bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ezetimibe on plasma adipokines: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dolezelova Eva , Stein Evan , Derosa Giuseppe , Maffioli Pamela , Nachtigal Petr , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2017

Aims

Statins are known to influence the status of adipokines, which play a key role in the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases. As the effect of ezetimibe as an add‐on to statin therapy on the impact of statins on plasma adipokines levels is currently unclear, the aim of the present study was to investigate this through a meta‐analysis of controlled trials.

Methods

A systematic review was performed, followed by a bibliographic search in PubMed, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a fixed‐ or random‐effects model (based on the level of interstudy heterogeneity) and the generic inverse variance weighting method. Effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Meta‐analysis of 23 controlled trials did not suggest any significant effect of adding ezetimibe on top of statin therapy on plasma concentrations of adiponectin (SMD 0.34, 95% CI –0.28, 0.96; P = 0.288), leptin (SMD –0.75, 95% CI: –2.35, 0.85; P = 0.360), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (SMD –1.06, 95% CI: –2.81, 0.69; P = 0.236) and interleukin 6 (SMD 0.30, 95% CI: –0.08, 0.67; P = 0.124). However, significantly greater reductions in plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) (SMD –0.48, 95% CI –0.87, −0.08; P = 0.018) were achieved with ezetimibe/statin combination therapy.

Conclusions

The results suggested that ezetimibe add‐on to statin therapy is associated with an enhanced TNF‐α‐lowering effect compared with statin monotherapy. Owing to the emerging role of TNF‐α in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, further investigations are required to unveil the translational relevance of this TNF‐α‐lowering effect.
Significant disparities in allergy prevalence and microbiota between the young people in Finnish and Russian Karelia
Authors: Ruokolainen L. , Paalanen L. , Karkman A. , Laatikainen T. , von Hertzen L. , Vlasoff T. , Markelova O. , Masyuk V. , Auvinen P. , Paulin L. , Alenius H. , Fyhrquist N. , Hanski I. , Mäkelä M. J. , Zilber E. , Jousilahti P. , Vartiainen E. , Haahtela T.
Published: February 2017

Background

Atopic allergy has been more common among schoolchildren in Finland, as compared to Russian Karelia. These adjacent regions show one of the most contrasting socio‐economical differences in the world.

Objective

We explored changes in allergy from school age to young adulthood from 2003 to 2010/2012 in these two areas. The skin and nasal microbiota were also compared.

Methods

Randomly selected children from Finnish (n = 98) and Russian Karelia (n = 82) were examined in 2003, when the children were 7–11 years of age, and again in 2010 (Finnish Karelia) and 2012 (Russian Karelia). We analysed self‐reported allergy symptoms and sensitization to common allergens by serum sIgE values. The skin (volar forearm) and nasal mucosa microbiota, collected in 2012 (aged 15–20 years), identified from DNA samples, were compared with multivariate methods.

Results

Asthma, hay fever, atopic eczema, self‐reported rhinitis, as well as atopic sensitization, were threefold to 10‐fold more common in Finland, as compared to Russian Karelia. Hay fever and peanut sensitization were almost non‐existent in Russia. These patterns remained throughout the 10‐year follow‐up. Skin microbiota, as well as bacterial and fungal communities in nasal mucosa, was contrastingly different between the populations, best characterized by the diversity and abundance of genus Acinetobacter; more abundant and diverse in Russia. Overall, diversity was significantly higher among Russian subjects (Pskin < 0.0001, Pnasal‐bacteria < 0.0001 and Pnasal‐fungi < 0.01). Allergic diseases were not associated with microbial diversity in Finnish subjects.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Differences in allergic phenotype, developed in early life, remain between populations. A parallel difference in the composition of skin and nasal microbiota suggests a potential underlying mechanism. Our results also suggest that high abundance and diversity of Acinetobacter might contribute to the low allergy prevalence in Russia. Implications of early‐life exposure to Acinetobacter should be further investigated.
Patient with a novel purine‐rich element binding protein A mutation
Authors: Okamoto Nobuhiko , Nakao Hideto , Niihori Tetsuya , Aoki Yoko
Published: February 2017

There have been several reports on 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome. The overlapping deleted region includes purine‐rich element binding protein A (PURA), which encodes transcriptional activator protein Pur‐α. Patients withPURAmutations show moderate to severe neurodevelopmental delay and learning disability. Neonatal hypotonia, respiratory insufficiency, feeding difficulties, and seizures are often seen. Dysmorphic features including myopathic faces are helpful as clinical signs of the diagnosis. We report a patient with a novelPURAmutation detected by whole‐exome sequencing. We suggest that PURA abnormality is a recognizable syndrome.
Extended phenotype and clinical subgroups in unilateral Meniere disease: A cross‐sectional study with cluster analysis
Authors: Frejo L. , Martin‐Sanz E. , Teggi R. , Trinidad G. , Soto‐Varela A. , Santos‐Perez S. , Manrique R. , Perez N. , Aran I. , Almeida‐Branco M.S. , Batuecas‐Caletrio A. , Fraile J. , Espinosa‐Sanchez J.M. , Perez‐Guillen V. , Perez‐Garrigues H. , Oliva‐Dominguez M. , Aleman O. , Benitez J. , Perez P. , Lopez‐Escamez J.A. ,   the Meniere's disease Consortium (MeDiC)
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To define clinical subgroups by cluster analysis in patients with unilateral Meniere disease (MD) and to compare them with the clinical subgroups found in bilateral MD.

Design

A cross‐sectional study with a two‐step cluster analysis.

Settings

A tertiary referral multicenter study.

Participants

Nine hundred and eighty‐eight adult patients with unilateral MD. Main outcome measures: best predictors to define clinical subgroups with potential different aetiologies.

Results

We established five clusters in unilateral MD. Group 1 is the most frequently found, includes 53% of patients, and it is defined as the sporadic, classic MD without migraine and without autoimmune disorder (AD). Group 2 is found in 8% of patients, and it is defined by hearing loss, which antedates the vertigo episodes by months or years (delayed MD), without migraine or AD in most of cases. Group 3 involves 13% of patients, and it is considered familial MD, while group 4, which includes 15% of patients, is linked to the presence of migraine in all cases. Group 5 is found in 11% of patients and is defined by a comorbid AD. We found significant differences in the distribution of AD in clusters 3, 4 and 5 between patients with uni‐ and bilateral MD.

Conclusions

Cluster analysis defines clinical subgroups in MD, and it extends the phenotype beyond audiovestibular symptoms. This classification will help to improve the phenotyping in MD and facilitate the selection of patients for randomised clinical trials.
Quantification of walking‐based physical activity and sedentary time in individuals with Rett syndrome
Authors: Downs Jenny , Leonard Helen , Wong Kingsley , Newton Nikki , Hill Kylie
Published: February 2017

Aim

To quantify, in individuals with Rett syndrome with the capacity to walk, walking‐based activity and sedentary time, and to analyse the influences of age, walking ability, scoliosis, and the severity of epilepsy.

Method

Sixty‐four participants with a mean age of 17 years and 7 months (standard deviation [SD] 9y) were recruited from the Australian Rett Syndrome Database for this cross‐sectional study. Each participant wore a StepWatch Activity Monitor for at least 4 days. Linear regression models were used to assess relationships between daily step count and the proportion of waking hours spent in sedentary time with the covariates of age group, walking ability, presence of scoliosis, and frequency of seizures.

Results

On average, 62% (SD 19%) of waking hours were sedentary and 20% (SD 8%) was at cadences lower than or equal to 20 steps in a minute. The median daily steps count was 5093 (interquartile range 2026–8602). Compared with females younger than 13 years of age and accounting for the effects of covariates, adults took fewer steps, and both adolescents and adults had more sedentary time.

Interpretation

Adolescents and adults led the least active lives and would appear to be in particular need of interventions aiming to optimize slow walking‐based physical activity and reduce sedentary time.
Shared‐use mining infrastructure: Why it matters and how to achieve it
Authors: Collier Paul , Ireland Glen
Published: February 2017

This article considers the cases for and against ‘open access’ regulation of rail and port logistics infrastructure used by ‘bulk’ mining operations, arguing that host governments should proactively impose and then enforce such regulation in almost all cases. The logistics infrastructure needed for this type of mining activity is of critical importance. The costs and potential inefficiencies involved in duplicating such infrastructure confer a significant competitive advantage on its owner in the absence of effective access regulation. In particular, where a first mover develops an ‘integrated’ project incorporating a mine and associated infrastructure, a failure to impose access regulation discourages third‐party investment in mineral exploration and development in the region serviced by the infrastructure, due to the risk of hold‐up by the first mover. An unregulated first mover can also use its infrastructure advantage to capture the state's share of resource rents from the mineral endowment of the region. Open access regulation further benefits host countries by enabling broad‐based economic development through the shared‐use of mining infrastructure with other sectors (e.g., agribusiness). The article highlights contrasting experience with access regulation in Australia: the Pilbara iron ore region has seen protracted disputes involving mining firms and policy‐makers and very few examples of third‐party access, while in the coal region of central Queensland an extensive multi‐user, multi‐purpose railway network operates independently of mining firms. The authors urge governments in sub‐Saharan Africa (in particular) not to underestimate the internal capacity and other challenges associated with developing and enforcing open access regulation of mining infrastructure in a manner that protects their national interests.
Indigenous peoples, the city and inclusive urban development policies in Latin America: Lessons from Bolivia and Ecuador
Authors: Horn Philipp
Published: February 2017

The historical construction of indigeneity as essentially rural policy category represents a key cause for the ongoing exclusion of urban indigenous peoples and blocks progress in delivering Agenda 2030 in Latin American cities. Even in Bolivia and Ecuador, where urban indigeneity is recognized through constitutional reforms, there are obstacles to the delivery of policies shaped to urban indigenous interests. By reviewing experiences from these countries, this article highlights that policy delivery problems are a result of multiple factors, including (1) rural constructions of indigeneity, (2) conflicting development priorities, and (3) difficulties in promoting universal rights while simultaneously guaranteeing indigenous rights. The article concludes with policy recommendations for more inclusive urban development approaches which leave no indigenous person behind.
Integration between the London and New York Stock Exchanges, 1825–1925
Authors: Campbell Gareth , Rogers Meeghan
Published: February 2017

In this article the integration between the London and New York Stock Exchanges is analysed during the era when they were still developing as asset markets. The domestic securities on both exchanges showed little sustained integration, even when controlling for the different characteristics of stocks, which implies that the pricing of securities in the US and UK was still being driven by local factors. These results place a limit on the view that the pre‐First World War period was the first era of globalization in terms of capital markets. However, there was considerable integration between New York and those listings on London that operated internationally. This suggests that the listing of foreign securities may be one of the primary mechanisms driving asset market integration.
Challenging the de‐industrialization thesis: gender and indigenous textile production in Java under Dutch colonial rule, c. 1830–1920
Authors: van Nederveen Meerkerk Elise
Published: February 2017

Many dependency theorists as well as economic historians have contended that nineteenth‐century imperial policies and economic globalization de‐industrialized the global ‘periphery’. European metropoles extracted raw materials and tropical commodities from their overseas territories, and in turn indigenous consumers bought their industrial products, textiles in particular. This article investigates three of the assumptions of Ricardian trade theory that are often behind the de‐industrialization narrative. In this article it is argued that, at least for colonial Java's textile industry, these assumptions should be reconsidered. Adverse trade policies imposed by the Dutch and a prolonged terms‐of‐trade boom in favour of primary commodities make colonial Java a unique case for exploring the merits of the de‐industrialization thesis. Here it is demonstrated that Javanese households resourcefully responded to changing market circumstances, in the first place by flexible allocation of female labour. Moreover, indigenous textile producers specialized in certain niches that catered for local demand. Because of these factors, local textile production in Java appears to have been much more resilient than most of the historical literature suggests. These findings not only shed new light on the social and economic history of colonial Indonesia, but also contribute to the recent literature on alternative, labour‐intensive paths of industrialization in the non‐western world.
Interrater agreement in the interpretation of neonatal electroencephalography in hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Wusthoff Courtney J. , Sullivan Joseph , Glass Hannah C. , Shellhaas Renée A. , Abend Nicholas S. , Chang Taeun , Tsuchida Tammy N.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Research using neonatal electroencephalography (EEG) has been limited by a lack of a standardized classification system and interpretation terminology. In 2013, the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) published a guideline for standardized terminology and categorization in the description of continuous EEG in neonates. We sought to assess interrater agreement for this neonatal EEG categorization system as applied by a group of pediatric neurophysiologists.

Methods

A total of 60 neonatal EEG studies were collected from three institutions. All EEG segments were from term neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. Three pediatric neurophysiologists independently reviewed each record using the ACNS standardized scoring system. Unweighted kappa values were calculated for interrater agreement of categorical data across multiple observers.

Results

Interrater agreement was very good for identification of seizures (κ = 0.93, p < 0.001), with perfect agreement in 95% of records (57 of 60). Interrater agreement was moderate for classifying records as normal or having any abnormality (κ = 0.49, p < 0.001), with perfect agreement in 78% of records (47 of 60). Interrater agreement was good in classifying EEG backgrounds on a 5‐category scale (normal, excessively discontinuous, burst suppression, status epilepticus, or electrocerebral inactivity) (κ = 0.70, p < 0.001), with perfect agreement in 72% of records (43 of 60). Other specific background features had lower agreement, including voltage (κ = 0.41, p < 0.001), variability (κ = 0.35, p < 0.001), symmetry (κ = 0.18, p = 0.01), presence of abnormal sharp waves (κ < 0.20, p < 0.05), and presence of brief rhythmic discharges (κ < 0.20, p < 0.05).

Significance

We found good or very good interrater agreement applying the ACNS system for identification of seizures and classification of EEG background. Other specific EEG features showed limited interrater agreement. Of importance to both clinicians and researchers, our findings support using the ACNS system in identifying seizures and classifying backgrounds of neonatal EEG recordings, but also suggest limited reproducibility for certain other EEG features.
Toll‐like receptor 3 deficiency decreases epileptogenesis in a pilocarpine model of SE‐induced epilepsy in mice
Authors: Gross Adi , Benninger Felix , Madar Ravit , Illouz Tomer , Griffioen Kathleen , Steiner Israel , Offen Daniel , Okun Eitan
Published: February 2017

Objective

Epilepsy affects 60 million people worldwide. Despite the development of antiepileptic drugs, up to 35% of patients are drug refractory with uncontrollable seizures. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are central components of the nonspecific innate inflammatory response. Because TLR3 was recently implicated in neuronal plasticity, we hypothesized that it may contribute to the development of epilepsy after status epilepticus (SE).

Methods

To test the involvement of TLR3 in epileptogenesis, we used the pilocarpine model for SE in TLR3‐deficient mice and their respective wild‐type controls. In this model, a single SE event leads to spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS). Two weeks after SE, mice were implanted with wireless electroencephalography (EEG) transmitters for up to 1 month. The impact of TLR3 deficiency on SE was assessed using separate cohorts of mice regarding EEG activity, seizure progression, hippocampal microglial distribution, and expression of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interferon (IFN)β.

Results

Our data indicate that TLR3 deficiency reduced SRS, microglial activation, and the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IFNβ, and increased survival following SE.

Significance

This study reveals novel insights into the pathophysiology of epilepsy and the contribution of TLR3 to disease progression. Our results identify the TLR3 pathway as a potential future therapeutic target in SE.
Plasticity in gene transcription explains the differential performance of two invasive fish species
Authors: Wellband Kyle W. , Heath Daniel D.
Published: February 2017

Phenotypic plasticity buffers organisms from environmental change and is hypothesized to aid the initial establishment of nonindigenous species in novel environments and postestablishment range expansion. The genetic mechanisms that underpin phenotypically plastic traits are generally poorly characterized; however, there is strong evidence that modulation of gene transcription is an important component of these responses. Here, we use RNA sequencing to examine the transcriptional basis of temperature tolerance for round and tubenose goby, two nonindigenous fish species that differ dramatically in the extent of their Great Lakes invasions despite similar invasion dates. We used generalized linear models of read count data to compare gene transcription responses of organisms exposed to increased and decreased water temperature from those at ambient conditions. We identify greater response in the magnitude of transcriptional changes for the more successful round goby compared with the less successful tubenose goby. Round goby transcriptional responses reflect alteration of biological function consistent with adaptive responses to maintain or regain homeostatic function in other species. In contrast, tubenose goby transcription patterns indicate a response to stressful conditions, but the pattern of change in biological functions does not match those expected for a return to homeostatic status. Transcriptional plasticity plays an important role in the acute thermal tolerance for these species; however, the impaired response to stress we demonstrate in the tubenose goby may contribute to their limited invasion success relative to the round goby. Transcriptional profiling allows the simultaneous assessment of the magnitude of transcriptional response as well as the biological functions involved in the response to environmental stress and is thus a valuable approach for evaluating invasion potential.
Structure of the sliding clamp from the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus (AfumPCNA) and interactions with Human p21
Authors: Marshall Andrew C. , Kroker Alice J. , Murray Lauren A.M. , Gronthos Kahlia , Rajapaksha Harinda , Wegener Kate L. , Bruning John B.
Published: February 2017

The fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus has been implicated in a drastic increase in life‐threatening infections over the past decade. However, compared to other microbial pathogens, little is known about the essential molecular processes of this organism. One such fundamental process is DNA replication. The protein responsible for ensuring processive DNA replication is PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, also known as the sliding clamp), which clamps the replicative polymerase to DNA. Here we present the first crystal structure of a sliding clamp from a pathogenic fungus (A. fumigatus), at 2.6Å. Surprisingly, the structure bears more similarity to the human sliding clamp than other available fungal sliding clamps. Reflecting this, fluorescence polarization experiments demonstrated that AfumPCNA interacts with the PCNA‐interacting protein (PIP‐box) motif of human p21 with an affinity (Kd) of 3.1 μm. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to better understand how AfumPCNA interacts with human p21. These simulations revealed that the PIP‐box bound to AfuPCNA forms a secondary structure similar to that observed in the human complex, with a central 310 helix contacting the hydrophobic surface pocket of AfumPCNA as well as a β‐strand that forms an antiparallel sheet with the AfumPCNA surface. Differences in the 310 helix interaction with PCNA, attributed to residue Thr131 of AfumPCNA, and a less stable β‐strand formation, attributed to residues Gln123 and His125 of AfumPCNA, are likely causes of the over 10‐fold lower affinity of the p21 PIP‐box for AfumPCNA as compared to hPCNA.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors for the Aspergillus fumigatus sliding clamp can be found in the RCSB Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org) under the accession code 5TUP.
The impacts of habitat disturbance on adult and larval dragonflies (Odonata) in rainforest streams in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Luke Sarah H. , Dow Rory A. , Butler Stephen , Vun Khen Chey , Aldridge David C. , Foster William A. , Turner Edgar C.
Published: February 2017

Dragonfly assemblages (Odonata: comprising damselflies, Zygoptera; and dragonflies, Anisoptera) in Southeast Asian rainforests are extremely diverse but increasingly threatened by habitat disturbance, including logging and conversion of forest to oil palm plantations.

Land‐use change can affect dragonfly larval stages by altering within‐stream environmental conditions, and adults by loss of perches, shade and hunting habitat. However, the extent to which dragonflies are affected by land‐use change is not well known, and strategies for conservation are poorly developed.

We surveyed dragonfly adults and larvae, forest quality and stream environmental conditions across 16 streams in Sabah, Malaysia. Habitat surrounding the streams included pristine forest, selectively logged forest, oil palm with forested riparian buffer strips and oil palm without buffers.

Overall abundance and species richness of adult dragonflies stayed constant with habitat disturbance, but larval abundance and richness decreased with higher habitat disturbance, and larvae were largely absent from oil palm streams. There was also a clear shift in community composition of both adult and larval dragonflies. Anisoptera adults were more species rich and abundant, but Zygoptera adults were less species rich in more disturbed sites.

The presence of riparian buffers in oil palm plantations offered some protection for forest‐associated dragonfly species, and streams with wider riparian buffers supported adult assemblages more similar to those found in logged forest. However, oil palm streams with riparian buffers still contained a depauperate larval assemblage compared to logged forest areas, and dragonfly assemblages in narrow riparian buffer streams were similar to those found in streams surrounded by continuous oil palm.

Our results provide clear evidence of the effect of land‐use change on dragonflies. Conservation efforts to conserve forest communities should target the preservation of existing forest areas, but management within oil palm plantation landscapes to preserve riparian buffers can still have a marked beneficial effect on dragonfly communities.
Fine spatial grain, large spatial extent and biogeography of macrophyte‐associated cladoceran communities across Neotropical floodplains
Authors: Rocha Mariana P. , Heino Jani , Machado‐Velho Luiz F. , Lansac‐Tôha Fernando M. , Lansac‐Tôha Fábio A.
Published: February 2017

Metacommunity structure may be strongly influenced by spatial dynamics and environmental factors, as well as biogeographic effects. Here, we examined variation in lake cladoceran communities associated with floating macrophytes in the four major Brazilian floodplain systems (Amazônia, Araguaia, Pantanal and Paraná) in relation to local environmental factors, spatial components, climate variables and basin identity.

Moran's eigenvector maps were used as a proxy to examine spatial structures within each drainage basin. The final sets of local environmental, climate and spatial variables were selected for constrained ordination models, using a forward selection method. We used variation partitioning to decompose variation in cladoceran community composition in relation to the four sets of predictor variables. Beta‐diversity indices were calculated to quantify the contributions of turnover and nestedness components to total beta diversity of cladocerans within each basin and across the basins.

Variation partitioning showed that the pure fractions were relatively small, ranging from around zero for spatial and basin identity variables to 2% for climate variables and 4% for local environmental variables. The shared effect of local environmental, climate and basin identity was considerable, accounting for 17% of the total variance. Furthermore, the shared effect of climate and basin identity was also considerable (6%). In total, 32% of variation in cladoceran community structure could be explained by our predictor variables. Cladoceran metacommunities showed high levels of beta diversity attributed to the turnover component, within each floodplain and across all four floodplains.

Our finding showed that species sorting was likely to be the main agent structuring cladoceran communities. Spatial processes were not important at very large spatial scales, contrary to what has been found in previous studies. This finding was most likely due to the inclusion of climatic variables in our analysis, combined with the high dispersal ability of cladocerans.
Assessment of nutritional subsidies to freshwater mussels using a multiple natural abundance isotope approach
Authors: Weber Amy M. , Bauer James E. , Thomas Watters G.
Published: February 2017

Freshwater mussels are a particularly imperilled group of aquatic organisms. To date, there is limited understanding of their dietary and nutritional subsidies, including those from both autochthonous (aquatic) and allochthonous (terrestrial) sources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative contributions of potential nutritional resources to mussel biomass using a Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR) for (i) bulk suspended versus benthic organic matter (OM) pools, (ii) general autochthonous versus allochthonous OM sources and (iii) specific individual OM sources.

Nutritional subsidies of five species of freshwater mussels were assessed using natural abundance stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) and natural radiocarbon (Δ14C). The ranges for each of the four isotopes were similar across all species and sampling dates, and mussel δ13C and δ15N values were similar to those measured in previous studies. Despite relatively low variability in this study, species and temporal differences in mussel δ15N, δ2H and Δ14C values were generally significant (P < 0.05).

Based on δ13C values alone, bulk suspended OM subsidised mussel biomass to a greater extent than bulk benthic OM (c. 60 and 40% respectively). Modelling of multiple isotopes indicated that while the collective allochthonous nutritional sources accounted for a significant part (c. 33%) of mussel biomass, autochthonous materials collectively subsidised mussel tissue at about twice this level (c. 67).

Significant amounts of 14C‐depleted aged carbon were incorporated into freshwater mussel tissue (mean equivalent 14C age = 1325 ± 68 years BP). Potential nutritional sources were also mostly aged, including benthic algae (1226 ± 556 years BP), zooplankton (1682 years BP), terrestrial soil (10 588 ± 4330 years BP) and suspended particulate OM (1443 ± 57 years BP).

No single potential individual nutritional OM source explained the multiple isotopic values of freshwater mussel tissue, indicating that these organisms have a multi‐source and potentially opportunistic diet. Benthic algae and phytoplankton were quantitatively the most important individual OM subsidies to freshwater mussel nutrition at our study site (27 and 19% respectively). Observed seasonal shifts in freshwater mussel isotopic values were minimal, suggesting (i) that mussels may not be seasonally limited by individual nutritional resources and/or (ii) the replacement times of C, N and H in freshwater mussel tissues make detection of temporal nutritional subsidy shifts – if they occur – difficult to discern.
Tree range expansion in eastern North America fails to keep pace with climate warming at northern range limits
Authors: Sittaro Fabian , Paquette Alain , Messier Christian , Nock Charles A.
Published: February 2017

Rising global temperatures are suggested to be drivers of shifts in tree species ranges. The resulting changes in community composition may negatively impact forest ecosystem function. However, long‐term shifts in tree species ranges remain poorly documented. We test for shifts in the northern range limits of 16 temperate tree species in Quebec, Canada, using forest inventory data spanning three decades, 15° of longitude and 7° of latitude. Range shifts were correlated with climate warming and dispersal traits to understand potential mechanisms underlying changes. Shifts were calculated as the change in the 95th percentile of latitudinal occurrence between two inventory periods (1970–1978, 2000–2012) and for two life stages: saplings and adults. We also examined sapling and adult range offsets within each inventory, and changes in the offset through time. Tree species ranges shifted predominantly northward, although species responses varied. As expected shifts were greater for tree saplings, 0.34 km yr−1, than for adults, 0.13 km yr−1. Range limits were generally further north for adults compared to saplings, but the difference diminished through time, consistent with patterns observed for range shifts within each life stage. This suggests caution should be exercised when interpreting geographic range offsets between life stages as evidence of range shifts in the absence of temporal data. Species latitudinal velocities were on average <50% of the velocity required to equal the spatial velocity of climate change and were mostly unrelated to dispersal traits. Finally, our results add to the body of evidence suggesting tree species are mostly limited in their capacity to track climate warming, supporting concerns that warming will negatively impact the functioning of forest ecosystems.
Multiple stressors threaten the imperiled coastal foundation species eelgrass (Zostera marina) in Chesapeake Bay,USA
Authors: Lefcheck Jonathan S. , Wilcox David J. , Murphy Rebecca R. , Marion Scott R. , Orth Robert J.
Published: February 2017

Interactions among global change stressors and their effects at large scales are often proposed, but seldom evaluated. This situation is primarily due to lack of comprehensive, sufficiently long‐term, and spatially extensive datasets. Seagrasses, which provide nursery habitat, improve water quality, and constitute a globally important carbon sink, are among the most vulnerable habitats on the planet. Here, we unite 31 years of high‐resolution aerial monitoring and water quality data to elucidate the patterns and drivers of eelgrass (Zostera marina) abundance in Chesapeake Bay,USA, one of the largest and most valuable estuaries in the world, with an unparalleled history of regulatory efforts. We show that eelgrass area has declined 29% in total since 1991, with wide‐ranging and severe ecological and economic consequences. We go on to identify an interaction between decreasing water clarity and warming temperatures as the primary drivers of this trend. Declining clarity has gradually reduced eelgrass cover the past two decades, primarily in deeper beds where light is already limiting. In shallow beds, however, reduced visibility exacerbates the physiological stress of acute warming, leading to recent instances of decline approaching 80%. While degraded water quality has long been known to influence underwater grasses worldwide, we demonstrate a clear and rapidly emerging interaction with climate change. We highlight the urgent need to integrate a broader perspective into local water quality management, in the Chesapeake Bay and in the many other coastal systems facing similar stressors.
Evaluation of Lotus corniculatus L. accessions from different locations at different altitudes reveals phenotypic and genetic diversity
Authors: Merkouropoulos G. , Hilioti Z. , Abraham E. M. , Lazaridou M.
Published: February 2017

The phenotypic and genotypic diversity of natural populations of Lotus corniculatus from three locations in northern Greece was investigated. The collection locations were about 100–140 km apart at altitudes ranging from 50 to 900 m and therefore differed in bioclimatic conditions. The collected plants were transplanted and maintained under the same conditions before their phenotypic and genetic assessment. Plants from high altitudes differed from the low‐ or moderate‐altitude plants in terms of leaf characteristics (smaller leaf area: 1.1 cm2 compared to 1.5 cm2 from the low and moderate altitudes) and internode length (shorter internodes: 2.7 cm compared to 3.2 and 13.1 cm from the low and moderate altitudes respectively). At the genetic level, application of the Inter‐Specific Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) molecular markers led to distinct placement of the three populations into different clades of a dendrogram, thus revealing regional diversity. The phytogeographic distinction was also supported by principal components analysis. The results showed that even though phenotypic characters could be close, or even indistinguishable, as in the case of plants from the low and middle altitudes, the genetic background could be different. Therefore, assessment of the natural diversity of L. corniculatus requires a combined and integrative approach involving morphological description and molecular characterization. The natural populations of L. corniculatus constitute valuable germplasm for the development of improved and adapted cultivars.
Breastfeeding Bodies: Intimacies at Work
Authors: Lee Robyn
Published: February 2017

This paper will combine a review of literature on breastfeeding and work with an examination of feminist theory and theories of embodiment. Difficulties accommodating breastfeeding in contemporary workplaces result from problems with how bodies and intimacies are understood. The concept of corporeal generosity is useful in theorizing the intimate relationship involved in breastfeeding. However, it is also essential to recognize that the labour involved in this embodied, relational practice goes largely unvalued. Women's long association with giving has led to the devaluing of reproductive labour and care work. Reconceptualizing work by rethinking the division between productive and reproductive labour is necessary to allow more space for bodies and intimacies.
Assessment of intradialysis calcium mass balance by a single pool variable‐volume calcium kinetic model
Authors: di Filippo Salvatore , Carfagna Fabio , la Milia Vincenzo , Bellasi Antonio , Casagrande Giustina , Bianchi Camilla , Vito Domenico , Costantino Maria Laura , Rombolà Giuseppe , Minoretti Claudio , Schönholzer Carlo , Pontoriero Giuseppe , Locatelli Francesco
Published: February 2017

Introduction: A reliable method of intradialysis calcium mass balance quantification is far from been established. We herein investigated the use of a single‐pool variable‐volume Calcium kinetic model to assess calcium mass balance in chronic and stable dialysis patients.

Methods: Thirty‐four patients on thrice‐weekly HD were studied during 240 dialysis sessions. All patients were dialyzed with a nominal total calcium concentration of 1.50 mmol/L. The main assumption of the model is that the calcium distribution volume is equal to the extracellular volume during dialysis. This hypothesis is assumed valid if measured and predicted end dialysis plasma water ionized calcium concentrations are equal. A difference between predicted and measured end‐dialysis ionized plasma water calcium concentration is a deviation on our main hypothesis, meaning that a substantial amount of calcium is exchanged between the extracellular volume and a nonmodeled compartment.

Findings: The difference between predicted and measured values was 0.02 mmol/L (range −0.08:0.16 mmol/L). With a mean ionized dialysate calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L, calcium mass balance was on average negative (mean ± SD −0.84 ± 1.33 mmol, range −5.42:2.75). Predialysis ionized plasma water concentration and total ultrafiltrate were the most important predictors of calcium mass balance. A significant mobilization of calcium from the extracellular pool to a nonmodeled pool was calculated in a group of patients.

Discussion: The proposed single pool variable‐volume Calcium kinetic model is adequate for prediction and quantification of intradialysis calcium mass balance, it can evaluate the eventual calcium transfer outside the extracellular pool in clinical practice.
A distinctive, low‐grade oncocytic fumarate hydratase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma, morphologically reminiscent of succinate dehydrogenase‐deficient renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Smith Steven C , Sirohi Deepika , Ohe Chisato , McHugh Jonathan B , Hornick Jason L , Kalariya Jigna , Karia Sushil , Snape Katie , Hodgson Shirley V , Cani Andi K , Hovelson Daniel , Luthringer Daniel J , Martignoni Guido , Chen Ying‐Bei , Tomlins Scott A , Mehra Rohit , Amin Mahul B
Published: February 2017

Aims

Fumarate hydratase (FH)‐deficient renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a high‐grade, aggressive tubulopapillary carcinoma, arising predominantly in the setting of the hereditary leiomyomatosis–RCC syndrome of familial uterocutaneous leiomyomatosis and deficiency of FH. In contrast, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)‐deficient RCC is a lower‐grade oncocytic carcinoma with cytoplasmic flocculence/vacuolation and inclusions, arising mostly in individuals harbouring germline mutations of subunit B of the SDH complex (SDHB). Herein we aim to report the clinicopathologic features of a novel form of FH‐deficient RCC showing a low grade oncocytic morphology, reminiscent of SDH‐deficient RCC.

Methods and results

These distinctive, low‐grade oncocytic neoplasms, with solid, nested and focally tubular architecture (2–90 mm), arose in four males (aged 11–41 years). Uniform cytology of polygonal cells, with flocculent, vacuolated eosinophilic cytoplasm with scattered inclusions, fine chromatin, and inconspicuous nucleoli, was apparent. Despite these features suggestive of SDH‐deficient RCC, each tumour was confirmed as an FH‐deficient carcinoma with retained SDHB expression. One case showed a synchronous, anatomically separate, typical high‐grade FH‐deficient RCC; one other showed such a tumour at nephrectomy 4 years later. No progression has been noted at 3 and 7 years in the cases with only the SDH‐like lesions; the two cases with separate, typical FH‐deficient RCCs progressed.

Conclusions

In summary, we characterize a novel oncocytic type of FH‐deficient RCC with a striking resemblance to SDH‐deficient RCC, posing a diagnostic challenge and raising concerns about sampling and multifocality for syndrome‐associated cases under surveillance protocols.
Taxonomic revision of Cylindroporella ? lusitanica Ramalho, 1970: In search for the origins of the Family Dasycladaceae
Authors: Granier Bruno R. C. , Azerêdo Ana C. , Ramalho Miguel M.
Published: February 2017

A study of new material of Cylindroporella ? lusitanica Ramalho, 1970, from the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) strata of Portugal identified features not observed previously. This includes the pattern of its laterals, including the gametophores. The algal body plan is unique and justifies the taxonomic reassessment of this species and the introduction of Barattoloporellopsis n. gen. Furthermore this species is most likely a primitive Dasycladaceae, a “missing link” between the modern ones (starting from the Cretaceous times) and their Jurassic ancestors.
Statistical analysis of the influence of microstructure on damage in fibrous ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Tracy Jared , Daly Samantha
Published: February 2017

The effect of microstructure on cracking was analyzed in a CMC using statistical methods. It was determined that the amounts of coating surrounding fibers and their dispersion within the matrix influenced where cracks evolved in transverse plies. Linear models predicted that maximum principal strains in transverse fiber coatings increased as (i) the fiber coating area increased and (ii) the length of matrix ligament between fibers decreased. Logistic models indicated that the likelihood of transverse fibers residing on a matrix crack increased as the (i) ratio of coating to filament decreased, (ii) distance between fibers decreased, or (iii) coating area increased.
The characteristics and antigenic properties of recently emerged subclade 3C.3a and 3C.2a human influenza A(H3N2) viruses passaged in MDCK cells
Authors: Lin Yipu , Wharton Stephen A. , Whittaker Lynne , Dai Mian , Ermetal Burcu , Lo Janice , Pontoriero Andrea , Baumeister Elsa , Daniels Rodney S. , McCauley John W.
Published: February 2017

Background

Two new subclades of influenza A(H3N2) viruses became prominent during the 2014‐2015 Northern Hemisphere influenza season. The HA glycoproteins of these viruses showed sequence changes previously associated with alterations in receptor‐binding properties. To address how these changes influence virus propagation, viruses were isolated and propagated in conventional MDCK cells and MDCK‐SIAT1 cells, cells with enhanced expression of the human receptor for the virus, and analysed at each passage.

Methods

Gene sequence analysis was undertaken as virus was passaged in conventional MDCK cells and MDCK‐SIAT1 cells. Alterations in receptor recognition associated with passage of virus were examined by haemagglutination assays using red blood cells from guinea pigs, turkeys and humans. Microneutralisation assays were performed to determine how passage‐acquired amino acid substitutions and polymorphisms affected virus antigenicity.

Results

Viruses were able to infect MDCK‐SIAT1 cells more efficiently than conventional MDCK cells. Viruses of both the 3C.2a and 3C.3a subclades showed greater sequence change on passage in conventional MDCK cells than in MDCK‐SIAT1 cells, with amino acid substitutions being seen in both HA and NA glycoproteins. However, virus passage in MDCK‐SIAT1 cells at low inoculum dilutions showed reducing infectivity on continued passage.

Conclusions

Current H3N2 viruses should be cultured in the MDCK‐SIAT1 cell line to maintain faithful replication of the virus, and at an appropriate multiplicity of infection to retain infectivity.
Performance of genomic selection under a single‐step approach in autochthonous Spanish beef cattle populations
Authors: Mouresan E.‐F. , Altarriba J. , Moreno C. , Munilla S. , González‐Rodríguez A. , Varona L.
Published: February 2017

This study evaluated different strategies for implementing a single‐step genomic selection programme in two autochthonous Spanish beef cattle populations (Pirenaica—Pi and Rubia Gallega—RG). The strategies were compared in terms of accuracy attained under different scenarios by simulating genomic data over the known genealogy. Several genotyping approaches were tested, as well as, other factors like marker density, effective population size, mutation rate and heritability of the trait. The results obtained showed gains in accuracy with respect to pedigree BLUP evaluation in all cases. The greatest benefit was obtained when the candidates to selection had their genotypes included in the evaluation. Moreover, genotyping the individuals with the most accurate predictions maximized the gains but other suboptimal strategies also yielded satisfactory results. Furthermore, the gains in accuracy increased with the marker density reaching a plateau at around 50,000 markers. Likewise, the effective population size and the mutation rate have also shown an effect, both increasing the accuracy with decreasing values of these population parameters. Finally, the results obtained for the RG population showed greater gains compared to the Pi population, probably attributed to the wider implantation of artificial insemination.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of thermotherapy versus pentavalent antimonials for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Cardona‐Arias Jaiberth Antonio , López‐Carvajal Liliana , Tamayo Plata Mery Patricia , Vélez Iván Darío
Published: February 2017

Objective

The treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis is toxic, has contraindications, and a high cost. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of thermotherapy versus pentavalent antimonials for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods

Effectiveness was the proportion of healing and safety with the adverse effects; these parameters were estimated from a controlled clinical trial and a meta‐analysis. A standard costing was conducted. Average and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were estimated. The uncertainty regarding effectiveness, safety, and costs was determined through sensitivity analyses.

Results

The total costs were $66,807 with Glucantime and $14,079 with thermotherapy. The therapeutic effectiveness rates were 64.2% for thermotherapy and 85.1% for Glucantime. The average cost‐effectiveness ratios ranged between $721 and $1275 for Glucantime and between $187 and $390 for thermotherapy. Based on the meta‐analysis, thermotherapy may be a dominant strategy.

Conclusion

The excellent cost‐effectiveness ratio of thermotherapy shows the relevance of its inclusion in guidelines for the treatment.