bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the phenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis in the presence and absence of inbreeding
Authors: Forstmeier W. , Ihle M. , Opatová P. , Martin K. , Knief U. , Albrechtová J. , Albrecht T. , Kempenaers B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe phenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis suggests that females can judge male fertility by inspecting male phenotypic traits. This is because male sexually selected traits might correlate with sperm quality if both are sensitive to factors that influence male condition. A recent meta‐analysis found little support for this hypothesis, suggesting little or no shared condition dependence. However, we recently reported that in captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) inbreeding had detrimental effects both on phenotypic traits and on measures of sperm quality, implying that variation in inbreeding could induce positive covariance between indicator traits and sperm quality. Therefore, we here assess empirically the average strength of correlations between phenotypic traits (courtship rate, beak colour, tarsus length) and measures of sperm quality (proportion of functional sperm, sperm velocity, sperm length) in populations of only outbred individuals and in mixed populations consisting of inbreds (F = 0.25) and outbreds (F = 0). As expected, phenotype sperm‐trait correlations were stronger when the population contained a mix of inbred and outbred individuals. We also found unexpected heterogeneity between our two study populations, with correlations being considerably stronger in a domesticated population than in a recently wild‐derived population. Correlations ranged from essentially zero among outbred‐only wild‐derived birds (mean Fisher's Zr ± SE = 0.03 ± 0.10) to moderately strong among domesticated birds of mixed inbreeding status (Zr ± SE = 0.38 ± 0.08). Our results suggest that, under some conditions, the phenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis might apply.
Single and multiple mating reduces longevity of female dumpling squid (Euprymna tasmanica)
Authors: Franklin A. M. , Stuart‐Fox D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFor many species, mating is a necessary yet costly activity. The costs involved can have an important influence on the evolution of life histories and senescence. Females of many species mate multiply, and this behaviour can inflict a longevity cost. Most studies investigating the effects of multiple mating on female survival have been conducted on insects, and the effects in other taxa are largely unknown. We investigate the effects of both a single mating and a second mating on longevity in female dumpling squid (Euprymna tasmanica), a species in which both sexes mate multiply. Through comparing the longevity of virgin, once‐mated and twice‐mated females, we found that a single mating reduced female life span by 15 days on average. A second mating resulted in an additional 8 day (on average) longevity cost, despite no difference in total clutch mass, number of clutches, single egg mass or number of eggs per clutch between once‐mated and twice‐mated females. This demonstrates a cost to multiple mating which may be independent of the cost of egg production. Furthermore, total clutch mass and female life span were positively correlated, whereas female life span decreased with increasing average water temperature. The presence of an additive effect of reproduction on longevity suggests that multiple mating in cephalopods may have benefits that outweigh these costs, or that there is a conflict in optimal mating frequency between males and females.
A Novel Spore Wall Protein from Antonospora locustae (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) Contributes to Sporulation
Authors: Chen Longxin , Li Runting , You Yinwei , Zhang Kun , Zhang Long 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMicrosporidia are obligate intracellular parasites, existing in a wide variety of animal hosts. Here, we reported AlocSWP2, a novel protein identified from the spore wall of Antonospora locustae (formerly, Nosema locustae, and synonym, Paranosema locustae), containing four cysteines that are conserved among the homologues of several Microspodian pathogens in insects and mammals. AlocSWP2 was detected in the wall of mature spores via indirect immunofluorescence assay. In addition, immunocytochemistry localization experiments showed that the protein was observed in the wall of sporoblasts, sporonts, and meronts during sporulation within the host body, also in the wall of mature spores. AlocSWP2 was not detected in the fat body of infected locust until the 9th day after inoculating spores via RT‐PCR experiments. Furthermore, the survival percentage of infected locusts injected with dsRNA of AlocSWP2 on the 15th, 16th, and 17th days after inoculation with microsporidian were significantly higher than those of infected locusts without dsRNA treatment. Conversely, the amount of spores in locusts infected with A. locustae after treated with RNAi AlocSWP2 was significantly lower than those of infected locusts without RNAi of this gene. This novel spore wall protein from A. locustae may be involved in sporulation, thus contributing to host mortality.
Life‐Space Mobility and Cognitive Decline Among Mexican Americans Aged 75 Years and Older
Authors: Silberschmidt Seraina , Kumar Amit , Raji Mukaila M. , Markides Kyriakos , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. , Al Snih Soham 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo examine the association between life‐space mobility and cognitive decline over a five‐year period among older Mexican Americans.DesignLongitudinal study.SettingHispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly survey conducted in the southwestern of United States (Texas, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and California).ParticipantsFour hundred thirty‐two Mexican Americans aged 75 and older with normal or high cognitive function at baseline.MeasurementsSocio‐demographic factors, living arrangement, type of household, social support, financial strain, self‐reported medical conditions, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), depressive symptoms, activities of daily living (ADLs), and Short Physical Performance Battery. Life‐space assessment (LSA) during the past 4 weeks was assessed during in‐home interview. Scores ranged from 0 (daily restriction to the bedroom) to 120 (daily trips outside of their own town without assistance) and categorized as 0 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 60, 61 to 80, and 81 to 120. Because of the small sample size in the category of 81 to 120, the two highest categories were combined into a single group.ResultsThe mean LSA score and MMSE score of participants at baseline was 44.6 (Standard Deviation [SD], 20.7) and 25.7 (SD, 3.2), respectively. Mixed Model analyses showed that participants in the highest life‐space category (≥61) experienced slower rates of cognitive decline over time compared to participants in the lowest category (0 to 20) (β = 1.03, Standard Error [SE] = 0.29, P = 0.0004), after adjusting for all covariates.ConclusionGreater life‐space mobility at baseline was predictor of slower rates of cognitive decline over 5 years in older Mexican Americans.
From Animosity to Affinity: The Interplay of Competing Logics and Interdependence in Cross‐Sector Partnerships
Authors: Ashraf Naeem , Ahmadsimab Alireza , Pinkse Jonatan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDrawing on and extending institutional logics and resource dependence theories, this paper posits that for cross‐sector partnerships to survive, organizations need to share compatible institutional logics, but depend less on each other's resources. Asymmetrical cross‐sector partnerships may lead to a breakup if organizations are forced to operate under incompatible institutional logics. The findings of this study show that the challenges posed by incompatible logics of partners could be mitigated by the degree of resource interdependence between organizations. Capturing the effects of context and transactions on the actors’ strategic behaviour, the findings, based on a dataset of project‐level partnership ties between 1312 organizations in the carbon‐offset market, support these hypotheses. The paper concludes by discussing implications of organizations' responses to keep acting under or reinterpreting existing institutional logics in asymmetrical cross‐sector relationships.
Role of Pseudomonas fluorescens and INA against Black Rot of Cabbage
Authors: Umesha Sharanaiah , Roohie Raheem K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important vegetable crop among crucifers. It is affected by a bacterial disease known as black rot. Black rot is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris a disease of worldwide importance. The present study highlights the effect of biotic inducer—Pseudomonas fluorescens—and an abiotic inducer—2,6‐dichloro‐isonicotinic acid—in combating black rot, followed by their effect on the seed treatment and disease incidence, role of antioxidant enzymes followed by validation of the defence‐related genes by quantitative real‐time PCR. The resistant (Pusa mukta) and the highly susceptible (NBH boss) cabbage cultivars were analysed for defence‐related enzymes such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. An increase in total peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity was observed upon inoculation with X. campestris pv. campestris. The activity was greater in resistant cultivar when compared to susceptible ones. Both enzyme activity assays and qPCR analyses for the expression of the defence genes in susceptible and resistant cultivars demonstrated that the peroxidase gene was up‐regulated in resistant cultivar compared to susceptible cultivar. The present study proved that P. fluorescens‐induced resistance against X. campestris pv. campestris in cabbage seedlings is more efficient as compared to the use of INA—abiotic inducer.
A longitudinal study on the acceptance and effects of a therapeutic renal food in pet dogs with IRIS‐Stage 1 chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hall J. A. , Fritsch D. A. , Yerramilli M. , Obare E. , Yerramilli M. , Jewell D. E. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryCurrently, nutritional management is recommended when serum creatinine (Cr) exceeds 1.4 mg/dl in dogs with IRIS‐Stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD) to slow progressive loss of kidney function, reduce clinical and biochemical consequences of CKD, and maintain adequate nutrition. It is unknown if dietary interventions benefit non‐azotemic dogs at earlier stages. A prospective 12‐month feeding trial was performed in client‐owned dogs with IRIS‐Stage 1 CKD (n = 36; 20 had persistently dilute urine with urine specific gravity (USG) <1.020 without identifiable non‐renal cause; six had persistent proteinuria of renal origin with urine protein creatinine (UPC) ratio >0.5; 10 had both). Ease of transition to therapeutic renal food and effects on renal biomarkers and quality of life attributes were assessed. Dogs were transitioned over 1 week from grocery‐branded foods to renal food. At 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12‐months a questionnaire to assess owner's perception of their pet's acceptance of renal food and quality of life was completed. Renal biomarkers, including serum Cr, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and USG and UPC ratio were measured. Of 36 dogs initially enrolled, 35 (97%) dogs were transitioned to therapeutic renal food. Dogs moderately or extremely liked the food 88% of the time, ate most or all of the food 84% of the time, and were moderately or extremely enthusiastic while eating 76% of the time. All renal biomarkers (Cr, BUN, and SDMA) were decreased (p ≤ .05) from baseline at 3‐months, and remained decreased from baseline at 12‐months in dogs completing the study (n = 20). Proteinuria was reduced in 12 of 16 dogs (p = .045) with proteinuria. Owners reported improvement in overall health and quality of life attributes, and hair and coat quality (all p < .01). In summary, dogs with IRIS‐Stage 1 CKD readily transition to renal food. Decreasing serum biomarker concentrations and reduction in proteinuria suggest stabilized kidney function.
Outcome of bioprosthetic valve replacement in dogs with tricuspid valve dysplasia
Authors: Bristow P. , Sargent J. , Luis Fuentes V. , Brockman D. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo describe the short‐term and long‐term outcome in dogs with tricuspid valve dysplasia undergoing tricuspid valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass.MethodsData were collected from the hospital records of all dogs that had undergone tricuspid valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass between 2006 and 2012. Dogs were considered candidates for tricuspid valve replacement if they had severe tricuspid valve regurgitation associated with clinical signs of cardiac compromise.ResultsNine dogs of six different breeds were presented. Median age was 13 months (range 7 to 61 months), median weight 26·5 kg (range 9·7 to 59 kg). Eight bovine pericardial valves and one porcine aortic valve were used. One non‐fatal intraoperative complication occurred. Complications during hospitalisation occurred in six dogs, four of which were fatal. Of the five dogs discharged, one presented dead due to haemothorax after minor trauma seven days later. The four remaining dogs survived a median of 533 days; all of these dogs received a bovine pericardial valve.Clinical SignificanceBased on our results, tricuspid valve replacement with bovine or porcine prosthetic valves is associated with a high incidence of complications.
Epidemiology of bacterial conjunctivitis in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 49 cases (2005 to 2015)
Authors: Ozawa S. , Mans C. , Szabo Z. , Di Girolamo N. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the anamnesis, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment and outcome of chinchillas diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis.MethodsMedical records of 49 chinchillas diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis were retrospectively reviewed. Association between clinical signs and type of bacteria involved was determined by means of univariate logistic regression.Results61·5% of the isolated bacteria were Gram‐negative, and the most common bacterial species was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (50%), followed by Staphylococcus species (26·9%). Chinchillas with acute conjunctivitis (1 to 3 days) were much more commonly affected by Gram‐negative organisms. The majority of chinchillas that presented with concurrent respiratory signs were diagnosed with P. aeruginosa. Clinical resolution of conjunctivitis was reported in 87·8% chinchillas with a median time to clinical resolution of 17·5 days. Susceptibility of P. aeruginosa isolates to potentiated sulphonamides, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, amikacin and polymyxin B was 8·3, 36, 62·5, 88·5, 100 and 100%, respectively.Clinical Significance
P. aeruginosa is the predominant bacterial species associated with bacterial conjunctivitis in chinchillas. With the exception of duration of clinical signs, information on the anamnesis or physical examination findings cannot aid in distinguishing conjunctivitis caused by P. aeruginosa or other Gram‐negative bacteria from the ones caused by Gram‐positive bacteria. Gentamicin‐ or polymyxin B‐containing antibiotic formulations are recommended for empirical topical therapy.
The within‐host dynamics of infection in trans‐generationally primed flour beetles
Authors: Tate Ann T. , Andolfatto Peter , Demuth Jeffery P. , Graham Andrea L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMany taxa exhibit plastic immune responses initiated after primary microbial exposure that provide increased protection against disease‐induced mortality and the fitness costs of infection. In several arthropod species, this protection can even be passed from parents to offspring through a phenomenon called trans‐generational immune priming. Here, we first demonstrate that trans‐generational priming is a repeatable phenomenon in flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) primed and infected with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). We then quantify the within‐host dynamics of microbes and host physiological responses in infected offspring from primed and unprimed mothers by monitoring bacterial density and using mRNA‐seq to profile host gene expression, respectively, over the acute infection period. We find that priming increases inducible resistance against Bt around a critical temporal juncture where host septicaemic trajectories, and consequently survival, may be determined in unprimed individuals. Our results identify a highly differentially expressed biomarker of priming, containing an EIF4‐e domain, in uninfected individuals, as well as several other candidate genes. Moreover, the induction and decay dynamics of gene expression over time suggest a metabolic shift in primed individuals. The identified bacterial and gene expression dynamics are likely to influence patterns of bacterial fitness and disease transmission in natural populations.
Anthropogenic impact on environmental filamentous fungi communities along the Mediterranean littoral
Authors: Al‐Yasiri Mohammed Hashim , Normand Anne‐Cécile , Mauffrey Jean‐François , Ranque Stéphane 
Published: March 2017

SummaryWe hypothesised that anthropogenic influences impact the filamentous fungi community structure and that particular species or species patterns might serve as markers to characterise ecosystems. This study aimed to describe the filamentous fungi community structure in various biotopes along the Mediterranean shore that were exposed to various levels of anthropogenic influence. We sampled filamentous fungi from yellow‐legged gull faecal samples at five study sites along the Mediterranean littoral in southern France. The sites were characterised by variable anthropogenic influence, ranging from building rooftops in two cities to a natural reserve. The sites also included two suburban ecoclines, one of which was exposed to sewer pollution. Filamentous fungal colonies were quantified and identified viaMALDI‐TOFmass spectrometry. Interestingly, we found that both fungal diversity and abundance were low in urban areas compared with suburban ecocline or environments little affected by anthropogenic influence. Furthermore, some fungal species were clearly associated with particular environments. In particular,Mucor circinelloideswas associated with a natural environment with little anthropogenic impact and distant from human settlements. Whereas,Scedosporium apiospermumwas associated with an ecocline polluted by sewage. Our findings indicate that particular fungal species or species combination might be used as surrogate markers of ecosystems exposed to anthropogenic pollution.
Nurse managers’ experiences in continuous quality improvement in resource‐poor healthcare settings
Authors: Kakyo Tracy Alexis , Xiao Lily Dongxia 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEnsuring safe and quality care for patients in hospitals is an important part of a nurse manager's role. Continuous quality improvement has been identified as one approach that leads to the delivery of quality care services to patients and is widely used by nurse managers to improve patient care. Nurse managers’ experiences in initiating continuous quality improvement activities in resource‐poor healthcare settings remain largely unknown. Research evidence is highly demanded in these settings to address disease burden and evidence‐based practice. This interpretive qualitative study was conducted to gain an understanding of nurse managers’ Continuous Quality Improvement experiences in rural hospitals in Uganda.Nurse managers in rural healthcare settings used their role to prioritize quality improvement activities, monitor the Continuous Quality Improvement process, and utilize in‐service education to support continuous quality improvement. The nurse managers in our sample encountered a number of barriers during the implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement, including: limited patient participation, lack of materials, and limited human resources. Efforts to address the challenges faced through good governance and leadership development require more attention.
Plant phylogeny as a window on the evolution of hyperdiversity in the tropical rainforest biome
Authors: Eiserhardt Wolf L. , Couvreur Thomas L. P. , Baker William J. 
Published: March 2017

Contents

Summary
1408

I.
Introduction
1408

II.
A brief history of hypotheses
1410

III.
Age of TRF biome and lineages
1411

IV.
Frequency of immigration from other biomes
1413

V.
Speciation and extinction
1414

VI.
Ecological limits
1415

VII.
Key methodological challenges
1416

VIII.
Perspectives
1417

IX.
Conclusions
1419

Acknowledgements
1419

References
1419

SummaryTropical rainforest (TRF) is the most species‐rich terrestrial biome on Earth, harbouring just under half of the world's plant species in c. 7% of the land surface. Phylogenetic trees provide important insights into mechanisms underpinning TRF hyperdiversity that are complementary to those obtained from the fossil record. Phylogenetic studies of TRF plant diversity have mainly focused on whether this biome is an evolutionary ‘cradle’ or ‘museum’, emphasizing speciation and extinction rates. However, other explanations, such as biome age, immigration and ecological limits, must also be considered. We present a conceptual framework for addressing the drivers of TRF diversity, and review plant studies that have tested them with phylogenetic data. Although surprisingly few in number, these studies point to old age of TRF, low extinction and high speciation rates as credible drivers of TRF hyperdiversity. There is less evidence for immigration and ecological limits, but these cannot be dismissed owing to the limited number of studies. Rapid methodological developments in DNA sequencing, macroevolutionary analysis and the integration of phylogenetics with other disciplines may improve our grasp of TRF hyperdiversity in the future. However, such advances are critically dependent on fundamental systematic research, yielding numerous, additional, well‐sampled phylogenies of TRF lineages.
Patient experiences of outcomes of bariatric surgery: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Coulman Karen D. , MacKichan Fiona , Blazeby Jane M. , Owen‐Smith Amanda 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAlthough bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe and complex obesity, less is known about its psychosocial impact. This systematic review synthesizes qualitative studies investigating the patient perspective of living with the outcomes of surgery. A total of 2,604 records were screened, and 33 studies were included. Data extraction and thematic synthesis yielded three overarching themes: control, normality and ambivalence. These were evident across eight organizing sub‐themes describing areas of life impacted by surgery: weight, activities of daily living, physical health, psychological health, social relations, sexual life, body image and eating behaviour and relationship with food. Throughout all these areas, patients were striving for control and normality. Many of the changes experienced were positive and led to feeling more in control and ‘normal’. Negative changes were also experienced, as well as changes that were neither positive nor negative but were nonetheless challenging and required adaptation. Thus, participants continued to strive for control and normality in some aspects of their lives for a considerable time, contributing to a sense of ambivalence in accounts of life after surgery. These findings demonstrate the importance of long‐term support, particularly psychological and dietary, to help people negotiate these challenges and maintain positive changes achieved after bariatric surgery.