Prediction of all-cause mortality with copeptin in cardio-cerebrovascular patients: A meta-analysis of prospective studies

BackgroundMeasurement of the biomarker copeptin may help identify disease severity and risk of mortality for a various diseases. This study sought to determine the relationship between copeptin and all-cause mortality of patients with cardio-cerebrovascular disease.MethodsDatabase of Medline and Web of Science were searched for studies with data involving the baseline copeptin levels and subsequent all-cause mortality outcomes. The pooled HRs of all-cause mortality were calculated and presented with 95%CIs. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted to explore the possible sources of heterogeneity.ResultsData from 14,395 participants were derived from 28 prospective studies. Higher copeptin significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality (per unit copeptin: HR = 1.020, 95%CI = 1.004–1.036; log unit copeptin: HR = 2.884, 95%CI = 1.844–4.512; categorical copeptin: HR = 3.371, 95%CI = 2.077–5.472). Subgroup analysis indicated that the risk of all-cause death was higher in cerebrovascular patients (per unit copeptin: HR = 2.537, 95%CI = 0.956–6.731; log unit copeptin: HR = 3.419, 95%CI = 2.391–4.888) than cardiovascular patients (per unit copeptin: HR = 1.011, 95%CI = 1.002–1.020; log unit copeptin: HR = 2.009, 95%CI = 1.119–3.608).ConclusionCopeptin is associated with all-cause mortality of patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Our study suggests that copeptin seems to be a promising novel biomarker for prediction of mortality in cardio-cerebrovascular patients, especially for cerebrovascular patients.     

Prenatal polymetallic exposure and small for gestational age: A case-control study in Taiyuan,China

BackgroundStudies focused on independent effects of metals on small for gestational age, failing to account for potential interdependence among metals.MethodsIn this case-control study, we selected 187 pregnant women and 187 matched controls from the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. Determination of 12 elements in the venous blood of pregnant women before delivery by ICP-MS. Logistic regression, weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to estimate the overall effect and identify important mixture components that drive the associations with SGA.ResultsAn increased risk of SGA was associated with As (OR= 1.06,95%CI: 1.01,1.12), Cd (OR= 1.24,95%CI: 1.04,1.47) and Pb (OR= 1.05,95%CI: 1.02,1.08), while Zn (OR= 0.58,95%CI: 0.45,0.76) and Mn (OR= 0.97,95%CI: 0.94,0.99) were protective factors for SGA. In the WQSR positive model, the mixture of heavy metals has a positive combined effect on SGA (OR= 1.74,95%CI: 1.15, 2.62), with Sb and Cd having the highest weights. The BKMR models confirmed that the metal mixture was associated with decreased risk of SGA when the concentration of 12 metals was between the 30th percentile and the 65th percentile, and Zn and Cd had the greatest independent effect. Zn and SGA may not be linearly correlated, higher Zn level may reduce the effect of Cd on the risk of SGA.ConclusionsOur study suggested that exposure to multiple metals was associated with risk of SGA, and the observed association with multiple metals was dominated by Zn, Cd. Sb exposure during pregnancy may also increase the risk of SGA.     

Potential impact of harvesting on the population dynamics of two epiphytic bromeliads

Large numbers of epiphytes are extracted from cloud forests for ornamental use and illegal trade in Latin America. We examined the potential effects of different harvesting regimes on the population dynamics of the epiphytic bromeliads Tillandsia multicaulis and Tillandsia punctulata. The population dynamics of these species were studied over a 2-year period in a tropical montane cloud forest in Veracruz, Mexico. Prospective and retrospective analyses were used to identify which demographic processes and life-cycle stages make the largest relative contribution to variation in population growth rate (λ). The effect of simulated harvesting levels on population growth rates was analysed for both species. λ of both populations was highly influenced by survival (stasis), to a lesser extent by growth, and only slightly by fecundity. Vegetative growth played a central role in the population dynamics of these organisms. The λ value of the studied populations did not differ significantly from unity: T. multicaulis λ (95% confidence interval) = 0.982 (0.897–1.060) and T. punctulata λ = 0.967 (0.815–1.051), suggesting population stability. However, numerical simulation of different levels of extraction showed that λ would drop substantially even under very low (2%) harvesting levels. Matrix analysis revealed that T. multicaulis and T. punctulata populations are likely to decline and therefore commercial harvesting would be unsustainable. Based on these findings, management recommendations are outlined.     

Differential effects of abandonment on the demography of the grassland perennial Succisa pratensis

Abandonment of traditional land-use practices can have strong effects on the abundance of species occurring in agricultural landscapes. However, the precise mechanisms by which individual performance and population dynamics are affected are still poorly understood. To assess how abandonment affects population dynamics of Succisa pratensis we used data from a 4-year field study in both abandoned and traditionally grazed areas in moist and mesic habitats to parameterize integral projection models. Abandoned populations had a lower long-term stochastic population growth rate (λ _S = 0.90) than traditionally managed populations (λ _S = 1.08), while λ _S did not differ between habitat types. The effect of abandonment differed significantly between years and had opposed effects on different vital rates. Individuals in abandoned populations experienced higher mortality rates and lower seedling establishment, but had higher growth rates and produced more flower heads per plant. Population viability analyses, based on a population survey of the whole study area in combination with our demographic models, showed that 32 % of the populations face a high risk of extinction (>80 %) within 20 years. These results suggest that immediate changes in management are needed to avoid extinctions and further declines in population sizes. Stochastic elasticity analyses and stochastic life table response experiments indicated that management strategies would be most effective if they increase survival of small plants as well as seedling establishment, while maintaining a high seed production. This may be achieved by varying the grazing intensity between years or excluding grazers when plants are flowering.     

Efficient floral dip transformation method using Agrobacterium tumefaciens on Cosmos sulphureus Cav.

Yellow cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus Cav.) is a specific flowering plant and considered a suitable genetic engineering model. Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation is commonly used for plant genetic engineering. Floral dip transformation is one of the plant genetic transformation methods, and it involves dipping flower buds into an Agrobacterium suspension. Studies on floral dip transformation of yellow cosmos have never been reported. Therefore, an efficient method in plant genetic engineering must be established. This study developed an effective and efficient floral dip transformation method for yellow cosmos.In this study, flower buds with sizes of 5–7 mm were used. Several parameters have been observed to optimize the floral dip method. These parameters included the optical density (OD₆₀₀) of Agrobacterium culture, concentration of surfactant, and duration of flower bud dipping into the Agrobacterium suspension.The results showed that the floral dip method was most efficient when the flower buds were dipped into Agrobacterium suspension with OD₆₀₀ = 0.8 and containing 5% sucrose and 0.1% Silwet L-77 for 30 s. This method enhanced the transformation efficiency at a rate of 12.78 ± 1.53%. The neomycin phosphotransferase II and green fluorescent protein genes with sizes of 550 and 736 bp, respectively, were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the transgenic plants were kanamycin resistant and fluorescent under ultraviolet light observation. This finding suggests that the proposed floral dip transformation provides new insights into efficient plant genetic engineering methods for yellow cosmos.     

Fragmented habitat drives significant genetic divergence in the Chinese endemic plant,Urophysa henryi (Ranuculaceae)

Urophysa henryi (Oliv.) Ulbr., endemic to China with small populations, is known as a medicinal plant. In this study, ISSR markers were used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure throughout its entire distribution areas. Twelve primers revealed high genetic diversity at the species level (PPB = 95.6%; H = 0.3441; I = 0.5111), as well as high level of genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.659, p < 0.001; G_ST = 0.677) and restricted gene flow (Nm = 0.239) among populations. According to the UPGMA and PCoA analysis, the 9 populations were clustered into three main groups, which were roughly in accordance with their geographical regions. In addition, a significant correlation between the genetic difference and geographic distances among populations was detected from the IBD analysis (r = 0.516, p = 0.003). These results indicated that the habitat heterogeneity and physical barriers play important roles in the modern distribution pattern and population divergence of U. henryi. However, human activities have posed serious threat to its living environment and continued survival. It is necessary to adopt some measures to restrict anthropogenic disturbances and preserve the existing populations.     

Large Outbreak Caused by Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius ST71 in a Finnish Veterinary Teaching Hospital – From Outbreak Control to Outbreak Prevention

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to describe a nosocomial outbreak caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) ST71 SCCmec II-III in dogs and cats at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Helsinki in November 2010 – January 2012, and to determine the risk factors for acquiring MRSP. In addition, measures to control the outbreak and current policy for MRSP prevention are presented.

Methods

Data of patients were collected from the hospital patient record software. MRSP surveillance data were acquired from the laboratory information system. Risk factors for MRSP acquisition were analyzed from 55 cases and 213 controls using multivariable logistic regression in a case-control study design. Forty-seven MRSP isolates were analyzed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis and three were further analyzed with multi-locus sequence and SCCmec typing.

Results

Sixty-three MRSP cases were identified, including 27 infections. MRSPs from the cases shared a specific multi-drug resistant antibiogram and PFGE-pattern indicated clonal spread. Four risk factors were identified; skin lesion (OR = 6.2; CI_95% 2.3–17.0, P = 0.0003), antimicrobial treatment (OR = 3.8, CI_95% 1.0–13.9, P = 0.0442), cumulative number of days in the intensive care unit (OR = 1.3, CI_95% 1.1–1.6, P = 0.0007) or in the surgery ward (OR = 1.1, CI_95% 1.0–1.3, P = 0.0401). Tracing and screening of contact patients, enhanced hand hygiene, cohorting and barrier nursing, as well as cleaning and disinfection were used to control the outbreak. To avoid future outbreaks and spread of MRSP a search-and-isolate policy was implemented. Currently nearly all new MRSP findings are detected in screening targeted to risk patients on admission.

Conclusion

Multidrug resistant MRSP is capable of causing a large outbreak difficult to control. Skin lesions, antimicrobial treatment and prolonged hospital stay increase the probability of acquiring MRSP. Rigorous control measures were needed to control the outbreak. We recommend the implementation of a search-and-isolate policy to reduce the burden of MRSP.     

Self‐recruitment in a Caribbean reef fish: a method for approximating dispersal kernels accounting for seascape

Characterizing patterns of larval dispersal is essential to understanding the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of marine metapopulations. Recent research has measured local dispersal within populations, but the development of marine dispersal kernels from empirical data remains a challenge. We propose a framework to move beyond point estimates of dispersal towards the approximation of a simple dispersal kernel, based on the hypothesis that the structure of the seascape is a primary predictor of realized dispersal patterns. Using the coral reef fish Elacatinus lori as a study organism, we use genetic parentage analysis to estimate self‐recruitment at a small spatial scale (<1 km). Next, we determine which simple kernel explains the observed self‐recruitment, given the influx of larvae from reef habitat patches in the seascape at a large spatial scale (up to 35 km). Finally, we complete parentage analyses at six additional sites to test for export from the focal site and compare these observed dispersal data within the metapopulation to the predicted dispersal kernel. We find 4.6% self‐recruitment (CI_95%: ±3.0%) in the focal population, which is explained by the exponential kernel y = 0.915^x (CI_95%: y = 0.865^x, y = 0.965^x), given the seascape. Additional parentage analyses showed low levels of export to nearby sites, and the best‐fit line through the observed dispersal proportions also revealed a declining function y = 0.77^x. This study lends direct support to the hypothesis that the probability of larval dispersal declines rapidly with distance in Atlantic gobies in continuously distributed habitat, just as it does in the Indo‐Pacific damselfishes in patchily distributed habitat.     

Were the main mountain ranges in the Korean Peninsula a glacial refugium for plants? Insights from the congeneric pair Lilium cernuum – Lilium amabile

The main Korean mountain range (the so-called “Baekdudaegan”), which stretches from north to south across most of the country, has been thought to harbor glacial refugia for boreal plant species, where they likely found relatively stable habitats and maintained large population sizes. Under this scenario, high levels of genetic variation and low or moderate degree of differentiation among populations within these species were expected. To test this hypothesis, we examined levels of allozyme diversity (14 loci) in eight populations of the boreal herb Lilium cernuum, which in Korea occurs largely along the Baekdudaegan and, as a reference, in eight populations of its congener Lilium amabile, a temperate species that is distributed on lower hillsides in peripheral regions of the Baekdudaegan. L. cernuum harbored higher levels of genetic variation within populations than L. amabile (%P = 49.1 vs. 25.0, A = 1.71 vs. 1.34, and H_e = 0.159 vs. 0.048). Genetic differentiation among populations was low for both species (F_ST = 0.119 and 0.014 for L. cernuum and L. amabile, respectively). A series of historical and ecological factors may explain the contrasting levels of genetic diversity between L. cernuum and L. amabile: occurrence within the main ranges of the Baekdudaegan (enduring the glacial periods in macrorefugia) vs. low elevation peripheral areas (in microrefugia) and shade-tolerant vs. shade-intolerant. This study, as well as previous population genetics studies, strongly suggests that the Baekdudaegan merits high priority for conservation given its proposed role as glacial refugia for montane species.     

Genetic structure of expanding wolf (Canis lupus) populations in Italy and Croatia,and the early steps of the recolonization of the Eastern Alps

After centuries of range contraction and demographic declines wolves are now expanding in Europe, colonizing regions from where they have been absent for centuries. Wolf colonizing the western Alps originate by the expansion of the Italian population. Vagrant wolves of Italian and Dinaric-Balkan origins have been recently observed in the Eastern Alps. In this study we compared the genetic structure of wolf populations in Italy and Croatia, aiming to identify the sources of the ongoing recolonization of the Eastern Alps. DNA samples, extracted from 282 Italian and 152 Croatian wolves, were genotyped at 12 autosomal microsatellites (STR), four Y-linked STR and at the hypervariable part of the mitochondrial DNA control-region (mtDNA CR1). Wolves in Croatia and Italy underwent recent demographic bottlenecks, but they differ in genetic diversity and population structure. Wolves in Croatia were more variable at STR loci (N_A = 7.4, H_O = 0.66, H_E = 0.72; n = 152) than wolves in Italy (N_A = 5.3, H_O = 0.57, H_E = 0.58; n = 282). We found four mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA CR1) and 11 Y-STR haplotypes in Croatian wolves, but only one mtDNA CR1 and three Y-STR haplotypes in Italy. Wolves in Croatia were subdivided into three genetically distinct subpopulations (in Dalmatia, Gorski kotar and Lika regions), while Italian wolves were not sub-structured. Assignment testing shows that the eastern and central Alps are recolonized by wolves dispersing from both the Italian and Dinaric populations. The recolonization of the Alps will predictably continue in the future and the new population will be genetically admixed and very variable with greater opportunities for local adaptations and survival.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of Taxus cuspidata in the Changbai Mountains assessed by chloroplast DNA sequences and microsatellite markers

Taxus cuspidata, a tree species with high economic value because of its anticancer properties, is experiencing severe reduction in populations across its range in China. We examined one chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) region (petA-psbE) and 9 nuclear simple sequence repeats (SSRs) loci variations among seven populations in the Changbai Mountains of China to investigate the levels of genetic diversity and population structure. A moderate level of haplotype diversity (H_T = 0.625), low nuclear microsatellite diversity (H_E = 0.261 ± 0.028), significant genetic differences (F_ST = 0.065) and substantial gene flow (Nm = 2.806) were observed. Most of the total genetic variation was partitioned within the population (87.8% and 94.0% for cpDNA and SSRs, respectively). Our haplotype identification permutation tests revealed that G_ST > N_ST, indicating an absence of phylogeographic structure in T. cuspidata. Neither STRUCTURE nor UPGMA analyses showed any geographic pattern in T. cuspidata populations. By comparatively analyzing the genetic diversity and survival situation of T. cuspidata, our results provide a theoretical foundation for the resource protection, utilization cultivation and breeding of this valuable plant.     

Genetic diversity of the threatened Chinese endemic plant,Sinowilsonia henryi Hemsi. (Hamamelidaceae), revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers

Sinowilsonia henryi Hemsi., the only representative of the monotypic genus Sinowilsonia Hemsi. (Hamamelidaceae), is a threatened plant endemic to China with high phylogenetical, ecological and economical values. In the present study, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were employed to investigate the genetic diversity and differentiation of 214 individuals sampled from 14 populations. Fifteen selected primers yielded a total of 178 bright and discernible bands. The genetic diversity was low at the population level (h = 0.1025; I = 0.1506; PPL = 26.7%), but quite high at the species level (h = 0.2449; I = 0.3690; PPL = 72.5%). In line with the limited gene flow (N_m = 0.3537), the hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed pronounced genetic differentiation among populations (Φ_ST = 0.6639). Furthermore, the Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances among populations (r = 0.688, P = 0.001), indicating the role of geographic isolation in shaping its present population genetic structure. The present patterns of genetic diversity of S. henryi were assumed to result largely from its evolutionary history and geographic factors. Based on these findings, conservation strategies were proposed to preserve this threatened plant.     

The distribution of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and the phylogenetic identity of symbiotic dinoflagellates in cnidarian hosts from the Mexican Caribbean

A survey of 54 species of symbiotic cnidarians that included hydrozoan corals, anemones, gorgonians and scleractinian corals was conducted in the Mexican Caribbean for the presence of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in the host as well as the Symbiodinium fractions. The host fractions contained relatively simple MAA profiles, all harbouring between one and three MAAs, principally mycosporine-glycine followed by shinorine and porphyra-334 in smaller amounts. Symbiodinium populations were identified to sub-generic levels using PCR-DGGE analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) region. Regardless of clade identity, all Symbiodinium extracts contained MAAs, in contrast to the pattern that has been found in cultures of Symbiodinium, where clade A symbionts produced MAAs whereas clade B, C, D, and E symbionts did not. Under natural conditions between one and four MAAs were identified in the symbiont fractions, mycosporine-glycine (λ_max = 310 nm), shinorine (λ_max = 334 nm), porphyra-334 (λ_max = 334 nm) and palythine (λ_max = 320 nm). One sample also contained mycosporine-2-glycine (λ_max = 331 nm). These data suggest that Symbiodinium is restricted to producing five MAAs and there also appears to be a defined order of appearance of these MAAs: mycosporine-glycine followed by shinorine (in one case mycosporine-2-glycine), then porphyra-334 and palythine. Overall, mycosporine-glycine was found in highest concentrations in the host and symbiont extracts. This MAA, unlike many other MAAs, absorbs within the ultraviolet-B range (UVB, 280-320 nm) and is also known for moderate antioxidant properties thus potentially providing protection against the direct and indirect effects of UVR. No depth-dependent changes could be identified due to a high variability of MAA concentrations when all species were included in the analysis. The presence of at least one MAA in all symbiont and host fractions analyzed serves to highlight the importance of MAAs, and in particular the role of mycosporine-glycine, as photoprotectants in the coral reef environment.     

Enhanced Detection of Tuberculous Mycobacteria in Animal Tissues Using a Semi-Nested Probe-Based Real-Time PCR

Bovine tuberculosis has been tackled for decades by costly eradication programs in most developed countries, involving the laboratory testing of tissue samples from allegedly infected animals for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) members, namely Mycobacterium bovis. Definitive diagnosis is usually achieved by bacteriological culture, which may take up to 6–12 weeks, during which the suspect animal carcass and herd are under sanitary arrest. In this work, a user-friendly DNA extraction protocol adapted for tissues was coupled with an IS6110-targeted semi-nested duplex real-time PCR assay to enhance the direct detection of MTC bacteria in animal specimens, reducing the time to achieve a diagnosis and, thus, potentially limiting the herd restriction period. The duplex use of a novel β-actin gene targeted probe, with complementary targets in most mammals, allowed the assessment of amplification inhibitors in the tissue samples. The assay was evaluated with a group of 128 fresh tissue specimens collected from bovines, wild boars, deer and foxes. Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from 57 of these samples. Overall, the full test performance corresponds to a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 98.2% (CI_P95% 89.4–99.9%) and 88.7% (CI_P95% 78.5–94.7%), respectively. An observed kappa coefficient was estimated in 0.859 (CI_P95% 0.771–0.948) for the overall agreement between the semi-nested PCR assay and the bacteriological culture. Considering only bovine samples (n = 69), the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were estimated in 100% (CI_P95% 84.0–100%) and 97.7% (CI_P95% 86.2–99.9%), respectively. Eight negative culture samples exhibiting TB-like lesions were detected by the semi-nested real-time PCR, thus emphasizing the increased potential of this molecular approach to detect MTC-infected animal tissues. This novel IS6110-targeted assay allows the fast detection of tuberculous mycobacteria in animal specimens with very high sensitivity and specificity, being amenable and cost effective for use in the routine veterinary diagnostic laboratory with further automation possibilities.     

Low genetic diversity and significant structuring in the endangered Mentha cervina populations and its implications for conservation

Eighteen populations of the endangered aromatic and medicinal plant Mentha cervina (Lamiaceae) were sampled across its natural range, in the western half of the Iberian Peninsula, and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers were used to assess genetic diversity and population structure. M. cervina populations exhibited a relatively low genetic diversity (percentage of polymorphic loci PPB = 14.2–58.3%, Nei's genetic diversity H_e = 0.135–0.205, Shannon's information index I = 0.08 − 0.33). However, the genetic diversity at species level was relatively high (PPB = 98.3%; H_e = 0.325; I = 0.23). The results of the analysis of molecular variance indicated very structured populations, with 50% of the variance within populations, 44% among populations and 6% between regions defined by hydrographic basins, in line with the gene differentiation coefficient (G_ST = 0.532). A Mantel test did not find significant correlation between genetic and geographic distance matrices (r = 0.064), indicating that isolation by distance is not shaping the present genetic structure. The levels and patterns of genetic diversity in M. cervina populations were assumed to result largely from a combination of evolutionary history and its unique biological traits, such as breeding system, low capacity of dispersion, small effective size and habitat fragmentation. The high genetic differentiation among populations indicates the necessity of conserving the maximum possible number of populations. The results also provide information to select sites for ex situ conservation. Optimal harvesting strategies, cultivation and tissue culture should also be developed as soon as possible to guarantee sustainable use of the species under study.     

Genetic structure of refugial populations of the temperate plant Shortia rotundifolia (Diapensiaceae) on a subtropical island

Continental island systems harbour relict biota and populations that might have migrated during glacial periods due to the formation of landbridges. Here we analysed the genetic structure of relict populations of the temperate plant Shortia rotundifolia on the subtropical island of Iriomotejima, Japan. This plant, which inhabits riparian environments, is designated “near threatened”. Only five extant populations have been found on the island. Our analyses of 10 nuclear microsatellite loci detected genetic diversity of H _E = 0.488 and H _O = 0.358 for all populations of S. rotundifolia on the island. A high inbreeding coefficient for all populations together (F _IS = 0.316) and each population separately (F _IS = 0.258–0.497) might be attributable to crossing among closely related descendants within a population, an idea that is supported by the relatedness coefficient. These results and an examination of the populations’ demographic histories suggest that the extant populations on Iriomotejima have not experienced a recent population bottleneck. The five extant populations were genetically differentiated (F _ST = 0.283; P < 0.001), suggesting low seed dispersal by gravity and/or low pollen flow via pollinators in the riparian environment. In addition, population differentiation was not related to genetic distance, implying that at one time, ancestral populations might have been distributed over a wider area of the island. However, population fragmentation and range contraction might have occurred at random during the postglacial period.     

Forest Fragmentation Alters the Population Dynamics of a Late‐successional Tropical Tree

Tropical late‐successional tree species are at high risk of local extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Population‐growth rates in fragmented populations are predicted to decline as a result of reduced fecundity, survival and growth. We examined the demographic effects of habitat fragmentation by comparing the population dynamics of the late‐successional tree Poulsenia armata (Moraceae) in southern Mexico between a continuous forest and several forest fragments using integral projection models (IPMs) during 2010–2012. Forest fragmentation did not lead to differences in population density and even resulted in a higher population‐growth rate (λ) in fragments compared to continuous forests. Habitat fragmentation had drastic effects on the dynamics of P. armata, causing the population structure to shift toward smaller sizes. Fragmented populations experienced a significant decrease in juvenile survival and growth compared to unaltered populations. Adult survival and growth made the greatest relative contributions to λ in both habitat types during 2011–2012. However, the relative importance of juvenile survival and growth to λ was highest in the fragmented forest in 2010–2011. Our Life Table Response Experiment analysis revealed that positive contributions of adult fecundity explained most of the variation of λ between both habitats and annual periods. Finally, P. armata has a relatively slow speed of recovery after disturbances, compromising persistence of fragmented populations. Developing a mechanistic understanding of how forest fragmentation affects plant population dynamics, as done here, will prove essential for the preservation of natural areas.     

Disproportionate thermophysiological strain between intensively- and extensively-managed goats during summer

Goat keeping is feasible for smallholder farmers in many world regions especially those best suited for extensive management. However, summertime grazing in arid zones entails major challenges to animal thermoregulation and well-being. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the thermoregulatory performance and selected hemogramic parameters in intensively (INT) or extensively (EXT) managed goat kids (N = 14). We applied a previously established technique to evaluate body thermal state of freely ranging animals, in which contemporaneous temperatures of the core (T_c) and periphery (T_p) are chronically recorded. Animals were initially kept for 12 days under INT management. Subsequently, seven animals were transferred to a grazing pasture and gradually transitioned over a four-day acclimatization period, then kept for the last 22 days under EXT conditions. Water drinking was limited to twice daily in both groups. Excessive solar radiation-induced heat load – with daytime black globe temperatures (T_bg) often exceeding 40 °C – under EXT was primarily responsible (r² = 0.49; P < 0.05) for 0.57 and 1.72 °C rises in T_c and T_p, respectively, over INT kids. Unlike the typically biphasic pattern noticed for daily temperatures of both body sites in INT goats, that of EXT counterparts became rather polyphasic, whereby water drinking had drastic and prolonged thermolytic effect, inducing 0.40–0.41 and 0.79–1.45 °C declines in T_c and T_p, on midday and afternoon watering bouts, respectively. Despite indication for added daytime heat load, EXT goats displayed lower early morning T_c than INT. All animals exhibited hypohydration, as reflected by rises in hematocrit, serum osmolality, albumin, potassium, and sodium, being more pronounced in EXT conditions. Results emphasize the excessive thermophysiological strain facing grazing animals in arid zones during the summer.     

Serum Homocysteine Concentration Is Significantly Associated with Inflammatory/Immune Factors

Recent studies suggest that serum homocysteine (HCY) level is correlated to inflammatory/immune factors that influence the development and progression of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. However, the association between serum HCY level and inflammatory/immune factors in healthy populations has not been systematically investigated. This study was conducted based on the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES) project. After comprehensive baseline analysis, we could not find any significant association between HCY level and inflammatory/immune factors. However, in the next linear regression analysis, serum C4 [age-adjusted: Beta = -0.053, 95%CI = (-3.798, -0.050), P = 0.044; multivariate adjusted: Beta = -0.064, 95%CI = (-4.271, -0.378), P = 0.019] and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration [unadjusted: Beta = 0.056, 95%CI = (0.037, 0.740), P = 0.030] were positively related with HCY. In further binary regression analysis, a significant correlation was confirmed for C4 and HCY [age-adjusted: OR = 0.572, 95%CI = (0.359, 0.911); multivariate adjusted: OR = 0.558, 95%CI = (0.344, 0.905)]. In order to discover more potential associations, multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied and suggested that HCY and C4 were significantly correlated [age-adjusted: OR = 0.703, 95%CI = (0.519, 0.951); multivariate adjusted: OR = 0.696, 95%CI = (0.509, 0.951)]. In addition, immunoglobulin M (IgM) may influence the HCY level to some extent [unadjusted: OR = 1.427, 95%CI = (1.052, 1.936); age-adjusted: OR = 1.446, 95%CI = (1.061, 1.970); multivariate adjusted: OR = 1.447, 95%CI = (1.062, 1.973)]. Combining our results with recent studies, we propose that C4, CRP, and IgM in serum are significantly associated with HCY concentration. Further studies are needed on the mechanism of the interaction, especially among cardiovascular disease subjects.     

Novel knowledge-based treatment planning model for hypofractionated radiotherapy of prostate cancer patients

PurposeTo demonstrate the strength of an innovative knowledge-based model-building method for radiotherapy planning using hypofractionated, multi-target prostate patients.Material and methodsAn initial RapidPlan model was trained using 48 patients who received 60 Gy to prostate (PTV60) and 44 Gy to pelvic nodes (PTV44) in 20 fractions. To improve the model's goodness-of-fit, an intermediate model was generated using the dose-volume histograms of best-spared organs-at-risk (OARs) of the initial model. Using the intermediate model and manual tweaking, all 48 cases were re-planned. The final model, trained using these re-plans, was validated on 50 additional patients. The validated final model was used to determine any planning advantage of using three arcs instead of two on 16 VMAT cases and tested on 25 additional cases to determine efficacy for single-PTV (PTV60-only) treatment planning.ResultsFor model validation, PTV V_95% of 99.9% was obtained by both clinical and knowledge-based planning. D_1% was lower for model plans: by 1.23 Gy (PTV60, CI = [1.00, 1.45]), and by 2.44 Gy (PTV44, CI = [1.72, 3.16]). OAR sparing was superior for knowledge-based planning: ΔD_mean = 3.70 Gy (bladder, CI = [2.83, 4.57]), and 3.22 Gy (rectum, CI = [2.48, 3.95]); ΔD_2% = 1.17 Gy (bowel bag, CI = [0.64, 1.69]), and 4.78 Gy (femoral heads, CI = [3.90, 5.66]). Using three arcs instead of two, improvements in OAR sparing and PTV coverage were statistically significant, but of magnitudes < 1 Gy. The model failed at reliable DVH predictions for single PTV plans.ConclusionsOur knowledge-based model delivers efficient, consistent plans with excellent PTV coverage and improved OAR sparing compared to clinical plans.