bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape greening and local creation of wildflower strips and hedgerows promote multiple ecosystem services
Authors: Sutter Louis , Albrecht Matthias , Jeanneret Philippe
Published: July 2017

The explicit and implicit aims of creating ecological focus areas (EFAs) and implementing greening measures in European agro‐ecosystems include the promotion of regulatory ecosystem services (ES) to sustain crop production in conventional cropping systems. However, the extent to which these goals are achieved with current policy measures remains poorly explored.

We measured insect‐mediated pollination and natural pest control service provisioning in 18 winter oilseed rape fields as a function of the independent and interactive effects of local EFA establishment─sown wildflower strips and hedgerows─and landscape‐scale greening measures within a 1 km radius around focal fields and quantified their contribution to crop yield.

Insect pollination potential and pest predation increased on average by 10% and 13%, respectively, when landscape‐scale greening measures share was increased from 6% to 26%. For pollination, the increase was stronger in fields adjoining an EFA (14%) than in fields without adjacent EFA (7%).

Agricultural management practices were the main drivers of crop yield. Neither insect pollination potential or natural pest control (pest predation and parasitism) nor adjacent EFAs and landscape‐scale greening significantly affected crop yield in addition to agricultural management.

Synthesis and applications. Local establishment of perennial, species‐rich wildflower strips and hedgerows, combined with landscape‐scale greening measures in agricultural landscapes, can promote multiple ecosystem services (ES) in conventional production systems. Benefits may be maximized when local and landscape measures are combined. However, enhanced pollination and natural pest regulation seem to contribute relatively little to final crop yield compared to local agricultural management practices in the high‐input conventional production system studied. Further research is needed to better understand how to improve the effectiveness of ecological focus areas and other greening measures in promoting regulatory ES. Potential improvements include minimising trade‐offs while promoting synergies between ES provision, food production and biodiversity conservation.
Exploiting mycorrhizas in broad daylight: Partial mycoheterotrophy is a common nutritional strategy in meadow orchids
Authors: Schiebold Julienne M.‐I. , Bidartondo Martin I. , Lenhard Florian , Makiola Andreas , Gebauer Gerhard
Published: July 2017

Partial mycoheterotrophy (PMH) is a nutritional mode in which plants utilize organic matter, i.e. carbon, both from photosynthesis and a fungal source. The latter reverses the direction of plant‐to‐fungus carbon flow as usually assumed in mycorrhizal mutualisms. Based on significant enrichment in the heavy isotope 13C, a growing number of PMH orchid species have been identified. These PMH orchids are mostly associated with fungi simultaneously forming ectomycorrhizas with forest trees. In contrast, the much more common orchids that associate with rhizoctonia fungi, which are decomposers, have stable isotope profiles most often characterized by high 15N enrichment and high nitrogen concentrations but either an insignificant 13C enrichment or depletion relative to autotrophic plants. Using hydrogen stable isotope abundances recent investigations showed PMH in rhizoctonia‐associated orchids growing under light‐limited conditions. Hydrogen isotope abundances can be used as substitute for carbon isotope abundances in cases where autotrophic and heterotrophic carbon sources are insufficiently distinctive to indicate PMH.

To determine whether rhizoctonia‐associated orchids growing in habitats with high irradiance feature PMH as a nutritional mode, we sampled 13 orchid species growing in montane meadows, four forest orchid species and 34 autotrophic reference species. We analysed δ2H, δ13C, δ15N and δ18O and determined nitrogen concentrations. Orchid mycorrhizal fungi were identified by DNA sequencing.

As expected, we found high enrichments in 2H, 13C, 15N and nitrogen concentrations in the ectomycorrhiza‐associated forest orchids, and the rhizoctonia‐associated Neottia cordata from a forest site was identified as PMH. Most orchids inhabiting sunny meadows lacked 13C enrichment or were even significantly depleted in 13C relative to autotrophic references. However, we infer PMH for the majority of these meadow orchids due to both significant 2H and 15N enrichment and high nitrogen concentrations. Pseudorchis albida was the sole autotrophic orchid in this study as it exhibited neither enrichment in any isotope nor a distinctive leaf nitrogen concentration.

Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate that partial mycoheterotrophy is a trophic continuum between the extreme endpoints of autotrophy and full mycoheterotrophy, ranging from marginal to pronounced. In rhizoctonia‐associated orchids, partial mycoheterotrophy plays a far greater role than previously assumed, even in full light conditions.
Is Anyone Paying Attention to Physician Report Cards? The Impact of Increased Availability on Consumers’ Awareness and Use of Physician Quality Information
Authors: Shi Yunfeng , Scanlon Dennis P. , Bhandari Neeraj , Christianson Jon B.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To determine if the release of health care report cards focused on physician practice quality measures leads to changes in consumers’ awareness and use of this information.

Primary Data Sources

Data from two rounds of a survey of the chronically ill adult population conducted in 14 regions across the United States, combined with longitudinal information from a public reporting tracking database. Both data were collected as part of the evaluation for Aligning Forces for Quality, a nationwide quality improvement initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Study Design

Using a longitudinal design and an individual‐level fixed effects modeling approach, we estimated the impact of community public reporting efforts, measured by the availability and applicability of physician quality reports, on consumers’ awareness and use of physician quality information (PQI).

Principal Findings

The baseline level of awareness was 12.6 percent in our study sample, drawn from the general population of chronically ill adults. Among those who were not aware of PQI at the baseline, when PQI became available in their communities for the first time, along with quality measures that are applicable to their specific chronic conditions, the likelihood of PQI awareness increased by 3.8 percentage points. For the same group, we also find similar increases in the uses of PQI linked to newly available physician report cards, although the magnitudes are smaller, between 2 and 3 percentage points.

Conclusions

Specific contents of physician report cards can be an important factor in consumers’ awareness and use of PQI. Policies to improve awareness and use of PQI may consider how to customize quality report cards and target specific groups of consumers in dissemination.
Buy‐Side Analysts and Earnings Conference Calls
Authors: JUNG MICHAEL J. , WONG M. H. FRANCO , ZHANG X. FRANK
Published: July 2017

Companies’ earnings conference calls are perceived to be venues for sell‐side equity analysts to ask management questions. In this study, we examine another important conference call participant—the buy‐side analyst—that has been underexplored in the literature due to data limitations. Using a large sample of transcripts, we identify 3,834 buy‐side analysts from 701 institutional investment firms who participated (i.e., asked a question) in 13,332 conference calls to examine the determinants and implications of their participation. Buy‐side analysts are more likely to participate when sell‐side analyst coverage is low and dispersion in sell‐side earnings forecasts is high, consistent with buy‐side analysts participating when a company's information environment is poor. Institutional investors trade more of a company's stock in the quarters in which their buy‐side analysts participate in the call. Finally, we find evidence that buy‐side analyst participation is associated with company‐level absolute changes in future stock price, trading volume, institutional ownership, and short interest.
Efficacy and safety of pregabalin for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a population of Chinese patients: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Mu Yiming , Liu Xiaomin , Li Quanmin , Chen Kangning , Liu Yu , Lv Xiaofeng , Xu Xiangjin , Fan Dongsheng , Shang Ningxiu , Yang Ruoyong , Pauer Lynne , Pan Changyu
Published: July 2017

Background

Limited information exists regarding the efficacy of pregabalin in Chinese patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN).

Methods

An 11‐week double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was performed in Chinese pDPN patients randomized (1 : 1) to 300 mg/day pregabalin or placebo. The primary outcome was change from baseline to endpoint in mean pain score (MPS; 0, no pain; 10, worst possible pain; using the mean of the last seven daily pain scores). Secondary outcomes included weekly MPS and responder status (MPS reduced by ≥30% or ≥50% vs baseline). Subgroup analysis assessed patients with severe (≥7) baseline MPS. Adverse events (AEs) were reported.

Results

In all, 620 patients were randomized (pregabalin,n= 313; placebo,n= 307). Improvement in MPS with pregabalin versus placebo was not significant (P= 0.0559). Post hoc sensitivity analyses, excluding one patient/site due to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) non‐compliance, showed pregabalin significantly improved MPS when excluding the patient (P= 0.0448) or site (P= 0.0142). Pregabalin significantly improved weekly MPS (P= 0.0164) and ≥50% responders at endpoint (P= 0.0384). Improvement in proportion of ≥30% responders, impression of change, pain intensity, and sleep did not differ significantly between the treatment groups. In the severe pDPN subpopulation, pregabalin significantly improved MPS versus placebo (P= 0.0040). The most commonly reported AE was dizziness (9.6% vs 3.9% with placebo).

Conclusions

Pregabalin did not significantly improve the primary measure of pain in the trial. Significant reductions in MPS were observed when excluding the GCP non‐compliant patient/site and in the severe pDPN subpopulation. Pregabalin was well tolerated in Chinese pDPN patients.
Habitat selection and range use of little owls in relation to habitat patterns at three spatial scales
Authors: Apolloni N. , Grüebler M. U. , Arlettaz R. , Gottschalk T. K. , Naef‐Daenzer B.
Published: July 2017

Understanding the rules of habitat selection and the individual behavioural routines in the home‐range is crucial for developing evidence‐based conservation action. We investigated habitat selection and range use of adult little owls Athene noctua in relation to landscape configuration, habitat structure and resource distribution. We determined the preference of habitat structures by VHF‐telemetry. Large‐ and fine‐scale distribution patterns of voles – the main prey during the breeding season – were assessed by transect counts of signs of vole presence. An experiment using artificial perches was carried out to determine the fine‐scale adjustment of the owls' range use in relation to prey abundance and vegetation height. Habitat selection and resource exploitation by little owls were structured at all spatial levels: (1) at the landscape scale, orchards were highly preferred over other areas. This accords with the patchy large‐scale occurrence of voles, which were absent in cropland, but abundant in orchards and grassland; (2) within home‐ranges, the spatial distribution of voles was highly inhomogeneous and structures with high prey abundance were used over‐proportionally; (3) at the scale of foraging sites, little owls preferred patches with low vegetation over those with high prey abundance, establishing that prey availability is the crux. The results suggest that all levels of habitat selection and range use were related to farming practices and affected by current cultivation. Conservation measures should focus on the conservation and restoration of orchards on the landscape level and habitat management measures should focus on grasslands – the main food providers – by creating a mosaic of patches with short grass and tall grass. Together with other habitat structures providing food resources such as field edges, wildflower areas and structures facilitating access to prey, the quality of habitat patches in terms of food availability may be highly improved.
Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach for umbilical hernia with rectus diastasis
Authors: Capitano Sante
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Rectus diastasis, when coexistent with umbilical hernia, can benefit from mesh‐based repair of the midline. Laparoscopic correction of an umbilical hernia involves the placement of a mesh in the peritoneal cavity, but this comes with the risk of bowel complications. However, newly developed dual‐sided composite meshes have helped to reduce this risk.

Materials and Surgical Technique

Four men and three women with umbilical hernia and rectus diastasis were treated with laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair. Composite mesh with a hydrophilic 3‐D polyester textile on the parietal side and an absorbable collagen barrier on the peritoneal side were placed in the preperitoneal pocket after hernial sac reduction. Mean hernia size was 2.5 cm, and no recurrences were observed during the mean follow‐up period of 9.2 months.

Discussion

The laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach for umbilical hernia and rectus diastasis may be a safe surgical option when trying to avoid potential complications related to intra‐abdominal mesh positioning.
How do seasonality, substrate, and management history influence macrofungal fruiting assemblages in a central Amazonian Forest?
Authors: Komura Dirce L. , Moncalvo Jean‐Marc , Dambros Cristian S. , Bento Larissa S. , Neves Maria A. , Zartman Charles E.
Published: July 2017

Worldwide, fungal richness peaks in tropical forest biomes where they are the primary drivers of decomposition. Understanding how environmental and anthropogenic factors influence tropical macrofungal fruiting patterns should provide insight as to how, for example, climate change and deforestation may impact their long‐term demographic stability and evolutionary potential. However, in Amazonia no studies have yet to disentangle the effects of substrate, seasonality and forest history on phenology. Here, we quantitate spatial and temporal variation in community structure of fruiting macrofungi in relation to these factors at a long‐term forest management research site in central Amazonia: the Biomass and Nutrients of Tropical Rain Forest (BIONTE's). Basidiome surveys of four substrate classes (leaves, soil, branches and trunks) were conducted along 250 m2 transects in primary and secondary (managed) forests, between 2012–13. From the 669 basidiomes collected, 290 taxa were identified of which 44 percent were restricted to primary and 36 percent to secondary forests. Although species‐accumulation curves did not asymptote, rarefaction analyses and Fisher's alpha indicate contrasting differences in richness among forests in relation to substrate type. For example, leaf litter basidiome richness was higher in secondary forests, whereas the contrary was observed for soil communities, suggesting that variation in fruiting patterns in relation to disturbance is substrate‐dependent possibly due to differences in necromass quality and/or understory micro‐climates. Furthermore, secondary forests harbored significantly lower basidiome richness and abundance in dry months, suggesting synergistic impacts of seasonality and management history on fruiting regimes.
Nulliparity is associated with subtle adverse metabolic outcomes in overweight/obese mothers and their offspring
Authors: Seneviratne Sumudu N. , Derraik José G.B. , Jiang Yannan , McCowan Lesley M.E. , Gusso Silmara , Biggs Janene B. , Parry Graham K. , Chiavaroli Valentina , Cutfield Wayne S. , Hofman Paul L.
Published: July 2017

Background

We aimed to evaluate metabolic outcomes in overweight/obese nulliparous and multiparous women and their offspring.

Study design

Seventy‐two overweight and obese women who participated in a randomized controlled trial of exercise in pregnancy were included in the study, comparing 18 nulliparous and 54 multiparous women and their singleton offspring. Women were assessed at 19 and 36 weeks of gestation. Fetal growth was measured using standard obstetric ultrasound techniques. Cord blood was collected at birth. Maternal and offspring body composition was assessed using DXA ~2 weeks after delivery.

Results

Nulliparous women had higher HbA1c in the third trimester of pregnancy than multiparous women (5.48% vs 5.29%; P=.002) and were more insulin‐resistant based on the surrogate marker sex hormone‐binding globulin (354 vs 408 nmol/L; P=.047). Nulliparous women also had higher levels of the inflammatory marker tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (4.74 vs 3.62 pg/mL; P=.025). At birth, the offspring of nulliparous women were on average 340 g (P=.013) and 0.69 standard deviation scores (P=.026) lighter than those born of multiparous women. Cord blood data showed lower insulin‐like growth factor‐II (P=.026) and higher IGF binding protein‐1 (P=.002) levels in the offspring of nulliparous women. In addition, a less favourable metabolic profile was observed in the offspring of nulliparous women, as indicated by higher triglyceride (P<.001) and interleukin‐6 (P=.039) concentrations.

Conclusions

Infants born of nulliparous overweight and obese women appear to be exposed to a less favourable metabolic environment in utero, with evidence of subtle adverse metabolic outcomes at birth compared to infants of overweight/obese multiparous women.
Leveraging a Clinical Phase Ib Proof‐of‐Concept Study for the GPR40 Agonist MK‐8666 in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes for Model‐Informed Phase II Dose Selection
Authors: Krug AW , Vaddady P , Railkar RA , Musser BJ , Cote J , Ederveen AGH , Krefetz DG , DeNoia E , Free AL , Morrow L , Chakravarthy MV , Kauh E , Tatosian DA , Kothare PA
Published: July 2017

GPR40 mediates free fatty acid–induced insulin secretion in beta cells. We investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and glucose response of MK‐8666, a partial GPR40 agonist, after once‐daily multiple dosing in type 2 diabetes patients. This double‐blind, multisite, parallel‐group study randomized 63 patients (placebo, n = 18; 50 mg, n = 9; 150 mg, n = 18; 500 mg, n = 18) for 14‐day treatment. The results showed no serious adverse effects or treatment‐related hypoglycemia. One patient (150‐mg group) showed mild‐to‐moderate transaminitis at the end of dosing. Median MK‐8666 Tmax was 2.0–2.5 h and mean apparent terminal half‐life was 22–32 h. On Day 15, MK‐8666 reduced fasting plasma glucose by 54.1 mg/dL (500 mg), 36.0 mg/dL (150 mg), and 30.8 mg/dL (50 mg) more than placebo, consistent with translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model predictions. Maximal efficacy for longer‐term assessment is projected at 500 mg based on exposure–response analysis. In conclusion, MK‐8666 was generally well tolerated with robust glucose‐lowering efficacy.
Morphology quiz: Mediastinal adenopathy cytology from endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA)
Authors: Frankel D. , Robaglia‐Schlupp A. , Roll P. , Kaspi E.
Published: July 2017

Quiz related to cytological examination of infiltrated mediastinal lymph nodes after Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Aspiration.
Finding sacral: Developmental evolution of the axial skeleton of odontocetes (Cetacea)
Authors: Buchholtz Emily A. , Gee Jessica K.
Published: July 2017

Axial morphology was dramatically transformed during the transition from terrestrial to aquatic environments by archaeocete cetaceans, and again during the subsequent odontocete radiation. Here, we reconstruct the sequence of developmental events that underlie these phenotypic transitions. Archaeocete innovations include the loss of primaxial/abaxial interaction at the sacral/pelvic articulation and the modular dissociation of the fluke from the remainder of the tail. Odontocetes subsequently integrated lumbar, sacral, and anterior caudal vertebrae into a single torso module, and underwent multiple series‐specific changes in vertebral count. The conservation of regional proportions despite regional fluctuations in count strongly argues that rates of somitogenesis can vary along the column and that segmentation was dissociated from regionalization during odontocete evolution. Conserved regional proportions also allow the prediction of the location and count of sacral homologs within the torso module. These predictions are tested with the analysis of comparative pudendal nerve root location and geometric morphometrics. We conclude that the proportion of the column represented by the sacral series has been conserved, and that its vertebrae have changed in count and relative centrum length in parallel with other torso vertebrae. Although the sacral series of odontocetes is de‐differentiated, it is not de‐regionalized.
Melanic mutation causes a fitness decline in bean beetles infected by Wolbachia
Authors: Numajiri Yuko , Kondo Natsuko I. , Toquenaga Yukihiko
Published: July 2017

Wolbachia cannot live outside a host, which is thought to be the reason for host‐Wolbachia coevolution toward benign parasitism, especially because the fitness of Wolbachia is traded against its host's fitness. Insect melanism has been reported to have a positive effect on pathogen resistance, but melanic mutants of Callosobruchus analis (Fabricius) and Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are infected with Wolbachia. Callosobruchus chinensis is infected with CI‐inducing Wolbachia, and melanic mutants exhibit fitness decline. Interestingly, this decline is not observed in C. analis melanic mutants that are infected with CI‐free Wolbachia. Our research question is whether the infection of CI‐inducing Wolbachia causes fitness decline of melanic hosts in C. analis. We examined fecundity, fertility, and longevity of C. analis melanic mutants and compared them between uninfected and infected hosts with CI‐inducing Wolbachia. Infected melanic mutants of C. analis exhibited fitness decline leading to reduced hatch rates even when parental combinations were compatible. Wolbachia can invade a host population by causing CI to decrease the fraction of uninfected hosts, but melanic mutant hosts decrease the number of infected hosts through fitness decline. Nevertheless, the melanism in hosts is not able to stop Wolbachia invasion in C. analis.
The chemical basis of mate recognition in two parasitoid wasp species of the genus Nasonia
Authors: Mair Magdalena M. , Kmezic Violeta , Huber Stephanie , Pannebakker Bart A. , Ruther Joachim
Published: July 2017

To recognize one's mate is essential for all sexually reproducing animals. In insects, mate recognition is often based on chemical cues such as hydrocarbons which are distributed over the insect's cuticle. In the parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), interspecific mating possibly occurs in microsympatry between Nasonia vitripennis Walker and Nasonia giraulti Darling despite post‐zygotic isolation mechanisms preventing hybridization. Males of N. vitripennis are known to equally court con‐ and heterospecific females, which they recognize by means of cuticular hydrocarbons. A recent study surprisingly showed that this might not be the case in N. giraulti, leaving open how males of this species achieve the recognition of mating partners. In this study, we investigated chemical mate recognition in N. giraulti in more detail and compared observed behaviors with behaviors of N. vitripennis by conducting experiments with both species concurrently and under the same experimental conditions. We disentangled the role of female‐derived non‐polar cuticular lipids – i.e., cuticular hydrocarbons – and more polar cuticular lipids in the ability of males to recognize con‐ and heterospecific females. In addition, we tested whether females of the two species discriminate similarly between con‐ and heterospecific males. We demonstrate that, in contrast to N. vitripennis, males of N. giraulti prefer live conspecific females over heterospecific ones. Furthermore, in contrast to N. vitripennis, mate recognition in N. giraulti males is not based on cuticular hydrocarbons, but rather involves other chemical messengers, presumably more polar cuticular lipids. In both species, discrimination against heterospecific males decreases with female age.
Evidence for sex pheromones and inbreeding avoidance in select North American yellowjacket species
Authors: Derstine Nathan T. , Ohler Bonnie , Jimenez Sebastian Ibarra , Landolt Peter , Gries Gerhard
Published: July 2017

Little is known about the roles of sex pheromones in mate‐finding behavior of social wasps (Vespidae). Working with the aerial yellowjacket, Dolichovespula arenaria (Fabricius), baldfaced hornet, Dolichovespula maculata (L.), western yellowjacket, Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure), southern yellowjacket, Vespula squamosa (Drury), and Vespula alascensisPackard, we tested the hypotheses (1) that gynes produce an airborne sex pheromone attractive to males, and (2) that males are more strongly attracted to non‐sibling gynes based on olfactory cues. A field experiment provided the first definitive evidence that D. arenaria gynes attract males. Surprisingly, we did not find such evidence in similar field experiments for sexual attractiveness of gynes of V. squamosa, V. pensylvanica, V. alascensis, or D. maculata. In Y‐tube olfactometer experiments with three of these species (D. arenaria, D. maculata, V. pensylvanica), only D. maculata gynes attracted males, provided they were non‐siblings, implying an olfactory‐based mechanism of nestmate recognition and inbreeding avoidance. Lack of sex attraction responses for V. pensylvanica, V. alascensis, and V. squamosa in this study does not rule out pheromone‐mediated sexual communication. Instead, it highlights the possibility that pheromonal signaling may be dependent on the presence of appropriate contextual cues.
Limited protection of the parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemiae from Drosophila suzukii host‐directed spinosad suppression
Authors: Cossentine J.E. , Ayyanath M.‐M.
Published: July 2017

Laboratory trials were conducted to determine whether the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), puparium can provide an effective physical barrier to protect immature stages of the pupal parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) from spinosad treatments. Spinosad insecticides are currently an important suppression strategy for D. suzukii in organically managed fruit orchards although they are well known to cause mortality in hymenopteran parasitoids. High adult P. vindemiae female mortality (83%) occurred within 24 h of exposure to D. suzukii pupae treated with 10 mg a.i. l−1 spinosad and female parasitoids did not avoid the pupae treated with similar low levels of spinosad in choice tests that included untreated pupae. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae develops as an idiobiont ectoparasitoid on host fly pupa within the sclerotized host puparium. Significant P. vindemiae survival and emergence was recorded when parasitized D. suzukii puparia were exposed to field treatment levels of spinosad; however, the parasitoid survival was dependent on the time of the spinosad treatment of the host post‐parasitization. Significant parasitoid survival occurred when the host puparia were treated at 2 weeks when the parasitoid was in the pupal stage but did not occur when the host puparia were treated at 1 week post‐parasitization, when the parasitoids were still in a larval stage. The parasitoid adults consumed or otherwise came in contact with residual degrading spinosad when they exited the treated host, and consequently high and low adult parasitoid mortality occurred when the adults emerged from puparia treated at 2 and 1 week(s), respectively. Our study indicates that generally the integration of P. vindemiae parasitism into a sustainable D. suzukii management program is not compatible with spinosad treatments, although P. vindemiae in the pupal stage inside sclerotized host puparia appear to be minimally impacted by spinosad treatments, provided that the spinosad degrades before parasitoid emergence.
Parasitoid phorid flies of leaf‐cutting ants are negatively affected by loss of forest cover
Authors: Barrera C.A. , Becker E.L. , Elizalde L. , Queiroz J.M.
Published: July 2017

Habitat fragmentation can have a high impact on parasitoid–ant interactions. Phorid flies are among the most important groups of natural enemies of leaf‐cutting ants. We studied the effects of loss in forest cover upon phorids of the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex nigerSmith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini) in a fragmented area in the Southeastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil. We sampled 10 forest fragments, five large (>75 ha) and five small (<20 ha), as well as three areas of continuous forest (>1 000 ha). We marked 1–5 colonies of A. niger in the interior of each forest location. At each nest, we collected all of the phorids in interaction with the worker ants for a period of 15 min. We then collected ca. 200 worker ants, which we maintained in the laboratory for rearing phorids from them. We identified three phorid genera – Apocephalus, Myrmosicarius, and Neodohrniphora – which we both observed in the field and reared in the laboratory. The abundance and parasitism percentage were significantly greater in continuous forest sites than in forest fragments, whereas there were no significant differences between fragments of different sizes. These results provide further evidence for the effects of habitat size on the phorid‐Acromyrmex system in a tropical rain forest, based on the abundance of parasitoids both as adults in the field and as reared immature phorids in the laboratory.
Should mothers provision their offspring equally? A manipulative field test
Authors: Cameron Hayley , Monro Keyne , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: July 2017

Within‐brood variation in offspring size is universal, but its causes are unclear. Theoretical explanations for within‐brood variation commonly invoke bet‐hedging, although alternatives consider the role of sibling competition. Despite abundant theory, empirical manipulations of within‐brood variation in offspring size are rare. Using a field experiment, we investigate the consequences of unequal maternal provisioning for both maternal and offspring fitness in a marine invertebrate. We create experimental broods of siblings with identical mean, but different variance, in offspring size, and different sibling densities. Overall, more‐variable broods had higher mean performance than less‐variable broods, suggesting benefits of unequal provisioning that arise independently of bet‐hedging. Complementarity effects drove these benefits, apparently because offspring‐size variation promotes resource partitioning. We suggest that when siblings compete for the same resources, and offspring size affects niche usage, the production of more‐variable broods can provide greater fitness returns given the same maternal investment; a process unanticipated by the current theory.
An Investigation of Undefined Cut Scores With the Hofstee Standard‐Setting Method
Authors: Wyse Adam E. , Babcock Ben
Published: July 2017

This article provides an overview of the Hofstee standard‐setting method and illustrates several situations where the Hofstee method will produce undefined cut scores. The situations where the cut scores will be undefined involve cases where the line segment derived from the Hofstee ratings does not intersect the score distribution curve based on actual exam performance data. Data from 15 standard settings performed by a credentialing organization are used to investigate how common undefined cut scores are with the Hofstee method and to compare cut scores derived from the Hofstee method with those from the Beuk method. Results suggest that when Hofstee cut scores exist that the Hofstee and Beuk methods often yield fairly similar results. However, it is shown that undefined Hofstee cut scores did occur in a few situations. When Hofstee cut scores are undefined, it is suggested that one extend the Hofstee line segment so that it intersects the score distribution curve to estimate cut scores. Analyses show that extending the line segment to estimate cut scores often yields similar results to the Beuk method. The article concludes with a discussion of what these results may imply for people who want to employ the Hofstee method.
Intact blood−brain barrier during spontaneous attacks of migraine without aura: a 3T DCE‐MRI study
Authors: Amin F. M. , Hougaard A. , Cramer S. P. , Christensen C. E. , Wolfram F. , Larsson H. B. W. , Ashina M.
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

The integrity of the blood−brain barrier (BBB) has been questioned in migraine, but BBB permeability has never been investigated during spontaneous migraine attacks. In the present study, BBB permeability during spontaneous attacks of migraine without aura was investigated compared to an interictal state.

Methods

Seventy‐four patients suffering from migraine without aura were recruited to participate in this cross‐sectional dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) study. The patients were instructed to report at the hospital for DCE‐MRI scan during and outside of a spontaneous migraine attack. The primary end‐point was a difference in the BBB permeability (ml/100 g/min) between the attack and the headache‐free days. The permeability was assessed in five different regions of interest (ROIs) located in the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral area, brain stem, posterior pons and whole brain. The paired samples t test was used to compare Ki (permeability) values between the attack and headache‐free days.

Results

Nineteen patients completed the study. Median time from onset of migraine attack to scan was 6.5 h (range 4.0–15.5 h). No change in the mean BBB permeability (ml/100 g/min) was found between the attack and the headache‐free days in any of the measured ROIs. No relationship between the pain side or intensity and BBB permeability was found in 15 patients with unilateral pain during the examined attack.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated that the BBB permeability during spontaneous migraine attacks without aura was unchanged.
Farming and incidence of motor neuron disease: French nationwide study
Authors: Kab S. , Moisan F. , Elbaz A.
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

The association of farming with motor neuron disease (MND) is unclear, with conflicting studies. We performed a French nationwide study of the association of farming with MND incidence, and compared findings with those for Parkinson's disease (PD), which has been shown to be more frequent in farmers.

Methods

We used the French national health insurance and hospital discharge databases to identify MND/PD incident cases. The Mutualité Sociale Agricole (MSA) guarantees health insurance for farmers and agricultural workers. We compared the incidence of MND (2010–2014) and PD (2011–2012) in MSA farmers, MSA workers and non‐MSA affiliates, and estimated relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used for external smoking adjustment.

Results

Analyses relied on 8931 MND (MSA, 9%) and 45 409 PD (MSA,11%) cases. There was a trend towards higher MND incidence in MSA farmers compared with non‐MSA affiliates (RR,1.08; 95% CI,0.99–1.18) and MSA workers (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.97–1.31) that strengthened after smoking adjustment (if associated with MND). PD incidence was higher in MSA farmers than non‐MSA affiliates (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08–1.17) and MSA workers (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02–1.18); this association remained after smoking adjustment (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05–1.14).

Conclusions

This French nationwide study suggested an association between farming and MND, and confirmed higher PD incidence in farmers in France, a country with high pesticide use.
Distinguishing in‐hospital and out‐of‐hospital status epilepticus: clinical implications from a 10‐year cohort study
Authors: Sutter R. , Semmlack S. , Spiegel R. , Tisljar K. , Rüegg S. , Marsch S.
Published: July 2017

Background and purpose

The aim was to determine differences of clinical, treatment and outcome characteristics between patients with in‐hospital and out‐of‐hospital status epilepticus (SE).

Methods

From 2005 to 2014, clinical data were assessed in adults with SE treated in an academic medical care centre. Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes were compared between patients with in‐hospital and out‐of‐hospital SE.

Results

Amongst 352 patients, 213 were admitted with SE and 139 developed in‐hospital SE. Patients with in‐hospital SE had more acute/fatal aetiologies (60% vs. 35%, P < 0.001), fewer previous seizures (33% vs. 50%, P = 0.002), a higher median Charlson Comorbidity Index (3 vs. 2, P < 0.001), longer median SE duration (1 vs. 0.5 days, P = 0.001), more refractory SE (52% vs. 39%, P = 0.022), less return to functional baseline (38% vs. 54%, P = 0.006) and increased mortality (29% vs. 19%, P = 0.001). Whilst in multivariable analyses an increasing Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS) was an independent predictor for death in both groups, increased Charlson Comorbidity Index and treatment refractory SE were associated with death only in patients with in‐hospital SE. Continuous anaesthesia for refractory SE was associated with increased mortality only in patients with out‐of‐hospital SE. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.717 for prediction of death by STESS in patients with in‐hospital SE and 0.811 in patients with out‐of‐hospital SE.

Conclusions

Patients with in‐hospital SE had more fatal aetiologies and comorbidities, refractory SE, less return to functional baseline, and increased mortality compared to patients with out‐of‐hospital SE. Whilst the STESS was a robust predictor for death in both groups, the association between continuous anaesthesia and death was limited to out‐of‐hospital SE.
Potential of telmisartan in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Ishola Ismail Ogunbayode , Anunobi Charles C. , Tijani Kehinde Habeeb , Afolayan Olasunmbo , Udokwu Victoria U.
Published: July 2017

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common health problem in ageing men. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of telmisartan on testosterone‐induced BPH in rats. Fifty‐four male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 6) and orally treated for 28 consecutive days: group 1 – vehicle normal, olive oil (10 mL/kg); group 2 – BPH model control (10 mL/kg); groups 3–5 – telmisartan (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg, respectively); group 6 – pioglitazone (20 mg/kg); group 7 – celecoxib (20 mg/kg); group 8 – combination of telmisartan (5 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (20 mg/kg); group 9 – combination of telmisartan (5 mg/kg) and celecoxib (20 mg/kg). Animals in groups 2–9 were given testosterone propionate in olive oil (3 mg/kg) subcutaneously 15 min after pretreatments. On day 29, blood was collected for the estimation of serum testosterone and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). The prostates were excised, weighed and subjected to biochemical and histological studies. Testosterone injection induced significant increase in prostatic index, serum testosterone and PSA suggesting BPH as well as increased prostate oxidative stress which were ameliorated with the pretreatment of rats with telmisartan or co‐administration of celecoxib and pioglitazone. Histological examination showed that testosterone disrupted the morphology of the prostate epithelial cells evidenced in the involution of the epithelial lining of the acini into the lumen indicating BPH which was reversed by telmisartan. Findings from this study showed that telmisartan alone or in combination with pioglitazone prevented the development of testosterone‐induced prostatic hyperplasia.
ZmMYB14 is an important transcription factor involved in the regulation of the activity of the ZmBT1 promoter in starch biosynthesis in maize
Authors: Xiao Qianlin , Wang Yayun , Du Jia , Li Hui , Wei Bin , Wang Yongbin , Li Yangping , Yu Guowu , Liu Hanmei , Zhang Junjie , Liu Yinghong , Hu Yufeng , Huang Yubi
Published: July 2017

The biosynthesis of starch is a complex process that depends on the regulatory mechanisms of different functional enzymes, and transcriptional regulation plays an important role in this process. Brittle 1, encoded by BT1, is a transporter of adenosine diphosphate‐glucose, which plays an important role in the biosynthesis of starch in the endosperm of cereals. Here, we report that the promoter (pZmBT1) of the maize BT1 homolog, ZmBT1, contains an MBSI site (TAACTG), which is important for its activity. Moreover, high expression level of the gene for ZmMYB14 transcription factor was observed in the maize endosperm; its expression pattern was similar to those of the starch synthesis‐related genes in maize seeds. ZmMYB14 is a typical 2R‐MYB transcription factor localized in the nucleus and possessed transcriptional activation activity. ZmMYB14 could bind to the region of pZmBT1 from −280 to −151 bp and promote its activity through the TAACTG site. It was also observed to promote the activity of pZmSh2, pZmBt2, pZmGBSSI, pZmSSI, and pZmSBE1 in the maize endosperm in transient gene overexpression assays. Furthermore, ZmMYB14 was also shown to bind directly to the promoters of six starch‐synthesizing genes, ZmGBSSI, ZmSSI, ZmSSIIa, ZmSBE1, ZmISA1, and ZmISA2 in yeast. These findings indicate that ZmMYB14 functions as a key regulator of ZmBT1 and is closely related to the biosynthesis of starch. Our results provide crucial information related to the regulation of starch biosynthesis in maize and would be helpful in devising strategies for modulating starch production in maize endosperm.
What plant functional traits can reduce nitrous oxide emissions from intensively managed grasslands?
Authors: Abalos Diego , van Groenigen Jan Willem , De Deyn Gerlinde B.
Published: July 2017

Plant species exert a dominant control over the nitrogen (N) cycle of natural and managed grasslands. Although in intensively managed systems that receive large external N inputs the emission of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is a crucial component of this cycle, a mechanistic relationship between plant species and N2O emissions has not yet been established. Here we use a plant functional trait approach to study the relation between plant species strategies and N2O emissions from soils. Compared to species with conservative strategies, species with acquisitive strategies have higher N uptake when there is ample N in the soil, but also trigger N mineralization when soil N is limiting. Therefore, we hypothesized that (1) compared to conservative species, species with acquisitive traits reduce N2O emissions after a high N addition; and (2) species with conservative traits have lower N2O emissions than acquisitive plants if there is no high N addition. This was tested in a greenhouse experiment using monocultures of six grass species with differing above‐ and below‐ground traits, growing across a gradient of soil N availability. We found that acquisitive species reduced N2O emissions at all levels of N availability, produced higher biomass and showed larger N uptake. As such, acquisitive species had 87% lower N2O emissions per unit of N uptake than conservative species (p < .05). Structural equation modelling revealed that specific leaf area and root length density were key traits regulating the effects of plants on N2O emission and biomass productivity. These results provide the first framework to understand the mechanisms through which plants modulate N2O emissions, pointing the way to develop productive grasslands that contribute optimally to climate change mitigation.
Adaptation strategies to climate change in marine systems
Authors: Miller Dana D. , Ota Yoshitaka , Sumaila Ussif Rashid , Cisneros‐Montemayor Andrés M. , Cheung William W. L.
Published: July 2017

The world's oceans are highly impacted by climate change and other human pressures, with significant implications for marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that they support. Adaptation for both natural and human systems is increasingly important as a coping strategy due to the rate and scale of ongoing and potential future change. Here, we conduct a review of literature concerning specific case studies of adaptation in marine systems, and discuss associated characteristics and influencing factors, including drivers, strategy, timeline, costs, and limitations. We found ample evidence in the literature that shows that marine species are adapting to climate change through shifting distributions and timing of biological events, while evidence for adaptation through evolutionary processes is limited. For human systems, existing studies focus on frameworks and principles of adaptation planning, but examples of implemented adaptation actions and evaluation of outcomes are scarce. These findings highlight potentially useful strategies given specific social–ecological contexts, as well as key barriers and specific information gaps requiring further research and actions.
Examining trust in health professionals among family caregivers of nursing home residents with advanced dementia
Authors: Boogaard Jannie A. , Werner Perla , Zisberg Anna , van der Steen Jenny T.
Published: July 2017

Aim

In a context of increasing emphasis on shared decision‐making and palliative care in dementia, research on family caregivers’ trust in health professionals in advanced dementia is surprisingly scant. The aim of the present study was to assess trust in nursing home health professionals of family caregivers of nursing home residents with advanced dementia, and possible correlates, such as family caregivers’ satisfaction, involvement in care, care burden and patients’ symptom burden.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out using structured questionnaires administered through the telephone. Generalized estimating equation analyses with adjustment for nursing home clustering were applied to assess the most important associations with family caregivers’ trust.

Results

A total of 214 family caregivers of persons with dementia residing in 25 nursing homes participated in the study. The majority of the participants (67%) were women and adult children (75%). The majority of the family caregivers trusted physicians, nurses and nurses’ aides at a moderate‐to‐high level. Approximately half to one‐third reported moderate‐to‐low levels of trust. Higher levels of trust were associated with more positive care outcomes, such as higher family satisfaction with care and more positive evaluations of physician–family communication.

Conclusions

The present study showed the importance of family caregivers trusting nursing home health professionals for their experiences as caregivers. Although causation cannot be established, increased family caregivers’ trust in nursing home health professionals by improving communication and exchange of information might provide a good basis for providing optimal palliative care in advanced dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2466–2471.