bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of the Fc Region of a Human Anti‐oncostatin M Monoclonal Antibody for Higher Affinity to FcRn Receptor and Extension of Half‐life in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Nnane Ivo P. , Han Chao , Jiao Qun , Tam Susan H. , Davis Hugh M. , Xu Zhenhua
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of anti‐oncostatin M (OSM) IgG1 monoclonal antibodies, CNTO 1119 and its Fc variant (CNTO 8212), which incorporates the LS(Xtend) mutation to extend terminal half‐life (T1/2), after a single intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) administration in cynomolgus monkeys, and to predict human PK. In study 1, single doses of CNTO 1119 and CNTO 8212 were administered IV or SC at 3 mg/kg to cynomolgus monkeys (n = 3 per group). In study 2, single doses of CNTO 8212 were administered IV at 1, 5 or 20 mg/kg, or SC at 5 mg/kg to cynomolgus monkeys (n = 5 per group). Serial blood samples were collected for assessment of serum concentrations of CNTO 1119 and/or CNTO 8212. A two‐compartment population PK model with first‐order elimination was utilized to simultaneously describe the serum concentrations of CNTO 1119 and CNTO 8212 over time after IV and SC administration in cynomolgus monkeys. The typical population PK parameter estimates for CNTO 1119 in cynomolgus monkeys were clearance (CL) = 2.81 mL/day/kg, volume of distribution of central compartment (V1) = 31.3 mL/kg, volume of distribution of peripheral compartment (V2) = 23.3 mL/kg, absolute bioavailability (F) = 0.84 and T1/2 = 13.4 days. In comparison, the typical population PK parameter estimates for CNTO 8212 in cynomolgus monkeys were CL = 1.41 mL/day/kg, V1 = 39.8 mL/kg, V2 = 32.6 mL/kg, F = 0.75 and T1/2 = 35.7 days. The mean CL of CNTO 8212 was ~50% lower compared with that for CNTO 1119 in cynomolgus monkeys. The overall volume of distribution (V1+V2) for CNTO 8212 was about 32% larger compared with that for CNTO 1119, but generally similar to the vascular volume in cynomolgus monkeys. The T1/2 of CNTO 8212 was significantly (p < 0.05) longer by about 2.7‐fold than that for CNTO 1119 in cynomolgus monkeys. Thus, the modification of the Fc portion of an anti‐OSM IgG1 mAb for higher FcRn binding affinity resulted in lower systemic clearance and a longer terminal half‐life in cynomolgus monkeys. CNTO 8212 demonstrated linear PK after a single IV dose (1–20 mg/kg) in cynomolgus monkeys. The predicted human PK parameters suggest that CNTO 8212 is likely to exhibit slow clearance and long terminal half‐life in human beings and may likely allow less frequent dosing in the clinical setting.
Switching, Adverse Effects and Use of Over‐the‐Counter Analgesics among Users of Oral Anticoagulants: A Pharmacy‐based Survey
Authors: Hellfritzsch Maja , Hyllested Lea Maria Rønneberg , Meegaard Line , Wiberg‐Hansen Alexander , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Pottegård Anton
Published: January 2017

Oral anticoagulants are widely used but information on important aspects in that respect is not available from medical registers or clinical databases. Therefore, we conducted a survey including patients filling a prescription for oral anticoagulants at two large Danish community pharmacies. We collected information concerning the patients’ knowledge of their anticoagulant treatment including prior drug switching. Further, patients were asked about use of over‐the‐counter analgesics, adverse effects and how the treatment affected their everyday life. Among 335 eligible patients, 301 (90%) agreed to participate. Atrial fibrillation was the most common indication (65%), and most patients filled a prescription for a non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) (58%). Among the 12% (n = 35) of participants who had switched oral anticoagulant treatment, 69% had switched from a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to a NOAC. Switching was most frequently caused by inconvenience (34%) and adverse effects (23%). Although half of all patients had recently bought over‐the‐counter analgesics, purchase of ibuprofen and aspirin was rare (6%). More VKA users than NOAC users felt limited in their everyday life because of anticoagulant treatment (18% versus 9%). Among non‐incident NOAC users, 21% had experienced adverse effects during their current treatment. Based on first‐hand information from a large sample of anticoagulant users, we conclude that the main drug‐related issues leading to anticoagulant switching and perceived limitations in everyday life were inconvenience and adverse effects. This varied between drug groups. Further, use of NSAIDs obtained over the counter was rare.
Capacity development for food policy analysis: What works best? Adding evidence from IFPRI's experience
Authors: Kuyvenhoven Arie
Published: January 2017

This article presents major results of a meta‐assessment of experience of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) with different kinds of capacity strengthening (CS) activities for food policy analysis. Collaborative research, on‐the‐job‐training, and ID support for building data systems and analysis came up as best‐practice approaches. Equally successful were new initiatives such as visiting fellow programmes, thesis support schemes, and delivering CS work embedded in country or thematic programmes. Challenges emerged as well: how to address the low CS impact of formal training and work with local collaborators, the uncertain results for outreach and strengthening capacity of organizations over individuals, especially in the policy cycle, and the best way to enter into partnerships and create incentives to deliver and sustain CS. Some policy implications are indicated.
Structural change in Ethiopia
Authors: Martins Pedro M. G.
Published: January 2017

This article investigates the pace and pattern of structural change in Ethiopia. It departs from the existing literature in two main ways. First, it uses a methodology that enables a more comprehensive assessment of structural change. Second, it entailed the construction of a consistent dataset for Ethiopia—comprising three labour force surveys—tracking 10 economic sectors between 1999 and 2013. Our analysis suggests that the structure of production has changed considerably, but that shifts in the composition of employment have lagged behind. Output per capita growth has been strong and mainly driven by within‐sector productivity improvements. However, the contribution of structural change has increased over time, which is encouraging. Evidence of a growing demographic dividend is also uncovered.
Longevity and fecundity of the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi provided with different carbohydrate diets
Authors: Lahiri Sriyanka , Orr David , Cardoza Yasmin J. , Sorenson Clyde
Published: January 2017

In order for successful biological pest control using parasitoids, the most suitable naturally available food resources, as well as the fitness of parasitoids feeding on these resources, need to be ascertained. The goal of this study was to improve the understanding of the ecological requirements and consequent fitness of one such parasitoid, Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae), a predominant stink bug (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) egg parasitoid native to southeastern USA. We assessed the effects of carbohydrate resources readily available in the wasp's natural habitat on longevity and fecundity of female T. podisi under laboratory conditions. Carbohydrate diets included in the study were buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (Polygonaceae) nectar and honeydew from cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), compared with honey or water controls, which are normally used for laboratory rearing of this species. Eggs of Podisus maculiventris Say (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were provided as hosts for oviposition. Honeydew of cowpea aphid proved to be as good a nutrition source as buckwheat nectar, in enhancing wasp longevity and fecundity. We also assessed the importance of honeydew freshness on the biological attributes of T. podisi, as honeydew becomes crystallized or highly viscous on drying up and therefore may pose an issue for uptake by parasitoids. We found that fresh honeydew of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae) significantly enhanced wasp longevity when compared to a diet of 1‐day‐old honeydew and the fava bean leaf (control). However, fresh honeydew of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) had the same effect on wasp longevity, fecundity, and proportion of male progeny as radish leaf (control). The potential of certain ubiquitously available food resources, in enhancing biological control of economically damaging pests by parasitoids, is being highlighted in this study; information which could be valuable in similar parasitoid‐host systems as well.
Survivorship of male and female Bactrocera dorsalis in the field and the effect of male annihilation technique
Authors: Manoukis Nicholas C. , Jang Eric B. , Dowell Robert V.
Published: January 2017

Male annihilation technique (MAT) is a key component of management of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae), because of the ‘strong’ attraction of males to the lure methyl eugenol. The optimal application density for MAT has not been investigated for this economically important pest species. We tested the effect of two levels of MAT application density compared to a no‐MAT control on the daily survivorship of male and female B. dorsalis estimated by mark‐release‐recapture (MRR) using a 1‐km2 passive sampling network. Estimated daily survivorship from two separate MRR trials under control (no MAT) conditions was 0.751 for males and 0.948 for females. Male survivorship was similar under control (no MAT) and high application density (256 spots km−2; daily survivorship 0.704). However, estimated male survivorship was significantly lower under the low application density (100 spots km−2; daily survivorship 0.211). A similar pattern was observed in estimated female survivorship, with a significant reduction in survivorship under the low rate compared with control and high application density (low‐density estimated survivorship 0.652, high density 0.881). The results suggest that a lower application density may be more effective against B. dorsalis than the high application density. A lower application density for effective MAT would benefit growers and the public with respect to management of B. dorsalis through reduced labor and material costs, limiting potential environmental impacts, and increased logistical simplicity finding application sites in urban environments.
Impact of carbohydrase inhibition on Habrobracon hebetor in a tritrophic diet‐host‐parasitoid system
Authors: Masoumzadeh Abolfazl , Hosseininaveh Vahid , Ghamari Mahboob
Published: January 2017

Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a cosmopolitan idiobiont ectoparasitoid wasp and one of the most important biological control agents of lepidopteran larvae, especially of larvae of the family Pyralidae such as Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner). Using biological control agents in combination with other pest management approaches may enhance the efficiency of pest management. Acarbose, a non‐proteinaceous inhibitor, is well known for its inhibitory effect on insect digestive carbohydrases, especially α‐amylase. In the present study the effect of the inhibitor on various physiological and biological parameters of the parasitoid H. hebetor was investigated in a diet‐host‐parasitoid tritrophic system. The inhibitor decreased α‐amylase activity in both in vitro and in vivo assays with the parasitoid; however, there was no significant impact on the biological characteristics studied. Quantification of energy reserves in host larvae and adult parasitoids revealed a dose‐dependent effect of the inhibitor on total protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and glycogen contents of the larval host, whereas total protein and carbohydrate of the parasitoid were only reduced at high inhibitor concentrations. In general, the inhibitor acarbose can interfere with some physiological processes in H. hebetor, although the parasitoid's fitness is not negatively affected. Therefore, enzyme inhibitors may be considered an effective tool for pest control in integrated pest management programs.
Dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and cerebellar contribution to in‐group attitudes: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Gamond Lucile , Ferrari Chiara , La Rocca Stefania , Cattaneo Zaira
Published: January 2017

We tend to express more positive judgments and behaviors toward individuals belonging to our own group compared to other (out‐) groups. In this study, we assessed the role of the cerebellum and of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) – two regions critically implicated in social cognition processes – in mediating implicit valenced attitudes toward in‐group and out‐group individuals. To this aim, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in combination with a standard attitude priming task, in which Caucasian participants had to categorize the valence of a series of adjectives primed by either an in‐group or an out‐group face. In two behavioral experiments, we found an in‐group bias (i.e. faster categorization of positive adjectives when preceded by in‐group faces) but no evidence of an out‐group bias. Interestingly, TMS over both the dmPFC and over the (right) cerebellum significantly interfered with the modulation exerted by group membership on adjective valence classification, abolishing the in‐group bias observed at baseline. Overall, our data suggest that both the dmPFC and the cerebellum play a causal role in mediating implicit social attitudes.
Low genetic diversity but strong population structure reflects multiple introductions of western flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) into China followed by human‐mediated spread
Authors: Cao Li‐Jun , Wang Ze‐Hua , Gong Ya‐Jun , Zhu Liang , Hoffmann Ary Anthony , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: January 2017

Historical invasion scenarios based on observational records are usually incomplete and biased, but these can be supplemented by population genetic data. The western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, invaded China in the last 13 years and has rapidly become one of the most serious pests in the country. To assess whether this invasion involved a single event or multiple events, we examined patterns of genetic diversity and population structure of WFT across 12 Chinese populations and a native US population based on mitochondrial DNA and/or 18 microsatellite loci. The average allelic richness and haplotype diversity in Chinese populations were significantly lower than in a population from its native range. The distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes suggested multiple independent invasions of WFT into China, including two invasions into the Beijing region. Based on microsatellite data, two distinct clusters were identified, with both of them splitting further into two clusters; in the Beijing region, the microsatellite data also provided evidence for two introductions. Both the absence of isolation by distance and the fact that distant populations were similar genetically suggest patterns of WFT movement linked to human activities. Our study therefore suggests multiple introductions of WFT into China and human‐assisted spread.
Right ventricular function during acute exacerbation of severe equine asthma
Authors: Decloedt A. , Borowicz H. , Slowikowska M. , Chiers K. , van Loon G. , Niedzwiedz A.
Published: January 2017

Background

Pulmonary hypertension has been described in horses with severe equine asthma, but its effect on the right ventricle has not been fully elucidated.

Objectives

To evaluate right ventricular structure and function after a 1‐week period of pulmonary hypertension secondary to acute exacerbation of severe equine asthma.

Study design

Prospective study.

Methods

A clinical episode of severe equine asthma was induced experimentally in six susceptible horses. Examinations in remission and on day 7 of the clinical episode included a physical examination with clinical scoring, echocardiography, arterial blood gas measurements, venous blood sampling for cardiac biomarkers, intracardiac pressure measurements, right ventricular and right atrial myocardial biopsies, airway endoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage. After 1 month of recovery, physical examination, echocardiography and cardiac biomarker analysis were repeated. Echocardiographic and pressure measurements were compared with those in 10 healthy control horses.

Results

All horses developed clinical signs of acute pulmonary obstruction. Right heart pressures increased significantly. Altered right ventricular function could be detected by tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography. Cardiac troponin concentrations did not increase significantly, but were highly elevated in one horse which exercised in the paddock prior to sampling. Focal neutrophil infiltration was present in two myocardial samples. Even in remission, asthmatic horses showed a thicker right ventricular wall, an increased left ventricular end‐systolic eccentricity index at chordal level and decreased right ventricular longitudinal strain compared with controls.

Main limitations

The induced clinical episode was rather mild and the number of horses was limited because of the invasive nature of the study.

Conclusions

Pulmonary obstruction in asthmatic horses induces pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular structural and functional changes.
Noncoding RNAs and immune checkpoints—clinical implications as cancer therapeutics
Authors: Smolle Maria A. , Calin Horatiu N. , Pichler Martin , Calin George A.
Published: January 2017

A major mechanism of tumor development and progression is silencing of the patient's immune response to cancer‐specific antigens. Defects in the so‐called cancer immunity cycle may occur at any stage of tumor development. Within the tumor microenvironment, aberrant expression of immune checkpoint molecules with activating or inhibitory effects on T lymphocytes induces immune tolerance and cellular immune escape. Targeting immune checkpoint molecules such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and its ligand PD‐L1 with specific antibodies has proven to be a major advance in the treatment of several types of cancer. Another way to therapeutically influence the tumor microenvironment is by modulating the levels of microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs that shuttle bidirectionally between malignant and tumor microenvironmental cells. These small RNA transcripts have two features: (a) their expression is quite specific to distinct tumors, and (b) they are involved in early regulation of immune responses. Consequently, miRNAs may be ideal molecules for use in cancer therapy. Many miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in human cancer cells, opening new opportunities for cancer therapy, but the exact functions of these miRNAs and their interactions with immune checkpoint molecules have yet to be investigated. This review summarizes recently reported findings about miRNAs as modulators of immune checkpoint molecules and their potential application as cancer therapeutics in clinical practice.
Direct and indirect climate change effects on carbon dioxide fluxes in a thawing boreal forest–wetland landscape
Authors: Helbig Manuel , Chasmer Laura E. , Desai Ankur R. , Kljun Natascha , Quinton William L. , Sonnentag Oliver
Published: January 2017

In the sporadic permafrost zone of northwestern Canada, boreal forest carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes will be altered directly by climate change through changing meteorological forcing and indirectly through changes in landscape functioning associated with thaw‐induced collapse‐scar bog (‘wetland’) expansion. However, their combined effect on landscape‐scale net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEELAND), resulting from changing gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER), remains unknown. Here, we quantify indirect land cover change impacts on NEELAND and direct climate change impacts on modeled temperature‐ and light‐limited NEELAND of a boreal forest–wetland landscape. Using nested eddy covariance flux towers, we find both GPP and ER to be larger at the landscape compared to the wetland level. However, annual NEELAND (−20 g C m−2) and wetland NEE (−24 g C m−2) were similar, suggesting negligible wetland expansion effects on NEELAND. In contrast, we find non‐negligible direct climate change impacts when modeling NEELAND using projected air temperature and incoming shortwave radiation. At the end of the 21st century, modeled GPP mainly increases in spring and fall due to reduced temperature limitation, but becomes more frequently light‐limited in fall. In a warmer climate, ER increases year‐round in the absence of moisture stress resulting in net CO2 uptake increases in the shoulder seasons and decreases during the summer. Annually, landscape net CO2 uptake is projected to decline by 25 ± 14 g C m−2 for a moderate and 103 ± 38 g C m−2 for a high warming scenario, potentially reversing recently observed positive net CO2 uptake trends across the boreal biome. Thus, even without moisture stress, net CO2 uptake of boreal forest–wetland landscapes may decline, and ultimately, these landscapes may turn into net CO2 sources under continued anthropogenic CO2 emissions. We conclude that NEELAND changes are more likely to be driven by direct climate change rather than by indirect land cover change impacts.
Restricted gene flow and local adaptation highlight the vulnerability of high‐latitude reefs to rapid environmental change
Authors: Thomas Luke , Kennington W. Jason , Evans Richard D. , Kendrick Gary A. , Stat Michael
Published: January 2017

Global climate change poses a serious threat to the future health of coral reef ecosystems. This calls for management strategies that are focused on maximizing the evolutionary potential of coral reefs. Fundamental to this is an accurate understanding of the spatial genetic structure in dominant reef‐building coral species. In this study, we apply a genotyping‐by‐sequencing approach to investigate genome‐wide patterns of genetic diversity, gene flow, and local adaptation in a reef‐building coral, Pocillopora damicornis, across 10 degrees of latitude and a transition from temperate to tropical waters. We identified strong patterns of differentiation and reduced genetic diversity in high‐latitude populations. In addition, genome‐wide scans for selection identified a number of outlier loci putatively under directional selection with homology to proteins previously known to be involved in heat tolerance in corals and associated with processes such as photoprotection, protein degradation, and immunity. This study provides genomic evidence for both restricted gene flow and local adaptation in a widely distributed coral species, and highlights the potential vulnerability of leading‐edge populations to rapid environmental change as they are locally adapted, reproductively isolated, and have reduced levels of genetic diversity.
Reconciling seasonal hydraulic risk and plant water use through probabilistic soil–plant dynamics
Authors: Feng Xue , Dawson Todd E. , Ackerly David D. , Santiago Louis S. , Thompson Sally E.
Published: January 2017

Current models used for predicting vegetation responses to climate change are often guided by the dichotomous needs to resolve either (i) internal plant water status as a proxy for physiological vulnerability or (ii) external water and carbon fluxes and atmospheric feedbacks. Yet, accurate representation of fluxes does not always equate to accurate predictions of vulnerability. We resolve this discrepancy using a hydrodynamic framework that simultaneously tracks plant water status and water uptake. We couple a minimalist plant hydraulics model with a soil moisture model and, for the first time, translate rainfall variability at multiple timescales – with explicit descriptions at daily, seasonal, and interannual timescales – into a physiologically meaningful metric for the risk of hydraulic failure. The model, parameterized with measured traits from chaparral species native to Southern California, shows that apparently similar transpiration patterns throughout the dry season can emerge from disparate plant water potential trajectories, and vice versa. The parsimonious set of parameters that captures the role of many traits across the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum is then used to establish differences in species sensitivities to shifts in seasonal rainfall statistics, showing that co‐occurring species may diverge in their risk of hydraulic failure despite minimal changes to their seasonal water use. The results suggest potential shifts in species composition in this region due to species‐specific changes in hydraulic risk. Our process‐based approach offers a quantitative framework for understanding species sensitivity across multiple timescales of rainfall variability and provides a promising avenue toward incorporating interactions of temporal variability and physiological mechanisms into drought response models.
Temperature–nutrient interactions exacerbate sensitivity to warming in phytoplankton
Authors: Thomas Mridul K. , Aranguren‐Gassis María , Kremer Colin T. , Gould Marilyn R. , Anderson Krista , Klausmeier Christopher A. , Litchman Elena
Published: January 2017

Temperature and nutrients are fundamental, highly nonlinear drivers of biological processes, but we know little about how they interact to influence growth. This has hampered attempts to model population growth and competition in dynamic environments, which is critical in forecasting species distributions, as well as the diversity and productivity of communities. To address this, we propose a model of population growth that includes a new formulation of the temperature–nutrient interaction and test a novel prediction: that a species’ optimum temperature for growth, Topt, is a saturating function of nutrient concentration. We find strong support for this prediction in experiments with a marine diatom, Thalassiosira pseudonana: Topt decreases by 3–6 °C at low nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. This interaction implies that species are more vulnerable to hot, low‐nutrient conditions than previous models accounted for. Consequently the interaction dramatically alters species’ range limits in the ocean, projected based on current temperature and nitrate levels as well as those forecast for the future. Ranges are smaller not only than projections based on the individual variables, but also than those using a simpler model of temperature–nutrient interactions. Nutrient deprivation is therefore likely to exacerbate environmental warming's effects on communities.
The importance of benthic–pelagic coupling for marine ecosystem functioning in a changing world
Authors: Griffiths Jennifer R. , Kadin Martina , Nascimento Francisco J. A. , Tamelander Tobias , Törnroos Anna , Bonaglia Stefano , Bonsdorff Erik , Brüchert Volker , Gårdmark Anna , Järnström Marie , Kotta Jonne , Lindegren Martin , Nordström Marie C. , Norkko Alf , Olsson Jens , Weigel Benjamin , Žydelis Ramunas , Blenckner Thorsten , Niiranen Susa , Winder Monika
Published: January 2017

Benthic–pelagic coupling is manifested as the exchange of energy, mass, or nutrients between benthic and pelagic habitats. It plays a prominent role in aquatic ecosystems, and it is crucial to functions from nutrient cycling to energy transfer in food webs. Coastal and estuarine ecosystem structure and function are strongly affected by anthropogenic pressures; however, there are large gaps in our understanding of the responses of inorganic nutrient and organic matter fluxes between benthic habitats and the water column. We illustrate the varied nature of physical and biological benthic–pelagic coupling processes and their potential sensitivity to three anthropogenic pressures – climate change, nutrient loading, and fishing – using the Baltic Sea as a case study and summarize current knowledge on the exchange of inorganic nutrients and organic material between habitats. Traditionally measured benthic–pelagic coupling processes (e.g., nutrient exchange and sedimentation of organic material) are to some extent quantifiable, but the magnitude and variability of biological processes are rarely assessed, preventing quantitative comparisons. Changing oxygen conditions will continue to have widespread effects on the processes that govern inorganic and organic matter exchange among habitats while climate change and nutrient load reductions may have large effects on organic matter sedimentation. Many biological processes (predation, bioturbation) are expected to be sensitive to anthropogenic drivers, but the outcomes for ecosystem function are largely unknown. We emphasize how improved empirical and experimental understanding of benthic–pelagic coupling processes and their variability are necessary to inform models that can quantify the feedbacks among processes and ecosystem responses to a changing world.
The complexity of shaping self‐management in daily practice
Authors: van de Bovenkamp Hester M. , Dwarswaard Jolanda
Published: February 2017

Background and context

Many countries are giving patients a more active role in health care, on both the individual and collective level. This study focuses on one aspect of the participation agenda on the individual level: self‐management. The study explores self‐management in practice, including the implications of the difficulties encountered.

Objective

To gain insight into the complexity of self‐management practice. This is crucial for developing both self‐management interventions and the participation policy agenda.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews with experts (n=6) and patients with a chronic condition (n=20).

Results

In terms of level of involvement and type of activity, shaping self‐management in practice depends on personal and social dynamics, patients’ ideas of the good life and their interactions with care professionals. Clashes can arise when patients and professionals hold differing ideas, based on different values, about the level and type of patient involvement.

Discussion

The discussion on self‐management should account for the fact that how we define self‐management is very much a normative issue. It depends on the norms and values of patients, professionals and underlying health‐care policies. Differing ideas present professionals with ethical dilemmas which they should reflect on. However, professional reflection alone is not enough to deal with these dilemmas. The participation agenda needs far wider ranging reflection on how participation relates to other values in health care.
Who will be lost? Identifying patients at risk of loss to follow‐up in Malawi. The DREAM Program Experience
Authors: Mancinelli S , Nielsen‐Saines K , Germano P , Guidotti G , Buonomo E , Scarcella P , Lunghi R , Sangare H , Orlando S , Liotta G , Marazzi MC , Palombi L
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Retention of subjects in HIV treatment programmes is crucial for the success of treatment. We evaluated retention/loss to follow‐up (LTFU) in subjects receiving established care in Malawi.

Methods

Data for HIV‐positive patients registered in Drug Resource Enhancement Against AIDS and Malnutrition centres in Malawi prior to 2014 were reviewed. Visits entailing HIV testing/counselling, laboratory evaluations, nutritional evaluation/supplementation, community support, peer education, and antiretroviral (ART) monitoring/pharmacy were noted. LTFU was defined as > 90 days without an encounter. Parameters potentially associated with LTFU were explored, with univariate/multivariate logistic regression analyses being performed.

Results

Fifteen thousand and ninety‐nine patients registered before 2014; 202 (1.3%) were lost to follow‐up (LTFU) (1.3%). Nine (0.5%) of 1744 paediatric patients were LTFU vs. 1.4% (n = 193) of 13 355 adults (P < 0.001). Subjects who were LTFU had fewer days in care than retained subjects (1338 vs. 1544, respectively; P < 0.001) and a longer duration of ART (1530 vs. 1300 days, respectively; P < 0.001). Subjects who were LTFU had higher baseline HIV viral loads (P = 0.016) and higher body mass indexes (P < 0.001), were more likely to live in urban settings (88% of patients who were LTFU lived in urban settings) with better housing [relative risk (RR) 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67–3.09; P < 0.001], and were more likely to be educated (RR 1.88; 95% CI 1.42–2.50; P < 0.001). Distance to the centre and cost of transportation were associated with LTFU (RR 3.4; 95% CI 2.84–5.37; P < 0.001), as was absence of a maternal figure (RR 1.57; 95% CI 1.17–2.09; P < 0.001). Viral load, distance index, education and a maternal figure were predictive of LTFU.

Conclusions

Educated, urbanized HIV‐infected adults living far from programme centres are at high risk of LTFU, particularly if there is no maternal figure in the household. These variables must be taken into consideration when developing retention strategies.
Characterization of C–S–H and C–A–S–H phases by electron microscopy imaging, diffraction, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Rößler Christiane , Steiniger Frank , Ludwig Horst‐Michael
Published: February 2017

Improving concrete sustainability by increasing durability requires a detailed knowledge about microstructural properties. Due to the nanoscale nature of hydrate phases that determine concrete properties, microstructural characterization remains a challenge. Analytical electron microscopy offers promising techniques to characterize cement hydrates. In this study, electron microscopy imaging, diffraction, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic information are combined in order to compare the structural properties of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and calcium aluminum silicate hydrate (C–A–S–H) phases. Results are shown for 28 days hydrated C–(A)–S–H of portland cement and cement containing ground granulated blast‐furnace slag (GGFBS). Electron diffraction patterns of single fibrous C–S–H and foil‐like C–A–S–H phases reveal a nanocrystalline structure. Also, it is shown by electron diffraction pattern that the crystal structures of C–S–H and C–A–S–H phases are similar. It is confirmed that the crystal structure of 14 Å tobermorite serves as good base for the structure of C–S–H. The electron diffraction patterns of fibrous C–S–H show streaks which indicate stacking faults, proofing that polymerization of silicate chains in C–S–H is limited. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the dreierketten silicate chains contained in the C–S–H structure are oriented in parallel to the long axis of C–S–H fibers. This finding should be implemented in modeling of crystal growth of C–S–H.
Wildfire size alters long‐term vegetation trajectories in boreal forests of eastern North America
Authors: Remy Cécile C. , Lavoie Martin , Girardin Martin P. , Hély Christelle , Bergeron Yves , Grondin Pierre , Oris France , Asselin Hugo , Ali Adam A.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Wildfire activity is projected to increase under global warming in many parts of the world. Knowledge of the role of these disturbances in shaping the composition of boreal forests is needed to better anticipate their future impacts. Here, we investigate the incidence of wildfire activity (burned biomass, frequency and size) on multi‐millennia vegetation trajectories in two coniferous boreal forest regions that display different types of vegetation composition and relief. We hypothesize that this difference in vegetation results from dissimilar wildfire activity during the Holocene.

Location

Conifer‐dominated boreal forests in Quebec‐Labrador, eastern North America.

Methods

Fire and vegetation histories during the last 8000 years were reconstructed and compared through analyses of charcoal and pollen records extracted from nine lacustrine deposits located in two spruce‐moss forests: the western region, co‐dominated by Pinus banksiana, and the eastern region, co‐dominated by Abies balsamea.

Results

Between 7000 and 2000 cal. yr bp, the western region experienced fewer fires than the eastern region, but they were larger in size. The main species adapted to fire, P. banksiana and Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, progressively co‐dominated with Picea sp.. Conversely, in the eastern region, P. banksiana and A. viridis ssp. crispa were very rare, and Picea sp. co‐dominated with non‐fire‐adapted A. balsamea and Betula sp.. Then, around 2000 cal. yr bp, fires decreased in frequency but were larger in size in the eastern region than in the western one, thus allowing densification of P. banksiana and A. viridis ssp. crispa in these landscapes.

Main conclusions

In the coniferous boreal forests of eastern North America, fire size was relatively more important in determining the long‐term vegetation trajectories in comparison with fire frequency. Changes in the rate of occurrence of large‐fire episodes will have significant impacts on vegetation dynamics over the next decades under continuing warming.
Lineage‐specific climatic niche drives the tempo of vicariance in the Rand Flora
Authors: Mairal Mario , Sanmartín Isabel , Pellissier Loïc
Published: January 2017

Aim

The disjunct distribution patterns of sister taxa can arise when previously continuous distribution ranges are fragmented by environmental changes such as major climatic events. Populations become isolated on either side of the newly established environmental barrier, and absence of gene flow promotes allopatric speciation, in a process that is known as ecological vicariance. If climate change altered the ancestral range gradually, such as along temporal temperature or moisture gradients, the age of divergence of disjunct species should be related to the lineage tolerance to climatic conditions. Here, we investigate this hypothesis using as a study model the African Rand Flora, a continental‐scale floristic pattern that relates sister taxa distributed on either side of the Saharan Desert.

Location

Africa, Macaronesia, Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East.

Methods

We estimated the extant climatic tolerances of 14 Rand Flora lineages based on present occurrence data, and correlated the phylogenetic age of divergence between vicariant clades. We tested whether the tempo of the vicariance in the Rand Flora lineages was associated with the average values of their climatic niches in agreement with niche‐driven divergence. We hindcasted species ranges using species distribution models combined with palaeoclimate simulations to infer the potential distribution of each lineage's ancestors.

Results

We found a positive relationship between the lineage temperature niche and the age of the Rand Flora disjunction: lineages with subtropical affinities diverged first, whereas those with a higher tolerance to drier conditions (temperate or sub‐xeric adaptations) exhibited younger disjunctions. The range reconstructions showed the existence of climatic corridors south of the Sahara in the wetter Late Miocene, which became interrupted during the mid‐Pliocene warming event.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that climate change leading to the formation of the Sahara Desert drove Rand Flora lineages divergences along a temporal sequence that matched the climatic niche of species.
Capuchin monkey biogeography: understandingSapajusPleistocene range expansion and the current sympatry betweenCebusandSapajus
Authors: Lima Marcela G. M. , Buckner Janet C. , Silva‐Júnior José de Sousa e , Aleixo Alexandre , Martins Amely B. , Boubli Jean P. , Link Andrés , Farias Izeni P. , da Silva Maria Nazareth , Röhe Fabio , Queiroz Helder , Chiou Kenneth L. , Di Fiore Anthony , Alfaro Michael E. , Lynch Alfaro Jessica W.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Our aim was to examine gracile capuchin (Cebus) and robust capuchin monkey (Sapajus) diversification, with a focus on recentSapajusexpansion within Amazonia. We wanted to reconstruct the biogeographical history of the clade using statistical methods that model lineages’ occupation of different regions over time in order to evaluate recently proposed ‘Out of Amazonia’ and ‘Reinvasion of Amazonia’ hypotheses as alternative explanations for the extensive geographical overlap between reciprocally monophyletic gracile (Cebus) and robust (Sapajus) capuchin monkeys.

Location

Central and South America.

Methods

We reconstructed a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny for capuchins under Bayesian inference from three mitochondrial genes. We then categorized 12 capuchin clades across four Neotropical centres of endemism and reconstructed the biogeographical history of the capuchin radiation using six models implemented in ‘BioGeoBEARS’. We performed a phylogeographical analysis for a robust capuchin clade that spans the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazonia.

Results

We find support for a late Miocene vicariantCebus‐Sapajusdivergence and a PleistoceneSapajusinvasion of Amazonia from the Atlantic Forest. Our new analyses confirmSapajusdiversified first in the Atlantic Forest, with subsequent range expansion into widespread sympatry withCebusin Amazonia, as well as multiple expansions into drier savanna‐like habitats. We do not find mitochondrial molecular congruence with morphological species distinctions forSapajus flavius,S. cay,S. macrocephalus,S. libidinosusandS. apella; instead, these five morphological types together form a single widespread clade (Bayesian posterior probability = 1) with geographical substructure and shared ancestry during the Pleistocene.

Main conclusions

Our results support vicariance dividing ancestral capuchin populations in Amazonia versus the Atlantic Forest, and a Pleistocene ‘Amazonian invasion’ bySapajusto explain the present‐day sympatry ofCebusandSapajus.
Assessing variability in post‐fire forest structure along gradients of productivity in the Canadian boreal using multi‐source remote sensing
Authors: Bolton Douglas K. , Coops Nicholas C. , Hermosilla Txomin , Wulder Michael A. , White Joanne C.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Forest regeneration following fire is an important component of the global carbon cycle, but it is difficult to monitor over large and remote forested regions, such as Canada's north. In this study, we aim to (1) characterize how forest regeneration following fire varies across the Canadian boreal and (2) determine if this variability is captured by satellite‐derived estimates of productivity.

Location

Canadian boreal.

Methods

We relate structural measurements from light detection and ranging (lidar) data to gross primary productivity (GPP) estimates from the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) along a 25‐year chronosequence of forest regeneration following fire. Over 400 patches that burned from 1985–2009 were analysed, with fire information obtained from a national Landsat‐derived record of forest change.

Results

In the first 15 years since fire (YSF), estimates of percent canopy cover (> 2 m) were typically low regardless of GPP (mean = 11.0–16.0%, SD = 7.8–8.9%) and correlations to GPP were relatively weak (r = 0.18–0.48). Canopy cover was more variable between stands by 16–25 YSF (mean = 16.2–21.7%, SD = 16.0–17.1%), and correlations to GPP were stronger (r = 0.63–0.71, P < 0.01). Conversely, variability in stand height (75th height percentile) remained low at 16–25 YSF (mean = 4.9–5.0 m, SD = 0.9–1.1 m) and weakly related to GPP (r = 0.16–0.21).

Main conclusions

Satellite‐derived estimates of productivity capture differences in canopy structure across the boreal, but only after 15 YSF. While canopy cover varied strongly along gradients of productivity from 16–25 YSF, differences in vertical growth were less pronounced due to slow boreal growth rates. Our results provide important insights into how satellite‐derived estimates of productivity are realized structurally, as understanding regional variation in forest regeneration is critical to quantifying carbon dynamics in forests. Combining lidar‐derived estimates of structure with Landsat‐derived disturbance history is a valuable approach for characterizing variability in post‐fire structure over large forested areas.
Developmental change in the association between adolescent depressive symptoms and the home environment: results from a longitudinal, genetically informative investigation
Authors: Hannigan Laurie J. , McAdams Tom A. , Eley Thalia C.
Published: February 2017

Background

Depression is already highly prevalent by late adolescence, indicating that research into its developmental emergence should consider earlier risk factors and environmental contexts. The home environment is a key context for children and adolescents throughout development. However, the nature of relationships that exist between aspects of the home environment and the development of depressive symptoms cannot be assumed. Genetically informative studies have been used to provide insights about the aetiology of such relationships, often finding them to be partly confounded by the influence of children's genes. Here, we investigate developmental change in the aetiology of the association between aspects of the home environment and depressive symptoms at the onset of adolescence.

Methods

We used longitudinal child‐ and parent‐report data from >5,000 twin pairs enrolled in the UK‐representative Twins Early Development Study. Multivariate, genetically sensitive structural equation models were used to decompose latent variance and covariance in depressive symptoms (measured at 12 and 16 years) and aspects of the home environment (at 9 and 14 years) into genetic and environmental influences.

Results

Going from childhood to adolescence, genetic influences accounted for an increasing proportion of the association [30% (16–42) of r = .44 in childhood; 40% (25–61) of r = .43 in adolescence], at the expense of shared environmental influences, which decreased from 70% (58–83) to 48% (29–62). Unique environmental influences accounted for a significant proportion of the association in adolescence only [12% (06–18)]. Developmental changes could largely be attributed to subtle shifts in the relative importance of stable aetiological factors, rather than the emergence of influences unique to adolescence.

Conclusions

These findings emphasise the importance of developmental and aetiological context in interpreting associations between aspects of the home environment and child emotional outcomes.
Single‐institution experience of radioembolization with yttrium‐90 microspheres for unresectable metastatic neuroendocrine liver tumors
Authors: Jia Zhongzhi , Paz‐Fumagalli Ricardo , Frey Gregory , Sella David M , McKinney J Mark , Wang Weiping
Published: January 2017

Background and Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of yttrium‐90 (90Y) microspheres for the treatment of unresectable metastatic liver neuroendocrine tumors (NET).

Methods

From February 2006 to September 2015, 36 patients (19 male and 17 female, age 63.6 ± 9.4 years) who underwent 90Y therapy for unresectable liver metastases of NET were included and analyzed retrospectively. All patients received a variety of treatments before 90Y therapy. The radiological response, symptoms improvement of carcinoid syndrome, tumor marker changes, complications, side effects/toxicity, survival, and factors related to survival were evaluated and analyzed.

Results

Of the 36 patients, the mean delivered dose of 90Y was 1.8 ± 0.7 GBq with a total of 40 treatments. Overall disease control rate was 88.9% (32/36) at 3 months following therapy. In 16 patients with carcinoid syndrome, 15 (93.8%) patients had symptomatic improvement. Tumor marker response (5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid [n = 7] and chromogranin A [n = 13]) at 3 months after treatment were as follows: none (n = 0, 4), partial (n = 6, 7), and complete (n = 1, 2). Radiation‐induced gastrointestinal ulcers (n = 2, 5.6%) were identified. Side effects included fatigue (n = 31, 86.1%), anorexia (n = 26, 72.2%), nausea (n = 15, 41.7%), vomiting (n = 14, 38.9%), abdominal pain (n = 10, 27.8%), and fever (n = 8, 22.2%). The mean follow‐up was 27.0 ± 16.4 months, with a median survival of 41.0 months. Child–Pugh classification (P = 0.008) and lymph node metastases (P = 0.045) had statistically significant influence on overall survival.

Conclusions

Yttrium‐90 radioembolization can be effective in the treatment of unresectable liver metastases of NET who failed to respond to other treatments.