bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gram‐negative bacterial toe web infection – a systematic review
Authors: Weidner T. , Tittelbach J. , Illing T. , Elsner P.
Published: October 2017

Gram‐negative bacterial toe web infection (GNBTWI) is a frequent therapeutic challenge in clinical practice with high recurrence rates and frequent need of systemic drugs. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an updated overview and evidence‐based data on pathogens, risk factors and treatment of GNBTWI along with promoting a consistent international terminology. This systematic review is based on a search in PubMed database for English and German articles published between 1980 and 2016. A total of seven articles were considered appropriate for inclusion in this review regarding to treatment and outcome. Throughout the medical literature, a variety of terms for bacterial toe web infections is used. Only few data on the incidence of GNBTWI were published. GNBTWI has been shown to have a significant male predominance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most commonly identified organism beside a high mixed infection rate. We identified the following predisposing factors: interdigital tinea, occlusion and humidity, history of self‐medication with antifungals, antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids. As for treatment, debridement of macerated skin lesions and the hyperkeratotic rim showed good response in three published cases. Bacteriological workup of swabs including an antibiogram is recommended for identification of the proper topical and systemic therapy. Autosensitization dermatitis and frequent recurrences are common complications of GNBTWI. Despite the fact, that GNBTWI is an accepted disease entity, scarce data on GNBTWI exist in the medical literature. Randomized controlled trials are missing although needed for evidence‐based therapy. To facilitate communication and exchange of updates of GNBTWI, we promote the suggested terminology for bacterial toe web diseases.
Treatment of prurigo with methotrexate: a multicentre retrospective study of 39 cases
Authors: Klejtman T. , Beylot‐Barry M. , Joly P. , Richard M.A. , Debarbieux S. , Misery L. , Wolkenstein P. , Chosidow O. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S.
Published: October 2017

Background

Prurigo is a common primary pruritic condition. Treatment is challenging. Methotrexate (MTX) is effective for the treatment of pruriginous dermatoses, but its use in prurigo has been little studied.

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy and safety of MTX in the treatment of difficult‐to‐treat prurigo.

Methods

Patients from six university dermatology departments treated with MTX between 2006 and 2016 for difficult‐to‐treat prurigo (i.e. with failure to conventional therapies) were included in this retrospective multicentre study. Patients with other pruritic dermatoses were excluded. Clinical efficacy was recorded after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment: (i) subjective efficacy, that is, evaluation of the pruritus by the patient and (ii) objective efficacy, that is, assessment of cutaneous lesions by the physician: complete or almost complete remission (CR) (healing of lesions), partial remission (PR) (incomplete improvement of lesions) or failure (no improvement or worsening). The overall response rate (ORR) included CR and PR.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients with previous failure of topical steroids, H1‐antihistamine drugs or phototherapy were included. The median weekly dose of MTX was 15 mg (range 5–25 mg). The median follow‐up was 16 months (2–108). The mean time between onset of MTX and objective efficacy was 2.4 ± 1.2 months and the mean duration of response was 19 ± 15 months. The ORR was 91% at 3 months [n = 36, CI 95% (81.2–100.8%), CR 44%], 94% at 6 months [n = 32, CI 95% (85.7–102.2%), CR 56%] and 89% at 12 months [n = 28, CI 95% (77.4–100.6%), CR 57%]. Seven patients stopped MTX because of failure, and five because of the discovery of hepatocarcinoma (n = 1), elevated transaminases (n = 1), infectious pneumonitis (n = 1) or gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 2).

Conclusion

Methotrexate is a therapeutic option in difficult‐to‐treat prurigo.
Apremilast for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis: results from a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Haydey R. , Rosoph L.A. , Lynde C.W. , Bukhalo M. , Fowler J.F. , Delorme I. , Gagné‐Henley A. , Gooderham M. , Poulin Y. , Barber K. , Jenkin P. , Landells I. , Pariser D.M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Palmoplantar psoriasis is a variant of psoriasis vulgaris which can severely impair quality of life.

Objectives

The main objectives of this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study were to assess the efficacy and impact on quality of life and work productivity of apremilast for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis were randomized to either apremilast 30 mg bid or placebo for 16 weeks. At Week 16, all patients received apremilast 30 mg bid until Week 32. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment (PPPGA) of 0/1 at Week 16.

Results

There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who achieved a PPPGA of 0/1 at Week 16 between patients randomized to apremilast (14%) and placebo (4%; P = 0.1595). After 32 weeks of treatment with apremilast, 24% of patients achieved a PPGA of 0/1. In addition, apremilast was superior to placebo in achieving Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PPPASI) 75 (apremilast: 22%; placebo: 8%; P = 0.0499), in improving PPPASI (apremilast: −7.4 ± 7.1; placebo: −3.6 ± 5.9; P = 0.0167), Dermatology Life Quality Index score (apremilast: −4.3 ± 5.1; placebo: −0.8 ± 4.5; P = 0.0004) and in reducing activity impairment (apremilast: −11.0 ± 22.3; placebo: 2.5 ± 25.5; P = 0.0063).

Conclusion

Despite the absence of a significant difference between apremilast and placebo in proportion of patients achieving a PPPGA of 0/1, the presence of significant differences observed for several secondary endpoints suggests that apremilast may have a role in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis.
Reflectance confocal microscopy identification of subclinical basal cell carcinomas during and after vismodegib treatment
Authors: Couzan C. , Cinotti E. , Labeille B. , Vercherin P. , Rubegni P. , Cambazard F. , Perrot J.L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Recently, it has been shown that reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) could identify subclinical basal cell carcinoma (BCC) during vismodegib treatment of locally advanced BCC.

Objectives

To evaluate specificity and sensitivity of clinical, dermoscopic and RCM examination for BCC in patients with multiple BCCs treated by vismodegib.

Methods

Ninety four BCCs had 710 clinical, dermoscopic and RCM examinations during 72 weeks of vismodegib treatment. Thirty‐eight were biopsied at the end of the treatment. Sensitivity and specificity for these 38 lesions were calculated. BCC diagnoses of clinical, dermoscopic and RCM examination on all the 710 investigations were compared using chi‐square test.

Results

Reflectance confocal microscopy was extremely more sensitive than dermoscopy and clinical examination and slightly less specific (sensitivity of 95%, 35% and 33% and specificity of 81%, 88% and 86% for RCM, dermoscopy and clinical examination, respectively) for the identification of residual BCC in the 38 biopsied cases. Considering all the 710 observations, RCM correctly diagnosed more BCCs than dermoscopy and clinical examination.

Conclusion

Reflectance confocal microscopy is a non‐invasive technique that can detect subclinical residual BCC during and after vismodegib treatment helping the clinician to identify incomplete tumour regression.
A phase 2a randomized controlled study to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, safety, tolerability and clinical effect of topically applied Umeclidinium in subjects with primary axillary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Nasir A. , Bissonnette R. , Maari C. , DuBois J. , Pene Dumitrescu T. , Haddad J. , Yamaguchi Y. , Dalessandro M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Hyperhidrosis is a common medical condition which can have a significant impact on quality of life. Umeclidinium (UMEC) is a long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) developed as a dermal formulation.

Objectives

This 2‐week, double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled study evaluated systemic exposure, safety and tolerability of topically administered UMEC in subjects with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Clinical effect was a secondary objective, measured by gravimetry and the hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS). Vehicle was included to evaluate safety.

Methods

Twenty‐three subjects were randomized to either 1.85% UMEC (N = 18) or vehicle (N = 5) once daily.

Results

Measurable plasma concentrations were observed in 78% of subjects after the treatment. Nine subjects (50%) on UMEC and two subjects (40%) on vehicle reported AEs, most commonly application site reactions. At Day 15, seven subjects (41%) in UMEC and two subjects (40%) in vehicle had at least a 50% reduction in sweat production. Eight subjects (47%) in UMEC and one subject (20%) in vehicle had at least a two‐point reduction in HDSS. No comparisons of treatment arms were planned prospectively.

Conclusions

The measurable exposure, acceptable safety and preliminary clinical activity observed in this proof‐of‐concept study suggest the potential clinical utility of topical UMEC in subjects with axillary hyperhidrosis.
Defining the actinic keratosis field: a literature review and discussion
Authors: Figueras Nart I. , Cerio R. , Dirschka T. , Dréno B. , Lear J.T. , Pellacani G. , Peris K. , Ruiz de Casas A. ,   Progressing Evidence in AK (PEAK) Working Group
Published: October 2017

Despite the chronic and increasingly prevalent nature of actinic keratosis (AK) and existing evidence supporting assessment of the entire cancerization field during clinical management, a standardized definition of the AK field to aid in the understanding and characterization of the disease is lacking. The objective of this review was to present and appraise the available evidence describing the AK cancerization field, with the aim of determining a precise definition of the AK field in terms of its molecular (including genetic and immunological), histological and clinical characteristics. Eight European dermatologists collaborated to conduct a review and expert appraisal of articles detailing the characteristics of the AK field. Articles published in English before August 2016 were identified using PubMed and independently selected for further assessment according to predefined preliminary inclusion and exclusion criteria. In addition, a retrospective audit of patients with AK was performed to define the AK field in clinical terms. A total of 32 review articles and 47 original research articles provided evidence of sun‐induced molecular (including genetic and immunological) and histological skin changes in the sun‐exposed area affected by AK. However, the available literature was deemed insufficient to inform a clinical definition of the AK field. During the retrospective audit, visible signs of sun damage in 40 patients with AK were assessed. Telangiectasia, atrophy and pigmentation disorders emerged as ‘reliable or very reliable’ indicators of AK field based on expert opinion, whereas ‘sand paper’ was deemed a ‘moderately reliable’ indicator. This literature review has revealed a significant gap of evidence to inform a clinical definition of the AK field. Therefore, the authors instead propose a clinical definition of field cancerization based on the identification of visible signs of sun damage that are reliable indicators of field cancerization based on expert opinion.
The implementation of knowledge dissemination in the prevention of occupational skin diseases
Authors: Wilke A. , Bollmann U. , Cazzaniga S. , Hübner A. , John S.M. , Karadzinska‐Bislimovska J. , Mijakoski D. , Šimić D. , Simon D. , Sonsmann F. , Stoleski S. , Weinert P. , Wulfhorst B.
Published: October 2017

Background

Occupational skin diseases (OSD) have a high medical, social, economic and political impact. Knowledge dissemination from research activities to key stakeholders involved in health care is a prerequisite to make prevention effective.

Objectives

To study and prioritize different activity fields and stakeholders that are involved in the prevention of OSD, to reflect on their inter‐relationships, to develop a strategic approach for knowledge dissemination and to develop a hands‐on tool for OSD prevention projects

Methods

Seven different activity fields that are relevant in the prevention of OSD have been stepwise identified. This was followed by an impact analysis. Fifty‐five international OSD experts rated the impact and the influence of the activity fields for the prevention of OSD with a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Activity fields identified to have a high impact in OSD prevention are the political system, mass media and industry. The political system has a strong but more indirect effect on the general population via the educational system, local public health services or the industry. The educational system, mass media, industry and local public health services have a strong direct impact on the OSD ‘at risk’ worker. Finally, a hands‐on tool for future OSD prevention projects has been developed that addresses knowledge dissemination and different stakeholder needs.

Conclusion

Systematic knowledge dissemination is important to make OSD prevention more effective and to close the gap between research and practice. This study provides guidance to identify stakeholders, strategies and dissemination channels for systematic knowledge dissemination which need to be adapted to country‐specific structures, for example the social security system and healthcare systems. A key for successful knowledge dissemination is building linkages among different stakeholders, building strategic partnerships and gaining their support right from the inception phase of a project.
Evidence of evolutionary optimization of fatty acid length and unsaturation
Authors: Galván I.
Published: October 2017

The lipid composition of cell membranes exerts a crucial influence on cell physiology. Indeed, one double bond triggers membrane fluidity, essential for cell functionality, but additional double bonds increase the susceptibility to peroxidation, which produces reactive compounds that impair the viability of cells. It has therefore been suggested, but never tested in an extensive comparative context, that the composition of membrane fatty acids has been optimized during evolution. A similar prediction has been made for fatty acid chain length, on which susceptibility to peroxidation also depends. Here I tested for stabilizing selection on fatty acid composition by evaluating the fitting of the single stationary peak (SSP) model of evolution to a large data set from 107 species of birds, against alternative evolutionary models. I found that across‐species variation in average chain length and in the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), but not in the proportion of polyunsaturated (PUFAs) nor saturated (SFAs) fatty acids, was better explained by SSP models than by other models. Results show optimum values of fatty acid chain length and proportion of MUFAs of 18 C atoms and 25.5% mol, respectively, the strength of stabilizing selection being particularly high in chain length. This is the first evidence of evolutionary optimization in fatty acid composition, suggesting that certain values may have been selected because of their adaptive capacity to minimize susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.
Sperm competition, but not major histocompatibility divergence, drives differential fertilization success between alternative reproductive tactics in Chinook salmon
Authors: Lehnert S. J. , Helou L. , Pitcher T. E. , Heath J. W. , Heath D. D.
Published: October 2017

Post‐copulatory sexual selection processes, including sperm competition and cryptic female choice (CFC), can operate based on major histocompatibility (MH) genes. We investigated sperm competition between male alternative reproductive tactics [jack (sneaker) and hooknose (guard)] of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Using a full factorial design, we examined in vitro competitive fertilization success of paired jack and hooknose males at three time points after sperm activation (0, 15 and 60 s) to test for male competition, CFC and time effects on male fertilization success. We also examined egg‐mediated CFC at two MH genes by examining both the relationship between competitive fertilization success and MH divergence as well as inheritance patterns of MH alleles in resulting offspring. We found that jacks sired more offspring than hooknose males at 0 s post‐activation; however, jack fertilization success declined over time post‐activation, suggesting a trade‐off between sperm speed and longevity. Enhanced fertilization success of jacks (presumably via higher sperm quality) may serve to increase sneaker tactic competitiveness relative to dominant hooknose males. We also found evidence of egg‐mediated CFC (i.e. female × male interaction) influencing competitive fertilization success; however, CFC was not acting on the MH genes as we found no relationship between fertilization success and MH II β1 or MH I α1 divergence and we found no deviations from Mendelian inheritance of MH alleles in the offspring. Our study provides insight into evolutionary mechanisms influencing variation in male mating success within alternative reproductive tactics, thus underscoring different strategies that males can adopt to attain success.
Trends in health‐care costs and utilization for inflammatory bowel disease from 2010 to 2014 in Korea: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Kim Jung‐Wook , Lee Chang Kyun , Rhee Sang Youl , Oh Chi Hyuck , Shim Jae‐Jun , Kim Hyo Jong
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

Data regarding health‐care costs and utilization for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at the population level are limited in Asia. We aimed to investigate the nationwide prevalence and health‐care cost and utilization of IBD in Korea.

Methods

We tracked the IBD‐attributable health‐care costs and utilization from 2010 to 2014 using the public dataset obtained from Korean National Health Insurance Service claims. We estimated the nationwide prevalence of IBD using population census data from Statistics Korea during the same period.

Results

In total, 236 106 IBD patients were analyzed. The estimated IBD prevalence significantly increased from 85.1/100 000 in 2010 to 106/100 000 in 2014. The overall annual health‐care costs for IBD increased from $23.2 million (US dollars) in 2010 to $49.7 million in 2014 (P < 0.001). During the same period, the health‐care cost per capita also increased from $572.3 to $983.7 (P < 0.001). The outpatient to total cost ratio increased from 45.5% in 2010 to 66.6% in 2014. Regarding health‐care utilization, the outpatient to total days of service use ratio increased from 73.1% in 2010 to 76.9% in 2014. Of the total days of service used, the proportions of tertiary, general, and community hospitals increased significantly with a concomitant decrease in that of primary clinics (all P values < 0.001).

Conclusions

This population‐based study confirmed the steadily rising rate of prevalence of IBD in Korea. It also demonstrated that the shifting to outpatient care and advanced care settings are drivers for the dramatic increase in IBD‐related health‐care costs in Korea.
Association between natural killer cell activity and the risk of colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Kwon Min‐Jung , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il , Park Jung Ho
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

Low activity of natural killer (NK) cells is known to be associated with higher risk of cancer, especially with poor prognosis and the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated whether NK cells activity differs between subjects with and without colorectal neoplasia (CRN).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed on 1818 asymptomatic examinees aged ≥ 30 years who underwent NK cell activity test (which quantitates the amount of interferon‐γ secreted into the plasma by NK cells) and a colonoscopy as part of a health checkup.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 41.4 years. The proportion of overall CRN and advanced CRN was 13.5% (n = 246) and 0.7% (n = 13), respectively. Only one subject was diagnosed with CRC. The median level of NK cell activity was lower in subjects with CRN than in those without CRN (1205 vs 1515 pg/mL, P = 0.009). It was also lower in subjects with non‐advanced CRN than in those without CRN (1221 vs 1515 pg/mL; P = 0.036). Moreover, it was lower in subjects with advanced CRN than in those with non‐advanced CRN (480 vs 1221 pg/mL; P = 0.028). Subjects with low levels of NK cell activity (< 250 pg/mL) had a higher prevalence of overall CRN (19.0% vs 12.9%, P = 0.024) and advanced CRN (3.4% vs 0.4%, P = 0.001) than those who demonstrated higher level (≥ 250 pg/mL).

Conclusions

Natural killer cell activity seemed to decrease along with CRC progression toward the later stages in the adenoma‐carcinoma sequence. Its activity may be depressed in relation to progression of neoplasia, even at precancerous stage.
Predominance of regorafenib over sorafenib: Restoration of membrane‐bound MICA in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Arai Jun , Goto Kaku , Stephanou Anthony , Tanoue Yasushi , Ito Sayaka , Muroyama Ryosuke , Matsubara Yasuo , Nakagawa Ryo , Morimoto Sayuri , Kaise Yoshimi , Lim Lay Ahyoung , Yoshida Hitoshi , Kato Naoya
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

The multi‐kinase inhibitor regorafenib (REG) was recently demonstrated to be effective in patients with sorafenib (SOR)‐resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, SOR is known to enhance the accumulation of membrane‐bound MHC class I polypeptide‐related sequence A (mMICA) in HCC cells and to block the production of soluble MICA (sMICA), an immunological decoy. In addition, MICA is associated with HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C. We have now compared the impact of REG and SOR on MICA in HCC cells, as well as the immunotherapeutic implications thereof.

Methods

HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells were exposed to REG and SOR, and levels of sMICA and mMICA were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. The drugs were also tested in vitro for inhibitory activity against recombinant human A disintegrin and metalloprotease 9 (ADAM9), a sheddase that releases MICA from the membrane.

Results

To a greater extent than SOR, but without marked difference in cytotoxicity, REG significantly suppressed mRNA and protein expression of ADAM9 and ADAM10, thereby decreasing production of sMICA and boosting accumulation of mMICA. Accumulation of mMICA in response to REG was reversed by siRNA against ADAM9. However, the drugs did not inhibit the enzymatic activity of ADAM9 in vitro.

Conclusions

The clinical superiority of REG over SOR is partially attributable to reduced MICA shedding via transcriptional suppression of ADAM9 and ADAM10.
Prevalence of pre‐eruptive intracoronal radiolucencies in Thai children and adolescents: A retrospective study
Authors: Manmontri Chanika , Chompu‐inwai Papimon , Mahasantipiya Phattaranant M. , Prapayasatok Sangsom
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, location, size, and tooth type of pre‐eruptive intracoronal radiolucencies (PEIR) from panoramic radiographs in Thai patients.

Methods

A retrospective study of PEIR was conducted on 1599 panoramic radiographs of 629 Thai males and 970 Thai females with an age range of 4‐20 years (average age: 14.0 ± 4.0 years). Each radiograph was reviewed by two calibrated examiners. The age and sex of the patients, location, size, and tooth type of the lesions were recorded. The SPSS program was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The PEIR were found in 0.32% of tooth samples (29/9060) and 1.63% of patients (26/1599). There was no statistical difference in the presence of PEIR between both sexes. The mandibular second molars were the most affected teeth. The lesions were mostly located at the central part of the crown. The lesion sizes were mostly limited to less than one‐third of dentinal thickness.

Conclusions

The present study showed that the prevalence of PEIR in Thai samples is 1.63%. This could raise dentists’ awareness in reviewing unerupted teeth in panoramic radiographs. Early detection of the lesions should aid in proper treatment planning of affected teeth to prevent complications from carious invasion after tooth eruption.
Size scaling patterns of species richness and carbon biomass for marine phytoplankton functional groups
Authors: Ignatiades Lydia
Published: October 2017

Phytoplankton assemblages were clustered into associations according to functional taxonomic (diatoms, dinoflagellates and coccolithophores) and “ataxonomic” unimodal (nanoplankton, microplankton and macroplankton) size‐based criteria. Scaling relations of species richness‐cell size were performed in terms of histogram and log‐transformed data analyses for both taxonomic and ataxonomic groups. Frequency distribution histograms were fitted to a negative power function, which was strongly unimodal and right skewed and invariant across taxonomic and ataxonomic units. Regression analyses of the log‐transformed data were fitted to negative linear curves, which had common patterns and they were independent of taxonomic or ataxonomic affiliation. Species carbon biomass–cell size spectra produced by log transformation of the relevant data yielded positive slopes for both taxonomic and ataxonomic groups. In contrast, comparisons of the relative cell abundance, cell volume and carbon biomass levels showed large differences among these variables across taxonomic and ataxonomic groups. This work demonstrates that phytoplankton taxonomic and ataxonomic functional group relationships should be considered when developing future models of phytoplankton community structure.
Structural integrity of Ellisolandia elongata reefs: A mechanical approach to compare tensile strengths in natural and controlled environments
Authors: Ragazzola Federica , Raiteri Giancarlo , Fabbri Paride , Scafè Matteo , Florio Maurizio , Nannini Matteo , Lombardi Chiara
Published: October 2017

Geniculate coralline algae are oases of biodiversity, providing nursery areas and shelter for the species that live amongst their fronds. The key to their success in the inter‐tidal is the ability to withstand hydrodynamic forces. Under culturing conditions most of the physical and ecological stressors such as intense hydrodynamic forces and grazing are extremely reduced, thus affecting species mechanical properties and their response to external threats. The aim of the present study was to investigate tensile mechanical properties of clusters of fronds of Ellisolandia elongata from natural (sheltered and exposed reef) and culturing conditions (after 1 month of culturing). The tensile test showed that the first failure stress (σI) was not significantly different between the natural and culturing conditions, indicating that the two reefs (sheltered and exposed) were characterized by the same distribution of pre‐existing, inherent structural flaws. Interestingly, the σmax (maximum stress before rupture) was significantly different between the two conditions, with the culturing condition being more resistant to average load compared to the natural conditions. The maximum stress before rupture (σmax) showed the influence of the environment in reducing the strength and elasticity of the fronds.
Rehabilitation of damaged reefs: Outcome of the use of recently broken coral fragments and healed coral fragments of pocilloporid corals on rocky boulders
Authors: Nava Héctor , Figueroa‐Camacho Antonieta G.
Published: October 2017

The use of two types of coral transplants on rock boulders was evaluated as a low‐cost alternative for rehabilitation of live coral coverage in localities whose reef structure has been reduced considerably. Transplant success between recently broken coral fragments (BCF) and healed coral fragments (HCF) was compared assuming that initial fragmentation accelerates the attachment of corals by regeneration stimulation. Two sets of both types of transplants were started during the dry and rainy seasons to contrast the effect of environmental stability on transplant survival, vertical growth and horizontal growth over 12 months. The technique provided adequate conditions for coral development, as transplants responded satisfactorily. BCF showed higher success than HCF in attaching to the substrate (up to 98 ± 4% versus 86.4 ± 18.9% after 9 months) during both seasons and also showed a greater increase in height (209.63 ± 43.65% versus 124 ± 15.83%) and diameter (107.26 ± 25.75% versus 99.98 ± 19.74%) during the rainy season. Boat anchorage caused mortality in transplants started during the dry season (less than 10% for BCF versus 37.2% for HCF) while the impact of Hurricane Polo in October 2014 caused higher mortality in transplants started during the rainy season (up to 55%). We conclude that (i) coral transplantation on rock boulders is a good choice to restore damaged coral communities, (ii) BCF seems to be the best source of transplants for pocilloporid corals, and (iii) although high light availability during the rainy season enhances transplant growth, the stable, low energy conditions in the dry season facilitate initial transplant attachment and high survival.
A matter of tolerance: Distribution potential of scyphozoan polyps in a changing environment
Authors: Goldstein Josephine , Augustin Christina B. , Bleich Steffen , Holst Sabine
Published: October 2017

Jellyfish blooms are unpredictable, unsustainable events, frequently affecting aquatic ecosystems severely. Of particular interest are the consequences of environmental change for jellyfish populations, especially in semi‐enclosed habitats. Regional and seasonal changes in water chemistry and physics may control the distribution of sessile polyps in the Baltic Sea, hence potentially driving the population dynamics of the two abundant medusa species Aurelia aurita and Cyanea capillata (Scyphozoa, Cnidaria). In laboratory experiments, settlement, growth, survival and physiological condition of A. aurita polyps were investigated at different levels of water temperature, pH and salinity. Survival and physiological condition of C. capillata polyps were examined after exposure to low salinity levels. Increased settlement of A. aurita planula larvae was observed on substrate plates at low temperature (4°C), low pH (7.4) and low salinity (7.5 psu), whereas early polyp growth was constrained by salinity ≤10 psu. Aurelia aurita polyps were in good physiological condition over the whole temperature range, while exposure to pH <6.5 led to stepwise tissue degradation. Salinity reduction to ≤5 and ≤8 psu caused irreversible degeneration of A. aurita and C. capillata polyps, respectively. Observed physiological limits suggest distribution of polyp populations of A. aurita in central and of C. capillata in western parts of the Baltic Sea, while future climate changes may particularly restrict occurrence of the less tolerant C. capillata.
Evidence of Ostrea lurida Carpenter, 1864, population structure in Puget Sound, WA, USA
Authors: Heare Jake E. , Blake Brady , Davis Jonathan P. , Vadopalas Brent , Roberts Steven B.
Published: October 2017

Species traits that carry adaptive advantages such as reproductive timing and stress resilience may differ among populations. Knowledge and consideration of these traits should, therefore, be integrated into conservation efforts that include long‐term persistence of species. To test for adaptive differences between Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida, populations a reciprocal transplant experiment was carried out monitoring survival, growth and reproduction using three established populations of O. lurida within Puget Sound, WA, USA. Performance differed for each population. Ostrea lurida from Dabob Bay had the highest survival at all sites but the lowest reproductive activity and growth. Oysters from Oyster Bay demonstrated the greatest proportion of brooding females at a majority of sites with moderate growth and survival. Together these data suggest the existence of O. lurida population structure within Puget Sound and provide information on how broodstock should be selected for restoration purposes.
Influence of lunar phases, winds and seasonality on the stranding of mesopelagic fish in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Battaglia Pietro , Ammendolia Giovanni , Cavallaro Mauro , Consoli Pierpaolo , Esposito Valentina , Malara Danilo , Rao Ignazio , Romeo Teresa , Andaloro Franco
Published: October 2017

The shore stranding of mesopelagic fauna is a recurrent phenomenon in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea). The aim of this paper is to test the influence of lunar phases, winds and seasons upon the frequency of occurrence of strandings of mesopelagic fish. Species abundance in relation to these factors was quantified for the first time. Specimens were collected stranded on the shore along the Sicilian coast of the Strait of Messina between 2008 and 2016. Overall 32 species belonging to seven families (Gonostomatidae, Microstomatidae, Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, Stomiidae) were found stranded. Myctophidae was the family including the highest number of species (16), whereas Gonostomatidae was the most abundant in terms of total number of individuals (47.2%), mainly thanks to the species Cyclothone braueri. The moon, which influences the strength of currents (highest during full and new moon phases) and irradiance (higher in some lunar phases, such as the full moon), affected the abundance of stranded mesopelagic fish in the study area. The highest number of stranding events was recorded during the new moon: 34.6% of the total relative abundance of stranded mesopelagic fish. Wind blowing from the sea towards the coastline (southeasterly and easterly winds) created the best conditions for strandings. The highest abundance of stranded specimens was recorded during the winter season.
Tracing carbon transfer and assimilation by invertebrates and fish across a tropical mangrove ecosystem using stable isotopes
Authors: Tue Nguyen Tai , Quy Tran Dang , Nhuan Mai Trong , Dung Luu Viet , Thai Nguyen Dinh
Published: October 2017

Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems that exhibit a diverse range of habitats, including tidal creeks and flats, forest gaps and interior forest with varying understory light intensity, tidal dynamics, geomorphological settings, and overall biological production. Within mangrove ecosystems, invertebrates and fish feed on heterogeneous food sources, the occurrence of which is unevenly distributed across the system. This provides a basis for testing models of carbon transfer across mangrove ecosystems. We hypothesized that the carbon transfer and assimilation by fish and invertebrates will vary across the different mangrove habitats and that such variations can be predicted by their stable isotope compositions. We analysed δ13C and δ15N signatures of consumers and their potential organic carbon sources across a tropical mangrove ecosystem in Vietnam. The δ13C values of crabs and snails significantly decreased from the tidal flat to interior forest, indicating that variations in carbon transfer and assimilation occurred at small scales <30 m. Reduced variation in δ13C of suspension‐feeding bivalves suggested that tidal water was a vector for large‐scale transport of carbon across the mangrove ecosystem. An analysis of co‐variance using habitat as a fixed factor and feeding habit and movement capacity of consumers as co‐variates indicated that habitat and feeding types were major features that affected the δ13C values of invertebrates and fish. The findings demonstrate that carbon transfer and assimilation across mangrove ecosystems occur as a diverse combination of small (<30 m) and large (>30 m) scale processes.
Female ornaments signal own and offspring quality in a sex‐role‐reversed fish with extreme male parental care
Authors: Cunha Mário A. B. , Berglund Anders , Monteiro Nuno M.
Published: October 2017

Although female ornaments have been described in many taxa, the full spectrum of information conveyed by such traits together with the potential male fitness benefits are far from fully understood. Here, we used a sex‐role‐reversed species, the black‐striped pipefish, Syngnathus abaster, where females are the ornamented sex and intensively compete for mates who present an extreme form of paternal care (male pregnancy). We investigated what information is conveyed by female traits and if males are using it during mate choice. We further assessed which traits would reflect offspring quality at birth. We found that although body length generally portrays information on female reproductive potential (gonadosomatic index and oocyte diameter), it does so indirectly. Different aspects of the female traits, such as stripe width and trunk broadness, were found to be better direct indicators. When size is kept constant, males prefer females with wider stripes. Moreover, stripe coloration was found to reflect offspring quality as darker‐striped females produced larger newborns. Our observations suggest that in a species with exclusive paternal care, independently from the male's direct investment in reproduction, female contribution decisively impacts male fitness. Thus, at least in sex‐role‐reversed species such as the black striped pipefish, female ornaments can be selected in an analogous way to those of males in species with conventional sex roles (i.e. by mate choice).
Spatio‐temporal variation in biomass of the deep‐sea red crab Chaceon affinis in Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands, Eastern‐Central Atlantic)
Authors: Triay‐Portella Raül , Pajuelo José G. , González José A.
Published: October 2017

The spatial and temporal biomass distribution of Chaceon affinis and its vulnerability to fishing activity in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) were investigated. The first goal was to assess the influence of the slope steepness and substrate on the size of crab patches, size of the crabs, and crab biomass. The second goal was to evaluate spatial and temporal variation in the biomass over a 15‐month period. The last goal was to assess the influence of fishing activity upon the reduction in the biomass over the same 15‐month period. Only two or three locations in the sampling area generated high‐biomass contour patches. When these patches were superimposed on the isobath lines, they were coincident with the main depth range described for the species in the area. The map of the biomass values clearly showed three structures with cores of the highest biomass in both muddy and rocky‐muddy areas. The biomass was higher on muddy than on rocky‐muddy bottoms. Biomass was twice as high when steepness was reduced to one third between isobaths of 500 and 900 m. The size of crab patches increases linearly with the decrease in slope steepness. The spatial structure of crabs remained fairly stable over time, showing that biomass changes with depth over time. Maps of the estimated biomass values over the 15‐month period showed the same two main patches over time with the cores of highest biomass separated by a distance of between 4.2 and 4.5 km. Although the bathymetric distribution by sexes showed temporal changes, with a displacement to deeper areas made by both sexes over the studied period, only a partial temporal segregation between males and females was observed. During the study period, crabs underwent a significant decline in biomass and this was consistent with the combined catches of both commercial and experimental fishing in the area. Due to its low mobility, C. affinis is highly vulnerable to local depletion by intensive fishing efforts.
Genomics of natural populations: Evolutionary forces that establish and maintain gene arrangements in Drosophila pseudoobscura
Authors: Fuller Zachary L. , Haynes Gwilym D. , Richards Stephen , Schaeffer Stephen W.
Published: October 2017

The evolution of complex traits in heterogeneous environments may shape the order of genes within chromosomes. Drosophila pseudoobscura has a rich gene arrangement polymorphism that allows one to test evolutionary genetic hypotheses about how chromosomal inversions are established in populations. D. pseudoobscura has >30 gene arrangements on a single chromosome that were generated through a series of overlapping inversion mutations with >10 inversions with appreciable frequencies and wide geographic distributions. This study analyses the genomic sequences of 54 strains of Drosophila pseudoobscura that carry one of six different chromosomal arrangements to test whether (i) genetic drift, (ii) hitchhiking with an adaptive allele, (iii) direct effects of inversions to create gene disruptions caused by breakpoints, or (iv) indirect effects of inversions in limiting the formation of recombinant gametes are responsible for the establishment of new gene arrangements. We found that the inversion events do not disrupt the structure of protein coding genes at the breakpoints. Population genetic analyses of 2,669 protein coding genes identified 277 outlier loci harbouring elevated frequencies of arrangement‐specific derived alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium occurs among distant loci interspersed between regions with low levels of association indicating that distant allelic combinations are held together despite shared polymorphism among arrangements. Outlier genes showing evidence of genetic differentiation between arrangements are enriched for sensory perception and detoxification genes. The data presented here support the indirect effect of inversion hypothesis where chromosomal inversions are favoured because they maintain linked associations among multilocus allelic combinations among different arrangements.
Genomic differentiation and patterns of gene flow between two long‐tailed tit species (Aegithalos)
Authors: Zhang Dezhi , Song Gang , Gao Bin , Cheng Yalin , Qu Yanhua , Wu Shaoyuan , Shao Shimiao , Wu Yongjie , Alström Per , Lei Fumin
Published: October 2017

Patterns of heterogeneous genomic differentiation have been well documented between closely related species, with some highly differentiated genomic regions (“genomic differentiation islands”) spread throughout the genome. Differential levels of gene flow are proposed to account for this pattern, as genomic differentiation islands are suggested to be resistant to gene flow. Recent studies have also suggested that genomic differentiation islands could be explained by linked selection acting on genomic regions with low recombination rates. Here, we investigate genomic differentiation and gene‐flow patterns for autosomes using RAD‐seq data between two closely related species of long‐tailed tits (Aegithalos bonvaloti and A. fuliginosus) in both allopatric and contact zone populations. The results confirm recent or ongoing gene flow between these two species. However, there is little evidence that the genomic regions that were found to be highly differentiated between the contact zone populations are resistant to gene flow, suggesting that differential levels of gene flow is not the cause of the heterogeneous genomic differentiation. Linked selection may be the cause of genomic differentiation islands between the allopatric populations with no or very limited gene flow, but this could not account for the heterogeneous genomic differentiation between the contact zone populations, which show evidence of recent or ongoing gene flow.
Gene expression changes in male accessory glands during ageing are accompanied by reproductive decline in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Koppik Mareike , Fricke Claudia
Published: October 2017

Senescence is accompanied by loss of reproductive functions. Here, we studied reproductive ageing in Drosophila melanogaster males and asked whether the expected decline in male reproductive success is due to diminished functionality of the male accessory gland (AG). The male AG produces the majority of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) transferred to the female at mating. SFPs induce female postmating changes and are key to male reproductive success. We measured age‐dependent gene expression changes for five representative SFP genes in males from four different age groups ranging from 1 to 6 weeks after eclosion. Simultaneously, we also measured male reproductive success in postmating traits mediated by transfer of these five SFPs. We found a decreased in male SFP gene expression with advancing age and an accompanying decline in male postmating success. Hence, male reproductive senescence is associated with a decline in functionality of the male AG. While overall individual SFP genes decreased in expression, our results point towards the idea that the composition of an ejaculate might change with male age as the rate of change was variable for those five genes.
Distinct sources of gene flow produce contrasting population genetic dynamics at different range boundaries of aChoristoneurabudworm
Authors: Blackburn Gwylim S. , Brunet Bryan M. T. , Muirhead Kevin , Cusson Michel , Béliveau Catherine , Levesque Roger C. , Lumley Lisa M. , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: October 2017

Populations are often exposed to multiple sources of gene flow, but accounts are lacking of the population genetic dynamics that result from these interactions or their effects on local evolution. Using a genomic clines framework applied to 1,195 single nucleotide polymorphisms, we documented genomewide, locus‐specific patterns of introgression betweenChoristoneura occidentalis biennisspruce budworms and two ecologically divergent relatives,C. o. occidentalisandChoristoneura fumiferana, that it interacts with at alternate boundaries of its range. We observe contrasting hybrid indexes between the two hybrid zones, no overlap in “gene‐flow outliers” (clines showing relatively extreme extents or rates of locus‐specific introgression) and variable linkage disequilibrium among those outliers. At the same time, correlated genomewide rates of introgression between zones suggest the presence of processes common to both boundaries. These findings highlight the contrasting population genetic dynamics that can occur at separate frontiers of a single population, while also suggesting that shared patterns may frequently accompany cases of divergence‐with‐gene‐flow that involve a lineage in common. Our results point to potentially complex evolutionary outcomes for populations experiencing multiple sources of gene flow.
Novel method for identifying individual cetaceans using facial features and symmetry: A test case using dolphins
Authors: Genov Tilen , Centrih Tina , Wright Andrew J. , Wu Gi‐Mick
Published: October 2017

Individual identification plays a major role in our understanding of the biology, ecology and behavior in cetaceans. Being able to tell individuals apart can provide invaluable insight into basic biological and scientific questions, but is also highly relevant to science‐based conservation. Given the importance of individual identification, it appears vital to improve existing identification methods and find new ones. Here, we present a novel identification method of using facial information, with common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as a case study. In dolphins, dorsal fins are typically used for identification, but not all individuals or species are sufficiently marked. We show that facial features in bottlenose dolphins are long‐term and consistent across the left and right sides, and may enable calves (which tend to have unmarked fins) to be re‐identified after weaning, thus increasing cross‐generational knowledge. This novel method can complement dorsal fin identification by helping document mark changes over time and reduce false negative or positive errors. It also shows that current identification methods can still be improved. With increasing prevalence of digital photography and computer‐aided matching, it may become more viable to use ‘unconventional’ means of identification. We encourage other researchers to explore their photographic records for similar discoveries.