bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of early renal function decline in adults with Type 1 diabetes: the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes and the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications studies
Authors: Bjornstad P. , Costacou T. , Miller R. G. , Maahs D. M. , Rewers M. J. , Orchard T. J. , Snell‐Bergeon J. K.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Diabetic kidney disease is one of the leading complications of Type 1 diabetes, but its prediction remains a challenge. We examined predictors of rapid decline in estimated GFR (eGFR) in two Type 1 diabetes cohorts: the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes (CACTI) and the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC).

Methods

A select subset of participants (CACTI: n = 210 and EDC: n = 98) diagnosed before 17 years of age with Type 1 diabetes duration ≥ 7 years, and follow‐up data on eGFR by CKD‐EPI creatinine for up to 8 years were included in the analyses. Early renal function decline was defined as annual decline in eGFR ≥ 3 ml/min/1.73 m2, and normal age‐related decline as eGFR ≤ 1 ml/min/1.73 m2. Parallel logistic regression models were constructed in the two cohorts.

Results

Early renal function decline incidence was 36% in CACTI and 41% in EDC. In both cohorts, greater baseline eGFR (CACTI: OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.97–5.05; EDC: OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17–3.15 per 10 ml/min/1.73 m2) and log albumin‐to‐creatinine (ACR) (CACTI: OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.80–5.83; EDC: OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.18–2.96 per 1 unit) predicted greater odds of early renal function decline in fully adjusted models. Conversely, ACE inhibition predicted lower odds of early renal function decline in women in CACTI, but similar relationships were not observed in women in EDC.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of people with Type 1 diabetes in the EDC and CACTI cohorts experienced early renal function decline over time. ACE inhibition appeared to be protective only in women in CACTI where the prevalence of its use was twofold higher compared with the EDC.
Levels of wound calprotectin and other inflammatory biomarkers aid in deciding which patients with a diabetic foot ulcer need antibiotic therapy (INDUCE study)
Authors: Ingram J. R. , Cawley S. , Coulman E. , Gregory C. , Thomas‐Jones E. , Pickles T. , Cannings‐John R. , Francis N. A. , Harding K. , Hood K. , Piguet V.
Published: July 2017

Aims

Deciding if a diabetic foot ulcer is infected in a community setting is challenging without validated point‐of‐care tests. Four inflammatory biomarkers were investigated to develop a composite algorithm for mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers: venous white cell count, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin, and a novel wound exudate calprotectin assay. Calprotectin is a marker of neutrophilic inflammation.

Methods

In a prospective study, people with uninfected or mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers who had not received oral antibiotics in the preceding 2 weeks were recruited from community podiatry clinics for measurement of inflammatory biomarkers. Antibiotic prescribing decisions were based on clinicians’ baseline assessments and participants were reviewed 1 week later; ulcer infection was defined by clinicians’ overall impression from their two assessments.

Results

Some 363 potential participants were screened, of whom 67 were recruited, 29 with mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers and 38 with no infection. One participant withdrew early in each group. Ulcer area was 1.32 cm2 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.32–3.61 cm2] in infected ulcers and 0.22 cm2 (IQR 0.09–1.46 cm2) in uninfected ulcers. Baseline CRP for mild infection was 9.00 mg/ml and 6.00 mg/ml for uninfected ulcers; most procalcitonin levels were undetectable. Median calprotectin level in infected diabetic foot ulcers was 1437 ng/ml and 879 ng/ml in uninfected diabetic foot ulcers. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for a composite algorithm incorporating calprotectin, CRP, white cell count and ulcer area was 0.68 (95% confidence intervals 0.52–0.82), sensitivity 0.64, specificity 0.81.

Conclusions

A composite algorithm including CRP, calprotectin, white cell count and ulcer area may help to distinguish uninfected from mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers. Venous procalcitonin is unhelpful for mild diabetic foot ulcer infection.
How could conditional cash transfer programme conditionalities reinforce vulnerability? Non‐compliers and policy implementation gaps in Uruguay's Family Allowances
Authors: Rossel Cecilia , Courtoisie Denise , Marsiglia Magdalena
Published: July 2017

Influential research shows that conditionalities could incentivize recipients of conditional cash transfer programmes (CCTs) to send their children to school and to regular health check‐ups. However, a growing literature is elucidating the risks of conditional transfers, from both a philosophical and an empirical perspective. This article highlights the varied deficits that have accompanied the implementation process in some Latin American countries, as well as the consequences that these deficits might have on the beneficiaries. In particular, it suggests that, rather than reducing vulnerability by improving access to services, conditionalities could be reinforcing vulnerability among non‐compliers if non‐compliance leads to the immediate suspension of the cash transfer and if this sanction is poorly implemented.

While this hypothesis has gained attention and is part of both an academic and a political debate, empirical research around it is scarce. This article is an attempt to start filling this gap by focusing on the implementation process of conditionalities in a CCT programme in Uruguay (Family Allowances) and how this is experienced by a group of recipients who failed to comply with the conditionalities and were sanctioned with the suspension of the benefit. In particular, it identifies the main reasons why these beneficiaries did not comply, how they experience the sanction and how they managed—when they do—to apply for the benefit to be restored.

Based on a qualitative design of in‐depth interviews, it provides empirical evidence to unpack causal relationships linking conditionalities to increased vulnerability among non‐compliers. Our findings offer evidence on the role played by the conditionalities in reinforcing vulnerability and the possible causal mechanisms that could be operating between both phenomena. This picture of policy implementation constraints that could lead conditionalities to reinforce vulnerability among recipients could be relevant to policy‐makers having to deal with non‐compliance and managing sanctions in CCTs.
Species packing in eco‐evolutionary models of seasonally fluctuating environments
Authors: Kremer Colin T. , Klausmeier Christopher A.
Published: July 2017

As ecology and evolution become ever more entwined, many areas of ecological theory are being re‐examined. Eco‐evolutionary analyses of classic coexistence mechanisms are yielding new insights into the structure and stability of communities. We examine fluctuation‐dependent coexistence models, identifying communities that are both ecologically and evolutionarily stable. Members of these communities possess distinct environmental preferences, revealing widespread patterns of limiting similarity. This regularity leads to consistent changes in the structure of communities across fluctuation regimes. However, at high amplitudes, subtle differences in the form of fluctuations dramatically affect the collapse of communities. We also show that identical fluctuations can support multiple evolutionarily stable communities – a novel example of alternative stable states within eco‐evolutionary systems. Consequently, the configuration of communities will depend on historical contingencies, including details of the adaptive process. Integrating evolution into the study of coexistence offers new insights, while enriching our understanding of ecology.
Retinyl propionate and climbazole combination demonstrates clinical improvement to the appearance of hyperpigmentation and deep wrinkling with minimal irritation
Authors: Hawkins S. , Adamus J. , Chiang C.‐y. , Covell E. , O'Leary J. , Lee J.‐m.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To evaluate a combination of retinyl propionate and climbazole (RPC) compared to 0.1% retinol for its efficacy, tolerance and ageing appearance.

Method

Forty‐five healthy Caucasian females, ages 40–70, with moderately photodamaged facial skin, were recruited for a 16‐week randomized, double‐blind, IRB‐approved facial study. The efficacy of RPC treatment was compared to 0.1% retinol, in the same product base formulation, with twice daily, split‐face product application. Changes in overall photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and irritation were visually evaluated and measured by instrumentation. Subjective appraisal of efficacy was self‐assessed from images where subjects were blinded to treatment and time point. Irritancy potential was also evaluated in a 5‐day randomized, double‐blind, IRB‐approved patch study.

Results

Treatment with RPC resulted in significant (P < 0.05) improvement in ageing attributes compared to 0.1% retinol treatment, with minimal irritation. More than 50% of subjects showed improvement to deep wrinkles in the crow's feet area after 5 weeks of product application, and continued improvement to deep wrinkles was observed throughout the course of the study. Similarly, improvement was observed for the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the nasolabial fold (NLF) and for mottled hyperpigmentation. The results from subjective self‐assessment confirmed in vivo clinical assessments. In a separate patch study, significantly less irritation was observed with the RPC product as compared to the 0.1% retinol control product.

Conclusion

RPC delivered significant skin anti‐ageing benefits comparable or greater than 0.1% retinol, with minimal irritation.
Identity at Work: An Enquiry‐based Approach to Therapeutically Inspired Management
Authors: Beech Nic
Published: July 2017

Identity studies reveal many issues and problems for individuals and organizations and from these I select three topics which connect to management practice: performance and its barriers; the self and others; and boundaries and transitions. I argue for an enquiry‐based approach to management practice which focuses not on prescriptive answers but on engaging questions which can draw on theory as a resource and promote thought‐infused action. Because much of the identity literature would be sceptical about normative theory ‘implications for practice’ tend to be somewhat thin. An enquiry‐based approach removes normative expectations along with the hierarchical expectation that theory is first and practice is second. Rather, practice‐relevant questions can be refined and developed through theoretical engagement. An enquiry that has practical relevance is also likely to draw resource from across disciplinary boundaries, and in this case I draw on ideas from therapeutic theory to challenge and support management practice.
Chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for recurrence and progression in patients with primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Kobatake Kohei , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Black Peter C , Goto Keisuke , Sentani Kazuhiro , Kaneko Mayumi , Yasui Wataru , Mita Koji , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between chronic kidney disease and primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.

Methods

Disease outcomes were analyzed in 418 patients treated with transurethral resection for primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, and were correlated to traditional risk factors as well as chronic kidney disease stage according to estimated glomerular filtration rate: ≥60 (G1–2), 45–59 (G3a) or <45 (G3b–5).

Results

The median follow‐up time was 40.0 months. There were 287 (68.7%), 98 (23.4%), and 33 (7.9%) patients with G1–2, G3a and G3b–5 chronic kidney disease, respectively. T1 tumor was present in 29.6% of G1–2, 43.9% of G3a and 51.4% of G3b–5 chronic kidney disease (P = 0.004). The proportion of histological grade 3 non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer was higher in G3a and G3b–5 than G1–2 (P < 0.001). Higher chronic kidney disease stage was associated with worse recurrence‐free (P < 0.001) and progression‐free survival (P = 0.017). In multivariable analysis, G3b–5 was found to be an independent predictor for recurrence (hazard ratio 1.87; P = 0.004) and progression (hazard ratio 2.96; P = 0.019). Chronic kidney disease stage was also strongly associated with the European Association of Urology bladder cancer risk groups (P < 0.001), and with shorter time to recurrence and progression in each group.

Conclusions

Chronic kidney disease predicts the clinical outcome of primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. Adding chronic kidney disease to the conventional risk factors might increase the accuracy of risk stratification.
Association between androgen deprivation therapy and anxiety among 78 000 patients with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Dinh Kathryn T , Yang David D , Nead Kevin T , Reznor Gally , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Nguyen Paul L
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To examine whether any androgen deprivation therapy use or longer duration is associated with an increased risk of anxiety in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods

We identified 78 552 men aged ≥66 years with stage I–III prostate cancer using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare linked database from 1992 to 2006, excluding patients with psychiatric diagnoses within the year prior or 6 months after prostate cancer diagnosis. Multivariable Cox regression was used to examine the association between pharmacological androgen deprivation therapy and diagnosis of anxiety.

Results

The 43.1% (33 882) of patients who received androgen deprivation therapy experienced a higher 3‐year cumulative incidence of anxiety compared with men who did not (4.1% vs 3.5%, P < 0.001). Any androgen deprivation therapy use was associated with a nearly significant increased risk of anxiety (adjusted hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.17, P = 0.054). There was a significant trend between a longer duration of therapy and increased risk of anxiety (P‐trend = 0.012), with a 16% higher risk for ≥12 months (adjusted hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.29, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Androgen deprivation therapy was associated with an elevated risk of anxiety in this cohort of elderly men with localized prostate cancer, with the risk higher with a longer duration of treatment. Anxiety should be considered among the possible psychiatric effects of androgen deprivation therapy and discussed before initiating treatment, particularly if a long course is anticipated.
Setting up a pediatric robotic urology program: A USA institution experience
Authors: Murthy Prithvi B , Schadler Eric D , Orvieto Marcelo , Zagaja Gregory , Shalhav Arieh L , Gundeti Mohan S
Published: July 2017

Implementing a robotic urological surgery program requires institutional support, and necessitates a comprehensive, detail‐oriented plan that accounts for training, oversight, cost and case volume. Given the prevalence of robotic surgery in adult urology, in many instances it might be feasible to implement a pediatric robotic urology program within the greater context of adult urology. This involves, from an institutional standpoint, proportional distribution of equipment cost and operating room time. However, the pediatric urology team primarily determines goals for volume expansion, operative case selection, resident training and surgical innovation within the specialty. In addition to the clinical model, a robust economic model that includes marketing must be present. This review specifically highlights these factors in relationship to establishing and maintaining a pediatric robotic urology program. In addition, we share our data involving robot use over the program's first nine years (December 2007–December 2016).
Corporate social responsibility and the assessment by auditors of the risk of material misstatement
Authors: LópezPuertas‐Lamy Mónica , Desender Kurt , Epure Mircea
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates whether, and how, firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance influences the auditor's assessment of the risk of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, at the financial statement level by analysing their pricing decision (i.e., audit fees). Using a panel data set of 12,330 firms from 28 countries over the period 2003–2012 and different measures of CSR performance, we find a U‐shaped relationship between firms’ CSR performance and audit fees. This result suggests that there is an optimal level of CSR performance that minimizes the auditor's assessment of the risk of material misstatement, which in turn lowers the need for greater auditor effort; that is why auditors charge firms significantly less when their CSR performance is at the optimal level. Finally, we also show that the optimal level of CSR performance varies with the degree of environmental dynamism, ownership concentration and leverage.
ENabling Reduction of Low‐grade Inflammation in SEniors Pilot Study: Concept, Rationale, and Design
Authors: Manini Todd M. , Anton Stephen D. , Beavers Daniel P. , Cauley Jane A. , Espeland Mark A. , Fielding Roger A. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Lewis Kristina H. , Liu Christine , McDermott Mary M. , Miller Michael E. , Tracy Russell P. , Walston Jeremy D. , Radziszewska Barbara , Lu Jane , Stowe Cindy , Wu Samuel , Newman Anne B. , Ambrosius Walter T. , Pahor Marco ,   ENRGISE Pilot study investigators
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To test two interventions to reduce interleukin (IL)‐6 levels, an indicator of low‐grade chronic inflammation and an independent risk factor for impaired mobility and slow walking speed in older adults.

Design

The ENabling Reduction of low‐Grade Inflammation in SEniors (ENRGISE) Pilot Study was a multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized pilot trial of two interventions to reduce IL‐6 levels.

Setting

Five university‐based research centers.

Participants

Target enrollment was 300 men and women aged 70 and older with an average plasma IL‐6 level between 2.5 and 30 pg/mL measured twice at least 1 week apart. Participants had low to moderate physical function, defined as self‐reported difficulty walking one‐quarter of a mile or climbing a flight of stairs and usual walk speed of less than 1 m/s on a 4‐m usual‐pace walk.

Intervention

Participants were randomized to losartan, omega‐3 fish oil (ω‐3), combined losartan and ω‐3, or placebo. Randomization was stratified depending on eligibility for each group. A titration schedule was implemented to reach a dose that was safe and effective for IL‐6 reduction. Maximal doses were 100 mg/d for losartan and 2.8 g/d for ω‐3.

Measurements

IL‐6, walking speed over 400 m, physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery), other inflammatory markers, safety, tolerability, frailty domains, and maximal leg strength were measured.

Results

Results from the ENRGISE Pilot Study will provide recruitment yields, feasibility, medication tolerance and adherence, and preliminary data to help justify a sample size for a more definitive randomized trial.

Conclusion

The ENRGISE Pilot Study will inform a larger subsequent trial that is expected to have important clinical and public health implications for the growing population of older adults with low‐grade chronic inflammation and mobility limitations.
Effect of a Community‐Based Service Learning Experience in Geriatrics on Internal Medicine Residents and Community Participants
Authors: Miller Rachel K. , Michener Jennifer , Yang Phyllis , Goldstein Karen , Groce‐Martin Jennine , True Gala , Johnson Jerry
Published: July 2017

Community‐based service learning (CBSL) provides an opportunity to teach internal medicine residents the social context of aging and clinical concepts. The objectives of the current study were to demonstrate the feasibility of a CBSL program targeting internal medicine residents and to assess its effect on medical residents and community participants. internal medicine residents participated in a CBSL experience for half a day during ambulatory blocks from 2011 to 2014. Residents attended a senior housing unit or center, delivered a presentation about a geriatric health topic, toured the facility, and received information about local older adult resources. Residents evaluated the experience. Postgraduate Year 3 internal medicine residents (n = 71) delivered 64 sessions. Residents felt that the experience increased their ability to communicate effectively with older adults (mean 3.91 ± 0.73 on a Likert scale with 5 = strongly agree), increased their knowledge of resources (4.09 ± 1.01), expanded their knowledge of a health topic pertinent to aging (3.48 ± 1.09), and contributed to their capacity to evaluate and care for older adults (3.84 ± 0.67). Free‐text responses demonstrated that residents thought that this program would change their practice. Of 815 older adults surveyed from 36 discrete teaching sessions, 461 (56%) thought that the medical residents delivered health information clearly (4.55 ± 0.88) and that the health topics were relevant (4.26 ± 0.92). Free‐text responses showed that the program helped them understand their health concerns. This CBSL program is a feasible and effective tool for teaching internal medicine residents and older adults.
Hearing Impairment and Incident Dementia: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Davies Hilary R. , Cadar Dorina , Herbert Annie , Orrell Martin , Steptoe Andrew
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To determine whether hearing loss is associated with incident physician‐diagnosed dementia in a representative sample.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Participants

Adults aged 50 and older.

Measurements

Cross‐sectional associations between self‐reported (n = 7,865) and objective hearing measures (n = 6,902) and dementia were examined using multinomial‐logistic regression. The longitudinal association between self‐reported hearing at Wave 2 (2004/05) and cumulative physician‐diagnosed dementia up to Wave 7 (2014/15) was modelled using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

After adjustment for potential confounders, in cross‐sectional analysis, participants who had self‐reported or objective moderate and poor hearing were more likely to have a dementia diagnosis than those with normal hearing (self‐reported: odds ratio OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.4 moderate hearing; OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.7–3.9 poor hearing, objective: OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0–2.8 moderate hearing; OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.9–9.9 poor hearing). Longitudinally, the hazard of developing dementia was 1.4 (95% CI = 1.0–1.9) times as high in individuals who reported moderate hearing and 1.6 (95% CI = 1.1–2.0) times as high in those who reported poor hearing.

Conclusion

Older adults with hearing loss are at greater risk of dementia than those with normal hearing. These findings are consistent with the rationale that correction of hearing loss could help delay the onset of dementia, or that hearing loss itself could serve as a risk indicator for cognitive decline.
Integrative studies implicate matrix metalloproteinase‐12 as a culprit gene for large‐artery atherosclerotic stroke
Authors: Mahdessian H. , Perisic Matic L. , Lengquist M. , Gertow K. , Sennblad B. , Baldassarre D. , Veglia F. , Humphries S. E. , Rauramaa R. , de Faire U. , Smit A. J. , Giral P. , Kurl S. , Mannarino E. , Tremoli E. , Hamsten A. , Eriksson P. , Hedin U. , Mälarstig A. ,   IMPROVE study group
Published: July 2017

Background

Ischaemic stroke and coronary heart disease are important contributors to the global disease burden and share atherosclerosis as the main underlying cause. Recent evidence from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) near the MMP12 gene at chromosome 11q22.3 were associated with large‐vessel ischaemic stroke. Here, we evaluated and extended these results by examining the relationship between MMP12 and atherosclerosis in clinical and experimental studies.

Methods and Results

Plasma concentrations of MMP12 were measured at baseline in 3394 subjects with high‐risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) using the Olink ProSeek CVD I array. The plasma MMP12 concentration showed association with incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (130 and 67 events, respectively, over 36 months) and carotid intima‐media thickness progression (P = 3.6 × 10−5). A GWAS of plasma MMP12 concentrations revealed that SNPs rs499459, rs613084 and rs1892971 at chr11q22.3 were independently associated with plasma MMP12 (P < 5 × 10−8). The lead SNPs showed associations with mRNA levels of MMP12 and adjacent MMPs in atherosclerotic plaques. MMP12 transcriptomic and proteomic levels were strongly significantly increased in carotid plaques compared with control arterial tissue and in plaques from symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients. By combining immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assay, we demonstrated that MMP12 localizes to CD68 + macrophages and interacts with elastin in plaques. MMP12 silencing in human THP‐1‐derived macrophages resulted in reduced macrophage migration.

Conclusions

Our study supports the notion that MMP12 is implicated in large‐artery atherosclerotic stroke, functionally by enhancing elastin degradation and macrophage invasion in plaques.
Genome scans on experimentally evolved populations reveal candidate regions for adaptation to plant resistance in the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida
Authors: Eoche‐Bosy D. , Gautier M. , Esquibet M. , Legeai F. , Bretaudeau A. , Bouchez O. , Fournet S. , Grenier E. , Montarry J.
Published: July 2017

Improving resistance durability involves to be able to predict the adaptation speed of pathogen populations. Identifying the genetic bases of pathogen adaptation to plant resistances is a useful step to better understand and anticipate this phenomenon. Globodera pallida is a major pest of potato crop for which a resistance QTL, GpaVvrn, has been identified in Solanum vernei. However, its durability is threatened as G. pallida populations are able to adapt to the resistance in few generations. The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic regions involved in the resistance breakdown by coupling experimental evolution and high‐density genome scan. We performed a whole‐genome resequencing of pools of individuals (Pool‐Seq) belonging to G. pallida lineages derived from two independent populations having experimentally evolved on susceptible and resistant potato cultivars. About 1.6 million SNPs were used to perform the genome scan using a recent model testing for adaptive differentiation and association to population‐specific covariables. We identified 275 outliers and 31 of them, which also showed a significant reduction in diversity in adapted lineages, were investigated for their genic environment. Some candidate genomic regions contained genes putatively encoding effectors and were enriched in SPRYSECs, known in cyst nematodes to be involved in pathogenicity and in (a)virulence. Validated candidate SNPs will provide a useful molecular tool to follow frequencies of virulence alleles in natural G. pallida populations and define efficient strategies of use of potato resistances maximizing their durability.
Extensive seed and pollen dispersal and assortative mating in the rain forest tree Entandrophragma cylindricum (Meliaceae) inferred from indirect and direct analyses
Authors: Monthe Franck Kameni , Hardy Olivier J. , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Loo Judy , Duminil Jérôme
Published: July 2017

Pollen and seed dispersal are key processes affecting the demographic and evolutionary dynamics of plant species and are also important considerations for the sustainable management of timber trees. Through direct and indirect genetic analyses, we studied the mating system and the extent of pollen and seed dispersal in an economically important timber species, Entandrophragma cylindricum (Meliaceae). We genotyped adult trees, seeds and saplings from a 400‐ha study plot in a natural forest from East Cameroon using eight nuclear microsatellite markers. The species is mainly outcrossed (t = 0.92), but seeds from the same fruit are often pollinated by the same father (correlated paternity, rp = 0.77). An average of 4.76 effective pollen donors (Nep) per seed tree contributes to the pollination. Seed dispersal was as extensive as pollen dispersal, with a mean dispersal distance in the study plot approaching 600 m, and immigration rates from outside the plot to the central part of the plot reaching 40% for both pollen and seeds. Extensive pollen‐ and seed‐mediated gene flow is further supported by the weak, fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (Sp statistic = 0.0058), corresponding to historical gene dispersal distances (σg) reaching approximately 1,500 m. Using an original approach, we showed that the relatedness between mating individuals (Fij = 0.06) was higher than expected by chance, given the extent of pollen dispersal distances (expected Fij = 0.02 according to simulations). This remarkable pattern of assortative mating could be a phenomenon of potentially consequential evolutionary and management significance that deserves to be studied in other plant populations.
Pathogen richness and abundance predict patterns of adaptive major histocompatibility complex variation in insular amphibians
Authors: Wang Supen , Liu Conghui , Wilson Anthony B. , Zhao Na , Li Xianping , Zhu Wei , Gao Xu , Liu Xuan , Li Yiming
Published: July 2017

The identification of the factors responsible for genetic variation and differentiation at adaptive loci can provide important insights into the evolutionary process and is crucial for the effective management of threatened species. We studied the impact of environmental viral richness and abundance on functional diversity and differentiation of the MHC class Ia locus in populations of the black‐spotted pond frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus), an IUCN‐listed species, on 24 land‐bridge islands of the Zhoushan Archipelago and three nearby mainland sites. We found a high proportion of private MHC alleles in mainland and insular populations, corresponding to 32 distinct functional supertypes, and strong positive selection on MHC antigen‐binding sites in all populations. Viral pathogen diversity and abundance were reduced at island sites relative to the mainland, and islands housed distinctive viral communities. Standardized MHC diversity at island sites exceeded that found at neutral microsatellites, and the representation of key functional supertypes was positively correlated with the abundance of specific viruses in the environment (Frog virus 3 and Ambystoma tigrinum virus). These results indicate that pathogen‐driven diversifying selection can play an important role in maintaining functionally important MHC variation following island isolation, highlighting the importance of considering functionally important genetic variation and host–pathogen associations in conservation planning and management.
Plant species richness and productivity determine the diversity of soil fungal guilds in temperate coniferous forest and bog habitats
Authors: Hiiesalu Indrek , Bahram Mohammad , Tedersoo Leho
Published: July 2017

Fungi have important roles as decomposers, mycorrhizal root symbionts and pathogens in forest ecosystems, but there is limited information about their diversity and composition at the landscape scale. This work aimed to disentangle the factors underlying fungal richness and composition along the landscape‐scale moisture, organic matter and productivity gradients. Using high‐throughput sequencing, we identified soil fungi from 54 low‐productivity Pinus sylvestris‐dominated plots across three study areas in Estonia and determined the main predictors of fungal richness based on edaphic, floristic and spatial variables. Fungal richness displayed unimodal relationship with organic matter and deduced soil moisture. Plant richness and productivity constituted the key predictors for taxonomic richness of functional guilds. Composition of fungi and the main ectomycorrhizal fungal lineages and hyphal exploration types was segregated by moisture availability and soil nitrogen. We conclude that plant productivity and diversity determine the richness and proportion of most functional groups of soil fungi in low‐productive pine forests on a landscape scale. Adjacent stands of pine forest may differ greatly in the dominance of functional guilds that have marked effects on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling in these forest ecosystems.
When can refuges mediate the genetic effects of fire regimes? A simulation study of the effects of topography and weather on neutral and adaptive genetic diversity in fire‐prone landscapes
Authors: Banks Sam C. , Davies Ian D. , Cary Geoffrey J.
Published: July 2017

Understanding how landscape heterogeneity mediates the effects of fire on biodiversity is increasingly important under global changes in fire regimes. We used a simulation experiment to investigate how fire regimes interact with topography and weather to shape neutral and selection‐driven genetic diversity under alternative dispersal scenarios, and to explore the conditions under which microrefuges can maintain genetic diversity of populations exposed to recurrent fire. Spatial heterogeneity in simulated fire frequency occurred in topographically complex landscapes, with fire refuges and fire‐prone “hotspots” apparent. Interannual weather variability reduced the effect of topography on fire patterns, with refuges less apparent under high weather variability. Neutral genetic diversity was correlated with long‐term fire frequency under spatially heterogeneous fire regimes, being higher in fire refuges than fire‐prone areas, except under high dispersal or low fire severity (low mortality). This generated different spatial genetic structures in fire‐prone and fire‐refuge components of the landscape, despite similar dispersal. In contrast, genetic diversity was only associated with time since the most recent fire in flat landscapes without predictable refuges and hotspots. Genetic effects of selection driven by fire‐related conditions depended on selection pressure, migration distance and spatial heterogeneity in fire regimes. Allele frequencies at a locus conferring higher fitness under successional environmental conditions followed a pattern of “temporal adaptation” to contemporary conditions under strong selection pressure and high migration. However, selected allele frequencies were correlated with spatial variation in long‐term mean fire frequency (relating to environmental predictability) under weak dispersal, low selection pressure and strong spatial heterogeneity in fire regimes.
Changes in health‐related quality of life in older candidates waiting for kidney transplantation
Authors: Lønning Kjersti , Midtvedt Karsten , Bernklev Tomm , Brunborg Cathrine , Andersen Marit H , von der Lippe Nanna , Reisæter Anna V , Line Pål‐Dag , Hartmann Anders , Heldal Kristian
Published: July 2017

Summary at a Glance

In a cohort of 261 elderly Norwegian patients with CKD stage 5 accepted for transplant, health‐related quality of life decreased modestly during the first year on the waiting list. This study provides some reassurance that selected elderly transplant candidates maintain reasonable quality of life while awaiting deceased donor kidney transplantation.
Measuring the social impact of dental research: An insight into the most influential articles on the Web
Authors: Delli K. , Livas C. , Spijkervet F.K.L. , Vissink A.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To identify the most discussed dental articles on the Web and to assess the association between the intensity of online attention, publication characteristics, and citations.

Materials and methods

An Altmetric Explorer search was conducted for articles published in the 91 dental journals included in 2015 InCites™ Journal Citation Report® and mentioned online at all times. The 100 articles with the highest online attention, as measured by the “Altmetric Attention Score” (AAS), were screened for journal title, quartile of impact factor distribution (Q1–Q4), publication date, origin and affiliation of first author, article topic, type, and access. Citation counts were harvested from Scopus.

Results

The top 100 articles presented a median AAS of 119 and were mostly discussed on news outlets, Twitter, and Mendeley. Forty‐one articles were published in Q1 journals, 24 in Q2 journals, 32 in Q3 journals, and three in Q4 journals. AAS was significantly higher in articles of Q2 journals (median AAS = 398, range = 70–513) than in articles of Q1. A weak reverse correlation existed between AAS and time since publication (r = −.25, p < .05). No correlation was detected between AAS and other publication characteristics or number of citations.

Conclusions

Increased social impact of dental articles is not significantly associated with high citation rates.
Dual‐site right ventricular pacing in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy: Results of a multicenter propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Providencia Rui , Barra Sergio , Papageorgiou Nikolaos , Ioannou Adam , Rogers Dominic , Wongwarawipat Tanakal , Falconer Debbie , Duehmke Rudolf , Colicchia Martina , Babu Girish , Segal Oliver R. , Sporton Simon , Dhinoja Mehul , Ahsan Syed , Ezzat Vivienne , Rowland Edward , Lowe Martin , Lambiase Pier D. , Agarwal Sharad , Chow Anthony W.
Published: July 2017

Background

Dual‐site right ventricular pacing (Dual RV) has been proposed as an alternative for patients with heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with a failure to deliver a coronary sinus (CS) lead. Only short‐term hemodynamic and echocardiographic results of Dual RV are available. We aimed to assess the long‐term results of Dual RV and its impact on survival.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective assessment of all CRT implants during a 12‐year period. Patients with failed CS lead implantation, treated with Dual RV, were followed and assessed for the primary endpoint of all‐cause mortality and/or heart transplant. A control group was obtained from contemporary patients using propensity matching for all available baseline variables.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were implanted with Dual RV devices and compared with 93 matched controls. During a median of 1,273 days (interquartile range 557–2,218), intention‐to‐treat analysis showed that all‐cause mortality and/or heart transplant was higher in the Dual RV group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–2.47, P = 0.012). As‐treated analysis yielded similar results (HR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.31–2.96, P = 0.001). Cardiac device‐related infections occurred seven times more frequently in the Dual RV site group (HR = 7.60, 95% CI 1.51–38.33, P = 0.014). Among Dual RV nonresponders, four had their apical leads switched off, five required an epicardial LV lead insertion, a transseptal LV lead was implanted in two, and in nine patients, after reviewing the CS venogram, a new CS lead insertion was successfully attempted.

Conclusion

Dual RV pacing is associated with worse clinical outcomes and higher complication rates than conventional CRT.
LALF32‐51‐E7, a HPV‐16 therapeutic vaccine candidate, forms protein body‐like structures when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves
Authors: Yanez Romana J. R. , Lamprecht Renate , Granadillo Milaid , Torrens Isis , Arcalís Elsa , Stöger Eva , Rybicki Edward P. , Hitzeroth Inga I.
Published: July 2017

High‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause cervical cancer, and while there are good prophylactic vaccines on the market, these are ineffective against established infections, creating a clear need for therapeutic vaccines. The HPV E7 protein is one of the essential oncoproteins for the onset and maintenance of malignancy and is therefore an ideal therapeutic vaccine target. We fused the HPV‐16 E7 protein to the Limulus polyphemus antilipopolysaccharide factor (LALF32‐51), a small hydrophobic peptide that can penetrate cell membranes and that has immunomodulatory properties. LALF32‐51‐E7 was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, and we previously determined that it accumulated better when targeted to chloroplasts compared to being localized in the cytoplasm. Subsequently, we aimed to prove whether LALF32‐51‐E7 was indeed associated with the chloroplasts by determining its subcellular localization. The LALF32‐51‐E7 gene was fused to one encoding enhanced GFP to generate a LG fusion protein, and localization was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The fluorescence observed from chloroplast‐targeted LG was distinctively different from that of the cytoplasmic LG. Small spherical structures resembling protein bodies (PBs) were seen that clearly localized with the chloroplasts. Larger but less abundant PB‐like structures were also seen for the cytoplasmic LG. PB‐like structure formation was confirmed for both LG and LALF32‐51‐E7 by TEM. LALF32‐51‐E7 was indeed targeted to the chloroplasts by the chloroplast transit peptide used in this study, and it formed aggregated PB‐like structures. This study could open a new avenue for the use of LALF32‐51 as a PB‐inducing peptide.
Cultivar‐dependent partial resistance and associated defence mechanisms in wheat against Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Ors M. E. , Randoux B. , Selim S. , Siah A. , Couleaud G. , Maumené C. , Sahmer K. , Halama P. , Reignault P.
Published: July 2017

Septoria tritici blotch caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici is one of the most devastating foliar diseases of wheat. Knowledge regarding mechanisms involved in resistance against this disease is required to breed durable resistances. This study compared the expression of defence and pathogenicity determinants in three cultivars in semicontrolled culture conditions. The most susceptible cultivar, Alixan, presented higher necrosis and pycnidia density levels than Altigo, the most resistant one. In Premio, a moderately resistant cultivar, necrosis developed as in Alixan, while pycnidia developed as in Altigo. In noninfectious conditions, genes coding for PR1 (pr1), glucanase (gluc) and allene oxide synthase (aos) were constitutively expressed at a higher level in both Altigo and Premio than in Alixan, while chitinase2 (chit2), phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (pal), peroxidase (pox2) and oxalate oxidase (oxo) were expressed at a higher level in Premio only. Except for aos, all genes were induced in Alixan during the first steps of the symptomless infection phase. Only pox2, oxo, gluc and pal genes in Altigo and pal, chs and lox genes in Premio were up‐regulated at some time points. Basal cultivar‐dependent resistance against Z. tritici could therefore be explained by various gene expression patterns rather than high expression levels of given genes. During the necrotrophic phase, Z. tritici cell wall‐degrading enzyme activity levels were lower in Altigo and Premio than in Alixan, and were associated more with pycnidia than with necrosis. Similar tissue colonization occurred in the three cultivars, suggesting an inhibition of the switch to the necrotrophic lifestyle in Altigo.
Perceived Organizational Red Tape and Organizational Performance in Public Services
Authors: Jacobsen Christian Bøtcher , Jakobsen Mads Leth
Published: July 2017

The claim that perceived organizational red tape hampers public services has become a central theme in public administration research. Surprisingly, however, few scholars have empirically examined the impact of perceived red tape on organizational performance. This article empirically analyzes how perceived organizational red tape among managers and frontline staff relates to objectively measured performance. The data consist of survey responses from teachers and principals at Danish upper secondary schools combined with grade‐level administrative performance data. Based on theories of red tape and motivation crowding, the authors hypothesize that perceived organizational red tape reduces performance within such organizations. The empirical result is a small negative relationship between staff perception of red tape and performance and no relationship between manager‐perceived red tape and performance.
Clonal Analysis of Regulatory T Cell Defect in Patients with Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 1 Suggests Intrathymic Impairment
Authors: Koivula T.‐T. , Laakso S. M. , Niemi H. J. , Kekäläinen E. , Laine P. , Paulin L. , Auvinen P. , Arstila T. P.
Published: July 2017

Mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene disrupt thymic T cell development and negative selection, leading to the recessively inherited polyendocrine autoimmune disease autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS‐1). The patients also have a functional defect in the FOXP3+ regulatory T cell population, but its origin is unclear. Here, we have used T cell receptor sequencing to analyse the clonal relationship of major CD4+ T cell subsets in three patients and three healthy controls. The naive regulatory T cells showed little overlap with helper T cell subsets, supporting divergence in the thymus. The activated/memory regulatory T cell subset displayed more sharing with helper T cells, but was mainly recruited from the naive regulatory T cell population. These clonal patterns were very similar in both patients and controls. However, naive regulatory T cells isolated from the patients had a significantly longer T cell receptor complementarity‐determining region 3 than any other population, suggesting failure of thymic selection. These data indicate that the peripheral differentiation of regulatory T cells in APS‐1 patients is not different from that in healthy controls. Rather, the patients' naive regulatory T cells may have an intrinsic defect imprinted already in the thymus.
Detection of a novel HLA‐A*11 variant, A*11:263, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: July 2017

One nucleotide substitution at residue 998 of HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*11:263.
Association of Toxoplasma gondii infection with schizophrenia and its relationship with suicide attempts in these patients
Authors: Ansari‐Lari Maryam , Farashbandi Hassan , Mohammadi Fahimeh
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To investigate the association between schizophrenia and Toxoplasma gondii, and to assess the association of infection with suicide attempts and age of onset of schizophrenia in these patients.

Methods

Case–control study Fars Province, southern Iran. Cases were individuals with psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV) criteria. Controls were healthy blood donors, frequency‐matched with patients according to age and sex. For the detection of IgG antibodies, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. Data about demographic information in all subjects and duration of illness and history of suicide attempts in patients with schizophrenia were collected using a brief questionnaire and hospital records. Chi‐square test and multivariable logistic regression were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Among 99 cases, 42 individuals (42%) were positive for T. gondii antibody, vs. 41 (27%) among 152 controls (OR = 2, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4, P = 0.012). We compared the suicide attempts in patients with schizophrenia based on their T. gondii serologic status. There was a lower rate of suicide attempts in seropositive male patients than seronegative ones (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.97, P = 0.04). Age of onset of schizophrenia did not differ between T. gondii‐infected and non‐infected patients.

Conclusions

These findings may have implications for schizophrenia and suicide prevention programmes. However, clearly further studies are required to confirm them.