bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plusoptix photoscreener use for paediatric vision screening in Flanders and Iran
Authors: Rostamzad Parinaz , Horwood Anna M. , Schalij‐Delfos Nicoline E. , Boelaert Kristel , de Koning Harry J. , Simonsz Huibert J.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Photoscreening assesses risk factors for amblyopia, as an alternative to measurement of visual acuity (VA) to detect amblyopia, on the premise that its early correction could prevent development of amblyopia. We studied implementations of Plusoptix photoscreening in existing population‐based screening in Flanders and Iran.

Methods

In Flanders, VA is measured at age 3, 4 and 6, photoscreening was added to existing screening at age 1 and 2.5 years in 2013. In Iran, VA is measured at ages 3–6 years, photoscreening was added at ages 3–6 years between 2011 and 2016. Plusoptix use was analysed in the literature for detection of risk factors for amblyopia and amblyopia itself, for ages 0–3 and for 4–6. A questionnaire, containing seven domains: existing vision screening, addition of photoscreening, implementation in screening program, training, attendance, diagnosis and treatment, and costs was distributed. In Iran, screening procedures were observed on site.

Results

Implementation of Plusoptix photoscreening was mainly analysed from questionnaires and interviews, its effectiveness from literature data. In Flanders, of 56 759 children photoscreened at age one (81% of children born in 2013), 9.2% had been referred, 13% of these were treated, mostly with glasses, resulting in an increase of 4‐year‐old children wearing glasses from 4.7% to 6.4%. In Iran, 90% of children aged 3–6 years participated in vision screening in 2016, but only those who failed the vision test were subjected to photoscreening.

Conclusions

In Flanders, the use of Plusoptix photoscreening at ages 1 and 2.5 resulted in an increase of children wearing glasses, but it remains unknown how many cases of amblyopia have been prevented. Studies are needed to determine the relation between size and sort of refractive error and strabismus, and the increased chance to develop amblyopia.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of trabecular meshwork gene expression data to unravel the molecular pathogenesis of primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Liesenborghs Ilona , Eijssen Lars M. T. , Kutmon Martina , Gorgels Theo G. M. F. , Evelo Chris T. , Beckers Henny J. M. , Webers Carroll A. B. , Schouten Johannes S. A. G.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Performing bioinformatics analyses using trabecular meshwork (TM) gene expression data in order to further elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), and to identify candidate target genes.

Methods

A systematic search in Gene Expression Omnibus and ArrayExpress was conducted, and quality control and preprocessing of the data was performed with ArrayAnalysis.org. Molecular pathway overrepresentation analysis was performed with PathVisio using pathway content from three pathway databases: WikiPathways, KEGG and Reactome. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed on the gene expression data. The significantly changed pathways were clustered into functional categories which were combined into a network of connected genes.

Results

Ninety‐two significantly changed pathways were clustered into five functional categories: extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation, complement activation, senescence and Rho GTPase signalling. ECM included pathways involved in collagen, actin and cell–matrix interactions. Inflammation included pathways entailing NF‐κB and arachidonic acid. The network analysis showed that several genes overlap between the inflammation cluster on the one hand, and the ECM, complement activation and senescence clusters on the other hand. GO analysis, identified additional clusters, related to development and corticosteroids.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview of the processes involved in the molecular pathogenesis of POAG in the TM. The results show good face validity and confirm findings from histological, biochemical, genome‐wide association and transcriptomics studies. The identification of known points of action for drugs, such as Rho GTPase, arachidonic acid, NF‐κB, prostaglandins and corticosteroid clusters, supports the value of this approach to identify potential drug targets.
Foster homes for neglected children with severe obesity—Debated but rarely studied
Authors: Regber Susann , Jormfeldt Henrika
Published: June 2019

Aim

To explore current research and theoretical articles on foster home placement of children with severe obesity.

Methods

An integrative literature review. Literature searches in six electronic databases included theoretical, quantitative and qualitative articles and case reports published in English (2008‐2018) on the topic of severe childhood obesity and foster home placement.

Results

Seventeen selected papers included six theoretical articles, nine quantitative studies, one qualitative study and one case report. Eight of the nine quantitative studies did not specify the grading of obesity in children in foster care. The case report and the qualitative study showed distinct and sustainable body mass index (BMI) reductions after a child had been placed in foster care. Five theoretical articles justified foster care placement when chronic parental neglect led to severe obesity in the child, while one article emphasised the opposite.

Conclusion

Parental and societal neglect of children with severe obesity placed in a foster home is rarely studied or the exclusive aim of research. The views of the children themselves are lacking in research articles, as well as the child’s right to health obligations concerning children with severe obesity.
Neuropeptide Y Gene × Environment Interaction Predicts Resilience and Positive Future Focus
Authors: Gan Yiqun , Chen Yidi , Han Xiao , Yu Nancy Xiaonan , Wang Li
Published: June 2019

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the NPY rs16147 polymorphism interacts with the environment to have an impact on resilience and positive future focus.

Methods

In Study 1, 1,140 earthquake survivors were evaluated; self‐reported trauma exposure level and resilience were reported. Study 2 included 2,370 company employees and university students; information regarding self‐reported early stressful life events and positive future focus were obtained.

Results

In both studies, the results showed a significant effect of interaction between the NPY rs16147 polymorphism and the level of stress on resilience. In Study 1, the T allele carriers reported consistent levels of resilience in low, moderate, and high levels of trauma exposure. In Study 2, the T genotype was associated with higher levels of positive future focus following early adversity.

Conclusions

Our findings are discussed in light of the differential post‐stress growth hypothesis.
Effects of electrical stimulation and pre‐rigor conditioning temperature on aging potential of hot‐boned beef M. longissimus lumborum
Authors: Balan Prabhu , Farouk Mustafa M. , Stuart Adam D. , Kemp Robert , Staincliffe Maryaan , Craige Cameron , Kim Yuan H. B.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this study was to create various pH/temp decline rates in hot‐boned bull beef M. longissimus lumborum (LL) through a combination of electrical stimulation (ES) and pre‐rigor holding temperature. The relationship between the pre‐rigor interventions, the activities of µ‐calpain and small heat shock proteins (sHSP), and the impacts on meat product quality were determined. Paired LL loins from 13 bulls were hot‐boned within 40 min of slaughter, immediately ES and subjected to various holding temperatures (5, 15, 25, and 35°C) for 3 hr. The rate of muscle pH decline, sarcomere length, shear force, and proteolysis of muscle proteins were measured. ES‐25°C had a longer sarcomere length compared to non‐electrical stimulation samples. ES‐25°C and ES‐35°C samples had lower shear force values, higher µ‐calpain activity and higher desmin, troponin‐T, and sHSP degradation. The above findings suggest that pH/temp decline rates created in hot‐boned muscle impacted muscle protein proteolysis by increasing the activity of proteases and degradation of sHSP.
Influences of fermentation and ripening temperatures on the enzymatic activity and physicochemical and sensory properties of salted egg white sufu
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chao , Wang Wei‐Ting , Chen Wen‐Shyan , Tan Fa‐Jui
Published: June 2019

This study developed a novel form of sufu. Salted egg white sufu (SEWS) was produced by fermenting steamed salted egg white with douchi koji and ripening at 25°C, 35°C, or 45°C for 19 days. The results show that the protease activity of the koji reduced pronouncedly during fermentation, whereas the one in the SEWS initially increased but subsequently decreased. The total nitrogen and amino nitrogen contents and degree of protein hydrolysis increased during fermentation and decreased during preripening. SEWS, particularly processed at 35°C, contained more free amino acids, notably glutamic acid and leucine, than steamed salted egg white did. After processing, SEWS had darker colors, particularly when manufactured at higher temperatures, and hardness and springiness decreased. The 35°C and 45°C SEWS had higher sensory acceptability. In conclusion, ripening at 35°C for 19 days is recommended for producing this novel animal protein‐based sufu.
Trapped between Promise and Reality in Colombia's Victims' Law: Reflections on Reparations, Development and Social Justice
Authors: WEBER SANNE
Published: June 2019

Colombia's 2011 Victims' Law aims to return land to millions of internally displaced people and assist survivors in the difficult process of rebuilding their lives through individual and collective reparations. This article analyses the expectations, experiences and needs of two campesino communities involved in this process. Drawing on nine months of fieldwork using ethnographic and participatory visual methods, the article critically engages with transitional justice theory on transformative reparations, and identifies key lessons for the Colombian government to make the Victims' Law live up to its promise of transforming survivors' lives and restoring their trust in the state.
(Re)Productive Discourses: Media Coverage of Children Born of War in Colombia
Authors: SANCHEZ PARRA TATIANA , LO IACONO SERGIO
Published: June 2019

Children born as a result of wartime sexual violence have not gained a place in the stories covered by the Colombian media. Based on an extensive content analysis (using the software MAXQDA 12) of newspaper articles published between 1990 and 2015, ethnographic content analysis, and drawing upon feminist critical discourse analysis, this paper explores how information about these children is presented as part of storylines that use the explanatory framework of sexual violence as a weapon of war. In those storylines, children emerge not as independent subjects but as part of social representations of female victims of wartime sexual violence and male perpetrators.
Association between contact sports participation and chronic traumatic encephalopathy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bieniek Kevin F. , Blessing Melissa M. , Heckman Michael G. , Diehl Nancy N. , Serie Amanda M. , Paolini Michael A. , Boeve Bradley F. , Savica Rodolfo , Reichard R. Ross , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: June 2019

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder associated with repetitive traumatic brain injuries often sustained through prior contact sport participation. The frequency of this disorder in a diverse population, including amateur athletes, is unknown. Primary historical obituary and yearbook records were queried for 2566 autopsy cases in the Mayo Clinic Tissue Registry resulting in identification of 300 former athletes and 450 non‐athletes. In these cases, neocortical tissue was screened for tau pathology with immunohistochemistry, including pathology consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, blinded to exposure or demographic information. Using research infrastructure of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a comprehensive and established medical records‐linkage system of care providers in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, medical diagnostic billing codes pertaining to head trauma, dementia, movement disorders, substance abuse disorders and psychiatric disorders were recorded for cases and controls in a blinded manner. A total of 42 individuals had pathology consistent with, or features of, chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It was more frequent in athletes compared to non‐athletes (27 cases versus 15 cases) and was largely observed in men (except for one woman). For contact sports, American football had the highest frequency of chronic traumatic encephalopathy pathology (15% of cases) and an odds ratio of 2.62 (P‐value = 0.005). Cases with chronic traumatic encephalopathy pathology had higher frequencies of antemortem clinical features of dementia, psychosis, movement disorders and alcohol abuse compared to cases without chronic traumatic encephalopathy pathology. Understanding the frequency of chronic traumatic encephalopathy pathology in a large autopsy cohort with diverse exposure backgrounds provides a baseline for future prospective studies assessing the epidemiology and public health impact of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and sports‐related repetitive head trauma.
Federalism and university governance in Canada
Authors: Eastman Julia , Jones Glen A. , Bégin‐Caouette Olivier , Noumi Christian , Trottier Claude
Published: June 2019

There is increasing interest in how universities are governed, externally and internally (Austin and Jones 2016). Drawing on a comparative case study of the governance of six major Canadian universities and the literature, this article describes the impact of federal research and innovation policy and programs on universities and reflects on Ottawa's role. We suggest that the federal government participates in the external governance of universities, but in a way that differs significantly from provincial governments. Canadian federalism appears to be generally beneficial for university autonomy and examination of its operation sheds light on factors that enable universities to sustain their autonomy.
Comment faire «worker out»la délibération publique dans un contexte de rapports linguistiques complexes: spécificités des instruments délibératifs au Nouveau‐Brunswick
Authors: Paulin Christine C.
Published: June 2019

Sommaire

Cette recherche met l’accent sur la dimension des rapports linguistiques complexes (comme au Nouveau‐Brunswick, seule province officiellement bilingue au Canada) et souligne les conditions d’optimisation associées à l’ingénierie des instruments délibératifs, à leur mise en œuvre et aux processus décisionnels qui en découlent. Pour ce faire, notre regard s’est principalement posé sur les éléments qui freinent l’efficacité de ces dispositifs, notamment en termes d’élaboration des politiques publiques. Deux dimensions ou conditions de succès ressortent de notre analyse : 1) la dimension substantive qui se rapporte au rôle de bilinguisation de l’instrument et 2) la dimension processuelle qui s’intéresse à la question de la saisine – le rôle de l’instigateur et du porteur de l’instrument.
Novel strategy of ovarian cancer implantation: Pre‐invasive growth of fibrin‐anchored cells with neovascularization
Authors: Matsuoka Ayumi , Mizumoto Yasunari , Ono Masanori , Kagami Kyosuke , Obata Takeshi , Terakawa Junpei , Maida Yoshiko , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Daikoku Takiko , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Although direct adhesion of cancer cells to the mesothelial cell layer is considered to be a key step for peritoneal invasion of ovarian cancer cell masses (OCM), we recently identified a different strategy for the peritoneal invasion of OCM. In 6 out of 20 cases of ovarian carcinoma, extraperitoneal growth of the OCM was observed along with the neovascularization of feeding vessels, which connect the intraperitoneal host stroma and extraperitoneal lesions through the intact mesothelial cell layer. As an early step, the OCMs anchor in the extraperitoneal fibrin networks and then induce the migration of CD34‐positive and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A)‐positive endothelial cells, constructing extraperitoneal vascular networks around the OCM. During the extraperitoneal growth of OCM, podoplanin‐positive and α smooth muscle actin (αSMA)‐positive cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAF) appears. In more advanced lesions, the boundary line of mesothelial cells disappears around the insertion areas of feeding vessels and then extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal stroma are integrated, enabling the OCM to invade the host stroma, being associated with CAF. In addition, tissue factors (TF) are strongly detected around these peritoneal implantation sites and their levels in ascites were higher than that in blood. These findings demonstrate the presence of neovascularization around fibrin net‐anchored OCMs on the outer side of the intact peritoneal surface, suggesting a novel strategy for peritoneal invasion of ovarian cancer and TF‐targeted intraperitoneal anti‐cancer treatment. We observed and propose a novel strategy for peritoneal implantation of ovarian cancer. The strategy includes the preinvasive growth of fibrin‐anchored cancer cells along with neovascularization on the outer side of the intact peritoneal surface.
Empirical study on multiclass classification‐based network intrusion detection
Authors: Elmasry Wisam , Akbulut Akhan , Zaim Abdul Halim
Published: June 2019

Early and effective network intrusion detection is deemed to be a critical basis for cybersecurity domain. In the past decade, although a significant amount of work has focused on network intrusion detection, it is still a challenge to establish an intrusion detection system with a high detection rate and a relatively low false alarm rate. In this paper, we have performed a comprehensive empirical study on network intrusion detection as a multiclass classification task, not just to detect a suspicious connection but also to assign the correct type as well. To surpass the previous studies, we have utilized four deep learning models, namely, deep neural networks, long short‐term memory recurrent neural networks, gated recurrent unit recurrent neural networks, and deep belief networks. Our approach relies on the pretraining of the models by exploiting a particle swarm optimization–based algorithm for their hyperparameters selection. In order to investigate the performance differences, we also included two well‐known shallow learning methods, namely, decision forest and decision jungle. Furthermore, we used in our experiments four datasets, which are dedicated to intrusion detection systems to explore various environments. These datasets are KDD CUP 99, NSL‐KDD, CIDDS, and CICIDS2017. Moreover, 22 evaluation metrics are used to assess the model's performance in each of the datasets. Finally, intensive quantitative, Friedman test, and ranking methods analyses of our results are provided at the end of this paper. The results show a significant improvement in the detection of network attacks with our recommended approach.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akturk H. K. , Kahramangil D. , Sarwal A. , Hoffecker L. , Murad M. H. , Michels A. W.
Published: June 2019

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to understand the timing and factors associated with anti‐programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1)/anti‐programmed cell death protein‐1 ligand (PD‐L1) inhibitor‐induced Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Cochrane databases (August 2000–2018) for studies of any design on immune checkpoint inhibitors. A total of 71 cases were reviewed from 56 publications. Comparisons were made using Fisher's exact and Student's t‐tests.

Results

The mean ± sd age at Type 1 diabetes presentation was 61.7±12.2 years, 55% of cases were in men, and melanoma (53.5%) was the most frequent cancer. The median time to Type 1 diabetes onset was 49 (5–448) days with ketoacidosis in 76% of cases. The average ± sd HbA1c concentration was 62 ± 0.3 mmol/mol (7.84±1.0%) at presentation. All cases had insulin deficiency and required permanent exogenous insulin treatment. Half of the cases had Type 1 diabetes‐associated antibodies at presentation, and those with antibodies had a more rapid onset (P=0.005) and higher incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis (P=0.02) compared to people without antibodies.

Conclusions

Many people developed Type 1 diabetes within 3 months of initial PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor exposure. People presenting with Type 1 diabetes‐associated antibodies had a more rapid onset and higher incidence of ketoacidosis than those without antibodies. Healthcare providers caring for people receiving these state‐of‐the‐art therapies need to be aware of this potential severe adverse event.
Specific high affinity interaction of Helicobacter pylori CagL with integrin αVβ6 promotes type IV secretion of CagA into human cells
Authors: Buß Maren , Tegtmeyer Nicole , Schnieder Jennifer , Dong Xianchi , Li Jing , Springer Timothy A. , Backert Steffen , Niemann Hartmut H.
Published: June 2019

CagL is an essential pilus surface component of the virulence‐associated type IV secretion system (T4SS) employed by Helicobacter pylori to translocate the oncogenic effector protein CagA into human gastric epithelial cells. CagL contains an RGD motif and integrin α5β1 is widely accepted as its host cell receptor. Here, we show that CagL binds integrin αVβ6 with substantially higher affinity and that this interaction is functionally important. Cell surface expression of αVβ6 on various cell lines correlated perfectly with cell adhesion to immobilized CagL and with binding of soluble CagL to cells. We found no such correlation for α5β1. The purified αVβ6 ectodomain bound CagL with high affinity. This interaction was highly specific, as the affinity of CagL for other RGD‐binding integrins was two to three orders of magnitude weaker. Mutation of either conserved leucine in the CagL RGDLXXL motif, a motif that generally confers specificity for integrin αVβ6 and αVβ8, lowered the affinity of CagL for αVβ6. Stable expression of αVβ6 in αVβ6‐negative but α5β1‐expressing human cells promoted two hallmarks of the functional H. pylori T4SS, namely translocation of CagA into host cells and induction of interleukin‐8 secretion by host cells. These findings suggest that integrin αVβ6, although not essential for T4SS function, represents an important host cell receptor for CagL.
Terrestrial gross primary production: Using NIRV to scale from site to globe
Authors: Badgley Grayson , Anderegg Leander D. L. , Berry Joseph A. , Field Christopher B.
Published: June 2019

Terrestrial photosynthesis is the largest and one of the most uncertain fluxes in the global carbon cycle. We find that near‐infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRV), a remotely sensed measure of canopy structure, accurately predicts photosynthesis at FLUXNET validation sites at monthly to annual timescales (R2 = 0.68), without the need for difficult to acquire information about environmental factors that constrain photosynthesis at short timescales. Scaling the relationship between gross primary production (GPP) and NIRV from FLUXNET eddy covariance sites, we estimate global annual terrestrial photosynthesis to be 147 Pg C/year (95% credible interval 131–163 Pg C/year), which falls between bottom‐up GPP estimates and the top‐down global constraint on GPP from oxygen isotopes. NIRV‐derived estimates of GPP are systematically higher than existing bottom‐up estimates, especially throughout the midlatitudes. Progress in improving estimated GPP from NIRV can come from improved cloud screening in satellite data and increased resolution of vegetation characteristics, especially details about plant photosynthetic pathway.
Ocean acidification refugia in variable environments
Authors: Kapsenberg Lydia , Cyronak Tyler
Published: June 2019

Climate change refugia in the terrestrial biosphere are areas where species are protected from global environmental change and arise from natural heterogeneity in landscapes and climate. Within the marine realm, ocean acidification, or the global decline in seawater pH, remains a pervasive threat to organisms and ecosystems. Natural variability in seawater carbon dioxide (CO2) chemistry, however, presents an opportunity to identify ocean acidification refugia (OAR) for marine species. Here, we review the literature to examine the impacts of variable CO2 chemistry on biological responses to ocean acidification and develop a framework of definitions and criteria that connects current OAR research to management goals. Under the concept of managing vulnerability, the most likely mechanisms by which OAR can mitigate ocean acidification impacts are by reducing exposure to harmful conditions or enhancing adaptive capacity. While local management options, such as OAR, show some promise, they present unique challenges, and reducing global anthropogenic CO2 emissions must remain a priority.
Maximum carbon uptake rate dominates the interannual variability of global net ecosystem exchange
Authors: Fu Zheng , Stoy Paul C. , Poulter Benjamin , Gerken Tobias , Zhang Zhen , Wakbulcho Guta , Niu Shuli
Published: June 2019

Terrestrial ecosystems contribute most of the interannual variability (IAV) in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, but processes driving the IAV of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) remain elusive. For a predictive understanding of the global C cycle, it is imperative to identify indicators associated with ecological processes that determine the IAV of NEE. Here, we decompose the annual NEE of global terrestrial ecosystems into their phenological and physiological components, namely maximum carbon uptake (MCU) and release (MCR), the carbon uptake period (CUP), and two parameters, α and β, that describe the ratio between actual versus hypothetical maximum C sink and source, respectively. Using long‐term observed NEE from 66 eddy covariance sites and global products derived from FLUXNET observations, we found that the IAV of NEE is determined predominately by MCU at the global scale, which explains 48% of the IAV of NEE on average while α, CUP, β, and MCR explain 14%, 25%, 2%, and 8%, respectively. These patterns differ in water‐limited ecosystems versus temperature‐ and radiation‐limited ecosystems; 31% of the IAV of NEE is determined by the IAV of CUP in water‐limited ecosystems, and 60% of the IAV of NEE is determined by the IAV of MCU in temperature‐ and radiation‐limited ecosystems. The Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena (LPJ) model and the Multi‐scale Synthesis and Terrestrial Model Inter‐comparison Project (MsTMIP) models underestimate the contribution of MCU to the IAV of NEE by about 18% on average, and overestimate the contribution of CUP by about 25%. This study provides a new perspective on the proximate causes of the IAV of NEE, which suggest that capturing the variability of MCU is critical for modeling the IAV of NEE across most of the global land surface.
A global synthesis of fire effects on pollinators
Authors: Carbone Lucas M. , Tavella Julia , Pausas Juli G. , Aguilar Ramiro
Published: June 2019

Aim

Understanding fire effects on pollinators is critical in the context of fire regime changes and the global pollination crisis. Through a systematic and quantitative review of the literature, we provide the first global assessment of pollinator responses to fire. We hypothesize that pollinators increase after fire and during the early postfire succession stages; however, high fire frequency has the opposite effect, decreasing pollinators.

Location

Terrestrial ecosystems, excluding Antarctica.

Time period

Data collected from 1973 to 2017.

Major taxa studied

Insects (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera) and a few bird species.

Methods

We first compiled available studies across the globe that assessed fire effects on pollinator communities. Then, by means of hierarchical meta‐analyses, we evaluated how different fire regime parameters (fire frequency, postfire time and fire type) and habitat characteristics affect the abundance and richness of animals that act as pollinators. We also explored to what extent the responses vary among taxa groups and life history traits of pollinators (sociality system, nest location and feeding specialization), and among biomes.

Results

The overall effect size of fire on pollinator abundance and richness across all studies was positive. Fire effect was especially clear and significant in early postfire communities, after wildfires, and for Hymenoptera. Taxonomic resolution influenced fire effects, where only studies at the species/genus and family levels showed significant effects. The main exceptions were recurrent fires that showed a negative effect, and especially wildfire effects on Lepidoptera abundance that showed a significant negative response.

Main conclusions

Pollinators tend to be promoted after a wildfire event. However, short fire intervals may threat pollinators, and especially lepidopterans. Given the current fire regime changes at the global scale, it is imperative to monitor postfire pollinators across many ecosystems, as our results suggest that fire regime is critical in determining the dynamics of pollinator communities.
Reference range of clinical blood tests in physically independent patients of advanced age with groin hernia in a Japanese hospital
Authors: Matsuo Mitsuhiro , Tazawa Kenichi
Published: June 2019

Aim

The present study was carried out to determine the reference ranges of 43 frequently used blood tests in daily practice for physically independent patients of advanced age.

Methods

We identified all patients aged ≥20 years who underwent groin hernia repair at Itoigawa General Hospital in Niigata, Japan. The patients’ characteristics, preoperative data and prescribed medications were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical records.

Results

Of 284 patients, 266 with independence in activities of daily life were included in the present study: 72 were assigned to the younger adult group (age 20–64 years), 86 were assigned to the older adult group (age 65–74 years) and 108 were assigned to the advanced age group (age ≥75 years). Patients in the advanced age group had a lower body mass index, less alcohol consumption, more hypertension, lower respiratory function and higher frequency of multidrug therapy. The multiple regression analysis showed significant differences in albumin, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, cholinesterase, estimated glomerular filtration rate, uric acid, triglyceride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium and peripheral blood cell counts between the advanced age group and the other two age groups.

Conclusions

We identified age‐dependent changes in several blood tests among physically independent adults. These results will help to guide accurate interpretation of laboratory results and properly manage patients in geriatric medicine. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 780–785.
‘Just stuff yourself’: Identifying health‐promotion strategies from the perspectives of adolescent boys from disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Authors: Lems Eva , Hilverda Femke , Broerse Jacqueline E. W. , Dedding Christine
Published: June 2019

Context

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has risen dramatically in the last decade, disproportionally affecting adolescents from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Adolescent boys from disadvantaged neighbourhoods are hard to reach for health promotion.

Objective

This study aims to understand perceptions of health and health‐promotion strategies among adolescent boys from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in order to identify opportunities for health promotion that are better tailored to their needs.

Methods

A qualitative, participatory research approach was used. Sixty‐three adolescent boys (aged 12‐18) were recruited from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Semi‐structured interviews, participant observations and co‐creation sessions were conducted. Data were analysed using ethnographic content analysis.

Results

Boys associate the consumption of large portions of unhealthy foods, especially meat, with masculinity and autonomy. Buying junk food is an important part of their social lives. According to boys, current health promotion does not fit their needs. They stress that entertaining activities, humour and short‐term benefits of healthy choices must be central to health promotion. Some differing interests in health promotion appear between boys, but all boys plead for cheap, satisfying, tasty and healthy food options in their neighbourhoods.

Conclusions

Adolescent boys from disadvantaged neighbourhoods do see opportunities for health promotion. There is an emerging acceptance of boys taking care of their body and health, but the social norm of unhealthy consumption dominates. For health promoters, it is vital to gear health messages to who the boys are and wish to be, especially in relation to their peers.
Forest edges, tree diversity and tree identity change leaf miner diversity in a temperate forest
Authors: van Schrojenstein Lantman Irene M. , Hertzog Lionel R. , Vandegehuchte Martijn L. , Martel An , Verheyen Kris , Lens Luc , Bonte Dries
Published: June 2019

In forests, besides tree diversity, tree identity can determine herbivore species diversity. Herbivore species diversity can also depend on spatial factors, such as edge effects; however, empirical evidence for this remains scarce. Furthermore, patterns in herbivore diversity may differ between forest stand level and responses at individual tree species. It is therefore important to disentangle stand‐level patterns from associational responses specific to certain host species.

We studied the effects of edge distance, tree diversity and tree species composition on leaf miner abundance, richness and diversity in temperate forests. We disentangled leaf miners’ responses at stand level from those of miners associated with each of three individual tree species: Quercus robur L., Quercus rubra L. and Fagus sylvatica L.

We found that tree diversity increased stand‐level leaf miner richness and diversity. Fagus sylvatica and stand‐level leaf miner abundance increased closer to edges. This was suppressed at stand level in more diverse mixtures. Underlying tree diversity effects, stand‐level leaf miner metrics are strongly associated with tree species composition, due to many unique species found on F. sylvatica and Q. robur. Additionally, F. sylvatica experienced associational susceptibility to abundance in mixtures with Q. robur. Quercus robur experienced association susceptibility to miner richness in the mixture with Q. rubra.

Studying the herbivore community at different spatial scales is a first step towards better understanding tree identity effects underlying tree diversity effects. Our findings emphasise context dependency of positive diversity effects on herbivores in terms of edge effects and tree species composition.
The effect of grain boundary on the visible light absorption of BaTi1‐x[Ni1/2Nb1/2]xO3‐δ ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Lou Qiwei , Zeng Jiangtao , Man Zhenyong , Zheng Liaoying , Park Chulhong , Kassiba Abdelhadi , Liu Yun , Chen Xiaoming , Li Guorong
Published: June 2019

(Ni2+, Nb5+) co‐doped BaTiO3 ceramics BaTi1‐x(Ni1/2Nb1/2)xO3‐δ (BTNN‐100x) are prepared by a solid‐state reaction method, and their electrical and light absorption properties are investigated. The results show that BTNN‐100x can generate oxygen vacancies which pin the domain walls. BTNN‐100x bulk ceramics show strong visible light absorption. However, the phenomenon of visible light absorption disappear for BTNN‐100x ceramic powders, and the band gap of doped ceramic powders are nearly unchanged. The experiments demonstrate that stress and density have little effect on the band gap. And the grain boundary shows stronger cathodoluminescence (CL) emission. Actually, oxygen vacancies can be enriched at grain boundaries, and defect [Vo‐NiTi‐Vo] complex structures can be form and give rise to the visible light absorption as demonstrated by First‐principles calculations. Thus, the engineering design of ferroelectric grain boundaries may pave the way for the application of coupled ferroelectric‐photovoltaic processes.
Development and validation of the needs of children questionnaire: An instrument to measure children’s self‐reported needs in hospital
Authors: Foster Mandie , Whitehead Lisa , Arabiat Diana
Published: June 2019

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the needs of children questionnaire (NCQ), a new instrument to measure school‐aged children's self‐reported psychosocial physical and emotional needs in paediatric wards.

Design

This is an instrument development study based on recommendations for developing a reliable and valid questionnaire.

Method

The NCQ was developed over three phases between February 2013–April 2017 and included item generation; content adequacy assessment; questionnaire administration; factor analysis; internal consistency assessment and construct validity. Psychometric properties were assessed after 193 school‐aged children completed the needs of children's questionnaire in four paediatric areas in Australia and New Zealand.

Results

The development and validation of the NCQ over two countries resulted in a 16‐item, four‐category tool to measure the self‐reported importance and fulfilment of school‐aged children's needs in hospital. Cronbach's alpha for the combined samples was 0.93.

Conclusion

The NCQ bridges a gap to measure the level of importance and fulfilment of school‐aged children's self‐reported needs in hospital. Future testing and validation is needed in other paediatric areas and countries.

Impact

The 16‐item NCQ is a valid measure to evaluate if the quality of care delivered and received in hospital is in line with what children self‐report as important and required and to date indicates good usability and utility. Child self‐reports are essential to inform healthcare delivery, policy, research and theory development from a child and family‐centred care lens that honours the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the best interests of the child.
Barriers and facilitators of midwives' physical activity behaviour in hospital and community contexts in Scotland
Authors: Holly Deirdre , Swanson Vivien
Published: June 2019

Aims

To investigate barriers and facilitators of physical activity in midwives in hospital and community environments.

Design

A sequential mixed‐methods approach.

Data sources

Focus groups and subsequent questionnaire survey.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted in urban and rural areas with community and hospital‐based midwives in Scotland in 2015. Topics were based on the behaviour change theories via the Theoretical Domains Framework. Findings informed development of a questionnaire, sent to midwives in 2016 in Scottish health boards via managers, or online survey.

Results

Thirty‐three midwives participated in focus groups. Workplace environmental context and resources were both barriers and facilitators. Similarly, negative social influences were barriers, whereas positive social support facilitated physical activity. The questionnaire was completed by 345 midwives. Most (90%) were physically active with high levels of activity. Commonest activities included walking, swimming and housework. Physical activity facilitators included subsidized classes and protected breaks. Barriers included tiredness, stress, family responsibilities, unpredictable breaks and shift patterns.

Conclusions

Interventions should address midwives’ workplace context and resources and interpersonal factors such as stress and social support.

Impact

Midwives’ high levels of overweight/obesity and stress impact on their own health and delivery of patient care. More workplace physical activity could help. We found most were physically active but identified workplace barriers and facilitators, including resources, shift patterns and breaks. Findings could help midwifery managers to recognize and reduce barriers, thereby improving midwives’ physical activity in the workplace, supporting weight management and enhancing their health and well‐being.
Effect of local aromatase inhibition in endometriosis using a new chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model
Authors: Pluchino Nicola , Poppi Giorgia , Yart Lucile , Marci Roberto , Wenger Jean‐Marie , Tille Jean‐Christophe , Cohen Marie
Published: June 2019

Endometriosis is an oestrogen‐dependent, inflammation‐driven gynaecologic disorder causing severe disability. Endometriosis implants are characterized by unbalanced local oestrogen metabolism leading to hyperoestrogenism and aromatase up‐regulation is one of main mechanism involved. Aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole or anastrozole use in young women are associated with severely side effects limiting their long‐term clinical use. An endometriosis‐targeted inhibition of local aromatase could be a viable alternative, although the role of the local inhibition of this enzyme is still unclear. Using a new chick embryo allantoic membrane (CAM) model incorporating xenografted human endometriosis cyst, we showed that topical treatment with anastrozole reduced lesion size, although oestrogens produced by CAM female embryo blunted this effect. Xenografted human endometriosis CAM is a new efficient model for the screening of new drugs targeting endometriosis tissue.
Evaluation of oxidative stress in patients with recalcitrant warts
Authors: Erturan İ. , Kumbul Doğuç D. , Korkmaz S. , Büyükbayram H.İ. , Yıldırım M. , Kocabey Uzun S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Warts are benign conditions of the skin and mucosa caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV) that affect many people worldwide.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate OS by TOS/TAS, levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) an indicator of DNA damage, and also protein oxidation levels by determining the dynamic serum thiol/disulphide homeostasis in patients with warts. We also aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between thiol/disulphide homeostasis, recalcitrance of warts and DNA damage.

Methods

Forty patients of age ≥18 years, having recalcitrant genital and/or non‐genital warts that persisted for more than 2 years, 40 patients with warts that persisted for <2 years and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood TAS, TOS, OSI, 8‐OHdG and dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis were evaluated.

Results

Significant differences were detected between the groups in the levels of 8‐OHdG, TOS, OSI, total thiol, native thiol, reduced thiol, as well as native thiol/total thiol ratio, disulphide/total thiol ratio and disulphide/native thiol ratio. Compared with the controls, patients with recalcitrant warts had significantly higher levels of 8‐OHdG, TOS and OSI levels. Total thiol and native thiol levels were significantly lower in patients with recalcitrant warts compared with patients with warts that persisted for <2 years. Disulphide levels were significantly higher in the latter group of patients compared with patients with recalcitrant warts and controls. Native thiol/total thiol ratio was significantly higher in both patient groups compared with controls whereas disulphide/total thiol and disulphide/native thiol ratios were significantly lower in both patient groups than in controls.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that impairment of thiol disulphide homeostasis in patients with recalcitrant warts may lead to increased OS and DNA damage. Thus, antioxidant administration with thiol containing proteins may help in the regression of warts and thereby prevent carcinogenesis.
The omnivorous triggerfish Melichthys niger is a functional herbivore on an isolated Atlantic oceanic island
Authors: Mendes Thiago C. , Quimbayo Juan P. , Bouth Helena F. , Silva Luana P.S. , Ferreira Carlos E.L.
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the functional role of the highly generalist omnivore Melichthys niger in the remote St. Peter and St Paul's Archipelago (SPSPA), Brazil, where grazing herbivorous fishes are very scarce. We analysed patterns of distribution from zero to 30 m deep during three time intervals during the day and sampled different aspects of their feeding behaviour, including diel feeding rate, feeding substrate and diet. The density of M. niger increased with depth (26–30 m) and decreased by the end of the day. Although M. niger did not present a typical herbivore diel feeding pattern, they targeted the epilithic algal matrix as their primary feeding substrate, ingesting predominantly algae and detritus. The characteristic Caulerpa racemosa var. peltata from SPSPA was ingested only as detached fronds. We suggest that in the isolated SPSPA, the single species M. niger may perform a unique role as a link between benthic primary production and higher levels. Further studies on the trophic ecology of omnivorous species are necessary to better understand their roles in a reef system, especially in impoverished areas where they are likely to play a crucial role.
Nonthermal pretreatments enhances drying kinetics and quality properties of dried ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) slices
Authors: Osae Richard , Zhou Cunshan , Xu Baoguo , Tchabo William , Bonah Ernest , Alenyorege Evans A. , Ma Haile
Published: June 2019

The objective of this present work was to investigate the effect of ultrasound (US), osmotic dehydration (OD), and osmosonication (OS) pretreatment on microstructure, weight loss, texture, mass transfer, chromatic properties and drying kinetics of ginger slices under relative humidity convective drying. The results revealed that OS pretreatment yielded higher weight loss (16.5%) and lower firmness (12.11 N) than US (9.8%, 20.33 N) and OD (6.5%, 15.30 N). Microstructure analysis showed that OS, US, and OD pretreatments altered cell structure and resulted in the observable formation of several microchannels and collapsed the cell structure. Mass transfer data showed that the OS pretreated sample led to higher solid gain (3.2%) and water loss (5.1%) than the US (2.36%, 4.2%) and OD (1.7%, 2.53%) pretreatments. The chromatic property analysis revealed that the chroma value and hue angle was higher for OS treated sample (29.74, 88.77°) compared the US (26.95, 85.76°) and OD (22.96, 82.24°) treated sample. Among the three pretreatments, OS was found to enhance the drying kinetics comparative to the US and OD pretreated sample. Weibull model fitted well to the experimental results (R2 > .99) than the first order.

Practical applications

Ultrasound, osmotic dehydration, and osmosonication are unique pretreatment techniques that are widely used prior to drying of various agricultural products due to its numerous advantages over conventional methods. Its application in the drying of foods could help shorten the drying time, reduce processing costs, improve energy consumption and efficiency and preserve the physical and nutritional properties of the dried product. The outcomes of the present study will provide a better understanding of different nonthermal pretreatment methods and also make available more information for selecting pretreatment techniques for ginger drying.