bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spring phenology at different altitudes is becoming more uniform under global warming in Europe
Authors: Chen Lei , Huang Jian‐Guo , Ma Qianqian , Hänninen Heikki , Rossi Sergio , Piao Shilong , Bergeron Yves
Published: April 2018

Under current global warming, high‐elevation regions are expected to experience faster warming than low‐elevation regions. However, due to the lack of studies based on long‐term large‐scale data, the relationship between tree spring phenology and the elevation‐dependent warming is unclear. Using 652k records of leaf unfolding of five temperate tree species monitored during 1951–2013 in situ in Europe, we discovered a nonlinear trend in the altitudinal sensitivity (SA, shifted days per 100 m in altitude) in spring phenology. A delayed leaf unfolding (2.7 ± 0.6 days per decade) was observed at high elevations possibly due to decreased spring forcing between 1951 and 1980. The delayed leaf unfolding at high‐elevation regions was companied by a simultaneous advancing of leaf unfolding at low elevations. These divergent trends contributed to a significant increase in the SA (0.36 ± 0.07 days 100/m per decade) during 1951–1980. Since 1980, the SA started to decline with a rate of −0.32 ± 0.07 days 100/m per decade, possibly due to reduced chilling at low elevations and improved efficiency of spring forcing in advancing the leaf unfolding at high elevations, the latter being caused by increased chilling. Our results suggest that due to both different temperature changes at the different altitudes, and the different tree responses to these changes, the tree phenology has shifted at different rates leading to a more uniform phenology at different altitudes during recent decades.
Supervised forecasting of the range expansion of novel non‐indigenous organisms: Alien pest organisms and the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic
Authors: Koike Fumito , Morimoto Nobuo
Published: April 2018

Aim

We propose a simple supervised method for forecasting the expansion of the geographical range of non‐indigenous species without any detailed information on the pathway mechanisms. The models currently used, such as metapopulation models, population dynamics [e.g., the susceptible‐infected‐recovered (SIR) model] with diffusion process, and models using individual‐based mechanisms, require specific parameters according to the assumed mechanisms. These parameters are difficult to obtain immediately after the first infestation is detected, although subsequent pandemics of novel pathogens and non‐indigenous pest organisms can be fatal to humans and damage agriculture and native ecosystems.

Innovation

A simple machine‐learning approach was developed. The future distribution of the target species was predicted by composing the spreading patterns of the previous range expansions of various alien species similar to the target species. A matrix representing the early–late relationship of infestation between regions was used to compare and compose various range expansion patterns. The eigenvector of the composed matrix gives the predicted order of infestation. Spreading speed was considered using the standard deviation of infestation dates, and future infestation dates were calculated by a reduced major axis with the eigenvector. In the feasibility assessment, the study area (Japan) was divided into many small regions (prefectures), and the dates of infestation in these regions were predicted. Our method successfully predicted the infestation dates of various alien species and the novel H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009.

Main conclusions

Our method is less complex and requires simpler information than other methods and is applicable to all organisms. Constructing a database of the range expansions of alien species, including novel pathogens and agricultural and environmental pests, at the global level and with high spatial resolution, such as at the county or city level, will facilitate the prediction of future range expansions of hazardous organisms.
Migraine Burden of Disease: From the Patient's Experience to a Socio‐Economic View
Authors: Agosti Reto
Published: April 2018

Migraine is one of the most common diseases worldwide and, importantly, a major cause of disability. This translates into a huge clinical and economic burden to individuals and society. Despite existing data on how migraine affects populations, the disease continues to be underdiagnosed and therefore undertreated, so the scale of the public health problem may be underestimated. The impact on the daily lives of patients and their families has also been underappreciated. Clinical and regulatory guidelines are encouraging the use of patient‐reported outcome tools (PROs), as these may help in disease management and facilitate physician–patient interactions. In clinical trials in migraine, PRO data are key to evaluating the effects of new therapies on patients, such as disability assessment, productivity, quality of life, and emotional and physical functioning. Digital technologies have enabled the development of ePRO tools, which may play a growing role in the collection of PRO data in the future.

Here, we will consider the current view of the burden imposed by migraine on patients and society, illustrate this with two patient case studies, and examine the initiatives underway to use our knowledge to improve our management approaches for the disease.
Bismuth improves efficacy of proton‐pump inhibitor clarithromycin, metronidazole triple Helicobacter pylori therapy despite a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Long Xiaohua , Chen Qi , Yu Lou , Liang Xiao , Liu Wenzhong , Lu Hong
Published: April 2018

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication has become increasingly difficult especially for penicillin allergy patients.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of adding bismuth or high‐dose metronidazole to an H. pylori eradication regimen containing a proton‐pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and metronidazole in patients allergic to penicillin.

Methods

Pilot study in which penicillin‐allergic, treatment‐naive subjects were randomized (1:1) to 14‐day esomeprazole (20 mg q12h), clarithromycin (500 mg q12h), and high dose of metronidazole (400 mg q6h) with (BECM group) or without (ECM group) bismuth (600 mg q12h). Eradication was confirmed by 13C‐urea breath test 6 weeks after therapy. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by the agar dilution method. Adverse events were recorded.

Results

Sixty‐six subjects were randomized, four were lost to follow‐up and eight violated the protocol. The eradication rates were 63.6% (95% CI: 47.2%‐80.0%) for ECM vs 84.8% (95% CI 72.6%‐97.1%) (p = .049) for BECM by intention‐to‐treat, 67.7% (95% CI 51.3%‐84.2%) vs 90.3% (95% CI 79.9%‐100%) (p = .029) by modified ITT, and 70% (95% CI 53.6%‐86.4%) vs 96% (95% CI 88.3%‐100%) (P = .033) by per‐protocol. Metronidazole, clarithromycin, and dual‐resistant rates were 74.2%, 24.2%, and 18.2%, respectively. The cure rates were significantly improved by the addition of bismuth for both clarithromycin‐resistant isolates (100% vs 25%, P = .024) and metronidazole‐resistant isolates (94.7% vs 63.6%, P = .043). Adverse events were reported by 45.5% of subjects in ECM group and 48.5% in the BECM group (P = .805).

Conclusions

This prospective trial demonstrated that while high‐dose metronidazole could not completely overcome metronidazole resistance, bismuth was additive and improved the overall cure rates by 21%‐26%.
Pediatric Helicobacter pylori gastropathy demonstrates a unique pattern of gastric foveolar hyperplasia
Authors: Saghier Sadaf , Schwarz Steven M. , Anderson Virginia , Gupta Raavi , Heidarian Amin , Rabinowitz Simon S.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) are the most common agents causing gastric mucosal injury worldwide. Foveolar hyperplasia is a key component of the stomach's reaction to injury. This study examines histopathologic characteristics associated with Helicobacter pylori and with non‐ Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastropathy in children and adolescents, and compares the prevalence of foveolar hyperplasia among these disease subgroups and normal control subjects.

Methods

Eighty‐one gastric antral and corpus biopsies from subjects 2‐19 years of age were studied. Twenty‐two subjects with Helicobacter pylori gastritis were compared to 23 with non‐Helicobacter pylori gastropathy and to 36 controls (normal biopsies). Foveolar length, full mucosal thickness, and the foveolar length: full mucosal thickness ratio were derived by a morphometric technique previously developed to analyze adult gastric tissue.

Results

Compared to controls, Helicobacter pylori gastritis demonstrated significant increases in antral foveolar length (P < .0001), full mucosal thickness (P < .0001), as well as corpus foveolar length (P < .05) and corpus full mucosal thickness (P < .05). Non‐Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastropathy also was characterized by increased antral foveolar length (P < .0001) and full mucosal thickness (P < .001) but corresponding corpus measurements did not differ from controls. Antral foveolar length in non‐Helicobacter pylori gastropathy was increased, when compared to Helicobacter pylori gastritis (P < .05), while corpus values were not. The non‐Helicobacter pylori gastropathy group demonstrated increased antral foveolar length: full mucosal thickness ratios, compared with Helicobacter pylori gastritis (P < .001) and with normal controls (P < .0001).

Discussion

An objective, quantitative approach to measuring foveolar hyperplasia in adults was successfully applied to pediatric biopsies and yielded a richer characterization of gastric pathology in children. Foveolar hyperplasia appears to be a generalized phenomenon in the presence of pediatric Helicobacter pylori gastritis but is limited to the antrum in non‐Helicobacter pylori gastropathy.
Acid‐regulated gene expression of Helicobacter pylori: Insight into acid protection and gastric colonization
Authors: Marcus Elizabeth A. , Sachs George , Scott David R.
Published: April 2018

Background

The pathogen Helicobacter pylori encounters many stressors as it transits to and infects the gastric epithelium. Gastric acidity is the predominate stressor encountered by the bacterium during initial infection and establishment of persistent infection. H. pylori initiates a rapid response to acid to maintain intracellular pH and proton motive force appropriate for a neutralophile. However, acid sensing by H. pylori may also serve as a transcriptional trigger to increase the levels of other pathogenic factors needed to subvert host defenses such as acid acclimation, antioxidants, flagellar synthesis and assembly, and CagA secretion.

Materials and Methods

Helicobacter pylori were acid challenged at pH 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 vs nonacidic pH for 4 hours in the presence of urea, followed by RNA‐seq analysis and qPCR. Cytoplasmic pH was monitored under the same conditions.

Results

About 250 genes were induced, and an equal number were repressed at acidic pHs. Genes encoding for antioxidant proteins, flagellar structural proteins, particularly class 2 genes, T4SS/Cag‐PAI, FoF1‐ATPase, and proteins involved in acid acclimation were highly expressed at acidic pH. Cytoplasmic pH decreased from 7.8 at pHout of 8.0 to 6.0 at pHout of 3.0.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increasing extracellular or intracellular acidity or both are detected by the bacterium and serve as a signal to initiate increased production of protective and pathogenic factors needed to counter host defenses for persistent infection. These changes are dependent on degree of acidity and time of acid exposure, triggering a coordinated response to the environment required for colonization.
Using the Public Involvement Impact Assessment Framework to assess the impact of public involvement in a mental health research context: A reflective case study
Authors: Collins Michelle , Long Rita , Page Anthony , Popay Jennie , Lobban Fiona
Published: April 2018

Background

We assess the utility of the Public Involvement Impact Assessment Framework (PiiAF) as a resource to support research teams in assessing the impact of Public Involvement across diverse research and public involvement (PI) contexts. PiiAF was developed in response to a well‐documented growth in Public Involvement in health research in the United Kingdom that demands a more sophisticated evidence base to demonstrate its impact.

Design

We used a reflective case study approach drawing on contemporaneous meeting notes, PiiAF website resources and retrospective reflections to describe how PiiAF helped us to develop an impact assessment plan of the PI in a university‐based mental health research centre.

Discussion

We consider key aspects of our experiences of using PiiAF as a tool to help us design an impact assessment of PI, interpret these experiences with reference to relevant theory and research and share insights that may be useful to other teams considering using PiiAF.

Conclusion

These insights include understanding the commitment of time and effort required to develop effective PI impact assessment plans; the flexibility of PiiAF and its ability to be used in a range of research and PI contexts; and the advantages of involving all stakeholders (including the public) in the development of an PI assessment plan.
Health Disorder of Climate Migrants in Khulna City: An Urban Slum Perspective
Authors: Rahaman Muhammad Abdur , Rahman Mohammad Mahbubur , Bahauddin Khalid Md. , Khan Shakil , Hassan Shareful
Published: April 2018

As the most vulnerable climatic region in the country, Khulna City is increasingly experiencing climate‐change‐induced urban problems. For instance, occupancy by climate migrants (delete the term “illegal migrant”), drainage congestion, water logging and reduced fresh water availability are all increasing problems. In the last decade, the population in the city increased by more than 20 per cent due to migration from nearby climate vulnerable districts. This study explores the health disorders of climate migrants occupying the urban slums and squats of the Khulna City area. This study found that these climate migrants settled in the urban slums and squats and, as such, they do not have access to urban amenities such as clean drinking water, hygiene services, and health facilities. This study noted that these displaced people are at increased risk of health issues from unhygienic and overcrowded living conditions and from water and sanitation problems. They often suffer from different waterborne diseases, under‐nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. This study suggests that there is a need for better planning, preparation and training in Bangladesh to which migrants move, including better training in health and related services on how to recognize and respond to health problems that may be slow to manifest. Education and training also need to be provided for the migrants themselves, to help them adapt culturally and to enhance their skills and potential for employment.
Multimarker and rare variants genomewide association studies for bone weight in Simmental cattle
Authors: Miao J. , Wang X. , Bao J. , Jin S. , Chang T. , Xia J. , Yang L. , Zhu B. , Xu L. , Zhang L. , Gao X. , Chen Y. , Li J. , Gao H.
Published: April 2018

Bone weight, defined as the total weight of the bones in all the forequarter and hindquarter joints, can reflect somebody conformation traits and skeletal diseases. To gain a better understanding of the genetic determinants of bone weight, we used a composite strategy including multimarker and rare‐marker association to perform genomewide association studies (GWAS) for that character in Simmental cattle. Our strategy consisted of three models: (i) A traditional linear mixed model (LMM) was applied (Q+K‐LMM); (ii) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) withp‐values less than .05 from theLMMwere selected to undergo the least absolute shrinkage and selector operator (Lasso) in the second stage (LMM‐Lasso); (iii) genes containing two or more rareSNPs were examined by performing the sequence kernel association test (gene‐basedSKAT). A total of 1,225 cattle were genotyped with an Illumina BovineHDBeadChip containing 770,000SNPs. After the quality‐control procedures, 1,217 individuals with 608,696 commonSNPs and 105,787 rareSNPs (with 0.001 < minor allele frequency [MAF] <0.05) remained in the sample for analysis. A traditionalLMMsuccessfully mapped three genes associated with bone weight, whileLMM‐Lasso identified nine genes, which included all genes found by traditionalLMM. Only a single gene,EPHB3, surpassed the significance threshold after Bonferroni correction in gene‐basedSKAT. In conclusion, based on functional annotation and results from previous endeavours, we believe thatLCORL,RIMS2,LAP3,PRKAR2B,CHSY1,MAP2K6andEPHB3are candidate genes for bone weight. In general, such a comprehensive strategy forGWASmay be useful for researchers seeking to probe the full genetic architecture underlying economic traits in livestock.
Safety and efficacy of antibiotics among acutely decompensated cirrhosis patients
Authors: Habib Shahid , Patel Nehali , Yarlagadda Sandeep , Hsu Chiu‐Hsieh , Patel Sarah , Schader Lindsey , Walker Courtney , Twesigye Innocent
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim

Infection is a leading precipitant of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of antibiotics within acute‐on‐chronic liver failure.

Methods

Retrospective study of 457 acute‐on‐chronic liver failure patients admitted to the University of Arizona Health Network between January 1 and December 31, 2014. Eligibility criteria were as follows: at least 18 years of age and 6 months follow‐up, data available to calculate systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. This study collected patient's clinical features and historical data. Key data points were infection, antibiotic use, and SIRS. This study used Cox proportional hazards to model the effects of clinical factors on risk of death.

Results

A total of 521 of 1243 met the inclusion criteria, and 64 had missing data, leaving 457 patients. Infection resulted in higher hazard (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.6, confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.3, P = 0.01). Patients with infections and antibiotics, compared with non‐infected patients without antibiotics, had higher hazard (HR = 1.633, CI: 1.022–2.609, P = .04). Of those infected patients with antibiotics, SIRS patients experienced higher hazard (HR = 1.9, CI: 1.1–3.0, P = .007). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards associated the following with higher hazard: SIRS (HR = 1.866, CI: 1.242–2.804, P = 0.003), vancomycin (HR = 1.640, CI: 1.119–2.405, P = 0.011), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (HR = 1.051, CI: 1.030–1.073, P < 0.001), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR = 1.727, CI: 1.180–2.527, P = 0.005), and hepatic encephalopathy (HR = 1.807, CI: 1.247–2.618, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Overall, treatment of infection with antibiotics did not improve survival; however, patients not meeting SIRS criteria had better outcomes, and vancomycin was associated with poorer survival among acute‐on‐chronic liver failure patients.
Consensus and contentious statements on the use of probiotics in clinical practice: A south east Asian gastro‐neuro motility association working team report
Authors: Gwee Kok‐Ann , Lee Warren Wei‐Rhen , Ling Khoon Lin , Ooi Choon Jin , Quak Seng Hock , Dan Yock Young , Siah Kewin Tien‐Ho , Huang James Guoxian , Chua Andrew Seng Boon , Hilmi Ida Normiha , Raja Ali Raja Affendi , Ong Christina , Simadibrata Marcellus , Abdullah Murdani , Sollano Jose D , Leelakusolvong Somchai , Gonlachanvit Sutep , Lee Yeong Yeh , Ricaforte‐Campos Jane D , Yin Yee Kian , Chong Kuck‐Meng , Wong Chong Yuen
Published: April 2018

The concept of consuming microorganisms in the treatment of a medical condition and in health maintenance has gained much attraction, giving rise to an abundance of medical claims and of health supplements. This study identified relevant clinical questions on the therapeutic use of probiotics and reviewed the literature in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, impaired intestinal immunity, liver disease, intestinal infections, and common childhood digestive disorders. Statements were developed to address these clinical questions. A panel of experienced clinicians was tasked to critically evaluate and debate the available data. Both consensus and contentious statements are presented to provide to clinicians a perspective on the potential of probiotics and importantly their limitations.
Self‐injurious behaviours in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Authors: Gulsrud A. , Lin C. E. , Park M. N. , Hellemann G. , McCracken J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Self‐injurious behaviours (SIB) are concerning, maladaptive behaviours that commonly occur in people with neurodevelopmental conditions and delays but seem to be particularly prevalent in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There has been increasing research examining the risk markers associated with the presence of SIB in people with ASD. Some of the factors associated with SIB have included cognitive abilities, adaptive functioning deficits and behaviour regulation impairments (e.g. impulsivity and repetitive behaviours). However, many of the findings in the literature are mixed and only explain a small proportion of the variance contributing to SIB. Limitations in the previous literature have centred on lack of availability of large and diverse samples, restricted age ranges and constraints of measurement.

Method

This study characterises a clinic‐referred sample of children and adults currently presenting with and without SIB using a range of standardised and parent‐report measures. The sample includes 144 individuals with ASD between the ages of 2.5 and 60.1 years.

Results

After adjusting for multiple tests, none of the variables maintained statistical significance between the group of individuals with and without SIB, but medium to large effect sizes were noted. These variables include parent‐reported early motor and toileting delays and perinatal risk, and current cognitive and social impairment. The remaining variables, including current autism severity levels, early ASD symptomatology, impulsivity, executive functioning impairments, adaptive functioning, mood and anxiety, did not differ between those with and without current engagement in SIB.

Conclusions

Utilising a diverse clinic‐referred sample and standardised diagnostic tools, this study explored retrospective and current correlate risk markers of SIB in individuals with ASD. In addition to impairments in current functioning, specific early developmental delays and perinatal risk factors were preliminarily associated with the presence of SIB in individuals with ASD. Together these findings suggest that a set of specific characteristics may be related to both early risk and concurrent manifestation of SIB. Identifying this set of characteristics in early development may lead to faster identification and better intervention services, but future work utilising longitudinal design and multivariate analysis is warranted.
How to improve sharing and application of knowledge in care and support for people with intellectual disabilities? A systematic review
Authors: Kersten M. C. O. , Taminiau E. F. , Schuurman M. I. M. , Weggeman M. C. D. P. , Embregts P. J. C. M.
Published: April 2018

Background

To optimise care and support for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), sharing and application of knowledge is a precondition. In healthcare in general, there is a body of knowledge on bridging the ‘know‐do‐gap’. However, it is not known to what extent the identified barriers and facilitators to knowledge sharing and application also hold for the care and support of people with ID, due to its specific characteristics including long‐term care. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to identify which organisational factors are enabling and/or disabling in stimulating the sharing and application of knowledge in the care and support of people with ID.

Method

A systematic review was conducted using five electronic databases of relevant articles published in English between January 2000 and December 2015. During each phase of selection and analysis a minimum of two independent reviewers assessed all articles according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

In total 2,256 articles were retrieved, of which 19 articles met our inclusion criteria. All organisational factors retrieved from these articles were categorised into three main clusters: (1) characteristics of the intervention (factors related to the tools and processes by which the method was implemented); (2) factors related to people (both at an individual and group level); and, (3) factors related to the organisational context (both material factors (office arrangements and ICT system, resources, time and organisation) and immaterial factors (training, staff, size of team)).

Conclusion

Overall analyses of the retrieved factors suggest that they are related to each other through the preconditional role of management (i.e., practice leadership) and the key role of professionals (i.e. (in)ability to fulfill new roles).
Impact of sleep on executive functioning in school‐age children with Down syndrome
Authors: Esbensen A. J. , Hoffman E. K.
Published: April 2018

Background

Sleep problems have an impact on executive functioning in the general population. While children with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk for sleep problems, the impact of these sleep problems on executive functioning in school‐age children with DS is less well documented. Our study examined the relationship between parent‐reported and actigraphy‐measured sleep duration and sleep quality with parent and teacher reports and neuropsychology assessments of executive functioning among school‐age children with DS.

Method

Thirty school‐age children with DS wore an actigraph watch for a week at home at night. Their parent completed ratings of the child's sleep during that same week. Children completed a neuropsychology assessment of their inhibitory control, ability to shift and working memory. Their parents and teachers completed rating scales to assess these same constructs of executive functioning.

Results

Parent reports of restless sleep behaviours on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), but not actigraph‐measured sleep period or efficiency, were predictive of parent reports of concerns with inhibitory control, shifting and working memory, and of teacher reports of inhibitory control. No measure of sleep was predictive of executive functioning as measured by the neuropsychology assessment.

Conclusion

The study findings corroborate the preliminary literature that parent‐reported sleep problems are related to executive functioning in school‐age children with DS, particularly in the area of inhibitory control across home and school. These findings have implications for understanding contributing factors to academic performance and school behaviour in school‐age children with DS.
Risk factors for the development of paclitaxel‐induced neuropathy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Robertson Jetter , Raizer Jeffrey , Hodges James S. , Gradishar William , Allen Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2018

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of many chemotherapeutic agents including paclitaxel. We prospectively evaluated demographic and laboratory data in a cohort of 61 woman with breast cancer prior to paclitaxel exposure to explore factors that predispose to neuropathy development. Neuropathy was graded based on the total neuropathy score reduced version (rTNS) at baseline and at 4 months after initiation of chemotherapy. A multivariate analysis identified predictors with the strongest association with a change in rTNS. Serum albumin (P = .002), paclitaxel dose (P = .001), and body surface area (P = .006) were statistically significantly associated with a positive rTNS change (worsening neuropathy). These results suggest that poor nutritional status and obesity increase the risk of paclitaxel induced neuropathy, and that screening for these factors prior to chemotherapy exposure may improve early neuropathy detection or decrease risk with dietary modifications.
Patterns of Symbiodinium (Dinophyceae) diversity and assemblages among diverse hosts and the coral reef environment of Lizard Island, Australia
Authors: Ziegler Maren , Stone Elizabeth , Colman Daniel , Takacs‐Vesbach Cristina , Shepherd Ursula
Published: April 2018

Large‐scale environmental disturbances may impact both partners in coral host–Symbiodinium systems. Elucidation of the assembly patterns in such complex and interdependent communities may enable better prediction of environmental impacts across coral reef ecosystems. In this study, we investigated how the community composition and diversity of dinoflagellate symbionts in the genus Symbiodinium were distributed among 12 host species from six taxonomic orders (Actinaria, Alcyonacea, Miliolida, Porifera, Rhizostoma, Scleractinia) and in the reef water and sediments at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef before the 3rd Global Coral Bleaching Event. 454 pyrosequencing of the ITS2 region of Symbiodinium yielded 83 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at a 97% similarity cut‐off. Approximately half of the Symbiodinium OTUs from reef water or sediments were also present in symbio. OTUs belonged to six clades (A‐D, F‐G), but community structure was uneven. The two most abundant OTUs (100% matches to types C1 and A3) comprised 91% of reads and OTU C1 was shared by all species. However, sequence‐based analysis of these dominant OTUs revealed host species specificity, suggesting that genetic similarity cut‐offs of Symbiodinium ITS2 data sets need careful evaluation. Of the less abundant OTUs, roughly half occurred at only one site or in one species and the background Symbiodinium communities were distinct between individual samples. We conclude that sampling multiple host taxa with differing life history traits will be critical to fully understand the symbiont diversity of a given system and to predict coral ecosystem responses to environmental change and disturbance considering the differential stress response of the taxa within.
Engaging Stakeholders in the Development of an eHealth Intervention for Cancer Symptom Management for Rural Residents
Authors: Gilbertson‐White Stephanie , Yeung Chi W. , Saeidzadeh Seyedehtanaz , Tykol Hannah , Vikas Praveen , Cannon Ashley
Published: April 2018

Background

Late‐stage cancer diagnoses disproportionately occur in rural residents, frequently resulting in increased need for symptom management support with minimal access to these services. Oncology Associated Symptoms and Individualized Strategies (OASIS) is an eHealth symptom self‐management intervention that was developed to provide cancer symptom self‐management support and address this disparity.

Purpose

To engage stakeholders about the symptom management needs and concerns of patients with advanced cancer living in rural areas.

Methods

A 3‐phased, mixed‐methods design was used to (1) assess stakeholder needs and opinions; (2) develop a symptom self‐management website; and (3) obtain usability feedback from potential users. Interviews with stakeholders (patients and clinic staff) from rural areas using a descriptive qualitative approach were analyzed; cross‐cutting themes were identified; a symptom management web application was developed; and stakeholders completed a 12‐item usability survey about the web application.

Results

Patients (n = 16) and clinical staff (n = 10) participated in phase 1. Three major themes were identified: “symptom experience,” “symptom management,” and “technology.” Through an iterative process using these results and evidence from the literature, the OASIS web application was developed. Usability testing with N = 126 stakeholders demonstrated that the web application is easy to use, contains relevant content, and has pleasing graphics. No differences were found among patients, family/friends, and staff. Both frequent and infrequent internet users positively evaluated the web application. 

Conclusions

Rural stakeholders report significant symptom management needs, are interested in eHealth technologies, and perceived OASIS positively. Future research is needed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of OASIS.
Oxygen concentration drives local adaptation in the greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata)
Authors: Lampert Kathrin P.
Published: April 2018

Understanding adaptation has become one of the major biological questions especially in the light of rapid environmental changes induced by climate change. Ocean temperatures are rising which triggers massive changes in water chemistry and thereby alters the living environment of all marine organisms. Studying adaptation, however, can be tricky because spatial genetic patterns might also occur due to random effects, for example, genetic drift. Genetic drift is reduced in very large and well‐connected populations, such as in broadcast marine spawning organisms. Here, spatial genetic divergence is likely to be produced by selection. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Sandoval‐Castillo et al. (2018) investigated patterns of spatial genetic divergence and their association with environmental factors in the greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata). This commercially important species of mollusc is a broadcast spawner with large population sizes, rendering genetic drift an unlikely factor in the genetic divergence of wild populations. Sandoval‐Castillo et al. (2018) used a ddRAD genomic approach to test for genetic divergence between sampled populations while also measuring different environmental factors, for example, water temperature and oxygen content. The majority of identified SNPs was putatively neutral and showed only low levels of genetic divergence between field sites. However, 323 candidate adaptive markers were identified that clearly separated the individuals into five different clusters. These genetic clusters correlated with environmental clusters mainly determined by water temperature and (correlated) oxygen concentration. Gene annotation of the candidate SNPs revealed a large proportion of loci being involved in biological processes influenced by oxygen availability. The study by Sandoval‐Castillo et al. (2018) in this issue of Molecular Ecology exemplifies the benefits of combining genomic studies with ecological data. It is a great starting point for more detailed (gene function, physiology) as well as broader (biodiversity) investigations that might help us to better understand adaptation and predict ecosystems' resilience and resistance to environmental disturbances. In addition, this information can be applied to implement optimal conservation regime policies and sustainable harvesting strategies, hopefully protecting biodiversity as well as commercial interests in marine life.
Nationality and religion
Authors: Grosby Steven
Published: April 2018

Although both of the categories of nationality and religion are difficult to define, it is nonetheless necessary to do so. Having done so, one can proceed with clarifying what is distinctive of each of them, and, thus, be in a position to ascertain their points of convergence and difference. Evaluation of the contribution of Anthony Smith to our understanding of the relation between nationality and religion is the point of departure for a re‐examination of the relation.
Indigenous myths and nation building in Latin America
Authors: Gutierrez Natividad
Published: April 2018

In Latin America, ethnicity is equated with indigenity. It is an objective of this article to review the legacy of Anthony Smith regarding the vitality of the ethnic past and the myth of origin, as the core of his theory of nationalism based on the weight of ethnocentrism. To this end, we address two routes, the use of the ethnic past and ethnicity by nationalists and founders of the state and, how indigenous intellectuals, on the other, have found a reinvention of their identities through various myths of Amerindian origin. Ethnic myths and the use of the ethnic past have been accepted, denied or rejected by nationalists, while indigenous peoples adhere to their own myths or seek to reinvent them. Mythical information is a component of identity but also requires institutions to disseminate such information among the group.
Long‐term outcome of peanut oral immunotherapy—Real‐life experience
Authors: Nachshon Liat , Goldberg Michael R. , Katz Yitzhak , Levy Michael B. , Elizur Arnon
Published: April 2018

Background

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is currently recommended as a treatment option for peanut‐allergic patients. Data regarding its long‐term compliance and efficacy in real life are required.

Methods

Peanut‐allergic patients aged ≥4 years were enrolled in a single‐center clinical OIT program. Buildup to 3000 mg peanut protein was performed. Patients reaching this dose before or after 12/2014 were instructed to consume 3000 or 1200 mg daily, respectively. Patients were followed ≥6 months after reaching maintenance and rechallenged to 3000 mg.

Results

Of the 145 patients studied, 113 (77.9%) were fully desensitized to 3000 mg and 133 (91.7%) were desensitized to ≥300 mg. 21/145 patients (14.5%) required adrenaline for home‐dose reactions during buildup. Non‐anaphylactic gastrointestinal symptoms, experienced by 9 patients (6.2%), reversed with dose reduction. Of the 111 patients available for analysis 6 months after reaching 3000 mg, 97 (87.4%) continued regular peanut consumption. Only 2/111 patients (1.8%) required adrenaline over the long‐term (median, range; 18, 6‐75 months) follow‐up. Adherence to treatment was significantly higher in patients consuming 1200 mg (73/76, 96.1%) vs those consuming 3000 mg (24/35, 72.2%), (P = .001). A higher maintenance dosage and home adrenaline requirement during buildup predicted adherence cessation (OR 12.5, P = .001; and OR 7.8, P = .02, respectively). 63/64 patients (98.4%) consuming 1200 mg maintenance dose were successfully rechallenged to 3000 mg.

Conclusions

This real‐life experience demonstrates the efficacy of peanut OIT long‐term. A lower maintenance dose minimized treatment cessation while maintaining desensitization. OIT should be performed in qualified centers given the prevalence of adverse reactions, particularly during buildup.
Gut evolution in early Cambrian trilobites and the origin of predation on infaunal macroinvertebrates: evidence from muscle scars inMesolenellus
Authors: Lerosey‐Aubril Rudy , Peel John S.
Published: April 2018

Trilobites are particularly common Cambrian fossils, but their trophic impact on the rapidly evolving marine ecosystems of that time is difficult to assess, due to uncertainties on how diverse their feeding habits truly were. Gut anatomy might help to constrain inferences on trilobite feeding ecology, but preservation of digestive organs is exceedingly rare. Muscle scars on the glabella, known as ‘frontal auxiliary impressions’ (FAIs), have been interpreted as evidence of the evolution of a pouch‐like organ with powerful extrinsic muscles (i.e. a crop) in some trilobites. Here we describeFAIs inMesolenellus hyperboreusfrom Cambrian Stage 4 strata of North Greenland, which represents the oldest example of such structures and their first report in the Suborder Olenellina.MesolenellusFAIs suggest that the crop in trilobites was clearly differentiated from the rest of the digestive tract, and essentially located under a hypertrophied glabellar frontal lobe. Reviews of the digestive anatomy of trilobite sister‐taxa and the glabellar morphology of the oldest‐known trilobites suggest that the gut of the trilobite ancestor was an essentially simple tract (i.e. no well‐differentiated crop) flanked laterally by numerous midgut glands. A crop first evolved in the Cambrian in groups like olenelloids and (later) paradoxidoids. Using ichnological evidence, we hypothesize that the emergence of olenelloids yields evidence for the evolution of predatory inclinations in a group of arthropods originally dominated by surface‐deposit‐feeders. By allowing the exploitation of a rapidly developing food source, infaunal animals, the diversification of feeding strategies in trilobites might partially explain their unparalleled evolutionary success.
Outcomes of single kidney transplantation from pediatric donors: A single‐center experience
Authors: Jiang Yamei , Song Turun , Qiu Yang , Liu Jinpeng , Wang Zhiling , Wang Xianding , Huang Zhongli , Fan Yu , Wang Li , Lin Tao
Published: April 2018

Kidneys from pDDs are increasingly used to narrow the huge gap between incremental demand and static supply. However, there is still controversy on the clinical outcome of SKT from pDDs. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 452 adult recipients in our center between March 2012 and February 2017. Outcomes of 3 groups, transplants with organs from pDDs (n=50), aDDs (n=207), and LDs (n=195), were compared. The mean age and weight of pDDs were 8.98 years (range 8 months‐17 years) and 30.05 kg (range 8.2‐55 kg), respectively. There was no difference in 1‐year (96.0%, 98.1%, and 99.0%, respectively, P=.277) and 3‐year patient survival (96.0%, 98.1%, and 99.0%, respectively, P=.277) or in 1‐year (96.0%, 96.6%, and 98.5%, P=.307) and 3‐year (96.0%, 96.6% and 97.9%, P=.437) graft survival. SCr, eGFR, and allograft size were similar among the 3 groups at 6th month post‐transplant and thereafter. Incidence of DGF was higher in patients of the aDD group than those in the pDD group (22.7% vs 10.0%, P<.001), but there was no difference in AR and infection. SKT from pDDs to adult recipients is effective and safe with acceptable outcomes, and it will be a promising expansion to the donor pool.
Intra‐operative portal hemodynamics in pediatric LDLT: Doppler ultrasound surveillance
Authors: Gu Lihong , Fang Hua , Zhang Shijun , Chi Jiachang , Li Fenghua , Xia Qiang
Published: April 2018

Doppler ultrasonography is useful in monitoring intra‐operative PV flow in LDLT. A retrospective cohort study included 550 pediatric recipients (<18 years) who underwent LDLT from October 2006 to August 2016 in our hospital. A total of 33 recipients (incidence 6%) were found to have insufficient intra‐operative PV flow after PV reperfusion. The treatments included intra‐operative stent placement (n=25), anticoagulation (n=3), thrombectomy and re‐anastomosis (n=2), graft repositioning (n=1), collateral ligation (n=1), and replaced PV (n=1). The peak PV velocity, HAPSV, HARI, and HV velocity before and after the interventions were significantly improved 0(0,5.5) cm/s vs. 37.36±15.30 cm/s, 38.68±8.92 cm/s vs. 62.30±16.97 cm/s, 0.55±0.08 vs. 0.76±0.10, and 32.37±10.33 cm/s vs. 40.94±15.01 cm/s, respectively (P<.01). Insufficient PV flow and decreased HARI are two significant criteria indicating need for intra‐operative PV management. Dramatic changes in the hepatic hemodynamics were detected after proper treatment. Immediate resolution of PV flow is feasible in pediatric LDLT.
Evolution of renal function and urinary biomarker indicators of inflammation on serial kidney biopsies in pediatric kidney transplant recipients with and without rejection
Authors: Mincham Christine M. , Gibson Ian W. , Sharma Atul , Wiebe Chris , Mandal Rupasri , Rush David , Nickerson Peter , Ho Julie , Wishart David S. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom D.
Published: April 2018

Urinary CXCL10 and metabolites are biomarkers independently associated with TCMR. We sought to test whether these biomarkers fluctuate in association with histological severity of TCMR over short time frames. Forty‐nine pairs of renal biopsies obtained 1‐3 months apart from 40 pediatric renal transplant recipients were each scored for TCMR acuity score (i + t; Banff criteria). Urinary CXCL10:Cr and TCMR MDS were obtained at each biopsy and were tested for association with changes between biopsies in acuity, estimated GFR (ΔeGFR), and 12‐month ΔeGFR. Sequential biopsies were obtained 1.8 ± 0.8 months apart. Biopsy 1 was usually obtained under protocol (75%), and 62% percent had evidence of TCMR. Using each biopsy pair for comparison, ΔeGFR did not predict change in acuity. By contrast, change in acuity was significantly correlated with change in urinary CXCL10:Cr (ρ 0.45, P = .003) and MDS (ρ 0.29, P = .04) between biopsies. The 12‐month ΔeGFR was not predicted by TCMR acuity or CXCL10:Cr at Biopsy 2; however, an inverse correlation was seen with urinary MDS (ρ −0.35; P = .02). Changes in eGFR correlate poorly with evolving TCMR acuity on histology. Urinary biomarkers may be superior for non‐invasive monitoring of rejection, including histological response to therapy, and may be prognostic for medium‐term function.
Gaining from scientific knowledge: the role of knowledge accumulation and knowledge combination
Authors: Kuo Chia‐I , Wu Chia‐Hung , Lin Bou‐Wen
Published: April 2018

This study investigates the performance effect of scientific knowledge in the context of highly science‐dependent industry. Given the popularity of sourcing scientific knowledge from science community, the purpose of this study is to investigate which firms gain greater benefits from scientific knowledge. From the perspective of absorptive capacity and combinative capability, we argue that both knowledge accumulation and knowledge combination moderate a firm's ability to capture value from scientific knowledge. Empirical data come from paper and patent citations and financial information in biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. Results show that scientific knowledge alone has a positive effect on firms' financial performance. A firm's tendency to combination familiar and older technological knowledge amplifies the positive effect of scientific knowledge. However, knowledge accumulation, including R&D investment and patent stock, does not boost the positive effect.
Polymorphism of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes and their association with litter size in Markhoz goats
Authors: Shokrollahi B , Morammazi S
Published: April 2018

Contents

The main objective of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes and their relationship with litter size in Markhoz goats. The polymorphism of GDF9 and BMPR1B genes as well‐documented genes regarding fecundity in sheep and goat was investigated using RFLP‐PCR and a tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐PCR (T‐ARMS‐PCR) in Markhoz goats. The 164 blood samples were collected from the raised goats in Sanandaj Markhoz goat Performance Testing Station. The DNA extraction was carried out by salting‐out procedure, and then, PCR was performed using four and two pairs of primers to detect polymorphism in GDF9 and BMPR1B genes, respectively. To disclose GDF9 loci polymorphism, PCR products were digested with SspI (G3288A), PvuII (G423A), MvaI (A959C) and MspI (G1189A) restriction enzymes. The results showed that these mutations are available in tested animals. Parity had no significant effect on litter size. Also, the effects of different genotypes of GDF9 and BMPR1B had no significant effect on litter size. Further studies with a high number of animals with minimum relatedness for testing the association of these SNPs and others in the fecundity genes with reproductive traits may be worthwhile.