bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological and ecological aspects of the deep‐water red crab populations inhabiting isolated seamounts to the west of the Azores (Mid‐Atlantic Ridge)
Authors: Santos Régis , Pinho Mário , Melo Octávio , Gonçalves João , Leocádio Ana , Aranha Ana , Menezes Gui , Isidro Eduardo
Published: October 2019

Seamounts are common topographic features in the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) including the Azores. However, the knowledge on the ecology of seamounts in this region remains scarce despite needs for assessment and management of seamount resources such as the developing fisheries for deep‐water crabs. We described here for the first time the biological characteristics of an unexploited virgin deep‐water red crab Chaceon affinis population on seamount areas of the MAR to test the hypothesis that its general life history characteristics are similar in different ecosystem types (coastal areas and seamounts) across Macaronesia. We used a randomly stratified design to prospect a layer between 600 and 900 m depth around the summit of two isolated seamounts off the Azores. Results were consistent with the literature information in relation to the patterns of depth distribution, size and sex structure, and reproductive aspects. On the other hand, seamounts showed higher abundances when compared to previously studied coastal areas. Abundance may be also different between seamount areas as a function of the suitable bottom type available and presence of hydrothermal vents. We recommend that the essential habitat of the species should be better mapped identifying vulnerable areas before the development of any fishery.
Extreme spatial heterogeneity in carbonate accretion potential on a Caribbean fringing reef linked to local human disturbance gradients
Authors: de Bakker Didier M. , van Duyl Fleur C. , Perry Chris T. , Meesters Erik H.
Published: October 2019

The capacity of coral reefs to maintain their structurally complex frameworks and to retain the potential for vertical accretion is vitally important to the persistence of their ecological functioning and the ecosystem services they sustain. However, datasets to support detailed along‐coast assessments of framework production rates and accretion potential do not presently exist. Here, we estimate, based on gross bioaccretion and bioerosion measures, the carbonate budgets and resultant estimated accretion rates (EAR) of the shallow reef zone of leeward Bonaire – between 5 and 12 m depth – at unique fine spatial resolution along this coast (115 sites). Whilst the fringing reef of Bonaire is often reported to be in a better ecological condition than most sites throughout the wider Caribbean region, our data show that the carbonate budgets of the reefs and derived EAR varied considerably across this ~58 km long fringing reef complex. Some areas, in particular the marine reserves, were indeed still dominated by structurally complex coral communities with high net carbonate production (>10 kg CaCO3 m−2 year−1), high live coral cover and complex structural topography. The majority of the studied sites, however, were defined by relatively low budget states (<2 kg CaCO3 m−2 year−1) or were in a state of net erosion. These data highlight the marked spatial heterogeneity that can occur in budget states, and thus in reef accretion potential, even between quite closely spaced areas of individual reef complexes. This heterogeneity is linked strongly to the degree of localized land‐based impacts along the coast, and resultant differences in the abundance of reef framework building coral species. The major impact of this variability is that those sections of reef defined by low‐accretion rates will have limited capacity to maintain their structural integrity and to keep pace with current projections of climate change induced sea‐level rise (SLR), thus posing a threat to reef functioning and biodiversity, potentially leading to trophic cascades. Since many Caribbean reefs are more severely degraded than those found around Bonaire, it is to be expected that the findings presented here are rather the rule than the exception, but the study also highlights the need for similar high spatial resolution (along‐coast) assessments of budget states and accretion rates to meaningfully explore increasing coastal risk at the country level. The findings also more generally underline the significance of reducing local anthropogenic disturbance and restoring framework building coral assemblages. Appropriately focussed local preservation efforts may aid in averting future large‐scale above reef water depth increases on Caribbean coral reefs and will limit the social and economic implications associated with the loss of reef goods and services.
Prevalence and clinical impact of snoring in older community‐dwelling adults
Authors: Wada Hiroo , Furuya Shogo , Maruyama Koutatsu , Ikeda Ai , Kondo Katsunori , Tanigawa Takeshi ,   on behalf of Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study Group
Published: October 2019

Aim

The prevalence and clinical impact of snoring in the independent older adult population is unknown. To address this, we carried out this cross‐sectional epidemiological study of community‐dwelling independent older adults.

Methods

The study data were collected by the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study 2013, a postal survey distributed to a large cohort of independent community‐dwelling older adults (aged ≥65 years) in 2013, across 30 municipalities of 14 prefectures. We used data for 24 837 participants (13 135 women, mean age 73.5 years, and 11 702 men, mean age 73.3 years). The association of snoring with airway symptoms and history of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease were investigated using Poisson regression models.

Results

The prevalence ratio (95% confidence intervals) for wheezing according to snoring frequency in men was 1.87 (1.45–2.43) among those who snored on 1–6 nights a week, and 2.95 (2.15–4.05) among those who snored every night. Similar relationships were observed for women. Expectoration, another airway symptom, was also associated with snoring frequency. Furthermore, snoring frequency was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Both diabetes and heart disease were associated with snoring frequency in women independent of body mass index, but the association was only observed in men with a normal or lower body mass index.

Conclusions

Snoring is a highly prevalent and pathogenic symptom in adults aged ≥65 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1165–1171.
Relationship between African Biogeographical Ancestry and Helicobacter pylori infection in children of a large Latin American urban center
Authors: de Sena‐Reis Jucineide Silva , Bezerra Débora Diniz , Figueiredo Camila A. , Barreto Maurício Lima , Alcântara‐Neves Neuza Maria , da Silva Thiago Magalhães
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim

The relationship between race/ethnicity and H pylori infection has been extensively reported, with a higher prevalence of infection observed in black individuals. Whether such differences are due to genetic factors underlying African ancestry remains to be clarified. In the present study, we evaluated the association between the proportion of individual African ancestry and H pylori infection in a sample of 1046 children living in a large Latin American urban center.

Materials and Methods

Estimation of individual biogeographical ancestry was based on 370,539 SNPs and performed using the ADMIXTURE software. Multivariate logistic regression models and mediation analysis considering the influence of previously recognized socioenvironmental risk factors to H pylori infection were performed. All analyses were conducted using the statistical package STATA v.14.0.

Results

Each 10% increase in the proportion of individual African ancestry was positively and independently associated with H pylori infection in our population (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.10‐1.36, P < .001). Mediation analysis demonstrated that only 9.23% of the effect of the individual African ancestry on H pylori infection was explained by factors such as household income, the absence of street paving and crowding.

Conclusions

The results suggest that genetic variants that covariate with African ancestry may explain an important part of the racial differences observed for the prevalence of H pylori infection.
Effectiveness of five instruments when removing calcium hydroxide paste from simulated internal root resorption cavities in extracted maxillary central incisors
Authors: Marques‐da‐Silva B. , Alberton C. S. , Tomazinho F. S. F. , Gabardo M. C. L. , Duarte M. A. H. , Vivan R. R. , Baratto‐Filho F.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of five instruments used for irrigant agitation during the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] paste in simulated internal root resorption (IRR) cavities created in extracted maxillary central incisors.

Methodology

Seventy maxillary central incisors with a single canal were selected. The canals were accessed and instrumented with Reciproc R50, then the roots were split in the bucco‐lingual direction and the halves separated. Simulated IRR cavities were created, in both halves of the roots, 5 mm from the apex with a spherical bur. The specimens were reconstructed with cyanoacrylate glue and allocated into seven groups: negative control – no treatment; positive control – filled with Ca(OH)2 without performing any irrigation protocol; the other groups were divided according to the instrument used for irrigant agitation, namely: Ultrasonic, EndoActivator®, EDDY®, XP‐endo® Finisher and XP‐endo® Shaper. The specimens were cleaved and analysed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, to compare the Ca(OH)2 remnants between them. Then, the IRR cavities created by the burs were cleaned and subjected to a protocol of demineralization with 20% nitric acid, the roots reconstructed, and the irrigant agitation methods, as well as the microscopic analysis was repeated. Analysis of the images of Ca(OH)2 remaining in the simulated IRR cavities after irrigation was performed by two calibrated examiners based on a previously established scoring system. The data were statistically compared by Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Wilcoxon tests, with the significance level set at 5%.

Results

There was a significant difference in the effectiveness of the instruments in relation to the cavity creation method (bur vs. bur/acid) and evaluation method (optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) (P < 0.05). The XP‐endo® Finisher and EDDY® groups were associated with significantly more effective removal of Ca(OH)2 when the IRR cavities were created using the acid protocol and analysed by scanning electron microscopy.

Conclusion

None of the instruments tested were able to completely remove the Ca(OH)2 paste from the simulated IRR cavities; however, the EDDY® and XP‐endo® Finisher removed more Ca(OH)2 in the bur/acid cavity creation method analysed by scanning electron microscopy.
Evaluation of the potential of commercial non‐Saccharomyces yeast strains of Torulaspora delbrueckii and Lachancea thermotolerans in beer fermentation
Authors: Toh Darel Wee Kiat , Chua Jian Yong , Lu Yuyun , Liu Shao Quan
Published: October 2019

This work evaluated the potential of three commercial non‐Saccharomyces yeast strains Torulaspora delbrueckii (Biodiva and Prelude) and Lachancea thermotolerans (Concerto) for beer fermentation. The fermentation performance, volatile and non‐volatile profiles were compared. Growth behaviours of all three yeast strains exhibited similar trends during the initial fermentation phase although a marked population decline was detected in strains Prelude and Concerto, which also showed a rapid utilisation of maltose, while strain Biodiva was unable to consume maltose and consumed lesser amounts of amino acids. Additionally, terpenoids inherently absent in the wort such as β‐caryophyllene and geranyl acetone were produced in all beers, significantly higher in beers fermented with strain Prelude. For volatile profiles, Prelude and Concerto produced more ethanol and significantly higher amounts of acetate esters and long‐chained ethyl esters. Strain Biodiva, on the other hand, produced higher amounts of isoamyl alcohol and ethyl butanoate.
Evaluation of pre‐slaughter low‐current/high‐frequency electrical stunning on lipid oxidative stability, antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (MAPK/Nrf2) signalling pathway in thigh muscle of broilers
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Jing , Yue Hong‐yuan , Farnell Morgan B. , Yang Hai‐ming , Wang Zhi‐yue , Qi Guang‐hai
Published: October 2019

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of pre‐slaughter low‐current/high‐frequency (LH) electrical stunning (ES) on lipid oxidative stability, antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (MAPK/Nrf2) signalling pathway in thigh muscle of broilers. Eighteen birds were randomly allocated to the following three treatments with six replicates per treatment and one bird per replicate: without stunning (control); water‐bath ES with sinusoidal alternating LH (86 mA, 1000 Hz, LHES) or high current/low frequency (HL) (130 mA, 60 Hz, HLES). Stunning methods did not affect malondialdehyde level (d 0 ~ d 9) or antioxidant enzymes’ activity at d 0 ~ d 2. LHES enhanced glutathione S‐transferase activity at d 3 and gene expression of MAPKs and Nrf2 compared with HLES. In conclusion, LHES enhanced gene expression of MAPK/Nrf2 pathway, whereas had no superiority over HLES in lipid oxidative stability (4 °C, 9 days) of thigh muscle in broilers.
Treatment with hydrogen peroxide improves the physicochemical properties of dietary fibres from Chinese yam peel
Authors: Wang Hai‐ou , Liu Si‐hong , Zhou Xue‐jie , Yang Xiao‐yue , Gao Qi , Tanokura Masaru , Xue You‐lin
Published: October 2019

Yam is a common ‘medicine food homology’ vegetable in Asia, and its peel is often considered a food residue during processing or cooking. In this work, the effects of hydrogen peroxide modification on the dietary fibres (DFs) from Chinese yam peel (CYP) were investigated. The structural characteristics of soluble dietary fibre (SDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF), modified soluble dietary fibre (MSDF) and modified insoluble dietary fibre (MIDF) were analysed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, granularity analysis, scanning electron microscopy and GC‐MS (monosaccharide composition). As results, after modification with hydrogen peroxide, the sizes of the DFs were reduced and MIDF exposed more cellulose. Experiments on the physicochemical and functional properties of DFs showed that MSDF and MIDF obtained a better water holding capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity and absorption abilities with altered structures, which is of great importance in food processing and development.
Effect of basil leaves and wheat bran water extracts on enzymatic browning of shredded storage iceberg lettuce
Authors: Sikora Małgorzata , Złotek Urszula , Świeca Michał
Published: October 2019

The impact of functional solutions (water infusions of radish sprouts, wheat bran (WBE), basil leaves (BLE) and lentil protein hydrolysate) on enzymatic browning of shredded iceberg lettuce was studied. BLE and WBE, limiting enzymatic browning in the highest degree, were tested during cold storage. The best inhibitors of PPO activity in lettuce stored for 8 days were 10% WBE (a decrease by 97%). POD activity was substantially decreased by ascorbic acid (by 75%) and 1% BLE (by 83%). POD and PPO inhibition was reflected in a decrease in enzymatic browning, that is 91% and 88% reduction was found in 8‐day stored lettuce treated with 1% BLE and 1% WBE, respectively. In the case of POD, mixed inhibition was recorded for BLE and WBE, while these solutions acted as competitive inhibitors of PPO activity. The enzymatic browning of shredded iceberg lettuce during cold storage may be effectively suppressed by natural extracts.
RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of the transcription factor Krüppel homologue 1 suppresses vitellogenesis in Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Tang Y. , He H. , Qu X. , Cai Y. , Ding W. , Qiu L. , Li Y.
Published: October 2019

Vitellogenesis in holometabolous insects involves the production and secretion of vitellogenin (Vg) and other yolk protein precursors in developing oocyte by the fat body, all of which is predominantly orchestrated by juvenile hormone (JH). Krüppel homologue 1 (Kr‐h1) is a zinc finger transcription factor that has been demonstrated to be a JH‐early inducible gene and to contribute to reproduction. However, the exact molecular function of Kr‐h1 in insect reproduction is poorly understood. In the current study, we used the notorious pest Chilo suppressalis as a model system to investigate the role of Kr‐h1 in female reproduction. Cloning and sequencing C. suppressalis Kr‐h1 revealed that it shares high identity with its homologues from other lepidopteran insects. Moreover, RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of CsKr‐h1 substantially reduced the transcription of Vg in the fat body, dramatically decreased yolk protein deposition and also impaired oocyte maturation and ovarian development, indicating that Kr‐h1 is indispensable for normal vitellogenesis in C. suppressalis. Based on these results, we conclude that Kr‐h1 is crucial to reproduction in insects and that targeting this gene could potentially be a new way to suppress rice pests.
Use of indwelling pleural/peritoneal catheter in the management of malignant ascites: a retrospective study of 48 patients
Authors: Chan Ka P. , Badiei Arash , Tan Carmen P. S. , Fitzgerald Deirdre B. , Stanley Christopher , Fysh Edward T. H. , Shrestha Ranjan , Muruganandan Sanjeevan , Read Catherine A. , Thomas Rajesh , Lee Yun Chor Gary
Published: October 2019

Background

Patients suffering from malignant ascites usually require repeated large volume paracentesis (LVP) for symptomatic relief. This often requires hospital admission and has inherent risks.

Aims

To report the first Australian experience of placing tunnelled indwelling peritoneal catheters (IPeC) for management of recurrent malignant ascites.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of tunnelled IPeC use in patients with symptomatic malignant ascites in four hospitals in Western Australia (from 2010 to 2018). Procedure data, success rate and safety profile were collected from a database.

Results

Forty‐eight patients (median age 65 years; female 56%) underwent 51 peritoneal catheter insertion procedures that were performed mostly by pleural specialists. The majority of patients (96%) had prior LVP (median two drainages, interquartile range (IQR) 1–4) before IPeC insertion. The IPeC was inserted successfully under ultrasound guidance in all patients. The median length of hospital stay for IPeC insertion and initial ascites drainage was 2 days (IQR 2–3 days) and most patients (96%) did not require further paracentesis after IPeC placement. The majority (96%) of patients experienced relief from ascites symptoms after catheter insertion. Most IPeC‐related adverse events were self‐limiting, including pain (in 25% cases), transient hypotension after initial fluid drainage (10%), peritoneal fluid leakage (10%), bacterial peritonitis (8%), fluid loculation (2%) and catheter dislodgement (2%). Six (12%) patients had IPeC removed. All patients with bacterial peritonitis responded to antibiotics and one required catheter removal.

Conclusions

Use of tunnelled IPeC improves symptoms and can minimise further invasive drainage procedures in patients with symptomatic malignant ascites. Placement of IPeC was associated with a low rate of adverse events, most of which could be managed conservatively.
Crisis resolution and home treatment in the UK: A survey of model fidelity using a novel review methodology
Authors: Lamb Danielle , Lloyd‐Evans Brynmor , Fullarton Kate , Kelly Kathleen , Goater Nicky , Mason Oliver , Gray Richard , Osborn David , Nolan Fiona , Pilling Steve , Sullivan Sarah A. , Henderson Claire , Milton Alyssa , Burgess Emma , Churchard Alasdair , Davidson Mike , Frerichs Johanna , Hindle David , Paterson Beth , Brown Ellie , Piotrowski Jonathan , Wheeler Claire , Johnson Sonia
Published: October 2019

Crisis resolution teams (CRTs) provide treatment at home to people experiencing mental health crises, as an alternative to hospital admission. Previous UK research, based on self‐report surveys, suggests that a loosely specified model has resulted in wide variations in CRTs’ service delivery, organization and outcomes. A fidelity scale (developed through evidence review and stakeholder consensus) provided a means of objectively measuring adherence to a model of good practice for CRTs, via one‐day fidelity reviews of UK crisis teams. Reviews included interviews with service users, carers, staff and managers, and examination of data, policies, protocols and anonymized case notes. Of the 75 teams reviewed, 49 (65%) were assessed as being moderate fidelity and the rest as low fidelity, with no team achieving high fidelity. The median score was 122 (range: 73–151; inter‐quartile range: 111–132). Teams achieved higher scores on items about structure and organization, for example ease of referral, medication and safety systems, but scored poorly on items about the content of care and interventions. Despite a national mandate to implement the CRT model, there are wide variations in implementation in the UK and no teams in our sample achieved overall high fidelity. This suggests that a mandatory national policy is not in itself sufficient to achieve good quality implementation of a service model. The CRT Fidelity Scale provides a feasible and acceptable means to objectively assess model fidelity in CRTs. There is a need for development and testing of interventions to enhance model fidelity and facilitate improvements to these services.
Epidermal growth factor vs platelet‐rich plasma: Activity against chronic wound microbiota
Authors: de Oliveira Beatriz G. R. B. , de Oliveira Fernanda P. , Teixeira Lenise A. , de Paula Geraldo R. , de Oliveira Bianca C. , Pires Bruna M. F. B.
Published: October 2019

The objective was to evaluate Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation of wounds treated with recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP); to analyse the susceptibility profiles of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates from wounds treated with EGF and PRP; and to describe the presence of infection in EGF‐treated and PRP‐treated wounds. Experimental study was performed using clinical specimens collected with swabs. Patients were treated with PRP and EGF in the outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Forty‐three isolates were obtained from 31 patients, 41.9% (13/31) of whom had been treated with EGF and 58.0% (18/31) with PRP. Ten of the 43 isolates were identified as S. aureus, 60.0% (6/10) of which were isolated from PRP‐treated wounds. Among the 33 P. aeruginosa isolates, 66.6% (22/33) were isolated from PRP‐treated wounds. Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility, only one strain isolated from an EGF‐treated wound was identified as methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Among the P. aeruginosa isolates, one obtained from a patient treated with EGF was multidrug‐resistant. Patients treated with EGF had no infections during the follow‐up period, and there was a significant difference between the 1st and 12th week in wound infection improvement in patients treated with PRP (P = .0078).
Enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by carbon‐rich Mo4.8Si3C0.6/C/SiC nanocomposites via a PDC approach
Authors: Feng Yao , Yu Zhaoju , Riedel Ralf
Published: October 2019

In this study, mesoporous carbon‐rich Mo4.8Si3C0.6/C/SiC ceramic nanocomposites were successfully prepared via a single‐source precursor route, starting from allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS, SMP‐10), bis(acetylacetonato) dioxomolybdenum (VI) [MoO2(acac)2], and divinylbenzene (DVB). Besides, polystyrene (PS) was used as a pore former. The obtained carbon‐rich single‐source precursor/PS mixtures were pyrolyzed at 1100°C, and then annealed at 1350°C‐1600°C to fabricate a series of carbon‐rich Mo4.8Si3C0.6/C/SiC ceramics comprised of high carbon content above 50 wt%. In comparison to the carbon‐poor materials, the carbon‐rich samples retain the higher specific surface area up to 214.6‐304 m2/g at higher annealing temperatures (1350°C‐1600°C) due to the enhancement of carbothermal reaction. The carbon‐rich samples synthesized at 1500°C, denoted as SM/Mo/PS/DVB 2‐1‐4‐2 1500 exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic performance with ultra‐low overpotentials of 119 mV vs reversible hydrogen electrode at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in acidic media, which is superior to that of the Mo4.8Si3C0.6/C/SiC ceramic (138 mV) with lower carbon content reported in our previous study. Therefore, our porous materials comprised of high carbon content and Nowotny phase (Mo4.8Si3C0.6, NP) are considered as promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Mid‐infrared luminesce of ZnS:Cr2+‐glass composite and fiber
Authors: Mao Qiannan , Lan Bijiao , Wang Heng , Zhang Weida , Fan Zhechen , Wu Jinhao , Zhou Shifeng
Published: October 2019

Cr2+‐doped materials with mid‐infrared (Mid‐IR) broadband luminescence are of fundamental importance for various applications, such as solid‐state lasers technology, biolabeling, optical telecommunication, and solar energy management. Especially, Cr2+‐doped glass has been considered as one of important material candidates. The major challenge is the precipitation of crystals doped with Cr2+ ions in glass. So, “crystals in glass composite” is an effective method to solve this issue. Here, we describe a ZnS:Cr2+ in borophosphate glass composite (CZPB) which exhibits Mid‐IR luminescence in the region from 1700 to 2900 nm with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of about 690 nm. In addition, the materials can also be fabricated into fiber without obvious change in the characteristic luminescence band. The results provide new opportunities for the construction of the broadband fiber light source operating at Mid‐IR waveband region.
Intensive care nurses’ implicit and explicit attitudes and their behavioural intentions towards obese intensive care patients
Authors: Robstad Nastasja , Westergren Thomas , Siebler Frank , Söderhamn Ulrika , Fegran Liv
Published: October 2019

Aims

To examine qualified intensive care nurses’ implicit and explicit attitudes towards obese intensive care patients and whether their attitudes are associated with their behavioural intentions towards these patients.

Background

Obese intensive care patients may experience more stress than do normal‐weight patients. Intensive care nurses’ attitudes and the way they address their care are thus vital. Despite a range of studies revealing that health professionals hold anti‐fat attitudes towards obese patients, there is a lack of knowledge about intensive care nurses’ implicit and explicit attitudes and if such attitudes are associated with behavioural intention.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

From November 2017 ‐ January 2018, a web‐based survey was conducted with 159 qualified intensive care nurses (84.3% women, mean age 45.52 years) recruited through 16 intensive care units and Facebook. The survey consisted of implicit attitude tests, explicit bias scales, the Anti‐fat Attitude questionnaire, vignettes measuring behavioural intention, and demographic questions.

Results

Intensive care nurses reported implicit preferences for thin over thick people and found obese individuals slightly ‘worse’ and ‘lazy’, comprising less willpower than thin individuals. Attitudes were not associated with behavioural intention.

Conclusion

This study provides new knowledge about qualified intensive care nurses’ anti‐fat attitudes and behavioural intention towards obese intensive care patients. These findings should be acknowledged by policymakers, clinical healthcare providers and educators to secure optimal care for these patients.

Impact Statement

These results should be used in nursing attitude change programmes, in intensive care units, and among nursing educators, focusing on increasing nurses’ knowledge of the complexities of obesity. Further research on obese intensive care patients’ healthcare experiences and the impact that healthcare providers’ anti‐fat attitudes and behaviours has on patients’ perceived care quality is needed.
Association of multimedia teaching with myopia: A national study of school children
Authors: Hinterlong James E. , Holton Valerie L. , Chiang Chi‐Chen , Tsai Ching‐Yao , Liou Yiing-Mei
Published: October 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether students’ exposure to digitally projected, multimedia teaching material under naturally varying classroom lighting conditions is associated with myopia risk and severity.

Design

A population‐based, cross‐sectional study in 2012 of children in grades 4–6 across 87 schools in Taiwan.

Methods

Students (N = 3,686) reported demographic information, outdoor time, physical activity and near work. Parents provided their myopia status. Student‐reported multimedia teaching frequency and classroom lighting levels were confirmed with direct observation. School nurses conducted vision screening and ophthalmologist referral. Myopia status and severity were measured by spherical equivalent refraction; SE ≤−0.5 dioptres was coded as myopic. Binary logistic and tobit regression were used to estimate the contributions of classroom multimedia exposure and lighting to myopia risk and severity controlling for risk factors.

Results/Findings

Age, parental myopia and hours of near work increased the odds of myopia and predicted greater severity. Physical activity and outdoor time predicted lower risk and severity. Multimedia exposure in relatively bright classrooms was associated with greater odds of myopia. Classroom lighting levels during multimedia teaching were inversely related to severity; exposure frequency was unrelated.

Conclusions

Multimedia exposure under brighter classroom conditions may contribute to the myopia incidence in schoolchildren.

Impact

Teaching with digital projection technology is increasingly prevalent. This may increase children's odds of developing myopia, which has far‐reaching and lifelong deleterious effects. School nurses should raise awareness of and promote strategies that reduce this risk, including working with children, parents, school personnel and system leaders to adopt eye‐healthy behaviours, practices and policies.
Genome‐wide association for milk production and lactation curve parameters in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Atashi Hadi , Salavati Mazdak , De Koster Jenne , Ehrlich Jim , Crowe Mark , Opsomer Geert ,   the GplusE consortium, Hostens Miel
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with 305‐day milk yield and lactation curve parameters on primiparous (n = 9,910) and multiparous (n = 11,158) Holstein cows. The SNP solutions were estimated using a weighted single‐step genomic BLUP approach and imputed high‐density panel (777k) genotypes. The proportion of genetic variance explained by windows of 50 consecutive SNP (with an average of 165 Kb) was calculated, and regions that accounted for more than 0.50% of the variance were used to search for candidate genes. Estimated heritabilities were 0.37, 0.34, 0.17, 0.12, 0.30 and 0.19, respectively, for 305‐day milk yield, peak yield, peak time, ramp, scale and decay for primiparous cows. Genetic correlations of 305‐day milk yield with peak yield, peak time, ramp, scale and decay in primiparous cows were 0.99, 0.63, 0.20, 0.97 and −0.52, respectively. The results identified three windows on BTA14 associated with 305‐day milk yield and the parameters of lactation curve in primi‐ and multiparous cows. Previously proposed candidate genes for milk yield supported by this work include GRINA, CYHR1, FOXH1, TONSL, PPP1R16A, ARHGAP39, MAF1, OPLAH and MROH1, whereas newly identified candidate genes are MIR2308, ZNF7, ZNF34, SLURP1, MAFA and KIFC2 (BTA14). The protein lipidation biological process term, which plays a key role in controlling protein localization and function, was identified as the most important term enriched by the identified genes.
Climatic niche limits and community‐level vulnerability of obligate symbioses
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Jovan Sarah , McCune Bruce
Published: October 2019

Aim

Communities with many species at their climatic niche limits may be vulnerable to species losses, suggesting that niche‐based measures can inform vulnerability assessments. We aimed to quantify spatial variation in community‐level vulnerability indices based on niche limits, not just central tendencies, to predict where climate changes will produce rapid, pronounced shifts in ecological communities.

Location

North America.

Taxon

Epiphytic lichenized fungi.

Methods

We integrated broad‐extent herbarium data (46,343 North American sites, for estimation of realized niches) with systematic, whole‐community macrolichen surveys from the U.S. Forest Inventory and Analysis inventory (6,474 U.S. sites, for standardized vulnerability estimation). We introduce three niche‐based vulnerability indices describing (a) percentage of vulnerable species occurring at their upper climatic limits, (b) community‐mean percentile, and (c) deviation of local conditions from community‐mean upper limits. We also performed sensitivity analyses and evaluated vulnerability in future climate change scenarios.

Results

Sensitivity of indices to uncertainty in climate variables was minor. Present‐day vulnerability was greatest in north‐central California, in the Southwest along the western Colorado Plateau, and on the Southeastern coastal plain—locations where climatically‐induced compositional changes will become most evident. Under future warming scenarios (+0.5 to + 3.6°C increases), the percentage of U.S. epiphytic macrolichen communities exceeding critical values grew from about 2%–20%.

Main conclusions

In all scenarios the most vulnerable communities were concentrated in low‐elevation and southerly locations, suggesting that many ostensibly “warm‐adapted” communities may be close to exceeding their climatic limits. Findings indicate that warming and moisture changes will modify community compositions through the local loss of intolerant species pushed beyond their niche limits. Assessing vulnerability of bioindicators such as lichens will help prioritize locations where the greatest climate‐induced changes in species distributions and diversity will occur.
Rapid diversification of alpine bamboos associated with the uplift of the Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Ye Xia‐Ying , Ma Peng‐Fei , Yang Guo‐Qian , Guo Cen , Zhang Yu‐Xiao , Chen Yun‐Mei , Guo Zhen‐Hua , Li De‐Zhu
Published: October 2019

Aim

The Hengduan Mountains (HDM) of southwest China is a biodiversity hotspot and harbours one of the world's richest temperate floras. However, the origin and evolution of its biota remain largely unresolved. Here we explore the impact of mountain uplift on the diversification process of biodiversity in this hotspot using alpine bamboos.

Location

The HDM region, southwest China.

Taxon

Alpine bamboos.

Methods

We used ddRAD‐seq data from the most complete sampling of alpine bamboos undertaken to date (79% of the species diversity), to investigate their evolutionary history. The ancestral area of these bamboos was reconstructed using a time‐calibrated phylogeny in BioGeoBEARS and diversification rates were inferred using BAMM analyses. In addition, the impact of mountain uplift on the divergence of alpine bamboos was evaluated using trait‐dependent models of diversification.

Results

The alpine bamboos were strongly supported as monophyletic, and the relationships within them were robustly resolved.Fargesiawas found to be polyphyletic andYushaniawas resolved as monophyletic. Alpine bamboos originated outside the HDM region during the late Miocene, and spread to this region in the Pliocene, undergoing a significant acceleration in net diversification, which is temporally congruent with the orogeny. The speciation rate increased with altitude and a high diversification rate, estimated to be 0.75 species per million years, was detected for alpine bamboos distributed in high elevations.

Main Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that heterogeneous mountain habitats and geographical isolation of alpine bamboos, which have limited dispersal ability, are important drivers for their rapid diversification. This study also highlights the power of complementary analyses in revealing the link between species diversification and past geological changes.
Turning regenerative technologies into treatment to repair myocardial injuries
Authors: Carotenuto Felicia , Teodori Laura , Maccari Anna Maria , Delbono Luciano , Orlando Giuseppe , Di Nardo Paolo
Published: October 2019

Regenerative therapies including stem cell treatments hold promise to allow curing patients affected by severe cardiac muscle diseases. However, the clinical efficacy of stem cell therapy remains elusive, so far. The two key roadblocks that still need to be overcome are the poor cell engraftment into the injured myocardium and the limited knowledge of the ideal mixture of bioactive factors to be locally delivered for restoring heart function. Thus, therapeutic strategies for cardiac repair are directed to increase the retention and functional integration of transplanted cells in the damaged myocardium or to enhance the endogenous repair mechanisms through cell‐free therapies. In this context, biomaterial‐based technologies and tissue engineering approaches have the potential to dramatically impact cardiac translational medicine. This review intends to offer some consideration on the cell‐based and cell‐free cardiac therapies, their limitations and the possible future developments.
Non‐lethal proteasome inhibition activates pro‐tumorigenic pathways in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Skorda Aikaterini , Sklirou Aimilia D. , Sakellaropoulos Theodore , Gianniou Despoina D. , Kastritis Efstathios , Terpos Evangelos , Tsitsilonis Ourania E. , Florea Bogdan I. , Overkleeft Herman S. , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Alexopoulos Leonidas G. , Trougakos Ioannis P.
Published: October 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy being characterized by clonal plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Targeting the proteasome with specific inhibitors (PIs) has been proven a promising therapeutic strategy and PIs have been approved for the treatment of MM and mantle‐cell lymphoma; yet, while outcome has improved, most patients inevitably relapse. As relapse refers to MM cells that survive therapy, we sought to identify the molecular responses induced in MM cells after non‐lethal proteasome inhibition. By using bortezomib (BTZ), epoxomicin (EPOX; a carfilzomib‐like PI) and three PIs, namely Rub999, PR671A and Rub1024 that target each of the three proteasome peptidases, we found that only BTZ and EPOX are toxic in MM cells at low concentrations. Phosphoproteomic profiling after treatment of MM cells with non‐lethal (IC10) doses of the PIs revealed inhibitor‐ and cell type‐specific readouts, being marked by the activation of tumorigenic STAT3 and STAT6. Consistently, cytokine/chemokine profiling revealed the increased secretion of immunosuppressive pro‐tumorigenic cytokines (IL6 and IL8), along with the inhibition of potent T cell chemoattractant chemokines (CXCL10). These findings indicate that MM cells that survive treatment with therapeutic PIs shape a pro‐tumorigenic immunosuppressive cellular and secretory bone marrow microenvironment that enables malignancy to relapse.
Evaluation of Cyphocleonus trisulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as a potential biological control agent for Leucanthemum vulgare in North America
Authors: Stutz Sonja , Hinz Hariet L. , Schaffner Urs
Published: October 2019

Leucanthemum vulgare, a perennial forb native to Eurasia, has become invasive in several other parts of the world. Since there is a lack of methods suitable for sustainable management of this plant across invaded landscapes, a biological control project has been initiated in North America and Australia. We evaluated the potential of the root‐feeding weevil Cyphocleonus trisulcatus as a biological control agent for L. vulgare in North America by investigating its impact on L. vulgare and studying its larval host range under no‐choice, multiple‐choice cage and open‐field conditions. Our impact experiment revealed that larval feeding by C. trisulcatus can severely damage and even kill plants. No‐choice tests conducted with 41 non‐target species showed that C. trisulcatus can develop on five closely related species. In a multiple‐choice cage test established with three of these species, the medicinal plant Matricaria chamomilla and the native North American M. occidentalis were also attacked, but to a lower degree than L. vulgare. An open‐field test conducted with four varieties of the ornamental Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum and L. × maximum) revealed similar attack on Shasta daisy as on L. vulgare. Due to the popularity of Shasta daisies, we suggest that C. trisulcatus, despite its potential to suppress L. vulgare populations, is not a suitable biological control agent for North America. However, C. trisulcatus may still be a potential biological control agent for L. vulgare in regions where Shasta daisy is less popular, such as Australia. Further host‐range tests with species native to Australia as well as with additional species important for the horticultural industry in Australia are currently under way.
Vertebral growth and band‐pair deposition in sexually mature little skates Leucoraja erinacea: is adult band‐pair deposition annual?
Authors: James Kelsey C.
Published: October 2019

Mature male and female little skates Leucoraja erinacea were injected with oxytetracycline and maintained in captivity for 13 months to assess centrum growth and the frequency of band‐pair deposition. Sixty per cent of the individuals analysed did not deposit a full band pair over the 13 month period. Thus, a majority of captive skates did not exhibit annual band‐pair deposition. Previous research confirms annual band‐pair deposition in all juvenile and most adult L. erinacea, therefore sexual maturation may lead to decreased frequency of band‐pair formation. Age underestimation of larger, older elasmobranchs is being identified in an increasing number of elasmobranch species including L. erinacea as demonstrated in this study. The effect of age underestimation from band‐pair counts on studies that use age‐based characteristics needs to be addressed.
Detection of adulterants and authenticity discrimination for coarse grain flours using NIR hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Shao Yuanyuan , Xuan Guantao , Hu Zhichao , Wang Yongxian
Published: October 2019

Near‐infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging combined with multivariate analyses were used to execute adulterants detection and authenticity discrimination for coarse grain flours including millet, corn, and soybean. Spectral data in the range of 865–1,711 nm were first extracted and preprocessed from a total of 1,080 samples of six categories of pure and adulterated flours. Principal component analysis was employed to generate scores scatter plots for differentiating specific grouping of samples. Successive projection algorithm (SPA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) were adopted to select the effective wavelengths. Then identification models were developed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) using effective wavelengths and full spectra (FS) as inputs, respectively. The results indicated all of models provided the satisfactory identification rate, over 94.8% for adulterated flours, and even achieved 100% for pure flours. Considering computational cost reduction and model simplification, PLS‐DA‐CARS and PLS‐DA‐SPA models were more effective in practice within an acceptable range in comparison with PLS‐DA‐FS model. Especially, PLS‐DA‐SPA model could achieve higher identification accuracy than PLS‐DA‐CARS model. It can be concluded that NIR hyperspectral imaging technology as a noncontact and quick analytical method has promising application prospects for quality control of flour products.

Practical Applications

Coarse grain flours and its products are more popular with people in recent years because they contain abundant vitamins, dietary fiber, microelements, and other nutrients. Driven by huge profits, some coarse grain flours such as millet, corn, and soybean are often sold in term of adulterated flours, which not only disrupts market order, but also results in quality degradation and great economic losses. As a noncontact and quick analytical technology, NIR hyperspectral imaging was used for detecting the adulteration of coarse grain flours to eliminate fraudulent or unfair practices. Multivariate analysis methods were employed to speed the detection process and improve operation efficiency. The results indicated that NIR hyperspectral imaging technology was feasible and effective in discriminating the authenticity of coarse grain flours, laying a foundation for designing a portable inspection device with the optical filters.
Understanding the future of lithium: Part 1, resource model
Authors: Ambrose Hanjiro , Kendall Alissa
Published: October 2019

Lithium is a critical energy material in part due to an array of emerging technologies from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems that rely on large‐format lithium ion batteries. Recent growth in demand for lithium is primarily from increased use in batteries, which comprised 46% of total lithium by end use in 2017. These technologies are often deployed to improve environmental sustainability, yet the environmental effects and sustainability of the resources they rely on are often not well understood, especially as demand increases over time.

This is the first in a two part article series that together quantify the lithium resource use and its environmental effects over time by coupling a resource production model and life cycle assessment model. In this first part, a novel resource production model is developed to create scenarios of future lithium demand and production characteristics (e.g., timing, location, and ore type). These scenarios are then used to create a life cycle assessment in part two that captures temporal and spatial changes in production systems over time.

Results of the resource production model show global lithium resources range from 293 to 527 million metric tons (Mt) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Global production will likely increase from 237,000 metric tons LCE in 2018 to 4.4–7.5 Mt LCE/year by 2100. Even with rapidly increasing demand, production from high‐grade brines may satisfy most lithium demand through 2035. Though resources can meet demand through 2100, development of lower grade and unfavorable deposits is likely required after 2050.