bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disturbance‐mediated consumer assemblages determine fish community structure and moderate top‐down influences through bottom‐up constraints
Authors: Jellyman Phillip G. , McIntosh Angus R. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Disturbance is a strong structuring force that can influence the strength of species interactions at all trophic levels, but controls on the contributions to community structure of top‐down and bottom‐up processes across such gradients remain poorly understood. Changes in the composition of predator and consumer assemblages, and their associated traits, across gradients of environmental harshness (e.g. flooding), are likely to be a particularly important influence on the strength of top‐down control and may drive bottom‐up constraints.

We examined how consumers with particular traits, and the predators that consumed them, varied across a gradient of stream flooding disturbance and used experiments to assess the predation impact on those contrasting consumer communities (ultimately quantifying how flood disturbance altered the strength of top‐down control).

Consumer community composition and mobility were strongly related to flood disturbance; the biomass and drift of protected primary consumers (i.e. those with morphological defences) decreased with increasing flood disturbance. Predatory fish species had different disturbance niches, and path analysis identified that both direct flood disturbance effects and indirect bottom‐up constraints of flood disturbance on consumers influenced predatory fish composition and biomass. Fish generally fed most effectively on consumer types associated with their particular niche, but all fish were strongly size‐selective when feeding on protected consumers. Although protected consumers did not grow large enough to escape predation, an in situ experiment showed protected consumers were at a reduced risk of predation as disturbance increased compared to unprotected consumers.

Overall, top‐down control declined with flood disturbance, but the effect depended on consumer traits. Predatory fish were only capable of exerting top‐down control on protected consumers in benign habitats but impacted unprotected consumers across a larger range of the disturbance gradient. Collectively our findings suggest that a shift towards a more disturbed state will probably result in reduced predator impacts and a weakening of top‐down control. Moreover, predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of climatic events causing disturbance, such as flooding, are likely to result in a community shift that disproportionately impacts protected consumers and the predators that utilize them as prey through the subsequent bottom‐up constraints.
Emergency department presentations with a mental health diagnosis in Australia, by jurisdiction and by sex, 2004–05 to 2016–17
Authors: Tran Quang Nhat , Lambeth Leonard G , Sanderson Kristy , de Graaff Barbara , Breslin Monique , Tran Viet , Huckerby Emma J , Neil Amanda L 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo examine trends in ED presentations with a mental health diagnosis (MHdx) in Australia by jurisdiction and by sex, between 2004–05 and 2016–17.MethodsData were captured in the National Non‐Admitted Patient Emergency Department Care Database. Outcomes were the proportion of ED presentations with a principal diagnosis of ICD‐10‐AM F00‐F99 (MHdx), and the rate of all ED and MHdx presentations per 10 000 population.ResultsBetween 2004–05 and 2016–17, MHdx presentations experienced compounding annual growth of 5.9% nationally, and increased from 3.3% to 3.7% of all ED presentations with a diagnosis. Most growth occurred between 2010–11 and 2015–16. Northern Territory (NT) had the highest level of MHdx presentations per 10 000 population, more than double the Australian average. The proportion of MHdx presentations was highest in South Australia (SA) in most years, and the average annual proportion of MHdx presentations was statistically significantly higher than the national average in SA, Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WA). The proportion of MHdx presentations increased in each jurisdiction, with significant increases for Victoria, QLD, WA, Australian Capital Territory and NT. Males experienced greater numbers and rates of all ED and MHdx presentations, while the proportion of MHdx presentations was 8% higher for females.ConclusionsThe proportion of ED presentations for MH conditions, narrowly defined, has increased in all Australian jurisdictions between 2004–05 and 2016–17, but particularly since 2010–11. Differences between jurisdictions indicate jurisdictional specific issues. However, significant or upward trend of MHdx presentations across all jurisdictions indicates generic issues necessitating concern and policy development at a national level.
Influence of Dietary Sources of Melatonin on Sleep Quality: A Review
Authors: Pereira Nádia , Naufel Maria Fernanda , Ribeiro Eliane Beraldi , Tufik Sergio , Hachul Helena 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSleep is an essential biological phenomenon, being a physiological and behavioral process necessary for quality of life. Melatonin is a circadian hormone produced at night by the pineal gland, regulated by the light/dark cycle, under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Melatonin is an indoleamine, synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan via serotonin. Melatonin is also found in plants, where it helps fight oxidative stress. To present a systematic review on the ability of food sources of melatonin to promote healthy sleep. A literature search was performed on the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, including only randomized, placebo‐controlled trials published in English between 2005 and 2019. The methodological quality of the trials was assessed by the Jadad scale. Of the 25 eligible articles, eight met the inclusion criteria. They addressed the intake of milk or cherry juice in children, adults, and elderly subjects and evaluated sleep quality by questionnaires, sleep diary, actigraphy, or polysomnography. The analysis of the studies presented limitations, including lack of homogeneity of treatment dosage and duration. Nonetheless, the results indicated that the consumption of milk and sour cherries, sources of melatonin, may improve sleep quality in humans. These results pointed out to the potential suitability of food sources of melatonin as adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders. Further studies are necessary to better ascertain the aspects relevant to their use.
Pulmonary function decreases moderately after accelerated high‐dose irradiation for stage III non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Grambozov Brane , Wolf Frank , Kaiser Julia , Wass Romana , Fastner Gerd , Gaisberger Christoph , Rettenbacher Lukas , Studnicka Michael , Pirich Christian , Sedlmayer Felix , Zehentmayr Franz 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundChemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for patients with inoperable stage III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage III. With a median OS beyond 30 months, adequate pulmonary function (PF) is essential to ensure acceptable quality of life after treatment. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) are the most widely used parameters to assess lung function. The aim of the current study was to evaluate dose‐volume effects of accelerated high‐dose radiation on PF.MethodsA total of 72 patients were eligible for the current analysis. After induction chemotherapy, all patients received dose‐differentiated accelerated radiotherapy with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT‐DART). PF tests were performed six weeks, three and six months after the end of radiotherapy.ResultsThe median total dose to the tumor was 73.8 Gy (1.8 Gy bid) with a size dependent range between 61.2 and 90 Gy. In the whole cohort, 321 pulmonary function tests were performed. At six months, the median FEV1 relative to baseline was 0.95 (range: 0.56–1.36), and the relative median DLCO decreased to 0.98 (range: 0.64–1.50). The correlation between V20total lung and FEV1 decline was statistically significant (P = 0.023). A total of 13 of 34 (38%) COPD patients had a 4%–21% FEV1 decrease.ConclusionPatients with a V20total lung < 21% are at a low risk for PF decrease after high dose irradiation treatment. Although overall short term FEV1 and DLCO differ only moderately from baseline these changes may be clinically important, especially in patients with COPD.Key pointsSignificant findings:
Pulmonary function after high dose irradiation decreases only moderately.
FEV1 and DLCO decrease depend on V20total lung.
Small differences in lung function may be clinically important for COPD patients.
KPS predicts minimal clinically important differences (MCID).
What this study adds:
This study shows that high‐dose irradiation delivered with intensity‐modulated techniques does not impair short‐term lung function even in patients with compromised respiratory capacity before treatment. This is a pre‐requisite for adequate quality of life after thoraco‐oncological therapy.
Evolution of male antennal size in moths (Lepidoptera): a comparative test of potential trade‐offs and correlated growth in Australian species
Authors: Weedon Sam , Porch Nicholas , Symonds Matthew R E 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOne of the most conspicuous features of many moth species is their antennae, which can be strikingly elaborate. However, the factors that have influenced the evolution of these impressive receptor organs remain poorly known. Antennae are potentially costly structures, and previous research has indicated that investment in these structures may be traded‐off against investment in other organs, depending on the mating strategy in which individuals engage. Using a phylogenetic comparative analysis of data from dissected wild‐caught individuals from 44 Australian moth species, we examined potential trade‐offs and correlations between antennal size (measured as antenna length and antenna area) and the size of a range of other morphological features related to paternity (testis area), and vision (eye diameter). Antenna area did not show any evidence of a trade‐off with testis size (area) after controlling for body size and phylogeny. Further, relative antenna length waspositivelycorrelated with relative eye size, suggesting that investment in both sensory structures is linked. Analysis of the allometric scaling of antennal size and eye diameter found that larger moth species invested relatively more in the size of their male antennae (both area and length) than in the size of their eyes. These results indicate different patterns of investment in sensory structures in relation to body size, with larger moth species favouring the evolution of more elaborate antennae in males.
Platelet deposition estimation: A novel method for emulating the pump thrombosis potential of blood pumps
Authors: Liu Guang‐mao , Zhang Yan , Chen Hai‐bo , Hou Jian‐feng , Jin Dong‐hai , Gui Xing‐min , Hu Sheng‐shou 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPump thrombosis potential exists in most blood pumps and limits their clinical use. To improve the pump thrombosis performance of blood pumps, a method for emulating the platelet deposition on the flow passage component surfaces inside blood pumps was presented and tested. The method emulates the blood platelet deposition, employing laser‐induced fluorescence tracing technology. The blood pump was rotated in a mock circulation loop with deionized water filled with fluorescent particles. The component surfaces were then explored via laser. The fluorescent particles were induced by laser and imaged in a charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera to show the distribution of fluorescent particles gathering on the blood pump component surfaces. The activated platelet deposition was emulated by fluorescent particle gathering. The experiment showed obvious particle gathering on the interface surfaces and cross‐sectional surface (perpendicular to the flow). This platelet deposition estimation (PDE) method can be easily incorporated in the in vitro testing phase to analyze and decrease a pump’s thrombosis potential before animal experimentation, thereby reducing the cost of blood pump development. This methodology of emulating blood platelet deposition indicates its potential for improving flow passage component structure and reducing device thrombosis of blood pumps.
Paediatric patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome value understanding and help to move on with their lives
Authors: Rowe Katherine 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to document qualitative questionnaire feedback regarding management from a cohort observational study of young people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).MethodsBetween 1991 and 2009, 784 paediatric patients, age 6‐18 years, were diagnosed with ME/CFS following referral to a specialised clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Over a 14‐year period, feedback was requested on up to seven occasions.Management included the following: symptom management and a self‐management lifestyle plan that included social, educational, physical and a pleasurable activity outside of home. They adjusted it by severity of illness, stage of education, family circumstances and life interests.ResultsQuestionnaires were returned from 626 (80%) with 44% providing feedback more than once. They reported that their management plan allowed them to regain control over their lives. They cited early diagnosis, empathetic, informed physicians, self‐management strategies and educational liaison as helping them to function and remain socially engaged. Ongoing support, particularly assistance to navigate the education system, was essential for general well‐being and ability to cope.ConclusionYoung people valued regaining the control over their lives that was lost through illness, support to maintain social contacts and assistance to achieve educational and/or life goals.
Assessing the acceptability of an adapted preschool obesity prevention programme: ToyBox‐Scotland
Authors: Malden Stephen , Reilly John J. , Hughes Adrienne , Bardid Farid , Summerbell Carolyn , De Craemer Marieke , Cardon Greet , Androutsos Odysseas , Manios Yannis , Gibson Ann‐Marie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundChildhood obesity is a global public health issue. Interventions to prevent the onset of obesity in the early years are often implemented in preschool settings. The ToyBox intervention was delivered across Europe and targeted energy balance‐related behaviours in preschools and children's homes through teacher‐led activities and parental education materials and was adapted for use in Scotland. This study assessed the acceptability of the 18‐week adapted intervention to both parents and teachers.MethodsMixed methods were employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Preschool staff and children's parents/caregivers completed post‐intervention feedback surveys, from which acceptability scores were calculated and presented as proportions. Focus groups were conducted with preschool staff, whereas parents/caregivers participated in semi‐structured interviews. A thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data following the development of a coding framework. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using SPSS and NVivo 10, respectively.ResultsPreschool staff rated the intervention as highly acceptable based on post‐intervention feedback surveys (80%; mean score 8.8/11). Lower acceptability scores were observed for parents/caregivers (49%; 3.9/8). Nine preschool practitioners participated in focus groups (n = 3). User‐friendliness of the intervention materials, integration of the intervention with the curriculum, and flexibility of the intervention were identified as facilitators to delivery. Barriers to delivery were time, insufficient space, and conflicting policies within preschools with regard to changing classroom layouts. Parental interviews (n = 4) revealed a lack of time to be a major barrier, which prevented parents from participating in home‐based activities. Parents perceived the materials to be simple to understand and visually appealing.ConclusionsThis study identified a number of barriers and facilitators to the delivery and evaluation of the ToyBox Scotland preschool obesity prevention programme, which should be considered before any further scale‐up of the intervention.
Carbamylation reduces the capacity of IgG for hexamerization and complement activation
Authors: Lubbers R , Oostindie S C , Dijkstra D J , Parren P W H I , Verheul M K , Abendstein L , Sharp T H , de Ru A , Janssen G M C , van Veelen P A , van den Bremer E T J , Bleijlevens B , de Kreuk B-J , Beurskens F J , Trouw L A 
Published: December 2019

Summary
Carbamylation is a post-translational modification that can be detected on a range of proteins, including immunoglobulin (Ig)G, in several clinical conditions. Carbamylated IgG (ca-IgG) was reported to lose its capacity to trigger complement activation, but the mechanism remains unclear. Because C1q binds with high affinity to hexameric IgG, we analyzed whether carbamylation of IgG affects binding of C1q, hexamerization and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were analyzed for the presence of ca-IgG in vivo. Synovial tissues from RA patients were analyzed for the presence of ca-IgG using mass spectrometry (MS). Monomeric or hexameric antibodies were carbamylated in vitro and quality in solution was controlled. The capacity of ca-IgG to activate complement was analyzed in enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISAs) and cellular CDC assays. Using MS, we identified ca-IgG to be present in the joints of RA patients. Using in vitro carbamylated antibodies, we observed that ca-IgG lost its capacity to activate complement in both solid-phase and CDC assays. Mixing ca-IgG with non-modified IgG did not result in effective inhibition of complement activation by ca-IgG. Carbamylation of both monomeric IgG and preformed hexameric IgG greatly impaired the capacity to trigger complement activation. Furthermore, upon carbamylation, the preformed hexameric IgG dissociated into monomeric IgG in solution, indicating that carbamylation influences both hexamerization and C1q binding. In conclusion, ca-IgG can be detected in vivo and has a strongly reduced capacity to activate complement which is, in part, mediated through a reduced ability to form hexamers.
Variation in the life cycle of monogonont rotifers: Commitment to sex and emergence from diapause
Authors: Gilbert John J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA review of research on life‐cycle events in field and laboratory populations of monogonont rotifers shows that there is great variation at multiple levels: (1) degree of sexual dimorphism; (2) occurrence and timing of sex; (3) propensity for sex during sexual periods; (4) factors controlling initiation of sex; and (5) timing and extent of emergence from diapause. There is no regular pattern where: (1) fertilised resting eggs hatch to start the growing season; (2) populations develop via female parthenogenesis during favourable conditions; and then (3) bisexual reproduction with resting‐egg production occurs during later, unfavourable conditions.Sexual reproduction in natural populations can occur throughout much of the growing season, be restricted to some period(s) during the growing season, or be completely absent. During sexual reproduction in both natural and laboratory populations, only some fraction of females produces males or resting eggs. This bet‐hedging strategy can prevent a population crash and permits future population growth via female parthenogenesis. Selection against sexual reproduction, and rapid loss of sex, can occur.Laboratory experiments with pond‐dwelling species have identified specific environmental factors that induce sex in different species: (1) increasing population density; (2) dietary tocopherol (vitamin E) and (3) long photoperiods. These factors generally are associated with favourable conditions for population growth and production of energy‐rich resting eggs: (1) large population size; (2) high probability of contacts between males and fertilisable females; and (3) nutritious diets. Endogenous factors can inhibit responses to these environmental inducers, and thus favour female parthenogenesis.The timing of resting‐egg hatching depends on: (1) occurrence of specific environmental conditions; (2) the minimum duration of obligate diapause; and (3) the genotype and physiology of females producing resting eggs. Hatching may occur shortly after oviposition, after a long diapause before or at the start of a new growing season, or throughout the growing season. Hatching can be massive and contribute substantially to population growth and genetic diversity.Areas for future research include: (1) determining the timing and extent of sex and resting‐egg hatching in more natural populations, especially those that are marine, benthic, sessile, and interstitial; and (2) identifying environmental and physiological factors controlling these events.
Managing the invasive crayfish Procambarus clarkii: Is manual sterilisation the solution?
Authors: Johović Iva , Verrucchi Camilla , Inghilesi Alberto F. , Scapini Felicita , Tricarico Elena 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Management of invasive alien crayfish is challenging, as once established their eradication or control is difficult, even impossible in some areas. Sterile male release technique has been previously assessed in crayfish with encouraging results, however, the methods have not demonstrated the complete sterility of released competitive males. The present study explores whether manual removal of male gonopods, i.e. the appendages responsible for sperm transfer, as a sterilisation technique, might affect male competitiveness and sexual behaviour as well as reproductive potential in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii.

Under controlled laboratory conditions, we analysed the agonistic and sexual behaviour of 64 treated and 64 control males both coupled with a female in single pairs, and 40 treated and 40 control males together with 80 females in a natural‐like social context.

Removal of gonopods partly altered sexual behaviour, affecting duration of copulation and competitiveness in treated males. However, male readiness to initiate sexual interaction with females was not affected by the treatment. Treated males needed to invest more in agonistic interactions with females to successfully dominate a female for the copulation to take place. Females coupled with treated males did not produce any offspring, compared to females coupled with control males. Treated males were able to regenerate removed gonopods, even if sometimes only partially or malformed. Females that mated with 11 treated males with regenerated gonopods did not produce any juveniles.

Although treated males managed to mate with females and impair their reproductive capability under the laboratory conditions, shorter copulation and elevated number of abdominal extensions were observed in treated couples. This indicates that males and/or females are able to sense the lack of gonopods and/or lack of the contact. We believe that female receptivity after an initial mating requires further investigation. Assessment of receptivity in an experimental setting where females are provided with refuges (e.g. burrows) would help us to elucidate whether there is a compensation for unsuccessful copulation. More research is needed on underlying biological mechanisms to better assess male competitiveness, technique effectiveness and limits of technique application.