bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: the role of aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs in T cells
Authors: Lai N-S , Koo M , Yu C-L , Lu M-C
Published: November 2016

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are RNA molecules that do not translate into protein. Both miRNAs and lncRNAs are known to regulate gene expression and to play an essential role in T cell differentiation and function. Both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototypic systemic autoimmune disease, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a representative disease of inflammatory arthritis, are characterized by a complex dysfunction in the innate and adaptive immunity. T cells play a central role in cell-mediated immune response and multiple defects in T cells from patients with SLE and RA have been observed. Abnormality in T cell signalling, cytokine and chemokine production, T cell activation and apoptosis, T cell differentiation and DNA methylation that are associated closely with the aberrant expression of a number of miRNAs and lncRNAs have been implicated in the immunopathogenesis of SLE and RA. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on the abnormal expression of miRNAs and lncRNAs in T cells and their roles in the immunopathogenesis of SLE and RA. In addition, by comparing the differences in aberrant expression of miRNAs and lncRNAs in T cells between patients with SLE and RA, controversial areas are highlighted that warrant further investigation.
Perceptions of grandparents who provide auxiliary care: value transmission and child‐rearing practices
Authors: Noriega Cristina , López Javier , Domínguez Roberto , Velasco Cristina
Published: November 2016

A grounded theory qualitative study was developed to explore how grandparents perceive their role as socializing agents. Forty‐two grandparents with grandchildren aged from 6 to 12 years old participated in this study. Data were collected through focus groups, which were conducted until reaching data saturation and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Four general conclusions emerged from the study: (i) grandparents recognized the importance of getting involved in the socialization of grandchildren as supporters of parents' socializing role, and the need to adapt to social changes; (ii) they emphasized traditional value that were perceived in decline, and combination of warmth and involvement were considered the best way to help grandchildren internalize values; (iii) interaction with grandchildren helped grandparents to feel active and useful, increased their life purpose and gave them a second chance to enjoy what they could not with their own children; and (iv) grandparents also accused burden and role ambiguity. These results show the importance of developing family policies that recognize grandparents' socializing role. Also, interventions that promote strategies that enable grandparents to perform their role more successfully and to cope with possible family conflicts should be developed.
Can the outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell‐based therapy for myocardial infarction be improved? Providing weapons and armour to cells
Authors: Karpov Andrey A. , Udalova Daria V. , Pliss Michael G. , Galagudza Michael M.
Published: November 2016

Use of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation after myocardial infarction (MI) has been found to have infarct‐limiting effects in numerous experimental and clinical studies. However, recent meta‐analyses of randomized clinical trials on MSC‐based MI therapy have highlighted the need for improving its efficacy. There are two principal approaches for increasing therapeutic effect of MSCs: (i) preventing massive MSC death in ischaemic tissue and (ii) increasing production of cardioreparative growth factors and cytokines with transplanted MSCs. In this review, we aim to integrate our current understanding of genetic approaches that are used for modification of MSCs to enable their improved survival, engraftment, integration, proliferation and differentiation in the ischaemic heart. Genetic modification of MSCs resulting in increased secretion of paracrine factors has also been discussed. In addition, data on MSC preconditioning with physical, chemical and pharmacological factors prior to transplantation are summarized. MSC seeding on three‐dimensional polymeric scaffolds facilitates formation of both intercellular connections and contacts between cells and the extracellular matrix, thereby enhancing cell viability and function. Use of genetic and non‐genetic approaches to modify MSC function holds great promise for regenerative therapy of myocardial ischaemic injury.
Downregulation of B‐myb promotes senescence via the ROS‐mediated p53/p21 pathway, in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Zhou Zhihui , Yin Yanlin , Chang Qun , Sun Guanqun , Lin Jiahui , Dai Yalei
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To reveal whether B‐myb is involved in preventing senescence of vascular endothelial cells, and if so, to identify possible mechanisms for it.

Materials and methods

C57/BL6 male mice and primary human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were used. Bleomycin was applied to induce stress‐related premature senescence. B‐myb knockdown was achieved using an siRNA technique and cell senescence was assessed using the senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was analysed using an ROS assay kit and cell proliferation was evaluated using KFluor488 EdU kit. Capillary tube network formation was determined by Matrigel assay. Expressions of mRNA and protein levels were detected by real‐time PCR and western blotting.

Results

B‐myb expression significantly decreased, while p53 and p21 expressions increased in the aortas of aged mice. This expression pattern was also found in replicative senescent HAECs and senescent HAECs induced by bleomycin. B‐myb knockdown resulted in upregulation of p22phox, ROS accumulation and cell senescence of HAECs. Downregulation of B‐myb significantly inhibited cell proliferation and capillary tube network formation and activated the p53/p21 signalling pathway. Blocking ROS production or inhibiting p53 activation remarkably attenuated SA‐β‐gal activity and delayed cell senescence induced by B‐myb‐silencing.

Conclusion

Downregulation of B‐myb induced senescence by upregulation of p22phox and activation of the ROS/p53/p21 pathway, in our vascular endothelial cells, suggesting that B‐myb may be a novel candidate for regulating cell senescence to protect against endothelial senescence‐related cardiovascular diseases.
Immunostain use in the diagnosis of melanomas referred to a tertiary medical center: a 15‐year retrospective review (2001–2015)
Authors: Kim Randie H. , Meehan Shane A.
Published: November 2016

Background

Little is known regarding the clinical practice of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of melanoma. We aimed to assess the incidence of immunostain usage by referring pathologists and dermatopathologists in melanoma cases sent for consultative review. As a secondary objective, associations between immunostain use and specific melanoma characteristics were also evaluated.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of consultation reports of referred melanomas at a tertiary academic center in New York, NY from 2001 to 2015. Univariate regression analysis was performed on melanomas with accompanying immunostains and on characteristics such as Breslow's depth, location, prognostic factors and morphologic subtypes. Associations between immunostain usage and these characteristics were analyzed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Immunostain use significantly increased over the study period (p < 0.001) and was more likely to be associated with melanomas that were thicker [odds ratio (OR) = 2.5; 1.7–3.6]; located on the head and neck (OR = 1.6; 1.4–1.9) or acral sites (OR = 1.5; 1.1–2.0); had ulceration (OR = 2.1; 1.6–2.8), dermal mitoses (OR = 1.3; 1.1–1.5), or perineural invasion (OR = 3.6; 2.0–6.5); or were of desmoplastic (OR = 7.4; 4.5–12), amelanotic (OR = 7.1; 3.6–14), or nevoid subtypes (OR = 4.0; 1.7–8.9).

Conclusions

Immunostain use in the diagnosis of melanoma has increased significantly in the past 15 years for reasons that remain unclear.
Neonatal critical illness and development: white matter and hippocampus alterations in school‐age neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors
Authors: Schiller Raisa M , van den Bosch Gerbrich E , Muetzel Ryan L , Smits Marion , Dudink Jeroen , Tibboel Dick , Ijsselstijn Hanneke , White Tonya
Published: November 2016

Aim

To examine the neurobiology of long‐term neuropsychological deficits after neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Method

This cross‐sectional study assessed white matter integrity and hippocampal volume of ECMO survivors (8–15y) and healthy children (8–17y) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) respectively. Neuropsychological outcome was evaluated in ECMO survivors. Included clinical predictors of white matter integrity: age start ECMO, ECMO duration, highest oxygenation index before ECMO, highest mean airway pressure, and mechanical ventilation duration.

Results

ECMO survivors (n=23) had lower global fractional anisotropy than healthy children (n=54) (patients=0.368; comparison group=0.381; p=0.018), but similar global mean diffusivity (p=0.410). ECMO survivors had lower fractional anisotropy in the left cingulum bundle (ECMO survivors=0.345; comparison group=0.399; p<0.001) and higher mean diffusivity in a region of the left parahippocampal cingulum (patients=0.916; comparison group=0.871; p<0.001). Higher global mean diffusivity predicted worse verbal memory in ECMO survivors (n=17) (β=–0.74, p=0.008). ECMO survivors (n=23) had smaller bilateral hippocampal volume than healthy children (n=43) (left, p<0.001; right, p<0.001) and this was related to worse verbal memory (left, β=0.65, p=0.018; right, β=0.71, p=0.006).

Interpretation

Neonatal ECMO survivors are at risk for long‐term brain alterations, which may partly explain long‐term neuropsychological impairments. Neuroimaging may contribute to better risk stratification of long‐term impairments.
Regression commonality analyses on hierarchical genetic distances
Authors: Prunier Jérôme G. , Colyn Marc , Legendre Xavier , Flamand Marie‐Christine
Published: November 2016

Landscape genetics is emerging as an important way of supporting decision‐making in landscape management, in response to the deterioration of matrix permeability due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In line with unremitting methodological developments in landscape genetics, a new analytical procedure was recently proposed as a way of evaluating the effects of landscape gradients on genetic structures. This procedure is based on the computation of inter‐individual hierarchical genetic distances (HGD), a metric of genetic differentiation taking into account the hierarchical structure in populations as inferred from clustering algorithms. HGD can be used as dependent variables in multivariate regressions to assess the effects of various landscape predictors on spatial patterns of genetic differentiation. However, multicollinearity may obscure the interpretation of multivariate regressions. We illustrate how regression commonality analyses (CA), a detailed variance partitioning procedure that can be used to deal with multicollinearity issues, can thoroughly improve our understanding of landscape connectivity when HGD are used as a dependent variable, with the red deer Cervus elaphus as an empirical example. Using logistic regression commonality analyses on HGD, we showed that semi‐natural open areas, transportation infrastructures and, to a lesser extent, urban areas and rivers, were associated with an increase in hierarchical genetic differentiation in red deer. Regressions based on HGD provided detailed results that could not have been obtained with regressions based on standard genetic distances, with notably additional insights as to the possible influence of linear features such as roads and highways on landscape connectivity. Furthermore, CA helped identify synergistic associations among variables as well as suppressors, thus resolving inconsistencies among hierarchical levels and revealing spurious correlations that may have gone unnoticed in the course of classical regression analyses. We thus recommend the use of regression commonality analysis on hierarchical genetic distances as a promising statistical tool for landscape geneticists.
The enigma of terrestrial primary productivity: measurements, models, scales and the diversity–productivity relationship
Authors: Šímová Irena , Storch David
Published: November 2016

Net primary productivity (NPP) is a variable of primary interest to ecologists, as it is related both to resource availability, potentially affecting biological diversity, and to the dynamics of the carbon cycle. However, there are alarming discrepancies in NPP estimates as well as in the reported form of the relationship between NPP and species richness. Such discrepancies could be due to the different and often simplified assumptions of various global NPP models and the heterogeneity of field NPP measurements that comprise a mix of natural vegetation and plantations. Here we review different global models of NPP and available original sources of NPP field measurements in order to examine how their geographic patterns are affected by various assumptions and data selection, respectively. Then we review studies dealing with diversity–productivity relationships in view of different NPP estimates. We show that although NPP does generally decrease with increasing latitude, geographic NPP patterns considerably differ between individual models as well as between the models and field NPP data. Such inconsistencies might be partially responsible for discrepancies in productivity–richness relationships, although these are also driven by other factors that covary with productivity and affect diversity patterns. To reconcile the discrepancies between various NPP measures, it is necessary to 1) standardize field NPP data, 2) develop scaling techniques that bridge the gap between the scale of field NPP measurements and NPP models, and 3) build global NPP models that account for nutrient limitation (especially concerning phosphorus in the tropics) and are parameterized by field measurements. Also, 4) a better theory needs to be developed to distinguish the effect of productivity from the effects of other environmental variables on diversity patterns. Improving our ability to estimate NPP will help us predict future NPP changes and understand the drivers of species richness patterns.
Sacred natural sites as mensurative fragmentation experiments in long‐inhabited multifunctional landscapes
Authors: Reynolds Travis W. , Collins Cathy D. , Wassie Alemayehu , Liang Janice , Briggs Wilford , Lowman Margaret , Sisay Tizezew Shimekach , Adamu Endale
Published: November 2016

Well‐controlled landscape experiments have played key roles in advancing fragmentation science, but such experiments are costly and may not be possible in many ecosystems – including the long‐inhabited landscapes typical of many developing countries. In such contexts observational studies of pre‐existing forest patches may offer valuable insights, but these bring other challenges including the non‐random location of patches, the heterogeneous matrix between patches, and patch‐specific management practices that may influence forest community composition. This paper argues that sacred natural sites might provide a middle ground between experimental and observational studies, allowing for more rigorous mensurative fragmentation experiments in long‐inhabited multi‐functional landscapes. To illustrate this potential, we analyze the drivers of productivity in ‘church forests’ across northern Ethiopia. These forest patches conserved by followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox church provide ample variation in area, edge, and surrounding matrix characteristics. Church forests also provide variation in long‐term forest community composition, elevation and rainfall. Finally, unlike most observational studies, church forests offer a relatively stable institutional structure, including longstanding religious norms, allowing researchers to control for some heterogeneity in human influences. By combining remotely sensed data on church forest patches (n = 2558) with field data on church forest tree species composition (n = 27) and social survey data on church forest management practices (n = 145 respondents in 6 church communities) we show how ecological and anthropogenic factors influence church forest productivity. Like experimental patches, church forest productivity increases with size and decreases with amount of edge; productivity also increases with rainfall and increased tree species diversity within a given patch. But there is also evidence that church forest productivity and species composition are both affected by human management rooted in longstanding religious norms. Findings highlight how studies in sacred natural sites systems might help understand relationships between forest productivity, species diversity, and human management in long‐fragmented landscapes.
The motion of a living conspecific activates septal and preoptic areas in naive domestic chicks (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Mayer Uwe , Rosa‐Salva Orsola , Morbioli Francesca , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: November 2016

Predispositions to attend to animate objects are ubiquitous in newborn vertebrates, but little is known about their neural bases. In this study, we wanted to know if exposure to the motion of a living, behaving conspecific will selectively activate septal, preoptic and amygdaloid areas in visually naive domestic chicks. For this purpose, newly hatched chicks were exposed to a live conspecific, whose natural motion presents of course several features typical of animate motion to which chicks are known to be sensitive. In the control group, chicks were exposed to a rotating stuffed chick that showed rigid non‐biological motion. The two stimuli were visually matched with regard to their static features. We measured brain activity by visualizing the immediate early gene product c‐Fos with a standard immunohistochemical procedure. Notably, dorsal right septum and left preoptic area showed higher activation in experimental subjects compared to the control animals. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of septal and preoptic areas involvement in response to the animate motion of a social partner, as opposed to rigid motion of a similarly looking stimulus. Moreover, these results indicate that previous visual experience and specific learning events are not necessary to establish the septal and preoptic areas function, which is present shortly after birth.
Mapping peat in Scotland with remote sensing and site characteristics
Authors: Aitkenhead M. J.
Published: November 2016

Mapping the spatial distribution of organic soil is important for decision making in land management. Organic soil types have a strong effect on carbon storage, water availability and quality, biodiversity and many other ecosystem services. A large proportion of Scotland's soil is organic, and is classed as peats or organomineral. Existing soil maps for Scotland include a 1:25 000 map of eastern and southern parts of the country that identifies the major soil subgroup at each location, or a 1:250 000 map covering the whole country that gives proportions of the major soil group within mapping units. A detailed map of the organic soils of Scotland that disaggregates these mapping units is therefore required. Existing data were used from several Scottish soil surveys and remote sensing data (Landsat 8) to develop a model for predicting whether a site has mineral, organomineral (mineral with peaty topsoil) or organic (peat) soil. The model was applied across Scotland at a grid resolution of 100 m. Predictive accuracies of 68.1% (mineral), 61.3% (organomineral) and 81.8% (organic) were obtained, with an overall prediction accuracy of 69.8%. Training the model with two classes only, non‐organic (including mineral and organomineral) and organic, gave accuracies of 83.9 and 93.6%, respectively, and an overall accuracy of 86.4%. A map of prediction confidence was also produced. The results show how the approach can be used to disaggregate the existing map units and predict mineral and organic soils at locations within a map unit. The map is being used to prioritize monitoring efforts in catchments across Scotland.

Highlights

Use of remote sensing and spatial covariates to map peat in Scotland.

Resulting peat maps will be useful for decision making on land management and carbon storage in soil.

Peat is mapped accurately in most areas, although uncertainty is greater in complex landscapes.

Combination of remote sensing and spatial covariates improves accuracy of mapping.
Identification of multiple sclerosis patients at highest risk of cognitive impairment using an integrated brain magnetic resonance imaging assessment approach
Authors: Uher T. , Vaneckova M. , Sormani M. P. , Krasensky J. , Sobisek L. , Dusankova J. Blahova , Seidl Z. , Havrdova E. , Kalincik T. , Benedict R. H. B. , Horakova D.
Published: November 2016

Background and purpose

While impaired cognitive performance is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), it has been largely underdiagnosed. Here a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening algorithm is proposed to identify patients at highest risk of cognitive impairment. The objective was to examine whether assessment of lesion burden together with whole brain atrophy on MRI improves our ability to identify cognitively impaired MS patients.

Methods

Of the 1253 patients enrolled in the study, 1052 patients with all cognitive, volumetric MRI and clinical data available were included in the analysis. Brain MRI and neuropsychological assessment with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis were performed. Multivariable logistic regression and individual prediction analysis were used to investigate the associations between MRI markers and cognitive impairment. The results of the primary analysis were validated at two subsequent time points (months 12 and 24).

Results

The prevalence of cognitive impairment was greater in patients with low brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) (<0.85) and high T2 lesion volume (T2‐LV) (>3.5 ml) than in patients with high BPF (>0.85) and low T2‐LV (<3.5 ml), with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.5 (95% CI 4.4–9.5). Low BPF together with high T2‐LV identified in 270 (25.7%) patients predicted cognitive impairment with 83% specificity, 82% negative predictive value, 51% sensitivity and 75% overall accuracy. The risk of confirmed cognitive decline over the follow‐up was greater in patients with high T2‐LV (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1–3.8) and low BPF (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.4–4.7).

Conclusions

The integrated MRI assessment of lesion burden and brain atrophy may improve the stratification of MS patients who may benefit from cognitive assessment.
Predictors of Engagement in Family Mediation and Outcomes for Families that Fail to Engage
Authors: Morris Megan , Halford W. Kim , Petch Jemima , Hardwick David
Published: November 2016

An important limitation to the effectiveness of family mediation in assisting separated parents is parents failing to engage in the mediation process. In 524 parents who presented to a telephone‐based mediation service, 113 (22%) initiating parents withdrew from mediation before the other parent was invited to participate, 241 (46%) initiating parents had respondent parents who declined to participate in mediation, and 170 cases (33%) completed mediation. We tested whether socio‐demographic variables, psychological distress, coparental acrimony, parenting problems, or children's behavioral difficulties predicted mediation engagement. High interparental acrimony predicted failure to engage in mediation, but none of the other variables predicted mediation engagement. We followed a sample of 131 families that did not mediate and found they showed elevated psychological distress, acrimony, parenting problems and child adjustment difficulties, which remained unchanged 6 months later. Further research is needed to explore strategies to enhance respondent parent engagement with mediation, and to address the negative outcomes for those separated families not proceeding with mediation.
Experimental and numerical investigations on fracture process zone of rock–concrete interface
Authors: Dong W , Yang D , Zhou X , Kastiukas G , Zhang B
Published: November 2016

A crack propagation criterion for a rock–concrete interface is employed to investigate the evolution of the fracture process zone (FPZ) in rock–concrete composite beams under three‐point bending (TPB). According to the criterion, cracking initiates along the interface when the difference between the mode I stress intensity factor at the crack tip caused by external loading and the one caused by the cohesive stress acting on the fictitious crack surfaces reaches the initial fracture toughness of a rock–concrete interface. From the experimental results of the composite beams with various initial crack lengths but equal depths under TPB, the interface fracture parameters are determined. In addition, the FPZ evolution in a TPB specimen is investigated by using a digital image correlation technique. Thus, the fracture processes of the rock–concrete composite beams can be simulated by introducing the initial fracture criterion to determine the crack propagation. By comparing the load versus crack mouth opening displacement curves and FPZ evolution, the numerical and experimental results show a reasonable agreement, which verifies the numerical method developed in this study for analysing the crack propagation along the rock–concrete interface. Finally, based on the numerical results, the effect of ligament length on the FPZ evolution and the variations of the fracture model during crack propagation are discussed for the rock–concrete interface fracture under TPB. The results indicate that ligament length significantly affects the FPZ evolution at the rock–concrete interface under TPB and the stress intensity factor ratio of modes II to I is influenced by the specimen size during the propagation of the interfacial crack.
Effect of landscape context on fish metacommunity structuring in stream networks
Authors: Erős Tibor , Takács Péter , Specziár András , Schmera Dénes , Sály Péter
Published: November 2016

The metacommunity framework has shed light upon the significance of local and regional processes in shaping ecological communities. However, our knowledge is limited how landscape context (i.e. type and positioning of habitats) influences the structuring of metacommunities.

We examined the role of environmental selection (niche‐based species sorting), dispersal and drift (i.e. stochastic changes in species abundance) mechanisms on the structuring of fish metacommunities in riverscapes. We used a hierarchical design and examined metacommunity structuring (i) in individual running water habitat types, namely highland streams, lowland streams, highland rivers and lowland rivers; (ii) in landscape types, where patterns in highland and in lowland types were examined separately and (iii) at the level of the whole riverscape, where samples from all running water types were pooled. Elements of metacommunity structure (EMS) analysis, community–environmental relationships in redundancy analysis, and decay of community similarity with distance (distance decay) complemented with partial Mantel tests were used to reveal the mechanisms behind the observed patterns.

Both theEMSframework and community–environment relationships revealed the prevalent role of selection (niche‐based species sorting mechanisms) on fish metacommunity structuring, although stochastic variability also influenced the results. Metacommunity structures reflecting niche‐based mechanisms (Clementsian or quasi‐Clementsian) were observed at higher hierarchical levels (i.e. at the riverscape and the landscape type levels), while quasi‐Clementsian or random patterns were found within single running water types.

Distance decay relationships indicated that dispersal limitation did not clearly affect metacommunity structuring in any combination of running water types. Partial Mantel tests showed that some part of the variation in distance decay could be explained by the correlation between environmental variables and fish assemblage structure in some habitat types, which further suggests the importance of niche‐based mechanisms in metacommunity structuring.

Our study shows that different metacommunity structures can arise in a hierarchy of habitat types in riverscapes, and niche‐based species sorting mechanisms are more influential in their structuring than dispersal ones. Landscape classifications are useful for a better understanding of the structuring of metacommunities in both the freshwater and terrestrial realms.
Integrating occurrence data and expert maps for improved species range predictions
Authors: Merow Cory , Wilson Adam M. , Jetz Walter
Published: November 2016

Aim

Knowledge of species geographical distributions is critical for many ecological and evolutionary questions and underpins effective conservation decision‐making, yet it is usually limited in spatial resolution or reliability. Over large spatial extents, range predictions are typically derived from expert knowledge or, increasingly, species distribution models based on individual occurrence records. Expert maps are useful at coarse resolution, where they are suitable for delineating unoccupied regions. In contrast, point records typically provide finer‐scale occurrence information that can be characterized for its environmental association, but usually suffers from observer biases and does not representatively or fully address the geographical or environmental range occupied by a species.

Innovation

We develop a new modelling methodology to combine the complementary informative attributes of both data types to improve fine‐scale, large‐extent predictions. We use expert delineations to constrain predictions of a species distribution model parameterized with incidental point occurrence records. We introduce a maximum entropy approach for combining the two data types and generalize it to Poisson point process models. We illustrate critical decision making during model construction using two detailed case studies and illustrate features more generally with applications to species with vastly different range and data attributes. Our methods are illustrated in the Supporting Information and with a new R package, bossMaps, that integrates with existing generalized linear modelling and Maxent software.

Main conclusions

Our modelling strategy flexibly accommodates expert maps with different levels of bias and precision. The approach can also be useful with other coarse sources of spatially explicit information, including habitat associations, elevational bands or vegetation types. The flexible nature of this methodological innovation can support improved characterization of species distributions for a variety of applications and is being implemented as a standard element underpinning integrative species distribution predictions in the Map of Life (https://mol.org/).
Dialytic hemodynamics are associated with changes in gait speed
Authors: Wolfgram Dawn F. , Lathara Zubin , Szabo Aniko , Whittle Jeff
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Functional impairment and reduced mobility are prevalent in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). The impact of HD on physical performance and mobility needs evaluation.

Methods: We measured gait speed in a cohort of chronic HD patients both pre and post an HD session. We collected demographic and laboratory data and dialytic hemodynamic parameters for the HD session. Participants completed the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES‐I) survey to assess concern for falling. We used linear regression analysis to tests for associations between our predictor variables of intra‐dialytic hemodynamic change and change in gait speed from pre to post HD (primary outcome) and FES‐I score (secondary outcome).

Findings: Twenty‐eight participants completed the study. The mean (SD) age was 64.0 (10.5) years. The majority were male (71.4%), had hypertension (85.7%) and diabetes (57.1%). The mean (SD) change in gait speed from pre to post dialysis was −0.06 (0.08) m/s. A greater decrease in gait speed was associated with greater decrease in SBP and DBP from pre to post HD (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively) and greater maximum drop in SBP and DBP during HD (p = 0.01 and p <0.01, respectively). The association between maximum drop in SBP and DBP and gait speed remained significant after adjustment for covariates. There was no association between BP change and FES‐I score.

Discussion: Our results suggest that HD patients who have greater decrease in BP during HD are at risk for decreased gait speed post HD.
Fashion interest as a driver for consumer textile waste management: reuse, recycle or disposal
Authors: Weber Sabine , Lynes Jennifer , Young Steven B.
Published: November 2016

Past studies have considered the impact of fashion on consumer textile disposal behaviour, but have focused mainly on drivers of clothing waste. There is a lack of research that examines consumer attitudes towards fashion and their disposal methods. This study conducted an online survey of 410 people in Ontario, Canada with varying demographic characteristics to assess how they currently manage their textile waste including resell, swap, take‐back, donation and disposal. Respondents were asked about their fashion interest and shopping frequency and were assigned a fashion index value. The fashion index value is not a means of grouping consumers but is instead a continuum to model interest in fashion, with one extreme representing fashion consumers and the other representing non‐fashion consumers. Statistical analysis was then used to establish whether there is a link between textile waste behaviour and fashion index. The results indicate that consumers with a high fashion index (i.e. fashion consumers) and consumers with low fashion index (i.e. non‐fashion consumers) manage their textile waste differently. While the majority of participants donate and dispose of unwanted clothes, fashion consumers are more interested and more likely to participate in alternative methods (e.g. resell, swap, and take back) for removing unwanted textiles. Although fashion consumers produce more textile waste than non‐fashion consumers, textile consumption cannot be directly equated with textile waste since fashion consumers were found to have a lower disposal rate than non‐fashion consumers (38 percent to 50 percent, respectively). The distinct disposal characteristics of fashion and non‐fashion consumers (i.e. interest and willingness to participate in alternative channels) allows strategies to be tailored accordingly so that the amount of waste going to landfill can be reduced.
Effects of fermentation conditions on the potential anti‐hypertensive peptides released from yogurt fermented by Lactobacillus helveticus and Flavourzyme®
Authors: Shi Min , Ahtesh Fatah , Mathai Michael , McAinch Andrew J. , Su Xiao Q.
Published: November 2016

This study investigates the effects of fermentation conditions on the production of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE‐I) peptides in yogurt by Lactobacillus helveticus 881315 (L. helveticus) in the presence or absence of Flavourzyme®, which is derived from a mould, Aspergillus oryzae and used for protein hydrolysis in various industrial applications. Optimal conditions for peptides with the highest ACE‐I activity were 4% (v/w) inoculum size for 8 h without Flavourzyme® supplementation, and 1% inoculum size for 12 h when combined with Flavourzyme®. The yogurt fermented by L. helveticus resulted in IC50 values (concentration of inhibitor required to inhibit 50% of ACE activity under the assayed conditions) of 1.47 ± 0.04 and 16.91 ± 0.25 mg mL−1 with and without Flavourzyme® respectively. Seven fractions of ACE‐I peptides from the yogurt incorporated with L. helveticus and Flavourzyme® were separated using the preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography. Fraction (F3) showed the highest ACE‐I activity with an IC50 of 35.75 ± 5.48 μg mL−1. This study indicates that yogurt may be a valuable source of ACE‐I peptides, which may explain the outcomes observed in the experimental and clinical studies and foresee the application of fermented milk proteins into functional foods or dietary supplements.
Evaluation of potential interfering agents on in vitro methods for the determination of the antioxidant capacity in anthocyanin extracts
Authors: de Oliveira Isadora R. N. , Teófilo Reinaldo F. , de Oliveira Eduardo B. , Ramos Afonso M. , de Barros Frederico A. R. , Maia Mariza de P. , Stringheta Paulo C.
Published: November 2016

The evaluation of the effects of sugars, metals, acids and other antioxidants on the in vitro antioxidant capacity of purified anthocyanin extract by different techniques was the purpose of this study. Three methods and the ways of expressing their results were evaluated: ABTSTEAC (capacity equivalent to Trolox, by ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid))), DPPHTEAC (capacity equivalent to Trolox, by DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl)), DPPHEC50 (50% reduction in the radical, by DPPH), DPPH%Sca (reduction in the scavenging capacity, by DPPH), FRAPTEAC (capacity equivalent to Trolox, by FRAP (reduction power of iron)) and FRAPEC50 (50% reduction in the radical, by FRAP). The way of expressing DPPH and FRAP results as EC50 showed the greater interfering extent, mainly when the medium contained tartaric and ascorbic acids. The most coherent method was ABTSTEAC in which only ascorbic acid interfered. Ascorbic acid was shown to interfere in all methods; thus, it must be removed prior to determining the in vitro antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins in food materials.
Contemporary rates of pathological features and mortality for adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder in the USA
Authors: Zaffuto Emanuele , Gazdovich Stéphanie , Leyh‐Bannurah Sami‐Ramzi , Huland Hartwig , Abdollah Firas , Shariat Shahrokh F , Menon Mani , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To examine contemporary rates of pathological features and mortality for adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder in the USA using population‐based data analysis.

Methods

We relied on 10 024 patients with non‐metastatic bladder cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries. Logistic regression analyses focused on grade and stage. Kaplan–Meier analyses assessed cancer‐specific mortality rates in adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Cox regression analyses assessed the impact of histological subtype on cancer‐specific mortality.

Results

Overall, 215 (2.1%) adenocarcinoma and 9809 (97.9%) urothelial carcinoma patients were identified. The rate of non‐organ‐confined disease was higher in adenocarcinoma (64.7% vs 50.8%, P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, adenocarcinoma patients had a 2.2‐fold higher risk of harboring non‐organ‐confined disease (95% confidence interval 1.7–3.0; P < 0.001) than urothelial carcinoma patients. Cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival rates were lower in adenocarcinoma (P < 0.01). This disadvantage only applied to non‐organ‐confined disease (P = 0.044), and not to organ‐confined disease (P = 0.9). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, adenocarcinoma conferred a 1.3‐fold higher rate of cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.60; P = 0.01). Among adenocarcinoma patients, 30.7% harbored signet‐ring cell adenocarcinoma and portended particularly poor cancer‐specific mortality rates.

Conclusions

In bladder cancer, adenocarcinoma presents at higher stages than urothelial carcinoma. However, cancer‐specific mortality rates do not differ. A more unfavorable stage at diagnosis and higher cancer‐specific mortality apply to the signet‐ring cell variant.
Is there a minimum wage biting in Puerto Rico? Updating the debate
Authors: Caraballo‐Cueto Jose
Published: November 2016

This research evaluates the repercussions on employment in Puerto Rico of the latest increases in the minimum wage (made between 2007 and 2009). We find that the increases in the minimum wage to $7.25 had a negative impact on employment in a few small sectors only, and that employment was significantly more affected by output.
Factors influencing new graduate nurse burnout development, job satisfaction and patient care quality: a time‐lagged study
Authors: Boamah Sheila A. , Read Emily A. , Spence Laschinger Heather K.
Published: November 2016

Aim

To test a hypothesized model linking new graduate nurses’ perceptions of their manager's authentic leadership behaviours to structural empowerment, short‐staffing and work–life interference and subsequent burnout, job satisfaction and patient care quality.

Background

Authentic leadership and structural empowerment have been shown to reduce early career burnout among nurses. Short‐staffing and work–life interference are also linked to burnout and may help explain the impact of positive, empowering leadership on burnout, which in turn influences job satisfaction and patient care quality.

Design

A time‐lagged study of Canadian new graduate nurses was conducted.

Methods

At Time 1, surveys were sent to 3,743 nurses (November 2012–March 2013) and 1,020 were returned (27·3% response rate). At Time 2 (May–July 2014), 406 nurses who responded at Time 1 completed surveys (39·8% response rate). Descriptive analysis was conducted in SPSS. Structural equation modelling in Mplus was used to test the hypothesized model.

Results

The hypothesized model was supported. Authentic leadership had a significant positive effect on structural empowerment, which in turn decreased both short‐staffing and work–life interference. Short‐staffing and work–life imbalance subsequently resulted in nurse burnout, lower job satisfaction and lower patient care quality 1 year later.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that short‐staffing and work–life interference are important factors influencing new graduate nurse burnout. Developing nurse managers’ authentic leadership behaviours and working with them to create and sustain empowering work environments may help reduce burnout, increase nurse job satisfaction and improve patient care quality.
The personal cancer screening behaviours of nurses and midwives
Authors: Nicholls Rachel , Perry Lin , Gallagher Robyn , Duffield Christine , Sibbritt David , Xu Xiaoyue
Published: November 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the personal cancer screening behaviours of nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia, and identify factors predictive of cancer screening uptake.

Background

The nursing workforce may have a higher risk for some cancers and is ageing. In Australia, more than 40% are over 50 years – an age where cancer incidence rises rapidly, but when screening may reduce cancer mortality. Nurses and midwives are important health role models for the population, but their engagement in cancer screening is unknown.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey conducted in 2014–2015.

Methods

Data were obtained from the ‘Fit for the Future’ study on 5041 working nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia and analyses were conducted on subsets of age‐eligible respondents. Demographic, geographical and occupational data were analysed in relation to population‐based screening for breast, cervical and bowel cancers and opportunistic screening for prostate and skin cancer screening participation, in line with Australian recommendations.

Results

Nurses’ and midwives’ recent screening rates were higher than the Australian general population across relevant age groups. Compared with full‐time nurses and midwives, part‐time/casual/pool workers were significantly more likely to undertake cervical, breast and bowel screening. Compared with those working office hours, shift workers were significantly less likely to undertake breast and bowel screening, but more likely to undertake skin screening.

Conclusions

Disparities in reported screening prevalence and factors predictive of screening uptake indicate opportunities for targeted strategies to inform and/or promote workforce engagement with screening programmes and protect the health of this ageing workforce.
Are the classic signs of infection in concordance with results from percutaneous aspiration to diagnose infection in pressure injuries?
Authors: Blanco‐Blanco Joan , Gea‐Sánchez Montserrat , Valenzuela‐Pascual Francesc , Barallat‐Gimeno Eva , Espart Anna , Escobar‐Bravo Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2016

Aim

To explore the concordance between the presence of classic signs of infection and the positive diagnosis identified by the microbiological culture of fluid collected by percutaneous aspiration.

Background

The classic signs of infection are commonly applied in some contexts to confirm infection in pressure injuries, but its accuracy has been questioned in chronic wounds. Little is known about the concordance of this method with others, such as the deep fluid culture from pressure injuries collected by percutaneous aspiration.

Design

Multicentre, cross‐sectional observational study.

Methods

Pressure injuries of patients from four health centres were analysed. Three types of data were recorded between February 2011 and March 2012: i) socio‐demographic and clinical data, ii) number and type of infection signs and iii) microbiological results of deep fluid culture from injuries. The concordance was calculated with the kappa index to find a possible concordance between both methods.

Results

On 40·2% (n = 47) of injuries, two or more classic signs of infection or purulent exudate as unique sign were present, while the total positive results in the microbiological cultures were 50·4% (n = 59). The disparity of positive results, depending on the location and the stage of the pressure injury and the method applied, suggested a poor concordance between methods. The −0·092 kappa index confirmed the non‐concordance of the analysed methods.

Conclusions

The tandem strategy is not useful to indicate an infection in pressure injuries. We advocate exploring other signs of infection and the adoption of other more reliable signs together with the classic signs of infection.
Striking the Right Balance: Police Experience, Perceptions and Use of Independent Support Persons During Interviews Involving People with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Henshaw Marie , Spivak Benjamin , Thomas Stuart D. M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Several jurisdictions mandate the presence of an independent support person during police interviews with vulnerable people. The current study investigated police officers’ experiences and perceptions of these volunteers during interviews with people with intellectual disability(ies) (ID).

Methods

The sample comprised 229 police officers who attended a mandatory firearms training course in Melbourne, Australia, in 2010.

Results

Participants commonly reported utilizing independent support persons and displayed a fair understanding of their role. Overall, volunteers were engaged more frequently than family/friends; police considered the volunteers to be more impartial during interviews, whereas family/friends provided a greater level of emotional support to interviewees.

Conclusions

Independent support persons need to demonstrate two quite different types of support to people with intellectual disability(ies) during police interviews; these require quite different skill sets and suggest the need for more tailored training and support for these volunteers. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.