bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional responses of aquatic and riparian vegetation to hydrogeomorphic restoration of channelized lowland streams and their valleys
Authors: Fraaije Rob G. A. , Poupin Claire , Verhoeven Jos T. A. , Soons Merel B.
Published: December 2018

Streams and riparian zones are highly heterogeneous ecosystems. Their high biodiversity is promoted by variable flow velocities and water depths, strong hydrological gradients and disturbance regimes. However, human interventions like damming and channelization have degraded these ecosystems world‐wide. And, although restoration efforts have increased in the past decades, ecological improvement is lagging.

We assessed vegetation development in channelized lowland stream valleys in the Netherlands, combining innovative restoration measures to the stream and stream valleys. This “stream valley restoration” entailed construction of narrower and shallower channels to increase flow velocities during base discharges, meandering of the watercourse to increase flow and depth heterogeneity and excavation of banks to create wide v‐shaped stream valleys. We evaluated the effects on functional aspects of the developing in‐stream and riparian vegetation by comparing restored stream reaches to nearby unrestored reaches.

The reduced channel dimensions led to higher flow velocities, which, through interaction with meandering, triggered a higher variability in flow and depth. Combined with enlargement of the floodplain, this promoted flooding in stream valleys and created wider environmental gradients. Plant diversity strongly increased in the floodplain area, the land–water interface and the shallow water habitat at the channel margins, but decreased in the central parts of stream channels. There, higher flow velocities led to more typically lotic (running water) in‐stream plant communities, indicated by a sharp decrease in floating‐leaved species and an increase in trailing species. Riparian vegetation showed a higher beta‐diversity across the wider valley slopes of restored reaches, with more wetland species in areas with water‐tables between 0.0 and −0.6 m, and more upland species as well.

Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that the combination of strongly reduced channel dimensions, remeandering and widening of riparian zones, is effective in restoring in‐stream and riparian habitat heterogeneity. The restoration efforts lead to distinct immediate increases in total and beta‐diversity of many typical stream and riparian plant species. Overall, this stresses the importance of applying restoration measures to both streams and stream valleys simultaneously, considering them as a single landscape unit.
Age‐dependent habitat relationships of a burned forest specialist emphasise the role of pyrodiversity in fire management
Authors: Stillman Andrew N. , Siegel Rodney B. , Wilkerson Robert L. , Johnson Matthew , Tingley Morgan W.
Published: December 2018

Variation in fire characteristics, termed pyrodiversity, plays an important role in structuring post‐fire communities, but little is known about the importance of pyrodiversity for individual species. The availability of diverse post‐fire habitats may be key for fire‐associated species if they require different resources at different life‐history stages.

We tested for age‐specific habitat relationships in the black‐backed woodpecker, a post‐fire specialist. We used radio‐telemetry to track fledgling and adult woodpeckers in burned forests and built resource selection functions to compare the effect of stand‐, tree‐ and snag‐level covariates between adults and fledglings.

Fledgling black‐backed woodpeckers selected habitat with more live trees than adults and used more heterogeneous habitats burned at lower severity, illustrating strong age‐dependent effects on habitat selection. Within selected stands, fledglings were less likely to use snags and more likely to use live trees when compared to adults, but both age classes showed strong positive selection for larger‐diameter trees (live and dead). Over the 60 days after leaving their nests, fledglings showed an increasing propensity to use snags rather than live trees.

Our results provide evidence that the predation–starvation hypothesis, which posits a trade‐off between foraging efficiency and the need to minimise predation risk, plays a role in structuring the age‐dependent habitat use of a burned forest specialist. Adult black‐backed woodpeckers selected resources associated with food availability, but these resources occurred in relatively open, exposed habitat. Fledglings selected habitat that provided increased cover, perhaps as a strategy to reduce predation risk.

Synthesis and applications. Globally, fires are increasing in severity and extent, leading to increased focus on fire‐associated species that play keystone roles in facilitating biodiversity resilience. Our findings suggest that a diversity of patches burned at different severities may benefit post‐fire specialists like the black‐backed woodpecker at multiple life‐history stages. The increasing prevalence of large, homogeneously high‐severity ‘megafires’ may present an emerging threat even to post‐fire specialists, and we urge land managers to consider opportunities to promote pyrodiversity in the face of novel fire regimes.
Bottoms up: the role of gut microbiota in brain health
Authors: Radisavljevic Nina , Cirstea Mihai , Brett Finlay Barton
Published: December 2018

The gut microbiota affects many aspects of human health, and research, especially over the past decade, is demonstrating that the brain is no exception. This review summarizes existing human observational studies of the microbiota in brain health and neurological conditions at all ages, as well as animal studies that are advancing the field beyond correlation and into causality. Potential mechanisms by which the brain and the gut microbiota are connected are explored, including inflammation, bacterially‐produced metabolites and neurotransmitters and specific roles for individual microbes. Finally, important challenges and potential mitigation strategies are discussed, as well as ways in which some of these same challenges can be harnessed to advance our understanding of this complex, exciting and rapidly evolving field.
Armed Conflicts and Intra‐regional Trade Flows: The Cases of ECOWAS and COMESA
Authors: Ezeoha Abel E. , Okoyeuzu Chinwe , Udu Ama A. , Edeh Joseph
Published: December 2018

In this study, we investigated the impact of armed conflicts on intra‐regional trade flows. We made use of panel datasets from 15 ECOWAS member and 19 COMESA member countries for the period 1997 to 2015. Applying a robust functional estimation procedure based on IV GMM principles, the results are found to be regionally comparable, with the evidence indicating that armed conflicts constrain intra‐regional export and trade openness. The results indicate that the classical insurgency theory explains better the patterns of intra‐regional export flows and trade openness; whereas the economic interest theory explains better the patterns of intra‐regional import flows. The impact of armed conflict intensity on intra‐regional trade flows is found to be sensitive to border proximity, trade diversification, mineral rents and national income levels. While border proximity on its own enhances intra‐regional export and import flows, it also has the tendency of exacerbating the negative impact of armed conflicts. As armed conflicts intensify, for instance, member countries become more incentivized to implement secured border and trade policies as a way of guarding against counter flows of arms and illicit commodities. Our study confirms the need for regional economic communities to concentrate their integration efforts towards mitigating domestic and cross‐border armed conflicts.
L'entourage influence‐t‐il le comportement informel des entreprises au Cameroun?
Authors: Fambeu Ariel Herbert
Published: December 2018

La présente étude a pour objectif d'estimer l'effet de l'entourage sur l'informalité des entreprises. Il est pertinent de se pencher sur cet effet, car sa non prise en compte dans la prévision des politiques sur le secteur informel peut générer des impacts inattendus et différents des impacts réels. A cet égard, un modèle probit ordonné a été utilisé sur données d'une Enquête nationale sur l'Emploi et le Secteur Informel (EESI) réalisée par l'Institut National de la Statistique du Cameroun en 2010. Les résultats montrent que le comportement informel d'une entreprise dépend fortement de celui de son entourage. En d'autres termes, une entreprise est d'autant plus informelle que son entourage l'est. Cet entourage peut être aussi bien spatial (géographique) que sectoriel (secteur d'activité). Ainsi, à cause de cet effet d'entourage (ou effet de pairs), une politique publique conduisant une entreprise à adopter un comportement formel (informel) conduira plusieurs autres à le faire.
Gut microbial compositions mirror caste‐specific diets in a major lineage of social insects
Authors: Otani Saria , Zhukova Mariya , Koné N'golo Abdoulaye , da Costa Rafael Rodrigues , Mikaelyan Aram , Sapountzis Panagiotis , Poulsen Michael
Published: December 2018

Social insects owe their ecological success to the division of labour between castes, but associations between microbial community compositions and castes with different tasks and diets have not been extensively explored. Fungus‐growing termites associate with fungi to degrade plant material, complemented by diverse gut microbial communities. Here, we explore whether division of labour and accompanying dietary differences between fungus‐growing termite castes are linked to gut bacterial community structure. Using amplicon sequencing, we characterize community compositions in sterile (worker and soldier) and reproductive (queen and king) termites and combine this with gut enzyme activities and microscopy to hypothesise sterile caste‐specific microbiota roles. Gut bacterial communities are structured primarily according to termite caste and genus and, in contrast to the observed rich and diverse sterile caste microbiotas, royal pair guts are dominated by few bacterial taxa, potentially reflecting their specialized uniform diet and unique lifestyle.
Construct Clarity in Management Accounting (With a Specific Application to Interactive Control Systems)
Authors: Murray Lindsay R.
Published: December 2018

Construct clarity is associated with the process of taking imprecise notions and deriving crisp, agreed‐upon meanings within a scholarly community based on establishing the construct's constitutive theoretical properties and its range of applicability (Bisbe, Batista‐Foguet, and Chenhall,). This article aims to provide an increased understanding of construct clarity by extending Bisbe et al.'s () analysis in several significant ways in the context of using practice‐defined variables. Specifically, it describes and illustrates why construct clarity is essential to the empirical research enterprise and the development of strong theory and how it can assist in closing the research‐practice gap. In addition, the article elaborates on the elements of construct clarity beyond the definitional component and provides concrete methodological guidance for improving construct clarity through the illustrative use of examples. Further, three management accounting research programs (two historical and one contemporary) are examined. The results support Bisbe et al.'s () assertion that the discipline lacks concern for this issue. They also indicate that the discipline has paid (and continues to pay) a significant price for this inattention. Finally, the process of improving constructs, including the translation of description and understanding into theoretical properties, is illustrated by conducting an analysis of the decision‐making process involved with managing strategic uncertainty and adapting strategy that is related to the interactive control systems construct introduced by Robert Simons.
Photosensitive automated doors to exclude small nocturnal predators from nest boxes
Authors: Stojanovic D. , Eyles S. , Cook H. , Alves F. , Webb M. , Heinsohn R.
Published: December 2018

Nest boxes are a crucial tool for wildlife conservation. Although boxes are often safer from predators than natural nests, if predator and prey are of similar body size survival in boxes may become unacceptably low. Protecting boxes from small predators may be critical to the aims of a project, but no available tools can be reliably deployed for long periods in the field. We trial automated light sensitive mechanical doors on nest boxes to protect birds nesting in boxes from a small nocturnal predator. At three sites we deployed arrays of nest boxes, and fitted a subset (treatment group) with automated doors, while others were left unprotected. Box occupancy by the target species, clutch size and nest fate (successful/failed) were monitored using motion activated cameras and by manual checking. Birds in nest boxes fitted with automated doors had a significantly lower risk of nest failure 0.25 (±0.11 se) compared to 0.81 (± 0.07 se) in the control group. No nests in the treatment group failed due to predation, whereas all nest failures in the control group were attributable to predation. The treatment group did not differ significantly from controls in clutch size. Automated doors operated for a 3 month breeding season reliably, with minimal maintenance (but battery charge should be monitored). We provide a useful new tool for protecting nest boxes from nocturnal predators, and automated doors did not have any deleterious reproductive consequences on the nests they protected. The automated doors offer practical conservation solutions for nest box conservation programs that (1) are conducted in remote locations with limited accessibility, (2) require protection measures to be deployed for long periods, (3) minimize behavioural/physiological impacts on target species, (4) require targeted protection against nocturnal predators against which more conventional approaches are ineffective or inappropriate.
What Constitutes “Too Big to Jail?” Evidence from South Korea's Family Business Groups
Authors: Choi Hansoo , Kang Hyoung‐Goo , Lee Changmin
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the judicial bias in favor of large economic organizations. The Korean judiciary is biased towards chaebols (large family business groups). Convicted chaebol‐related defendants receive 9.9% more jail‐sentence suspensions and 19 months shorter jail terms than non‐chaebol counterparts do. Observed leniency remains robust after controlling for the quality of defense attorneys and other sentencing related factors. Then, we explore what drives the bias. We present two possible explanations. The first explanation is that the larger the chaebol, the larger the judicial bias, implying that the chaebol bias is stronger for top 10 business groups than for other chaebols. The second explanation is that in‐group transactions account for much of the bias. This suggests that the judiciary widely accepts a defense of chaebol offenders to wrongdoings that illegal in‐group transactions are for the interest of entire business group, not for their private gain.
Board Composition and Accounting Conservatism: The Role of Business Experts, Support Specialist and Community Influentials
Authors: Enache Luminita , García‐Meca Emma
Published: December 2018

In this study, we examine the relationship between accounting conservatism and board composition. We categorise outside directors according to their skills, abilities, connections and knowledge in three different categories: business experts, support specialists and community influentials. We address three main questions: Is the financial and accounting expertise of directors relevant to improving accounting conservatism? Does specialised expertise in the board affect the speed at which news is reflected in earnings? And how do the political ties of directors affect the sensitivity of earnings to bad news? Our sample consists of active US biotech firms publicly traded on the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ stock exchanges during the 2005–2013 period. Our study confirms that not all outside directors are equally effective in monitoring and contracting and that certain kinds of outside directors, such as politicians, can even lower the sensitivity of earnings to bad news. Our robustness analysis confirms that these results are not conditional on the accounting measure, and suggest that distinguishing directors according to their skills and abilities is crucial to understanding the way in which firm boards affect conservatism.
Understanding consultation and engagement of Indigenous Peoples in resource development: A policy framing approach
Authors: Boyd Brendan , Lorefice Sophie
Published: December 2018

Canada’s legal system has repeatedly ruled that the Crown has a duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples when approving and shaping resource development projects that are located on their land or could infringe on their rights. Yet, there are still incidences where Indigenous communities and organizations find formal consultation processes, and the approach to engagement taken by industry and government, to be lacking. We use insights from the policy studies literature to argue that generating more evidence and analysis about the benefits and impacts of development is unlikely to improve consultation and engagement processes or resolve resource development disputes. We suggest that a policy framing approach, which examines how the different actors frame or define controversial and intractable policy problems, can provide insight into why disputes occur. We examine publicly available documents and statements about consultation and engagement produced by Indigenous groups, Canadian governments, and industry to identify and compare how these groups are likely to frame resource development and consultation activities.
Municipal‐Indigenous relations in Saskatchewan: Getting started in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert
Authors: Heritz Joanne
Published: December 2018

Most of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples reside in urban centres, yet they remain politically under‐represented in municipal governance structures, such as in Saskatchewan, where they have a significant population base. Through a qualitative case‐study of Municipal‐Indigenous relationships, this study aims to map the political representation of Indigenous Peoples within municipal governance structures in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. Based on interviews and supporting documents, this article analyzes Municipal‐Indigenous relations based on the following: governance interface between municipal government and Indigenous Peoples; Indigenous culture as municipal asset; economic and social development; and urban reserves, service agreements, and regional relationships. The analysis reveals that the three municipalities, by varying degrees, lag in substantive relationship building with Indigenous communities.
Remaining populations of an upland stream fish persist in refugia defined by habitat features at multiple scales
Authors: Dunn Corey G. , Angermeier Paul L.
Published: December 2018

Aim

Conserving stream biota could require strategies that preserve habitats conveying resistance to ecological impacts of changing land use and climate. Retrospective analyses of species’ responses to anthropogenic disturbances can inform such strategies. We developed a hierarchical framework to contrast environmental conditions underlying persistence versus extirpation of an imperilled stream fish, Candy Darter (Etheostoma osburni), over decades of changing land use. The decline of E. osburni may broadly represent the challenge of conserving sensitive freshwater species in intensively used upland environments.

Location

New River drainage, Appalachian Mountains, USA.

Methods

We surveyed fish and habitat in historically occupied sites to identify population refugia, and used multivariate and spatial analyses to address three questions: (a) what are the environmental correlates of refugia? (b) are the pathways by which land use impacts instream habitat constrained by catchment‐ and/or segment‐scale features? and (c) are E. osburni distributional dynamics spatially structured and explained by fine sediment and warm stream temperatures?

Results

We confirmed a recently localized distribution similar to other upland species, marked by at least seven extirpations from streams throughout E. osburni's southern range. Catchment‐scale features primarily constrained land use and finer‐scale habitat, leading to either extirpations or population‐supporting refugia defined by features at multiple scales. Refugium habitats contained cooler temperatures and less fine sediment. Rare mismatches between persistence and habitat suitability were explained by network location, suggesting unmeasured environmental gradients and/or dispersal contributed to distributional dynamics.

Main conclusions

We provided insight at multiple spatial scales into how aquatic species’ distributions become fragmented and localized. Our results demonstrate that natural landscape heterogeneity imparts spatially variable resistance of sensitive species to intensive land uses. By recognizing the scale‐specific features that buffer populations from extirpation, conservation strategies could be tailored to protect naturally occurring refugium habitats and focus restoration in systems where such habitats are broadly lacking.
Is there still a role for intravenous thrombolysis in the era of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute intracranial large artery occlusions?
Authors: Uyttenboogaart M.
Published: December 2018

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this volume.
Validation of the bait test with rhododendron leaves forPhytophthora ramorum
Authors: Junker C. , Pfaff A. , Werres S.
Published: December 2018

A bait test with leaves ofRhododendron‘Cunningham's White’ andRhododendron‘Catawbiense Grandiflorum’ was validated for the detection ofPhytophthora ramorumaccording toEPPOStandard PM 7/98 (2)Specific requirements for laboratories preparing accreditation for plant pest diagnostic activities(EPPO, 2014). The bait test was validated with zoospores and agar cultures as inocula for the parameters ‘frequency of leaves with necrosis’, ‘size of necrosis’ and ‘isolation rate’. In addition, the influence of the month of collection of bait leaves on the parameters was studied.
Prospective, randomised clinical trial of four different presurgical hand antiseptic techniques in equine surgery
Authors: Biermann N. M. , McClure J. T. , Sanchez J. , Saab M. , Doyle A. J.
Published: December 2018

Background

Currently, the World Health Organization recommends the use of alcohol‐based hand rubs (ABR) for surgical hand preparation in human surgery. When disinfecting soaps are used, a rubbing technique causes less skin irritation than brush scrubbing. Based on a recent survey, most equine surgeons still use disinfecting soap. The efficacy of scrubbing vs. rubbing and the use of sole ABR compared with chlorhexidine (CHx)‐ based products has not been evaluated in the equine surgical setting.

Objectives

To compare four surgical hand antisepsis techniques in equine surgery for reduction of aerobic bacterial counts from pre‐ to post‐preparation (immediate efficacy) and at the end of surgery (sustained efficacy).

Study design

Randomised, prospective clinical trial.

Methods

A 4% CHx‐based product applied with either a scrub or rub technique, one sole ABR (ET; 80% ethanol) and one CHx/alcohol‐combination (CHx/ET; 1% CHx and 61% ethanol) product both applied with a rub technique were evaluated. Samples were collected by glove juice technique and cultured on 3M™ Petrifilm plates and counted using a 3M™ Petrifilm plate reader.

Results

Immediate mean bacterial log10 colony forming unit (CFU) reduction was 2.4 for CHx‐scrub, 2.8 for CHx‐rub, 3.1 for CHx/ET and 2.1 for ET. CHx/ET resulted in significantly lower bacterial counts than CHx‐scrub (P<0.005) and ET (P<0.001) while CHx‐rub resulted in significantly lower counts than ET (P<0.001). At the end of surgery bacterial counts were the lowest for CHx‐rub, significantly lower than CHx/ET (P<0.001) and ET (P<0.001). There was no difference between CHx‐rub and ‐scrub techniques (P = 0.7).

Main limitations

Bacterial counts were used as the outcome measure rather than prevalence of surgical site infection, and the effect of hand preparation on skin health was not assessed.

Conclusions

ABR did not decrease bacterial log10CFU counts more effectively than CHx products. When using CHx soaps in the equine setting, hand‐rub is as effective as a hand‐scrub‐technique.
Challenging the European southern refugium hypothesis: Species‐specific structures versus general patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation among small mammals
Authors: Pedreschi Debbi , García‐Rodríguez Oxala , Yannic Glenn , Cantarello Elena , Diaz Anita , Golicher Duncan , Korstjens Amanda H. , Heckel Gerald , Searle Jeremy B. , Gillingham Phillipa , Hardouin Emilie A. , Stewart John R.
Published: December 2018

Aim

In this study, we conduct a quantitative meta‐analysis to investigate broad patterns of genetic variation throughout large geographical regions in order to elucidate concordant geographical patterns across species and identify common historical processes to better inform the “cryptic refugia” versus the traditional “southern refugia” hypothesis debate.

Location

Europe.

Time period

Late Pleistocene to present day.

Major taxa studied

Small mammals (Rodentia, Eulipotyphla).

Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed on large‐scale patterns of genetic diversity for 19 species from 59 papers. For each species, haplotype and nucleotide diversity were calculated using the mitochondrial D‐loop and compared to the species’ range.

Results

No consistent patterns were observed between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity indices (nucleotide and haplotype diversity) and any of the indicators of distribution examined [latitude and longitude (max, min, centre, range)]. The patterns of genetic diversity observed in all the 19 species studied appear to be species‐specific.

Main conclusions

In contrast to the traditional southern refugial hypotheses, we found no evidence for a consistent south–north post‐glacial expansion. Instead individual species appear to respond to climate oscillations in niche‐specific ways. This individual nature of each species’ phylogeographical history indicates a complex web of post‐glacial recolonization dynamics across Europe.
Design and validation of a “Peristomal Lesion Scale” for peristomal skin assessment
Authors: Menin Giulia , Roveron Gabriele , Barbierato Maria , Peghetti Angela , Zanotti Renzo
Published: December 2018

Many people in Italy undergo ostomy because of illness, and this can have negative psychological and physical effects. It is estimated that 15%–43% of ostomates suffer from skin complications in the peristomal area. During their life, many ostomates experience at least one peristomal lesion, and they turn to stomal therapy centres where trained nurses provide patient care and manage skin complications. To ensure a good quality of life for patients, and to take prompt action for the prevention and treatment of stomal lesions, it is essential to use appropriate assessment tools. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable peristomal skin assessment tool (Peristomal Lesion Scale [PLS]) for classifying lesions based on their severity; and to compare its validity with the most widely used peristomal tool in Italy, SACS. The new tool was designed by a team of experts, focusing on patients' demographics, clinical characteristics, and classification of the lesions by severity and topography. The results of this comparative validation study indicate that the PLS better discriminates lesions by their severity because of its level of detail, using a standardised terminology, and its completeness. The PLS is a valid tool for use in the daily work of stomal therapists.
Preprocedural imaging to guide transcoronary ethanol ablation for refractory septal ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Roca‐Luque Ivo , Rivas‐Gándara Nuria , Francisco‐Pascual Jaume , Rodriguez‐Sanchez Jose , Cuellar‐Calabria Hug , Rodriguez‐Palomares Jose , García‐Del Blanco Bruno , Pérez‐Rodon Jordi , Santos‐Ortega Alba , Rosés‐Noguer Ferran , Marsal Roger , Rubio Barbara , García David García‐Dorado , Moya Mitjans Angel
Published: December 2018

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RF) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) due to intramural foci has a high recurrence rate. Several techniques, such as bipolar ablation, irrigated needle ablation catheter, and retrograde coronary venous ethanol ablation have been suggested. Transarterial coronary ethanol ablation (TCEA) can also be effective. We present a case series of TCEA guided with preprocedural imaging to correlated coronary arteries and the intramural substrate.

Methods and Results

We present three consecutive patients with previous RF of septal VT (100% male; age, 72.6 ± 11.01 years; two patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one with mechanical aortic valve prosthesis) that underwent TCEA. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed in two patients and cardiac CT in all patients. Correlation of septal arteries with intramural substrate was analyzed before the procedure so TCEA was attempted according to this analysis. After last TCEA (6.3 ± 2.08 months) the VT burden was reduced in all patients (sum of all implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapies [antitachycardia pacing and shock] before and after TCEA, 15.8 ± 3.73 vs 0.97 ± 0.63 therapies/month; P = 0.02). No complications occurred during TCEA.

Conclusions

TCEA completely guided with previous magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan to select the coronary artery in relation to the substrate seems to be feasible as an alternative strategy in cases of intramural VT refractory to RF ablation.
No better than chance? Developments in predicting adolescent suicide, a commentary on Mars et al. (2018) and Beckman et al. (2018)
Authors: Sedgwick Rosemary , Ougrin Dennis
Published: December 2018

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged 10–24 globally (Patton et al., 2009) and it is therefore of vital importance that we understand more about how to identify those at risk. Many of those who proceed to die by suicide will not have interacted with mental health services (Kidger et al., 2012), and therefore predictors of suicide attempts and completed suicides are relevant not only to mental health services but also to schools and communities. Despite years of research, it continues to be challenging to identify those young people who undergo transition from thinking about suicide to attempting suicide as well as those young people who undergo transition from self‐harm to completed suicide. This commentary will look at the two accompanying papers by Mars et al. (2018) and Beckman et al. (2018); which seek to increase our understanding of which children and young people may proceed to engage with self‐harm and die by suicide.
Cellular retinol‐binding protein‐1 expression increases with increasing clinical severity of alopecia areata
Authors: Elmaadawy Eman , Elgarhy Lamia H , Shareef Mohammad
Published: December 2018

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is multifactorial disease mostly autoimmune affecting anagen hair follicles. Many researchers hypothesize that adequate retinoic acid (RA) levels are important for proper hair follicle behavior. Previous animal studies revealed increase in RA synthesis proteins and decrease in RA degradation proteins in AA patients when compared with controls.

Objective

To evaluate cellular retinol‐binding protein‐1 expression in lesional skin of alopecia areata in comparison with controls, in an attempt to know its role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata .

Methods

Immunohistochemical expression of cellular retinol‐binding protein‐1 CRBP1 was evaluated in skin biopsies taken from lesions of alopecia areata in 30 patients and 10 normal biopsy specimens taken from skin of healthy controls (HC) who were within the same age and sex.

Results

CRBP1 expression was significantly increased in lesional alopecia areata skin in comparison with normal skin of controls (P < 0.001*). Significant positive correlation was found between expression of CRBP‐1 and percentage of hair loss in the scalp (SALT score; r = 0.840, P = <0.001).

Conclusion

These results may enhance the idea of the possible role of CRBP1 in the pathogenesis of AA, and ensuring the importance of its level in AA treatment.
Intonation, identity and contact‐induced change among Polish‐speaking migrants in the U.K.
Authors: Kozminska Kinga
Published: December 2018

This article examines intonational variation in a language contact situation. The study contributes to sociolinguistic research on the social meaning of intonational variation (Podesva; Levon). Intonation is studied in a multilingual context of global mobility: within a group of Polish‐speaking migrants in Britain who, thanks to cheap transportation and new channels of communication, could make use of linguistic resources unlimited by territorial boundaries from the beginning of their transnational experience. The study shows that speakers with seemingly similar linguistic and cultural profiles make use of intonation patterns in different ways in the context of the narrative of the self: speakers oriented towards the global economy and the English‐speaking world incorporate a mainly English intonational pattern, the fall‐rise, with increased frequency to do interactional work that it does in English, while other groups maintain Standard Polish norms. As shown, intonational variation participates in the creation of fluid identities that blur linguistic and sociocultural boundaries.
Comparison of 2 differently sized endoscopic biopsy forceps in the evaluation of intestinal disease in cats
Authors: Bottero Enrico , Mussi Emanuele , Pieramati Camillo , De Lorenzi Davide , Silvestri Serenella , Lepri Elvio
Published: December 2018

Background

In clinical practice, histopathological diagnosis of chronic intestinal disease is challenging because of difficulty in obtaining adequate duodenal samples. At present, no studies have investigated the influence of biopsy forceps size on sample quality in cats.

Objectives

Duodenal biopsy using larger biopsy forceps (2.4 mm) will provide higher quality samples.

Animals

Fifty client‐owned cats underwent endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract for evaluation of chronic gastrointestinal signs, with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or intestinal lymphoma as differential diagnoses.

Methods

For each cat, duodenal biopsy specimens were obtained using both small (1.8 mm) and large (2.4 mm) forceps and evaluated for adequacy, orientation, the presence of artifacts, villi morphology, the presence of inflammation, and neoplastic infiltration.

Results

The percentage of adequate and evaluable biopsy specimens obtained using the larger forceps was significantly higher than that collected using the smaller forceps. Agreement between the forceps was variable for histological features and substantial in the case of lymphoma. However, in case of disagreement, the proper diagnosis usually was achieved only with the larger biopsy forceps.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Use of a larger biopsy forceps allows collection of a higher percentage of adequate and evaluable biopsy specimens compared to the commonly used smaller forceps and indirectly decreases the percentage of artifacts and increases the percentage of samples with evaluable villi. The use of a larger forceps could be helpful to obtain high‐quality samples and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Use of praziquantel to control platyhelminth parasites of fish
Authors: Bader Chris , Starling David E. , Jones Douglas E. , Brewer Matthew T.
Published: December 2018

Fish are common definitive and intermediate hosts for a variety of parasitic flatworms. In unstressed wild populations, parasitic infections often go unnoticed and are perceived to represent a lesser threat to fish health. In contrast, platyhelminth parasitism of captive fish often results in decreased weight gain and increased mortality which often necessitates chemotherapeutic treatment. The presence of platyhelminth parasites in fish tissues is not only unappealing but in some cases also represents a threat to human health. In veterinary medicine, one of the most commonly used agents with anti‐flatworm activity is praziquantel; yet, no praziquantel products are labeled for use in fish in the United States. Veterinarians may use praziquantel preparations approved for other vertebrate species under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA). However, such extra‐label use should be informed by scientific evidence including efficacy and tissue residue studies. Herein, we review studies testing the efficacy of praziquantel for treatment of platyhelminthes along with an assessment of routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity information.
Neuropsychological Differences Among Students With Learning Difficulties, Without Learning Difficulties, and With High Capacity
Authors: Martín‐Lobo Pilar , Santiago‐Ramajo Sandra , Vergara‐Moragues Esperanza
Published: December 2018

Progress in applied neuroscience and neuropsychology in the educational context has revealed efficient methodologies for preventing academic failure and developing the potential of students. The aim of this work is to adopt a neuropsychological perspective to study learning‐related differences between students with learning difficulties (LD), without LD, and with high capacity. We evaluated visual, auditory, motor, touch, writing, language, and memory functionality in 156 students between 5 and 8 years of age. The results of the 3 × 4 factorial analysis (p < .01) and the effect size (η2p) indicate a medium‐large interaction effect between the three groups of subjects and the school year (most of the students with LD have lower scores in the neuropsychological areas evaluated than students with high abilities). These findings also hint at novel research areas for preventing academic failure and developing student capacities from a neuropsychological perspective based on basic cognitive functions.
Clinicopathologic study on a rare variant of ameloblastoma with basal cell features
Authors: You Zhu , Sun Lisha , Yan Xiaocui , Zhang Jianyun , Du Jing , Li Tiejun , Zhao Huaqiang
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To investigate the clinical features, pathologic manifestations, and biologic behaviors of a variant of ameloblastoma with basal cell features (AM‐BC).

Materials and methods

Following retrospective review of the clinical and pathological data of six cases of AM‐BC, we described their histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features and discussed the biologic behaviors, prognoses, pathogenesis, and clinical relevance of AM‐BC. Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products was also performed in all cases.

Results

The six cases of AM‐BC involved four women and two men, aged 22–82 years. Four lesions occurred in the maxilla and two in the mandible. Histologically, the basal cells tended to be arranged as unequally sized follicles, strands, or cords of odontogenic epithelium in the connective tissue stroma. Little or no stellate reticulum was present in the central portion of the nest. Expression of CKs was consistent with other histological variants of ameloblastoma (AM), but AM‐BC had significantly higher p53 and Ki‐67 (p < 0.05) labeling indices than other histological variants of AM. Two patients had BRAF gene mutations.

Conclusion

Ameloblastoma with basal cell features is a very rare variant of AM. Our study showed the differences and relationships that exist between AM‐BC and other variants of AM, which could enhance understanding of AM‐BC.
Effects of Xerostom® products on xerostomia in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: López‐Pintor Rosa María , Ramírez Lucía , Serrano Julia , de Pedro Miguel , Fernández‐Castro Mónica , Casañas Elisabeth , Hernández Gonzalo
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To assess the effects of Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthwash in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients with xerostomia.

Subjects and Methods

A double‐blinded, randomized study where patients were assigned at baseline test or control products. Patients used the products 3 times/day/28 days. We used a visual analogue scale (VAS) for xerostomia and an Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14), baseline and after treatment, to assess possible improvement.

Results

A total of 28 patients with pSS were included in this study, but only 24 finished it (all women, mean age 55.21 ± 11.87), and 13 patients received the test and 11 the control. VAS and OHIP‐14 scores decreased in both groups after treatment but significant differences between groups were not found. We do not detect VAS intragroup significant differences before and after treatment in test and control groups. A significant improvement in OHIP‐14 was identified in the treatment group, while no significant differences were observed in the control group. No adverse effects were present.

Conclusions

Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthrinse may alleviate and improve quality of life without associated side effects, but further research with a larger number of participants and follow‐up are necessary to establish the positive efficacy of these topical products in pSS patients.
The impact of pediatric atopic dermatitis on families: A review
Authors: Yang Eric J. , Beck Kristen M. , Sekhon Sahil , Bhutani Tina , Koo John
Published: December 2018

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an extremely common childhood disease, with considerable impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. While pruritus is the hallmark symptom of this disease, AD has been well‐documented to impact patients beyond physical symptoms, resulting in behavior problems, mood disorders, and sleep disturbance.

Objective

This literature review outlines how atopic dermatitis impacts the quality of life of families of children affected by AD.

Methods

A total of 3436 articles were identified via an online search of the MEDLINE health literature database and were screened for relevance to quality of life impacts on families with children affected by AD.

Results

Caring for children affected by AD can be an extremely time‐consuming task that can impair personal relationships, decrease psychosocial functioning, and cause sleep loss among family members of affected patients. Additionally, AD may result in work absence or decreased work productivity for caregivers. Special diets, irritant and allergen avoidance strategies, and alternative therapies are commonly used by patients to manage their disease and require large amounts of family involvement.

Conclusions

Atopic dermatitis can greatly decrease quality of life of families of affected children in various domains, including sleep, finances, and relationships. Early intervention and psychotherapy may be needed in some patients to address these quality of life impairments.
“Slime” dermatitis, a fad‐associated chronic hand dermatitis
Authors: Kondratuk Katherine E. , Norton Scott A.
Published: December 2018

“Slime” is the colloquial name for a non‐Newtonian viscoelastic putty‐like substance that is currently a popular plaything among pre‐teens and adolescents. Several ingredients in homemade slime recipes may cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. We report two children who developed slime‐associated chronic hand dermatitis, more prominently on their dominant hand. We review the potential for irritant and allergic contact dermatoses as the causes of dermatitis associated with homemade slime.
Crossing the line: Sexual misconduct by nurses reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank
Authors: AbuDagga Azza , Wolfe Sidney M. , Carome Michael , Oshel Robert E.
Published: December 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine nurse sexual‐misconduct–related reports in the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and to compare them with reports for other types of offenses.

Design and Population

We analyzed NPDB’s reports of adverse state nursing board licensure actions and malpractice payments for all nurses from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2016.

Results

Overall, 882 nurses had sexual‐misconduct–related reports. Most were aged 35–54 (63.2%), male (63.2%), and registered or advanced practice nurses (61.5%). The disciplinary actions noted in the 988 nurse sexual‐misconduct–related licensure reports were more frequently serious than those noted in the 207,023 reports for other offenses committed by nurses (90.8% vs. 74.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). Of the 33 nurses with sexual‐misconduct–related malpractice‐payment reports, 48.5% were not disciplined by any state board of nursing for these offenses. Three‐quarters of the victims in the 47 sexual‐misconduct–related malpractice‐payment reports were female, with “emotional injury only” reported as the severity of injury in 91.5% of these reports.

Conclusions

Very few nurses have been reported to the NPDB due to sexual misconduct. We welcome a zero‐tolerance standard against sexual misconduct involving patients by all types of health care professionals, including nurses.
Arguments for European Disintegration: A Mobilization Analysis of Anti‐Immigration Speeches by U.K. Political Leaders
Authors: Portice Jennie , Reicher Stephen
Published: December 2018

In this article, we develop a mobilization analysis of contemporary antagonism to immigrants. We argue that such antagonism does not arise spontaneously from the cognitions of ordinary people but is mobilized by political actors. This leads us to ask why politicians mobilize such antagonisms and how they do so. Our analysis, illustrated by set piece speeches on immigration by the four main U.K. party political leaders in the period prior to the 2015 elections, suggests (1) that while these speeches are ostensibly about an intergroup issue, they equally serve intragroup dynamics, notably demonstrating how the speaker serves national interests and hence qualifies to serve as a national representative; (2) the way that speakers mobilize antagonism to immigrants is through construing a variety of forms of threat: spatial threat, economic threat, security threat, and diversity threat. We focus particularly on the last of these because of the ways in which it invokes social psychological arguments and hence speaks in our name. We conclude by raising issues of accountability—both of politicians and social psychologists—regarding the way we talk about immigration.
Emergence of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus in Italy: estimation of incidence and genetic diversity
Authors: Panno S. , Caruso A. G. , Troiano E. , Luigi M. , Manglli A. , Vatrano T. , Iacono G. , Marchione S. , Bertin S. , Tomassoli L. , Parrella G. , Davino S.
Published: December 2018

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus(ToLCNDV) is a bipartite begomovirus (familyGeminiviridae) identified for the first time in 1995 in Asia, from where it spread into several countries of the Mediterranean basin. ToLCNDVwas found in Spain in 2012, and subsequently in Tunisia and Italy. The first outbreak in Italy occurred at the end of 2015 in Trapani province (Sicily) on zucchini squashes. Then in 2016, ToLCNDVwas found in infected zucchini plants in Campania, Lazio and Sardinia regions, and in 2017 in Calabria. This study addressed the dispersion and genetic diversity of ToLCNDVisolates in Italy. A total of 1400 plants were analysed. Phylogenetic analysis showed low variability among the Italian isolates, probably as a consequence of the recent introduction and rapid spread of this virus in Italy. Two statistically significant clusters were reported: one grouping only Italian isolates and the other grouping Italian, Spanish, Tunisian and Moroccan isolates. Furthermore, the highest incidence of ToLCNDVwas observed in Sicily, although the disease also appears to be critical in other Italian regions. In this work, a high efficiency of ToLCNDVmechanical transmission intoCucurbita pepo,Cucumis melo inodorusandCucumis melo cantalupensishas been demonstrated. The rapid spread of ToLCNDVin the Mediterranean basin represents a threat for horticultural production, thus it is very important to develop suitable crop management practices, applying genetic resistance strategies and more restrictive phytosanitary measures.