bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding remote Aboriginal drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation clients: Who attends, who leaves and who stays?
Authors: Munro Alice , Shakeshaft Anthony , Breen Courtney , Clare Philip , Allan Julaine , Henderson Norm
Published: January 2018

Introduction and Aims

Aboriginal residential rehabilitation services provide healing for Aboriginal people who misuse substances. There is limited available research that empirically describes client characteristics of these services. This study examined 5 years of data of a remote Aboriginal residential rehabilitation service.

Design and Methods

Retrospective analysis of 329 client admissions to Orana Haven Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre from 2011 to 2016. Multinomial and binary logistic regressions were conducted to identify trends in the data.

Results

There were 66 admissions recorded annually, of which most identified as Aboriginal (85%). Mean length of stay was 56 days, with one in three (36%) discharging within the first month. A third (32%) completed, 47% self‐discharged and 20% house‐discharged from the program. Client age significantly increased over time (P = 0.03), with most aged from 26 to 35. Older clients were significantly more likely to readmit (P < 0.002) and stay longer than 90 days (P = 0.02). Most clients were referred from the criminal justice system, significantly increasing from 79% (2011–2012) to 96% (2015–2016) (P < 0.001) and these clients were more likely to self‐discharge (P < 0.01). Among a subset of clients, most (69%) reported concerns with polysubstance use and half (51%) reported mental illness.

Discussion and Conclusions

The current study makes a unique contribution to the literature by empirically describing the characteristics of clients of a remote Aboriginal residential rehabilitation service to more accurately tailor the service to the client's needs. Key recommendations include integrating these empirical observations with staff and client perceptions to co‐design a model of care, standardise data collection, and routinely following‐up clients to monitor treatment effectiveness.
Small variations in climate and soil conditions may have greater influence on multitaxon species occurrences than past and present human activities in temperate mountain forests
Authors: Janssen Philippe , Fuhr Marc , Bouget Christophe
Published: January 2018

Aim

Human activity is known to greatly influence species occurrences. In forest ecosystems, biodiversity is often believed to be influenced by two habitat characteristics: (1) forest continuity, related to a minimum length of time in a wooded state since a threshold date; and (2) stand maturity, related to the availability of late‐developmental‐forest attributes. In a context of ongoing global biodiversity loss, qualifying the effect of past and present human activity on forest ecosystems while taking into account variations in abiotic factors is of primary importance for conservation.

Location

Temperate mountain forests in the Northern Alps.

Method

Based upon a sampling design crossing forest continuity (ancient vs. Recent) and stand maturity (mature vs. overmature), and while controlling for the effect of two major environmental factors, soil and climate, we explored the individual response of saproxylic beetle, springtail, herbaceous plant and epiphytic macrolichen species to past and present human activity.

Results

Forest continuity influenced the occurrence of relatively few species, indicating that past land use had almost no legacy effect on the species occurring in the study forests today. In contrast, stand maturity had an overall positive effect on species occurrences. However, our results showed that species occurrences were more obviously influenced by abiotic conditions. Indeed, beyond the effect of continuity and maturity factors, the probability of presence of numerous species was best explained by climate and soil.

Main conclusions

Overall, we show that species occurrence was more influenced by stand maturity than by forest continuity, but also that site‐specific characteristics were of great importance in explaining the probability of presence for numerous species. In the ecological context of alpine forests, these findings emphasize the need to better control for climatic and edaphic conditions in order to (1) improve accuracy in predicting species occurrence and (2) better design areas of conservation interest.
Intrathecal baclofen therapy in children: an analysis of individualized goals
Authors: Liew Peck Yee , Stewart Kirsty , Khan Debra , Arnup Sarah Jane , Scheinberg Adam
Published: January 2018

Aim

To determine whether intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy improves performance and performance satisfaction in goal areas identified by patients' parents.

Method

This study formed part of an ongoing multicentre national audit involving six paediatric ITB pump implant centres across Australia. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was the primary outcome measure utilized at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after pump implants in paediatric patients receiving ITB therapy for the first time between 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2014.

Results

Twenty‐five children had goals identified (mean age 11y 1mo), 19 had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and 22 were at Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV, V, or equivalent. Strong evidence for an improvement in goal performance (2.33, 95% CI 1.70, 2.96, p<0.001) and performance satisfaction scores (3.08, 95% CI 2.28, 3.88, p<0.001) were demonstrated at 6 months, compared to baseline. The differences were clinically significant and were sustained to 12 months.

Interpretation

ITB therapy in paediatric patients with hypertonia results in clinically significant improvements in average performance and performance satisfaction scores.

What this paper adds

The most commonly identified goals of parents of children treated with intrathecal (ITB) therapy were: improving ease of dressing, positioning, and transfers.

ITB therapy is effective in improving performance and performance satisfaction in children with hypertonia.

Score improvements are mainly evident within the first 6 months of therapy.
Severity of Xanthomonas axonopodis leaf blight on eucalypt cuttings under different levels of nutrients
Authors: Silva A. G. , Machado P. S. , Barros N. F. , Fonseca S. , Alfenas A. C.
Published: January 2018

Bacterial leaf blight of eucalypt, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis, occurs mainly in forest nurseries, but also affects young plants in the field. Avoidance of leaf wetness for long periods of time over the whole nursery and using drip irrigation for clonal hedges are, currently, the most effective measures for controlling bacterial leaf blight on eucalypt. However, as these techniques are very costly, alternative management measures are required. We hypothesized that the management of mineral nutrients could reduce disease severity on eucalypts. To examine this hypothesis, rooted cuttings of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis were irrigated with nutrient solutions containing different concentrations of copper (Cu), boron (Bo), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and nitrogen (N) before inoculation with X. axonopodis 30 days after starting the nutrient solution treatments. Concentration of K higher than that recommended, commonly used in miniclonal hedges, reduced the severity of bacterial leaf blight. However, disease severity increased with an increasing of N/K ratio. The management of mineral nutrition solution, especially K, has great potential for integrated disease management of X. axonopodis in eucalypt nurseries.
Perfusion computed tomography in posterior circulation stroke: predictors and prognostic implications of focal hypoperfusion
Authors: Pallesen L.‐P. , Lambrou D. , Eskandari A. , Barlinn J. , Barlinn K. , Reichmann H. , Dunet V. , Maeder P. , Puetz V. , Michel P.
Published: January 2018

Background and purpose

The aim was to determine the predictors of focal hypoperfusion on computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) in patients with acute posterior circulation stroke and its association with long‐term outcome.

Methods

Patients with posterior circulation stroke were selected from the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne (ASTRAL) who underwent CTP within 24 h of stroke onset as part of the stroke imaging protocol. Hypoperfusion was defined as an area of visually well demarcated mean transit time prolongation corresponding to an arterial territory on standard reconstruction CTP imaging maps. Areas of hypoperfusion were assessed with the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score. Clinical and imaging associations with focal hypoperfusion were identified using multiple imputation analyses, and the adjusted functional outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale at 3 and 12 months was determined.

Results

Of the 3595 consecutive patients from the ASTRAL registry between 2003 and 2014, 1070 (29.7%) had a posterior circulation stroke and 436 of these (40.7%) patients had a good quality baseline CTP. 23.1% had early ischaemic changes and 37.4% had focal hypoperfusion. In multiple imputation analysis, visual field deficits, reduced level of consciousness, cardiac and multiple stroke mechanisms, significant vessel pathology and ischaemic changes visible on plain CT were associated with focal hypoperfusion. Focal hypoperfusion was independently associated with outcome at 12 months (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.22–3.42, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In posterior circulation stroke patients undergoing acute CTP, multiple clinical, aetiological and radiological variables were associated with focal hypoperfusion. Patients with focal hypoperfusion had a worse 12‐month outcome.
Oocyte recruitment and fecundity type in fishes: Refining terms to reflect underlying processes and drivers
Authors: Ganias Kostas , Lowerre‐Barbieri Susan
Published: January 2018

Only with new technology and the ability to simulate systems are we beginning to understand fish reproductive processes at the individual scale over time. Traditionally, oocyte recruitment and fecundity type in fishes have been based on a “snapshot” approach, that is a histological micrograph and/or oocyte size frequency distribution of a spawning capable female has been assumed to indicate oocyte recruitment processes over time. This has important implications as the asynchronous and group‐synchronous oocyte recruitment patterns are associated with indeterminate and determinate fecundity types, respectively, and thus affect estimates of reproductive potential and spawning biomass (if using egg production methods). However, a historic review of these terms revealed that they are not applied consistently, with the same oocyte recruitment pattern often assigned to both of these by different scientists. The intent of this study is to develop a conceptual model of oocyte recruitment processes over time, key drivers, and resulting “snapshots” to refine oocyte recruitment terms, definitions, and the methods needed to identify them.
Effect of initial hardness on the thermal fatigue behavior of AISI H13 steel by experimental sand numerical investigations
Authors: Li J. , Shi Y. , Wu X.
Published: January 2018

Based on the Uddeholm thermal fatigue test, the mechanism of thermal fatigue crack initiation and propagation and the influence of initial hardness on the thermal fatigue behavior of AISI H13 steel were investigated. Furthermore, an electromagnetic‐thermo‐mechanical coupled finite element model was established to analyze the temperature evolution and stress accumulation in specimen during thermal cycles. The experimental results demonstrate that, after 3000 thermal cycles, the surface hardness of specimen markedly decreases, and the lath martensite structure seems to completely evolve into a mixture of ferrite and irregularly sphere‐like and bar‐like M23C6 and M6C carbides. According to the numerical results, the effective stress of specimen will increase slightly after every thermal cycle. It presents a distinct stress accumulation phenomenon with increasing number of thermal cycles. Especially at the corner of specimen, it is more significant. The thermal fatigue test results also prove that it is a major site where the initiation and propagation of thermal fatigue primary cracks occur. Both the numerical and experimental results suggest that specimen with initial hardness of 46HRC has the slowest stress accumulation rate, the lowest thermal fatigue damage factor, and the longest thermal fatigue life.
Fatigue assessment of metallic components under uniaxial and multiaxial variable amplitude loading
Authors: Carpinteri A. , Vantadori S. , Łagoda T. , Karolczuk A. , Kurek M. , Ronchei C.
Published: January 2018

In the present paper, the fatigue lifetime of metallic structural components subjected to variable amplitude loading is evaluated by applying 2 different multiaxial high‐cycle fatigue criteria. Such criteria, proposed by some of the present authors, are based on the critical plane approach and aim at reducing a given multiaxial stress state to an equivalent uniaxial stress condition. In particular, the procedure employed by both criteria consists of the following 3 steps: (1) definition of the critical plane; (2) counting of loading cycles; and (3) estimation of fatigue damage. Finally, the previous criteria are validated by comparing the theoretical results with experimental data related to smooth metallic specimens subjected to uniaxial and multiaxial variable amplitude loading.
A new macroecological pattern: The latitudinal gradient in species range shape
Authors: Castro‐Insua Adrián , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Baselga Andrés
Published: January 2018

Aim

We analyse the latitudinal variation of range shape, testing whether ranges at higher latitudes or of larger size tend to be elongated in an east–west direction, as expected from climatic niche constraints. Additionally, we assess whether poleward range limits are less stochastic than equatorward limits.

Location

Global; all terrestrial areas except Antarctica.

Time period

Contemporaneous.

Major taxa studied

Birds and mammals.

Methods

We quantified the shape of the distribution ranges of 10,057 species of birds and 5,411 species of mammals, and assessed the relationship of range shape with latitude and range size using generalized additive models. The observed pattern was compared with that predicted by a null model, in which species ranges were constrained only by the shape of the landmasses. Furthermore, we divided each range in two polygons and measured their separate perimeters, to compare the limits of the poleward and equatorward portions of each range.

Results

In terrestrial mammals and birds, only species living at higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere and with large range sizes have ranges that consistently tend to be elongated in an east–west direction. The difference between observed and null range shapes increases from the Southern Hemisphere and the tropics towards the north. The difference between equatorward and poleward semi‐perimeters was relevant only in the Southern Hemisphere, and it is probably explained by the shape of the continents.

Main conclusions

The existence of a latitudinal gradient in range shape is consistent with a different role of deterministic and stochastic processes in the tropics versus high latitudes. Specifically, the results are in line with a scenario in which tropical niche conservatism and relatively evolutionarily labile lower thermal tolerance increase the relevance of climate in determining range limits towards the poles, with stochastic factors (e.g., dispersal limitation) more relevant in shaping low‐latitude range limits.
Geology of the Blue Lagoon
Authors: Mitten Andrew , Pringle Jamie K.
Published: January 2018

The geology of the Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy Bay, South Wales, has been studied for over a hundred years, and is the type locality for the Abereiddian sub‐stage of the Darriwilian (Ordovician), due to its outstanding fossil assemblages. Despite the work done on the Blue Lagoon, its geological significance has not yet been examined. Strata preserved at the Blue Lagoon comprises Avalonian volcanics and marine sediments. This feature examines Avalonia's palaeogeography, the structure and stratigraphy of Abereiddy Bay and the global significance of the geology at these classic localities.
Medievalism: New discipline or scholarly no‐man's land?
Authors: Marsden Richard A.
Published: January 2018

The term “medievalism” refers to how people have, since the 15th century, conceptualised the thousand years of history preceding that date. The study of medievalism is therefore not about the Middle Ages per se, but rather the ways in which the medieval period has been imagined in the centuries since it ended. Yet the field's origins date from as recently as the 1970s. Medievalism Studies is thus still finding its feet and must consequently deal with some existential questions about its scope and remit, its methodological underpinnings, its implications for how history is periodised, and its relationship with more established disciplines. It also faces criticisms of Anglo‐centricism as well as hostility from some historians thanks to the doubts its practitioners raise over established delineations between scholarly and creative depictions of the medieval period. Nonetheless, this new field offers a much‐needed challenge to the calcified disciplinary boundaries that shape academia today.
A More Nordic Norway? Examining Prisons in 21st Century Iceland
Authors: PAKES FRANCIS , GUNNLAUGSSON HELGI
Published: January 2018

This article seeks to examine the exact status of Iceland in light of the Nordic penal exceptionalism thesis. This thesis considers that punishment in the Nordic countries is fundamentally more benign than that in Anglophone countries (Pratt 2008a, 2008b). Yet from this perspective the remote Nordic country of Iceland remains overlooked. That is unfortunate as, at first sight, there is much to be intrigued about: Iceland's prison rate is very low; Iceland is small and homogeneous which may offer cultural or structural pre‐conditions for a positive penal system. Its penal estate is tiny with a small number of very small prisons. In addition, Iceland has a history of low crime rates and a tradition of lenient sentencing practices. All this makes it interesting to consider whether the penal exceptionalism thesis (Pratt and Eriksson 2011) actually extends to Iceland. To what extent does Iceland fit the Nordic mould of penal practice?
Thermal and structural investigations of xLi2O‐(1−x)Bi2O3 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.35) glasses
Authors: Paul Tanmoy , Mountjoy Gavin , Ghosh Aswini
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we have studied the nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization kinetics of xLi2O‐(1−x)Bi2O3 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.35) glasses, using differential scanning calorimetry. Both the energies of glass transition and crystallization are estimated, using the Ozawa and Kissinger methods for nonisothermal crystallization. The modified Johnson‐Mehl‐Avrami (JMA) equation is used to estimate the nature of nucleation and crystal growth during the nonisothermal crystallization. The nature of nucleation and crystal growth is also determined by the Sestak‐Berggren model for the non‐isothermal crystallization. On the other hand, the JMA equation describes the diffusion controlled growth of crystallites for isothermal crystallization. Nature of crystal growth is identified by scanning electron micrographs both non‐isothermally and isothermally. In situ low frequency Raman spectra are analyzed to determine the degree of amorphous nature below onset of crystallization temperature for the glasses. Transition from local ordering to high range ordering of BiO6 octahedral units after crystallization is also identified, using Raman susceptibility spectra.
Family Firm Goals and their Effects on Strategy, Family and Organization Behavior: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Williams Ralph I. , Pieper Torsten M. , Kellermanns Franz W. , Astrachan Joseph H.
Published: January 2018

Goals are a key differentiator between family businesses and non‐family businesses. To improve understanding of this topic, the authors take stock of what they know about goals in family business. They synthesize prior research findings and classify the research into five categories: family business goal antecedents; goal characteristics; goal‐related outcomes; moderators of goal outcomes; and feedback loop. The paper concludes by highlighting future research to advance both family business goal and general management research.
Epidemiology and molecular characterization of influenza viruses in Burkina Faso, sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Sanou Armel M. , Wandaogo Sampoko Carine M. , Poda Armel , Tamini Laure , Kyere Anselme E. , Sagna Tani , Ouedraogo Macaire S. , Pauly Maude , Hübschen Judith M. , Muller Claude P. , Tarnagda Zekiba , Snoeck Chantal J.
Published: January 2018

Background

The importance of influenza viruses in respiratory infections in sub‐Saharan Africa has been historically overlooked, including in Burkina Faso.

Objectives

This study therefore aimed at evaluating the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of influenza viruses in children under 5 years old, at risk of influenza‐related complications, presenting with influenza‐like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). The study also aimed at identifying the periods with increased influenza transmission for vaccination recommendations in Burkina Faso.

Methods

From January 2014 to December 2015, ILI and SARI (2015 only) patients were recruited in six healthcare centers in Burkina Faso. Influenza A and B molecular detection and subtyping were performed. Clade clustering of a subset of A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) strains was deduced by performing phylogenetic analyses on hemagglutinin gene sequences. Weekly surveillance data from FluNet (2011‐2013; 2016) and this study (2014‐2015) were used to identify periods of increased influenza activity.

Results

Influenza A and B viruses were detected in 15.1% (112 of 743) of ILI and 6.6% (12 of 181) of SARI patients. Overall, influenza A viruses were largely predominant (81 of 124, 65.3%), with 69.1% of A(H3N2) and 30.9% of A(H1N1)pdm09 strains. Four waves of increased transmission were identified in 2014‐2015, each dominated by different influenza subtypes and clades. Between 2011 and 2016, periods of increased influenza activity varied in their frequency, duration, and timing.

Conclusion

Influenza A and B viruses were detected in a substantial number of ILI and SARI cases in Burkina Faso. Vaccination in September‐October would likely protect the highest number of patients.
The effects of work factors on nurses’ job satisfaction, quality of care and turnover intentions in oncology
Authors: Gillet Nicolas , Fouquereau Evelyne , Coillot Hélène , Cougot Baptiste , Moret Leïla , Dupont Sophie , Bonnetain Franck , Colombat Philippe
Published: January 2018

Aims

We examined the effects of perceived supervisor support, value congruence and hospital nurse staffing on nurses’ job satisfaction through the satisfaction of the three psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness. Then, we examined the links between job satisfaction and quality of care as well as turnover intentions from the workplace.

Background

There is growing interest in the relationships between work factors and nurses’ job satisfaction. However, minimal research has investigated the effects of perceived supervisor support, value congruence and staffing on nurses’ job satisfaction and the psychological mechanisms by which these factors lead to positive outcomes.

Design

A cross‐sectional questionnaire was distributed in 11 oncology units between September 2015 ‐ February 2016.

Method

Data were collected from a sample of 144 French nurses who completed measures of perceived supervisor support, value congruence, staffing adequacy, psychological need satisfaction, job satisfaction, quality of care and turnover intentions.

Results

The hypothesized model was tested with path analyses. Results revealed that psychological need satisfaction partially mediated the effects of perceived supervisor support, value congruence and hospital nurse staffing on job satisfaction. Moreover, job satisfaction was positively associated with quality of care and negatively linked to turnover intentions.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings provide insight into the influence of perceived supervisor support, value congruence and staffing on nurses’ attitudes and behaviours.
Effects of work environment and job characteristics on the turnover intention of experienced nurses: The mediating role of work engagement
Authors: Wan Qiaoqin , Li Zhaoyang , Zhou Weijiao , Shang Shaomei
Published: January 2018

Aim

To assess turnover intention among experienced nurses and explore the effects of work environment, job characteristics and work engagement on turnover intention.

Background

The nursing shortage is an urgent concern in China. A high turnover rate of experienced nurses could have serious effects on the quality of care, costs and the efficiency of hospitals. It is crucial to explore the predictors of turnover intention and develop strategies tailored to experienced nurses.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

A total of 778 experienced nurses from seven hospitals was surveyed on their work engagement, job characteristics, work environment and turnover intention in March–May 2017. Structural equation modelling was used to test a theoretical model and the hypotheses.

Results

The results showed that 35.9% of experienced nurses had high‐level turnover intention. The final model explained 50% of the variance in experienced nurses' turnover intention and demonstrated that: (1) work environment was positively associated with higher work engagement and lower turnover intention and work engagement partially mediated the relationship between work environment and turnover intention; and (2) job characteristics were positively related to higher work engagement and lower turnover intention and work engagement fully mediated the relationship between job characteristics and turnover intention.

Conclusions

The study confirms the intrinsic and extrinsic motivators on work engagement posited by job demands‐resources model. Theory‐driven strategies to improve work environment, enhance job characteristics and promote wok engagement are needed to address the nursing shortage and high turnover intention among experienced nurses.
Exploring students' flow experiences in business simulation games
Authors: Buil I. , Catalán S. , Martínez E.
Published: January 2018

Business simulation games are a motivational and engaging tool for teaching business management. However, relatively little is known about what factors contribute to their success. This study explores the role of flow experienced while using business simulation games. Specifically, this research investigates the influence of challenge, skills, feedback, and goal clarity on students' flow experience. It also explores the impact of flow on generic skills development, perceived learning, and satisfaction. Based on a survey of 167 undergraduate students who used a classroom‐based business simulation game, the findings show that the challenge provided by the game, students' skills to meet the challenge, and instant feedback positively influenced students' flow. Conversely, goal clarity did not foster the optimal experience. Flow positively impacted generic skills development, perceived learning, and satisfaction.
Acute lion's mane jellyfish, Cyanea capillata (Cnideria: Scyphozoa), exposure to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Powell M D , Åtland Å , Dale T
Published: January 2018

Jellyfish‐induced gill pathology relies upon occasional diagnostic observations yet the extent and impact of jellyfish blooms on aquaculture may be significant. Idiopathic gill lesions are often observed in apparently healthy fish. This study exposed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts to macerated Cyanea capillata at 2.5 and 5 g/L for 2 hr under controlled laboratory conditions. Blood chemistry and gill histopathology were examined over a subsequent 4‐week period. Fish showed an acute response to the presence of jellyfish, including characteristic external “whiplash” discoloration of the skin and acute increases in blood electrolytes and CO2 concentration; however, these were resolved within 4 days after exposure. Histopathologically, gills showed first an acute oedema with epithelial separation followed by focal haemorrhage and thrombus formation, and then progressive inflammatory epithelial hyperplasia that progressively resolved over the 4 weeks post‐exposure. Results were consistent with the envenomation of gills with cytotoxic neurotoxins and haemolysins known to be produced by C. capillata. This study suggests that many focal hyperplastic lesions on gills, especially those involving focal thrombi, may be the result of jellyfish stings. Thus, the presence of jellyfish and their impact may be severe and understated in terms of marine fish aquaculture and fish welfare.
Involvement of xanthine oxidase inhibition with the antioxidant property of nanoencapsulated Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil in fish experimentally infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Baldissera M D , Souza C F , Doleski P H , Santos R C V , Raffin R P , Baldisserotto B
Published: January 2018

Nanoencapsulated Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (tea tree oil, TTO) is a natural alternative treatment, with 100% therapeutic efficacy in fish experimentally infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and has also potent protective effects linked with antioxidant properties. However, the pathways responsible for the antioxidant capacity remain unknown. Thus, this study evaluated whether the inhibition of seric xanthine oxidase (XO) activity can be considered a pathway involved in the antioxidant capacity of nanoencapsulated TTO in fish experimentally infected with P. aeruginosa. Seric samples from fish infected with P. aeruginosa showed increased XO activity, as well as increased uric acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In contrast, the prophylactic treatment with nanoencapsulated TTO prevented these infection‐induced alterations. Based on the evidence obtained, the upregulation of seric XO activity induced pro‐oxidative effects in the serum of fish experimentally infected with P. aeruginosa, due to excessive formation of uric acid, which stimulates the release of ROS. This treatment was able to prevent the upregulated seric XO activity and, consequently, the excessive formation of uric acid and ROS. In summary, inhibition of seric XO activity can be considered a pathway involved in the antioxidant capacity of nanoencapsulated TTO in fish experimentally infected with P. aeruginosa.
Efficacy of grape seed extract gel in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized clinical study
Authors: Rayyan Mohammad , Terkawi Tammam , Abdo Hajer , Abdel Azim Dalia , Khalaf Aseel , AlKhouli Zenab , Meziad Maha , Alshamma'a Marwa , Abu Naim Horiyah
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of applying grape seed extract (GSE) gel in periodontal pockets for the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Methods

Eighty‐six sites with pocket depth (PD) >4 mm were selected from five systemically‐healthy patients in whom scaling, and root planing were performed, and oral instructions were given, a week earlier. PD, gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured, and sites were then divided into the control group (N = 38) and GSE group (N = 48). Four doses of formulated 2% mucoadhesive GSE gel were applied to GSE group sites at baseline visit (T0), and 3, 6, and 9 days after T0. Similarly, a control gel was applied to the control sites. PD, PI, GI and BOP were re‐evaluated after 4 weeks and 6 months of first gel application.

Results

Paired t test for both the control and GSE groups showed a significant reduction for all variables after 6 months of gel application (P < .05). The independent t test showed a significant difference (P < .05) only in the reduction of gingival index (mean: 0.85 ± 0.77 for control and 1.3 ± 0.8 for GSE) and plaque index (mean: 0.75 ± 0.71 for control and 1.12 ± 0.7 for GSE).

Conclusion

The subgingival application of the formulated 2% mucoadhesive GSE gel showed significant improvement in the PI and GI only.
Severity of cognitive disability and mental health court determinations about fitness to stand trial
Authors: Young J. T. , Davis F. J. , Wardale S. , Vassos M. , van Dooren K. , Nankervis K. , Lennox N. G.
Published: January 2018

Background

Little is known about the socio‐demographic, clinical and legal determinants of mental health court decisions of unsoundness of mind and unfitness to stand trial for people with cognitive disability. We aimed to estimate the association between severity of cognitive disability and mental health court determinations of unsoundness or unfitness and describe the socio‐demographic, clinical and legal factors that predict these determinations.

Methods

Case file data were extracted on 92 individuals who had a criminal case referred to the Queensland Mental Health Court between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014 due to cognitive disability. We fit a modified multivariable Poisson regression model to estimate the association between severity of cognitive impairment and mental health court determination, controlling for socio‐demographic, clinical and legal factors.

Results

Adjusting for covariate effects, severity of cognitive impairment was positively associated with being found unfit to stand trial (adjusted prevalence risk ratio = 1.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 2.33; P = 0.023), and comorbid psychotic disorder predicted an increased risk of being found unsound of mind at the time of offence (adjusted prevalence risk ratio = 3.63; 95% confidence interval: 1.38, 9.54; P = 0.009) by the Queensland Mental Health Court.

Conclusions

Severity of cognitive disability is associated with determinations of unfitness but does not predict determinations of unsoundness in the Queensland Mental Health Court. Psychiatric assessments of cognitive impairment play a pivotal role in mental health court determinations for people with cognitive disability.
Problem behaviours and psychotropic medication use in intellectual disability: a multinational cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Perry B. I. , Cooray S. E. , Mendis J. , Purandare K. , Wijeratne A. , Manjubhashini S. , Dasari M. , Esan F. , Gunaratna I. , Naseem R. A. , Hoare S. , Chester V. , Roy A. , Devapriam J. , Alexander R. , Kwok H. F.
Published: January 2018

Background

Problem behaviours (PBs) are a common cause for clinician contact in people with disorders of intellectual development and may be a common cause for the prescription of psychotropic medication. We aimed to use a large, multinational sample to define the prevalence of PBs, the associations with psychotropic medication use, and to assess for any potential ‘diagnostic overshadowing’ by the label of PBs in a population of people with disorders of intellectual development.

Method

A multinational, multi‐setting, cross‐sectional service evaluation and baseline audit was completed. Data were collected from UK hospitals, UK community settings, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. A semi‐structured questionnaire was completed by treating clinicians, capturing demographic details, prevalence rates of intellectual disability and psychotropic medication use, alongside psychiatric co‐morbidity.

Results

A sample size of 358 was obtained, with 65% of included participants treated in an inpatient setting. Psychotropic use was prevalent (90%) in our sample, particularly antipsychotics (74%). The prevalence of PB was high (83%). There was no statistically significant association between psychotropic prescription and recorded psychiatric co‐morbidity, suggesting prevalent ‘off‐label’ use for PBs, or poor recording of psychiatric co‐morbidity. There was some evidence of possible diagnostic overshadowing due to the PB classification. A higher dose of psychotropic medication was associated with aggression toward others (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

We found evidence of prevalent potential ‘off‐label’ use for psychotropic medication, which may be due to PBs. We also found evidence of potential diagnostic‐overshadowing, where symptoms of psychiatric co‐morbidity may have been attributed to PBs. Our findings provide renewed importance, across borders and health systems, for clinicians to consider a holistic approach to treating PBs, and attempting to best understand the precipitants and predisposing factors before psychotropic prescribing.
National Public Health Data Systems in the United States: Applications to Child Agricultural Injury Surveillance
Authors: Marlenga Barbara , Berg Richard L. , Pickett William
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The United States has no comprehensive national surveillance system for fatal or nonfatal child agricultural injuries. Thus, important knowledge gaps exist about recurrent injury patterns that could provide targeted focus for prevention efforts. The purpose of this study was to explore existing US public health data systems to determine their utility with respect to informing child agricultural injury surveillance and primary prevention.

Methods

Public health data systems were selected if they: (1) were national in scope, (2) were active and ongoing, (3) included physical injuries, and (4) contained a “farm” location variable. Data systems explored included National Emergency Medical Services Information System, National Trauma Data Bank, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System‐All Injury Program, and National Vital Statistics System‐Multiple Cause File.

Findings

Each data system contained substantial information per case with the number of fields ranging from 77 to 127. Beyond basic demographic information about the injured child, there were many injury descriptors, but few commonalities across systems. The most striking finding was the uniform absence of information on injury circumstances; that is, why and how the injury occurred, which is fundamental to planning and evaluating prevention initiatives.

Conclusions

Although these public health data systems captured many details regarding medical aspects of the injury, they included little information on circumstances leading to injury, thus limiting their utility for child agricultural injury surveillance and primary prevention initiatives. We recommend any child agricultural injury data collection tool formally incorporate a structured narrative so underlying circumstances leading to injury events are documented.
Modeling Relationship between Truck Fuel Consumption and Driving Behavior Using Data from Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Xu Zhigang , Wei Tao , Easa Said , Zhao Xiangmo , Qu Xiaobo
Published: January 2018

In this research, by taking advantage of dynamic fuel consumption–speed data from Internet of Vehicles, we develop two novel computational approaches to more accurately estimate truck fuel consumption. The first approach is on the basis of a novel index, named energy consumption index, which is to explicitly reflect the dynamic relationship between truck fuel consumption and truck drivers’ driving behaviors obtained from Internet of Vehicles. The second approach is based on a Generalized Regression Neural Network model to implicitly establish the same relationship. We further compare the two proposed models with three well‐recognized existing models: vehicle specific power (VSP) model, Virginia Tech microscopic (VT‐Micro) model, and Comprehensive Modal Emission Model (CMEM). According to our validations at both microscopic and macroscopic levels, the two proposed models have stronger performed in predicting fuel consumption in new routes. The models can be used to design more energy‐efficient driving behaviors in the soon‐to‐come era of connected and automated vehicles.
Water deficit disrupts male gametophyte development in Quercus ilex
Authors: Bykova O. , Limousin J.‐M. , Ourcival J.‐M. , Chuine I.
Published: January 2018

Tree species distribution, and hence forest biodiversity, relies on the reproductive capacity of trees, which is currently affected by climate change. Drought‐induced pollen sterility could increase as a consequence of more intense and more frequent droughts projected for temperate and Mediterranean regions, and threaten the sexual regeneration of trees in these regions. To evaluate this possibility, we examined the effect of long‐term partial rainfall exclusion (−27% precipitation) on male reproductive development in holm oak, Quercus ilex, one of the most important and widespread tree species of the Mediterranean region.

We examined anther area, pollen production, pollen abortion as well as viable pollen production in control and dry treatments. Microscopic examinations revealed significant differences in pollen development between trees in the dry and the control treatments, even though anthesis occurred before the onset of annual drought.

Our results demonstrate that anthers collected from Q. ilex trees in the dry treatment, which experienced long‐term increased drought stress especially during the summer, were the same size as anthers in the control treatment, but displayed 25% pollen abortion and almost 20% reduction in pollen production. Subsequently, the number of viable pollen grains in anthers from dry treatment was 35% less than in control.

These results suggest a carry‐over effect of drought stress on pollen production that could reduce the reproductive success of Q. ilex. The results have broad implications for better understanding of the determinants of tree reproduction by masting and anticipate the outcomes of expected drought increase in the Mediterranean on forest dynamics.
Enzymatic scarification of Anacamptis morio (Orchidaceae) seed facilitates lignin degradation, water uptake and germination
Authors: Pierce S. , Spada A. , Caporali E. , Ceriani R. M. , Buffa G.
Published: January 2018

The seed coat of many species contains hydrophobic lignins, and in soil the action of microbial ligninases may contribute to release from dormancy. Laboratory use of ligninases to stimulate germination is promising because of the specific action on the seed coat, whereas chemical scarification agents may also corrode the embryo. We hypothesised that exposure of Anacamptis morio (Orchidaceae) seeds to fungal laccase would stimulate germination, and that the mechanism involves lignin degradation and increased imbibition.

Germination capacity in vitro was quantified with 1 U filter‐sterilised laccase added to agar medium following autoclaving, compared to a 10% bleach solution (standard bleach surface sterilisation/scarification method used in orchid seed sowing). Lignin degradation was quantified using an optical method (phloroglucinol‐HCl staining) combined with image analysis, following experimental pre‐treatments involving immersion in laccase solution, distilled water (negative control) or bleach (positive control). Water uptake after experimental treatments was quantified as the proportion of seeds exhibiting visible uptake of an aqueous fluorochrome under UV excitation.

Laccase stimulated a doubling of germination in vitro with respect to bleach surface sterilisation/scarification alone, from 23.7 to 49.8% (P = 0.007). Laccase and bleach methods both significantly decreased the optical signal of phloroglucinol (for laccase, to 79.9 ± 1.3% of controls; anova: F = 10.333, P = 0.002). Laccase resulted in a modest but highly significant (P < 0.0001) increase in water uptake with respect to the control (11.7%; cf 99.4% for bleach).

Laccase scarification can stimulate germination of A. morio through a mechanism of targeted seed coat degradation. The results demonstrate the potential of this relatively non‐invasive enzymatic scarification technique.
Effect of sedation with butorphanol on variables pertaining to the ophthalmic examination in dogs
Authors: Douet Jean‐Yves , Regnier Alain , Dongay Agnès , Jugant Sophie , Jourdan Géraldine , Concordet Didier
Published: January 2018

Objective

To evaluate whether sedation with intramuscular butorphanol can interfere with different variables of the ocular examination in dogs.

Animals

Twenty‐two beagles without ophthalmic abnormalities.

Procedures

Each dog was examined 20 min prior to and again just before administration of butorphanol to establish baseline data. The globe and nictitating membrane position was evaluated, and the following were recorded: menace response, dazzle reflex, corneal blink reflex, phenol red thread tear test (PRT), Schirmer tear test‐1 (STT‐1), pupil size (PS) measurement, and rebound tonometry. Then, butorphanol was injected intramuscularly at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg and these procedures were repeated 10, 20, 30, and 45 min postadministration. A sedation score graded 0 to 3 was also established at these time points. Statistical analyses were performed on quantitative data using ANOVA.

Results

The sedative effect was not associated with any changes in globe and nictitating membrane position; did not affect the results of the menace response, dazzle reflex, and corneal blink reflex; and had no significant effect onPRTvalues. However, butorphanol administration was associated with a statistically significant decrease inSTT‐1 andPSvalues (P < 0.005), and a statistically significant increase inIOP(P < 0.05). All these variations remained in the range of normal values.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Butorphanol administered intramuscularly at 0.2 mg/kg provided a degree of sedation allowing eye examination, but was found to interfere withSTT‐1,PS, andIOPvalues among the diagnostic tests studied. However, these values remained within normal limits.
Plant-Wide Control of an Integrated Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Plant
Authors: Davoodi Amir Hossein , Pishvaie Mahmoud Reza
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the design and part-load operation of a molten carbonate-micro gas turbine (MCFC/MGT) hybrid system (HS), and proposes a multiloop control strategy for the HS. A mathematical model of the system is introduced. Then, the structure of process is changed and the performance of HSs at part-load operation is studied. The novelty includes utilizing some part of the main fuel instead of auxiliary fuel in the combustion stage. The results show that the new configuration has more efficiency (about 63%). In order to keep the operating system within safe limits, variables of the control system are determined. Those controlled variables are as follows: stack temperature, fuel utilization (FU), turbine inlet temperature (TIT), and output power of HS. Based on relative gain array (RGA) analysis, control structures are suggested for two HS. Investigations on results of RGA analysis indicate that the new configuration has more interactions between inputs and outputs and so has different control structure. The dynamic simulation results show that the proposed control structure is achievable for MCFC/MGT HSs.