in organismal traits such as behaviour [i.e. trait‐mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs)] are widespread in biological communities, yet few studies have explored the potential for mutualisms to initiate TMIIs.2. This study used a combination of behavioural observations and manipulative field experiments to investigate potential TMIIs resulting from a mutualism between specialized cleaner fish and the ‘clients’ that visit cleaners for the removal of ectoparasites.3. Behavioural observations indicate that the bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, increases local predation pressure on corals at cleaner stations by attracting corallivorous butterflyfish to their territories.4. Observations of the ornate butterflyfish, Chaetodon ornatissimus, suggest a trade‐off between seeking cleaning and foraging; individuals decreased their foraging rate at cleaner stations and shifted their diet to include a greater proportion of less preferred prey items. Nonetheless, predation pressure on corals was higher at cleaner stations because the spatial response of butterflyfish to cleaners more than compensated for their lower foraging rates.5. The results of a field experiment suggest that the greater predation pressure observed at cleaner stations may be sufficient to reduce the growth rate of the unpreferred coral Porites rus.6. Together, these results emphasize the need to consider mutualists as potential initiators of TMIIs and highlight the importance of integrating individual movement into conceptual analyses of TMIIs.
Sodium intake and excretion in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional analysis of overweight and obese males and females in Australia
Authors: Villani A. M. , Clifton P. M. , Keogh J. B. 
Published: January 2012

How to cite this article
Villani A.M., Clifton P.M. & Keogh J.B. (2012) Sodium intake and excretion in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional analysis of overweight and obese males and females in Australia. J Hum Nutr Diet.25, 129–139AbstractBackground:  Hypertension is common in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dietary sodium plays an important regulatory role in blood pressure management. However, dietary sodium intakes and the major food sources of dietary sodium have yet to be thoroughly investigated in individuals with T2DM.Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study sample of 88 overweight and obese men (n = 52) and women (n = 36) with T2DM in Adelaide, Australia, sodium intake and excretion was investigated using two different methodologies, including a 4‐day weighed food record and 24‐h urinary sodium excretion. The major dietary contributors to sodium intake in this population were also explored.Results:  Mean (SD) 24‐h urinary sodium excretion was greater (P < 0.001) in males [195.1 (74.6) mmol] compared to females [144.3 (41.8) mmol]. Breads and cereals (B&Cs) were the largest contributors to dietary sodium intake (23% of intake). There was an association between sodium intake from B&Cs and 24‐h urinary sodium excretion (r = 0.235; P = 0.02); however, when controlled for gender, B&Cs were not associated with urinary sodium excretion (males, r = 0.134; P = 0.343; females, r = 0.102; P = 0.554).Conclusions:  The findings of the present study show that sodium intake and excretion in individuals with T2DM is more than two‐fold greater than the current recommendations for chronic disease prevention. B&Cs were the major dietary contributors of sodium intake, suggesting that they are primary targets for a reduction in their sodium content.
Silica–rubber microstructure visualised in three dimensions by focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy
Authors: TUNNICLIFFE L.B. , THOMAS A.G. , BUSFIELD J.J.C. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryA focused ion beam–scanning electron microscope (FIB–SEM) technique for three‐dimensional reconstruction and representation of material microstructures was applied to a silica‐filled synthetic rubber for the first time. Backscattered electron imaging allowed differentiation between rubber matrix, silica filler and zinc oxide (used as an activator for the sulphur vulcanisation reaction). Subsequent image processing allowed three‐dimensional isosurface model generation of the particulate structure within the rubber composite and separation of zinc oxide from the silica filler. The potential for development and application of this technique using finite element analysis modelling is also highlighted.
Localization of mGluR5, GABAB, GABAA, and cannabinoid receptors on the vago‐vagal reflex pathway responsible for transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in humans: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Rohof W. O. , Aronica E. , Beaumont H. , Troost D. , Boeckxstaens G. E. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) are the predominant mechanisms underlying gastro‐esophageal reflux. TLESRs are mediated by a vago‐vagal reflex, which can be blocked by interaction with metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5), γ‐aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB), γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA), and cannabinoid (CB) receptors. However, the distribution of these receptors in the neural pathway underlying the triggering of TLESRs has not been evaluated in humans.Methods  Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated the distribution of mGluR5, GABAA, GABAB, CB1, and CB2 receptors in the human nodose ganglion, the brain stem, and the myenteric plexus of the esophagus.Key Results  MGluR5, GABAB, CB1, and CB2 receptors are abundantly expressed in neurons of the myenteric plexus of the LES, nodose ganglion cell bodies and nerve fibers, the dorsal motor nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract in the brain stem. GABAA receptors are expressed in the same regions except in the nodose ganglion and myenteric plexus of the LES.Conclusions & Inferences  Human mGluR5, GABAA,B, and CB1,2 receptors are abundantly expressed along the vago‐vagal neural pathway and involved in the triggering of TLESRs. These findings are not only in line with the central side effects observed during treatment with reflux inhibitors such as GABAB receptor agonists and mGluR5 antagonists, but also suggest that peripherally acting compounds may be effective.
Effects of the NK1 antagonist, aprepitant, on response to oral and intranasal oxycodone in prescription opioid abusers
Authors: Walsh Sharon L. , Heilig Markus , Nuzzo Paul A. , Henderson Pam , Lofwall Michelle R. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTPre‐clinical studies suggest that the neurokinin‐1 (NK1) receptor may modulate the response to opioids, with NK1 inactivation leading to decreased opioid reinforcement, tolerance and withdrawal. Aprepitant is a selective NK1 antagonist currently marketed for clinical use as an anti‐emetic. This 6‐week in‐patient study used a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, within‐subject, crossover design. Subjects (n = 8; 6 male/2 female) were healthy, adult volunteers who provided subjective and objective evidence of current prescription opioid abuse (without physical dependence) and underwent careful medical and psychiatric screening. Fifteen experimental conditions, consisting of one aprepitant dose (0, 40 and 200 mg, p.o. given as a 2‐hour pre‐treatment) in combination with one oxycodone dose [placebo, oral (20 and 40 mg/70 kg) and intranasal (15 and 30 mg/70 kg)], were examined. Sessions were conducted at least 48‐hour apart and multi‐dimensional measures were collected repeatedly throughout the 6‐hour session duration. Oxycodone, by both routes of administration, produced significant dose‐related effects on the predicted measures (e.g. subjective measures of abuse liability, respiratory depression and miosis). Pre‐treatment with aprepitant (200 mg) significantly enhanced ratings of oxycodone subjective effects related to euphoria and liking and doubled the street value estimates for the highest test doses of oxycodone by both routes. Some objective measures (respiratory function, observer‐rated opioid agonist effects) were similarly enhanced by pre‐treatment with the highest dose of aprepitant. All dose combinations were safely tolerated. These findings are discussed in the context of the potential utility of NK1 antagonists in the treatment of opioid use disorders.
EAACI consensus statement for investigation of work‐related asthma in non‐specialized centres
Authors: Moscato G. , Pala G. , Barnig C. , De Blay F. , Del Giacco S. R. , Folletti I. , Heffler E. , Maestrelli P. , Pauli G. , Perfetti L. , Quirce S. , Sastre J. , Siracusa A. , Walusiak‐Skorupa J. , van Wjik R. Gerth 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWork‐related asthma (WRA) is a relevant problem in several countries, is cause of disability and socioeconomic consequences for both the patient and the society and is probably still underdiagnosed. A correct diagnosis is extremely important to reduce or limit the consequences of the disease. This consensus document was prepared by a EAACI Task Force consisting of an expert panel of allergologists, pneumologists and occupational physicians from different European countries. This document is not intended to address in detail the full diagnostic work‐up of WRA, nor to be a formal evidence‐based guideline. It is written to provide an operative protocol to allergologists and physicians dealing with asthma useful for identifying the subjects suspected of having WRA to address them to in‐depth investigations in a specialized centre. No evidence‐based system could be used because of the low grade of evidence of published studies in this area, and instead, ‘key messages’ or ‘suggestions’ are provided based on consensus of the expert panel members.