bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in foraging behavior of Coccinella septempunctata and Propylea japonica mediated by a novel defended prey affect their predatory potential
Authors: Barry Adema , Ohno Kazuro 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGeneralist aphidophagous coccinellids have to cope with novel prey aphids in environments that are changing rapidly because of anthropogenic activity. The goldenrod aphid, Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Olive) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a noxious prey, which was recently introduced into Japan. It is a major prey for the native Japanese predators Coccinella septempunctata bruckii Mulsant and Propylea japonica (Thunberg) (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in early summer on patches of solidago, Solidago altissima L. (Asteraceae). Prey preference of these coccinellids between this aphid and a native suitable prey aphid, Megoura crassicauda Mordvilko (Hemiptera: Aphididae), as well as their foraging behavior were studied for a better understanding of the negative impacts of the noxious novel aphid. Coccinella septempunctata initially preferred the novel prey, but later switched to the native prey, M. crassicauda; P. japonica had no preference for either prey. Feeding time of the first instars of C. septempunctata on U. nigrotuberculatum was significantly longer than that of P. japonica. The foraging bouts of fourth instars of C. septempunctata were significantly longer on U. nigrotuberculatum than on M. crassicauda, whereas only the feeding time of fourth instars of P. japonica on U. nigrotuberculatum was significantly longer than on M. crassicauda. Both coccinellids consumed less of U. nigrotuberculatum than of M. crassicauda. Thus, solidago patches infested by U. nigrotuberculatum may present an ecological trap, especially for C. septempunctata.
Asymmetric constraints on limits to species ranges influence consumer‐resource richness over an environmental gradient
Authors: Gutiérrez David , Vila Roger , Wilson Robert. J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimThere is little consensus about the relative roles of biotic versus abiotic factors in setting limits to species distributions or in generating geographical patterns of species richness. However, despite the probable importance of host availability in governing the distribution and diversity of consumers, few studies have simultaneously tested the effects of resource distribution and diversity on consumer ranges and richness patterns.LocationSierra de Guadarrama, central Spain.MethodsWe examined the effects of biotic resources, consumer attributes and climate on the ranges and species richness patterns of 43 specialist butterflies at 40 sites over a 1800‐m elevational gradient. Evidence for resource use was based on comprehensive field records of oviposition and larval feeding on host plants.ResultsWe show that limitation by either biotic interactions with resources (the distributions and parts eaten of the larval host plants) or intrinsic dispersal ability was stronger at upper than lower elevational range limits for butterflies. Both resource and consumer richness followed a unimodal, humped pattern over the elevational gradient, but host plant richness peaked 300 m lower than butterfly richness. In addition, whereas changes in butterfly species richness were roughly symmetrical around peak richness over the gradient studied, the host plants showed markedly lower species richness at high elevations (> 1750 m). Butterfly species richness increased with host plant resource diversity and relative humidity, with a steeper response to host plant richness in cooler sites (at higher elevations).Main conclusionsThe results demonstrate the role of bottom‐up control by resource availability in limiting consumer distributions and richness. Importantly, resource limitation had increasing relevance towards the coolest parts of environmental gradients and those poorest in resource species, with potential consequences for ecological responses to environmental change.
High‐throughput sequencing to identify microRNA signatures during hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Raut Akshata , Khanna Aparna 
Published: September 2016

AimMicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a class of small non‐coding RNAs involved in regulation of cognate mRNAs post‐transcriptionally. MicroRNAs have been implicated in regulating the stem cell differentiation process. Limited regulatory miRNAs have been reported to date during hepatic differentiation of stem cells. The present study was designed to identify the signature miRNAs implicated in hepatic differentiation of stem cells using next‐generation sequencing methods.MethodsWe undertook sequencing of miRNAs isolated from three different time points during hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) from two biological replicates.ResultsOut of a total known 2588 miRNAs (according to miRBase version 21), 880 miRNAs were identified in our study. A total of 63 significantly expressed miRNAs during hepatic differentiation, with at least 2‐fold change and a false discovery rate value <0.05, were considered for further analysis. The putative target genes of significantly downregulated miRNAs during hepatic differentiation appeared to be mostly associated with biological processes that are essential for hepatic differentiation and maintenance of mature hepatic phenotype‐like liver development, stem cell differentiation, Wnt receptor signaling pathway, and drug and cholesterol metabolic processes. Putative target genes of significantly upregulated miRNAs are highly enriched in regulating processes that block hepatic differentiation of hUC‐MSCs like epithelial–mesenchymal transition, transforming growth factor‐β receptor signaling pathway, and stem cell maintenance.ConclusionThe study provides a new insight for investigation of miRNA‐regulated pathways during the differentiation process.
Rosuvastatin limits the activation of hepatic stellate cells in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Marinho Thatiany de Souza , Kawasaki Adriana , Bryntesson Marcus , Souza‐Mello Vanessa , Barbosa‐da‐Silva Sandra , Aguila Marcia B. , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda Carlos A. 
Published: September 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rosuvastatin in a model of diet‐induced obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, with attention to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).MethodMale C57BL/6 mice received a control diet (C; 10% energy as lipids) or a high‐fat diet (HF; 50% energy as lipids) for 12 weeks, followed by 7 weeks of treatment. Group CR received control diet + rosuvastatin; group HFR received high‐fat diet + rosuvastatin.ResultsThe HF group showed higher insulin, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and leptin levels than the C group, all of which were significantly diminished by rosuvastatin in the HFR group. The HF group had greater steatosis and activated HSCs than the C group, whereas rosuvastatin diminished the steatosis (less 21%, P < 0.001) and significantly inhibited the activation of the HSCs in the HFR group compared to the HF group. The sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1 and the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ protein expressions were increased in HF animals and reduced after treatment in the HFR group. By contrast, low PPAR‐α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 expressions were found in the HF group, and were restored by rosuvastatin treatment in the HFR group.ConclusionRosuvastatin mitigated hepatic steatosis by modulating PPAR balance, favoring PPAR‐α over PPAR‐γ downstream effects. The effects were accompanied by a diminishing of insulin resistance, the anti‐inflammatory adipokine profile, and HSC activation, avoiding non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease progression and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis onset in this model.
Cleanliness and consumption: exploring material and social structuring of domestic cleaning practices
Authors: Jack Tullia 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn line with increasing international trends of energy efficient devices on the market and in households, domestic consumption of water and energy should be decreasing. However in Sweden, domestic per capita water consumption is not decreasing rapidly and energy consumption is actually increasing. This suggests that physical contexts are not the only factor shaping resource demand. People are also influenced by collective conventions; what we think is normal has a significant say in what we do, and the resources we consume in the course of everyday life. This paper explores the way context shapes what people do from both a material infrastructures and social infrastructures perspective, using cleanliness in Sweden as a case study. First, material infrastructures in Sweden are mapped, including device ownership, water, energy and time consumed related to cleanliness. Second, qualitative interviews with Swedish people aim to show the social structuring of cleanliness. Understanding the interplay between physical and social structures has potential implications for decreasing resource intensity in everyday life.
Financial literacy and savings decisions by adult financial consumers in Zimbabwe
Authors: Murendo Conrad , Mutsonziwa Kingstone 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe use survey data from a sample of 4000 adult financial consumers in Zimbabwe to analyse the determinants of financial literacy and its effect on individual's savings decisions. Results show that women have lower financial literacy than men. Furthermore, individuals' residing in rural areas exhibit lower financial literacy compared with urban financial consumers. Financial literacy and financial services interventions targeting women and rural individuals should be strengthened. Econometric results show that financial literacy positively influences savings behaviour for both rural and urban individuals. Furthermore, financial literacy positively influences informal and formal savings. Policy interventions that foster financial literacy are needed to improve individuals saving behaviours.
A pilot study of the effects of niacin administration on free fatty acid and growth hormone concentrations in children with obesity
Authors: Galescu O. A. , Crocker M. K. , Altschul A. M. , Marwitz S. E. , Brady S. M. , Yanovski J. A. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryContextChildren with obesity have low spontaneous growth hormone (GH) secretion. High circulating free fatty acid (FFA) concentration is believed to inhibit GH secretion in those with obesity. In adults, lipolytic inhibition with niacin lowers FFA and increases GH, but there are no prior studies in children with obesity.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine the dose and frequency of niacin administration required to lower FFA and stimulate GH in children with obesity.DesignDose‐finding study of nondiabetic children ages 6–12 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95th percentile given niacin 250 mg q2h × 3 doses (n = 2), 500 mg q2h × 3 doses (n = 5) or 500 mg q1h × 4 doses (n = 5).ParticipantsEight boys and four girls (age 9.7 ± 1.8 years; BMI 26.4 ± 3.1 kg m−2; BMIz 2.2 ± .25) were studied.Main OutcomePercentage of serum FFA values that were below 0.2 mEq L−1. GH, insulin and glucose were also measured serially.ResultsFFA decreased as the dose and frequency of niacin increased (p = .01). Niacin 500 mg q1h 4 doses suppressed FFA < 0.2 mEq L−1 and significantly increased GH (p = .04). Adverse effects were flushing/warmth (100%), tingling (60%) and GI complaints (20–40%).ConclusionsNiacin 500 mg q1h significantly lowered serum FFA and increased GH. These pilot data suggest that high FFA is an important suppressor of GH secretion in children with obesity.
ENsCOPE: Scoping the Practice of Enrolled Nurses in an Australian Community Health Setting
Authors: Murray‐Parahi P. , Edgar V. , Descallar J. , Comino E. , Johnson M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIntroductionA continuing shift of healthcare delivery from hospital to the community has increased the acuity and complexity of care provided in the home. Global financial crises and nursing shortages have prompted policies supporting two tiers of nursing and expansion of the licensed practical nurse, second level or enrolled nurse role and evoked debate surrounding roles traditionally undertaken by registered nurses. Community nursing offers unique challenges for enrolled nurses wanting to enact their full scope of practice.AimTo compare and describe registered and enrolled nurse opinions of their current and potential enrolled nurse scope of practice in the community health setting.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of 136 nurses (115 registered and 21 enrolled nurses) was undertaken within a large community nursing team in Australia. Participants reported their opinions of enrolled nurse scope of practice based on 27 core community nursing skills.ResultsAlthough substantial agreement was evident, there were statistically significant differences between registered nurse and enrolled nurse opinions in core skill areas; ‘Patient Education’ and ‘Clinical Observation’. Registered nurses identified some specialized skills—catheter and gastrostomy care—that could be undertaken by enrolled nurses with further education.ConclusionWe confirm that registered nurses do agree with extending the skills of enrolled nurses. Education approaches that build shared confidence in enrolled nurse advanced skills are recommended.Implications for nursing and health policyThe future supply of nurses is at risk. There are limited resources and increasing demand for quality health care where people live and work. While there may be opportunities internationally to improve productivity through advanced nursing roles, these policies should prioritize efficiency by firstly promoting the full enactment of nursing skills in these settings.
Epidemiology of influenza B in Australia: 2001‐2014 influenza seasons
Authors: Moa Aye M. , Muscatello David J. , Turner Robin M. , MacIntyre Chandini R. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundInfluenza B is characterised by two antigenic lineages: B/Victoria and B/Yamagata. These lineages circulate together with influenza A during influenza seasons, with varying incidence from year to year and by geographic region.ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiology of influenza B relative to influenza A in Australia.MethodsLaboratory‐confirmed influenza notifications between 2001 and 2014 in Australia were obtained from the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.ResultsA total of 278 485 laboratory‐confirmed influenza cases were notified during the study period, comprising influenza A (82.2%), B (17.1%) and ‘other and untyped’ (0.7%). The proportion of notifications that were influenza B was highest in five‐ to nine‐year‐olds (27.5%) and lowest in persons aged 85 years and over (11.5%). Of all B notifications with lineage determined, 77.1% were B/Victoria and 22.9% were B/Yamagata infections. Mismatches between the dominant B lineage in a season and the trivalent vaccine B lineage occurred in over one‐third of seasons during the study years. In general, influenza B notifications peaked later than influenza A notifications.ConclusionThe proportion of circulating influenza B in Australia during 2001‐2014 was slightly lower than the global average and was dominated by B/Victoria. Compared with influenza A, influenza B infection was more common among older children and young adults and less common in the very elderly. Influenza B lineage mismatch with the trivalent vaccine occurred about one‐third of the time.
Limited gene dispersal and spatial genetic structure as stabilizing factors in an ant‐plant mutualism
Authors: Malé P.‐J. G. , Leroy C. , Humblot P. , Dejean A. , Quilichini A. , Orivel J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractComparative studies of the population genetics of closely associated species are necessary to properly understand the evolution of these relationships because gene flow between populations affects the partners' evolutionary potential at the local scale. As a consequence (at least for antagonistic interactions), asymmetries in the strength of the genetic structures of the partner populations can result in one partner having a co‐evolutionary advantage. Here, we assess the population genetic structure of partners engaged in a species‐specific and obligatory mutualism: the Neotropical ant‐plant, Hirtella physophora, and its ant associate, Allomerus decemarticulatus. Although the ant cannot complete its life cycle elsewhere than on H. physophora and the plant cannot live for long without the protection provided by A. decemarticulatus, these species also have antagonistic interactions: the ants have been shown to benefit from castrating their host plant and the plant is able to retaliate against too virulent ant colonies. We found similar short dispersal distances for both partners, resulting in the local transmission of the association and, thus, inbred populations in which too virulent castrating ants face the risk of local extinction due to the absence of H. physophora offspring. On the other hand, we show that the plant populations probably experienced greater gene flow than did the ant populations, thus enhancing the evolutionary potential of the plants. We conclude that such levels of spatial structure in the partners' populations can increase the stability of the mutualistic relationship. Indeed, the local transmission of the association enables partial alignments of the partners' interests, and population connectivity allows the plant retaliation mechanisms to be locally adapted to the castration behaviour of their symbionts.
Treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: physician and patient adherence issues in contemporary rheumatoid arthritis therapy
Authors: Wabe Nasir , Wiese Michael D. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDevelopment of the treat‐to‐target (T2T) strategy, the process whereby drug therapy is adjusted until the therapeutic goal is achieved, has revolutionized how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are treated. With the advent of T2T, the management of RA is more effective than ever, with the possibility of remission and other favorable clinical and patient‐reported outcomes. Effective implementation of a T2T strategy in routine clinical practice mainly depends on the long‐term commitment of physician and patient to T2T treatment recommendations. However, as T2T is a complex process involving aggressive early management with several steps of therapy modifications requiring frequent close monitoring of disease activity and drug toxicities, it may be more liable to suboptimal adherence in real‐life clinical practice. The aim of the review is to present key issues related to patient medication adherence and physician adherence to the current RA treatment recommendations and their importance in optimizing the outcome of treatment in RA treated according to T2T strategy.
Managing serious clinical deterioration in a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong: from indicators development to multiple measures in reducing the rates
Authors: Ho Jasperine Ka Yee , Lee Quinnie , Lam Jaden Chun Ho , Tang Kam Shing 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesTimely detection and management of acutely deteriorating patients can save lives. Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH), a 1800‐bed acute tertiary hospital serving more than 1.06 million populations in Hong Kong, is exploring to quantitatively monitor serious clinical deterioration (SCD) and uses it to guide patient care improvement initiatives.MethodsLiterature review on definition and measurement of SCD was conducted. Monthly SCD rates of TMH were first calculated according to the published methodology and benchmarked against those of international centres. A refined composite clinical indicator good for local use was compiled. In the second phase, p‐control charts of SCD have been plotted based on cumulative data.ResultsTMH's performance was comparable with that of international centres. SCD on p‐control charts has been plotting since January 2013. There were peaks in all 4 SCD rates during the winter surge period in 2013–2014. In the third phase, multiple measures have been taking to reduce the SCD rates including targeting the 3 main factors of winter surge situation. We are delighted to observe that the pattern did not repeat in the rate of cardiac arrest without do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) and rate of death without DNACPR in the same period in 2014–2015.ConclusionsSCD becomes a clinical governance tool to monitor the performance of clinical teams in treating acutely deteriorating patients in TMH. Any abnormal patterns or indications of special cause variations in the control charts would alert leaders to look for root causes of special cause variations and manage accordingly. We hope that this project will extend to corporate level and become a sustainable clinical indicator to guide audits, quality improvement initiatives and strategic planning.
Development of a Nonparametric Predictive Model for Readmission Risk in Elderly Adults After Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Yeo Heather , Mao Jialin , Abelson Jonathan S. , Lachs Mark , Finlayson Emily , Milsom Jeffrey , Sedrakyan Art 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesPrimary objective: to use advanced nonparametric techniques to determine risk factors for readmission after colorectal cancer surgery in elderly adults. Secondary objective: to compare this methodology with traditional parametric methods.DesignUsing data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), nonparametric techniques were used to evaluate the risk of readmission in elderly adults undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer in 2011 and 2012.SettingMore than 200 hospitals participating in the NSQIP database.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer in 2011 and 2012 (N = 2,117).MeasurementsAge‐stratified robust nonparametric predictive model (classification and regression tree (CART) analysis) of 30‐day readmission for elderly adults undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.ResultsRecent chemotherapy was the most important predictor of readmission in participants aged 65 to 74, with 20% of those with recent chemotherapy and 11% of with no recent chemotherapy being readmitted. Participants aged 75 to 84 who had recently undergone chemotherapy had a readmission rate of 23%, whereas those with no chemotherapy had a readmission rate of 9%. Being underweight was the greatest predictor of readmission (30%) in participants aged 85 and older. These methods were found to be more robust than traditional logistic regression.ConclusionSpecific age‐related preoperative factors help predict readmission in elderly adults undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Results of the nonparametric CART analysis are better than traditional regression analysis and help physicians to clinically stratify based on age. This model may help identify individuals in whom intervention may be helpful in reducing readmission after surgery.