bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of interferon alpha protein reveals differential levels and cellular sources in disease
Authors: Rodero Mathieu P. , Decalf Jérémie , Bondet Vincent , Hunt David , Rice Gillian I. , Werneke Scott , McGlasson Sarah L. , Alyanakian Marie-Alexandra , Bader-Meunier Brigitte , Barnerias Christine , Bellon Nathalia , Belot Alexandre , Bodemer Christine , Briggs Tracy A. , Desguerre Isabelle , Frémond Marie-Louise , Hully Marie , van den Maagdenberg Arn M.J.M. , Melki Isabelle , Meyts Isabelle , Musset Lucile , Pelzer Nadine , Quartier Pierre , Terwindt Gisela M. , Wardlaw Joanna , Wiseman Stewart , Rieux-Laucat Frédéric , Rose Yoann , Neven Bénédicte , Hertel Christina , Hayday Adrian , Albert Matthew L. , Rozenberg Flore , Crow Yanick J. , Duffy Darragh
Published: April 2017

Type I interferons (IFNs) are essential mediators of antiviral responses. These cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity, most notably systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), diabetes mellitus, and dermatomyositis, as well as monogenic type I interferonopathies. Despite a fundamental role in health and disease, the direct quantification of type I IFNs has been challenging. Using single-molecule array (Simoa) digital ELISA technology, we recorded attomolar concentrations of IFNα in healthy donors, viral infection, and complex and monogenic interferonopathies. IFNα protein correlated well with functional activity and IFN-stimulated gene expression. High circulating IFNα levels were associated with increased clinical severity in SLE patients, and a study of the cellular source of IFNα protein indicated disease-specific mechanisms. Measurement of IFNα attomolar concentrations by digital ELISA will enhance our understanding of IFN biology and potentially improve the diagnosis and stratification of pathologies associated with IFN dysregulation.
Genomic data for 78 chickens from 14 populations
Authors: Li Diyan , Che Tiandong , Chen Binlong , Tian Shilin , Zhou Xuming , Zhang Guolong , Li Miao , Gaur Uma , Li Yan , Luo Majing , Zhang Long , Xu Zhongxian , Zhao Xiaoling , Yin Huadong , Wang Yan , Jin Long , Tang Qianzi , Xu Huailiang , Yang Mingyao , Zhou Rongjia , Li Ruiqiang , Zhu Qing , Li Mingzhou
Published: April 2017

Background: Since the domestication of the red jungle fowls (Gallus gallus; dating back to ~10 000 B.P.) in Asia, domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) have been subjected to the combined effects of natural selection and human-driven artificial selection; this has resulted in marked phenotypic diversity in a number of traits, including behavior, body composition, egg production, and skin color. Population genomic variations through diversifying selection have not been fully investigated. Findings: The whole genomes of 78 domestic chickens were sequenced to an average of 18-fold coverage for each bird. By combining this data with publicly available genomes of five wild red jungle fowls and eight Xishuangbanna game fowls, we conducted a comprehensive comparative genomics analysis of 91 chickens from 17 populations. After aligning ~21.30 gigabases (Gb) of high-quality data from each individual to the reference chicken genome, we identified ~6.44 million (M) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for each population. These SNPs included 1.10 M novel SNPs in 17 populations that were absent in the current chicken dbSNP (Build 145) entries. Conclusions: The current data is important for population genetics and further studies in chickens and will serve as a valuable resource for investigating diversifying selection and candidate genes for selective breeding in chickens.
Exploring the molecular pathogenesis and biomarkers of high risk oral premalignant lesions on the basis of long noncoding RNA expression profiling by serial analysis of gene expression
Authors: Jia Hongcheng , Wang Xuan , Sun Zheng
Published: April 2017

Oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) have malignant transformation potential, with no reliable markers available. This study aimed to assess molecular events to identify biomarkers that can reflect high-risk lesions as predictive factors to tailor clinical decision for patients on the basis of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) expression profiling by serial analysis of gene expression. The GSE31021 and GSE8127 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs were identified using the LIMMA package in R language. The genes targeted by lncRNAs were predicted among screened DEGs using Pearson’s correlation. Gene ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were carried out for genes targeted by lncRNAs using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery online tool. A total of 674 DEGs and differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened. Thirty-two interactions of 10 lncRNAs and 524 target genes were predicted. The lncRNA NEAT1 was among the top 10 lncRNAs. The coregulated target genes RP4-684O24, RP11-283I3, and RP11-350G8 were significantly enriched in the immune response and mannosyl-oligosaccharide mannosidase activity. The target genes coregulated by LINC00665 and MIR378D2 were significantly enriched in the ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process, ubiquitin-protein ligase activity, and neurotrophin signaling. The lncRNA NEAT1 may play an important role in high-risk lesions. The novel lncRNAs and DEGs identified in OPLs may mediate the immune response and neurotrophin signaling and show ubiquitin ligase activity. These results improve our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of OPLs and identify some potential targets for early diagnosis of high risk OPLs.
Outcomes of internal hemipelvectomy for pelvic tumors: a developing country’s prospective
Authors: Umer Masood , Ali Moiz , Rashid Rizwan H. , Mohib Yasir , Rashid Haroon U.
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

Previously, external hemipelvectomy was the mainstay of treatment for pelvic tumors. However, with technological advancements, limb salvage procedures such as internal hemipelvectomy have emerged as a viable alternative. However, there is limited literature available on long-term outcomes and complications of internal hemipelvectomy, especially from developing countries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to share our experience of internal hemipelvectomy at a tertiary care center in a developing country.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective review was conducted in which all 24 patients undergoing internal hemipelvectomy from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2015 at our institution were included. Medical record files were reviewed for intraoperative and early and late postoperative complications, and functional outcomes were assessed by contacting each patient on telephone.

Results:

Ewing sarcoma was found to be the most common diagnosis, followed by osteosarcoma as the second most common. The mean follow-up period was 18.7±13.9 months. Intraoperatively there were 4 cases of iatrogenic neurovascular injury and 2 cases each of urinary tract injury and dural tear. Four patients developed early wound infections, 7 developed late wound infections, and 2 developed flap necrosis. Three patients developed recurrence, whereas 7 patients developed metastasis postoperatively. The mean survival was calculated to be 28 months and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 19.3±5.2.

Conclusions:

Outcomes and prevalence of complications shown in this study are comparable to those in the international literature, which suggests that hemipelvectomy is a viable option in developing countries also. However, more such studies are warranted to validate the findings and to identify the challenges and morbidities associated with hemipelvectomy in Asian and developing countries.
Diagnosis of Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐obstruction and Megacystis by Sequencing the ACTG2 Gene
Authors: Milunsky Aubrey , Baldwin Clinton , Zhang Xiaoying , Primack Daniel , Curnow Adrian , Milunsky Jeff
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

The diagnosis of chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction has depended on clinical features, manometry, and imaging. This report aimed to determine the efficacy of sequencing the actin γ‐2 (ACTG2) gene for diagnosis. In addition, the goal was to determine how often a mutation would be found in our randomly collected cohort of probands and those probands published previously.

Methods:

Whole exome sequencing was performed in 4 probands with chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction. Subsequently, only the ACTG2 gene was sequenced in another 24 probands (total 28). We analyzed published data of 83 probands and our 28 (total 111) and determined how many had pathogenic variants and the precise genotype.

Results:

Whole exome and Sanger sequencing revealed a pathogenic variant in the ACTG2 gene in 4 out of 28 of our probands and in 45 out of 83 published probands (49/111 [44.1%]). Moreover, a mutational hotspot in the ACTG2 gene was recognized. Genetic heterogeneity is evident.

Conclusions:

Pooled gene sequencing results from 1 individual in each of 111 families enabled a precise diagnosis of an ACTG2 mutation in 49 (44%). The benefit to patients and families of early confirmation of a motility disorder not only helps avoid unnecessary intervention, but also enables institution of appropriate treatments and avoidance of secondary disorders such as malnutrition and poor growth. Knowledge of a pathogenic variant in a parent, with a 50% risk of recurrence, provides an opportunity for genetic counseling.
Understanding the Gut Microbiota in Inflammatory and Functional Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Sundin Johanna , Öhman Lena , Simrén Magnus
Published: April 2017

Objective

During the last decade, experimental and observational studies have shown that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have an altered intestinal microbial composition compared with healthy individuals. However, no uniform microbial signature has as yet been detected for either IBD or IBS. This review summarizes the current knowledge of microbial dysbiosis and its potential relationship to the pathophysiology in IBD and IBS.

Methods

A selective review was conducted to summarize the current knowledge of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of IBD and IBS.

Results

Experimental and observational studies provide good evidence for intestinal microbial dysbiosis in subgroups of IBD and IBS. Still, no uniform disease pattern has been detected. This is most likely due to the heterogeneous nature of IBD and IBS, in combination with the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Such intrinsic factors include genetics, the gastrointestinal environment, and the host immune system, whereas extrinsic factors include early life diet, breastfeeding, and method of infant delivery.

Conclusions

Recent and ongoing work to define microbial dysbiosis in IBD and IBS shows promise, but future well-designed studies with well-characterized study individuals are needed. It is likely that the microbial dysbiosis in IBD and IBS is dependent on the natural disease course of IBD and symptom pattern in IBS. Therefore, assessment of the entire microbiota along the gastrointestinal tract, in relationship to confounding factors, symptom fluctuations, and other pathophysiological factors, is needed for further understanding of the etiology of these common diseases.
A zebrafish model forMycobacterium lepraegranulomatous infection
Authors: Madigan Cressida A. , Cameron James , Ramakrishnan Lalita
Published: April 2017

Understanding the pathogenesis of leprosy granulomas has been hindered by a paucity of tractable experimental animal models.Mycobacterium leprae, which causes leprosy, grows optimally at ~30°C, so we sought to model granulomatous disease in the ectothermic zebrafish. We find noncaseating granulomas develop rapidly, and eventually eradicate infection.rag1mutant zebrafish, which lack lymphocytes, also form noncaseating granulomas with similar kinetics, but these control infection more slowly. Our findings establish the zebrafish as a facile, genetically tractable model for leprosy, and reveal the interplay between innate and adaptive immune determinants mediating leprosy granuloma formation and function.
The LDB1 complex co-opts CTCF for erythroid lineage specific long-range enhancer interactions
Authors: Lee Jongjoo , Krivega Ivan , Dale Ryan K. , Dean Ann
Published: April 2017

Lineage-specific transcription factors are critical for long-range enhancer interactions but direct or indirect contributions of architectural proteins such as CTCF to enhancer function remain less clear. The LDB1 complex mediates enhancer-gene interactions at the β-globin locus through LDB1 self-interaction. We find that a novel LDB1-bound enhancer upstream ofcarbonic anhydrase 2(Car2) activates its expression by interacting directly with CTCF at the gene promoter. Both LDB1 and CTCF are required for enhancer-Car2looping and the domain of LDB1 contacted by CTCF is necessary to rescueCar2transcription in LDB1 deficient cells. Genome wide studies and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing indicate that LDB1-CTCF enhancer looping underlies activation of a substantial fraction of erythroid genes. Our results provide a mechanism by which long-range interactions of architectural protein CTCF can be tailored to achieve a tissue-restricted pattern of chromatin loops and gene expression.
Individual differences in fear extinction and anxiety-like behavior
Authors: King Gabrielle , Scott Elliot , Graham Bronwyn M. , Richardson Rick
Published: April 2017

There is growing appreciation for the substantial individual differences in the acquisition and inhibition of aversive associations, and the insights this might give into identifying individuals particularly vulnerable to stress and psychopathology. We examined whether animals that differed in rate of extinction (i.e., Fast versus Slow) were different in their response to an acute stress in adulthood or following a chronic stress that occurred either early or later in life. We found that Slow Extinguishers had significantly poorer extinction retention than Fast Extinguishers, but an acute stressor did not differentially affect anxiety-like behavior in the two groups. Further, while exposure to chronic stress in adulthood did not impact on the extinction phenotypes or anxiety-like behavior, exposure to chronic stress early in life affected both extinction retention and anxiety-like behavior. These findings have implications for the development of a more nuanced approach to identifying those most at risk of anxiety disorders.
Good employees through good jobs
Authors: De Spiegelaere Stan , Ramioul Monique , Van Gyes Guy
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify different job types in the Belgian electricity sector and their relations with employee outcomes such as work engagement and innovative work behaviour (IWB).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a combination of latent profile analysis and relative operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Findings

Depending on the job resources and demands, five different job types are identified corresponding largely to the Karasek and Theorell (1990) job types. Their relation with the outcomes is not parallel with low-strain jobs performing best for work engagement, and active jobs for IWB.

Research limitations/implications

The combination of methods used in this study increases significantly the ease of communication of the findings, yet an external benchmark for the ROC analysis would be preferable.

Practical implications

To foster engagement and IWB with employees one should focus on the job content and only increase demands if they are combined with sufficient resources.

Originality/value

This research is the first in its kind that relates latent job types with different employee outcomes using a combination of latent profile and ROC analysis.
Happiness at work and organisational citizenship behaviour
Authors: Salas-Vallina Andres , Alegre Joaquín , Fernandez Rafael
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between happiness at work (HAW), organisational learning capability (OLC) and organisational citizenship behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Through structural equation models, a sample of 167 allergists of public health services was analysed.

Findings

Results suggest that the relationship between HAW and organisational citizenship behaviour is fully mediated by OLC. Hence, OLC has a critical role to describe how HAW improves organisational citizenship behaviour. Basically, HAW promotes motivation for learning, and a better quality of the interactions between employees, which results in pro-social behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is focussed in a knowledge-intensive context. Future research might consider other service sectors, such as a private business sector. In addition it would be interesting to examine a longitudinal perspective of the model.

Practical implications

The results confirm the direct and positive effect of HAW on organisational citizenship behaviour. Nevertheless, showing positive attitudes as HAW does not assure to achieve perceived service quality. It is needed to take into account certain conditions that promote learning.

Originality/value

Current attitudinal theories do not contemplate environments that promote learning to explain pro-social attitudes. The research offers a theoretical model and provides evidence that the attitudes-behaviours relationship needs to be explained bearing in mind OLC.
Moral hazard and risk-taking incentives in Islamic banks, does franchise value matter!
Authors: Mili Mehdi , Abid Sami
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine risk-taking in Islamic banks by exploring moral hazard and owner/manager agency problems simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose to estimate a model of bank risk-taking that includes both franchise value and ownership structure as explanatory factors of bank risk.

Findings

The results show that franchise value is an important determinant of Islamic bank risk-taking. Banks with high franchise values are less likely to take risks than banks with low franchise value. In contrast, outside block holders have, at best, limited influences on bank risk-taking.

Originality/value

This paper conducts the first empirical examination of the relationship between managerial risk preferences and Islamic banks ownership. The authors examine simultaneously the effect of franchise value and owner/manager problem on Islamic bank risk taking behavior. They consider separately the impact on total risk, systematic risk and bank specific risk.
The social and business dimensions of a networked business incubator: the case of H-Farm
Authors: Apa Roberta , Grandinetti Roberto , Sedita Silvia Rita
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the relational dimension of a networked business incubator (NBI), by investigating the intermediary role of incubator management in fostering social and business ties linking tenants among each other, with the incubator management and external actors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a literature review on the NBIs and advances a comprehensive analytical framework of the networked incubation model. This framework is empirically illustrated through a case study research on a leading Italian private NBI, namely, H-Farm. The collection of primary data was conducted by means of face-to-face in-depth interviews and a survey. Data were processed through social network analysis (SNA) tools.

Findings

The results highlight the co-presence and interaction of social and business ties, which build up a vital environment nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Community-based relationships and the intermediation of incubator management are crucial for supporting tenants in product and business development activities.

Research limitations/implications

These results pave the way to further research, oriented to the conceptualization of a NBI as a (small) cluster. Moreover, the application of the SNA tools adopted invites further research on networked incubators, applying the same methodology in new directions.

Originality/value

This paper adds to previous literature on NBIs by providing evidence of the intermediary role of incubator management in promoting and facilitating social and business relationships occurring among tenants, between tenants and the incubator management, as well as with external advisors, clients and suppliers.
Environmental management training for micro and small enterprises: the missing link?
Authors: Cassells Sue , Lewis Kate V.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Micro and small enterprises face growing expectations from stakeholders to behave responsibly in respect of environmental management. However, many continue to exhibit patterns of relative disengagement with both environmental management and associated training. The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and experiences that underpin both.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on survey data from 148 owner-managers of micro and small firms in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector. Binary logit regression and non-parametric testing were employed to examine influences on engagement with both environmental management and environmental training.

Findings

There is a lack of knowledge of, and participation in, training related to environmental management. Awareness tends to be from firms already engaged in training; signalling a potential circularity of exposure effect. A distinct division in attitude exists between those who identify with personal responsibility and autonomy as the pathway to responsibility in respect of their firm’s environmental impact and those who cede to the collective actions of other communities to dictate engagement (i.e. industry associations and government).

Research limitations/implications

The survey is based on the perceptions of the respondents to the survey statements and as such it is a self-assessment.

Originality/value

The paper is one of few that investigate the challenge of securing engagement with training and development in environmental management by micro and small enterprises in the New Zealand context.
Foundational competencies for enhancing work engagement in SMEs Malaysia
Authors: Haruna Aliyu Yelwa , Marthandan Govindan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of foundational competencies on work engagement in the context of the Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Malaysia, and data were gathered via a survey on 312 employees representing SMEs service sectors. Partial least squares techniques were used in testing the hypothesized linkages.

Findings

The findings indicated that foundational competencies have a significant positive effect on work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the research approach, generalizing the findings of this study must be done with caution. Longitudinal data are recommended, as these could provide additional support to the results. Further studies can as well extend the framework by testing whether job resources play a positive role in enhancing the relationship between foundational competencies and work engagement in Malaysia.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that foundational competencies positively relate to work engagement. Therefore, training and coaching sessions could be organized by managers/policy makers to enhance these competencies, which will strengthen work engagement and career development of the employee; it may specifically be very helpful for fresh graduates whose careers would have just started.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to examine the effect of American Society of Training and Development foundational competencies on work engagement in SMEs in Malaysia.
Improving transfer of training with transfer design
Authors: Chauhan Ragini , Ghosh Piyali , Rai Alka , Kapoor Sanchita
Published: April 2017

Purpose

In response to a perceived need for research investigating the relatively less-explored role of supervisor support as a moderator in the transfer mechanism, this paper aims to empirically examine the influence of transfer design on transfer of training and also the moderating role of supervisor support between these constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire administered on employees of a manufacturing unit engaged in power transmission and located at the city of Allahabad in India. The sample size of the study is 149. The role of supervisor support as a moderator was tested using hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

Findings of the study direct organizations to consider both transfer design and supervisor support to get the maximum output from training. The moderating role of supervisor support is confirmed in the study.

Practical implications

If a trainer is not able to provide much practice to the trainee during training programme, then a supportive supervisor can counter such poor transfer design. A well-designed training programme should be coupled with supervisor support to ensure effective transfer of training. Influence of transfer design on transfer of training is likely to be more if the supervisor is supportive.

Originality/value

The authors have hypothesized and established the direct influence of transfer design on training transfer. Further, supervisor support has been found to moderate the relationship between transfer design and transfer of training.
Research on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of smaller microbumps for high density solder interconnects
Authors: He Man , Wang Bo , Xia Weisheng , Chen Shijie , Zhu Jinzhuan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of smaller microbumps for high density solder interconnects.

Design/methodology/approach

The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction tests to determine the Sn grain number of the resultant microbumps. The nanomechanical properties of Sn microbumps were investigated by the nanoindentation and shearing tests to understand the failure mechanism and assess the reliability of ultra-high density solder interconnects with numbered grains.

Findings

Only one Sn grain is observed in the interconnect matrix when the microbumps are miniaturized to 40 μm or less. Because of the body-centred tetragonal lattice of ß-Sn unit cell, the mechanical properties of the one-grain Sn microbumps are remarkably anisotropic, which are proved by the difference of the elastic modulus and the stiffness in the different orientations. The shearing tests show that the one-grain Sn microbump has a typical brittle sliding fracture of monocrystal at different shearing speeds.

Practical implications

The paper provides a comparable study for the performance of the bigger solder joints and also makes preliminary research on the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Sn microbumps with the diameter of 40 μm.

Originality/value

The findings in this paper provide methods of microstructure study by combination of EBSD test and metallographic analysis, mechanical study by combination of nanoindentation test and shearing test, which can provide good guidelines for other smaller microbumps. The strain rate sensitivity exponent of the one-grain Sn microbumps is consistent with the Pb-free bulk solder. This implies that the one-grain Sn microbump has a comparable flow stress to Sn37Pb solder, which is beneficial for Pb-free replacement in higher density microelectronic packaging.
Begging blue tit nestlings discriminate between the odour of familiar and unfamiliar conspecifics
Authors: Rossi Marta , Marfull Reinaldo , Golüke Sarah , Komdeur Jan , Korsten Peter , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: April 2017

Offspring often solicit, and compete for, limited parental care by elaborate begging behaviour. Kin selection theory predicts that competing offspring should modify the intensity of their begging depending on the degree of relatedness to their nest‐ or litter‐mates.

Empirical evidence in birds, which are a key model in the study of parent‐offspring interactions, indeed indicates that a lower level of relatedness between offspring in the nest correlates with more intense begging (i.e. more ‘selfish’ behaviour). This implies that competing nestlings can recognize kin, but the mechanism underlying such discrimination is unclear. Birds have long been thought to mainly rely on visual and auditory cues in their social communication, but there is now growing evidence for the importance of olfactory cues too.

To assess the potential importance of olfactory cues in modulating nestling begging behaviour, we experimentally tested in a free‐living bird, the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus, if nestlings discriminate and adjust their begging behaviour depending on their familiarity with a conspecific nestling odour stimulus.

We found that individuals responded with longer and more intense begging bouts to an unfamiliar compared with a familiar odour stimulus.

Our findings provide first evidence for a role of olfaction in modulating offspring begging behaviour in a wild bird population. Although our experiment cannot differentiate between the effects of familiarity and relatedness, it raises the interesting possibility that blue tit nestlings may also discriminate between odours of close kin and less related individuals, and adjust their begging behaviour accordingly. This hypothesis requires further testing.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Neighbourhood defence gene similarity effects on tree performance: a community transcriptomic approach
Authors: Zambrano Jenny , Iida Yoshiko , Howe Robert , Lin Luxiang , Umana Maria Natalia , Wolf Amy , Worthy Samantha J. , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: April 2017

The structure and dynamics of ecological communities are ultimately the outcome of the differential demographic rates of individuals. Individual growth and mortality rates largely result from the interaction between an organism's phenotype and the abiotic and biotic environment. Functional traits have been used extensively over the past decade to elucidate links among phenotypes, demography and community dynamics.

A fundamental weakness of most functional trait approaches is the use of ‘soft’ traits associated with resource acquisition to examine how neighbourhood similarity affects tree survival and growth. However, these ‘soft’ traits are unlikely to be good predictors of similarities among co‐occurring species. Less easily measured aspects of organismal function – such as those related to defence – have frequently gone unmeasured. This is particularly problematic for testing important hypotheses in forest ecology, such as the Janzen–Connell hypothesis where focal trees are expected to be at a disadvantage if their neighbours share the same natural enemies.

A potential alternative to functional trait approaches is to quantify the transcriptomic or functional genomic similarity of species. Such analyses are now possible in natural systems where de novo transciptome assemblies can be used to conduct functional phylogenomic analyses where homologous gene trees are produced. Using demographic plot data for 21 species from a North American forest dynamic plot, we conduct a community functional phylogenomic analysis of a plant community to elucidate the similarity in defence response genes across species. This similarity was then used to ask whether the similarity in defence genes of heterospecific species in the local neighbourhood of a focal individual tree influences its growth and mortality rates.

The results show that individual growth rates are higher when surrounded by dissimilar heterospecific species for 16 of 27 defence genes analysed. Additionally, survival rates are increased when an individual is in a neighbourhood with dissimilar species for 4 of the 27 defence genes studied. Lastly, strong conspecific effects were found in all analyses, underscoring that future analyses investigating the genetic variation and differential expression of defence‐related genes in neighbourhoods may prove important.

Synthesis. In summary, this research leverages recent advances in RNA sequencing and bioinformatics to conduct community‐wide transcriptomic analyses and analyses of defence‐related gene similarity across a tree community. The results demonstrate that defence gene similarity in neighbourhoods often does have negative effects on individual demographic performance as predicted by the Janzen–Connell hypothesis.
Self‐Reported vs. Market Estimated House Values: Are Homeowners Misinformed or Are They Purposely Misreporting?
Authors: Choi Jung Hyun , Painter Gary
Published: April 2017

Extant research finds significant gaps between a homeowner's self‐reported house value and market estimates, and that the gap is largest for underwater homeowners. Prior studies, however, have largely overlooked the possibility that homeowners’ self‐reported house value may be more accurate due to private information. Previous research has also neglected the possibility that there could be discordance between what homeowners know and what they report as their house value. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this study examines how the choices of households reveal their knowledge of the true home value. In so doing, we find that that post move housing choices reveal that market estimates are accurate assessments of the housing value. Further, we find evidence that these underwater homeowners are aware of the actual house value, but are reporting them incorrectly. The results show that misreporting underwater homeowners are as likely to be late on their mortgage payments as homeowners that are reporting negative equity. Underwater homeowners’ reluctance to admit their losses accords with the theory of loss aversion.
Brazilian Agriculture: Balancing Growth with the Need for Equality and Sustainability
Authors: Brooks Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Brazil's agricultural sector has grown rapidly over the past 20 years, but two reservations have been frequently expressed with respect to the country's development model. The first is that the benefits of agricultural growth have accrued principally to a narrow group of large‐scale commercial farmers, while smaller‐scale traditional farmers, and the rural economy more generally, have languished. A second concern relates to the environmental footprint of agricultural development, and in particular agriculture's contribution to the loss of rainforest. This article suggests that future growth can be reconciled with rapid poverty reduction and improved environmental sustainability. In order to sustain agricultural growth, policies need to support further innovation and tackle constraints that stem from the wider context in which the sector operates. Achieving that growth more equitably will require support for development pathways within and outside agriculture, with policies that take a more realistic view of which farmers have the potential to be economically viable. Improved environmental progress will mean putting ambitious legislation into practice. Government policies have identified the correct priorities, which need to be better reflected in the allocation of public funding.
Does obesity complicate regional anesthesia and result in longer decision to delivery time for emergency cesarean section?
Authors: Väänänen A. J. , Kainu J. P. , Eriksson H. , Lång M. , Tekay A. , Sarvela J.
Published: April 2017

Background

Maternal obesity can cause problems with anesthesia and surgery which may be reflected in emergency cesarean sections (CS) as an increased decision‐to‐delivery interval (DDI).

Aim

To study the association of elevated maternal BMI with DDI and the failure of regional anesthesia.

Methods

Eight hundred and forty‐two consecutive emergency CSs during a period of 1 year in a tertiary hospital were studied retrospectively. DDIs were analyzed in Crash and < 30‐min urgency categories (n = 528), while the time required to establish regional anesthesia and its success were analyzed for all emergency CS cases.

Results

The urgency distribution of the CSs was 11%, 52%, and 37% in Crash, < 30‐min, and > 30‐min urgency categories respectively. Increased BMI was associated with longer DDI time in the < 30‐min urgency category (33(13–176) vs. 38(18–118) min; P < 0.05 for BMI < 30 and > 35 group respectively). Regional anesthesia failures (new regional anesthesia, conversion to general anesthesia, or complaint of pain during surgery) took place in 3.7%, 6.8%, and 8.5% in the BMI < 30, 30–35, and > 35 groups respectively (P = 0.021). Epidural top‐up resulted in shorter DDI and time delay between arrival at the operating room and skin incision across all urgency and BMI groups than combined spinal epidural (CSE) anesthesia.

Conclusion

Higher BMI was associated with longer DDI and more regional anesthesia failures. Epidural top‐up was faster than CSE for establishing CS anesthesia.
Testosterone level and endothelial dysfunction in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Omar Y. A. , Younis S. E. , Ismail I. Y. , El‐Sakka A. I.
Published: April 2017

The association between endothelial dysfunction and late onset hypogonadism (LOH) in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is not yet well settled. Our objective was to assess the association between LOH and endothelial dysfunction in patients with vasculogenic ED. Throughout 2014–2015 a total of 90 men were enrolled in this cross‐sectional observational study. Of them 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ED were further subdivided into two equal groups: patients with vasculogenic ED and LOH (A); patients with vasculogenic ED and euogonadal (B). Thirty age‐matched men with no ED or hypogonadism were enrolled as control group (C). All patients were subjected to detailed medical and sexual history, total testosterone (TT), calculated free (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT), flow cytometric evaluation for endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) (CD45negative/CD34positive/CD144positive) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) (CD45negative/CD144positive/annexin V positive). The mean age ± SD of the three groups A, B and C were 51.3 ± 11.1, 53.6 ± 10.6 and 48.3 ± 5 years, respectively, with insignificant age differences (p = 0.089). The diagnostic criteria of LOH were adapted according to European male aging study, 2010. The means of TT(ng/mL) were 2.32 ± 0.21, 6.43 ± 0.36 and 5.37 ± 0.30 in groups A, B and C, respectively. There were highly significant differences between group A and groups B and C (p < 0.001 for each). The means of EPCs were 0.43 ± 0.070, 0.22 ± 0.05 and 0.032 ± 0.013 in groups A, B and C, respectively. The means of EMPs were 0.15 ± 0.029, 0.056 ±  .013 and 0.014 ± 0.002 in groups A, B and C, respectively. There were significant differences between group C and groups A and B (p < 0.05 for each). This study clearly demonstrated that there is a significant association between LOH and the higher expression of EPCs and EMPs in patients with vasculogenic ED.
Editorial: importance of definition of inflammatory bowel disease and an increased incidence in children
Authors: Everhov Å. H. , Olén O. , Ludvigsson J. F.
Published: April 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Lophaven et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13971.
Editorial: hepatitis B reactivation in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with direct‐acting antivirals – incidence, severity of hepatitis and lessons to learn
Authors: Chen C.‐H.
Published: April 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Londoño et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13985.
Individualising the dose of allopurinol in patients with gout
Authors: Kannangara Diluk R. W. , Graham Garry G. , Wright Daniel F. B. , Stocker Sophie L. , Portek Ian , Pile Kevin D. , Barclay Murray L. , Williams Kenneth M. , Stamp Lisa K. , Day Richard O.
Published: April 2017

Aims

The aims of the study were to: 1) determine if a plasma oxypurinol concentration–response relationship or an allopurinol dose–response relationship best predicts the dose requirements of allopurinol in the treatment of gout; and 2) to construct a nomogram for calculating the optimum maintenance dose of allopurinol to achieve target serum urate (SU) concentrations.

Methods

A nonlinear regression analysis was used to examine the plasma oxypurinol concentration– and allopurinol dose–response relationships with serum urate. In 81 patients (205 samples), creatinine clearance (CLCR), concomitant diuretic use and SU concentrations before (UP) and during (UT) treatment were monitored across a range of allopurinol doses (D, 50–700 mg daily). Plasma concentrations of oxypurinol (C) were measured in 47 patients (98 samples). Models (n = 47 patients) and predictions from each relationship were compared using F‐tests, r2 values and paired t‐tests. The best model was used to construct a nomogram.

Results

The final plasma oxypurinol concentration–response relationship (UT = UP – C*(UP – UR)/(ID50 + C), r2 = 0.64) and allopurinol dose–response relationship (UT = UP – D*(UP – UR)/(ID50 + D), r2 = 0.60) did not include CLCR or diuretic use as covariates. There was no difference (P = 0.87) between the predicted SU concentrations derived from the oxypurinol concentration– and allopurinol dose–response relationships. The nomogram constructed using the allopurinol dose–response relationship for all recruited patients (n = 81 patients) required pretreatment SU as the predictor of allopurinol maintenance dose.

Conclusions

Plasma oxypurinol concentrations, CLCR and diuretic status are not required to predict the maintenance dose of allopurinol. Using the nomogram, the maintenance dose of allopurinol estimated to reach target concentrations can be predicted from UP.
Discovering What Matters: Interrogating Clinician Responses to Ethics Consultation
Authors: Finder Stuart G. , Bartlett Virginia L.
Published: April 2017

Against the background assumptions that (a) knowing what clinical ethics consultation represents to those with whom ethics consultants work most closely is a necessary component for being responsible in the practice of ethics consultation, and (b) the complexities of soliciting and understanding colleague evaluations require another inherent responsibility for the methods by which ethics consultations are evaluated, in this article we report our experience soliciting, analyzing, and trying to understand retrospective evaluations of our Clinical Ethics Consultation Service. These evaluations were collected through a quality assessment effort at our institution. Drawing from the qualitative elements of our survey instrument, we describe unexpected variations among the requests for ethics consultation and the retrospective reports from those colleagues making the requests. Focusing on just one aspect – the reason for request – raised several core questions about how we should evaluate those retrospective reports, what could be learned from the differences that we were now encountering, and what we could learn about the process of evaluating our practices. Working through these questions, we suggest several issues to consider in ongoing efforts to describe and evaluate clinical ethics consultation: the role of time and memory in evaluating retrospective evaluations, the importance of attending to the language of moral shift or disruption with which our colleagues describe their experiences, and how to understand the role of ethics consultation in creating ‘moral space’ (a la Margaret Urban Walker's conception) for colleagues to process their moral experiences.
Models of human adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma tissue: Steps toward an effective adjuvant treatment
Authors: Hölsken Annett , Buslei Rolf
Published: April 2017

Even though ACP is a benign tumor, treatment is challenging because of the tumor's eloquent location. Today, with the exception of surgical intervention and irradiation, further treatment options are limited. However, ongoing molecular research in this field provides insights into the pathways involved in ACP pathogenesis and reveal a plethora of druggable targets. In the next step, appropriate models are essential to identify the most suitable and effective substances for clinical practice. Primary cell cultures in low passages provide a proper and rapid tool for initial drug potency testing. The patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model accommodates ACP complexity in that it shows respect to the preserved architecture and similar histological appearance to human tumors and therefore provides the most appropriate means for analyzing pharmacological efficacy. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand in more detail the biological background of ACP pathogenesis, which provides the identification of the best targets in the hierarchy of signaling cascades. ACP models are also important for the continuous testing of new targeting drugs, to establish precision medicine.
Proteomics in pediatric cystic craniopharyngioma
Authors: Massimi Luca , Martelli Claudia , Caldarelli Massimo , Castagnola Massimo , Desiderio Claudia
Published: April 2017

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is still often burdened by a poor prognosis in children as far as the risk of recurrence and the quality of life are concerned. Therefore, many efforts are now dedicated to investigate the molecular characteristics of this tumor aiming at finding new therapeutic options. ACP is prevalently a cystic lesion so that an increasing number of researches are focused on the analysis of its cystic content. In the present article, the main results of the current proteomic analysis (PA) on the ACP fluid are summarized. Both “bottom‐up” and “top‐down” approaches have been utilized. In the bottom‐up approach, proteins and peptides are enzymatically or chemically digested prior to liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses. The bottom‐up approach pointed out several proteins of the inflammation (namely, α2‐HS‐glycoprotein, α1‐antichymotrypsin and apolipoproteins) as possibly involved in the genesis and growth of the cystic component of ACP. The top‐down strategy analyzes proteins and peptides in the intact state, making it particularly suitable for the identification of peptides and low molecular weight proteins and for the characterization of their possible isoforms and post‐translational modifications. The top‐down approach disclosed the presence of the thymosin β family. Thymosin β4, in particular, which is involved in the cytoskeleton organization and migration of several tumors, could play a role in the progression of ACP. Finally, PA was utilized to investigate alterations in cyst fluid character after treatment with interferon‐α. The analyzed samples showed a progressive reduction of the levels of α‐defensins (proteins involved in the inflammatory‐mediated response) after the intracystic injection of interferon‐α, thus reinforcing the hypothesis that inflammation contributes to ACP cyst pathogenesis. Additional studies on the solid component of ACP are still necessary to further validate the previous results and to identify possible markers for targeted therapy.