bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land‐use type and intensity differentially filter traits in above‐ and below‐ground arthropod communities
Authors: Birkhofer Klaus , Gossner Martin M. , Diekötter Tim , Drees Claudia , Ferlian Olga , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Wolters Volkmar , Wurst Susanne , Zaitsev Andrey S. , Smith Henrik G.
Published: January 2017

Along with the global decline of species richness goes a loss of ecological traits. Associated biotic homogenization of animal communities and narrowing of trait diversity threaten ecosystem functioning and human well‐being. High management intensity is regarded as an important ecological filter, eliminating species that lack suitable adaptations. Below‐ground arthropods are assumed to be less sensitive to such effects than above‐ground arthropods.

Here, we compared the impact of management intensity between (grassland vs. forest) and within land‐use types (local management intensity) on the trait diversity and composition in below‐ and above‐ground arthropod communities.

We used data on 722 arthropod species living above‐ground (Auchenorrhyncha and Heteroptera), primarily in soil (Chilopoda and Oribatida) or at the interface (Araneae and Carabidae).

Our results show that trait diversity of arthropod communities is not primarily reduced by intense local land use, but is rather affected by differences between land‐use types. Communities of Auchenorrhyncha and Chilopoda had significantly lower trait diversity in grassland habitats as compared to forests. Carabidae showed the opposite pattern with higher trait diversity in grasslands. Grasslands had a lower proportion of large Auchenorrhyncha and Carabidae individuals, whereas Chilopoda and Heteroptera individuals were larger in grasslands. Body size decreased with land‐use intensity across taxa, but only in grasslands. The proportion of individuals with low mobility declined with land‐use intensity in Araneae and Auchenorrhyncha, but increased in Chilopoda and grassland Heteroptera. The proportion of carnivorous individuals increased with land‐use intensity in Heteroptera in forests and in Oribatida and Carabidae in grasslands.

Our results suggest that gradients in management intensity across land‐use types will not generally reduce trait diversity in multiple taxa, but will exert strong trait filtering within individual taxa. The observed patterns for trait filtering in individual taxa are not related to major classifications into above‐ and below‐ground species. Instead, ecologically different taxa resembled each other in their trait diversity and compositional responses to land‐use differences. These previously undescribed patterns offer an opportunity to develop management strategies for the conservation of trait diversity across taxonomic groups in permanent grassland and forest habitats.
Interacting livestock and fire may both threaten and increase viability of a fire‐adapted Mediterranean carnivorous plant
Authors: Paniw Maria , Quintana‐Ascencio Pedro F. , Ojeda Fernando , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto
Published: January 2017

Quantifying interactive effects of environmental drivers on population dynamics can be critical for a robust analysis of population viability. Fire regimes, among the most widespread disturbances driving population dynamics, are increasingly modified by and interact with human activities. However, viability of fire‐adapted species is typically assessed overlooking disturbance interactions, potentially resulting in suboptimal management actions.

We investigated whether increasing human disturbances in fire‐prone ecosystems may pose a threat or an opportunity to improve population viability, using demographic data of the carnivorous, post‐fire recruiting plant Drosophyllum lusitanicum, endemic to heathlands in the southwestern Mediterranean Basin. We built integral projection models and simulated population dynamics under different combinations of two key disturbance types affecting populations: fire and livestock browsing and trampling. We used perturbation analyses to determine potential long‐term consequences of maintaining fundamentally different disturbance types.

Despite most populations inhabiting browsed habitats, simulations showed a greater extinction risk in populations under high livestock pressure compared with ones under low or moderate pressures. Extinction risk decreased when fire return intervals shortened in populations under low or moderate livestock pressure; however, the opposite pattern emerged in heavily browsed populations, where short intervals between fires increased extinction.

Elasticity analyses showed that decreases in viability under frequent disturbance interactions (heavy browsing and frequent fire) may be explained by selection against seed dormancy in populations with frequent browsing and trampling. This may potentially cause populations to collapse when fires kill above‐ground plants without populations being able to recover from a seed bank.

Synthesis and applications. Incorporating disturbance interactions can result in a different assessment of viability of a fire‐adapted species than considering fire regimes alone. In Mediterranean ecosystems, fire management may be more effective when integrating moderate human activities. However, replacing fires by human disturbances, a currently widespread strategy in many fire‐prone ecosystems, is not recommended since it may fundamentally alter population dynamics and selection pressures and decrease viability of fire‐adapted species.
Intercollegiate conversations: Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Authors: Lee Victor , Graham Ian S
Published: January 2017

In the first of a series of online interviews with other Australian and New Zealand Specialty Colleges about the developments and shared challenges with implementing competency‐based medical education, I spoke with the current Dean of Education at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, Dr Ian Graham. Dr Graham is not an anaesthetist. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators, educator and consultant in health management. He was appointed into the role of part‐time Dean of Education at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists in August 2014. The interview was conducted in person on 13 April 2016 at Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia, and subsequent changes were made to the manuscript through email by Dr Graham on 28 August 2016.
Case–control study to investigate variables associated with incidents and adverse events in the emergency department
Authors: Hendrie Jamie , Yeoh Michael , Richardson Jo , Blunt Andrew , Davey Peter , Taylor David , Ugoni Antony
Published: January 2017

Objective

To detect and analyse incidents (Is) and adverse events (AEs) in the ED. We hypothesised that I/AE are associated with patient load.

Methods

We undertook a case–control study in a tertiary level hospital ED (from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013). Three percent of patients were randomly selected and screened for I/AEs. I/AEs were adjudicated by consensus of four FACEMs. Controls were matched to cases 2:1. Logistic regression was used to analyse the data.

Results

We sampled 2167 patients. After exclusions, 217 I/AEs were detected and analysed. The I and AE rates were 6.0 and 4.1%, respectively. The serious AE rate was 0.8% and 30 day mortality was 0.1%. Diagnostic error occurred in 3.7% of all patients and adverse drug reactions in 2.5%. Seventy‐seven percent of the I/AEs were judged preventable. ED occupancy of <35 patients was the reference group. Compared with this group, if 36–40 or 41–45 patients were in the ED, I/AEs were more likely to occur (odds ratio [OR] 2.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40–4.01, P < 0.0] and 1.8 [95% CI 1.03–3.15, P = 0.04], respectively) but not when there were >46 patients (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.1). Higher hospital occupancy (90–99%) was a protective factor for sustaining an I/AE (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.92, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

I/AEs are common in the ED and a large proportion is preventable. Strategies for prevention are required. The relationship with patient load needs further clarification, since our data suggests increased I/AE rates with higher occupancy but not highest occupancy.
Online training introduces a novel approach to the Dietetic Care Process documentation
Authors: Rachman‐Elbaum Shelly , Stark Aliza H. , Kachal Josefa , Johnson Teresa , Porat‐Katz Bat Sheva
Published: January 2017

Aim

Nutrition professionals in Israel are developing a system to document the Dietetic Care Process (DCP) tailored for specific patient sectors and compliant with national health guidelines. The ultimate goal is to achieve uniform documentation and improve nutrition care. Israeli dietetic practitioners work in specific patient sectors; therefore, a patient population‐specific reporting system is proposed instead of the typical singular format applied across all patient populations. The purpose of this project was to evaluate learning outcomes and attitudes among registered dietitians (RDs) after online training of a novel DCP documentation system.

Methods

A total of 80 Israeli RDs working in geriatric practice completed an eight‐week online educational program learning documentation that is compatible for use with electronic health records and compliant with Israeli standards of practice. A paired sample t‐test and McNemar test were used to analyse pre‐ to post‐test performance, while Pearson's r, point‐biserial, Spearman's and ANOVA were used to assess relationships among variables.

Results

Post‐test knowledge scores increased significantly, t
(67) = ‐9.007, P = 0.000; 95% CI (−26.713, −17.019). Age, education, geographic location and previous experience with online courses were not correlated with academic performance, suggesting that demographic characteristics did not impact training. Overall, RDs (>80%) responded positively to the training model and were highly interested in future proficiency online learning opportunities (98%).

Conclusions

A sectoral DCP online training program significantly improved knowledge and was rated favourably by Israeli RDs. DCP training for clinical practitioners may be optimised when standardised nutrition care and reporting systems are adapted to specific patient populations.
Evaluation of the Cellular and Animal Models for the Study of Antioxidant Activity: A Review
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Yin Meng , Huang Lianyan , Wang Jing , Gong Lingxiao , Liu Jie , Sun Baoguo
Published: January 2017

The mechanisms of antioxidant activities of phytochemicals are highly complex, so various methods to study them have been developed. However, the diverse available methods show inconsistent results. Different stressors, cell models, and animal models have been used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of phytochemicals. However, the literature still lacks a summary of the effects of different stressors, cell models, and animal models on the evaluation of antioxidant activities. Therefore, the mechanisms of action of different oxidative stimuli and the characteristics of the available cell models and animal models are summarized in this review.
The impact of TPP and RCEP on tea exports from Vietnam: the case of tariff elimination and pesticide policy cooperation
Authors: Xiong Bo
Published: January 2017

Regional trade agreements are the dominant arrangement for economic integration. What does a dual membership mean for countries participating in multiple regional negotiations? We address the question from the perspective of tea exporters in Vietnam, a member of both the Trans‐Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Focusing on the removal of tariffs and the cooperation on pesticide residue standards, we find that the TPP agreement will raise Vietnam's tea exports by about $4 million a year if TPP endorses Codex standards. However, Vietnamese tea exports will decline if TPP endorses American standards, unless sufficient technical assistance is provided. After the RCEP agreement takes effect, tea exporters from China and India will further penetrate the TPP markets by re‐exporting from Vietnam.
Food versus fuel: examining tradeoffs in the allocation of biomass energy sources to domestic and productive uses in Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Dawit , Bryan Elizabeth , Alemu Tekie , Ringler Claudia
Published: January 2017

Rural households in Ethiopia have limited options to meet their domestic energy needs because they lack access to modern fuels and technologies. Domestic use of certain fuel sources, such as cow dung, can hinder agricultural outcomes and productivity. This article explores the tradeoffs between domestic and productive uses of biomass energy sources in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia using a nonseparable farm household model where labor allocation to energy collection and farming are analyzed simultaneously. We estimate a system of five structural equations using three‐stage least squares and find that the use of dung as a domestic fuel source has negative implications for the value of harvested crops, while use of on‐farm fuelwood is associated with increased value of agricultural output. On‐farm production of fuelwood appears to increase the value of crop output and provide labor savings, by making fuelwood collection more convenient for households. Policy interventions to support the expansion of agroforestry and increase access to new energy‐efficient technologies are needed to ensure that agricultural productivity can be both increased and sustained.
Review: Environmental influences on alcohol use: Informing research on the joint effects of genes and the environment in diverse U.S. populations
Authors: Chartier Karen G. , Karriker‐Jaffe Katherine J. , Cummings Cory R. , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives

This review aimed to inform the current state of alcohol research on the joint effects of genes and the environment conducted in U.S. racial/ethnic minority populations, focusing on African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians.

Methods

A key‐word and author‐based search was conducted and supplemented with direct contact to researchers in this area to ensure a comprehensive inclusion of published, peer‐reviewed studies. These studies were considered in terms of the racial/ethnic population groups, phenotypes, genetic variants, and environmental influences covered. Research findings from alcohol epidemiologic studies were highlighted to introduce some potential environmental variables for future studies of gene and environment (G–E) relationships.

Results

Twenty‐six (N = 26) studies were reviewed. They predominantly involved African American and Asian samples and had a very limited focus on Latinos/Hispanics and American Indians. There was a wide range of alcohol‐related phenotypes examined, and studies almost exclusively used a candidate gene approach. Environmental influences focused on the most proximate social network relationships with family and peers. There was far less examination of community‐ and societal‐level environmental influences on drinking. Epidemiologic studies informing the selection of potential environmental factors at these higher order levels suggest inclusion of indicators of drinking norms, alcohol availability, socioeconomic disadvantage, and unfair treatment.

Conclusions

The review of current literature identified a critical gap in the study of environments: There is the need to study exposures at community and societal levels.

Scientific Significance

These initial studies provide an important foundation for evolving the dialogue and generating other investigations of G–E relationships in diverse racial/ethnic groups. (Am J Addict 2017;26:446–460)
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance‐GUIDEd management of mild to moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction (CMR GUIDE): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Selvanayagam Joseph B. , Hartshorne Trent , Billot Laurent , Grover Suchi , Hillis Graham S. , Jung Werner , Krum Henry , Prasad Sanjay , McGavigan Andrew D.
Published: January 2017

Background

The majority of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with heart failure occurs in those with mild‐moderate left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (LVEF 36–50%) who under current guidelines are ineligible for primary prevention implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) therapy. Recent data suggest that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) evidence of replacement fibrosis forms a substrate for malignant arrhythmia and therefore potentially identifies a subgroup at increased risk of SCD. Our hypothesis is that among patients with mild‐moderate LV systolic dysfunction, a CMR‐guided management strategy for ICD insertion based on the presence of scar or fibrosis is superior to a current strategy of standard care.

Methods/Design

CMR GUIDE is a prospective, multicenter randomized control trial enrolling patients with mild‐moderate LV systolic dysfunction and CMR evidence of fibrosis on optimal heart failure therapy. Participants will be randomized to receive either a primary prevention ICD or an implantable loop recorder (ILR). The primary endpoint is the time to SCD or hemodynamically significant ventricular arrhythmia (VF or VT) during an average 4‐year follow‐up. Secondary endpoints include quality of life assessed by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, heart failure related hospitalizations, and a cost‐utility analysis. Clinical trials.gov identifier NCT01918215.

Discussion

CMR GUIDE trial will add substantially to our understanding of the role of myocardial fibrosis and the risk of developing life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias. If the superiority of a CMR‐guided approach over standard care is proven, it may change international clinical guidelines, with the potential to considerably increase survival in this growing patient population.
Patterned auditory stimulation and suck dynamics in full‐term infants
Authors: Zimmerman Emily , Foran Megan
Published: January 2017

Aim

To determine whether patterned auditory stimuli, designed to mimic the natural burst‐pause pattern evident in non‐nutritive suck (NNS) with variations to the intraburst frequency, alter infants’ NNS and cardiorespiratory patterning.

Methods

Sixteen healthy full‐term infants participated in this study. Infants were fitted with electrocardiogram electrodes and a respiratory belt to measure cardiorespiratory patterning. Infants were offered a custom pacifier attached to a pressure transducer to measure NNS. Prior to the start of the study, a two‐minute NNS and cardiorespiratory baseline was attained. Next, three auditory stimulation conditions were presented in the form of sucking clicks at interburst frequencies of 1, 2 and 4 Hz. Each of the three frequencies was played for two minutes.

Results

Separate repeated‐measures ANOVAs revealed significant differences in NNS burst duration (p = 0.013), NNS cycles/burst (p = 0.010) and NNS bursts/minute (p = 0.005) across auditory stimulation conditions. No significant differences were evident in the cardiorespiratory outcomes.

Conclusion

We found that patterned auditory stimulation significantly reduced NNS dynamics and had no effect on cardiorespiratory patterning. The findings further suggest that infants attempted to modulate their suck pattern to the patterned acoustic stimuli by shortening their burst durations with fewer cycles per burst.
Assessment of treatment response in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis using advanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lin S. C. , Heba E. , Bettencourt R. , Lin G. Y. , Valasek M. A. , Lunde O. , Hamilton G. , Sirlin C. B. , Loomba R.
Published: January 2017

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging‐derived measures of liver fat and volume are emerging as accurate, non‐invasive imaging biomarkers in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Little is known about these measures in relation to histology longitudinally.

Aim

To examine any relationship between MRI‐derived proton‐density fat‐fraction (PDFF), total liver volume (TLV), total liver fat index (TLFI), vs. histology in a NASH trial.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a 24‐week randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of 50 patients with biopsy‐proven NASH randomised to oral ezetimibe 10 mg daily (n = 25) vs. placebo (n = 25). Baseline and post‐treatment anthropometrics, biochemical profiling, MRI and biopsies were obtained.

Results

Baseline mean PDFF correlated strongly with TLFI (Spearman's ρ = 0.94, n = 45, P < 0.0001) and had good correlation with TLV (ρ = 0.57, n = 45, P < 0.0001). Mean TLV correlated strongly with TLFI (ρ = 0.78, n = 45, P < 0.0001). After 24 weeks, PDFF remained strongly correlated with TLFI (ρ = 0.94, n = 45, P < 0.0001), maintaining good correlation with TLV (ρ = 0.51, n = 45, P = 0.0004). TLV remained strongly correlated with TLFI (ρ = 0.74, n = 45, P < 0.0001). Patients with Grade 1 vs. 3 steatosis had lower PDFF, TLV, and TLFI (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0003, P < 0.0001 respectively). Regression analysis of changes in MRI‐PDFF vs. TLV indicates that 10% reduction in MRI‐PDFF predicts 257 mL reduction in TLV.

Conclusions

The MRI‐PDFF and TLV strongly correlated with TLFI. Decreases in steatosis were associated with an improvement in hepatomegaly. Lower values of these measures reflect lower histologic steatosis grades. MRI‐derived measures of liver fat and volume may be used as dynamic and more responsive imaging biomarkers in a NASH trial, than histology.
Anatomical study of renal arterial vasculature and its potential impact on partial nephrectomy
Authors: Macchi Veronica , Crestani Alessandro , Porzionato Andrea , Sfriso Maria Martina , Morra Aldo , Rossanese Marta , Novara Giacomo , De Caro Raffaele , Ficarra Vincenzo
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To validate Graves’ classification of the intrarenal arteries and to verify the absence of collateral arterial blood supply between different renal segments, in order to maximize peri‐operative and functional outcomes of partial nephrectomy.

Materials and Methods

The study was performed on 15 normal kidneys sampled from eight unembalmed cadavers. Kidneys with the surrounding perirenal fat tissue were removed en bloc with the abdominal segment of the aorta. The renal artery was injected with acrylic and radiopaque resins, with the specimen suspended in water. CT examination of the injected kidneys was performed to analyse the branches located deeply. After imaging acquisition, the specimens were treated with sodium hydroxide for removal of the parenchyma to obtain vascular casts.

Results

Ten casts (66.6%) showed the classic subdivision of the main artery into single posterior and anterior branches. With regard to the distribution of the segmental or second‐order arteries, only two casts (13%) showed a pattern similar to that described by Graves, characterized by four segmental (second‐order) branches coming from the anterior renal artery (apical, superior, middle and inferior). In the remaining 13 kidneys (87%) a different arterial vascular network was detected. In 10 casts (80%) a single renal segment was vascularized by two or more different branches coming from an artery leading to another segment (multiple vascularization). Multiple vascularization was observed in three (20%) apical segments, five (33%) superior segments, six (40%) middle segments, seven (47%) inferior segments and two (13%) posterior segments.

Conclusions

This study shows that in the human kidneys the arterial vasculature is frequently different from that described by Graves. Moreover, in a significant percentage of cases, a single renal segment receives two or more branches that originate from an artery leading to another segment.
Bayesian analysis of longitudinal multitrait–multimethod data with ordinal response variables
Authors: Holtmann Jana , Koch Tobias , Bohn Johannes , Eid Michael
Published: January 2017

A new multilevel latent state graded response model for longitudinal multitrait–multimethod (MTMM) measurement designs combining structurally different and interchangeable methods is proposed. The model allows researchers to examine construct validity over time and to study the change and stability of constructs and method effects based on ordinal response variables. We show how Bayesian estimation techniques can address a number of important issues that typically arise in longitudinal multilevel MTMM studies and facilitates the estimation of the model presented. Estimation accuracy and the impact of between‐ and within‐level sample sizes as well as different prior specifications on parameter recovery were investigated in a Monte Carlo simulation study. Findings indicate that the parameters of the model presented can be accurately estimated with Bayesian estimation methods in the case of low convergent validity with as few as 250 clusters and more than two observations within each cluster. The model was applied to well‐being data from a longitudinal MTMM study, assessing the change and stability of life satisfaction and subjective happiness in young adults after high‐school graduation. Guidelines for empirical applications are provided and advantages and limitations of a Bayesian approach to estimating longitudinal multilevel MTMM models are discussed.
Oligodendroglial fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 gene targeting protects mice from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through ERK/AKT phosphorylation
Authors: Rajendran Ranjithkumar , Giraldo‐Velásquez Mario , Stadelmann Christine , Berghoff Martin
Published: January 2017

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) exert diverse biological effects by binding and activation of specific fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs). FGFs and FGFRs have been implicated in demyelinating pathologies including multiple sclerosis. In vitro activation of the FGF2/FGFR1 pathway results in downregulation of myelin proteins. FGF1, 2 and 9 have been shown to be involved in the pathology of multiple sclerosis. Recent studies on the function of oligodendroglial FGFR1 in a model of toxic demyelination showed that deletion of FGFR1 led to increased remyelination and preservation of axonal density and an increased number of mature oligodendrocytes. In the present study the in vivo function of oligodendroglial FGFR1 was characterized using an oligodendrocyte‐specific genetic approach in the most frequently used model of multiple sclerosis the MOG35‐55‐induced EAE. Oligodendroglial FGFR1 deficient mice (referred to as Fgfr1ind−/−) showed a significantly ameliorated disease course in MOG35‐55‐induced EAE. Less myelin and axonal loss, and reduced lymphocyte and macrophage/microglia infiltration were found in Fgfr1ind−/− mice. The reduction in disease severity in Fgfr1ind−/− mice was accompanied by ERK/AKT phosphorylation, and increased expression of BDNF and TrkB. Reduced proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression was seen in Fgfr1ind−/− mice compared with control mice. Considering that FGFR inhibitors are used in cancer trials, the oligodendroglial FGFR1 pathway may provide a new target for therapy in multiple sclerosis.
Allergenicity of bony and cartilaginous fish – molecular and immunological properties
Authors: Stephen J. N. , Sharp M. F. , Ruethers T. , Taki A. , Campbell D. E. , Lopata A. L.
Published: January 2017

Allergy to bony fish is common and probably increasing world‐wide. The major heat‐stable pan‐fish allergen, parvalbumin (PV), has been identified and characterized for numerous fish species. In contrast, there are very few reports of allergic reactions to cartilaginous fish despite widespread consumption. The molecular basis for this seemingly low clinical cross‐reactivity between these two fish groups has not been elucidated. PV consists of two distinct protein lineages, α and β. The α‐lineage of this protein is predominant in muscle tissue of cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), while β‐PV is abundant in muscle tissue of bony fish (Osteichthyes). The low incidence of allergic reactions to ingested rays and sharks is likely due to the lack of molecular similarity, resulting in reduced immunological cross‐reactivity between the two PV lineages. Structurally and physiologically, both protein lineages are very similar; however, the amino acid homology is very low with 47–54%. Furthermore, PV from ancient fish species such as the coelacanth demonstrates 62% sequence homology to leopard shark α‐PV and 70% to carp β‐PV. This indicates the extent of conservation of the PV isoforms lineages across millennia. This review highlights prevalence data on fish allergy and sensitization to fish, and details the molecular diversity of the two protein lineages of the major fish allergen PV among different fish groups, emphasizing the immunological and clinical differences in allergenicity.
Coordinating Domestic Legislation and International Agreements to Conserve Migratory Species: A Case Study from Australia
Authors: Runge Claire A. , Gallo‐Cajiao Eduardo , Carey Mark J. , Garnett Stephen T. , Fuller Richard A. , McCormack Phillipa C.
Published: January 2017

Migratory movements of animals frequently span political borders and the need for international collaboration in the conservation of migratory species is well recognized. There is, however, less appreciation of the need for coordinated protection within nations. We explore consequences of multilevel governance for top‐down implementation of international agreements, drawing on examples from Australia and with reference to the United States and European Union. Coherent implementation of legislation and policy for migratory species can be challenging in federal jurisdictions where environmental law making can be split across multiple levels of governance and local and federal priorities may not necessarily be aligned. As a result of these challenges, for example, two‐thirds of Australian migratory birds remain unprotected under national legislation. In Australia and elsewhere, coordinated protection of migratory species can be implemented within the current framework of conservation law and policy by actions such as designating national migration areas, negotiating nationally coordinated agreements or listings of migratory species and pursuing new bilateral agreements with key countries along migratory routes.
Annular lesions of cutaneous sarcoidosis with granulomatous vasculitis
Authors: Mizuno Kana , Nguyen Chuyen Thi Hong , Ueda‐Hayakawa Ikuko , Okamoto Hiroyuki
Published: January 2017

Sarcoidosis is known to be involved in diseases with vasculitis as sarcoid vasculitis. However, vasculitis in cutaneous sarcoidal lesions is extremely rare. Here we describe a case of sarcoidosis with multiple annular skin lesions with granulomatous vasculitis. A 62‐year‐old female was diagnosed with sarcoidosis by chest‐abdominal computed tomographic examination and laboratory tests. The skin lesions had appeared on her lower limbs 2 years before. Physical examination showed multiple infiltrated annular eruptions on the lower extremities. A skin biopsy of an area of erythema showed multiple non‐caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in the dermis and subcutaneous fat and granulomatous vasculitis with fibrinoid degeneration in the subcutaneous fat. There are two types of vasculitis in sarcoidosis: leukocytoclastic and granulomatous vasculitis. Ulcers and livedo were more common in granulomatous vasculitis than in leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The present case had unique annular skin lesions of sarcoidosis with granulomatous vasculitis.
Government Size and Macroeconomic Volatility
Authors: Collard Fabrice , Dellas Harris , Tavlas George
Published: January 2017

We examine the implications of government size for macroeconomic volatility in a standard New‐Keynesian model with multiple shocks. Larger government size mitigates volatility arising from technology, preference, mark‐up and monetary policy shocks, but amplifies that emanating from expenditure shocks. The degree of mitigation‐amplification varies with the size of government, which opens up the possibility of a non‐monotone relationship between volatility and government size. When we estimate the model on US data we find that the relationship is negative around the current US size, but it could eventually turn positive as the ratio of government spending to GDP increased. The location of the turning point in this relationship depends mainly on the type of private expenditure crowded out by higher government spending and on the degree of price stickiness.
The origins of developmental gene regulation
Authors: Arenas‐Mena César
Published: January 2017

The leap from simple unicellularity to complex multicellularity remains one of life's major enigmas. The origins of metazoan developmental gene regulatory mechanisms are sought by analyzing gene regulation in extant eumetazoans, sponges, and unicellular organisms. The main hypothesis of this manuscript is that, developmental enhancers evolved from unicellular inducible promoters that diversified the expression of regulatory genes during metazoan evolution. Promoters and enhancers are functionally similar; both can regulate the transcription of distal promoters and both direct local transcription. Additionally, enhancers have experimentally characterized structural features that reveal their origin from inducible promoters. The distal co‐operative regulation among promoters identified in unicellular opisthokonts possibly represents the precursor of distal regulation of promoters by enhancers. During metazoan evolution, constitutive‐type promoters of regulatory genes would have acquired novel receptivity to distal regulatory inputs from promoters of inducible genes that eventually specialized as enhancers. The novel regulatory interactions would have caused constitutively expressed genes controlling differential gene expression in unicellular organisms to become themselves differentially expressed. The consequence of the novel regulatory interactions was that regulatory pathways of unicellular organisms became interlaced and ultimately evolved into the intricate developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of extant metazoans.
High warning colour polymorphism inHeliconiushybrid zone roosts
Authors: SHAAK STEVEN G. , COUNTERMAN BRIAN A.
Published: January 2017

1. Communal roosting behaviour has been documented among a wide range of taxa, particularly among groups of butterflies that display warning colourations. These aggregations of conspecifics and/or other species that share mimetic warning colour patterns can have a large impact on predator learning, and thus the survival of an aposematic form. Yet there has been limited investigation of communal roosting within areas where new and diverse warning colour forms are generated, such as hybrid zones.

2. Here, roosting behaviour was examined in aHeliconius eratohybrid zone inFrenchGuiana between races with divergent warning colourations on their wings. In this hybrid zone, native individuals with nine distinct warning colourations, as well as individuals with altered forms that are not native in theFrenchGuiana population, were marked and observed to determine if divergently coloured individuals participated in communal roosting, and if the proportions of colour pattern forms at roosts differed from the proportions that are found in the population.

3. The results demonstrated that divergently coloured individuals of the same species, including altered, non‐native forms, will readily and repeatedly participate in nocturnal communal roosting, often with extreme fidelity to specific perch locations.

4. These findings suggest that roosts composed of polymorphic warning patterns may be common in phenotypic transition zones, which could have major implications on predator training and selection dynamics in hybrid zones.
Diversity of Entrepreneurial Perceptions: Immigrants vs. Native Population
Authors: Kushnirovich Nonna , Heilbrunn Sibylle , Davidovich Liema
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between immigrants and the native‐born population concerning estimations of the feasibility of becoming an entrepreneur, and to examine the relationship between the propensity for risk‐taking and the perceived feasibility of becoming an entrepreneur. The paper developed the renewed application of the entrepreneurial intentions model, with perceived feasibility to be an entrepreneur expressed as an assessment of opportunity to act, and risk‐taking propensity derived from an assessment of opportunity to succeed. This renewed approach enabled us to explain the paradox between immigrants' high entrepreneurial motivation and low perceived feasibility of becoming an entrepreneur based on the risk homeostasis theory. The high level of apparent immigration‐related risks experienced by immigrants in the past affects their risk‐taking propensity, thus decreasing their perceived feasibility of establishing businesses.
Fall‐related hospitalization in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Paul S. S. , Harvey L. , Canning C. G. , Boufous S. , Lord S. R. , Close J. C. T. , Sherrington C.
Published: January 2017

Background and purpose

Falls are common in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) but few data exist on fall‐related hospitalizations in this group. This population‐based study compared fall‐related hospital admissions, injury rates and consequences in people with and without PD, and determined whether PD was an independent predictor of fall‐related hospital length of stay.

Methods

This was a retrospective study using probabilistic linkage of hospital data in people aged ≥65 years hospitalized for a fall between 1 July 2005 and 31 December 2013 in New South Wales, Australia. Rates of hospital admissions and injuries per person admitted over the study period were compared between people with and without PD using Poisson or negative binomial regression. Multilevel linear modelling was used to analyse length of stay by clustering individuals and adjusting for possible confounders.

Results

There were 342 265 fall‐related hospital admissions in people aged ≥65 years during the study period, of which 8487 (2.5%) were for people with PD. Sixty‐seven per cent of fall‐related PD admissions were associated with injury and 35% were associated with fracture. People with PD had higher rate ratios for fall admissions (1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.59–1.67) and injury (1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.43–1.51) and longer median length of stay [9 (interquartile range 1–27) vs. 6 (interquartile range 1–20) days in people without PD; P < 0.001]. PD remained associated with increased length of stay after controlling for comorbidity, age, sex and injury (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides important benchmark data for hospitalizations for falls and fall injuries for older people with PD, which may be used to monitor the effect of fall prevention programmes.
Biogeographical region and environmental conditions drive functional traits of estuarine fish assemblages worldwide
Authors: Henriques Sofia , Guilhaumon François , Villéger Sébastien , Amoroso Sandra , França Susana , Pasquaud Stéphanie , Cabral Henrique N , Vasconcelos Rita P
Published: January 2017

Assessing trait–environment relationships is crucial for predicting effects of natural and human‐induced environmental change on biota. We compiled a global database of fish assemblages in estuaries, functional traits of fishes and ecosystem features of estuaries. And we quantified the relative importance of ecosystem features as drivers of patterns of fish functional traits among estuaries worldwide (i.e. drivers of the proportions of fish traits). In addition to biogeographical context, two main environmental gradients regulate traits patterns: firstly temperature, and secondly estuary size and hydrological connectivity of the estuary with the marine ecosystem. Overall, estuaries in colder regions, with larger areas and with higher hydrological connectivity with the marine ecosystem, have higher proportions of marine fish (versus freshwater), macrocarnivores and planktivores (versus omnivores, herbivores and detritivores) and larger fish, with greater maximum depth of distribution and longer lifespan. The observed trait patterns and trait–environment relationships are likely generated by multiple causal processes linked to physiological constraints due to temperature and salinity, size‐dependent biotic interactions, as well as habitat availability and connectivity. Biogeographical context and environmental conditions drive species richness and composition, and present results show that they also drive assemblage traits. The observed trait patterns and trait–environment relationships suggest that assemblage composition is determined by the functional role of species within ecosystems. Conservation strategies should be coordinated globally and ensure protection of an array of estuaries that differ in ecosystem features, even if some of those estuaries do not support high species richness.
Morphological development and dry weight distribution of alfalfa cultivars varying in fall dormancy under a short‐term cultivation system
Authors: Lu Xiaoyan , Ji Shuren , Hou Chen , Shen Yixin
Published: January 2017

Non‐dormant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has been cultivated successfully in the east central regions of China as a short‐term component of a forage‐grain rotation system, but it remains unclear how shoots of alfalfa with different levels of fall dormancy develop in this system. Five alfalfa cultivars with contrasting fall dormancy were sown in the field in Nanjing, China, in October 2012 and 2013, and were harvested three times in the following year. The number and dry weight of shoots that originated from crown (crown shoots) and axillary buds (axial shoots) were recorded at each harvest. The results were analyzed for dormant, semi‐dormant and non‐dormant cultivars over 2 years. At the first spring harvest, axial shoots accounted for an average of 18.3% of dry weight per plant and became the dominant shoot type during later harvests. Crown shoots accounted for 81.7% of plant dry weight in first harvest and the majority of dry weight per plant totaled over three harvests in all fall dormancy types. Fall dormancy had little effect on the relative proportion of crown and axial shoots in dry weight per plant, and the number of crown and axial shoots. Non‐dormant cultivars produced heavier individual crown and axial shoots, resulting in greater dry weight per plant at each harvest. Our results show that non‐dormant cultivars used in our study produce greater dry weight per plant under a short‐term cultivation system, primarily because they have greater dry weight of individual crown and axial shoots.
Plasma trough concentrations of darunavir/ritonavir and raltegravir in older patients with HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Calza L , Colangeli V , Magistrelli E , Bussini L , Conti M , Ramazzotti E , Mancini R , Viale P
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess plasma concentrations of darunavir/ritonavir and raltegravir in older patients compared with younger patients with HIV‐1 infection.

Methods

In this observational, open‐label study, adult HIV‐infected out‐patients aged ≤ 40 years (younger patients) or ≥ 60 years (older patients) and treated with tenofovir/emtricitabine plus darunavir/ritonavir (800/100 mg daily) or raltegravir (400 mg twice daily) were asked to participate. The trough concentrations (Ctrough) of darunavir/ritonavir and raltegravir were assessed at steady state using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)−tandem mass spectrometry method.

Results

A total of 88 HIV‐positive patients were enrolled in the study. Forty‐six patients were treated with darunavir/ritonavir, and 42 with raltegravir. The geometric mean plasma Ctrough (coefficient of variation) of raltegravir was comparable between the 19 older and 23 younger subjects: 106 ng/mL (151%) and 94 ng/mL (129%), respectively [geometric mean ratio (GMR) 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–1.57; P = 0.087]. In contrast, the geometric mean plasma Ctrough of darunavir was significantly higher among the 21 older patients [2209 ng/mL (139%)] than among the 25 younger patients [1876 ng/mL (162%); GMR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.22–1.88; P = 0.004]. Similarly, the geometric mean Ctrough of ritonavir was significantly higher among older than among younger individuals.

Conclusions

The mean plasma Ctrough of darunavir and ritonavir was significantly higher in older patients than in younger patients with HIV‐1 infection, while the mean plasma level of raltegravir was comparable in the two groups. However, both regimens showed good tolerability in both younger and older subjects.
Specialist care of older adults with HIV infection in the UK: a service evaluation
Authors: Cresswell FV , Levett T
Published: January 2017

Objectives

There is a clear trajectory towards cohort ageing in the UK. HIV infection is associated with an increased prevalence of traditionally age‐related comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. Some HIV services have been proactive in innovating models that cater for adapting needs. We aimed to describe how widespread this practice is and what form such services take.

Methods

We conducted an evaluation of the perceived need for and current provision of specialist ageing services, and the need for formal guidance on monitoring or treatment of older adults with HIV infection. A web‐based questionnaire was sent to the audit lead at every British HIV Association (BHIVA)‐registered HIV clinic.

Results

A total of 102 clinics responded, with a broad geographical spread. Five of the 102 clinics have a clinician with an interest in ageing. Two dedicated HIV ageing services exist, practising different models. A quarter (23 of 98; 23%) of clinics reported a need for an ageing service, with three in development. The majority (65 of 95; 68%) supported dedicated guidance for monitoring in older adults, but fewer (39 of 94; 41%) felt that dedicated guidance on treatment was necessary.

Conclusions

We identified two existing and three proposed HIV ageing services. Another 20 clinics (20%) reported an unmet need for a specialist ageing service, suggesting that complex older adults may pose a management challenge. This is the first survey of its kind to attempt to describe the current landscape and opinion around such services. HIV‐infected cohorts will continue to age and current models of care may be insufficient, which should prompt services, their users and commissioners to consider what models may best fit current and future demand.