bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape‐scale interactions of spatial and temporal cropland heterogeneity drive biological control of cereal aphids
Authors: Bosem Baillod Aliette , Tscharntke Teja , Clough Yann , Batáry Péter 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Agricultural landscapes are characterised by dynamic crop mosaics changing in composition and configuration over space and time. Although semi‐natural habitat has been often shown to contribute to pest biological control, the effects of increasing landscape heterogeneity with cropland have been disregarded. Here, we examine how cereal aphids, their enemies and biological control are affected by the composition and configuration of the crop mosaic and its inter‐annual change due to crop rotation.

We studied the abundance of cereal aphids, natural enemies and aphid parasitism over 2 years on 51 winter wheat fields. Arthropods were monitored at three distances (0, 10, 30 m) from field borders. Fields were embedded in landscapes of 1‐km diameter selected along orthogonal gradients of compositional crop heterogeneity (crop diversity), configurational heterogeneity (field border and grassy field boundary length) and inter‐annual change in cover of aphid host habitats (cereal, maize and grassland). We aimed to disentangle spatial and temporal heterogeneity effects through these independent landscape gradients.

Aphid densities were lower in landscapes with smaller field size (more field borders) coupled with high amounts of grassy field boundaries. Aphid densities decreased also in landscapes with higher crop diversity when the cover of aphid host habitat had decreased from the year before. Aphid natural enemy densities decreased with smaller field size and high amounts of grassy field boundaries. Aphid parasitism decreased with the inter‐annual expansion in aphid host habitat, but only in landscapes with small field sizes.

Synthesis and applications. Our study shows for the first time that cereal aphid numbers can be reduced by optimising the composition, configuration and temporal heterogeneity of the crop mosaic. We highlight the value of maintaining small field sizes in agricultural landscapes and high densities of grassy boundaries for reducing aphid abundance. Landscape‐wide crop diversification can reduce aphid densities as well.
Causes and Contributing Factors to “Dark Cutting” Meat: Current Trends and Future Directions: A Review
Authors: Ponnampalam Eric N. , Hopkins David L. , Bruce Heather , Li Duo , Baldi Gianluca , Bekhit Alaa El‐din 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDark cutting in beef and sheep meat has been the subject of extensive research with numerous associations established between it and various production practices. Despite these associations, dark cutting still occurs and causes significant financial losses globally in the fresh meat market. Consumers tend to reject dark meat as it is perceived to be from old or poorly‐handled animals and is described as being tough, having an undesirable flavor, and having a short shelf‐life. There is no universal system to categorize dark cutting carcasses and meat across countries, although various methods are used to determine the phenomenon. Classifying carcasses as dark cutters on the basis of ultimate pH or color using one muscle, such as the m.longissimus thoraciscan lead to mis‐description of other muscles within the same carcass and loss of income across the supply chain. The purpose of this review was to identify the factors predisposing animals to dark cutting and to provide recommendations and directions for future research. The review revealed no single production factor causing dark cutting, but that a range of factors or a combination of factors and interactions lead to its occurrence. Dark cutting is a complex condition that can be resolved through comprehensive management of animals, and management of human involvement, and clear guidelines to minimize the incidence of “dark cutting” meat and to improve the profitability of all sectors in the supply chain are provided here.
Effect of History and Context on Forensic Pathologist Interpretation of Photographs of Patterned Injury of the Skin
Authors: Oliver William R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn a previous study, a survey‐based analysis of pathologist diagnoses of patterned injury was performed. Subjects were provided with photographs of “classic” injuries and asked to diagnose the lesion in the absence of history or context. There was a relatively low diagnostic consensus among respondents. A second survey suggested that the disparate answers were not due to a strong belief in different diagnoses, but instead reflected how the respondents dealt with ambiguity. A third survey was created that asked participants to evaluate patterned injuries of the skin, but provided history and contextual information. The addition of history and contextual information increased consensus from a median of 80% to 98% on a per‐question basis. Confidence increased from a median of 56%–92%. These results demonstrate the importance of history and context in medical diagnosis of patterned injuries of the skin.
A Novel Approach to Limit Chemical Deterioration of Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Fillets: Coating with Electrospun Nanofibers as Characterized by Molecular, Thermal, and Microstructural Properties
Authors: Ceylan Zafer , Sengor Gulgun F. Unal , Yilmaz Mustafa Tahsin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCoating of sea bream fillets with thymol loaded chitosan based electrospun nanofibers (TLCN) and chitosan based nanafibers (CN) has been presented a novel approach to delay chemical deterioration. We assessed CN and TLCN with respect of scanting of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), trimethylamine (TMA), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) deterioration during cold storage condition. Electrospinning process was applied to obtain TLCN and CN. Both of nanofibers obtained from biopolymer and bioactive material were cylindrical, smooth, beadless. Thermal, molecular, zeta potential (ZP), and surface properties of the groups were investigated, revealing that CN indicated molecular interactions with thymol in nanofibers, reduce in physical properties of these structures, thermal decomposition (an alteration in mass of CN and TLCN at temperatures below 190 °C, corresponding to 20.53% and 19.97%, respectively) and also dispersion stabilities (ζ potential) of CN and TLCN were determined 33.68 ± 3.35 and 21.85 ± 1.96 mV, respectively. TVBN and TMA stability analyses demonstrated that CN and TLCN were both effective in delaying chemical deterioration of fish fillets, furthermore TLCN was more effective against chemical deterioration. TBA analyses results of fish fillets indicated that CN and TLCN delayed rancidity in fish meat as compared to control group samples. The presented study results suggested that coating of the sea bream fillets with CN and TLCN would be a promising approach to delay the chemical deterioration of fish fillets.
Eliminating cows’ milk, but not wheat, barley or rye, increases the risk of growth deceleration and nutritional inadequacies
Authors: Tuokkola Jetta , Luukkainen Päivi , Nevalainen Jaakko , Ahonen Suvi , Toppari Jorma , Ilonen Jorma , Veijola Riitta , Knip Mikael , Virtanen Suvi M. , Kaila Minna 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimOur study examined the growth and nutritional intake of children on milk and/or wheat, barley or rye elimination diets.MethodsThis was a nested case–control study within the Finnish Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study. It investigated 295 children born in the Tampere University Hospital area between 1997 and 2004 on a diet without cows’ milk and/or wheat, barley or rye due to food allergies and 265 matched controls. Nutritional intake was recorded with three‐day food records at the ages of one, two and three years. Serial growth measurements were recorded annually up to the age of five years.ResultsDespite consuming a balanced diet with sufficient energy and protein, the children on milk elimination diets grew slower than the control children (p = 0.009). Wheat, barley or rye elimination was not associated with growth. The intakes of protein and calcium were lower in children in the milk elimination group than the controls, at p < 0.05 for all. However, children on elimination diets consumed less saturated fats and sugar and more vitamin C and iron than the control children.ConclusionChildren on elimination diets faced an increased risk of growth deceleration and suboptimal intake of several micronutrients.
Evaluation of a point‐of‐care electrochemical meter to detect subclinical ketosis and hypoglycaemia in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Zakian A , Tehrani‐Sharif M , Mokhber‐Dezfouli MR , Nouri M , Constable PD 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate and validate a hand‐held electrochemical meter (Precision Xtra®) as a screening test for subclinical ketosis and hypoglycaemia in lactating dairy cattle.DesignMethod comparison study using a convenience sample.ProcedureBlood samples were collected into plain tubes from the coccygeal vessels of 181 Holstein cows at 2–4 weeks of lactation during summer in Iran. Blood β‐hydroxybutyrate concentration (BHB) and glucose concentration were immediately measured by the electrochemical meter after applying 20 μL of blood to the reagent strip. Passing–Bablok regression and Bland‐Altman plots were used to determine the accuracy of the meter against laboratory reference methods (BHB dehydrogenase and glucose oxidase).ResultsSerum BHB ranged from 0.1 to 7.3 mmol/L and serum glucose ranged from 0.9 to 5.1 mmol/L. Passing–Bablok regression analysis indicated that the electrochemical meter and reference methods were linearly related for BHB and glucose, with a slope estimate that was not significantly different from 1.00. Clinically minor, but statistically significant, differences were present for the intercept value for Passing–Bablok regression analysis for BHB and glucose, and bias estimates in the Bland‐Altman plots for BHB and glucose.ConclusionThe electrochemical meter provided a clinically useful method to detect subclinical ketosis and hypoglycaemia in lactating dairy cows. Compared with other method validation studies using the meter, we attributed the improved performance of the electrochemical meter to application of a fixed volume of blood (20 μL) to the reagent strip, use of the meter in hot ambient conditions and use of glucose oxidase as the reference method for glucose analysis.
Outcomes in patients after myocardial infarction similar to those of the PEGASUS‐TIMI 54 trial: A cohort study in the French national claims database
Authors: Blin Patrick , Dureau‐Pournin Caroline , Lassalle Régis , Jové Jérémy , Thomas‐Delecourt Florence , Droz‐Perroteau Cécile , Danchin Nicolas , Moore Nicholas 
Published: March 2017

AimsThe present study aims to describe real‐life outcomes in stable patients after‐myocardial infarction (MI) similar to those in the PEGASUS‐TIMI 54 trial (PEGASUS), which found long‐term benefits of ticagrelor in patients with a history of MI.MethodsOne‐year event‐free post‐MI patients were identified in the French claims database representative 1/97 sample (2005–2010) and followed for up to 3 years. A PEGASUS‐like (PL) population included patients with age ≥ 65 years, or age ≥ 50 and diabetes, renal dysfunction or prior MI, without stroke, end‐stage renal failure or oral anticoagulation. Outcomes were: a composite of all‐cause death or hospital admission for MI or stroke; individual events; major bleeding.ResultsThere were 1585 post‐MI patients totalling 3926 person–years including 865 PL patients (2114 PY); 68% were male; mean age was 66 (standard deviation 15) in post‐MI, 74 (10) in PL. Outcomes per 100 person–years [95% confidence interval] were, respectively, in post‐MI and PL 6.3 [5.6–7.1] and 7.8 [6.7–8.9] for the composite outcome; 5.1 [4.4–5.8] and 6.5 [5.5–7.6] for death; 1.0 [0.7–1.3] and 1.0 [0.6–1.4] for MI; 0.6 [0.4–0.9] and 0.9 [0.5–1.2] for stroke; 1.3 [0.9–1.6] and 1.4 [0.9–1.9] for major bleeding. Event rates were stable over the 3 study years. Placebo patients in the PEGASUS‐TIMI54 Study were younger, more often male and had lower event rates, especially for all‐cause death and major bleeding.ConclusionsPatients selected using the criteria described in PEGASUS were older with more comorbidities, resulting in higher all‐cause death and bleeding rates, but similar MI recurrence rates.
A multinational, drug utilization study to investigate the use of dexmedetomidine (Dexdor®) in clinical practice in the EU
Authors: Weatherall Mary , Aantaa Riku , Conti Giorgio , Garratt Chris , Pohjanjousi Pasi , Lewis Michael A. , Moore Nicholas , Perez‐Gutthann Susana 
Published: March 2017

AimsDexmedetomidine (dexdor®) is approved in the European Union (EU) for sedation of adults in the intensive care unit (ICU). The present observational, retrospective study was requested by the European Medicines Agency to investigate dexmedetomidine use in clinical practice, with a particular focus on off‐label use, including the paediatric population.MethodsStudy countries and sites were chosen from those with highest dexmedetomidine use, based on sales. Site selection (blind) was conducted by a multispecialist, independent group. Anonymized data on demographics, treatment indication, dexmedetomidine dosing, concomitant medications and treatment effectiveness were collected retrospectively from records of all dexmedetomidine‐treated patients at the site during the enrolment period. Informed consent was waived, to avoid influencing the prescribing of dexmedetomidine. Recruitment was completed within 18 months of first site initiation.ResultsData from 2000 patients were collected from 16 hospitals in four EU countries (Finland 750, Poland 505, Germany 470, Austria 275). The median age was 62 years, with more males (70.2%) than females. Dexmedetomidine was primarily used in the adult ICU (86.0%) for ICU sedation (78.6%) and mostly dosed according the product label. The intended sedative effect was obtained in 84.9% of administrations. Paediatric use (5.9% of patients, mostly in Austria and Finland) occurred mainly in the adult or paediatric ICU (75.6%) for sedation (67.2%).ConclusionsOverall, most patients were treated with dexmedetomidine according to the product labelling. Use in children was limited but significant and similar in scope to that in adults. Administrations not fully according to the product labelling usually occurred in an ICU environment and reflected extensively investigated clinical uses of dexmedetomidine.
Simvastatin reduces vaso‐occlusive pain in sickle cell anaemia: a pilot efficacy trial
Authors: Hoppe Carolyn , Jacob Eufemia , Styles Lori , Kuypers Frans , Larkin Sandra , Vichinsky Elliott 
Published: March 2017

SummarySickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a progressive vascular disease characterized by episodic vaso‐occlusive pain. Despite the broad impact of inflammation on acute and chronic clinical manifestations of SCA, no directed anti‐inflammatory therapies currently exist. Statins are cholesterol‐lowering agents shown to confer protection from vascular injury by suppressing inflammation. We previously documented a reduction in soluble biomarkers of inflammation in patients with sickle cell disease treated with simvastatin. To determine the potential clinical efficacy of simvastatin, we treated 19 SCA patients with single daily dose simvastatin for 3 months and assessed changes from baseline in the frequency and intensity of diary‐reported pain and levels of circulating nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), ICAM‐3, E‐selectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Treatment with simvastatin resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency of pain (P = 0·0003), oral analgesic use (P = 0·003) and circulating hs‐CRP (P = 0·003), soluble (s)E‐selectin (P = 0·01), sICAM‐1 (P = 0·02), sICAM‐3 (P = 0·02) and sVEGF (P = 0·01). Simvastatin had no effect on pain intensity or levels of NOx, sP‐selectin and sVCAM‐1. The observed reductions in pain rate and markers of inflammation were greatest in subjects receiving hydroxycarbamide (HC), suggesting a synergistic effect of simvastatin. These results provide preliminary clinical data to support a larger trial of simvastatin in SCA.
The impact of seizures on epilepsy outcomes: A national, community‐based survey
Authors: Josephson Colin B. , Patten Scott B. , Bulloch Andrew , Williams Jeanne V. A. , Lavorato Dina , Fiest Kirsten M. , Secco Mary , Jette Nathalie 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of seizures on persons living with epilepsy in a national, community‐based setting.MethodsThe data source was the Survey of Living with Neurological Conditions in Canada (SLNCC), a cohort derived from a national population‐based survey of noninstitutionalized persons aged 15 or more years. Participants had to be on a seizure drug or to have had a seizure in the past 5 years to meet the definition of active epilepsy. The respondents were further stratified by seizure status: the seizure group experienced ≥1 seizure in the past 5 years versus the no seizure group who were seizure‐free in the past ≥5 years regardless of medication status. Weighted overall and stratified prevalence estimates and odds ratios were used to estimate associations.ResultsThe SLNCC included 713 persons with epilepsy with a mean age of 45.4 (standard deviation 18.0) years. Fewer people in the seizure group (42.7%) reported being much better than a year ago versus those in the no seizure group (70.1%). Of those with seizures, 32.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 18.8–45.3) had symptoms suggestive of major depression (as per the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9) compared to 7.7% (95% CI 3.4–11.9) of those without seizures. Driving, educational, and work opportunities were also significantly limited, whereas stigma was significantly greater in those with seizures.SignificanceThis community‐based study emphasizes the need for seizure freedom to improve clinical and psychosocial outcomes in persons with epilepsy. Seizure freedom has an important influence on overall health, as those with at least one seizure over the prior 5 years had an increased risk of mood disorders, worse quality of life, and faced significantly more stigma.
A critical analysis of the direct effects of dredging on fish
Authors: Wenger Amelia S. , Harvey Euan , Wilson Shaun , Rawson Chris , Newman Stephen J. , Clarke Douglas , Saunders Benjamin J. , Browne Nicola , Travers Michael J. , Mcilwain Jennifer L. , Erftemeijer Paul L. A. , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Mclean Dianne , Depczynski Martial , Evans Richard D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDredging can have significant impacts on aquatic environments, but the direct effects on fish have not been critically evaluated. Here, a meta‐analysis following a conservative approach is used to understand how dredging‐related stressors, including suspended sediment, contaminated sediment, hydraulic entrainment and underwater noise, directly influence the effect size and the response elicited in fish across all aquatic ecosystems and all life‐history stages. This is followed by an in‐depth review summarizing the effects of each dredging‐related stressor on fish. Across all dredging‐related stressors, studies that reported fish mortality had significantly higher effect sizes than those that describe physiological responses, although indicators of dredge impacts should endeavour to detect effects before excessive mortality occurs. Studies examining the effects of contaminated sediment also had significantly higher effect sizes than studies on clean sediment alone or noise, suggesting additive or synergistic impacts from dredging‐related stressors. The early life stages such as eggs and larvae were most likely to suffer lethal impacts, while behavioural effects were more likely to occur in adult catadromous fishes. Both suspended sediment concentration and duration of exposure greatly influenced the type of fish response observed, with both higher concentrations and longer exposure durations associated with fish mortality. The review highlights the need for in situ studies on the effects of dredging on fish which consider the interactive effects of multiple dredging‐related stressors and their impact on sensitive species of ecological and fisheries value. This information will improve the management of dredging projects and ultimately minimize their impacts on fish.
Spaces of lobbying
Authors: Hofman Annelore , Aalbers Manuel B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper departs from the observation that a systematic review of the available theories, concepts, and methods and techniques for researching lobbying is lacking. Lobbying is a relational geography of power. And although economic and political geographers study a range of practices that could be considered constitutive to lobbying, they have hitherto largely ignored the spaces of lobbying. We conceptualize lobbying as a practice of 3 flows between spaces of lobbying: the flows of people between organizations, the flows of ideas between these people, and the flows of resources between organizations. Lobbying is fundamental to understand the execution of power by firms towards a range of state actors, and understood as the directed actions of individuals and groups to alter, influence, or hamper the decision‐making process of governments; these actions consist of the mobilization of resources that activate power and enable access to spaces of lobbying. Access to different spaces of lobbying will influence the effectiveness of lobbying practices. Geographers are in a unique position to look at the mobilization of power through access to spaces of lobbying and its resources. We discuss how lobbying is supported by material and immaterial resources for the (re)production of spaces of lobbying. Finally, we present different methods and techniques to research lobbying.
A prospective study of health‐related quality of life of boys with severe haemophilia A in China: comparing on‐demand to prophylaxis treatment
Authors: Wu R. , Sun J. , Xiao J. , Liu Y. , Xue F. , Wang H. , Tang L. , Zhao Y. , Li K. , Yang R. , Hu Y. , Luke K.‐H. , Poon M.‐C. , Blanchette V. S. , Usuba K. , Young N. L. 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionTreatment for boys with haemophilia in China is rapidly improving; however, comprehensive outcomes have not been examined prospectively.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of short‐term full‐dose prophylaxis compared to on‐demand treatment, on the Health‐Related Quality of Life (HR‐QoL) of boys with severe haemophilia A (HA) in China.MethodsBoys with severe HA (FVIII<1%) completed 3 months of on‐demand treatment and 3 months of full‐dose prophylaxis (25 FVIII IU per kg 3x per week). The primary outcomes were child‐ and parent‐reported Canadian Hemophilia Outcomes – Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO‐KLAT) scores. The number and type of bleeds and Activities Scale for Kids (ASK) scores were also recorded.ResultsAnalyses included 23 boys between 4 and 15.9 years of age. The number of bleeds decreased by 94% on prophylaxis (P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank test). The mean child‐reported CHO‐KLAT scores for boys ≥7 years (n = 20) was 61.4 (±10.9) during on‐demand treatment and 61.9 (±11.4) following short‐term prophylaxis (P = 0.72, paired t‐test). The mean parent‐reported CHO‐KLAT score during the on‐demand phase was 54.4 (±10.5) with an increase of 3.8 points (±8.1; P = 0.04, paired t‐test) following prophylaxis.ConclusionsChild‐reported CHO‐KLAT scores were lower in boys with severe HA in China than reported in countries with access to full‐dose prophylaxis. Boys reported higher HR‐QoL scores than their parents. Small improvements in ASK scores were noted following the prophylaxis phase. These changes were only significant in the parent‐reported CHO‐KLAT scores. Longer term prospective clinical trials are needed in China to determine the impact of prophylaxis on HR‐QoL in boys with severe HA.