bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifting global Larix distributions: Northern expansion and southern retraction as species respond to changing climate
Authors: Mamet Steven D. , Brown Carissa D. , Trant Andrew J. , Laroque Colin P.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Recent and rapid warming is reorganizing terrestrial vegetation, creating novel species assemblages, and shifting range limits. Relative to the evergreen species that currently dominate much of the boreal forest landscape, Larix (larch) distributions may be particularly responsive to climatic change due to their deciduous habit, and quick growth and reproduction. Here, we amassed data from 83 studies to describe and explain observed patterns of Larix range shifts under contemporary climate change.

Location

Northern hemisphere.

Taxon

Species of the genus Larix, deciduous gymnosperms.

Methods

With 181 observations of Larix range limit dynamics, we used five distribution parameters (tree line advance, stand infilling, tree line recession, stand thinning, no response) and their determinants (climate, land use change, natural disturbance) to describe and explain observed patterns of Larix range shifts under contemporary climate change. We ran a redundancy analysis on the matrix of five distribution parameters considered with other climatic and nonclimatic parameters as explanatory variables. We also characterized the climatic niche of Larix species (temperature and precipitation) and how the niche has changed during the 20th century.

Results

Of 173 sites studied over the full distribution of Larix, 63% experienced Larix population increases, 18% had population decreases, and no response was detected at 19% of sites. Latitudinal Larix tree lines in Siberia and North America appear to be infilling and shifting their distributions northward, whereas Larix recession and thinning was more common in southern regions, suggesting southern populations may be experiencing greater drought stress than their northern counterparts. Climatic niches of most Larix species shifted towards warmer and wetter conditions, with tree line advance/forest infilling in cool/dry climate space, and recession/thinning in warm/dry space.

Main conclusions

Northern expansion is underway or seems imminent for boreal Larix species, primarily L. laricina in North America. Retraction in southern regions and disappearance of some mountainous populations may be inevitable due to their narrow ecological niches. Species restricted to mountainous habitats may expand locally, though will likely not contribute to broad scale range expansion. These changes will depend on suitable climate, disturbance, and dispersal mechanisms.
A sharp floristic discontinuity revealed by the biogeographic regionalization of African savannas
Authors: Fayolle Adeline , Swaine Michael D. , Aleman Julie , Azihou Akomian F. , Bauman David , te Beest Mariska , Chidumayo Emmanuel N. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , Dessard Hélène , Finckh Manfred , Gonçalves Francisco Maiato P. , Gillet Jean‐Francois , Gorel Anais , Hick Aurélie , Holdo Ricardo , Kirunda Ben , Mahy Gregory , McNicol Iain , Ryan Casey M. , Revermann Rasmus , Plumptre Andrew , Pritchard Rose , Nieto‐Quintano Paula , Schmitt Christine B. , Seghieri Josiane , Swemmer Anthony , Talila Habte , Woollen Emily
Published: December 2018

Aim

In tropical Africa, savannas cover huge areas, have high plant species richness and are considered as a major natural resource for most countries. There is, however, little information available on their floristics and biogeography at the continental scale, despite the importance of such information for our understanding of the drivers of species diversity at various scales and for effective conservation and management. Here, we collated and analysed floristic data from across the continent in order to propose a biogeographical regionalization for African savannas.

Location

We collated floristic information (specifically woody species lists) for 298 samples of savanna vegetation across Africa, extending from 18° N to 33° S and from 17° W to 48° E.

Taxa

We focused on native woody species.

Methods

We used ordination and clustering to identify the floristic discontinuities and gradual transitions across African savannas. Floristic relationships, specificity and turnover, within and between floristic clusters, were analysed using a (dis‐)similarity‐based approach.

Results

We identified eight floristic clusters across African savannas which in turn were grouped into two larger macro‐units. Ordinations at species and genus levels showed a clear differentiation in woody species composition between the North/West macro‐unit and the South/East macro‐unit. This floristic discontinuity matches to the High (i.e. N&W) and Low (S&E) division of Africa previously proposed by White () and which tracks climatic and topographical variation. In the N&W savannas, the floristic gradient determined by rainfall was partitioned into the Sudanian (drier) and Guinean (wetter) clusters. Within the highly heterogeneous S&E savannas and woodlands, six clusters were identified: Ugandan, Ethiopian, Mozambican, Zambezian, Namibian and South African.

Main conclusions

The proposed pan‐African classification of savannas and woodlands might assist the development of coordinated management and conservation policies.
Processing of texts and videos: A strategy‐focused analysis
Authors: Lee Hye Yeon , List Alexandra
Published: December 2018

This study examined strategies used across two modalities of information presentation. Students were presented with two sources on endangered species, either as two texts or two videos. Then, participants were asked to annotate the two sources either using the track changes function in Microsoft Word, for the text condition, or using the VideoAnt, video annotation platform, for the video condition. Students' annotations were coded for the strategies evidenced. More strategies were reported in association with the text condition and a greater number of higher‐level strategies and emphasis‐related strategies were reported. Moreover, students were found to report consistent strategies when processing two different sources, on two different topics, and were found to report strategies disproportionately early during processing, particularly for the video condition.
Inhibition of miR‐148a‐3p resists hepatocellular carcinoma progress of hepatitis C virus infection through suppressing c‐Jun and MAPK pathway
Authors: Deng Yibin , Wang Jianchu , Huang Meijin , Xu Guidan , Wei Wujun , Qin Houji
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The present study was committed to investigate the role of miR‐148a‐3p in HCC infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the regulatory mechanism of miR‐148a‐3p/c‐Jun/MAPK signalling pathway.

Methods

Differential analysis and GSEA analysis were performed with R packages. QRT‐PCR and Western blot were used to detect RNA or protein level, respectively. The targeted relationship between miR‐148a‐3p and c‐Jun was predicted by TargetScan database and determined by double luciferase reporter assay. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis, respectively.

Results

C‐Jun was up‐regulated, and MAPK signalling pathway was activated in HCV‐infected HCC cells. C‐Jun expression regulated inflammation‐related gene expression and had an influence on cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis. MiR‐148a‐3p, down‐regulated in HCV‐infected HCC cells, could target c‐Jun mRNA to suppress c‐Jun protein expression.

Conclusions

MiR‐148a‐3p suppressed the proliferation of HCC cells infected with HCV through targeting c‐Jun mRNA.
Euroscepticism among Dutch Leftist and Rightist Populist Constituencies: How can the U‐Curve be Understood?
Authors: van Bohemen Samira , de Koster Willem , van der Waal Jeroen
Published: December 2018

The U‐curve in euroscepticism is well established: both leftist and rightist populist constituencies are more eurosceptic than voters for establishment parties. Using rich survey data on a country with both constituencies represented in parliament (the Netherlands; n=1,296), we examine why euroscepticism drives populist voting. Our analyses demonstrate that euroscepticism is part of the well‐established link between both 1) distrust in politics and politicians, and 2) support for protectionism on the one hand, and voting for both types of populist party on the other. It is also part of the well‐known relationship between 3) ethnocentrism and rightist populist voting. Surprisingly, euroscepticism is not part of the typical association between economic egalitarianism and voting for a leftist populist party. The concluding section discusses the implications of our findings and provides suggestions for further research.
The impact of the number of sellers on quantal response equilibrium predictions in Bertrand oligopolies
Authors: Bayer Ralph‐C , Dong Chaohua , Wu Hang
Published: December 2018

This paper studies how increasing the number of sellers in a Bertrand oligopoly with homogenous goods affects the equilibrium price level predicted by logistic quantal response equilibrium (LQRE) and power‐function QRE (PQRE). We show that increasing the number of sellers reduces the average posted price in a PQRE, but can increase the average posted price in an LQRE. Our results indicate that the comparative‐static predictions of QRE (McKelvey & Palfrey, 1995, Games Econ Behav, 10, 6–38) are not necessarily robust to changes of the quantal response function.
Effect of selective infiltration etching on the bond strength between zirconia and resin luting agents
Authors: Çakırbay Tanış Merve , Akay Canan , Şen Murat
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate the shear bond strength of resin cements to zirconia treated with the selective infiltration etching technique (SIE).

Materials and Methods

Forty‐seven zirconia specimens were prepared with a sequence of silicon carbide abrasives, cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. Three samples were separated for atomic force microscope (AFM) analyses (one nontreated for control, one sandblasted, and one selective infiltration etched) and the remaining were randomly distributed in four groups, according to the combination of surface treatment and resin cement: group 1a (sandblasting + Variolink II), group 1b (sandblasting + Panavia SA Plus), group 2a (SIE + Variolink II), group 2b (SIE + Panavia SA Plus). A composite resin cylinder (3 mm × 3 mm) was cemented to the zirconia surface, as per each group's specific protocol. After storing 24 hours in distilled water at 37°C, the specimens were tested for shear bond strength and the results were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

At 24 hours, the highest SBS values were observed in group 2b, where the SIE technique was used in conjunction with Panavia SA Plus. Lowest values were found in group 1a. Increased surface roughness was observed with SIE.

Conclusions

SIE significantly enhanced the resin bond strength to zirconia. However, cement selection was also an important factor, for both surface treatments tested.

Clinical Significance

Use of SIE method combined with MDP monomer containing resin cement can provide clinically acceptable bond strength between zirconia and resin cement.
Standard metabolic rate models for Carmine Shiner (Notropis percobromus) and Common Shiner (Luxilus cornutus) across different temperature regimes
Authors: Macnaughton Camille J. , Kovachik Colin , Enders Eva C.
Published: December 2018

Standard metabolic rates (SMR) were measured empirically for carmine shinerNotropis percobromusand common shinerLuxilus cornutusto develop SMR models that predict metabolic responses of each species under thermal conditions observed in the wild. SMR increased significantly with body mass and rising water temperature, ranging from 0.05 mg O2h−1at 10°C to 0.89 mg O2h−1at 20°C forN. percobromusweighing 0.6–2.5 g and from 0.11 mg O2h−1at 10°C to 0.98 mg O2h−1at 20°C forL. cornutusweighing 0.8–6.6 g. SMR models significantly differed between sympatric species on account of differences in model intercepts (RA) and temperature coefficients (RQ), however, the allometric relationships between mass and SMR did not significantly differ between species. Known distribution ofN. percobromusandL. cornutusincludes the Birch River located in Manitoba, Canada, whereN. percobromusis listed as Endangered. Little is known about the physiology ofN. percobromusor the species' ability to acclimate or adapt to different environmental conditions. While size differences between species contributed, in part, to differences in SMR predictions for Birch River populations, SMR trends (< 2 mg O2h−1) for individuals weighing 1 g were similar for both species across daily temperatures. Respirometry experiments contributed to developing species‐specific SMR models and inform on the effect of natural and anthropogenic stressors, namely water temperature, on the conservation ofN. percobromusin this ecosystem.
Contraception within an elasmobranch captive breeding programme: a case report on the eagle ray Aetobatus ocellatus using gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin (Suprelorin)
Authors: Janse Max , Luten Henk A.
Published: December 2018

This study describes the first case of contraception within a captive elasmobranch breeding programme where an implant of Suprelorin, containing a long‐acting gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue Deslorelin, was implanted in an eagle ray Aetobatus ocellatus, which successfully halted breeding.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of sulfated polysaccharide from Nizamuddinia zanardinii: Process optimization, structural characterization, and biological properties
Authors: Alboofetileh Mehdi , Rezaei Masoud , Tabarsa Mehdi , You SangGuan
Published: December 2018

Single‐factor experiment and Box‐Behnken design were used to evaluate and optimize the effect of extraction time (40, 50, and 60 min), ultrasonic power (100, 150, and 200 W), water‐solid ratio (60, 70, and 80 mL/g), and extraction temperature (70, 80, and 90 °C) on the recovery of fucoidan from Nizamuddinia zanardinii by ultrasound‐assisted extraction method (UAE). The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time of 58 min, ultrasonic power of 196 W, water‐to‐raw‐material ratio of 80 mL/g, and extraction temperature of 70 °C. Under these conditions, the polysaccharide yield was 3.51%. Extracted fucoidan was composed of fucose (32.33%), galactose (29.95%), mannose (27.97%), xylose (6.56%), and glucose (3.19%). The UAE‐extracted fucoidan had appreciable DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power. The fucoidan exhibited notable cell growth inhibition against HeLa (62.36%) and HepG2 (56.83%) cancer cell lines, and induced RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells to release considerable amount of nitric oxide (41 μmol).

Practical applications

Seaweeds are rich sources of diverse bioactive compounds with valuable nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical potentials. Nizamuddinia zanardinii is a marine brown seaweed and belong to Sargassaceae family. Iranian South Coasts have abundant supply of N. zanardinii which has a great potential for mariculture and can be utilized as a source of natural compounds. Fucoidan, which is a sulfated polysaccharide found in brown seaweeds, have shown promising health benefits for humans. In this study, the effects of extraction time, ultrasonic power, water–solid ratio, and extraction temperature were investigated on yield, structural, molecular, and biological properties of ultrasound extracted fucoidan. This study provides a practical and effective instruction into the application of ultrasound in the extraction of fucoidan. Additionally, the ultrasound extracted fucoidan exhibited appreciable antioxidant, anticancer, and macrophage‐stimulating capacity indicating its potential value for health and food industry.
A novel primer targeted gyrB gene for the identification of Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formulas (PIF) and baby foods in Iran
Authors: Mashoufi Afsaneh , Ghazvini Kiarash , Hashemi Mohammad , Mobarhan Majid Ghayour , Vakili Vida , Afshari Asma
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to perform a molecular identification and design a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method based on a specific gene (gyrase subunit B [gyrB]) for rapid detection of Cronobacter sakazakii. In this study, from February 2017 to January 2018, 100 powdered infant formula milks (PIF1‐6) and 100 baby food items (BF1‐8) (total number = 200 samples) were purchased from different commercial brands from different pharmacies of the Mashhad city, Iran from different pharmacies of the Mashhad city, Iran.

After isolation of Cronobacter, DNA extraction and PCR assay were performed to detect and confirm genus and species of isolated bacteria with 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and designed gyrB primers, respectively. The abundance of C. sakazakii in PIFs and baby foods by culture method were 5/100 (5%) and 8/100 (8%), respectively; also, the final analysis based on gyrB primer pairs in PIF and baby food showed contamination rates of 0/100 (0%) and 3/100 (3%), respectively. These findings indicated that Iranian baby foods were a real threat for children's health. It is also recommended that this designed primer could be used for detection of Cronobacter sakazakii in these products.

Practical application

Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic bacteria that is known worldwide as a foodborne pathogen especially in Infant Formula and baby foods, therefore the quality of these products has to be evaluated by a rapid, sensitive and specific method. Our findings indicated that Iranian baby foods were a threat for children's health so implementation of adequate sanitary measures to prevent Cronobacter sakazakii illness is necessary. It was also recommended that the designed primer based on gyr B gene could be used for specific detection of Cronobacter sakazakii in these products.
Effects of Mind‐Body Exercises on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Chunxiao , Yi Qu , Zheng Xiaoyan , Cui Shaoyang , Chen Bin , Lu Liming , Tang Chunzhi
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Mind‐body exercise has positive effects on cognitive performance, according to clinical observation and experts’ recommendations. However, its potential benefits for the cognitive function of aging adults are uncertain and still lack systematic estimations. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the overall efficacy and effectiveness of mind‐body exercises for cognitive performance in aging individuals with or without cognitive impairment.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We searched related trials through June 2018 from four databases: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO (all via Ovid), and the Cochrane Library/Central Register of Controlled Trials.

MEASUREMENTS

Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A meta‐analysis of comparative effects was performed using Review Manager v.5.3 software, and publication bias was examined using Egger's test.

RESULTS

A total of 32 randomized controlled trials with 3624 participants were ultimately included in this meta‐analysis. The results revealed that mind‐body exercises as a whole had benefits in improving global cognition compared with that of the control group (mean difference [MD] = 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33‐1.51; p = .002) and were more effective than control interventions in promoting cognitive flexibility (MD = −8.80; 95% CI = −15.22 to −2.38; p = .007), working memory (MD = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.01‐0.64; p = .05), verbal fluency (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.09‐0.45; p = .003), and learning (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.10‐0.39; p = .001) on cognitively intact or impaired older adults. In dose‐subgroup analysis, only moderate exercise intensity (60‐120 min per week) significantly increased global cognition scores compared with those of the control group (MD = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.34‐1.97; p = .006).

CONCLUSION

Mind‐body exercises, especially tai chi and dance mind‐body exercise, are beneficial for improving global cognition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, verbal fluency, and learning in cognitively intact or impaired older adults. Moderate intensity is recommended as the optimal dose for older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:749–758, 2019.
A novel crosslinking protocol stabilizes amyloid β oligomers capable of inducing Alzheimer's‐associated pathologies
Authors: Cline Erika N. , Das Arighno , Bicca Maíra Assunção , Mohammad Saad N. , Schachner Luis F. , Kamel Josette M. , DiNunno Nadia , Weng Anthea , Paschall Jacob D. , Bu Riana Lo , Khan Faraz M. , Rollins Madeline G. , Ives Ashley N. , Shekhawat Gajendra , Nunes‐Tavares Nilson , de Mello Fernando G. , Compton Philip D. , Kelleher Neil L. , Klein William L.
Published: December 2018

Amyloid β oligomers (AβOs) accumulate early in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and experimentally cause memory dysfunction and the major pathologies associated with AD, for example, tau abnormalities, synapse loss, oxidative damage, and cognitive dysfunction. In order to develop the most effective AβO‐targeting diagnostics and therapeutics, the AβO structures contributing to AD‐associated toxicity must be elucidated. Here, we investigate the structural properties and pathogenic relevance of AβOs stabilized by the bifunctional crosslinker 1,5‐difluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (DFDNB). We find that DFDNB stabilizes synthetic Aβ in a soluble oligomeric conformation. With DFDNB, solutions of Aβ that would otherwise convert to large aggregates instead yield solutions of stable AβOs, predominantly in the 50–300 kDa range, that are maintained for at least 12 days at 37°C. Structures were determined by biochemical and native top–down mass spectrometry analyses. Assayed in neuronal cultures and i.c.v.‐injected mice, the DFDNB‐stabilized AβOs were found to induce tau hyperphosphorylation, inhibit choline acetyltransferase, and provoke neuroinflammation. Most interestingly, DFDNB crosslinking was found to stabilize an AβO conformation particularly potent in inducing memory dysfunction in mice. Taken together, these data support the utility of DFDNB crosslinking as a tool for stabilizing pathogenic AβOs in structure‐function studies.

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Overview of high‐risk Food and Drug Administration recalls for cosmetics and personal care products from 2002 to 2016
Authors: Janetos Timothy M. , Akintilo Lisa , Xu Shuai
Published: December 2018

Background

There have been several recent controversies surrounding cosmetic products that have impacted health. Dermatologists are often the first to encounter these issues, and recalls are one metric of a safety profile of cosmetics and their impact on health.

Objective

To analyze all recalls of cosmetic and personal care products from 2002 to 2016.

Methods

This observational study describes all FDA cosmetic and personal care product recalls, acquired via a Freedom of Information Act request, from 2002 to 2016. The total number of Class I, Class II, and Class III recalls, number and origin of manufacturers, number of products affected, and main reason for recall were collected.

Results

A total of 14 Class I, 266 Class II, and 33 Class III recalls were recorded. Baby products comprised the largest product category accounting for 24% of all recalls (76/313). 76% of recalls were due to bacterial contamination (237/313), followed by unapproved components, labeling issues, and skin irritation. The 14 Class I recalls accounted for 1.9 million products in distribution.

Conclusions

Cosmetic recalls impacted millions of products and had the potential to cause serious harm. Dermatologists have the ability to strengthen public safety by reporting adverse events, encouraging recalls of harmful products, and lobbying through dermatology organizations for meaningful change to current cosmetic regulation.
Robust Measures of Earnings Surprises
Authors: CHIANG CHIN‐HAN , DAI WEI , FAN JIANQING , HONG HARRISON , TU JUN
Published: December 2018

Event studies of market efficiency measure earnings surprises using the consensus error (CE), given as actual earnings minus the average professional forecast. If a subset of forecasts can be biased, the ideal but difficult to estimate parameter‐dependent alternative to CE is a nonlinear filter of individual errors that adjusts for bias. We show that CE is a poor parameter‐free approximation of this ideal measure. The fraction of misses on the same side (FOM), which discards the magnitude of misses, offers a far better approximation. FOM performs particularly well against CE in predicting the returns of U.S. stocks, where bias is potentially large.
Retrospective analysis for predictors of parametrial involvement in IB cervical cancer
Authors: Kubota Satoshi , Kobayashi Eiji , Kakuda Mamoru , Matsuzaki Shinya , Ueda Yutaka , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: December 2018

Aim

The use of less radical surgery for early stage cervical cancer has often been discussed. To better determine eligible candidates for less radical surgery, we investigated the risk factors for parametrial involvement (PI).

Methods

The study included 193 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB cervical cancer who were treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between 2008 and 2014. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not the parametrium was involved pathologically. The two groups were compared with regards to clinical and histopathological variables.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, clinical tumor size, depth of stromal invasion, lymphovascular space invasion and pelvic lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with PI (P < 0.05 each). Multivariate analysis showed pelvic lymph node metastasis was an independent risk factor for PI (odds ratio, 10.70; [95% confidence interval, 3.02–48.08]; P = 0.0006). All patients with clinical tumor size less than or equal to 2 cm and negative for pelvic lymph node metastasis had no PI.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer with the tumor less than or equal to 2 cm and negative for pelvic lymph node metastasis seldom has PI. These patients are good candidates for less radical surgery.
Person or Job? Change in Person‐Job Fit and Its Impact on Employee Work Attitudes over Time
Authors: Kim Tae‐Yeol , Schuh Sebastian C. , Cai Yahua
Published: December 2018

Fit is generally conceptualized as a dynamic construct, but most research on person‐environment fit has focused on fit in the current moment. We addressed this oversight by examining the dynamic relationships among person‐job (PJ) fit, demand‐ability (DA) fit, need‐supply (NS) fit, and employee work attitudes over time using a three‐wave survey design over a 12‐month period. Results from 168 employees revealed that change in PJ fit was significantly related to changes in job satisfaction and affective organizational commitment. In addition, DA and NS fit changes were significantly and indirectly associated with job satisfaction and commitment changes through PJ fit change. We also found that increases in job demands and employee abilities significantly decreased DA fit, and increases in employee needs significantly decreased NS fit whereas increases in job supplies significantly increased NS fit. Finally, we examined age as an important moderator for employees’ reactions to PJ fit changes, and found that younger employees reacted more strongly to increases/decreases in PJ fit than did older employees.
Changes in the Provision of Day Services in Ireland to Adult Persons With Intellectual Disability
Authors: McConkey Roy , Kelly Fionnola , Craig Sarah , Keogh Fiona
Published: December 2018

Internationally, changes are advocated in the support available to persons with intellectual disability. Socially inclusive personalized arrangements are intended to replace congregated and segregated day services. The study examines the changes in the provision of day services within Ireland over a 5‐year period when new policies were being promoted but at time of economic stringencies. Secondary analysis was carried out on data extracted from the National Intellectual Disability Database on all persons aged 18 years and above in 2009 and 2014 who received day services, which were grouped into four main types: care centers, sheltered workshops, employment schemes, and vocational training. Participants in each type of service were profiled by age, level of disability, and living arrangements. Variations in the provision of these services across nine regions were also examined. In 2009, 59% of persons attended care centers, but the proportion had increased in 2014 to 69%. There were reductions in the numbers attending sheltered workshops (down from 23 to 16%) and those receiving employment supports (down from 13 to 11%). By 2014, variations in the numbers attending care centers were evident across the country. The increase in care provision does not accord with national or international policies. Rather, it may reflect ineffective policy implementation strategies and financial cutbacks which services experienced during this period. This study illustrates the value of a national dataset for monitoring policy implementation.
Transitions in the Lives of Older Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: “Having a Sense of Dignity and Independence”
Authors: Strnadová Iva
Published: December 2018

Older people with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience numerous transitions in their lives, which include transitions between jobs, places of residence, relationship transitions, and transitions to retirement. Ensuring quality planning for the future is important so that older people with ID can live good lives. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore planning for the future and transitions experienced by older people with ID. The author conducted semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 17 people with ID aged 40 years and more. The interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The three main themes were types of transitions, planning for future, and barriers to planning for future. The implications for research and practice are discussed, with a focus on enhancing independence and choice‐making.
Factors associated with disease progression in dogs with presumed preclinical degenerative mitral valve disease attending primary care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mattin Madeleine J. , Brodbelt David C. , Church David B. , Boswood Adrian
Published: December 2018

Background

Factors associated with disease progression in dogs with preclinical (stage B) degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) have not been evaluated previously in primary care veterinary practice.

Objectives

To evaluate whether plasma cardiac biomarkers, clinical signs, and physical examination findings are associated with clinical progression (reaching the composite endpoint of initiation of treatment with a potent diuretic or cardiac death) in dogs presumed to have stage B DMVD.

Animals

Six‐hundred and eighty‐four dogs diagnosed with DMVD recruited from 73 primary care practices in the United Kingdom. Dogs were not receiving potent diuretics at recruitment.

Methods

Prospective cohort study design. Primary care veterinarians recorded the presence or absence of clinical signs and physical examination findings. Baseline plasma N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and cardiac troponin I were measured. Cox regression models measured associations between risk factor variables and clinical progression. Flexible parametric models generated predicted probabilities of reaching the composite endpoint for dogs with different combinations of prognostic risk factor variables.

Results

Plasma NT‐proBNP, heart rate, heart murmur intensity, presence of a cough, being a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and being prescribed pimobendan were associated with clinical progression to initiation of treatment with a potent diuretic or cardiac‐related death.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with stage B DMVD identified as having a high risk of disease progression might benefit from more frequent monitoring or further diagnostic evaluation. The prognostic factors identified could facilitate risk stratification of dogs presenting with preclinical DMVD.
Evaluation of hepatic tumor portal perfusion using mesenteric angiography: A pilot study in 5 dogs
Authors: Goode Kelsey , Weisse Chick , Berent Allyson , Lamb Ken
Published: December 2018

Background

Mesenteric angiography is a sensitive method for visualizing portal perfusion in the dog.

Objectives

To evaluate hepatic portal perfusion in dogs with incompletely resectable hepatic tumors using mesenteric angiography.

Animals

Five client‐owned dogs with incompletely resectable hepatic tumors evaluated with mesenteric angiography.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Electronic medical records at the Animal Medical Center were analyzed to identify dogs that underwent mesenteric portography to determine blood flow to nonresectable hepatic tumors and subsequently determine ideal routes for transarterial embolization, vascular stent placement, or both. The images obtained from mesenteric angiography were analyzed and compared to those obtained from computed tomography angiography.

Results

Portography was accomplished using direct mesenteric venography in 3 dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cranial mesenteric arteriography in 1 dog with hepatic adenoma or well‐differentiated HCC, and via splenic arteriovenous fistula in 1 dog with diffuse hepatic hemangiosarcoma metastases. Mean pixel densities in areas of hepatic tumor growth identified statistically significant decreases in portal blood flow (P = .02) compared to normal hepatic parenchyma.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Initial findings indicate that the blood supply to large and metastatic hepatic tumors in dogs may correlate with that in humans, such that the majority of the tumor blood supply arises from the hepatic artery and not the portal vein. Differences in blood supply between normal hepatic parenchyma and hepatic tumors might be exploited by developing selective tumor therapies such as arterial embolization or chemoembolization that largely spare normal liver tissue. Further investigation is warranted.