bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Context‐dependent defences in turtle ants: Resource defensibility and threat level induce dynamic shifts in soldier deployment
Authors: Powell Scott , Donaldson‐Matasci Matina , Woodrow‐Tomizuka Augustus , Dornhaus Anna
Published: June 2017

Induced defences involve the dynamic deployment of limited and specialized defensive resources across multiple locations, to maximize organismal defensive function and fitness. They have been studied intensively in plants and solitary animals, but the induced defences of complex animal societies are poorly understood by comparison, despite the coordinated defensive actions of these taxa.

Here, we ask whether the level of environmental danger induces shifts in the deployment of limited and morphologically specialized soldiers across multiple nests in colonies of the turtle ant Cephalotes rohweri. Specifically, we test whether less defensible nests induce greater soldier deployment, and whether elevated enemy threat induced further increases in deployment, or reduced deployment consistent with a risk‐limiting strategy.

We used colony‐collection data to provide natural ecological context to our experiments, a field experiment to address how nest‐entrance defensibility and soldier number impact defensive performance, and laboratory experiments to test whether differences in nest defensibility and threat level induce dynamic shifts in soldier deployment to new nests.

Less defensible nests were lost rapidly in our field experiment, irrespective of soldier number, but soldier deployment significantly increased survivorship of more defensible nests. Concordantly, less defensible nests induced the deployment of more soldiers per nest under low threat in laboratory experiments. Nevertheless, high‐threat conditions revealed a risk‐limiting soldier deployment strategy: with more danger, the number of soldiers per nest was significantly reduced in less defensible nests, as was the overall number of new soldier‐defended nests. Total deployment to new nests was also consistently lower under high threat, dropping from 40% to 30% of all available soldiers across colonies.

Induced soldier‐based defences in turtle ants are therefore context‐dependent, and dynamically scaled back at multiple levels when the environment is more dangerous. This dynamic, risk‐limiting strategy is in strong contrast to stable patterns of soldier production in ants, and to typical task‐allocation dynamics in members of the worker caste. Moreover, these findings establish that the evolution of specialized defensive agents can be coupled with sophisticated and inducible deployment strategies in complex social taxa, as we see for organisms at other levels of biological complexity.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
The pace‐of‐life: A sex‐specific link between metabolic rate and life history in bean beetles
Authors: Arnqvist Göran , Stojković Biljana , Rönn Johanna L. , Immonen Elina
Published: June 2017

Metabolic rate (MR) is a key functional trait simply because metabolism converts resources into population growth rate. Yet, our empirical understanding of the sources of within species variation in MR, as well as of its life history and ecological correlates, is rather limited. Here, we assess whether MR lies at the root of a syndrome of correlated rate‐dependent life‐history traits in an insect.

Selection for early (E) or late (L) age‐at‐reproduction for >160 generations in the bean beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus has produced beetles that differ markedly in juvenile development, body size, fecundity schedules, ageing and life span. Here, we use micro‐respirometry to test whether this has been associated with the evolution of age‐ and sex‐specific metabolic phenotypes.

We find that mass‐specific MR is 18% higher in E lines compared to L lines and that MR decreases more rapidly with chronological, but not biological, age in E lines. Males, under sexual selection to “live‐fast‐die‐young”, show 50% higher MR than females and MR decreased more rapidly with age in males.

Our results are consistent with a central role for MR for the divergence in “pace‐of‐life” seen in these beetles, supporting the view that MR lies at the root of ecologically relevant life‐history trait variation within species.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Who is Looking after Country? Interpreting and Attributing Land Management Responsibilities on Native Title Lands
Authors: Weir Jessica K , Duff Nicholas
Published: June 2017

Australian law imposes certain responsibilities on landholders to protect environmental and economic values of the land, however native title has significant consequences for understanding and attributing these land management responsibilities. In 1992, the High Court recognised Indigenous peoples’ rights and interests in land could survive the assertion of British sovereignty, effectively introducing a new category of land tenure into Australian law. Reporting on both law and management practice, we consider the implications for the collective provision of land management functions across Australia – including reforms required for legislative rationale and regulatory models. Relying on a test‐case, we found native title holders are substantial landholders who appear, at least in some circumstances in most jurisdictions, to owe the same legal obligations as other landholders. Much ambiguity remains, especially regarding ‘non‐exclusive’ possession native title. Together, the legal uncertainty and poor policy alignment necessitate a substantial revision of Australia's land management laws and governance.
Maternal Alcohol Use Disorder and Risk of Child Contact with the Justice System in Western Australia: A Population Cohort Record Linkage Study
Authors: Hafekost Katherine , Lawrence David , O'Leary Colleen , Bower Carol , Semmens James , Zubrick Stephen R.
Published: June 2017

Background

Early contact with the justice system is associated with a multitude of negative outcomes across the life course. This includes an increased risk of ongoing justice contact, social disadvantage and marginalization, and mental health and substance use issues. Children whose mothers have an alcohol use disorder may be at risk of early justice system contact, and we sought to quantify this relationship in a Western Australian cohort.

Methods

This population cohort study made use of linked administrative data. Those in‐scope for the study were women who had a birth recorded on the Midwives Notification System (1983 to 2007). The exposed cohort were mothers who had an alcohol‐related diagnosis (ICD9/10), recorded on administrative data. This included mental and behavioral disorders which were alcohol related, diseases which could be entirely attributed to alcohol and other ICD alcohol codes. These women were considered to have an alcohol use disorder, which was a proxy for heavy drinking. The comparison cohort was frequency‐matched sample with no alcohol‐related diagnosis identified on administrative data sets.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, children whose mothers had a maternal alcohol use disorder had a significantly increased odds of justice contact when compared to those whose mothers had no diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.60 to 1.99). Additional significant maternal factors associated with child justice contact included being Indigenous (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 4.54 to 5.81), low maternal age, low socioeconomic status, being unmarried, and a history of a mental health problems. Significant child‐level factors, which were associated with increased odds of justice contact, included being male, a mental health diagnosis, child protection contact, parity, and academic failure.

Conclusions

Children who were exposed to a maternal alcohol use disorder had significantly increased odds of contact with the justice system. Additional risk was associated with being Indigenous and with markers of social disadvantage. These results suggest that prevention and early intervention services should span across agencies in an effort to reduce risk.
‘Although we're isolated, we're not really isolated’: The value of information and communication technology for older people in rural Australia
Authors: Berg Turi , Winterton Rachel , Petersen Maree , Warburton Jeni
Published: June 2017

Objective

Drawing from a larger study that identified the supports and services that facilitate wellness among older people from rural communities, this study examined the specific contribution made by information and communication technology (ICT).

Methods

Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 60 older adults from six Australian rural areas. A preliminary thematic analysis was conducted, followed by a higher‐order inductive analysis.

Results

Information and communication technology use was discussed in terms of individual enrichment, and in terms of enabling connections between the individual and their social networks, community and wider service environments.

Conclusion

Information and communication technologies may facilitate wellness for rural older people by compensating for geographical and social isolation. In the changing world of health and aged care service delivery,ICTs will be more important than ever for rural older people in building their capacity to access the services, socialisation and support that they need, regardless of location.
Enhanced recovery programme following laparoscopic colorectal resection for elderly patients
Authors: Zeng Wei Gen , Liu Meng Jia , Zhou Zhi Xiang , Wang Zhen Jun
Published: June 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of an enhanced recovery programme (ERP) in patients aged ≥75 years who undergo laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

Patients were divided into two groups according to perioperative management: the ERP group (Group A, n = 94) and the conventional perioperative care group (Group B, n = 157). The postoperative outcomes were compared between two groups.

Results

There were no differences in terms of age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, operative time or blood loss between two groups. Postoperative return of gastrointestinal function was significantly faster in Group A compared to Group B, including time to first flatus (2 versus 3 days, P < 0.001), first stool (3 versus 4 days, P = 0.001) and oral intake (1 versus 4 days, P < 0.001). Group A was associated with lower overall postoperative complication rate (26.6% versus 44.6%, P = 0.004) and general complication rate (14.9% versus 31.2%, P = 0.004). The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days in Group A and 8 days in Group B (P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

ERP following laparoscopic colorectal resection for elderly patients is associated with faster postoperative recovery, shorter postoperative hospital stay and fewer complications compared with conventional perioperative care.
Ozymandias in the Anthropocene: The city as an emerging landform
Authors: Dixon Simon J. , Viles Heather A. , Garrett Bradley L.
Published: June 2017

The extent of urban areas is rapidly expanding across the globe, both horizontally and vertically. While natural and social scientists have examined the impacts of this urbanisation on earth system and social processes, to date researchers have largely overlooked how in turn earth system processes can act on this urban fabric to produce hybrid landforms. Unique pseudokarst landforms are found within the urban fabric, including urban stalactites and urban sinkholes. Additionally, both the chronic and acute degradation of urban buildings can form rubble and dust that, if left in situ, will be shaped by fluvial and aeolian processes. For many of these urban geomorphological processes, the neglect or abandonment of parts of the urban network will facilitate or accelerate their influence. If there are economic, climatic or social reasons for abandonment or neglect, these processes are likely to reshape parts of the urban fabric into unique landforms at a range of scales. We contend that researchers need to explicitly consider the urban fabric as an Anthropocene landform and that by doing so important insights can be gained into urban hazards and geomorphological processes. Shelley's Ozymandias, in which the eponymous king failed to account for the effects of earth system processes acting on “mighty” urban structures over time, serves as an important reminder of the impermanence of our urban works and the need to recognise and understand the processes acting on them.
The effects of advanced age and serum α1‐acid glycoprotein on docetaxel unbound exposure and dose‐limiting toxicity in cancer patients
Authors: Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Imamura Chiyo K. , Ono Akira , Omori Shota , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Wakuda Kazushige , Taira Tetsuhiko , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Takahashi Toshiaki , Tanigawara Yusuke
Published: June 2017

Aim

α1‐Acid glycoprotein (AAG), which is a major binding protein of docetaxel, is considered to be a determinant for docetaxel pharmacokinetics. However, there are no reports about the impact of serum AAG on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in elderly patients treated with docetaxel. The aim of this prospective study was to elucidate the effects of advanced age and serum AAG on docetaxel unbound exposure and neutropenia, dose‐limiting toxicity, in cancer patients.

Methods

Docetaxel was administered at 60 mg m−2 to 51 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer, 17 of whom were ≥75 years of age. Pharmacokinetics, unbound fraction (fu), neutropenia, serum protein levels of AAG and albumin, as well as baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were assessed during the first course. Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses were performed to evaluate the influence of clinically relevant factors on docetaxel pharmacokinetics and neutropenia.

Results

Clearance of docetaxel and degree of fu were significantly associated with serum AAG level, but not with age. Area under the concentration–time curve of unbound docetaxel (fu·AUC) was significantly higher in patients aged ≥75 years (0.389 μg·h ml−1, 95% CI; 0.329–0.448 μg·h ml−1) compared with patients aged <75 years (0.310 μg·h ml−1, 95% CI; 0.268–0.352 μg·h ml−1). Percent decrease in ANC at nadir related to fu·AUC, and was dependent on baseline ANC.

Conclusion

Regardless of ageing, serum level of AAG determines docetaxel unbound exposure and related dose‐limiting toxicity. Serum AAG level and ANC at baseline appear to be predictive of neutropenia for patients of all ages following the administration of docetaxel.
A High HASBLED Score Identifies Poor Warfarin Control in Patients Treated for Non‐Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Australia and Singapore
Authors: Bernaitis Nijole , Ching Chi Keong , Chen Liping , Hon Jin Shing , Teo Siew Chong , Badrick Tony , Davey Andrew K. , Anoopkumar‐Dukie Shailendra
Published: June 2017

Warfarin reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The quality of warfarin control, measured by time in therapeutic range (TTR), impacts outcome and adverse events. One tool evaluating risk of adverse events and potential warfarin control would simplify risk‐benefit assessment of warfarin. Recently, HASBLED was demonstrated effective for this purpose, but this was in well‐controlled patients with deep vein thrombosis. HASBLED as a predictor of warfarin control has not been validated in other populations including differing indications, warfarin control levels and ethnicities. The aim of this study was to determine whether HASBLED can predict warfarin control in patients with AF in Australia and Singapore. Retrospective data were collected for patients receiving warfarin between January and June 2014 in Australia and Singapore. Patient data were used to calculate HASBLED at the start and end of the study period. TTR was calculated for each patient, and mean TTR used for analysis to stratified HASBLED scores. Of the 4370 patients, there were 3199 in Australia and 1171 in Singapore with mean TTRs of 82% and 58%, respectively. At the start of the study, a HASBLED score ≥3 predicted significantly lower TTR in Singapore, whilst at the end of the study, this score identified patients with poor control in both Australia and Singapore. A HASBLED score ≥3 in patients treated with warfarin can differentiate significantly lower TTRs in Australian and Singapore patients with AF. HASBLED may assess bleed risk and warfarin control, identifying patients at high risk of poor warfarin outcome requiring additional INR monitoring or alternative anticoagulation.
Physicians' Non‐Uniform Approach to Prescribing Drugs to Older Patients – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Christensen Line Due , Petersen Janne , Andersen Ove , Kaae Susanne
Published: June 2017

Multi‐morbidity and polypharmacy are common in older patients and increase their susceptibility to adverse drug events and hospitalizations. Rational drug prescription is critical; however, little is known about physicians' perspectives on how to prescribe drugs for older patients. The aim of this study was to explore physicians' approach to prescribe drugs to older patients, including identifying the drugs that physicians perceive to be risk drugs for older patients and comparing them with established lists of potentially inappropriate medications. Short semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 50 medical specialists in 23 different specialities throughout Denmark who had contact with older patients. Content analysis was performed to identify the relevant themes. Regardless of their medical or surgical background and how often they prescribed drugs for older patients in daily work, all physicians expressed a cautious approach when prescribing risk drugs. Despite their shared caution, physicians had different strategies for prescribing drugs to older patients. The following strategies were identified: (1) ‘Start low, go slow’, (2) ‘Trial and error’, (3) ‘Dose reduction’, and (4) ‘Never prescribe’. The most frequently mentioned risk drugs considered to cause hospitalization were vitamin K antagonists, opioids and diuretics; these drugs are relatively highly consistent with established lists of PIMs. Physicians were relatively knowledgeable about risk drugs. Although the physicians agreed that a cautious approach was needed when prescribing drugs for older people, there was no consensus about how to best accomplish this in practice.
Design and fabrication of dual‐targeted delivery system based on gemcitabine‐conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles
Authors: Norouzi Parisa , Amini Mohsen , Mottaghitalab Fatemeh , Mirzazadeh Tekie Farnaz Sadat , Dinarvand Rassoul , Mirzaie Zahra Hadavand , Atyabi Fatemeh
Published: June 2017

Dual‐targeted drug delivery system has established their reputation as potent vehicles for cancer chemotherapies. Herein, gemcitabine (Gem) was conjugated to human serum albumin (HSA) via dithiodipropionic anhydride to fabricate Gem‐HSA nanoparticles. It was hypothesized that this system can enhance the low stability of Gem and can improve its intracellular delivery. Furthermore, folate was applied as targeting agent on HSA nanoparticles for increasing the tumor selectivity of Gem. To evaluate the structural properties of synthesized products, 1H NMR and FT‐IR were performed. Moreover, HPLC was implemented for confirming the conjugation between HSA and Gem. Nanoparticles have shown spherical shape with negative charge. The release rate of Gem was dependent to the concentration of glutathione and pH. Folate‐targeted HSA nanoparticles have shown higher cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and apoptosis induction on folate receptor overexpressing MDA‐MB‐231 cells in comparison to non‐targeted nanoparticles. Finally, it is considered that the developed dual‐targeted nanoparticles would be potent in improving the stability and efficacy of intracellular delivery of Gem and its selective delivery to cancer cells.
Antilipase and antiproliferative activities of novel fluoroquinolones and triazolofluoroquinolones
Authors: Arabiyat Shereen , Kasabri Violet , Al‐Hiari Yusuf , Bustanji Yasser K. , Albashiti Rabab , Almasri Ihab M. , Sabbah Dima A.
Published: June 2017

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) have been identified recently as potent inhibitors of pancreatic lipase (PL). The aim of this study was to synthesize novel FQs and triazolofluoroquinolones (TFQs) and to evaluate them in vitro with respect to their antilipolytic efficacy and potency properties. The PL‐IC50 values of 12 FQs and TFQs (3 (a–c)–6 (a–c)) were in the range of 12.5–189.1 μm. These values are further supported by docking studies. The suggested association between obesity and colorectal cancer initiated the evaluation of antiproliferative activity of the new FQs and TFQs against a panel of obesity‐related colorectal cells (HT29, HCT116, SW620 CACO2, and SW480). Sulforodamine B colorimetric assay revealed that some derivatives exhibited unselective cytotoxicity against HT29, HCT116, SW620 CACO2, and SW480. Remarkably, FQ 4a's selective cytotoxicity against HCT116 was found valuable with IC50 value of 4.2 μm which exceeds that of cisplatin with a substantial selective cytotoxicity in periodontal ligament fibroblasts. In conclusion, FQ and TFQ derivatives may unveil new antiobesity and anticancer agents in the future.
Answer to: “Biomarkers in allergic asthma: Which matrix should we use?”
Authors: Villaseñor A. , Rosace D. , Obeso D. , Pérez‐Gordo M. , Chivato T. , Barbas C. , Barber D. , Escribese M. M.
Published: June 2017

This article is answer to Correspondence published in this issue: DOI: 10.1111/cea.12978.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and polycystic ovary syndrome: A comprehensive review of clinical interactions and underlying pathophysiology
Authors: Kahal Hassan , Kyrou Ioannis , Tahrani Abd A. , Randeva Harpal S.
Published: June 2017

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS is associated with multiple comorbidities including, obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, as well as mood disorders and impaired quality of life (QoL). Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is also a common medical condition that is often undiagnosed, particularly in women. OSA is associated with a similar spectrum of comorbidities to that observed in PCOS, including manifestations of the metabolic syndrome and impaired QoL, whilst obesity frequently constitutes a common denominator in the pathophysiology of both OSA and PCOS. Hence, it is not surprising that OSA and PCOS may coexist in women of reproductive age, and the current clinical guidelines on the management of PCOS recommend screening for OSA symptoms in overweight/obese women with PCOS. In this review, we examine the relationship between OSA and PCOS and explore the potential underlying mechanisms that link these two conditions.
Bias in protected‐area location and its effects on long‐term aspirations of biodiversity conventions
Authors: Venter Oscar , Magrach Ainhoa , Outram Nick , Klein Carissa Joy , Possingham Hugh P. , Di Marco Moreno , Watson James E.M.
Published: June 2017

To contribute to the aspirations of recent international biodiversity conventions, protected areas (PAs) must be strategically located and not simply established on economically marginal lands as they have in the past. With refined international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity to target protected areas in places of “importance to biodiversity,” perhaps they may now be. We analyzed location biases in PAs globally over historic (pre‐2004) and recent periods. Specifically, we examined whether the location of protected areas are more closely associated with high concentrations of threatened vertebrate species or with areas of low agricultural opportunity costs. We found that both old and new protected areas did not target places with high concentrations of threatened vertebrate species. Instead, they appeared to be established in locations that minimize conflict with agriculturally suitable lands. This entrenchment of past trends has substantial implications for the contributions these protected areas are making to international commitments to conserve biodiversity. If protected‐area growth from 2004 to 2014 had strategically targeted unrepresented threatened vertebrates, >30 times more species (3086 or 2553 potential vs. 85 actual new species represented) would have been protected for the same area or the same cost as the actual expansion. With the land available for conservation declining, nations must urgently focus new protection on places that provide for the conservation outcomes outlined in international treaties.
Estimating abundance without recaptures of marked pallid sturgeon in the Mississippi River
Authors: Friedenberg Nicholas A. , Hoover Jan Jeffrey , Boysen Krista , Killgore K. Jack
Published: June 2017

Abundance estimates are essential for assessing the viability of populations and the risks posed by alternative management actions. An effort to estimate abundance via a repeated mark‐recapture experiment may fail to recapture marked individuals. We devised a method for obtaining lower bounds on abundance in the absence of recaptures for both panmictic and spatially structured populations. The method assumes few enough recaptures were expected to be missed by random chance. The upper Bayesian credible limit on expected recaptures allows probabilistic statements about the minimum number of individuals present in the population. We applied this method to data from a 12‐year survey of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the lower and middle Mississippi River (U.S.A.). None of the 241 individuals marked was recaptured in the survey. After accounting for survival and movement, our model‐averaged estimate of the total abundance of pallid sturgeon ≥3 years old in the study area had a 1%, 5%, or 25% chance of being <4,600, 7,000, or 15,000, respectively. When we assumed fish were distributed in proportion to survey catch per unit effort, the farthest downstream reach in the survey hosted at least 4.5–15 fish per river kilometer (rkm), whereas the remainder of the reaches in the lower and middle Mississippi River hosted at least 2.6–8.5 fish/rkm for all model variations examined. The lower Mississippi River had an average density of pallid sturgeon ≥3 years old of at least 3.0–9.8 fish/rkm. The choice of Bayesian prior was the largest source of uncertainty we considered but did not alter the order of magnitude of lower bounds. Nil‐recapture estimates of abundance are highly uncertain and require careful communication but can deliver insights from experiments that might otherwise be considered a failure.
How does age affect the outcome of kidney transplantation in elderly recipients?
Authors: Neri Flavia , Furian Lucrezia , Cavallin Francesco , Ravaioli Matteo , Silvestre Cristina , Donato Paola , La Manna Gaetano , Pinna Antonio Daniele , Rigotti Paolo
Published: June 2017

The aging of the on‐dialysis population raises the issue of whether to propose elderly patients for kidney transplantation and how to manage their immunosuppression. This study aimed to analyze the outcome of kidney transplantation on an Italian series of elderly recipients. We included in this retrospective study all patients over 60 years, receiving a deceased‐donor kidney transplantation from January 2004 to December 2014 in two north Italian Centers. We analyzed the correlation of recipient age with graft's and patient's survival, delayed graft function, acute cellular rejection (ACR), surgical complications, infections, and glomerular filtration rate. Four hundred and fifty‐two patients with a median age of 65 years were included in the study. One‐, 3‐, and 5‐year patient's and graft's survival were, respectively, of 98.7%, 93%, 89% and 94.4%, 87.9%, 81.4%. The increasing recipient age was an independent risk factor only for the patient's (P=.008) and graft's survival (P=.002). ACR and neoplasia were also associated to a worse graft survival. The reduced graft survival in elderly kidney recipients seems to be related more to the increasing recipient's age than to the donor's features. In this population, the optimization of organ allocation and immunosuppression may be the key factors to endorse improvements.
Long‐term graft survival in patients with chronic antibody‐mediated rejection with persistent peritubular capillaritis treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab
Authors: Mulley William R. , Huang Louis L. , Ramessur Chandran Sharmila , Longano Anthony , Amos Liv A. R. , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Nikolic‐Paterson David J. , Kanellis John
Published: June 2017

Chronic antibody‐mediated rejection (cAMR) is the major cause of premature renal allograft loss and is resistant to therapy with 12‐month graft failure of up to 50% reported. We examined the duration of graft survival and associates of graft failure in patients with donor‐specific antibody‐positive cAMR and treatment‐resistant peritubular capillaritis between June 2007 and October 2010. Those with advanced interstitial fibrosis (n=5) were excluded. Included patients (n=24) received treatment with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin and fixed‐dose rituximab (500 mg). Compared with previous reports, the study group experienced prolonged graft survival (median 82.1 months). Graft loss was predicted by eGFR and degree of proteinuria at diagnosis but not by donor‐specific HLA antibody class or intensity, nor individual or summed Banff scores. Allograft biopsies were further examined for infiltrating leukocyte subtypes and location with high numbers of glomerular leukocytes, particularly macrophages, independently associated with an increased risk of graft failure. This study suggests that patients with cAMR and persistent microcirculatory inflammation, excluding those with advanced histological damage, can expect prolonged graft survival when treated with IVIg and rituximab. Trial level evidence is required to validate this observation. Further examination of the role of macrophages in cAMR is warranted.
Effect of everolimus vs calcineurin inhibitors on quality of life in heart transplant recipients during a 3‐year follow‐up: Results of a randomized controlled trial (SCHEDULE)
Authors: Relbo Authen Anne , Grov Ingelin , Karason Kristjan , Gustafsson Finn , Eiskjær Hans , Rådegran Göran , Gude Einar , Jansson Kjell , Dellgren Göran , Solbu Dag , Arora Satish , Andreassen Arne K. , Gullestad Lars
Published: June 2017

The Scandinavian heart transplant everolimus de novo study with early calcineurin inhibitors avoidance (SCHEDULE) trial was a 12 month, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group trial that compared everolimus (EVR; n=56) to conventional CsA (n=59) immunosuppression. Previously, we reported that EVR outperformed CsA in improving renal function and coronary artery vasculopathy, despite a higher rejection rate with EVR. This study aimed to compare the effects of these treatments on quality of life (QoL). Within five post‐operative days, patients (mean age 50±13 years, 27% women) were randomized to EVR or a standard CsA dosage (CsA group). This study assessed quality of life (QoL), based on the Short Form‐36, EuroQol‐5D, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Assessments were performed pre‐HTx and 12 and 36 months post‐HTx. At 12 and 36 months, the groups showed similar improvements in Short Form‐36 measures (at pre‐HTx, 12 and 36 months the values were as follows: Physical component summary: EVR: 31.5±110.9, 49.1±9.7, and 47.9±10.6; P<.01; CsA: 32.5±8.2, 48.4±8.5, and 46.5±11.5; P<.01; mental component summary: EVR: 46.0±12.0, 51.7±11.9, and 52.1±13.0; P<.01; CsA: 38.2±12.5, 53.4±7.1, and 54.3±13.0; P<.01); similar decrease in mean BDI (EVR: 10.9±10.2, 5.4±4.7, and 8.1±9.0; P<.01; CsA: 11.8±7.1, 6.3±5.4, and 6.2±6.5; P<.01); and similar Euro Qol‐improvements. Thus, in this small‐sized study, EVR‐based and conventional CsA immunosuppressive strategies produced similar QoL improvements.
Favourable changes in mortality in people with diabetes: US NHANES 1999–2010
Authors: Tsujimoto Tetsuro , Kajio Hiroshi , Sugiyama Takehiro
Published: June 2017

Aims

Diabetes‐related complications have declined during the past two decades. We aimed to examine whether mortality in people with diabetes improved over time in the 1999 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study using 1999 to 2004 and 2005 to 2010 data from the NHANES. For primary analyses, we compared the unadjusted, age‐adjusted and multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for mortality outcomes (total, cardiovascular, cardiac and cancer deaths) of the participants with diabetes with those without diabetes using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

For each mortality outcome, HR (95% confidence interval) in diabetic participants during the period 2005 to 2010 was lower than that during the period 1999 to 2004 (all‐cause death, 2.76 [1.87‐4.08] vs 4.23 [2.57‐6.98]; cardiovascular death, 2.70 [1.20‐6.04] vs 8.82 [3.28‐23.70]; cardiac death, 2.45 [0.98‐6.09] vs 15.55 [7.01‐34.50]; cancer death, 2.33 [0.87‐6.23] vs 3.03 [1.20‐7.65]). Compared with mortality outcome during the period 1999 to 2004, greater declines in mortality during the period 2005 to 2010 were observed for cardiovascular (−54.0%) and cardiac deaths (−64.8%). In age‐adjusted and multivariable‐adjusted models, the cumulative event rates for total, cardiovascular and cardiac deaths were not significantly different between participants with and without diabetes during the period 2005–2010; this was not the case during the period 1999–2004. The leading cause of death was malignant neoplasm during the period 2005–2010.

Conclusion

Considerably improved outcomes for total, cardiovascular and cardiac deaths were observed in people with diabetes during the 2005 to 2010 NHANES compared to the 1999 to 2004 NHANES.
Analog‐based fire regime and vegetation shifts in mountainous regions of the western US
Authors: Parks Sean A. , Holsinger Lisa M. , Miller Carol , Parisien Marc‐André
Published: June 2017

Climate change is expected to result in substantial ecological impacts across the globe. These impacts are uncertain but there is strong consensus that they will almost certainly affect fire regimes and vegetation. In this study, we evaluated how climate change may influence fire frequency, fire severity, and broad classes of vegetation in mountainous ecoregions of the contiguous western US for early, middle, and late 21st century (2025, 2055, and 2085, respectively). To do so, we employed the concept of a climate analog, whereby specific locations with the best climatic match between one time period and a different time period are identified. For each location (i.e. 1‐km2 pixel), we evaluated potential changes by comparing the reference period fire regime and vegetation to that of the fire regime and vegetation of the nearest pixels representative of its future climate. For the mountainous regions we investigated, we found no universal increase or decrease in fire frequency or severity. Instead, potential changes depend on the bioclimatic domain. Specifically, wet and cold regions (i.e. mesic and cold forest) generally exhibited increased fire frequency but decreased fire severity, whereas drier, moisture‐limited regions (i.e. shrubland/grassland) displayed the opposite trend. Results also indicate the potential for substantial changes in the amount and distribution of some vegetation types, highlighting important interactions and feedbacks among climate, fire, and vegetation. Our findings also shed light on a potential threshold or tipping point at intermediate moisture conditions that suggest shifts in vegetation from forest to shrubland/grassland are possible as the climate becomes warmer and drier. However, our study assumes that fire and vegetation are in a state of equilibrium with climate, and, consequently, natural and human‐induced disequilibrium dynamics should be considered when interpreting our findings.
The effects of ethanol on diverse components of choice in the rat: reward discrimination, preference and relative valuation
Authors: McGraw Justin J. , Zona Luke C. , Cromwell Howard C.
Published: June 2017

Alcohol consumption impairs judgment and choice. How alcohol alters these crucial processes is primarily unknown. Choice can be fractionated into different components including reward discrimination, preference and relative valuation that can function together or in isolation depending upon diverse factors including choice context. We examined the diverse components and contextual effects by analyzing the effects of alcohol drinking on choice behavior in a task with a reduced level of temporal and spatial constraints. Rats were trained to drink 10% ethanol during 6 weeks of behavior testing using a combined sucrose‐fade and two‐bottle free‐choice procedure. Two different sucrose pellet outcomes (e.g., constant vs. variable) were presented each week to examine the impact of voluntary drinking on reward‐based decision‐making. Behavioral contexts of single option, free choice and extinction were examined for each outcome set. Comparisons were made between alcohol and control groups and within the alcohol group over time to inspect choice profiles. Between‐group results showed alcohol drinking animals expressed altered place preference and modified sucrose reward approach latencies. The within‐group profile showed that alcohol drinking animals can express adequate reward discrimination, preference and incentive contrast during free choice. All of these components were significantly reduced during the context of extinction. Control animals were also impacted by extinction but not as severely. The findings point to a need for a greater focus on the context and the diverse components of choice when examining external and internal factors influencing decision‐making during alcohol or other substance of abuse exposure.
Functional traits explain ecosystem function through opposing mechanisms
Authors: Cadotte Marc W.
Published: June 2017

The ability to explain why multispecies assemblages produce greater biomass compared to monocultures, has been a central goal in the quest to understand biodiversity effects on ecosystem function. Species contributions to ecosystem function can be driven by two processes: niche complementarity and a selection effect that is influenced by fitness (competitive) differences, and both can be approximated with measures of species’ traits. It has been hypothesised that fitness differences are associated with few, singular traits while complementarity requires multidimensional trait measures. Here, using experimental data from plant assemblages, I show that the selection effect was strongest when trait dissimilarity was low, while complementarity was greatest with high trait dissimilarity. Selection effects were best explained by a single trait, plant height. Complementarity was correlated with dissimilarity across multiple traits, representing above and below ground processes. By identifying the relevant traits linked to ecosystem function, we obtain the ability to predict combinations of species that will maximise ecosystem function.
Acute flaccid myelitis in childhood: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Andersen E. W. , Kornberg A. J. , Freeman J. L. , Leventer R. J. , Ryan M. M.
Published: June 2017

Background and purpose

Clusters of acute limb weakness in paediatric patients have been linked to outbreaks of non‐polio enteroviruses, termed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Outside these clusters, in countries where polio is not endemic, this poliomyelitic‐like illness is rare in childhood and its natural history is not well defined. We describe presenting features, investigation findings and long‐term outcome of a series of children with AFM.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Results

Eight children (six females) aged 3 months to 8 years (median age 5 years) met case criteria. Initial symptoms were pain (n = 7) followed by limb weakness with hypotonia (n = 8). Flaccid paralysis occurred in only three patients. Two had cranial nerve dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord demonstrated grey matter involvement particularly affecting the anterior cord, with longitudinally extensive changes in three children. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed pleocytosis in six children with raised cerebrospinal fluid protein in five. Nerve conduction and electromyography findings were consistent with a motor neuronopathy. Residual deficits were common, with moderate to severe weakness seen in five patients. Median follow‐up was 28 months (range 17–108 months, 30.4 patient years in total).

Conclusions

Acute flaccid myelitis is an uncommon condition in childhood with a high rate of significant long‐term morbidity. AFM should be considered in children presenting with acute limb pain and weakness.
Model of the probability of pest transfer from imported fruit, cut flowers or vegetable produce
Authors: Holt J. , van der Gaag D. J. , Leach A. W. , Loomans A. J. M. , Mumford J. D.
Published: June 2017

A Euphresco project funded by the UK and the Netherlands had the objective of developing practical tools to assess the risk of pest transfer to domestic production from an imported commodity and to help provide an improved rationale for reduced frequency of plant health inspection. A model is described which calculates the probability, following arrival, of the transfer of insect or mite pests up to and including first egg laying, from produce (cut flowers/branches, fruits and vegetables). In case studies, probabilities were estimated for alternative states of seven variables from which a joint probability of transfer was calculated. The probability estimates were subjective but informed estimates and the large differences between the cases examined may represent a more realistic picture of comparative transfer risk than more qualitative approaches.
Improving the quality of prison research: A qualitative study of ex‐offender service user involvement in prison suicide prevention research
Authors: Awenat Yvonne F. , Moore Currie , Gooding Patricia A. , Ulph Fiona , Mirza Aisha , Pratt Daniel
Published: June 2017

Background

Suicide is the leading cause of avoidable death in prisons worldwide and suicide prevention is an international priority. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop evidence‐based treatments. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of a novel suicide prevention psychological therapy for male prisoners. To promote ecological validity by addressing the “real‐world” situation of suicidal prisoners, we involved a consultant group of ex‐offenders with past experience of being suicidal during imprisonment. Service user involvement in prison research is challenging and underdeveloped.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the ex‐offender service user consultants’ experiences of being involved in the research.

Design

Individual qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA) framework.

Setting/participants

The study was conducted at a university in North England, UK, comprising four ex‐offenders with experience of being suicidal during past imprisonments.

Results

Two superordinate themes were identified: “Working Together” depicted participants’ perceptions of the pivotal role of good relationships with researchers, and “Journey of Change” outlined how participants’ involvement in the research impacted on their personal lives.

Discussion

Little is known about how to successfully involve ex‐offender service users in research. Our results indicate the conditions necessary for successfully engaging ex‐offender service users in research and have important implications for improving the quality of prison research.

Conclusions

Involving forensic service users in research is feasible and should be encouraged, as despite certain challenges, it is highly rewarding both for the research and the ex‐offender service users.
MYC protein dysregulation is driven by BCR‐PI3K signalling in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Wang Wei‐Ge , Liu Ze‐Bing , Jiang Xiang‐Nan , Lee Jimmy , Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Li Xiao‐Qiu
Published: June 2017

Aims

MYC overexpression is a common feature of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and is associated with poor prognosis in patients with this neoplasm. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of MYC dysregulation, as they have not been fully determined.

Methods and results

We immunohistochemically evaluated the correlation between B‐cell receptor (BCR)–phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway activity and MYC level in 108 cases of de‐novo DLBCL, 25 of which featured loss of BCR, and investigated the effects of BCR–PI3K signalling on MYC level and phosphorylation in DLBCL cell lines. The expression levels of phospho‐SYK and phospho‐AKT correlated with MYC expression in BCR‐positive DLBCL. MYC expression was significantly lower in BCR‐negative tumour tissues than in BCR‐positive tumour tissues. Upon BCR stimulation, the BCR‐positive cell lines showed active BCR–PI3K signalling and decreased MYC phosphorylation at T58, leading to an increased overall level of MYC. Conversely, inhibition of BCR–PI3K signalling increased MYC phosphorylation and thus resulted in a decreased overall level of MYC. No effects were observed in the BCR‐negative cell lines.

Conclusions

Overexpression of MYC in DLBCL can be driven by the BCR–PI3K signalling pathway via dephosphorylation at T58, and BCR inhibitors may exert their functions by down‐regulation of MYC.
PHOX2B reliably distinguishes neuroblastoma among small round blue cell tumours
Authors: Hung Yin P , Lee John P , Bellizzi Andrew M , Hornick Jason L
Published: June 2017

Aims

Neuroblastoma shows considerable histological overlap with other small round blue cell tumours. PHOX2B, a transcription factor that is essential for autonomic nervous system development, has been reported as an immunohistochemical marker for neuroblastoma. The aim of this study was to validate the specificity and diagnostic utility of PHOX2B for peripheral neuroblastic tumours.

Methods and results

We evaluated 240 cases (133 in whole‐tissue sections; 107 in tissue microarrays), including 76 peripheral neuroblastic tumours (median age 2 years; including four adults) and 164 other tumours: 44 Wilms tumours; 20 Ewing sarcomas; 10 each of CIC‐rearranged round cell sarcomas, poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas, lymphoblastic lymphomas, alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas, embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas, mesenchymal chondrosarcomas, Merkel cell carcinomas, olfactory neuroblastomas, and melanomas; and five each of NUT midline carcinomas and desmoplastic small round cell tumours. Immunohistochemistry for PHOX2B was performed with a rabbit monoclonal antibody. PHOX2B positivity was defined as the presence of nuclear immunoreactivity in ≥5% of cells. PHOX2B was positive in 70 (92%) peripheral neuroblastic tumours, including 68 of 72 (94%) paediatric and two of four (50%) adult cases. Furthermore, PHOX2B was consistently negative in all non‐peripheral neuroblastic tumours, with staining being absent in 160 cases and limited in four cases.

Conclusion

PHOX2B is a highly sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for peripheral neuroblastic tumours, including neuroblastoma. PHOX2B reliably distinguishes neuroblastoma from histological mimics such as Wilms tumour, Ewing sarcoma, and CIC‐rearranged round cell sarcoma. PHOX2B negativity in two of four adult neuroblastoma cases raises the possibility that some adult neuroblastomas are of a different lineage than paediatric cases.
The HLA‐C*05 family allele – C*05:142
Authors: Rowlands J. , Climer T. , Harvey C. , Williams L. , Darke C.
Published: June 2017

The sequencing of exons 2–7 of a likely new HLA‐C*05 allele identified the second example of HLA‐C*05:142, in a male UK European, within a few months of the first example being found in Germany. C*05:142 differs from C*05:01:01:01 by a single base (395G>C) in exon 3 resulting in an amino acid substitution of R108P. Comprehensive serological HLA‐Cw5 typing, using 19 antisera, indicated that C*05:142 encodes a “normal” Cw5 specificity. Failure to identify the involvement of position 108 in published HLA‐C epitopes supported this assertion. The likely HLA class I C*05:142‐bearing haplotype is A*02:01~C*05:142~B*44:02. This new allele has a maximum frequency of 0.00001, in 34,743 sequenced‐based typed subjects, contrasting with that of C*05:01 (allele frequency 0.10441), in our local, largely UK European, blood donors.