bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitrification of bovine matured oocytes and blastocysts in a paper container
Authors: Paul Ashit Kumar , Liang Yuanyuan , Srirattana Kanokwan , Nagai Takashi , Parnpai Rangsun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn the present study, we aimed to determine the applicability of a paper container for the vitrification of in vitro matured (IVM) bovine oocytes. In experiment 1, IVM oocytes were exposed to vitrification solution (20% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 20% ethylene glycol (EG), and 5 mol/L sucrose), using a two‐step method, for 30 s; loaded onto either a paper container or Cryotop; and stored in liquid nitrogen. No significant difference (P < 0.05) in the survival and blastocyst formation rates after in vitro vitrification was observed between the paper container and Cryotop. In experiment 2, IVM oocytes were exposed to either a two‐ or three‐step vitrification solution. The three‐step vitrification solution was not significantly different from the two‐step solution in terms of oocyte survival, cleavage and blastocyst rates. In experiment 3, in vitro produced blastocysts were graded according to the manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society (grades 1 and 2) and vitrified using the two‐ and three‐step methods. For grade 2 blastocysts, the three‐step method showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) survival and hatched blastocyst rates than the two‐step method, whereas for grade 1 blastocysts, no significant difference was observed. In conclusion, the paper device and three‐step technique are suitable for oocytes and embryo vitrification.
Hair cortisol levels of lactating dairy cows in cold‐ and warm‐temperate regions in Japan
Authors: Uetake Katsuji , Morita Shigeru , Sakagami Nobutada , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Hashimura Shinji , Tanaka Toshio 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe compared the hair cortisol levels of lactating dairy cows in a cold‐ and a warm‐temperate region out of four climatic zones in Japan. We simultaneously investigated the effects of calving number, lactation period and month of hair sampling. Hair of nine Holstein lactating cows chosen from each region (i.e. 18 cows per sampling) was sampled in March, June, September and December. Number of calvings (1, 2, ≥3) and lactation duration (early: <100, middle: 101–200, and late: >201 days) were balanced between regions. Cortisol was extracted from hair by methanol, and its level was determined with a cortisol immunoassay kit. A multi‐way analysis of variance revealed that the effects of month of hair sampling (P < 0.001) and its combination with region (P < 0.05) were significant. In a multiple comparison test, significant differences (P < 0.01) in hair cortisol level (pg/mg of hair) were found between June (13.0 ± 1.0) and the other 3 months, and between September (1.6 ± 0.2) and December (4.5 ± 0.3). The rise in cortisol level from March to June was more intense in the cold‐temperate region. These results demonstrate the necessity of considering seasonal variations in each climatic region when we use hair cortisol level as an indicator of stress.
Limitations of fluoridation effectiveness studies: Lessons from Alberta, Canada
Authors: Neurath Christopher , Beck James S. , Limeback Hardy , Sprules W. Gary , Connett Michael , Osmunson Bill , Davis Donald R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA paper published in this journal, “Measuring the short‐term impact of fluoridation cessation on dental caries in Grade 2 children using tooth surface indices,” by McLaren et al had shortcomings in study design and interpretation of results, and did not include important pertinent data. Its pre–post cross‐sectional design relied on comparison of decay rates in two cities: Calgary, which ceased fluoridation, and Edmonton, which maintained fluoridation. Dental health surveys conducted in both cities about 6.5 years prior to fluoridation cessation in Calgary provided the baseline. They were compared to decay rates determined about 2.5 years after cessation in a second set of surveys in both cities. A key shortcoming was the failure to use data from a Calgary dental health survey conducted about 1.5 years prior to cessation. When this third data set is considered, the rate of increase of decay in Calgary is found to be the same before and after cessation of fluoridation, thus contradicting the main conclusion of the paper that cessation was associated with an adverse effect on oral health. Furthermore, the study design is vulnerable to confounding by caries risk factors other than fluoridation: The two cities differed substantially in baseline decay rates, other health indicators, and demographic characteristics associated with caries risk, and these risk factors were not shown to shift in parallel in Edmonton and Calgary through time. An additional weakness was low participation rates in the dental surveys and lack of analysis to check whether this may have resulted in selection biases. Owing to these weaknesses, the study has limited ability to assess whether fluoridation cessation caused an increase in decay. The study's findings, when considered with the additional information from the third Calgary survey, more strongly support the conclusion that cessation of fluoridation had no effect on decay rate. Consideration of the limitations of this study can stimulate improvement in the quality of future fluoridation effectiveness studies.
Child protection systems between professional cooperation and trustful relationships: A comparison of professional practical and ethical dilemmas in England/Wales, Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia
Authors: Meysen Thomas , Kelly Liz 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper explores practical and ethical dilemmas for professionals when securing the protection of children in the complex non‐clinical setting of individual families. It is based on a cross‐country study on cultural encounters in interventions against child physical abuse and neglect in four countries (England/Wales, Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia). Drawing on national reports of legal‐organizational frameworks and socio‐cultural backgrounds of European child protection systems, it also presents the results of a series of focus groups with professionals. Data were analysed to identify implicit and explicit discursive constructions as well as normative representations and from this deriving the key ethical issues and dilemmas. Despite a shared normative framework across Europe, intervention cultures vary across the four countries and between the different stakeholder groups. Although each child protection system faced widespread mistrust, policy approaches differ, some relying on strong and detailed guidance whereas others stress professional skill and judgement. We conclude that despite a shared commitment to the protection of children, deliberations and perceived ethical dilemmas suggest interdependency between differences in system cultures and policy approaches that inform the character of professional interventions in the four countries.
Children's trust in social workers: Scale development and relations to Children's engagement with social workers
Authors: Petrocchi Serena , Rotenberg Ken J. , Levante Annaliza , Lecciso Flavia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis research aimed to develop the children's trust in general social workers (CTGSW) scale. Psychometric properties, structural validity, construct, and concurrent validity of the scale were evaluated. Both linear and quadratic patterns between children's trust beliefs in social workers and their engagement with social workers were examined. A sample of 112 Italian vulnerable children (M = 11.4 years, SD = 1 month) were administered the Italian‐Children's Generalized Trust Beliefs scale, the CTGSW scale, and a measure of engagement with social workers. The CTGSW scale demonstrated the expected (a) structure validity; (b) acceptable psychometric properties; (c) construct validity by correlations with trust in significant others; and (d) concurrent validity by associations with children's engagement with social workers. Reliability and honesty bases of trust in social workers were associated with engagement with social workers. In comparison to the middle range, children who held very low trust in social workers demonstrated very low quality of relation with social workers. The pattern was asymmetrical. Children who held high trust beliefs in social workers demonstrated a modest decrease in quality of relation with social workers. The findings demonstrated validity and utility of the CTGSW and yielded support for the basis, domain, and target framework.
One‐year outcomes of youth exiting a residential care facility in South Africa
Authors: Dickens Lisa 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis article describes the 1‐year outcomes of youth transitioning out of a residential care facility in South Africa. Those outcomes are compared with both national data on youth in the general population and care leavers from the United Kingdom. Analysis of the outcomes of 52 care leavers showed that they had fairly secure accommodation, low levels of homelessness, and low levels of criminal involvement and substance abuse. However, care leavers were particularly vulnerable in their educational attainment and employment outcomes and ran the risk of being not in employment, education or training. This has economic and psychological consequences for youth, who are then forced to rely on others for their livelihood and it can increase their feelings of depression, isolation, and despondency. Results from this study provide insight into the challenges and needs of young people transitioning out of residential care, which provides guidance on what to prioritize for practice. This research has implications not only for improving the understanding of care leaving in South Africa and Africa, but also for the existing knowledge based on research internationally.
Positive experiences related to living with tinnitus: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Beukes E.W. , Manchaiah V. , Valien T.E. , Baguley D.M. , Allen P.M. , Andersson G. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to gain insights related to positive experiences reported by adults with tinnitus living in the United Kingdom.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design was used in a sample of adults with tinnitus who were interested in undertaking an Internet‐based intervention for tinnitus.SettingThe study was UK wide and data collection was online.ParticipantsParticipants consisted of 240 adults (137 males, 103 females), with an average age of 48.16 years and average tinnitus duration of 11.52 years (SD: 11.88).Main outcome measuresTinnitus severity was measured by means of the Tinnitus Functional Index. To evaluate the secondary effects of tinnitus, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults‐Screening Version and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaires were administered. Positive experiences related to tinnitus were explored using an open‐ended question format.ResultsAround a third of participants (32.5%) reported positive experiences associated with tinnitus. The number of positive responses ranged from one to eight responses per participant, although there were fewer participants with more than one positive response. The predominant themes concerned for (i) coping; (ii) personal development; (iii) support, and to a lesser extent (iv) outlook. Younger participants, those with a lower hearing disability and those with fewer cognitive failures were more likely to report positive experiences associated with having tinnitus.ConclusionsThis study has identified that personal development and a positive outlook are possible despite experiencing tinnitus. Ways to facilitate positive experiences related to tinnitus should be promoted, as these may reduce the negative consequences associated with tinnitus. The most prevalent positive theme was the ability to cope with tinnitus. Positive experiences were also drawn from having clinical and other support networks. This highlights the importance of providing tinnitus interventions that can assist people in coping with tinnitus, particularly to those less likely to relate tinnitus to any positive experiences. Those most likely to be helped include those who are older with greater cognitive difficulties and a greater hearing disability.
Fetal lung volume and pulmonary artery changes in congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow: Quantitative ultrasound analysis
Authors: Guo Yong , Liu Xiaowei , Gu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ye , Sun Lin , He Yihua 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundIt has been reported that congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow (CHD‐DPBF) may affect postnatal lung morphogenesis and function. However, there has been a lack of information regarding the impact of CHD‐DPBF on prenatal fetal lung development.MethodsFifty‐four fetuses with CHD‐DPBF were compared with 110 controls. Fetal lung volume (FLV) was estimated using three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3D‐US). Estimated fetal weight (EFW) and McGoon index (MGI) were estimated using two‐dimensional ultrasonography (2D‐US).ResultsFLV/EFW and MGI values measured using sonography for the CHD‐DPBF group were significantly reduced compared to those of the control group (P < .05). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the summed diameter of the right pulmonary artery and left pulmonary artery (RPA + LPA) measured by 2D‐US correlated well with FLV measured by 3D‐US.ConclusionsIn our study, FLV/EFW and MGI values for fetuses with CHD‐DPBF tended to be decreased and FLV was associated with RPA + LPA. We concluded that CHD‐DPBF might delay fetal lung development. The summed diameter of the RPA + LPA measurement could be used as an alternative to FLV for assessing fetal lung development.
Appropriateness, diagnostic value, and outcomes of repeat testing following index echocardiography
Authors: Hua Alina , McCaughan Vincent , Wright Matthew , Zaidi Abbas , Wright Jessica , Azam Aishah , Bhattacharyya Sujata , Stock Lisanne , Lloyd Guy , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev 
Published: October 2017

AimsEmergency admission to hospital is associated with an economic burden and mortality. Echocardiography is often the first‐line cardiovascular imaging investigation. Repeat testing is common; however, there are sparse data on the prevalence, appropriateness, or outcome of repeat testing.MethodsWe performed an electronic database search for patients with emergency admissions to our institution in February 2015. An electronic patient record review of inpatient echocardiograms was undertaken. Indications for echocardiography were classified as appropriate, may be appropriate, or rarely appropriate. One‐year follow‐up for repeat testing and mortality was investigated.ResultsA total of 409 of 2306 (17.7%) unplanned/emergency admissions underwent inpatient echocardiography. Abnormalities were identified in 165/409 (40.3%) of these patients; 154 of 409 (37.7%) had a repeat echocardiogram within the next year. Rarely appropriate indications for echocardiography occurred in 51 (33%) of repeat vs 53 (16%) of index echocardiograms, P < .0001. Repeat testing was associated with a change in findings in 17/154 (11%) patients overall. All of whom had an abnormal index echocardiogram and had an appropriate indication. There was no difference in mean survival time between patients who underwent repeat and those who only underwent a single index echocardiogram (310 days vs 327 days), P = .34.ConclusionInpatient echocardiography in emergency hospital admissions identifies clinically important pathology. Repeated testing is common within 1 year of hospital admission. New diagnostic findings occurred in 11% of patients and only in patients with appropriate studies and an abnormal index echocardiogram. Identification of methods to reduce repeat testing and implement appropriateness criteria is warranted.
Can we meet the sustainability challenges? The role of education and lifelong learning
Authors: Wals Arjen E. J. , Benavot Aaron 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEducation and lifelong learning are increasingly being mobilised to address the global environmental crisis and accompanying sustainability challenges. This article discusses the many roles of education about and for sustainable development, drawing on evidence and arguments put forward in the 2016 Global Education Monitoring Report, Education for People and Planet. It highlights specific viewpoints, values and ways of thinking that best characterize effective learning for sustainability. It also emphasises the importance of a ‘whole school’ or ‘whole institutional’ approach to education for sustainability.
Plasticity in native perennial grass populations: Implications for restoration
Authors: Espeland Erin K. , Johnson Richard C. , Horning Matthew E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIncreasing the evolutionary potential of restored populations has become a viable objective of restoration activities. Choosing plant materials genetically adapted to the restoration environment is critical for success, and phenotypic plasticity may also contribute to establishment and persistence in disturbed environments. To select seed sources for restoration informed by plasticity, we must answer the question: Do some source environments produce more plastic genotypes than others? Using a dataset of maternal families from 130 western US source populations of the perennial bunchgrass Poa secunda, we used variance components to determine the contribution of source population to phenotypic plasticity in two common gardens over two growing seasons. Compared with the genetic contribution to phenotypes, plasticity explained a large fraction of phenotypic variation and was particularly strong for phenology (timing of reproductive events) traits. Plasticity values among phenology traits were also highly correlated. For the morphological traits (panicle length, leaf size) and survival, the genetic contribution to the phenotype was greater than the plastic contribution, but plasticity values among these traits were not highly correlated. Seeds collected from warm and dry locations produced plants with more plasticity in phenology, panicle number, and biomass; cool and wet locations were associated with more plasticity in leaf size, panicle length, plant habit (prostrate or erect), and survival. Plasticity may complement genetic variation for adaptation in restoration materials in some traits.
Pharmacokinetics and electrophysiological effects of sotalol hydrochloride in horses
Authors: Broux B. , De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , Vera L. , Devreese M. , Gehring R. , Croubels S. , van Loon G. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackgroundArrhythmias in horses may require long‐term anti‐arrhythmic therapy. Unfortunately, oral anti‐arrhythmic drugs for use in horses are currently scarce. In human patients and small animals, sotalol, a β‐blocker with class III anti‐arrhythmic properties, is often used for long‐term treatment.ObjectivesTo determine the pharmacokinetics of sotalol at multiple oral dosages in unfasted horses, as well as the effects on electro‐ and echocardiographic measurements, right atrial and ventricular monophasic action potential (MAP) and effective refractory period (ERP).Study designPlacebo controlled, double‐blinded experiment.Materials and methodsSix healthy, unfasted Warmblood horses were given either 0, 2, 3 or 4 mg/kg bodyweight (bwt) sotalol orally (PO) twice daily (bid) for 9 days in a randomised cross‐over design. Echocardiography and surface electrocardiography were performed and plasma concentrations of sotalol and right atrial and right ventricular MAPs and ERPs were determined at steady‐state conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using a repeated measures univariate analysis with post hoc Bonferroni corrections.ResultsCalculated mean steady‐state plasma concentrations determined by nonlinear mixed‐effect modelling were 287 (range 234–339), 409 (359–458) and 543 (439–646) ng/mL for 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg bwt sotalol PO bid respectively. Sotalol significantly increased the QT interval and ERPs, but, despite increasing plasma concentrations, higher dosages did not result in a progressive increase in QT interval or ERPs. Echocardiographic and other electrocardiographic measurements did not change significantly. MAP durations at 90% repolarisation were not significantly different during sotalol treatment. Besides transient local sweating, no side effects were noted.Main limitationsStudy size and ad libitum feeding of hay.ConclusionsSotalol at a dose of 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg bwt PO bid increases the QT interval and ERP and might be a useful drug for long‐term anti‐arrhythmic therapy in horses.
The role of dispersal in river network metacommunities: Patterns, processes, and pathways
Authors: Tonkin Jonathan D. , Altermatt Florian , Finn Debra S. , Heino Jani , Olden Julian D. , Pauls Steffen U. , Lytle David. A. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

River networks are hierarchical dendritic habitats embedded within the terrestrial landscape, with varying connectivity between sites depending on their positions along the network. This physical organisation influences the dispersal of organisms, which ultimately affects metacommunity dynamics and biodiversity patterns.

We provide a conceptual synthesis of the role of river networks in structuring metacommunities in relation to dispersal processes in riverine ecosystems. We explore where the river network best explains observed metacommunity structure compared to other measurements of physical connectivity. We mostly focus on invertebrates, but also consider other taxonomic groups, including microbes, fishes, plants, and amphibians.

Synthesising studies that compared multiple spatial distance metrics, we found that the importance of the river network itself in explaining metacommunity patterns depended on a variety of factors, including dispersal mode (aquatic versus aerial versus terrestrial) and landscape type (arid versus mesic), as well as location‐specific factors, such as network connectivity, land use, topographic heterogeneity, and biotic interactions. The river network appears to be less important for strong aerial dispersers and insects in arid systems than for other groups and biomes, but there is considerable variability. Borrowing from other literature, particularly landscape genetics, we developed a conceptual model that predicts that the explanatory power of the river network peaks in mesic systems for obligate aquatic dispersers.

We propose directions of future avenues of research, including the use of manipulative field and laboratory experiments that test metacommunity theory in river networks. While field and laboratory experiments have their own benefits and drawbacks (e.g. reality, control, cost), both are powerful approaches for understanding the mechanisms structuring metacommunities, by teasing apart dispersal and niche‐related factors.

Finally, improving our knowledge of dispersal in river networks will benefit from expanding the breadth of cost‐distance modelling to better infer dispersal from observational data; an improved understanding of life‐history strategies rather than relying on independent traits; exploring individual‐level variation in dispersal through detailed genetic studies; detailed studies on fine‐scale environmental (e.g. daily hydrology) and organismal spatiotemporal variability; and synthesising comparative, experimental, and theoretical work. Expanding in these areas will help to push the current state of the science from a largely pattern‐detection mode into a new phase of more mechanistically driven research.