bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local adaptation in transgenerational responses to predators
Authors: Walsh Matthew R. , Castoe Todd , Holmes Julian , Packer Michelle , Biles Kelsey , Walsh Melissa , Munch Stephan B. , Post David M.
Published: January 2016

Environmental signals can induce phenotypic changes that span multiple generations. Along with phenotypic responses that occur during development (i.e. ‘within-generation’ plasticity), such ‘transgenerational plasticity’ (TGP) has been documented in a diverse array of taxa spanning many environmental perturbations. New theory predicts that temporal stability is a key driver of the evolution of TGP. We tested this prediction using natural populations of zooplankton from lakes in Connecticut that span a large gradient in the temporal dynamics of predator-induced mortality. We reared more than 120 clones of
Daphnia ambigua
from nine lakes for multiple generations in the presence/absence of predator cues. We found that temporal variation in mortality selects for within-generation plasticity while consistently strong (or weak) mortality selects for increased TGP. Such results provide us the first evidence for local adaptation in TGP and argue that divergent ecological conditions select for phenotypic responses within and across generations.
Virtual endocasts of EoceneParamys(Paramyinae): oldest endocranial record for Rodentia and early brain evolution in Euarchontoglires
Authors: Bertrand Ornella C. , Amador-Mughal Farrah , Silcox Mary T.
Published: January 2016

Understanding the pattern of brain evolution in early rodents is central to reconstructing the ancestral condition for Glires, and for other members of Euarchontoglires including Primates. We describe the oldest virtual endocasts known for fossil rodents, which pertain toParamys copei(Early Eocene) andParamys delicatus(Middle Eocene). Both specimens ofParamyshave larger olfactory bulbs and smaller paraflocculi relative to total endocranial volume than later occurring rodents, which may be primitive traits for Rodentia. The encephalization quotients (EQs) ofPa. copeiandPa. delicatusare higher than that of later occurring (Oligocene)Ischyromys typus, which contradicts the hypothesis that EQ increases through time in all mammalian orders. However, both species ofParamyshave a lower relative neocortical surface area than later rodents, suggesting neocorticalization occurred through time in this Order, although to a lesser degree than in Primates.Paramyshas a higher EQ but a lower neocortical ratio than any stem primate. This result contrasts with the idea that primates were always exceptional in their degree of overall encephalization and shows that relative brain size and neocortical surface area do not necessarily covary through time. As such, these data contradict assumptions made about the pattern of brain evolution in Euarchontoglires.
Diabolical survival in Death Valley: recent pupfish colonization, gene flow and genetic assimilation in the smallest species range on earth
Authors: Martin Christopher H. , Crawford Jacob E. , Turner Bruce J. , Simons Lee H.
Published: January 2016

One of the most endangered vertebrates, the Devils Hole pupfishCyprinodon diabolis, survives in a nearly impossible environment: a narrow subterranean fissure in the hottest desert on earth, Death Valley. This species became a conservation icon after a landmark 1976 US Supreme Court case affirming federal groundwater rights to its unique habitat. However, one outstanding question about this species remains unresolved: how long hasdiabolispersisted in this hellish environment? We used next-generation sequencing of over 13 000 loci to infer the demographic history of pupfishes in Death Valley. Instead of relicts isolated 2–3 Myr ago throughout repeated flooding of the entire region by inland seas as currently believed, we present evidence for frequent gene flow among Death Valley pupfish species and divergence after the most recent flooding 13 kyr ago. We estimate that Devils Hole was colonized by pupfish between 105 and 830 years ago, followed by genetic assimilation of pelvic fin loss and recent gene flow into neighbouring spring systems. Our results provide a new perspective on an iconic endangered species using the latest population genomic methods and support an emerging consensus that timescales for speciation are overestimated in many groups of rapidly evolving species.
Corridors restore animal-mediated pollination in fragmented tropical forest landscapes
Authors: Kormann Urs , Scherber Christoph , Tscharntke Teja , Klein Nadja , Larbig Manuel , Valente Jonathon J. , Hadley Adam S. , Betts Matthew G.
Published: January 2016

Tropical biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions have become heavily eroded through habitat loss. Animal-mediated pollination is required in more than 94% of higher tropical plant species and 75% of the world's leading food crops, but it remains unclear if corridors avert deforestation-driven pollination breakdown in fragmented tropical landscapes. Here, we used manipulative resource experiments and field observations to show that corridors functionally connect neotropical forest fragments for forest-associated hummingbirds and increase pollen transfer. Further, corridors boosted forest-associated pollinator availability in fragments by 14.3 times compared with unconnected equivalents, increasing overall pollination success.Plants in patches without corridors showed pollination rates equal to bagged control flowers, indicating pollination failure in isolated fragments. This indicates, for the first time, that corridors benefit tropical forest ecosystems beyond boosting local species richness, by functionally connecting mutualistic network partners. We conclude that small-scale adjustments to landscape configuration safeguard native pollinators and associated pollination services in tropical forest landscapes.
The influence of complex and threatening environments in early life on brain size and behaviour
Authors: DePasquale C. , Neuberger T. , Hirrlinger A. M. , Braithwaite V. A.
Published: January 2016

The ways in which challenging environments during development shape the brain and behaviour are increasingly being addressed. To date, studies typically consider only single variables, but the real world is more complex. Many factors simultaneously affect the brain and behaviour, and whether these work independently or interact remains untested. To address this, zebrafish (
Danio rerio
) were reared in a two-by-two design in housing that varied in structural complexity and/or exposure to a stressor. Fish experiencing both complexity (enrichment objects changed over time) and mild stress (daily net chasing) exhibited enhanced learning and were less anxious when tested as juveniles (between 77 and 90 days). Adults tested (aged 1 year) were also less anxious even though fish were kept in standard housing after three months of age (i.e. no chasing or enrichment). Volumetric measures of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that complexity alone generated fish with a larger brain, but this increase in size was not seen in fish that experienced both complexity and chasing, or chasing alone. The results highlight the importance of looking at multiple variables simultaneously, and reveal differential effects of complexity and stressful experiences during development of the brain and behaviour.
Effective number of breeders, effective population size and their relationship with census size in an iteroparous species,Salvelinus fontinalis
Authors: Ruzzante Daniel E. , McCracken Gregory R. , Parmelee Samantha , Hill Kristen , Corrigan Amelia , MacMillan John , Walde Sandra J.
Published: January 2016

The relationship between the effective number of breeders (Nb) and the generational effective size (Ne) has rarely been examined empirically in species with overlapping generations and iteroparity. Based on a suite of 11 microsatellite markers, we examine the relationship betweenNb,Neand census population size (Nc) in 14 brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations inhabiting 12 small streams in Nova Scotia and sampled at least twice between 2009 and 2015. Unbiased estimates ofNbobtained with individuals of a single cohort, adjusted on the basis of age at first maturation (α) and adult lifespan (AL), were from 1.66 to 0.24 times the average estimates ofNeobtained with random samples of individuals of mixed ages (i.e.). In turn, these differences led to adjustedNeestimates that were from nearly five to 0.7 times the estimates derived from mixed-aged individuals. These differences translate into the same range of variation in the ratio of effective to census population sizewithin populations. Adoptingas the more precise and unbiased estimates, we found that these brook trout populations differ markedly in their effective to census population sizes (range approx. 0.3 to approx. 0.01). Using AgeNe, we then showed that the variance in reproductive success or reproductive skew varied among populations by a factor of 40, fromVk/k≈ 5 to 200. These results suggest wide differences in population dynamics, probably resulting from differences in productivity affecting the intensity of competition for access to mates or redds, and thus reproductive skew. Understanding the relationship betweenNe, NbandNc, and how these relate to population dynamics and fluctuations in population size, are important for the design of robust conservation strategies in small populations with overlapping generations and iteroparity.
A gene associated with social immunity in the burying beetle
Nicrophorus vespilloides
Authors: Palmer William J. , Duarte Ana , Schrader Matthew , Day Jonathan P. , Kilner Rebecca , Jiggins Francis M.
Published: January 2016

Some group-living species exhibit social immunity, where the immune response of one individual can protect others in the group from infection. In burying beetles, this is part of parental care. Larvae feed on vertebrate carcasses which their parents smear with exudates that inhibit microbial growth. We have sequenced the transcriptome of the burying beetle
Nicrophorus vespilloides
and identified six genes that encode lysozymes—a type of antimicrobial enzyme that has previously been implicated in social immunity in burying beetles. When females start breeding and producing antimicrobial anal exudates, we found that the expression of one of these genes was increased by approximately 1000 times to become one of the most abundant transcripts in the transcriptome. Females varied considerably in the antimicrobial properties of their anal exudates, and this was strongly correlated with the expression of this lysozyme. We conclude that we have likely identified a gene encoding a key effector molecule in social immunity and that it was recruited during evolution from a function in personal immunity.
Untangling the early diversification of eukaryotes: a phylogenomic study of the evolutionary origins of Centrohelida, Haptophyta and Cryptista
Authors: Burki Fabien , Kaplan Maia , Tikhonenkov Denis V. , Zlatogursky Vasily , Minh Bui Quang , Radaykina Liudmila V. , Smirnov Alexey , Mylnikov Alexander P. , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: January 2016

Assembling the global eukaryotic tree of life has long been a major effort of Biology. In recent years, pushed by the new availability of genome-scale data for microbial eukaryotes, it has become possible to revisit many evolutionary enigmas. However, some of the most ancient nodes, which are essential for inferring a stable tree, have remained highly controversial. Among other reasons, the lack of adequate genomic datasets for key taxa has prevented the robust reconstruction of early diversification events. In this context, the centrohelid heliozoans are particularly relevant for reconstructing the tree of eukaryotes because they represent one of the last substantial groups that was missing large and diverse genomic data. Here, we filled this gap by sequencing high-quality transcriptomes for four centrohelid lineages, each corresponding to a different family. Combining these new data with a broad eukaryotic sampling, we produced a gene-rich taxon-rich phylogenomic dataset that enabled us to refine the structure of the tree. Specifically, we show that (i) centrohelids relate to haptophytes, confirming Haptista; (ii) Haptista relates to SAR; (iii) Cryptista share strong affinity with Archaeplastida; and (iv) Haptista + SAR is sister to Cryptista + Archaeplastida. The implications of this topology are discussed in the broader context of plastid evolution.
Quantifying drivers of population dynamics for a migratory bird throughout the annual cycle
Authors: Rushing Clark S. , Ryder Thomas B. , Marra Peter P.
Published: January 2016

Worldwide, migratory species are undergoing rapid declines but understanding the factors driving these declines is hindered by missing information about migratory connectivity and the lack of data to quantify environmental processes across the annual cycle. Here, we combined range-wide information about migratory connectivity with global remote-sensing data to quantify the relative importance of breeding and non-breeding environmental processes to persistent long-term population declines of a migratory songbird, the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). Consistent with theoretical predictions about population limitation of migratory birds, our results suggest that habitat loss and climate have contributed to the observed declines in wood thrush breeding abundance, yet the relative importance of breeding versus non-breeding factors is population-specific. For example, high-abundance core breeding populations appear to be more limited by habitat loss, whereas low-abundance, peripheral populations appear to be limited by climate-driven seasonal interactions. Further, our analysis indicates that the relative impact of breeding habitat loss is at least three to six times greater than the impact of equivalent non-breeding habitat loss and therefore the steepest regional declines have likely been driven by the loss of breeding habitat. These results underscore the need for population-specific conservation strategies implemented throughout the annual cycle to reverse long-term declines.
A new class of temporarily phenotypic enhancers identified by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic screening
Authors: Diao Yarui , Li Bin , Meng Zhipeng , Jung Inkyung , Lee Ah Young , Dixon Jesse , Maliskova Lenka , Guan Kun-liang , Shen Yin , Ren Bing
Published: January 2016

With <2% of the human genome coding for proteins, a major challenge is to interpret the function of the noncoding DNA. Millions of regulatory sequences have been predicted in the human genome through analysis of DNA methylation, chromatin modification, hypersensitivity to nucleases, and transcription factor binding, but few have been shown to regulate transcription in their native contexts. We have developed a high-throughput CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing strategy and used it to interrogate 174 candidate regulatory sequences within the 1-Mbp POU5F1 locus in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We identified two classical regulatory elements, including a promoter and a proximal enhancer, that are essential for POU5F1 transcription in hESCs. Unexpectedly, we also discovered a new class of enhancers that contribute to POU5F1 transcription in an unusual way: Disruption of such sequences led to a temporary loss of POU5F1 transcription that is fully restored after a few rounds of cell division. These results demonstrate the utility of high-throughput screening for functional characterization of noncoding DNA and reveal a previously unrecognized layer of gene regulation in human cells.
Reference spectra of important adsorbed organic and inorganic phosphate binding forms for soil P speciation using synchrotron-basedK-edge XANES spectroscopy
Authors: Prietzel Jörg , Harrington Gertraud , Häusler Werner , Heister Katja , Werner Florian , Klysubun Wantana
Published: January 2016

Direct speciation of soil phosphorus (P) by linear combination fitting (LCF) of PK-edge XANES spectra requires a standard set of spectra representing all major P species supposed to be present in the investigated soil. Here, available spectra of free- and cation-bound inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP), representing organic P, and of Fe, Al and Ca phosphate minerals are supplemented with spectra of adsorbed P binding forms. First, various soil constituents assumed to be potentially relevant for P sorption were compared with respect to their retention efficiency for orthophosphate and IHP at P levels typical for soils. Then, PK-edge XANES spectra for orthophosphate and IHP retained by the most relevant constituents were acquired. The spectra were compared with each other as well as with spectra of Ca, Al or Fe orthophosphate and IHP precipitates. Orthophosphate and IHP were retained particularly efficiently by ferrihydrite, boehmite, Al-saturated montmorillonite and Al-saturated soil organic matter (SOM), but far less efficiently by hematite, Ca-saturated montmorillonite and Ca-saturated SOM. P retention by dolomite was negligible. Calcite retained a large portion of the applied IHP, but no orthophosphate. The respective PK-edge XANES spectra of orthophosphate and IHP adsorbed to ferrihydrite, boehmite, Al-saturated montmorillonite and Al-saturated SOM differ from each other. They also are different from the spectra of amorphous FePO4, amorphous or crystalline AlPO4, Ca phosphates and free IHP. Inclusion of reference spectra of orthophosphate as well as IHP adsorbed to P-retaining soil minerals in addition to spectra of free or cation-bound IHP, AlPO4, FePO4and Ca phosphate minerals in linear combination fitting exercises results in improved fit quality and a more realistic soil P speciation. A standard set of PK-edge XANES spectra of the most relevant adsorbed P binding forms in soils is presented.
Local X-ray magnetic circular dichroism study of Fe/Cu(111) using a tunneling smart tip
Authors: DiLullo Andrew , Shirato Nozomi , Cummings Marvin , Kersell Heath , Chang Hao , Rosenmann Daniel , Miller Dean , Freeland John W. , Hla Saw-Wai , Rose Volker
Published: January 2016

Localized spectroscopy with simultaneous topographic, elemental and magnetic information is presented. A synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscope has been employed for the local study of the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism at the FeL2,3-edges of a thin iron film grown on Cu(111). Polarization-dependent X-ray absorption spectra have been obtained through a tunneling smart tip that serves as a photoelectron detector. In contrast to conventional spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray excitations provide magnetic contrast even with a non-magnetic tip. Intensity variations in the photoexcited tip current point to chemical variations within a single magnetic Fe domain.
Socioecological predictors of immune defences in wild spotted hyenas
Authors: Flies Andrew S. , Mansfield Linda S. , Flies Emily J. , Grant Chris K. , Holekamp Kay E.
Published: January 2016

Social rank can profoundly affect many aspects of mammalian reproduction and stress physiology, but little is known about how immune function is affected by rank and other socioecological factors in free‐living animals.

In this study, we examine the effects of sex, social rank and reproductive status on immune function in long‐lived carnivores that are routinely exposed to a plethora of pathogens, yet rarely show signs of disease.

Here, we show that two types of immune defences, complement‐mediated bacterial killing capacity (BKC) and total IgM, are positively correlated with social rank in wild hyenas, but that a third type, total IgG, does not vary with rank.

Female spotted hyenas, which are socially dominant to males in this species, have higher BKC, and higher IgG and IgM concentrations, than do males.

Immune defences are lower in lactating than pregnant females, suggesting the immune defences may be energetically costly.

Serum cortisol and testosterone concentrations are not reliable predictors of basic immune defences in wild female spotted hyenas.

These results suggest that immune defences are costly and multiple socioecological variables are important determinants of basic immune defences among wild hyenas. The effects of these variables should be accounted for when attempting to understand disease ecology and immune function.
Ecological equivalence of species within phytoplankton functional groups
Authors: Mutshinda Crispin M. , Finkel Zoe V. , Widdicombe Claire E. , Irwin Andrew J.
Published: January 2016

There are tens of thousands of species of phytoplankton found throughout the tree of life. Despite this diversity, phytoplankton are often aggregated into a few functional groups according to metabolic traits or biogeochemical role. We investigate the extent to which phytoplankton species dynamics are neutral within functional groups.

Seasonal dynamics in many regions of the ocean are known to affect phytoplankton at the functional group level leading to largely predictable patterns of seasonal succession. It is much more difficult to make general statements about the dynamics of individual species.

We use a 7‐year time series at station L4 in the Western English Channel with 57 diatom and 17 dinoflagellate species enumerated weekly to test whether the abundance of diatom and dinoflagellate species varies randomly within their functional group envelope or whether each species is driven uniquely by external factors.

We show that the total biomass of the diatom and dinoflagellate functional groups is well predicted by irradiance and temperature and quantify trait values governing the growth rate of both functional groups. The biomass dynamics of the functional groups are not neutral and each has their own distinct responses to environmental forcing. Compared to dinoflagellates, diatoms have faster growth rates and grow faster under lower irradiance, cooler temperatures, and higher nutrient conditions.

The biomass of most species varies randomly within their functional group biomass envelope, most of the time. As a consequence, modellers will find it difficult to predict the biomass of most individual species. Our analysis supports the approach of using a single set of traits for a functional group and suggests that it should be possible to determine these traits from natural communities.
Urban Poverty, Segregation and Social Networks in São Paulo and Salvador, Brazil
Authors: Marques Eduardo
Published: January 2016

General consensus exists concerning the relevance of networks and space in poverty situations, despite a considerable dispute on the prominence of each element. While social‐support and poverty debates highlight the joint importance of space and networks, the research agenda on contemporary communities suggests that networks have recently started replacing space in social integration. These debates mainly consider networks and ties normatively and are restricted to the global North, hampering the formulation of comparative interpretations and more theoretical conclusions. This article discusses the relationship between space, sociability and poverty, based on research results on networks of poor individuals in two major Brazilian metropolises—Salvador and São Paulo. Research indicates the existence of great heterogeneity in the networks of poor individuals, although with substantial differences, on average, to middle‐class individuals. Certain types of networks and sociability are systematically associated with better living conditions, employment and income. Additionally, network mobilization by individuals presents important regularities associated with social mechanisms, understood as regular patterns that trigger or cause certain results. These mechanisms explain to a great extent the heterogeneity of networks, and mediate the individual's access to opportunities and everyday assistance. They therefore contribute decisively to the production (and reproduction) of urban poverty.
A Real Effects Perspective to Accounting Measurement and Disclosure: Implications and Insights for Future Research
Authors: KANODIA CHANDRA , SAPRA HARESH
Published: January 2016

Accounting measurement and disclosure rules have a significant impact on the real decisions that firms make. In this essay, we provide an analytical framework to illustrate how such real effects arise. Using this framework, we examine three specific measurement issues that remain controversial: (1) How does the measurement of investments affect a firm's investment efficiency? (2) How does the measurement and disclosure of a firm's derivative transactions affect a firm's choice of intrinsic risk exposures, risk management strategy, and the incentive to speculate? (3) How could marking‐to‐market the asset portfolios of financial institutions generate procyclical real effects? We draw upon these real effects studies to generate sharper and novel insights that we believe are useful not only for the development of accounting standards, but also for guiding future empirical research.
Obligatory parthenogenesis and TE load: Bacillus stick insects and the R2 non‐LTR retrotransposon
Authors: Bonandin Livia , Scavariello Claudia , Mingazzini Valentina , Luchetti Andrea , Mantovani Barbara
Published: January 2016

Transposable elements (TEs) are selfish genetic elements whose self‐replication is contrasted by the host genome. In this context, host reproductive strategies are predicted to impact on both TEs load and activity. The presence and insertion distribution of the non‐LTR retrotransposon R2 was here studied in populations of the strictly bisexual Bacillus grandii maretimi and of the obligatory parthenogenetic Bacillus atticus atticus. Furthermore, data were also obtained from the offspring of selected B. a. atticus females. At the population level, the gonochoric B. g. maretimi showed a significantly higher R2 load than the obligatory parthenogenetic B. a. atticus. The comparison with bisexual and unisexual Bacillus rossius populations showed that their values were higher than those recorded for B. a. atticus and similar, or even higher, than those of B. g. maretimi. Consistently, an R2 load reduction is scored in B. a. atticus offspring even if with a great variance. On the whole, data here produced indicate that in the obligatory unisexual B. a. atticus R2 is active and that mechanisms of molecular turnover are effective. Furthermore, progeny analyses show that, at variance of the facultative parthenogenetic B. rossius, the R2 activity is held at a lower rate. Modeling parental‐offspring inheritance, suggests that in B. a. atticus recombination plays a major role in eliminating insertions rather than selection, as previously suggested for unisexual B. rossius progeny, even if in both cases a high variance is observed. In addition to this, mechanisms of R2 silencing or chances of clonal selection cannot be ruled out.
Changes in the Bioactive Compounds Content of Soybean as a Function of Grain Moisture Content and Temperature during Long‐Term Storage
Authors: Ziegler Valmor , Vanier Nathan Levien , Ferreira Cristiano Dietrich , Paraginski Ricardo Tadeu , Monks Jander Luis Fernandes , Elias Moacir Cardoso
Published: January 2016

Soybean is a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, isoflavones, carotenoids, and tocopherols. The amount of bioactive compounds in freshly harvested soybeans and their derived products has been determined; however, when they are used in the food industry, soybeans are generally stored prior to being processed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soybean moisture content (12%, 15%, and 18%) and storage temperature (11, 18, 25, and 32 °C) on the free phenolic, total flavonoid, vanillic acid, total carotenoid, and δ‐ and γ‐tocopherol content of soybeans stored for 12 mo. Moreover, the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities of phenolic extracts were determined. There was an increase in free phenolics and total flavonoids in the stored grains compared with the grains on the 1st d of storage. Vanillic acid showed a decrease in soybeans stored at 15% and 18% moisture content and 25 or 32 °C, which indicated some degradation into other metabolites. Total carotenoid content decreased as a function of storage temperature and showed some temperature‐dependent degradation. The δ‐ and γ‐tocopherol content also tended to decrease in grains stored at 15% or 18% moisture content or 25 or 32 °C, regardless of the moisture content studied.
Expression of Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors on and Intracellular Cytokine Production by NK Cells in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chiba Hitomi , Fukui Atsushi , Fuchinoue Kohei , Funamizu Ayano , Tanaka Kanji , Mizunuma Hideki
Published: January 2016

Problem

To determine the role of peripheral blood NK (pNK) cells in putative etiology of gestational diabetes, the expression of surface markers on pNK cells and the percentage of cytokine‐producing pNK cells in women at 12 weeks of pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were studied.

Method of study

Multicolor flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of NK cell surface receptors (CD16, NKp46, and NKp30) and intracellular cytokines (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and VEGF) in pNK cells (CD56dim and CD56bright) at 12 weeks of pregnancy with GDM (n = 7) and non‐GDM (n = 28).

Results

CD56bright/CD16− NK and CD56bright/NKp46+ NK cell percentage were significantly lower in GDM women than that in non‐GDM women. IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐producing CD56+ cells, respectively, were significantly high, while TGF‐β‐ and VEGF‐producing CD56+ cells and CD56bright cells, respectively, were significantly low in GDM women.

Conclusions

Women with GDM possibly have abnormal NK cell function for the expression of surface receptors and cytokine production.
Obstetrical outcome in women with urinary tract infections in childhood
Authors: Gebäck Carin , Hansson Sverker , Martinell Jeanette , Milsom Ian , Sandberg Torsten , Jodal Ulf
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTI) during childhood can result in permanent renal damage, with possible implications for future pregnancies. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate pregnancy outcomes in women followed after their first UTI in childhood.

Material and methods

A cohort of 72 parous women was followed from their first UTI in childhood up to a median age of 41 years. Clinical data were obtained from antenatal and hospital records. Renal damage was evaluated by a 99mTc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid scan. Pregnancy blood pressure (BP), complications and UTIs were compared between women with and without renal damage.

Results

All women completed the investigations, 48 with and 24 without renal damage. No woman, irrespective of presence or absence of renal damage, was diagnosed with hypertension before the first pregnancy. Pregnancy‐related hypertension was diagnosed in 10 of 151 pregnancies, all in women with renal damage. Preeclampsia occurred in four women. Women with renal damage had significantly higher systolic BP measured at the last antenatal visit of their first pregnancy, compared with women without renal damage (p = 0.005). During subsequent pregnancies both systolic and diastolic BP were significantly higher in women with than without renal damage (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion

In this population‐based follow‐up study we found a large proportion of women with renal damage after UTI in childhood. Women with renal damage had significantly higher BP during pregnancy compared with women without renal damage. Pregnancy‐related hypertension was recorded only in women with renal damage. However, pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, were few.
Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Reduced Inflammatory Reaction by Downregulating the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in a Reperfusion Model of Donation After Cardiac Death
Authors: Fu Zhen , Ye Qifa , Zhang Yang , Zhong Zibiao , Xiong Yan , Wang Yanfeng , Hu Long , Wang Wei , Huang Wei , Ko Dicken Shiu‐Chung
Published: January 2016

The exact mechanism by which hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) improves the graft quality in kidney transplantation of donation after cardiac death (DCD) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) and inflammatory reaction in kidney ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury injury followed by cold storage (CS) or HMP model of DCD. New Zealand white rabbit kidneys were subjected to 35 min of warm ischemia and 1 h reperfusion, then preserved by either 1 h reperfusion (sham‐operated group), 4 h CS or 4 h HMP in vivo. Kidneys were reperfused 24 h followed by further analysis. No treatment was given to rabbits in the normal control group. The expression of MMP‐9, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and MMP‐2 mRNA were detected by real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR). MMP‐9 was located by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by kits for each groups. Compared with the CS group, the expression of MMP‐9 and NF‐κB mRNA were downregulated in HMP group (P < 0.05). In contrast, expression of MMP‐2 mRNA had no statistical significance between CS group and HMP group (P > 0.05). In normal control and sham‐operated groups, a low level of MMP‐9 expression was detected in glomeruli. However, positive signals of MMP‐9 were mostly located in the tubulointerstitium and the vascular wall of CS and HMP groups. Expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, MDA, and activity of MPO decreased while activity of SOD in the HMP group increased in contrast to the CS group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, inflammatory cytokines mediated MMP‐9 expression through NF‐κB band to MMP‐9 promoter region, resulting in renal injury. Therefore, HMP reduced inflammatory reaction by downregulating the expression of MMP‐9, which may be the mechanism of kidney protection in I/R injury.
Peripheral Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Decision for Pediatric Fulminant Myocarditis
Authors: Okada Noritaka , Murayama Hiroomi , Hasegawa Hiroki , Kawai Satoru , Mori Hiromitsu , Yasuda Kazushi
Published: January 2016

It is essential to establish an appropriate initial treatment strategy for pediatric fulminant myocarditis. We reviewed eight cases of pediatric fulminant myocarditis that required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from 2012 to 2015. The median age was 8 years (range 3 months–13 years), and the median body surface area was 0.89 m2 (range 0.35–1.34 m2). Peripheral veno‐arterial ECMO was initially applied, and we evaluated whether heart decompression was sufficient. If the pump flow was insufficient, central cannulation was performed via median sternotomy (central ECMO). The need for subsequent ventricular assist device (VAD) support was determined 72 h after ECMO initiation. Six patients were bridged to recovery using peripheral ECMO support only (for 3–11 days), whereas two required VAD support. One patient was switched to central ECMO before VAD implantation. Three patients died of multiorgan failure, even though cardiac function recovered in two of those patients. The duration from hospital arrival to ECMO initiation was shorter in the survival (3.3 ± 1.3 h; range 1.6–4.7 h) than in the nonsurvival group (32 ± 28 h; range 0.7–55 h). Peripheral ECMO can be useful as a bridge to decision for pediatric fulminant myocarditis, which is frequently followed by a successful bridge to recovery. It is important to determine whether ECMO support should be initiated before organ dysfunction advances to preserve organ function, which provides a better bridge to subsequent VAD therapy and heart transplant or recovery.
Biomechanical Analysis of Implanted Clavicle Hook Plates With Different Implant Depths and Materials in the Acromioclavicular Joint: A Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Hung , Shih Cheng‐Min , Huang Kui‐Chou , Chen Kun‐Hui , Hung Li‐Kun , Su Kuo‐Chih
Published: January 2016

Clinical implantation of clavicle hook plates is often used as a treatment for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. However, it is not uncommon to find patients that have developed acromion osteolysis or had peri‐implant fracture after hook plate fixation. With the aim of preventing complications or fixation failure caused by implantation of inappropriate clavicle hook plates, the present study investigated the biomechanics of clavicle hook plates made of different materials and with different hook depths in treating acromioclavicular joint dislocation, using finite element analysis (FEA). This study established four parts using computer models: the clavicle, acromion, clavicle hook plate, and screws, and these established models were used for FEA. Moreover, implantations of clavicle hook plates made of different materials (stainless steel and titanium alloy) and with different depths (12, 15, and 18 mm) in patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation were simulated in the biomechanical analysis. The results indicate that deeper implantation of the clavicle hook plate reduces stress on the clavicle, and also reduces the force applied to the acromion by the clavicle hook plate. Even though a clavicle hook plate made of titanium alloy (a material with a lower Young's modulus) reduces the force applied to the acromion by the clavicle hook plate, slightly higher stress on the clavicle may occur. The results obtained in this study provide a better reference for orthopedic surgeons in choosing different clavicle hook plates for surgery.
Effect of Manuka honey gel on the transforming growth factor β1 and β3 concentrations, bacterial counts and histomorphology of contaminated full‐thickness skin wounds in equine distal limbs
Authors: Bischofberger AS , Dart CM , Horadagoda N , Perkins NR , Jeffcott LB , Little CB , Dart AJ
Published: January 2016

Objective

To investigate the effect of 66% Manuka honey gel on the concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 andTGF‐β3, bacterial counts and histomorphology during healing of contaminated equine distal limb wounds.

Methods

In this experimental study of 10 Standardbred horses, five full‐thickness skin wounds (2 × 1.5 cm) were created on one metacarpus and six similar wounds were created on the contralateral metacarpus. Wounds were assigned to three groups: non‐contaminated control wounds; contaminated control wounds; contaminated wounds treated daily with 1 mLManuka honey gel topically for 10 days. For the contaminated wounds, faeces were applied for 24 h after wound creation. In five horses wounds were bandaged and in the other five horses wounds were left without a bandage. Biopsies were taken on days 1, 2, 7 and 10 after wounding to evaluate the effects of Manuka honey gel, wound contamination and bandaging onTGF‐β1 andTGF‐β3 concentrations, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts, and histomorphology.

Results

Manuka honey gel had no significant effect onTGF‐β1 andTGF‐β3 concentrations or wound bacterial counts. Manuka honey gel decreased wound inflammation (days 7, 10), increased angiogenesis (days 2, 7, 10), increased fibrosis and collagen organisation (day 7) and increased epithelial hyperplasia (days 7, 10).

Conclusions

Treatment with Manuka honey gel resulted in a more organised granulation tissue bed early in wound repair, which may contribute to enhanced healing of equine distal limb wounds.
B cells establish, but do not maintain, long‐lived murine anti‐peanut IgEa
Authors: Moutsoglou D. M. , Dreskin S. C.
Published: January 2016

Background

Peanut allergy (PNA) has been reported to be transferred to tolerant recipients through organ and bone marrow (BM) transplantation. The roles T and B cells play in establishing, and the roles B cell subsets play in maintaining lifelong anti‐peanut IgE levels are unknown.

Objectives

To determine the cellular requirements for the transfer of murine PNA and to determine the role CD20+ cells play in maintaining long‐lived anti‐peanut IgE levels.

Methods

We developed a novel adoptive transfer model to investigate the cellular requirements for transferring murine PNA. We also treated peanut‐allergic (PA) mice with anti‐CD20 antibody and measured IgE levels throughout treatment.

Results

Purified B220+ cells from PA splenocytes and purified CD4+ cells from naïve (NA) splenocytes are the minimal requirements for the adoptive transfer of PNA. Prolonged treatment of allergic mice with anti‐CD20 antibody results in significant depletion of B cell subsets but does not affect anti‐peanut IgE levels, symptoms, or numbers of IgE antibody secreting cells (ASCs) in the BM. Adoptive transfer of BM and spleen cells from allergic donors treated with anti‐CD20 antibody does not result in the transfer of PNA in NA recipients, demonstrating that anti‐CD20 antibody treatment depletes B cells capable of differentiating into peanut‐specific IgE ASCs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Peanut allergy can be established in a NA hosts with B220+ cells from PA donors and CD4+ cells from peanut‐NA donors. However, long‐term depletion of B220+ cells with anti‐CD20 antibody does not affect anti‐peanut IgE levels. These results highlight a novel role for B cells in the development of PNA and provide evidence that long‐lived anti‐peanut IgE levels may be maintained by long‐lived ASCs.
Implant‐retained prostheses: ball vs. conus attachments – A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Cepa Sandy , Koller Beatrice , Spies Benedikt Christopher , Stampf Susanne , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim
Published: January 2016

Objective

To evaluate implant survival, peri‐implant tissue conditions, prosthodontic maintenance requirements and patient satisfaction of two differently retained implant‐supported mandibular overdentures (IOD) after the 3 years of observation.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐five patients with edentulous mandibles received two implants each. Twelve patients were randomly selected to receive ball attachments, whereas 13 patients received prefabricated coni. Implant survival, peri‐implant parameters (modified Plaque Index, Bleeding on Probing, modified Gingival Index, probing depth and marginal bone loss) and patient satisfaction were assessed. Additionally, prosthodontic maintenance was monitored. Clinical and radiographic follow‐ups were performed 1, 2 and 3 years after prosthetic delivery. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate complication rates.

Results

After a mean observation period of 29.6 months, an implant survival rate of 100% could be observed. There were no significant differences in the peri‐implant parameters. During the observation period, six patients with conus attachment refused to further participate in follow‐ups due to dissatisfaction with their treatment and had to be regarded as dropouts. Based on the Kaplan–Meier method, inacceptable retention was calculated for 80% and 75% of the patients in the ball and the conus groups, respectively. Patient satisfaction was 64% for the ball‐ and 100% for the conus‐retained IODs, the latter only respecting five of initially 13 patients.

Conclusion

The evaluated treatment method revealed high implant survival rates, but the prosthetic reconstruction required intensive maintenance. Therefore, a trend toward the reduced patient satisfaction was observed, and the promoted economy of the evaluated attachment systems should be questioned. For the conical attachment, the recommendation of the manufacturer is to use four interforaminal implants to support a removable prostheses.
Validation in colorectal procedures of a useful novel approach for the use of C‐reactive protein in postoperative infectious complications
Authors: Medina‐Fernández F. J. , Garcilazo‐Arismendi D. J. , García‐Martín R. , Rodríguez‐Ortiz L. , Gómez‐Barbadillo J. , Gallardo‐Valverde J. M. , Martínez‐Dueñas J. L. , Navarro‐Rodríguez E. , Torres‐Tordera E. , Díaz‐López C. A. , Briceño J.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Our aim was to validate a novel use of C‐reactive protein (CRP) measurement to identify postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, and to compare the predictive value in this setting against white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Method

This was a retrospective study of CRP, NLR and WBC measurements in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. CRP, NLR and WBC were recorded on the second postoperative day and on the day of infectious complication (patients who developed infectious complications) or within 3 days prior to discharge (subjects with no complications). The test for detecting infectious complications consisted of comparing the value of the inflammatory marker on the day on which a complication was suspected against the value recorded on the second postoperative day. The test was considered positive if a given value was higher than the registered peak at postoperative day 2. Factors influencing the postoperative peak CRP were also studied.

Results

A total of 254 patients were retrospectively studied. Patients whose CRP value was higher than on the second postoperative day had a diagnostic accuracy for infectious complications of up to 94.4% and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of up to 97.4%, 93.4%, 85.7% and 99.1%, respectively. Poorer results were observed when WBC count and NLR were used rather than CRP measurement. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that surgical procedure and approach, as well as additional resections, were independent factors for 48 h peak CRP.

Conclusion

C‐reactive protein is a better parameter than WBC count and NLR for detecting infectious complications. Our proposed methodology presents good diagnostic accuracy and performance and could potentially be used for any surgical procedure.
Two‐week test–retest reliability of the Polar®RS800CX™ to record heart rate variability
Authors: Williams DeWayne P. , Jarczok Marc N. , Ellis Robert J. , Hillecke Thomas K. , Thayer Julian F. , Koenig Julian
Published: January 2016

Recently, research has validated the use of Polar® heart rate monitors as a tool to index heart rate variability (HRV). In the current investigation, we sought to evaluate the test–retest reliability of both time and frequency domain measures of HRV using the Polar® RS800CX™. Continuous HRV data were collected as 60 nominally healthy adults underwent a resting and orthostatic stress test. We evaluated reproducibility by means of the interclass correlation coefficient for absolute agreement and consistency, and the standard error of measurement. We found moderate reliable 2‐week test–retest reliability of HRV using the Polar® RS800CX™, results that are in line with previous studies that have validated the stability of HRV using other methods of measurement (e.g. electrocardiogram). Additionally, when examining different methods of spectral density estimation, we found that using the auto‐regressive transformation method provides the most stable indices of HRV. Taken together, our results suggest that the Polar® RS800CX™ is not only a valid method to record HRV, but also a reliable one, particularly when using the auto‐regressive transformation method.