bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endemicity of chytridiomycosis features pathogen overdispersion
Authors: Grogan Laura F. , Phillott Andrea D. , Scheele Benjamin C. , Berger Lee , Cashins Scott D. , Bell Sara C. , Puschendorf Robert , Skerratt Lee F.
Published: February 2016

Pathogens can be critical drivers of the abundance and distribution of wild animal populations. The presence of an overdispersed pathogen load distribution between hosts (where few hosts harbour heavy parasite burdens and light infections are common) can have an important stabilizing effect on host–pathogen dynamics where infection intensity determines pathogenicity. This may potentially lead to endemicity of an introduced pathogen rather than extirpation of the host and/or pathogen.

Overdispersed pathogen load distributions have rarely been considered in wild animal populations as an important component of the infection dynamics of microparasites such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi.

Here we examined the abundance, distribution and transmission of the model fungal pathogenBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd, cause of amphibian chytridiomycosis) between wild‐caughtLitoria rheocola(common mist frogs) to investigate the effects of an overdispersed pathogen load distribution on the host population in the wild. We quantified host survival, infection incidence and recovery probabilities relative to infectious burden, and compared the results of models where pathogen overdispersion either was or was not considered an important feature of host–pathogen dynamics.

We found the distribution of Bd load between hosts to be highly overdispersed. We found that host survival was related to infection burden and that accounting for pathogen overdispersion allowed us to better understand infection dynamics and their implications for disease control. In addition, we found that the pattern of host infections and recoveries varied markedly with season whereby (i) infections established more in winter, consistent with temperature‐dependent effects on fungal growth, and (ii) recoveries (loss of infection) occurred frequently in the field throughout the year but were less likely in winter.

Our results suggest that pathogen overdispersion is an important feature of endemic chytridiomycosis and that intensity of infection determines disease impact. These findings have important implications for our understanding of chytridiomycosis dynamics and the application of management strategies for disease mitigation. We recommend quantifying individual infectious burdens rather than infection state where possible in microparasitic diseases.
Confidence Matters: Self‐efficacy Moderates the Credit that Supervisors Give to Adaptive and Proactive Role Behaviours
Authors: Nguyen Helena , Johnson Anya , Collins Catherine , Parker Sharon K.
Published: February 2016

In complex and uncertain work environments, employees need to not only be proficient in carrying out their core duties, but also to be adaptive (able to cope and respond to unpredictable events) and proactive (able to anticipate the situation and act in a self‐directed way) in their work roles. In this study we investigate the extent to which supervisors actually give credit to adaptive and proactive role behaviours when they judge employees’ overall job performance. Drawing on attribution theory, we propose that the extent to which these role behaviours are valued by supervisors will be enhanced by employees’ confidence for relevant role behaviours. Support for these ideas is provided using data from junior doctors and their supervisors in a hospital emergency department. Adaptive role behaviours positively influenced supervisors’ judgements of overall job performance. This relationship was stronger for employees with high self‐efficacy for achieving outcomes. Engaging in proactive role behaviours while also lacking role‐breadth self‐efficacy resulted in supervisors’ giving employees less credit for their proactive role behaviours. Findings support the argument that employees’ self‐efficacy for specific role behaviours provides attributional cues about capability that modify how adaptive and proactive role behaviours are interpreted and valued.
Circular RNA in blood corpuscles combined with plasma protein factor for early prediction of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Zhang Y‐G , Yang H‐L , Long Y , Li W‐L
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine the expression of circular RNA (circRNA) in blood corpuscles of pregnant women before 20 weeks of pregnancy and to create a new model to identify the performance of circRNA combined with protein factors for the early diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Design

Nested case–control study.

Setting

University medical centre, Guangzhou, China.

Population

A total of 1400 pregnant women recruited between 8 and 20 weeks of gestation. In all, 41 women with PE were included in the study, and were matched with 41 normally pregnant women based on maternal age and gestational age at same‐size ratio.

Methods

The samples were analysed using a human circRNA microarray in the discovery phase, then the circRNA and the plasma protein factor endoglin (ENG) were validated. Finally we combined ENG with circRNA to create a new early prediction model for PE.

Main outcome measures

Early changes of circRNA and ENG in PE.

Results

The circ_101222 levels in blood corpuscles of patients with PE were significantly higher than those in corresponding healthy women (P < 0.001). Using ENG in combination with circ_101222 resulted in a sensitivity of 0.7073, a specificity of 0.8049, and overall area under the curve of 0.876 (95% confidence interval 0.816–0.922) for the prediction of PE.

Conclusion

CircRNA and plasma proteins may have some predictive value for PE (such as circ_101222 and ENG). The performance of each of these factors may be strengthened when plasma proteins are used in combination with circRNA. The results are preliminary and need to be validated in larger studies and other populations.

Tweetable abstract

Plasma protein endoglin in combination with circ_101222 strengthened the predictive power for pre‐eclampsia.
Polysaccharides as Alternative Moisture Retention Agents for Shrimp
Authors: Torti Michael J. , Sims Charles A. , Adams Charles M. , Sarnoski Paul J.
Published: February 2016

Phosphates are used as moisture retention agents (MRAs) by the shrimp industry. Although they are effective, phosphates are expensive, need to be listed on a food label, and overuse can often lead to a higher product cost for consumers. Polysaccharides were researched as alternative MRAs. Polysaccharides are usually inexpensive, are considered natural, and can have nutritional benefits. Research was conducted to determine whether polysaccharides yielded similar functional impacts as phosphates. Treatments included a 0.5% fibercolloid solution isolated from citrus peel, an 8% pectin solution, a 0.5% xanthan gum (XG) solution, a 1% carboxymethyl cellulose solution, and conventionally used 4% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). Experimental treatments were compared to a distilled water control to gauge effectiveness. Freezing, boiling, and oven drying studies were performed to determine how moisture retention in shrimp differed using these different treatments. Water activity was measured to determine any potential differences in shelf life. Solution uptake was also determined to understand how well the treatments enhanced water binding. For moisture loss by freezing, 4% STP and the 0.5% fibercolloid solution functioned the best. The 4% STP treated shrimp lost the least amount of moisture during boiling. The 0.5% fibercolloid and 0.5% XG treatment outperformed phosphates in respect to moisture uptake ability. None of the treatments had a major effect on water activity. All treatments were rated similar in consumer sensory acceptability tests except for pectin, which was rated lower by the sensory panel. Overall, polysaccharides were found to be viable alternatives to phosphates.
Sensory Profiles and Seasonal Variation of Black Walnut Cultivars
Authors: Lynch Catherine , Koppel Kadri , Reid William
Published: February 2016

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is a North American hardwood tree valued for producing nuts and wood. Black walnut cultivars were evaluated by a trained panel over 2 growing seasons to determine the seasonal variation in the sensory profile. Results showed that cultivars were significantly different on 3 appearance (skin color, nutmeat color, and kernel roughness), 1 aroma (black walnut ID), 5 flavor (black walnut ID, banana‐like, piny, rancid, and overall nutty), and 2 texture attributes (surface roughness and hardness). These profiles were compared to results collected in 2011 to determine differences between growing seasons. Results showed 4 flavor attributes (black walnut ID, overall nutty, fruity‐dark and rancid) had an interaction effect of year and cultivar, while 6 attributes (brown, caramelized, floral/fruity, piny, musty/dusty, and oily) showed a main effect of year. In general, flavor attributes had higher intensities in 2011 than in 2013. These results suggest that seasonal variation may influence flavor profile more than cultivar. Thus, using samples from only 1 growing season when testing agricultural products may not provide adequate information for the long term.
De novo assembly and characterization of leaf and floral transcriptomes of the hybridizing bromeliad species (Pitcairnia spp.) adapted to Neotropical Inselbergs
Authors: Palma‐Silva C. , Ferro M. , Bacci M. , Turchetto‐Zolet A. C.
Published: February 2016

We present the leaf and floral transcriptomes of two hybridizing bromeliad species that differ in their major pollinator systems. Here we identified candidate genes responsible for pollinator attraction and reproductive isolation in these two species. We searched for candidate genes involved in floral traits, such as colour. Approximately 34 Gbp of cDNA sequence data were produced from both tissues and species, resulting in a total of 424 506 914 raw reads. The de novo‐assembled transcriptomes consisted of a total of 263 955 contigs, further clustered into 110 977 unigenes. Over 58% of the unigenes were functionally annotated and assigned to one or more Gene Ontology terms. The transcriptomes revealed 144 unique transcripts that encode key enzymes in the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways. The domain/family annotation and phylogenetic analysis allowed us to infer, by homology, potential functions of the genes encoding MYB, HD‐ZIP and bZIP‐HY5 transcription factors, as well as WD40 protein, which may be involved in anthocyanin and flavonoid regulation in these species. These candidate genes are associated with natural regulation in flower colour in other plant species and will facilitate future studies aimed at elucidating the molecular basis of adaptive differentiation and the evolution of mechanisms of pollinator‐mediated reproductive isolation in these two bromeliads. In addition, we identified a total of 49 439 microsatellite loci. These resources will assist future research into adaptation and speciation events in bromeliad species, thus providing a starting point for investigation of the molecular mechanisms of the traits responsible for their reproductive isolation.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket: a cost‐effective and powerful method to optimize primer choice for rRNA environmental community analyses using the Fluidigm Access Array
Authors: Brown Shawn P. , Ferrer Astrid , Dalling James W. , Heath Katy D.
Published: February 2016

With the increasing democratization of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies, along with the concomitant increase in sequence yield per dollar, many researchers are exploring HTS for microbial community ecology. Many elements of experimental design can drastically affect the final observed community structure, notably the choice of primers for amplification prior to sequencing. Some targeted microbes can fail to amplify due to primer‐targeted sequence divergence and be omitted from obtained sequences, leading to differences among primer pairs in the sequenced organisms even when targeting the same community. This potential source of taxonomic bias in HTS makes it prudent to investigate how primer choice will affect the sequenced community prior to investing in a costly community‐wide sequencing effort. Here, we use Fluidigm's microfluidic Access Arrays (IFC) followed by Illumina® MiSeq Nano sequencing on a culture‐derived local mock community to demonstrate how this approach allows for a low‐cost combinatorial investigation of primer pairs and experimental samples (up to 48 primer pairs and 48 samples) to determine the most effective primers that maximize obtained communities whilst minimizing taxonomic biases.
Discussion of “Were Information Intermediaries Sensitive to the Financial Statement‐Based Leading Indicators of Bank Distress Prior to the Financial Crisis?”
Authors: Ryan Stephen G.
Published: February 2016

I discuss Desai, Rajgopal, and Yu () with the goal of helping readers think carefully about which implications of the study are likely to generalize to future economic downturns and which are likely to be specific to the facts and circumstances of the recent financial crisis, given that the crisis was driven by the expectation and then the realization of a single market variable, national house price depreciation.
Dynamic Information Disclosure
Authors: Dierker Martin , Subrahmanyam Avanidhar
Published: February 2016

We explore the optimal timing of voluntary disclosures when firms and outside investors have correlated but not identical signals. By delaying disclosure of their signal, firms encourage the acquisition of information by investors by reducing the latter's exposure to the long‐term risk of holding the asset. Immediate disclosure reduces rents from acquiring the correlated signal, and thus is sometimes suboptimal in a dynamic setting. We characterize conditions under which postponing disclosure is preferable, which allows us to develop predictions on the timing of voluntary information disclosures such as management guidance.
Unrealized earnings, dividends and reporting aggressiveness: an examination of firms’ behavior in the era of fair value accounting
Authors: Chen Ester , Gavious Ilanit
Published: February 2016

This study explores changes in the dividend policy of companies following the adoption of fair value accounting rules. Using a sample of Israeli firms that adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), we document a dramatic increase in the payout ratios of firms that distributed dividends based on revaluation gains from 32 percent of realized earnings in the pre‐IFRS period to 115 percent in the post‐IFRS period. Furthermore, we reveal that firms paying dividends from unrealized earnings are more aggressive both in their book and tax reporting behaviors. We demonstrate that this increased aggressiveness is associated with the payment of cash dividends from paper profits.
Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage and Recurrent Implantation Failure: Is There a Place for Immunomodulation?
Authors: Mekinian Arsène , Cohen Jonathan , Alijotas‐Reig Jaume , Carbillon Lionel , Nicaise‐Roland Pascale , Kayem Gilles , Daraï Emile , Fain Olivier , Bornes Marie
Published: February 2016

To describe and analyze the benefit of immunomodulatory drugs for recurrent miscarriages and implantation failures. The literature research was conducted in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library concerning recurrent miscarriages and implantation failures and steroids, progesterone, intralipids, TNF‐α antagonists, G‐CSF, hydroxychloroquine, intravenous immunoglobulins, endometrial scratching. Using meta‐analysis, modest benefit was found for progesterone to obtain a live birth, with odds ratio at 1.38 (95% CI: 1.07–1.77) and significant heterogeneity (P = 0.01, I2 = 78%). In early ≥3 miscarriages, patients treated by TNF‐α antagonists (adalimumab or etanercept; n = 17) combined with low‐dose aspirin, heparin and intravenous immunoglobulins have a live births of 71% (12/17), vs 19% with aspirin+heparin (4/21) (P = 0.0026). Sixty‐eight patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage were randomized to receive either G‐CSF (filgastrim, Neupogen, 1 μ/kg/day SC, n = 35) after the ovulation until the 9th weeks of gestation or placebo (n = 33). Among patients treated with G‐CSF, 29/35 (82.8%) have live birth and 16/33 (48.5%) of controls (P = 0.006). Among 200 women with recurrent miscarriages and implantation failure treated with intralipids, the pregnancy rate was 52%, with pregnancy ongoing/live birth rate at 91%. The physiopathological rational for immunotolerance failure in this topic raise the need to demonstrate the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs, define the patients subsets and develop treatment strategies.
The Sertoli cell: one hundred fifty years of beauty and plasticity
Authors: França L. R. , Hess R. A. , Dufour J. M. , Hofmann M. C. , Griswold M. D.
Published: February 2016

It has been one and a half centuries since Enrico Sertoli published the seminal discovery of the testicular ‘nurse cell’, not only a key cell in the testis, but indeed one of the most amazing cells in the vertebrate body. In this review, we begin by examining the three phases of morphological research that have occurred in the study of Sertoli cells, because microscopic anatomy was essentially the only scientific discipline available for about the first 75 years after the discovery. Biochemistry and molecular biology then changed all of biological sciences, including our understanding of the functions of Sertoli cells. Immunology and stem cell biology were not even topics of science in 1865, but they have now become major issues in our appreciation of Sertoli cell's role in spermatogenesis. We end with the universal importance and plasticity of function by comparing Sertoli cells in fish, amphibians, and mammals. In these various classes of vertebrates, Sertoli cells have quite different modes of proliferation and epithelial maintenance, cystic vs. tubular formation, yet accomplish essentially the same function but in strikingly different ways.
Perioperative prophylaxis to prevent recurrence following cataract surgery in uveitic patients: a two‐centre, prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Mora Paolo , Gonzales Stefania , Ghirardini Stella , Rubino Pierangela , Orsoni Jelka G. , Gandolfi Stefano A. , Majo Francois , Guex‐Crosier Yan
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To compare the postoperative risk of inflammatory relapse in two groups of uveitic patients who underwent cataract surgery: one group had perioperative topical steroids alone and the other used topical and oral steroids.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, unmasked, duocentric clinical trial conducted at the University of Parma (Italy), and the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital of Lausanne (Switzerland). Patients with a history of non‐infectious uveitis requiring cataract surgery in 2009–2013 were assigned to two groups of perioperative prophylaxis: (A) intensive topical steroids alone; (B) the same topical regimen combined with oral steroids. Uveitis relapse over a period of 6 months was assessed.

Results

In total, 52 eyes in 50 patients were randomized: 28 eyes were assigned to group A (topical) and 24 eyes to group B (topical + oral). Mean relapse‐free survival time was 131 ± 11 days in group A and 150 ± 13 days in group B. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.42). At the end of follow‐up, the groups were also comparable in terms of significant improvement in visual acuity (p < 0.01), mean central macular thickness (CMT) and IOP variation.

Conclusions

Absolute and long‐lasting control of ocular, and possibly systemic, inflammation predisposes uveitis patients to satisfactory results after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Despite a lower rate of recurrences following oral steroid supplementation, the efficacy of an intensive perioperative topical steroid regimen alone in preventing postoperative uveitis relapse was statistically comparable. Secondary outcomes were also comparable between the two groups. Transient IOP elevation should be expected until treatment discontinuation.
Studies on prevalence of biofilm associated genes and primary observation on sasX gene in clinical isolates of coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS)
Authors: Soumya Kandammuriyil Radhakrishnan , Mathew Shiji , Sugathan Sheela , Mathew Jyothis , Radhakrishnan Edayileveettil Krishnankutty
Published: February 2016

Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) are nosocomial pathogens that cause indwelling medical device associated infections due to its biofilm forming potential and multiple antibiotic resistance. The current study focused on species identification, antibiotic resistance profile and molecular basis of biofilm formation and attachment of CoNS isolated from clinical samples. Along with this, molecular screening for mecA and newly identified surface colonization protein encoded by sasX gene was also conducted. S. epidermidis (n = 19, 47%) was identified as the most prevalent CoNS species and very interestingly two biofilm forming, mecA positive S. epidermidis isolates were found to carry all the biofilm associated genes screened in this study, which indicates its potential to form the strong biofilm. Another novel observation of the study is the detection of sasX gene in one biofilm positive S. epidermidis isolate. The study also identified one doxycycline resistant mecA positive, multidrug resistant S. haemolyticus isolate. In conclusion, the study signifies the existence of multiple biofilm related genes, multidrug resistance and the presence of sasX gene among clinical isolates of CoNS.
Clostridium difficile associated risk of death score (CARDS): a novel severity score to predict mortality among hospitalised patients with C. difficile infection
Authors: Kassam Z. , Cribb Fabersunne C. , Smith M. B. , Alm E. J. , Kaplan G. G. , Nguyen G. C. , Ananthakrishnan A. N.
Published: February 2016

Background

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a public health threat and associated with significant mortality. However, there is a paucity of objectively derived CDI severity scoring systems to predict mortality.

Aim

To develop a novel CDI risk score to predict mortality entitled: Clostridium difficile associated risk of death score (CARDS).

Methods

We obtained data from the United States 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. All CDI‐associated hospitalisations were identified using discharge codes (ICD‐9‐CM, 008.45). Multivariate logistic regression was utilised to identify independent predictors of mortality. Clostridium difficile associated risk of death score was calculated by assigning a numeric weight to each parameter based on their odds ratio in the final logistic model. Predictive properties of model discrimination were assessed using the c‐statistic and validated in an independent sample using the 2010 NIS database.

Results

We identified 77 776 hospitalisations, yielding an estimate of 374 747 cases with an associated diagnosis of CDI in the US, 8% of whom died in the hospital. The eight severity score predictors were identified on multivariate analysis: age, cardiopulmonary disease, malignancy, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, acute renal failure, liver disease and ICU admission, with weights ranging from −1 (for diabetes) to 5 (for ICU admission). The overall risk score in the cohort ranged from 0 to 18. Mortality increased significantly as CARDS increased. CDI‐associated mortality was 1.2% with a CARDS of 0 compared to 100% with CARDS of 18. The model performed equally well in our validation cohort.

Conclusion

Clostridium difficile associated risk of death score is a promising simple severity score to predict mortality among those hospitalised with C. difficile infection.
Advances in understanding erythropoiesis: evolving perspectives
Authors: Nandakumar Satish K. , Ulirsch Jacob C. , Sankaran Vijay G.
Published: February 2016

Red blood cells (RBCs) are generated from haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) through the step‐wise process of differentiation known as erythropoiesis. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of erythropoiesis and highlight recent advances in this field. During embryonic development, erythropoiesis occurs in three distinct waves comprising first, the yolk sac‐derived primitive RBCs, followed sequentially by the erythro‐myeloid progenitor (EMP) and HSPC‐derived definitive RBCs. Recent work has highlighted the complexity and variability that may exist in the hierarchical arrangement of progenitors responsible for erythropoiesis. Using recently defined cell surface markers, it is now possible to enrich for erythroid progenitors and precursors to a much greater extent than has been possible before. While a great deal of knowledge has been gained on erythropoiesis from model organisms, our understanding of this process is currently being refined through human genetic studies. Genes mutated in erythroid disorders can now be identified more rapidly by the use of next‐generation sequencing techniques. Genome‐wide association studies on erythroid traits in healthy populations have also revealed new modulators of erythropoiesis. All of these recent developments have significant promise not only for increasing our understanding of erythropoiesis, but also for improving our ability to intervene when RBC production is perturbed in disease.
No survival benefit associated with routine surveillance imaging for Hodgkin lymphoma in first remission: a Danish‐Swedish population‐based observational study
Authors: Jakobsen Lasse H. , Hutchings Martin , de Nully Brown Peter , Linderoth Johan , Mylam Karen J. , Molin Daniel , Johnsen Hans E. , Bøgsted Martin , Jerkeman Mats , El‐Galaly Tarec C.
Published: February 2016

The use of routine imaging for patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in complete remission (CR) is controversial. In a population‐based study, we examined the post‐remission survival of Danish and Swedish HL patients for whom follow‐up practices were different. Follow‐up in Denmark included routine imaging, usually for a minimum of 2 years, whereas clinical follow‐up without routine imaging was standard in Sweden. A total of 317 Danish and 454 Swedish comparable HL patients aged 18–65 years, diagnosed in the period 2007–2012 and having achieved CR following ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine)/BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) therapy, were included in the study. The cumulative progression rates in the first 2 years were 4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1–7) for patients with stage I–II disease vs. 12% (95% CI 6–18) for patients with stage III–IV disease. An imaging‐based follow‐up practice was not associated with a better post‐remission survival in general (P = 0·2) or in stage‐specific subgroups (P = 0·5 for I–II and P = 0·4 for III–IV). Age ≥45 years was the only independent adverse prognostic factor for survival. In conclusion, relapse of HL patients with CR is infrequent and systematic use of routine imaging in these patients does not improve post‐remission survival. The present study supports clinical follow‐up without routine imaging, as encouraged by the recent Lugano classification.
Hoxa10 null animals exhibit reduced platelet biogenesis
Authors: Konieczna Iwona M. , DeLuca Teresa A. , Eklund Elizabeth A. , Miller William M.
Published: February 2016

The transcription factor HOXA10 is an important regulator of myelopoiesis. Engineered over‐expression of Hoxa10 in mice results in a myeloproliferative disorder that progresses to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) over time, and in humans over‐expression is associated with poor outcomes in AML. Here, we report that loss of Hoxa10 expression in mice results in reduced platelet count and platelet production, but does not affect clotting efficiency. About 40% fewer platelets were found in Hoxa10 null animals in comparison to wild type littermates. We found a nearly 50% reduction in the percentage of reticulated platelets in Hoxa10 null mice, suggesting deficient platelet production. Furthermore, Hoxa10 null animals recovered less efficiently from induced thrombocytopenia, supporting our hypothesis of defective platelet production. This also correlated with reduced colony formation potential of stem and progenitor cells seeded in megakaryocyte‐enhancing conditions in vitro. Together, our results indicate that HOXA10 is important for megakaryopoiesis and platelet biogenesis.
Short duration immunochemotherapy followed by radioimmunotherapy consolidation is effective and well tolerated in relapsed follicular lymphoma: 5‐year results from a UK National Cancer Research Institute Lymphoma Group study
Authors: Illidge Tim M. , McKenzie Hayley S. , Mayes Sam , Bates Andrew , Davies Andrew J. , Pettengell Ruth , Stanton Louise , Cozens Kelly , Hampson Grace , Dive Caroline , Zivanovic Maureen , Tipping Jill , Gallop‐Evans Eve , Radford John A. , Johnson Peter W.M.
Published: February 2016

We report a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of abbreviated immunochemotherapy followed by 90Y Ibritumomab tiuxetan (90Y‐IT) in patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma. Of the 52 patients enrolled, 50 were treated with three cycles of R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) or R‐CVP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone), followed by 90Y‐IT regimen (15 MBq/kg, maximum 1200 MBq) preceded by two infusions of 250 mg/m2 rituximab. The overall response rate was 98% with complete response (CR) 30% and partial response (PR) 68%. 18 patients with a PR following chemotherapy improved to a CR following 90Y‐IT: a conversion rate of 40%. Seven patients with PR following 90Y‐IT subsequently improved to a CR 12–18 months later, leading to an overall CR rate of 44%. With a median follow‐up of 5 years, median progression‐free survival was 23·1 months and overall survival was 77·5% at 5 years. High trough serum rituximab levels (median 112 μg/ml; range 52–241) were attained after four doses of rituximab, prior to 90Y‐IT; this was not found to influence response rates. The treatment was well tolerated with few (13·5%) grade 3 or 4 infective episodes and manageable haematological toxicity. Abbreviated immunochemotherapy followed by 90Y‐IT is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment in recurrent follicular lymphoma patients previously exposed to rituximab. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00637832.
Country roads, take me home… to my friends: How intelligence, population density, and friendship affect modern happiness
Authors: Li Norman P. , Kanazawa Satoshi
Published: February 2016

We propose the savanna theory of happiness, which suggests that it is not only the current consequences of a given situation but also its ancestral consequences that affect individuals’ life satisfaction and explains why such influences of ancestral consequences might interact with intelligence. We choose two varied factors that characterize basic differences between ancestral and modern life – population density and frequency of socialization with friends – as empirical test cases. As predicted by the theory, population density is negatively, and frequency of socialization with friends is positively, associated with life satisfaction. More importantly, the main associations of life satisfaction with population density and socialization with friends significantly interact with intelligence, and, in the latter case, the main association is reversed among the extremely intelligent. More intelligent individuals experience lower life satisfaction with more frequent socialization with friends. This study highlights the utility of incorporating evolutionary perspectives in the study of subjective well‐being.
Trimetazidine does not alter metabolic substrate oxidation in cardiac mitochondria of target patient population
Authors: Cavar M , Ljubkovic M , Bulat C , Bakovic D , Fabijanic D , Kraljevic J , Karanovic N , Dujic Z , Lavie CJ , Wisloff U , Marinovic J
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

Trimetazidine, known as a metabolic modulator, is an anti‐anginal drug used for treatment of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). It is proposed to act via modulation of cardiac metabolism, shifting the mitochondrial substrate utilization towards carbohydrates, thus increasing the efficiency of ATP production. This mechanism was recently challenged; however, these studies used indirect approaches and animal models, which made their conclusions questionable. The goal of the current study was to assess the effect of trimetazidine on mitochondrial substrate oxidation directly in left ventricular myocardium from CAD patients.

Experimental Approach

Mitochondrial fatty acid (palmitoylcarnitine) and carbohydrate (pyruvate) oxidation were measured in permeabilized left ventricular fibres obtained during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery from CAD patients, which either had trimetazidine included in their therapy (TMZ group) or not (Control).

Key Results

There was no difference between the two groups in the oxidation of either palmitoylcarnitine or pyruvate, and in the ratio of carbohydrate to fatty acid oxidation. Activity and expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase, the key regulator of carbohydrate metabolism, were also not different. Lastly, acute in vitro exposure of myocardial tissue to different concentrations of trimetazidine did not affect myocardial oxidation of fatty acid.

Conclusion and Implications

Using myocardial tissue from CAD patients, we found that trimetazidine (applied chronically in vivo or acutely in vitro) had no effect on cardiac fatty acid and carbohydrate oxidation, suggesting that the clinical effects of trimetazidine are unlikely to be due to its metabolic effects, but rather to an as yet unidentified intracardiac mechanism.
NOBOX is a strong autosomal candidate gene in Tunisian patients with primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Bouali N. , Francou B. , Bouligand J. , Lakhal B. , Malek I. , Kammoun M. , Warszawski J. , Mougou S. , Saad A. , Guiochon‐Mantel A.
Published: February 2016

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects approximately 1% of women before the age of 40. Genetic contribution is a significant component of POI. In this context, heterozygous mutations in NOBOX, BMP15 and GDF9 have been reported. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of these genes mutations in 125 unrelated Tunisian patients diagnosed with POI. The screening of NOBOX gene revealed three missense mutations (p.Arg117Trp; p.Gly91Trp and p.Pro619Leu) in eight patients. These mutations were not found in a 200 ethnically matched women without fertility problem. The sequencing of BMP15 and GDF9 gene revealed only previously reported variants. In contrast to previous studies, the prevalence of BMP15 variations is not higher than in the control population. Conversely, 6.4% of the cases present a NOBOX mutations; this high prevalence strengthens the consideration of NOBOX gene as strong autosomal candidate for POI.
Experimental Philosophy of Explanation Rising: The Case for a Plurality of Concepts of Explanation
Authors: Colombo Matteo
Published: February 2016

This paper brings together results from the philosophy and the psychology of explanation to argue that there are multiple concepts of explanation in human psychology. Specifically, it is shown that pluralism about explanation coheres with the multiplicity of models of explanation available in the philosophy of science, and it is supported by evidence from the psychology of explanatory judgment. Focusing on the case of a norm of explanatory power, the paper concludes by responding to the worry that if there is a plurality of concepts of explanation, one will not be able to normatively evaluate what counts as good explanation.
Use of marine protected areas and exclusive economic zones in the subtropical western North Atlantic Ocean by large highly mobile sharks
Authors: Graham Fiona , Rynne Patrick , Estevanez Maria , Luo Jiangang , Ault Jerald S. , Hammerschlag Neil
Published: February 2016

Study aim and location

Many populations of highly mobile marine fishes, including large sharks, are experiencing declines. The benefits of spatial management zones, such as marine protected areas (MPAs), for such animals are unclear. To help fill this knowledge gap, we examined core habitat use areas (CHUAs) for bull (Carcharhinus leucas), great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) and tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) in relation to specific MPAs and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the western North Atlantic Ocean.

Methods

Bull, great hammerhead and tiger sharks (N = 86 total) were satellite tagged and tracked in southern Florida and the northern Bahamas between 2010 and 2013. Filtered and regularized positions from Argos locations of tag transmissions were used to generate CHUAs for these sharks. Overlaps of CHUAs with regional protected areas and exclusive economic management zones were quantified to determine the proportion of each tracked shark's CHUA under spatial protection from exploitation.

Results

A total of 0%, 17.9% and 34.7% of the regional CHUAs for tracked bull, great hammerhead and tiger sharks, respectively, were fully protected from exploitation in the study area.

Main conclusions

Expansion of protected areas to include U.S. territorial waters would effectively protect 100% of the CHUAs for all tracked sharks in the study area. This finding is particularly significant for great hammerhead sharks, which are currently overfished, vulnerable to bycatch mortality and are the focus of strident regional conservation efforts. These findings also provide a means to inform decision makers and marine conservation planning efforts as to the types of management actions available and potential efficacy of spatial protections for these marine predators.
Moneymakers and Craftsmen: A Platonic Approach to Privatization
Authors: Thakkar Jonny
Published: February 2016

Debates over the privatization of formerly public industries and services are common in contemporary politics. The overall goal of this paper is to suggest a normative framework within which deliberations over public ownership might take place. I draw this framework from Plato'sRepublic, which I claim justifies public ownership as a means for ensuring that citizens labour as craftsmen rather than moneymakers; according to Plato's social ontology, only craftsmen can constitute a genuine society and hence enjoy access to the full array of goods for the sake of which society comes into existence. This justificatory structure implies that public ownership is only a means for ensuring the appropriate teleology of labour; if there turn out to be better means, so be it. But what does turn out to be indispensable on this view, as G. A. Cohen understood, is an ethos of justice, especially among those in charge of regulating social institutions.
Using Response Time to Detect Item Preknowledge in Computer‐Based Licensure Examinations
Authors: Qian Hong , Staniewska Dorota , Reckase Mark , Woo Ada
Published: February 2016

This article addresses the issue of how to detect item preknowledge using item response time data in two computer‐based large‐scale licensure examinations. Item preknowledge is indicated by an unexpected short response time and a correct response. Two samples were used for detecting item preknowledge for each examination. The first sample was from the early stage of the operational test and was used for item calibration. The second sample was from the late stage of the operational test, which may feature item preknowledge. The purpose of this research was to explore whether there was evidence of item preknowledge and compromised items in the second sample using the parameters estimated from the first sample. The results showed that for one nonadaptive operational examination, two items (of 111) were potentially exposed, and two candidates (of 1,172) showed some indications of preknowledge on multiple items. For another licensure examination that featured computerized adaptive testing, there was no indication of item preknowledge or compromised items. Implications for detected aberrant examinees and compromised items are discussed in the article.
Female House Mice do not Differ in Their Exploratory Behaviour from Males
Authors: Vošlajerová Bímová Barbora , Mikula Ondřej , Macholán Miloš , Janotová Kateřina , Hiadlovská Zuzana
Published: February 2016

Dispersal is an important ecological trait affecting genetic variation and dynamics of populations. Hence, the exploratory behaviour prior to actual dispersal may be crucial for potentially dispersing individuals. In mammals, females are traditionally seen as the more philopatric sex and dispersal as male‐biased behaviour, and so behavioural strategies related to the exploration of novel resources should be differentially expressed in males and females. In addition, due to sexual selection exploratory strategies may be expected to vary according to females’ reproductive phase. We employed a standard open‐field test as an approximation of the first phase of dispersal, using adult house mice representing two subspecies, M. m. musculus and M. m. domesticus. We tested the prediction that exploration of neutral area varies in females during different phases of the oestrus cycle and is different between both sexes and subspecies. We expected to find higher exploration in males, as the more dispersing sex and less pronounced subspecies‐specific differences in females than in males. We found no significant effect of the oestrous phase on any of the parameters of the exploratory behaviour measured. Sexual dimorphism was found only in latency to enter the arena in M. m. domesticus where females hesitated longer to enter a new area than males. Significant subspecies‐specific differences were found in three of four tested exploration parameters, so we conclude that females of both subspecies follow similar strategies to those displayed by males. Musculus mice show shorter latency to enter a new area, but once inside, domesticus mice explore the arena significantly longer, with less frequent retreats to a shelter. Our results thus highlight that the role of female dispersal in interdemic gene flow should not be neglected.
Hybridization and extinction
Authors: Todesco Marco , Pascual Mariana A. , Owens Gregory L. , Ostevik Katherine L. , Moyers Brook T. , Hübner Sariel , Heredia Sylvia M. , Hahn Min A. , Caseys Celine , Bock Dan G. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: February 2016

Hybridization may drive rare taxa to extinction through genetic swamping, where the rare form is replaced by hybrids, or by demographic swamping, where population growth rates are reduced due to the wasteful production of maladaptive hybrids. Conversely, hybridization may rescue the viability of small, inbred populations. Understanding the factors that contribute to destructive versus constructive outcomes of hybridization is key to managing conservation concerns. Here, we survey the literature for studies of hybridization and extinction to identify the ecological, evolutionary, and genetic factors that critically affect extinction risk through hybridization. We find that while extinction risk is highly situation dependent, genetic swamping is much more frequent than demographic swamping. In addition, human involvement is associated with increased risk and high reproductive isolation with reduced risk. Although climate change is predicted to increase the risk of hybridization‐induced extinction, we find little empirical support for this prediction. Similarly, theoretical and experimental studies imply that genetic rescue through hybridization may be equally or more probable than demographic swamping, but our literature survey failed to support this claim. We conclude that halting the introduction of hybridization‐prone exotics and restoring mature and diverse habitats that are resistant to hybrid establishment should be management priorities.
The piracatinga, Calophysus macropterus, production chain in the Middle Solimões River, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Franco D. , Sobrane Filho S. , Martins A. , Marmontel M. , Botero‐Arias R.
Published: February 2016

Piracatinga, Calophysus macropterus Lichtenstein, was not exploited in Brazil until the early 2000s, when fish pressure increased markedly due to growing demands. The methods for capturing piracatinga involve the use of caiman and dolphin carcasses as bait; and the growing organization of the hunting and marketing of these animals raises concern. This study describes the production chain of piracatinga fishing in the region of the middle Solimões River, in Brazilian Amazonia. It was conducted in 19 local communities of the Mamirauá Reserve; data were collected from 50 individuals involved in the activity, divided into eight categories within the production chain. The production of piracatinga reaches its peak in the first months of the closed season for other fishes. The average profit margins of the activity between 2011 and 2013 were higher than those of other artisanal fishing activities, but they varied from 38% of losses by event to profits of 90%. The use of corrals and baits from aquatic vertebrates in piracatinga fishing are exclusive to this activity. It is important to develop participatory and sustainable options, such as the use of commercial fishes as bait or the engagement of the people involved in legal activities.
Feeding behaviour, predatory functional responses and trophic interactions of the invasive Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
Authors: Rosewarne Paula J , Mortimer Robert J.G. , Newton Robert J. , Grocock Christopher , Wing Christopher D. , Dunn Alison M.
Published: February 2016

Freshwaters are subject to particularly high rates of species introductions; hence, invaders increasingly co‐occur and may interact to enhance impacts on ecosystem structure and function. As trophic interactions are a key mechanism by which invaders influence communities, we used a combination of approaches to investigate the feeding preferences and community impacts of two globally invasive large benthic decapods that co‐occur in freshwaters: the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis).

In laboratory preference tests, both consumed similar food items, including chironomids, isopods and the eggs of two coarse fish species. In a comparison of predatory functional responses with a native crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes), juvenileE. sinensishad a greater predatory intensity than the nativeA. pallipeson the keystone shredderGammarus pulex, and also displayed a greater preference thanP. leniusculusfor this prey item.

In outdoor mesocosms (n = 16) used to investigate community impacts, the abundance of amphipods, isopods, chironomids and gastropods declined in the presence of decapods, and a decapod >gastropod >periphyton trophic cascade was detected when both species were present.Eriocheir sinensisaffected a wider range of animal taxa thanP. leniusculus.

Stable‐isotope and gut‐content analysis of wild‐caught adult specimens of both invaders revealed a wide and overlapping range of diet items including macrophytes, algae, terrestrial detritus, macroinvertebrates and fish. Both decapods were similarly enriched in15N and occupied the same trophic level as Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Notonecta.Eriocheir sinensisδ13C values were closely aligned with macrophytes indicating a reliance on energy from this basal resource, supported by evidence of direct consumption from gut contents.Pacifastacus leniusculusδ13C values were intermediate between those of terrestrial leaf litter and macrophytes, suggesting reliance on both allochthonous and autochthonous energy pathways.

Our results suggest thatE. sinensisis likely to exert a greater per capita impact on the macroinvertebrate communities in invaded systems thanP. leniusculus, with potential indirect effects on productivity and energy flow through the community.