bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A microscopy study of hyphal growth of Penicillium rubens on gypsum under dynamic humidity conditions
Authors: van Laarhoven Karel A. , Huinink Hendrik P. , Adan Olaf C. G.
Published: March 2016

To remediate indoor fungal growth, understanding the moisture relations of common indoor fungi is crucial. Indoor moisture conditions are commonly quantified by the relative humidity (RH). RH is a major determinant of the availability of water in porous indoor surfaces that fungi grow on. The influence of steady‐state RH on growth is well understood. Typically, however, the indoor RH constantly changes so that fungi have to endure frequent periods of alternating low and high RH. Knowledge of how common indoor fungi survive and are affected by the low‐RH periods is limited. In particular, the specific effects of a drop in RH on the growth of the mycelium remain unclear. In this work, video microscopy was used to monitor hyphal growth of Penicillium rubens on gypsum substrates under controlled dynamic humidity conditions. The effect of a single period of low RH (RH = 50–90%) interrupting favourable conditions (RH = 97%) was tested. It was found that hyphal tips ceased to extend when exposed to any tested decrease in RH. However, new hyphal growth always emerges, seemingly from the old mycelium, suggesting that this indoor fungus does not rely only on conidia to survive the humidity patterns considered. These findings are a fundamental step in unravelling the effect of RH on indoor fungal growth.
Increased Serum Level of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF‐15) is Associated with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wang Xia , Chen Lei‐Lei , Zhang Qing
Published: March 2016

Aim

There is evidence suggesting that inflammatory responses play a critical role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) is a stress‐responsive cytokine. It increases during inflammatory processes and is associated with cardiometabolic risk. However, the relation between GDF‐15 and CAD remains largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to evaluate serum GDF‐15 levels and predictive values in patients with CAD.

Methods

Serum levels of GDF‐15 in 105 patients with CAD and 96 healthy controls were measured by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gensini scores were used to assess severity of CAD. The correlations between the serum GDF‐15 levels and Gensini scores were examined using Spearman's correlation. Receivers operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the predictive values of GDF‐15 levels.

Results

We found that serum GDF‐15 levels were significantly increased in CAD group compared with healthy controls group (P < 0.001). Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between GDF‐15 and the Gensini score (r = 0.85, P < 0.001). Moreover, the area under the ROC curve assay yielded a satisfactory result of 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.94–0.98; P < 0.001), and the serum GDF‐15 level had a 80.0% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity for predicting CAD.

Conclusions

These data suggested that increased GDF‐15 levels were positively associated with CAD, and GDF‐15 might be a useful adjunct in discriminating CAD.
Meta‐Analysis of Gene Expression Patterns in Animal Models of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Suggests Role for Protein Synthesis Inhibition and Chromatin Remodeling
Authors: Rogic Sanja , Wong Albertina , Pavlidis Paul
Published: March 2016

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in an array of morphological, behavioral, and neurobiological deficits that can range in their severity. Despite extensive research in the field and a significant progress made, especially in understanding the range of possible malformations and neurobehavioral abnormalities, the molecular mechanisms of alcohol responses in development are still not well understood. There have been multiple transcriptomic studies looking at the changes in gene expression after PAE in animal models; however, there is a limited apparent consensus among the reported findings. In an effort to address this issue, we performed a comprehensive re‐analysis and meta‐analysis of all suitable, publically available expression data sets.

Methods

We assembled 10 microarray data sets of gene expression after PAE in mouse and rat models consisting of samples from a total of 63 ethanol (EtOH)‐exposed and 80 control animals. We re‐analyzed each data set for differential expression and then used the results to perform meta‐analyses considering all data sets together or grouping them by time or duration of exposure (pre‐ and postnatal, acute and chronic, respectively). We performed network and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis to further characterize the identified signatures.

Results

For each subanalysis, we identified signatures of differential expressed genes that show support from multiple studies. Overall, the changes in gene expression were more extensive after acute EtOH treatment during prenatal development than in other models. Considering the analysis of all the data together, we identified a robust core signature of 104 genes down‐regulated after PAE, with no up‐regulated genes. Functional analysis reveals over representation of genes involved in protein synthesis, mRNA splicing, and chromatin organization.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis shows that existing studies, despite superficial dissimilarity in findings, share features that allow us to identify a common core signature set of transcriptome changes in PAE. This is an important step to identifying the biological processes that underlie the etiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Indigenous Australians with non–small cell lung cancer or cervical cancer receive suboptimal treatment
Authors: Whop Lisa J , Bernardes Christina M , Kondalsamy‐Chennakesavan Srinivas , Darshan Deepak , Chetty Naven , Moore Suzanne P , Garvey Gail , Walpole Euan , Baade Peter , Valery Patricia C
Published: March 2016

Background

Lung cancer and cervical cancer are higher in incidence for Indigenous Australians and survival is worse compared with non‐Indigenous Australians. Here we aim to determine if being Indigenous and/or other factors are associated with patients receiving “suboptimal treatment” compared to “optimal treatment” according to clinical guidelines for two cancer types.

Methods

Data were collected from hospital medical records for Indigenous adults diagnosed with cervical cancer and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a frequency‐matched comparison group of non‐Indigenous patients in the Queensland Cancer Registry between January 1998 and December 2004. The two cancer types were analyzed separately.

Results

A total of 105 women with cervical cancer were included in the study, 56 of whom were Indigenous. Indigenous women had higher odds of not receiving optimal treatment according to clinical guidelines (unadjusted OR 7.1; 95% CI, 1.5–33.3), even after adjusting for stage (OR 5.7; 95% CI, 1.2–27.3). Of 225 patients with NSCLC, 198 patients (56% Indigenous) had sufficient information available to be analyzed. The odds of receiving suboptimal treatment were significantly higher for Indigenous compared to non‐Indigenous NSCLC patients (unadjusted OR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0–3.6) and remained significant after adjusting for stage, comorbidity and age (adjusted OR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–4.1).

Conclusions

The monitoring of treatment patterns and appraisal against guidelines can provide valuable evidence of inequity in cancer treatment. We found that Indigenous people with lung cancer or cervical cancer received suboptimal treatment, reinforcing the need for urgent action to reduce the impact of these two cancer types on Indigenous people.
Aflatoxin B1 impairs mitochondrial functions, activates ROS generation, induces apoptosis and involves Nrf2 signal pathway in primary broiler hepatocytes
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Wenjun
Published: March 2016

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known as a mycotoxin that causes various health problems in animals, but the precise mechanism of AFB1 on mitochondrial functions and apoptosis in primary broiler hepatocytes (PBHs) is not clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of AFB1 on the mitochondrial functions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐like factor 2 (Nrf2)‐related signal pathway in PBHs. Here, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ROS generation, antioxidative genes and apoptosis in PBHs induced by AFB1 were investigated. The results showed that AFB1 evoked mitochondrial ROS generation, decreased MMP and induced apoptosis in PBHs. AFB1 increased the percentage of apoptotic cells, and expression of caspase‐9 and caspase‐3, upregulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Nrf2 and downregulated mRNA expressions of NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase 1, superoxide dismutase and Heme oxygenase 1 in PBHs. The expression of Bax was also observed in cytoplasm. These findings suggested AFB1 results in a significant impairment of mitochondrial functions, activates ROS generation, induces apoptosis, and is involved in Nrf2 signal pathway through mitochondria ROS‐dependent signal pathways in PBHs.
Worry processes in patients with persecutory delusions
Authors: Startup Helen , Pugh Katherine , Dunn Graham , Cordwell Jacinta , Mander Helen , Černis Emma , Wingham Gail , Shirvell Katherine , Kingdon David , Freeman Daniel
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Worry may be common in patients with paranoia and a contributory causal factor in the occurrence of the delusions. A number of psychological mechanisms have been linked to the occurrence of worry in emotional disorders but these are yet to be investigated in psychosis. The primary aim of the study was to test the links between five main worry mechanisms – perseverative thinking, catastrophizing, stop rules, metacognitive beliefs, and intolerance of uncertainty – and the cognitive style of worry in patients with persecutory delusions.

Method

One hundred and fifty patients with persecutory delusions completed assessments of paranoia, worry, and worry mechanisms.

Results

Worry in patients with psychosis was associated with the following: a perseverative thinking style, an ‘as many as can’ stop rule, a range of metacognitive beliefs (cognitive confidence, worry as uncontrollable and the need to control thoughts), and intolerance of uncertainty. Higher levels of worry were associated with higher levels of paranoia. There was also evidence that intolerance of uncertainty and the metacognitive belief concerning the need to control thoughts were independently associated with paranoia.

Conclusions

Worry in patients with persecutory delusions may well be understood by similar underlying mechanisms as worry in emotional disorders. This supports the use of interventions targeting worry, suitably modified, for patients with psychosis.

Practitioner points

Worry is a significant concern for patients with paranoia

Worry in paranoia is likely to be caused by similar mechanisms as worry in emotional disorders

The results support the recent trial findings that standard techniques for treating worry in anxiety, suitably modified, are applicable for patients with paranoia

Limitations

The findings are limited by the self‐report nature of measures and by the study design which precludes any assumptions about the direction of causality between the psychological mechanisms and worry.
Effective Coverage Targets for Ocean Protection
Authors: O'Leary Bethan C. , Winther‐Janson Marit , Bainbridge John M. , Aitken Jemma , Hawkins Julie P. , Roberts Callum M.
Published: March 2016

The UN's globally adopted Convention on Biological Diversity coverage target for marine protected areas (MPAs) is ≥10% by 2020. In 2014, the World Parks Congress recommended increasing this to ≥30%. We reviewed 144 studies to assess whether the UN target is adequate to achieve, maximize, or optimize six environmental and/or socioeconomic objectives. Results consistently indicate that protecting several tens‐of‐percent of the sea is required to meet goals (average 37%, median 35%, modal group 21–30%), greatly exceeding the 2.18% currently protected and the 10% target. The objectives we examined were met in 3% of studies with ≤10% MPA coverage, 44% with ≤30% coverage, and 81% with more than half the sea protected. The UN's 10% target appears insufficient to protect biodiversity, preserve ecosystem services, and achieve socioeconomic priorities. As MPA coverages generated from theoretical studies inherently depend on scenario(s) considered, our findings do not represent explicit recommendations but rather provide perspective on policy goals.
Diagnostic value of haemoglobin A1c in post‐partum screening of women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kim K.‐S. , Kim S.‐K. , Cho Y.‐W. , Park S. W.
Published: March 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether women with gestational diabetes mellitus could be screened using HbA1c for glucose metabolism status at 6–12 weeks post‐partum.

Methods

We enrolled 699 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus from October 2005 to December 2013. A 75–g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c measurement were performed at 6–12 weeks after delivery.

Results

The prevalence of overt diabetes and pre‐diabetes were 5.2% (n = 36) and 49.1% (n = 343), respectively, when using the 75–g OGTT as the gold standard. HbA1c alone identified 2.9% (n = 20) as having overt diabetes and 32.2% (n = 225) as having pre‐diabetes. When American Diabetes Association cut‐offs were applied, the sensitivity and specificity for HbA1c to diagnose overt diabetes were 19.4% and 98.0%, respectively. Pre‐diabetes, according to the HbA1c criterion, had 41.2% sensitivity and 72.2% specificity. The misclassifications identified 97 positive differences, 233 negative differences and 369 ties (P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for detecting diabetes and pre‐diabetes were 0.615 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.515 to 0.716] and 0.588 (95% CI, 0.545 to 0.630), respectively.

Conclusions

HbA1c may not be sensitive enough for an accurate diagnosis, but it is highly specific for diagnosing overt diabetes at 6–12 weeks post‐partum in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus.
GET OUT THE (COSTLY) VOTE: INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION
Authors: Gerardi Dino , McConnell Margaret A. , Romero Julian , Yariv Leeat
Published: March 2016

We examine two commonly discussed institutions inducing turnout: abstention penalties (used in 32 countries) and lotteries rewarding one randomly chosen participant (as proposed on the 2006 Arizona ballot). We analyze a benchmark model in which voters vary in their information quality and participation is costly. We illustrate that both institutions can improve collective outcomes, though lotteries are a more effective instrument asymptotically. Experimentally, we provide strong evidence for selective participation: lab voters participate more when better informed or when institutionally induced. Lotteries fare better than fines, suggesting that they may be a useful alternative to commonly used compulsory voting schemes. (JEL C92, D72, D02)
Influence of enamel matrix derivative on healing of root surfaces after bonding treatment and intentional replantation of vertically fractured roots
Authors: Sugaya Tsutomu , Tomita Mahito , Motoki Youji , Miyaji Hirofumi , Kawamami Masamitsu
Published: March 2016

Background/Aim

The objectives of this study were to histopathologically evaluate cementum regeneration on root surfaces when an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) was used to bond a vertically fractured root and to evaluate the effectiveness of EMD in inhibiting root resorption.

Material and methods

A total of 40 roots from 24 maxillary premolars in beagles were used. The root was vertically fractured using a chisel and mallet. Super‐Bond was then used to bond the fractured root. In the experimental group, the root surface was treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and an EMD. The control group received no treatment. The root was then replanted in its original location. Histopathological observation and measurement using image‐analyzing software were carried out after 8 weeks.

Results

In the experimental group, shallow resorption cavities developed on the root planed surfaces with new acellular cementum appearing over them. In the control group, no new cementum was seen on the planed surfaces, and there was connective tissue joining the roots. In some of the samples, resorption and multinucleated giant cells were seen. The experimental group showed a significantly larger volume of cementum formation (P < 0.001), and the volume of root resorption was significantly smaller (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

When bonding and replanting tooth roots after a vertical fracture, the application of EMD was effective in regenerating cementum on root surfaces from which periodontal ligament had been lost in the area around the fracture line and in reducing the incidence of root resorption.
First report of bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum on fig trees in China
Authors: Jiang Y. , Li B. , Liu P. , Liao F. , Weng Q. , Chen Q.
Published: March 2016

This article presents the first report of bacterial wilt on fig (Ficus carica) trees in China. In 2014, fig trees with typical bacterial wilt symptoms were observed for the first time in China. The causal pathogen was determined to be Ralstonia solanacearum. Identification was based on symptomatology, morphology, BioLog carbohydrate utilization, 16S rDNA sequence analyses and phylotype‐specific multiplex‐PCR assays.
Neocortical gamma oscillations in idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Benedek Krisztina , Berényi Antal , Gombkötő Péter , Piilgaard Henning , Lauritzen Martin
Published: March 2016

Objective

Absence seizures in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) may in part be explained by a decrease in phasic GABAA (type‐A γ‐aminobutyric acid) receptor function, but the mechanisms are only partly understood. Here we studied the relation between ictal and interictal spike‐wave discharges (SWDs) and electroencephalography (EEG) gamma oscillatory activity (30–60 Hz) in patients with IGE.

Methods

EEG recordings were obtained of 14 children with IGE (mean age, 8.5 ± 5 years) and 14 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Time‐frequency analysis of each seizure and seizure‐free control epochs was performed and cross‐coherences of neocortical gamma oscillations were calculated to describe interictal and ictal characteristics of generalized seizures.

Results

SWDs were characterized with an abrupt increase of oscillatory activity of 3–4 and 13–60 Hz, peaking at 3–4 and 30–60 Hz, and with a simultaneous decrease in the 8–12 Hz frequency band. The rise in EEG gamma oscillations was short‐lasting and decreased before activity declined at lower frequency ranges. Compared to control patients, patients with epilepsy also showed higher interictal values of mean coherence of gamma activity, but this interictal increase was not significant after post hoc analysis.

Significance

Our data support the hypothesis that gamma oscillatory activity increase concomitantly with rises in activity of lower EEG frequencies during absence seizures and that the activity starts to cease earlier than lower EEG frequencies. The data did not support a change in gamma activity preceding the 3–4 Hz SWDs. SWDs are hypothetically generated by the synchronous interaction between the thalamus and the cortex, whereas the production of gamma activity is the result of activity in local inhibitory networks. Thus, the modification of SWD by gamma activity may be understood in terms of the cellular and synaptic mechanisms involved.
Directly targeting the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis for cancer therapy using BH3 mimetics – recent successes, current challenges and future promise
Authors: Sarosiek Kristopher A. , Letai Anthony
Published: March 2016

Apoptosis within cancer cells is controlled by the BCL‐2 family of proteins, making them powerful arbiters of cell fate in response to stress induced by neoplastic transformation as well as exposure to anti‐cancer therapies. Many cancers evade pro‐apoptotic stress signals by up‐regulating anti‐apoptotic proteins such as BCL‐2, BCL‐XL or MCL‐1 to maintain their survival. However, this may come at a cost, as these cancers may also become dependent on these anti‐apoptotic proteins for survival. The development and deployment of BCL‐2 family inhibitors (drugs that mimic the activity of pro‐apoptotic BH3‐only proteins or ‘BH3 mimetics’) is based on this paradigm, and the first potent and specific molecules are now being evaluated in clinical trials. We review the recent successes in this field, the challenges currently being faced, and the promising future ahead.
Governance in the Age of Digital Media and Branding
Authors: Marland Alex , Lewis J. P. , Flanagan Tom
Published: March 2016

The politicization of government communications requires intense control. Centralization of government power accompanies advances in information and communications technology, as political elites use branding strategy in an attempt to impose discipline on their messengers and on media coverage. The strategic appeal of public sector branding is that it replaces conflicting messages with penetrating message reinforcement. Among the notable features are central control, a marketing ethos, a master brand, communications cohesiveness, and message simplicity. Together these features work to conflate the party government and the public service, which perpetuates trends of centralization. Using Canada's Conservative government (2006–2015) as a case study, public sector branding explains the hyper control over government communications and demonstrates why these developments can be expected to last, regardless of which party or leader is in control.
State Capacity, Bureaucratic Politicization, and Corruption in the Brazilian State
Authors: Bersch Katherine , Praça Sérgio , Taylor Matthew M.
Published: March 2016

Responding to recent articles in Governance highlighting the need for improved measurement of bureaucratic characteristics, this article describes efforts to map Brazil's federal agencies on three dimensions—capacity, autonomy, and partisan dominance—derived from data on more than 326,000 civil servants. The article provides a “proof of concept” about the utility of agency‐level measures of these variables, demonstrating how they relate to an output common to all agencies: corruption. The article provides a first step in the direction of building a comparative research program that offers objective evaluation of bureaucracies within nation‐states, with the intent of better disentangling their impact on governance outcomes.
A prospective, multicentre study on the use of epidermal grafts to optimise outpatient wound management
Authors: Hachach‐Haram Nadine , Bystrzonowski Nicola , Kanapathy Muholan , Smith Oliver , Harding Keith , Mosahebi Ash , Richards Toby
Published: March 2016

Current wound management through the use of a split‐thickness skin graft often requires hospital admission, a period of immobility, attentive donor site wound care and pain management. This study evaluates the feasibility of using a novel epidermal graft‐harvesting device (CelluTome) that allows pain‐free epidermal skin grafting in the outpatient clinic setting. A prospective series of 35 patients was performed in 2 centres, involving 10 acute and 25 chronic wounds. All patients were subjected to epidermal grafting in the outpatient specialist clinic, without the use of anaesthesia, and allowed to return home after the procedure. Completely healed wounds were noted in 22 patients (62·9%). The overall mean time for 50% and 100% reduction in wound size was 3·31 ± 2·33 and 5·91 ± 3·48 weeks, respectively. There was no significant difference in healing times between the acute and chronic wounds (50% reduction in wound size; acute 2·20 ± 0·91 weeks versus chronic 3·73 ± 2·63 weeks, P = 0·171. Hundred percent reduction in wound size; acute 4·80 ± 1·61 weeks versus chronic 6·83 ± 4·47 weeks, P = 0·183). The mean time for donor site healing was 5·49 ± 1·48 days. The mean pain score during graft harvest was 1·42 ± 0·95, and the donor site Vancouver Scar Scale was 0 for all cases at 6 weeks. This automated device offers autologous skin harvesting in the outpatient setting with minimal or no pain and a scar free donor site, equally benefiting both the acute and chronic wounds. It has the potential to save NHS resources by eliminating the need for theatre space and a hospital bed while at the same time benefiting patient care.
Intensive demographic and genetic management through European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs) can make a difference: Cherry‐crowned mangabey Cercocebus torquatus European studbook and White‐naped mangabey Cercocebus atys lunulatus EEP results
Authors: Jara S. F. , Abelló MA. T. , Oliva F. , Teijeiro J. D. R.
Published: March 2016

Many species of wildlife are threatened by destruction of their natural habitat and overhunting. Breeding programmes at zoological facilities can be used to prevent the extinction of some of these species, while contributing to the maintenance of an ex situ gene pool. Two species of primates of the family Cercopithecidae, the Cherry‐crowned mangabey Cercocebus torquatus and the White‐naped mangabey Cercocebus atys lunulatus, are at risk of disappearing in their natural habitat. Populations of both species are maintained at European zoos and have been managed as European studbooks since 1994. In the case of C. a. lunulatus, a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was established in 2000 to provide more intensive management. A series of demographic and genetic analyses have been carried out for both European populations using data as at the end of 2012. The results of the present study show that both populations are growing slowly. However, the Cherry‐crowned mangabey population shows high inbreeding and low genetic diversity, while the White‐naped mangabey population has better genetic health that could retain 90% of genetic diversity over the next 100 years, which is one of the main goals of breeding programmes carried out by zoological facilities.
DC Electric Field‐Enhanced Grain‐Boundary Mobility in Magnesium Aluminate During Annealing
Authors: Rufner Jorgen F. , Kaseman Derrick , Castro Ricardo H.R. , van Benthem Klaus
Published: March 2016

Magnesium aluminate spinel was sintered and annealed at 1300°C under an applied 1000 V/cm DC electric field. The experiment was designed such that current could be removed as a variable and just the effect of a noncontact electric field was studied. Enhanced grain growth was observed for both samples that were sintered or annealed after densification in the presence of an electric field. Grain‐boundary character distributions revealed that no microstructural changes were induced due to the field. However, the electric field was found to enhance the kinetic movement of cations within the lattice. Energy‐loss spectroscopy experiments revealed cation segregation resulting in regions of Mg‐rich and Al‐rich layers adjacent the grain‐boundary cores. The defects generated during segregation supported the generation of a space charge gradient radiating from the grain‐boundary core out into the bulk, which was significantly affected by the applied field. The interaction between the field and space charges effectively reduced the activation energy for cation movement across boundaries thereby enhanced grain‐boundary mobility and resultant grain growth.
Tobacco and Alcohol Use in People With Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: Giving Voice to Their Health Promotion Needs
Authors: Kerr Susan , Lawrence Maggie , Middleton Alan R. , Fitzsimmons Lorna , Darbyshire Christopher
Published: March 2016

Background

Concerns have been raised about the use/misuse of tobacco and alcohol by people with mild/moderate intellectual disabilities. Aiming to address an identified gap in the current evidence base, this study sought to gain an understanding of the tobacco‐ and alcohol‐related health promotion needs of this client group.

Methods

Informed by the principles of social cognitive theory, data were collected using focus group and telephone interviews. Participants were 16 people with intellectual disabilities, two family carers and 15 health and social care professionals. Data were analysed using the Framework approach.

Findings

Four themes were described: being like others; social and emotional influences; understandings, misunderstandings and learning from experience; and choices and challenges. Reasons for smoking and drinking alcohol echoed those of the general population; however, health promotion needs were more complex (e.g. linked to problems with consequential thinking; low levels of self‐efficacy).

Conclusion

This article provides insight into the tobacco‐ and alcohol‐related health promotion needs of people with intellectual disabilities. There is a need for integrated service provision that addresses both personal and environmental influences on behaviour.
Don't judge a living book by its cover: effectiveness of the living library intervention in reducing prejudice toward Roma and LGBT people
Authors: Orosz Gábor , Bánki Erzsébet , Bőthe Beáta , Tóth‐Király István , Tropp Linda R.
Published: March 2016

In Hungary, prejudices toward Roma and the LGBT community are highly salient and explicit in public opinion, the media, and in the political discourse. The present study examined the effectiveness of the Living Library prejudice reduction intervention—in which participants as “Readers” have engaging contact with living “Books” who are trained volunteers from the Roma and LGBT communities. In a pre‐post intervention study with high school students (N = 105), results suggest that the Living Library intervention reduced participants’ scores on multiple measures of prejudice. The Living Library intervention appeared to be effective among both those participants whose friends endorsed prejudice or more tolerant attitudes toward Roma and LGBT people. In sum, Living Library appears to be a useful method for reducing prejudice in contexts which are characterized by strong negative attitudes toward these different groups.
Stability of Ochratoxin a During Bread Making Process
Authors: Milani Jafar , Heidari Sara
Published: March 2016

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by fungal species which can contaminate cereal‐based products such as bread. The objective of this study was to determine the stability of the mycotoxin during bread making. Bread was prepared on a pilot‐plant scale by using wheat flour spiked OTA. During this process, mycotoxin level was determined after the first fermentation at 30C for 90 min, after the final fermentation at 30C for 10 min with sourdough and three types of yeast (active dry yeast, instant dry yeast and compressed yeast), and after baking at 200C for 20 min. OTA was confirmed to be relatively stable in the bread making process. The high stability of OTA was observed in the first fermentation, while the lowest stability was seen during the baking stage. Compressed yeast displayed the strongest impact on the mycotoxin during the bread making process.

Practical Application

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi which contaminate food and feed. Severe health problems and death have been reported from mycotoxin exposure. Cereal may be contaminated by mycotoxins in the field and/or after harvesting. Contaminated cereals can represent a direct source of human exposure, by their direct intake, or an indirect source through the consumption of products derived from animals fed with contaminated feed. Cereals have a variety of uses as foods, in an assortment that contains the usage of different processing methods, industrial or traditional. Food processing can have an effect on mycotoxin levels. Interest in knowing the effects of food processing on mycotoxins has increased during the last decade. The ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most common in cereal grains and its products especially flour‐based foods. In this research, the effect of bread making process including fermentation using sourdough and three types of yeast and subsequently baking on OTA was investigated. The results showed that the compressed yeast had the most effect on mycotoxin decrease during the bread making process. The results of this research will be useful for bakery producers to lessen OTA contamination in bread. Also, it can be beneficial for other food industries which yield the fermentation products, to decontamination of food products.
Tooth enamel properties and morphology after microabrasion: an in situ study
Authors: Pini Núbia Inocencya Pavesi , Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite , Sundfeld Renato Herman , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Aguiar Flavio Henrique Baggio , Lovadino José Roberto
Published: March 2016

Aim

This study evaluated the effect of saliva on enamel after microabrasion with different microabrasive compounds under in situ conditions.

Methods

Enamel/dentin blocks (16 mm2) from bovine incisors were divided into nine groups (n = 19): one control group (no treatment), four groups treated with microabrasion using 35% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) + pumice, and the last four groups treated with microabrasion using 6.6% hydrochloric acid (HCl) + silica. The treated groups were subdivided according to the in situ regimen: without salivary exposure, 1 h, 24 h, or 7 days of saliva exposure. Surface microhardness (SMH) and cross‐sectional microhardness (CSMH) were tested. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate enamel morphology. Microhardness data were tested by analysis of variance, and Tukey's and Dunnett's tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The SMH analysis revealed that all the microabrasion‐treated groups presented significantly‐reduced SMH values when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Treatment with HCl + silica was more prone to the effect of saliva than H3PO4 + pumice, even for CSMH analysis, once the superficial layers reached the same microhardness of that of the control group (P > 0.05). These results were confirmed by SEM, which demonstrated the mineral recovery effect over time.

Conclusion

Saliva was effective in promoting the rehardening of enamel after microabrasion, mainly for the surfaces treated with HCl + silica.
Getting to know the person behind the illness – the significance of interacting with patients hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings
Authors: Salzmann‐Erikson Martin , Rydlo Cecilia , Wiklund Gustin Lena
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings.

Background

Relationships between staff and patients in forensic psychiatric settings should be grounded in trust and confidence, and the patients need opportunities for emotional reconciliation. However, relationships can be challenging for nurses, who sometimes distance themselves from patients’ expressions of suffering. The role of forensic mental health nurses is nebulous, as are the prescriptives and the implementation of nursing practices.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

In‐depth interviews with five nurses who all work in forensic psychiatric settings.

Results

We present a descriptive analysis of what nurses want to accomplish in relationships with patients who are hospitalised in forensic psychiatric settings. The results are presented in two main categories: (1) getting to know the person behind the illness and (2) making a difference.

Conclusion

Care in forensic psychiatry needs to shift towards a more long‐term view of the role of nursing, focusing less on the traditional and stereotypical identity of the productive nurse and more on the care given when nurses slow down and take the time to see the patients as individuals. Establishing trusting relationships with patients in forensic psychiatric settings is viewed as a less oppressive way to control patients and guide them in directions that are preferable for the nurses and for the society.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses may use simple strategies in their daily practice such as sitting on the sofa with patients to establish trust. We stress that nurses should abandon policing roles and custodial activities in favour of guiding principles that promote individual recovery, treatment and health‐promoting care.
Taking a Second Look in a Warped Crystal Ball: Explaining the Accuracy of Revised Forecasts
Authors: Bacon‐Gerasymenko Violetta , Coff Russell , Durand Rodolphe
Published: March 2016

The fundamental questions we address are whether firms with a higher initial forecasting ability are able to accurately revise the exit forecasts of their investments; and how co‐investment partners and value‐adding commitment with their investment influence the main effect. We explore these questions with novel and unique data collected via mixed research methods on venture capital firms’ forecasts of 114 portfolio companies. We find that venture capital firms that are better at making initial forecasts are less effective in revising their forecasts. In addition, while the number of co‐investment partners positively moderate this relationship, venture capital firms’ value‐adding commitment moderates it negatively. Our findings contribute to the literature on organizational forecasting as well as inter‐organizational knowledge transfer and knowledge creation. They also provide novel insights into venture capital literature and practice.
Walking and Talking Corporate Social Responsibility: Implications of Firm Size and Organizational Cost
Authors: Wickert Christopher , Scherer Andreas Georg , Spence Laura J.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we address two interrelated research gaps in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) literature. The first results from a lack of understanding of different patterns of CSR engagement with respect to CSR talk (impression management and the creation of symbolic images and documentation) and CSR walk (substantive implementation of CSR policies, structures and procedures). Related to this, the second gap concerns limited knowledge about the influence of firm size on CSR engagement. We develop a conceptual model that explains differences in CSR talk versus walk based on organizational cost and firm size. This allows us to theorize the antecedents of what we call the large firm implementation gap (large firms tend to focus on communicating CSR symbolically but do less to implement it into their core structures and procedures) and vice versa the small firm communication gap (less active communication and more emphasis on implementation). Our model expands a new theoretical understanding of CSR engagement based on as yet underemphasized firm‐level antecedents of CSR, and opens up several new avenues for future, and in particular comparative, research.
Psychophysical Relations between Interacted Fabric Thermal‐Tactile Properties and Psychological Touch Perceptions
Authors: Liao Xiao , Li Yi , Hu Junyan , Li Quanhai , Wu XiNxing
Published: March 2016

Touch sensation perception includes three processes – physical, neurophysiological and psychological. Psychophysical relationships that bridge physical and psychological results have varied. Meanwhile, interactive effects of thermal‐tactile physical features have seldom been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to compare various hypothesized psychophysical relations, including monomode relations between single stimuli and single sensations, as well as multimode relations between multistimuli and sensory dimensions. Potential simultaneous effects from thermal‐tactile factors and their interactions are also explored. This study uses physical data, obtained from a simultaneous measurement instrument Fabric Touch Tester, and psychological data collected from over 200 subjects. The results imply that a universal psychophysical function relation can hardly be achieved. Different neural stimulation mechanisms seem to be better presented by dissimilar function relations. It is also found that thermal and tactile physical information can simultaneously affect all defined sensory dimensions – including smoothness, softness and warmth. Interaction effects from multistimuli are also concluded to be important predictors.

Practical Applications

Study of the relationship between psychological touch sensations and fabric physical properties has always been an attractive field in textile sensory research. Along with the increased demands on the touch comfort of clothing, precise quantitative characterization methods are eagerly needed in industry. A number of approaches have been proposed during past studies, including psychophysical laws and stepwise‐box‐linear regression. However, these resolutions focused on tactile properties and mechanical sensations only. Although the latest neurophysiological findings have enlarged the scope of thermal‐tactile properties, there is still a lack of investigation into interactive effects of both thermal and tactile properties. This work provides comparison studies on different types of psychophysical relations and particularly explores the interactive effects of multiple physical aspects. Proposed psychophysical relations are concluded with satisfied correlation coefficients to the subjective sensations. Such interactive multimode psychophysical relations could be used to advance current prediction models with stronger connections to neurophysiological perception mechanisms.
Sexual dimorphism and physiological correlates of horn length in a South African isopod crustacean
Authors: Glazier D. S. , Clusella‐Trullas S. , Terblanche J. S.
Published: March 2016

Although isopod crustaceans frequently show sexual dimorphism in body size, sexual differences in other non‐reproductive (secondary sexual) traits have been rarely studied. Furthermore, little is known about the physiological correlates of variation in the expression of sexually dimorphic traits in animals generally. Here, we show that the unusual dorsal horns of the South African horned isopod Deto echinata exhibit significantly different allometric scaling relationships with body size in males versus females. Not only are the horns of adult males substantially longer than those of adult females but also their log–log scaling slope with body length is significantly steeper than that of females and juveniles. Furthermore, in males relative horn length is positively correlated with body condition, as estimated by body mass relative to body length, and with resting metabolic (CO2 release) rate, also adjusted to body length. However, although showing a weak positive trend, the relative horn length of males is not significantly correlated with body length adjusted active metabolic rate. It is also not significantly correlated with the relative rates of whole body or cuticular water loss rates or with two measures of activity level. We hypothesize that the sexual dimorphism of horn length in D. echinata is the result of sexual selection and that horn length is a reliable indicator of the ability of a male to acquire and process resources, which in turn may be critical to female mate choice and (or) male–male competition for mates. However, this hypothesis requires further testing based on direct observations of female mate choice and male–male behavioral interactions, which have not yet been carried out.
Rule of Law against the Odds: Overcoming Poverty and the High Cost of Compliance in the Developing World
Authors: Ostermann Susan L.
Published: March 2016

The sociolegal compliance literature, which suggests that compliance is motivated by fear, duty, or social license pressure, relies on assumptions that are often specific to the developed world. Are developing world conditions, including low state capacity, not conducive to regulatory compliance? Along the open India–Nepal border, I examine variation in compliance with wood‐taking regulations in contiguous conservation areas located in different countries. I find that widespread poverty, which makes the cost of compliance for large swaths of the population extraordinarily high, significantly reduces compliance rates. I go on to show that there are policies that even cash‐strapped, weakly‐institutionalized states can adopt that make compliance more affordable. These policies, and the resulting programs, are associated with much higher levels of compliance.
Functional C‐TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE (CEP) plant hormone domains evolved de novo in the plant parasite Rotylenchulus reniformis
Authors: Eves‐Van Den Akker Sebastian , Lilley Catherine J. , Yusup Hazijah B. , Jones John T. , Urwin Peter E.
Published: March 2016

Sedentary plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs) induce and maintain an intimate relationship with their host, stimulating cells adjacent to root vascular tissue to re‐differentiate into unique and metabolically active ‘feeding sites’. The interaction between PPNs and their host is mediated by nematode effectors. We describe the discovery of a large and diverse family of effector genes, encoding C‐TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE (CEP) plant hormone mimics (RrCEPs), in the syncytia‐forming plant parasite Rotylenchulus reniformis. The particular attributes of RrCEPs distinguish them from all other CEPs, regardless of origin. Together with the distant phylogenetic relationship of R. reniformis to the only other CEP‐encoding nematode genus identified to date (Meloidogyne), this suggests that CEPs probably evolved de novo in R. reniformis. We have characterized the first member of this large gene family (RrCEP1), demonstrating its significant up‐regulation during the plant–nematode interaction and expression in the effector‐producing pharyngeal gland cell. All internal CEP domains of multi‐domain RrCEPs are followed by di‐basic residues, suggesting a mechanism for cleavage. A synthetic peptide corresponding to RrCEP1 domain 1 is biologically active and capable of up‐regulating plant nitrate transporter (AtNRT2.1) expression, whilst simultaneously reducing primary root elongation. When a non‐CEP‐containing, syncytia‐forming PPN species (Heterodera schachtii) infects Arabidopsis in a CEP‐rich environment, a smaller feeding site is produced. We hypothesize that CEPs of R. reniformis represent a two‐fold adaptation to sustained biotrophy in this species: (i) increasing host nitrate uptake, whilst (ii) limiting the size of the syncytial feeding site produced.
Metabolic engineering of folate and its precursors in Mexican common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Ramírez Rivera Naty G. , García‐Salinas Carolina , Aragão Francisco J.L. , Díaz de la Garza Rocío Isabel
Published: March 2016

Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency causes several health problems globally. However, folate biofortification of major staple crops is one alternative that can be used to improve vitamin intakes in populations at risk. We increased the folate levels in common bean by engineering the pteridine branch required for their biosynthesis. GTP cyclohydrolase I from Arabidopsis (AtGchI) was stably introduced into three common bean Pinto cultivars by particle bombardment. Seed‐specific overexpression of AtGCHI caused significant increases of up to 150‐fold in biosynthetic pteridines in the transformed lines. The pteridine boost enhanced folate levels in raw desiccated seeds by up to threefold (325 μg in a 100 g portion), which would represent 81% of the adult recommended daily allowance. Unexpectedly, the engineering also triggered a general increase in PABA levels, the other folate precursor. This was not observed in previous engineering studies and was probably caused by a feedforward mechanism that remains to be elucidated. Results from this work also show that common bean grains accumulate considerable amounts of oxidized pteridines that might represent products of folate degradation in desiccating seeds. Our study uncovers a probable different regulation of folate homoeostasis in these legume grains than that observed in other engineering works. Legumes are good sources of folates, and this work shows that they can be engineered to accumulate even greater amounts of folate that, when consumed, can improve folate status. Biofortification of common bean with folates and other micronutrients represents a promising strategy to improve the nutritional status of populations around the world.