bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permafrost thaw and intense thermokarst activity decreases abundance of stream benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: Chin Krista S. , Lento Jennifer , Culp Joseph M. , Lacelle Denis , Kokelj Steven V.
Published: January 2016

Intensification of permafrost thaw has increased the frequency and magnitude of large permafrost slope disturbances (mega slumps) in glaciated terrain of northwestern Canada. Individual thermokarst disturbances up to 40 ha in area have made large volumes of previously frozen sediments available for leaching and transport to adjacent streams, significantly increasing sediment and solute loads in these systems. To test the effects of this climate‐sensitive disturbance regime on the ecology of Arctic streams, we explored the relationship between physical and chemical variables and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in disturbed and undisturbed stream reaches in the Peel Plateau, Northwest Territories, Canada. Highly disturbed and undisturbed stream reaches differed with respect to taxonomic composition and invertebrate abundance. Minimally disturbed reaches were not differentiated by these variables but rather were distributed along a disturbance gradient between highly disturbed and undisturbed sites. In particular, there was evidence of a strong negative relationship between macroinvertebrate abundance and total suspended solids, and a positive relationship between abundance and the distance from the disturbance. Increases in both sediments and nutrients appear to be the proximate cause of community differences in highly disturbed streams. Declines in macroinvertebrate abundance in response to slump activity have implications for the food webs of these systems, potentially leading to negative impacts on higher trophic levels, such as fish. Furthermore, the disturbance impacts on stream health can be expected to intensify as climate change increases the frequency and magnitude of thermokarst.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in elders
Authors: Morales‐Bozo Irene , Ortega‐Pinto Ana , Rojas Alcayaga Gonzalo , Aitken Saavedra Juan P. , Salinas Flores Olga , Lefimil Puente Claudia , Lozano Moraga Carla , Manríquez Urbina José M. , Urzúa Orellana Blanca
Published: January 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in older participants.

Background

In elders, xerostomia is a permanent and progressive condition that significantly affects their quality of life. The treatment for progressive xerostomia is currently restricted to palliative measures, and saliva substitutes are indicated. A lack of evidence on the effectiveness of the saliva substitutes in the relief of symptoms of xerostomia has been reported.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐four elderly participants presenting xerostomia of diverse origin were selected. Herbal saliva substitute and carboxymethyl cellulose conventional saliva substitute were tested using a double‐blind, randomised, cross‐sectional clinical trial.

Results

Every participant of the study exhibited dry mouth sensation. A sensation of thick saliva was described in 59.5% of the participants. The need for liquid intake to swallow food, the sensation of difficulty in swallowing and the burning sensation in the tongue were observed in 54.1, 56.8 and 27.0% of the participants, respectively. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension, depressive symptoms and arthritis. Results of the clinical tests showed that the herbal saliva substitute produced a greater relief of dry mouth symptoms, thick saliva sensation and the sensation of difficulty in swallowing than the conventional substitute (Wilcoxon test p < 0.05).

Conclusions

New chamomile‐ and linseed‐based saliva substitute was effective in relieving xerostomia symptoms in older participants of this study.
Comparison of FIB‐4 index, NAFLD fibrosis score and BARD score for prediction of advanced fibrosis in adult patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta‐analysis study
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Cui Hongli , Li Ning , Wei Yanling , Lai Shujie , Yang Yang , Yin Xinru , Chen Dong‐Feng
Published: January 2016

Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)‐related advanced hepatic fibrosis is associated with liver and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aims to compare the FIB‐4 index, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and BARD score for prediction of advanced liver fibrosis.

Methods

Pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), summary receiver–operator curves (SROC) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to examine the accuracy of each non‐invasive scoring system for predicting NAFLD‐related advanced fibrosis.

Results

Four studies with 1038 adult patients were included in this meta‐analysis. A total of 135 patients (13.0%) had advanced fibrosis. In the FIB‐4 index group, pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence interval (CI), and the area under the ROC (AUROC) were 0.844 (0.772–0.901), 0.685 (0.654–0.716) and 0.8496 ± 0.0680, respectively, at a cut‐off of 1.30. At a threshold of 3.25, the same parameters were 0.38 (0.30–0.47), 0.96 (0.95–0.98) and 0.8445 ± 0.0981. At a cut‐off of −1.455, values were 0.77 (0.69–0.84), 0.70 (0.67–0.73) and 0.8355 ± 0.0667, respectively. At a 0.676 cut‐off, pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% CI were 0.27 (0.19–0.35) and 0.98 (0.96–0.98), respectively; and the AUROC was 0.647 ± 0.2208. In the BARD score group, pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% CI were 0.74 (0.66–0.81) and 0.66 (0.63–0.69), respectively; and the AUROC was 0.7625 ± 0.0285.

Conclusion

FIB‐4 index with a 1.30 cut‐off has better diagnostic accuracy than the FIB‐4 index with a 3.25 cut‐off, NFS and BARD score, despite showing its limited value for predicting NAFLD‐related advanced fibrosis.
The prevention of fish spoilage by high antioxidant Australian culinary plants: Shewanella putrefaciens growth inhibition
Authors: Wright Mitchell Henry , Matthews Ben , Arnold Megan Sarah Jean , Greene Anthony Carlson , Cock Ian Edwin
Published: January 2016

Shewanella putrefaciens is a marine bacterium and a major microbial cause of spoilage in low temperature stored seafood. A survey of fruits and culinary herbs was undertaken on Australian plants with high antioxidant capacities. Twenty‐eight extracts from thirteen plant species were investigated for the ability to inhibit S. putrefaciens growth. Of these, eight extracts (28.6%) substantially inhibited S. putrefaciens growth. The muntries (Kunzea pomifera), lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula) and desert lime (Citrus glauca) extracts were efficient anti‐S. putrefaciens agents, with MIC values ≤3000 μg mL−1. Of these, the muntries methanolic extract was the most potent growth inhibitor (MIC = 2240 μg mL−1). The aqueous desert lime extract was also an effective growth inhibitor (MIC of 3857 μg mL−1), whilst the methanolic bush tomato (Solanum aviculare), aqueous muntries and Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens) extracts displayed moderate S. putrefaciens growth inhibition. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values (>1000 μg mL−1). Nontargeted HPLC‐QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified twenty compounds that were present in both inhibitory muntries extracts. The low toxicity of these extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against S. putrefaciens indicates their potential as natural fish and seafood preservatives.
Adverse event monitoring of the human papillomavirus vaccines in Scotland
Authors: Cameron R. L. , Ahmed S. , Pollock K. G. J.
Published: January 2016

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are currently utilised globally in national immunisation programmes. While evidence from clinical trials and epidemiological studies suggest that the HPV vaccines are both effective and safe, concerns about the safety of the vaccine and scientifically unproven associations with severe adverse events following immunisation have led to dramatic decreases in vaccine uptake in Japan and acceptance issues in other countries.

Aim

In Scotland, we utilised hospital admissions data to assess the impact of the HPV immunisation programme on the incidence of 60 diagnoses between 2004 and 2014 in both girls and boys; with boys acting as a comparator group.

Methods

Tabular and graphical outputs of the number of admissions, the incidence and the incidence ratio of 59 diagnoses were created to assess trends before and after the introduction of the HPV vaccine. Data linkage was utilised to investigate further the increase in Bell palsy diagnoses.

Results

Fifty‐four diagnoses showed no change in incidence following the introduction of the national immunisation programme, and while small increases in incidence were observed for Bell palsy, coeliac disease, ovarian dysfunction, juvenile onset of type 1 diabetes, demyelinating disease and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, none was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous evidence, we present disaggregate data that reiterate the safety of both HPV vaccines.
Suicide in older people: Revisioning new approaches
Authors: Deuter Kate , Procter Nicholas , Evans David , Jaworski Katrina
Published: January 2016

This discussion paper identifies and examines several tensions inherent in traditional approaches to understanding older people's suicide. Predicted future increases in the absolute number of elderly suicides are subject to careful interpretation due to the underreporting of suicides in older age groups. Furthermore, a significant number of studies of older people's death by suicide examine risk factors or a combination of risk factors in retrospect only, while current approaches to suicide prevention in the elderly place disproportionate emphasis on the identification and treatment of depression. Taken together, such tensions give rise to a monologic view of research and practice, ultimately limiting our potential for understanding older people's experience of suicide and suicidal behaviour. New approaches are necessary if we are to move beyond the current narrow focus that prevails. Fresh thinking, which draws on older people's experience of attempting to die by suicide, might offer critical insight into socially‐constructed meanings attributed to suicide and suicidal behaviour by older people. Specifically, identification through research into the protective mechanisms that are relevant and available to older people who have been suicidal is urgently needed to effectively guide mental health nurses and health‐care professionals in therapeutic engagement and intervention.
Early Intervention for Children with Intellectual Disabilities: An Update
Authors: Guralnick Michael J.
Published: January 2016

This article provides an update on advances in both developmental and intervention science that have occurred in the field of early intervention for children with developmental delays in the past decade. From the perspective of developmental science, findings related to multiple and reciprocal pathways of influence on the development of children with delays that can inform early intervention practice are discussed. This is followed by a review of two prominent lines of early intervention research: promoting children's developm‐ent by enhancing parent‐sensitive responsiveness and improving children's cognitive and social outcomes in inclusive preschool settings. Merging policy initiati‐ves with our knowledge of developmental processes is discussed as the key to accelerating progress in the development of comprehensive early intervention systems.
‘I Know it was Every Week, but I Can't be Sure if it was Every Day: Domestic Violence and Women with Learning Disabilities
Authors: McCarthy Michelle , Hunt Siobhan , Milne‐Skillman Karen
Published: January 2016

Background

Domestic violence against women is well researched in the general population, but much less so in relation to women with learning disabilities. This qualitative research study interviewed 15 women with learning disabilities who had experienced domestic violence about their experiences, the impact of the violence on them and their children, their coping strategies and help seeking behaviour.

Materials and methods

Semistructured in‐depth interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Inter‐pretive Phenomenological Analysis. A service user advisory group helped at particular stages, notably at the formative stage and with dissemination, especially the production of accessible materials, including aDVD.

Results

The violence experienced by many of the women was severe and frequent. It impacted negatively on their physical and psychological well‐being. The women's awareness of refuges and others sources of help was generally low.

Conclusions

Healthcare and social care professionals have a clear remit to help women with learning disabilities to avoid and escape violent relationships.
The Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in West Pomeranian and Pomeranian Regions of Poland
Authors: Skonieczna‐Żydecka Karolina , Gorzkowska Izabela , Pierzak‐Sominka Joanna , Adler Grażyna
Published: January 2016

Background

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) varies worldwide from 1.4/10 000 children in the Arabian Peninsula to 185/10 000 children of Asian population. In Europe, the highest prevalence has been observed in Sweden, while the lowest in Croatia (115/10 000 and 2–3/10 000, respectively). There have been no epidemiological studies on the prevalence of ASD in Polish population. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of ASD in children aged 0–16 years, inhabitants of West Pomeranian and Pomeranian regions.

Material and Methods

In total, 2514 children (2038 males, 81.1%) were included. The estimates were based on the government registries, whereas data were obtained from Provincial Disability Services Commissions.

Results

The prevalence of ASD in children aged 0–16 years varies between two regions of Poland ‐ 32/10 000 in West Pomeranian and 38/10 000 in Pomeranian region.

Conclusions

The average prevalence of ASD was 35/10 000 children and was about 4‐fold higher in males (P < 0.05). More studies are necessary.
A rare study from the wintering grounds provides insight into the costs of malaria infection for migratory birds
Authors: Sorensen Marjorie C. , Asghar Muhammad , Bensch Staffan , Fairhurst Graham D. , Jenni‐Eiermann Susanne , Spottiswoode Claire N.
Published: January 2016

Malaria parasites can have strong effects on the population dynamics and evolution of migratory bird species. In many species, parasite transmission occurs on the wintering grounds, but studies to determine the consequences of infection have taken place during the breeding season, when malaria parasites circulate at chronic levels. We examined the predictors of malarial infections for great reed warblers during the northern winter in Africa, where active parasite transmission is thought to occur and naïve individuals experience acute infections. Counter to expectations, we found that winter infection intensities were lower than those encountered on the breeding grounds. One potential explanation is that reduced immune function during breeding allows parasites to persist at higher chronic intensities. We found no relationships between the incidence or intensity of infection on condition (as measured by scaled mass index, plasma metabolites, and feather corticosterone), spring migration departure dates, or home range sizes. We also tested a prediction of the Hamilton–Zuk hypothesis and found that male ornament (song) quality was unrelated to parasitic infection status. Overall, our results provide the first evidence that long‐distance migrants captured on their wintering grounds are in the chronic stage of infection, and suggest that winter studies may fare no better than breeding studies at determining the costs of acute malarial infection for great reed warblers.
Non‐compliance in Executive Compensation Disclosure: the Brazilian Experience
Authors: Costa Cristiano Machado , Galdi Fernando Caio , Motoki Fabio Y. S. , Sanchez Juan Manuel
Published: January 2016

We examine the determinants and consequences of firms’ choice not to comply with a new executive compensation disclosure regulation. We exploit a unique feature of Brazilian markets, where a change in the regulation of executive compensation disclosure could arguably lead to personal security‐related costs for executives. This major reform in executive compensation disclosure in Brazil became effective in December 2009. While some firms complied with the change in regulation, other firms explicitly refused to comply fully with the regulation by using a court injunction. After controlling for firm‐specific characteristics and both social and economic inequality measures, we find that the degree of criminality in the state in which the firm is headquartered (a proxy for security‐related costs) and the level of CEO compensation are important determinants of a firm's decision not to fully disclose executive compensation information. We also show that firms which do not fully comply with the regulation face costs in the form of higher bid‐ask spreads, suggesting investors are leery of the decision not to comply with the regulation. We discuss the potential implications of our results in the context of executive compensation disclosure reform.
Combining pheromone and kairomones for effective trapping of the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis
Authors: Álvarez G. , Gallego D. , Hall D. R. , Jactel H. , Pajares J. A.
Published: January 2016

Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a secondary wood borer that acquired primordial importance since it was identified as the European vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD). An effective trapping method is needed as a tool for managing this insect vector and allowing early detection of nematode transportation. Among effective attractants identified in recent years are the specific M. galloprovincialis aggregation pheromone, host pine kairomones such as α‐pinene and bark beetle kairomones like ipsenol and methyl‐butenol. The main objective of this study was to optimize the combination of these volatiles to improve lure attractiveness and specificity. Based on ten complementary field experiments, we found a pheromone dose‐response of trap catches. The best combination of attractants was the aggregation pheromone plus two bark beetle kairomones, ipsenol and methyl‐butenol. Addition of pine terpenes, such as α‐pinene, did not significantly improve M. galloprovincialis trap capture, but did increase catch of non target species, including natural enemies. The use of pine terpenes would be advisable only if priorizing to maximize removal of vectors. While this research has lead to the development a new, highly attractive commercial lure for mature pine sawyers, none of the tested blends were successful in attracting immature pine sawyer adults. Further investigation is needed to develop attractants for these beetles.
Global Implications of China's Future Food Consumption
Authors: Yu Yang , Feng Kuishuang , Hubacek Klaus , Sun Laixiang
Published: January 2016

Rapid economic growth and urbanization in China have led to a substantial change in consumption patterns and diet structure of Chinese consumers over the past few decades. A growing demand for feed, fuel, and fiber also places intense pressure on land resources. With continuing growth of China's economy and migration from rural to urban, the increase in food consumption and change in diet structure will likely continue, which will not only impose pressure on domestic land resources, but also exert impact on land resources in other countries through import. This article applies a global multiregion input‐output (MRIO) model to trace agricultural land use along global supply chains and examines the impact of China's future food consumption on global land use in 2030 against different socioeconomic and technological scenarios. Our scenarios show that by 2030, China would need an additional 21% of cropland to support its increasing food demand, driven by population growth, urbanization, and income growth and the associated diet structure change. Almost one third of cropland associated with household consumption (34 million hectares [Mha]) will be “outsourced” to foreign countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Thailand, for the consumption of cereal grains, soybeans, and paddy rice. China also consumes 2.4 Mha of cropland from Africa for its consumption of cereal grains and oil seeds. The dependence of domestic consumption on significant amounts of foreign cropland shows that China would face serious challenges to meet its grain self‐sufficiency policy in the future, and, at the same time, this dependence would contribute to environmental and food security problems elsewhere.
Caring for Women Experiencing Reproductive Coercion
Authors: Grace Karen Trister
Published: January 2016

Reproductive coercion is behavior that interferes with a woman's decision making regarding reproductive health. It may consist of contraception sabotage and/or pressure to either carry a pregnancy to term or to have an abortion. Reproductive coercion may coexist with intimate partner violence and be associated with higher rates of unintended pregnancy. Midwives and other women's health care providers can play an integral role in identifying reproductive coercion and implementing harm‐reduction strategies.
Aphasia in Persian: Implications for cognitive models of lexical processing
Authors: Bakhtiar Mehdi , Jafary Reyhane , Weekes Brendan S.
Published: January 2016

Current models of oral reading assume that different routes (sublexical, lexical, and semantic) mediate oral reading performance and reliance on different routes during oral reading depends on the characteristics of print to sound mappings. Studies of single cases of acquired dyslexia in aphasia have contributed to the development of such models by revealing patterns of double dissociation in object naming and oral reading skill that follow brain damage in Indo‐European and Sino‐Tibetan languages. Print to sound mapping in Persian varies in transparency because orthography to phonology translation depends uniquely on the presence or absence of vowel letters in print. Here a hypothesis is tested that oral reading in Persian requires a semantic reading pathway that is independent of a direct non‐semantic reading pathway, by investigating whether Persian speakers with aphasia show selective impairments to object naming and reading aloud. A sample of 21 Persian speakers with aphasia ranging in age from 18 to 77 (mean = 53, SD = 16.9) was asked to name a same set of 200 objects and to read aloud the printed names of these objects in different sessions. As an additional measure of sublexical reading, patients were asked to read aloud 30 non‐word stimuli. Results showed that oral reading is significantly more preserved than object naming in Persian speakers with aphasia. However, more preserved object naming than oral reading was also observed in some cases. There was a moderate positive correlation between picture naming and oral reading success (p < .05). Mixed‐effects logistic regression revealed that word frequency, age of acquisition and imageability predict success across both tasks and there is an interaction between these variables and orthographic transparency in oral reading. Furthermore, opaque words were read less accurately than transparent words. The results reveal different patterns of acquired dyslexia in some cases that closely resemble phonological, deep, and surface dyslexia in other scripts – reported here in Persian for the first time.
Tool use in left brain damage and Alzheimer's disease: What about function and manipulation knowledge?
Authors: Jarry Christophe , Osiurak François , Besnard Jérémy , Baumard Josselin , Lesourd Mathieu , Croisile Bernard , Etcharry‐Bouyx Frédérique , Chauviré Valérie , Le Gall Didier
Published: January 2016

Tool use disorders are usually associated with difficulties in retrieving function and manipulation knowledge. Here, we investigate tool use (Real Tool Use, RTU), function (Functional Association, FA) and manipulation knowledge (Gesture Recognition, GR) in 17 left‐brain‐damaged (LBD) patients and 14 AD patients (Alzheimer disease). LBD group exhibited predicted deficit on RTU but not on FA and GR while AD patients showed deficits on GR and FA with preserved tool use skills. These findings question the role played by function and manipulation knowledge in actual tool use.
Bioscience learning in clinical placement: the experiences of pre‐registration nursing students
Authors: Fell Patricia Lynne , Dobbins Kerry , Dee Philip
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore student nurses’ views and experiences of bioscience learning in clinical placement. The study focused on (1) how relevant students perceive bioscience knowledge to their professional role; (2) what opportunities students have to apply bioscience knowledge during clinical placements; (3) what students perceive about the support they receive from placement mentors regarding bioscience learning.

Background

Bioscience knowledge is required for safe and effective practice but is an area that students find challenging. Clinical placements offer students the ideal environment to integrate bioscience into clinical decision making. There is, however, a lack of research addressing specifically students’ placement learning of bioscience.

Design

An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted.

Methods

The research involved two phases. In phase one predominantly quantitative data were collected via a survey. 112 final year BSc nursing students from across fields completed the survey (response rate = 66%). The results of this phase were then built upon by conducting three focus groups (n = 17) in a second qualitative research phase.

Results

Whilst students acknowledged the relevance of bioscience to their nursing role, this study suggests that its importance is not recognised as widely by practice educators. Findings highlight inconsistencies in the quality of mentor support, the opportunities for students to learn and the priority that bioscience is given in placement education.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the need for more explicit bioscience criteria in placement assessments and a greater level of mentor education to ensure more consistency in the standard of placement learning of bioscience.

Relevance to clinical practice

Providing insight into factors that influence student learning of bioscience during clinical placements provides focus on how higher education institutions and practice educators can better support students to confidently apply bioscience knowledge to deliver safe and effective patient care.
An evaluation of orthopaedic nurses' participation in an educational intervention promoting research usage – a triangulation convergence model
Authors: Berthelsen Connie Bøttcher , Hølge‐Hazelton Bibi
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe the orthopaedic nurses' experiences regarding the relevance of an educational intervention and their personal and contextual barriers to participation in the intervention.

Background

One of the largest barriers against nurses' research usage in clinical practice is the lack of participation. A previous survey identified 32 orthopaedic nurses as interested in participating in nursing research. An educational intervention was conducted to increase the orthopaedic nurses' research knowledge and competencies. However, only an average of six nurses participated.

Design

A triangulation convergence model was applied through a mixed methods design to combine quantitative results and qualitative findings for evaluation.

Methods

Data were collected from 2013–2014 from 32 orthopaedic nurses in a Danish regional hospital through a newly developed 21‐item questionnaire and two focus group sessions. Data were first analysed using descriptive statistics (stata 12.0) and qualitative manifest content analysis. Second, the results were compared, contrasted and interpreted using international literature.

Results

The nurses experienced the intervention as a new way to focus on nursing research in practice. However, some nurses were not able to see the relevance of research usage in clinical practice. Nursing research was not a top priority for the nurses and their personal barriers for research usage during their working day were prioritising patients’ and colleagues’ well‐being. Their colleagues’ and head section nurses' lack of acceptance regarding participation in the teaching session was a contextual barrier for the nurses.

Conclusion

The nurses were interested in participating in the intervention. However, some felt restricted by the research‐practice gap and by diverse personal and contextual barriers.

Relevance to clinical practice

The knowledge derived from this study has high clinical and practical relevance and is currently used to facilitate the nurses' research usage in the orthopaedic department setting, by working around the perceived barriers.
Individual and School‐Level Socioeconomic Gradients in Physical Activity in Australian Schoolchildren
Authors: Lewis Lucy , Maher Carol , Katzmarzyk Peter , Olds Timothy
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

We attempted to determine whether there was a socioeconomic gradient in 9‐ to 11‐year‐old Australian children's moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and whether school facilities or policies supporting physical activity were associated with school‐level socioeconomic status (SES) and MVPA.

METHODS

Children (N = 528) from 26 randomly selected schools participated in the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment. School‐level SES was determined by the Index of Community Socio‐Educational Advantage. MVPA was determined from 7‐day, 24‐hour accelerometry. School facilities (21 items) were evaluated with an objective school ground audit. School policies related to physical activity were collected (18 items) in a school administrator survey. Relationships among SES, MVPA, school facilities, and policies were examined using bivariate regression, correlation analyses, and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

There was a clear SES gradient in daily and in‐school MVPA. School facilities or physical activity policies were not associated with SES or in‐school MVPA, with the exception of presence of a sports field which was associated with lower SES schools (p = .02) and lower in‐school MVPA (p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

School‐built, policy, and resource environments are similar across different SES‐level schools. Therefore, some other mechanism must be underlying the SES gradients seen in MVPA participation in Australian children.
Low Frequency of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Canadian Youth: Findings From the 2012/2013 Youth Smoking Survey
Authors: Minaker Leia , Hammond David
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Frequent fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption is protective against some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases. This study explores self‐reported frequency of FV consumption in a nationally generalizable sample of Canadian youth in grades 6‐12.

METHODS

Data from grades 6‐12 students who participated in the 2012‐2013 Youth Smoking Survey (N = 47,203) were used to examine frequency of FV consumption. Logistic regression models were fitted to examine differences in meeting national FV intake recommendations by sociodemographic, student, and regional characteristics.

RESULTS

Approximately 10% of Canadian grade 6‐12 students met FV recommendations. Students in grades 6 and 7 had significantly higher odds of meeting recommendations relative to students in grades 8‐12. Students who reported achieving “mostly As” on their report cards had significantly higher odds of meeting FV recommendations relative to those receiving As and Bs, Bs and Cs, or Cs (OR = 0.71, OR = 0.53, and OR = 0.46, respectively, p < .0001 for each). Students in British Columbia and Ontario had higher odds of meeting recommendations relative to students in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 1 in 10 Canadian youth are meeting FV recommendations. Programs and policies to encourage FV consumption are required to help mitigate future health issues associated with inadequate FV consumption.
Combination of melatonin and Wnt‐4 promotes neural cell differentiation in bovine amniotic epithelial cells and recovery from spinal cord injury
Authors: Gao Yuhua , Bai Chunyu , Zheng Dong , Li Changli , Zhang Wenxiu , Li Mei , Guan Weijun , Ma Yuehui
Published: January 2016

Although melatonin has been shown to exhibit a wide variety of biological functions, its effects on promoting differentiation of neural cells remain unknown. Wnt signaling mediates major developmental processes during embryogenesis and regulates maintenance, self‐renewal, and differentiation of adult mammalian stem cells. However, the role of the noncanonical Wnt pathway during neurogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, the amniotic epithelial cells ( AECs) were isolated from bovine amnion and incubated with various melatonin concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 μm) and 5 × 10−5 m all‐trans retinoic acid (RA) for screening optimum culture medium of neural differentiation, compared with each groups, 1 μm melatonin and 5 × 10−5 m RA were selected to induce neural differentiation of AECs, and then siMT1, siMT2, oWnt‐4, and siWnt‐4 were expressed in AECs to research role of these genes in neural differentiation. Efficiency of neural differentiation was evaluated after expressed above genes using flow cytometry. Cell function of neural cells was demonstrated in vivo using spinal cord injury model after cell transplantation, and damage repair of spinal cord was assessed using cell tracking and Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale scores. Results demonstrated that melatonin stimulated melatonin receptor 1, which subsequently increased bovine amniotic epithelial cell vitality and promoted differentiation into neural cells. This took place through cooperation with Wnt‐4. Additionally, following cotreatment with melatonin and Wnt‐4, neurogenesis gene expression was significantly altered. Furthermore, single inhibition of melatonin receptor 1 or Wnt‐4 expression decreased expression of neurogenesis‐related genes, and bovine amniotic epithelial cell‐derived neural cells were successfully colonized into injured spinal cord, which suggested participation in tissue repair.
The two‐process model of sleep regulation: a reappraisal
Authors: Borbély Alexander A. , Daan Serge , Wirz‐Justice Anna , Deboer Tom
Published: January 2016

In the last three decades the two‐process model of sleep regulation has served as a major conceptual framework in sleep research. It has been applied widely in studies on fatigue and performance and to dissect individual differences in sleep regulation. The model posits that a homeostatic process (Process S) interacts with a process controlled by the circadian pacemaker (Process C), with time‐courses derived from physiological and behavioural variables. The model simulates successfully the timing and intensity of sleep in diverse experimental protocols. Electrophysiological recordings from the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) suggest that S and C interact continuously. Oscillators outside the SCN that are linked to energy metabolism are evident in SCN‐lesioned arrhythmic animals subjected to restricted feeding or methamphetamine administration, as well as in human subjects during internal desynchronization. In intact animals these peripheral oscillators may dissociate from the central pacemaker rhythm. A sleep/fast and wake/feed phase segregate antagonistic anabolic and catabolic metabolic processes in peripheral tissues. A deficiency of Process S was proposed to account for both depressive sleep disturbances and the antidepressant effect of sleep deprivation. The model supported the development of novel non‐pharmacological treatment paradigms in psychiatry, based on manipulating circadian phase, sleep and light exposure. In conclusion, the model remains conceptually useful for promoting the integration of sleep and circadian rhythm research. Sleep appears to have not only a short‐term, use‐dependent function; it also serves to enforce rest and fasting, thereby supporting the optimization of metabolic processes at the appropriate phase of the 24‐h cycle.
EEG spectral power in phasic and tonic REM sleep: different patterns in young adults and children
Authors: Simor Péter , Gombos Ferenc , Szakadát Sára , Sándor Piroska , Bódizs Róbert
Published: January 2016

Rapid eye movement sleep is composed of phasic and tonic periods, two distinguishable microstates in terms of arousal thresholds and sensory processing. Background electroencephalogram oscillations are also different between periods with (phasic state) and periods without (tonic state) eye movements. In Study 1, previous findings analysing electroencephalogram spectral power in phasic and tonic rapid eye movement sleep were replicated, and analyses extended to the high gamma range (52–90 Hz). In Study 2, phasic and tonic spectral power differences within a group of 4–8‐year‐old children were examined. Based on the polysomnographic data of 20 young adults, the phasic state yielded increased delta and theta power in anterior sites, as well as generally decreased high alpha and beta power in comparison to the tonic state. Moreover, phasic periods exhibited greater spectral power in the lower and the higher gamma band. Interestingly, children (n = 18) exhibited a different pattern, showing increased activity in the low alpha range during phasic periods. Moreover, during phasic in contrast to tonic rapid eye movement sleep, increased low and high gamma and enhanced low gamma band power emerged in anterior and posterior regions, respectively. The current findings show that spectral activity within the high gamma range substantially contributes to the differences between phasic and tonic rapid eye movement sleep, especially in adults. Moreover, the current data underscore the heterogeneity of rapid eye movement sleep, and point to marked differences between young adults and children regarding phasic/tonic electroencephalogram spectral power. These results suggest that the differentiation between phasic and tonic rapid eye movement periods undergoes maturation.
Serum, milk, and tissue monensin concentrations in cattle with adequate and potentially toxic dietary levels of monensin: pharmacokinetics and diagnostic interpretation
Authors: Puschner B. , Bautista A. C. , McKemie D. S. , Gallego S. M. , Woods L. W. , Moore C. E. , Knych H. K.
Published: January 2016

Used in both beef cattle and dairy cows, monensin can provide many health benefits but can, when unintended overexposures occur, result in adverse effects. Information on serum and tissue concentrations following overexposure and/or overt toxicosis which may aid in diagnostics and clinical outcome is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of monensin in biological specimens following oral exposure for 10 days to an approved dose (1 mg/kg) and a higher dose (5 mg/kg) of monensin given daily on a body weight basis to 10 dairy cows. No deaths were reported; cows receiving 5 mg/kg showed early signs of toxicosis including depression, decreased feed intake, and diarrhea after 4 days of exposure. Histopathological findings were minimal in most cows. Pharmacokinetic modeling of the detected serum concentrations for the 1 and 5 mg/kg dose groups determined the Cmax, Tmax, and t1/2λ to be 0.87 and 1.68 ng/mL, 2.0 and 1.0 h, and 1.76 and 2.32 days, respectively. Mixed regression models showed that the dose level and days since last dose were significantly associated with monensin concentrations in all four tissues, and with cardiac troponin levels. The high dose resulted in a significant elevation of monensin in tissues at approximately 4.7 times compared to the monensin concentrations in the tissues of animals from the low‐dose group. The cTnI concentrations in the high‐dose group were 2.1 times that of cTnI in the low‐dose group. Thus, the ability to diagnose monensin overexposure and/or toxicosis will improve from knowledge of biological monensin concentrations from this study.
The impact of medetomidine on the protein‐binding characteristics of MK‐467 in canine plasma
Authors: Bennett R. C. , Hokkanen J. , Raekallio M. R. , Vainio O. M.
Published: January 2016

This study determined the unbound fraction of the peripheral α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist MK‐467 alone and combined with medetomidine. MK‐467 (0.1, 1 and 10 μm) was incubated in canine plasma with and without medetomidine (molar ratio 20:1), with human serum albumin (HSA) and with α1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP). Rapid equilibrium dialysis was used for the measurement of protein binding. All samples were analysed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to obtain the unbound fraction (fu) of MK‐467. Unbound fractions (fu) of MK‐467 in canine plasma (mean ± standard deviation) were 27.6 ± 3.5%, 26.6 ± 0.9% and 42.4 ± 1.2% at 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μm concentrations, respectively. In the presence of medetomidine, fu were 27.5 ± 0.4%, 26.6 ± 0.9% and 41.0 ± 2.4%. The fu of MK‐467 in HSA were 50.1 ± 2.5% at 0.1 μm, 49.4 ± 1.2% at 1.0 μm and 56.7 ± 0.5% at 10 μm. fu of MK‐467 in AGP was 56.3 ± 3.7% at 0.1 μm, 54.6 ± 5.6% at 1.0 μm and 65.3 ± 0.4% at 10 μm. Protein binding of MK‐467 was approximately 70% between 0.1 and 1.0 μm. Medetomidine had no apparent effect on the protein binding of MK‐467.
A framework for partitioning plant rooting profiles from neighbours using multiple data types
Authors: Kropp Heather , Ogle Kiona , Wojciechowski Martin F.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Vertical root distributions (‘profiles’) influence plant water use and productivity, and the differentiation of root profiles between neighbouring species can indicate the degree of plant interactions and niche partitioning. However, quantifying multiple species' root distributions in the field can be labour intensive and highly destructive to the soil and plants. We describe a method for partitioning multiple species roots using minimally destructive methods to determine if neighbour interactions alter the root profile of a common desert shrub, Larrea tridentata (creosote bush).

Location

Sonoran Desert, central Arizona, USA.

Methods

We obtained root and soil samples from soil cores collected around Larrea growing alone and next to three different neighbouring species. Bulk root mass was measured for each soil sample, and Larrea and neighbouring species root presence was determined with molecular identification methods. Water extracted from the soil and paired stem samples was analysed for its stable isotope composition (D and 18O). Species‐specific (i.e. Larrea and neighbouring species) root biomass and fractional active root area were estimated through a hierarchical statistical modelling approach that combined all three data sets and accounted for detection errors.

Results

The combined data model successfully partitioned Larrea root biomass from neighbouring plants and provided biologically relevant estimates of rooting profiles with greater certainty than individual analyses of each data source. The data model results indicate that plant neighbours alter Larrea's root profile; Larrea growing under tree species had significantly higher root biomass in shallow soil layers than Larrea growing alone.

Conclusions

Our framework requires minimally destructive sampling methods, and accounts for sampling errors associated with different methods. We demonstrate the utility of our approach with a common desert shrub species, which illustrated that plant neighbours can alter the Larrea vertical root profile. Our approach is useful in problematic study systems fraught with sample collection issues or supporting species with inhibitory compounds that prohibit the use of more sophisticated molecular methods to identify the presence of other species' roots.
Comparative jumping mechanics in plethodontid salamanders
Authors: Ryerson W. G. , Hessel A. L. , Whitenack L. B.
Published: January 2016

Plethodontid salamanders have a myriad of defense mechanisms with which to escape predation. One of the most poorly understood mechanisms is jumping, which is driven by lateral body bending; rapid straightening of the body propels the salamander into the air. One previous examination of jumping in one plethodontid salamander found little evidence of ontogenetic changes in the mechanics of jumping. Here, we investigate jumping in six species of plethodontid salamanders, across a wide array of body sizes. Comparing morphological and kinematic variables, jump height scaled with body size and forelimb length. Species differed in morphology, and when comparing kinematic variables across species, only bending duration differed. The lack of scaling patterns leads to several hypotheses, and further investigation of the morphology of the axial musculature is required.
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection, a new cardiovascular risk factor?
Authors: Domont Fanny , Cacoub Patrice
Published: January 2016

Among the large scope of extrahepatic manifestations related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, many studies recently evaluated the frequency and characteristics of cardiovascular involvement. To assess the current published data on HCV infection and cardiovascular diseases. Published studies on cardiovascular disease, i.e. cerebrovascular accident and ischaemic heart disease in subjects with HCV infection were analysed from literature databases. Subjects with HCV chronic infection have an increased prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis and increased intima‐media thickness compared to healthy controls or those with hepatitis B or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. Active chronic HCV infection appears as an independent risk factor for ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents. Active chronic HCV infection is associated with increased risk of ischaemic heart disease. In some studies, successful interferon‐based therapy showed a beneficial impact on the cardiovascular risk. The risk of major cardiovascular events is higher in patients with HCV infection compared to controls, independent of the severity of the liver disease or the common cardiovascular risk factors. The beneficial impact of interferon‐based therapy needs to be confirmed with new direct antiviral interferon‐free agents in prospective studies with extended follow‐up