bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change is not a major driver of shifts in the geographical distributions of North American birds
Authors: Currie David J. , Venne Simon
Published: November 2016

Aim

Many studies postulate that physiological tolerance of climatic variables imposes the primary limit on species geographical distributions, that tolerances are constant through time, that climate has warmed and that geographical distributions shift to maintain species in their thermal niches when climate changes. However, recent studies present evidence that is inconsistent with each of these propositions. Here we ask: how strongly did avian species entire geographical distributions (as opposed to their latitudinal extremes) in North America track temperature changes between 1979 and 2010?

Location

The continental United States (excluding Alaska) and southern Canada.

Methods

We examined changes from 1979 to 2010 in the geographical distributions, and the realized temperature niches, of 21 species of passerine birds whose entire breeding ranges fall within the area well sampled by the North American Breeding Bird Survey. We related changes in breeding distributions to the concomitant changes in breeding season temperature.

Results

The median temperature increased within the breeding ranges of most, but not all, species. Temperature on the coolest 2.5% of routes increased significantly for only 8 of 21 species. Most species' distributions shifted geographically, but the most frequent shift was westward, not northward. Most species' realized temperature niches changed detectably through time, mainly as a result of changing temperature (versus geographical shifts). Where shifts in geographical distribution occurred, in most cases they did not result in smaller changes in species realized temperature niche than species would have experienced by not moving at all. There is little suggestion of a lagged response to climate change.

Main conclusions

We find only slight evidence that the geographical distributions of North American passeriform birds, considered in their entirety (as opposed to their latitudinal extremes), tracked temperature change. Of the factors that have driven recent shifts in the geographical distributions of North American avian species temperature change is probably only a minor one.
Energy efficient household appliances in emerging markets: the influence of consumers' values and knowledge on their attitudes and purchase behaviour
Authors: Nguyen The Ninh , Lobo Antonio , Greenland Steven
Published: November 2016

This research integrates both motivational and cognitive approaches to better understand consumers' purchase behaviour of energy efficient household appliances in emerging markets. A unique values, knowledge, attitudes and behaviour model was developed, and then validated by obtaining data from Vietnamese consumers which yielded 682 usable responses. The findings confirm that consumers with stronger adherence to egoistic values are more likely to develop negative attitudes towards environmental protection, and they tend to formulate positive attitudes towards individual inconvenience associated with the purchase of energy efficient appliances. In contrast, biospheric and altruistic values facilitate consumers' purchase behaviour by enhancing their attitudes towards environmental protection, and by also reducing their attitudes in relation to individual inconvenience. Interestingly, consumers with high knowledge about energy efficient appliances tend to believe that the purchase of such products is important for environmental protection, and they are likely to negate the perception of inconvenience associated with the purchase. Attitudes were found to be significant determinants of both purchase intention and behaviour. The implications for policymakers, marketers and other stakeholders are discussed and future research directions presented.
The relationship between breast milk leptin and adiponectin with child body composition from 3 to 5 years: a follow‐up study
Authors: Meyer D. M. , Brei C. , Stecher L. , Much D. , Brunner S. , Hauner H.
Published: November 2016

Background

Research indicates that breast milk contains bioactive components that influence metabolism in infancy and may play a role in the prevention of obesity in early childhood. In our initial study, 147 breastfeeding mother/child pairs were followed from birth to 2 years of age to examine the relationship between breast milk leptin and total adiponectin (collected at 6 weeks and 4 months postpartum) and infant body composition. Higher breast milk total adiponectin was related to greater fat mass and weight gain in children at 1 and 2 years of age, whereas leptin showed no association.

Objectives/Methods

In this follow‐up, we examined the relationship between both adipokines and children's body weight, body mass index percentiles, sum of four skin‐folds, percentage of body fat, fat mass and lean body mass at 3, 4 and 5 years of age.

Results

Breast milk adipokines were largely unrelated to child anthropometric measures.

Conclusion

Our results do not provide significant evidence that breast milk adipokines can predict adiposity in preschool children.
Public assistance in urban and rural China: A tale of two stories
Authors: Zhang Saijun , Ci Qinying , Zhan Min
Published: November 2016

China's public assistance system has been urban–rural divided ever since its implementation in the 1990s. Despite the intention in recent years to promote an integrated public assistance system, there has been little empirical research that has systematically examined the differences between urban and rural areas. Moreover, research has focused mostly on the Minimum Living Assurance system (“Dibao”), paying little attention to other types of public assistance. This study contributes to filling this gap by analyzing a recent data set collected primarily from two Chinese provinces. The findings show substantial differences in the amount of public assistance received by urban and rural low‐income households, even after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Compared with urban recipient households, rural recipient households have disproportionally lower public assistance benefits and higher medical costs relative to their household expenditure, which suggests that assistance inadequacy is especially prominent among rural households. Policy implications are discussed.
Accuracy of intuition in clinical decision‐making among novice clinicians
Authors: Price Amanda , Zulkosky Kristen , White Krista , Pretz Jean
Published: November 2016

Aims

To assess the reliance on intuitive and analytical approaches during clinical decision‐making among novice clinicians and whether that reliance is associated with accurate decision‐making.

Background

Nurse educators and managers tend to emphasize analysis over intuition during clinical decision‐making though nurses typically report some reliance on intuition in their practice. We hypothesized that under certain conditions, reliance on intuition would support accurate decision‐making, even among novices.

Design

This study utilized an experimental design with clinical complication (familiar vs. novel) and decision phase (cue acquisition, diagnosis and action) as within‐subjects’ factors, and simulation role (observer, family, auxiliary nurse and primary nurse) as between‐subjects’ factor.

Methods

We examined clinical decision‐making accuracy among final semester pre‐licensure nursing students in a simulation experience. Students recorded their reasoning about emerging clinical complications with their patient during two distinct points in the simulation; one point involved a familiar complication and the other a relatively novel complication. All data were collected during Spring 2015.

Results

Although most participants relied more heavily on analysis than on intuition, use of intuition during the familiar complication was associated with more accurate decision‐making, particularly in guiding attention to relevant cues. With the novel complication, use of intuition appeared to hamper decision‐making, particularly for those in an observer role.

Conclusion

Novice clinicians should be supported by educators and nurse managers to note when their intuitions are likely to be valid. Our findings emphasize the integrated nature of intuition and analysis in clinical decision‐making.
Barriers for guideline adherence in knee osteoarthritis care: A qualitative study from the patients' perspective
Authors: Spitaels David , Vankrunkelsven Patrik , Desfosses Jurgen , Luyten Frank , Verschueren Sabine , Van Assche Dieter , Aertgeerts Bert , Hermens Rosella
Published: November 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Guidelines for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are suboptimally implemented in clinical care. To improve guideline adherence, patients' perceived barriers and facilitators in current care were investigated.

Methods

Eleven patients with knee OA were extensively interviewed using a semistructured script based on quality indicators. Directed content analysis, within the framework of Grol and Wensing, was performed to describe barriers and facilitators in 6 domains: guideline, health care professional, patient, social environment, organization, and financial context. Data were analyzed using NVIVO 10 software.

Results

In total, 38 barriers, at all 6 domains, were identified. The most frequently mentioned barriers were in the domains of the patient and the health care professional, namely, patients' disagreement with guidelines recommendations, negative experience with drugs, patients' limited comprehension of the disease process, and poor communication by the health care professional. The patients' disagreement with recommendations is further explained by the following barriers: “insistence on medical imaging,” “fear that physiotherapy aggravates pain,” and “perception that knee OA is not a priority health issue”. Patients also reported 20 facilitators, all of which are listed as opposing barriers.

Conclusions

Patients indicate that both personal factors and factors related to health care professionals play an important role in nonadherence. An interview script, based on quality indicators, was a significant aid to structurally formulate barriers and facilitators in the perceived knee OA care. Future guideline implementation strategies should take the identified barriers and facilitators into account.
Applying Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce cesarean section rate
Authors: Chai Ze‐Ying , Hu Hua‐Min , Ren Xiu‐Ling , Zeng Bao‐Jin , Zheng Ling‐Zhi , Qi Feng
Published: November 2016

Objectives

This study aims to reduce cesarean section rate and increase rate of vaginal delivery.

Methods

By using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology, the cesarean section rate was investigated and analyzed through a 5‐phase roadmap consisting of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. The principal causes of cesarean section were identified, improvement measures were implemented, and the rate of cesarean section before and after intervention was compared.

Results

After patients with a valid medical reason for cesarean were excluded, the main causes of cesarean section were maternal request, labor pain, parturient women assessment, and labor observation. A series of measures was implemented, including an improved parturient women assessment system, strengthened pregnancy nutrition guidance, implementation of painless labor techniques, enhanced midwifery team building, and promotion of childbirth‐assist skills. Ten months after introduction of the improvement measures, the cesarean section rate decreased from 41.83% to 32.00%, and the Six Sigma score (ie, Z value) increased from 1.706 to 1.967 (P < .001).

Conclusion

LSS is an effective way to reduce the rate of cesarean section.
Variability in spatial and temporal occurrence of presettlement and settlement‐stage fishes associated with shallow reefs
Authors: Pattrick P. , Strydom N. A.
Published: November 2016

Presettlement and settlement‐stage fishes were studied in a large, log‐spiral bay in temperate South Africa. The aim was to describe the assemblage composition, density and distribution associated with four types of habitats common to the bay: high profile reef, low profile reef, reef‐associated sand and open sand spatially separated from reef. Samples were collected with both a plankton ring net and a light trap at each habitat type as part of a mixed‐method approach. A total of 4084 presettlement and settlement‐stage fishes belonging to 31 teleost families and 84 species were captured. Reef‐associated sand and open sand habitats yielded higher species richness and diversity than the high and low‐profile reef habitats. Engraulidae, Gobiidae, Clupeidae and Cynoglossidae were the dominant fish families captured with the ring net, while Engraulidae, Clupeidae, Carangidae and Clinidae were captured with the light trap. A temporal difference in the abundance of presettlement fishes occurred between the sampling periods with highest values recorded during the summer settlement period. Habitat type together with associated physico‐chemical variables played a pivotal role in determining presettlement fish species composition, density and distribution across habitat types.
Sequence and localization of an ultraviolet (sws1) opsin in the retina of the Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus (Teleostei: Clupeiformes)
Authors: Miyazaki T. , Kondrashev S. L. , Kasagi S. , Mizusawa K. , Takahashi A.
Published: November 2016

A full‐length complementary (c)DNA encoding ultraviolet (UV)‐sensitive opsin (sws1) was isolated from the retina of the Japanese sardine Sardinops melanostictus. The sws1 phylogenetic tree showed a sister group relationship with the Cypriniformes, following the ray‐finned fish phylogeny. By expressing reconstituted opsin in vitro, it was determined that the maximum absorbance spectrum (λmax) of sws1 is around 382 nm, being intermediate in position between two subtypes of sws1 pigment that are UV sensitive (λmax = 355–380 nm) and violet sensitive (λmax = 388–455 nm), which have been reported to date. The ocular media transmitted >20% transmittance of light in the range of 360–600 nm. In situ hybridization analyses revealed that sws1 messenger (m)RNA is localized in a central single cone surrounded by four double cones in a square mosaic. The square mosaic occupies the ventro‐temporal quadrant of the retina and the in situ hybridization signals were dominant in this area suggesting that the fish may use UV vision when looking upward. Based on these results, considerable significances of potential UV sensitivity, in relation to characteristic habits of S. melanostictus, are discussed.
Caudal type homeobox 2 expression induced by leukocytapheresis might be associated with mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Hayashi Ryohei , Fukushima Keita , Hibiya Shuji , Horita Nobukatsu , Negi Mariko , Itoh Eisaku , Akashi Takumi , Eishi Yoshinobu , Motoya Satoshi , Takeuchi Yoshiaki , Kunisaki Reiko , Fukunaga Ken , Nakamura Shiro , Yoshimura Naoki , Takazoe Masakazu , Iizuka Bunei , Suzuki Yasuo , Nagahori Masakazu , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: November 2016

Background and Aim

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon with an intractable, recurrent course. Although the goal of UC therapy has recently been to target mucosal healing, the molecular mechanism of mucosal healing remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular dynamics related to the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells during cytapheresis therapy in a short duration.

Methods

Endoscopy was performed in 26 patients with UC in multicentre hospitals, and biopsy specimens were collected from the rectum before and within two weeks after leukocytapheresis (LCAP). The expression of representative proteins in intestinal epithelial cells and pathological findings was compared before and after LCAP.

Results

The expression of caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2) and a hes family bHLH transcription factor 1(HES1) markedly increased after LCAP. Patients with endoscopic improvement after LCAP showed the expression of CDX2 before LCAP. Moreover, the number of goblet cells significantly increased after LCAP. Patients without endoscopic improvement after LCAP did not show the expression of CDX2 before LCAP. However, the expression of CDX2 markedly increased after LCAP.

Conclusion

This study suggests that cytapheresis might induce CDX2 expression without affecting the cell proliferation, thus resulting in mucosal healing with goblet cell restoration.
Diagnostic efficacy of quantitative endoscopic ultrasound elastography for differentiating pancreatic disease
Authors: Kim Su Young , Cho Jae Hee , Kim Yoon Jae , Kim Eui Joo , Park Ji Young , Jeon Tae Joo , Kim Yeon Suk
Published: November 2016

Background and Aim

Endoscopic ultrasound elastography (EUS‐EG) constitutes a novel imaging procedure that allows for the quantification of tissue stiffness with high degrees of accuracy in pancreatic disease. However, the optimal cut‐off and reference strain ratio (SR) value of quantitative EUS‐EG for differential diagnosis in patients with pancreatic disease remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify these values of normal pancreas, chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer in an Asian population.

Methods

Between December 2014 and November 2015, 398 patients without pancreatic disease, 67 patients with chronic pancreatitis, and 90 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent EUS were enrolled prospectively. Elastographic evaluation was measured using the quotient B/A (SR value).

Results

The mean SR was 3.78 ± 1.35 for normal pancreas, 8.21 ± 5.16 for chronic pancreatitis, and 21.80 ± 12.23 for pancreatic cancer (P < 0.001). The median SR was 15.14 for mass‐forming pancreatitis and 18.00 for pancreatic cancer (P = 0.024). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the SR were 71.6%, 75.2%, and 74.8%, respectively, for detecting chronic pancreatitis using a cut‐off value of 5.62, and were 95.6%, 96.3%, and 96.2%, respectively, for detecting pancreatic cancer using a cut‐off value of 8.86.

Conclusions

We provided reference range SR values for normal pancreas, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer, as well as an optimal cut‐off value for chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer diagnostic accuracy in an Asian population. Quantitative EUS‐EG is a supplementary diagnostic method for identifying pancreatic disease.
The effect of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor/antioxidant response element signalling pathway in the lanthanum chloride‐induced impairment of learning and memory in rats
Authors: Zhang Lijin , Yang Jinghua , Jin Cuihong , Wu Shengwen , Lu Xiaobo , Hu Xiaoyu , Sun Yaling , Cai Yuan
Published: November 2016

Lanthanum exerts adverse effects on the central nervous system. However, the mechanism underlying these adverse effects has not been clarified. It is known that oxidative stress plays an important role in neurological injuries induced by harmful factors. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) is very important in the response to oxidative stress in tissues and cells. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) on the spatial learning and memory of rats and to determine whether the Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway acts in the hippocampus. Four groups of Wistar rats were exposed to 0 mM, 9 mM, 18 mM or 36 mM LaCl3 through their drinking water from the day of birth to 2 months after weaning. The results showed that LaCl3 impaired the spatial learning and memory of the rats, damaged the neuronal ultrastructure, increased reactive oxygen species levels and significantly down‐regulated Nrf2 as well as the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2‐regulated genes, including NADP(H): dehydrogenase quinone 1, haeme oxygenase‐1, superoxide dismutase 2, glutathione peroxidase 1, glutathione‐S‐transferase, γ‐glutamine cysteine synthase and glutathione reductase, in the hippocampus. This study suggests that LaCl3 can impair the spatial learning and memory of rats, possibly by perturbing the Nrf2/antioxidant response element signalling pathway.

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Quantum dots labelling allows detection of the homing of mesenchymal stem cells administered as immunomodulatory therapy in an experimental model of pancreatic islets transplantation
Authors: Mannucci Silvia , Calderan Laura , Quaranta Paola , Antonini Sara , Mosca Franco , Longoni Biancamaria , Marzola Pasquina , Boschi Federico
Published: November 2016

Cell transplantation is considered a promising therapeutic approach in several pathologies but still needs innovative and non‐invasive imaging technologies to be validated. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attracts major interest in clinical transplantation thanks to their regenerative properties, low immunogenicity and ability to regulate immune responses. In several animal models, MSCs are used in co‐transplantation with pancreatic islets (PIs) for the treatment of type I diabetes, supporting graft survival and prolonging normal glycaemia levels. In this study we investigated the homing of systemically administered MSCs in a rat model of pancreatic portal vein transplantation. MSCs labelled with quantum dots (Qdots) were systemically injected by tail vein and monitored by optical fluorescence imaging. The fluorescence signal of the liver in animals co‐transplanted with MSCs and PIs was significantly higher than in control animals in which MSCs alone were transplanted. By using magnetic labelling of PIs, the homing of PIs into liver was independently confirmed. These results demonstrate that MSCs injected in peripheral blood vessels preferentially accumulate into liver when PIs are transplanted in the same organ. Moreover, we prove that bimodal MRI‐fluorescence imaging allows specific monitoring of the fate of two types of cells.
Saskatchewan's school‐based dental program staffed by dental therapists: a retrospective case study
Authors: Mathu‐Muju Kavita R. , Friedman Jay W. , Nash David A.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The poor oral health of Saskatchewan's children, in concert with a significant shortage of dentists, prompted the province in the early 1970s to seek an alternative method of addressing the oral health care needs of children. The result was the Saskatchewan Health Dental Plan (SHDP), which trained and employed dental therapists in school‐based clinics to provide basic dental care to all children. The program was initiated over the opposition of Saskatchewan's dentists. The purpose of this research was to provide information and data previously not documented in the refereed dental literature regarding the only school‐based program staffed by dental therapists to ever exist in North America.

Methods

This case study reviews the program's planning, opposition, implementation, and achievements based on a comprehensive review of published articles as well as a search of the grey literature. Additionally, Saskatchewan Health provided annual reports for each year of the program's existence.

Results

During its thirteen years of existence, the school‐based program proved popular with parents and achieved significant success in providing necessary dental care for children. It was terminated in 1987 by the newly elected provincial Conservative government, which was not supportive of such social programs.

Conclusions

The SHDP serves as a successful model of school‐based dental care for children. However, the termination of the plan demonstrates the vulnerability of publicly funded dental health programs to conflicting political ideologies and special interest groups.
Temporal genetic stability in natural populations of the waterflea Daphnia magna in response to strong selection pressure
Authors: Orsini Luisa , Marshall Hollie , Cuenca Cambronero Maria , Chaturvedi Anurag , Thomas Kelley W. , Pfrender Michael E. , Spanier Katina I. , De Meester Luc
Published: November 2016

Studies monitoring changes in genetic diversity and composition through time allow a unique understanding of evolutionary dynamics and persistence of natural populations. However, such studies are often limited to species with short generation times that can be propagated in the laboratory or few exceptional cases in the wild. Species that produce dormant stages provide powerful models for the reconstruction of evolutionary dynamics in the natural environment. A remaining open question is to what extent dormant egg banks are an unbiased representation of populations and hence of the species’ evolutionary potential, especially in the presence of strong environmental selection. We address this key question using the water flea Daphnia magna, which produces dormant stages that accumulate in biological archives over time. We assess temporal genetic stability in three biological archives, previously used in resurrection ecology studies showing adaptive evolutionary responses to rapid environmental change. We show that neutral genetic diversity does not decline with the age of the population and it is maintained in the presence of strong selection. In addition, by comparing temporal genetic stability in hatched and unhatched populations from the same biological archive, we show that dormant egg banks can be consulted to obtain a reliable measure of genetic diversity over time, at least in the multidecadal time frame studied here. The stability of neutral genetic diversity through time is likely mediated by the buffering effect of the resting egg bank.
The epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome: Symptom development over a 3‐year period in Denmark. A prospective, population‐based cohort study
Authors: Krogsgaard L. R. , Engsbro A. L. , Jones M. P. , Bytzer P.
Published: November 2016

Background

We aimed to explore the natural history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Denmark over 3 years by studying development of IBS symptoms and associated factors.

Methods

A cohort study was carried out using a web panel representative of the Danish general population 18‐50 years. The survey, including a questionnaire based on the Rome III criteria for IBS, was conducted in January 2010, January 2011, and March 2013.

Key Results

The prevalence of IBS was 15.4% (920/5986). The incidence was 10.3%, and was three times higher for persons with unspecific gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms compared to asymptomatic persons. Of respondents with IBS symptoms in both 2010 and 2011, 69% (131/191) also reported symptoms of IBS in 2013, which was significantly more compared to respondents with IBS symptoms in 2010 reporting to be asymptomatic or having unspecific GI symptoms in 2011 (20% and 39%, respectively, P<.001). Being diagnosed with IBS predicted fulfilling the criteria for IBS 3 years later (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.11‐6.10). Fulfilling criteria for IBS after 1 year also led to a high risk of IBS symptoms 3 years later in asymptomatic persons and persons with unspecific symptoms at baseline.

Conclusions & Inferences

The vast majority of persons fulfilling criteria for IBS report GI symptoms after one and 3 years. Fulfilling IBS criteria after 1 year led to a high risk of reporting IBS symptoms after 3 years. In the general population having an IBS diagnosis predicts persistently fulfilling the Rome III criteria for IBS 3 years later.
Asthma and allergic rhinitis in childhood: what's new
Authors: Mastrorilli Carla , Posa Daniela , Cipriani Francesca , Caffarelli Carlo
Published: November 2016

Novel approaches are currently offered for the diagnostic workup and therapeutic management of allergic rhinitis and asthma. New predictive biomarkers of allergy and asthma are available. Primary and secondary prevention, earlier intervention, and modification of the natural history of allergic rhinitis and asthma are being intensively investigated. This review highlights advances in the understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and management of atopic airway diseases in childhood, as well as prenatal and early‐life risk factors and strategies for prevention.
The heat‐shock protein/chaperone network and multiple stress resistance
Authors: Jacob Pierre , Hirt Heribert , Bendahmane Abdelhafid
Published: November 2016

Crop yield has been greatly enhanced during the last century. However, most elite cultivars are adapted to temperate climates and are not well suited to more stressful conditions. In the context of climate change, stress resistance is a major concern. To overcome these difficulties, scientists may help breeders by providing genetic markers associated with stress resistance. However, multistress resistance cannot be obtained from the simple addition of single stress resistance traits. In the field, stresses are unpredictable and several may occur at once. Consequently, the use of single stress resistance traits is often inadequate. Although it has been historically linked with the heat stress response, the heat‐shock protein (HSP)/chaperone network is a major component of multiple stress responses. Among the HSP/chaperone ‘client proteins’, many are primary metabolism enzymes and signal transduction components with essential roles for the proper functioning of a cell. HSPs/chaperones are controlled by the action of diverse heat‐shock factors, which are recruited under stress conditions. In this review, we give an overview of the regulation of the HSP/chaperone network with a focus on Arabidopsis thaliana. We illustrate the role of HSPs/chaperones in regulating diverse signalling pathways and discuss several basic principles that should be considered for engineering multiple stress resistance in crops through the HSP/chaperone network.
Meeting report: processing, translation, decay – three ways to keep RNA sizzling
Authors: von Arnim Albrecht G. , Hellmann Hanjo A.
Published: November 2016

This meeting report highlights key trends that emerged from a conference entitled Post‐Transcriptional Gene Regulation in Plants, which was held 14–15 July 2016, as a satellite meeting of the annual meeting of the American Society of Plant Biologists in Austin, Texas. The molecular biology of RNA is emerging as an integral part of the framework for plants' responses to environmental challenges such as drought and heat, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, light and pathogens. Moreover, the conference illustrated how a multitude of customized and pioneering omics‐related technologies are being applied, more and more often in combination, to describe and dissect the complexities of gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level.
Peripheral cellular and humoral responses to infestation with the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus in Santa Gertrudis cattle
Authors: Piper E. K. , Jonsson N. N. , Gondro C. , Vance M. E. , Lew‐Tabor A. , Jackson L. A.
Published: November 2016

Resistance to cattle tick infestation in single‐host ticks is primarily manifested against the larval stage and results in the immature tick failing to attach successfully and obtain a meal. This study was conducted to identify immune responses that characterize the tick‐resistant phenotype in cattle. Thirty‐five tick‐naïve Santa Gertrudis heifers were used in this study, thirty of which were artificially infested for thirteen weeks with tick larvae while five animals remained at a tick‐free quarantine property to serve as a control group. Following thirteen weeks of tick infestation, the animals in this trial exhibited highly divergent tick‐resistant phenotypes. Blood samples collected throughout the trial were used to measure peripheral immune parameters: haematology, the percentage of cellular subsets comprising the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) population, tick‐specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibody titres, IgG1 avidity for tick antigens and the ability of PBMC to recognize and proliferate in response to stimulation with tick antigens in vitro. The tick‐susceptible cattle developed significantly higher tick‐specific IgG1 antibody titres compared to the tick‐resistant animals. These results suggest that the heightened antibody response either does not play a role in resistance or might contribute to increased susceptibility to infestation.
I can't wait! Neural reward signals in impulsive individuals exaggerate the difference between immediate and future rewards
Authors: Schmidt Barbara , Holroyd Clay B. , Debener Stefan , Hewig Johannes
Published: November 2016

Waiting for rewards is difficult, and highly impulsive individuals with low self‐control have an especially hard time with it. Here, we investigated whether neural responses to rewards in a delayed gratification task predict impulsivity and self‐control. The EEG was recorded from participants engaged in a guessing game in which on each trial they could win either a large or small reward, paid either now or after 6 months. Ratings confirmed that participants preferred immediate, large rewards over small, delayed rewards. Electrophysiological reward signals reflecting the difference between immediate and future rewards predicted self‐report measures of impulsivity and self‐control. Further, these signals were highly reliable across two sessions over a 1‐week interval, showing high temporal stability like stable personality traits. These results suggest that greater valuation of immediate rewards causes impulsive individuals to redirect control away from delayed rewards, indicating why it is so hard for them to wait.
Swept Out: Measuring Rurality and Migration Intentions on the Upper Great Plains
Authors: Jacquet Jeffrey B. , Guthrie Eric , Jackson Hayven
Published: November 2016

Rural America has long been conceptualized as a place of out‐migration, a process that is the subject of many popular sociological works and remains a dominating narrative that describes rural life in the United States today. Population trends demonstrate this migration pattern for nearly the past century; however, emerging data paint a complex picture of migration behavior and intentions in rural areas. In this article, we utilize several measures of rurality to analyze the results of a 2012 mail survey (n = 2487) that describe the migration intentions of both rural and urban South Dakotans. Our findings show that urban residents are more likely to have intentions to migrate than rural residents, and that drivers of migration intentions appear similar in both urban and rural contexts. The survey also sheds light on the influence of community attachment, community satisfaction, quality of life, and other community strengths and weaknesses that rural and urban residents perceive in their communities. Supporting recent research on rural migration intentions, these results do not suggest high rates of out‐migration in rural areas. We discuss rural America's recent identity as a place of out‐migration, share our survey results, and discuss implications for future rural migration research.
Improved donor safety in high‐volume apheresis collections
Authors: Vassallo Ralph R. , Bravo Marjorie D. , Kamel Hany
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

Separators use 1960s sex‐based nomograms to estimate apheresis donor blood volume and to calculate the 15% maximum extracorporeal and collection volumes. As US body habitus changes, proportional overestimation of the maximum safe collection volume may become clinically significant with large‐volume collections. We correlated 2 years of vasovagal reaction (VVR) data with 148,416 Trima apheresis procedure parameters to identify trends.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Only platelet/plasma with or without red blood cell (RBC) procedures yielded collection volumes of at least 900 mL with no saline replacement. Vasovagal events of any severity were correlated by sex with actual collection volume and donor estimated blood volume (EBV). We performed multivariable analysis incorporating the factors that influence VVR rates to assess the significance of EBV and collection volume.

RESULTS

VVR rates nearly doubled in male donors who had collection volumes greater than 1050 mL. No reaction threshold could be identified in female donors. This was confirmed in multivariable analysis that included donor sex, age, donation experience, draw time, and reporting location.

CONCLUSION

Limiting apheresis collections to the lesser of 1050 mL or 15% EBV may reduce VVR rates. Further confirmation of this finding by other collection centers is desirable.
Multidrug‐Resistant Outbreak‐Associated Salmonella Strains in Irrigation Water from the Metropolitan Region, Chile
Authors: Martínez M. C. , Retamal P. , Rojas‐Aedo J. F. , Fernández J. , Fernández A. , Lapierre L.
Published: November 2016

Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) is the main cause of foodborne diseases in the Chilean population. With the aim of characterizing the presence of S. enterica in bodies of water, samples from 40 sources were obtained, including rivers and irrigation canals used by agricultural farms in the most populated regions of Chile. As result, 35 S. enterica isolates belonging to several serotypes were detected, with the highest frequency represented by Typhimurium and Enteritidis. All strains showed phenotypic antimicrobial resistance, and most of them were multiresistant to critically important antimicrobials. In addition, the pulse‐field gel electrophoresis analysis using XbaI and BlnI endonucleases showed that seven Salmonella isolates belonging to serotypes Typhimurium, Enteritidis and Infantis had identical pulsotypes to outbreak‐associated clinical isolates detected in the Chilean population, suggesting a public health risk of water pollution in this region. Among sampling sites, the higher detection rates were observed in rural than urban and peri‐urban areas, suggesting that the animal husbandry might contribute for environmental dispersion of this pathogen. Future efforts should address the characterization of cause‐and‐effect relationship between water contamination and foodborne disease, including the implementation of surveillance programmes to tackle potential risks for both human and animal populations.
Effectiveness of weight management, smoking cessation and alcohol reduction interventions in changing behaviors during pregnancy: an umbrella review protocol
Authors: Dinsdale Sarah , Azevedo Liane Beretta , Shucksmith Janet , Newham James , Ells Louisa Jane , Jones Dan , Heslehurst Nicola
Published: November 2016

Review objective/question

The objective of this umbrella review is to examine the effectiveness of different types of weight management, smoking cessation and alcohol reduction interventions in producing explicitly measured behavior change or proxy measures of behavior change in pregnant women.

Specifically the review question is: are weight management, smoking cessation and alcohol reduction interventions effective in producing behavior change in pregnant women?
Gross anatomy curricula and pedagogical approaches for undergraduate physiotherapy students: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Shead Dorothy , Roos Ronel , Olivier Benita , Ihunwo Amadi O.
Published: November 2016

Review question/objective:

This scoping review seeks to collate and describe the body of existing literature pertaining to curricula and pedagogies used in the gross anatomy education of undergraduate physiotherapy students.

Specifically, the review questions are as follows:

What approaches to gross anatomy curricula and pedagogies used to teach undergraduate physiotherapy students have been documented in available literature?

What are the outcomes associated with the various approaches to anatomy curricula and pedagogies used to teach undergraduate physiotherapy students?
Experiences of healthcare professionals in providing palliative end-of-life care to patients in emergency departments: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Cheung Kai Yeung , Chan Kai Chiu
Published: November 2016

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the experiences of healthcare professionals in providing palliative care to patients at the end of life in emergency departments.
Implementation of the American Society of Anesthesiology's guidelines to reduce prolonged fasting times in pediatric preoperative patients: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Costello Carol M.
Published: November 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background:

The American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) guidelines for pediatric preoperative fasting have been a standard for well over a decade. However, use of protocols involving an excessive fasting duration exposes patients to the physiological impacts of fluid volume loss.

Objectives:

The current project aimed to improve fluid supplementation during presurgical fasting in pediatric patients at an academic medical center. Specific objectives were to increase clinical staff knowledge regarding ASA fasting standards and implement them in specific pediatric patient populations.

Methods:

The Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice tools were used. A baseline audit assessed compliance with best practice criteria regarding staff education, patient/family instruction and preoperative fasting times. Intervention outcomes were evaluated in a post implementation criteria audit.

Results:

Although compliance with fasting less than 12 hours more than doubled, only half of these patients/parents adhered to the guidelines. No excessive fasting events were attributed to a language barrier. There were no insufficient fasting events.

Conclusion:

Moderate success with fasting compliance was demonstrated when patients/parents were taught the multi-step ASA non per os (nothing by mouth) instructions. This complexity may have contributed to non-compliance and pointed to the need for enhanced teaching strategies. No operative start delays related to insufficient fasting indicated surgical scheduling flexibility was not at risk, and anesthesia providers had adopted the guidelines. Interdisciplinary engagement in this project was significantly impacted by director level communication which will be a key strategy for future implementations.
Modeling of an Electropolishing-Assisted Electroless Deposition Process for Microcellular Metal Foam Fabrication
Authors: Jiang Wei , Borduin Russell , Xin Hao , Li Wei
Published: November 2016

Metal foams can be fabricated through metallizing nonconductive polymer templates for better control of pore size, porosity, and interpore connectivity. However, the process suffers from a diffusion limit when the pore size is reduced to micro- and nanoscales. In this research, an electropolishing-assisted electroless deposition (EPAELD) process is developed to fabricate open-celled microcellular metal foams. To overcome the diffusion limit, a polishing current is applied in the electroless deposition process to remove metal on the surface of a polymer template, such that the ion-diffusion channels will remain open and the electroless deposition reaction continues deep inside the polymer template. In this paper, a process model of the proposed EPAELD technique is developed to understand the mechanism and to optimize the proposed process.
Feeding preference and predation rate of Neoseiulus idaeus(Acari: Phytotseiidae) feeding on different preys
Authors: Reichert Marliza Beatris , Toldi Maicon , Ferla Noeli Juarez
Published: November 2016

Soybean (Glycine max (L.): Fabaceae) is considered the most important agricultural crop in Brazil. Phytophagous tetranychid mites such as Mononychellus planki McGregor, Tetranychus ludeni Zacher, and T. urticae Koch are considered pests of soybean crops. Neoseiulus idaeus Denmark & Muma (Phytoseiidae) is a predatory mite of T. ludeni and T. urticae. This study aimed at analyzing the feeding preference of N. idaeus among three types of prey (M. planki, T. ludeni, and T. urticae), its prey-stage preference, and its predation rate under controlled conditions. During immature stages of N. idaeus, we carried out observations to monitor predator survival and to ensure food availability (eggs and different prey stages) throughout the study period. Neoseiulus idaeus preferred T. urticae compared to T. ludeni and M. planki, and it preferred T. ludeni compared to M. planki. This predator preferred T. urticae and T. ludeni when compared to leaves without prey; however, when analyzed with M. planki and leaves without prey, it showed no preference. Regarding oviposition site, T. urticae was preferred over T. ludeni or M. planki. However, between T. ludeni and M. planki, N. idaeus preferred T. ludeni. This predator preferred to oviposit where T. urticae and T. ludeni were located instead of leaves without prey. However, when it was assessed with M. planki and on dry leaves without prey, there was no preferred oviposition site. These results show a strong preference for T. urticae as food; however, in the absence of this prey, N. idaeus feeds on T. ludeni and M. planki. In all immature stages and as adults, N. idaeus preferred T. urticae eggs. In protonymphal, deutonymphal, and adult stages it also consumed prey larvae and nymphs. Only adult N. idaeus consumed adult prey. The total predation rate for eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults of T. urticae was 55.9%, 14.34%, 22.11%, and 7.65%, respectively. The average lifespan of females of this predator was 16.07 days, when they consumed 3.05 prey/female/day. These results suggest that N. idaeus has potential to be used in an applied biological control program for T. urticae.
Simulation study of axial ultrasonic wave propagation in heterogeneous bovine cortical bone
Authors: Hata Toshiho , Nagatani Yoshiki , Takano Koki , Matsukawa Mami
Published: November 2016

The effect of the heterogeneity of the long cortical bone is an important factor when applying the axial transmission technique. In this study, the axial longitudinal wave velocity distributions in specimens from the mid-shaft of a bovine femur were measured, in the MHz range. Bilinear interpolation and the piecewise cubic Hermite interpolating polynomial method were used to construct three-dimensional (3D) axial velocity models with a resolution of 40 μm. By assuming the uniaxial anisotropy of the bone and using the results of previous experimental studies [Yamato, Matsukawa, Yanagitani, Yamazaki, Mizukawa, and Nagano (2008b). Calcified Tissue Int. 82, 162–169; Nakatsuji, Yamamoto, Suga, Yanagitani, Matsukawa, Yamazaki, and Matsuyama (2011). Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 50, 07HF18], the distributions of all elastic moduli were estimated to obtain a 3D heterogeneous bone model and a uniform model. In the heterogeneous model, moduli at the surface were smaller than those inside the model. The elastic finite-difference time-domain method was used to simulate axial ultrasonic wave propagation in these models. In the heterogeneous model, the wavefront of the first arriving signal (FAS) was dependent on the heterogeneity, and the FAS velocity depended on the measured position. These phenomena were not observed in the uniform model.
Results From Shanghai’s (China) 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Authors: Liu Yang , Tang Yan , Cao Zhen-Bo , Chen Pei-Jie , Zhang Jia-Lin , Zhu Zheng , Zhuang Jie , Yang Yang , Hu Yue-Ying
Published: November 2016

Background:

Internationally comparable evidence is important to advocate for young people’s physical activity. The aim of this article is to present the inaugural Shanghai (China) Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

Methods:

Since no national data are available, the working group developed the survey questionnaire and carried out the school surveys for students (n = 71,404), parents (n = 70,346), and school administrators and teachers (n = 1398). The grades of 9 report card indicators were assigned in accordance with the survey results against a defined benchmark: A is 81% to 100%; B is 61% to 80%; C is 41% to 60%, D is 21% to 40%; F is 0% to 20%.

Results:

The 9 indicators were graded as follows: Overall Physical Activity Levels (F), Organized Sport Participation (F), Active Play (D-), Active Transportation (C-), Sedentary Behavior (F), Family and Peers (B), School (B+), Community and the Built Environment (D+), and Government (D).

Conclusions:

Levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior were low and below the respective recommended guidelines. Interventions and policies at the community level should be encouraged to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Future national surveys should be encouraged to strengthen Shanghai’s Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.