bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uses and abuses of snack foods in child health
Authors: Wright Charlotte M
Published: September 2017

Snack foods, though regarded as unhealthy, are widely eaten by children, particularly those with eating and feeding difficulties. This article outlines the ways in which paediatricians have traditionally made use of snack foods as incentives and then reviews the key nutritional and practical characteristics of commonly eaten snack foods, to allow practitioners to evaluate their role in the child’s diet. Generally savoury snacks are preferable to sweet, while dry foods are preferable to drinks or semiliquid desserts. Many ostensibly healthy snacks are also rich in sugar or fat. Eaten in addition to other meals, snack foods may lead to obesity or else displace family foods, but the instant appeal of snack foods can be exploited to introduce young children to otherwise aversive sensations and tastes and can prove a useful path towards a more diverse future diet. If a reasonable variety of snack foods are taken, this will still form a fairly balanced, if non-ideal, diet.
Paediatric neurorehabilitation: finding and filling the gaps through the use of the Institute for Manufacturing strategic roadmapping method
Authors: Hamilton Colin , Maw Anna , Gill Andrew , Brahmbhatt Mita , Phaal Robert , Pickard John
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Specialist rehabilitation services are often situated far from families and local services may be non-standardised and fragmented. A strategic level of understanding is needed to improve patient care and outcomes. Roadmapping techniques are commonly used in industry settings to discover and present a systematic understanding of structures; however, they are rarely used in the healthcare setting. With continuing pressures on healthcare systems worldwide, they provide an effective method for examining services.

Methods

The Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) strategic roadmapping method was used to identify areas of difficulty and opportunities in paediatric neurorehabilitation. Participants included stakeholders from a wide range of professions and sectors who have input with children after ABI.

Results

Delegates identified a range of ‘layers’ covering trends, drivers, current experience and unmet needs. From these layers, four priorities were identified and further expanded.These included: ‘access to medical and therapy expertise close(r) to home’, ‘shared understanding across family, school and health’, ‘family and professional awareness of resources and support’ and ‘establishing a centre for rehabilitation technology evaluation, advice and co-ordination of services and research’.

Conclusion

The IfM strategic roadmapping method identified and developed key areas for development in the field of paediatric neurological rehabilitation. Healthcare professionals looking at strategic level difficulties should strongly consider the use of such systematic tools when evaluating areas of practice.
Quality of reporting of harms in randomised controlled trials of pharmacological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Hadi Muhammad Abdul , McHugh Gretl A , Conaghan Philip G
Published: September 2017

Background

The quality of reporting of harms data in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) has been reported to be suboptimal. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has seen a massive growth in novel pharmacotherapies in the last decade.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of reporting of harms-related data in RCTs evaluating pharmacological interventions for RA according to the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement on harms reporting extension.

Study selection

RCTs published between January 2011 and August 2016 in the five highest impact factor journals in general medicine and two in rheumatology subject categories as per 2015 Journal Citation Reports were included. Reports of secondary, supplementary or exploratory analyses of RCTs and non-inferiority trials were excluded. Two reviewers independently extracted data using a structured, pilot-tested, 18-item questionnaire developed based on CONSORT harms extension recommendations.

Findings

68 RCTs were included in the review. Out of a maximum harms reporting score of 18, the mean (SD) score was 8.51 (3.5) (range=0–15). More than half (56.5%) of the RCTs reported ≤50% of items and only three (4.3%) RCTs reported more than 70% (score ≥14) of the items. Multilinear regression analyses found that region of trial origin (p=0.01), sample size (p=0.001) and whether the study was a long-term extension of a trial or not (p=0.04) were independent predictors associated with higher total harms reporting score.

Conclusions

The adherence to CONSORT harms extension was poor in recently published RCTs of pharmacological interventions for RA. There is a need to improve quality of harms reporting in RCTs to allow transparent and balanced assessment of the benefit-risk ratio in clinical decision making.
Hepatic Hippo signaling inhibits protumoural microenvironment to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Wantae , Khan Sanjoy Kumar , Liu Yuchen , Xu Ruoshi , Park Ogyi , He Yong , Cha Boksik , Gao Bin , Yang Yingzi
Published: September 2017

Objective

Hippo signalling is a recently identified major oncosuppressive pathway that plays critical roles in inhibiting hepatocyte proliferation, survival and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formation. Hippo kinase (Mst1 and Mst2) inhibits HCC proliferation by suppressing Yap/Taz transcription activities. As human HCC is mainly driven by chronic liver inflammation, it is not clear whether Hippo signalling inhibits HCC by shaping its inflammatory microenvironment.

Design

We have established a genetic HCC model by deletingMst1andMst2in hepatocytes. Functions of inflammatory responses in this model were characterised by molecular, cellular and FACS analysis, immunohistochemistry and genetic deletion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (Mcp1) orYap. Human HCC databases and human HCC samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Genetic deletion of Mst1 and Mst2 in hepatocytes (DKO) led to HCC development, highly upregulatedMcp1expression and massive infiltration of macrophages with mixed M1 and M2 phenotypes. Macrophage ablation or deletion of Mcp1 in DKO mice markedly reduced hepatic inflammation and HCC development. Moreover,Yapremoval abolished induction of Mcp1 expression and restored normal liver growth in the Mst1/Mst2 DKO mice. Finally, we showed that MCP1 is a direct transcription target of YAP in hepatocytes and identified a strong gene expression correlation between YAP targets and MCP-1 in human HCCs.

Conclusions

Hippo signalling in hepatocytes maintains normal liver growth by suppressing macrophage infiltration during protumoural microenvironment formation through the inhibition of Yap-dependentMcp1expression, providing new targets and strategies to treat HCCs.
An Ultrasound Automated Method for Non-Invasive Assessment of Carotid Artery Pulse Wave Velocity
Authors: Zardi Enrico Maria , Di Geso Luca , Afeltra Antonella , Zardi Domenico Maria , Giorgi Chiara , Salaffi Fausto , Carotti Marina , Gutierrez Marwin , Filippucci Emilio , Grassi Walter
Published: September 2017

To validate the clinical applicability and feasibility of an automated ultrasound (US) method in measuring the arterial stiffness of patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, comparing automated measurements performed by a rheumatologist without experience in vascular sonography with those obtained by a sonographer experienced in vascular US, using a standardized manual method. Twenty subjects affected by different chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders were consecutively recruited. For each patient, the arterial stiffness of both common carotids was manually calculated. Subsequently, the measure of the pulse wave velocity (PWV) was obtained using an US device called Radio Frequency - Quality Arterial Stiffness (RF-QAS), provided by the same US system (ie, My Lab 70 XVG, Esaote SpA, Genoa, Italy) equipped with a 4–13 MHz linear probe. The reliability comparison between the two US methods was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). ICC between the values obtained with the two methods for calculating the arterial stiffness resulted 0.789. A significant positive correlation between the two methods was also established with Pearson's (r=0.62, p<0.0001) and Spearman's analysis (r=0.66, p=0.001). A significant performance comparison was seen using Bland-Altman plot. The acquisition of the arterial stiffness parameter with the automated method required about 2 min for each patient. Clinical applicability of this US automated method to assess PWV at common carotid level by a rheumatologist is reliable and feasible in comparison with a conventional manual method.
Association of Gender-Specific Risk Factors in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases: An NHANES-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Xiu-E , Cheng Bei , Wang Qian , Wan Jing-Jing
Published: September 2017

In the present cross-sectional study, based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2007–2010) cohorts, various risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were analyzed (n=12,153). The variables analyzed include, demographics, comorbidities associated with MetS or CVD, behavioral and dietary factors, while the primary endpoints were the prevalence of MetS and CVD. The prevalence of MetS and CVD was slightly higher in males as compared with females (42.50% and 7.65% vs 41.29% and 4.13%, respectively). After controlling for confounding factors, advanced age, family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), overweight, and obesity were significantly associated with the likelihood of MetS, irrespective of gender differences. In males, the diagnosis of prostate cancer and regular smoking were additional risk factors of MetS, whereas, advanced age, family history of heart attack or angina, health insurance coverage, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or depression, obesity and low calorie intake were identified as risk factors for CVD. In addition to the above risk factors, higher physical activity and vitamin D insufficiency were also found to increase the risk of CVD in females. Furthermore, obesity was a higher risk factor for MetS than CVD. Emerging risk factors for CVD identified in this study has major clinical implications. Of interest is the correlation of higher physical activity and the risk of CVD in women and the role of depression and lower calorie intake in general population.
Missense variants in the chromatin remodeler CHD1 are associated with neurodevelopmental disability
Authors: Pilarowski Genay O , Vernon Hilary J , Applegate Carolyn D , Boukas Leandros , Cho Megan T , Gurnett Christina A , Benke Paul J , Beaver Erin , Heeley Jennifer M , Medne Livija , Krantz Ian D , Azage Meron , Niyazov Dmitriy , Henderson Lindsay B , Wentzensen Ingrid M , Baskin Berivan , Sacoto Maria J Guillen , Bowman Gregory D , Bjornsson Hans T
Published: September 2017

Background

The list of Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery has expanded rapidly during the last 5 years. A few missense variants in the chromatin remodeler CHD1 have been found in several large-scale sequencing efforts focused on uncovering the genetic aetiology of autism.

Objectives

To explore whether variants in CHD1 are associated with a human phenotype.

Methods

We used GeneMatcher to identify other physicians caring for patients with variants in CHD1. We also explored the epigenetic consequences of one of these variants in cultured fibroblasts.

Results

Here we describe six CHD1 heterozygous missense variants in a cohort of patients with autism, speech apraxia, developmental delay and facial dysmorphic features. Importantly, three of these variants occurred de novo. We also report on a subject with a de novo deletion covering a large fraction of the CHD1 gene without any obvious neurological phenotype. Finally, we demonstrate increased levels of the closed chromatin modification H3K27me3 in fibroblasts from a subject carrying a de novo variant in CHD1.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that variants in CHD1 can lead to diverse phenotypic outcomes; however, the neurodevelopmental phenotype appears to be limited to patients with missense variants, which is compatible with a dominant negative mechanism of disease.
Sleep patterns in Parkinson’s disease: direct recordings from the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Thompson John A , Tekriwal Anand , Felsen Gidon , Ozturk Musa , Telkes Ilknur , Wu Jiangping , Ince Nuri Firat , Abosch Aviva
Published: September 2017

Sleep is a fundamental homeostatic process, and disorders of sleep can greatly affect quality of life. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is highly comorbid for a spectrum of sleep disorders and deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been reported to improve sleep architecture in PD. We studied local field potential (LFP) recordings in PD subjects undergoing STN-DBS over the course of a full-night’s sleep. We examined the changes in oscillatory activity recorded from STN between ultradian sleep states to determine whether sleep-stage dependent spectral patterns might reflect underlying dysfunction. For this study, PD (n=10) subjects were assessed with concurrent polysomnography and LFP recordings from the DBS electrodes, for an average of 7.5 hours in ‘off’ dopaminergic medication state. Across subjects, we found conserved spectral patterns among the canonical frequency bands (delta 0–3 Hz, theta 3–7 Hz, alpha 7–13 Hz, beta 13–30 Hz, gamma 30–90 Hz and high frequency 90–350 Hz) that were associated with specific sleep cycles: delta (0–3 Hz) activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) associated stages was greater than during Awake, whereas beta (13–30 Hz) activity during NREM states was lower than Awake and rapid eye movement (REM). In addition, all frequency bands were significantly different between NREM states and REM. However, each individual subject exhibited a unique mosaic of spectral interrelationships between frequency bands. Our work suggests that LFP recordings from human STN differentiate between sleep cycle states, and sleep-state specific spectral mosaics may provide insight into mechanisms underlying sleep pathophysiology.
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for neurological diseases
Authors: Burman Joachim , Tolf Andreas , Hägglund Hans , Askmark Håkan
Published: September 2017

Neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and myasthenia gravis are leading causes of physical disability in people of working age. In the last decades significant therapeutic advances have been made that can ameliorate the disease course. Nevertheless, many affected will continue to deteriorate despite treatment, and the costs associated with disease-modifying drugs constitute a significant fiscal burden on healthcare in developed countries. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a treatment approach that aims to ameliorate and to terminate disease activity. The erroneous immune system is eradicated using cytotoxic drugs, and with the aid of haematopoietic stem cells a new immune system is rebuilt. As of today, more than 1000 patients with multiple sclerosis have been treated with this procedure. Available data suggest that autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is superior to conventional treatment in terms of efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. A smaller number of patients with other neuroinflammatory conditions have been treated with promising results. Herein, current data on clinical effect and safety of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for neurological disease are reviewed.
Prediction of hyperperfusion phenomenon after carotid artery stenting and carotid angioplasty using quantitative DSA with cerebral circulation time imaging
Authors: Yamauchi Keita , Enomoto Yukiko , Otani Katharina , Egashira Yusuke , Iwama Toru
Published: September 2017

Background

Hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid interventions has a low incidence but it can lead to morbidity and mortality.

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of quantitative DSA for predicting hyperperfusion phenomenon (HPP) after carotid artery stenting and angioplasty.

Methods

Thirty-three consecutive patients with carotid stenosis treated with carotid artery stenting or angioplasty between February 2014 and August 2016 were included. Color-coded digital subtraction angiograms showing the time to maximum contrast intensity of each image pixel were obtained from conventional DSA before and after procedures. The cerebral circulation time (CCT) was defined as the difference in the relative time to maximum intensity between arterial and venous regions of interest set on the angiograms. HPP was diagnosed straight after the procedure with qualitative123I-IMP single-photon emission CT (SPECT). Cut-off points for detecting HPP for preprocedural CCT and periprocedural change of CCT were assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis using123I-IMP SPECT as reference standard.

Results

123I-IMP SPECT showed HPP in 4 of 33 patients. In these 4 patients, preprocedural prolongation of CCT (13.0±6.1 vs 7.2±1.3 s; p<0.001) was seen compared with patients without HPP as well as larger periprocedural changes of CCT (5.9±5.7 vs 0.5±1.3 s; p<0.001). The optimal cut-off points of preprocedural CCT and change of CCT for predicting HPP were 8.0 s (100% sensitivity, 69% specificity) and 3.2 s (75% sensitivity, 100% specificity), respectively.

Conclusions

Preprocedural prolongation and greater periprocedural change of CCT are associated with the occurrence of HPP. Periprocedural evaluation of CCT may be useful for predicting HPP.
Formative student-authored question bank: perceptions, question quality and association with summative performance
Authors: Walsh Jason L , Harris Benjamin H L , Denny Paul , Smith Phil
Published: September 2017

Purpose of the study

There are few studies on the value of authoring questions as a study method, the quality of the questions produced by students and student perceptions of student-authored question banks. Here we evaluate PeerWise, a widely used and free online resource that allows students to author, answer and discuss multiple-choice questions.

Study design

We introduced two undergraduate medical student cohorts to PeerWise (n=603). We looked at their patterns of PeerWise usage; identified associations between student engagement and summative exam performance; and used focus groups to assess student perceptions of the value of PeerWise for learning. We undertook item analysis to assess question difficulty and quality.

Results

Over two academic years, the two cohorts wrote 4671 questions, answered questions 606 658 times and posted 7735 comments. Question writing frequency correlated most strongly with summative performance (Spearman’s rank: 0.24, p=<0.001). Student focus groups found that: (1) students valued curriculum specificity; and (2) students were concerned about student-authored question quality. Only two questions of the 300 ’most-answered' questions analysed had an unacceptable discriminatory value (point-biserial correlation <0.2).

Conclusions

Item analysis suggested acceptable question quality despite student concerns. Quantitative and qualitative methods indicated that PeerWise is a valuable study tool.
Detection of human papillomavirus in urine among heterosexual men in relation to location of genital warts and circumcision status
Authors: Aung Ei T , Fairley Christopher K , Tabrizi Sepehr N , Danielewski Jennifer A , Ong Jason J , Chen Marcus Y , Bradshaw Catriona S , Chow Eric P F
Published: September 2017

Objective

Human papillomavirus (HPV) surveillance is important to monitor the effectiveness of national HPV vaccination programmes. Positivity of HPV in urine in men varies with different sampling methods. We aimed to determine the positivity for detection of HPV-6/11 in urine samples among men in relation to the position of genital warts and circumcision status.

Method

We analysed stored chlamydia-positive urine specimens in young heterosexual men aged less than 25 years attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between 2004 and 2015, for HPV genotypes. Positivity of HPV-6/11 and high-risk genotypes were stratified according to the position of genital warts and circumcision status. Positivity of HPV-6/11 was calculated using diagnosis of warts as the gold standard. Warts were classified as proximal penile warts from suprapubic area to midshaft of penis, and distal penile warts from distal shaft of penis to meatus.

Results

Of the 934 specimens, 253 (27.1%) men were positive for any HPV and 82 men (8.8%) had genital warts. The ORs of HPV-6/11 detection in urine were 4.63 (95% CI: 1.68 to 12.78) and 40.20 (95% CI: 19.78 to 81.70) times higher among men who had proximal penile warts and distal penile warts, respectively, compared with men who did not have genital warts. Circumcised men were less likely to have high-risk HPV (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.65) than uncircumcised men. Uncircumcised men were more likely to have distal penile warts than circumcised men (OR 8.22; 95% CI: 1.34 to 337.46).

Conclusion

Positivity of HPV-6/11 in urine increases greatly in men with distal penile warts. Circumcised men are less likely to have distal penile warts, any HPV or high-risk HPV detected. Urine is likely to be an alternative sampling method for HPV-6/11 surveillance programme in men in countries with low circumcision rates.
Acceptability and ease of use of mailed HPV self-collection among infrequently screened women in North Carolina
Authors: Anderson Chelsea , Breithaupt Lindsay , Des Marais Andrea , Rastas Charlotte , Richman Alice , Barclay Lynn , Brewer Noel T , Smith Jennifer S
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Self-collection of cervico-vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible to underscreened women. We evaluated the acceptability and ease of use of home-based HPV self-collection within a diverse population of low-income, infrequently screened women.

Methods

Participants were low-income women from North Carolina who had not received Pap testing in 4 or more years. Eligible women received a self-collection kit containing instructions and a brush for home-based sample collection. A total of 227 women returned a self-collected sample by mail and completed a questionnaire to assess their experiences with HPV self-collection. We described acceptability measures and used logistic regression to identify predictors of overall positive thoughts about the self-collection experience.

Results

Nearly all women were willing to perform HPV self-collection again (98%) and were comfortable receiving the self-collection kit in the mail (99%). Overall, 81% of participants reported positive thoughts about home-based self-collection. Women with at least some college education and those who were divorced, separated or widowed were more likely to report overall positive thoughts. Aspects of self-collection that participants most commonly reported liking included convenience (53%), ease of use (32%) and privacy (23%). The most frequently reported difficulties included uncertainty that the self-collection was done correctly (16%) and difficulty inserting the self-collection brush (16%).

Conclusions

Home-based self-collection for HPV was a highly acceptable screening method among low-income, underscreened women and holds the promise to increase access to cervical cancer screening in this high-risk population.
Influence of muscle mass in the assessment of lower limb strength in COPD: validation of the prediction equation
Authors: Trethewey Ruth , Esliger Dale , Petherick Emily , Evans Rachael , Greening Neil , James Benjamin , Kingsnorth Andrew , Morgan Mike , Orme Mark , Sherar Lauren , Singh Sally , Toms Nicole , Steiner Michael
Published: September 2017

Absence of established reference values limits application of quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (QMVC) measurement. The impact of muscle mass inclusion in predictions is unclear. Prediction equations encompassing gender, age and size with (FFM+) and without (FFM−), derived in healthy adults (n=175), are presented and compared in two COPD cohorts recruited from primary care (COPD-PC, n=112) and a complex care COPD clinic (COPD-CC, n=189). Explained variance was comparable between the prediction models (R2: FFM+: 0.59, FFM−: 0.60) as were per cent predictions in COPD-PC (88.8%, 88.3%). However, fat-free mass inclusion reduced the prevalence of weakness in COPD, particularly in COPD-CC where 11.9% fewer were deemed weak.
Functional phenotypes determined by fluctuation-based clustering of lung function measurements in healthy and asthmatic cohort participants
Authors: Delgado-Eckert Edgar , Fuchs Oliver , Kumar Nitin , Pekkanen Juha , Dalphin Jean-Charles , Riedler Josef , Lauener Roger , Kabesch Michael , Kupczyk Maciej , Dahlen Sven-Erik , Mutius Erika von , Frey Urs
Published: September 2017

Rationale

Asthma is characterised by inflammation and reversible airway obstruction. However, these features are not always closely related. Fluctuations of daily lung function contain information on asthma phenotypes, exacerbation risk and response to long-acting β-agonists.

Objectives

In search of subgroups of asthmatic participants with specific lung functional features, we developed and validated a novel clustering approach to asthma phenotyping, which exploits the information contained within the fluctuating behaviour of twice-daily lung function measurements.

Methods

Forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were prospectively measured over 4 weeks in 696 healthy and asthmatic school children (Protection Against Allergy – Study in Rural Environments (PASTURE)/EFRAIM cohort), and over 1 year in 138 asthmatic adults with mild-to-moderate or severe asthma (Pan-European Longitudinal Assessment of Clinical Course and BIOmarkers in Severe Chronic AIRway Disease (BIOAIR) cohort). Using enrichment analysis, we explored whether the method identifies clinically meaningful, distinct clusters of participants with different lung functional fluctuation patterns.

Measurements and main results

In the PASTURE/EFRAIM dataset, we found four distinct clusters. Two clusters were enriched in children with well-known clinical characteristics of asthma. In cluster 3, children from a farming environment predominated, whereas cluster 4 mainly consisted of healthy controls. About 79% of cluster 3 carried the asthma-risk allele rs7216389 of the17q21locus. In the BIOAIR dataset, we found two distinct clusters clearly discriminating between individuals with mild-to-moderate and severe asthma.

Conclusions

Our method identified dynamic functional asthma and healthy phenotypes, partly independent of atopy and inflammation but related to genetic markers on the17q21locus. The method can be used for disease phenotyping and possibly endotyping. It may identify participants with specific functional abnormalities, potentially needing a different therapeutic approach.
The quantitative link of lung clearance index to bronchial segments affected by bronchiectasis
Authors: Verbanck Sylvia , King Gregory G , Zhou Wenxiao , Miller Anne , Thamrin Cindy , Schuermans Daniel , Ilsen Bart , Ernst Caroline W , de Mey Johan , Vincken Walter , Vanderhelst Eef
Published: September 2017

In adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the lung clearance index (LCI) derived from the multiple breath washout relates to both acinar and conductive ventilation heterogeneity. The latter component predicts an association between LCI and the number of bronchial segments affected by bronchiectasis. Here, we experimentally demonstrated this association in patients with CF, and also examined an ancillary group of patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. We conclude that lung disease severity in terms of number of bronchial segments results in an associated LCI increase, likely constituting a portion of LCI that cannot be reversed by treatment in patients with CF lung disease.
Seasonality in oestrus and litter size in an assistance dog breeding colony in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wigham Eleanor E , Moxon Rachel S , England Gary C W , Wood James L N , Morters Michelle K
Published: September 2017

Evidence of seasonality in oestrus in bitches within specialist breeding programmes, such as those for assistance dogs, may support colony management through tailoring the distribution of resources required for breeding throughout the year. However, at present there are conflicting data regarding seasonality in oestrus (and litter size) in domestic dogs. The primary objective of this study was to investigate seasonal variations in oestrus and litter size in a large assistance dog breeding colony in the UK in order to optimise colony management. The authors analysed the annual distribution of 3624 observations of oestrus collected from 568 brood bitches from January 2005 to June 2014. The authors also evaluated the relationship between month and litter size for 1609 litters observed during the same period. There was no evidence of regular seasonal variations in oestrus or litter size by meteorological season or month. The lack of seasonality in oestrus may be a function of dogs in the UK, particularly valuable breeding bitches, being exposed to fairly constant environmental conditions throughout the year as a consequence of artificial light and heating during the winter months. The authors’ findings suggest that special consideration of the annual distribution of oestrus and litter size is unnecessary for the management of assistance dog breeding colonies similar to those in the UK.
Marine Infectious Disease Ecology
Authors: Lafferty Kevin D.
Published: September 2017

To put marine disease impacts in context requires a broad perspective on the roles infectious agents have in the ocean. Parasites infect most marine vertebrate and invertebrate species, and parasites and predators can have comparable biomass density, suggesting they play comparable parts as consumers in marine food webs. Although some parasites might increase with disturbance, most probably decline as food webs unravel. There are several ways to adapt epidemiological theory to the marine environment. In particular, because the ocean represents a three-dimensional moving habitat for hosts and parasites, models should open up the spatial scales at which infective stages and host larvae travel. In addition to open recruitment and dimensionality, marine parasites are subject to fishing, filter feeders, dose-dependent infection, environmental forcing, and death-based transmission. Adding such considerations to marine disease models will make it easier to predict which infectious diseases will increase or decrease in a changing ocean.
A new genus of Anacardiaceae fossil wood from El Bosque Formation (Eocene), Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Pérez-Lara Diana K. , Castañeda-Posadas Carlos , Estrada-Ruiz Emilio
Published: September 2017

We describe a new fossil wood from the El Bosque Formation (Eocene) in Chiapas, southern Mexico. It has a combination of features found in the Anacardiaceae, including distinct growth rings, diffuse porosity, vessels solitary and in radial multiples of 2–3, simple perforation plates, medium to large alternate intervessel pits, vessel-ray parenchyma pits rounded and elongate with reduced borders, septate and non-septate fibers, axial parenchyma scanty paratracheal, vasicentric, apotracheal diffuse, Kribs heterogeneous rays type IIA, and multiseriate rays with radial canals. The mosaic of features of this wood supports the erection of a new genus, Bosquesoxylon Pérez-Lara, Castañeda-Posadas et Estrada-Ruiz. This new genus of anacardiaceous fossil wood extends our knowledge of this family’s history and offers hints on the possible relationships with floras from other localities worldwide, especially North America and Asia.
Selektivitas alat tangkap purse seine di Pangkalan Pendaratan Ikan Muara Angke
Authors: Pamenan Azlhimsyah R. , Sunarto Sunarto , Nurruhwati Isni
Published: September 2017

Alat tangkap purse seine adalah alat tangkap terbanyak kedua yang digunakan nelayan di PPI Muara Angke setelah alat tangkap bouke ami. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis tingkat selektivitas alat tangkap purse seine berdasarkan hasil tangkapannya. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan melakukan survey di PPI Muara Angke Jakarta dari 10 Mei - 1 Juni 2016. Data hasil tangkapan ikan dikumpulan dari 4 unit alat tangkap purse seine dengan masing-masing alat tangkap 1 kali trip. Analisis data meliputi komposisi jenis hasil tangkapan dan ukuran panjang cagak pertama matang gonad hasil tangkapan utama. Hasil Penelitian menunjukan bahwa alat tangkap purse seine menangkap sebanyak 14 spesies dengan jumlah total hasil tangkapan 75.945 ekor dengan bobot 9.092 kg.Â  Komposisi hasil tangkapan sampingan lebih mendominasi yaitu sebesar 78,7% dibanding hasil tangkapan utama 21,3%. Panjang cagak ikan tangkapan utama yang telah mencapai ukuran matang gonad mencapai 50,1% dari total seluruh ikan yang diukur. Secara umum, dengan melihat faktor yang digunakan untuk mengukur tingkat selektivitas alat tangkap, purse seine tergolong alat tangkap yang memiliki tingkat selektivitas yang rendah.Kata Kunci : Purse Seine, Hasil Tangkapan, Selektivitas. Purse seine fishing gears is the second most fishing gears which is used by fisherman in muara angke fishing port after bouke ami fishing gears. The purpose of this research is to analyzed the selectivity level of purse seine fishing gears based on fishing catch. The data collection was collected in muara angke fishing port between 10 mei â€“ 1 juni 2016. The data of fishing catch is collected from 4 unit of purse seine fishing gears with 1 trip from each unit. The data analysis exminesÂ  the composisition of fishing catch and fork length of first maturity fish. The result from this research seeing that purse seine catch 14 different species from the total 75.945 fishes with 9.092 kg total weight. By-catch composistion is 78,7% more high than main catch composition 21,3%. The fork length of main catch which is have maturity size is just 50,1% from fishes were measured. Generally. From seeing theÂ  used factor to measurre the level of fishing gears selectivity, purse seine fishing gears is classffied to the fishing gears that have poor selectivity level.Keywords : Purse Seine, Fishing catch, Selectivity
Kondisi habitat dan keragaman nekton di hulu Daerah Aliran Sungai Wampu, Kabupaten Langkat, Provinsi Sumatera Utara
Authors: Muhtadi Ahmad , Dhuha Orbita R. , Desrita Desrita , Siregar Toibullah , Muammar Muammar
Published: September 2017

The study was conducted to determine the condition of the habitat and the diversity of fish in the watershed of Wampu. The habitat conditions was determined by measuring parameters of temperature, brightness, current velocity, depth, DO, pH, type of substrate, the width and the width of the river. Nekton was sampled using electrofishing units at voltage of 15 volt and 9 amperes. The characteristic of upstream watershed was large stones substrate, gravel, and sand with a fast flow and clear waters. Physical-chemical parameters of waters in the upper watersheds Wampu is still suitable for fish, crabs, and shrimp to live in good condition. A total of 15 species of fishes and one species of freshwater crab and one species of freshwater prawns were recorded during the study. There were two species of mahseer were recorded, namely; Tor soro and T. tambra. The higher diversity index (H ') was recorded in the Bahorok River with a value of 4.5 followed by Berkail River (3.45) and Landak River with a value of 2.46.Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui kondisi habitat dan keragaman ikan di DAS Wampu. Pengukuran kondisi habitat dengan mengukur parameter suhu, kecerahan, kecepatan arus, kedalaman, DO, pH, jenis substrat, lebar dan lebar badan sungai. Jenis nekton ditangkap dengan alat backpack electrofishing units dimana arus listrik yang dihasilkan bersumber dari batere 15 volt dan 9 ampere. Kondisi habitat pada bagian hulu DAS  Wampu yaitu bertipe substrat batu besar, kerikil, dan pasir dengan arus yang sedang - besar serta perairan yang jernih. Parameter fisika-kimia perairan di hulu DAS Wampu masih layak dan cocok untuk habitat ikan, kepiting dan udang. Selama penelitian nekton yang terkoleksi sebanyak 15 jenis ikan dan 1 jenis kepiting air tawar serta 1 jenis udang air tawar. Pada survei ini ditemukan dua jenis ikan Tor  yakni  T. soro, dan T. Tambra. Keanekaragaman (H') tertinggi terdapat pada Sungai Bahorok dengan nilai 4,5 diikuti Sungai Berkail dengan nilai 3,45, dan Sungai Landak dengan nilai 2,46.
Keragaman, kerapatan dan penutupan lamun di Pulau Biak, Papua
Authors: Dewi Citra S. U. , Subhan Beginer , Arafat Dondy
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study were to evaluate the diversity, density, and covering area of seagrass  in Biak Island, Papua. Methodology that used in this study were combination of line intercept and quadrat transects, which drawn perpendicular to the shoreline. The results showed that there were 9 species of seagras found in Biak Island and it was categorized as high category. The density was renged from 450 ind/m2 to 898 ind/mand the covering area was between 60% to 80%.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keragaman, kerapatan jenis lamun dan penutupan lamun di Pulau Biak. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah transek kuadrat dan transek garis, yang ditarik tegak lurus dari garis pantai. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keragaman jenis lamun di Pulau Biak tergolong tinggi, karena ditemukan delapan jenis lamun, dari 13 jenis lamun yang ada di Indonesia. Jenis lamun yang beragam di Pulau Biak diikuti juga dengan kerapatan lamun di setiap stasiun, yaitu pada kisaran 450 individu/m2 hingga 898 ind/m2. Kondisi ini seiring dengan penutupan lamun yang tergolong tinggi, yaitu berkisar antara 60% hingga 80%.
Status padang lamun di Pulau Talago, Madura dan potensinya sebagai bahan baku bioaktif
Authors: Sukandar Sukandar , Dewi Citra S.U.
Published: September 2017

The aims of the study were to evaluate the status of the seagrass beds in Talango Island in relation to diversity, density, and percentage area of seagrass; and to analyze the potential of seagrass as bioactive compounds by calculating the crude extract, which is produced. Data were collected in August 2016 using the transect quadrat method, perpendicular to the shoreline, on the north side of Talango Island. Extraction of seagrass leaves was carried from November to December 2016 at Exploration Fisheries Resources Laboratory FPIK UB, using polar, semi-polar and non-polar solvents. The results showed that the water quality on Talango Island is in good condition with water temperatures of  30.70C,  average salinity 310 ppt , dissolved oxygen of 8 mg /L and pH 7. There were four species of seagrass found on Talango Island, namely Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea serulata, Halophila ovalis, and Halodule pinifolia. Where H. pinifolia has has the highest density, while Enhalus acoroides has the highest covering area. Seagrass leaf that used in this study is E. acoroides, and produces raw extract about 0.8% non-polar compounds, 1.73% of polar compounds, and 0.13% semi-polar compounds. This raw extract shows that seagrass leaf has potential as bioactive compound.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui status padang lamun di Pulau Talango, meliputi keragaman jenis, kerapatan jenis, penutupan jenis padang lamun dan  menganalisis potensi pemanfaatannya sebagai bahan baku bioaktif, dengan menghitung rendemen ekstrak kasar yang dihasilkan.Pengambilan data dilakukan pada Bulan Agustus 2016, dengan menggunakan metode transek kuadrat yang ditarik tegak lurus terhadap garis pantai, di sisi utara Pulau Talango.Ekstraksi daun lamun dilakukan pada Bulan November – Desember 2016 di Laboratorium Eksplorasi Sumberdaya Perikanan FPIK UB, dengan menggunakan pelarut polar, semi polar, dan non polar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perairan di Pulau Talango berada pada kondisi yang cukup baik, ditunjukkan dengan nilai suhu sebesar 30,70C, salinitas 310/00, konsentrasi oksigen terlarut (DO) sebesar 8mg/L, dan nilai pH sebesar 7.  Terdapat empat jenis lamun yang ditemukan di Pulau Talango, yaitu Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea serulata, Halophila ovalis, dan Halodule pinifolia.Halodule pinifolia adalah lamun dengan kerapatan jenis tertinggi, sementara Cymodocea serulata adalah lamun dengan kerapatan jenis terendah. Daun lamun yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah jenis Enhalus acoroides, dan menghasilkan rendemen ekstrak kasar sebesar 0,8% senyawa non polar, 1,73% senyawa polar, dan 0,13% senyawa semi polar. Rendemen yang dihasilkan menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak daun lamun ini memiliki potensi untuk diuji kandungan bioaktifnya.
Keragaman ikan di perairan ekosistem mangrove Desa Jaring Halus Kabupaten Langkat, Sumatera Utara
Authors: Puteri Dhiandra , Sitorus Hasan , Muhtadi Ahmad
Published: September 2017

Mangrove areas of Jaring Halus village have the potential of fish resources. Fish found in mangrove ecosystems, both settled and just transit to spawning and nursery will increase biodiversity in these ecosystems. This study aims to determine the diversity of fish species found in the waters of the mangrove areas of Jaring Halus village Langkat District. Sampling was done 3 times in December 2016 - January 2017 with an interval of 2 weeks for a period of two months. Fish samples obtained by using nets to catch fish (Fixed Gill Net) that is attached to the stake. Total fish species were obtained as many as 19 species of fish belonging to the 8 orders, 14 families, and 16 genera. Fish from Family Mugilidae and Ambassidae and Gobiidae always found in every station and at every time of data collection. In station 1 found 12 species, station 2 found 10 species and station 3 found nine types. The first sampling was obtained 11 species of fish, the second sampling found 15 species of fish. In the third sampling found 14 species of fish. The fish was dominated seriding fish (A. buruensis) of family Ambassidae, anchovy spikes (S. heterolobus) of family Engraulidae, and mullets (V. Engeli) of family Mugilidae and Mudskipper (P. Kaloko) of family GobiidaeKawasan perairan mangrove Desa Jaring Halus memiliki potensi sumberdaya ikan. Ikan yang terdapat pada ekosistem mangrove, baik yang menetap atau hanya transit untuk melakukan pemijahan serta memelihara anakannya akan menambah keanekaragaman hayati pada ekosistem tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keragaman jenis ikan yang terdapat pada perairan kawasan mangrove. Sampling dilakukan sebanyak 3 kali yakni pada bulan Desember 2016 – Januari 2017 dengan interval kurun waktu 2 minggu selama 2 bulan. Sampel ikan diperoleh dengan cara menangkap menggunakan jaring ikan (Fixed Gill Net) yang ditancapkan dengan pancang. Total jenis ikan yang diperoleh sebanyak 19 jenis ikan yang termasuk ke dalam 8 ordo, 14 famili, dan 16 genus. Ikan dari Famili Mugilidae dan Ambassidae serta Gobiidae selalu ditemukan pada setiap stasiun dan pada setiap kali pengambilan data. Pada stasiun 1 ditemukan 12 jenis, stasiun 2 ditemukan 10 jenis dan stasiun 3 ditemukan 9 jenis. Sampling pertama yang dilakukan diperoleh 11 jenis ikan, sampling kedua ditemukan 15 jenis ikan. Pada sampling ketiga ditemukan 14 jenis ikan. Ikan yang mendominasi adalah ikan seriding (A. buruensis) dari family Ambassidae, ikan teri paku (S. heterolobus) dari family Engraulidae, dan ikan belanak (V. engeli) dari family Mugilidae dan ikan gelodok (P. kaloko) dari family Gobiidae.
Hubungan panjang berat dan faktor kondisi ikan kerapu Famili Serranidae yang tertangkap di Perairan Pulo Aceh Kabupaten Aceh Besar, Provinsi Aceh
Authors: Ramadhani Afriana , Muchlisin Zainal A. , Sarong Muhammad A. , Batubara Agung S.
Published: September 2017

The objective of the research was to evaluate the length-weight relationships and condition factors of five dominant species of groupers harvested from Pulo Aceh waters, Aceh Besar District, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The target species are Plectropomus leopardus, P. laevis, P. maculatus, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus and E. bleekeri. The samples were collected from fish landing in Ulee Lheue  and Ujung Pancu from April to July 2016. A total of 40 samples of each species were measured for total length (mm) and weighed for body weight (g). The data were calculated for length weight relationship using an Allometrict Linear Model (LAM). The results showed that Plectropomus leopardus, P. laevis, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus and E. bleekeri have the b values lower than 3 indicate a negative allometric growth pattern, while P. maculatus has the b value higher than 3 indicate a positive allometric growth pattern. The highest condition factor was found in P. leopardus  and P. laevis and the lower condition factor was recorded in E. fuscoguttatus. However, in general the relative weight condition factor was above 100, indicating a balance of prey and predators densities.Telah dilakukan  penelitian tentang hubungan panjang berat dan faktor kondisi lima spesies ikan kerapu Famili Serranidae yang dominan tertangkap di Perairan Pulo Aceh, Kabupaten Aceh Besar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pola pertumbuhan dan faktor kondisi lima spesies ikan dari Famili Serranidae dari perairan Pulo Aceh, yaitu; Plectropomus leopardus, P. laevis, P. maculatus,  Epinephelus fuscoguttatus dan E. bleekeri. Sampel ikan adalah hasil tangkapan nelayan yang didaratkan di Ulee Lheue dan Ujung Pancu, sampling dilakukan pada April sampai Juli 2016. Hasil pengukuran panjang dan berat terhadap 40 ekor ikan pada masing-masing spesies dianalisis dengan Linear Allometrict Model (LAM). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa  Plectropomus leopardus, P. laevis, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus dan E. bleekeri memiliki pola pertumbuhan allometrik negatif dan P. maculatus memiliki pola pertumbuhan allometrik positif. Faktor kondisi tertinggi pada ikan P. leopardus dan P. laevis dan terendah pada ikan E. fuscoguttatus. Faktor kondisi berat relatif secara umum berada diatas 100, menunjukkan adanya keseimbangan kepadatan prey dan predator.