bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species turnover in Amazonian frogs: low predictability and large differences among forests
Authors: Bitar Youszef O.C. , Tuomisto Hanna , Pinheiro Leandra C. , Juen Leandro , Santos‐Costa Maria C.
Published: June 2017

The factors explaining species turnover at different spatial scales have been intensively studied, but most work in Amazonia has mainly focused on plants. For animals, it is not as obvious which environmental variables most affect differences in species composition among sites. We sought to identify what causes anuran turnover in Amazonian terra firme forests, and how the effectiveness of these factors varies among regions and across spatial scales. We sampled frogs in 56 plots along ponds and streams distributed over three terra firme forest areas in Eastern Amazonia. Using multiple regressions on distance matrices, we partitioned the variation in species turnover into components explained by variation in environmental and spatial distances. This was done in parallel for each area separately, and for all areas together, to assess the consistency of results between scales and across areas at the same scale. Each community seemed to respond to a set of factors specific to that area, and the identity of the variables that emerged as significant differed among areas and scales. Both geographical distances and environmental differences had larger explanatory power at the regional scale than at the local scale. The large differences among results from different areas caution against making broad generalizations about species turnover patterns from a single community, as real differences may exist among areas.
Pedagogical Questions in Parent–Child Conversations
Authors: Yu Yue , Bonawitz Elizabeth , Shafto Patrick
Published: June 2017

Questioning is a core component of formal pedagogy. Parents commonly question children, but do they use questions to teach? This article defines “pedagogical questions” as questions for which the questioner already knows the answer and intended to help the questionee learn. Transcripts of parent–child conversations were collected from the CHILDES database to examine the frequency and distribution of pedagogical questions. Analysis of 2,166 questions from 166 mother–child dyads and 64 father–child dyads (child's age between 2 and 6 years) showed that pedagogical questions are commonplace during day‐to‐day parent–child conversations and vary based on child's age, family environment, and historical era. The results serve as a first step toward understanding the role of parent–child questions in facilitating children's learning.
Mechanisms underlying induction of allergic sensitization by Pru p 3
Authors: Tordesillas L. , Cubells‐Baeza N. , Gómez‐Casado C. , Berin C. , Esteban V. , Barcik W. , O'Mahony L. , Ramirez C. , Pacios L. F. , Garrido‐Arandia M. , Díaz‐Perales A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Recently, the nature of the lipid‐ligand of Pru p 3, one of the most common plant food allergens in southern Europe, has been identified as a derivative of the alkaloid camptothecin bound to phytosphingosine. However, the origin of its immunological activity is still unknown.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the role of the Pru p 3 lipid‐ligand in the immunogenic activity of Pru p 3.

Methods

In vitro cultures of different cell types (monocyte‐derived dendritic cells [moDCs], PBMCs [peripheral blood mononuclear cells] and epithelial and iNKT‐hybridoma cell lines) have been used to determine the immunological capacity of the ligand, by measuring cell proliferation, maturation markers and cytokine production. To study the capacity of the lipid‐ligand to promote sensitization to Pru p 3 in vivo, a mouse model of anaphylaxis to peach has been produced and changes in the humoral and basophil responses have been analysed.

Results

The lipid‐ligand of Pru p 3 induced maturation of moDCsc and proliferation of PBMCs. Its immunological activity resided in the phytosphingosine tail of the ligand. The adjuvant activity of the ligand was also confirmed in vivo, where the complex of Pru p 3‐ligand induced higher levels of IgE than Pru p 3 alone. The immunological capacity of the Pru p 3 ligand was mediated by CD1d, as maturation of moDCs was inhibited by anti‐CD1d antibodies and Pru p 3‐ligand co‐localized with CD1d on epithelial cells. Finally, Pru p 3‐ligand presented by CD1d was able to interact with iNKTs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The Pru p 3 lipid‐ligand could act as an adjuvant to promote sensitization to Pru p 3, through its recognition by CD1d receptors. This intrinsic adjuvant activity of the accompanying lipid cargo could be a general essential feature of the mechanism underlying the phenomenon of allergenicity.
Association of immunoglobulin G4 and free light chain with idiopathic pleural effusion
Authors: Murata Y , Aoe K , Mimura-Kimura Y , Murakami T , Oishi K , Matsumoto T , Ueoka H , Matsunaga K , Yano M , Mimura Y
Published: June 2017

The cause of pleural effusion remains uncertain in approximately 15% of patients despite exhaustive evaluation. As recently described immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related disease is a fibroinflammatory disorder that can affect various organs, including the lungs, we investigate whether idiopathic pleural effusion includes IgG4-associated etiology. Between 2000 and 2012, we collected 830 pleural fluid samples and reviewed 35 patients with pleural effusions undiagnosed after pleural biopsy at Yamaguchi-Ube Medical Center. Importantly, IgG4 immunostaining revealed infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the pleura of 12 patients (34%, IgG4+ group). The median effusion IgG4 level was 41 mg/dl in the IgG4+ group and 27 mg/dl in the IgG4− group (P < 0·01). The light and heavy chains of effusion IgG4 antibodies of patients in the IgG4+ group were heterogeneous by two-dimensional electrophoresis, indicating the absence of clonality of the IgG4 antibodies. Interestingly, the κ light chains were more heterogeneous than the λ light chains. The measurement of the κ and λ free light chain (FLC) levels in the pleural fluids showed significantly different κ FLC levels (median: 28·0 versus 9·1 mg/dl, P < 0·01) and κ/λ ratios (median: 2·0 versus 1·2, P < 0·001) between the IgG4+ and IgG4− groups. Furthermore, the κ/λ ratios were correlated with the IgG4+/IgG+ plasma cell ratios in the pleura of the IgG4+ group. Taken together, these results demonstrate the involvement of IgG4 in certain idiopathic pleural effusions and provide insights into the diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities of IgG4-associated pleural effusion.
Utility of a formatted pathologic reporting system in thyroid core needle biopsy: A validation study of 1998 consecutive cases
Authors: Choe Ji‐Young , Kwak Yoonjin , Kim Mimi , Chung Yul Ri , Kim Hyun Jeong , Kim Yeo Koon , Park So Yeon
Published: June 2017

Objective

Thyroid core needle biopsy (CNB) is increasingly being used as a tool for evaluating thyroid nodules; thus, standardization of its diagnostic terminology is called for. We aimed to analyse the pathologic reporting system of thyroid CNB based on the recently proposed protocol by the Korean Endocrine Pathology Thyroid Core Needle Biopsy Study Group and evaluate its usefulness.

Design/Methods

A total of 1998 consecutive cases of thyroid CNBs were reviewed and divided into six categories according to the protocol. Malignancy rate in each category and the diagnostic performance of thyroid CNB were calculated using 705 resected cases.

Results

Thyroid CNB yielded 132 nondiagnostic (6.6%), 791 benign (39.6%), 328 indeterminate (16.4%), 227 follicular neoplasm (11.4%), 69 suspicious for malignancy (3.5%) and 451 malignant lesions (22.6%). In resected specimens, all of the cases designated as suspicious for malignancy and malignant categories in CNB were proven to be true malignant lesions. Lesions diagnosed with follicular neoplasm in CNB were identified as malignant lesions in 57.0%. Malignancy rate was significantly higher in indeterminate lesions with nuclear atypia compared to those with architectural atypia (80.0% vs 28.2%). When CNB diagnoses of indeterminate lesions or higher categories were considered positive, the sensitivity and positive predictive value for final malignant diagnoses were 99.2% and 81.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

CNB is an accurate method of evaluating thyroid nodules and can serve as an alternative to fine needle aspiration when it is used and reported according to standardized diagnostic categories.
Further delineation of the phenotype caused by biallelic variants in the WDR4 gene
Authors: Trimouille A. , Lasseaux E. , Barat P. , Deiller C. , Drunat S. , Rooryck C. , Arveiler B. , Lacombe D.
Published: June 2017

Microcephalic primordial dwarfisms are a group of rare Mendelian disorders characterized by severe growth retardation and microcephaly. The molecular basis is heterogeneous, with disease‐causing genes implicated in different cellular functions. Recently, 2 patients were reported with the same homozygous variant in the WDR4 gene, coding for an enzyme responsible for the m7G46 post transcriptional modification of tRNA. We report here 2 sisters harboring compound heterozygous variants of WDR4. Their phenotype differs from that of the first 2 described patients: they both have a severe microcephaly but only one of the 2 sisters had a head circumference at birth below −2 SD, their intellectual deficiency is less severe, and they have a growth hormone deficiency and a partial hypogonadotropic hypogonadotropism. One of the 2 variants is a frameshift mutation, and the other one is a missense occurring in the same nucleotide affected by the first reported pathogenic variant, which could therefore be a mutational hot spot. The description of these 2 sisters allow us to confirm that biallelic variants in the WDR4 gene can lead to a specific phenotype, characterized by severe growth retardation and microcephaly.
Fragile X syndrome: An overview and update of the FMR1 gene
Authors: Mila M. , Alvarez‐Mora M.I. , Madrigal I. , Rodriguez‐Revenga L.
Published: June 2017

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and the leading form of the monogenic cause of autism. Fragile X mental retardation type 1 (FMR1) gene premutation is the first single‐gene cause of primary ovarian failure (Fragile X‐associated primary ovarian insufficiency [FXPOI]) and one of the most common causes of ataxia (fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome [FXTAS]), multiple additional phenotypes such as fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, migraine headaches, sleep disturbances, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, central pain syndrome, neuropathy and neuropsychiatric alterations has been described. Clinical involvement in men and women carrying the FMR1 premutation currently constitutes a real health problem in the society that should be taken into account. It is important to highlight that while in FXS there is a loss‐of‐function of the FMR1 gene, in premutation associated disorders there is a gain of FMR1 mRNA function. To date, the tremendous progress achieved in the understanding of the pathophysiology of FXS, has led to the development of several targeted therapies aimed at preventing or improving the neurological manifestations of the disease. This review is an update of the diseases associated with the FMR1 gene.
Prospects for stakeholder coordination by protected‐area managers in Europe
Authors: Mattsson Brady J. , Vacik Harald
Published: June 2017

Growing resource demands by humans, invasive species, natural hazards, and a changing climate have created broad‐scale impacts and the need for broader‐extent conservation activities that span ownerships and even political borders. Implementing regional‐scale conservation brings great challenges, and learning how to overcome these challenges is essential for maintaining biodiversity (i.e., richness and evenness of biological communities) and ecosystem functions and services across scales and borders in the face of system change. We administered an online survey to examine factors potentially driving perspectives of protected‐area (PA) managers regarding coordination with neighboring PAs and other stakeholders (i.e., stakeholder coordination) for conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services during the next decade within diverse regions across Europe. Although >70% (n = 58) of responding PA managers indicated that climate change and invasive species are relevant for their PAs, they gave <50% probability that these threats could be mitigated through stakeholder coordination. They thought there was a >60% probability (n = 85) that stakeholder coordination would take place with the aim to improve conservation outcomes. Consistent with the foundation on which many European PAs were established, managers viewed maintaining or enhancing biodiversity as the most important (>70%; n = 61) expected benefit. Other benefits included maintaining or enhancing human resources and environmental education (range of Bayesian credibility intervals [CIs] 57–93%). They thought the main barriers to stakeholder coordination were the lack of human and economic resources (CI 59–67% chance of hindering; n = 64) followed by communication and interstakeholder differences in political structures and laws (CI 51–64% probability of hindering). European policies and strategies that address these hindering factors could be particularly effective means of enabling implementation of green infrastructure networks in which PAs are the nodes.
Murine melanoma cells incomplete reprogramming using non‐viral vector
Authors: Câmara D.A.D. , Porcacchia A.S. , Costa A.S. , Azevedo R.A. , Kerkis I.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The reprogramming of cancer cells into induced pluripotent stem cells or less aggressive cancer cells can provide a modern platform to study cancer‐related genes and their interactions with cell environment before and after reprogramming. Herein, we aimed to investigate the reprogramming capacity of murine melanoma B16F10 cells.

Materials and methods

The B16F10 was transfected using non‐viral circular DNA plasmid containing the genes Sox‐2, Oct4, Nanog, Lin28 and green fluorescent protein (GFP). These cells were characterized by immunofluorescence, analysis RT‐PCR and cell cycle.

Results

Our results demonstrated for the first time that reprogramming of B16F10 may be induced using non‐viral minicircle DNA containing the four reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, Lin 28, Nanog (OSLN) and the GFP reporter gene. The resulting clones are composed by epithelioid cells. These cells display characteristics of cancer stem cells, thus expressing pluripotent stem cell markers and dividing asymmetrically and symmetrically. Reprogrammed B16F10 cells did not form teratomas; however, they showed the suppression of tumourigenic abilities characterized by a reduced tumour size, when compared with parental B16F10 cell line. In contrast to parental cell line that showed accumulation of the cells in S phase of cell cycle, the cells of reprogrammed clones are accumulated in G1 phase. Long‐term cultivation of reprogrammed B16F10 cells induces regression of their reprogramming.

Conclusions

Our data imply that in result of reprogramming of B16F10 cells less aggressive Murine Melanoma Reprogrammed Cancer Cells may be obtained. These cells represent an interesting model to study mechanism of cells malignancy as well as provide a novel tool for anti‐cancer drugs screening.
Future geographic patterns of novel and disappearing assemblages across three dimensions of diversity: A case study with Ecuadorian hummingbirds
Authors: Graham Laura J. , Weinstein Ben G. , Supp Sarah R. , Graham Catherine H.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Under climate change, it is likely that as species reshuffle based on their environmental tolerances, novel assemblages will form and some current assemblages will disappear. It is important for future monitoring and conservation that we understand where these novel and disappearing assemblages occur and how they differ among dimensions (taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional) of diversity. Here we investigate the geographical and environmental patterns of novel and disappearing assemblages; whether these patterns hold across dimensions of diversity; and how these assemblages are characterized in trait space.

Location

Ecuador.

Methods

We used ensemble species distribution modelling to estimate the distributions of 151 hummingbird species into the projected climate for 2070. Using standard beta diversity measures, we identified novel and disappearing taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional assemblages.

Results

We found that novel and disappearing hummingbird assemblages are likely under climate change, particularly in extreme environments and with novel assemblages replacing disappearing assemblages. Although the patterns of novel and disappearing assemblages were similar among dimensions of diversity, we found that there were fewest novel and disappearing functional assemblages. The future assemblages were characterized by an increase in functional space, which is counter to typical predictions of trait homogenization under climate change.

Main conclusions

Novel and disappearing assemblages are likely to pose management challenges for future conservation. Here we present an approach to identify such assemblages. By considering the geographic and environmental context of novel and disappearing assemblages for different dimensions of diversity, we can start to identify the mechanisms behind these patterns.
Design‐Driven Leadership for Value Innovation in Healthcare
Authors: Koomans Maarten , Hilders Carina
Published: June 2017

As design thinking continues to evolve in its application for value creation, organizational change, and culture setting, the quest for value in healthcare has just begun: value‐based healthcare as the foundation for patient‐focused and outcome‐driven value creation. Unfortunately, this process needs acceleration. We claim that it is necessary to adopt and learn from design thinking practices to identify meaning, purposeful thinking, and patient‐oriented innovation. We need to use design to structure culture and organizations to continue the healthcare value journey. Effective leadership in these uncharted territories is necessary. Comparing design capabilities and leadership capabilities presents us with a whole new viewpoint: interdisciplinary leadership design, as a basis for the formulation of options to enhance value creation and the outcome‐based management of change and innovation. Lessons can also be learned for the needed evolution of design leadership in healthcare. This article uncovers a selection of design elements that contribute to new forms of leadership and identify design capabilities and activities that need adaptation for application in the (converging) healthcare arena. The article identifies elements that help reframe the application of design in convergent healthcare systems to create value by current and new leadership approaches.
A Rotated Dynamic Nelson‐Siegel Model
Authors: Nyholm Ken
Published: June 2017

I show how to rotate the factor structure of the well‐known Dynamic Nelson‐Siegel yield‐curve model to enable direct parametrization of the short rate process. This makes it easy to calculate model‐implied term premia and to integrate macroeconomic variables into the model in a Taylor‐rule‐type fashion.
Detection of iron restriction in anaemic and non‐anaemic patients: New diagnostic approaches
Authors: Thomas Lothar , Thomas Christian
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to detect iron restriction in non‐anaemic patients and iron‐restricted erythropoiesis (IRE) in patients with anaemia.

Method

Haematologic indices and biochemical markers of iron deficiency (ID) were determined using the clinically accepted cut‐off level for serum ferritin of ≤30 μg/L as reference of ID. To evaluate the prevalence of iron restriction and IRE in patients with higher ferritin levels, we used the thresholds of the markers of ID as reference.

Results

In the anaemic group, 17.1% of patients with ferritin levels >30 μg/L had IRE. The number of patients with IRE declined with increasing ferritin concentration. Approximately 14% of patients without anaemia and ferritin levels >30 μg/L had iron restriction because of iron‐sequestration syndromes. About 30% of the anaemic patients with IRE had ferritin concentrations in the range >300 μg/L, but no patient of the non‐anaemic group.

Conclusions

Detection of iron restriction and IRE in patients with ferritin levels >30 μg/L is not possible with a single test used in isolation. Based on the results, we have developed a scoring system to provide optimal guidance for the evaluation of iron restriction in non‐anaemic patients and iron‐restricted erythropoiesis (IRE) in patients with anaemia.
Novel RANKL DE‐loop mutants antagonize RANK‐mediated osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wang Yizhou , van Assen Aart H.G. , Reis Carlos R. , Setroikromo Rita , van Merkerk Ronald , Boersma Ykelien L. , Cool Robbert H. , Quax Wim J.
Published: June 2017

Bone is a dynamic tissue that is maintained by continuous renewal. An imbalance in bone resorption and bone formation can lead to a range of disorders, such as osteoporosis. The receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK)–RANK‐ligand (RANKL) pathway plays a major role in bone remodeling. Here, we investigated the effect of mutations at position I248 in the DE‐loop of murine RANKL on the interaction of RANKL with RANK, and subsequent activation of osteoclastogenesis. Two single mutants, RANKL I248Y and I248K, were found to maintain binding and have the ability to reduce wild‐type RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis. The generation of RANK‐antagonists is a promising strategy for the exploration of new therapeutics against osteoporosis.
Mixed mode fracture analysis of CCBD specimens based on the extended maximum tangential strain criterion
Authors: Hua W. , Dong S. , Pan X. , Wang Q.
Published: June 2017

The maximum tangential strain (MTSN) criterion has been modified to include the effects of T‐stress and stress intensity factors in conditions of both plane stress and plane strain. Further, both the T‐stress and Poisson's ratio affecting the crack propagation are also discussed according to the extended MTSN (EMTSN) criterion, which is a modified MTSN criterion. Finally, the generalized maximum tangential stress (GMTS) criterion and the EMTSN criterion are used to predict the test results obtained with central cracked Brazilian disc (CCBD) specimens. The results indicate that the T‐stress and Poisson's ratio have a remarkable influence on the mixed mode fracture resistance based on the EMTSN criterion. Theoretical values of both the EMTSN and the GMTS criteria are in very good agreement with the test results. Moreover, the EMTSN criterion provides a better prediction for pure mode II.
Corporate Cash Holdings and Acquisitions
Authors: Lie Erik , Liu Yixin
Published: June 2017

We find that acquirers’ announcement returns decline with their cash holdings, but only when at least part of the payment is in the form of stock. We further find evidence that acquirers that use stock payment are overvalued, especially when they have excess cash that they could have used instead. Collectively, our results suggest that investors interpret announcements of stock acquisitions as a signal that the acquirers’ equity is overvalued and that high cash holdings intensify this signal. However, our results are inconsistent with the common belief that cash holdings induce value‐destroying acquisitions.
Opportunistic top predators partition food resources in a tropical freshwater ecosystem
Authors: Villamarín Francisco , Jardine Timothy D. , Bunn Stuart E. , Marioni Boris , Magnusson William E.
Published: June 2017

The structure of food webs may be strongly influenced by the distribution of top predators in space and time. The Amazon biome is the only region in the world where four alligatorid species are known to occur in sympatry, and they attain high densities in some regions. As top predators with a diverse range of prey species occupying different trophic levels, their impact upon food webs should be substantial, but the degree to which crocodilians differ in their food sources, and potentially avoid competitive exclusion where they occur syntopically is not well understood.

Although most crocodilians are considered generalist opportunistic predators that feed on any source of protein available in the environment, Amazonian crocodilians show broad differences in the proportions of prey items they consume. It is believed that these differences may in part reflect habitat use, but it is unknown to what extent they represent interspecific differences in prey preferences or are a direct function of habitat selection.

Stable carbon isotope data (δ13C) of crocodilians and their potential prey were used to assess differences in reliance on terrestrial versus aquatic resources. These data were then placed in a spatial context using classified maps that reflect habitat types (headwater streams, mid‐order flooded‐forest streams and várzea floodplains) to elucidate whether dietary differences are explained by habitat selection or are more likely a reflection of prey preferences.

We found evidence for differences in types of basal resources supporting these crocodilians. Mean δ13C values were highest in Paleosuchus trigonatus (Schneider's dwarf caiman, −25.7 ± 1.2‰), intermediate in Caiman crocodilus (spectacled caiman, −27.4 ± 1.2‰) and Paleosuchus palpebrosus (Cuvier's dwarf caiman, −27.7 ± 1.1‰) and lowest in Melanosuchus niger (black caiman, −29.9 ± 1.3‰).

A progressive decrease in δ13C values of crocodilian tissues occurred from headwaters to floodplains, which most likely reflects a progressive increase in autochthonous over allochthonous inputs in lower reaches of streams. The shift from terrestrial to aquatic resources sustaining these sympatric predators mirrors their spatial distribution along this ecotone. However, after taking into account the habitat in which pairs of syntopic individuals of distinct species occurred, significant differences in δ13C values suggest that P. trigonatus and P. palpebrosus have different prey bases. Thus, despite being opportunistic predators, our results show that differences in crocodilian diets likely result from prey preferences and not only from habitat selection. These findings suggest that some species of crocodilians may be less generalist than traditionally thought and their influence on terrestrial or aquatic food webs might be species specific.
Temporal scale dependent interactions between multiple environmental disturbances in microcosm ecosystems
Authors: Garnier Aurélie , Pennekamp Frank , Lemoine Mélissa , Petchey Owen L.
Published: June 2017

Global environmental change has negative impacts on ecological systems, impacting the stable provision of functions, goods, and services. Whereas effects of individual environmental changes (e.g. temperature change or change in resource availability) are reasonably well understood, we lack information about if and how multiple changes interact. We examined interactions among four types of environmental disturbance (temperature, nutrient ratio, carbon enrichment, and light) in a fully factorial design using a microbial aquatic ecosystem and observed responses of dissolved oxygen saturation at three temporal scales (resistance, resilience, and return time). We tested whether multiple disturbances combine in a dominant, additive, or interactive fashion, and compared the predictability of dissolved oxygen across scales. Carbon enrichment and shading reduced oxygen concentration in the short term (i.e. resistance); although no other effects or interactions were statistically significant, resistance decreased as the number of disturbances increased. In the medium term, only enrichment accelerated recovery, but none of the other effects (including interactions) were significant. In the long term, enrichment and shading lengthened return times, and we found significant two‐way synergistic interactions between disturbances. The best performing model (dominant, additive, or interactive) depended on the temporal scale of response. In the short term (i.e. for resistance), the dominance model predicted resistance of dissolved oxygen best, due to a large effect of carbon enrichment, whereas none of the models could predict the medium term (i.e. resilience). The long‐term response was best predicted by models including interactions among disturbances. Our results indicate the importance of accounting for the temporal scale of responses when researching the effects of environmental disturbances on ecosystems.
Hosts, parasites and their interactions respond to different climatic variables
Authors: Poisot Timothée , Guéveneux‐Julien Cynthia , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Gravel Dominique , Legendre Pierre
Published: June 2017

Aim

Although there is a vast body of literature on the causes of variation in species composition in ecological communities, less effort has been invested in understanding how interactions between these species vary. Given that interactions are crucial to the structure and functioning of ecological communities, we need to develop a better understanding of their spatial distribution. Here, we investigate whether species interactions vary more in response to different climate variables than do individual species.

Location

Eurasia.

Time period

2000s.

Major taxa

Animalia.

Methods

We used a measure of local contribution to β‐diversity to evaluate the compositional uniqueness of 51 host–parasite communities of rodents and their ectoparasitic fleas across Eurasia, using publicly available data. We measured uniqueness based on the species composition and based on potential and realized biotic interactions (here, host–parasite interactions).

Results

We show that species interactions vary more, across space, than do species. In particular, we show that species interactions respond to some climatic variables that have no effect on species distributions or dissimilarity.

Main conclusions

Species interactions capture some degree of variation that is not apparent when looking at species occurrences only. In this system, this appeared as hosts and parasites interacting in different ways as a response to different environmental factors, especially the temperature and dryness. We discuss the implications of this finding for the amount of information that should be considered when measuring community dissimilarity.
Direct and indirect effects of climate, human disturbance and plant traits on avian functional diversity
Authors: Vollstädt Maximilian G. R. , Ferger Stefan W. , Hemp Andreas , Howell Kim M. , Töpfer Till , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias
Published: June 2017

Aim

Climate change and an increase in human disturbance are major drivers of global biodiversity loss. Yet it is not clear to what extent their effects on animal communities are direct or indirectly mediated by changes in biotic factors, such as plant diversity. Here, we disentangle the direct and indirect effects of climate, human disturbance, vegetation structure and plant functional traits on the functional diversity of avian frugivore communities across a large environmental gradient.

Location

Mount Kilimanjaro.

Time period

Sampling between November 2013 and October 2015.

Major taxa studied

Fleshy‐fruited plants, frugivorous birds.

Methods

We sampled plant and bird communities along an elevational and a human disturbance gradient and measured corresponding morphological traits of plants and birds to calculate indices of functional identity and functional diversity of plant and bird communities. We used structural equation models to disentangle direct and indirect effects of all variables on functional identity and diversity of frugivorous bird communities.

Results

Both functional identity and diversity of frugivorous bird communities were consistently related to the functional identity and diversity of plant communities. Climate had almost exclusively indirect effects on functional identity and diversity of bird communities mediated through effects on plant functional identity and diversity. In contrast, human disturbance also had direct negative effects on bird diversity.

Main conclusions

We show that plant functional identity and diversity are the most important drivers of functional identity and diversity of frugivorous birds. Although effects of climate on bird communities are almost exclusively mediated indirectly through plant communities, human disturbance resulted in a direct reduction of bird diversity. The high degree of trait matching between interdependent trophic levels over a large environmental gradient demonstrates the importance of biotic drivers for animal communities and shows that biodiversity models need to consider such bottom‐up effects in future conditions.
Local and geographical factors jointly drive elevational patterns in three microbial groups across subarctic ponds
Authors: Teittinen Anette , Wang Jianjun , Strömgård Simon , Soininen Janne
Published: June 2017

Aim

Elevational biodiversity patterns are understudied in high‐latitude aquatic systems, even though these systems are important for detecting very early impacts of climatic changes on Earth. The aim of this study was to examine the elevational trends in species richness and local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) of three biofilm microbial groups in freshwater ponds and to identify the key mechanisms underlying these patterns.

Location

One hundred and forty‐six ponds in subarctic Finland and Norway distributed across the tree line along an elevational gradient of 10–1,038 m a.s.l., spanning from forested landscape to barren boulder fields.

Time period

July–August 2015.

Major taxa studied

Diatoms, cyanobacteria and non‐cyanobacteria.

Methods

Generalized linear models were used to identify the most important pond variables explaining richness and LCBD. Structural equation models were used to explore the direct and indirect effects of multiscale drivers on richness and LCBD.

Results

Diatom and cyanobacteria richness showed unimodal elevational patterns, whereas non‐cyanobacteria richness decreased with increasing elevation. The LCBD–elevation relationship was U‐shaped for all three microbial groups. Diatom and cyanobacteria richness and LCBD were best explained by local pond variables, especially by pH. Non‐cyanobacteria richness and LCBD were related to pond variables, elevation as a proxy for climatic conditions, and normalized difference vegetation index as a proxy for terrestrial productivity.

Main conclusions

Aquatic autotrophs were primarily controlled by environmental filtering, whereas heterotrophic bacteria were also affected by terrestrial productivity and elevation. All studied aspects of microbial diversity were directly or indirectly linked to elevation; therefore, climatic changes may greatly alter aquatic microbial assemblages.
Impact of family characteristics by marital status of cohabitating adult children on depression among Korean older adults
Authors: Kim Juyeong , Choi Young , Choi Jae Woo , Nam Jin Young , Park Eun‐Cheol
Published: June 2017

Aim

To identify the association between different living arrangements of intergenerational household composition and depression in older adults.

Methods

Data from the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging, the first to fourth waves, were used. Using the first wave as baseline, our analysis included 5046 participants aged ≥60 years with at least one living child. Depression was measured using the 10‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Factors investigated included living arrangements according to household composition and the marital status of a cohabiting adult child. A generalized estimating equation with the logit link for binary outcomes was used to examine the association between living arrangements and depression.

Results

Compared with the older adults living with a married child and grandchildren, those living alone, those living with an unmarried child, and those living with an unmarried child and grandchildren were more likely to have depression (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.13–1.75; OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.18–1.66; OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.27–2.01). In particular, women were more likely to have depression than men in the association between living arrangements and depression.

Conclusions

Efforts should be made to provide social services for older adults living alone and those living with an unmarried child in a two‐/three‐generation family, in particular, for those who are female. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2527–2536.
Analysis of the association of clinical factors and IL4 gene polymorphisms with root resorption in avulsed teeth after 1 year of replantation
Authors: Roskamp L. , Trevilatto P. C. , Souza C. M. , Silva Neto U. X. , Carneiro E. , Fariniuk L. F. , Westphalen V. P. D.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To investigate the association of clinical variables and polymorphisms (tag SNPs) in the interleukin 4 (IL4) gene, with the prognosis of avulsed and replanted teeth.

Methodology

Ninety‐four patients who suffered avulsion and had their teeth replanted and endodontically treated were included. Periapical radiographs were obtained soon after tooth replantation and after 1 year. For genotypic IL4 gene analysis, the DNA from oral mucosa cells was collected, and polymorphisms were investigated by real‐time PCR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to verify the association of clinical and genetic variables and the outcome of the replanted teeth (P < 0.05).

Results

After multivariate analysis, extra‐alveolar time longer than 1 h was significantly associated with external root resorption. No significant association was observed between IL4 gene polymorphisms and root resorption.

Conclusion

No association between root resorption and IL4 gene polymorphisms was observed. An extra‐alveolar time of more than 1 h was associated with a susceptibility for external root resorption. Replanting the tooth in its socket immediately is the most important factor to maintain a healthy root surface.
1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐induced dendritic cells suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by increasing proportions of the regulatory lymphocytes and reducing T helper type 1 and type 17 cells
Authors: Xie Zhongxiang , Chen Jingtao , Zheng Chao , Wu Jing , Cheng Yun , Zhu Shan , Lin Chenhong , Cao Qingqing , Zhu Jie , Jin Tao
Published: June 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs), a bridge for innate and adaptive immune responses, play a key role in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS. Administration of tolerogenic DCs has been used as an immunotherapy in autoimmune diseases. Deficiency of vitamin D is an environmental risk factor of MS. In this study, we induced tolerogenic DCs by 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and transferred the tolerogenic DCs (VD3‐DCs) into EAE mice by adoptive transfer. We found that VD3‐DCs inhibited the infiltrations of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells into spinal cord and increased the proportions of regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+), CD4+ IL‐10+ T cells and regulatory B cells (CD19+ CD5+ CD1d+) in peripheral immune organs, which resulted in attenuated EAE. However, the proportions of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells in spleen and lymph nodes and the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and IgG in serum also increased after transfer of VD3‐DCs. We conclude that transfer of VD3‐DCs suppressed EAE by increasing proportions of regulatory T cells, CD4+ IL‐10+ T cells and regulatory B cells in spleen and reducing infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells into spinal cord, which suggests a possible immunotherapy method using VD3‐DCs in MS.
Effect of intravenous paracetamol as pre‐emptive compared to preventive analgesia in a pediatric dental setting: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Kharouba Johny , Hawash Nasir , Peretz Benjamin , Blumer Sigalit , Srour Yara , Nassar Marry , Sabbah Mulham , Safadi Anan , Khorev Alexey , Somri Mostafa
Published: June 2017

Background

Efficacy of pre‐emptive analgesia compared to preventive regimen, managing postoperative pain is still controversial.

Aim

Evaluating the efficacy of intravenous (IV) paracetamol as pre‐emptive analgesia compared to preventive post‐treatment administration in pediatric dental setting.

Design

In a prospective trial, 60 noncooperative children of ASA I, II aged 3–10 years who underwent dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. Pre‐emptive group (n = 30) received 15 mg/kg of IV paracetamol before the start of treatment. Preventive group (n = 30) received 15 mg/kg of paracetamol at the end of treatment. Analgesic efficacy was measured by visual analog scale of faces (VASOF), percentage of children received postoperative analgesia.

Results

The VASOF results in the pre‐emptive group were significantly lower compared to the preventive group at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h (0.0146, 0.0188, 0.0085, and 0.0001, respectively). Less children in the pre‐emptive group received supplemental fentanyl postoperatively compared to the preventive group (27.6%, 58.6%, respectively, P = 0.0170). Time to first rescue dose of fentanyl postoperatively in the pre‐emptive group was later than in the preventive group (P = 0.0432).

Conclusions

Administration of IV paracetamol pre‐emptively provides lower pain scores, and a decreased percentage of children required pain relief and less amount of postoperative opioids, compared to preventive administration.
The perceptions of key stakeholders of the roles of specialist and advanced nursing and midwifery practitioners
Authors: Casey Mary , O'Connor Laserina , Nicholson Emma , Smith Rita , O'Brien Denise , O'Leary Denise , Fealy Gerard M , Mcnamara Martin S , Stokes Diarmuid , Egan Claire
Published: June 2017

Aim

To explore the perceptions of key stakeholders of the roles of specialist and advanced nursing and midwifery practitioners.

Background

There is evidence that the contribution of these roles to patient care is poorly understood.

Design

This research took place over 2 months in 2015 and is part of a larger study involving a rapid review to inform policy development on the specialist and advanced nursing and midwifery practice in Ireland. As an added value, a qualitative element involving thematic analysis was undertaken with key stakeholders.

Methods

A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted incorporating semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders (n = 15). Purposive sampling with maximum diversity was used to recruit a wide range of perspectives.

Findings

Participant's perspectives led to seven themes: Impact of these roles; role preparation, experience and organizational support; specialist and advanced practice roles in an interdisciplinary context; different folks but not such different roles; impact of specialist and advanced practice roles on patient outcomes; barriers and facilitators to enacting specialist and advanced practice roles; future development of these roles.

Conclusion

There is acknowledgement of the positive impact of specialist and advanced practitioners; however, the evidence is currently not conclusive. Preparation for these roles needs to reflect changes in the calibre of today's professional applicants, and organizational support is paramount to their successful execution. The contribution of their activity to patient outcome needs to be made visible to enhance these roles and to justify the development of new roles across a variety of healthcare areas.
Instruments to assess self‐care among healthy children: A systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Urpí‐Fernández Ana‐María , Zabaleta‐Del‐Olmo Edurne , Montes‐Hidalgo Javier , Tomás‐Sábado Joaquín , Roldán‐Merino Juan‐Francisco , Lluch‐Canut María‐Teresa
Published: June 2017

Aim

To identify, critically appraise and summarize the measurement properties of instruments to assess self‐care in healthy children.

Background

Assessing self‐care is a proper consideration for nursing practice and nursing research. No systematic review summarizes instruments of measurement validated in healthy children.

Design

Psychometric review in accordance with the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) panel.

Data sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Open Grey were searched from their inception to December 2016.

Review methods

Validation studies with a healthy child population were included. Search was not restricted by language. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of included studies using the COSMIN checklist.

Results

Eleven studies were included in the review assessing the measurement properties of ten instruments. There was a maximum of two studies per instrument. None of the studies evaluated the properties of test–retest reliability, measurement error, criterion validity and responsiveness. Internal consistency and structural validity were rated as “excellent” or “good” in four studies. Four studies were rated as “excellent” in content validity. Cross‐cultural validity was rated as “poor” in the two studies (three instruments) which cultural adaptation was carried out.

Conclusion

The evidence available does not allow firm conclusions about the instruments identified in terms of reliability and validity. Future research should focus on generate evidence about a wider range of measurement properties of these instruments using a rigorous methodology, as well as instrument testing on different countries and child population.
Ethics, intimacy and sexuality in aged care
Authors: Cook Catherine , Schouten Vanessa , Henrickson Mark , McDonald Sandra
Published: June 2017

Aim

To analyse the accounts of staff, family and residents to advance ethical insights into intimacy and sexuality in residential care.

Background

Discourses of ageing readily construct people in residential aged care as postsexual, vulnerable and at risk of sexual exploitation, and therefore, expressions of intimacy and sexuality may be responded to as deviant and inherently risky. Staff may manage decision‐making tacitly, without recourse to policies and education.

Design

The proof‐of‐concept study used a discursive methodology, identifying discourses that shape diverse meanings of intimacy, sexuality and ageing. Data analysis involved thematic analysis.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four participants in 2015 as part of a mixed‐methods study. This article reports on the qualitative data.

Results

Four themes were identified in the data analysis: mediated intimate relationships and everyday ethics; self‐referential morality; knowing the person then and now; and juggling ethical priorities. Data indicated that participants used their personal moral compass to inform their decision‐making, without any related policies and applied ethics and communication education. As a result, staff described moral uncertainty and moral distress. Staff indicated that there were tensions in terms of the role of proxy decision‐makers, as there were situations where staff believed they were more aware of residents’ current wishes and cognitive capabilities than family members.

Conclusions

Staff, families and residents routinely address intimacy and sexuality in aged care. Ethically informed education and policies may enhance the role of staff as advocates, ensuring older people living in RAC are as at home and autonomous as possible.
Bacillus thuringiensis serovar. israelensis has no effect on Drosophila suzukii Matsumura
Authors: Biganski S. , Jehle J. A. , Kleespies R. G.
Published: June 2017

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is an invasive species to the USA, and Europe and biological control methods are urgently sought for. In this study, the potential of commercial microbial control products based on the Dipteran‐specific B. thuringiensis serovar. israelensis (B.t.i.) were evaluated in laboratory experiments. These products were tested on SWD larvae and adults but neither one showed more than 10% mortality. A repellent effect of the products to SWD adults was also ruled out. We conclude that B.t.i. products are not suitable for SWD control.