bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clitellate worms (Annelida) in lateglacial and Holocene sedimentary DNA records from the Polar Urals and northern Norway
Authors: Lammers Youri , Clarke Charlotte L. , Erséus Christer , Brown Antony G. , Edwards Mary E. , Gielly Ludovic , Haflidason Haflidi , Mangerud Jan , Rota Emilia , Svendsen John Inge , Alsos Inger Greve
Published: November 2018

While there are extensive macro‐ and microfossil records of a range of plants and animals from the Quaternary, earthworms and their close relatives amongst annelids are not preserved as fossils and therefore the knowledge of their past distributions is limited. This lack of fossils means that clitellate worms (Annelida) are currently underused in palaeoecological research, even though they can provide valuable information about terrestrial and aquatic environmental conditions. Their DNA might be preserved in sediments, which offers an alternative method for detection. Here we analyse lacustrine sediments from lakes in the Polar Urals, Arctic Russia, covering the period 24 000–1300 cal. a BP, and NE Norway, covering 10 700–3300 cal. a BP, using a universal mammal 16S rDNA marker. While mammals were recorded using the marker (reindeer was detected twice in the Polar Urals core at 23 000 and 14 000 cal. a BP, and four times in the Norwegian core at 11 000 cal. a BP and between 3600–3300 cal. a BP), worm extracellular DNA ‘bycatch’ was rather high. In this paper we present the first reported worm detection from ancient DNA. Our results demonstrate that both aquatic and terrestrial clitellates can be identified in late‐Quaternary lacustrine sediments, and the ecological information retrievable from this group warrants further research with a more targeted approach.
Comparing severity scores in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Shafuddin Eskandarain , Chang Catherina L. , Hancox Robert J.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Prognostic scores help identify patients at a high risk of mortality in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Dyspnoea, Eosinopaenia, Consolidation, Acidaemia and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF) score has been reported to perform better than other severity scores in predicting mortality from exacerbations of COPD in studies including patients with pneumonia.

Objective

To compare the performance of DECAF with other prognostic scores: CURB‐65, CRB‐65 and BAP‐65, in predicting 30‐day mortality in patients hospitalised with exacerbations of COPD without pneumonia.

Methods

Data from hospital admission of 423 patients from two cohorts of patients with exacerbations of COPD without consolidation on chest radiographs were used to compile the CURB‐65, CRB‐65, BAP‐65 and DECAF scores. The performance of each prognostic score in predicting 30‐day mortality was studied using receiver operating curve analysis.

Results

Thirty‐one patients (7%) died within 30 days of hospital admission. One hundred patients (24%) did not have DECAF scores because of the incomplete laboratory data, while all 423 patients had the other scores available for analysis. All scores predicted mortality with similar areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (CURB‐65 = 0.69, CRB‐65 = 0.64, BAP‐65 = 0.64, DECAF = 0.65, P = 0.186).

Conclusion

In patients hospitalised with exacerbations of COPD without pneumonia, simple clinical scores that rely on fewer laboratory measures perform at least as well as DECAF in predicting early mortality.
Screening system for epidermal growth factor receptor mutation detection in cytology cell‐free DNA of cerebrospinal fluid based on assured sample quality
Authors: Kawahara Akihiko , Abe Hideyuki , Murata Kazuya , Ishii Hidenobu , Azuma Koichi , Takase Yorihiko , Hattori Satoshi , Naito Yoshiki , Akiba Jun
Published: November 2018

Background

The cobas® epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Mutation Test v2 designed for cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is approved as a companion diagnostic for osimertinib therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance of EGFR mutation detection between paired primary or recurrent samples, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology samples of lung cancer patients.

Methods

In total, 26 lung cancer patients with supernatant cytology cfDNA in CSF were analysed for EGFR mutations using the cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2.0 designed for cfDNA, and the concordance rates between CSF cfDNA and primary or recurrent samples were investigated.

Results

Of the 26 CSF cytology cfDNA samples, 46.1% (12/26) were valid and 53.9% (14/26) were invalid. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between the valid CSF cfDNA samples and primary or recurrent samples for detection of EGFR mutation, including T790M were 87.5%, 100.0% and 91.7%, respectively. Amounts of both inflammatory cells and tumour cells in CSF cytology were higher in the valid evaluation samples than in the invalid samples (P < .05), and mutant EGFR was detected in 80.0% (4/5) of the valid CSF cytology cfDNA samples with a negative cytology diagnosis.

Conclusions

The cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2.0 can accurately detect EGFR mutations, including T790M, from supernatant cfDNA of CSF cytology samples. Utilisation of supernatant cytology cfDNA in CSF will allow us to perform both EGFR mutation analysis and cytopathological diagnosis at the same time. This represents a new role of cytology in patient treatment, based on assured sample quality.
Motor function in Rett syndrome: comparing clinical and parental assessments
Authors: Rodocanachi Roidi Marina L , Isaias Ioannis U , Cozzi Francesca , Grange Francesca , Scotti Fabrizia M , Gestra Valentina F , Gandini Alessandra , Ripamonti Enrico
Published: November 2018

Aim

To describe a new clinical tool, the Rett Syndrome Motor Evaluation Scale (RESMES) and to assess (loco‐)motor function in people with Rett syndrome (RTT).

Method

Formal assessment provided by physicians was followed by parents’ direct observation at home using theRESMES. Sixty females (mean [SD] age 12y 5mo [8y 9mo], range 3–40y) with a clinical diagnosis and genetically determinedRTTparticipated in the study. Spearman's/Pearson's coefficients assessed the correlation between the clinicians’ and caregivers’ evaluations, as well as the correlation ofRESMESscores with other scales, namely the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia, the Rett Assessment Rating Scale, the Modified Ashworth Scale, and hand function (assessed with a scale of evaluation of purposeful hand function). Scores provided by parents and clinicians were tested statistically by Mann–WhitneyUtest.

Results

Approximately 88% of patients had moderate to severeRTTsymptoms and, on average, moderate motor impairment based on theRESMES.RESMEStotal scores provided by clinicians and caregivers were highly correlated (r=0.91), as were the subscale scores. Postural transition was a critical area of theRESMES, where parents systematically provided lower scores than clinicians, indicating milder degrees of disability. Severity of scoliosis and mutation type emerged as significant predictors of motor function.

Interpretation

TheRESMEScharacterized the (loco‐)motor impairments of the patients withRTTwell. It also showed a close correlation between the evaluations of clinicians and caregivers, with the possible exception of postural transition tasks, which should be carefully addressed in a clinical setting. The type of mutation and presence of scoliosis should be evaluated, as they predicted the ability to walk.

What this paper adds

Caregivers at home can reliably assess motor function in Rett syndrome using the Rett Syndrome Motor Evaluation Scale (RESMES).

RESMES scores provided by clinicians and parents were highly correlated.

The severity of scoliosis and the genetic mutation predicted standing and walking abilities.
Hamstring lengthening in cerebral palsy and the use of musculoskeletal modelling
Authors: Stewart Caroline
Published: November 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Salami et al. on pages 791–797 of this issue.
Utility of HbA1c assessment in people with diabetes awaiting liver transplantation
Authors: Bhattacharjee D. , Vracar S. , Round R. A. , Nightingale P. G. , Williams J. A. , Gkoutos G. V. , Stratton I. M. , Parker R. , Luzio S. D. , Webber J. , Manley S. E. , Roberts G. A. , Ghosh S.
Published: November 2018

Aims

To investigate the relationship between HbA1c and glucose in people with co‐existing liver disease and diabetes awaiting transplant, and in those with diabetes but no liver disease.

Methods

HbA1c and random plasma glucose data were collected for 125 people with diabetes without liver disease and for 29 people awaiting liver transplant with diabetes and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was caused by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, hereditary haemochromatosis, polycystic liver/kidneys, cryptogenic/non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension and α‐1‐antitrypsin‐related disease.

Results

The median (interquartile range) age of the diabetes with cirrhosis group was 55 (49–63) years compared to 60 (50–71) years (P=0.13) in the group without cirrhosis. In the diabetes with cirrhosis group there were 21 men (72%) compared with 86 men (69%) in the group with diabetes and no cirrhosis (P=0.82). Of the group with diabetes and cirrhosis, 27 people (93%) were of white European ethnicity, two (7%) were South Asian and none was of Afro‐Caribbean/other ethnicity compared with 94 (75%), 16 (13%), 10 (8%)/5 (4%), respectively, in the group with diabetes and no cirrhosis (P=0.20). Median (interquartile range) HbA1c was 41 (32–56) mmol/mol [5.9 (5.1–7.3)%] vs 61 (52–70) mmol/mol [7.7 (6.9–8.6)%] (P<0.001), respectively, in the diabetes with cirrhosis group vs the diabetes without cirrhosis group. The glucose concentrations were 8.4 (7.0–11.2) mmol/l vs 7.3 (5.2–11.5) mmol/l (P=0.17). HbA1c was depressed by 20 mmol/mol (1.8%; P<0.001) in 28 participants with cirrhosis but elevated by 28 mmol/mol (2.6%) in the participant with α‐1‐antitrypsin disorder. Those with cirrhosis and depressed HbA1c had fewer larger erythrocytes, and higher red cell distribution width and reticulocyte count. This was reflected in the positive association of glucose with mean cell volume (r=0.39) and haemoglobin level (r=0.49) and the negative association for HbA1c (r=–0.28 and r=–0.26, respectively) in the diabetes group with cirrhosis.

Conclusion

HbA1c is not an appropriate test for blood glucose in people with cirrhosis and diabetes awaiting transplant as it reflects altered erythrocyte presentation.
Gene expression in the phenotypically plastic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus): A focus on growth and ossification at early stages of development
Authors: Beck Samantha V. , Räsänen Katja , Ahi Ehsan P. , Kristjánsson Bjarni K. , Skúlason Skúli , Jónsson Zophonías O. , Leblanc Camille A.
Published: November 2018

Gene expression during development shapes the phenotypes of individuals. Although embryonic gene expression can have lasting effects on developmental trajectories, few studies consider the role of maternal effects, such as egg size, on gene expression. Using qPCR, we characterize relative expression of 14 growth and/or skeletal promoting genes across embryonic development in Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). We test to what extent their relative expression is correlated with egg size and size at early life‐stages within the study population. We predict smaller individuals to have higher expression of growth and skeletal promoting genes, due to less maternal resources (i.e., yolk) and prioritization of energy toward ossification. We found expression levels to vary across developmental stages and only three genes (Mmp9,Star, andSgk1) correlated with individual size at a given developmental stage. Contrary to our hypothesis, expression ofMmp9andStarshowed a non‐linear relationship with size (at post fertilization and hatching, respectively), whilstSgk1was higher in larger embryos at hatching. Interestingly, these genes are also associated with craniofacial divergence of Arctic charr morphs. Our results indicate that early life‐stage variation in gene expression, concomitant to maternal effects, can influence developmental plasticity and potentially the evolution of resource polymorphism in fishes.
Pseudocercospora avicenniicola on black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) in Benin: The first report from Africa
Authors: Piątek Marcin , Yorou Nourou S.
Published: November 2018

Pseudocercospora avicenniicola associated with a leaf spot disease on black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is reported from Benin. This is the first record of this species from Africa. Previously, P. avicenniicola was known only from one location in Brazil, South America. The morphology of the specimen from Africa is described, illustrated and compared with the original description.
Reduced late mismatch negativity and auditory sustained potential to rule‐based patterns in schizophrenia
Authors: Haigh Sarah M. , Coffman Brian A. , Murphy Timothy K. , Butera Christiana D. , Leiter‐McBeth Justin R. , Salisbury Dean F.
Published: November 2018

Complex rule‐based auditory processing is abnormal in individuals with long‐term schizophrenia (SZ), as demonstrated by reduced mismatch negativity (MMN) to deviants in rule‐based patterns and reduced auditory sustained potential (ASP) that appears when grouping tones together. Together, this suggests deficits later in the auditory processing hierarchy in Sz. Here, MMN and ASP were elicited by deviations from a complex zig‐zag pitch pattern that cannot be predicted by simple linear rules. Twenty‐seven SZ and 26 matched healthy controls (HC) participated. Frequent groups of patterns contained eight tones that zig‐zagged in a two‐up one‐down pitch‐based paradigm. There were two deviant patterns: the final tone was either higher in pitch than expected (creating a jump in pitch) or was repeated. Simple MMN to pitch‐deviants among repetitive tones was measured for comparison. Sz exhibited a smaller pitch MMN compared to HC as expected. HC produced a late MMN in response to the repeat and jump‐deviant and a larger ASP to the standard group of tones, all of which were significantly blunted in SZ. In Sz, the amplitude of the late complex MMN was related to neuropsychological functioning, whereas ASP was not. ASP and late MMN did not significantly correlate in HC or in Sz, suggesting that they are not dependent on one another and may originate within distinct processing streams. Together, this suggests multiple deficits later in the auditory sensory‐perceptual hierarchy in Sz, with impairments evident in both segmentation and deviance detection abilities.
Effects of equibiaxial mechanical stretch on extracellular matrix‐related gene expression in human calvarial osteoblasts
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Xu Shuhao , Zhang Yanggen , Zou Shujuan , Li Xiaobing
Published: November 2018

Mechanical stretch commonly promotes craniofacial suture remodeling during interceptive orthodontics. The mechanical responses of osteoblasts in craniofacial sutures play a role in suture remodeling. Moreover, the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by osteoblasts is crucial for the transduction of mechanical signals that promote cell differentiation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of mechanical stretch on cell viability and ECM‐related gene‐expression changes in human osteoblasts. Human calvarial osteoblasts (HCObs) were subjected to 2% deformation. Caspase activity, MTT, and cell viability assays were used to estimate osteoblast apoptosis, proliferation, and viability, respectively. Real‐time RT‐PCR (RT2‐PCR) arrays were used to assess expression of cytoskeletal‐, apoptosis‐, osteogenesis‐, and ECM‐related genes. We found that mechanical stretch significantly increased osteoblast viability and cell proliferation, and decreased the activities of caspases 3 and 7. Moreover, the expression of 18 genes related to osteoblast differentiation, apoptosis, and ECM remodeling changed by more than two‐fold in a time‐dependent manner. Therefore, mechanical stretch promotes HCOb viability and alters expression of genes that are closely related to suture remodeling under mechanical stretch.
A comparison of two ketamine doses for field anaesthesia in horses undergoing castration
Authors: Harðardóttir H. , Murison P. J. , Blissitt K. , Olason S. , Clutton R. E.
Published: November 2018

Background

Ketamine at 2.2 mg/kg given i.v. is often used to induce anaesthesia for surgical procedures in horses under field conditions. Commonly, additional doses are needed to complete the surgery. We hypothesised that surgical conditions would be improved when 5 mg/kg of ketamine was used to induce anaesthesia, while induction and recovery qualities would not differ from those when 2.2 mg/kg ketamine was used.

Objective

To compare the anaesthetic effects of two ketamine doses (5 and 2.2 mg/kg) during field anaesthesia for castration of horses.

Study design

Prospective, randomised, blinded, clinical study.

Method

Seventy‐seven client‐owned Icelandic horses presented for castration under field conditions were studied. Pre‐anaesthetic medication was xylazine (0.7 mg/kg) butorphanol (25 μg/kg) and acepromazine (50 μg/kg) injected i.v. Anaesthesia was induced with either 2.2 mg/kg (K2.2) or 5 mg/kg (K5) i.v. of ketamine mixed with diazepam (30 μg/kg). The quality of induction, surgical conditions and recovery were compared using subjective and objective measures, and the number of additional ketamine doses recorded.

Results

Ketamine 5 mg/kg provided better surgical conditions and a more rapid induction. Recovery quality was subjectively better in K2.2. Five horses in K2.2 and two in K5 required additional ketamine doses.

Main limitations

While the pre‐anaesthetic sedation and benzodiazepine doses were consistent among horses, the level of sedation and muscle relaxation achieved differed.

Conclusion

A ketamine dose of 5 mg/kg can be used to improve the quality of field anaesthesia for castration in Icelandic horses. Although recovery quality is subjectively better when using 2.2 mg/kg, no adverse events were observed during recovery with either dose

The Summary is available in Portuguese – seeSupporting Information
Strengthening the contribution of macroecological models to conservation practice
Authors: Rapacciuolo Giovanni
Published: November 2018

Issue

Owing to their large‐scale scope and emphasis on prediction, macroecological models have the potential to provide key contributions to evidence‐based conservation practice. However, examples of macroecological modelling outputs directly influencing conservation practice and decision‐making remain rare. The general barriers to implementation of ecological research into conservation practice have been discussed at length, whereas much less attention has been given to the specific barriers faced by macroecological modelling research.

Evidence

Here, I start to address this gap by discussing how two important barriers could be overcome in a practical manner, because their burden falls primarily on the researcher. The first barrier is the potential perception of macroecological models as “black boxes” by potential end‐users, who may have little time and/or quantitative training to inspect the underlying methods fully. The second barrier is the difficulty in effective translation of the uncertainty inherent to most macroecological models, given the high threshold for weight of evidence required to support most decisions. To overcome these barriers, I put forward a number of solutions, most of which rely on researchers agreeing to and adopting model documentation and communication standards already in existence.

Conclusion

I conclude by introducing the bigger challenges ahead for the macroecology–conservation practice interface: transformation of publication incentives and establishment of a two‐way flow of knowledge between macroecologists and conservation practitioners. Macroecologists can contribute much‐needed evidence to support conservation decisions. However, fundamental changes to their research communication standards, their publication incentives and their understanding of regulatory settings will be needed to ensure that macroecological contributions are considered in practice.
Hepatic and renal toxicity and associated factors among HIV‐infected children on antiretroviral therapy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tadesse BT , Foster BA , Kabeta A , Ayalew F , H/Meskel G , Jerene D , Makonnen E , Aklillu E
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of renal function and liver enzyme abnormalities among HIV‐infected children, changes in prevalence with time on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), and the factors associated with these abnormalities.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among HIV‐infected children < 18 years old (n = 705) who were on first‐line cART. Liver enzymes, renal function, haematology, immunology and virological response were assessed at enrolment and followed bi‐annually for 18 months. Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were assessed using noninvasive markers including the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis score (FIB‐4).

Results

The median age was 12 [interquartile range (IQR) 8–14] years; 53.3% of patients were male. At enrolment, the median cART duration was 3.3 (IQR 1.1–6.1) years; 177 (25.1%) and 83 (11.8%) patients had elevated AST and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), respectively. A tenth of the children had an APRI score > 0.5, suggesting liver fibrosis. Being on a zidovudine (ZDV)‐ or nevirapine (NVP)‐based regimen and having a viral load > 1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL were significantly associated with elevated ALT. Twenty‐four (3.4%) and 84 (12.1%) patients had elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), respectively. As cART duration increased by 6 months, median BUN increased by 1.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4–2.7] mg/dL (P = 0.01); the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreased by 35.6 (95% CI 17.7–53.4) mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.0001); and AST and ALT decreased by 1.4 (95% CI 0.4–2.5) IU/L (P = 0.01) and 1.4 (95% CI 0.2–2.6) IU/L (P = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of liver enzyme and renal function abnormalities was observed at enrolment. Decreasing liver enzyme levels during follow‐up are possibly reassuring, while the progressive reduction in GFR and the increase in BUN are worrisome and require further study.
Groundwork for Transfeminist Care Ethics: Sara Ruddick, Trans Children, and Solidarity in Dependency
Authors: Marvin Amy
Published: November 2018

This essay considers the dependency of trans youth by bridging transgender studies with feminist care ethics to emphasize a trans wisdom about solidarity through dependency. The first major section of the essay argues for reworking Sara Ruddick's philosophy of mothering in the context of trans and gender‐creative youth. This requires, first, stressing a more robust interaction among her divisions of preservative love, nurturance for growth, and training for acceptability, and second, creating a more nuanced account of “nature” in relation to nurturance for growth to avoid casting transition as contrary to a trans youth's healthy development. In the second major section of the essay, I depart from Ruddick's framework to emphasize the difference of care for trans youth by trans and/or queer communities and through mutual caregiving, stressing a trans wisdom about dependency and solidarity found in the work of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. Turning to Eva Feder Kittay's links between dependency work and equality, I argue that Rivera and Johnson's work contains a distinct knowledge derived from practice necessitating the connection between solidarity and dependency in particular communities. I then call for more work on trans care ethics, trans ethics, and trans wisdom more broadly.
The potential application of concentrated growth factor in regenerative endodontics
Authors: Hong S. , Li L. , Cai W. , Jiang B.
Published: November 2018

Aim

To investigate the potential application of concentrated growth factor (CGF) to promote pulp regeneration within immature teeth.

Methodology

Concentrated growth factor clots produced from peripheral blood samples were investigated histologically by haematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and evaluated morphologically by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cytokines were extracted from the CGF, and representative cytokines were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The biological effects of the CGF on human stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) were then investigated and quantified, including cell proliferation, cell migration, mineralized nodule formation, and the gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix protein (DMP)‐1. The results were analysed statistically using one‐way analysis of variance (anova).

Results

Concentrated growth factor had a complex three‐dimensional structure with a high density of platelets and nucleated cells. Representative growth factors including PDGF‐BB, IGF‐1, TGF‐β1, bFGF and VEGF were detected. The growth rate and migratory cell numbers of the CGF groups were significantly greater than those in the control groups (P < 0.05). The mineralization areas in the CGF groups were significantly larger than those in the control groups (P < 0.05). The expression levels of ALP, DSPP and DMP‐1 were significantly up‐regulated after induction by CGF (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Concentrated growth factor promoted the proliferation, migration and differentiation of SCAPs and could be a promising biomaterial applied in regenerative endodontics.
Alkaline phosphatase 2 is a functional receptor of Cry1Ac but not Cry2Ab in Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Wei J. , Zhang M. , Liang G. , Li X.
Published: November 2018

Although membrane‐bound alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) have been proposed as a receptor for Cry1Ac in a few lepidopteran species, their potential functions as a Cry2Ab receptor are yet to be verified. To determine if ALP2 also serves as a receptor for Cry1Ac and even for Cry2Ab in Helicoverpa zea, we measured the potency of activated Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab against midgut and fat body cell lines of H. zea and the ovarian cell line of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) expressing H. zea ALP2 (HzALP2) or transfected with HzALP2 double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). Relative to the control cells, the three cell lines expressing HzALP2 were more susceptible to Cry1Ac but there was no difference for Cry2Ab. By contrast, the two H. zea cell lines transfected with HzALP2 dsRNA were resistant to Cry1Ac while kept susceptible to Cry2Ab. Furthermore, RNA interference knockdown of HzALP2 in H. zea larvae enhanced larval survival on Cry1Ac‐containing diets. These findings indicate that HzALP2 functions as a receptor of Cry1Ac but not Cry2Ab.
Cultural Pluralism in Art Education: and Why Art Students Should Learn about the ‘Dark Matter’
Authors: Doubtfire Joseph
Published: November 2018

Drawing initially from practical experience of embedding equality and diversity in teaching and learning, this article considers the relevance of Sholette's idea of the ‘Dark Matter’ to the notion of cultural pluralism. Questioning the canonical and hegemonic practices of the art world, this article importantly posits the notion that the inclusion of minority practices in teaching and learning is not sufficient, but rather discussions of the politics of said groups are necessary for significant change. Finally, this article offers practical suggestions for achieving inclusivity, through the use of social media platforms such as Instagram, where ‘Dark Matter’ and the ‘stars’ work side by side.
Through the Lens of Power: An Arts‐Based Exploration of Power Relations with Young People in Dublin
Authors: Whelan Fiona
Published: November 2018

Artist Fiona Whelan's fourteen‐year collaborative practice with Rialto Youth Project presents a dialogical approach to engaging young people and adults over time in a creative, critical examination of power relations at a personal, community and societal level. This article outlines the collective approach underpinning a durational, iterative project (2007–11) that negotiated new and established methodological approaches, in order to construct horizontal working relations with young people to visualise, diffuse and challenge existing power structures. Focusing on two public manifestations which brought together young people and police in untypical encounters, the article outlines two forms of relational power that are experienced in the private and public processes that underpinned this collective practice: a form of relational power that articulates inequalities between those who exercise power and those who are subject to power, and another whereby power is co‐produced through collaboration. Specific features of the practice that contribute to the emergence of this relational power are subsequently outlined. This includes an approach to gathering anonymous stories, which are collectivised into poly‐vocal public manifestations, where the two forms of relational power converge in public.
The role of competition in driving species global distributions: Soricid shrews as a case study
Authors: Neves Tomé , Tapisso Joaquim T. , Porto Miguel , Pereira Henrique M. , Mathias Maria L. , Borda‐de‐Água Luís
Published: November 2018

Aim

We aim to determine the relative influence of climate and species interactions on the global distribution of Soricinae and Crocidurinae shrews through the analysis of their distribution, climate niche and evolutionary history. Both subfamilies are partially allopatric in Eurasia, but in North America only Soricinae is present, thus providing a scenario to address the role of potential competition versus competitive release in determining species’ realized distributions at a global scale.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Soricidae, Eulipotyphla.

Methods

We obtained climate data from WorldClim, spatial range data for 302 species from the IUCN Red List and 2614 cytb complete sequences from GenBank. We modelled the potential distribution of the subfamilies by computing three environmental niche models using Maxent: one for Crocidurinae, one for American Soricinae and one for Afro‐Eurasian Soricinae. We created matrices for the genetic, spatial and climatic distance between all pairs of species to calculate the average climatic distance between pairs of species within and between subfamilies. We then evaluated this distance against a null model. To assess the effect of phylogeny on the segregation of the subfamilies, we checked for correlation between genetic and spatial distance.

Results

The Afro‐Eurasian Soricinae environmental niche model under‐predicted its occurrence in America. The average climatic distance between subfamilies was larger than expected by chance, while the distance within both Crocidurinae and Afro‐Eurasian Soricinae was smaller. The average distance between the American and Afro‐Eurasian Soricinae was also larger than expected. There was no correlation between spatial and genetic distance for genetic distances over 0.14 substitutions per nucleotide site.

Main conclusions

Climate significantly influences the distribution of both subfamilies. As expected in a scenario of competitive release, the climatic range of the Soricinae in America is larger than in Afro‐Eurasia. Thus, besides climate, competition may play an important role in shaping species’ global distributions.
Diagnosing hypertension in Indigenous Canadians (DREAM‐GLOBAL): A randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of short message service messaging for management of hypertension: Main results
Authors: Tobe Sheldon W. , Yeates Karen , Campbell Norm R. C. , Maar Marion A. , Perkins Nancy , Liu Peter P. , Sleeth Jessica , McAllister Colin , Hua‐Stewart Diane , Wells George , Bernick Jordan
Published: November 2018

Hypertension, the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affects more than 1 billion people globally. The rise in mobile health in particular the use of mobile phones and short message service (SMS) to support disease management provides an opportunity to improve hypertension awareness, treatment, and control, in remote and vulnerable patient populations. The primary objective of this randomized controlled study was to assess the effect of active (with hypertension specific management SMS) or passive (health behaviors SMS alone) on the difference in blood pressure (BP) reduction between the active and passive SMS groups in hypertensive Canadian First Nations people from six rural and remote communities. Pragmatic features of the study included shifting of BP measures to non‐medical health workers. Despite an overall reduction in BP over the study, there was no difference in the BP change between groups from baseline to final for systolic 0.8 (95% CI −4.2 to 5.8 mm Hg) or diastolic −1.0 (95% CI −3.7 to 1.8 mm Hg, P = 0.5) BP. Achieved BP control was 37.5% (25.6%‐49.4%, 95% CI) in the active group and 32.8% (20.6%‐44.8%, 95% CI) in the passive group (difference in proportions −4.74% (−21.7% to 12.2%, 95% CI, P = 0.6). The study looked at changes in health services delivery, mobile health technologies, and patient engagement to support better management of hypertension in Canadian First Nations communities. The active hypertension specific SMS did not lead to improvements in BP control.
Surveying native egg parasitoids and predators of the invasive Halyomorpha halys in Northern Italy
Authors: Costi Elena , Haye Tim , Maistrello Lara
Published: November 2018

The invasive Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is a key pest of fruits in the Emilia‐Romagna region of Italy. For the development of a sustainable management programme, knowledge of its native natural enemy community and its efficacy is essential. A three‐year field survey was conducted exposing H. halys egg masses in different types of habitats to investigate the efficacy of native natural enemies in reducing the H. halys populations in the Emilia‐Romagna region, where the stinkbug was first detected in 2012. Over the first year of the study, sentinel eggs from laboratory cultures were stapled to the underside of leaves in various host trees, whereas in following years H. halys adults were directly caged on branches in sleeve cages to allow natural oviposition. Over the examined years, low rates of parasitism (1%–3%) and predation (2%–5%) were observed. Parasitism was caused exclusively by the generalist parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus.
An integrated quantitative framework to support design of resilient alternatives to manage urban flood risks
Authors: Miguez Marcelo G. , Raupp Igor P. , Veról Aline P.
Published: November 2018

Urban floods can disrupt city services and cause significant damage. This study intends to contribute to the flood control discussion by proposing a design framework combining flood risk, resilience, and economic feasibility to support decision‐making among flood control alternatives. First, a hydrodynamic model (Urban Flood Cell Model‐MODCEL) simulates flood maps for different return periods. Then, a multicriteria flood risk index is used to introduce socioeconomic variables and an integrated flood resilience index indicates the best alternative for maintaining risks at an acceptable level under future pressures, that is, guaranteeing that future risks will not increase significantly. Finally, economic feasibility is assessed, adding a benefit–cost analysis, considering the expected avoided losses over a given time. To illustrate this discussion, two design alternatives are compared for a project lifetime of 50 years in the Dona Eugenia watershed, in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The proposed framework showed that the most complete (and initially preferred) alternative, which considered a whole set of distributed sustainable urban drainage and river restoration measures, was not economically feasible. A variant of this alternative focusing on fluvial floodable parks and river restoration, avoiding individual adaptations (like implementing green roofs in existing buildings), showed more sustainable results.
Antimicrobial resistance and genotyping of vacA, cagA, and iceA alleles of the Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from traditional dairy products
Authors: Ranjbar Reza , Yadollahi Farsani Farid , Safarpoor Dehkordi Farhad
Published: November 2018

Dairy products play a considerable role in transmission of Helicobacter pylori. The current study was done to assess phenotypic characters of antimicrobial resistance and genotyping pattern of vacA, cagA, and iceA alleles among the H. pylori strains isolated from dairy products. Eight‐hundred dairy samples were collected and cultured. Antimicrobial resistance and genotyping patterns were assessed using disk diffusion and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Thirty‐one out of 800 (3.87%) traditional dairy product samples were positive for H. pylori. Cheese (11.53%) samples had the highest incidence of H. pylori, while yoghurt (1.11%) had the lowest. Helicobacter pylori strains harbored the highest incidence of resistance against ampicillin (93.54%), amoxicillin (93.54%), tetracycline (90.32%), erythromycin (80.64%), and metronidazole (77.41%). VacA s1a (90.32%), m1a (90.32%), s2 (80.64%) and m2 (77.19%), cagA (51.61%), and iceA1 (32.25%) were the most routinely identified genotypes. S1am1a (67.74%), s2m1a (64.51%), and s1am2 (51.61%) were the most routinely identified genotyping pattern. Simultaneous presence of vacA, cagA, and iceA genotypes in antimicrobial resistant H. pylori strains indicates important public health issue regarding the consumption of dairy products. However, additional researches are required to find molecular genetic homology and other epidemiological aspects of H. pylori in dairy products.

Practical applications

Due to the high consumption rate of dairy samples, they should have a high microbial quality. Foods with animal origins and especially dairy samples are considered as a probable source of Helicobacter pylori infections. The incidence of contamination of dairy samples by H. pylori is fairly high, and nearly all of the isolates exhibited resistance against several types of antimicrobials and harbored pathogenic vacA, cagA, and iceA genotypes, so the risk of probable foodborne diseases caused by H. pylori in such products should not be neglected. Additionally, dairy samples may act as a reservoir of H. pylori with ability to transfer antimicrobial resistance and virulent genotypes.
Towards Productive Cities: Environmental Assessment of the Food‐Energy‐Water Nexus of the Urban Roof Mosaic
Authors: Toboso‐Chavero Susana , Nadal Ana , Petit‐Boix Anna , Pons Oriol , Villalba Gara , Gabarrell Xavier , Josa Alejandro , Rieradevall Joan
Published: November 2018

Cities are rapidly growing and need to look for ways to optimize resource consumption. Metropolises are especially vulnerable in three main systems, often referred to as the FEW (i.e., food, energy, and water) nexus. In this context, urban rooftops are underutilized areas that might be used for the production of these resources.

We developed the Roof Mosaic approach, which combines life cycle assessment with two rooftop guidelines, to analyze the technical feasibility and environmental implications of producing food and energy, and harvesting rainwater on rooftops through different combinations at different scales. To illustrate, we apply the Roof Mosaic approach to a densely populated neighborhood in a Mediterranean city. The building‐scale results show that integrating rainwater harvesting and food production would avoid relatively insignificant emissions (13.9–18.6 kg CO2 eq/inhabitant/year) in the use stage, but their construction would have low environmental impacts. In contrast, the application of energy systems (photovoltaic or solar thermal systems) combined with rainwater harvesting could potentially avoid higher CO2 eq emissions (177–196 kg CO2 eq/inhabitant/year) but generate higher environmental burdens in the construction phase.

When applied at the neighborhood scale, the approach can be optimized to meet between 7% and 50% of FEW demands and avoid up to 157 tons CO2 eq/year. This approach is a useful guide to optimize the FEW nexus providing a range of options for the exploitation of rooftops at the local scale, which can aid cities in becoming self‐sufficient, optimizing resources, and reducing CO2 eq emissions.
Discrimination of dynamically and post‐dynamically recrystallized grains based on EBSD data: application to Inconel 718
Authors: NICOLAŸ A. , FRANCHET J.M. , CORMIER J. , MANSOUR H. , DE GRAEF M. , SERET A. , BOZZOLO N.
Published: November 2018

The importance of angular resolution in EBSD analyses is discussed based on an Inconel 718 sample containing several populations of recrystallized grains, with subtle differences in dislocation contents. Classical EBSD analyses (with angular resolution in the range of 0.5–1°) do not allow for distinguishing recrystallized grains grown dynamically or post‐dynamically. The angular resolution of EBSD orientation and misorientation data can be significantly improved (down to about 0.1–0.2°) either using more sophisticated Kikuchi pattern indexing methods and/or using the recently proposed LLASS denoising filter (Local Linear Automatic Smoothing Splines). Then the coexistence of both dynamically and post‐dynamically recrystallized grains in the sample can be confirmed and quantified. ECCI images unambiguously confirm the conclusions drawn from the analysis of improved angular resolution EBSD data, and furthermore reveal the presence of thermal stress induced dislocations with typical patterns in water quenched Inconel 718 recrystallized grains.

Lay Description

EBSD is widely used to study recrystallization phenomena. Conventional EBSD is nevertheless not able to distinguish dynamic recrystallized grains from post‐dynamic recrystallized grains which differ by subtitle differences in dislocation contents. In this paper, we show that improving the orientation precision of EBSD data by means of different methods allows distinguishing these two recrystallized grains populations. Analyses and discussion are based on an Inconel 718, a famous Nickel‐based superalloy in aeronautic.
Inside‐out or outside‐in, a new factor in MAG‐mediated signaling in the nervous system
Authors: Janssen Bert J. C.
Published: November 2018

Our nervous system depends on protein‐mediated cellular communication and connections for its formation and function. The transmembrane receptor Myelin‐Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) plays an important role in the wrapping process of myelin around axons and in life‐long maintenance of this important bicellular structure. MAG organizes the adhesion and the signalling between the axon and the myelin. But how does MAG do this? Better understanding of this process is required to treat MAG‐function associated neurological disorders. This editorial highlights a study by Myllykoski et al. in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry that describes the identification and characterization of a novel intracellular binding partner of MAG. Using cellular, biophysical and structural techniques, the authors show that the dynein light chain, DYNLL1 recognizes and interacts with only one of two splice forms of MAG, L‐MAG. DYNLL1 dimerizes L‐MAG at the cytosolic side and this has implications for the signalling and adhesive functions of MAG in our nervous system.

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The impact of within‐day work breaks on daily recovery processes: An event‐based pre‐/post‐experience sampling study
Authors: Zhu Ze , Kuykendall Lauren , Zhang Xichao
Published: November 2018

Research on recovery from work stress has emphasized the importance of within‐day work breaks. However, prior research has not been designed and analysed in a way that fully aligns with the processes described by the underlying theoretical framework (i.e., the effort‐recovery model). The current paper examines the effects of within‐day work breaks on recovery using an event‐based pre‐/post (EBPP)‐design, in a way that more fully captures the recovery process as described by the effort‐recovery model. We also included designs used in previous studies (i.e., an interval‐based design and an event‐based design without pre‐break strain measures) to demonstrate the differences between the EBPP design and previous designs. The results of the EBPP model using a sample of Chinese white‐collar employees showed that within‐day work breaks are significantly associated with reduced fatigue and negative affect and increased positive affect, supporting the predicted recovery effects of within‐day work breaks. However, mixed results were found in the interval‐based design, and non‐significant results were found in the event‐based design without pre‐break measurements. We discuss methodological implications and explain how the EBPP design could be applied to study other episodic phenomena.

Practitioner points

An event‐based pre‐/post‐design (EBPP) can be used to study recovery and other momentary, episodic events at work.

Within‐day work breaks can help employees reduce fatigue and negative affect and increase positive affect.

Relaxation break activities, nutrition‐intake activities, social activities, and cognitive activities help recovery.
Implementing a new adolescent epilepsy service: Improving patient experience and readiness for transition
Authors: Le Marne Fleur A , Towns Susan J , Gaskin Claire , Ho Jane , Baker Richard , Beavis Erin , Bye Anne M
Published: November 2018

Aim

To implement and appraise a new model of care in terms of: patient experience, knowledge of epilepsy, readiness for transition and emotional and behavioural support in a new purpose‐built facility for adolescents and young adults.

Methods

The new model of care included: upskilling of neurology staff in adolescent engagement and provision of group education sessions on epilepsy and mental health (MH), along with MH support, in a new purpose‐built adolescent facility. Parameters examined pre‐ and post‐attendance at the new clinic included: adolescent experience of service delivery, transition readiness, emotional and behavioural well‐being, epilepsy knowledge and medication adherence.

Results

A total of 45 adolescents (mean age 15.7 years) attended the new epilepsy clinic between February 2017 and December 2017. Adolescents felt significantly better informed following education in relation to epilepsy and driving, alcohol/street drugs and birth control/pregnancy. There was no significant improvement in self‐reported medication adherence, transition readiness or mental well‐being at follow‐up. While MH education was ranked highly in terms of importance by adolescents and parents at baseline, attendance at MH education and engagement with MH support was low.

Conclusions

This paper documents what is important to young people with epilepsy regarding service delivery. The new adolescent service was well received. Based on feedback from adolescents and parents relating to the service, and the suboptimal uptake of MH supports, the model of care has been revised to reduce attendance burden on families and improve patient experience.