bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Thermoultrasound Conditions for the Processing of A Prickly Pear Juice Blend (Opuntia Ficus Indica) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Cruz‐Cansino Nelly Del Socorro , Montiel‐Columna Nadia Isabel , Bautista‐Velueta Patricia Guadalupe , Pérez‐Tinoco María Rosalba , Alanís‐García Ernesto , Ramírez‐Moreno Esther
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for thermoultrasound treatment of a prickly pear juice blend (two varieties) using response surface methodology. The effect of two independent variables: temperature (40–50C) and time (15–25 min) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and antioxidant properties of the juice blend were evaluated. Temperature and time during processing significantly affected these parameters. The optimum thermoultrasound conditions were temperatures of 44–46C and times of 19–20 min. Under these conditions a reduction >3 log10 CFU/mL was achieved for total plate count, enterobacteria and yeast counts; pectin methyl esterase activity was 54% less than the control, and the content of total phenolic compounds (880 mg GAE/L) and ascorbic acid (230 mg AA/L) contributed to maintain the antioxidant capacity of the juice blend measured by ABTS (350 µmol TE/L), DPPH (1,900 µmol TE/L), and chelating activity (64%).

Practical Applications

Thermoultrasound is an alternative technology for food preservation that inactivates microorganisms and enzymes in fruit juice without causing unwanted effects associated with conventional heat treatments. The optimized processing conditions reported in this study can be useful for the food industries that want to use thermoultrasound as an alternative to pasteurization for the manufacture of fruit juices.
A Comparative Study on the Quality of the Main and Ratoon Rice Crops
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad Reza , Habibi Fatemeh
Published: December 2016

Physical, milling and cooking attributes of the main and ratoon crops in three rice cultivars, namely Hashemi, Alikazemi and Tarom, were compared in a factorial layout based on randomized complete block design in five replications. The results revealed that for each tested cultivar, the length and slenderness ratio of the main rice grains was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those of the ratoon crop. The means of head rice yield and whiteness degree in the main crop (76.01 and 46.45%, respectively) were significantly different (P < 0.01) with the corresponding values in the ratoon rice (80.27 and 40.10%, respectively), however, the effect of crop type on the total milled rice yield was not significant. Among the qualities evaluated, the amylase content and alkali spreading value in the main rice crop (21.97% and 4.27, respectively) was significantly lower than those of the ratoon rice (22.93% and 5.50, respectively).

Practical Applications

Rice quality features such as milling and cooking quality is the main factors for its market acceptability. Since ratoon rice as re‐harvested of the main crop can be considered for improving economic status of the farmers because of its low production cost and to encourage the farmers to develop ratoon cultivation in rice fields, it is a need to determine such properties as physical dimensions, head rice yield, milling recovery, whiteness, amylose content, alkali spreading value and other cooking quality as compared to the main rice crop.
Fortification of Commercial Nixtamalized Maize (Zea mays L.) with Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Increased the Nutritional and Nutraceutical Content of Tortillas without Modifying Sensory Properties
Authors: Treviño‐Mejía Daniela , Luna‐Vital Diego A. , Gaytán‐Martínez Marcela , Mendoza Sandra , Loarca‐Piña Guadalupe
Published: December 2016

Common beans have been used to fortify maize tortillas increasing nutritional properties but affecting sensorial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and nutraceutical composition; and acceptability of tortillas formulated with maize and common bean. The physicochemical characterization showed no significant differences between common bean‐fortified (CBMF) and maize (CMF) tortillas regarding texture, rolability and puffing. Nutritionally, CBMF had higher protein (10.89%) and dietary fiber (12.76%) levels than CMF tortilla (9.47 and 5.78%, respectively). Compared with CMF tortilla, CBMF had higher content of bound phenolics (2.13 and 1.84 mg eq. gallic acid/g, respectively). CBMF tortillas contained higher flavonoids concentration (62.59 mg eq. rutin/g) than CMF tortilla (33.73 mg eq. rutin/g). According to the sensory evaluation, there were no differences of general acceptance. The results suggest that the addition of bean to maize flour increased the nutraceutical value in tortillas without modifying their sensory attributes.

Practical Applications

Tortillas are widely consumed in Latin American countries. Tortilla flour industry is well positioned in the market; however, looking for a healthier lifestyle, the consumption of tortillas is starting to decrease. The fortification of maize tortillas with common bean in the formulation proposed in this work represents an alternative of nutritional improvement for this product maintaining its sensory and technological properties.
Effects of Soybean Processing and Packaging on the Quality of Commonly Consumed Local Delicacy Tempe
Authors: Santhirasegaram Vicknesha , George Dominic Soloman , Anthony Kelvin Kiran , Singh Hasvinder Kaur Baldev , Saruan Nadiah Mohd , Razali Zuliana , Somasundram Chandran
Published: December 2016

Tempe is a processed food, produced by fermenting soybeans with fungus Rhizopus oligosporus. In this study, the effects of soybean processing (soaking, cooking and fermentation) and packaging (food grade wrapping paper, polyethylene bags and low density polyethylene cling wrap) on physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and microbial count were evaluated. In addition, shelf life study of tempe samples (packed) was conducted for 1 week. Soaking and cooking significantly decreased polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activities of soybeans. After fermentation, tempe samples exhibited significant improvement in physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and extractability of polyphenols and flavonoids, when compared with unfermented soybeans. Food grade wrapping paper and perforated polyethylene bags were selected as suitable materials for packaging tempe as there were no significant changes in quality and the shelf life of tempe was extended for 3 days. Results obtained support the use of fermentation to improve the quality of soybeans along with safety standards.

Practical Applications

Tempe processing and packaging plays an important role in extending the shelf‐life of the product. The results of this study suggest that tempe samples exhibited significant improvement in antioxidant activities and extractability of polyphenols and flavonoids, after fermentation. Food grade wrapping paper and perforated polyethylene bags were selected as suitable materials for packaging tempe. This study could serve to improve the progress of processing and packaging for maintaining the quality of tempe.
Combining Gait Speed and Recall Memory to Predict Survival in Late Life: Population‐Based Study
Authors: Marengoni Alessandra , Bandinelli Stefania , Maietti Elisa , Guralnik Jack , Zuliani Giovanni , Ferrucci Luigi , Volpato Stefano
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between gait speed, recall memory, and mortality.

Design

A cohort study (last follow‐up December 2009).

Setting

Tuscany, Italy.

Participants

Individual data from 1,014 community‐dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older with baseline gait speed and recall memory measurements and follow‐up for a median time of 9.10 (IQR 7.1;9.3) years. Participants were a mean (SD) age of 73.9 (7.3) years, and 55.8% women. Participants walking faster than 0.8 m/s were defined as fast walkers; good recall memory was defined as a score of 2 or 3 in the 3‐word delayed recall section of the Mini‐Mental State Examination.

Measurements

All‐cause mortality.

Results

There were 302 deaths and the overall 100 person‐year death rate was 3.77 (95% CI: 3.37–4.22). Both low gait speed and poor recall memory were associated with mortality when analysed separately (HR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.87–3.27 and HR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.16–1.87, respectively). When we grouped participants according to both recall and gait speed, death rates (100 person‐years) progressively increased from those with both good gait speed and memory (2.0; 95% CI: 1.6–2.5), to those with fast walk but poor memory (3.4; 95% CI: 2.8–4.2), to those with slow walk and good memory (8.8; 95% CI: 6.4–12.1), to those with both slow walk and poor memory (13.0; 95% CI: 10.6–16.1). In multivariate analysis, poor memory significantly increases mortality risk among persons with fast gait speed (HR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.04–1.89).

Conclusion

In older persons, gait speed and recall memory are independent predictors of expected survival. Information on memory function might better stratify mortality risk among persons with fast gait speed.
Activation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus: a novel mechanism for the homeostatic regulation of rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Barnes Abigail K. , Koul‐Tiwari Richa , Garner Jennifer M. , Geist Phillip A. , Datta Subimal
Published: December 2016

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep dysregulation is a symptom of many neuropsychiatric disorders, yet the mechanisms of REM sleep homeostatic regulation are not fully understood. We have shown that, after REM sleep deprivation, the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) plays a critical role in the generation of recovery REM sleep. In this study, we used multidisciplinary techniques to show a causal relationship between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)‐tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling in the PPT and the development of REM sleep homeostatic drive. Rats were randomly assigned to conditions of unrestricted sleep or selective REM sleep deprivation (RSD) with PPT microinjections of vehicle control or a dose of a TrkB receptor inhibitor (2, 3, or 4 nmol K252a or 4 nmol ANA‐12). On experimental days, rats received PPT microinjections and their sleep‐wake physiological signals were recorded for 3 or 6 h, during which selective RSD was performed in the first 3 h. At the end of all 3 h recordings, rats were killed and the PPT was dissected out for BDNF quantification. Our results show that K252a and ANA‐12 dose‐dependently reduced the homeostatic responses to selective RSD. Specifically, TrkB receptor inhibition reduced REM sleep homeostatic drive and limited REM sleep rebound. There was also a dose‐dependent suppression of PPT BDNF up‐regulation, and regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between REM sleep homeostatic drive and the level of PPT BDNF expression. These data provide the first direct evidence that activation of BDNF‐TrkB signaling in the PPT is a critical step for the development of REM sleep homeostatic drive.

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A biomechanical view on stinger diversity in scorpions
Authors: van der Meijden Arie , Kleinteich Thomas
Published: December 2016

Scorpions have elongated metasomas that bear a telson, which is used as a stinger for venom injection. There is a remarkable diversity in the use of the stinger among scorpions, comprising defensive behavior, prey subjugation and mating. This diversity could be reflected by the shape of the telson, as different stinging behaviors will result in very different functional demands. Here we explored the diversity of telson shapes in scorpions by providing morphological measurements, such as curvature and tip angle, as well as by testing stingers under load using finite element analysis (FEA).FEAmodels were loaded with forces scaled to the surface area of the models, to allow comparison of the relative strain energy based on shape alone. Load force angle was rotated to identify the optimal stinging angle based on the lowest strain energy. Aculeus length and mean aculeus height correlated with minimal strain energy. Optimal stinging angle correlated with tip angle, and differed from the tip angle by about 28.4 ± 6.22 °. We found that species that are more venomous have long aculei (stinger barbs) with a larger radius of curvature.FEAmodels of these longer aculei showed basal stress concentrations, indicating a potential greater risk of basal breakage due to shape alone. Telsons with shorter and thicker aculeus shapes showed stress concentrations at the tip only. Despite these marked differences in shape, we found no difference in the scaled strain energy between groups of species that are more venomous and less venomous groups of species. These results show that scorpion stingers may be biomechanically optimized, and this may indicate different usage of the stinger in different species.
Envisaging the use of evidence‐based practice (EBP): how nurse academics facilitate EBP use in theory and practice across Australian undergraduate programmes
Authors: Malik Gulzar , McKenna Lisa , Griffiths Debra
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

This paper is drawn from a grounded theory study that aimed to investigate processes undertaken by academics when integrating evidence‐based practice into undergraduate curricula. This paper focuses on how nurse academics facilitated students to apply evidence‐based practice in theory and practice.

Background

Facilitating undergraduate nursing students to develop skills within an evidence‐based practice framework is vital to achieving evidence‐based care. Studies on evidence‐based practice conducted globally suggests that there is a need to investigate approaches used by nurse academics in facilitating students’ understanding and use of evidence‐based practice during their nurse education.

Methods

Employing constructivist grounded theory approach, 23 nurse academics across Australian universities were interviewed and nine observed during their teaching. Some study participants shared their unit guides to enrich analysis. Data analysis was performed by following Charmaz's approach of coding procedures; as a result, four categories were constructed. This paper focuses on the category conceptualised as Envisaging the use of evidence‐based practice.

Results

Findings revealed that most academics‐assisted students to use evidence in academic‐related activities. Recognising the importance of evidence‐based practice in practice, some also expected students to apply evidence‐based practice during clinical experiences. However, the level of students’ appreciation for evidence‐based practice during clinical experiences was unknown to participants and was influenced by practice‐related barriers. Acknowledging these challenges, academics were engaged in dialogue with students and suggested the need for academia–practice collaboration in combating the cited barriers.

Conclusion

Ensuring academics are supported to emphasise clinical application of evidence‐based practice requires strategies at school and practice levels. Faculty development, engagement of clinical nurses with evidence‐based practice, supportive culture for nurses and students to apply evidence‐based practice principles, and collaboration between academia and practice will make facilitation by academics practical and meaningful for students.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings from this study point to a number of initiatives for clinical leadership to provide infrastructure and support for academics, practising nurses and undergraduate students to adopt evidence‐based practice in practice settings, thereby influencing practice outcomes.
Intimate partner violence screening in emergency department: a rapid review of the literature
Authors: Ahmad Irfan , Ali Parveen Azam , Rehman Salma , Talpur Ashfaque , Dhingra Katie
Published: December 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of the review was to identify intimate partner violence screening interventions used in emergency departments and to explore factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in emergency departments.

Background

Intimate partner violence against women is now clearly recognised as a global health and societal issue. Nurses working in emergency and urgent care settings can play a crucial role in identification, prevention and management of intimate partner violence. Research exploring optimal methods of intimate partner violence screening and factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in emergency departments are relatively limited.

Design

Literature review: Rapid Evidence Synthesis.

Methods

Literature published between 2000–2015 was reviewed using the principles of rapid evidence assessment. Six electronic databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psych Info, the Cochrane Library and Joanna Briggs Library.

Results

Twenty‐nine empirical studies meeting the eligibility criteria were independently assessed by two authors using appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklists. Intimate partner violence screening in emergency departments is usually performed using electronic, face to face or pen‐ and paper‐based instruments. Routine or universal screening results in higher identification rates of intimate partner violence. Women who screen positive for intimate partner violence in emergency departments are more likely to experience abuse in subsequent months. Factors that facilitate partner violence screening can be classified as healthcare professionals related factors, organisational factors and patient‐related factors.

Conclusions

Emergency departments provide a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to screen patients for intimate partner violence. Competence in assessing the needs of the patients appears to be a very significant factor that may affect rates of intimate partner violence disclosure.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of appropriate domestic violence screening methods and factors affecting intimate partner violence screening in emergency can help nurses, and other healthcare professionals provide patient‐centred and effective care to victims of abuse attending emergency department.
Oral contraceptive therapy reduces serum relaxin‐2 in elite female athletes
Authors: Nose‐Ogura Sayaka , Yoshino Osamu , Yamada‐Nomoto Kaori , Nakamura Mariko , Harada Miyuki , Dohi Michiko , Okuwaki Toru , Osuga Yutaka , Kawahara Takashi , Saito Shigeru
Published: December 2016

Aim

Recent investigations have demonstrated that athletes with high relaxin‐2 levels have a high risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, while athletes taking oral contraceptives (OC) have low relaxin‐2 levels. It has not yet been clarified whether taking OC reduces relaxin‐2 levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in relaxin‐2 levels in athletes taking OC.

Methods

Levels of relaxin‐2, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone were measured in serum samples (n = 183) from 106 elite female athletes. Five athletes with serum relaxin‐2 concentrations > 6 pg/mL during the luteal phase were recruited to assess the effect of OC therapy.

Results

Serum relaxin‐2 concentrations were significantly higher during the luteal phase (n = 57) than in the follicular phase (n = 72), or in athletes on OC therapy (n = 10) (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the luteal phase, 36.8% (21/57) of the athletes had relaxin levels > 6 pg/mL. In 23 athletes, serum relaxin‐2 concentrations were measured during both the follicular and luteal phases, revealing that relaxin‐2 levels were significantly higher in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase. In 5 out of 23 athletes, serum relaxin‐2 concentrations were > 6 pg/mL in the luteal phase and during the second cycle of OC therapy, relaxin‐2 concentrations decreased dramatically to below the detection limit (0.26 pg/mL).

Conclusions

High serum relaxin‐2 concentrations were only detected during the luteal phase. In athletes with high relaxin‐2 concentrations during the luteal phase, OC therapy decreased serum relaxin‐2 levels.
Off‐Label Uses for Flow Diversion in Intracranial Aneurysm Management
Authors: Al‐Mufti Fawaz , Amuluru Krishna , Francisco Gomez , Dodson Vincent , El‐Ghanem Mohammad , Prestigiacomo Charles J. , Gandhi Chirag D.
Published: December 2016

Treatment of complex aneurysms using microsurgical and other conventional neuroendovascular techniques remains challenging. As a result, stent‐ and balloon‐assisted coiling are instead performed to treat morphologically complex aneurysms, which include giant, wide‐necked, and fusiform aneurysms. While these techniques have had success in treating these complex aneurysms, recanalization rates associated with these techniques are still problematic. In the constant effort to improve the outcome of complex aneurysm treatment, flow‐diverting stents (FDSs) have emerged in recent years as the preferred treatment. Instead of directly obstructing the flow of blood into the aneurysmal sac, as is the case for stent‐ and balloon‐assisted coiling, FDSs are placed in the parent blood vessel to divert blood flow away from the aneurysm itself. Subsequent to the diverting away of blood from the aneurysm, a thrombotic cascade ensues that ultimately results in the closure of the aneurysm while the parent vessel's perforators are preserved. Current known risks for this procedure include vessel rupture or perforation, in‐stent thrombosis, perforator occlusion, procedural or delayed hemorrhages, and perianeurysmal edema. In this review, we will evaluate the mechanisms of actions, clinical applications, complications, and ongoing studies for FDSs.
Aggressiveness of Strains and Inoculation Methods for Resistance Assessment to Bacterial Halo Blight on Coffee Seedlings
Authors: Rodrigues Lucas M. R. , Almeida Irene M. G. , Patrício Flávia R. A. , Beriam Luís O. S. , Maciel Karen W. , Braghini Masako T. , Filho Oliveiro Guerreiro
Published: December 2016

Characterization of resistance response to pathogens is a fundamental strategy in plant breeding programmes. Thus, in this study, we developed an effective inoculation method for resistance tests of bacterial halo blight (BHB), caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae on coffee. Firstly, aggressiveness of eight selected bacterial strains as well as seven mixed strains was assessed on coffee seedlings of Mundo Novo IAC 376‐4 cultivar. Two experiments were conducted comparing three inoculation techniques: initially, we compare the methods of sprinkling and multiple needles on four cultivars of Coffea arabica; later, four cultivars and seven genotypes were compared for the multiple needles method and the abrasion technique. Severity was evaluated according a disease rating scale (DRS), considering either leaf surface area affected for sprinkling, or affected inoculated area for inoculation by multiple needles and abrasion. The area under the disease progress curve of disease (AUDPC) was calculated considering weekly evaluations of disease from seven until 42 days postinoculation (DPI). The standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV) and confidence interval (CI) variables were used to denote the effectiveness of the methods. According to the results, strain IBSBF 1197 was the most aggressive, and three other strains showed high aggressiveness. All inoculation methods were able to discriminate the resistance response to BHB, wherein the sprinkling method was less efficient than multiple needles and abrasion technique was more efficient than multiple needles. In addition, disease evaluations at 14 DPI showed a high correlation coefficient with area under AUDPC at 42 DPI, validating the early selection to BHB. Results of inoculation methods indicated the abrasion on first pair of leaves, together with evaluations on fourteenth DPI, as the most promising technique for early selection on coffee breeding to BHB.
Effects of community structure on precipitation‐use efficiency of grasslands in northern Tibet
Authors: Jiang Yanbin , Zhang Yangjian , Zhu Juntao , Tao Jian , Zhang Tao , Xi Yi
Published: December 2016

Questions

(1) What are the primary factors determining the precipitation‐use efficiency (PUE) in northern Tibet; (2) how does PUE respond to the gradients of biotic and abiotic factors; and (3) how do the composition and structure of plant functional groups (PFGs) affect PUE?

Location

Northern Tibet, China.

Methods

A community survey of species composition, cover and above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) was conducted within 1 m × 1 m plots in 62 slightly disturbed sites. The effects of community features (total cover, cover of PFGs and species richness) and environmental factors [mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature, surface soil bulk density, pH and C and N content] on PUE were identified through Pearson's correlation analyses, hierarchical partitioning and ordinary regressions.

Results

Along the precipitation gradient, ANPP and PUE increased exponentially. Among the community features, total cover and cover of PFGs, including forbs and sedges, were the primary factors that determined PUE. The three cover variables, together with species richness, positively affected PUE and accounted for 47.6% of the total variation in PUE. Among the environmental factors, MAP, surface soil pH and N content were the most significantly related to PUE and accounted for 29.9% of the total contribution.

Conclusion

Communities with high cover, species richness and nutrient content, but low soil bulk density, presented the highest PUE. At a regional scale, PUE depended mainly on plant cover, especially the cover of PFGs, namely, forbs and sedges. Environmental factors, including MAP and surface soil N and C content, positively affected PUE, whereas soil pH and bulk density negatively affected PUE. Our results highlight the importance of considering community structure to understand PUE variations in natural alpine grasslands.
Effects of coarse woody debris on plant and lichen species composition in boreal forests
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Chen Han Y.H. , Thomas Sean C. , Shahi Chander
Published: December 2016

Question

Although the importance of coarse woody debris (CWD) for understorey species diversity has been recognized, the relative effects of coarse woody debris decay class and substrate species on understorey species composition have received little attention. We examined how the species composition of understorey vegetation change with CWD decay class and substrate species.

Location

Boreal mixed‐wood forests, Ontario, Canada.

Methods

To cover a wide range of CWD decay classes and substrate species, we sampled fire‐origin boreal forest stands that varied in stand age and canopy tree species composition. Vegetation on CWD was sampled by visually estimating percentage cover of each species within a 0.1 m × 0.5 m quadrat, randomly laid lengthwise on top of each sampled CWD log. We also recorded the forest floor vegetation by establishing an adjacent plot of the same size at a distance of 1.0 m in a random direction from the CWD vegetation sample.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that understorey species composition differed among decay classes and substrate species. A NMDS ordination of understorey species composition revealed a clear separation of decay classes 1 and 2 from higher decay classes, and that decay classes 4 and 5 shared several species with the forest floor. The species composition on the forest floor was completely different from the species composition on CWD decay classes 1, 2 and 3. Two distinct groupings of substrates according to CWD species composition were found: conifer species (Pinus banksiana and Picea spp.) and broad‐leaf species (Betula papyrifera and Populus spp.), with Abies balsamea taking an intermediate position. Indicator species analysis showed distinct understorey species affiliations to substrate species at advanced decay classes. Understorey species composition on the CWD of P. banksiana showed particularly pronounced changes from the dominance of lichens on decay classes 2 and 3 to dominance by mosses and vascular species on decay classes 4 and 5.

Conclusions

Understorey species composition on CWD not only differed with decay class, but also with CWD substrate species. Conservation strategies should aim at retaining diversity of CWD in terms of both decay classes and species composition in boreal forests.
An update on cancer risk and surveillance in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Horsley‐Silva Jennifer L. , Rodriguez Eduardo A. , Franco Diana L. , Lindor Keith D.
Published: December 2016

Malignancy represents substantial morbidity and mortality in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This subset of patients has been proven to be at increased risk for developing cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma and colorectal cancer in those with overlapping inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we review the prevalence of these malignancies and recommend screening tools and current knowledge to reduce the disease burden in this population. Cholangiocarcinoma is the most dominant malignancy affecting PSC patients, with a lifetime risk ranging from 5% to 20%. We advocate for serial US or MRI/MRCP and CA 19‐9 to screen for cholangiocarcinoma. Gallbladder cancer has a lifetime risk around 2% in this population and we agree with annual imaging for lesions as recommended by national guidelines. Patients with PSC and concomitant IBD are at increased risk of colorectal carcinoma from time of diagnosis and therefore should likely undergo annual surveillance. The low rates of hepatocellular cancer and pancreatic cancer indicate surveillance for these malignancies is less advantageous.
Patronage and Rationalization: Reform to Criminal Procedure and the Lower Courts in Chile
Authors: Hersant Jeanne
Published: December 2016

This article analyzes how the lower criminal courts in Chile transitioned from an inquisitorial to an adversarial justice system between 2000 and 2005 as part of the Criminal Procedure Reform. Drawing on the frame analysis of the street-level bureaucracy and judicial ethnography, I examine the transition between two different types of judicial bureaucracy from the perspective of the actors who implemented the reform. The study is based on in-depth interviews with officials and judges of both inquisitorial and adversarial courts, administrative managers of the new courts, and actors who designed the administrative reorganization of lower criminal courts. The study involved a three-month, weekly observation in an inquisitorial court in Santiago de Chile. The article emphasizes the specificity of the Chilean judiciary, where both inquisitorial and adversarial criminal courts still coexist.
Iodine status and associations with feeding practices and psychomotor milestone development in six‐month‐old South African infants
Authors: Osei Jennifer , Baumgartner Jeannine , Rothman Marinel , Matsungo Tonderayi M. , Covic Namukolo , Faber Mieke , Smuts Cornelius M.
Published: December 2016

Iodine is important for normal growth and psychomotor development. While infants below 6 months of age receive iodine from breast milk or fortified infant formula, the introduction of complementary foods poses a serious risk for deteriorating iodine status. This cross‐sectional analysis assessed the iodine status of six‐month‐old South African infants and explored its associations with feeding practices and psychomotor milestone development. Iodine concentrations were measured in infant (n = 386) and maternal (n = 371) urine (urinary iodine concentration [UIC]), and in breast milk (n = 257 [breast milk iodine concentrations]). Feeding practices and psychomotor milestone development were assessed in all infants. The median (25th–75th percentile) UIC in infants was 345 (213–596) μg/L and was significantly lower in stunted (302 [195–504] μg/L) than non‐stunted (366 [225–641] μg/L) infants. Only 6.7% of infants were deficient. Maternal UIC (128 [81–216] μg/L; rs = 0.218, p < 0.001) and breast milk iodine concentrations (170 [110–270] μg/kg; rs = 0.447, p < 0.0001) were associated with infant UIC. Most infants (72%) were breastfed and tended to have higher UIC than non‐breastfed infants (p = 0.074). Almost all infants (95%) consumed semi‐solid or solid foods, with commercial infant cereals (60%) and jarred infant foods (20%) being the most common solid foods first introduced. Infants who reported to consume commercial infant cereals ≥4 days weekly had significantly higher UIC (372 [225–637] μg/L) than those reported to consume commercial infant cereals seldom or never (308 [200–517] μg/L; p = 0.023). No associations between infant UIC and psychomotor developmental scores were observed. Our results suggest that iodine intake in the studied six‐month‐old infants was adequate. Iodine in breast milk and commercial infant cereals potentially contributed to this adequate intake.
The emergence of performance trade‐offs during local adaptation: insights from experimental evolution
Authors: Bono Lisa M. , Smith Leno B. , Pfennig David W. , Burch Christina L.
Published: December 2016

Environmental heterogeneity is considered a general explanation for phenotypic diversification, particularly when heterogeneity causes populations to diverge via local adaptation. Performance trade‐offs, such as those stemming from antagonistic pleiotropy, are thought to contribute to the maintenance of diversity in this scenario. Specifically, alleles that promote adaptation in one environment are expected to promote maladaptation in alternative environments. Contrary to this expectation, however, alleles that underlie locally adaptive traits often fail to exhibit fitness costs in alternative environments. Here, we attempt to explain this paradox by reviewing the results of experimental evolution studies, including a new one of our own, that examined the evolution of trade‐offs during adaptation to homogeneous versus heterogeneous environments. We propose that when pleiotropic effects vary, whether or not trade‐offs emerge among diverging populations will depend critically on ecology. For example, adaptation to a locally homogeneous environment is more likely to occur by alleles that are antagonistically pleiotropic than adaptation to a locally heterogeneous environment, simply because selection is blind to costs associated with environments that are not experienced locally. Our literature review confirmed the resulting prediction that performance trade‐offs were more likely to evolve during selection in homogeneous than heterogeneous environments. The nature of the environmental heterogeneity (spatial versus temporal) and the length of the experiment also contributed in predictable ways to the likelihood that performance trade‐offs evolved.
By their own devices: invasive Argentine ants have shifted diet without clear aid from symbiotic microbes
Authors: Hu Yi , Holway David A. , Łukasik Piotr , Chau Linh , Kay Adam D. , LeBrun Edward G. , Miller Katie A. , Sanders Jon G. , Suarez Andrew V. , Russell Jacob A.
Published: December 2016

The functions and compositions of symbiotic bacterial communities often correlate with host ecology. Yet cause–effect relationships and the order of symbiont vs. host change remain unclear in the face of ancient symbioses and conserved host ecology. Several groups of ants exemplify this challenge, as their low‐nitrogen diets and specialized symbioses appear conserved and ancient. To address whether nitrogen‐provisioning symbionts might be important in the early stages of ant trophic shifts, we studied bacteria from the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile – an invasive species that has transitioned towards greater consumption of sugar‐rich, nitrogen‐poor foods in parts of its introduced range. Bacteria were present at low densities in most L. humile workers, and among those yielding quality 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data, we found just three symbionts to be common and dominant. Two, a Lactobacillus and an Acetobacteraceae species, were shared between native and introduced populations. The other, a Rickettsia, was found only in two introduced supercolonies. Across an eight‐year period of trophic reduction in one introduced population, we found no change in symbionts, arguing against a relationship between natural dietary change and microbiome composition. Overall, our findings thus argue against major changes in symbiotic bacteria in association with the invasion and trophic shift of L. humile. In addition, genome content from close relatives of the identified symbionts suggests that just one can synthesize most essential amino acids; this bacterium was only modestly abundant in introduced populations, providing little support for a major role of nitrogen‐provisioning symbioses in Argentine ant's dietary shift.
Endemic species may have complex histories: within‐refugium phylogeography of an endangered Iberian vole
Authors: Barbosa S. , Paupério J. , Herman J. S. , Ferreira C. M. , Pita R. , Vale‐Gonçalves H. M. , Cabral J. A. , Garrido‐García J. A. , Soriguer R. C. , Beja P. , Mira A. , Alves P. C. , Searle J. B.
Published: December 2016

Glacial refugia protected and promoted biodiversity during the Pleistocene, not only at a broader scale, but also for many endemics that contracted and expanded their ranges within refugial areas. Understanding the evolutionary history of refugial endemics is especially important in the case of endangered species to recognize the origins of their genetic structure and thus produce better informed conservation practices. The Iberian Peninsula is an important European glacial refugium, rich in endemics of conservation concern, including small mammals, such as the Cabrera vole (Microtus cabrerae). This near‐threatened rodent is characterized by an unusual suite of genetic, life history and ecological traits, being restricted to isolated geographic nuclei in fast‐disappearing Mediterranean subhumid herbaceous habitats. To reconstruct the evolutionary history of the Cabrera vole, we studied sequence variation at mitochondrial, autosomal and sex‐linked loci, using invasive and noninvasive samples. Despite low overall mitochondrial and nuclear nucleotide diversities, we observed two main well‐supported mitochondrial lineages, west and east. Phylogeographic modelling in the context of the Cabrera vole's detailed fossil record supports a demographic scenario of isolation of two populations during the Last Glacial Maximum from a single focus in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. In addition, our data suggest subsequent divergence within the east, and secondary contact and introgression of the expanding western population, during the late Holocene. This work emphasizes that refugial endemics may have a phylogeographic history as rich as that of more widespread species, and conservation of such endemics includes the preservation of that genetic legacy.
UK industrial strategy, redux: Reinvention or return to the 1970s?
Authors: Pemberton Hugh
Published: December 2016

Successive governments have attempted to shape the UK's industrial landscape. Hugh Pemberton charts the history of industrial policy and asks, in a post‐financial‐crisis, Brexit‐orientated world, what does a revived industrial strategy amount to and what can it learn from the past?
Barbarism at last: A future of unprecedented instability is in plain sight
Authors: Laybourn‐Langton Laurie
Published: December 2016

The Anthropocene epoch is upon us, with the destabilisation of natural systems already fuelling food crises and mass migration. Laurie Laybourn‐Langton asks how we arrived here at the brink of global collapse, and whether deep institutional structural change – driven by motivated, politicised millennials – can save us.
Neuroimmune factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders: A focus on irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Boeckxstaens G. E. , Wouters M. M.
Published: December 2016

Background

Abnormal abdominal pain perception is the most bothersome and difficult to treat symptom of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Visceral pain stimuli are perceived and transmitted by afferent neurons residing in the dorsal root ganglia that have sensory nerve endings in the gut wall and mesentery. Accumulating evidence indicates that peripheral activation and sensitization of these sensory nerve endings by bioactive mediators released by activated immune cells, in particular mast cells, can lead to aberrant neuroimmune interactions and the development and maintenance of visceral hypersensitivity. Besides direct neuronal activation, low concentrations of proteases, histamine, and serotonin can chronically sensitize nociceptors, such as TRP channels, leading to persistent aberrant pain perception.

Purpose

This review discusses the potential mechanisms underlying aberrant neuroimmune interactions in peripheral sensitization of sensory nerves. A better understanding of the cells, mediators, and molecular mechanisms triggering persistent aberrant neuroimmune interactions brings new insights into their contribution to the physiology and pathophysiology of visceral pain perception and provides novel opportunities for more efficient therapeutic treatments for these disorders.
The efficacy of aloe vera in management of oral lichen planus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ali S , Wahbi W
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The main objective of oral lichen planus management is to control symptomatic outbreaks via eliminating lesions and alleviating symptoms. Corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and most of the available modalities are associated with adverse effects, which may limit their use. The aim of this review was to assess the effect of aloe vera on pain alleviation and/or clinical improvement in patients with symptomatic oral lichen planus.

Methods

MEDLINE‐PubMed; CENTRAL, and LILACS were searched in May 2016 to identify all clinical trials evaluating aloe vera vs placebo or corticosteroids for treatment of oral lichen planus. The included studies were five clinical trials and two case reports.

Results

From the included studies, there is weak evidence that aloe vera is more efficient than placebo and has comparable effect to triamcinolone acetonide. The meta‐analyses show heterogeneity and reveals that aloe vera is inferior to the control in general.

Conclusion

Although corticosteroids are still the gold standard, aloe vera shows promising results especially with no adverse effects compared with various adverse effects of corticosteroids. We recommend conducting new randomized clinical trials with larger sample size, sufficiently long follow‐up period as well as standardized aloe vera formulations and outcome measures.
A cryptic record of Burgess Shale‐type diversity from the early Cambrian of Baltica
Authors: Slater Ben J. , Harvey Thomas H. P. , Guilbaud Romain , Butterfield Nicholas J.
Published: December 2016

Exceptionally preserved ‘Burgess Shale‐type’ fossil assemblages from the Cambrian of Laurentia, South China and Australia record a diverse array of non‐biomineralizing organisms. During this time, the palaeocontinent Baltica was geographically isolated from these regions, and is conspicuously lacking in terms of comparable accessible early Cambrian Lagerstätten. Here we report a diverse assemblage of small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs) from the early Cambrian (Stage 4) File Haidar Formation of southeast Sweden and surrounding areas of the Baltoscandian Basin, including exceptionally preserved remains of Burgess Shale‐type metazoans and other organisms. RecoveredSCFs include taxonomically resolvable ecdysozoan elements (priapulid and palaeoscolecid worms), lophotrochozoan elements (annelid chaetae and wiwaxiid sclerites), as well as ‘protoconodonts’, denticulate feeding structures, and a background of filamentous and spheroidal microbes. The annelids, wiwaxiids and priapulids are the first recorded from the Cambrian of Baltica. The File HaidarSCFassemblage is broadly comparable to those recovered from Cambrian basins in Laurentia and South China, though differences at lower taxonomic levels point to possible environmental or palaeogeographical controls on taxon ranges. These data reveal a fundamentally expanded picture of early Cambrian diversity on Baltica, and provide key insights into high‐latitude Cambrian faunas and patterns ofSCFpreservation. We establish three new taxa based on large populations of distinctiveSCFs:Baltiscalida njordagen. et sp. nov. (a priapulid),Baltichaeta jormungandagen. et sp. nov. (an annelid) andBaltinema ranagen. et sp. nov. (a filamentous problematicum).
Pathogenicity of fungi associated with ash dieback towardsFraxinus excelsior
Authors: Kowalski T. , Bilański P. , Kraj W.
Published: December 2016

A large part of the area in Europe in whichFraxinus excelsioris native is currently affected by ash dieback, a threatening disease caused by the ascomycetous fungusHymenoscyphus fraxineus. Fungi other thanH. fraxineusalso occur in large numbers on stems of the dying ash trees. To clarify their possible role in the dieback process, six fungal species common on dying stems and twigs of ash in Poland, i.e.Cytospora pruinosa,Diaporthe eres,Diplodia mutila,Fusarium avenaceum,F. lateritiumandF. solani, were tested for pathogenicity using a test based on artificial wound inoculations of 6‐year‐oldF. excelsiorplants under field conditions, withH. fraxineusincluded for comparison. There were significant differences in index of pathogenicity among the fungi tested.Hymenoscyphus fraxineus(mean index 5.78) was the most pathogenic.Diplodia mutila(4.23) andC. pruinosa(4.02) were significantly less pathogenic thanH. fraxineus, but significantly more than the other fungi.Diaporthe eres(2.43),F. avenaceum(1.92),F. solani(1.86) andF. lateritium(1.08) were the least pathogenic (P < 0.0001). The extent of disease symptoms caused byF. solaniandF. lateritiumwas statistically similar to the control (P = 0.05). All tested fungi were successfully reisolated from inoculated stems. The contribution of the results to understanding the possible role of these fungi in the ash dieback process inF. excelsior, particularly in trees weakened after primary infection byH. fraxineus, is discussed.
Variability of ICA decomposition may impact EEG signals when used to remove eyeblink artifacts
Authors: Pontifex Matthew B. , Gwizdala Kathryn L. , Parks Andrew C. , Billinger Martin , Brunner Clemens
Published: December 2016

Despite the growing use of independent component analysis (ICA) algorithms for isolating and removing eyeblink‐related activity from EEG data, we have limited understanding of how variability associated with ICA uncertainty may be influencing the reconstructed EEG signal after removing the eyeblink artifact components. To characterize the magnitude of this ICA uncertainty and to understand the extent to which it may influence findings within ERP and EEG investigations, ICA decompositions of EEG data from 32 college‐aged young adults were repeated 30 times for three popular ICA algorithms. Following each decomposition, eyeblink components were identified and removed. The remaining components were back‐projected, and the resulting clean EEG data were further used to analyze ERPs. Findings revealed that ICA uncertainty results in variation in P3 amplitude as well as variation across all EEG sampling points, but differs across ICA algorithms as a function of the spatial location of the EEG channel. This investigation highlights the potential of ICA uncertainty to introduce additional sources of variance when the data are back‐projected without artifact components. Careful selection of ICA algorithms and parameters can reduce the extent to which ICA uncertainty may introduce an additional source of variance within ERP/EEG studies.
Commentary: It's All in a Word: The Strategic Use of Words and Storytelling
Authors: Olesen Henrik Vinther
Published: December 2016

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Commentary: Diversity Implementation: Reflections of a Practitioner
Authors: Murray Sylvester
Published: December 2016

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Commentary: Assessing Strategies for Combatting Discrimination in Education
Authors: Granados Otto
Published: December 2016

Related Content: Cárdenas and Ramírez de la Cruz (PAR January/February 2017)