bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large‐scale, multidirectional larval connectivity among coral reef fish populations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authors: Williamson David H. , Harrison Hugo B. , Almany Glenn R. , Berumen Michael L. , Bode Michael , Bonin Mary C. , Choukroun Severine , Doherty Peter J. , Frisch Ashley J. , Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo , Jones Geoffrey P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLarval dispersal is the key process by which populations of most marine fishes and invertebrates are connected and replenished. Advances in larval tagging and genetics have enhanced our capacity to track larval dispersal, assess scales of population connectivity, and quantify larval exchange among no‐take marine reserves and fished areas. Recent studies have found that reserves can be a significant source of recruits for populations up to 40 km away, but the scale and direction of larval connectivity across larger seascapes remain unknown. Here, we apply genetic parentage analysis to investigate larval dispersal patterns for two exploited coral reef groupers (Plectropomus maculatus and Plectropomus leopardus) within and among three clusters of reefs separated by 60–220 km within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia. A total of 69 juvenile P. maculatus and 17 juvenile P. leopardus (representing 6% and 9% of the total juveniles sampled, respectively) were genetically assigned to parent individuals on reefs within the study area. We identified both short‐distance larval dispersal within regions (200 m to 50 km) and long‐distance, multidirectional dispersal of up to ~250 km among regions. Dispersal strength declined significantly with distance, with best‐fit dispersal kernels estimating median dispersal distances of ~110 km for P. maculatus and ~190 km for P. leopardus. Larval exchange among reefs demonstrates that established reserves form a highly connected network and contribute larvae for the replenishment of fished reefs at multiple spatial scales. Our findings highlight the potential for long‐distance dispersal in an important group of reef fishes, and provide further evidence that effectively protected reserves can yield recruitment and sustainability benefits for exploited fish populations.
Genetic structure of native ant supercolonies varies in space and time
Authors: Schultner Eva , Saramäki Jari , Helanterä Heikki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAnt supercolonies are the largest cooperative units known in nature. They consist of networks of interconnected nests with hundreds of reproductive queens, where individuals move freely between nests, cooperate across nest boundaries and show little aggression towards non‐nestmates. The combination of high queen numbers and free mixing of workers, queens and brood between nests results in extremely low nestmate relatedness. In such low‐relatedness societies, cooperative worker behaviour appears maladaptive because it may aid random individuals instead of relatives. Here, we provide a comprehensive picture of genetic substructure in supercolonies of the native wood antFormica aquiloniausing traditional population genetic as well as network analysis methods. Specifically, we test for spatial and temporal variation in genetic structure of different classes of individuals within supercolonies and analyse the role of worker movement in determining supercolony genetic networks. We find that relatedness within supercolonies is low but positive when viewed on a population level, which may be due to limited dispersal of individuals and/or ecological factors such as nest site limitation and competition against conspecifics. Genetic structure of supercolonies varied with both sample class and sampling time point, which indicates that mobility of individuals varies according to both caste and season and suggests that generalizing has to be carried out with caution in studies of supercolonial species. Overall, our analysis provides novel evidence that native wood ant supercolonies exhibit fine‐scale genetic substructure, which may explain the maintenance of cooperation in these low‐relatedness societies.
Genome biogeography reveals the intraspecific spread of adaptive mutations for a complex trait
Authors: Olofsson Jill K. , Bianconi Matheus , Besnard Guillaume , Dunning Luke T. , Lundgren Marjorie R. , Holota Helene , Vorontsova Maria S. , Hidalgo Oriane , Leitch Ilia J. , Nosil Patrik , Osborne Colin P. , Christin Pascal‐Antoine 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPhysiological novelties are often studied at macro‐evolutionary scales such that their micro‐evolutionary origins remain poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that key components of a complex trait can evolve in isolation and later be combined by gene flow. We use C4 photosynthesis as a study system, a derived physiology that increases plant productivity in warm, dry conditions. The grass Alloteropsis semialata includes C4 and non‐C4 genotypes, with some populations using laterally acquired C4‐adaptive loci, providing an outstanding system to track the spread of novel adaptive mutations. Using genome data from C4 and non‐C4 A. semialata individuals spanning the species’ range, we infer and date past migrations of different parts of the genome. Our results show that photosynthetic types initially diverged in isolated populations, where key C4 components were acquired. However, rare but recurrent subsequent gene flow allowed the spread of adaptive loci across genetic pools. Indeed, laterally acquired genes for key C4 functions were rapidly passed between populations with otherwise distinct genomic backgrounds. Thus, our intraspecific study of C4‐related genomic variation indicates that components of adaptive traits can evolve separately and later be combined through secondary gene flow, leading to the assembly and optimization of evolutionary innovations.
Expression in grasses of multiple transgenes for degradation of munitions compounds on live‐fire training ranges
Authors: Zhang Long , Routsong Ryan , Nguyen Quyen , Rylott Elizabeth L. , Bruce Neil C. , Strand Stuart E. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThe deposition of toxic munitions compounds, such as hexahydro‐1, 3, 5‐trinitro‐1, 3, 5‐triazine (RDX), on soils around targets in live‐fire training ranges is an important source of groundwater contamination. Plants take up RDX but do not significantly degrade it. Reported here is the transformation of two perennial grass species, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), with the genes for degradation of RDX. These species possess a number of agronomic traits making them well equipped for the uptake and removal of RDX from root zone leachates. Transformation vectors were constructed with xplA and xplB, which confer the ability to degrade RDX, and nfsI, which encodes a nitroreductase for the detoxification of the co‐contaminating explosive 2, 4, 6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT). The vectors were transformed into the grass species using Agrobacterium tumefaciens infection. All transformed grass lines showing high transgene expression levels removed significantly more RDX from hydroponic solutions and retained significantly less RDX in their leaf tissues than wild‐type plants. Soil columns planted with the best‐performing switchgrass line were able to prevent leaching of RDX through a 0.5‐m root zone. These plants represent a promising plant biotechnology to sustainably remove RDX from training range soil, thus preventing contamination of groundwater.
Significant enhancement of fatty acid composition in seeds of the allohexaploid, Camelina sativa, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
Authors: Jiang Wen Zhi , Henry Isabelle M. , Lynagh Peter G. , Comai Luca , Cahoon Edgar B. , Weeks Donald P. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThe CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease system is a powerful and flexible tool for genome editing, and novel applications of this system are being developed rapidly. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to target the FAD2 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana and in the closely related emerging oil seed plant, Camelina sativa, with the goal of improving seed oil composition. We successfully obtained Camelina seeds in which oleic acid content was increased from 16% to over 50% of the fatty acid composition. These increases were associated with significant decreases in the less desirable polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (i.e. a decrease from ~16% to <4%) and linolenic acid (a decrease from ~35% to <10%). These changes result in oils that are superior on multiple levels: they are healthier, more oxidatively stable and better suited for production of certain commercial chemicals, including biofuels. As expected, A. thaliana T2 and T3 generation seeds exhibiting these types of altered fatty acid profiles were homozygous for disrupted FAD2 alleles. In the allohexaploid, Camelina, guide RNAs were designed that simultaneously targeted all three homoeologous FAD2 genes. This strategy that significantly enhanced oil composition in T3 and T4 generation Camelina seeds was associated with a combination of germ‐line mutations and somatic cell mutations in FAD2 genes in each of the three Camelina subgenomes.
Neonatal outcomes in a level II regional neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Umran Raid MR , Al‐Jammali Asjad 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundImprovement of neonatal mortality is a challenge in developing countries such as Iraq due to increased demand and overload of maternity services. The aim of this study was to document the number, disease patterns and outcome of admitted newborns and the improvement after implementation of clinical protocols, and to identify possible future target measures.MethodA descriptive study was conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a regional hospital from 2011 to 2013. Of 72 320 deliveries, 4694 newborns were admitted and met selection criteria. Clinical guidelines, clinical skills training of nurses and resident doctors, and improvement of medical records were implemented during the study period. All patient demographics, causes of admission/death and mortality were analyzed.ResultsFrom a total of 4694 admitted newborns; 42% were delivered vaginally, 60% were male, 43% were <2500 g, and 31% were premature. The neonatal deaths consisted of 1076 newborns, 84% of whom died before 7 days of age, and 39% of whom weighed ≤1500 g. Respiratory distress syndrome was the main cause of death (62.2%). Due to the increased total number of deliveries, and hence the corresponding increased number of vaginal deliveries (R = 0.97), the number of NICU admissions was significantly increased (R = 0.569, P = 0.009). Notably, the mortality rate was significantly decreased (R = −0.487, P = 0.004).ConclusionsMaternity overload contributed to the high neonatal mortality, whereas implementation of clinical guidelines and of medical staff training improved neonatal outcomes. Future target interventions include optimized timing of cesarean section and the detection of potentially complicated deliveries.
Pharmacotherapy for pediatric chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction: Nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Hashizume Naoki , Yagi Minoru , Ushijima Kosuke , Seki Yoshitaka , Fukahori Suguru , Muto Mitsuru , Matsufuji Hiroshi , Taguchi Tomoaki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundChronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO) is a rare disabling and life‐threatening disorder characterized by severe impairment of gastrointestinal peristalsis. While a number of pharmacotherapeutics have been developed, only a few trials have been carried out for improvement of the pathological condition of CIPO patients. This report describes the results of a nationwide survey on the pharmacotherapy used in pediatric CIPO in Japan.MethodsIn 2012, a nationwide survey was conducted to identify the clinical presentation of CIPO in Japan. Information was gathered on pharmacotherapy. Four categories were created for medicines used in pharmacotherapy: “probiotics”, “Japanese herbal medicines (Kampo medicines)”, “laxatives”, and “prokinetics”.ResultsNinety‐two responses were collected from 47 facilities. Of the 62 patients who met the diagnostic criteria, 52 were treated with medications, while the remaining 10 were not. Thirty‐four patients were given a total of 49 probiotics; 39 were treated with a total of 50 Kampo medicines; 20 were treated with a total of 28 laxatives; and 26 were given a total of 30 prokinetics, 70% of whom were treated specifically with mosapride.ConclusionTraditional Japanese medicines such as Kampo medicines and mosapride are often used to treat CIPO in Japan. Two combinations, that is, probiotics and Kampo medicines; and Kampo medicines and prokinetics, were often used for pediatric CIPO in Japan.
Clinical caring science as a scientific discipline
Authors: Rehnsfeldt Arne , Arman Maria , Lindström Unni Å. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundClinical caring science will be described from a theory of science perspective.AimThe aim of this theoretical article to give a comprehensive overview of clinical caring science as a human science‐based discipline grounded in a theory of science argumentation.FindingsClinical caring science seeks idiographic or specific variations of the ontology, concepts and theories, formulated by caring science. The rationale is the insight that the research questions do not change when they are addressed in different contexts. The academic subject contains a concept order with ethos concepts, core and basic concepts and practice concepts that unites systematic caring science with clinical caring science. In accordance with a hermeneutic tradition, the idea of the caring act is based on the degree to which the theory base is hermeneutically appropriated by the caregiver. The better the ethos, essential concepts and theories are understood, the better the caring act can be understood. In order to understand the concept order related to clinical caring science, an example is given from an ongoing project in a disaster context.Comprehensive reflectionThe concept order is an appropriate way of making sense of the essence of clinical caring science. The idea of the concept order is that concepts on all levels need to be united with each other. A research project in clinical caring science can start anywhere on the concept order, either in ethos, core concepts, basic concepts, practice concepts or in concrete clinical phenomena, as long as no parts are locked out of the concept order as an entity. If, for example, research on patient participation as a phenomenon is not related to core and basic concepts, there is a risqué that the research becomes meaningless.
Tenofovir stock shortages have limited impact on clinic‐ and patient‐level HIV treatment outcomes in public sector clinics in South Africa
Authors: Brennan Alana T. , Bor Jacob , Davies Mary‐Ann , Conradie Francesca , Maskew Mhairi , Long Lawrence , Sanne Ian , Fox Matthew P. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveUsing data from four public sector clinics in South Africa, we sought to investigate provider‐ and patient‐level outcomes, to understand how the 2012 tenofovir stock shortage affected the HIV care and monitoring of ART patients.MethodsProspective cohort analysis of ART‐naïve, non‐pregnant, HIV‐infected patients >18 years initiating first‐line ART between 1 July 2011–31 March 2013. Linear regression was used for all outcomes (number of ART initiates, days between pharmacy visits, transfers, single‐drug substitutions, treatment interruptions, missed pharmacy visits, loss to follow‐up and elevated viral load). We fit splines to smooth curves with knots at the beginning (1 February 2012) and end (31 August 2012) of the stock shortage and displayed results graphically by clinic. Difference‐in‐difference models were used to evaluate the effect of the stock shortage on outcomes.ResultsResults suggest a potential shift in the management of patients during the shortage, mainly fewer average days between visits during the shortage vs. before or after at all four clinics, and a significant difference in the proportion of patients missing visits during vs. before (RD: 1.2%; 95% CI: 0.5%, 2.0%). No significant difference was seen in other outcomes.ConclusionWhile South Africa has made great strides to extend access to ART and increase the quality of the health services provided, patient care can be affected when stock shortages/outs occur. While our results show little effect on treatment outcomes, this most likely reflects the clinics’ ability to mitigate the crisis by continuing to keep patient care and treatment as consistent as possible.
A two‐step screening approach for the identification of blood donors with highly and broadly neutralizing capacities against human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Falk Jessica J. , Winkelmann Martina , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Stöhr Dagmar , Sinzger Christian , Lotfi Ramin 
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUNDHyperimmunoglobulins are frequently applied for prophylaxis and treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections but were only marginally effective in meta‐analyses of clinical studies. This might be partially due to selection of donors rather for total anti‐HCMV titers than for neutralizing capacities. To improve efficacy against HCMV infection, we aimed at developing a high‐throughput screening method for identification of blood donors with highly and broadly neutralizing capacities.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSUsing a Gaussia luciferase‐expressing reporter virus, 1000 HCMV immunoglobulin (Ig)G‐positive plasma samples with known anti‐HCMV immunoglobulin titers were analyzed regarding their neutralization titers against fibroblast and endothelial cell infection. Based on these results, a high‐throughput screening was designed. Highly neutralizing plasma samples were further tested 1) by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐based neutralization assay regarding efficiency against different HCMV strains and 2) for their efficiency compared to commercially available hyperimmunoglobulins.RESULTSTotal anti‐HCMV immunoglobulin titers did not correlate with neutralization. Mean neutralization capacities were 15‐fold higher in endothelial cells compared to fibroblasts. All plasma samples neutralizing fibroblast infection were at least equally effective against infection of endothelial cells, providing the possibility to simplify our screening method by testing only fibroblasts as target cells with a plasma dilution of 1 in 400. Of the nine tested top HCMV neutralizers, four were broadly effective against different HCMV strains. All nine were significantly superior to hyperimmunoglobulins.CONCLUSIONDonors with highly and broadly neutralizing capacities can be identified by a two‐step high‐throughput screening approach. This may provide a basis for improved antibody‐based treatment or prophylaxis of HCMV infections.
Human anti‐pig NK cell and CD8+ T‐cell responses in the presence of regulatory dendritic cells
Authors: Madelon Natacha , Puga Yung Gisella L. , Seebach Jörg D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundDendritic cells (DC) play a major role in natural killer (NK) cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation leading to cell‐mediated xenogeneic responses. In contrast, the use of in vitro differentiated regulatory DC may represent an attractive approach to protect porcine endothelial cells (pEC) from human cell‐mediated immune responses. In this study, we evaluated the potential of human regulatory DC to reduce xenogeneic NK cell and CTL responses to pEC.MethodsHuman monocytes were differentiated into DC with GM‐CSF and IL‐4 in the absence or presence of rapamycin or IL‐10. The effect of regulatory DC on xenogeneic NK cell and CTL responses was evaluated by analyzing phenotype, IFNγ production, degranulation, and cytotoxicity by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays.ResultsUpon maturation with LPS, Rapa‐DC and IL‐10‐DC displayed different phenotypes and cytokine production profiles. In contrast to untreated DC, both Rapa‐DC and IL‐10‐DC induced significantly less IFNγ production and NK cell degranulation in response to pEC, but did not affect NK cell‐mediated pEC lysis. Low production of IL‐18 by Rapa‐DC, and of IL‐12 by IL‐10‐DC were linked to the deficient IFNγ production by NK cells as shown by partial reversion of IFNγ production upon cytokine reconstitution. In contrast to untreated DC efficiently generating xenoantigen‐specific CTL, priming of CTL in the presence of IL‐10‐DC was impaired as shown by lower IFNγ production and cytotoxicity of CTL in response to pEC.ConclusionBoth Rapa‐DC and IL‐10‐DC controlled human anti‐porcine NK cell responses, in particular IFNγ production, whereas IL‐10‐DC presented stronger regulatory properties of anti‐porcine CTL responses. These in vitro findings indicate that regulatory DC could be a useful tool to promote xenograft tolerance in vivo.
Effectiveness of assertive communication training programs for health professionals and students: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Omura Mieko , Maguire Jane , Levett-Jones Tracy , Stone Teresa Elizabeth 
Published: November 2016

Review question/objective:
The objective of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence related to the effectiveness of assertive communication training programs in healthcare.
More specifically, the objective of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of assertive communication interventions for health professionals and students on levels of assertiveness, communication competence and impact on clinician behaviors compared to alternative or no interventions.
Effectiveness of interventions for preventing occupational irritant hand dermatitis: a quantitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Papadatou Zoi , Cooper Kay , Klein Susan , MacDuff Colin , Steiner Markus 
Published: November 2016

Review question/objective:
The objective of this quantitative systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of moisturizers, barrier creams, protective gloves, skin protection education and complex interventions (a combination of two or more of the interventions listed) in preventing occupational irritant hand dermatitis (OIHD) in wet workers. These interventions will be compared to an alternative intervention or to usual care (workers regular skin care regime). The specific review question is: “What is the effectiveness of moisturizers, barrier creams, protective gloves, skin protection education and complex interventions in preventing OIHD in wet workers?”
In-hospital communication experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kelly Janet , Dowling Anna , McBride Katharine , Keech Wendy , Brown Alex 
Published: November 2016

Review question/objective.
The objective of this systematic review is to identify and synthesize available qualitative evidence to understand the in-hospital communication experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, their family members and hospital staff, and the factors that impact on these experiences.
Specifically, the review questions are as follows:What are the communication experiences of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and their family members when they interact with hospital staff?What are the communication experiences of hospital staff when they interact with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and their family members?What are the factors that influence these communication experiences?