Sunlight and red to far-red ratio impact germination of tropical montane cloud forest species

Context: Australia’s tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) exhibit exceptional species richness and endemism. Determinants of regeneration via seed of these species are next to unknown, limiting our ability to quantify and project their vulnerability to climate change. The ratio of red to far-red light (R:FR) has been shown to influence seed germination of many tropical species.Aims: We investigated germination of six previously unstudied TMCF species in relation to the presence or absence of light (light/dark) and light quality (R:FR). We hypothesised that increased R:FR would lead to increased germination and that small-seeded species would be more likely to have a light requirement and be less sensitive to R:FR compared to larger-seeded species.Methods: Sunlight and polyester filters were used to create a gradient of R:FR ranging from 0.1 to 1.14. Seeds were also sown in constant darkness.Key results: Across species we saw varying germination responses. Three of the four smallest-seeded species exhibited an absolute light requirement for germination and did not discriminate between different R:FR. Germination of the small-seeded TMCF endemic Dracophyllum increased exponentially with increasing R:FR. Germination of the largest-seeded species was inhibited by both low and high R:FR, and germination was higher in constant darkness than diurnal light/dark. All six species were able to germinate at remarkably low R:FR values.Conclusions: Light affects seed germination of Australia’s TMCF plant species in a variety of ways.Implications: The findings of this study provide insights into plant recruitment in situ, and the acclimation potential of these species under reduced R:FR predicted for the future

12-Month progression of motor and functional outcomes in congenital myotonic dystrophy

Background: We aim to describe 12-mo functional and motor outcome performance in a cohort of participants with congenital myotonic dystrophy (CDM). Methods: CDM participants performed the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 10 Meter Run, 4 Stair Climb, Grip Strength, and Lip Force at baseline and 12-mo visits. Parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. Results: Forty-seven participants, aged 0 to 13 y old, with CDM were enrolled. 6MWT, 10 Meter Run, and 4 Stair Climb were completed in \u3e85% of eligible participants. The only significant difference between mean baseline and 12-mo performance was an improvement in 6MWT in children 3-6 y old (P =.008). This age group also had the largest mean % improvement in performance in all other timed functional testing. In children \u3e7 y, the slope of change on timed functional tests decreased or plateaued, with further reductions in performance in children ≥10 y. Participants with CTG repeat lengths \u3c500 did not perform differently than those with repeat lengths \u3e1000. Conclusions: The 6MWT, 10 Meter Run, and 4 Stair Climb were the most feasible measures. Our findings are consistent with the clinical profile and prior cross-sectional data, helping to establish reasonable expectations of functional trajectories in this population as well as identifying points in which therapeutic interventions may be best studied. Further study of outcomes in children \u3e10 y old and \u3c3 y is warranted, but this new information will assist planning of clinical trials in the CDM population

Concomitant iGlarLixi and Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor Therapy in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: LixiLan-G Trial and Real-World Evidence Results

Introduction: iGlarLixi, the once-daily fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/ml and lixisenatide, robustly improves glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes irrespective of previous treatment [oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs), basal insulin or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs)]. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a recommended treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and/or heart failure because of their cardio- and renoprotective benefits. Herein, we assessed the effects of concomitant iGlarLixi and SGLT2i therapy. Methods: We conducted subgroup analyses according to SGLT2i use in: (1) adults with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 RAs and OADs switching to iGlarLixi in the 26-week LixiLan-G randomised controlled trial (RCT; NCT02787551) and (2) adults switching to or adding iGlarLixi in a 6-month, retrospective real-world evidence (RWE) observational study using data from the US Optum-Humedica electronic medical records database. Changes in HbA1c and hypoglycaemia prevalence and event rates were assessed. Results: There were no major differences in baseline characteristics for those who initiated iGlarLixi while already using SGLT2i (n = 346) and those initiating iGlarLixi without concomitant SGLT2i therapy (n = 1285). HbA1c reductions from baseline to time of assessment and hypoglycaemia prevalence and event rates were similar for iGlarLixi users regardless of SGLT2i therapy. Conclusion: Evidence from an RCT and an RWE analysis supports the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of iGlarLixi when used concomitantly with SGLT2i. Trial Registration: NCT02787551

A research agenda for seed-trait functional ecology

Trait-based approaches have improved our understanding of plant evolution, community assembly and ecosystem functioning. A major challenge for the upcoming decades is to understand the functions and evolution of early life-history traits, across levels of organization and ecological strategies. Although a variety of seed traits are critical for dispersal, persistence, germination timing and seedling establishment, only seed mass has been considered systematically. Here we suggest broadening the range of morphological, physiological and biochemical seed traits to add new understanding on plant niches, population dynamics and community assembly. The diversity of seed traits and functions provides an important challenge that will require international collaboration in three areas of research. First, we present a conceptual framework for a seed ecological spectrum that builds upon current understanding of plant niches. We then lay the foundation for a seed-trait functional network, the establishment of which will underpin and facilitate trait-based inferences. Finally, we anticipate novel insights and challenges associated with incorporating diverse seed traits into predictive evolutionary ecology, community ecology and applied ecology. If the community invests in standardized seed-trait collection and the implementation of rigorous databases, major strides can be made at this exciting frontier of functional ecology

A research agenda for seed-trait functional ecology

Trait-based approaches have improved our understanding of plant evolution, community assembly and ecosystem functioning. A major challenge for the upcoming decades is to understand the functions and evolution of early life-history traits, across levels of organization and ecological strategies. Although a variety of seed traits are critical for dispersal, persistence, germination timing and seedling establishment, only seed mass has been considered systematically. Here we suggest broadening the range of morphological, physiological and biochemical seed traits to add new understanding on plant niches, population dynamics and community assembly. The diversity of seed traits and functions provides an important challenge that will require international collaboration in three areas of research. First, we present a conceptual framework for a seed ecological spectrum that builds upon current understanding of plant niches. We then lay the foundation for a seed-trait functional network, the establishment of which will underpin and facilitate trait-based inferences. Finally, we anticipate novel insights and challenges associated with incorporating diverse seed traits into predictive evolutionary ecology, community ecology and applied ecology. If the community invests in standardized seed-trait collection and the implementation of rigorous databases, major strides can be made at this exciting frontier of functional ecology.Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Grant Number: R‐90470‐0

Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, -3, -10, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 are associated with vascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes: The EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study

Impaired regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) may contribute to vascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes. We investigated associations between plasma MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, -10 and TIMP-1, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or microvascular complications in type 1 diabetic patients. We also evaluated to which extent these associations could be explained by low-grade inflammation (LGI) or endothelial dysfunction (ED). Methods: 493 type 1 diabetes patients (39.5 ± 9.9 years old, 51% men) from the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study were included. Linear regression analysis was applied to investigate differences in plasma levels of MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, -10, and TIMP-1 between patients with and without CVD, albuminuria or retinopathy. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, duration of diabetes, Hba1c and additionally for other cardiovascular risk factors including LGI and ED. Results: Patients with CVD (n = 118) showed significantly higher levels of TIMP-1 [β = 0.32 SD (95%CI: 0.12; 0.52)], but not of MMPs, than patients without CVD (n = 375). Higher plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-10 and TIMP-1 were associated with higher levels of albuminuria (p-trends were 0.028, 0.004, 0.005 and 0.001, respectively). Severity of retinopathy was significantly associated with higher levels of MMP-2 (p-trend = 0.017). These associations remained significant after further adjustment for markers of LGI and ED. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that impaired regulation of matrix remodeling by actions of MMP-2, -3 and-10 and TIMP-1 contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular complications in type 1 diabetes

Relationship Between Risk Factors and Mortality in Type 1 Diabetic Patients in Europe: The EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study (PCS)

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors for mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes

Investigating political brand reputation with qualitative projective techniques from the perspective of young adults

Capturing and understanding the images and reputations external stakeholders assign to brands can be confusing and challenging. This is reinforced by explicit calls for more pragmatic tools and methods to comprehend the external orientation of brands. We respond by investigating the applicability of qualitative projective techniques in exploration of the external current image and long-term reputation of the UK Conservative Party corporate brand from the perspective of young voters aged 18-24 years. This is achieved by comparing and contrasting the external brand images prior the 2015 UK General Election with the findings collected before the 2010 UK General Election. We demonstrate that qualitative projective techniques are useful applications to capture, deconstruct and understand current image and long-term reputation of political brands. Organisations including those beyond the political context will be able to use this paper as a guide to generate a deeper understanding of their brands image and consistency of their reputation

AusTraits, a curated plant trait database for the Australian flora

We introduce the AusTraits database - a compilation of values of plant traits for taxa in the Australian flora (hereafter AusTraits). AusTraits synthesises data on 448 traits across 28,640 taxa from field campaigns, published literature, taxonomic monographs, and individual taxon descriptions. Traits vary in scope from physiological measures of performance (e.g. photosynthetic gas exchange, water-use efficiency) to morphological attributes (e.g. leaf area, seed mass, plant height) which link to aspects of ecological variation. AusTraits contains curated and harmonised individual- and species-level measurements coupled to, where available, contextual information on site properties and experimental conditions. This article provides information on version 3.0.2 of AusTraits which contains data for 997,808 trait-by-taxon combinations. We envision AusTraits as an ongoing collaborative initiative for easily archiving and sharing trait data, which also provides a template for other national or regional initiatives globally to fill persistent gaps in trait knowledge

Pedigree analysis and monitoring of genetic diversity of nutrias (Myocastor coypus) included in the Genetic Resources Conservation Programme in Poland

Pomimo objęcia nutrii programem ochrony zasobów genetycznych zwierząt gospodarskich w Polsce, liczba samic pozostających pod oceną wartości użytkowej i hodowlanej od kilku lat utrzymuje się na poziomie poniżej 500 sztuk. Mała liczebność stad nutrii i wzrost pokrewieństwa między osobnikami zwiększa ryzyko chowu wsobnego. Celem podjętych badań była analiza rodowodów i monitoring różnorodności genetycznej krajowej populacji nutrii objętych programem ochrony zasobów genetycznych zwierząt gospodarskich. Badaniami objęto 332 nutrie różnych odmian: standardowej, czarnej dominującej, grenlandzkiej, perłowej, bursztynowozłocistej oraz pastelowej, utrzymywane na trzech fermach (Ferma A, Ferma B, Ferma C), w których prowadzona jest ocena wartości użytkowej i hodowlanej. Średni współczynnik pokrewieństwa dla wszystkich przeanalizowanych osobników przyjął wartość 0,0140, natomiast w obrębie badanych ferm następujące wartości: Ferma A – 0,1289, Ferma B – 0,0766, Ferma C – 0,0282. Wśród odmian barwnych nutrie perłowe charakteryzowały się najwyższym współczynnikiem pokrewieństwa (0,3136), a standardowe najniższym (0,0425). Zaobserwowano również interakcje pomiędzy fermami, jak i odmianami barwnymi. Jednak współczynnik pokrewieństwa pomiędzy nimi przyjmował w większości średnie wartości poniżej 0,01. Spośród 332 analizowanych osobników 16 miało współczynnik inbredu większy od zera (maks. 0,1875, min. 0,0312). Dotyczyło to 13 zwierząt z Fermy C i 3 z Fermy B. Zwierzęta te reprezentowały odmianę czarną dominującą (10 szt.), standardową (3 szt.) i grenlandzką (3 szt.). Pomimo niewielkiej liczebności stad nutrii w Polsce współczynniki pokrewieństwa i inbredu pozostają na niskim poziomie, a kojarzenia zwierząt zachodzą zgodnie z ustalonymi normami. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań można stwierdzić, że dotychczasowa praca hodowlana prowadzona była prawidłowo.Although nutrias are included in the Farm Animal Genetic Resources Conservation Programme in Poland, the number of females subject to evaluation of breeding and use value has remained under 500 for several years. Small herd size and a growing degree of relationship between individuals increase the risk of inbreeding. The aim of the research was to analyse the pedigrees and monitor the genetic diversity of the nutria population covered by the Farm Animal Genetic Resources Conservation Programme in Poland. The study included 332 nutrias of different varieties – standard, black, Greenland, pearl, amber-gold and pastel – raised on three farms (A, B and C) on which use and breeding value are evaluated. The average coefficient of relationship was 0.0140 for all analysed individuals, and for the three farms as follows: farm A – 0.1289, farm B – 0.0766 and farm C – 0.0282. Among the colour varieties, the highest coefficient of relationship was observed in pearl (0.3136) and the lowest in standard (0.0425). Interactions between farms and between colour varieties of nutria were also observed. However, the average coefficient of relationship in most cases was below 0.01. Among the 332 individuals analysed 16 had a coefficient of inbreeding higher than zero (max. 0.1875, min. 0.0312) – 13 from farm C and 3 from Farm B. These animals represented the black (10 ind.), standard (3 ind.) and Greenland (3 ind.) coat colour variants. Despite the small size of nutria herds in Poland the coefficients of relationship and inbreeding remain low. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that breeding work has been carried out properly