bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived quality of instruction: The relationship among indicators of students’ basic needs, mastery goals, and academic achievement
Authors: Theis Désirée , Sauerwein Markus , Fischer Natalie
Published: September 2019

Background

Students’ mastery goals are positively related to adaptive learning behaviour. Moreover, these goals often mediate the relation between perceived classroom characteristics and academic achievement. Research generally shows a decline of academic achievement and mastery goals after transition to middle school. Creating a learning environment at middle school according to students’ basic needs for autonomy, competence, and social relatedness might help to reduce these declines. However, little is known about the relationship between perceived fulfilment of needs, mastery goals, and academic achievement.

Aims

We investigate the relationship between indicators of students’ perceived fulfilment of needs and their graded performance to determine whether the connection is indirect via mastery goals.

Sample

We surveyed 2,105 students during the first year in middle school.

Methods

We assessed the amount of the students’ perceived autonomy, recognition of competence and support from the teacher (as indicators of competence and social relatedness) in class, their mastery goals, and their grades. Multilevel models were calculated.

Results

Perceived fulfilment of needs correlated significantly with mastery goals and graded performance. Mastery goals predicted graded performance; however, when perceived fulfilment of needs and mastery goals were analysed simultaneously, the correlation between mastery goals and graded performance was no longer significant. There was no indirect relation between perceived fulfilment of needs and graded performance via mastery goals.

Conclusions

Results indicate that creating the learning environment according to the students’ basic needs is positively related to their mastery goals and graded performance during the first year at middle school.
Architecture of growth basins in a tidally influenced, prodelta to delta‐front setting: The Triassic succession of Kvalpynten, East Svalbard
Authors: Smyrak‐Sikora Aleksandra , Osmundsen Per Terje , Braathen Alvar , Ogata Kei , Anell Ingrid , Mulrooney Mark J. , Zuchuat Valentin
Published: September 2019

World‐class examples of fault‐controlled growth basins with associated syn‐kinematic sedimentary fill are developed in Upper Triassic prodelta to delta‐front deposits exposed at Kvalpynten, SW Edgeøya in East Svalbard. They are interpreted to have interacted with north‐westerly progradation of a regional delta system. The syn‐kinematic successions consist of 4 to 5 coarsening‐upward units spanning from offshore mudstones to subtidal heterolithic bars and compound tidal dunes, which were blanketed by regional, post‐kinematic sandstone sheets deposited as laterally continuous, subaqueous tidal dune fields. The rate of growth faulting is reflected in the distribution of accommodation, which governs sedimentary architecture and stacking patterns within the coarsening‐upward units. Fully compartmentalized basins (12, 200–800 m wide and c. 150 m high grabens and half grabens) are characterized by syn‐kinematic sedimentary infill. These grabens and half‐grabens are separated by 60–150 m high horsts composed of pro‐delta to distal delta‐front mudstones. Grabens host tabular tidal dunes (sandwaves), whereas half‐grabens bound by listric faults (mainly south‐dipping) consist of wedge‐shaped, rotated strata with erosive boundaries proximal to the uplifted fault block crests. Heterolithic tidal bars (sand ridges) occur in narrow half‐grabens, showing migration oblique to the faults, up the dipslope. Structureless sandstone wedges and localized subaqueous slumps that formed in response to collapse of the block crests were only documented in half‐grabens. Late‐kinematic deposition during the final stages of faulting occurred in partly compartmentalized basins, filled with variably thick sets of continuous sandstone belts (compound tidal dunes).
CD4+CD62L+ cells: A monitoring marker of fingolimod dosage in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tanaka Masami , Kinoshita Masako , Tomita Yutaka , Tanaka Keiko
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Fingolimod (FTY) potentially inhibits the disease activity of multiple sclerosis (MS), but induces severe lymphocytopenia that might be related viral infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. We use a reduced dosage of FTY treatment to avoid its cessation because of lymphocytopenia. FTY inhibits the egress of CD62L+ cells from lymph nodes, and the number of CD4+CD62L+ cells, a major population of CD62L+ cells, in blood is a maker to evaluate the strength of FTY action in patients with MS treated by intermittent drug holidays of FTY.

Methods

A total of 24 Japanese patients with MS were treated with variable dosages of FTY initially based on the number of lymphocytes, and then changed to CD4+CD62L+ cell counts as a marker. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis was used to evaluate the number of CD4+CD62L+ cells in fresh blood of 21 MS patients treated with FTY for 30–94 months, including the mean period of 27.5 months of daily administration.

Results

The CD4+CD62L+ cell counts and the proportion of patients with <2% CD4+CD62L+ cells in total lymphocytes declined from 12 ± 13 cells/mm3 (median 8 cells/mm3) to 31 ± 4 cells/mm3 (median 27 cells/mm3) and 61.5% to 0%, respectively, after further dosage reduction. Their annual relapse rates were kept to <0.03, even after inducing CD4+CD62L+ counts as a monitoring marker. The target range of CD4+CD62L+cells on reduction of FTY dosage was 10–80 cells/mm3.

Conclusions

It is critical to monitor CD4+CD62L+ cells rather than total lymphocyte count to avoid excessive FTY administration.
Prevalence, associations and characteristics of severe uncorrected refractive error in the Australian National Eye Health Survey
Authors: Keel Stuart , McGuinness Myra B. , Foreman Joshua , Scheetz Jane , Taylor Hugh R. , Dirani Mohamed
Published: October 2019

Importance

In Australia, nationally representative data of the burden and associations of severe uncorrected refractive error are scarce.

Background

To report the prevalence and characteristics of severe uncorrected refractive error in Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Participants

A total of 3098 non‐Indigenous Australians aged 50 to 98 and 1738 Indigenous Australians aged 40 to 92 living in 30 randomly selected Australian sites were examined.

Methods

Severe uncorrected refractive error was defined as an improvement of ≥2 lines on the logMAR chart in one or both eyes in participants with a presenting visual acuity <6/12.

Main Outcome Measure

Severe uncorrected refractive error

Results

Prevalence of severe uncorrected refractive error was 11.0% (95% confidence interval 9.3‐13.0) in non‐Indigenous and 14.5% (12.5‐16.7) in Indigenous Australians. Eighty‐two percent of non‐Indigenous and 77% of Indigenous participants had a spherical equivalent refraction between −2.00D and +2.00D. Indigenous Australians who were older (odds ratio [OR] for 70‐79 years vs 40‐49 years = 3.59), resided in outer regional areas (OR = 1.78) and did not have an eye examination in the previous 2‐years (OR = 1.50) were associated with higher odds of severe uncorrected refractive error. Geographical remoteness (OR = .68 for inner regional), male gender (OR = 1.30), older age (OR for 70‐79 years vs 50‐59 years = 1.51) and failure to have an eye examination in the previous 2‐years (OR = 2.06) were associated with severe uncorrected refractive error among non‐Indigenous participants.

Conclusions and Relevance

Increased public awareness of the importance of regular optometric examinations may be required in groups at high risk of severe uncorrected refractive error.
A systematic review on prevention and management of wound infections from cochlear implantation
Authors: Vijendren Ananth , Borsetto Daniele , Barker Eleanor J. , Manjaly Joseph G. , Tysome James R. , Axon Patrick R. , Donnelly Neil P. , Bance Manohar L.
Published: September 2019

Objective of review

Surgical site infections are a recognised complication of cochlear implant (CI) surgery with significant morbidity. Our aim was to search for the optimum prevention and management strategy to deal with this issue.

Type of review

Systematic review.

Search strategy

A systematic literature search was undertaken from the databases of Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE®, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Evaluation method

All relevant titles, abstracts and full‐text articles were reviewed by two authors who resolved any differences by discussion and consultation with senior authors.

Results

Fourteen articles were included in our review. The overall quality of evidence was low with the vast majority of the studies being retrospective case series and expert opinions. No randomised controlled trials were noted. We found consistent reports that intraoperative prophylactic antibiotics should be given to all patients undergoing CI and that the vast majority of CI wound infections had grown Staphylococcal spp. or Pseudomonas spp.

Conclusion

Our review has not identified any reliable or reproducible strategies to prevent and deal with wound infections after CI. We strongly encourage further research within this field and would suggest that a consensus of opinions from a multidisciplinary panel of experts may be a pragmatic way forward as an effective guide.
Standardised Ki‐67 proliferation index assessment in early‐stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in relation to local control and survival after primary radiotherapy
Authors: Kop Emiel , de Bock Geertruida H. , Noordhuis Maartje G. , Slagter‐Menkema Lorian , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , Langendijk Johannes A. , Schuuring Ed , van der Vegt Bert
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Ambiguous results have been reported on the predictive value of the Ki‐67 proliferation index (Ki‐67 PI) regarding local control (LC) and survival after primary radiotherapy (RT) in early‐stage laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC). Small study size, heterogenic inclusion, variations in immunostaining and cut‐off values are attributing factors. Our aim was to elucidate the predictive value of the Ki‐67 PI for LC and disease‐specific survival (DSS) using a well‐defined series of T1‐T2 LSCC, standardised automatic immunostaining and digital image analysis (DIA).

Methods

A consecutive and well‐defined cohort of 208 patients with T1‐T2 LSCC treated with primary RT was selected. The Ki‐67 PI was determined using DIA. Mann‐Whitney U‐tests, logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess associations between Ki‐67 PI, clinicopathological variables, LC and DSS.

Results

In multivariate Cox regression analysis, poor tumour differentiation (HR 2.20; 95% CI 1.06‐4.59, P = .04) and alcohol use (HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.20‐6.71; P = .02) were independent predictors for LC. Lymph node positivity was an independent predictor for DSS (HR 3.16, 95% CI 1.16‐8.64; P = .03). Ki‐67 PI was not associated with LC (HR 1.59; 95% CI 0.89‐2.81; P = .11) or DSS (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.57‐1.66; P = .97). In addition, continuous Ki‐67 PI was not associated with LC (HR 2.03; 95% CI 0.37‐11.14, P = .42) or DSS (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.05‐8.28; P = .72).

Conclusion

The Ki‐67 PI was not found to be a predictor for LC or DSS and therefore should not be incorporated in treatment‐related decision‐making for LSCC.
Renal impairment after ileostomy formation: a frequent event with long‐term consequences
Authors: Fielding A. , Woods R. , Moosvi S. R. , Wharton R. Q. , Speakman C. T. M. , Kapur S. , Shaikh I. , Hernon J. M. , Lines S. W. , Stearns A. T.
Published: September 2019

Aim

High stoma output and dehydration is common following ileostomy formation. However, the impact of this on renal function, both in the short term and after ileostomy reversal, remains poorly defined. We aimed to assess the independent impact on kidney function of an ileostomy after rectal cancer surgery and subsequent reversibility after ileostomy closure.

Methods

This retrospective single‐site cohort study identified patients undergoing rectal cancer resection from 2003 to 2017, with or without a diverting ileostomy. Renal function was calculated preoperatively, before ileostomy closure, and 6 months after ileostomy reversal (or matched times for patients without ileostomy). Demographics, oncological treatments and nephrotoxic drug prescriptions were assessed. Outcome measures were deterioration from baseline renal function and development of moderate/severe chronic kidney disease (CKD ≥ 3). Multivariate analysis was performed to assess independent risk factors for postoperative renal impairment.

Results

Five hundred and eighty‐three of 1213 patients had an ileostomy. Postoperative renal impairment occurred more frequently in ileostomates (9.5% absolute increase in rate of CKD ≥ 3; P < 0.0001) vs no change in patients without an ileostomy (P = 0.757). Multivariate analysis identified ileostomy formation, age, anastomotic leak and renin–angiotensin system inhibitors as independently associated with postoperative renal decline. Despite stoma closure, ileostomates remained at increased risk of progression to new or worse CKD [74/438 (16.9%)] compared to patients without an ileostomy [36/437 (8.2%), P = 0.0001, OR 2.264 (1.49–3.46)].

Conclusions

Ileostomy formation is independently associated with kidney injury, with an increased risk persisting after stoma closure. Strategies to protect against kidney injury may be important in higher risk patients (elderly, receiving renin–angiotensin system antihypertensives, or following anastomotic leakage).
Spatial high resolution of actin filament organization by PeakForce atomic force microscopy
Authors: Liu Lin , Wei Yuhui , Liu Jingyuan , Wang Kaizhe , Zhang Jinjin , Zhang Ping , Zhou Yi , Li Bin
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To investigate the heterogeneous feature of actin filaments (ACFs) associated with the cellular membrane in HeLa and HCT‐116 cells at the nanoscale level.

Materials and Methods

Fluorescence microscopy coupled with atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to identify and characterize ACFs of cells. The distribution of ACFs was detected by Fluor‐488‐phalloidin–labelled actin. The morphology of the ACFs was probed by AFM images. The spatial correlation of the microvilli and ACFs was explored with different forces of AFM loading on cells.

Results

Intricate but ordered structures of the actin cytoskeletons associated with cellular membrane were characterized and revealed. Two different layers of ACFs with distinct structural organizations were directly observed in HCT‐116 and HeLa cells. Bundle‐shaped ACFs protruding the cellular membrane forming the microvilli, and the network ACFs underneath the cellular membrane were resolved with high resolution under near‐physiological conditions. Approximately 14 nm lateral resolution was achieved when imaging single ACF beneath the cellular membrane. On the basis of the observed spatial distribution of the ultrastructure of the ACF organization, a model for this organization of ACFs was proposed.

Conclusions

We revealed the two layers of the ACF organization in Hela and HCT‐116 cells. The resolved heterogeneous structures at the nanoscale level provide a spatial view of the ACFs, which would contribute to the understanding of the essential biological functions of the actin cytoskeleton.
“Years Ago the Crabs Was so Plenty”: Anthropology's Role in Ecological Grieving and Conservation Work
Authors: Kent Suzanne , Brondo Keri Vacanti
Published: September 2019

Scholars are increasingly attending to human emotions in the context of changing environments. Here, we draw on over a decade of collaborative work in the community of Utila, a small Honduran island in the Caribbean, to explore evidence of environmental grief through consideration of three broad themes: (1) population and motorized transportation growth as linked to social and environmental decline; (2) mourning over the loss of the ecological bounty of the past; and (3) anticipatory grieving of further, and accelerated, ecological devastation. The growing body of work on ecological grief and solastalgia, as well as the emergent ecologies literature, together help us to wrestle with the destructive forces of the Anthropocene. We consider the importance of documenting and sharing the experiences of community members vis‐à‐vis their changing environment as a mechanism for establishing communities of mourning, increasing environmental stewardship, and imagining and enacting alternatives to dominant models.
Diagnostic value of rapid on‐site evaluation during endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath for peripheral pulmonary lesions
Authors: Wan Tao , Li Yishi , Hu Qianfang , Deng Hongli , Li Dairong
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the applied value of rapid on‐site evaluation during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) with a guide sheath for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent EBUS with a guide sheath for PPLs at our hospital from December 2015 to June 2017 in this retrospective study. The samples obtained from each operation were made rapid on‐site evaluation at the same time. The results of rapid on‐site evaluation were compared with the pathological diagnosis.

Results

A total of 127 PPLs in 124 patients were included in the study. 70 lesions were malignancy in the final pathological diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of rapid on‐site evaluation for malignancy during EBUS with a guide sheath for PPLs was 88.6%, 98.2%, 98.4%, 87.5% and 92.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Rapid on‐site evaluation during EBUS with a guide sheath has a high diagnostic value for malignant PPLs.
Eosinophilic dermatoses
Authors: Peckruhn Melanie , Elsner Peter , Tittelbach Jörg
Published: September 2019

Eosinophilic dermatoses are a heterogeneous group of diseases, characterized by an eosinophil‐rich infiltrate and/or degranulation of eosinophils. Blood eosinophilia may be an associated feature. Typical, albeit not specific histological findings include ‘flame figures’, which are caused by the accumulation of cationic proteins released by eosinophils and subsequent collagen denaturation.

“Classic” eosinophilic dermatoses include eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome), granuloma faciale, eosinophilic fasciitis (Shulman syndrome) and eosinophilic folliculitis (Ofuji disease). In addition, there is a multitude of skin diseases that present with varying degrees of eosinophilic infiltration. These include atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, urticaria, allergic contact dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, arthropod bite reaction, parasitic infections, and drug hypersensitivity. Even though these disorders share a common characteristic (tissue eosinophilia), they differ greatly in their clinical presentation.
The link between maternal and child verbal abilities: An indirect effect through maternal responsiveness
Authors: Prime Heather , Wade Mark , Gonzalez Andrea
Published: October 2019

Language abilities in early childhood show stability over time and play an important role in the development of other cognitive processes. Identifying modifiable environmental risk factors is important to informing prevention and early intervention efforts. Maternal verbal ability has been previously linked to child verbal ability. The current study examined whether maternal and child verbal abilities were linked indirectly through early childhood maternal responsiveness. Data come from a longitudinal birth cohort study. Participants included 133 mothers and their children recruited from maternity wards shortly after birth. Maternal verbal ability was measured using the Vocabulary subtest from the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition (child age 8 months). Child verbal ability was assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (36 months). A latent maternal responsiveness variable was estimated using three developmentally sensitive indicators; one during infancy (child age 8 months) and two when children were 36 months. Results of a structural equation model indicated a significant indirect effect from maternal verbal abilities to child verbal abilities through maternal responsiveness. This indirect path was significant even after inclusion of another indirect path from maternal executive functioning to child verbal ability through maternal responsiveness (which was not significant). Future studies will benefit from experimental, genetically sensitive and/or cross‐lagged designs to allow for conclusions related to directionality and causality. This body of research has implications for the study of the intergenerational transmission of verbal abilities and associated skills, behaviours and adaptive outcomes.
Mental health problems in cerebral palsy: comprehensive management for children and their families
Authors: Gillberg Christopher
Published: October 2019

This commentary is on the systematic review by Barreto et al. on pages 163–168 of this issue.
Blinding and bias in randomized controlled trials: when to measure the effectiveness of blinding
Authors: Copeland Lisa , Edwards Priya , Sakzewski Leanne , Thorley Megan , Kentish Megan , Ware Robert S , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: October 2019

This article is commented on by Day on page 159 of this issue.
The status of women and its influence on children’s well‐being: Do geography, religion and income matter? A comparative study
Authors: Panday Priniti , Rackie Deanna , Kula Maria Cornachione
Published: September 2019

Motivation

In most families around the world, women are children’s primary caregivers. An improvement in women’s status, besides being vital in its own right, has significant positive externalities since the welfare of children has consequences for long‐term economic growth and development.

Research question

Could enabling women to have greater opportunities to be productive members of society have a positive relationship with child welfare?

Approach and methods

We examine the relationship between women’s and children’s well‐being for a group of developing countries. We first study this in the context of the overall sample, and then in various country groupings, based on per capita income, geography and religion. A descriptive comparative study and a regression analysis are conducted.

Findings and conclusions

We find that women’s enhanced well‐being is strongly related to improved child welfare. Although there is a wide variation in women’s well‐being within and across various income, geographic and religious groups, our results are robust across and within all groups.

In the regression analysis, the only variable that is consistently significant in influencing outcomes for children is our measure of women’s well‐being. We cannot reach a clear conclusion regarding the influence of geography, religion and even gross domestic product per capita on child outcomes.

Policy implications

It seems imperative for women’s empowerment to be a part of every development agenda; a priority in itself, rather than something that should trickle down with overall development. An improvement in women’s status, besides being vital in its own right, has significant positive externalities since children’s welfare has consequences for long‐term economic growth and development. In our study, it is the single most important factor with a definite impact on children’s welfare.
Fair Trade USA coffee plantation certification: Ramifications for workers in Nicaragua
Authors: Raynolds Laura T. , Rosty Claudia
Published: September 2019

Motivation

Certification programmes shape global coffee production conditions. Fairtrade International oversees the major ethical coffee certification for small farmers. Since Fair Trade USA left the global system to certify coffee plantations in 2011 and now has its own standards, programme‐specific research is needed to understand the implications of certification for workers.

Purpose

We provide the first academic analysis of Fair Trade USA’s coffee plantation certification to identify its key programmatic features and ramifications for workers, particularly how certification has affected workplace and employment conditions, workers’ wellbeing and labour rights.

Approach and methods

We analyse programme documents to explain Fair Trade USA’s standards and how they diverge from those of Fairtrade International. To demonstrate the impacts of Fair Trade USA certification, we draw on qualitative research on one of the first certified coffee plantations in Nicaragua, including interviews with managers and interviews and focus group discussions with workers.

Findings

Fair Trade USA has maintained key elements of Fairtrade International certification, but its labour rights standards are significantly weaker. In the Nicaraguan case, Fair Trade USA certification has fostered major improvements in workplace and employment conditions and some improvements in workers’ wellbeing through the Premium programme. Certification has not significantly advanced labour rights.

Policy implications

National conditions shape certification’s implications for workers, creating a central paradox. Fair Trade USA certification is likely to bring the greatest gains for workers where conditions are worst, where bringing plantations into legal compliance is a victory. The programme cannot pull workers out of poverty or guarantee decent work.
Heart rate variability in atrial fibrillation: The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
Authors: Khan Ahsan A. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Shantsila Alena
Published: September 2019

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest abnormal heart rhythm with significant related morbidity and mortality. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been advocated to explain the onset of AF. There has been increasing evidence that abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that includes sympathetic, parasympathetic and intrinsic neural network are involved in the pathogenesis of AF. This review will consider the anatomical and pathophysiological concepts of the cardiac neuronal network and discuss how it can be investigated.

Design

Relevant articles for this review were selected primarily from Ovid Medline and Embase databases (see appendix). We searched for key terms “atrial fibrillation,” “AF,” “autonomic dysfunction,” “autonomic nervous system,” “heart rate variability” and “HRV” to gather relevant studies. Duplicate papers were excluded.

Results

Heart is richly innervated by autonomic nerves. Both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems interact in developing AF along with cardiac ganglionated plexi (GP). Thus autonomic dysfunction is present in AF. There are methods including selective ablation that reduce autonomic innervation and show to reduce the incidence of spontaneous or induced atrial arrhythmias. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful tool to assess sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on disease states. HRV can be improved following intervention and is thus a useful application in assessing autonomic dysfunction in patients with AF.

Conclusion

ANS plays a crucial role in the development, propagation and complexity of AF. Assessment of the autonomic involvement in the propagation of AF may help in explaining why certain patients with AF do not benefit from cardioversion or ablation.
Consumption, asset wealth, equity premium, term spread, and flight to quality
Authors: Costantini Mauro , Sousa Ricardo M.
Published: September 2019

We link transitory deviations of consumption from its equilibrium relationship with aggregate wealth and labor income to equity returns on the one hand, and to two characteristics of bond investors—the premium demanded to hold long‐term assets, and “flight to quality” behavior—on the other hand. Using a panel of 10 euro area countries over the period 1984Q1–2017Q4, we show that a rise in the consumption–wealth ratio predicts both higher equity returns and the future term spread, while a fall in the consumption–wealth ratio explains a large fraction of the rise in the spread between the “risky” and the “safe‐haven” bond.
Survey on Thoroughbred use, health and owner satisfaction following retirement from racing
Authors: Reed S. K. , Vander Ley B. B. , Bell R. P. , Wilson D. A. , Wilborn E. , Keegan K. G.
Published: September 2019

Thousands of Thoroughbred horses retire from racing each year and go on to second careers unrelated to racing. Although there are many publications regarding health concerns for Thoroughbreds while racing, evidence‐based information regarding what happens after retirement from racing is scarce. Veterinarians are relegated to use anecdotal information to guide owners and potential owners. The study objective was to collect and evaluate extensive information regarding the use and perceived health of Thoroughbreds retired from racing, as well as owner satisfaction. A 31‐question survey on use, health and behaviour was made available to owners of Thoroughbred horses who had retired from racing. A similar survey was available to owners of non‐Thoroughbred horses for a control population. Racing data were obtained from a publicly available database for Thoroughbreds. Statistical analysis was performed to compare incidence of health and behaviour issues between Thoroughbreds and controls and between different racing experiences for Thoroughbreds. Thoroughbreds retired from racing were more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal injuries, gastrointestinal, behavioural and foot/hoof issues than controls. Age at first start, age at last start, number of starts and breaks of 6 months or more during racing career did not affect incidence of musculoskeletal disease, behavioural issues, hoof/foot issues, respiratory disease and neurologic disease. Horses with >51 lifetime starts were more likely to experience gastrointestinal disease in the first year after retirement from racing. Thoroughbreds were as likely as controls to have eventual resolution of issues present at acquisition. Veterinarians can use this information to guide pre‐purchase evaluations, provide ongoing care and counsel owners/prospective owners on the possible needs of Thoroughbred horses retired from racing. Knowing the common issues faced by the population will increase the success of transition from racing by creating informed veterinarians and owner expectations.
Platelet‐rich plasma improves the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells by enhancing their secretion of angiogenic factors in a combined radiation and wound injury model
Authors: Myung Hyunwook , Jang Hyosun , Myung Jae Kyung , Lee Changsun , Lee Janet , Kang JiHoon , Jang Won‐Suk , Lee Sun‐Joo , Kim Hyewon , Kim Hwi‐Yool , Park Sunhoo , Shim Sehwan
Published: September 2019

Delayed wound healing after radiation exposure can cause serious cutaneous damage, and its treatment is a major clinical challenge. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine, they alone do not produce satisfactory effects in a combined radiation and wound injury (CRWI) model. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of combined umbilical cord blood‐derived (UCB)‐MSCs and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) treatment on wound healing in a CRWI mouse model. First, we assessed the release of cytokines from UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP and observed changes in the expression of angiogenic factors. The angiogenic paracrine factors from UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP were assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To assess therapeutic efficacy, UCB‐MSCs and PRP were topically implanted into a CRWT mouse model. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pro‐angiogenic growth factor, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and contributor to VEGF‐induced signalling were more highly expressed in conditioned media of UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP than in that of UCB‐MSCs alone. Furthermore, conditioned media of UCB‐MSCs cultured with PRP increased the formation of tube‐like structures in HUVECs. Co‐treatment of UCB‐MSCs and PRP in a CRWI mouse model increased the wound closure rate and angiogenesis compared with an untreated irradiated group. Moreover, increased expression of VEGF and CD31 were observed in the wound tissue of co‐treated mice compared with untreated irradiated mice. PRP stimulates the release of angiogenic factors from UCB‐MSCs, and combined therapy of UCB‐MSCs and PRP improves regeneration efficacy by enhancing angiogenesis in a CRWI model.
The Italian Version of SCORE‐15: Validation and Potential Use
Authors: Paolini Daniele , Schepisi Luigi
Published: September 2019

SCORE‐15 (Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation) is a 15‐item questionnaire for completion by family members aged 12 years and older to assess outcomes in systemic therapy. This study aimed to investigate (a) the psychometric properties and the internal consistency reliability of the Italian version of SCORE‐15, (b) clinical responsiveness, and (c) normative (Italian) criteria. Furthermore, (d) the study sought to evaluate the participants’ representation of both their family and their problems, analyzing open‐ended questions included in the SCORE‐15. Data were collected from two clinical centers for 208 families (n = 507). Results confirmed the three‐factor structure (i.e., strengths, difficulties, and communication), a good internal consistency reliability, and indicated a cutoff threshold for the Italian version. Furthermore, results showed that SCORE‐15 is a good instrument for clinical responsiveness and that it can be used to explore the way in which family members describe their families and problems. Overall, SCORE‐15 is a brief, psychometrically robust family assessment instrument that may be used for both researchers and practitioners in several domains of clinical and social psychology.
Modelling lake cyanobacterial blooms: Disentangling the climate‐driven impacts of changing mixed depth and water temperature
Authors: Gray Emma , Elliott James A. , Mackay Eleanor B. , Folkard Andrew M. , Keenan Patrick O. , Jones Ian D.
Published: October 2019

Climate change is already having profound impacts upon the state and dynamics of lake ecosystems globally. A specific concern is that climate change will continue to promote the growth of phytoplankton, particularly blooms of toxic cyanobacteria, via lake physical processes including warming surface waters and shallowing of the mixed layer. These two mechanisms will have different impacts on lake phytoplankton communities, but their inter‐connectedness has made it difficult to disentangle their independent effects.

We fill this knowledge gap by performing 1666 numerical modelling experiments with the phytoplankton community model, PROTECH, in which we separated the independent effects on lake phytoplankton of temperature change and changes in the depth of the surface mixed layer. Given the large global abundance of small lakes (<1 km2) and the importance of their ecosystems in global processes and budgets, we used a small meso‐eutrophic lake as an example study site for the modelling experiments.

Increasing the lake temperature and positioning the mixed layer at a shallower depth had different ecological impacts, with warming typically resulting in more biomass and a dominance of cyanobacteria.

The response to mixed depth shallowing depended on the original depth where mixing occurred. As anticipated, where the original mixed depth was moderate (4–6 m) and there was a simultaneous increase in water temperature, cyanobacterial biomass increased. However, when the same absolute difference in shallowing and temperature increase were applied to a deeper mixed depth (9–13 m), lower cyanobacterial biomass resulted, owing to poorer conditions for low‐light tolerant cyanobacteria.

Our study shows that the response of cyanobacterial blooms to climate‐induced warming and shallowing of mixed layers in lakes around the world will not be universal, but rather will be system‐specific, depending upon the average mixed layer depth of the lake in question and the light affinity of the dominant cyanobacteria species.
Fire affects the taxonomic and functional composition of soil microbial communities, with cascading effects on grassland ecosystem functioning
Authors: Yang Sihang , Zheng Qiaoshu , Yang Yunfeng , Yuan Mengting , Ma Xingyu , Chiariello Nona R. , Docherty Kathryn M. , Field Christopher B. , Gutknecht Jessica L. M. , Hungate Bruce A. , Niboyet Audrey , Le Roux Xavier , Zhou Jizhong
Published: September 2019

Fire is a crucial event regulating the structure and functioning of many ecosystems. Yet few studies have focused on how fire affects taxonomic and functional diversities of soil microbial communities, along with changes in plant communities and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics. Here, we analyze these effects in a grassland ecosystem 9 months after an experimental fire at the Jasper Ridge Global Change Experiment site in California, USA. Fire altered soil microbial communities considerably, with community assembly process analysis showing that environmental selection pressure was higher in burned sites. However, a small subset of highly connected taxa was able to withstand the disturbance. In addition, fire decreased the relative abundances of most functional genes associated with C degradation and N cycling, implicating a slowdown of microbial processes linked to soil C and N dynamics. In contrast, fire stimulated above‐ and belowground plant growth, likely enhancing plant–microbe competition for soil inorganic N, which was reduced by a factor of about 2. To synthesize those findings, we performed structural equation modeling, which showed that plants but not microbial communities were responsible for significantly higher soil respiration rates in burned sites. Together, our results demonstrate that fire ‘reboots’ the grassland ecosystem by differentially regulating plant and soil microbial communities, leading to significant changes in soil C and N dynamics.
Real‐time monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions with tall chambers reveals diurnal N2O variation and increased emissions of CO2and N2O fromMiscanthusfollowing compost addition
Authors: Keane J. Ben , Morrison Ross , McNamara Niall P. , Ineson Phil
Published: September 2019

Miscanthus x giganteus's efficacy as an energy crop relies on maintaining low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As demand forMiscanthusis expected to rise to meet bioenergy targets, fertilizers and composts may be employed to increase yields, but will also increase GHG emissions. Manipulation experiments are vital to investigate the consequences of any fertilizer additions, but there is currently no way to measure whole‐plant GHG fluxes from crops taller than 2.5 m, such asMiscanthus, at the experimental plot scale. We employed a unique combination of eddy covariance (EC), soil chambers and an entirely new automated chamber system, SkyBeam, to measure high frequency (ca. hourly) fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from aMiscanthuscrop amended with green compost. Untreated controls were also monitored in a fully replicated experimental design. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2was partitioned into soil respiration (Rs), gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration, and the crop was harvested to determine the effect of compost on crop productivity. Compost increased NEE emissions by 100% (p < .05), which was the result of a 20% increase ofRs(p < .06) and a 32% reduction in GPP (p < .05) and biomass of 37% (p < .06). Methane fluxes were small and unaffected by compost addition. N2O emissions increased 34% under compost during an emission event; otherwise, fluxes were low and often negative, even under dry conditions. Diurnal variation in N2O fluxes, with uptake during the day and emission at night was observed. These fluxes displayed a negative relationship with soil temperature and a hitherto undescribed diurnal temperature hysteresis. We conclude that compost addition negatively affected the productivity and environmental effects ofMiscanthuscultivation during the first year following application.
Mass–length allometry covaries with ecosystem productivity at a global scale
Authors: Ruiz‐Lupión Dolores , Gómez José María , Moya‐Laraño Jordi
Published: October 2019

Aim

It is still debated whether allometry, the relationship between body size and body parts, entails merely an evolutionary constraint or can itself evolve. Recently, a hypothesis has been proposed that states that static allometry (allometry measured across individuals at the same developmental stage) can evolve from differences in the developmental pathways between pairs of traits under different nutritional environments. A macroecological prediction stemming from this hypothesis is that allometric coefficients (scaling and allometric factors) should covary with ecosystem productivity. Here, we tested this prediction using a worldwide database of mass–length allometric equations.

Location

Worldwide, data distributed across the entire globe.

Time period

1967–2017.

Major taxa studied

Soil arthropods.

Methods

We fitted general linear models with the allometric coefficients (the scalingaand allometricbfactors) as the dependent variables. The target independent variable was the normalized difference vegetation index, as a proxy of ecosystem productivity. Longitude, absolute latitude and altitude, as well as mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation were included as both covariates and additional variables of interest. We also included body bauplan (obtained from geometric morphometrics), taxonomic affiliation (a proxy of phylogenetic relationships) and the reciprocal allometric coefficient as covariates in the model.

Results

We found a strong negative association between both allometric factors and the productivity of the ecosystems, and the effect for the allometric factorbwas stronger at lower trophic levels. We also detected strikingly similar effects of geographic and climatic predictors on both allometric factors, suggesting the occurrence of similar selective regimes.

Main conclusions

The fact that productivity, geography and climate affect the value of mass–length allometric coefficients has important consequences not only to understand the evolution of allometries, but also for how energy is processed in soil ecosystems across the globe.
Identification of ZBTB24 protein domains and motifs for heterochromatin localization and transcriptional activation
Authors: Aktar Sharmin , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Unoki Motoko
Published: September 2019

Immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, facial anomalies (ICF) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in either DNMT3B, ZBTB24, CDCA7, HELLS or an unknown gene(s). Among the known causative genes, ZBTB24 encodes a member of the BTB‐zinc finger (ZF) transcription factor family. The protein possesses a BTB domain, an AT‐hook and eight C2H2 ZF motifs. All ZBTB24 mutations reported in ICF patients are predicted to disrupt at least one ZF motif. Here, we show that both AT‐hook and distinct ZF motifs, particularly the 6th motif, of human and mouse ZBTB24 proteins are important for their heterochromatin localization. On the other hand, the 6th and 7th ZF motifs, and not the AT‐hook or the BTB domain, of the human and mouse proteins are essential for transcriptional activation of CDCA7, another ICF causative gene and a known target of ZBTB24. By deletion analysis of the human CDCA7 promoter, we show that two motifs for ZBTB24 binding are important for transcriptional activation of this gene. These results reveal the evolutionarily conserved domains and motifs important for the biological function of ZBTB24, which provides a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ICF syndrome.
Predictive value of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 on myocardial reperfusion
Authors: Bai Shiru , Liu Huiliang , Wu Haibo , Wang Xuechao , Li Ruyi , Li Xiangming , Li Xinning , Zhang Lina , Chen Tianlei , Du Rongpin
Published: October 2019

Background

High baseline level of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 (sST2) was an independent predictor of cardiovascular death and heart failure in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Aims

To investigate the value of serum sST2 baseline levels in predicting myocardial reperfusion in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Methods

Consecutive STEMI patients who underwent PPCI within 12 h after the onset of chest pain were enrolled, and were divided into Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grading (TMPG) 0/1/2 group and TMPG 3 group based on post‐procedural TMPG. Baseline clinical characteristics, lesions and procedural characteristics were compared. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate linear logistic analysis were performed to identify independent predictors of impaired myocardial reperfusion (TMPG 0/1/2). Receiver‐operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis of sST2 was performed to identify the optimum cut‐off value for predicting the myocardial reperfusion.

Results

A total of 121 patients was enrolled in this study. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that Killip II–III, high levels of sST2 and brain natriuretic peptide were risk factors of TMPG 0/1/2. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sST2 was an independent predictor of impaired myocardial reperfusion (odds ratio 12.318, 95% confidence interval 4.567–33.220,P< 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve of sST2 was 0.849, and the best cut‐off value was 2.003 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 89.2% and a specificity of 67.9%.

Conclusion

The elevated levels of sST2 on admission were associated with impaired myocardial reperfusion in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.
A critique of 'countryside biogeography' as a guide to research in human‐dominated landscapes
Authors: Driscoll Don A. , Balouch Sara , Burns Thomas J. , Garvey Tim F. , Wevill Tricia , Yokochi Kaori , Doherty Tim S.
Published: September 2019

Proliferation of redundant terms in ecology and conservation slows progress and creates confusion. ‘Countryside biogeography’ has been promoted as a new framework for conservation in production landscapes, so may offer a replacement for other concepts used by landscape ecologists. We conducted a systematic review to assess whether the 'countryside biogeography' concept provides a distinctive framing for conservation in human‐dominated landscapes relative to existing concepts. We reviewed 147 papers referring to countryside biogeography and 81 papers that did not. These papers were divided into categories representing three levels of use of countryside biogeography concepts (strong, weak, cited only) and two categories that did not use countryside biogeography at all but used similar concepts including fragmentation and matrix. We revealed few distinctions among groups of papers. Countryside biogeography papers made more frequent use of the terms 'ecosystem services', 'intensification' and 'land sparing' compared with non‐countryside biogeography papers. Papers that did not refer to countryside biogeography sampled production areas (e.g. farms) less often, and this related to their focus on habitat specialist species for which patch‐matrix assumptions were reasonable. Countryside biogeography offers a conceptual wrapper rather than a distinctive framework for advancing research in human‐modified landscapes. This and similar wrappers such as ‘conservation biogeography’ and ‘agricultural biogeography’ risk creating confusion among new researchers, and can prevent clear communication about research. To improve communication, we recommend using the suite of well‐established terms already applied to conservation in human‐modified landscapes rather than through an interceding conceptual wrapper.