bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A decadal review of urban ornithology and a prospectus for the future
Authors: Marzluff John M.
Published: October 2016

The study of urban birds has increased exponentially in the last century. A prior review of the scientific literature up to the year 2000 found 100 research articles on urban birds, but in the past decade alone, over 1000 have been published. Here I review the studies from 2006–2015 to characterize their approach, location, general findings and recent obsessions, with an eye toward suggesting important future directions. Urban ornithology remains centred in the northern hemisphere, although there is a rapid increase in studies from southern, tropical and biodiverse settings. Studies in the north have changed from documentation of the composition of urban avifaunas to include many studies of the demographic response to aspects of urban environments. Studies of pattern remain most common in Latin America, Asia, Africa, New Zealand and the Middle East. Across the world, ornithologists are revealing the rapid evolution of behavioural and morphological adaptations by birds to the urban environment, much of which is due to phenotypic plasticity. The relationship of humans to nature generally and birds specifically has been increasingly studied as a driver of avifaunal change as well as a factor affecting human ethics. Urban ornithology remains rarely experimental, but it has matured to the point of supporting synthetic reviews and meta‐analyses that quantify the loss of avian diversity from city centres, characterize successful urban birds, discuss the role of amount and arrangement of vegetation on bird life, and explore the complex relationships between the subsidies and hazards of urban life and the survival and reproduction of birds. Yet much remains to be learned, including how some species thrive in cities with abundant predators; how city form and location affect the peak in avian richness that occurs typically at intermediate levels of urbanization; the significance of functional biotic homogenization; and the ways in which engaging citizens in urban bird life informs their broader environmental land ethic.
Association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Berlin‐Broner Y. , Febbraio M. , Levin L.
Published: October 2016

A systematic review was conducted to assess the association between apical periodontitis (AP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies published from the earliest date available until September 2015 were retrieved from the Medline, PubMed and Embase databases. The included studies reported the results from observational studies and assessed the link between AP and CVD as confirmed by one of the following criteria: diagnosed coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, stroke or mortality caused by cardiac pathology. The study characteristics were abstracted by independent researchers following the PRISMA standard protocol. NOS criteria were used to rate the quality of the studies, and the GRADE was used for level of evidence evaluation. Nineteen epidemiological studies fulfilled the predetermined inclusion criteria: 10 case–control studies, five cross‐sectional studies and four cohort studies. There was considerable heterogeneity amongst the included studies in terms of their study design, population, outcomes of interest and AP evaluation methods. Considering the limited availability and the heterogeneity amongst the studies, meta‐analysis was not attempted. Thirteen of the 19 included studies found a significant positive association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, although in two of them, the significance was present only in univariate analysis. Five studies failed to reveal positive significance, and one study reported a negative association. In conclusion, although most of the published studies found a positive association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, the quality of the existing evidence is moderate–low and a causal relationship cannot be established.
Effect of sodium hypochlorite and saline on cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold and Reciproc reciprocating instruments
Authors: Elnaghy A. M. , Elsaka S. E.
Published: October 2016

Aim

To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK, USA) and Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) reciprocating instruments during immersion in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and saline solutions at body temperature.

Methodology

A total of 180 new WaveOne Gold primary size 25, .07 taper, and Reciproc size 25, .08 taper were randomly divided into three groups: group 1: no immersion (control, air); group 2: immersion in saline at 37 ± 1 °C; and group 3: immersion in 5% NaOCl at 37 ± 1 °C. The instruments were reciprocated in the test solution until fracture, and the number of cycles to failure was recorded. The data were analysed statistically using t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance (anova) with the significance level set at P < 0.05. A Weibull analysis was performed on number of cycles to failure data.

Results

WaveOne Gold instruments had significantly greater number of cycles to failure than Reciproc instruments in all groups (P < 0.001). Fatigue resistance for both instruments tested in air was significantly higher than that in saline and NaOCl solutions (P < 0.001). For both instruments, there was no significant difference in the fatigue resistance between saline and NaOCl solutions (P > 0.05). The Weibull analysis showed that the predicted cycles of WaveOne Gold in air was 1027 cycles for 99% survival. However, Reciproc instruments tested in NaOCl solution had the lowest predicted cycles (613 cycles) among the groups.

Conclusions

Immersion of WaveOne Gold and Reciproc reciprocating instruments in saline and NaOCl solutions decreased considerably their cyclic fatigue resistance. The fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold instruments was higher than that of Reciproc instruments.
Oncological and functional outcomes of postoperative total parenteral nutrition after radical cystectomy in bladder cancer patients: A single‐center randomized trial
Authors: Vidal Alvaro , Arnold Nicolas , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin , Kiss Bernhard , Burkhard Fiona , Thalmann George N , Roth Beat
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate the long‐term oncological and functional outcomes of postoperative total parenteral nutrition after radical cystectomy.

Methods

A total of 157 consecutive patients (≤cT3, cN0, cM0) who underwent extended pelvic lymph node dissection, radical cystectomy and ileal urinary diversion from September 2008 to March 2011 at a single center were randomized to receive either postoperative total parenteral nutrition (group A; n = 74) or oral nutrition alone (group B; n = 83). All but two patients in group B (who were thus excluded from further analysis) had regular postoperative follow up at the Department of Urology, University of Bern, Switzerland. Computed tomography and bone scan were carried out to assess local recurrences and distal metastases. We used validated questionnaires to evaluate bowel function, sexual function and quality of life, and an institutional questionnaire to evaluate neobladder function.

Results

The median follow up was 50 months (IQR 21–62). The rate of local recurrences (4/74 [5.4%] in group A; 4/81 [4.9%] in group B; P = 0.9) and the rate of distant metastases (23/74 [31%] in group A; 23/81 [28%] in group B; P = 0.72) did not differ between the two groups. There was no difference in cancer‐specific (P = 0.86) and overall survival (P = 0.85). Group B patients had significantly better bowel function at 3 months (P = 0.03) and 12 months (P = 0.01). There was no difference in terms of quality of life, and sexual and neobladder function.

Conclusions

The administration of total parenteral nutrition after radical cystectomy does not impair long‐term oncological outcomes. It does, however, negatively influence long‐term bowel function.
RNA interference and dietary inhibitors induce a similar compensation response in Tribolium castaneum larvae
Authors: Perkin L. C. , Elpidina E. N. , Oppert B.
Published: October 2016

Tribolium castaneum is a major agriculture pest damaging stored grains and cereal products. The T. castaneum genome contains 26 cysteine peptidase genes, mostly cathepsins L and B, and seven have a major role in digestion. We targeted the expression of the most highly expressed cathepsin L gene on chromosome 10, TC011001, by RNA interference (RNAi), using double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) constructs of different regions of the gene (3′, middle, 5′ and entire coding regions). RNA sequencing and quantitation (RNA‐seq) was used to evaluate knockdown and specificity amongst the treatments. Overall, target gene expression decreased in all treatment groups, but was more severe and specific in dsRNA targeting the 3′ and entire coding regions, encoding the proteolytic active site in the enzyme. Additional cysteine cathepsin genes also were down‐regulated (off‐target effects), but some were up‐regulated in response to RNAi treatment. Notably, some serine peptidase genes were increased in expression, especially in dsRNA targeting 5′ and middle regions, and the response was similar to the effects of dietary cysteine protease inhibitors. We manually annotated these serine peptidase genes to gain insight into function and relevance to the RNAi study. The data indicate that T. castaneum larvae compensate for the loss of digestive peptidase activity in the larval gut, regardless of the mechanism of disruption.
Randomized controlled trial of family‐based education for patients with heart failure and their carers
Authors: Srisuk Nittaya , Cameron Jan , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R.
Published: October 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate a heart failure education programme developed for patients and carers in Thailand.

Background

Heart failure is major health problem. This is the first trial of a family‐based education programme for heart failure patients and carers residing in rural Thailand.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

One hundred patient‐carer dyads attending cardiac clinics in southern Thailand from April 2014 ‐ March 2015 were randomized to usual care (n = 50) or a family‐based education programme (n = 50) comprising face‐to‐face counselling, a heart failure manual and DVD and telephone support. Assessments of heart failure knowledge, health‐related quality of life, self‐care behaviours and perceived control were conducted at baseline, three and six months.

Results

Linear mixed‐effects model revealed that patients and carers who received the education programme had higher knowledge scores at three and six months than those who received usual care. Among those who received the education programme, when compared with those who received usual care, patients had better self‐care maintenance and confidence, and health‐related quality of life scores at three and six months, and better self‐care management scores at six months, whereas carers had higher perceived control scores at three months.

Conclusion

Addressing a significant service gap in rural Thailand, this family‐based heart failure programme improved patient knowledge, self‐care behaviours and health‐related quality of life and carer knowledge and perceived control.
What Drives the Consequences of Intentional Misstatements? Evidence from Rating Analysts’ Reactions
Authors: Bierey Martin , Schmidt Martin
Published: October 2016

This paper aims to identify the mechanisms through which intentional misstatements adversely affect firms by analyzing rating analysts’ reaction to misstatements. In order to identify the mechanisms through which the misstatement affects firms’ credit ratings, we analyze the content of rating reports. Rating analysts are concerned about seven different mechanisms. They are most concerned about misstatement‐related violations of debt covenants that increase a firm's liquidity risk. We find that, subsequent to an intentional misstatement becoming publicly known, credit ratings of misreporting firms are adversely affected for up to seven years. The adverse impact of an intentional misstatement on a firm's credit rating is most pronounced in cases in which rating analysts mention concerns about misstatement‐related violations of covenants. Our results suggest that these covenant violations are the most severe mechanism through which misstatements adversely affect firms’ creditworthiness.
Islands as biological substrates: classification of the biological assemblage components and the physical island types
Authors: Ali Jason R.
Published: October 2016

Aim

Biological suites on marine islands attract the attention of many researchers because their natural seclusion enables a variety of key processes to be studied in considerable detail. The present‐day classification of marine‐island biotic systems is based largely on 19th Century ideas, specifically those of Darwin and Wallace. However, along a number of fronts, knowledge has advanced dramatically, particularly regarding the dynamic ‘solid’ Earth (plate tectonics, ocean‐floor thermal‐cooling subsidence, mantle‐plume hotspots, etc.), as well as the behaviour of the planet's liquid and gaseous envelopes, today and in the geological past. This manuscript serves as an introduction to a series of articles aimed at providing the biological/biogeographical community with an overview of the current understanding of the physical settings of the marine islands, that is, the substrates upon which the biotas accumulate and develop.

Location

Global.

Results

I propose separate classification systems for the biotic assemblage components and the physical island types to replace the current mixed scheme of recent continental, ancient continental and oceanic. The lifeforms can be assigned to one of four classes reflecting how an organism's founder ancestors colonized an island: recent land bridge, recent ice‐sheet, overwater dispersed and deep‐time vicariant (an island may host two or more of these types). The nomenclature for the islands reflects their geo‐physical setting and has the advantage of indicating the ontogenetic path the landmass is on. In turn, this may feed back into the way the hosted biology is viewed. Four major categories are recognized: continental, island arc, composite terrane and mantle‐plume hotspot, plus a handful of left‐overs. These groups can be further split into between three and nine types.

Main conclusion

Separating the classifications of the island biotic assemblage components and the physical island varieties (of which there are many sorts) makes it possible to assign all islands and their biotas unambiguously. It thus provides an appreciably more nuanced scheme than Wallace's threefold system.
Does range‐restricted evolutionary history predict extinction risk? A case study in lizards
Authors: Di Virgilio Giovanni , Laffan Shawn W. , Nielsen Stuart V. , Chapple David G.
Published: October 2016

Aim

Conservation is often prioritized by identifying regional clusters of threatened or endemic species. Another approach is to assess the evolutionary distinctiveness of groups of taxa using phylodiversity measures. However, quantification of evolutionary history has traditionally not accounted for its uneven geographical distribution due to the variation in species ranges. We assess the efficacy of phylogenetic endemism (PE) to predict high extinction risk in comparison to estimates of species range restriction (weighted endemism, WE) and phylogenetic diversity (PD). PE measures the relative range restriction of evolutionary history (lineages), while WE concentrates on the tips of the tree of life, treating all such branches as being of equal length.

Location/Methods

Using New Zealand's endemic skinks and geckos, we mapped the geographical variation in their extinction risk, PE, WE and PD and measured the extent to which extinction risk exhibited phylogenetic clustering for each group. Correlations between geographical concentrations of high skink and gecko extinction risk with PE, WE and PD were calculated.

Results

PE was predictive of spatial clusters of high extinction risk for geckos (r2 = 0.34, P < 0.001) while WE was markedly less so (r2 = 0.19, P < 0.001). The reverse applied to skinks, with WE most predictive of high risk (r2 = 0.26, P < 0.001). The phylogenetic signal of extinction risk was significantly conserved for geckos, but was weaker and non‐significant for skinks. PE and WE were not predictive of low risk. PD was not predictive of risk.

Main conclusions

PE and related measures may be predictive of extinction risk when risk is phylogenetically conserved. Mapping the geographical variation in PE could be a useful first assessment of extinction risk for many groups because phylogenies are increasingly available, while full risk status categories are not. These findings might apply to other groups and locations and warrant further investigation.
Evolutionary history of the thicket rats (genus Grammomys) mirrors the evolution of African forests since late Miocene
Authors: Bryja Josef , Šumbera Radim , Kerbis Peterhans Julian C. , Aghová Tatiana , Bryjová Anna , Mikula Ondřej , Nicolas Violaine , Denys Christiane , Verheyen Erik
Published: October 2016

Aim

Grammomys are mostly arboreal rodents occurring in forests, woodlands and thickets throughout sub‐Saharan Africa. We investigated whether the divergence events within the genus follow the existing evolutionary scenario for the development of African forests since the late Miocene.

Location

Sub‐Saharan African forests and woodlands.

Methods

We inferred the molecular phylogeny of Grammomys using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods and DNA sequences of 351 specimens collected from across the distribution of the genus. We mapped the genetic diversity, estimated the divergence times by a relaxed clock model and compared evolution of the genus with forest history.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis confirms the monophyly of Grammomys and reveals five main Grammomys lineages with mainly parapatric distributions: (1) the poensis group in Guineo‐Congolese forests; (2) the selousi group with a distribution mainly in coastal forests of southern and eastern Africa; (3) the dolichurus group restricted to the easternmost part of South Africa; (4) the macmillani group in the northern part of eastern and Central Africa with one isolated species in Guinean forests; and (5) the surdaster group, widely distributed in eastern Africa south of the equator. Every group contains well supported sublineages suggesting the existence of undescribed species. The earliest split within the genus (groups 1 vs. 2–5) occurred in the late Miocene and coincides with the formation of the Rift Valley which resulted in the east–west division of the initially pan‐African forest. The subsequent separation between groups (2 vs. 3–5) also dates to the end of the Miocene and suggests the split between Grammomys from coastal to upland forests in eastern Africa followed by a single dispersal event into western Africa during the Pleistocene.

Conclusions

The evolutionary history of the genus Grammomys closely reflects the accepted scenario of major historical changes in the distribution of tropical African forests since the late Miocene.
Metacommunity structuring in Himalayan streams over large elevational gradients: the role of dispersal routes and niche characteristics
Authors: Tonkin Jonathan D. , Tachamo Shah Ram Devi , Shah Deep Narayan , Hoppeler Felicitas , Jähnig Sonja C. , Pauls Steffen U.
Published: October 2016

Aim

To examine metacommunity structuring in stream communities over large elevational gradients by disentangling physical and environmental structuring and the importance of different dispersal routes and niche characteristics.

Location

Headwater streams in three catchments in the Hindu‐Kush Himalaya of central and eastern Nepal.

Methods

We explored metacommunity structuring of stream invertebrates (including deconstructed assemblages by niche position and breadth) using a combination of approaches, including the elements of metacommunity structure and distance–decay relationships. We compared the importance of dispersal routes, elevation and local environmental conditions through five distance matrices: Euclidean, topographic, river network, elevational and environmental.

Results

Communities were structured along the elevational gradient with clear turnover apparent in two catchments, with Clementsian (compartmentalized) and Gleasonian (individualistic) distributions. Local environment played a minor role, and the selected distance matrices (i.e. elevation, three physical distances and environment) varied between catchments and niche groups. Contrary to expectation, specialists were more spatially than environmentally controlled, potentially reflecting dispersal limitation.

Main conclusions

In these physically dominated systems, local environment was overridden by dispersal limitation, particularly when considering specialists. Where barriers were not limiting dispersal, niche sorting along the elevational gradients represented the key structuring force. Overall, our findings reveal the importance of elevation and the spatial arrangement of sites in structuring metacommunities. We emphasize the value of considering physical structuring and spatial extent in modulating species sorting in metacommunities.
The origin of species richness patterns along environmental gradients: uniting explanations based on time, diversification rate and carrying capacity
Authors: Pontarp Mikael , Wiens John J.
Published: October 2016

Aims

Patterns of species richness, such as the remarkable biodiversity of tropical regions, have been documented and studied for centuries. However, their underlying evolutionary and ecological causes are still incompletely understood. A commonly stated paradigm in the literature is that high richness in some habitats is directly caused by one of three competing explanations: (1) greater time‐for‐speciation (earlier colonization), (2) more rapid diversification rates (faster speciation relative to extinction) or (3) higher carrying capacity. However, these three explanations have been relatively little studied using theoretical approaches (especially in terms of comparing all three). Furthermore, empirical studies give conflicting results about their relative importance. Here, we use simulations to study the processes that drive richness patterns along environmental gradients.

Location

Globally applicable.

Methods

We use individual‐based and trait‐based modelling of eco‐evolutionary dynamics to simulate the evolutionary radiation of a clade across five habitats with differing ecological conditions, and track patterns of species richness within and between habitats over time. We specifically address the roles of time and diversification rates in explaining richness patterns and the potential impact of carrying capacity.

Main results and conclusions

Contrary to the widespread paradigm, we find that variation in carrying capacity can underlie differences in diversification rates and time‐for‐speciation among habitats. Therefore, carrying capacity is not a competing, alternative explanation for richness patterns. We also find that the time‐for‐speciation effect dominates richness patterns over short time‐scales, whereas diversification rates dominate over longer time‐scales. These latter observations can help reconcile the seemingly conflicting results of many empirical studies, which find that some patterns are explained by time and others by differences in diversification rates.
Research Review: Neural response to threat in children, adolescents, and adults after child maltreatment – a quantitative meta‐analysis
Authors: Hein Tyler C. , Monk Christopher S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Child maltreatment is common and has long‐term consequences for affective function. Investigations of neural consequences of maltreatment have focused on the amygdala. However, developmental neuroscience indicates that other brain regions are also likely to be affected by child maltreatment, particularly in the social information processing network (SIPN). We conducted a quantitative meta‐analysis to: confirm that maltreatment is related to greater bilateral amygdala activation in a large sample that was pooled across studies; investigate other SIPN structures that are likely candidates for altered function; and conduct a data‐driven examination to identify additional regions that show altered activation in maltreated children, teens, and adults.

Methods

We conducted an activation likelihood estimation analysis with 1,733 participants across 20 studies of emotion processing in maltreated individuals.

Results

Maltreatment is associated with increased bilateral amygdala activation to emotional faces. One SIPN structure is altered: superior temporal gyrus, of the detection node, is hyperactive in maltreated individuals. The results of the whole‐brain corrected analysis also show hyperactivation of the parahippocampal gyrus and insula in maltreated individuals.

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis confirms that maltreatment is related to increased bilateral amygdala reactivity and also shows that maltreatment affects multiple additional structures in the brain that have received little attention in the literature. Thus, although the majority of studies examining maltreatment and brain function have focused on the amygdala, these findings indicate that the neural consequences of child maltreatment involve a broader network of structures.
Temperature‐dependent development of the European larch bark beetle, Ips cembrae
Authors: Schebeck M. , Schopf A.
Published: October 2016

The temperature‐dependent development of the European larch bark beetle, Ips cembrae, was studied under long‐day conditions L:D 16:8 at three temperature regimes, 15°C, 20°C and 25°C, using the sandwich plate method. By observing the individual developmental progress, we calculated the developmental times and lower developmental thresholds of one entire generation and various ontogenetic stages. The mean developmental time of one generation was about 120, 64 and 37 days at 15°C, 20°C and 25°C, respectively. The egg stage comprised about 9% of the total development or about 16% of the pre‐imaginal development. The larval stages took about 39% of the entire and about 66% of the pre‐imaginal development. The pupal stage needed about 11% of the total or about 18% of the pre‐imaginal development. The lower developmental threshold for one generation was 11.2°C. The egg stage had the highest lower developmental threshold of 12.0°C, the pupa the lowest of 9.8°C and the total larval stages showed a value of 11.2°C. The thermal requirements for I. cembrae have never been studied in detail before. The results will be a valuable contribution for monitoring and risk assessment models to estimate the beetle's phenology and its potential impacts on forest ecosystems under changing climate conditions.
Host plants mixture and fitness ofKolla paulula: with an evaluation of the application of Weibull function
Authors: Tuan S.‐J. , Chang P.‐W. , Saska P. , Atlihan R. , Chi H.
Published: October 2016

The xylem‐feeding leafhopperKolla paulula(Walker), a vector of Pierce's disease, occurs primarily on weeds in and around fruit and ornamental crop orchards in Taiwan. Because our preliminary studies showed thatK. paululaperformed poorly when reared on pilose beggarticks (Bidens pilosaL. var.radiata) (PB) or trilobate wedelia (Wedelia triloba(L.)) (TW) alone, we collected the life table data ofK. paululareared on a mixture of both host plants to determine the effect at the population level. During their lifespan, 95.6% of feeding time was spent on the major host plant (PB) and only 4.4% on the minor host plant (TW). The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproduction rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) ofK. paululawere 0.0487, 1.0500 day−1, 35.86 offspring and 73.4 days, respectively. Because more than 95% of the insects have been observed feeding on both plants, this would indicate that the minor host plant may play an important role in the fitness ofK. paulularegardless of the short feeding time. We calculated the percentage contribution to the population parameters made by females that had fed on both PB and TW and compared these with the values obtained for offspring of females that had fed solely on PB. We also evaluated the usefulness of applying the Weibull distribution in demographic studies. We demonstrated that when there is a higher mortality in specific life stages, the fitted Weibull distribution would be inaccurate in describing the survival curve and that application of the fitted curve to the calculation of life expectancy or other statistics would result in significant discrepancy to the actual curve.
Enhanced toxicity of Cry2Ab with cantharidin and its analogues on Mythimna separata
Authors: Fan J. B. , van de Velde S. , Sun W. B. , Yu H. , Zhang Y. L. , Wang D.
Published: October 2016

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a severe pest of graminaceous crops in Asia and Australia. In this study, we investigated the impacts of Cry2Ab, cantharidin and its analogues (cantharidin‐23 and cantharidin‐24) on M. separata growth, hydrolytic enzymes and detoxifying enzymes. Differences in weight gain and enzyme activities among all treatments were observed. Larval and pupal weight gain and hydrolytic enzyme activities declined when larvae were treated with Cry2Ab, cantharidin and its analogues, individually or in combination. The combination of Cry2Ab and cantharidin or cantharidin‐24 had a markedly adverse effect on larval weight gain. Alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were inhibited, whereas glutathione S‐transferase was upregulated in all treatments with sublethal doses. The maximum reduction in alkaline phosphatase activity and increase in glutathione S‐transferase activity occurred after the larvae were treated with a combination of Cry2Ab and cantharidin‐24 over 48 h. The results suggest that the compositions of Cry2Ab, cantharidin and cantharidin‐24 have a potential use in pest management.
Evaluation of lures and traps for male and female monitoring of Mediterranean fruit fly in pome and stone fruit
Authors: Broughton S. , Rahman T.
Published: October 2016

Commercial traps and lures have recently become available for monitoring male and female Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Australia, with possible applications in monitoring and mass trapping. This study investigated the attractiveness of commercially available male [Capilure® (CPL), Trimedlure (TML) cone, plugs, and wafers] and female‐targeted synthetic lures (three‐component BioLure®, BioLure® Unipak, Ceratitis® Unipak, TMA Plus® Unipak and Biotrap® gel), and five female‐targeted traps [Maxi® trap, Sorygar Tephri‐trap, Probodelt® cone trap, and BioTrap Globe® traps (two versions)]. Results showed that TML and CPL lures were equivalent up to 8 weeks, but TML‐baited traps captured 1.2–4.6 times more male medflies than CPL‐baited traps with lures aged 9–16 weeks. For female‐targeted trapping, all tested lures were female selective. Ceratitis® Unipak was equivalent to three‐component (3‐C) BioLure®, whilst BioLure® Unipak captured 1.1–1.5 times more medflies than 3‐C BioLure®. The least efficient lures were TMA Plus® Unipak and Biotrap Fruit Fly Attractant Gel. Tephri‐traps were the least efficient trap, with Maxi traps catching 1.9–6.7 times more medflies than the Tephri‐trap. The appropriate selection of lures and traps for applications in monitoring and mass trapping are discussed.
Susceptibility of Dendroctonus simplex to Hypocreales fungi: towards the development of a biological control strategy
Authors: Srei N. , Lavallée R. , Guertin C.
Published: October 2016

The use of Hypocreales fungi against bark beetles is an attractive alternative strategy for biological control in forestry. However, fungal inoculation methods remain a major challenge due to the cryptic behaviour of these beetles. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of adult eastern larch beetles, Dendroctonus simplex, to different isolates of Hypocreales fungi and to assess the efficiency of direct inoculation of fungal conidia using an assisted autodissemination device. Among the nine fungal isolates tested, Beauveria bassiana INRS‐242 was selected as the utmost isolate causing a mortality rate of 64.4% of D. simplex adults within 10 days and having a high conidial viability of 81.7%. Using an assisted autodissemination device, a fungal‐coated pouch was a promising contamination chamber. Once it had fallen onto the fungal‐coated pouch, each D. simplex adult loaded an average lethal dose of 2.1 × 109 conidia, which induced a mortality rate of 98.0%. Our results demonstrated the fungal pathogenicity of B. bassiana INRS‐242 against the eastern larch beetles and pointed out the potential of the assisted autodissemination device as an effective method of conidia inoculation. These findings represent the first step to develop a biological control strategy against D. simplex populations.
Comparison of a Virtual Older Driver Assessment with an On‐Road Driving Test
Authors: Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Price Jasmine , Chopra Sidhant , Li Xiaolan , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To design a low‐cost simulator‐based driving assessment for older adults and to compare its validity with that of an on‐road driving assessment and other measures of older driver risk.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

Canberra, Australia.

Participants

Older adult drivers (N = 47; aged 65–88, mean age 75.2).

Measurements

Error rate on a simulated drive with environment and scoring procedure matched to those of an on‐road test. Other measures included participant age, simulator sickness severity, neuropsychological measures, and driver screening measures. Outcome variables included occupational therapist (OT)‐rated on‐road errors, on‐road safety rating, and safety category.

Results

Participants’ error rate on the simulated drive was significantly correlated with their OT‐rated driving safety (correlation coefficient (r) = −0.398, P = .006), even after adjustment for age and simulator sickness (P = .009). The simulator error rate was a significant predictor of categorization as unsafe on the road (P = .02, sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 100%), with 13 (27%) drivers assessed as unsafe. Simulator error was also associated with other older driver safety screening measures such as useful field of view (r = 0.341, P = .02), DriveSafe (r = −0.455, P < .01), and visual motion sensitivity (r = 0.368, P = .01) but was not associated with memory (delayed word recall) or global cognition (Mini‐Mental State Examination). Drivers made twice as many errors on the simulated assessment as during the on‐road assessment (P < .001), with significant differences in the rate and type of errors between the two mediums.

Conclusion

A low‐cost simulator‐based assessment is valid as a screening instrument for identifying at‐risk older drivers but not as an alternative to on‐road evaluation when accurate data on competence or pattern of impairment is required for licensing decisions and training programs.
Health Care for Older Adults in Uganda: Lessons for the Developing World
Authors: Tam Wai Jia , Yap Philip
Published: October 2016

Approximately two‐thirds of the world's older adults live in developing nations. By 2050, as many as 80% of such older people will live in low‐ and middle‐income countries. In sub‐Saharan Africa alone, the number of individuals aged 60 and older is projected to reach 163 million. Despite this demographic wave, the majority of Africa has limited access to qualified geriatric health care.3Although foreign aid and capacity‐building efforts can help to close this gap over time, it is likely that failure to understand the unique context of Africa's older adults, many of whom are marginalized, will lead to inadequacies in service delivery and poor health outcomes.4As the need for culturally competent care of older adults gains recognition in the developed world, research in geriatric care in developing countries should progress in tandem.4By examining the multidimensional challenges that an older woman with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in rural Uganda faces, this article makes contextualized policy recommendations for older adults in Africa and provides lessons for the developing world.
Non‐proton ligand‐sensing domain of acid‐sensing ion channel 3 is required for itch sensation
Authors: Lei Zhen , Sami Shaikh Abdul , Zheng Wenshuai , Yu Xiao , Yu Jingui , Li Jingxin
Published: October 2016

Itch, the unpleasant sensation that evokes a desire to scratch, accompanies numerous skin and nervous system disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of itch are unclear. Acid‐sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) is a sensor of acidic and primary inflammatory pain. The whole‐cell patch clamp technique was used to determine the effect of chloroquine (CQ) on ASICs currents in primary sensory neurons or the Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with rat ASIC1a or ASIC3. Site‐directed mutagenesis of plasmid was performed. Scratching behavior was evaluated by measuring the number of bouts during 30 min after injection. CQ, an anti‐malarial drug defined as a histamine‐independent pruritogen, selectively enhanced the sustained phase of ASIC3 current in a concentration‐dependent manner either in ASIC3‐transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells or in primary cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Further studies revealed that the effect of CQ on ASIC3 channels depends on the newly identified non‐proton ligand‐sensing domain. Importantly, CQ‐evoked scratching behavior was largely alleviated by APETx2, a selective ASIC3 channel blocker. Like CQ, other compounds such as amiloride, 2‐guanidine‐4‐methylquinazoline and neuropeptide FF, which have been previously reported to be non‐proton ligands that activate ASIC3, undoubtedly evoked the scratching response. In conclusion, ASIC3, a proton‐gated ion channel critical for pain sensation, also functions as an essential component of itch transduction.

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An efficacy and safety of nanofractional radiofrequency for the treatment of striae alba
Authors: Pongsrihadulchai Napatthaorn , Chalermchai Thep , Ophaswongse Suwirakorn , Pongsawat Suriya , Udompataikul Montree
Published: October 2016

Background

Striae distensae (SD) is a form of dermal scar. A number of treatments have been proposed, but they usually have unsatisfactory result especially in striae alba. Recently, nanofractional RF has been developed. Its mechanism of action is to stimulate dermal remodeling and epidermal re‐epithelization.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanofractional RF in the treatment of striae alba.

Patients/Methods

This is an experimental, assessor‐blinded, before–after study. Thirty‐three subjects, with striae alba on their thighs, abdomen, or buttocks (11 subjects each) were enrolled. Treatments with nanofractional RF were undergone for a total of three sessions at 4‐week intervals. Clinical outcomes were assessed, by comparing pre‐ and post‐treatment measurement of total lesional surface area (using digital Pictzar™ software), and length and width of lesions. Histopathological evaluation was also performed.

Results

At 4 weeks after the last treatment, the total surface area, and the width and the length of striae alba significantly decreased from the baseline (P < 0.001). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was reported in six subjects. Regarding histopathology, the average mean number of collagen and elastin bundles was significantly increased (P = 0.005 and 0.012, respectively).

Conclusion

Nanofractional RF is highly effective with a good safety profile for the treatment of striae alba.
The Role of Men's Childbearing Intentions in Father Involvement
Authors: Lindberg Laura Duberstein , Kost Kathryn , Maddow‐Zimet Isaac
Published: October 2016

An expanding body of research has investigated factors that influence fathers' involvement with their children. Generally overlooked has been the role of pregnancy intentions on men's fathering behaviors. In this study, the authors used nationally representative data from men interviewed in the 2002 and 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth to examine relationships between fathers' pregnancy intentions and multiple aspects of their parental involvement. Using propensity score methods to control for confounding, they found that men were less likely to live with a young child from a mistimed than intended pregnancy and that among nonresident fathers, mistimed pregnancies were associated with lower levels of visitation and consequently reduced participation in caregiving and play. Among both resident and nonresident fathers, mistimed pregnancies were also associated with lower self‐appraisals of fathering quality when compared with intended pregnancies; for nonresident fathers, however, this association was moderated by other involvement.
Grandparents' Education and Infant Health: Pathways Across Generations
Authors: McFarland Michael J. , McLanahan Sara S. , Goosby Bridget J. , Reichman Nancy E.
Published: October 2016

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing survey linked to respondents' medical records (N = 2,870), this study examines the association between grandparents' education and birth outcomes and explores potential pathways underlying this relationship. Results show that having a grandfather with less than a high school education was associated with a 93 gram reduction in birth weight, a 59% increase in the odds of low birth weight, and a 136% increase in the odds of a neonatal health condition when compared with having a grandfather with a high school education or more. These associations were partially accounted for by mother's educational attainment and marital status as well as by prenatal history of depression, hypertension, and prenatal health behaviors, depending on the specific outcome. The findings from this study call for heightened attention to the multigenerational influences of educational attainment for infant health.
Agreement between quantitative and qualitative sensory testing of changes in oro‐facial somatosensory sensitivity
Authors: Agbaje J. , De Laat A. , Constantinus P. , Svensson P. , Baad‐Hansen L.
Published: October 2016

Qualitative somatosensory testing (QualST) is a simple chairside test. It can be used to roughly assess the presence or absence of altered somatosensory function. To use QualST clinically, it is important to assess its agreement with quantitative sensory testing (QST). The aims of this study were to assess the agreement between QST and QualST when testing the modulation of facial sensitivity by capsaicin in healthy participants and to explore the agreement between QST and QualST in assessing the intraoral sensory function in clinical atypical odontalgia (AO) patients. Eighteen healthy pain‐free adults and data from 27 AO patients were included in the study. Thirteen QST and three QualST parameters were evaluated at each site. Z‐scores were computed for healthy participants, and Loss‐Gain scores were created. The agreement observed between QST and QualST in participants with no alterations in facial sensation (placebo) was good, that is ranging from 89% to 94%. A poorer agreement was seen after capsaicin application in all test modalities with agreement ranging from 50% to 72%. The commonest misclassification observed was participants classified as normal according to QST, but hyper‐ or hyposensitive according to QualST after capsaicin application, especially for cold and pinprick. A similar trend was observed in AO patients where patients classified as normal using QST were misclassified as hypersensitive and in few patients as hyposensitive by QualST. In conclusion, the study showed that QualST may be used as a screening tool in the clinical setting, especially to show that subjects have normal sensory function.
WhatsApp is an effective tool for obtaining second opinion in oral pathology practice
Authors: Sarode Sachin C. , Sarode Gargi S. , Anand Rahul , Patil Shankargouda , Unadkat Hemant
Published: October 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to find out the efficacy of WhatsApp application for obtaining second opinion on histopathological diagnosis in oral pathology practice.

Methods

A total of 247 cases comprising of 34 different oral pathologies were photomicrographed using smartphone cameras through compound microscopes and sent for second opinion diagnosis (SOD) to 20 different oral pathologists using WhatsApp.

Results

Of 4795 (97.06%) total second opinion received, correct SOD were received for 4710 (98.22%) cases. Hundred percent times correct SOD was received for lesions including adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, keratinizing cystic odontogenic tumor, odontome, and dentigerous cyst. Lesions such as myoepithelial carcinoma, osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia received less percentage of correct SOD (85.71–75.75%). Correct SOD was obtained for variants of ameloblastoma (99.01%), grading of epithelial dysplasia (87.54%), and squamous cell carcinoma (95.26%). A positive correlation was observed between correct SOD and age (P = 0.0143) and experience (P = 0.0189) of the pathologist. The time taken for giving second opinion by the pathologists ranged from 81.98 ± 32.89 to 90.72 ± 38.88 min.

Conclusion

Smartphone camera is a handy and efficient tool in capturing photomicrographs from the compound microscope. Transfer of such photomicrograph via WhatsApp is an effective and convenient approach in procuring second opinion on histopathological diagnosis of oral pathologies.
Social capital strategies to enhance hepatitis C treatment awareness and uptake among men in prison
Authors: Lafferty L. , Treloar C. , Guthrie J. , Chambers G. M. , Butler T.
Published: October 2016

Prisoner populations are characterized by high rates of hepatitis C (HCV), up to thirty times that of the general population in Australia. Within Australian prisons, less than 1% of eligible inmates access treatment. Public health strategies informed by social capital could be important in addressing this inequality in access to HCV treatment. Twenty‐eight male inmates participated in qualitative interviews across three correctional centres in New South Wales, Australia. All participants had recently tested as HCV RNA positive or were receiving HCV treatment. Analysis was conducted with participants including men with experiences of HCV treatment (n=10) (including those currently accessing treatment and those with a history of treatment) and those who were treatment naïve (n=18). Social capital was a resourceful commodity for inmates considering and undergoing treatment while in custody. Inmates were a valuable resource for information regarding HCV treatment, including personal accounts and reassurance (bonding social capital), while nurses a resource for the provision of information and care (linking social capital). Although linking social capital between inmates and nurses appeared influential in HCV treatment access, there remained opportunities for increasing linking social capital within the prison setting (such as nurse‐led engagement within the prisons). Bonding and linking social capital can be valuable resources in promoting HCV treatment awareness, uptake and adherence. Peer‐based programmes are likely to be influential in promoting HCV outcomes in the prison setting. Engagement in prisons, outside of the clinics, would enhance opportunities for linking social capital to influence HCV treatment outcomes.