bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2S protein Ara h 7.0201 has unique epitopes compared to other Ara h 7 isoforms and is comparable to 2S proteins Ara h 2 and 6 in basophil degranulation capacity
Authors: Hayen S. M. , Ehlers A. M. , den Hartog Jager C. F. , Garssen J. , Knol E. F. , Knulst A. C. , Suer W. , Willemsen L. E. M. , Otten H. G.
Published: March 2018

Background

Screening for specific IgE against 2S albumin proteins Ara h 2 and 6 has good positive predictive value in diagnosing peanut allergy. From the third 2S member Ara h 7, 3 isoforms have been identified. Their allergenicity has not been elucidated.

Objective

This study investigated the allergenicity of Ara h 7 isoforms compared to Ara h 2 and 6.

Methods

Sensitization of 15 DBPCFC‐confirmed peanut‐allergic patients to recombinant Ara h 2.0201, Ara h 6.01 and isoforms of recombinant Ara h 7 was determined by IgE immunoblotting strips. A basophil activation test (BAT) was performed in 9 patients to determine IgE‐cross‐linking capacities of the allergens. Sensitivity to the allergens was tested in 5 patients who were sensitized to at least 1 Ara h 7 isoform, by a concentration range in the BAT. 3D prediction models and sequence alignments were used to visualize differences between isoforms and to predict allergenic epitope regions.

Results

Sensitization to Ara h 7.0201 was most frequent (80%) and showed to be equally potent as Ara h 2.0201 and 6.01 in inducing basophil degranulation. Sensitization to Ara h 7.0201 together with Ara h 2.0201 and/or 6.01 was observed, indicating the presence of unique epitopes compared to the other 2 isoforms. Differences between the 3 Ara h 7 isoforms were observed in C‐terminal cysteine residues, pepsin and trypsin cleavage sites and 3 single amino acid substitutions.

Conclusion & clinical relevance

The majority of peanut‐allergic patients are sensitized to isoform Ara h 7.0201, which is functionally as active as Ara h 2.0201 and 6.01. Unique epitopes are most likely located in the C‐terminus or an allergenic loop region which is a known allergenic epitope region for Ara h 2.0201 and 6.01. Due to its unique epitopes and allergenicity, it is an interesting candidate to improve the diagnostic accuracy for peanut allergy.
Social workers' emotional labour with families in poverty: Neoliberal fatigue?
Authors: Lavee Einat , Strier Roni
Published: March 2018

This study examines the emotional labour of social workers serving families living in poverty. Based on in‐depth interviews and focus groups, the study concentrates on frontline social workers' emotions when faced with increasing levels of poverty, growing caseloads, and neoliberal social policies in Israel. Findings highlight 3 interrelated aspects of the emotional labour of social workers involved with impoverished families: (a) the emotional flooding social workers experience in their professional routines, (b) the various practices of emotional labour they use to cope with the emotional backlash of their encounters with these families including emotional numbness, emotional Othering, and emotional splitting, and (c) confirmation of the harmful influence of institutional policies on their emotional well‐being and ability to respond effectively to the increasing demands of their clients. Based on Hochschild's theory of emotional labour, we maintain that social workers' emotions should be studied in the context of a specific social, institutional, and political background.
Multiplex PCR in noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for FGFR3‐related disorders
Authors: Terasawa Sumire , Kato Asuka , Nishizawa Haruki , Kato Takema , Yoshizawa Hikari , Noda Yoshiteru , Miyazaki Jun , Ito Mayuko , Sekiya Takao , Fujii Takuma , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: March 2018

Thanatophoric dysplasia and achondroplasia are allelic disorders caused by a constitutively active mutation in the FGFR3 gene. Because thanatophoric dysplasia is a lethal disorder and achondroplasia is non‐lethal, they need to be distinguished after ultrasound identification of fetal growth retardation with short limbs. Accordingly, we have developed a noninvasive prenatal test using cell‐free fetal DNA in the maternal circulation to distinguish thanatophoric dysplasia and achondroplasia. A multiplex PCR system encompassing five mutation hotspots in the FGFR3 gene allowed us to efficiently identify the responsible mutation in cell‐free DNA in all examined pregnancies with a suspected thanatophoric dysplasia or achondroplasia fetus. This system will be helpful in the differential diagnosis of thanatophoric dysplasia and achondroplasia in early gestation and in couples concerned about the recurrence of thanatophoric dysplasia due to germinal mosaicism.
Resonance frequency analysis: Comparing two clinical instruments
Authors: Becker William , Hujoel Philippe , Becker Burton E.
Published: March 2018

Background

Numerous studies indicate implants placed immediately after extraction or with minimally invasive procedures have excellent long‐term success and survival rates. There is general agreement that implants must be stable after implant placement. This study evaluated implant stability changes from the time of implant placement to second stage (prior to restoration). Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was determined for two commercially available units (Osstell, Osstell USA, Columbia, MD and Penguin, Penguin Integration Diagnostics, Sweden). The unit of measurement was the implant stability quotient (ISQ).

Materials and Methods

Prior to treatment patients were given medical and dental evaluations. Periapical and panogram radiographs were taken Computerized tomography images were taken for sites where adequate bone volume or quality were uncertain. Thirty patients were enrolled in this study (13 females, 17 males, mean age 73.4 years, (maximum age 90, minimum 47 year total of 38 implants were placed. One implant was lost. Computerized implant planning (Nobel Clinician) Nobel Biocar United States (Nobel Biocare, Yorba Linda, CA) was performed for all patients. Implants were placed utilizing a surgical guide. Using Resonance Frequency anal this study compared two RFA systems for determining implant stability (ISQ; Osstell and Penguin). Measurement pegs were screwed into the implants, and RFA measurements were taken at mesial, distal, lingual, and buccal implant surfaces. Stability measurements were taken at implant placement and at second stage. Clinical data and RFA measurements were recorded on data sheets. The average interval between first and second stages was 144.1 days (range 21.3)

Results

Average interval between implant placement and second stage was 141.1 days. One implant was lost prior to second stage. The results are based on 30 patients with 38 implants. At second stage, the RFA measures were slightly higher than first stage with a mean increase of 1.15, SE = 0.3, P–.067. The Penguin RFA values were marginally higher than Osstell (mean increase 1.10, SE = 0.64, P < .08).

Conclusions

RFA values between implant placement and second stage differed slightly between implant placement and second stage (P < 0.10). These differences were not clinically or statistically significant. At second stage, Penguin RFA values were slightly higher when compared with the Osstell device (P < 0.67). Bone quality appears to be an important factor when determining RFA readings. Type I bone had significantly higher readings when compared with other less dense bone types (P < .029) Resonance frequency evaluation data were similar for both instruments, indicating their reliability in determining implant stability. Neither instrument predicted implant failure. While subjective, Penguin was less cumbersome to utilize and the window revealing the readings was very easier to read. Further, the pegs are magnetized making insertion easy.
The use of antioxidant compounds in the treatment of first psychotic episode: Highlights from preclinical studies
Authors: Schiavone Stefania , Trabace Luigia
Published: March 2018

Recent evidence highlighted a pathogenetic link between redox dysregulation and the early stages of psychosis. Indeed, an increasing number of studies have pointed toward an association between oxidative stress, both at central and peripheral levels, and first psychotic episode. Moreover, basal low antioxidant capacity has been shown to directly correlate with cognitive impairment in the early onset of psychosis. In this context, the possibility to use antioxidant compounds in first psychotic episode, especially as supplementation to antipsychotic therapy, has become the focus of numerous investigations on rodents with the aim to translate data on the possible effects of antioxidant therapies to large populations of patients, with a diagnosis of the first psychotic episode. In this review, we will discuss studies, published from January 1st, 2007 to July 31st, 2017, investigating the effects of antioxidant compounds on neuropathological alterations observed in different rodent models characterized by a cluster of psychotic‐like symptoms reminiscent of what observed in human first psychotic episode. A final focus on the effective possibility to directly translate data obtained on rodents to humans will be also provided.
A web‐based prediction score for head and neck cancer referrals
Authors: Lau K. , Wilkinson J. , Moorthy R.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Following the announcement of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000, anyone suspected of having cancer has to be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of referral. Since this introduction, studies have shown that only 6.3%‐14.6% of 2‐week referrals were diagnosed with a head and neck cancer and that majority of the cancer diagnoses were via other referral routes. These studies suggest that the referral scheme is not currently cost‐effective. Our aim is to develop a scoring system that determines the risk of head and neck cancer in a patient, which can then be used to aid GP referrals.

Design

Retrospective data were collected from 1075 patients with 2‐week head and neck cancer referrals from general practitioners. The retrospective data collected included patients’ demographics, risk factors and relevant investigations. The data were used as input into a logistic regression to arrive at our model. Our approach included data analysis, machine learning techniques, statistical inference and model validation metrics to arrive at the best performing model. The model was then tested with more data from 235 prospective patients.

Results

Using our results from the logistic regression, we created a web‐based tool that GPs can use to calculate their patient's probability of cancer and use this result to assist in their decision regarding referral. Our prototype can be seen in Figure 2.

Conclusion

We have created a prototype scoring system that can be hosted online to assist GPs with their referrals with a sensitivity of 31% and specificity of 92%. While we acknowledge that there are several limitations to our model, we believe we have created a novel preliminary scoring system that has the potential to be improved dramatically with further data and be very helpful for GPs in a long run.
Offsetting Risk: Organic Food, Pollution, and the Transgression of Spatial Boundaries
Authors: Orlando Giovanni
Published: March 2018

This article analyses the reasons given by some inhabitants of Palermo, a city in southern Italy, to explain their consumption of organic foods. It does so to uncover the role played by perceptions of the ubiquity of pollution in the construction of contemporary culinary anxieties. The article shows that some Palermitans compared organic to conventional foods on the basis of notions of healthiness, choosing the former to avoid ingesting harmful substances. This is in line with a popular interpretation of organic food consumption as a means to avoid risks originating in agriculture and the food processing industry. However, concerns about food quality were not the sole motivation offered by research participants. Eating organics was also seen as a way to mitigate risks deriving from the local urban environment. While this double risk burden reflects views of pollution that are typical of contemporary environmental discourse, participants’ references to urban settings in their discussions of organic food are an aspect that is not usually addressed in analyses of this form of consumption. The article suggests therefore that ideas about the spatial properties of pollution play an important role in explaining people's culinary anxieties and the attractiveness of organics, the consumption of which is seen as capable of offsetting contamination from a diverse array of (mostly local) factors.
Gender, households, and decision‐making for wildfire safety
Authors: Tyler Meagan , Fairbrother Peter
Published: March 2018

This paper considers the impact of gendered norms on decision‐making for wildfire preparation and response at the household level. Focusing on Australia, it provides a theoretical thematic analysis of data acquired in 107 interviews with residents of nine different localities. It builds on existing research on gender and disaster, as well as on decision‐making and wildfires, and analyses the narratives that centre on ‘split’ households plans (where a male partner plans to stay and a female partner plans to evacuate) and disagreements within heterosexual couples as to an appropriate wildfire safety plan. The study finds that gender inequality and differences in gendered expectations are likely to create difficult conditions for negotiation between members of a heterosexual couple when there is disagreement over a plan and that this may contribute to risky decision‐making practices and outcomes. The paper reiterates, therefore, the importance of taking into account the social construction of gender in wildfire research and policy.
Prevention of Type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes directed at the family context: a narrative review from the Danish Diabetes Academy symposium
Authors: Kragelund Nielsen K. , Groth Grunnet L. , Terkildsen Maindal H. ,   the Danish Diabetes Academy Workshop and Workshop Speakers
Published: March 2018

In this review, we aim to summarize knowledge about gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after delivery; with special focus on the potential of preventing Type 2 diabetes in a family context. The review expands on the key messages from a symposium held in Copenhagen in May 2017 and highlights avenues for future research. A narrative review of the symposium presentations and related literature is given. GDM is associated with increased short‐ and long‐term adverse outcomes including Type 2 diabetes for both mother and offspring. Interestingly, GDM in mothers also predicts diabetes in the fathers. Thus, although GDM is diagnosed in pregnant women, the implications seem to affect the whole family. Structured lifestyle intervention can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. In this review, we show how numerous challenges are present in the target group, when such interventions are sought and implemented in real‐world settings. Although interlinked and interacting, barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post‐partum can be grouped into those pertaining to diabetes beliefs, the family context and the healthcare system. Health literacy level and perceptions of health and disease risk may modify these barriers. There is a need to identify effective approaches to health promotion and health service delivery for women with prior GDM and their families. Future efforts may benefit from involving the target group in the development and execution of such initiatives as one way of ensuring that approaches are tailored to the needs of individual women and their families.
Biosimilar vs originator insulins: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yamada Tomohide , Kamata Ryuichi , Ishinohachi Kotomi , Shojima Nobuhiro , Ananiadou Sophia , Nom Hisashi , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: March 2018

Biosimilar insulins have expanded the treatment options for diabetes. We compared the clinical efficacy and safety of biosimilar insulins with those of originator insulins by conducting a meta‐analysis. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed on randomized controlled trials comparing biosimilar and originator insulins in adults with diabetes. Studies were obtained by searching electronic databases up to December 2017. Ten trials, in a total of 4935 patients, were assessed (2 trials each on LY2963016, MK‐1293, Mylan's insulin glargine and SAR342434, and 1 trial each on FFP‐112 and Basalog). The meta‐analysis found no differences between long‐acting biosimilar and originator insulins with regard to reduction in glycated haemoglobin at 24 weeks (0.04%, 95% confidence interval [CI] –0.01, 0.08; P for efficacy = .14, I2 = 0%) or at 52 weeks (0.03%, 95% CI –0.04, 0.1), or reduction in fasting plasma glucose (0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.36, 0.53), hypoglycaemia (odds ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.96, 1.03), mortality, injection site reactions, insulin antibodies and allergic reactions. Analyses stratified by type of diabetes and prior insulin use yielded similar findings. Similarly, no significant differences were found between short‐acting biosimilar and originator insulins. In summary, our meta‐analysis showed no significant differences in clinical efficacy and safety, including immune reactions, between biosimilar and originator insulins. Biosimilar insulins can increase access to modern insulin therapy and reduce medical costs.
Institutions, innovation and growth
Authors: Silve Florent , Plekhanov Alexander
Published: March 2018

This paper looks at the link between the quality of economic institutions and innovation, and innovation and growth. We construct a measure of the innovation content of individual manufacturing industries and show that countries with stronger economic institutions specialize in more innovation‐intensive industries. Our results also provide evidence that industries involving higher levels of innovation grow relatively faster in countries with better economic institutions. The results suggest that innovation is an important channel through which higher quality economic institutions contribute to better growth performance in the long run.
The bud midge Prodiplosis floricola in citrus crops in Colombia
Authors: Duque‐Gamboa Diana N. , Castillo‐Cárdenas Maria F. , Hernández Luis M. , Guzmán Yoan C. , Manzano Maria R. , Toro‐Perea Nelson
Published: March 2018

Sampling performed in flower buds of citrus in Colombia allowed the detection of the presence of Prodiplosis longifila Gagné and Prodiplosis floricola Felt (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). The polyphagous P. longifila is a pest of Solanaceae, but whether both species cause economic losses in citrus is unknown. These congeneric species are indistinguishable in the larval stage, and their morphological identification, which is complex, is performed on adult males. This study comprises a morphological description and characterization of the damage generated by P. floricola larvae feeding on the flowers of key lime, Citrus × aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle (pro. sp.), and Tahiti lime, Citrus × latifolia Tanaka ex Q. Jiménez (Rutaceae), as well as a population genetical analysis of the insect. Prodiplosis floricola was found in the localities of Támesis (Antioquia), Garzón (Huila), and Palmira and Zarzal (Valle del Cauca). These populations were characterized by COI and ITS2 molecular markers, with a moderate genetic structure found that cannot be explained by the geographic distance between the populations. The haplotype distribution pattern indicates that the populations are composed of highly differentiated haplotypes of equivalent frequencies, which suggests that the Colombian populations of P. floricola are products of multiple introductions and that their dispersion between populations is attributable to anthropic transport. Citrus in Colombia constitutes a new host for P. floricola and increases the known geographical range of the insect, as it has only been previously reported in Brazil and the USA. The molecular markers used in the present study are useful for early diagnosis of P. floricola in the larval stage and for future research on the population dynamics in citrus.
Morphometry, allometry, and fluctuating asymmetry of egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum under insecticide influence
Authors: Souza Diego , Monteiro Angelo B. , Faria Lucas Del Bianco
Published: March 2018

The morphometric analysis of parasitoids may contribute to biological control programs by providing information on development of insects and relationships among sizes of morphological characters. Furthermore, it can infer about the impact of insecticides on morphological characters and fitness. We evaluate the morphometry, allometry, and fluctuating asymmetry of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) with and without influence of the growth‐regulating insecticides teflubenzuron and lufenuron. Trichogramma pretiosum had significantly larger wings and tibiae in treatments with insecticides. We found no effects of insecticides on asymmetry in T. pretiosum and conclude that this insect is very close to isometry. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating the size of parasitoids destined to biological control programs.
Structure and genetic variation among populations of Euschistus heros from different geographic regions in Brazil
Authors: Husch Patricia Elizabeth , Ferreira Dhiego Gomes , Seraphim Noemy , Harvey Nick , Silva‐Brandão Karina Lucas , Sofia Silvia Helena , Sosa‐Gómez Daniel Ricardo
Published: March 2018

The Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a major Brazilian soybean pest. Aiming to provide relevant information to implement pest and insecticide resistance management, new microsatellite loci were developed for E. heros and used in a study of genetic diversity and population structure. The population analysis was performed using eight microsatellite loci from 17 samples (n = 243 individuals) collected in the major soybean‐producing regions in Brazil (northeastern, midwestern, and southern regions). These microsatellite loci provided high genetic diversity values on the whole extension for the studied region (He = 0.895; total number of alleles = 400). Neotropical brown stink bug populations in general displayed low genetic structure levels among the samples (overall ΦST = 0.009). An exception was the sample from the northeastern region, which showed a significant genetic differentiation (pairwise ΦST = 0.031–0.063). Bayesian cluster analysis confirmed these results, did not show population subdivision, and indicated considerable levels of gene flow. Significant correlations between genetic differences and geographic distance were obtained. The lowest estimate of migration was found in the population from São Desidério, which was also the most distant from the remaining populations based on genetic distance. Some plausible hypotheses for the low genetic differentiation among these populations are the fast expansion of soybean production areas, the main food source of E. heros, polyvoltinism, and possible influence of anthropogenic dispersal. All these factors could have led to high population densities, a wide distribution that may contribute to reduced population differentiation, and increased genetic diversity.
Responses of crop productivity and physical protection of organic carbon by macroaggregates to long‐term fertilization of an Anthrosol
Authors: Xie J. , Peng B. , Wang R. , Batbayar J. , Hoogmoed M. , Yang Y. , Zhang S. , Yang X. , Sun B.
Published: March 2018

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in the soil of arable land has been recommended as a ‘win–win strategy’ for improving soil quality and crop productivity, and for mitigating the effects of climate change. With data from a 35‐year field experiment, we investigated the effects of organic manure and synthetic fertilizers on the mechanisms of organic carbon (OC) protection in macroaggregates and the relations between crop productivity and OC under an intensive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system on an Anthrosol in northern China. The study involved nine treatments consisting of different combinations of synthetic fertilizers and organic manure. Soil samples taken from the 0–10‐cm and 10–20‐cm layers after 35 years of experimentation were separated into four physical fractions within the macroaggregates and analysed for changes in OC. In comparison with the control without any addition of fertilizer, long‐term application of nitrogen and phosphorus had no effects on SOC and OC contents of the macroaggregate fractions. In contrast, the application of organic manure significantly increased SOC and OC contents of macroaggregate fractions, apart from mineral‐associated organic carbon (MOC). Soil organic carbon was strongly and positively correlated with OC content in the intra‐microaggregate particulate organic carbon fraction (iPOC), indicating that SOC sequestration occurred primarily in the form of the physically protected particulate organic carbon fraction in the Anthrosol investigated here. A quadratic‐plateau model described the relation between crop yields and SOC well, and the critical SOC content, above which there was no yield response to increasing SOC, was about 9 g kg−1, or 25 Mg ha−1. Thus, the input of available C should be adjusted once this critical SOC content has been reached to guarantee the desired level of soil productivity and efficiency of SOC sequestration.

Highlights

Long‐term application of dairy manure markedly increased SOC contents in plough layer.

Manure application increased OC contents in macroaggregate fractions, except MOC.

SOC was significantly and positively correlated with iPOC.

The critical SOC content to obtain desired crop yield was ca. 9 g kg−1 in an Anthrosol.
Intragroup competition predicts individual foraging specialisation in a group‐living mammal
Authors: Sheppard Catherine E. , Inger Richard , McDonald Robbie A. , Barker Sam , Jackson Andrew L. , Thompson Faye J. , Vitikainen Emma I. K. , Cant Michael A. , Marshall Harry H.
Published: March 2018

Individual foraging specialisation has important ecological implications, but its causes in group‐living species are unclear. One of the major consequences of group living is increased intragroup competition for resources. Foraging theory predicts that with increased competition, individuals should add new prey items to their diet, widening their foraging niche (‘optimal foraging hypothesis’). However, classic competition theory suggests the opposite: that increased competition leads to niche partitioning and greater individual foraging specialisation (‘niche partitioning hypothesis’). We tested these opposing predictions in wild, group‐living banded mongooses (Mungos mungo), using stable isotope analysis of banded mongoose whiskers to quantify individual and group foraging niche. Individual foraging niche size declined with increasing group size, despite all groups having a similar overall niche size. Our findings support the prediction that competition promotes niche partitioning within social groups and suggest that individual foraging specialisation may play an important role in the formation of stable social groupings.
Should I stay or should I go? Mycorrhizal plants are more likely to invest in long‐distance seed dispersal than non‐mycorrhizal plants
Authors: Correia Marta , Heleno Ruben , Vargas Pablo , Rodríguez‐Echeverría Susana
Published: March 2018

Seed dispersal and mycorrhizal associations are key mutualisms for the functioning and regeneration of plant communities; however, these processes have seldom been explored together. We hypothesised that obligatory mycorrhizal plants will be less likely to have long‐distance dispersal (LDD) syndromes since the probability of finding suitable mycorrhizal partners is likely to decrease with distance to the mother plant. We contrasted the mycorrhizal status and LDD syndromes for 1960 European plant species, using phylogenetically corrected log‐linear models. Contrary to our expectation, having specialised structures for LDD is more frequent in obligate mycorrhizal plants than in non‐mycorrhizal plants, revealing that lack of compatible mutualists does not constrain investment in LDD structures in the European Flora. Ectomycorrhizal plants associated with wind‐dispersing fungi are also more likely to have specialised structures for wind dispersal. Habitat specificity and narrower niche of non‐mycorrhizal plants might explain the smaller investment in specialised structures for seed dispersal.
Differences in tree and shrub establishment due to tree guard type in a temperate upland pasture
Authors: Brown Sharon L. , Reid Jackie , Reid Nick , Smith Rhiannon
Published: March 2018

Success of establishing native trees in cool temperate environments depends on the ability of seedlings to withstand subzero temperatures and recurrent frosts. This study compared the survival and growth of five tree and shrub species with two guard types at three landscape positions in an upland pasture. Seedlings were planted between December 2013 and March 2014. Half of the seedlings were planted in tall Corflute® guards (60 cm high), and the remaining seedlings were interplanted in milk cartons (30 cm). Seedling survival and height were measured in November 2014. Hourly temperature readings were recorded between March and November 2014. Seedling height for all species was greater in tall guards than milk cartons at all landscape positions, possibly at least partly due to etiolation. However, seedlings in tall guards survived better than seedlings in milk cartons at mid‐ and upper‐slope positions. Higher temperatures may have benefited seedling performance by prolonging the growing season as average maximum temperature was significantly higher inside tall guards than milk cartons and ambient conditions at all landscape positions. Average daily temperature was significantly higher in tall guards compared to milk cartons and ambient conditions at the upper‐slope site only. There were no significant differences in average minimum temperature between guard types at all landscape positions.
Histopathologic subtype of hippocampal sclerosis and episodic memory performance before and after temporal lobectomy for epilepsy
Authors: Saghafi Shahram , Ferguson Lisa , Hogue Olivia , Gales Jordan M. , Prayson Richard , Busch Robyn M.
Published: March 2018

Objective

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) proposed a classification system for hippocampal sclerosis (HS) based on location and extent of hippocampal neuron loss. The literature debates the usefulness of this classification system when studying memory in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and determining memory outcome after temporal lobe resection (TLR). This study further explores the relationship between HS ILAE subtypes and episodic memory performance in patients with TLE and examines memory outcomes after TLR.

Methods

This retrospective study identified 213 patients with TLE who underwent TLR and had histopathological evidence of HS (HS ILAE type 1a = 92; type 1b = 103; type 2 = 18). Patients completed the Wechsler Memory Scale—3rd Edition prior to surgery, and 78% of patients had postoperative scores available. Linear regressions examined differences in preoperative memory scores as a function of pathology classification, controlling for potential confounders. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare pathology subtypes on the magnitude of preoperative memory impairment and the proportion of patients who experienced clinically meaningful postoperative memory decline.

Results

Individuals with HS ILAE type 2 demonstrated better preoperative verbal memory performance than patients with HS ILAE type 1; however, individual data revealed verbal and visual episodic memory impairments in many patients with HS ILAE type 2. The base rate of postoperative memory decline was similar among all 3 pathology groups.

Significance

This is the largest reported overall sample and the largest subset of patients with HS ILAE type 2. Group data suggest that patients with HS ILAE type 2 perform better on preoperative memory measures, but individually there were no differences in the magnitude of memory impairment. Following surgery, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in the proportion of patients who declined. Future research should focus on quantitative measurements of hippocampal neuronal loss, and multicenter collaboration is encouraged.
Lameness originating from the proximal metacarpus/tarsus: A review of local analgesic techniques and clinical diagnostic findings
Authors: Pezzanite L. , Contino E. , Kawcak C.
Published: March 2018

Accurate diagnosis of conditions of the equine proximal metacarpus and metatarsus presents a clinical challenge. Diagnostic analgesia of this region is nonspecific, which may lead to incorrect interpretation of blocking patterns, potentiating incorrect diagnoses and treatment. Results of local analgesia should be examined carefully during clinical lameness evaluations due to the possibility of diffusion of local anaesthetic solution and inadvertent intrasynovial injection. Supplementary diagnostic analgesia of surrounding anatomic regions and advanced diagnostic imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, are recommended for most accurate diagnosis of lameness. Failure in response to therapy in cases where supplementary diagnostic analgesia and advanced diagnostic imaging have not been performed should prompt the clinician to broaden the approach to better characterise the site of pain.
Depth in Cultural Socialization in Families with Children Adopted from China
Authors: Zhang Xian , Pinderhughes Ellen E.
Published: March 2018

Parents raising children adopted from a different racial/ethnic group usually engage in cultural socialization—providing activities in adoptees’ birth culture—hoping to instill pride and help adoptees develop a positive identity. Adoptive parents engage in a wide variety of socialization activities, yet adult adoptees have reported not having deep enough exposure from their parents. The present study explored the depth of cultural socialization in transracial adoptive families. Informed by Pinderhughes' Ethnic‐Racial Socialization model, this study developed a continuum examining the depth in cultural socialization with three indicators: (1) the depth of cultural activities, (2) parents’ motivation for cultural socialization, and (3) parental cultural attitudes. Qualitative analyses of 41 White parents raising children adopted from China found that parents’ motivation and acknowledgement of cultural differences reflected deep appreciation of adoptees’ birth culture, however, activities they provided were not as deep. Activities that facilitated close relationships with people who shared adoptees’ background in a natural context appeared to provide the deepest cultural connection. Despite limitations, the study demonstrated that the depth continuum was able to capture variations and nuances in cultural socialization. Suggestions for future research and recommendation for practice were also included.
America's languages: The future of language advocacy
Authors: Rivers William P. , Brecht Richard D.
Published: March 2018

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Foreign Language Annals, and recognizing the seminal role this journal has in informing the language education profession about policies and programs, we sketch a future for advocacy for language education in the United States. Drawing on the Languages for All initiative and the work of the Commission on Language Learning of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, we reprise a vision for building a multilingual society presented 3 decades ago for Australia, another English‐dominant society, where every child can master English, every child has the opportunity to learn the language spoken at home, all children can learn other languages if they choose, and language services continue to be provided to all who need them. We propose advocating for this vision on the basis of the impact of bilingualism and education and employment, on recent promising developments in language education, and on the rising demand among the stakeholders in the public and private sectors to meet domestic and global needs.
Global change‐driven effects on dissolved organic matter composition: Implications for food webs of northern lakes
Authors: Creed Irena F. , Bergström Ann‐Kristin , Trick Charles G. , Grimm Nancy B. , Hessen Dag O. , Karlsson Jan , Kidd Karen A. , Kritzberg Emma , McKnight Diane M. , Freeman Erika C. , Senar Oscar E. , Andersson Agneta , Ask Jenny , Berggren Martin , Cherif Mehdi , Giesler Reiner , Hotchkiss Erin R. , Kortelainen Pirkko , Palta Monica M. , Vrede Tobias , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A.
Published: March 2018

Northern ecosystems are experiencing some of the most dramatic impacts of global change on Earth. Rising temperatures, hydrological intensification, changes in atmospheric acid deposition and associated acidification recovery, and changes in vegetative cover are resulting in fundamental changes in terrestrial–aquatic biogeochemical linkages. The effects of global change are readily observed in alterations in the supply of dissolved organic matter (DOM)—the messenger between terrestrial and lake ecosystems—with potentially profound effects on the structure and function of lakes. Northern terrestrial ecosystems contain substantial stores of organic matter and filter or funnel DOM, affecting the timing and magnitude of DOM delivery to surface waters. This terrestrial DOM is processed in streams, rivers, and lakes, ultimately shifting its composition, stoichiometry, and bioavailability. Here, we explore the potential consequences of these global change‐driven effects for lake food webs at northern latitudes. Notably, we provide evidence that increased allochthonous DOM supply to lakes is overwhelming increased autochthonous DOM supply that potentially results from earlier ice‐out and a longer growing season. Furthermore, we assess the potential implications of this shift for the nutritional quality of autotrophs in terms of their stoichiometry, fatty acid composition, toxin production, and methylmercury concentration, and therefore, contaminant transfer through the food web. We conclude that global change in northern regions leads not only to reduced primary productivity but also to nutritionally poorer lake food webs, with discernible consequences for the trophic web to fish and humans.
Toward anticipatory adaptation: Transforming social‐ecological vulnerabilities in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Shinn Jamie E.
Published: March 2018

The ability of people to respond successfully to environmental variability is determined by their existing vulnerabilities and social‐ecological relationships. At the same time, dominant policy and scholarly approaches to adaptation remain apolitical and pay inadequate attention to the links between structural vulnerability and adaptive capacity. Using a case study from the dynamic wetland environment of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, this paper draws on work in political ecology, vulnerability studies, and the emerging field of transformative adaptation to emphasise the need for an anticipatory approach to adaptation. While flooding variability is an inherent part of life in the Okavango Delta, high floods in 2009, 2010 and 2011 displaced hundreds of residents from their homes and inundated many floodplain agricultural fields past the point of production. A combination of household interviews, participant observation sessions, and household surveys was used to investigate the impacts of these flooding events, responses to them, and the implications of those responses. Findings reveal that the Government of Botswana began to regulate wetland‐based livelihoods more strictly during the years the high floods occurred, and to encourage residents to switch permanently to dryland livelihoods. While these state‐sponsored strategies appear to be practical responses to flooding variability, they ultimately result in decreased adaptive capacity for some people, especially members of the Bayei tribe. This group typically subsists from wetland‐based livelihoods and has strong cultural ties to the waters of the Delta. By situating these findings within the historical context of marginalisation of ethnic minorities and rural communities in the country, and considering them in the light of predictions of future increases in environmental variability in the Okavango Delta, the paper identifies sites of potential transformation that would lead to improved adaptive capacities for vulnerable groups, in advance of the most significant impacts of climate change.
Stochastic Modeling of Groundwater Extractions over a Data‐Sparse Region of Australia
Authors: Keir Greg , Bulovic Nevenka , McIntyre Neil
Published: March 2018

Setting limit on groundwater extractions is important to ensure sustainable groundwater management. Lack of extraction data can affect interpretations of historical pressure changes, predictions of future impacts, accuracy of groundwater model calibration, and identification of sustainable management options. Yet, many groundwater extractions are unmetered. Therefore, there is a need for models that estimate extraction rates and quantify model outputs uncertainties arising due to a lack of data. This paper develops such a model within the Generalized Linear Modeling (GLM) framework, using a case study of stock and domestic (SD) extractions in the Surat Cumulative Management Area, a predominantly cattle farming region in eastern Australia. Various types of extraction observations were used, ranging from metering to analytically‐derived estimates. GLMs were developed and applied to estimate the property‐level extraction amounts, where observation types were weighted by perceived relative accuracy, and well usage status. The primary variables found to affect property‐level extraction rates were: yearly average temperature and rainfall, pasture, property area, and number of active wells; while variables most affecting well usage were well water electrical conductivity, spatial coordinates, and well age. Results were compared with analytical estimates of property‐level extraction, illustrating uncertainties and potential biases across 20 hydrogeological units. Spatial patterns of mean extraction rates (and standard deviations) are presented. It is concluded that GLMs are well suited to the problem of extraction rate estimation and uncertainty analysis, and are ideal when model verification is supported by measurement of a random sample of properties.
Capture Versus Capture Zones: Clarifying Terminology Related to Sources of Water to Wells
Authors: Barlow Paul M. , Leake Stanley A. , Fienen Michael N.
Published: March 2018

The term capture, related to the source of water derived from wells, has been used in two distinct yet related contexts by the hydrologic community. The first is a water‐budget context, in which capture refers to decreases in the rates of groundwater outflow and (or) increases in the rates of recharge along head‐dependent boundaries of an aquifer in response to pumping. The second is a transport context, in which capture zone refers to the specific flowpaths that define the three‐dimensional, volumetric portion of a groundwater flow field that discharges to a well. A closely related issue that has become associated with the source of water to wells is streamflow depletion, which refers to the reduction in streamflow caused by pumping, and is a type of capture. Rates of capture and streamflow depletion are calculated by use of water‐budget analyses, most often with groundwater‐flow models. Transport models, particularly particle‐tracking methods, are used to determine capture zones to wells. In general, however, transport methods are not useful for quantifying actual or potential streamflow depletion or other types of capture along aquifer boundaries. To clarify the sometimes subtle differences among these terms, we describe the processes and relations among capture, capture zones, and streamflow depletion, and provide proposed terminology to distinguish among them.
Concussion: A History of Science and Medicine, 1870‐2005
Authors: Casper Stephen T.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To review the intellectual history of concussion from the mid‐19th century to the opening decade of the 21st century.

Background

Head injuries (HI) and their acute and long‐term effects have been investigated for centuries, with major reviews of the topic appearing by 1870. Thus, while it has long been acknowledged that chronic traumatic encephalopathy was first described by Harrison Martland in 1928, an examination of the history of concussion research up to Martland's seminal report places his studies in a deeper historical context. This history makes clear that Martland's findings were one among many such studies showcasing the lasting dangers of blows to the head. In the years after Martland published his study, his paper was frequently cited in other papers that made clear that blows to the head, of all ranges of severity, were dangerous injuries with potentially life‐changing consequences.

Methods

The author has engaged in an historical analysis of the development and elaboration of concussion research in clinical medicine, neurology, neurosurgery, and those scientific disciplines related to clinical medicine. The author has found numerous primary sources from the history of medicine and science that describe the acute and chronic effects of single and repeated sub‐concussive and concussive blows to the head.

Results

This study makes clear that evidence‐based methodologies inevitably short‐change the knowledge of past clinicians and scientists by holding these figures to normative standards of recent invention. What criticism of this kind fails to recognize is that past investigators, many of them pioneers in their fields, published their work in ways that matched the highest normative standards of their day for the presentation of evidence.

Conclusions

It has been recognized for a long time that concussions are dangerous injuries with potentially life‐changing consequences, ranging from permanent symptoms to degenerative neurological states. The intellectual history of medicine and science from 1870 to the recent past shows both a continuity of clinical observations about HI and a steady, incremental accumulation of knowledge refining our understanding of those observations from a remarkably wide sphere of scientific disciplines.