bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fresh tissue parathyroid allotransplantation with short‐term immunosuppression: 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Yucesan Emrah , Goncu Beyza , Basoglu Harun , Ozten Kandas Nur , Ersoy Yeliz Emine , Akbas Fahri , Aysan Erhan
Published: August 2017

Background

Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a serious problem and requires medications indefinitely. Parathyroid allotransplantation (PA) with short‐term immunosuppression is definitive choice but long‐term results are not clear.

Method

We performed PA from two donors to two recipients. Both recipients were 39‐year‐old females. Donors were a 32‐year‐old female and a 36‐year‐old male, who both have chronic kidney disease. Routine tests, viral markers, and cross‐matches were analyzed individually. The parathyroid glands were resected from the living donors, fragmented quickly in the operation room and injected into the left deltoid muscles of the two recipients.

Results

Methylprednisolone was administered on post‐PA day one and two. Recipients were discharged from the hospital without complications. Calcium and PTH levels were observed throughout 1 year. We did not observe any complications during the follow‐up period. Medications ceased in post‐transplantation week 1 for Case 1 and after 1 month for Case 2.

Conclusion

Fresh tissue PA with short‐term immunosuppression appears to be a promising technique that is easy to perform, is cost‐effective, has low risk of side effects and minimal complications with compatibility for HLA conditions. A longer follow‐up period and more case studies are needed to determine the risks and benefits of this procedure for future cases.
Congenital neurocristic cutaneous hamartoma with poliosis: A case report
Authors: Wilson Lauren M. , Beasley Knox J. , Sorrells Timothy C. , Johnson Viviana V.
Published: August 2017

Neurocristic cutaneous hamartomas (NCH) are rare, pigmented skin lesions derived from the abnormal migration of neural crest cells. We report the case of a 57‐year‐old female with a congenital localized area of poliosis and underlying pigmented patch on her scalp. Analysis of 2 punch biopsies yielded features consistent with NCH. Histopathology revealed schwannian‐differentiated spindle cells and melanocytic components in the dermis. The spindle cells stained positively for S‐100 and the stroma showed a prominent CD34 staining. The melanocytes were positive for melanoma triple stain (HMB‐45, Melan A, Tyrosinase) and S‐100. As the presentation of NCH and focal poliosis has yet to be described, we will present a literature review of NCH and discuss common features and associations of poliosis.
Identification of attractant and repellent plants to coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei
Authors: Castro Ana María , Tapias Johanna , Ortiz Aristófeles , Benavides Pablo , Góngora Carmenza E.
Published: August 2017

Colombia is one of the world's largest producers of coffee [Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae)]. The coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is the main pest of coffee. This insect is controlled through an integrated pest management program that includes cultural, biological, and chemical control strategies. Despite research seeking CBB attractants and repellents, these potential management tools have not been successfully incorporated into control programs. This work proposes the use of plant functional diversity for CBB management, for which a number of plants related to coffee and weeds were selected. CBB preference to these plants was determined by olfactometry and volatile compounds emitted by them were identified. Field trials were performed to test CBB preference under field conditions. These trials determined the olfactory preference of CBB to coffee berries accompanied by material of the plants Crotalaria micans Link (Fabaceae), Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae), Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae), Artemisia vulgaris L., Calendula officinalis L., Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni, and Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. (all four Asteraceae). Under laboratory conditions N. tabacum, L. camara, and C. officinalis were identified as repellents for CBB in olfactometer assays, whereas E. sonchifolia functioned as attractant. Controlled field trials corroborated CBB repellency of N. tabacum and L. camara; both release volatile sesquiterpenes. Selected candidate attractants included E. sonchifolia plants, for showing attraction in the laboratory. The potential use of these plants in agroecological management of coffee plantations is discussed.
Post‐stroke diastolic blood pressure and risk of recurrent vascular events
Authors: Park J.‐H. , Ovbiagele B.
Published: August 2017

Background and purpose

Recent clinical trials and expert consensus guidelines have typically focused on the issue of systolic blood pressure (SBP) targets for reducing vascular risk. However, little is known about the relationship of the diastolic BP (DBP) level with vascular outcomes after a stroke.

Methods

A multicenter trial dataset involving 3680 recent (<4 months) non‐cardioembolic stroke patients followed for 2 years was analyzed. Subjects were categorized per mean DBP level (mmHg) during follow‐up: low−normal (<70), normal (70 to <80), high−normal (80–89) and high (≥90). Pulse pressure (PP) was prespecified by three categories of <60, 60 to <70, and ≥70 mmHg. Independent associations of mean DBP level with major vascular events (MVEs) and ischaemic stroke were assessed.

Results

Major vascular events occurred in 20.7% of the low−normal, 15.1% of the normal, 16.9% of the high−normal and 19.2% of the high DBP groups, whilst stroke occurred in 9.9%, 6.8%, 8.5% and 10.8%, respectively. Compared with the normal DBP group, risk of MVEs was higher in the low−normal DBP group (adjusted hazard ratio 1.33; 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.71). Amongst those with SBP 120 to <140 mmHg, risk of MVEs (1.89; 1.13–3.15) and stroke (2.87; 1.48–5.53) was higher in subjects with PP ≥70 (mean DBP 62.4 ± 3.8) than those with the lowest PP (mean DBP 78.0 ± 5.9) whilst, amongst those with SBP <120 mmHg, PP 60 to <70 (mean DBP 52.7 ± 2.5) was associated with increased risk of stroke (5.85; 1.25–27.5).

Conclusion

Diastolic BP levels in the low−normal range, particularly accompanied by an increased PP of >60, confer increased risk of MVEs and stroke amongst patients after recent non‐cardioembolic stroke.
Cognitive functioning in children with self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wickens Steven , Bowden Stephen C. , D'Souza Wendyl
Published: August 2017

Objective

It is now well appreciated that benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS, or more recently, ECTS) is associated with a range of cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Despite our improved understanding of cognitive functioning in ECTS, there have been to date no efforts to quantitatively synthesize the available literature within a comprehensive cognitive framework.

Methods

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Forty‐two case–control samples met eligibility criteria comprising a total of 1,237 children with ECTS and 1,137 healthy control children. Univariate, random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted on eight cognitive factors in accordance with the Cattell–Horn–Carroll model of intelligence.

Results

Overall, children with ECTS demonstrated significantly lower scores on neuropsychological tests across all cognitive factors compared to healthy controls. Observed effects ranged from 0.42 to 0.81 pooled standard deviation units, with the largest effect for long‐term storage and retrieval and the smallest effect for visual processing.

Significance

The results of the present meta‐analysis provide the first clear evidence that children with ECTS display a profile of pervasive cognitive difficulties and thus challenge current conceptions of ECTS as a benign disease or of limited specific or localized cognitive effect.
Putting evolution in elimination: Winning our ongoing battle with evolving malaria mosquitoes and parasites
Authors: Huijben Silvie , Paaijmans Krijn P.
Published: August 2017

Since 2000, the world has made significant progress in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality, and several countries in Africa, South America and South‐East Asia are working hard to eliminate the disease. These elimination efforts continue to rely heavily on antimalarial drugs and insecticide‐based interventions, which remain the cornerstones of malaria treatment and prevention. However, resistance has emerged against nearly every antimalarial drug and insecticide that is available. In this review we discuss the evolutionary consequences of the way we currently implement antimalarial interventions, which is leading to resistance and may ultimately lead to control failure, but also how evolutionary principles can be applied to extend the lifespan of current and novel interventions. A greater understanding of the general evolutionary principles that are at the core of emerging resistance is urgently needed if we are to develop improved resistance management strategies with the ultimate goal to achieve a malaria‐free world.
Egg size and the adaptive capacity of early life history traits in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Thorn Michael W. , Morbey Yolanda E.
Published: August 2017

Offspring traits are greatly influenced by maternal effects, and these maternal effects may provide an important pathway through which populations can adapt to changing thermal environments. We investigated the effect of egg size on the among‐ and within‐population variation in early life history traits among introduced Great Lakes Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations under varying thermal conditions. We reared Chinook salmon from three populations in a common‐garden hatchery study at 6.5, 9.4, and 15.2°C and measured a variety of fitness‐related traits during development. We found that most of the among‐population variation in early life history traits was explained by egg size. However, the contribution of egg size to the among‐population variation decreased with an increase in temperature suggesting that other effects, such as genetic, contribute at high temperature. Within populations, egg size explained much of the dam variance and maternal effect for traits in every temperature, whereas egg size generally had little to no influence on the sire variance and heritability. Overall, our results demonstrate the significant contribution egg size makes to shaping early life history phenotypes among and within populations, and suggest that egg size is an important pathway through which offspring phenotypes can evolve on contemporary timescales.
Foramen epiploicum mesh closure (FEMC) through a ventral midline laparotomy
Authors: van Bergen T. , Rötting A. , Wiemer P. , Schauvliege S. , Vanderperren K. , Ugahary F. , Martens A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Preventive laparoscopic closure of the epiploic foramen (EF) has previously been described, but methods for EF closure during laparotomy for treatment of colic are lacking.

Objectives

To describe the foramen epiploicum mesh closure (FEMC) technique through a ventral midline laparotomy in horses under general anaesthesia and its outcome.

Study design

Terminal surgical experiment and in vivo study.

Methods

In a pilot study, a standard ventral midline laparotomy was performed under general anaesthesia in 10 experimental horses and a three‐dimensional expandable diabolo‐shaped mesh construct was manually introduced through the EF into the omental vestibule. The laparotomy incision was routinely closed after which the horses were subjected to euthanasia. Subsequently, the cadavers were extensively manipulated and finally mesh position was verified during necropsy. Thereafter, a ventral midline laparotomy, with simulation of abdominal manipulations during colic surgery was performed on six experimental horses. A three‐dimensional expandable diabolo‐shaped mesh with a radiological marker was introduced as in the pilot study. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded during the post‐operative period. Four weeks after the intervention, abdominal radiography and laparoscopy were performed in all six horses.

Results

Insertion of all 16 diabolo‐shaped mesh constructs during laparotomy was uneventful. The 10 mesh constructs of the pilot study were positioned correctly at necropsy. No post‐operative clinical or laboratory parameter alterations were noticed in the other six horses, apart from a transient leucocytosis and an increase in serum amyloid A. Abdominal radiography at 4 weeks revealed consistent positioning of the mesh marker. Laparoscopy confirmed that all six EFs were closed, without intestinal adhesions.

Main limitations

Mesh insertion in clinical cases and during clean contaminated surgery was not investigated.

Conclusion

The FEMC technique via laparotomy provides a fast, simple and reliable procedure to obliterate the EF and may be useful during EFE surgery to prevent recurrence of the disease, avoiding a subsequent laparoscopic procedure.
Quercetin reverses experimental cirrhosis by immunomodulation of the proinflammatory and profibrotic processes
Authors: Casas‐Grajales Sael , Vázquez‐Flores Luis F. , Ramos‐Tovar Erika , Hernández‐Aquino Erika , Flores‐Beltrán Rosa E. , Cerda‐García‐Rojas Carlos M. , Camacho Javier , Shibayama Mineko , Tsutsumi Víctor , Muriel Pablo
Published: August 2017

The ability of quercetin to reverse an established cirrhosis has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of this flavonoid in reversing experimental cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of TAA (200 mg/kg of body weight) three times per week for 8 weeks or by intraperitoneal petrolatum‐CCl4 (400 mg/kg of body weight) administration three times per week for 8 weeks. To determine the capacity of quercetin to prevent liver fibrosis, the flavonoid (50 mg/kg of body weight, p.o.) was administered daily to rats during the CCl4 or TAA treatment. To evaluate the ability of quercetin to reverse the previously induced cirrhosis, we first treated rats with CCl4 for 8 weeks, as previously described and then the flavonoid was administered for four more weeks. We found that the liver anti‐inflammatory and antinecrotic effects of quercetin are associated with its antioxidant properties, to the ability of the flavonoid to block NF‐κB activation and in consequence to reduce cytokine IL‐1. The ability of quercetin to reverse fibrosis may be associated with the capacity of the flavonoid to decrease TGF‐β levels, hepatic stellate cell activation, and to promote degradation of the ECM by increasing metalloproteinases. The main conclusion is that quercetin, in addition to its liver protective activity against TAA chronic intoxication, is also capable of reversing a well‐stablished cirrhosis by blocking the prooxidant processes and by downregulating the inflammatory and profibrotic responses.
Memantine for the treatment of general neuropathic pain: a narrative review
Authors: Pickering Gisèle , Morel Véronique
Published: August 2017

Neuropathic pain (NP) is difficult to treat and is associated with a decline in quality of life. NP aetiologies are numerous and a number of pathologies display neuropathic characteristics. Of the various N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate antagonists that are alternatives to be recommended in first‐line NP treatment, memantine has the safest side‐effect profile and has long been approved in Alzheimer's disease. The review covers memantine studies in postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic pain, postoperative pain, complex regional pain syndrome, chronic phantom limb pain, opioid‐refractory pain and fibromyalgia. Results were inconclusive because of studies with poor levels of evidence, paucity of trials and small samples. Two recent randomized trials, however, showed significant efficacy of memantine: one demonstrated prophylactic effects against postoperative neuralgia and pain‐associated psychological impairment; in the other, memantine improved pain and cognition in fibromyalgia. Both studies found no side effects or adverse events. Given the high rate of therapeutic failure in chronic states, often because of adverse events, the excellent benefit/risk ratio of memantine in these pilot studies encourages further exploration of this drug in NP prevention and in fibromyalgia in larger‐scale studies.
Warming of Subarctic waters accelerates development of a key marine zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus
Authors: Weydmann Agata , Walczowski Waldemar , Carstensen Jacob , Kwaśniewski Sławomir
Published: August 2017

Recent observations confirm the rising temperatures of Atlantic waters transported into the Arctic Ocean via the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC). We studied the overall abundance and population structure of the North Atlantic keystone zooplankton copepod Calanus finmarchicus, which is the main prey for pelagic fish and some seabirds, in relation to selected environmental variables in this area between 2001 and 2011, when warming in the Arctic and Subarctic was particularly pronounced. Sampling within a 3‐week time window each summer demonstrated that trends in the overall abundance of C. finmarchicus varied between years, with the highest values in “extreme” years, due to high numbers of nauplii and early copepodite stages in colder years (2001, 2004, 2010), and contrary to that, the fifth copepodite stage (C5) peaking in warm years (2006, 2007, 2009). The most influential environmental variable driving C. finmarchicus life cycle was temperature, which promoted an increased C5 abundance when the temperature was above 6°C, indicating earlier spawning and/or accelerated development, and possibly leading to their development to adults later in the summer and spawning for the second time, given adequate food supply. Based on the presented high interannual and spatial variability, we hypothesize that under a warmer climate, C. finmarchicus may annually produce two generations in the southern part of the WSC, what in turn could lead to food web reorganization of important top predators, such as little auks, and induce northward migrations of fish, especially the Norwegian herring.
Synthesis and characterization of rare earth‐doped silica nanoparticles for optimizing vapor phase doping technique
Authors: Saha Maitreyee , Sen Ranjan
Published: August 2017

The synthesis of rare earth‐doped aluminosilicate soot particles through vapor phase doping technique has been systematically investigated to achieve better control of rare earth homogeneity in silica glass. The experiments were designed to establish the correlation of process conditions with the physicochemical properties of the formed soot particles. Attained results depict that the characteristics of soot particles are much dependent on vapor phase compositions as well as the deposition temperature. Doping of alumina/rare earth oxide into silica matrix lowers the viscosity of the glass material at a level where size of soot particles becomes independent of deposition temperature. But dopant concentration in the formed soot samples moderately depends on the main burner temperature and by altering it appropriately one can eliminate soot layer sintering step. The paper also reports on the optimum conditions which are necessary to produce rare earth‐doped preforms of better homogeneity and thus, assist in achieving greater control over the process technology of vapor phase doping. As per the authors’ knowledge, this investigation presents completely new findings which have not been reported by any other research group earlier.
Predictors of long‐term outcomes in patients with acute severe colitis: A northern Indian cohort study
Authors: Jain Saransh , Kedia Saurabh , Sethi Tavpritesh , Bopanna Sawan , Yadav Dawesh Prakash , Goyal Sandeep , Padhan Rajesh , Venigalla Pratap Mouli , Sahni Peush , Dash Nihar Ranjan , Pal Sujoy , Makharia Govind , Travis Simon P L , Ahuja Vineet
Published: August 2017

Background and Aim

Knowledge of long‐term outcomes following an index episode of acute severe colitis (ASC) can help informed decision making at a time of acute exacerbation especially when colectomy is an option. We aimed to identify long‐term outcomes and their predictors after a first episode of ASC in a large North Indian cohort.

Methods

Hospitalized patients satisfying Truelove and Witts' criteria under follow‐up at a single center from January 2003 to December 2013 were included. Patients avoiding colectomy at index admission were categorized as complete (≤ 3 non bloody stool per day) or incomplete responders, based upon response to corticosteroids at day 7. Random Forest‐based machine learning models were constructed to predict the long‐term risk of colectomy or steroid dependence following an index episode of ASC.

Results

Of 1731 patients with ulcerative colitis, 179 (10%) had an index episode of ASC. Nineteen (11%) patients underwent colectomy at index admission and 42 (26%) over a median follow‐up of 56 (1–159) months. Hazard ratio for colectomy for incomplete responder was 3.6 (1.7–7.5, P = 0.001) compared with complete responder. Modeling based on four variables, response at day 7 of hospitalization, steroid use during the first year of diagnosis, longer disease duration before ASC, and number of extra‐intestinal manifestations, was able to predict colectomy with an accuracy of 77%.

Conclusions

Disease behavior of ASC in India is similar to the West, with a third undergoing colectomy at 10 years. Clinical features, especially response at day 7 hospitalization for index ASC, can predict both colectomy and steroid dependence with reasonable accuracy.
Trends in Aging‐Related Services During Nephrectomy: Implications for Surgery in an Aging Population
Authors: Tan Hung‐Jui , Litwin Mark S. , Chamie Karim , Saliba Debra , Hu Jim C.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To characterize the extent to which geriatric and related healthcare services are provided to older adults undergoing surgery for kidney cancer, a potential growth area in geriatrics and oncology.

Design

Population‐based observational study.

Setting

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer data linked with Medicare claims.

Participants

Adults aged 65 and older with kidney cancer treated surgically from 2000 to 2009 (N = 19,129).

Measurements

Receipt of geriatric consultation, medical comanagement during the surgical hospitalization, inpatient physical or occupational therapy (PT/OT), and postacute PT/OT during the surgical care episode. Multivariable, mixed‐effects models were used to identify associated participant and hospital characteristics, examine trends over time, and characterize hospital‐level variation.

Results

Geriatric consultation occurred rarely in the perioperative period (2.6%). Medical comanagement (15.8%), inpatient PT/OT (34.2%), and postacute PT/OT (15.6%) occurred more frequently. In our mixed‐effects models, participant age and comorbidity burden appeared to be consistent determinants of use of services, although hospital‐level variation was also noted (P < .001). Use of geriatric consultation increased modestly in the latter years of the study period (P < .05). In contrast, medical comanagement (183%), inpatient PT/OT (73%), and postacute PT/OT (71%) increased substantially over the study period (P < .001).

Conclusion

Although geriatric consultation remained sparse, use of medical comanagement and rehabilitation services has grown considerably for older adults undergoing surgery for kidney cancer. Efforts to reorganize cancer and surgery care should explore reasons for variation and the potential for these service elements to meet the health needs of an aging population.
Manganese‐ and 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium‐induced neurotoxicity display differences in morphological, electrophysiological and genome‐wide alterations: implications for idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mythri Rajeswara Babu , Raghunath Narayana Reddy , Narwade Santosh Chandrakant , Pandareesh Mirazkar Dasharatha Rao , Sabitha Kollarkandi Rajesh , Aiyaz Mohamad , Chand Bipin , Sule Manas , Ghosh Krittika , Kumar Senthil , Shankarappa Bhagyalakshmi , Soundararajan Soundarya , Alladi Phalguni Anand , Purushottam Meera , Gayathri Narayanappa , Deobagkar Deepti Dileep , Laxmi Thenkanidiyoor Rao , Srinivas Bharath Muchukunte Mukunda
Published: August 2017

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease and manganese‐induced atypical parkinsonism are characterized by movement disorder and nigrostriatal pathology. Although clinical features, brain region involved and responsiveness to levodopa distinguish both, differences at the neuronal level are largely unknown. We studied the morphological, neurophysiological and molecular differences in dopaminergic neurons exposed to the Parkinson's disease toxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) and manganese (Mn), followed by validation in the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine and Mn mouse models. Morphological analysis highlighted loss of neuronal processes in the MPP+ and not the Mn model. Cellular network dynamics of dopaminergic neurons characterized by spike frequency and inter‐spike intervals indicated major neuronal population (~ 93%) with slow discharge rates (0–5 Hz). While MPP+ exposure suppressed the firing of these neurons, Mn neither suppressed nor elevated the neuronal activity. High‐throughput transcriptomic analysis revealed up‐regulation of 694 and 603 genes and down‐regulation of 428 and 255 genes in the MPP+ and Mn models respectively. Many differentially expressed genes were unique to either models and contributed to neuroinflammation, metabolic/mitochondrial function, apoptosis and nuclear function, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission and cytoskeleton. Analysis of the Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway with implications for neuritogenesis and neuronal proliferation revealed contrasting profile in both models. Genome‐wide DNA methylomics revealed differences between both models and substantiated the epigenetic basis of the difference in the Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. We conclude that idiopathic Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism have divergent neurotoxicological manifestation at the dopaminergic neuronal level with implications for pathobiology and evolution of novel therapeutics.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13821.
Phylogenetic and functional structure of climbing plant assemblages in woody patches advancing over Campos grassland
Authors: Seger Guilherme D. S. , Cappelatti Laura , Gonçalves Larissa O. , Becker Fernando G. , Melo Adriano S. , Duarte Leandro D. S.
Published: August 2017

Question

Analysing taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional species distribution across a metacommunity allows understanding of how landscape dynamics may influence forest expansion over grassland. In this context, climbing plants are particularly interesting vegetation components, since they actively prospect the best sunlight position, altering forest structure. We investigated if forest structure differentiation along a patch size/isolation gradient would determine the distribution of phylogenetic clades, dispersal and/or establishment‐related traits in climbing plant assemblages. We hypothesized that taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional species diversities would show a nested pattern along the gradient of increasing vegetation complexity. Furthermore, less mobile diaspores, as well as climbing mechanisms independent of support limitations, and deeper phylogenetic clades characterized by shade‐tolerant species would be associated with more developed and less isolated patches.

Location

Subtropical grassland surrounded by Araucaria forest, southern Brazil.

Method

We recorded the composition and abundance of climbing plant species along a gradient of forest patches increasing in size and isolation from the surrounding continuous forest. We performed an analysis of principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure (PCPS) to investigate the distribution of phylogenetic clades across sites, tested its relationship with patch area and isolation using linear models, and for the correlation to species dispersal traits and climbing mechanisms. We employed the treeNODF (Nestedness based on Overlap and Decreasing Fill) method to estimate if there was a phylogenetic, compositional and/or functional nested pattern of the metacommunity structure during forest expansion over grassland.

Results

We found that species composition distribution was explained by patch size and isolation, but not by phylogeny. Dispersal traits were more structured along the gradient compared to climbing mechanisms. We also found a nested pattern of combined species and phylogenetic/functional diversities, where smaller patches are subsets of larger patches and of continuous forest sites.

Conclusion

Patch area, isolation and dispersal traits play significant roles in the distribution of climbing plants during the process of forest advance over grassland, independently of phylogenetic relatedness among species. The nested pattern indicated that continuous forest and larger patches provide all the diaspores that colonize the smaller patches in this process, making them important targets for conservation.
Multiple introductions, admixture and bridgehead invasion characterize the introduction history of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe and Australia
Authors: van Boheemen Lotte A. , Lombaert Eric , Nurkowski Kristin A. , Gauffre Bertrand , Rieseberg Loren H. , Hodgins Kathryn A.
Published: August 2017

Admixture between differentiated populations is considered to be a powerful mechanism stimulating the invasive success of some introduced species. It is generally facilitated through multiple introductions; however, the importance of admixture prior to introduction has rarely been considered. We assess the likelihood that the invasive Ambrosia artemisiifolia populations of Europe and Australia developed through multiple introductions or were sourced from a historical admixture zone within native North America. To do this, we combine large genomic and sampling data sets analysed with approximate Bayesian computation and random forest scenario evaluation to compare single and multiple invasion scenarios with pre‐ and postintroduction admixture simultaneously. We show the historical admixture zone within native North America originated before global invasion of this weed and could act as a potential source of introduced populations. We provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that the invasive populations established through multiple introductions from the native range into Europe and subsequent bridgehead invasion into Australia. We discuss the evolutionary mechanisms that could promote invasiveness and evolutionary potential of alien species from bridgehead invasions and admixed source populations.
Geographical features are the predominant driver of molecular diversification in widely distributed North American whipsnakes
Authors: O'Connell Kyle A. , Streicher Jeffrey W. , Smith Eric N. , Fujita Matthew K.
Published: August 2017

Allopatric divergence following the formation of geographical features has been implicated as a major driver of evolutionary diversification. Widespread species complexes provide opportunities to examine allopatric divergence across varying degrees of isolation in both time and space. In North America, several geographical features may play such a role in diversification, including the Mississippi River, Pecos River, Rocky Mountains, Cochise Filter Barrier, Gulf of California and Isthmus of Tehuantepec. We used thousands of nuclear single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mitochondrial DNA from several species of whipsnakes (genera Masticophis and Coluber) distributed across North and Central America to investigate the role that these geographical features have played on lineage divergence. We hypothesize that these features restrict gene flow and separate whipsnakes into diagnosable genomic clusters. We performed genomic clustering and phylogenetic reconstructions at the species and population levels using Bayesian and likelihood analyses and quantified migration levels across geographical features to assess the degree of genetic isolation due to allopatry. Our analyses suggest that (i) major genetic divisions are often consistent with isolation by geographical features, (ii) migration rates between clusters are asymmetrical across major geographical features, and (iii) areas that receive proportionally more migrants possess higher levels of genetic diversity. Collectively, our findings suggest that multiple features of the North American landscape contributed to allopatric divergence in this widely distributed snake group.
Segmental allotetraploidy generates extensive homoeologous expression rewiring and phenotypic diversity at the population level in rice
Authors: Sun Yue , Wu Ying , Yang Chunwu , Sun Shuai , Lin Xiuyun , Liu Lixia , Xu Chunming , Wendel Jonathan F. , Gong Lei , Liu Bao
Published: August 2017

Allopolyploidization, that is, concomitant merging and doubling of two or more divergent genomes in a common nucleus/cytoplasm, is known to instantly alter genomewide transcriptome dynamics, a phenomenon referred to as “transcriptomic shock.” However, the immediate effects of transcriptomic alteration in generating phenotypic diversity at the population level remain underinvestigated. Here, we employed the MassARRAY‐based Sequenom platform to assess and compare orthologous, allelic and homoeologous gene expression status in two tissues (leaf and root) of a set of randomly chosen individuals from populations of parental rice subspecies (indica and japonica), in vitro “hybrids” (parental mixes), reciprocal F1 hybrids and reciprocal tetraploids at the 5th‐selfed generation (S5). We show that hybridization and whole genome duplication (WGD) have opposing effects on allelic and homoeologous expression in the F1 hybrids and tetraploids, respectively. Whereas hybridization exerts strong attenuating effects on allelic expression differences in diploid hybrids, WGD augments the intrinsic parental differences and generates extensive and variable homoeolog content which triggers diversification in expression patterning among the tetraploid plants. Coupled with the vast phenotypic diversity observed among the tetraploid individuals, our results provide experimental evidence in support of the notion that allopolyploidy catalyses rapid phenotypic diversification in higher plants. Our data further suggest that largely stochastic homoeolog content reshuffling rather than alteration in total expression level may be an important feature of evolution in young segmental allopolyploids, which underlies rapid expression diversity at the population level.
Between‐day reliability of local thermal hyperemia in the forearm and index finger using single‐point laser Doppler flowmetry
Authors: McGarr Gregory W. , Hodges Gary J. , Cheung Stephen S.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To assess between‐day reliability for LTH in glabrous and nonglabrous index finger skin and nonglabrous forearm skin, with single‐point laser Doppler flowmetry.

Methods

Part‐1: In healthy, habitually active males (n=10), LTH was examined twice (~7‐10 days apart) for both skin types on the index finger. Part‐2: Identical testing was performed on the volar forearm. Local heating (33‐42°C at 1°C·20 s−1 + 20 minutes at 44°C) was performed at all skin sites and baseline, initial peak, and plateau phases were identified. Data were expressed as raw CVC (laser‐Doppler flux/MAP), and as CVC normalized to baseline (%CVC33°C) and maximum heating (%CVC44°C). Reliability was assessed using between‐day mean difference, %CV, and ICC.

Results

Reliability (%CV) was poor at baseline for all forms of data presentation and for other phases with %CVC33°C. At the initial peak and plateau, reliability was moderate‐poor (20%‐26%) for CVC and good‐moderate (6%‐18%) for %CVC44°C. Reliability was good‐moderate for vasodilatory onset time (10%‐23%) and time to initial peak (6%‐13%).

Conclusions

For all sites, LTH reliability was acceptable for the timing, and for the initial peak and plateau using CVC or %CVC44°C.
Influence of feeding hematocrit and perfusion pressure on hematocrit reduction (Fåhræus effect) in an artificial microvascular network
Authors: Reinhart Walter H. , Piety Nathaniel Z. , Shevkoplyas Sergey S.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Hct in narrow vessels is reduced due to concentration of fast‐flowing RBCs in the center, and of slower flowing plasma along the wall of the vessel, which in combination with plasma skimming at bifurcations leads to the striking heterogeneity of local Hct in branching capillary networks known as the network Fåhræus effect. We analyzed the influence of feeding Hct and perfusion pressure on the Fåhræus effect in an AMVN.

Methods

RBC suspensions in plasma with Hcts between 20% and 70% were perfused at pressures of 5‐60 cm H2O through the AMVN. A microscope and high‐speed camera were used to measure RBC velocity and Hct in microchannels of height of 5 μm and widths of 5‐19 μm.

Results

Channel Hcts were reduced compared with Hctfeeding in 5 and 7 μm microchannels, but not in larger microchannels. The magnitude of Hct reduction increased with decreasing Hctfeeding and decreasing ΔP (flow velocity), showing an about sevenfold higher effect for 40% Hctfeeding and low pressure/flow velocity than for 60% Hctfeeding and high pressure/flow velocity.

Conclusions

The magnitude of the network Fåhræus effect in an AMVN is inversely related to Hctfeeding and ΔP.
Characterization of two catalase‐peroxidase‐encoding genes in Fusarium verticillioides reveals differential responses to in vitro versus in planta oxidative challenges
Authors: Gao Shan , Gold Scott E. , Glenn Anthony E.
Published: August 2017

Catalase‐peroxidases (KatGs) are a superfamily of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐degrading enzymes believed to have been horizontally acquired by ancient Ascomycota from bacteria. Subsequent gene duplication resulted in two KatG paralogues in ascomycetes: the widely distributed intracellular KatG1 group and the phytopathogen‐dominated extracellular KatG2 group. To functionally characterize FvCP01 (KatG1) and FvCP02 (KatG2) in the maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides, single and double gene deletion mutants were examined in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Both ΔFvCP01 and ΔFvCP02 were more sensitive to H2O2 than the wild‐type in vitro, although their sensitivity differed depending on the type of inoculum. Inoculations using mycelial agar plugs demonstrated an additive effect of the mutants, with the ΔFvCP01/ΔFvCP02 double deletion being the most sensitive to H2O2. In general, conidia were much more sensitive than agar plugs to H2O2, and conidial inoculations indicated that FvCP01 conferred more H2O2 tolerance than FvCP02. Transcriptional analysis showed the induction of FvCP01, but decreased expression of FvCP02, in both mycelia and spores in the wild‐type after H2O2 exposure, but this trend was reversed when the fungus was grown on germinating maize seeds. This interaction with the plant increased the expression of FvCP02, but not FvCP01, indicating that FvCP02 may be responsive to plant‐derived H2O2. Yet, FvCP01 was induced more than three‐fold in the ΔFvCP02 mutant grown on germlings, suggesting that FvCP01 can compensate for the loss of FvCP02. Given the differential responses of these two F. verticillioides genes to in vitro versus in planta challenges, a model is proposed to illustrate the differing roles of FvCP01 and FvCP02 in protective responses against H2O2‐derived oxidative stress.
Acute kidney injury is common with intravenous abuse of extended‐release oral oxymorphone and delayed renal recovery rates are associated with increased KDIGO staging
Authors: Bonnecaze Alex K , Wilson Matthew W , Dharod Ajay , Fletcher Alison , Miller Peter John
Published: August 2017

Summary at a Glance

This retrospective study analyzed the association between intravenous abuse of extended‐release oxymorphine and acute kidney injury. The prevalence of acute kidney injury was 47.8%. Individuals with established chronic kidney disease had a worse outcome. Although previously reported as an association, no cases of thrombotic microangiopathy were reported in this cohort.
Creativity and physical fitness in primary school‐aged children
Authors: Latorre Román Pedro Ángel , Pinillos Felipe García , Pantoja Vallejo Antonio , Berrios Aguayo Beatriz
Published: August 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between creativity and physical fitness in elementary school children.

Method

Data were collected from 308 primary school students in southern Spain, ranging in age from 8 to 12 years (mean, 9.72 ± 1.25 years). They completed a fitness test battery, and the Prueba de Imaginación Creativa para Niños (PIC‐N; Creative Imagination Test for Children) to analyze creativity.

Results

Significant differences were found between the sexes. Boys had better physical fitness but there were no sex differences in creativity. On clusters analysis, the highly creative groups had better physical fitness. Creativity was correlated with physical fitness. Aerobic capacity was a predictor of creativity.

Conclusion

There is an association between creativity and physical fitness in primary school children that may have important implications for academic achievement.
Parameters that help to differentiate biliary atresia from other diseases
Authors: Hayashida Makoto , Matsuura Toshiharu , Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Esumi Genshiro , Yoshimaru Koichiro , Yanagi Yusuke , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Taguchi Tomoaki
Published: August 2017

Background

The diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) is still challenging. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features and parameters that contribute to a diagnosis of BA.

Methods

From January 2000 to December 2013, 37 patients who underwent operative cholangiography were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: a BA group, and a group with other cholestatic diseases (non‐BA group). The demographic data and preoperative liver function test results were analyzed.

Results

Of the 37 patients, 29 patients were confirmed to have BA. Age at operation was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.77). On preoperative liver function tests, only the level of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTP) was significantly higher in the BA group (P = 0.015). The predominant non‐BA disease was inspissated bile syndrome (IBS). In the IBS patients, the jaundice was relieved after lavage of the biliary tree.

Conclusion

The preoperative differentiation of cholestasis is difficult based on laboratory data and imaging. Preoperative γ‐GTP may be useful for diagnosing BA, but operative cholangiography should be performed when BA is suspected and cannot be ruled out by other methods, given that the most common non‐BA disease may be IBS.
Smoothing Mortality Data: TheEnglish Life Tables, 2010–2012
Authors: Dodd Erengul , Forster Jonathan J. , Bijak Jakub , Smith Peter W. F.
Published: August 2017

We describe the most recent statistical methodology used to produce the 17th English Life Table, covering the period 2010–2012. Crude mortality rates are smoothed, or graduated, by using a combination of a generalized additive model and low dimensional parametric models. The approach to graduation acknowledges uncertainty, particularly in the highest age groups, by model averaging, using a simplified version of a full Bayesian analysis.
High Dimensional Change Point Estimation via Sparse Projection
Authors: Wang Tengyao , Samworth Richard J.
Published: August 2017

Change points are a very common feature of ‘big data’ that arrive in the form of a data stream. We study high dimensional time series in which, at certain time points, the mean structure changes in a sparse subset of the co-ordinates. The challenge is to borrow strength across the co-ordinates to detect smaller changes than could be observed in any individual component series. We propose a two-stage procedure called inspect for estimation of the change points: first, we argue that a good projection direction can be obtained as the leading left singular vector of the matrix that solves a convex optimization problem derived from the cumulative sum transformation of the time series. We then apply an existing univariate change point estimation algorithm to the projected series. Our theory provides strong guarantees on both the number of estimated change points and the rates of convergence of their locations, and our numerical studies validate its highly competitive empirical performance for a wide range of data-generating mechanisms. Software implementing the methodology is available in the R package InspectChangepoint.
Can chronic stretching change the muscle‐tendon mechanical properties? A review
Authors: Freitas S. R. , Mendes B. , Le Sant G. , Andrade R. J. , Nordez A. , Milanovic Z.
Published: August 2017

It is recognized that stretching is an effective method to chronically increase the joint range of motion. However, the effects of stretching training on the muscle‐tendon structural properties remain unclear. This systematic review with meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether chronic stretching alter the muscle‐tendon structural properties. Published papers regarding longitudinal stretching (static, dynamic and/or PNF) intervention (either randomized or not) in humans of any age and health status, with more than 2 weeks in duration and at least 2 sessions per week, were searched in PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and ResearchGate databases. Structural or mechanical variables from joint (maximal tolerated passive torque or resistance to stretch) or muscle‐tendon unit (muscle architecture, stiffness, extensibility, shear modulus, volume, thickness, cross‐sectional area, and slack length) were extracted from those papers. A total of 26 studies were selected, with a duration ranging from 3 to 8 weeks, and an average total time under stretching of 1165 seconds per week. Small effects were seen for maximal tolerated passive torque, but trivial effects were seen for joint resistance to stretch, muscle architecture, muscle stiffness, and tendon stiffness. A large heterogeneity was seen for most of the variables. Stretching interventions with 3‐ to 8‐week duration do not seem to change either the muscle or the tendon properties, although it increases the extensibility and tolerance to a greater tensile force. Adaptations to chronic stretching protocols shorter than 8 weeks seem to mostly occur at a sensory level.