bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐native species and lake warming negatively affect Arctic charSalvelinus alpinusabundance; deep thermal refugia facilitate co‐existence
Authors: Morrissey‐McCaffrey Emma , Shephard Samuel , Kelly Fiona L. , Kelly‐Quinn Mary
Published: October 2018

This study finds that non‐native species and warming temperatures have significant negative effects on Arctic charSalvelinus alpinusabundance in Irish lakes. Eutrophication was not important at the range of total phosphorus tested (0.005–0.023 mg l−1). Model results predict thatS. alpinusoccur across the temperature range sampled (8.2–19.7°C) when non‐natives are absent, butS. alpinuscatch is predicted to be close to zero irrespective of temperature when non‐native catch is high. This result indicates that to persist,S. alpinusmay require a habitat where non‐natives are at low abundance or absent.Salvelinus alpinussegregated from other species along the thermal axis, inhabiting significantly colder water and actively avoided non‐native species, which appeared to limit their distribution. The thermal niche realized byS. alpinusin non‐native dominated lakes was thus compressed relative to native dominated lakes andS. alpinuspopulation density was significantly lower. These findings were consistent even when the only non‐native present wasPerca fluviatilis. Temperature appeared to limit the distribution of non‐native species, such that the presence of deep thermal refugia is currently facilitatingS. alpinusco‐existence with non‐natives in associated lakes. Diet analysis identifiedP. fluviatilisas potential predators and competitors. This study provides strong evidence that non‐native species are a key driver of lowS. alpinusabundance in Irish lakes. Temperature increases associated with climate change are identified as a secondary concern, as they could erodeS. alpinus' thermal niche and lead to their extirpation. The lower thermal buffering capacity of shallow lakes identifies these as higher risk systems.Salvelinus alpinusconservation in Ireland should focus on preventing future illegal non‐native species introductions because unlike other stressors (e.g., eutrophication etc.), species introductions are rarely reversible.
Effect of alkali concentration on functionality, lysinoalanine formation, and structural characteristics of tea residue proteins
Authors: Ayim Ishmael , Ma Haile , Alenyorege Evans Adingba , Ali Zeshan , Zhou Cunshan , Donkor Prince Ofori
Published: October 2018

The effect of varying sodium hydroxide concentration on functionality, structural characteristics, and the generation of lysinoalanine from tea protein extraction was explored. The results indicated that increasing alkali molarity from 0.0125 to 0.150 M resulted in an increase in protein yield, solubility, foam capacity, and stability up to 0.1 M, which declined further with an increase in the alkali concentration. Surface hydrophobicity, thiol, and disulfide contents reached a maximum at 0.075 M and continued to decline afterward. The effect of alkaline concentration on lysinoalanine (LAL) formation showed an increase from 6.00 ± 0.32 g/kg at 0.1 M to 29.43 ± 1.10 g/kg at 0.125 M followed by a decline to 7.37 ± 0.01 g/kg at 0.15 M. There was a significant (p < .05) reduction in Cys and Lys contents as alkali concentration increased. The use of alkali in extracting protein from tea and other plant sources should be monitored as higher alkali concentration may pose a nutritional concern.

Practical applications

Extraction of protein from plant sources is most often facilitated by use of alkali. However, the adverse effect of use of alkali is not considered in most cases. The use of sonication, ethanol, and Viscozyme pretreatments coupled with varying alkali concentration was adopted to extract proteins from tea residue and the generation of lysinoalanine, a toxic substance was quantified. The use of alkali at higher concentrations could pose a nutritional concern as it caused an increase in lysinoalanine content. Improved protein yield and purity can be achieved at moderately lower alkali concentrations.
Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale: One‐Page Predictor of Mobility Decline in Mobility‐Intact Older Adults
Authors: Simonsick Eleanor M. , Schrack Jennifer A. , Santanasto Adam J. , Studenski Stephanie A. , Ferrucci Luigi , Glynn Nancy W.
Published: October 2018

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) as a predictor of performance and functional decline in mobility‐intact older adults.

DESIGN

Longitudinal analysis of Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging data.

SETTING

National Institute on Aging, Clinical Research Unit, Baltimore, Maryland.

PARTICIPANTS

Mobility‐intact men (46.8%) and women aged 60 to 89 with concurrent PFS administration and performance and functional assessment and follow‐up assessment within 1 to 4 years (N=579).

MEASUREMENTS

The PFS is a self‐administered, 1‐page assessment of expected physical and mental fatigue with a score ranging from 0 (no) to 5 (extreme) associated with performing 10 activities. Analyses examined associations between each dimension scored continuously (0–50), categorically (0–5), and dichotomously and change in and likelihood of clinically meaningful decline in usual and fast gait speed, chair stand pace, and reported walking ability. Covariates included age, age2, sex, race, visit status, baseline function, and follow‐up time. We defined meaningful decline as 0.05 m/s per year for usual gait speed, 0.07 m/s per year for fast gait speed, 0.02 chair stands/s per year and 1 point or more for walking ability index.

RESULTS

Over a mean 2.2 years, 20.5% to 37.7% of participants experienced meaningful decline across assessments. Independent of covariates, higher PFS physical and mental scores were most consistently associated with greater decline in usual gait speed, chair stand pace, and reported walking ability regardless of scoring approach. For example, higher physical fatigability was associated with twice the likelihood of meaningful decline in gait speed as lower physical fatigability (p=.001). PFS scores were superior to fatigue symptoms such as tiredness and energy level in predicting performance decline, which showed no association.

CONCLUSION

Routine self‐administered perceived fatigability assessment may help identify older persons vulnerable to accelerated mobility decline. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2092–2096, 2018.
Tools for Deprescribing in Frail Older Persons and Those with Limited Life Expectancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Thompson Wade , Lundby Carina , Graabæk Trine , Nielsen Dorthe S. , Ryg Jesper , Søndergaard Jens , Pottegård Anton
Published: October 2018

OBJECTIVES

To summarize available tools that can assist clinicians in identifying and reducing or stopping (deprescribing) potentially inappropriate medications and that specifically consider frailty or limited life expectancy.

DESIGN

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

SETTING

We searched MEDLINE (via Ovid SP), EMBASE (via Ovid SP), and CINAHL from inception to December 2017, along with grey literature. We included articles that described a tool to guide deprescribing of medications.

PARTICIPANTS

Frail older persons and older persons with limited life expectancy.

MEASUREMENTS

Narrative description of tools.

RESULTS

We identified 15 tools and organized them into three main categories: tools (n = 2) that described a model or framework for approaching deprescribing, tools (n = 9) that outlined a deprescribing approach for the entire medication list, and tools (n = 4) that provided medication‐specific advice. The complexity of the tools ranged from simple lists to detailed, step‐wise protocols. The development methodology varied widely, and the methods used to synthesize the tools were generally not well described. Most tools were based on expert opinion. Only four of the 15 tools have been tested in clinical practice (in very low‐quality studies).

CONCLUSION

Tools exist to help clinicians deprescribe in frail older persons and those with limited life expectancy. These tools may assist clinicians at various stages in the deprescribing process. However, it remains to be investigated whether use of such tools in practice is likely to improve clinical outcomes or reduce inappropriate medication use. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:172–180, 2019.
Metipranolol promotes structure and function of retinal photoreceptors in the rd10 mouse model of human retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Kanan Yogita , Khan Mahmood , Lorenc Valeria E. , Long Da , Chadha Rishi , Sciamanna Jason , Green Ken , Campochiaro Peter A.
Published: October 2018

Metipranolol is a β‐adrenergic receptor antagonist that is given orally for the treatment of hypertension and also applied topically to the cornea for treating glaucoma. It also inhibits nitrosative stress which has previously been shown to be the cause of cone photoreceptor death in retinitis pigmentosa. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that metipranolol protects photoreceptor structure and function in the mouse model rd10. At P35, compared with vehicle‐treated rd10 mice in which rod degeneration was nearly complete, rd10 mice given daily subcutaneous injections of 40 mg/kg of metipranolol had reduction in markers of nitrosative stress, fewer TUNEL‐positive cells, increased outer nuclear layer thickness, and substantially more staining for rhodopsin. This was accompanied by significantly higher mean scotopic and photopic electroretinogram b‐wave amplitudes indicating improved photoreceptor function. At P50, metipranolol‐treated rd10 mice had decreased 3‐nitrotyrosine staining in the retina, increased immunostaining for cone arrestin, a marker for cone photoreceptors, and significantly higher scotopic and photopic b‐wave amplitudes at the highest stimulus intensity compared with vehicle‐treated mice. At P65, cone density was significantly higher in metipranolol‐treated versus vehicle‐injected rd10 mice. Metipranolol applied as eye drops promoted cone photoreceptor function in retinas of rd10 mice greater than subcutaneously injected metipranolol. The reduced nitrosative damage and rescue of functional loss of photoreceptors in rd10 mice suggests that metipranolol, a drug with established ocular safety and tolerability, may have potential for treating patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

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Reflections on self‐determination theory as an organizing framework for personality psychology: Interfaces, integrations, issues, and unfinished business
Authors: Ryan Richard M. , Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten
Published: October 2018

Objective

This special issue focuses on self‐determination theory (SDT) as an integrative framework for the wider field of personality research. In this commentary our aims include: reflecting on the utility and strengths of SDT as such a general framework and responding to the various contributions in this issue regarding their use of SDT as a guiding, complementary, or contrasting framework.

Methods and Results

We describe how SDT has developed organically and conservatively from “within” based on the emerging patterns of evidence, as well through the ongoing challenges from other models and frameworks. We then discuss each of the various contributions to this special issue, addressing themes that include SDT’s breadth of methods, and its relevance to topics such as narcissism, wisdom, individual differences, Big‐Five traits, and the neuropsychology of motivation, among others. Across these discussions, we highlight fruitful avenues for research and cross‐fertilization across the fields of personality, development, motivation, and neuroscience. At the same time, we counter some claims made about SDT, and forward certain cautions regarding the integration of SDT and other personality frameworks and models.

Conclusions

We conclude by revisiting the value of broad theory, and SDT in particular, for coordinating complex research findings concerning motivation, personality development and wellness across multiple levels of analysis and, perhaps more importantly, for pointing researchers to the right questions within today’s prolific empiricism.
Hyponatraemia in a Lao paediatric intensive care unit: Prevalence, associations and intravenous fluid use
Authors: Elliman Mark G , Vongxay Oulaivanh , Soumphonphakdy Bandith , Gray Amy
Published: October 2018

Aim

Hyponatraemia is a common and potentially deadly complication affecting hospitalised children world‐wide. Hypotonic intravenous fluids can be a significant exacerbating factor. Exclusive use of isotonic fluids, coupled with rigorous blood monitoring, has proven effective in reducing hyponatraemia in developed settings. In developing countries, where hyponatraemia is often more common and severe, different factors may contribute to its incidence and detection. We aimed to determine the prevalence and disease associations of hyponatraemia and describe the intravenous maintenance fluid prescribing practices in a Lao paediatric intensive care unit.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 164 children aged 1 month to 15 years admitted to intensive care at a tertiary centre in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) and recorded their serum sodium and clinical data at admission and on two subsequent days.

Results

Hyponatraemia was detected in 41% (67/164, confidence interval 34–48%) of children, the majority of which was mild (34%, 56/164) and present at admission (35%, 55/158). Hyponatraemia was more common in malnourished children (odds ratio (OR) 2.3, P = 0.012) and females (OR 1.9, P = 0.045). Hyponatraemia correlated with death or expected death after discharge (OR 2.2, P = 0.015); 88% received maintenance intravenous fluids, with 67% of those receiving a hypotonic solution. Electrolyte testing was only performed in 20% (9/46) of patients outside the study protocol.

Conclusions

Hyponatraemia is highly prevalent in critically ill children in Lao PDR, as is the continued use of hypotonic intravenous fluids. With financial and practical barriers to safely detecting and monitoring electrolyte disorders in this setting, this local audit can help promote testing and has already encouraged changes to fluid prescribing.
Hepatitis C test uptake among historic blood transfusion recipients following media coverage of the Penrose Inquiry and an awareness‐raising campaign
Authors: McLeod Allan , Weir Amanda , Hutchinson Sharon J , Goldberg David J.
Published: October 2018

The final report of the Penrose Inquiry into historic transmission of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) through blood transfusion/products in Scotland was published in March 2015 and recommended “everyone who had received a blood transfusion prior to 1991 and who had not had a test for HCV should be offered one.” A targeted awareness‐raising campaign to encourage such individuals to be tested was launched in October 2016. We examined HCV testing undertaken in 2015‐2016 in three NHS boards in Scotland to evaluate impact of these events. Statistical process control was used to monitor trends in individuals tested and those mentioning transfusion. HCV positivity was calculated and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with mention of transfusion. A total of 22 842 individuals received an HCV test in 2015‐2016 and 3% of those with clinical information mentioned transfusion. The total number of HCV tests was significantly higher in the week following the Penrose Report and the number mentioning transfusion was significantly higher for three weeks. There was no significant increase following the awareness‐raising campaign. Women and those aged over 50 years were the most likely to have mentioned transfusion. Overall HCV positivity was 3.7% and <1% for the transfusion group. The impact of both intense media coverage and the government‐funded awareness‐raising campaigns in terms of HCV test uptake was modest and short‐lived. Our findings highlight the challenges of case‐finding for HCV and the limited impact of awareness‐raising. This can be used by other countries aiming to identify those infected through historic blood transfusion.
Increased diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in prison by universal offer of testing and use of telemedicine
Authors: Morey Sarah , Hamoodi Abi , Jones Dee , Young Tina , Thompson Craig , Dhuny Julie , Buchanan Emma , Miller Carolyn , Hewett Margaret , Valappil Manoj , Hunter Ewan , McPherson Stuart
Published: October 2018

With recent advances in antiviral therapy, there is an opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) from the UK population. HCV is common in incarcerated individuals, with previous estimates suggesting ~7% of the UK prison population is anti‐HCV antibody positive. Increasing diagnosis and treatment of HCV in prison is a priority in seeking to eliminate transmission in the general population. Thus the study aimed to assess the impact implementation of: (a) A universal offer of blood borne virus testing (UOBBVT) using dry blood spot testing for prisoners at reception to increase diagnosis; (b) Telemedicine clinics (TC) within North East England (NEE) prisons to increase HCV treatment rates. UOBBVT was initially implemented at Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) Durham, commencing March 2016. From March 2016 to February 2017, 2831 of 4280 (66%) new receptions were offered blood borne virus (BBV) testing. Of these, 1495 (53% of offered) accepted BBV testing, of whom 95 (6.4%) were HCV antibody positive, with 47 of those 95 (49.5%) HCV RNA positive, suggesting a prevalence of active infection in the tested population of 3.1% (95% CI 2.4%‐4.2%). Between August 2015 and October 2017, 80 individuals were seen in the TC and 57 (71%) commenced antiviral therapy. Of those with known outcome (n = 29), 100% achieved sustained virological response. In the year prior to implementation, only four patients received HCV treatment. In conclusion, a universal offer of BBV testing to inmates presenting at HMP reception coupled with linkage into specialist care via TC can substantially increase rates of testing, diagnosis and treatment of HCV in this high‐prevalence population.
Human genomics of acute liver failure due to hepatitis B virus infection: An exome sequencing study in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Asgari Samira , Chaturvedi Nimisha , Scepanovic Petar , Hammer Christian , Semmo Nasser , Giostra Emiliano , Müllhaupt Beat , Angus Peter , Thompson Alexander J , Moradpour Darius , Fellay Jacques
Published: October 2018

Acute liver failure (ALF) or fulminant hepatitis is a rare, yet severe outcome of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) that carries a high mortality rate. The occurrence of a life‐threatening condition upon infection with a prevalent virus in individuals without known risk factors is suggestive of pathogen‐specific immune dysregulation. In the absence of established differences in HBV virulence, we hypothesized that ALF upon primary infection with HBV could be due to rare deleterious variants in the human genome. To search for such variants, we performed exome sequencing in 21 previously healthy adults who required liver transplantation upon fulminant HBV infection and 172 controls that were positive for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs but had no clinical history of jaundice or liver disease. After a series of hypothesis‐driven filtering steps, we searched for putatively pathogenic variants that were significantly associated with case‐control status. We did not find any causal variant or gene, a result that does not support the hypothesis of a shared monogenic basis for human susceptibility to HBV‐related ALF in adults. This study represents a first attempt at deciphering the human genetic contribution to the most severe clinical presentation of acute HBV infection in previously healthy individuals.
Radioactive iodine uptake in hyperthyroid cats after administration of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone
Authors: Oberstadt Amy E. , Nelson Nathan C. , Claude Andrew K. , Refsal Kent R. , Scott‐Moncrieff J. Catharine , Petroff Brian K. , Langlois Daniel K.
Published: October 2018

Background

Radioactive iodine therapy is considered the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but the availability of this modality is limited by costs and hospitalization requirements. Administration of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rh‐TSH) to humans with thyroid neoplasia or nodular goiter can increase thyroidal iodine uptake, thereby allowing the use of lower radioactive iodine doses for treatment. Veterinary studies of this subject are limited, and results are conflicting.

Objective

To investigate the effects of rh‐TSH administration on thyroidal iodine uptake in hyperthyroid cats.

Animals

Ten client‐owned hyperthyroid cats.

Methods

In this prospective clinical study, cats were administered saline (placebo), 50 μg rh‐TSH (low‐dose), and 100 μg rh‐TSH (high‐dose) in randomized crossover design with treatments separated by 7‐10 days. After each treatment, thyroid scintigraphy was performed by administering 300 μCi123I and assessing radionuclide uptake 8 and 24 hours later. Serum thyroid hormone concentrations were measured at each visit.

Results

Thyroidal percent iodine uptakes (mean ± SD at 8 and 24 hours) in cats treated with placebo (25.2 ± 13.4%, 30.0 ± 12.8%), low‐dose (24.1 ± 12.5%, 29.4 ± 13.7%), and high‐dose rh‐TSH (24.2 ± 16.3%, 30.8 ± 15.3%) were not different (P= .76). Independent of rh‐TSH administration, percent iodine uptakes were positively correlated with serum thyroid hormone concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

One‐time administration of rh‐TSH, even at high doses, would not be expected to lower radioactive iodine doses needed for treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Investigations of alternate strategies to increase thyroidal uptake of radioactive iodine are warranted.
Association between clinically probable REM sleep behavior disorder and tetanus in dogs
Authors: Shea Anita , Hatch Alex , De Risio Luisa , Beltran Elsa
Published: October 2018

Background

Abnormal sleep behavior has been reported in 5 dogs during recovery from tetanus.

Hypothesis

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a more common consequence of tetanus than previously reported in veterinary literature and easily confused for epileptic seizures.

Animals

Sixty‐one client‐owned dogs diagnosed with tetanus at 2 UK referral centers.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was combined with a questionnaire sent to owners of surviving dogs, to identify cases that developed clinically probable RBD and determine its clinical progression and effect on quality of life of affected dogs and their owners. Descriptive statistical evaluation was performed.

Results

Eleven dogs (18%) died or were euthanized before discharge. At least 46% surviving dogs developed abnormal “dream enactment” clinically consistent with RBD. Twitching, running, and vocalization were new sleep behaviors in 53, 80, and 60% of affected dogs. Clinically probable RBD was described as violent or “nightmare”‐like in 36% affected dogs, and like an epileptic seizure in 40% affected dogs. When trialed, antiepileptic medications were ineffective. Onset occurred before discharge in 25% cases. For dogs that developed clinically probable RBD postdischarge, onset occurred within 2 weeks of discharge in 77% dogs. Clinically probable RBD did not worsen in severity or frequency in any dog, and spontaneously resolved within 6 months in 43% cases.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clinically probable RBD is a common sequel to canine tetanus with many clinical similarities to epileptic seizure activity. Owners should be made aware of its potential development and care taken to avoid misdiagnosis with epileptic seizure activity.
First national iodine survey in Madagascar demonstrates iodine deficiency
Authors: Randremanana Rindra Vatosoa , Bastaraud Alexandra , Rabarijaona Leon Paul , Piola Patrice , Rakotonirina Delphin , Razafinimanana Jean Olivier , Ramangakoto Mamy Hanitra , Andriantsarafara Lalaharizaka , Randriamasiarijaona Harinelina , Tucker‐Brown Amal , Harimanana Aina , Namana Simeon
Published: October 2018

Universal salt iodization (USI) was adopted in Madagascar in 1995 within the framework of a worldwide policy to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. Despite early USI adoption, there are no representative data on the iodine status of the Malagasy population. The aims of this study were to determine the iodine status of the Malagasy population and to assess the use of adequately iodized salt among households. We randomly sampled women of reproductive age (WRA) using a national, two‐stage, stratified cross‐sectional survey in 2014. Casual urine from WRA and salt samples from the household containing WRA were collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and to assess household salt iodine content. Data from 1,721 WRA in 1,128 households were collected and analysed. The national median UIC was 46 μg L−1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 13–98 μg L−1), indicating a moderate iodine deficiency. The median UIC was 53 μg L−1 (IQR: 9–89 μg L−1) in pregnant women and 46 μg L−1 (IQR: 13–98 μg L−1) in non‐pregnant women. The national median iodine concentration of household salt was 10 mg kg−1 (IQR: 6.3–15.8 mg kg−1) and 26.2% (95% CI [22.1, 31.0]) of households containing WRA used adequately iodized salt (≥15 mg kg−1). Women living in households with adequately iodized salt had higher median UIC (72 vs. 50 μg L−1). Iodine status was significantly lower among women from low socio‐economic households. Madagascar's USI program needs to be revitalized. Implementing strategies to provide adequately iodized salt and enhancing iodized salt legislation to prevent severe complications resulting from iodine deficiency in the Malagasy population are essential.
The RES domain toxins of RES‐Xre toxin‐antitoxin modules induce cell stasis by degrading NAD+
Authors: Skjerning Ragnhild Bager , Senissar Meriem , Winther Kristoffer S. , Gerdes Kenn , Brodersen Ditlev E.
Published: October 2018

Type II toxin‐antitoxin (TA) modules, which are important cellular regulators in prokaryotes, usually encode two proteins, a toxin that inhibits cell growth and a nontoxic and labile inhibitor (antitoxin) that binds to and neutralizes the toxin. Here, we demonstrate that the res‐xre locus from Photorhabdus luminescens and other bacterial species function as bona fide TA modules in Escherichia coli. The 2.2 Å crystal structure of the intact Pseudomonas putida RES‐Xre TA complex reveals an unusual 2:4 stoichiometry in which a central RES toxin dimer binds two Xre antitoxin dimers. The antitoxin dimers each expose two helix‐turn‐helix DNA‐binding domains of the Cro repressor type, suggesting the TA complex is capable of binding the upstream promoter sequence on DNA. The toxin core domain shows structural similarity to ADP‐ribosylating enzymes such as diphtheria toxin but has an atypical NAD+‐binding pocket suggesting an alternative function. We show that activation of the toxin in vivo causes a depletion of intracellular NAD+ levels eventually leading to inhibition of cell growth in E. coli and inhibition of global macromolecular biosynthesis. Both structure and activity are unprecedented among bacterial TA systems, suggesting the functional scope of bacterial TA toxins is much wider than previously appreciated.
Priority effects within coinfected hosts can drive unexpected population‐scale patterns of parasite prevalence
Authors: Clay Patrick A. , Cortez Michael H. , Duffy Meghan A. , Rudolf Volker H. W.
Published: October 2018

Organisms are frequently coinfected by multiple parasite strains and species, and interactions between parasites within hosts are known to influence parasite prevalence and diversity, as well as epidemic timing. Importantly, interactions between coinfecting parasites can be affected by the order in which they infect hosts (i.e. within‐host priority effects). In this study, we use a single‐host, two‐pathogen, SI model with environmental transmission to explore how within‐host priority effects scale up to alter host population‐scale infection patterns. Specifically, we ask how parasite prevalence changes in the presence of different types of priority effects. We consider two scenarios without priority effects and four scenarios with priority effects where there is either an advantage or a disadvantage to being the first to infect in a coinfected host. Models without priority effects always predict negative relationships between the prevalences of both parasites. In contrast, models with priority effects can yield unimodal prevalence relationships where the prevalence of a focal parasite is minimized or maximized at intermediate prevalences of a coinfecting parasite. The mechanism behind this pattern is that as the prevalence of the coinfecting parasite increases, most infections of the focal parasite change from occurring as solo infections, to first arrival coinfections, to second arrival coinfections. The corresponding changes in parasite fitness as the focal parasite moves from one infection class to another then map to changes in focal parasite prevalence. Further, we found that even when parasites interact negatively within a host, they still can have positive prevalence relationships at the population scale. These results suggest that within‐host priority effects can change host population‐scale infection patterns in systematic (and initially counterintuitive) ways, and that taking them into account may improve disease forecasting in coinfected populations.
The professional politics of the austerity debate: A comparative field analysis of the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund
Authors: Ban Cornel , Patenaude Bryan
Published: October 2018

How do different professional structures shape the economic ideas that international economic organizations use to prescribe policy recommendations or derive legitimacy and authority for them? The comparative professional field analysis proposed herein deploys a novel combination of content, network and regression analysis to uncover the precise role of different qualifications, experiences and hierarchies in shaping the economic expertise invoked by the European Central Bank's and the International Monetary Fund's main policy documents, with a specific focus on debates over fiscal consolidation in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008. The findings challenge much of the scholarship about how economic ideas diffuse across professional domains and where change on macroeconomic policy in international economic organizations is likely to come from. As such, the article should be of interest to scholarship on international bureaucracies, the politics of professional knowledge and the international political economy of fiscal consolidation.
Linking anticorruption threats, performance pay, administrative outputs, and policy outcomes in China
Authors: Liang Jiaqi , Langbein Laura
Published: October 2018

Little is known about the effects of two prominent public sector reforms—anticorruption efforts and high‐powered incentive systems—on the accomplishment of policy goals in the absence of the rule of law and in the presence of an extrinsic incentive to take advantage of corruption to achieve performance targets. This study explores how performance rewards and anticorruption efforts jointly affect administrative outputs and policy outcomes. We examine China's air pollution control policy with province‐level panel data. The analysis shows that performance rewards prompt administrative outputs that are linked to the incentive structure. Anticorruption activities have small significant, positive effects on those outputs only prior to the inception of high‐powered rewards, but have no significant effect on policy outcomes, regardless of the measure. The introduction of performance incentives contributes to the achievement of policy outcomes only when their measurement is subject to government manipulation.
Species distribution modelling and cpSSR reveal population history of the Neotropical annual herb Tithonia rotundifolia (Asteraceae)
Authors: López‐Caamal A. , Ferrufino‐Acosta L. F. , Díaz‐Maradiaga R. F. , Rodríguez‐Delcid D. , Mussali‐Galante P. , Tovar‐Sánchez E.
Published: October 2018

The impacts of the historical geologic and climatic events on the diversity and genetic structure of Neotropical taxa have recently become a subject of study. However, annual plants associated with tropical dry forests remain under‐studied. The exploration of additional taxa in contrasting environments will improve the current understanding of responses of the Neotropical biota to these events. Here, we explore the species distribution and geographic structure of the annual herb Tithonia rotundifolia.

We sampled 175 individuals from 19 populations of T. rotundifolia. Species distribution modelling and six microsatellite chloroplast loci were used to infer its population history. We identified areas of historical climate suitability and then tested if there is genetic structuring among these areas.

Haplotypes showed strong phylogeographic structure. Historical climatic suitability areas were found along the Pacific coast; however, a gap was found at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (IT). Although Bayesian analysis showed population structuring, amova revealed that the IT is not its main driver. Instead, a subdivision into a higher number of regions had higher FCT values. Also, populations to the east of the IT showed evidence of recent population expansion and migration in a south–north direction.

Pleistocene climate fluctuations partially explain the geographic structure of T. rotundifolia. However, life‐history characteristics such as limited seed dispersal and the patchy distribution of suitable habitats explain the high haplotype diversity and population sub‐structuring and diversity. Lastly, the absence of geographic structure of some haplotypes may indicate long‐distance dispersal, or hybridisation with the closely related T. tubaeformis.
Biological control of potato soft rot caused by Dickeya solani and the survival of bacterial antagonists under cold storage conditions
Authors: Hadizadeh I. , Peivastegan B. , Hannukkala A. , van der Wolf J. M. , Nissinen R. , Pirhonen M.
Published: October 2018

Dickeya and Pectobacterium are responsible for causing blackleg of plants and soft rot of tubers in storage and in the field, giving rise to losses in seed potato production. In an attempt to improve potato health, biocontrol activity of known and putative antagonists was screened using in vitro and in planta assays, followed by analysis of their persistence at various storage temperatures. Most antagonists had low survival on potato tuber surfaces at 4 °C. The population dynamics of the best low‐temperature tolerant strain and also the most efficient antagonist, Serratia plymuthica A30, along with Dickeya solani as target pathogen, was studied with TaqMan real‐time PCR throughout the storage period. Tubers of three potato cultivars were treated in the autumn with the antagonist and then inoculated with D. solani. Although the cell densities of both strains decreased during the storage period in inoculated tubers, the pathogen population was always lower in the presence of the antagonist. The treated tubers were planted in the field the following growing season to evaluate the efficiency of the bacterial antagonist for controlling disease incidence. The potato endophyte S. plymuthica A30 protected potato plants by reducing blackleg development on average by 58.5% and transmission to tuber progeny as latent infection by 47–75%. These results suggest that treatment of potato tubers with biocontrol agents after harvest can reduce the severity of soft rot disease during storage and affect the transmission of soft rot bacteria from mother tubers to progeny tubers during field cultivation.
Temporal relationship between emitted and endogenous floral scent volatiles in summer‐ and winter‐blooming Jasminum species
Authors: Barman Monica , Mitra Adinpunya
Published: October 2018

Jasminum spp. is cultivated for their fragrant flowers used in essential oil production and cosmetic uses. An attempt was made to study the temporal variations in floral scent volatiles composition including emitted, free endogenous and glycosyl‐linked volatile compounds from two summer‐blooming species namely, Jasminum auriculatum and Jasminum grandiflorum as well as from two winter‐blooming species namely, Jasminum multiflorum and Jasminum malabaricum. The overall emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found to be highest when the matrix Porapak Q 80/100 was used with dichloromethane (DCM) as elution solvent. The floral volatile emission from bud to senescence exhibited nocturnal maxima pattern for both the summer‐blooming species. Both the winter‐blooming species emitted its highest concentration at noon. The free endogenous concentrations of all VOCs were low when corresponding emitted concentrations were high. Enzymatic treatment of petal extract revealed that several aromatic volatiles including aromatic alcohols and monoterpenols are synthesized and stored in the flowers as water‐soluble glycosides; these compounds were shown to accumulate in higher amounts in flowers at late bud stage. These findings indicate the utilization of the precursors, i.e. the volatile‐conjugates, through hydrolysis followed by their release as free‐volatiles at flower opening stage. The outcome as a whole suggests a linkage among the temporal pattern of emitted volatiles, free‐endogenous volatiles and glycoside‐bound volatile compounds in all above studied Jasminum spp. and provided an overview of their floral volatilome.
Is “Threat” in the Eye of the Researcher? Theory and Measurement in the Study of State‐Level Immigration Policymaking
Authors: Filindra Alexandra
Published: October 2018

This study initiates a methodological critique of the state‐level immigration policy literature through the lens of the racial threat and group power perspectives. First, I highlight the conceptual problems related to the application of such theories to legislature‐level data analysis. Next, I demonstrate the methodological and analytical problems that raise concerns about ad hoc theorizing in this field. Using counts of hostile and welcoming immigration legislation (2005–2011), I demonstrate that outgroup size measures correlate positively with both dependent variables while measures of population growth rate yield null results unless used on their own. These results suggest that the use of legislature‐level models with demographic indicators does not allow us to gain a clear understanding of whether and how population dynamics influence immigration policymaking. Based on these findings, I recommend that when using demographic indicators as key explanatory variables, researchers provide evidence of result consistency across multiple model specifications and also test the models with both hostile and inclusive policy variables. Such protocols would help avoid ad hoc theorizing.
Standing in Line When Queues Are on the Decline: Services Satisfaction Following the Swedish Health Care Waiting Time Guarantee
Authors: Rönnerstrand Björn , Oskarson Maria
Published: October 2018

Understanding mass public support for health systems and welfare polices is required in order to safeguard the legitimacy of democratic governance of the welfare state. If policies to meet dissatisfaction go unnoticed, the whole idea of responsive democracy is in vain. This paper focuses on the 2005 Swedish health care waiting‐time guarantee, which resulted in drastically lower hospital waiting times in Västra Götaland County. Exploring questions of significant theoretical relevance in the literature about policy feedback effects, the paper investigates if the decrease in waiting times affected hospital service satisfaction and if this effect was moderated by policy proximity and visibility. Data from the West Sweden SOM survey are utilized, measuring hospital service satisfaction from 2004 to 2009. To disentangle the role of policy proximity, two indicators are used—user status and subjective health status. Furthermore, policy visibility is measured by an individual’s level of political interest. The results show that the decrease in waiting times resulted in a substantial increase in hospital service satisfaction. However, the increase was not more pronounced among groups with higher proximity and visibility. On the contrary, results indicate that the increase in hospital service satisfaction was stronger among those already in good health.
Omics approaches to investigate host–pathogen interactions in mass mortality outbreaks of Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Nguyen Thao V. , Alfaro Andrea C. , Merien Fabrice
Published: October 2018

Mass mortality events are routinely reported in bivalve cultivation practices worldwide with significant economic consequences for the global aquaculture industry. Major contributors of these bivalve losses are infections caused by viruses and bacteria whose molecular action mechanisms are still not fully understood. This major bottleneck for shellfish cultivation presents an opportunity for fundamental research that can generate practical tools for reliable health assessments. To this end, newly developed omics approaches are likely to facilitate knowledge acquisition, especially if applied in conjunction with established and emergent immunological techniques. In recent years, various omics technologies (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) have been used to study the Pacific oyster mortality events associated with detection of ostreid herpesvirus type 1 (OsHV‐1) and Vibrio bacteria. These new approaches, especially when used in combination have significantly improved our understanding of this syndrome and associated diseases. In this paper, we review the current omics technologies that have been employed to investigate the interactions between Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and pathogens (e.g. OsHV‐1 and Vibrio sp.), infection mechanisms, host susceptibility and resistance. Herein, we also highlight some of the current challenges and future directions of omics approaches in shellfish health research, including disease detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Transcriptomics in aquaculture: current status and applications
Authors: Chandhini Sathyajith , Rejish Kumar Vattiringal Jayadradhan
Published: October 2018

Transcriptomics is the analysis of total RNA transcript in a cell, which gives a broad idea of cellular processes that are active and dormant. Recent advancement in next‐generation sequencing technologies like high‐throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) facilitates in deciphering the functional complexity of the whole transcriptome of an organism. In the recent past, transcriptome profiling has been widely used in aquaculture for effective identification and expression analysis of candidate genes involved in growth, reproduction, development, immunity, disease, stress and toxicology. On the paucity of a comprehensive genome sequence, transcriptomics enables the detection of molecular markers such as simple sequence repeats and single‐nucleotide polymorphism associated with the trait of interest. This review summarizes the process of transcriptome analysis and the current state of transcriptomics in aquaculture related to diseases and immunity, reproduction and development, growth and nutrition, toxicology and stress. Further, this review highlights the application of transcriptomics, including generation of genetic resources, differential gene expression, analysis of molecular pathways and development of molecular markers.
Crocin supplementation during oocyte maturation enhances antioxidant defence and subsequent cleavage rate
Authors: Chen Xuan , Xuan Biao , Xu Da , Wang Qiuyue , Cheng Mimi , Jin Yi
Published: October 2018

Contents

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of crocin supplementation during oocyte maturation on the antioxidant defence and anti‐apoptotic ability and subsequent developmental competence of porcine oocytes. Oocytes were cultured in media containing 0, 300, 400 or 500 µg/ml of crocin. Upon maturation, the maturation rates, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, mRNA expression of genes (SOD, CAT, GPx, Bcl‐2, BAX and Caspase3), expression of cleaved caspase3 and subsequent embryo cleavage rates were measured. Results indicated that the maturation rate of the 400 µg/ml group was 86.80% (p < 0.01). The ROS concentration of the 500 µg/ml group was the lowest (p < 0.01). The GSH concentration of the 400 µg/ml group was the highest (p < 0.01). The SOD, CAT and GPx mRNA expression levels were the highest in the 300, 400 and 500 µg/ml groups, respectively, with the expression levels of all genes being significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The Bcl‐2/BAX mRNA expression ratio in 400 and 500 µg/ml groups significantly higher than other groups and significantly decreased caspase3 expression level (p < 0.01). The expression level of cleaved caspase3 in the 500 µg/ml treatment group was the lowest, significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The cleavage rate of the 400 µg/ml group was 62.50% (p < 0.01). These experimental results show that the supplementation of in vitro culture medium with 400 µg/ml of crocin significantly enhanced the antioxidant defence and anti‐apoptotic ability and subsequent cleavage rate of porcine embryo.
The exploration of economic crises: parameter uncertainty and predictive ability
Authors: Inekwe John Nkwoma
Published: October 2018

Over a long horizon, this paper examines joint economic crises and determines the power of 49 variables in predicting such episodes. While incorporating dynamism in the prediction, we generate the predictive power of various specifications and model the uncertainty in the parameters of interest. The results reveal that growth of real gross domestic product per capita, regulation, bank non‐performing loans, interest rate and inflation rate are the most significant variables in predicting the joint economic crises. These variables predict economic crises with about 93% accuracy and can predict joint economic crises in developing countries and recent joint crises.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn after fetomaternal hemorrhage
Authors: Gijtenbeek Manon , Lopriore Enrico , Steggerda Sylke J. , Te Pas Arjan B. , Oepkes Dick , Haak Monique C.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Newborns with anemia are at increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), yet reports on the association between fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) and PPHN are rare. To optimize care for pregnancies complicated by FMH, clinicians should be aware of the risks of FMH and the possible diagnostic and therapeutic options. To increase the current knowledge, the incidence of PPHN and short‐term neurologic injury in FMH cases were studied.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We included all FMH cases (≥30 mL fetal blood transfused into the maternal circulation) admitted to our neonatal unit between 2006 and 2018. First, we evaluated the incidence of PPHN and short‐term neurologic injury. Second, we studied the potential effect of intrauterine transfusion (IUT).

RESULTS

PPHN occurred in 37.9% of newborns (11 of 29), respectively, 14.3% (one of seven) and 45.5% (10 of 22) in the IUT group and no‐IUT group (p = 0.20). The mortality rate was 13.8% (4 of 29). Severe brain injury occurred in 34.5% (10 of 29), respectively, and 14.3% (one of seven) and 40.9% (nine of 22) in the IUT group and no‐IUT group (p = 0.37).

CONCLUSION

Awareness should be raised among perinatologists and neonatologists about the possible life‐threatening consequences of FMH, as more than one‐third of neonates with anemia due to FMH experience PPHN and suffer from severe brain injury. Antenatal treatment with IUT seems to reduce these risks. Specialists should therefore always consider fetal anemia in FMH cases and refer patients to a fetal therapy center. If anemia is present at birth, it should be corrected promptly and neonatologists should be aware of signs of PPHN.