bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient supply alters goldenrod's induced response to herbivory
Authors: Burghardt Karin T.
Published: May 2016

Recent interest in using trait‐based approaches to understand and predict ecosystem processes and evolutionary responses to environmental change highlights the need to understand the relative importance of genetic and environmental sources of intraspecific trait variation within local populations of dominant species.

Here, I combine plant defence theory with functional approaches to quantify genetic trait variation and phenotypic trait plasticity of nine goldenrod (Solidago altissima) genotypes derived from a local field population in Connecticut, USA, to herbivory along a nutrient supply gradient.

I found that increasing nutrient supply changed the dominant plant defence strategy from tolerance to induced resistance. Induced resistance was detected through decreased herbivore growth rates and a behavioural feeding shift of grasshoppers to older leaf tissue. This could not be fully accounted for through stoichiometric changes in leaf tissue quality.

A multidimensional phenotype approach revealed that abiotic and biotic environments (nutrients and herbivory) accounted for almost as much whole‐plant trait variation (31%) as did plant genotype (36%). Increasing nutrient supply and herbivory resulted in independent and differential effects on whole‐plant trait expression. Increasing both treatments concurrently produced a unique plant phenotype with increased leaf carbon content and allocation to asexual reproduction (E × E).

Notably, individual genotypes exhibited different magnitudes of multivariate trait plasticity to nutrient and herbivory gradients. However, the population of genotypes as a whole within a given environment expressed an approximately equal magnitude of trait variation across both permissive (high nutrient, no herbivory) and stressful (low nutrient, high herbivory) environments.

Quantifying plasticity in defensive strategy in concert with correlated whole‐plant trait expression changes across multiple abiotic and biotic factors may be key to providing a mechanistic understanding of how heterogeneous landscapes impact community interactions and ecosystem processes.

Alay summaryis available for this article.
Role of peptide YY in 5‐fluorouracil‐induced reduction of dietary intake
Authors: Sakai Hiroyasu , Kai Yuki , Takase Kazuhide , Sato Ken , Kimura Minami , Tabata Shoko , Yaegashi Miyabi , Sato Fumiaki , Yomoto Tetsuro , Narita Minoru
Published: May 2016

5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) is part of the standard care for cancer treatment but is associated with high incidences of appetite loss and reduced food intake, which may contribute to chemotherapy‐induced cachexia (weakness and wasting of tissue). The role of gastrointestinal satiety hormones in chemotherapy‐induced appetite loss has not been intensively investigated. Peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 are important signals of gastrointestinal satiety, so this study examined the roles of these gut hormones in 5‐FU‐induced reduction of dietary intake. Mice were given 5‐FU (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) every day for 4 consecutive days. Gene expression levels of proglucagon (Pro‐Gcg), a precursor of GLP‐1, and PYY in the colon were examined by real‐time RT‐PCR. Serum levels of GLP‐1 and PYY were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Some mice were pretreated with the GLP‐1 receptor antagonist exendin9–39 (1 mg/kg) or the neuropeptide Y type 2 (NPY2) receptor antagonist BIIE0246 (2 mg/kg) via the i.p. route 30 minutes before 5‐FU administration. Mice receiving 5‐FU exhibited a significant reduction in food intake that was correlated with body weight loss. These mice also showed significantly enhanced expression levels of mRNAs encoding pro‐GLP‐1 and PYY in the transverse and distal colon as well as elevated serum concentrations of GLP‐1 and PYY compared to vehicle‐treated controls. The 5‐FU‐induced reduction in food intake was attenuated by BIIE0246 but not by exendin9–39. These data suggest that administration of a NPY2 receptor antagonist may be effective for attenuating the anorexia caused by 5‐FU chemotherapy.
Estimating abundance and density of Amur tigers along the Sino–Russian border
Authors: XIAO Wenhong , FENG Limin , MOU Pu , MIQUELLE Dale G. , HEBBLEWHITE Mark , GOLDBERG Joshua F. , ROBINSON Hugh S. , ZHAO Xiaodan , ZHOU Bo , WANG Tianming , GE Jianping
Published: May 2016

As an apex predator the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) could play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems in Northeast Asia. Due to habitat loss and harvest over the past century, tigers rapidly declined in China and are now restricted to the Russian Far East and bordering habitat in nearby China. To facilitate restoration of the tiger in its historical range, reliable estimates of population size are essential to assess effectiveness of conservation interventions. Here we used camera trap data collected in Hunchun National Nature Reserve from April to June 2013 and 2014 to estimate tiger density and abundance using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) methods. A minimum of 8 individuals were detected in both sample periods and the documentation of marking behavior and reproduction suggests the presence of a resident population. Using Bayesian SECR modeling within the 11 400 km2 state space, density estimates were 0.33 and 0.40 individuals/100 km2 in 2013 and 2014, respectively, corresponding to an estimated abundance of 38 and 45 animals for this transboundary Sino–Russian population. In a maximum likelihood framework, we estimated densities of 0.30 and 0.24 individuals/100 km2 corresponding to abundances of 34 and 27, in 2013 and 2014, respectively. These density estimates are comparable to other published estimates for resident Amur tiger populations in the Russian Far East. This study reveals promising signs of tiger recovery in Northeast China, and demonstrates the importance of connectivity between the Russian and Chinese populations for recovering tigers in Northeast China.
Relationship between FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene and fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Maraslı Erdem , Ozdolap Senay , Sarıkaya Selda
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene FokI polymorphism frequencies distribution in subjects with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) compared to healthy controls.

Method

Using a case‐control design, 100 female patients, who were diagnosed with FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria and 100 healthy female subjects were enrolled in this study. FokI polymorphisms of the VDR gene were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in both groups.

Results

No significant differences in the frequencies distribution of both genotype and alleles of the FokI polymorphism in the VDR gene were observed between the two groups.

Conclusion

The relationship between VDR gene FokI polymorphism and FMS, particularly in Turkish women, could not be determined in this study. However, further studies with larger patient numbers may be needed to prove a relation between VDR gene polymorphism and FMS.
Expression of Concern: Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Zamani Batol , Golkar Hamid R. , Farshbaf Shima , Emadi‐Baygi Modjtaba , Tajabadi‐Ebrahimi Maryam , Jafari Parvaneh , Akhavan Reyhaneh , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Memarzadeh Mohammad R. , Asemi Zatollah
Published: May 2016

Objective

This study was performed to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on clinical and metabolic status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Sixty patients with RA aged 25–70 years were assigned into two groups to receive either probiotic capsules (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) in this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. The patients in the probiotic group received a daily capsule that contained three viable and freeze‐dried strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 × 109 colony‐forming units [CFU]/g), Lactobacillus casei (2 × 109 CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2 × 109 CFU/g) for 8 weeks. The placebo group took capsules filled with cellulose for the same time period. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and the end of the study to quantify related markers.

Results

After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in improved Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS‐28) (−0.3 ± 0.4 vs. −0.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.01). In addition, a significant decrease in serum insulin levels (−2.0 ± 4.3 vs. +0.5 ± 4.9 μIU/mL, P = 0.03), homeostatic model assessment‐B cell function (HOMA‐B) (−7.5 ± 18.0 vs. +4.3 ± 25.0, P = 0.03) and serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) concentrations (−6.66 ± 2.56 vs. +3.07 ± 5.53 mg/L, P < 0.001) following the supplementation of probiotics compared with the placebo. Subjects who received probiotic capsules experienced borderline statistically significant improvement in total‐ (P = 0.09) and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels (P = 0.07) compared with the placebo.

Conclusion

Overall, the results of this study indicated that taking probiotic supplements for 8 weeks among patients with RA had beneficial effects on DAS‐28, insulin levels, HOMA‐B and hs‐CRP levels.
Assessing the Independent and Joint Effects of Unmedicated Prenatal Depressive Symptoms and Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy and Infant Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Authors: Bandoli Gretchen , Coles Claire D. , Kable Julie A. , Wertelecki Wladimir , Granovska Irina V. , Pashtepa Alla O. , Chambers Christina D. ,   the CIFASD
Published: May 2016

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is an established risk factor for neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring. Prenatal depression has been associated with neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring, although investigations into unmedicated prenatal depression have been inconsistent. We hypothesized that unmedicated prenatal depressive symptoms would independently and jointly with PAE predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in infant offspring.

Methods

We studied 344 participants from a randomized clinical trial of multivitamin supplements in pregnant women in Ukraine. Women were recruited based upon periconceptional alcohol use and followed up to 12 months postpartum. Prenatal depressive symptoms were assessed at approximately 32 weeks of gestation using the Beck Depression Inventory score. Neurodevelopment was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Generalized linear regression models were constructed to assess the independent and joint effects of prenatal depressive symptoms and PAE in models adjusted for sociodemographic and pregnancy characteristics.

Results

PAE was independently associated with deficits in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 and 12 months, however, level of prenatal depressive symptoms was not. We found marginal evidence of synergism of depressive symptoms and PAE, with larger deficits in those with both exposures observed for the PDI‐6 months (p = 0.05) and MDI‐12 months (p = 0.09). Additionally, there was a suggestion of sexual dimorphism; females had stronger deficits from joint exposures than males (depressive symptom [MDI‐6 months] female: −8.28, 95% CI −13.06, −3.49; male: 0.68, 95% CI −4.58, 5.94; p for interaction 0.04). While not statistically significant for the MDI or PDI at 12 months, the trend persisted.

Conclusions

Infants exposed to PAE and prenatal depression may be at an increased risk of neurodevelopmental deficits. Healthcare providers should be aware of this possible synergism in their efforts to mitigate the neurodevelopmental effects of these co‐occurring exposures.
Roles of family and architecture in driving insect community structure: a comparison of nine Australian plant species
Authors: Nooten Sabine S , Hughes Lesley
Published: May 2016

While there has been longstanding interest in the factors that shape the composition and structure of insect assemblages, many fundamental questions remain. We compared species composition, and the distribution of feeding guilds within assemblages of two large insect orders (Coleoptera and Hemiptera) collected from nine plant species within three of the largest Australian plant families. We investigated the relative role of host plant family and architectural traits in explaining the characteristics of the insect assemblage. Assemblage composition varied significantly among plant species within families, as there was little commonality in Coleoptera and Hemiptera morphospecies among plants within each family. When the feeding guild structure of the Coleoptera and Hemiptera assemblages was considered as a whole, there was no consistency within host plant families and among plants with similar architectural traits (leaf size). In contrast, when the guild structure of only the phytophagous members of these two orders was considered, assemblage structure was found to be consistent among plant species with a similar leaf size.
Differential associations between maternal and paternal parenting and physical and relational aggression
Authors: Kawabata Yoshito , Crick Nicki R.
Published: May 2016

A large number of studies have demonstrated that negative parenting is associated with greater levels of aggression (relational and physical) among school‐age children in Western cultures. However, the investigation of this association for children in non‐Western cultures is still in its infancy. The present study examines the associations between maternal and paternal parenting behaviours (conflict with the child, physical aggression toward the child and relational aggression toward the child) and forms of aggression, and explores gender differences in these associations among Japanese boys and girls. The participants were 130 fifth and sixth graders (age range: 10 to 12). Children reported maternal and paternal parenting behaviours, and classroom teachers assessed children's relational and physical aggression. Results show that boys and girls had more conflict, more relationally aggressive parenting experiences and more intimate relationships with their mothers than their fathers. Further, after controlling for grade and gender, greater maternal (but not paternal) relational aggression was associated with more peer‐oriented relational aggression for boys only and more peer‐oriented physical aggression for boys and girls. Greater paternal (but not maternal) conflict was predictive of more peer‐oriented physical aggression for boys and girls. The direction and strength of the associations between parenting behaviours and forms of aggression may be contingent upon the gender of the parent and the child. The findings are discussed from cultural, developmental and social perspectives, and implications for future research are discussed.
Volatile organic compounds in breath as markers for irritable bowel syndrome: a metabolomic approach
Authors: Baranska A. , Mujagic Z. , Smolinska A. , Dallinga J. W. , Jonkers D. M. A. E. , Tigchelaar E. F. , Dekens J. , Zhernakova A. , Ludwig T. , Masclee A. A. M. , Wijmenga C. , van Schooten F. J.
Published: May 2016

Background

The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is challenging because of its heterogeneity and multifactorial pathophysiology. No reliable biomarkers of IBS have been identified so far.

Aims

In a case–control study, using a novel application of breath analysis to distinguish IBS patients from healthy controls based on the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Subsequently, the diagnostic VOC‐biomarker set was correlated with self‐reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of subjects of the Maastricht IBS clinical cohort and of a general population cohort, LifeLines DEEP.

Methods

Breath samples were collected from 170 IBS patients and 153 healthy controls in the clinical cohort and from 1307 participants in general population cohort. Multivariate statistics were used to identify the most discriminatory set of VOCs in the clinical cohort, and to find associations between VOCs and GI symptoms in both cohorts.

Results

A set of 16 VOCs correctly predicted 89.4% of the IBS patients and 73.3% of the healthy controls (AUC = 0.83). The VOC‐biomarker set correlated moderately with a set of GI symptoms in the clinical (r = 0.55, P = 0.0003) and general population cohorts (r = 0.54, P = 0.0004). A Kruskal–Wallis test showed no influence from possible confounding factors in distinguishing IBS patients from healthy controls.

Conclusions

A set of 16 breath‐based biomarkers that distinguishes IBS patients from healthy controls was identified. The VOC‐biomarker set correlated significantly with GI symptoms in two independent cohorts. We demonstrate the potential use of breath analysis in the diagnosis and monitoring of IBS, and a possible application of VOC analyses in a general population cohort.
Potentially inappropriate prescribing according to STOPP and START and adverse outcomes in community‐dwelling older people: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Moriarty Frank , Bennett Kathleen , Cahir Caitriona , Kenny Rose Anne , Fahey Tom
Published: May 2016

Aims

This study aims to determine if potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is associated with increased healthcare utilization, functional decline and reduced quality of life (QoL) in a community‐dwelling older cohort.

Method

This prospective cohort study included participants aged ≥65 years from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) with linked administrative pharmacy claims data who were followed up after 2 years. PIP was defined by the Screening Tool for Older Persons Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (START). The association with number of emergency department (ED) visits and GP visits reported over 12 months was analyzed using multivariate negative binomial regression adjusting for confounders. Marginal structural models investigated the presence of time‐dependent confounding.

Results

Of participants followed up (n = 1753), PIP was detected in 57% by STOPP and 41.8% by START, 21.7% reported an ED visit and 96.1% visited a GP (median 4, IQR 2.5–6). Those with any STOPP criterion had higher rates of ED visits (adjusted incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02, 1.66) and GP visits (IRR 1.15, 95%CI 1.06, 1.24). Patients with two or more START criteria had significantly more ED visits (IRR 1.45, 95%CI 1.03, 2.04) and GP visits (IRR 1.13, 95%CI 1.01, 1.27) than people with no criteria. Adjusting for time‐dependent confounding did not affect the findings.

Conclusions

Both STOPP and START were independently associated with increased healthcare utilization and START was also related to functional decline and QoL. Optimizing prescribing to reduce PIP may provide an improvement in patient outcomes.
Cell membranes… and how long drugs may exert beneficial pharmacological activity in vivo
Authors: Vauquelin Georges
Published: May 2016

The time course of the beneficial pharmacological effect of a drug has long been considered to depend merely on the temporal fluctuation of its free concentration. Only in the last decade has it become widely accepted that target‐binding kinetics can also affect in vivo pharmacological activity. Although current reviews still essentially focus on genuine dissociation rates, evidence is accumulating that additional micro‐pharmacokinetic (PK) and ‐pharmacodynamic (PD) mechanisms, in which the cell membrane plays a central role, may also increase the residence time of a drug on its target. The present review provides a compilation of otherwise widely dispersed information on this topic. The cell membrane can intervene in drug binding via the following three major mechanisms: (i) by acting as a sink/repository for the drug; (ii) by modulating the conformation of the drug and even by participating in the binding process; and (iii) by facilitating the approach (and rebinding) of the drug to the target. To highlight these mechanisms, we focus on drugs that are currently used in clinical therapy, such as the antihypertensive angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist candesartan, the atypical antipsychotic agent clozapine and the bronchodilator salmeterol. Although the role of cell membranes in PK‐PD modelling is gaining increasing interest, many issues remain unresolved. It is likely that novel biophysical and computational approaches will provide improved insights in the near future.
Iatrogenic immunosuppression and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in solid organ transplantation: A population‐based cohort study in Australia
Authors: Na Renhua , Laaksonen Maarit A. , Grulich Andrew E. , Meagher Nicola S. , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Keogh Anne M. , Vajdic Claire M.
Published: May 2016

Iatrogenic immunosuppression is a strong risk factor for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) but the dose‐related association between individual immunosuppressive agents and NHL risk is unknown. We conducted a population‐based cohort study of 4131 adult Australian liver, heart and lung transplant recipients (1984–2006). We ascertained NHL incidence by probabilistic record linkage between transplant registries and the Australian Cancer Database, and abstracted risk factor data at transplantation and at regular intervals thereafter from medical records. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for early (<1 year after transplantation; n = 29) and late (≥1 year; n = 61) NHL using the Fine and Gray proportional subdistribution hazards model that accounted for death as a competing risk. After adjustment for immunosuppression, the risk of both early and late NHL did not significantly differ by organ type. In final models, higher mean daily doses of azathioprine were associated with increased risk of both early [HR 2·20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·21–4·01] and late NHL (HR 1·78, 95% CI: 1·12–2·84). There was no association between any other maintenance immunosuppressive agent and NHL risk. This study provides evidence that differences in immunosuppression may explain variation in NHL incidence by organ type, and high doses of azathioprine may independently predict NHL risk.
Is rituximab sub‐optimally dosed in indolent B cell lymphoma?
Authors: Sawalha Yazeed , Rouphail Basel , Jia Xuefei , Dean Robert M. , Hill Brian T. , Jagadeesh Deepa , Pohlman Brad L. , Smith Mitchell R.
Published: May 2016

Rituximab pharmacokinetics are affected by gender, age and weight and can affect outcomes in aggressive B cell lymphoma. Less is known about the pharmacokinetics of rituximab in indolent B cell lymphoma (iNHL). We analysed the effects of gender, age, weight and body surface area on the outcomes of 303 patients treated with first line rituximab‐based regimens for iNHL. The patients were divided into 3 treatment cohorts: rituximab only, rituximab + chemotherapy (R‐CTX) and R‐CTX followed by rituximab maintenance; furthermore, each cohort was subdivided as follicular (FL) or non‐FL, based on histology. Older males and patients with higher weight had worse outcomes when treated with R‐CTX, probably due to faster rituximab clearance. Our results concur with studies of R‐CTX for DLBCL. As this effect was not observed in patients treated with rituximab alone or R‐CTX followed by rituximab maintenance, we hypothesize that higher rituximab levels reached with weekly rituximab and/or prolonged exposure achieved with maintenance therapy exceed the therapeutic threshold, even with faster clearance, which nullifies the negative effect of higher weight and male gender. In conclusion, under current practices, a subset of patients with iNHL, i.e., FL treated with R‐CTX, may be sub‐optimally dosed with rituximab.
The impact of caregiver treatment satisfaction upon child and parent outcomes
Authors: Acri Mary , Bornheimer Lindsay A. , Jessell Lauren , Flaherty Hanni B. , McKay Mary M.
Published: May 2016

Background

Parental perceptions about treatment influence their child's engagement in and ongoing utilization of mental health services, but less is known about the association between caregiver expectancies and family outcomes. The literature is particularly lacking with families of color, who are at high risk for the onset and perpetuation of disruptive behaviors.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to examine caregiver treatment satisfaction among 320 youth of color aged 7–11 and their families who were assigned to either a Multiple Family Group intervention or services‐as‐usual condition. Caregiver stress was measured by the Parenting Stress Index‐Short Form full scale and child oppositional defiant behaviors were measured using the Iowa Connors Rating Scale–Oppositional/Defiant subscale both at baseline and post‐test. Satisfaction with treatment was measured using the Metropolitan Area Child Study process measures program satisfaction subscale at post‐test.

Results

The two main effects models that focused on satisfaction with treatment were predictive of parental stress and child oppositional defiant behaviors independently. Satisfaction with treatment accounted for 31% of the variance in child oppositional behavior and 24% of parental stress improvements across time, holding all covariates constant.

Conclusions

Our findings support previous research that shows parental expectancies, including treatment satisfaction, are powerful mechanisms of treatment outcomes for children with disruptive behavior disorders as well as parental emotional health. Furthermore, parental expectancies may be enhanced by the involvement of families in the development of treatment approaches for children and a greater focus on caregiver emotional health for the benefit of the family as a whole.
Questioning assent: how are children's views included as families make decisions about clinical trials?
Authors: Madden L. , Shilling V. , Woolfall K. , Sowden E. , Smyth R. L. , Williamson P. R. , Young B.
Published: May 2016

Background

Assent is used to take children's wishes into account when they are invited into clinical trials, but the concept has attracted considerable criticism. We investigated children's accounts of decision‐making with the aim of informing practice in supporting children when invited to join a clinical trial.

Methods

We audio‐recorded qualitative, semi‐structured interviews with 22 children aged 8–16 years about being invited to take part in a clinical trial. Most children were interviewed with their parents. Analysis of the transcribed interviews examined the content of participants' accounts thematically, whilst also drawing on principles of discourse analysis, which examines how individuals use talk to achieve certain effects or social practices.

Results

It was not possible to separate children's knowledge of the clinical trial, or their decision‐making processes from that of their parents, with parents taking a substantial mediating role in producing their children's decisions. Decision‐making gradually unfolded across time and events and was interwoven within the family context, rather than happening in one moment or in the clinical setting. Whilst children valued their parents' role, a case study of child–parent disagreement indicated how children can struggle to be heard.

Conclusions

Decisions happen within a process of family dynamics, in contrast to ideas of assent that isolate it from this context. Parents have a substantial role in children's decisions, and thus how families come to provide consent. Reflecting this we argue that assent practices need to focus on supporting parents to support their children in learning and deliberating about trials. However, this needs to be accompanied by practitioners being alert to the possibility of divergence in child and parent views and enabling children's perspectives to be heard.
CATEGORY REPORTING IN CHARITABLE GIVING: AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Li Jingping , Riyanto Yohanes E.
Published: May 2016

We examine the effect of category reporting on charitable giving, aiming to disentangle the publicity effect from the category effect. We compare subjects' donation decisions under three reporting plans: category reporting, where an honored category is prespecified and qualifying subjects were publicly acknowledged; category no reporting, where the same category was utilized but the qualifying donors were not publicly acknowledged; and no reporting, where neither category setting nor public reporting was utilized. We found that category reporting significantly increased average donations relative to no reporting, and that this superiority was due to the dual presence of the category setting and the public reporting. The category setting anchors donations toward the category threshold and increased the average donations when the threshold was modestly set. The public reporting, on the other hand, only worked at the highest category level. It further increased the donations by providing extra social‐image benefits. (JEL C90, C91, D64, H00)
Limb‐kinetic apraxia affects activities of daily living in Parkinson's disease: a multi‐center study
Authors: Foki T. , Vanbellingen T. , Lungu C. , Pirker W. , Bohlhalter S. , Nyffeler T. , Kraemmer J. , Haubenberger D. , Fischmeister F. Ph. S. , Auff E. , Hallett M. , Beisteiner R.
Published: May 2016

Background and purpose

Impaired dexterity (fine hand movements) is often present in Parkinson's disease (PD), even at early to moderate disease stages. It has a detrimental impact on activities of daily living (ADL) such as buttoning, contributing to reduced quality of life. Limb‐kinetic apraxia, a loss of the ability to make precise, independent but coordinated finger and hand movements, may contribute to impaired dexterity even more than bradykinesia per se. However, the impact of limb‐kinetic apraxia on ADL remains controversial. Our aim was to identify the strongest predictor of buttoning and unbuttoning in PD. It was hypothesized that coin rotation (a surrogate of limb‐kinetic apraxia) represents the most important determinant.

Methods

Sixty‐four right‐handed, early to moderate PD patients were recruited from three movement disorder centers (Hoehn andYahr stages 1–3). Buttoning, unbuttoning and coin rotation (right and left hand) represented the target tasks. Motor impairment was assessed according to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis showed that coin rotation with the right hand was the only significant predictor of buttoning (P < 0.001) and unbuttoning (P = 0.002). Notably, measures of bradykinesia or overall motor impairment did not represent significant predictors.

Conclusions

Constituting the novel key finding, limb‐kinetic apraxia seems to be particularly relevant for ADL requiring dexterity skills in PD, even at early to moderate disease stages. Our results prompt research into the pathophysiological background and therapeutic options to treat limb‐kinetic apraxia. The simple coin rotation test provides valuable information about ADL‐related dexterity skills.
Young microbes for adult obesity
Authors: Serino M. , Nicolas S. , Trabelsi M. ‐S. , Burcelin R. , Blasco‐Baque V.
Published: May 2016

Gut microbes are active participants of host metabolism. At birth, child physiology is committed towards healthiness or sickness depending, in part, on maternal condition (i.e. lean vs obesity) and delivery. Finally, changes from breastfeeding to solid food also account to define gut microbiota ecology in adulthood. Nowadays, alterations of gut microbiota, named dysbiosis, are acquired risk factors for multiple diseases, especially type 2 diabetes and obesity. Despite important evidence linking nutrition to dysbiosis to energetic dysmetabolism, molecular mechanisms for causality are still missing. That the status of gut microbiota of mother and child is crucial for future diseases is witnessed by adulthood overweight and obesity observed in children with dysbiosis. In this short review we highlight the importance of early life events related to the microbiota and their impact on future adult disease risk. Therefore, our effort to treat or prevent metabolic diseases should be addressed towards early or previous life steps, when microbial decisions are going to affect our metabolic fate.
Institutions and structures as barriers? A comparison of native‐born and immigrant unemployment durations across 12 European countries
Authors: Diop‐Christensen Anna , Pavlopoulos Dimitris
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the effect of institutions on the unemployment duration gap between non‐EU immigrants and native‐born in 12 European countries. Going further than the existing literature, our study encompassed unemployment duration, distinguishing between exits to inactivity, primary and secondary employment. Additionally, we have provided a stronger micro‐foundation to the comparative literature by introducing institutional measures for unemployment‐related benefits at the individual level rather than merely using aggregate proxies. Our analysis found no disincentive effects of benefits for immigrants. Furthermore, the employment prospects of immigrants were better when the demand for low‐skilled labour was high, and immigration policy was labour market‐oriented. In contrast, employment protection legislation did not affect the unemployment duration of immigrants.
Vitamin A or E and a catechin synergize as vaccine adjuvant to enhance immune responses in mice by induction of early interleukin‐15 but not interleukin‐1β responses
Authors: Patel Sapna , Akalkotkar Archana , Bivona Joseph J. , Lee Ji‐Young , Park Young‐Ki , Yu Mingke , Colpitts Sara L. , Vajdy Michael
Published: May 2016

Vitamins A and E and select flavonoids in the family of catechins are well‐defined small molecules that, if proven to possess immunomodulatory properties, hold promise as vaccine adjuvants and various therapies. In an effort to determine the in vivo immunomodulatory properties of these molecules, we found that although mucosal and systemic vaccinations with a recombinant HIV‐1BaLgp120 with either a catechin, epigallo catechin gallate (EGCG) or pro‐vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) alone in a vegetable‐oil‐in‐water emulsion (OWE) suppressed antigen‐specific responses, the combination of EGCG and vitamin A or E in OWE (Nutritive Immune‐enhancing Delivery System, NIDS) synergistically enhanced adaptive B‐cell, and CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses, following induction of relatively low local and systemic innate tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐17, but relatively high levels of early systemic IL‐15 responses. For induction of adaptive interferon‐γ and TNF‐α responses by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the adjuvant effect of NIDS was dependent on both IL‐15 and its receptor. In addition, the anti‐oxidant activity of NIDS correlated positively with higher expression of the superoxide dismutase 1, an enzyme involved in reactive oxygen species elimination but negatively with secretion of IL‐1β. This suggests that the mechanism of action of NIDS is dependent on anti‐oxidant activity and IL‐15, but independent of IL‐1β and inflammasome formation. These data show that this approach in nutritive vaccine adjuvant design holds promise for the development of potentially safer effective vaccines.
Distinct expression of interferon‐induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFIT) 1/2/3 and other antiviral genes between subsets of dendritic cells induced by dengue virus 2 infection
Authors: Zhang Jingshu , Sze Daniel Man‐Yuen , Yung Benjamin Yat‐Ming , Tang Petrus , Chen Wei‐June , Chan Kwok‐Hung , Leung Polly Hang‐Mei
Published: May 2016

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is an emerging public health hazard threatening inhabitants of the tropics and sub‐tropics. Dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the major targets of DENV and the initiators of the innate immune response against the virus. However, current in vitro research on the DENV–DC interaction is hampered by the low availability of ex vivo DCs and donor variation. In the current study, we attempted to develop a novel in vitro DC model using immature DCs derived from the myeloid leukaemia cell line MUTZ‐3 (IMDCs) to investigate the DENV–DC interaction. The IMDCs morphologically and phenotypically resembled human immature monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (IMMoDCs). However, the permissiveness of IMDCs to DENV2 was lower than that of IMMoDCs. RT‐PCR arrays showed that a group of type I interferon (IFN) ‐inducible genes, especially IFIT1, IFITM1, and IFI27, were significantly up‐regulated in IMMoDCs but not in IMDCs after DENV2 infection. Further investigation revealed that IFIT genes were spontaneously expressed at both transcriptional and protein levels in the naive IMDCs but not in the naive IMMoDCs. It is possible that the poor permissiveness of IMDCs to DENV2 was a result of the high basal levels of IFIT proteins. We conclude that the IMDC model, although less permissive to DENV2, is a useful platform for studying the suppression mechanism of DENV2 and we expand the knowledge of cellular factors that modulate DENV2 infection in the human body.
MC Type Phase Structure and Temperature‐Induced MC‐C Transition in the As‐Grown PMN‐0.36PT Single Crystal
Authors: Xu Chao , Li Qiang , Yan Qingfeng , Luo Nengneng , Zhang Yiling , Chu Xiangcheng
Published: May 2016

The phase structure in the as‐grown PMN‐0.36PT single crystal was studied and the temperature‐induced domain evolution was investigated using a polarized light microscope (PLM). The crystal is identified to be MC type monoclinic based on the PLM results and tends to transform to cubic (C) phase directly through polarization rotation. The MC phase is metastable below Curie temperature (TC), but prone to tetragonal phase upon electric field poling or high‐temperature annealing. We suppose that the formation of the MC phase structure is associated with the strain gradient originated from Ti4+ segregation and the special MC‐C phase transformation style is mediated by the corresponding residual ferroelastic strain stored within the as‐formed domain structure.
Investment Horizons and Information
Authors: Huang Kershen , Petkevich Alex
Published: May 2016

We examine the relation between institutions' investment horizons on firms' financing and investment decisions. Firms with larger short‐term institutional ownership use less debt financing and invest more in corporate liquidity. In contrast, firms with larger long‐term institutional ownership use more internal funds, less external equity financing, and preserve investments in long‐term assets. These results are primarily driven by the variation in informational preferences of different institutions. We argue that short‐term (long‐term) institutions collect and use value‐neutral (value‐enhancing) information.
Correlation of Left Atrial Voltage Distribution Between Sinus Rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation: Identifying Structural Remodeling by 3‐D Electroanatomic Mapping Irrespective of the Rhythm
Authors: YAGISHITA ATSUHIKO , DE OLIVEIRA SAMER , CAKULEV IVAN , GIMBEL J. ROD , SPARANO DINA , MANYAM HARISH , MANRIQUE‐GARCIA ALVARO , ARREDONDO MICHAEL , MACKALL JUDITH , ARRUDA MAURICIO
Published: May 2016

LA Voltage Correlation Between AF and SR

Introduction

Left atrial (LA) electroanatomical voltage mapping (EAVM) correlates with scar on LGE‐MRI and has been used to guide ablation of low voltage area (LVA) in sinus rhythm (SR). We compared EAVM in SR and AF in a cohort of AF patients, and in SR between patients with AF and without AF or structural heart disease (control).

Methods and Results

Twenty‐seven AF patients, 9 with paroxysmal AF (PAF), underwent point‐by‐point EAVM during SR and AF using same Carto3 geometry. Only adjacent SR–AF points (≤ 5 mm apart) were compared. In addition, 6 control patients were evaluated. There was a linear bipolar voltage correlation between SR and AF (r = 0.707, P < 0.001, Y = 1.515X + 0.786). LA bipolar voltage in patients with PAF was higher than those with Non‐PAF in SR (2.24 ± 1.51 vs. 1.56 ± 1.53 mV) and AF (0.81 ± 0.60 vs. 0.58 ± 0.62 mV, both for P < 0.001). The pulmonary vein antra voltage was significantly lower than other LA regions in PAF (1.28 ± 0.79 vs. 2.54 ± 1.50 mV, P < 0.001) and Non‐PAF patients (1.13 ± 1.04 vs. 1.86 ± 1.72 mV, P < 0.001), while no voltage differences was found in the control group (P = 0.998).

Conclusion

There was a linear voltage correlation between SR and AF, suggesting a similar extent of LA fibrotic substrate can be identified on EAVM by adjusting the voltage cutoff. Structural remodeling starts in the PV antra and may progress to other LA regions.
A reappraisal of Kendell and Jablensky's account of validity
Authors: Fellowes Sam
Published: May 2016

Kendell and Jablensky argue that validity in psychiatry requires either unique biological characteristics or a zone of rarity, where few symptoms of one syndrome are present in another syndrome. Meeting either of these criteria allows the inference that the syndrome is caused by a specific biological mechanism not present in other syndromes. Failing to meet either of these criteria means the syndrome has been arbitrarily grouped and is invalid. Kendell and Jablensky's account of validity is too restrictive. Scientific phenomena are generally produced by a multiplicity of unstable overlapping causes, the causes for one phenomenon typically also present in other phenomena. Despite this, scientific phenomena are not automatically arbitrary. Science employs idealistic models that can successfully describe phenomena produced by overlapping causes and can gain approximately true knowledge of that phenomenon. The specific biological mechanisms that Kendell and Jablensky see as delivering validity are only specific in an idealized sense. Also, approximate truth means Kendell and Jablensky are mistaken to see validity as invariant and independent of context. An alternative approach to inferring causes is the common cause and unifications. Scientists often see otherwise unrelated phenomena regularly co‐occur, and this legitimizes inferring common causes responsible for the phenomena. Applied to psychiatry, I show how syndromes that cover many different unrelated phenomena allow an inference to common causes, and this delivers validity. Zones of rarity can actually decrease validity. Idealized models often produce more information about causes by covering more phenomena, whereas zones of rarity often reduce the number of symptoms covered by a syndrome. Ignoring zones of rarity in favour of syndromes that cover many symptoms can sometimes increase validity. This can also occur when validating syndromes through corroborations with other factors. Increasing corroborations may require reducing the number of symptoms, potentially reducing validity.
Cephalotheca sulfurea (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes), a new fungal pathogen of the farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Řehulka J , Kubátová A , Hubka V
Published: May 2016

The first case of visceral mycotic infection due to Cephalotheca sulfurea (Cephalothecaceae, Ascomycota) is documented in farmed rainbow trout from a raceway culture system. The disease clinically manifested as a hyperaemic area in the liver of the fish, and histological examination using silver and PAS staining showed the presence of numerous foci of hyphae and spores. The causative agent was first isolated in pure culture from the liver and identified using morphological characteristics. Sequence data from ITS and LSU rDNA also clearly confirmed C. sulfurea as the causal agent. The pathogenicity of related species belonging to the family Cephalothecaceae has been well‐documented in humans and dogs (superficial as well as systemic infections). However, C. sulfurea has never been reported as a pathogen of humans or animals, including marine and freshwater fishes. The morphological identification of C. sulfurea is difficult due to its similarity to several different fungal genera, and molecular methods are strongly recommended for reliable identification.
Interactions between candidate probiotics and the immune and antioxidative responses of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae
Authors: Lamari F , Mahdhi A , Chakroun I , Esteban M A , Mazurais D , Amina B , Gatesoupe F‐J
Published: May 2016

The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotics in aquaculture may improve the quality of seed production and limit the use of antibiotics in fish hatcheries. This study attempted to further characterize the candidate probiotic Lactobacillus casei X2, and the immune and physiological responses of the sea bass larvae. L. casei X2 was confirmed as a good candidate, due to its wide antibacterial spectrum against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, and its free radical scavenging activity. In addition, if the strain did not seem able to form biofilm on abiotic surfaces, it adhered strongly to Hep‐2 cells. However, these characteristics did not seem efficient in vivo. At 20 days post‐hatch (dph), the expression level of CAT gene was significantly different between group fed without probiotic and the two groups treated with either Pediococcus acidilactici or L. casei. This gene was upregulated in the group treated with strain X2 and downregulated in the group with a commercial probiotic strain P. acidilactici, suggesting a better antioxidant activity with the later strain. At the same sampling date, the IL‐1β gene was upregulated in the group treated with P. acidilactici, and the HSP70 gene was overexpressed at 41 dph. As the stimulation of these two last genes, such transcriptomic indicators must be cautiously interpreted.
Kinetic analysis of internalization of white spot syndrome virus by haemocyte subpopulations of penaeid shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone), and the outcome for virus and cell
Authors: Tuan V V , De Gryse G M A , Thuong K V , Bossier P , Nauwynck H J
Published: May 2016

Little is known about the innate antiviral defence of shrimp haemocytes. In this context, the haemocytes of penaeid shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) were separated by iodixanol density gradient centrifugation into five subpopulations (sub): sub 1 (hyalinocytes), sub 2 and 3 (prohyalinocytes), sub 4 (semigranulocytes) and sub 5 (granulocytes) and exposed to beads, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and ultraviolet (UV)‐killed WSSV. In a first experiment, the uptake of beads, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and UV‐killed WSSV by these different haemocyte subpopulations was investigated using confocal microscopy. Only haemocytes of sub 1, 4 and 5 were internalizing beads, WSSV and UV‐killed WSSV. Beads were engulfed by a much larger percentage of cells (91.2 in sub 1; 84.1 in sub 4 and 58.1 in sub 5) compared to WSSV (9.6 in sub 1; 10.5 in sub 4 and 7.9 in sub 5) and UV‐killed WSSV (12.9 in sub 1; 13.3 in sub 4; and 11.8 in sub 5). In a second experiment, it was shown that upon internalization, WSS virions lost their envelope most probably by fusion with the cellular membrane of the endosome (starting between 30 and 60 min post‐inoculation) and that afterwards the capsid started to become disintegrated (from 360 min post‐inoculation). Expression of new viral proteins was not observed. Incubation of haemocyte subpopulations with WSSV but not with UV‐killed WSSV and polystyrene beads resulted in a significant drop in haemocyte viability. To find the underlying mechanism, a third experiment was performed in which haemocyte subpopulations were exposed to a short WSSV DNA fragment (VP19) and CpG ODNs. These small DNA fragments induced cell death. In conclusion, WSSV is efficiently internalized by hyalinocytes, semigranulocytes and granulocytes, after which the virus loses its envelope; as soon as the capsids start to disintegrate, cell death is activated, which in part may be explained by the exposure of viral DNA to cellular‐sensing molecules.