bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roles of histone H3.5 in human spermatogenesis and spermatogenic disorders
Authors: Shiraishi K. , Shindo A. , Harada A. , Kurumizaka H. , Kimura H. , Ohkawa Y. , Matsuyama H.
Published: November 2017

Histone H3.5 (H3.5) is a newly identified histone variant highly expressed in the human testis. We have reported the crystal structure, instability of the H3.5 nucleosome and accumulation around transcription start sites, mainly in primary spermatocytes, but its role in human spermatogenesis remains poorly understood. Testicular biopsy specimens from 30 men (mean age: 35 years) with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction and 23 men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) were included. An H3.5‐specific mouse monoclonal antibody recognizing an H3.5‐specific synthetic peptide was generated, and immunohistological staining for H3.5 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed on Bouin's solution‐fixed sections. Expression and localization of H3.5 were compared with patient background, germinal stage, and PCNA expression. In testes of patients with normal spermatogenesis, differentially expressed H3.5 was specifically localized in either spermatogonia or preleptotene/leptotene‐stage primary spermatocytes, especially during germinal stages VI–X. In NOA testes, mRNA expression of H3.5 (H3F3C) was significantly reduced compared with other H3 histone family members, and expression of H3.5 was significantly lower than that in OA. Additionally, the number of H3.5‐positive germ cells was higher in hypospermatogenesis or late maturation arrest than in early maturation arrest in NOA testes (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was observed between H3.5 and PCNA expression (p < 0.05) but not TUNEL‐positive cells, and expression of H3.5 was enhanced after hCG‐based salvage hormonal therapy. Different from other testis‐specific histones, which are often expressed during the histone‐to‐protamine transition during meiosis, H3.5 was expressed mainly in immature germ cells. H3.5 may play roles in DNA synthesis, but not apoptosis, and its expression is regulated by gonadotropins, indicating that such epigenetic regulations are important in normal spermatogenesis and spermatogenic disorders.
Monotone polynomials using BUGS and Stan
Authors: Manderson A. A. , Cripps E. , Murray K. , Turlach B. A.
Published: November 2017

We present methods to fit monotone polynomials in a Bayesian framework, including implementations in the popular, readily available, modeling languages BUGS and Stan. The sum‐of‐squared polynomials parameterisation of monotone polynomials previously considered in the frequentist framework by Murray, Müller & Turlach (2016), is again considered here, due to its superior flexibility compared to other parameterisations. The specifics of our implementation are discussed, enabling end users to adapt this work to their applications. Testing was undertaken on real and simulated data sets, the output and diagnostics of which are presented. We demonstrate that Stan is preferable for high degree polynomials, with the component‐wise nature of Gibbs sampling being potentially inappropriate for such highly connected models. All code discussed here, and sample scripts that show how to use it from R, is freely available at https://github.com/hhau/BayesianMonPol.
Gender‐Specific Association Between ABCC2 ‐24C>T SNP and Reduction in Triglycerides in Chilean Patients Treated With Atorvastatin
Authors: Prado Yalena , Arencibia Alberto , Zambrano Tomás , Salazar Luis A.
Published: November 2017

Statins are the first‐line therapy prescribed to lower plasma cholesterol levels. Although being safe and showing several beneficial cholesterol‐independent pleiotropic effects, a significant variability regarding statin's therapeutic goals has been abundantly documented, but less understood. We aimed to investigate the influence of the ABCC2 ‐24C>T single nucleotide polymorphism on Chilean hypercholesterolaemic individuals treated for 4 weeks with 10 mg/day atorvastatin. A total of 127 individuals medicated with atorvastatin 10 mg/day/4 weeks were included. Lipid profiles were determined before and after drug administration by conventional assays. Genotyping of the ABCC2 rs717620 SNP (‐24C>T) was performed with TaqMan® Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays. As expected, atorvastatin reduced TC, LDL‐C and TG concentrations (p < 0.05). Also, HDL‐C levels were increased (p < 0.05). Minor allele frequency for the rs717620 was 0.232. Overall, atorvastatin response was not associated with the ABCC2 rs717620 SNP (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, in male individuals carrying the ‐24T allele, we observed an attenuated reduction in both TG values and the TG/HDL‐C ratio after 10 mg/day atorvastatin. This study indicates that TG levels and the TG/HDL‐C ratio are affected by the rs717620 SNP in Chilean males but not female individuals after atorvastatin treatment.
Oral health‐related behaviours do not mediate the effect of maternal education on adolescents' gingival bleeding: A birth cohort study
Authors: Peres Marco A. , Nascimento Gustavo G. , Peres Karen G. , Demarco Flavio F. , Menezes Ana B.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To test whether maternal education has a direct effect on gingival bleeding in adolescents aged 12 and to assess whether oral health behaviours over time mediate that association.

Methods

Two oral health studies nested in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study were carried out in participants aged 6 (n = 359) and 12 years (n = 339). The proportion of teeth with bleeding on probing (BOP) and the median number of teeth with gingivitis at age 12 were recorded. Maternal education at birth was the exposure. Toothbrushing frequency and dental visit at ages 6 and 12 years were investigated as mediators of the association between maternal education at birth and gingival bleeding. Time‐varying family income through childhood and adolescence was included as later confounder. Paternal education was taken as baseline confounder. The controlled direct effect (CDE) of maternal education at child's birth on gingival bleeding at age 12 was estimated using marginal structural models (MSM). Additionally, path analysis was employed to estimate standardized direct, indirect and total effects of maternal education at birth on gingival bleeding.

Results

Adjusted analyses using MSM showed that adolescents whose mothers had <8 years of education had 3.82 higher risk of having teeth with gingival bleeding above the median (rate ratio RR 3.82; 95% CI: 1.68‐8.19). Low maternal education doubled the proportion of gingival bleeding at age 12 not mediated by dental visit and toothbrushing frequency (RR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.52‐2.60). Path analysis revealed that maternal education had a direct effect on gingival bleeding independently of the mediators.

Conclusions

The pattern of oral health behaviours does not explain the association between mother's education and adolescent's gingival bleeding. Individual‐based approaches focused on oral health‐related behaviours tend to fail to prevent gingival bleeding.
Novel inactivating mutations of the DCAF17 gene in American and Turkish families cause male infertility and female subfertility in the mouse model
Authors: Gurbuz F. , Desai S. , Diao F. , Turkkahraman D. , Wranitz F. , Wood‐Trageser M. , Shin Y.‐H. , Kotan L.D. , Jiang H. , Witchel S. , Gurtunca N. , Yatsenko S. , Mysliwec D. , Topaloglu K. , Rajkovic A.
Published: November 2017

Loss‐of‐function DCAF17 variants cause hypogonadism, partial alopecia, diabetes mellitus, mental retardation, and deafness with variable clinical presentation. DCAF17 pathogenic variants have been largely reported in the Middle Eastern populations, but the incidence in American families is rare and animal models are lacking. Exome sequencing in 5 women with syndromic hypergonadotropic hypogonadism from 2 unrelated families revealed novel pathogenic variants in the DCAF17 gene. DCAF17 exon 2 (c.127‐1G > C) novel homozygous variants were discovered in 4 Turkish siblings, while 1 American was compound heterozygous for 1‐stop gain variant in exon 5 (c.C535T; p.Gln179*) and previously described stop gain variant in exon 9 (c.G906A; p.Trp302*). A mouse model mimicking loss of function in exon 2 of Dcaf17 was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 and showed female subfertility and male infertility. Our results identify 2 novel variants, and show that Dcaf17 plays a significant role in mammalian gonadal development and infertility.
Core information set for informed consent to surgery for oral or oropharyngeal cancer: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Main B.G. , McNair A.G.K. , Haworth S. , Rooshenas L. , Hughes C.W. , Tierney P. , Donovan J.L. , Thomas S.J. , Blazeby J.M.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To develop a core information set for informed consent to surgery for oral/oropharyngeal surgery. A core information set is baseline information rated important by patients and surgeons and is intended to improve patients' understanding of the intended procedure.

Design

A mixed‐methods study. Systematic reviews of scientific and written healthcare literature, qualitative interviews and observations, Delphi surveys, and group consensus meetings identified information domains of importance for consent.

Setting

A regional head and neck clinic in the United Kingdom. Questionnaire participants were recruited from around theUK.

Participants

Patients about to undergo, or who had previously undergone, surgery for oral/oropharyngeal cancer. Healthcare professionals involved in the management of head and neck cancer.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome was a core information set.

Results

Systematic reviews, interviews and consultation observations yielded 887 pieces of information that were categorised into 87 information domains. Survey response rates were 67% (n = 50) and 71% (n = 52) for patient and healthcare professional groups in round one. More than 90% responded in each group in the second round. Healthcare professionals were more likely to rate information about short‐term or peri‐operative events as important while patients rated longer term issues about survival and quality of life. The consensus‐building process resulted in an agreed core information set of 13 domains plus two procedure‐specific domains about tracheostomy and free‐flap surgery.

Conclusion

This study produced a core information set for surgeons and patients to discuss before surgery for oral/oropharyngeal cancer. Future work will optimise ways to integrate core information into routine consultations.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology for parotid lesions, can we avoid surgery?
Authors: Shkedy Y. , Alkan U. , Mizrachi A. , Shochat T. , Dimitstein O. , Morgenstern S. , Shpitzer T. , Bachar G.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Salivary gland neoplasms are rare tumours, with most arising in the parotid gland. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a common method for preoperative evaluation of parotid masses, although its usefulness is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of FNAC in a large cohort of patients, with emphasis on diagnosis of benign tumours and especially Warthin tumour which can be managed conservatively.

Study Design

Retrospective case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary medical centre.

Subjects and Methods

From 1991 to 2014, all patients 18 or older with both preoperative FNAC and postoperative pathology report were included. Patients with a history of head and neck malignancy or chronic sialoadenitis and patients who had undergone prior oncological treatment were excluded.

Results

470 patients were available for analysis. Overall accuracy was 82.6%. Positive predictive value (PPV) varied between 88.6% and 94.3% for pleomorphic adenoma and 77.1%‐100% for Warthin tumour, with values varying depending on different characteristics of patients (eg age, smoking status). For pathologically proven malignant tumours, the FNAC diagnosis was benign or non‐diagnostic in 26% of the cases.

Conclusion

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology has limited utility in confirming a benign diagnosis of a parotid mass for most patients, although for some subpopulations, the PPV may be high enough to defer surgery.
Results of multilevel surgery in diplegic cerebral palsy at skeletal maturity: new evidence
Authors: Theologis Tim
Published: November 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Dreher et al. on pages 88–93.
Insulin degludec overdose may lead to long‐lasting hypoglycaemia through its markedly prolonged half‐life
Authors: Uchida J. , Oikawa Y. , Katsuki T. , Takeda H. , Shimada A. , Kawai T.
Published: November 2017

Background

Overdose of insulin often causes long‐lasting severe hypoglycaemia. Insulin degludec has the longest duration of action among the available insulin products; thus, an overdose of insulin degludec can lead to long‐lasting hypoglycaemia. In the present paper, we report the case of a woman with long‐lasting hypoglycaemia attributable to insulin degludec overdose and markedly prolonged insulin degludec half‐life.

Case report

A 64‐year‐old woman with Type 2 diabetes receiving insulin therapy was taken to an emergency department because of disturbed consciousness 21 h after self‐injection of 300 units of insulin degludec (4.34 units/kg). Her plasma glucose level was 2.3 mmol/l. She received repeated intravenous boluses of dextrose for 43 h with continuous intravenous dextrose infusion, but no improvement in long‐lasting hypoglycaemia or consciousness was observed. Considering the possibility of adrenal insufficiency, intravenous dexamethasone was administered, and her plasma glucose levels subsequently remained above 5.5 mmol/l without intravenous dextrose boluses. She gradually regained consciousness. A total of 34 h after the overdose, her plasma immunoreactive insulin levels were markedly increased and then gradually declined over ~400 h. The insulin degludec half‐life was 40.76 h.

Conclusion

Although the reported half‐life of insulin degludec in the body is ~25 h when administered in standard doses (0.4–0.8 units/kg), no study has investigated its half‐life after overdose. In the present case, the half‐life of insulin degludec was ~1.6 times longer than that observed with standard doses, probably leading to long‐lasting hypoglycaemia. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of unexpected long‐lasting severe hypoglycaemia resulting from insulin degludec overdose.
Effects of an energy‐restricted low‐carbohydrate, high unsaturated fat/low saturated fat diet versus a high‐carbohydrate, low‐fat diet in type 2 diabetes: A 2‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tay Jeannie , Thompson Campbell H. , Luscombe‐Marsh Natalie D. , Wycherley Thomas P. , Noakes Manny , Buckley Jonathan D. , Wittert Gary A. , Yancy William S. , Brinkworth Grant D.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To examine whether a low‐carbohydrate, high‐unsaturated/low‐saturated fat diet (LC) improves glycaemic control and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

A total of 115 adults with T2D (mean [SD]; BMI, 34.6 [4.3] kg/m2; age, 58 [7] years; HbA1c, 7.3 [1.1]%) were randomized to 1 of 2 planned energy‐matched, hypocaloric diets combined with aerobic/resistance exercise (1 hour, 3 days/week) for 2 years: LC: 14% energy as carbohydrate, 28% as protein, 58% as fat (<10% saturated fat); or low‐fat, high‐carbohydrate, low‐glycaemic index diet (HC): 53% as CHO, 17% as protein, 30% as fat (<10% saturated fat). HbA1c, glycaemic variability (GV), anti‐glycaemic medication effect score (MES, calculated based on the potency and dosage of diabetes medication), weight, body composition, CVD and renal risk markers were assessed before and after intervention.

Results

A total of 61 (LC = 33, HC = 28) participants completed the study (trial registration: http://www.anzctr.org.au/, ANZCTR No. ACTRN12612000369820). Reductions in weight (estimated marginal mean [95% CI]; LC, −6.8 [−8.8,−4.7], HC, −6.6 [−8.8, −4.5] kg), body fat (LC, −4.3 [−6.2, −2.4], HC, −4.6 [−6.6, −2.7] kg), blood pressure (LC, −2.0 [−5.9, 1.8]/ −1.2 [−3.6, 1.2], HC, −3.2 [−7.3, 0.9]/ −2.0 [−4.5, 0.5] mmHg), HbA1c (LC, −0.6 [−0.9, −0.3], HC, −0.9 [−1.2, −0.5] %) and fasting glucose (LC, 0.3 [−0.4, 1.0], HC, −0.4 [−1.1, 0.4] mmol/L) were similar between groups (P ≥ 0.09). Compared to HC, the LC achieved greater reductions in diabetes medication use (MES; LC, −0.5 [−0.6, −0.3], HC, −0.2 [−0.4, −0.02] units; P = 0.03), GV (Continuous Overall Net Glycemic Action calculated every 1 hour (LC, −0.4 [−0.6, −0.3], HC, −0.1 [−0.1, 0.2] mmol/L; P = 0.001), and 4 hours (LC, −0.9 [−1.3, −0.6], HC, −0.2 [−0.6, 0.1] mmol/L; P = 0.02)); triglycerides (LC, −0.1 [−0.3, 0.2], HC, 0.1 [−0.2, 0.3] mmol/L; P = 0.001), and maintained HDL‐C levels (LC, 0.02 [−0.05, 0.1], HC, −0.1 [−0.1, 0.01] mmol/L; P = 0.004), but had similar changes in LDL‐C (LC, 0.2 [−0.1, 0.5], HC, 0.1 [−0.2, 0.4] mmol/L; P = 0.85), brachial artery flow mediated dilatation (LC, −0.5 [−1.5, 0.5], HC, −0.4 [−1.4, 0.7] %; P = 0.73), eGFR and albuminuria.

Conclusions

Both diets achieved comparable weight loss and HbA1c reductions. The LC sustained greater reductions in diabetes medication requirements, and in improvements in diurnal blood glucose stability and blood lipid profile, with no adverse renal effects, suggesting greater optimization of T2D management.
Semaglutide, reduction in glycated haemoglobin and the risk of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Vilsbøll Tina , Bain Stephen C. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Lingvay Ildiko , Matthews David , Simó Rafael , Helmark Ida Carøe , Wijayasinghe Nelun , Larsen Michael
Published: November 2017

Aims

To evaluate diabetic retinopathy (DR) data from across the SUSTAIN clinical trial programme.

Materials and methods

The SUSTAIN clinical trial programme evaluated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In SUSTAIN 6, a 2‐year, pre‐approval cardiovascular outcomes trial, semaglutide was associated with a significant increase in the risk of DR complications (DRC) vs placebo. DR data from across the SUSTAIN trials were evaluated, and post hoc analyses of the SUSTAIN 6 data were conducted. These included subgroup analyses to identify at‐risk patients and a mediation analysis with initial change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; percentage‐points at week 16) as a covariate, to examine the role of the magnitude of reduction in HbA1c as an intermediate factor affecting risk of DRC.

Results

There was no imbalance in DR adverse events across the SUSTAIN 1 to 5 and Japanese trials. The majority of the effect with semaglutide vs placebo in SUSTAIN 6 may be attributed to the magnitude and rapidity of HbA1c reduction during the first 16 weeks of treatment in patients who had pre‐existing DR and poor glycaemic control at baseline, and who were treated with insulin.

Conclusions

Early worsening of DR is a known phenomenon associated with the rapidity and magnitude of improvement in glycaemic control with insulin; the DRC findings in SUSTAIN 6 are consistent with this. Guidance regarding the early worsening of DR is recommended with insulin. Similar recommendations may be appropriate for semaglutide.
Chinese–African encounters in high‐tech sectors: Comparative investigation of Chinese workplace regimes in Ethiopia
Authors: Fei Ding , Samatar Abdi Ismail , Liao Chuan
Published: November 2017

Studies on China–Africa co‐operation have revealed increasing diversification of China's on‐the‐ground practices in Africa. However, engaged research has yet to examine the situated experiences of Chinese and African individuals whose activities shape and are shaped by Chinese multinationals, especially those in the growing yet underexplored high‐tech sectors. To address this gap, this article investigates the workplace regimes of two Chinese companies in Ethiopia. Using a mixed‐method approach, it articulates the contradictory nature of Chinese investment and its diverse manifestations in work relations between Chinese expatriates and local Ethiopians. Our findings suggest that Chinese and Ethiopian employees are proactive yet constrained agents in exploiting work opportunities for their own economic interests and professional development.
And yet they thrive!—Regaining the relevance of a transparency system
Authors: Hedlin Pontus
Published: November 2017

Over the past decade, a host of donor organizations implemented transparency systems to make international development aid more transparent to the public. These initiatives have met with little public interest, but their proliferation and development show no sign of diminishing. This article shows how internal importance to the political system, fueled by formal rankings and the exhibition of transparency systems as a flagship initiative, can replace relevance to the public as a driving force for sustainable development. The article concludes by discussing the possibility of a future development where transparency systems finally do connect with user groups, such as citizens of both donor and recipient countries, and gain a relevance even beyond original intentions.
Vector velocity imaging echocardiography to study the effects of submassive pulmonary embolism on the right atrium
Authors: Khan Umar A. , Aurigemma Gerard P. , Tighe Dennis A.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To assess the effects of submassive pulmonary embolism (SMPE) on right atrial (RA) anatomy and function.

Background

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is associated with adverse outcomes in SMPE. However, the effects of SMPE on the structure and function of the RA have received much less attention.

Methods

Fifty patients with SMPE documented by CT angiography (SMPE group) and evidence of RVD on two‐dimensional echocardiography were retrospectively identified and compared to 50 controls (control group). Both RA and RV areas, volumes and fractional area change (FAC) were measured. Pulmonary artery systolic pressures were estimated. RA and RV longitudinal strains were obtained using vector velocity imaging (VVI).

Results

Compared with controls, RA and RV FACs were significantly reduced and associated with higher chamber volumes in the SMPE group. Global longitudinal RA strain was reduced in the SMPE group (29% + 11% vs 55% + 16%; P < .01), as was global RV longitudinal strain (−12% + 5% vs −20% + 5%, P < .01), when compared to the controls. A linear relationship existed between RV and RA strain in both groups; however, the curve was shifted downward among those with SMPE. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis suggests RA area performs better than RV area as a marker of SMPE.

Conclusions

RA structure and function are adversely affected in SMPE, similar to the effects observed in RV. Lower RA strain appears to be a novel quantitative indicator of SMPE, and RA area may be a more sensitive marker of this condition and may provide additional prognostic information in this condition.
Left ventricular dispersion as a parameter for augmented left ventricular stroke volume in patients with atrial septal defect following transcatheter closure
Authors: Hatani Yutaka , Tanaka Hidekazu , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Hatazawa Keiko , Matsuzoe Hiroki , Shimoura Hiroyuki , Ooka Junichi , Sano Hiroyuki , Sawa Takuma , Motoji Yoshiki , Ryo‐Koriyama Keiko , Matsumoto Kensuke , Otake Hiromasa , Shinke Toshiro , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) results in normalized left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) geometry, and can increase LV stroke volume (LVSV), but the parameters associated with this increase after the closure of ASD remain uncertain.

Methods

Seventy ASD patients, who underwent transcatheter closure, were studied. Their mean age was 57.80 ± 16.88 years, 42 (60%) were female, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 66.76% ± 7.91% (all ≥55%). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before and 3 months after the procedure. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was determined as the average peak speckle tracking strain of 18 segments from the 3 standard apical views, LV dispersion was defined as standard deviation of time‐to‐peak strain from the same views, and RV systolic function was calculated by averaging the 3‐regional peak speckle tracking longitudinal strains from the RV free wall. A significant relative increase in LVSV between before and 3 months after the closure was defined as ∆LVSV ≥15%. Twenty age‐, gender‐, and LVEF‐matched controls served as the control group.

Results

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall strain were similar for ASD patients and controls, but LV dispersion in ASD patients was significantly larger. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) remained unchanged after transcatheter closure, whereas RV free wall strain and LV dispersion decreased significantly. An important finding of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ∆LV dispersion was the only independent determinant of increased LVSV after the closure (OR 1.023; 95% CI 1.001–1.046; P < .01).

Conclusions

The assessment of LV dispersion may well have clinical implications for better management of ASD patients after transcatheter closure.
Elevation‐dependent effects of forest fragmentation on plant–bird interaction networks in the tropical Andes
Authors: Quitián Marta , Santillán Vinicio , Espinosa Carlos Iván , Homeier Jürgen , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias , Neuschulz Eike Lena
Published: November 2017

Tropical forests harbor diverse ecological communities of plants and animals that are organized in complex interaction networks. The diversity and structure of plant–animal interaction networks may change along elevational gradients and in response to human‐induced habitat fragmentation. While previous studies have analyzed the effects of elevation and forest fragmentation on species interaction networks in isolation, to our knowledge no study has investigated whether the effects of forest fragmentation on species interactions may differ along elevational gradients. In this study, we analyzed main and interaction effects of elevation and forest fragmentation on plant–frugivore interaction networks at plant and bird species level. Over a period spanning two years, we recorded plant–frugivore interactions at three elevations (1000, 2000 and 3000 m a.s.l.) and in two habitat types (continuous and fragmented forest) in tropical montane forests in southern Ecuador. We found a consistent effect of elevation on the structure of plant–frugivore networks. We observed a decrease in the number of effective bird partners of plants and, thus, a decline in the redundancy of bird species with increasing elevation. Furthermore, bird specialization on specific plant partners increased towards high elevations. Fragmentation had a relatively weak effect on the interaction networks for both plant and bird species, but resulted in a significant increase in bird specialization in fragmented forests at high elevations. Our results indicate that forest fragmentation may have stronger effects on plant–frugivore interaction networks at high compared to low elevations because bird species richness declined more steeply towards high elevations than plant species richness. We conclude that conservation efforts should prioritize the maintenance of consumer diversity, for instance by maintaining stretches of continuous forest. This applies in particular to species‐poor communities, such as those at high elevations, as the ecological processes in these communities seem most sensitive towards forest fragmentation.
Landscape host abundance and configuration regulate periodic outbreak behavior in spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana
Authors: Robert Louis‐Etienne , Sturtevant Brian R. , Cooke Barry J. , James Patrick M. A. , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Townsend Philip A. , Wolter Peter T. , Kneeshaw Daniel
Published: November 2017

Landscape‐level forest management has long been hypothesized to affect forest insect outbreak dynamics, but empirical evidence remains elusive. We hypothesized that the combination of increased hardwood relative to host tree species, prevalence of younger forests, and fragmentation of those forests due to forest harvesting legacies would reduce outbreak intensity, increase outbreak frequency, and decrease spatial synchrony in spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana outbreaks. We investigated these hypotheses using tree ring samples collected across 51 sites pooled into 16 subareas distributed across a large ecoregion spanning the international border between Ontario (Canada), and Minnesota (USA). This ecoregion contains contrasting land management zones with clear differences in forest landscape structure (i.e. forest composition and spatial configuration) while minimizing the confounding influence of climate. Cluster analyses of the 76‐yr time‐series generally grouped by subareas found within the same land management zone. Spatial nonparametric covariance analysis indicated that the highest and lowest degree of spatial synchrony of spruce budworm outbreaks were found within unmanaged wilderness and lands managed at fine spatial scales in Minnesota, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, we also found that forest composition, configuration, and climate together accounted for a total of 40% of the variance in outbreak chronologies, with a high level of shared variance between composition and configuration (13%) and between composition and climate (9%). At the scale of our study, climate on its own did not explain any of the spatial variation in outbreaks. Outbreaks were of higher frequency, lower intensity, and less spatially synchronized in more fragmented, younger forests with a lower proportion of host species, with opposing outbreak characteristics observed in regions characterised by older forests with more concentrated host species. Our study is the first quantitative evaluation of the long‐standing ‘silvicultural hypothesis’ of spruce budworm management specifically conducted at a spatio‐temporal scale for which it was intended.
Dietary niche expansion and niche shift in native marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) living in sympatry with introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Musseau Camille , Vincenzi Simone , Jesenšek Dušan , Boulêtreau Stéphanie , Santoul Frédéric , Nicolas Delphine , Crivelli Alain J.
Published: November 2017

The non‐native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been introduced worldwide for angling purposes and has established self‐reproducing populations in many parts of the world. Introduced rainbow trout often have negative effects on the native salmonid species, ranging from decrease abundance, growth and survival, to their local extinction. Assessing the effects of introduced rainbow trout on the native species is thus crucial to better set up conservation programmes. In this study, we investigated the effects of non‐native rainbow trout on the diet of native marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) living in the Idrijca River (Slovenia). An impassable waterfall separates the stream in two sectors only a few hundred metres apart: a downstream sector (treatment) in which marble trout live in sympatry (MTs) with rainbow trout (RTs) and an upstream sector (control) in which marble trout live in allopatry (MTa). Specifically, we investigated using stable isotopes the effects of rainbow trout on dietary niche, diet composition, body condition, and lipid content of marble trout. We found dietary niche expansion and niche shift in marble trout living in sympatry with rainbow trout. Compared to MTa, MTs had higher piscivory rate and showed higher body condition and prereproduction lipid content. Our results indicate that the presence of rainbow trout did not have negative effects on marble trout diet and condition and that changes in dietary niche of marble trout are likely to be an adaptive response to the presence of rainbow trout, and further research is needed to better understand.
Theta synchronization over occipito‐temporal cortices during visual perception of body parts
Authors: Moreau Quentin , Pavone Enea F. , Aglioti Salvatore M. , Candidi Matteo
Published: November 2017

Categorical clustering in the visual system is thought to have evolved as a function of intrinsic (intra‐areal) and extrinsic (interareal) connectivity and experience. In the visual system, the extrastriate body area (EBA), an occipito‐temporal region, responds to full body and body part images under the organizational principle of their functional/semantic meaning. Although frequency‐specific modulations of neural activity associated with perceptive and cognitive functions are increasingly attracting the interest of neurophysiologists and cognitive neuroscientists, perceiving single body parts with different functional meaning and full body images induces time–frequency modulations over occipito‐temporal electrodes are yet to be described. Here, we studied this issue by measuring EEG in participants who passively observed fingers, hands, arms and faceless full body images with four control plant stimuli, each bearing hierarchical analogy with the body stimuli. We confirmed that occipito‐temporal electrodes (compatible with the location of EBA) show a larger event‐related potential (ERP, N190) for body‐related images. Furthermore, we identified a body part‐specific (i.e. selective for hands and arms) theta event‐related synchronization increase under the same electrodes. This frequency modulation associated with the perception of body effectors over occipito‐temporal cortices is in line with recent findings of categorical organization of neural responses to human effectors in the visual system.
Motion contrast in primary visual cortex: a direct comparison of single neuron and population encoding
Authors: Conde‐Ocazionez Sergio , Altavini Tiago S. , Wunderle Thomas , Schmidt Kerstin E.
Published: November 2017

Features from outside the classical receptive field (CRF) can modulate the stimulus‐driven activity of single cells in the primary visual cortex. This modulation, mediated by horizontal and feedback networks, has been extensively described as a variation of firing rate and is considered the basis of processing features as, for example, motion contrast. However, surround influences have also been identified in pairwise spiking or local field coherence. Yet, evidence about co‐existence and integration of different neural signatures remains elusive. To compare multiple signatures, we recorded spiking and LFP activity evoked by stimuli exhibiting a motion contrast in the CRFs surround in anesthetized cat primary visual cortex. We chose natural‐like scenes over gratings to avoid predominance of simple visual features, which could be easily represented by a rate code. We analyzed firing rates and phase‐locking to low‐gamma frequency in single cells and neuronal assemblies. Motion contrast was reflected in all measures but in semi‐independent populations. Whereas activation of assemblies accompanied single neuron rates, their phase relations were modulated differently. Interestingly, only assembly phase relations mirrored the direction of movement of the surround and were selectively affected by thermal deactivation of visual interhemispheric connections. We argue that motion contrast can be reflected in complementary and superimposed neuronal signatures that can represent different surround features in independent neuronal populations.
Acid pretreatment increased lipid biomarker extractability: a case study to reveal soil organic matter input from rubber trees after long‐term cultivation
Authors: Li F. F. , Zhang P. C. , Wu D. P. , Xu Y. , Chen F. Y. , Chang Z. F. , Chu G. , Wang L. , Pan B. , Xing B. S.
Published: November 2017

The lipids extractable by organic solvents are important components of soil organic matter (SOM) and were used to trace the sources and degradation of SOM. Previous studies have suggested soil mineral protection of lipids, which might decrease the efficiency of extraction of some lipid compounds by organic solvents. Therefore, in this study we applied a mild acid treatment to remove most of the reactive mineral particles without altering SOM chemical structures. The SOM information provided by lipid biomarkers was different before and after acid treatment in this research. Because of the various chemical contents of lipids, the presence of reactive minerals might alter lipid biomarker signals considerably and could lead to the wrong conclusions. Based on lipid biomarker information obtained through acid‐aided extraction, we identified that the source for alkanoic acids was different from that for alkanols and alkanes. Alkanoic acids were derived from both original vegetation (bamboos) and new inputs from fresh rubber tree tissues, whereas alkanols and alkanes were mainly from the original vegetation. Various biomarker indices indicated an extended degradation of lipids after intensive rubber tree cultivation. The leaching of short‐chain aliphatic lipids and the new input of alkanoic acids in the surface soil were also considered to avoid the incorrect orientation of biomarker information. This study suggested that although the new input from rubber trees was evident in cultivated soil, cultivation activities might enhance the degradation of SOM and accelerate its turnover. The cycling of SOM thus needs to be investigated carefully to protect the ecosystems affected by intense human activity.

Highlights

The extractability of lipids is enhanced after removal of reactive minerals.

Various biomarkers indicate enhanced lipid degradation after cultivation.

New input of SOM from rubber trees is suggested by alkanoic acid biomarkers.

Cultivation activities accelerate SOM degradation and turnover.
Does a plant‐eating insect's diet govern the evolution of insecticide resistance? Comparative tests of the pre‐adaptation hypothesis
Authors: Hardy Nate B. , Peterson Daniel A. , Ross Laura , Rosenheim Jay A.
Published: November 2017

According to the pre‐adaptation hypothesis, the evolution of insecticide resistance in plant‐eating insects co‐opts adaptations that initially evolved during chemical warfare with their host plants. Here, we used comparative statistics to test two predictions of this hypothesis: (i) Insects with more diverse diets should evolve resistance to more diverse insecticides. (ii) Feeding on host plants with strong or diverse qualitative chemical defenses should prime an insect lineage to evolve insecticide resistance. Both predictions are supported by our tests. What makes this especially noteworthy is that differences in the diets of plant‐eating insect species are typically ignored by the population genetic models we use to make predictions about insecticide resistance evolution. Those models surely capture some of the differences between host‐use generalists and specialists, for example, differences in population size and migration rates into treated fields, but they miss other potentially important differences, for example, differences in metabolic diversity and gene expression plasticity. Ignoring these differences could be costly.
Great tits and the city: Distribution of genomic diversity and gene–environment associations along an urbanization gradient
Authors: Perrier Charles , Lozano del Campo Ana , Szulkin Marta , Demeyrier Virginie , Gregoire Arnaud , Charmantier Anne
Published: November 2017

Urbanization is a growing concern challenging the evolutionary potential of wild populations by reducing genetic diversity and imposing new selection regimes affecting many key fitness traits. However, genomic footprints of urbanization have received little attention so far. Using RAD sequencing, we investigated the genomewide effects of urbanization on neutral and adaptive genomic diversity in 140 adult great tits Parus major collected in locations with contrasted urbanization levels (from a natural forest to highly urbanized areas of a city; Montpellier, France). Heterozygosity was slightly lower in the more urbanized sites compared to the more rural ones. Low but significant effect of urbanization on genetic differentiation was found, at the site level but not at the nest level, indicative of the geographic scale of urbanization impact and of the potential for local adaptation despite gene flow. Gene–environment association tests identified numerous SNPs with small association scores to urbanization, distributed across the genome, from which a subset of 97 SNPs explained up to 81% of the variance in urbanization, overall suggesting a polygenic response to selection in the urban environment. These findings open stimulating perspectives for broader applications of high‐resolution genomic tools on other cities and larger sample sizes to investigate the consistency of the effects of urbanization on the spatial distribution of genetic diversity and the polygenic nature of gene–urbanization association.
Differential adult survival at close seabird colonies: The importance of spatial foraging segregation and bycatch risk during the breeding season
Authors: Genovart Meritxell , Bécares Juan , Igual José‐Manuel , Martínez‐Abraín Alejandro , Escandell Raul , Sánchez Antonio , Rodríguez Beneharo , Arcos José M. , Oro Daniel
Published: November 2017

Marine megafauna, including seabirds, are critically affected by fisheries bycatch. However, bycatch risk may differ on temporal and spatial scales due to the uneven distribution and effort of fleets operating different fishing gear, and to focal species distribution and foraging behavior. Scopoli's shearwater Calonectris diomedea is a long‐lived seabird that experiences high bycatch rates in longline fisheries and strong population‐level impacts due to this type of anthropogenic mortality. Analyzing a long‐term dataset on individual monitoring, we compared adult survival (by means of multi‐event capture–recapture models) among three close predator‐free Mediterranean colonies of the species. Unexpectedly for a long‐lived organism, adult survival varied among colonies. We explored potential causes of this differential survival by (1) measuring egg volume as a proxy of food availability and parental condition; (2) building a specific longline bycatch risk map for the species; and (3) assessing the distribution patterns of breeding birds from the three study colonies via GPS tracking. Egg volume was very similar between colonies over time, suggesting that environmental variability related to habitat foraging suitability was not the main cause of differential survival. On the other hand, differences in foraging movements among individuals from the three colonies expose them to differential mortality risk, which likely influenced the observed differences in adult survival. The overlap of information obtained by the generation of specific bycatch risk maps, the quantification of population demographic parameters, and the foraging spatial analysis should inform managers about differential sensitivity to the anthropogenic impact at mesoscale level and guide decisions depending on the spatial configuration of local populations. The approach would apply and should be considered in any species where foraging distribution is colony‐specific and mortality risk varies spatially.
Variability in grass forage quality and quantity in response to elevated CO2 and water limitation
Authors: McGranahan D. A. , Yurkonis K. A.
Published: November 2017

Global climate change is expected to alter carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and water availability, with uncertain impacts on agriculture. Forage quality and quantity in grazing systems are of particular concern because C3 and C4 plants respond differently to altered environmental conditions. In a growth chamber, we compared crude protein content, biomass recovery and total crude protein across a set of perennial C3 and C4 grasses from the northern U.S. Great Plains under elevated [CO2] and simulated drought. Simulated 95% confidence intervals indicate both C3 and C4 grasses increased forage quality and quantity under elevated [CO2]. C4 grasses were generally resistant to water limitation while forage quality and quantity of C3 grasses declined under simulated drought. Our results are consistent with literature on forage quantity responses to elevated [CO2] and drought, but forage quality responses contradict expectations. We suggest measuring plant functional traits might better elucidate response mechanisms and ameliorate methodological differences even if traits are not directly applicable to grazing management.
The spectrum of bleeding in women and girls with haemophilia B
Authors: Staber J. , Croteau S. E. , Davis J. , Grabowski E. F. , Kouides P. , Sidonio R. F.
Published: November 2017

Although hemophilia B affects 1 in 25,000 males there may be 3 female hemophilia B carriers per affected male. This clinical review highlights the unique challenges faced by hemophilia B carriers including the under‐recognition of bleeding symptoms associated with and without FIX deficiency, discrepancies in correlation between genotype and bleeding phenotype and therapeutic considerations utilizing clinical vignettes of common scenarios.
Pre‐exposure prophylaxis: awareness, acceptability and risk compensation behaviour among men who have sex with men and the transgender population
Authors: Uthappa CK , Allam RR , Pant R , Pal S , Dinaker M , Oruganti G , Yeldandi VV
Published: November 2017

Objectives

This exploratory study examined the facilitators of and barriers to acceptance of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and potential risk compensation behaviour emerging from its use among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals (TGs) in India.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 400 individuals registered with a targeted intervention programme. Logistic regression models were used to identify facilitators of and barriers to PrEP acceptance.

Results

The respondents consisted of 68% MSM and 32% TGs. Risk behaviour categorization identified 40% as low risk, 41% as medium risk and, 19% as high risk for HIV infection. About 93% of the respondents were unaware of PrEP, but once informed about it, 99% were willing to use PrEP. The facilitators of PrEP acceptance were some schooling [odds ratio (OR) 2.16; P = 0.51], being married or in a live‐in relationship (OR 2.08; P = 0.46), having a high calculated risk (OR 3.12; P = 0.33), and having a high self‐perceived risk (OR 1.8; P = 0.35). Increasing age (OR 2.12; P = 0.04) was a significant barrier. TGs had higher odds of acceptance of PrEP under conditions of additional cost (OR 2.12; P = 0.02) and once‐daily pill (OR 2.85; P = 0.04). Individuals identified as low risk for HIV infection showed lower odds of potential risk compensation, defined as more sexual partners (OR 0.8; P = 0.35), unsafe sex with new partners (OR 0.71; P = 0.16), and decreased condom use with regular partners (OR 0.95; P = 0.84), as compared with medium‐risk individuals. The associations, although not statistically significant, are nevertheless important for public health action given the limited scientific evidence on PrEP use among MSM and TGs in India.

Conclusions

With high acceptability and a low likelihood of risk compensation behaviour, PrEP can be considered as an effective prevention strategy for HIV infection among MSM and TGs in India.
INDUSTRY DYNAMICS AND THE MINIMUM WAGE: A PUTTY‐CLAY APPROACH
Authors: Aaronson Daniel , French Eric , Sorkin Isaac , To Ted
Published: November 2017

We document two new findings about the industry‐level response to minimum wage hikes. First, restaurant exit and entry both rise following a hike. Second, there is no change in employment among continuing restaurants. We develop a model of industry dynamics based on putty‐clay technology that is consistent with these findings. In the model, continuing restaurants cannot change employment, and thus industry‐level adjustment occurs gradually through exit of labor‐intensive restaurants and entry of capital‐intensive restaurants. Interestingly, the putty‐clay model matches the small estimated short‐run disemployment effect of the minimum wage found in other studies, but produces a larger long‐run disemployment effect.