bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐target effects of fungicides on nectar‐inhabiting fungi of almond flowers
Authors: Schaeffer Robert N. , Vannette Rachel L. , Brittain Claire , Williams Neal M. , Fukami Tadashi
Published: November 2016

Nectar mediates interactions between plants and pollinators in natural and agricultural systems. Specialized microorganisms are common nectar inhabitants, and potentially important mediators of plant‐pollinator interactions. However, their diversity and role in mediating pollination services in agricultural systems are poorly characterized. Moreover, agrochemicals are commonly applied to minimize crop damage, but may present ecological consequences for non‐target organisms. Assessment of ecological risk has tended to focus on beneficial macroorganisms such as pollinators, with less attention paid to microorganisms. Here, using culture‐independent methods, we assess the impact of two widely‐used fungicides on nectar microbial community structure in the mass‐flowering crop almond (Prunus dulcis). We predicted that fungicide application would reduce fungal richness and diversity, whereas competing bacterial richness would increase, benefitting from negative effects on fungi. We found that fungicides reduced fungal richness and diversity in exposed flowers, but did not significantly affect bacterial richness, diversity, or community composition. The relative abundance of Metschnikowia OTUs, nectar specialists that can impact pollination, was reduced by both fungicides. Given growing recognition of the importance of nectar microorganisms as mediators of plant‐pollinator mutualisms, future research should consider the impact of management practices on plant‐associated microorganisms and consequences for pollination services in agricultural landscapes.
Neuropeptide Y receptor 1 is expressed by B and T lymphocytes and mast cells in infantile haemangiomas
Authors: Tan Elysia M. S. , Blackwell Max G. , Dunne Jonathan C. , Marsh Reginald , Tan Swee T. , Itinteang Tinte
Published: November 2016

Aim

We investigated the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY), NPY receptor 1 (NPYR1) and NPY receptor 2 (NPYR2) in infantile haemangiomas (IHs).

Methods

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on proliferating IHs from six patients aged 4–13 (mean 8.7) months and involuted IHs from six patients aged 5–59 (mean 18.7) years, for the expression of NPY, NPYR1 and NPYR2. Protein and messenger ribonucleic acid expression corresponding to these proteins was investigated by Western blotting and NanoString analysis, respectively.

Results

IHC staining, Western blotting and NanoString analysis demonstrated the presence of NPYR1, but not NPYR2, within proliferating and involuted IHs. IHC staining showed NPYR1 was expressed by B and T lymphocytes expressing CD45 and mast cells expressing tryptase. IHC staining demonstrated the presence of NPY on the NPYR1+ cells, but it was not detected by Western blotting or NanoString analysis.

Conclusion

NPYR1, but not NPYR2, was present in IHs. The localisation of NPYR1 to B and T lymphocytes and mast cells suggests its role in the biology of IHs. The demonstration of NPY on the NPYR1+ cells, without active transcription, suggests that NPY was not being produced within IHs.
An Adductomic Approach to Identify Electrophiles In Vivo
Authors: Carlsson Henrik , Törnqvist Margareta
Published: November 2016

Human beings are exposed to many reactive electrophiles, both formed endogenously and from exogenous exposures. Such compounds could react with cellular biomolecules and form stable reaction products, adducts, at nucleophilic sites in proteins and DNA, constituting a risk for toxic effects. Adductomic approaches aim to study the totality of adducts, to specific biomolecules, by mass spectrometric screening. This Mini‐Review focuses on the development and application of an adductomic approach for the screening of unknown adducts to N‐terminal valine (Val) in haemoglobin (Hb) by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The approach is based on the FIRE procedure, a modified Edman procedure for the analysis of adducts to N‐terminal Val in Hb by LC‐MS/MS. In the first application of the approach, samples from 12 smokers/non‐smokers were screened for Hb adducts, and six previously identified adducts and 20 unknown adducts were detected. To confirm the observation of the detected unknown adducts, targeted screenings were performed in larger sets of blood samples (n = 50–120) from human cohorts. The majority of the previously detected unknown adducts was found in all analysed samples, with large interindividual variations in adduct levels. For structural identification of unknown adducts, a strategy using adductome LC‐MS/MS data was formulated and applied. Six identified adducts correspond to ethylation and the precursor electrophiles ethyl vinyl ketone, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, acrylic acid and 1‐octen‐3‐one. The observation of these adducts in human blood motivate further studies to evaluate possible contributions to health risks, as well as their potential as biomarkers of exposure.
Performance of the High‐dimensional Propensity Score in a Nordic Healthcare Model
Authors: Hallas Jesper , Pottegård Anton
Published: November 2016

The high‐dimensional propensity score (hdPS) is increasingly used as a tool to adjust for confounding in observational studies of drug effects. It was developed within very rich data sources, for example the American claims databases. Thus, it is unknown whether it can be applied in settings that provide little more than primary care prescriptions and diagnoses from hospital contacts, as in the Nordic data sources. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of hdPS under such circumstances. As our case, we chose the association between use of selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors (coxibs) and traditional NSAIDs (tNSAIDs) and the risk of upper GI bleeding. Using Danish health registries, we identified 110,285 incident users of coxibs and 575,980 incident users of tNSAIDs and followed them for 90 days with respect to the occurrence of serious upper GI bleeding. Data were analysed using Cox regression, estimating the coxib/tNSAID hazard ratio (HR). Values below 1.00 indicate a lower estimated hazard with coxibs. We build hdPS models with inclusion of up to 500 diagnosis and 500 prescription drug covariates. The crude HR was 1.76 (95% confidence interval: 1.57–1.97), decreasing to 1.12 (1.00–1.26) and 0.99 (0.88–1.12) after adjustment for age and sex and 11 pre‐selected confounders, respectively. A hdPS with inclusion of 500 most prevalent diagnoses and 500 most prevalent prescription drugs resulted in a HR of 0.89 (0.77–1.02). These estimates were consistently lower when the analysis was restricted to non‐users of low‐dose aspirin. The estimate based on 500 diagnoses alone was higher than an estimate based on 500 prescription drugs alone (0.99 versus 0.91). We conclude that hdPS does work within a Nordic setting that prescription data are more effective than diagnosis data in achieving confounder adjustment and that hdPS seems more effective than simple confounder adjustment by variables selected on the basis of clinical reasoning.
Small Molecule Inhibiting Nuclear Factor‐kB Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Suppresses Renal Inflammation in Early Stage of Alloxan‐Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rat
Authors: Borgohain Manash P. , Lahkar Mangala , Ahmed Sahabuddin , Chowdhury Liakat , Kumar Saurabh , Pant Rajat , Choubey Abhinav
Published: November 2016

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus which ultimately gives rise to cardiovascular diseases. Prolonged hyperglycaemia and chronic renal inflammation are the two key players in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Nuclear factor kB (NF‐kB)‐mediated inflammatory cascade is a strong contributor to the renovascular inflammation in diabetic nephropathy. Here, we studied the effects of piceatannol, a potent NF‐kB inhibitor, on various oxidative stress markers and NF‐kB dependent diabetic renoinflammatory cascades in rat induced by alloxan (ALX). Experimental diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal dose, 150 mg/kg body‐weight (b.w.) of ALX. Diabetic rats were treated with Piceatannol (PCTNL) at a dose of 30 and 50 mg/kg b.w. After 14 days of oral treatment, PCTNL significantly restored blood sugar level, glomerular filtration rate, serum markers and plasma lipids. PCTNL administration also reversed the declined activity of cellular antioxidant machineries namely superoxide dismutase and glutathione and the elevated levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. Moreover, piceatannol‐treated groups showed marked inhibition of renal pro‐inflammatory cytokines and NF‐kB p65/p50 binding to DNA. Renal histopathological investigations also supported its ameliorative effects against diabetic kidney damage. Importantly, effects were more prominent at a dose of 50 mg/kg, and in terms of body‐weight gain, PCTNL failed to effect significantly. However, overall findings clearly demonstrated that PCTNL provides remarkable renoprotection in diabetes by abrogating oxidative stress and NF‐kB activation – and might be helpful in early stage of diabetic nephropathy.
Vascular Toxicity Risk Assessment of MC18 and MC70, Novel Potential Diagnostic Tools for In Vivo PET Studies
Authors: Fusi Fabio , Durante Miriam , Sticozzi Claudia , Frosini Maria , Perrone Maria G. , Colabufo Nicola A. , Saponara Simona
Published: November 2016

The P‐glicoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitor MC18 has been recently proposed as a valuable PET tracer to measure P‐gp expression in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic hazard towards the vasculature of MC18 along with the structurally related and more potent P‐gp inhibitor MC70. Their effects on A7r5 and EA.hy926 cells viability, on the mechanical activity of fresh and cultured rat aorta rings as well as on Cav1.2 channel current (ICa1.2) of A7r5 cells were studied. At concentrations >10 μM, MC18 and MC70 decreased cell viability causing evident morphological changes. In fresh rat aorta rings, both compounds (0.1–100 μM) antagonized phenylephrine‐induced contraction in a concentration‐dependent manner, with IC50 values in the range of 1.67–14.49 μM, whereas only MC18 caused a concentration‐dependent decrease of the 60 mM K+ (K60)‐induced responses. In rings cultured for 7 days with both compounds (1–10 μM), 10 μM MC70 significantly reduced, while 10 μM MC18 completely prevented the contractile response to both phenylephrine and K60. MC18 and MC70 (0.1–100 μM) inhibited ICa1.2 in a concentration‐dependent manner with IC50 values of 16.81 and 32.13 μM, respectively. These findings demonstrate that MC18‐induced vascular effects took place at concentrations that are at least three orders of magnitude higher than those (≤10 nM) allowing in vivo measurement of P‐gp expression. Thus, MC18, and possibly MC70, can be considered promising PET tools for in vivo P‐gp quantification.
Late Saalian and Weichselian glaciations in the German Baltic Sea documented by Pleistocene successions at the southeastern margin of the Arkona Basin
Authors: Obst Karsten , Nachtweide Christoph , Müller Ulrich
Published: November 2016

Seismic profiles and numerous sediment cores of a planned offshore wind farm area northeast of Rügen Island provide a unique insight into the distribution and thickness of glacial deposits in the southern Baltic Sea. Fine gravel analysis enabled recognition of five tills that correspond to different ice advances. On the basis of a 3D structural model, the main Pleistocene events could be reconstructed and correlated with stratigraphical records in the circum‐Baltic area comprising Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 6 to 2. The oldest till was deposited during the Late Saalian Warthe advance (qs2; c. 150–130 ka). It is only preserved in ENE–WSW trending subglacial channels incised into Upper Cretaceous soft chalk. Isolated rafts and remnants of two Middle Weichselian tills occur locally, whereas Eemian interglacial sediments are missing. The older till (qw*) has an unusual fine gravel composition and might have formed during ice advances known only from northern Denmark and northern Poland (c. 65–60 ka). The younger till represents the Warnow advance (qw0) in NE Germany that can be correlated with the Danish Ristinge advance (c. 55–50 ka). Furthermore, two tills deposited during the Late Weichselian Last Glacial Maximum (c. 24–16 ka) occur. One can be correlated with the Pomeranian advance (qw2), while the other has characteristics typical for the Mecklenburg advance (qw3). These advances eroded older Pleistocene deposits, thus probably also removing the till of the Brandenburg/Frankfurt advance (qw1) – in contrast to the onshore areas. The Pomeranian till is limited to the southeast, close to the shallow Adlergrund, but the Mecklenburg till covers the whole study area. This first detailed lithostratigraphical classification of till units from the Arkona Basin allows for the identification and correlation of Pleistocene successions in other parts of the southern Baltic Sea.
Creative destruction and unemployment in an open economy model
Authors: Stepanok Ignat
Published: November 2016

I develop a model of endogenous economic growth and search and matching frictions in the labour market. I study the effect of trade liberalization between two identical economies on long‐run unemployment and show that bilateral trade liberalization has a steady state effect on unemployment that is negative for countries with a relatively larger R&D sector and positive for countries with a smaller R&D sector.
What drags and drives mobility? Explaining Canada's aggregate migration patterns
Authors: Amirault David , de Munnik Daniel , Miller Sarah
Published: November 2016

Understanding the factors that determine the migration of labour between regions is crucial for assessing the response of the economy to macroeconomic shocks and identifying policies that will encourage an efficient reallocation of labour. Using a gravity model, Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood specifications and Census data for 69 economic regions, this article examines the determinants of aggregate migration within Canada from 1991 to 2006. Our results suggest that migration tends to increase with differences in labour market performance. We also find that provincial borders have the strongest impact on migration involving low‐populated regions and that distance is most important across provincial borders.
Export price adjustments under financial constraints
Authors: Secchi Angelo , Tamagni Federico , Tomasi Chiara
Published: November 2016

Exploiting data on the product‐destination‐level transactions of a large panel of Italian firms, we provide evidence that financial constraints affect price variation across exporters. Constrained exporters charge higher prices than do unconstrained firms that export to the same product‐destination market. This pattern is the result of a two‐fold effect. Distressed firms pass on their higher production costs through prices. However, they also charge higher mark‐ups. We explain this evidence referring to models in which rival firms produce different brands of the same product for customers with significant switching costs and producers face capital market imperfections when they need external financing. Our empirical investigations corroborate this explanation: price gaps are higher when switching costs or other forms of demand rigidity are expected to be more relevant.
Imported inputs and privatization in downstream mixed oligopoly with foreign ownership
Authors: Wu Shih‐Jye , Chang Yang‐Ming , Chen Hung‐Yi
Published: November 2016

This paper examines welfare implications of privatization in a mixed oligopoly with vertically related markets, where an upstream foreign monopolist sells an essential input to public and private firms located downstream in the domestic country. The impact on domestic welfare of privatizing the downstream public firm is shown to contain three effects. The first is an output distortion effect, which negatively affects welfare since privatization decreases the production of final good for consumption. The second is an input price lowering effect resulting from a decrease in derived demand for the input. When the level of privatization increases, a decrease in final good production lowers input demand, causing input price to decline and domestic welfare to increase. The third is a rent‐leaking effect associated with foreign ownership in the downstream private firm. The rival domestic firm strategically increases its final good production, causing profits accrued to foreign investors to increase and domestic welfare to decline. Without foreign ownership in the downstream private firm, the optimal policy toward the public firm is complete privatization as the output distortion effect is dominated by the input price lowering effect. With foreign ownership, however, complete privatization can never be socially optimal due to the additional negative impact on domestic welfare of the rent‐leaking effect. We further discuss implications for domestic welfare under different privatization schemes (e.g., selling the privatization shares to the upstream foreign monopolist or to the rival domestic firm).
Receptor tyrosine kinase amplification is predictive of distant metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Oikawa Yu , Morita Kei‐ichi , Kayamori Kou , Tanimoto Kousuke , Sakamoto Kei , Katoh Hiroto , Ishikawa Shumpei , Inazawa Johji , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to clarify the genomic factors associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma via next‐generation sequencing. We evaluated data from 220 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Genomic DNA was eluted using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples, and targeted resequencing of 50 cancer‐related genes was performed. In total, 311 somatic mutations were detected in 220 patients, consisting of 68 synonymous mutations and 243 non‐synonymous mutations. Genes carrying mutations included TP53, CDKN2A, and PIK3CA in 79 (35.9%), 35 (15.9%), and 19 patients (8.6%), respectively. Copy number analysis detected amplification of PIK3CA and AKT1 in 38 (17.3%) and 11 patients (5.0%), respectively. Amplification of receptor tyrosine kinases was found in 37 patients (16.8%). Distant metastasis was noted in nine of 37 patients (24%) with receptor tyrosine kinase amplification, accounting for 43% of the 21 cases of distant metastasis. The cumulative 5‐year survival rate was 64.6% in the receptor tyrosine kinase amplification group vs 85.2% in the no receptor tyrosine kinase amplification group. Moreover, we identified significantly poorer prognosis in the TP53 mutation/receptor tyrosine kinase amplification group, for which the cumulative 5‐year survival rate was 41.6%. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that receptor tyrosine kinase amplification is a prognostic factor for distant metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma, indicating the necessity of using next‐generation sequencing in clinical sequencing.
Ecological Commitments: Why Developmental Science Needs Naturalistic Methods
Authors: Dahl Audun
Published: November 2016

Much of developmental science aims to explain how or whether children's experiences influence their thoughts and actions. Developmental theories make assumptions and claims—what I call ecological commitments—about events outside research contexts. In this article, I argue that most developmental theories make ecological commitments about children's thoughts, actions, and experiences outside research contexts, and that these commitments sometimes go unstated and untested. I also argue that naturalistic methods can provide evidence for or against ecological commitments, and that naturalistic and experimental studies address unique yet complementary questions. Rather than argue for increasing the ecological validity of experiments or abandoning laboratory research, I propose reconsidering the relations among developmental theories, naturalistic methods, and laboratory experiments.
Catastrophic cellular events leading to complex chromosomal rearrangements in the germline
Authors: Fukami M. , Shima H. , Suzuki E. , Ogata T. , Matsubara K. , Kamimaki T.
Published: November 2016

Although complex chromosomal rearrangements were thought to reflect the accumulation ofDNAdamage over time, recent studies have shown that such rearrangements frequently arise from ‘all‐at‐once’ catastrophic cellular events. These events, designated chromothripsis, chromoanasynthesis, and chromoanagenesis, were first documented in the cancer genome and subsequently observed in the germline. These events likely result from micronucleus‐mediated chromosomal shattering and subsequent random reassembly ofDNAfragments, although several other mechanisms have also been proposed. Typically, only one or a few chromosomes of paternal origin are affected per event. These events can produce intrachromosomal deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations, as well as interchromosomal translocations. Germline complex rearrangements of autosomes often result in developmental delay and dysmorphic features, whereas X chromosomal rearrangements are usually associated with relatively mild clinical manifestations. The concept of these catastrophic events provides novel insights into the etiology of human genomic disorders. This review introduces the molecular characteristics and phenotypic outcomes of catastrophic cellular events in the germline.
Geographical and ethnic distribution of MTHFR gene polymorphisms and their associations with diseases among Chinese population
Authors: Yang B. , Fan S. , Zhi X. , Xia R. , Wang Y. , Zheng Q. , Sun G.
Published: November 2016

Numerous studies have investigated the distribution of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and their associations with diseases in China. In this study we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of these studies (715 eligible studies in total).Results revealed that the frequencies of the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms varied markedly in different areas and ethnicities, and even showed geographical gradients. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism was significantly associated with 42 clinical disorders (p < 0.05), mostly relating to the diseases of circulatory system, birth defects and cancers. The association of the A1298C polymorphism with three diseases (coronary heart disease, breast cancer and neural tube defects fathers) was statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, according to the Venice criteria, only the associations of the C677T polymorphism with breast and ovarian cancers were assessed as having strong epidemiological credibility. This is the first study to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current status and gaps in genetic epidemiological study of the two polymorphisms in China, and its findings may be useful for medical and public health practices. Future studies are warranted to focus on the interactions of MTHFR genes with environmental exposure and with other genes, and to improve their methodological quality and reporting of findings.
Biliary strictures complicating liver transplantation in pediatric patients: Experience in a South American transplant center
Authors: Holguin Alfonso J. , Rodriguez‐Takeuchi Sara , Ospina Laura , Acosta Diana , Botero Veronica , Thomas Laura , Villegas Jorge , Echeverry Gabriel J. , Caicedo Luis
Published: November 2016

Objective

To describe the experience of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) with biliary dilatation and drainage after pediatric liver transplantation and to determine the long‐term outcome of this procedure.

Methods

Retrospective study from 2001 to 2013. Follow‐up after treatment was also undertaken. A survival analysis was performed in patients in whom the procedure and eventual removal of the catheter were successful.

Results

In all, 196 children received liver transplants; 40 of them (20 boys and 20 girls; median age of 4 years) were treated using PTC due to biliary complications. Sixty‐one PTC procedures were performed in 40 liver transplant recipients. Technically successful PTC was achieved in 87.5% of the patients. The probability of a patient not developing unfavorable outcomes 1, 5, and 10 years after treatment was 88.9%, 83.0%, and 74.1%.
Early steroid withdrawal results in improved patient and graft survival and lower risk of post‐transplant cardiovascular risk profiles: A single‐center 10‐year experience
Authors: Lopez‐Soler Reynold I. , Chan Ryan , Martinolich Jessica , Park Lisa , Ata Ashar , Chandolias Nikolaos , Conti David J.
Published: November 2016

Long‐term use of steroids results in predictable secondary effects that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. In this study, we present 10 years worth of data of early steroid withdrawal (ESW) immunosuppression consisting of mycophenolate, sirolimus, and tacrolimus. From 2003 to 2013, 563 kidney transplant recipients were weaned off steroids prior to discharge. We compared outcomes with that of our 65 historical controls maintained on steroids. We analyzed graft and patient survival and determined the incidence of steroid‐related comorbidities such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and weight gain. Patients on ESW maintenance immunosuppression had improved patient and graft survival compared to controls. (HR: 0.23; P≤.011, 0.57; P=.026). Rates of biopsy‐proven acute rejection were not different among both groups (HR: 1.24; P=.610). Incidence of post‐transplant diabetes were reduced but not statistically significant (OR: 0.67; P=.138). Additionally, the development of hypertension (OR: 0.86, P≤.01), hypercholesterolemia (RR: 0.82; P=.027), CAD (RR: 0.43; P=.002), and >20 lbs. weight gain (RR: 0.29; P≤.01) was significantly improved over 10 years following initiation of ESW protocols. Early steroid withdrawal in renal transplant recipients results in improved patient and graft survival as well as better rates of post‐transplant comorbid conditions.
Microscope‐assisted hepatic artery reconstruction in adult living donor liver transplantation—A review of 325 consecutive cases in a single center
Authors: Lee Chen‐Fang , Lu Johnny Chuieng‐Yi , Zidan Ahmed , Lee Ching‐Song , Wu Tsung‐Han , Chan Kun‐Ming , Lee Wei‐Chen
Published: November 2016

Background

Despite the technical and medical improvements in the recent years, hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) remains a devastating complication after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We described our surgical techniques and monitoring protocols for hepatic artery reconstruction. We reported one of the lowest incidence rates of HAT in the literature.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 325 LDLTs performed at our institute were retrospectively analyzed. Under microscope assistance, all hepatic artery anastomosis were performed in a risk‐free and back‐wall first manner. We collected donors’ and recipients’ demographics, operative procedures, and outcome.

Results

A total of 325 adult LDLTs were enrolled in the study. Of these, 297(91.4%) were right liver graft. The mean diameter of the hepatic arteries of the graft was 1.9 ± 0.3 mm. A single HA anastomosis was performed in 310 patients (95.4%). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall patient survival rates were 84.8%, 76.8%, and 75.2%, respectively. Only one (0.3%) episode of HAT was encountered in our series. The patient was treated successfully with nonsurgical management.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the occurrence of HAT is avoidable. Identifying risk factors associated with HAT, meticulous surgical techniques, and careful routine flow monitoring are mandatory to avoid disastrous complications.
It is time to bridge the gap between exploring and exploiting: prospects for utilizing intraspecific genetic variation to optimize arthropods for augmentative pest control – a review
Authors: Lommen Suzanne T.E. , de Jong Peter W. , Pannebakker Bart A.
Published: November 2016

Intraspecific genetic variation in arthropods is often studied in the context of evolution and ecology. Such knowledge, however, can also be very usefully applied to biological pest control. Selection of genotypes with optimal trait values may be a powerful tool to develop more effective biocontrol agents. Although it has repeatedly been proposed, this approach is still hardly applied in the current commercial development of arthropod agents for pest control. In this perspective study, we call to take advantage of the increasing knowledge on the genetics underlying intraspecific variation to improve biological control agents. We argue that it is timely now because at present both the need and the technical possibilities for implementation exist, as there is (1) increased economic importance of biocontrol, (2) reduced availability of exotic biocontrol agents due to stricter legislation, and (3) increased availability of genetic information on non‐model species. We present a step‐by‐step approach towards the exploitation of intraspecific genetic variation for biocontrol, outline that knowledge of the underlying genetic mechanisms is essential for success, and indicate how new molecular techniques can facilitate this. Finally, we exemplify this procedure by two case studies, one focussing on a target trait – offspring sex ratio – across species of hymenopteran parasitoids, and the other on a target species – the two‐spot ladybird beetle – where wing length and body colouration can be optimized for aphid control. With this overview, we aim to inspire scientific researchers and biocontrol agent producers to start collaborating on the use of genetic variation for the improvement of natural enemies.
Ecology under lake ice
Authors: Hampton Stephanie E. , Galloway Aaron W. E. , Powers Stephen M. , Ozersky Ted , Woo Kara H. , Batt Ryan D. , Labou Stephanie G. , O'Reilly Catherine M. , Sharma Sapna , Lottig Noah R. , Stanley Emily H. , North Rebecca L. , Stockwell Jason D. , Adrian Rita , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Arvola Lauri , Baulch Helen M. , Bertani Isabella , Bowman Larry L. , Carey Cayelan C. , Catalan Jordi , Colom‐Montero William , Domine Leah M. , Felip Marisol , Granados Ignacio , Gries Corinna , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Haberman Juta , Haldna Marina , Hayden Brian , Higgins Scott N. , Jolley Jeff C. , Kahilainen Kimmo K. , Kaup Enn , Kehoe Michael J. , MacIntyre Sally , Mackay Anson W. , Mariash Heather L. , McKay Robert M. , Nixdorf Brigitte , Nõges Peeter , Nõges Tiina , Palmer Michelle , Pierson Don C. , Post David M. , Pruett Matthew J. , Rautio Milla , Read Jordan S. , Roberts Sarah L. , Rücker Jacqueline , Sadro Steven , Silow Eugene A. , Smith Derek E. , Sterner Robert W. , Swann George E. A. , Timofeyev Maxim A. , Toro Manuel , Twiss Michael R. , Vogt Richard J. , Watson Susan B. , Whiteford Erika J. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A.
Published: November 2016

Winter conditions are rapidly changing in temperate ecosystems, particularly for those that experience periods of snow and ice cover. Relatively little is known of winter ecology in these systems, due to a historical research focus on summer ‘growing seasons’. We executed the first global quantitative synthesis on under‐ice lake ecology, including 36 abiotic and biotic variables from 42 research groups and 101 lakes, examining seasonal differences and connections as well as how seasonal differences vary with geophysical factors. Plankton were more abundant under ice than expected; mean winter values were 43.2% of summer values for chlorophyll a, 15.8% of summer phytoplankton biovolume and 25.3% of summer zooplankton density. Dissolved nitrogen concentrations were typically higher during winter, and these differences were exaggerated in smaller lakes. Lake size also influenced winter‐summer patterns for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), with higher winter DOC in smaller lakes. At coarse levels of taxonomic aggregation, phytoplankton and zooplankton community composition showed few systematic differences between seasons, although literature suggests that seasonal differences are frequently lake‐specific, species‐specific, or occur at the level of functional group. Within the subset of lakes that had longer time series, winter influenced the subsequent summer for some nutrient variables and zooplankton biomass.
Rapid and safe response to low‐dose carbamazepine in neonatal epilepsy
Authors: Sands Tristan T. , Balestri Martina , Bellini Giulia , Mulkey Sarah B. , Danhaive Olivier , Bakken Eliza Hayes , Taglialatela Maurizio , Oldham Michael S. , Vigevano Federico , Holmes Gregory L. , Cilio Maria Roberta
Published: November 2016

Objective

To evaluate treatment responses in benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE).

Methods

We recruited patients with BFNE through a multicenter international collaboration and reviewed electroclinical and genetic details, and treatment response. All patients were tested at minimum for mutations/deletions in the KCNQ2, KCNQ3, and SCN2A genes.

Results

Nineteen patients were included in this study. A family history of neonatal seizures was positive in 16 patients, and one additional patient had a family history of infantile seizures. Mutations or deletions of KCNQ2 were found in 14, and of KCNQ3 in 2, of the 19 patients. In all patients, seizures began at 2–5 days of life and occurred multiple times per day. Four patients developed status epilepticus. Seizures were focal, alternating between hemispheres, and characterized by asymmetric tonic posturing associated with apnea and desaturation, followed by unilateral or bilateral asynchronous clonic jerking. Twelve of 19 patients were treated with multiple medications prior to seizure cessation. Seventeen of (88%) 19 patients were seizure‐free within hours of receiving oral carbamazepine (CBZ) or oxcarbazepine (OXC). Earlier initiation of CBZ was associated with shorter hospitalization (p < 0.01). No side effects of CBZ were reported. All patients had normal development and remain seizure‐free at a mean follow‐up period of 7.8 years (6 months–16 years).

Significance

This study provides evidence that CBZ is safe and rapidly effective in neonates with BFNE, even in status epilepticus. We propose that CBZ should be the drug of choice in benign familial neonatal seizures.
The burden of premature mortality of epilepsy in high‐income countries: A systematic review from the Mortality Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Thurman David J. , Logroscino Giancarlo , Beghi Ettore , Hauser W. Allen , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Newton Charles R. , Scorza Fulvio Alexandre , Sander Josemir W. , Tomson Torbjörn ,   the Epidemiology Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy
Published: November 2016

Since previous reviews of epidemiologic studies of premature mortality among people with epilepsy were completed several years ago, a large body of new evidence about this subject has been published. We aim to update prior reviews of mortality in epilepsy and to reevaluate and quantify the risks, potential risk factors, and causes of these deaths. We systematically searched the Medline and Embase databases to identify published reports describing mortality risks in cohorts and populations of people with epilepsy. We reviewed relevant reports and applied criteria to identify those studies likely to accurately quantify these risks in representative populations. From these we extracted and summarized the reported data. All population‐based studies reported an increased risk of premature mortality among people with epilepsy compared to general populations. Standard mortality ratios are especially high among people with epilepsy aged <50 years, among those whose epilepsy is categorized as structural/metabolic, those whose seizures do not fully remit under treatment, and those with convulsive seizures. Among deaths directly attributable to epilepsy or seizures, important immediate causes include sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), status epilepticus, unintentional injuries, and suicide. Epilepsy‐associated premature mortality imposes a significant public health burden, and many of the specific causes of death are potentially preventable. These require increased attention from healthcare providers, researchers, and public health professionals.
Functional properties of granule cells with hilar basal dendrites in the epileptic dentate gyrus
Authors: Kelly Tony , Beck Heinz
Published: November 2016

Objective

The maturation of adult‐born granule cells and their functional integration into the network is thought to play a key role in the proper functioning of the dentate gyrus. In temporal lobe epilepsy, adult‐born granule cells in the dentate gyrus develop abnormally and possess a hilar basal dendrite (HBD). Although morphological studies have shown that these HBDs have synapses, little is known about the functional properties of these HBDs or the intrinsic and network properties of the granule cells that possess these aberrant dendrites.

Methods

We performed patch‐clamp recordings of granule cells within the granule cell layer “normotopic” from sham‐control and status epilepticus (SE) animals. Normotopic granule cells from SE animals possessed an HBD (SE+HBD+ cells) or not (SE+HBD− cells). Apical and basal dendrites were stimulated using multiphoton uncaging of glutamate. Two‐photon Ca2+ imaging was used to measure Ca2+ transients associated with back‐propagating action potentials (bAPs).

Results

Near‐synchronous synaptic input integrated linearly in apical dendrites from sham‐control animals and was not significantly different in apical dendrites of SE+HBD− cells. The majority of HBDs integrated input linearly, similar to apical dendrites. However, 2 of 11 HBDs were capable of supralinear integration mediated by a dendritic spike. Furthermore, the bAP‐evoked Ca2+ transients were relatively well maintained along HBDs, compared with apical dendrites. This further suggests an enhanced electrogenesis in HBDs. In addition, the output of granule cells from epileptic tissue was enhanced, with both SE+HBD− and SE+HBD+ cells displaying increased high‐frequency (>100 Hz) burst‐firing. Finally, both SE+HBD− and SE+HBD+ cells received recurrent excitatory input that was capable of generating APs, especially in the absence of feedback inhibition.

Significance

Taken together, these data suggest that the enhanced excitability of HBDs combined with the altered intrinsic and network properties of granule cells collude to promote excitability and synchrony in the epileptic dentate gyrus.
Decreased allopregnanolone levels in cerebrospinal fluid obtained during status epilepticus
Authors: Meletti Stefano , Lucchi Chiara , Monti Giulia , Giovannini Giada , Bedin Roberta , Trenti Tommaso , Rustichelli Cecilia , Biagini Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

Neuroactive steroids are increasingly considered as relevant modulators of neuronal activity. Especially allopregnanolone (AP) and pregnenolone sulfate (PS) have been shown to possess, respectively, anticonvulsant or proconvulsant properties. In view of the potential role of these steroids, we aimed at evaluating AP and PS levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples obtained from patients with status epilepticus (SE). To this purpose, we enrolled 41 patients affected by SE and 41 subjects investigated for nonepileptic neurologic disorders. Liquid chromatographic procedures coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and routine laboratory investigations were performed. Significantly lower AP levels were found in the CSF of patients affected by SE (−30%; p < 0.05, Mann‐Whitney test). Notably, AP was not detectable in 28 of 41 patients affected by SE (p < 0.01 vs. controls, Fisher's exact test). In serum, AP levels did not differ in the two considered groups. Conversely, PS was present at similar levels in the investigated groups. Finally, differences in AP levels could not be explained by a variation in CSF albumin content. These findings indicate that AP is defective in the CSF of patients affected by SE. This phenomenon was not dependent on carriers for steroids, such as albumin.
Identification and characterization of the distinct expression profiles of candidate chemosensory membrane proteins in the antennal transcriptome of Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze)
Authors: Xiao Y. , Sun L. , Ma X.‐Y. , Dong K. , Liu H.‐W. , Wang Q. , Guo Y.‐Y. , Liu Z.‐W. , Zhang Y.‐J.
Published: November 2016

Chemosensory membrane proteins, including odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and sensory neurone membrane proteins (SNMPs), are supposed to be crucial macromolecules in the insect olfactory signal transduction pathway. The alfalfa plant bug Adelphocoris lineolatus (Goeze) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is highly attracted to high‐nitrogen or flowering plants and destroys many important agricultural crops. We assembled the antennal transcriptome of A. lineolatus using Illumina sequencing technology and identified a total of 108 transcripts encoding chemosensory membrane proteins (88 ORs, 12 IRs, four GRs and four SNMPs), amongst which 90 candidates appeared to be full length. Subsequently, both semiquantitative reverse transcription PCR and quantitative real‐time PCR experiments were performed to investigate their tissue‐ and sex‐biased expression profiles. The results showed that nearly all of the 108 candidate chemosensory membrane protein genes were largely expressed in adult antennae, and some genes additionally displayed significant differences in the expression levels between sexes. The results of our phylogenetic analysis and the detailed tissue‐ and sex‐biased expression characteristics given here provide an important foundation for further understanding of the complex chemoreception system of the alfalfa plant bug and other Hemiptera species, which also could help us use chemosensory membrane proteins as targets to manipulate insect olfactory behaviour and broaden the applications of available tools for insect pest control.
Rotoroa Island: building a designed ecosystem for conservation education, training and visitor engagement
Authors: Fraser I. D. L. , Wilcken J. , Gibson C. , Gibson R. , Ireland B. , Buley K.
Published: November 2016

Wildlife populations around the world are declining and becoming increasingly fragmented, and management efforts to support them have become more intensive. This means that the delineation between extensive wildlife‐management systems (e.g. in national parks or large wildlife reserves) and intensive systems (e.g. zoos and aquariums) is becoming increasingly blurred. Furthermore, attitudes about how people fit into a traditional conservation or ecosystem‐restoration framework are being challenged. In partnership with the Rotoroa Island Trust, Auckland Zoo in New Zealand is delivering a project on Rotoroa Island, which is located in the Hauraki Gulf. The aim of this project is to contribute to the conservation of wildlife, through education, training and visitor‐engagement activities. To this end, Auckland Zoo has translocated seven native species to the Island, all selected to demonstrate a range of techniques across the spectrum of intensive and extensive wildlife‐management systems. The creation of a designed ecosystem, primarily directed towards servicing education and training programmes, is unique in New Zealand. This project also aims to demonstrate an ecosystem where human intervention is integral to enabling higher levels of biodiversity in the available area than would otherwise be possible. At the time of writing the Rotoroa Wildlife Management and Translocation Plan 2013–2038 is being used to work towards the translocation of an additional 13 species to Rotoroa Island, which would expand the number of techniques and management systems that could be demonstrated to visitors.
Embedding animal welfare in staff culture: the Taronga Conservation Society Australia experience
Authors: Walraven E. , Duffy S.
Published: November 2016

Taronga Conservation Society Australia is a zoo‐based conservation organization that recognizes the key role animal welfare plays in the ability to pursue the institutional mission – securing a ‘shared future for wildlife and people’. In order to achieve this, Taronga believes that its role in conservation is to create direct and positive connections between people and wildlife, which will lead to the protection of threatened species and an increased understanding of wildlife. The welfare of the animals in human care is paramount and also necessary if Taronga's vision is to be achieved. The aim of embedding animal welfare into staff culture is intended to ensure that, at all times, the needs, interests and well‐being of the animals in our care are of primary concern. Over the past few years, Taronga has been working to define what is meant by good animal welfare in zoological institutions and develop a more effective approach to achieving this. The Taronga Animal Welfare Programme began in 2011. This included carrying out staff surveys and workshops, developing a charter, policies and procedures, and embarking on a process of engagement with staff and non‐governmental animal‐welfare organizations. This paper describes the actions that have been undertaken to date and suggests the steps that will be taken in future to carry this process forward.
Origins of endemic island tortoises in the western Indian Ocean: a critique of the human‐translocation hypothesis
Authors: Hansen Dennis M. , Austin Jeremy J. , Baxter Rich H. , de Boer Erik J. , Falcón Wilfredo , Norder Sietze J. , Rijsdijk Kenneth F. , Thébaud Christophe , Bunbury Nancy J. , Warren Ben H.
Published: November 2016

How do organisms arrive on isolated islands, and how do insular evolutionary radiations arise? In a recent paper, Wilmé et al. () argue that early Austronesians that colonized Madagascar from Southeast Asia translocated giant tortoises to islands in the western Indian Ocean. In the Mascarene Islands, moreover, the human‐translocated tortoises then evolved and radiated in an endemic genus (Cylindraspis). Their proposal ignores the broad, established understanding of the processes leading to the formation of native island biotas, including endemic radiations. We find Wilmé et al.'s suggestion poorly conceived, using a flawed methodology and missing two critical pieces of information: the timing and the specifics of proposed translocations. In response, we here summarize the arguments that could be used to defend the natural origin not only of Indian Ocean giant tortoises but also of scores of insular endemic radiations world‐wide. Reinforcing a generalist's objection, the phylogenetic and ecological data on giant tortoises, and current knowledge of environmental and palaeogeographical history of the Indian Ocean, make Wilmé et al.'s argument even more unlikely.