bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of diabetes targeted apps for Android smartphone in relation to behaviour change techniques
Authors: Hoppe C. D. , Cade J. E. , Carter M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Mobile applications (apps) could support diabetes management through dietary, weight and blood glucose self‐monitoring, as well as by promoting behaviour change. The present study aimed to evaluate diabetes apps for content, functions and behaviour change techniques (BCTs).

Methods

Diabetes self‐management apps for Android smartphones were searched for on the Google Play Store. Ten apps each from the following search terms were included; ‘diabetes’, ‘diabetes type 1’, ‘diabetes type 2’, ‘gestational diabetes’. Apps were evaluated by being scored according to their number of functions and BCTs, price, and user rating.

Results

The mean (SD) number of functions was 8.9 (5.9) out of a possible maximum of 27. Furthermore, the mean (SD) number of BCTs was 4.4 (2.6) out of a possible maximum of 26. Apps with optimum BCT had significantly more functions [13.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 11.9–15.9] than apps that did not (4.7; 95% CI = 3.2–6.2; P < 0.01) and significantly more BCTs (5.8; 95% CI = 4.8–7.0) than apps without (3.1; 95% CI = 2.2–4.1; P < 0.01). Additionally, apps with optimum BCT also cost more than other apps. In the adjusted models, highly rated apps had an average of 4.8 (95% CI = 0.9–8.7; P = 0.02) more functions than lower rated apps.

Conclusions

‘Diabetes apps’ include few functions or BCTs compared to the maximum score possible. Apps with optimum BCTs could indicate higher quality. App developers should consider including both specific functions and BCTs in ‘diabetes apps’ to make them more helpful. More research is needed to understand the components of an effective app for people with diabetes.
Self‐reported oral behaviour habits in hyperdivergent and normodivergent facial types
Authors: Antoun J. S. , Thomson W. M. , Merriman T. R. , Farella M.
Published: October 2016

The relationship between facial morphology and jaw function remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in self‐reported oral behaviour habits between individuals with normodivergent and hyperdivergent facial types. Some 80 cases and controls were individually matched on age, sex ethnicity and treatment stage. The participants were recruited from an orthodontic clinic, and included both adolescents and adults. Habitual oral activity was assessed using the Oral Behaviour Checklist (OBC) based on their experiences in the past 4 weeks. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. The sample had a mean age of 17·2 years (SD = 4·6; range = 12–49 years), and was predominantly female (65·0%) and of New Zealand European origin (91·3%). The prevalence of reporting one or more frequently performed habitual muscular behaviour in either study group was over 85% (P > 0·05). There was no difference in total OBC score between the hyperdivergent (25·6; SD: 9·0) and normodivergent group (25·3; SD: 9·9). Moreover, there was no difference in the prevalence of either nocturnal or daytime oral behaviours between the two groups. While this study did not include any objective measures of functional or habitual activity, we found no differences in self‐reported oral behaviour habits between normodivergent and hyperdivergent individuals. The findings do not support an association between vertical facial form and habitual muscular activity.
Enterprise Risk Management and Default Risk: Evidence from the Banking Industry
Authors: Lundqvist Sara A. , Vilhelmsson Anders
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Enterprise risk management (ERM) has emerged as a framework for more holistic and integrated risk management with an emphasis on enhanced governance of the risk management system. ERM should theoretically reduce the volatility of cash flows, agency risk, and information risk—ultimately reducing a firm's default risk. We empirically investigate the relationship between the degree of ERM implementation and default risk in a panel data set covering 78 of the world's largest banks. We create a novel measure of the degree of ERM implementation. We find that a higher degree of ERM implementation is negatively related to the credit default swap (CDS) spread of a bank. When a rich set of control variables and fixed effects are included, a one‐standard‐deviation increase in the degree of ERM implementation decreases CDS spreads by 21 basis points. The degree of ERM implementation is, however, not a significant determinant of credit ratings when controls for corporate governance are included.
PLACE‐BASED ATTRIBUTES AND SPATIAL EXPENDITURE BEHAVIOR IN TOURISM
Authors: Bernini Cristina , Cracolici Maria Francesca , Nijkamp Peter
Published: October 2016

In recent discussions on local sustainable development, notions like “local for local” and “home bias” have often played a role. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether preferences for specific place‐based attributes might constrain or support tourism participation and tourism destination choice of distinct socioeconomic groups of visitors. To test this proposition, a large data set from the Italian Households Budget Survey for the period 1997–2007 has been used and, by means of the double‐hurdle model, tourism participation and expenditure are modeled over the life‐cycle of tourists. These data are next merged with location‐specific attributes including natural amenities and infrastructural and regional‐economic context variables. Our results show that location‐specific or place‐based characteristics affect intra‐ and interregional tourism differently, as well as destination choices. Regional differences between residents in two different macroareas in Italy (North and Center‐South) are investigated. Location‐specific characteristics may be either push or constraint factors for tourism participation. For families living in the North, participation in the tourism market is supported by the tourist characteristics of their home region. For families living in the central and southern regions however, economic conditions of the area where they reside appear to be more significant.
Health professional and community perspectives on reducing barriers to accessing specialist health care in metropolitan Aboriginal communities: A semi‐structured interview study
Authors: Young Christian , Tong Allison , Gunasekera Hasantha , Sherriff Simone , Kalucy Deanna , Fernando Peter , Craig Jonathan C
Published: October 2016

Aim

To describe the perspectives of health professionals and communities on an innovative health service delivery project, Hearing EAr health and Language Services (HEALS). HEALS was a government funded initiative to improve access to specialist ear, nose and throat and speech pathology services for Aboriginal families living in metropolitan areas.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 health‐care professionals (clinicians, health service managers and Aboriginal health workers) and 16 care givers of children who participated in HEALS. Interviews took place at four Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in metropolitan Australia or by telephone. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically.

Results

We identified five major themes: leveraging partnerships (building on collaborative research, integrating and expanding existing networks, engaging the Aboriginal community), intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (seizing opportunities for altruism, empowered by collegiality, taking pride in achievements), removing common barriers (circumventing waiting times and cost, providing culturally appropriate services, raising awareness), strategic service delivery (proactive service delivery, encouraging flexibility and innovation, offering convenience and support), and service shortfall (pressured timeframes, desire for more sustainable services).

Conclusion

HEALS facilitated improved health‐care access by providing prompt, no‐cost services that were strategically targeted to address multiple barriers. HEALS’ model of care was built upon strong pre‐existing research partnerships, the knowledge and support of five Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, and the willingness and motivation of local health‐care professionals to help Close the Gap. HEALS highlights the importance of tailoring health services to the needs of Aboriginal families, and provides a framework for other health service delivery initiatives.
Effect of dietary fish oil on fatty acid deposition and expression of cholesterol homeostasis controlling genes in the liver and plasma lipid profile: comparison of two animal models
Authors: Komprda T. , Rozíková V. , Zamazalová N. , Škultéty O. , Vícenová M. , Trčková M. , Faldyna M.
Published: October 2016

The objective of the present study was to compare hepatic fatty acid deposition, plasma lipid level and expression of cholesterol homeostasis controlling genes in the liver of rats (Wistar Albino; n = 32) and pigs (Large White × Landrace; n = 32) randomly assigned into two groups of 16 animals each and fed 10 weeks the diet with either 2.5% of fish oil (F; source of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, EPA+DHA) or 2.5% of palm oil (P; high content of saturated fatty acids; control). F‐rats deposited in the liver three times less EPA, but 1.3 times more DHA than F‐pigs (p < 0.05). Dietary fish oil relative to palm oil increased PPARα and SREBP‐2 gene expression much strongly (p < 0.01) in the pig liver in comparison with the rat liver, but expression of Insig‐1 and Hmgcr genes in the liver of the F‐pigs relative to the expression of these genes in the liver of the P‐pigs was substantially lower (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively) as compared to rats. When plasma lipid concentration in the F‐animals was expressed as a ratio of the plasma concentration in the P‐counterparts, dietary fish oil decreased HDL cholesterol less (p < 0.01), but LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols more (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively) in rats than in pigs: more favourable effect of fish oil on rat plasma lipids in comparison with pigs can therefore be concluded. Concentration of total cholesterol and both its fractions in the rat plasma was negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with hepatic DHA, but also with unsaturated myristic and palmitic acid respectively. It has been concluded that regarding the similarity of the plasma lipid levels to humans, porcine model can be considered superior; however, using this model, dietary fish oil at the tested amount (2.5%) was not able to improve plasma lipid markers in comparison with saturated palm oil.
Results of Screening of Apparently Healthy Senior and Geriatric Dogs
Authors: Willems A. , Paepe D. , Marynissen S. , Smets P. , Van de Maele I. , Picavet P. , Duchateau L. , Daminet S.
Published: October 2016

Background

There is a growing interest in health care of elderly dogs; however, scientific information about physical and laboratory examination findings in this age group is limited.

Objectives

To describe systolic blood pressure (SBP), and results of physical examination and laboratory tests in senior and geriatric dogs that were judged by the owner to be healthy.

Animals

Hundred client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs were prospectively recruited. Owners completed a questionnaire.SBPmeasurement, physical, orthopedic and neurologic examination, direct fundoscopy and Schirmer tear test were performed. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis were evaluated.

Results

Forty‐one senior and 59 geriatric dogs were included. MeanSBPwas 170 ± 38 mmHg, and 53 dogs hadSBP> 160 mmHg. Thirty‐nine animals were overweight. A heart murmur was detected in 22, severe calculus in 21 and 1 or more (sub)cutaneous masses in 56 dogs. Thirty‐two dogs had increased serum creatinine, 29 hypophosphatemia, 27 increasedALP, 25 increasedALT, and 23 leukopenia. Crystalluria, mostly amorphous crystals, was commonly detected (62/96). Overt proteinuria and borderline proteinuria were detected in 13 and 18 of 97 dogs, respectively. Four dogs had a positive urine bacterial culture. Frequency of orthopedic problems, frequency of (sub)cutaneous masses, and platelet count were significantly higher in geriatric compared with senior dogs. Body temperature, hematocrit, serum albumin, and serum total thyroxine concentration were significantly lower in geriatric compared with senior dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Physical and laboratory abnormalities are common in apparently healthy elderly dogs. Veterinarians play a key role in implementing health screening and improving health care for elderly pets.
The impact of hepatitis C virus outside the liver: Evidence from Asia
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Tanaka Atsushi , Eguchi Yuichiro , Lim Young‐Suk , Yu Ming‐Lung , Kawada Norifumi , Dan Yock Young , Brooks‐Rooney Craig , Negro Francesco , Mondelli Mario U.
Published: October 2016

Between 80 and 115 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus, with 60%‐90% of these being undiagnosed. Untreated chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with progressive liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver‐related mortality. A number of extrahepatic manifestations are also reported in CHC patients, further adding to the burden of the disease. CHC also impacts patients in terms of lower health‐related quality of life, higher levels of fatigue and reduced productivity. Furthermore, the later stages of disease are costly for both healthcare systems and society. Pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN)+ribavirin (RBV), for many years the mainstay of treatment, leads to sustained virological response (SVR) in 40%‐70% of patients. However, a substantial number of patients are ineligible for treatment, and many patients fail to achieve SVR with this regimen. Furthermore, PEG‐IFN+RBV leads to impairment of patient‐reported outcomes during treatment, and most patients suffer from adverse events, associated with poor adherence, treatment discontinuation and treatment failure. The approval of second‐generation direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment of CHC patients. All‐oral, PEG‐IFN and RBV‐free regimens have higher efficacy rates, shorter treatment durations, fewer adverse events, higher adherence rates and improvement in PROs from as early as Week 4, compared to PEG‐IFN+RBV regimens. The aim of this article is to review the evidence for HCV infection as a systemic disease, summarizing the impact of hepatitis C and its treatments on clinical, patient and economic outcomes, with a focus on data from Asia and Japan specifically.
Electoral Institutions and Legislative Particularism
Authors: Rogowski Jon C.
Published: October 2016

How do electoral institutions affect legislative behavior? Though a large body of theoretical scholarship posits a negative relationship between multimember districting and the provision of particularistic goods, empirical scholarship has found little evidence in support of this expectation. Using data on the provision of US post offices from 1876 to 1896, a period during which many states elected congressional representatives from at‐large districts, and a differences‐in‐differences approach, I find that counties represented by at‐large representatives received approximately 8% fewer post offices. The results have important implications for studying how electoral institutions affect incentives for legislative behavior.
Effects of sonochemical treatment on meteoritic nanodiamonds
Authors: Fisenko Anatolii V. , Verchovsky Sasha B. , Shiryaev Andrei A. , Semjonova Luba F.
Published: October 2016

A nanodiamond‐rich fraction (NDF) separated from the Orgueil meteorite was subjected to a high‐intensity ultrasonic treatment in a weakly acidic aqueous solution. After sedimentation by centrifugation, two fractions of grains (suspension, designated as OD7C and sediment, designated as OD7D) with different properties have been obtained. The following effects of the sonication were revealed from comparison of the contents and isotope compositions of C, N, and Xe released during stepped pyrolysis and combustion of the fractions OD7C and OD7D, the initial NDF and two grain‐size fractions (OD10 and OD15) produced without sonication (a) surface layer of the sonicated diamond grains is modified to different extent in comparison with nontreated ones, (b) in some grains concentrations of the bulk N and Xe a reduced significantly, and (c) nondiamond nitrogen containing phases (e.g., Si3N4) have been destroyed. It is suggested that combined effects of the sonication and centrifugation observed for the fractions OD7C and OD7D are due to differences in surface chemistry of the nanodiamond grains, which statistically influences behavior of nanoparticles during the sonication resulting in their preferential modification in the different reaction zones of the cavitating fluid.
Geochemistry and petrology of howardite Miller Range 11100: A lithologically diverse piece of the Vestan regolith
Authors: Gregory Timothy , Joy Katherine Helen , Strekopytov Stanislav , Curran Natalie Mary
Published: October 2016

The howardite‐eucrite‐diogenite (HED) clan of meteorites, which most likely originate from the asteroid Vesta, provide an opportunity to combine in‐depth sample analysis with the comprehensive remote‐sensing data set from NASA's recent Dawn mission. Miller Range (MIL) 11100, an Antarctic howardite, contains diverse rock and mineral fragments from common HED lithologies (diogenites, cumulate eucrites, and basaltic eucrites). It also contains a rare pyroxferroite‐bearing lithology—not recognized in HED until recently—and rare Mg‐rich (Fo86‐91) olivine crystals that possibly represent material excavated from the Vestan mantle. Clast components underwent different histories of thermal and impact metamorphism before being incorporated into this sample, reflecting the diversity in geological histories experienced by different parts of Vesta. The bulk chemical composition and petrography of MIL 11100 suggest that it is akin to the fragmental howardite meteorites. The strong lithological heterogeneity across this sample suggests that at least some parts of the Vestan regolith show heterogeneity on the mm‐scale. We combine the outcomes of this study with data from NASA's Dawn mission and hypothesize on possible source regions for this meteorite on the surface of Vesta.
How plasticity, genetic assimilation and cryptic genetic variation may contribute to adaptive radiations
Authors: Schneider Ralf F. , Meyer Axel
Published: October 2016

There is increasing evidence that phenotypic plasticity can promote population divergence by facilitating phenotypic diversification and, eventually, genetic divergence. When a ‘plastic’ population colonizes a new habitat, it has the possibility to occupy multiple niches by expressing several distinct phenotypes. These initially reflect the population's plastic range but may later become genetically fixed by selection via the process of ‘genetic assimilation’ (GA). Through this process multiple specialized sister lineages can arise that share a common plastic ancestor – the ‘flexible stem’. Here, we review possible molecular mechanisms through which natural selection could fix an initially plastic trait duringGA. These mechanisms could also explain howGAmay contribute to cryptic genetic variation that can subsequently be coopted into other phenotypes or traits, but also lead to nonadaptive responses. We outline the predicted patterns of genetic and transcriptional divergence accompanying flexible stem radiations. The analysis of such patterns of (retained) adaptive and nonadaptive plastic responses within and across radiating lineages can inform on the state of ongoingGA. We conclude that, depending on the stability of the environment, the molecular architecture underlying plastic traits can facilitate diversification, followed by fixation and consolidation of an adaptive phenotype and degeneration of nonadaptive ones. Additionally, the process ofGAmay increase the cryptic genetic variation of populations, which on one hand may serve as substrate for evolution, but on another may be responsible for nonadaptive responses that consolidate local allopatry and thus reproductive isolation.
Pooled ecotype sequencing reveals candidate genetic mechanisms for adaptive differentiation and reproductive isolation
Authors: Gould Billie A. , Chen Yani , Lowry David B.
Published: October 2016

The early stages of speciation are often characterized by the formation of partially reproductively isolated ecotypes, which evolve as a by‐product of divergent selective forces that are endemic to different habitats. Identifying the genomic regions, genes and ultimately functional polymorphisms that are involved in the processes of ecotype formation is inherently challenging, as there are likely to be many different loci involved in the process. To localize candidate regions of the genome contributing to ecotype formation, we conducted whole‐genome pooled sequencing (pool‐seq) with 47 coastal perennial and 50 inland annual populations of the yellow monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus. Coastal perennial and inland annual ecotypes of M. guttatus have previously been shown to be ecologically reproductively isolated and highly locally adapted to their respective habitats. Our pool‐seq results found allelic differentiation between the ecotypes for two chromosomal inversions, suggesting that frequencies of inversion heterokaryotypes are strongly differentiated between the ecotypes. Further, there were elevated levels of nonsynonymous change across chromosomal inversions. Across the genome, we identified multiple strong candidate genes potentially driving the morphological, life history and salt tolerance differences between the ecotypes. Several candidate genes coincide with previously identified quantitative trait locus regions and also show a signature of recent natural selection. Overall, the results of our study add to growing support for a major role of chromosomal inversions in adaptation and speciation and provide new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying classic plant ecotype adaptations to wet and dry habitats.
The influence of locus number and information content on species delimitation: an empirical test case in an endangered Mexican salamander
Authors: Hime Paul M. , Hotaling Scott , Grewelle Richard E. , O'Neill Eric M. , Voss S. Randal , Shaffer H. Bradley , Weisrock David W.
Published: October 2016

Perhaps the most important recent advance in species delimitation has been the development of model‐based approaches to objectively diagnose species diversity from genetic data. Additionally, the growing accessibility of next‐generation sequence data sets provides powerful insights into genome‐wide patterns of divergence during speciation. However, applying complex models to large data sets is time‐consuming and computationally costly, requiring careful consideration of the influence of both individual and population sampling, as well as the number and informativeness of loci on species delimitation conclusions. Here, we investigated how locus number and information content affect species delimitation results for an endangered Mexican salamander species,Ambystoma ordinarium. We compared results for an eight‐locus, 137‐individual data set and an 89‐locus, seven‐individual data set. For both data sets, we used species discovery methods to define delimitation models and species validation methods to rigorously test these hypotheses. We also used integrated demographic model selection tools to choose among delimitation models, while accounting for gene flow. Our results indicate that while cryptic lineages may be delimited with relatively few loci, sampling larger numbers of loci may be required to ensure that enough informative loci are available to accurately identify and validate shallow‐scale divergences. These analyses highlight the importance of striking a balance between dense sampling of loci and individuals, particularly in shallowly diverged lineages. They also suggest the presence of a currently unrecognized, endangered species in the western part ofA. ordinarium's range.
Dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) social structure characterized by social fluidity and preferred companions
Authors: Pearson Heidi C. , Markowitz Timothy M. , Weir Jody S. , Würsig Bernd
Published: October 2016

Many coastal delphinids exhibit social structures with a high degree of fission‐fusion dynamics. However, little is known about fission‐fusion dynamics in semipelagic delphinids such as dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus). We analyzed dusky dolphin social structure in a winter foraging habitat in New Zealand. We examined the population‐level societal attributes of preferred/avoided companions, behaviorally specific preferred/avoided companions, and simple ratio (SR) association index strength and distribution and the dyad‐level societal attribute of temporal patterning of associations. We identified 741 individuals; 99 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Long‐term and short‐term preferred/avoided companions were present in the pooled (6 yr) and annual samples. Individuals were observed to form long‐term but not short‐term preferred/avoided companions during all behavioral states. Mean and maximumSRs were 0.03 ± 0.01SDand 0.40 ± 0.20SD, respectively. Temporal analysis indicated that individuals associated preferentially throughout the study period. Dusky dolphins exhibited high social fluidity, as indicated by many weak and few strong associations. However, there was stability as individuals were observed to form behaviorally specific preferred/avoided companions and associate preferentially throughout the 6 yr period. Dusky dolphins thus display a dynamic social structure where overall low levels of bonding are juxtaposed against a subset of the population that forms strong bonds.
Population dynamics of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in a subtropical subhumid region of Argentina for use in the design of control strategies
Authors: CANEVARI J. T. , MANGOLD A. J. , GUGLIELMONE A. A. , NAVA S.
Published: October 2016

The population dynamics of Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in northwest Argentina was analysed to support the design of strategic methods for its control. Both parasitic and non‐parasitic phases were studied. The seasonal activity of R. microplus in its parasitic phase was characterized by three peaks in abundance: the first in mid–late spring; the second in summer, and the third in autumn. The non‐parasitic phase of R. microplus was characterized by a long total non‐parasitic period observed after exposures of females from mid‐summer to early autumn, a short total non‐parasitic period observed after exposures of females from late winter to late spring, a short period of larval longevity in early and mid‐summer, and no hatch of the eggs produced by females exposed in mid‐ and late autumn and winter. Treatments of cattle administered during the period from late winter to late spring will act on small cohorts of R. microplus, preventing the emergence of larger generations in summer and autumn. A 17‐week spelling period starting in late spring and early summer will be necessary to achieve optimal control of R. microplus free‐living larvae. If spelling begins in mid‐ or late summer or in autumn, the required period will be 26–27 weeks.
No Sheriff in Town: Governance for Online Dispute Resolution
Authors: Ebner Noam , Zeleznikow John
Published: October 2016

Online dispute resolution (ODR), the practice of resolving disputes via the Internet or digital applications, has been developing since the mid‐1990s. As the field has grown and gained traction, it has increasingly received attention from professional associations and industry leaders in the world of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). More recently, it has begun to receive recognition from sources outside of this field — in both the public and private sectors.

As the field develops and individual initiatives become widely adopted, the attention it receives from external sources will undoubtedly focus on questions of quality, ethics, practitioner training, service provider qualifications, and monitoring. These questions — already beginning to be heard from within the field — derive, in essence, from one shared overall question, that of appropriate governance for the ODR field.

In this article, we will explain what we mean when we discuss a field's governance and suggest that the field itself should investigate issues of its own governance. We explore and explain the current “low‐to‐no” state of governance in ODR — and the developments that are likely, should the field fail to actively address this issue. We discuss the costs of no governance, and the potential costs and disadvantages of employing a higher‐governance model. We ask whether ODR can, indeed, be governed at all, and illustrate why addressing ODR governance is a very complex venture, in terms of the web of factors to be addressed, no matter how beneficial internal governance may be.

We do not, in this article, intend to decide any of these questions — but, rather, to pose them to the ODR field and to the wider fields of ADR and conflict management. We point out why the ODR field is at a developmental point that is highly suitable for discussing and deciding these questions — and why these decisions might have far‐reaching implications for a wide range of conflict‐related fields.
Modelling the influence of ectomycorrhizal decomposition on plant nutrition and soil carbon sequestration in boreal forest ecosystems
Authors: Baskaran Preetisri , Hyvönen Riitta , Berglund S. Linnea , Clemmensen Karina E. , Ågren Göran I. , Lindahl Björn D. , Manzoni Stefano
Published: October 2016

Tree growth in boreal forests is limited by nitrogen (N) availability. Most boreal forest trees form symbiotic associations with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, which improve the uptake of inorganic N and also have the capacity to decompose soil organic matter (SOM) and to mobilize organic N (‘ECM decomposition’).

To study the effects of ‘ECM decomposition’ on ecosystem carbon (C) and N balances, we performed a sensitivity analysis on a model of C and N flows between plants, SOM, saprotrophs, ECM fungi, and inorganic N stores.

The analysis indicates that C and N balances were sensitive to model parameters regulating ECM biomass and decomposition. Under low N availability, the optimal C allocation to ECM fungi, above which the symbiosis switches from mutualism to parasitism, increases with increasing relative involvement of ECM fungi in SOM decomposition. Under low N conditions, increased ECM organic N mining promotes tree growth but decreases soil C storage, leading to a negative correlation between C stores above‐ and below‐ground.

The interplay between plant production and soil C storage is sensitive to the partitioning of decomposition between ECM fungi and saprotrophs. Better understanding of interactions between functional guilds of soil fungi may significantly improve predictions of ecosystem responses to environmental change.
Child and youth participatory interventions for addressing lifestyle‐related childhood obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Frerichs L. , Ataga O. , Corbie‐Smith G. , Tessler Lindau S.
Published: October 2016

A growing number of childhood obesity interventions involve children and youth in participatory roles, but these types of interventions have not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to identify child and youth participatory interventions in the peer‐reviewed literature in order to characterize the approaches and examine their impact on obesity and obesity‐related lifestyle behaviours. We searched PubMed/Medline, psychINFO and ERIC for quasi‐experimental and randomized trials conducted from date of database initiation through May 2015 that engaged children or youth in implementing healthy eating, physical activity or weight management strategies. Eighteen studies met our eligibility criteria. Most (n = 14) trained youth to implement pre‐defined strategies targeting their peers. A few (n = 4) assisted youth to plan and implement interventions that addressed environmental changes. Thirteen studies reported at least one statistically significant weight, physical activity or dietary change outcome. Participatory approaches have potential, but variation in strategies and outcomes leave questions unanswered about the mechanisms through which child and youth engagement impact childhood obesity. Future research should compare child‐delivered or youth‐delivered to adult‐delivered health promotion interventions and more rigorously evaluate natural experiments that engage youth to implement environmental changes. With careful attention to theoretical frameworks, process and outcome measures, these studies could strengthen the effectiveness of child and youth participatory approaches.
Nutritional interventions or exposures in infants and children aged up to 3 years and their effects on subsequent risk of overweight, obesity and body fat: a systematic review of systematic reviews
Authors: Patro‐Gołąb B. , Zalewski B. M. , Kołodziej M. , Kouwenhoven S. , Poston L. , Godfrey K. M. , Koletzko B. , van Goudoever J. B. , Szajewska H.
Published: October 2016

This study, performed as part of the international EarlyNutrition research project (http://www.project‐earlynutrition.eu), provides a systematic review of systematic reviews on the effects of nutritional interventions or exposures in children (up to 3 years of age) on the subsequent risk of obesity, overweight and adiposity. Electronic databases (including MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library) were searched up until September 2015. Forty systematic reviews were included. A consistent association of breastfeeding with a modest reduction in the risk of later overweight and obesity in childhood and adulthood was found (the odds decreased by 13% based on high‐quality studies), but residual confounding cannot be excluded. Lowering the protein content of infant formula is a promising intervention to reduce the risk of later overweight and obesity in children. There is no consistent evidence of an association of the age of introducing complementary foods, sugar‐sweetened beverage or energy intake in early childhood with later overweight/obesity, but there are some indications of an association of protein intake during the complementary feeding period with later overweight/obesity. There was inadequate evidence to determine the effects of other nutritional interventions or exposures, including modifications of infant formula composition, fat intake or consumption of different food groups.
The Impact of Small for Gestational Age Births in Early and Late Preeclamptic Pregnancies for Preeclampsia Recurrence: a Cohort Study of Successive Pregnancies in Sweden
Authors: Cnattingius Sven , Wikström Anna‐Karin , Stephansson Olof , Johansson Kari
Published: October 2016

Background

Results from uterine artery Doppler investigations suggest that the aetiology of late preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction may be more similar to the aetiology of early preeclampsia than with late preeclampsia without fetal growth restriction. We hypothesised that a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) birth in a late preeclamptic pregnancy may be associated with increased subsequent risk of early preeclampsia. We also studied effects of maternal factors on risks of preeclampsia recurrence.

Methods

In a nation‐wide Swedish cohort study of first and second consecutive single births between 1992 and 2012, we identified 22 473 mothers with preeclampsia in their first pregnancy. We calculated relative risks (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI), to investigate associations between subtypes of preeclampsia in the first pregnancy and risks of early (<34 weeks) and late (≥34 weeks) preeclampsia in the second pregnancy.

Results

In women with a previous late preeclampsia, a co‐occurring SGA birth was associated with an increased risk of subsequent early preeclampsia (adjusted RR 2.85, 95% CI 1.93, 4.20), but not of subsequent late preeclampsia. Among women with a previous early preeclampsia, a co‐occurring SGA birth was not associated with increased subsequent risks of early or late preeclampsia. Interpregnancy weight gain was associated with increased risks of early and late preeclampsia in the second pregnancy.

Conclusions

Late preeclampsia combined with fetal growth restriction may be regarded as an ischaemic placental disease. Given the high absolute risk of preeclampsia recurrence, preventing weight gain may be especially important in women with previous preeclampsia.
Physical fitness reference standards in fibromyalgia: The al‐Ándalus project
Authors: Álvarez‐Gallardo I. C. , Carbonell‐Baeza A. , Segura‐Jiménez V. , Soriano‐Maldonado A. , Intemann T. , Aparicio V. A. , Estévez‐López F. , Camiletti‐Moirón D. , Herrador‐Colmenero M. , Ruiz J. R. , Delgado‐Fernández M. , Ortega F. B.
Published: October 2016

We aimed (1) to report age‐specific physical fitness levels in people with fibromyalgia of a representative sample from Andalusia; and (2) to compare the fitness levels of people with fibromyalgia with non‐fibromyalgia controls. This cross‐sectional study included 468 (21 men) patients with fibromyalgia and 360 (55 men) controls. The fibromyalgia sample was geographically representative from southern Spain. Physical fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test battery plus the handgrip test. We applied the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape to calculate percentile curves for women and fitted mean curves using a linear regression for men. Our results show that people with fibromyalgia reached worse performance in all fitness tests than controls (P < 0.001) in all age ranges (P < 0.001). This study provides a comprehensive description of age‐specific physical fitness levels among patients with fibromyalgia and controls in a large sample of patients with fibromyalgia from southern of Spain. Physical fitness levels of people with fibromyalgia from Andalusia are very low in comparison with age‐matched healthy controls. This information could be useful to correctly interpret physical fitness assessments and helping health care providers to identify individuals at risk for losing physical independence.
Fitness and its association with fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sebastião E. , Hubbard E. A. , Klaren R. E. , Pilutti L. A. , Motl R. W.
Published: October 2016

This study compared physical fitness components between fatigued and non‐fatigued persons with MS and examined those components as correlates of fatigue. Sixty‐two ambulatory persons with MS completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and underwent assessments of cardiorespiratory capacity, lower extremity muscle strength (i.e., peak torque and asymmetry), body composition, and static balance over two different sessions 7 days apart. Participants were allocated into fatigue groups based on MFIS scores (non‐fatigued group (i.e., MFIS ≤38), n = 26; and fatigued group (MFIS >38), n = 36). The fatigued group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2peak) and muscular strength (i.e., knee flexion peak torque) than the non‐fatigued group. VO2peak and knee extension peak torque were the two physical fitness components significantly correlated with fatigue scores in the fatigued group (P < 0.05), and follow‐up stepwise linear regression revealed that VO2peak was a significant predictor of fatigue scores (R2 = 0.13). Discriminant function analysis further identified VO2peak as a significant (P < 0.05) correlate of fatigue status. This model explained 21% of variance in group status (i.e., fatigued vs non‐fatigued) and correctly classified approximately 76% of cases into fatigue status groups. The improvement of cardiorespiratory capacity should be considered in rehabilitation programs for persons with MS, especially those presenting with elevated fatigue.
Global Longitudinal Strain in master athletes and in hypertensive patients with the same degree of septal thickness
Authors: D'Elia E. , Ferrero P. , Vittori C. , Calabrese A. , Duino V. , Perlini S. , Senni M.
Published: October 2016

Athletes may have electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization abnormalities during stress test suggestive for ischemia in the absence of ischemic coronary artery disease, often in a setting of myocardial septum hypertrophy. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) might be altered in these athletes compared to hypertensive patients with the same degree of septal thickness. About 735 consecutive athletes were screened for mandatory assessment of fitness to participate in competitive sports. At the stress test, 23 (19 M, 4 F) were found to have ECG repolarization abnormalities suggestive for ischemia in the presence of normal coronary vessels. They were matched to a control group of 23 hypertensive patients with no ECG abnormalities during stress test and the same degree of septal thickness. A transthoracic echocardiography for evaluation of global longitudinal strain (GLS) was performed. Interventricular septum thickness (IST) and relative wall thickness (RWT) were also calculated. A preserved ventricular function was seen in both groups (64 ± 8% in cases vs 60 ± 6% in controls, P = 0.42). IST and RWT were not significantly different. GLS was significantly lower in athletes vs hypertensive patients (−18.7 ± 2.5 vs −21.67 ± 0.27, P = 0.001). In athletes with septal hypertrophy and a positive stress test not associated to coronary disease, GLS is lower with respect to a population of hypertensive patient with the same degree of septal hypertrophy. Further investigations in a larger population are required to better define the potentiality of GLS in differentiating pathological vs physiological septum hypertrophy.
The State as a Norm‐Builder? The Take‐up of Parental Leave in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Bergqvist Christina , Saxonberg Steven
Published: October 2016

This study shows that although Norway and Sweden have rather similar family policies, the seemingly small differences that exist reflect different national ideals of care, and these differences encourage parents to employ different gendered moral rationalities. However, Sweden's ideal of ‘equal‐sharing/professional care’, encourages fathers to take longer leaves than the Norwegian ideal of ‘partial sharing plus choosing between professional or parental care’. Given their different national ideals of caring, different gendered moral rationalities emerge. While in Norway the dominant gendered moral rationality among our interviewees is ‘man‐doing‐his‐duty’, in Sweden two different rationalities arise: the ‘breastfeeding‐plus‐sharing’ rationality and the ‘male‐opt‐out’. This conclusion is based on 60 interviews with mothers and fathers in Oslo and Stockholm.
Identification of the novel KIR2DL4*00503 allele from a southern Chinese Han individual
Authors: Chen R. , Zhang G.‐B. , Deng Z.‐H.
Published: October 2016

The novel KIR2DL4*00503 allele differs from the closest allele 2DL4*00501 by a single synonymous mutation.
The sterol‐binding activity of PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED PROTEIN 1 reveals the mode of action of an antimicrobial protein
Authors: Gamir Jordi , Darwiche Rabih , van't Hof Pieter , Choudhary Vineet , Stumpe Michael , Schneiter Roger , Mauch Felix
Published: October 2016

Pathogenesis‐related proteins played a pioneering role 50 years ago in the discovery of plant innate immunity as a set of proteins that accumulated upon pathogen challenge. The most abundant of these proteins, PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED 1 (PR‐1) encodes a small antimicrobial protein that has become, as a marker of plant immune signaling, one of the most referred to plant proteins. The biochemical activity and mode of action of PR‐1 proteins has remained elusive, however. Here, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence for the capacity of PR‐1 proteins to bind sterols, and demonstrate that the inhibitory effect on pathogen growth is caused by the sequestration of sterol from pathogens. In support of our findings, sterol‐auxotroph pathogens such as the oomycete Phytophthora are particularly sensitive to PR‐1, whereas sterol‐prototroph fungal pathogens become highly sensitive only when sterol biosynthesis is compromised. Our results are in line with previous findings showing that plants with enhanced PR‐1 expression are particularly well protected against oomycete pathogens.
Clinical and microscopic features of generalized discoid lupus erythematosus in dogs (10 cases)
Authors: Banovic Frane , Linder Keith E. , Uri Maarja , Rossi Michael A. , Olivry Thierry
Published: October 2016

Background

Generalized discoid lupus erythematosus (GDLE) is a newly recognized canine variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) that is not well characterized.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We report herein the signalment, clinical signs, treatment outcome, histopathology and immunological findings of 10 dogs withGDLE.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were: (i) a >3 month history of generalized skin lesions indicating a chronic or recurrent nature; (ii) skin lesions resembling those of humanGDLE; (iii) histopathology ofCLE(lymphocyte‐rich interface dermatitis). Direct immunofluorescence (IF) and antinuclear antibody serology were investigated whenever possible.

Results

Various breeds were affected in their mid‐ to late adulthood. Selection criteria of generalized multifocal, annular (“discoid”) to polycyclic plaques with pigment changes, erythematous margin, adherent scaling, follicular plugging and central alopecia were shown in all dogs. In nine dogs, plaques contained mild to moderate central scarring with depigmentation and/or hyperpigmentation. There were no dogs in which the disease progressed to systemic lupus erythematosus within a median follow‐up of 2.5 years. Per inclusion criteria, interface dermatitis occurred with basement membrane zone (BMZ) thickening, suprabasal apoptosis and/or dermal fibrosis in some dogs. Infundibular interface folliculitis was common; it sometimes transitioned to mural folliculitis in lower follicle segments, and occurred with follicular and sebaceous gland atrophy. The directIFrevealed patchy deposition of immunoglobulin IgG and IgM at theBMZ. Lesions responded to a variety of treatments, including ciclosporin, hydroxychloroquine, topical tacrolimus and tetracycline/niacinamide. Relapses were common after medications were tapered.

Conclusions and clinical importance

These observations support the existence of a canine homologue of humanGDLE.
A NOVEL, REMOVABLE, CERROBEND, BEAM‐BLOCKING DEVICE FOR RADIATION THERAPY OF THE CANINE HEAD AND NECK: PILOT STUDY
Authors: Kent Michael S. , Berlato Davide , Vanhaezebrouck Isabelle , Gordon Ira K. , Hansen Katherine S. , Theon Alain P. , Holt Randall W. , Trestrail Earl A.
Published: October 2016

Radiation therapy of the head and neck can result in mucositis and other acute affects in the oral cavity. This prospective pilot study evaluated a novel, intraoral, beam‐blocking device for use during imaging and therapeutic procedures. The beam‐blocking device was made from a metal alloy inserted into a coated frozen dessert mold (Popsicle® Mold, Cost Plus World Market, Oakland, CA). The device was designed so that it could be inserted into an outer shell, which in turn allowed it to be placed or removed depending on the need due to beam configuration. A Farmer type ionization chamber and virtual water phantom were used to assess effects of field size on transmission. Six large breed cadaver dogs, donated by the owner after death, were recruited for the study. Delivered dose at the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the device, with and without the alloy block in place, were measured using radiochromic film. It was determined that transmission was field size dependent with larger field sizes leading to decreased attenuation of the beam, likely secondary to scatter. The mean and median transmission on the ventral surface without the beam‐blocking device was 0.94 [range 0.94–0.96]. The mean and median transmission with the beam‐blocking device was 0.52 [range 0.50–0.57]. The mean and median increase in dose due to backscatter on the dorsal surface of the beam‐blocking device was 0.04 [range 0.02–0.04]. Findings indicated that this novel device can help attenuate radiation dose ventral to the block in dogs, with minimal backscatter.