bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caging overrides effects of density in laboratory‐based physiological estimates of reproductivity in Listronotus bonariensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Vereijssen Jessica , Goldson Stephen L 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis contribution examines the potential for error when the results from laboratory‐based experiments are extrapolated to inform field ecological analyses. The effects on the reproductivity of different population densities of Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) were studied using caged populations of immature (pre‐reproductive) and mature (reproductive) adults. Three densities of weevils equivalent to 125/m2 (low), 375/m2 (medium) and 1125/m2 (high) from field‐collected pre‐ and reproductive populations were confined in plastic containers for either 11 or 21 days with ad libitum food and oviposition‐site resources. The impact of the medium and high densities on weevil reproductive physiology was assessed by dissection at 11 and 21 days. Data were collected on sexual maturity, wing muscle development, and the presence of eggs and β‐carotene crystals. Only very weak treatment effect responses were observed. A significantly higher percentage of immature females showed oöcyte resorption at high densities at 11 days, but by 21 days this had disappeared. Males had significantly less developed testes at high densities at 11 days, but again by 21 days this effect was not significant. Mature females had significantly larger wing muscles at high density after 11 days of caging; however, by 21 days this effect had gone. For both immature and mature females, there was no effect of density on the relationship between eggs per female and wing muscle index. The low density treatment was not included in this analysis due to low weevil numbers surviving at the end of the experiment. It is concluded that caging itself had a far greater effect on the physiology of the weevils than any imposed population density treatments, which is contrary to the findings of field population‐dynamics analyses. Care should be taken in extrapolating laboratory trials involving this genus, and indeed it may occur more widely, to explain field situations.
Are medical marijuana users different from recreational users? The view from primary care
Authors: Roy‐Byrne Peter , Maynard Charles , Bumgardner Kristin , Krupski Antoinette , Dunn Chris , West Imara I. , Donovan Dennis , Atkins David C. , Ries Richard 
Published: September 2015

Background and ObjectivesMarijuana is currently approved for medical use in 23 states. Both clinicians and the lay public have questioned whether users of marijuana for medical purposes are different from users of marijuana for recreational purposes. This study examined similarities and differences in important clinical characteristics between users of medical marijuana and users of recreational marijuana.MethodsThe sample consisted of 868 adult primary care patients in Washington State, who reported use of medical marijuana (n = 131), recreational marijuana (n = 525), or drugs other than marijuana (n = 212). Retention was over 87% at 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month assessments.ResultsThe majority of medical, psychiatric, substance use, and service utilization characteristic comparisons were not significant. However, medical marijuana users had significantly more medical problems, a significantly larger proportion reported >15 days medical problems in the past month, and significantly smaller proportions reported no pain and no mobility limitations (p < .001). Medical marijuana users also had significantly lower drug problem severity, lower alcohol problem severity, and significantly larger proportions reported using marijuana alone and concomitant opioid use only (p < .001). There was no significant difference between medical and recreational users in the percentage using marijuana with at least two additional substances (48% vs. 58%, respectively, p = .05).Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceAlthough our results suggest that there are few distinct differences between medical and recreational users of marijuana, the differences observed, while mostly very small in effect size (<.2), are consistent with at least some medical users employing marijuana to relieve symptoms and distress associated with medical illness. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1–8)
Effect of caregiving status on the sleep of older New Zealanders
Authors: Gibson Rosemary , Gander Philippa , Alpass Fiona , Stephens Christine 
Published: September 2015

AimsTo investigate relationships between caregiving and subjective sleep reports among older New Zealanders.MethodsParticipants were 434 carers (177 home‐based) and 1747 non‐carers (aged 55–72 years) who completed the 2008 Health Work and Retirement survey. Sleep outcomes (feeling worn out, tired, or dissatisfied with sleep or having a diagnosed sleep disorder) were explored by caregiving status. Logistic regression was used to investigate caregiving as an independent predictor of poor sleep health after controlling for other demographic variables.ResultsHome‐based carers were more likely to report feeling tired some/all of the time than non‐carers (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.2). Being Māori, a woman, younger or more socioeconomically deprived (New Zealand Deprivation Index 2006) were also significant independent predictors of poor sleep outcomes.ConclusionsCarers are at increased risk of feeling tired in the daytime. Early recognition and management of underlying sleep problems are particularly important for older people providing care at home.
Assessing the quality of environmental design of nursing homes for people with dementia: Development of a new tool
Authors: Fleming Richard , Bennett Kirsty 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveTo develop an environmental audit tool suitable for use across the spectrum of people with dementia.MethodThe existing Environmental Audit Tool was supplemented with items describing the environmental needs of people in the final stages of dementia. Two independent raters assessed 30 aged care homes using this draft tool and the Therapeutic Environment Screening Survey for Nursing Homes (TESS‐NH). The Environmental Audit Tool‐High Care, comprising eight sub‐scales with acceptable levels of internal reliability, was constructed. Validity was assessed against the TESS‐NH and the EAT‐HC's ability to differentiate units specifically for people with dementia from other residential care units.ResultsThe EAT‐HC sub‐scales' inter‐rater reliability (ICC) ranged from 0.52 to 0.92. Correlations with the TESS‐NH were highly significant. The EAT‐HC total score differentiated between dementia‐specific homes and others.ConclusionThe EAT‐HC can validly and reliably assess environmental features required by a wide range of people with dementia.
Incident opioid drug use among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Vozoris Nicholas T. , Wang Xuesong , Fischer Hadas D. , Gershon Andrea S. , Bell Chaim M. , Gill Sudeep S. , O'Donnell Denis E. , Austin Peter C. , Stephenson Anne L. , Rochon Paula A. 
Published: September 2015

AimsThe purpose of the present study was to describe the scope, pattern and patient characteristics associated with incident opioid use among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsThis was a retrospective population‐based cohort study using Ontario, Canada, healthcare administrative data. Study participants were individuals aged 66 years and older with physician‐diagnosed COPD, identified using a validated algorithm, who were not receiving palliative care. We examined the incidence of oral opioid receipt between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2012, as well as several patterns of incident opioid drug use.ResultsAmong 107 109 community‐dwelling and 16 207 long‐term care resident older adults with COPD, 72 962 (68.1%) and 8811 (54.4%), respectively, received an incident opioid drug during the observation period. Among long‐term care residents, multiple opioid dispensings (8.8%), dispensings for >30 days' duration (up to 19.8%), second dispensings (35–43%) and early refills (24.2%) were observed. Incident opioid dispensing was also observed to occur during COPD exacerbations (6.9% among all long‐term care residents; 18.1% among long‐term care residents with frequent exacerbations). These same patterns of incident opioid use occurred among community‐dwelling individuals, but with relatively lower frequencies.ConclusionsNew opioid use was high among older adults with COPD. Potential safety concerns are raised by the degree and pattern of new opioid use, but further studies are needed to evaluate if adverse events are associated with opioid drug use in this older and respiratory‐vulnerable population.
Differences in body mass index according to fat mass‐ and obesity‐associated (FTO) genotype in Mexican patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Díaz‐Anzaldúa Adriana , Ocampo‐Mendoza Yolanda , Hernández‐Lagunas José Octavio , Díaz‐Madrid Federico Alejandro , Romo‐Nava Francisco , Juárez‐García Francisco , Ortega‐Ortiz Hiram , Díaz‐Anzaldúa Alejandro , Gutiérrez‐Mora Doris , Becerra‐Palars Claudia , Berlanga‐Cisneros Carlos 
Published: September 2015

ObjectivesThe prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased in many countries and it is particularly high in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). A region in the first intron of the fat mass‐ and obesity‐associated (FTO) gene, encompassing markers rs9939973, rs8050136, and rs9939609, has been consistently associated with obesity and body mass index (BMI) in different populations. We sought to determine whether FTO is associated with BMI and/or obesity in patients with BD.MethodsThe sample included 129 Mexican Mestizo patients with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. After obtaining informed consent, participants were evaluated with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I Disorders and weight, height, and body measurements were recorded. DNA was extracted from a 5‐mL blood sample and real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed. The results were analyzed with Haploview v4.2 and SPSS v21.ResultsDifferences in mean BMI were explained by rs8050136 and rs9939609 genotypes, especially by comparing non‐carriers and carriers of two copies of the risk allele (Tukey's p ≤ 0.019), with a mean difference in BMI as high as 7.81 kg/m2. Differences in BMI were also explained by the interaction of the genotype (rs8050136 and/or rs9939609), the use of second‐generation antipsychotics, and the use of mood stabilizers (p ≤ 0.41). Obesity was also associated with these two markers when patients with and without obesity were compared.ConclusionsIn patients with BD, differences in BMI may be affected by the presence of FTO risk alleles, especially in homozygous individuals for these variants. Besides evaluating the possible metabolic effects of certain antipsychotics or mood stabilizers, it is important to evaluate the role of other factors such as FTO risk alleles.
Gender differences in portfolio risk across birth cohort and marital status
Authors: Rybczynski Kate 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper investigates gender differences in portfolio risk among Canadian men and women and finds that, controlling for a variety of personal and household characteristics, never married men, born post‐1966, hold significantly higher risk portfolios relative to single women and married couples. Conversely, observed gender differences among pre‐1943 birth cohorts are primarily driven by disparities in characteristics rather than gender or marital status. Previously married women, born 1955–1966, have remarkably high predicted portfolio risk relative to other women and men in the same cohort.
The “public service bargain” in local government: A new way of looking at relations between municipal councils and CAOs
Authors: Siegel David 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article examines the link in local government between the mayor and councillors, on one hand, and the chief administrative officer (CAO), on the other hand. The CAO is an essential link in the accountability process that flows from the electorate through the municipal council to the public servants who work for the municipality. In practice, this delicate linkage has frequently been forged in an ad hoc manner by trial and error. This article proposes a framework for a more solid structure for this important relationship.
Research use capacity in provincial governments
Authors: Sá Creso , Hamlin Daniel 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDespite advances in research‐informed public policy, research remains underutilized in government. To develop a firmer understanding of governmental capacity to use research in decision making, we investigate Canadian provincial ministries overseeing education, higher education, and science and technology. The findings from semi‐structured interviews indicate that capacity to generate and access research is limited. However, we find evidence of a recent change in which provincial agencies sought to bolster capacity with research use strategies and by leveraging relationships with researchers. Leaders’ support for well‐coordinated research use initiatives also seems critical to instilling a culture of research‐informed decision making in government agencies.
Public safety in private hands revisited: The case of Ontario's Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Authors: Winfield Mark S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDelegated Administrative Authorities (DAAs) are widely employed for delivering public safety and consumer protection regulatory functions at the provincial level in Canada. Although strongly supported by governments, the model has been subject to considerable criticism from legislative committees and officers, non‐governmental organizations, and the media. This paper examines Ontario's DAA experience through the case of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). It finds that, like other jurisdictions pursuing similar new public management (NPM) reforms, the Ontario government adopted legislation significantly strengthening its oversight and control, indicating substantial concerns about the structure and performance of the TSSA and by implication Ontario's other DAAs. Even with these changes, significant gaps are identified in the TSSA's governance and accountability structures.
The People and their River, the World Bank and its Dam: Revisiting the Xe Bang Fai River in Laos
Authors: Baird Ian G. , Shoemaker Bruce P. , Manorom Kanokwan 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTSustained criticism in the 1980s and 1990s resulted in a decline of World Bank funding for large hydropower dams. The Bank subsequently participated in the World Commission on Dams process, which set higher global standards for hydropower dams. In 2005, the World Bank agreed to support the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project (NT2) in Laos, and in 2010 NT2 began diverting water from the Theun River into the Xe Bang Fai River. The World Bank has promoted NT2 as a successful model of poverty alleviation, justifying support for other large dams. Assessing actual impacts and associated mitigation and compensation is thus timely. This article presents qualitative field research from early 2014 about the downstream impacts of NT2 in the Xe Bang Fai River basin and a description and analysis of efforts to compensate for losses. The authors consider the situation with the assistance of baseline data collected in 2001, before project approval. Findings suggest that NT2 has had a significant negative impact, including on the livelihoods of large numbers of people dependent on the river's resources. Many of those impacted view compensation and mitigation efforts as having failed to adequately address their losses. Further independent investigation and documentation are needed.
A checklist that enhances the provision of education during insulin initiation simulation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taylor C. G. , Bynoe K. , Worme A. , Hambleton I. , Atherley A. , Husbands A. , Unwin N. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThe study tested the hypothesis that doctors using an insulin information checklist during simulated insulin initiation would impart more information regarding insulin use.MethodsA total of 128 simulations were conducted. Doctors (n = 64) were recruited from practitioners recently completing internship (n = 19) and those established in primary care (n = 45). Both groups of doctors were strata randomized to control (n = 32) and intervention groups (n = 32), so that each group contained equal numbers. Doctors in each group experienced two identical simulations of insulin initiation with an intervening period of 10 min. Doctors in the intervention arm were introduced to an insulin initiation checklist, which they reviewed independently and utilized in the second simulation. Trained assessors captured the provision of education in 21 predefined educational areas. Differences in the change of the total education provided between the first and second simulations were assessed using linear regression.ResultsThe difference in the mean change of education provided between the first and second simulations within the 21 educational areas for the control and treatment groups was 9.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.8–11.1, P < 0.001] – an increase of 46.2%. The difference for the 15 areas relevant to pen use was 7.3 (95% CI: 6.2–8.4, P < 0.001) – an increase of 51.6%.ConclusionsThe checklist resulted in doctors providing significantly more education applicable to syringe and insulin pen routes of insulin administration during simulations. Further research is needed on the checklist's impact on healthcare professionals and patient outcomes in the clinical context. (Clinical Trials Registry No: NCT02266303)
First report of Ceratocystis platani in Albania
Authors: Tsopelas P. , Palavouzis S. , Tzima A. K. , Tsopelas M. A. , Soulioti N. , Paplomatas E. J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe fungus Ceratocystis platani was detected in various localities of the Gjirokastër prefecture in southern Albania, where it was causing widespread mortality on Platanus orientalis trees. The identification of the fungus was based on both morphological characteristics in culture and DNA sequencing. The pathogenicity of C. platani was confirmed in inoculations on seedlings of P. orientalis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. platani in Albania.
Cognition and brain development in children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Authors: Garcia‐Ramos Camille , Jackson Daren C. , Lin Jack J. , Dabbs Kevin , Jones Jana E. , Hsu David A. , Stafstrom Carl E. , Zawadzki Lucy , Seidenberg Michael , Prabhakaran Vivek , Hermann Bruce P. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryObjectiveBenign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), the most common focal childhood epilepsy, is associated with subtle abnormalities in cognition and possible developmental alterations in brain structure when compared to healthy participants, as indicated by previous cross‐sectional studies. To examine the natural history of BECTS, we investigated cognition, cortical thickness, and subcortical volumes in children with new/recent onset BECTS and healthy controls (HC).MethodsParticipants were 8–15 years of age, including 24 children with new‐onset BECTS and 41 age‐ and gender‐matched HC. At baseline and 2 years later, all participants completed a cognitive assessment, and a subset (13 BECTS, 24 HC) underwent T1 volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans focusing on cortical thickness and subcortical volumes.ResultsBaseline cognitive abnormalities associated with BECTS (object naming, verbal learning, arithmetic computation, and psychomotor speed/dexterity) persisted over 2 years, with the rate of cognitive development paralleling that of HC. Baseline neuroimaging revealed thinner cortex in BECTS compared to controls in frontal, temporal, and occipital regions. Longitudinally, HC showed widespread cortical thinning in both hemispheres, whereas BECTS participants showed sparse regions of both cortical thinning and thickening. Analyses of subcortical volumes showed larger left and right putamens persisting over 2 years in BECTS compared to HC.SignificanceCognitive and structural brain abnormalities associated with BECTS are present at onset and persist (cognition) and/or evolve (brain structure) over time. Atypical maturation of cortical thickness antecedent to BECTS onset results in early identified abnormalities that continue to develop abnormally over time. However, compared to anatomic development, cognition appears more resistant to further change over time.
Treatment of electrical status epilepticus in sleep: A pooled analysis of 575 cases
Authors: van den Munckhof Bart , van Dee Violet , Sagi Liora , Caraballo Roberto H. , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Liukkonen Elina , Loddenkemper Tobias , Sánchez Fernández Iván , Buzatu Marga , Bulteau Christine , Braun Kees P. J. , Jansen Floor E. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryObjectiveEpileptic encephalopathy with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) is a pediatric epilepsy syndrome with sleep‐induced epileptic discharges and acquired impairment of cognition or behavior. Treatment of ESES is assumed to improve cognitive outcome. The aim of this study is to create an overview of the current evidence for different treatment regimens in children with ESES syndrome.MethodsA literature search using PubMed and Embase was performed. Articles were selected that contain original treatment data of patients with ESES syndrome. Authors were contacted for additional information. Individual patient data were collected, coded, and analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The three predefined main outcome measures were improvement in cognitive function, electroencephalography (EEG) pattern, and any improvement (cognition or EEG).ResultsThe literature search yielded 1,766 articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 112 articles and 950 treatments in 575 patients could be analyzed. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs, n = 495) were associated with improvement (i.e., cognition or EEG) in 49% of patients, benzodiazepines (n = 171) in 68%, and steroids (n = 166) in 81%. Surgery (n = 62) resulted in improvement in 90% of patients. In a subgroup analysis of patients who were consecutively reported (585 treatments in 282 patients), we found improvement in a smaller proportion treated with AEDs (34%), benzodiazepines (59%), and steroids (75%), whereas the improvement percentage after surgery was preserved (93%). Possible predictors of improved outcome were treatment category, normal development before ESES onset, and the absence of structural abnormalities.SignificanceAlthough most included studies were small and retrospective and their heterogeneity allowed analysis of only qualitative outcome data, this pooled analysis suggests superior efficacy of steroids and surgery in encephalopathy with ESES.