bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful maintenance on sulphonylurea therapy and low diabetes complication rates in a HNF1A–MODY cohort
Authors: Bacon S. , Kyithar M. P. , Rizvi S. R. , Donnelly E. , McCarthy A. , Burke M. , Colclough K. , Ellard S. , Byrne M. M.
Published: October 2015

Aims

HNF1A gene mutations are the most common cause of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) in the UK. Persons with HNF1A–MODY display sensitivity to sulphonylurea therapy; however, the long‐term efficacy is not established. There is limited literature as to the prevalence of micro‐ and macrovascular complications in this unique cohort. The aim of this study was to determine the natural progression and clinical management of HNF1A–MODY diabetes in a dedicated MODY clinic.

Methods

Sixty patients with HNF1A–MODY and a cohort of 60 BMI‐, age‐, ethnicity‐ and diabetes duration‐matched patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus participated in the study. All patients were phenotyped in detail. Clinical follow‐up of the HNF1A–MODY cohort occurred on a bi‐annual basis.

Results

Following a genetic diagnosis of MODY, the majority of the cohort treated with sulphonylurea therapy remained insulin independent at 84–month follow‐up (80%). The HbA1c in the HNF1A–MODY group treated with sulphonylurea therapy alone improved significantly over the study period [from 49 (44–63) mmol/mol, 6.6 (6.2–7.9)% to 41 (31–50) mmol/mol, 5.9 (5–6.7)%; P = 0.003]. The rate of retinopathy was significantly lower than that noted in the Type 1 diabetes mellitus group (13.6 vs. 50%; P = 0.0001).There was also a lower rate of microalbuminuria and cardiovascular disease in the HNF1A–MODY group compared with the Type 1 diabetes mellitus group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the majority of patients with HNF1A–MODY can be maintained successfully on sulphonylurea therapy with good glycaemic control. We note a significantly lower rate of micro‐ and macrovascular complications than reported previously. The use of appropriate therapy at early stages of the disorder may decrease the incidence of complications.
Sympathetic activation in cardiovascular disease: evidence, clinical impact and therapeutic implications
Authors: Grassi Guido , Seravalle Gino , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: October 2015

Background

The sympathetic nervous exerts a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis control by regulating cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, heart rate and blood pressure.

Materials and methods

Data collected during the past 30 years have unequivocally shown that in a considerable number of cardiovascular as well as noncardiovascular disease there is a marked activation of the sympathetic nervous system which exerts in the long‐term period unfavourable haemodynamic, metabolic, cardiovascular and renal effects.

Results

This paper will review the current knowledge on the alterations in sympathetic function described in cardiovascular disease, with particular focus on hypertension, heart failure and myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

The consequences of the phoenomenon will be discussed together with its therapeutic implications. This will be done by examining the impact of nonpharmacological as well as pharmacological interventions on sympathetic cardiovascular drive. The effects of new invasive approaches, such as carotid baroreceptor stimulation as well as renal nerves ablation, will be also briefly discussed.
Competitive General Equilibrium with Finite Change and Theory of Policy Making
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Chakrabarti Avik , Marjit Sugata
Published: October 2015

We visit the non‐equivalence of tariff and quota in higher dimensional finite change trade models when goods outnumber factors of production. Under competitive conditions, exogenous shocks (e.g., exposure to international trade) support the production of only a subset of commodities. If we try to protect some of the vanishing goods, tariff and quota will have different results when a tariff turns out to be a more restrictive policy than a quota, contrary to the conventional wisdom.
Corporate Debt Maturity and Acquisition Decisions
Authors: Fu Xudong , Tang Tian
Published: October 2015

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the effects of corporate debt maturity on firms’ acquisition decisions using a large sample of acquisitions from 1991 to 2010. We find that firms with shorter debt maturity are less likely to undertake acquisitions. If they do, they are more likely to undertake smaller deals, take more time to complete, are less likely to make all cash offers, and tend to use less cash in the payment. These results support the predictions of the increased liquidity risk hypothesis. We also find that acquirers with shorter debt maturity realize higher announcement returns and experience better long‐term stock returns and operating performance. These results suggest that short debt maturity improves the efficiency of capital allocation through acquisition decisions.
Morphological spectrum of neovaginitis in autologous sigmoid transplant patients
Authors: van der Sluis Wouter B , Neefjes‐Borst Eskelina A , Bouman Mark‐Bram , Meijerink Wilhelmus J H J , De Boer Nanne K H , Mullender Margriet G , van Bodegraven Adriaan A
Published: October 2015

Aims

Autologous intestinal grafts are used to (re)create a vagina in selected patients. The risk of diversion colitis is mentioned as a disadvantage, although its prevalence remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the histopathological characteristics of the sigmoid‐derived neovaginal epithelial lining after diverting surgery and correlate these with clinical findings.

Methods and results

Biopsy specimens were obtained from the epithelial lining of the sigmoid‐derived neovagina and remaining rectosigmoid as regular follow‐up from 26 patients with a median age of 22 years (range 19–52) and median postoperative follow‐up of 13 months (range 6–52). Medical history, neovaginal symptoms and sexual activity were documented. An experienced gastrointestinal histopathologist assessed the specimens using a descriptive item‐score, comprising signs of chronic and active inflammation. Inflammatory changes were observed in 21 (80.7%) neovaginal and one (3.8%) rectosigmoid specimens. The neovaginal appearance was characterized by an increase of lymphoid aggregates and lymphoplasmacellular infiltrate. Other common features were the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and Paneth cell metaplasia. Neovaginal discharge was correlated with the presence of inflammatory changes (P = 0.008, Spearman's rho = 0.506).

Discussion

Acute and chronic inflammation of the sigmoid‐derived neovagina was commonly observed and consistent with a proposed diagnosis of diversion neovaginitis. Neovaginal discharge correlates with this histopathological entity.
Design, Manufacture, and Characterization of a Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Silicon Carbide Nozzle Extension
Authors: Breede Fabian , Hofmann Severin , Jain Neraj , Jemmali Raouf
Published: October 2015

Nozzle extensions made of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have shown the potential to replace heavy superalloy nozzles and improve the performance of future upper‐stage and orbital rocket engines. Gas permeability has been reported to be a critical issue during the manufacture for CMC nozzles. This work shows the manufacture of a dense radiation‐cooled C/C‐SiC nozzle demonstrator. A multi‐angle fiber architecture was applied using filament winding technique to reduce the incidence of delaminations during the manufacturing process under high temperatures. Additional efforts were made to improve the final gas tightness and reduce the amount of residual silicon by means of an adapted liquid silicon infiltration process. The manufacture, the material, and structural characterization as well as a finite element analysis of a performed internal pressure test are presented.
Risk factors for major amputation in hospitalised diabetic foot patients
Authors: Namgoong Sik , Jung Suyoung , Han Seung‐Kyu , Jeong Seong‐Ho , Dhong Eun‐Sang , Kim Woo‐Kyung
Published: October 2015

Diabetic foot ulcers are the main cause of non‐traumatic lower extremity amputation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for major amputation in diabetic foot patients. Eight hundred and sixty diabetic patients were admitted to the diabetic wound centre of the Korea University Guro Hospital for foot ulcers between January 2010 and December 2013. Among them, 837 patients were successfully monitored until complete healing. Ulcers in 809 patients (96·7%) healed without major amputation and those in 28 patients (3·3%) healed with major amputation. Data of 88 potential risk factors including demographics, ulcer condition, vascularity, bioburden, neurology and serology were collected from patients in the two groups and compared. Among the 88 potential risk factors, statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed in 26 risk factors. In the univariate analysis, which was carried out for these 26 risk factors, statistically significant differences were observed in 22 risk factors. In a stepwise multiple logistic analysis, six of the 22 risk factors remained statistically significant. Multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios were 11·673 for ulcers penetrating into the bone, 8·683 for dialysis, 6·740 for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, 6·158 for hind foot ulcers, 0·641 for haemoglobin levels and 1·007 for fasting blood sugar levels. The risk factors for major amputation in diabetic foot patients were bony invasions, dialysis,GIdisorders, hind foot locations, low levels of haemoglobin and elevated fasting blood sugar levels.
How does the post‐fire facultative seeding strategy impact genetic variation and phylogeographical history? The case of Bossiaea ornata (Fabaceae) in a fire‐prone, mediterranean‐climate ecosystem
Authors: Bradbury Donna , Tapper Sarah‐Louise , Coates David , Hankinson Margaret , McArthur Shelley , Byrne Margaret
Published: October 2015

Aim

Fire regimes are a significant driver of plant adaptation and evolution, and projected changes under a changing climate will have significant implications for demographic and evolutionary responses of plant populations in fire‐prone regions globally. We tested predictions regarding level and pattern of genetic variation within a model post‐fire facultative seeder, Bossiaea ornata (Fabaceae), that exhibits a combination of both post‐fire resprouting and seeding strategies.

Location

Fire‐prone forests in the mediterranean‐climate region of south‐western Australia.

Methods

We genotyped individuals with eight microsatellite markers and four non‐coding chloroplast sequence regions to assess population genetic variation and reconstruct phylogeographical history.

Results

Extremely high levels of chloroplast (HD = 0.95) and nuclear (HE = 0.81) diversity were detected. Nuclear population differentiation was weak (FST = 0.06) and chloroplast phylogeographical structure was absent. A significant excess of rare chloroplast haplotypes was detected (D, FS, R2; all P < 0.01), consistent with demographic expansion.

Main conclusions

Results suggest that a facultative seeding life‐history affords the benefits of both obligate resprouting and obligate seeding strategies in terms of resistance and resilience to fire. High diversity and low differentiation are likely driven by long generational overlap (resprouter feature), regular post‐fire population supplementation from a persistent soil seed bank (seeder feature) and long‐term stability. Expansion signals may be a feature of species with regular, synchronous post‐fire recruitment from a soil seed bank, rather than evidence of a single range or demographic expansion event, as typically interpreted. The facultative seeding strategy may therefore offer resilience to potential increases in fire frequency under a changing climate in fire‐prone regions.
The antiquity of Cyclocarya paliurus (Juglandaceae) provides new insights into the evolution of relict plants in subtropical China since the late Early Miocene
Authors: Kou Yixuan , Cheng Shanmei , Tian Shuang , Li Bo , Fan Dengmei , Chen Yongjun , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: October 2015

Aim

The accumulation of supraspecific lineages in Asia has been linked to climatic changes and tectonic events starting in the Miocene, but few studies have extended the intraspecific history of relict plants in subtropical China back to the Early or Middle Miocene. In this study, we investigate the effects of events from the late Early Miocene onwards on the evolutionary history of a relict plant, Cyclocarya paliurus, in subtropical China.

Location

Subtropical China.

Methods

Sequence variation in two chloroplast intergenic spacers (atpB–rbcL and psbA–trnH) and one nuclear gene (PHYA) was investigated across 57 populations of C. paliurus. Standard population genetic analyses, estimation of the most recent common ancestor of chloroplast haplotypes and diversification rate analyses were carried out, and Bayesian skyline plots were constructed.

Results

The time to the most recent common ancestor of all 17 chloroplast haplotypes in C. paliurus was 16.69 Ma (95% HPD 8.42–27.86 Ma), which largely coincides with the initial intensification of the Asian monsoon and global climate cooling during the Early to Middle Miocene. Chloroplast lineage diversification started to increase in the early Late Miocene, with peaks at c. 9.6 Ma and c. 3.6 Ma, corresponding temporally to two subsequent intensification events of the Asian monsoon. Bayesian skyline plots of both markers revealed that C. paliurus could have experienced at least two waves of expansion since the middle Pleistocene. The distributions of chlorotypes and clades were both consistent with a multiple‐refugia model but with strong signals of range expansion.

Main conclusions

This study provides a long evolutionary profile of an archaic plant species in subtropical China, dating from the late Early Miocene. Our results suggest that the occurrence of the Asian monsoon and associated tectonic events, as well as Pleistocene climate changes, had a pervasive influence on the phylogeographical structure of plants in subtropical China.
Associations between amount of smoking and alcohol intake and risk of colorectal neoplasm
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Jung Hwanseok , Yun Kyung Eun , Ryu Seungho , Chang Yoosoo , Park Dong Il , Choi Kyuyong
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim:

Although smoking and alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal neoplasm (CRN), large‐scale studies to identify dose‐dependent relationship between amount of smoking and alcohol consumption and risk of CRN are rare. We aimed to investigate the risk for CRN according to the amount of smoking and alcohol intake in a large sample of Korean adults.

Methods:

A cross‐sectional study was performed on 31 714 examinees aged ≥30 years undergoing their first colonoscopy as part of routine preventive health care between 2010 and 2011. Never smokers were compared with six groups of smokers according to smoking amount, and individuals with alcohol intake of ≤ 6.25 g ethanol per day were compared with three groups according to alcohol amount.

Results:

In adjusted models, the risk of overall CRN increased with increasing amount of smoking (P for trend < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratios for overall CRN comparing never smokers with six smoker groups according to smoking amount (≤2.50, 2.51–5.60, 5.61–9.00, 9.01–13.00, 13.01–19.50, and ≥19.51 pack‐years) were 1.02, 1.19, 1.35, 1.53, 1.63, and 2.03, respectively. In addition, the risk of both non‐advanced and advanced CRN increased with increasing amount of smoking (both P for trend < 0.001). However, the amount of alcohol consumption was not correlated with the risk of CRN.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of CRN was associated with increasing amount of smoking in a dose–response manner, whereas it was not associated with the amount of alcohol consumption. Our study suggests that smoking amount as well as smoking status should be considered for CRN risk stratification.
Long‐term efficacy of Peg‐Interferon/Ribavirin with and without Lamivudine therapy for HBeAg‐positive hepatitis B and C dual infection
Authors: Yeh Ming‐Lun , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Huang Ching‐I , Huang Chung‐Feng , Hsieh Meng‐Hsuan , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung
Published: October 2015

Background:

The optimal therapeutic strategy for hepatitis B virus (HBV) e antigen (HBeAg)‐seropositive and hepatitis C virus (HCV) dually infected patients remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of peginterferon (Peg‐IFN)/ribavirin (RBV) with and without lamivudine (LAM) combination therapy in the clinical settings.

Patients and Methods:

Nine patients seropositive for HBV surface antigen, HBeAg, antibodies to HCV and HCV RNA for >6 months were treated with Peg‐IFN/RBV with (n = 5) and without (n = 4) a 12‐month LAM add‐on therapy at treatment week 12. The treatment duration of Peg‐IFN/RBV was 24 weeks (HCV genotype 1 [HCV‐1] with rapid virological response [RVR] or HCV‐2) or 48 weeks (HCV‐1 without RVR). Primary endpoints included HBeAg loss and HCV‐sustained virological response (SVR).

Results:

All of the nine patients had undetectable HCV RNA at treatment weeks 4 and 12 and end‐of‐Peg‐IFN/RBV therapy. However, SVR was achieved in 100% of patients treated with triple therapy, compared with only 50% in those with Peg‐IFN/RBV therapy (P = 0.167). The 3‐year durability of HCV SVR was 100%. HBeAg loss and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL at 6 months post‐LAM treatment were found in 100% and 40% of patients treated with triple therapy, compared with none of the four patients with Peg‐IFN/RBV therapy achieved any HBV responses. Of the five patients with triple therapy, four had persistent HBeAg loss during 3‐year follow‐up period; one developed HBeAg seroreversion 15 months after treatment.

Conclusion:

For HBeAg‐positive HBV/HCV dually infected patients, Peg‐IFN/RBV was effective for HCV eradication. Add‐on LAM might promote HBeAg loss in the clinical setting.
Endoscopic wire‐guided papillectomy versus conventional papillectomy for ampullary tumors: A prospective comparative pilot study
Authors: Lee Tae Yoon , Cheon Young Koog , Shim Chan Sup , Choi Hyun Jong , Moon Jong Ho , Choi Jung Sik , Oh Hyoung‐Chul
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim:

A major concern about endoscopic snare papillectomy (ESP) is the risk of procedure‐related pancreatitis. To maintain pancreatic duct access for stent placement after ESP, wire‐guided ESP (WP) was introduced. The aim of the study was to compare post‐procedure pancreatitis rates, the success rate of pancreatic stent insertion, and complete resection rates between WP and conventional ESP (CP) procedures.

Methods:

This was a multi‐center, prospective, randomized pilot study. Forty‐five patients with ampullary tumors were randomly assigned to a WP group (n = 22) or a CP group (n = 23). In the WP group, a guidewire was placed in the pancreatic duct prior to ESP. A 5‐Fr pancreatic stent was passed over the guidewire and placed across the pancreatic duct orifice.

Results:

Complete resection was achieved in 20 patients (91%) in the WP group and 18 patients (78%) in the CP group (P = 0.414). A pancreatic stent was placed successfully in all patients in the WP group but in only 15 patients (65%) in the CP group (P = 0.004). Post‐papillectomy pancreatitis occurred in four (18%) patients in the WP and three (13%) patients in the CP groups (P = 0.960). In the CP group, three of eight (37.5%) patients without stents developed pancreatitis compared with zero of 15 patients with stents (P = 0.032).

Conclusions:

The WP method is a useful technique used to insert a pancreatic stent after ESP, compared with CP. However, there was no significant difference in the post‐procedure pancreatitis or complete resection rates between the two methods.
The small leucine‐rich repeat proteoglycans in tissue repair and atherosclerosis
Authors: Hultgårdh‐Nilsson A. , Borén J. , Chakravarti S.
Published: October 2015

Proteoglycans consist of a protein core with one or more covalently attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains and have multiple roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Here we discuss the potential and known functions of a group of small leucine‐rich repeat proteoglycans (SLRPs) in atherosclerosis. We focus on five SLRPs, decorin, biglycan, lumican, fibromodulin and PRELP, because these have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques or demonstrated to have a role in animal models of atherosclerosis. Decorin and biglycan are modified post‐translationally by substitution with chondroitin/dermatan sulphate GAGs, whereas lumican, fibromodulin and PRELP have keratan sulphate side chains, and the core proteins have leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) motifs that are characteristic of the LRR superfamily. The chondroitin/dermatan sulphate GAG side chains have been implicated in lipid retention in atherosclerosis. The core proteins are discussed here in the context of (i) interactions with collagens and their implications in tissue integrity, fibrosis and wound repair and (ii) interactions with growth factors, cytokines, pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and cell surface receptors that impact normal physiology and disease processes such as inflammation, innate immune responses and wound healing (i.e. processes that are all important in plaque development and progression). Thus, studies of these SLRPs in the context of wound healing are providing clues about their functions in early stages of atherosclerosis to plaque vulnerability and cardiovascular disease at later stages. Understanding of signal transduction pathways regulated by the core protein interactions is leading to novel roles and therapeutic potential for these proteins in wound repair and atherosclerosis.
Exploring the past, present and future of care home medicine management systems: pharmacists' perceptions of multicompartment compliance aids
Authors: Gilmartin Julia Fiona-Maree , Jani Yogini , Smith Felicity
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Medicines maintain and improve care home (CH) residents' health and therefore, it is imperative that CH medicine management systems are regularly evaluated to ensure they continually provide a high standard of care. Multicompartment compliance aid (MCA) medicine management systems are often used to assist United Kingdom CH staff with managing the large volume of medicines used by residents. This study aimed to identify the factors that led to the widespread adoption of MCAs into United Kingdom CHs, limitations associated with their current use and their relevance in the future.

Method

In June and July 2014 semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight pharmacists who were purposively selected for their expertise in CH medicine management systems in the United Kingdom. A qualitative thematic approach was employed in the analysis of data.

Key findings

Findings indicated that MCAs were introduced into CHs to address unsafe medicine administration practices and because of pharmacy commercial interest. Identified limitations included reduced staff alertness during medicine administration, restricted ability to identify medicines, and medicine wastage. Participants predicted continued use of MCAs in the future due to their perceived benefits of improved safety and efficiency, although some pharmacists recommended that they be removed and CH staff trained to administer medicines from original packaging.

Conclusion

These findings can contribute towards information used by health care providers when deciding on the relevance of MCAs in their current medicine management systems. Additionally, they can contribute towards information used by policy makers when revising United Kingdom CH medicine management guidelines.
The effect of receiving diabetes self-management education on preventive care practices and health-related quality of life among type II diabetes adults
Authors: Gala Smeet , Wu Wenchen
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To assess the effect of diabetes self-management education (DSME) on preventive care practices and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures among type II diabetes adults.

Methods

A retrospective database analysis was conducted using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Bivariate analyses were conducted to compare the utilization of preventive care practices among those receiving and not receiving DSME; and to determine the association between DSME status and HRQOL measures. Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine the likelihood of obtaining preventive care practices among those receiving DSME. Data analysis was performed using SAS version 9.2.

Key findings

Only 54% of type II diabetes adults received DSME. All preventive care practices except bi-annual HbA1c testing were utilized higher in adults receiving DSME. Adults receiving DSME were more likely to get an annual comprehensive foot examination (OR = 2.19, P < 0.0001), annual dilated eye examination (OR = 1.63, P = 0.0007), annual doctor visit (OR = 1.60, P = 0.0244), pneumococcal vaccine (OR = 1.48, P = 0.0042) and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose (OR = 1.46, P = 0.0065) than adults not receiving DSME. Higher proportion of adults receiving DSME reported good general health, <13 days of physical and mental distress as compared to adults not receiving DSME.

Conclusions

Patient programmes are needed to increase DSME, which in turn may increase the uptake of preventive care measures and improve HRQOL of type II diabetes adults.
Survival Time of Cross‐Match Incompatible Red Blood Cells in Adult Horses
Authors: Tomlinson J.E. , Taberner E. , Boston R.C. , Owens S.D. , Nolen‐Walston R.D.
Published: October 2015

Background

There is a markedly reduced half‐life of transfused RBCs when donor and recipient cats or humans are cross‐match incompatible. Only 10–20% of horses have naturally occurring alloantibodies. Therefore, cross‐match testing before blood transfusion is not always performed.

Hypothesis

Cross‐match incompatibility predicts shortened RBC survival time as compared to that of compatible or autologous blood.

Animals

Twenty healthy adult horses.

Methods

Prospective trial. Blood type, anti‐RBC antibody screen (before and 1 month after transfusion) and major and minor cross‐match determined 10 donor‐recipient pairs. Two pairs were cross‐match compatible, the remainder incompatible. Donor blood (4 L) was collected into citrate phosphate dextrose adenine‐1, labeled with NHS‐biotin, and transfused into recipients. Samples were collected at 1 hour and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after transfusion, and biotinylated RBCs were detected by flow cytometry. Horses were monitored for transfusion reaction during transfusion and daily for 5 days.

Results

Cross‐match incompatibility was significantly associated with decreased RBC survival time (P < .001). The half‐life of transfused incompatible (cross‐match >1+) allogenic equine RBCs was 4.7 (95% CI, 3.2–6.2) days versus 33.5 (24–43) days for compatible pairings. Cross‐match incompatibility was associated with acute febrile transfusion reaction (P = .0083). At day 30, only 1 horse had developed novel anti‐RBC antibodies.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cross‐match incompatibility was predictive of febrile transfusion reaction and shortened transfused RBC survival, but did not result in production of anti‐RBC antibodies at 30 days. Cross‐match testing before transfusion is recommended.
What haplodiploids can teach us about hybridization and speciation
Authors: Lohse Konrad , Ross Laura
Published: October 2015

Most evolutionary theory focuses on species that reproduce through sexual reproduction where both sexes have a diploid chromosome count. Yet a substantial proportion of multicellular species display complex life cycles, with both haploid and diploid life stages. A classic example is haplodiploidy, where females develop from fertilized eggs and are diploid, while males develop from unfertilized eggs and are haploid. Although haplodiploids make up about 15% of all animals (de la Filia et al. ), this type of reproduction is rarely considered in evolutionary theory. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Patten et al. () develop a theoretical model to compare the rate of nuclear and mitochondrial introgression in haplodiploid and diploid species. They show that when two haplodiploid species hybridize, nuclear genes are much less likely to cross the species barrier than if both species were to be diploids. The reason for this is that only half of the offspring resulting from matings between haplodiploid species are true hybrids: sons from such mating only inherit their mother genes and therefore only contain genes of the maternal species. Truly, hybrid males can only occur through backcrossing of a hybrid female to a male of one of the parental species. While this twist of haplodiploid transmission genetics limits nuclear introgression, mitochondrial genes, which are maternally inherited, are unaffected by the scarcity of hybrid males. In other words, the rate of mitochondrial introgression is the same for haplodiploid and diploid species. As a result, haplodiploid species on average show a bias of mitochondrial compared to nuclear introgression.
Next‐generation monitoring of aquatic biodiversity using environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Valentini Alice , Taberlet Pierre , Miaud Claude , Civade Raphaël , Herder Jelger , Thomsen Philip Francis , Bellemain Eva , Besnard Aurélien , Coissac Eric , Boyer Frédéric , Gaboriaud Coline , Jean Pauline , Poulet Nicolas , Roset Nicolas , Copp Gordon H. , Geniez Philippe , Pont Didier , Argillier Christine , Baudoin Jean‐Marc , Peroux Tiphaine , Crivelli Alain J. , Olivier Anthony , Acqueberge Manon , Le Brun Matthieu , Møller Peter R. , Willerslev Eske , Dejean Tony
Published: October 2015

Global biodiversity in freshwater and the oceans is declining at high rates. Reliable tools for assessing and monitoring aquatic biodiversity, especially for rare and secretive species, are important for efficient and timely management. Recent advances in DNA sequencing have provided a new tool for species detection from DNA present in the environment. In this study, we tested whether an environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approach, using water samples, can be used for addressing significant questions in ecology and conservation. Two key aquatic vertebrate groups were targeted: amphibians and bony fish. The reliability of this method was cautiously validated in silico, in vitro and in situ. When compared with traditional surveys or historical data, eDNA metabarcoding showed a much better detection probability overall. For amphibians, the detection probability with eDNA metabarcoding was 0.97 (CI = 0.90–0.99) vs. 0.58 (CI = 0.50–0.63) for traditional surveys. For fish, in 89% of the studied sites, the number of taxa detected using the eDNA metabarcoding approach was higher or identical to the number detected using traditional methods. We argue that the proposed DNA‐based approach has the potential to become the next‐generation tool for ecological studies and standardized biodiversity monitoring in a wide range of aquatic ecosystems.
Inverse density dependence of parity rates in the onchocerciasis vector Simulium damnosum s.l.
Authors: CHEKE R. A. , YOUNG S. , GARMS R.
Published: October 2015

A correlation between parity rates and an index of adult numbers of Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) indicates an association, but does not prove causality or show the direction of any causal relationship. The question of whether adult numbers affect parity rates or vice versa is reminiscent of the age‐old query of which of the chicken and the egg came first. A method for resolving such issues based on analyses of pairs of time series was proposed by Granger in 1969. When Granger's method was applied to monthly numbers of adult female S. damnosum s.l. caught attempting to bite humans at Asubende, Ghana, and their parity rates, a significant relationship (P = 0.005) emerged, clearly showing that parity rates were dependent on adult numbers. Implications of this inverse density dependence and the results of analyses of other similar time series are presented and discussed.
Does the legacy of historical biogeography shape current invasiveness in pines?
Authors: Gallien Laure , Saladin Bianca , Boucher Florian C. , Richardson David M. , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: October 2015

Why are some introduced species more successful at establishing and spreading than others? Until now, characteristics of extant species have been intensively investigated to answer this question. We propose to gain new insights on species invasiveness by exploring the long‐term biogeographic and evolutionary history of lineages.

We exemplify our approach using one of the best‐studied invasive plant genera, Pinus. We notably estimated the historical biogeography of pines and the rates of trait evolution in pines. These estimates were analysed with regard to species invasiveness status.

The results revealed that currently invasive species belong to lineages that were particularly successful at colonizing new regions in the past. We also showed that highly mobile lineages had faster rates of niche evolution, but that these rates are poor proxies for species adaptive potential in invaded regions (estimated by niche shift among native and invaded regions).

In summary, working at the interface of ecology, historical biogeography and evolutionary history offers stimulating perspectives to improve our understanding of the drivers of invasion success.
Lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses ofChlamydomonas reinhardtiiunder heat stress unveil a direct route for the conversion of membrane lipids into storage lipids
Authors: Légeret B. , Schulz‐Raffelt M. , Nguyen H. M. , Auroy P. , Beisson F. , Peltier G. , Blanc G. , Li‐Beisson Y.
Published: October 2015

Studying how photosynthetic cells modify membrane lipids in response to heat stress is important to understand how plants and microalgae adapt to daily fluctuations in temperature and to investigate new lipid pathways. Here, we investigate changes occurring in lipid molecular species and lipid metabolism genes during early response to heat stress in the model photosynthetic microorganismChlamydomonas reinhardtii. Lipid molecular species analyses revealed that, after 60 min at 42 °C, a strong decrease in specific polyunsaturated membrane lipids was observed together with an increase in polyunsaturated triacylglycerols (TAGs) and diacylglycerols (DAGs). The fact that decrease in the major chloroplastic monogalactosyldiacylglycerolsn1‐18:3/sn2‐16:4 was mirrored by an accumulation of DAGsn1‐18:3/sn2‐16:4 and TAGsn1‐18:3/sn2‐16:4/sn3‐18:3 indicated that newly accumulated TAGs were formed via direct conversion of monogalactosyldiacylglycerols to DAGs then TAGs. Lipidomic analyses showed that the third fatty acid of a TAG likely originated from a phosphatidylethanolamine or a diacylglyceryl‐O‐4′‐(N,N,N,‐trimethyl)‐homoserine betaine lipid species. Candidate genes for this TAG synthesis pathway were provided through comparative transcriptomic analysis and included a phospholipase A2 homolog and the DAG acyltransferase DGTT1. This study gives insights into the molecular events underlying changes in membrane lipids during heat stress and reveals an alternative route for TAG synthesis.
Pityriasis Alba—Common Disease, Enigmatic Entity: Up‐to‐Date Review of the Literature
Authors: Miazek Nina , Michalek Irmina , Pawlowska‐Kisiel Malgorzata , Olszewska Malgorzata , Rudnicka Lidia
Published: October 2015

Pityriasis alba (PA) is a skin disorder that affects children and adolescents. Although it is common worldwide, its incidence is markedly higher in darker skin phototypes. Its characteristic features include an extended, multistage course and spontaneous remissions and recurrences. Preceded by erythematous changes, patches of hypopigmented skin of up to a few centimeters in diameter appear on the upper body. Pruritus may accompany it. Even though its etiology is unknown, possible reported triggering factors include sunlight, beauty treatments, and microorganisms, among others. Calcineurin inhibitors play the most crucial role in PA pharmacotherapy. PA often coexists with atopic dermatitis and is considered one of its milder forms.
High‐throughput microanalysis of large lignocellulosic sample sets by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Gerber Lorenz , Öhman David , Kumar Manoj , Ranocha Philippe , Goffner Deborah , Sundberg Björn
Published: October 2015

High‐throughput analytical techniques to assess the chemistry of lignocellulosic plant material are crucial to plant cell‐wall research. We have established an analytical platform for this purpose and demonstrated its usefulness with two applications. The system is based on analytical pyrolysis, coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry – a technique particularly suited for analysis of lignocellulose. Automated multivariate‐based data‐processing methods are used to obtain results within a few hours after analysis, with an experimental batch of 500 analyzed samples. The usefulness of multivariate sample discrimination methods and hierarchical clustering of samples is demonstrated. We have analyzed an Arabidopsis mutant collection consisting of 300 samples representing 31 genotypes. The mutant collection is presented through cluster analysis, based on chemotypic difference, with respect to wild type. Further, we have analyzed 500 thin sections from five biological replicate trees to create a spatial highly resolved profile of the proportions of syringyl‐, guaiacyl‐ and p‐hydroxyphenyl lignin across phloem, developing and mature wood in aspen. The combination of biologically easy to interpret information, the low demand of sample amount and the flexibility in sample types amenable to analysis makes this technique a valuable extension to the range of established high‐throughput biomaterial analytical platforms.
Advancing Public Policy for High‐Growth, Female, and Social Entrepreneurs
Authors: Terjesen Siri , Bosma Niels , Stam Erik
Published: October 2015

Findings from a large and growing body of entrepreneurship research offer insights for public policy and public officials and managers. Entrepreneurship policy is defined as measures undertaken to stimulate entrepreneurship in a region or country. The authors discuss generalizations from empirical research on three types of entrepreneurship activity that are vital for inclusive, sustainable economic growth: high‐growth (stressing economic impact), female (inclusive impact), and social (sustainable impact) entrepreneurship. High‐growth firms make up a small share of all entrepreneurial activity but create the majority of economic growth. Compared to their male counterparts, female entrepreneurs are fewer in number (one‐third of all entrepreneurs) and tend to start ventures with lower financial capital and growth expectations. Social entrepreneurs generally have high levels of education and pursue social objectives, often remedying market failures with innovative solutions. For each entrepreneurship type, the authors provide a definition, empirical generalizations, and implications for public policy.
R&D projects in the science sector
Authors: Kuchta Dorota , Gładysz Barbara , Skowron Dorota , Betta Jan
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this research was to determine and analyse diversity in various features of R&D projects implemented in the science sector in Poland, financed mostly from public funds. More exactly, the following aspects of R&D projects implemented in the science sector in Poland were examined: the relation between the actually achieved and the initially set goal, the project management methodologies and project time management methods used, features of the project team, the relation between the plan and the actual project realisation and management difficulties encountered in practice. These aspects and their diversity were examined in the context of the whole country, of various fields of science and various research units implementing pure research (the ‘R’ area) or applied research and experimental development (the ‘D’ area). The research was conducted by means of survey methodology covering a sample of participants of R&D projects in the science sector in Poland. The results were analysed by means of statistical methods (which constitutes a clear novelty with respect to the existing literature on R&D projects) and statistically significant phenomena gave rise to several important conclusions on how R&D projects implemented in the science sector are managed and what their realisation looks like in various fields of science and various institutions, in a relatively new EU members state and a former communist country like Poland. These conclusions may be the basis for important hypotheses (which require further research) on the project management quality in the science sector in Poland and in similar countries, which is closely linked to the problem of public money allocation, its efficient spending and control. Also, practical suggestions on improvement measures in the science sector with respect to R&D projects, limited not only to countries like Poland, but of a more general nature, are formulated.
Detection, Localization and Tyrosine Phosphorylation Status of Ser/Thr Protein Phosphatase1γ in Freshly Ejaculated, In Vitro Capacitated and Cryopreserved Buffalo Spermatozoa
Authors: Naresh S , Atreja SK
Published: October 2015

Contents

Several recent studies have indicated the important roles of Ser/Thr protein phosphatase1γ (PP1γ) in regulating the motility and capacitation of mammalian spermatozoa. Here, we report the presence and distribution of PP1γ protein in freshly ejaculated, in vitro capacitated and cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa. The presence of PP1γ and its distribution were assessed by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence techniques, whereas the isoforms of PP1γ and their tyrosine phosphorylation status were identified by using 2D electrophoresis. The number of isoforms and the status of tyrosine phosphorylation of PP1γ were increased in capacitated spermatozoa when compared with freshly ejaculated spermatozoa. Differential pattern of expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of PP1γ were observed in cryopreserved spermatozoa, wherein some isoforms were degraded and some were tyrosine phosphorylated. In addition, immunofluorescence technique revealed that PP1γ was localized to principle, mid‐piece, post‐acrosomal and equatorial regions of buffalo spermatozoa. Differential distribution of tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins were observed in fresh, capacitated and cryopreserved spermatozoa. The tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins (20, 37, 38, 52, 60, 79 and 100 kDa) were increased when sperm cells were incubated with PP1γ inhibitor, okadaic acid. Together, our results suggest that buffalo spermatozoa express different isoforms of PP1γ protein. The protein expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of PP1γ were increased during capacitation. Furthermore, the differential pattern of expression and tyrosine phosphorylation of PP1γ were observed in cryopreserved spermatozoa. In addition, the inhibition of PP1γ protein increases protein tyrosine phosphorylation in capacitation.
The Political Economy of Middle‐Income Traps: Is South Africa in a Long‐Run Growth Trap? The Path to “Bounded Populism”
Authors: Luiz John M.
Published: October 2015

The current literature on middle‐income traps has been dominated by economists who have relied on economic explanations mainly around stages of development and the structural transformation of economies. But there is an equally vigorous literature from political science which speaks to the political economy of transitions. We look at the dynamics of how economic modernisation triggers structural changes with winners and losers and how this is reflected in the polarisation of the political sphere amongst middle‐income countries. This paper asks the question of whether South Africa is an archetypical example of a country stuck in a trap and how this has affected the policy choices that it has made. South Africa needs to move up the value chain with a viable value proposition, and this requires a very different policy set and human capital plan.
Immunization of Mice with a Live Transconjugant Shigella Hybrid Strain Induced Th1 and Th17 Cell‐Mediated Immune Responses and Confirmed Passive Protection Against Heterologous Shigellae
Authors: Nag D. , Koley H. , Sinha R. , Mukherjee P. , Sarkar C. , Withey J. H. , Gachhui R.
Published: October 2015

An avirulent, live transconjugant Shigella hybrid (LTSHΔstx) strain was constructed in our earlier study by introducing a plasmid vector, pPR1347, into a Shiga toxin gene deleted Shigella dysenteriae 1. Three successive oral administrations of LTSHΔstx to female adult mice produced comprehensive passive heterologous protection in their offspring against challenge with wild‐type shigellae. Production of NO and different cytokines such asIL‐12p70, IL‐1β and IL‐23 in peritoneal mice macrophages indicated that LTSHΔstx induced innate and adaptive immunity in mice. Furthermore, production of IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐17 in LTSH‐primed splenic CD4+ T cell suggested that LTSHΔstx may induce Th1 and Th17 cell‐mediated immune responses. Exponential increase of the serum IgG and IgA titre against whole shigellae was observed in immunized adult mice during and after the immunization with the highest peak on day 35. Antigen‐specific sIgA was also determined from intestinal lavage of immunized mice. The stomach extracts of neonates from immunized mice, mainly containing mother's milk, contained significant levels of anti‐LTSHΔstx immunoglobulin. These studies suggest that the LTSHΔstx could be a new live oral vaccine candidate against shigellosis in the near future.
Le néocorporatisme suisse en déclin? Les commissions extra‐parlementaires dans un environnement en mutation (1957–2010)
Authors: Beetschen Marion , Rebmann Frédéric
Published: October 2015

L'analyse diachronique des commissions extra‐parlementaires (CEP) suisses montre un fort déclin de leur composition néocorporatiste dans la seconde moitié du 20ième siècle. Lieux de rencontre et de négociation pour les principaux acteurs des champs économique, scientifique, politique et administratif, les CEP sont traditionnellement considérées comme une importante instance de représentation des groupes d'intérêt en Suisse. Notre contribution interroge la validité de cette position à l'aune des réformes du système commissionnaliste des années 1970–1980 et de la remise en cause du néocorporatisme dès les années 1990. Basés sur l'analyse de l'affiliation des membres de CEP sur quatre dates (1957, 1980, 2000 et 2010), nos résultats indiquent que les CEP perdent leur fonction de concertation et d'intermédiation des différents acteurs impliqués dans le processus décisionnel, au travers notamment d'une baisse de la représentation des intérêts économiques organisés et d'une augmentation de la représentation des acteurs scientifiques ainsi que d'une diminution de la multi‐expertise.
Using the Mixture Rasch Model to Explore Knowledge Resources Students Invoke in Mathematic and Science Assessments
Authors: Zhang Danhui , Orrill Chandra , Campbell Todd
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether mixture Rasch models followed by qualitative item‐by‐item analysis of selected Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) mathematics and science items offered insight into knowledge students invoke in mathematics and science separately and combined. The researchers administered an assessment constructed from PISA released items to 516 15‐year‐old middle school students in China. The findings suggest that while PISA attributes showed promise for providing insight into how students were classified in mathematics and science, when combined these attributes were not found. Our findings suggest that students do not seem to be applying attribute strengths to the dataset as a whole (i.e., mathematics and science items combined) in ways that differentiate them from students who appear weaker for those attributes.