bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weeds mediate the level of intraguild predation in arthropod food webs
Authors: Tixier P. , Dagneaux D. , Mollot G. , Vinatier F. , Duyck P‐F. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntraguild predation, which is common for generalist predators, is a specific form of omnivory that may suppress the biological control of a pest. The dietary flexibility of a given organism depends on the choice of the C3 (banana crop) and the C4 (weeds) pathways they use and on the trophic level on which they feed. Understanding the conditions in which intraguild predation decreases biological control is a major issue in agroecosystems. We tested whether the contribution of different primary producer pathways in diets of generalist predators mediates the level of intraguild predation. We studied 10 agroecosystems in which banana plants (C3 metabolism) were diversely associated with weeds (C4 metabolism). Diversity in litter macrofauna was relatively low, with a mean between three and eight species per trap. Measurement of stable isotopes showed a significant decrease in the δ15N values of generalist predators when the C4 pathway contributed more than the C3 pathway to their diet. We rejected hypotheses that an increase in the abundance of prey and that a decrease in prey's δ15N values occur when the C4 pathway contributes more than the C3 pathway to their diet. The results are consistent with the diet modification hypothesis, that is, intraguild predation is lower when the C4 (weeds) pathway is preferred to the C3 pathway. Our results suggest that when the C4 pathway of weeds is more exploited by herbivores (or detritivores), generalist predators tend to consume these herbivores and thus neglect the intraguild prey. The diverse C4 plant community probably supports a diverse herbivore community that provides alternative prey. Our results provide evidence that increasing plant diversity in agroecosystems should decrease intraguild predation of generalist predators and should therefore improve pest regulation. In an applied perspective, plant diversity could be increased by establishing a more diverse cover‐crop community.
School‐based individualised lifestyle intervention decreases obesity and the metabolic syndrome in Mexican children
Authors: Elizondo‐Montemayor L. , Gutierrez N. G. , Moreno D. M. , Martínez U. , Tamargo D. , Treviño M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, there is limited evidence about effective strategies to manage childhood obesity and the metabolic syndrome in school settings. The present study aims to analyse changes in the prevalence of being overweight/obese and having the metabolic syndrome in relation to a 10‐month lifestyle intervention based on individualised face‐to‐face sessions and parental education in school settings.MethodsThe study sample comprised a cross‐sectional sample of 96 overweight/obese Mexican children aged 6–12 years from eight schools. Clinical, anthropometric measurements and 24‐h recalls were obtained during each of 13 visits. Laboratory measurements were determined at the beginning and end. The energy‐reduced diet was based on dietary recommended intakes. Individualised structured daily meals and a physical activity plan, tailored‐made for each child, were provided every 3 weeks at the schools. Parental attendance was required. Student′s t‐test, McNemar and Shapiro‐Wilk tests and simple linear regression were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome fell significantly from 44% to 16% (P < 0.01), high blood pressure fell from 19% to 0%, hypertrigliceridaemia fell from 64% to 35%, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol ≤ 40 fell from 60% to 41%, hyperglycaemia fell from 1% to 0%, and waist circumference ≥90th percentile fell from 72% to 57%. There was a 2.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) = −4.10 to −1.58; P < 0.01] significant decrease in body mass index percentile and in body‐fat percentage (95% CI = −3.31 to −1.55; P < 0.01). Of the overweight children, 32% achieved normal‐weight, whereas 24% of the obese ones converted to overweight and 1% reached normal‐weight. Physical activity increased 16 min day–1 (P = 0.02) and 2 days week–1.ConclusionsA school‐setting lifestyle intervention led to a decreased prevalence of being overweight/obese and to a striking reduction in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a sample of Mexican children.
Barriers and facilitators to screening for malnutrition by community nurses: a qualitative study
Authors: Green S. M. , James E. P. , Latter S. , Sutcliffe M. , Fader M. J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundA substantial proportion of individuals who live in community settings in the UK experience malnutrition. Routine screening for malnutrition by healthcare practitioners has been recommended in many regions. The present study aimed to understand community nurses' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to undertaking nutritional screening.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken with a purposive sample of community nurses working in one UK healthcare organisation. Semi‐structured interviews were used to elicit perceptions of barriers and facilitators. Interviews were digitally recorded, anonymised and transcribed. Initial codes were assigned for salient constructs identified in the transcripts, refined by grouping, and a thematic list was developed.ResultsTwenty district nurses and community matrons were interviewed at which time saturation of the data was achieved. Six themes emerged: supportive organisational culture, time and resource to screen and intervene, ease and acceptability of the screening tool, professional judgement as good as screening, the need for training and sharing good practice, and enhancing communication between care settings.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study suggest that screening is more likely to be completed where an organisation is perceived to have a clear expectation that it is undertaken and also demonstrates this through training and availability of resources. The need for a process or tool that nurses find easy to use and relevant to their practice area was highlighted. Further research should examine the effect of the use of a nutritional screening tool by community nurses on nutritional care planning and intervention.
Family quality of life and psychological well‐being in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders: a double ABCX model
Authors: Pozo P. , Sarriá E. , Brioso A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined family quality of life (FQOL) and psychological well‐being from a multidimensional perspective. The proposed model was based on the double ABCX model, with severity of the disorder, behaviour problems, social support, sense of coherence (SOC) and coping strategies as components.MethodOne hundred and eighteen parents (59 mothers and 59 fathers) with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) participated in the study. Separate path analyses were performed to evaluate models of FQOL and psychological well‐being for mothers and fathers.ResultsIn all models, behaviour problems had a negative indirect effect on adaptation (FQOL and psychological well‐being) through SOC. For both mothers and fathers, the severity of the disorder and social support played significant roles in FQOL models. Coping strategies were related with adaptation, active avoidance coping with FQOL for fathers and positive and problem‐focused coping with psychological well‐being for mothers.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the value of the multidimensional approach. The specific patterns of results for mothers and fathers contribute to comprehension of the psychological adaptation of parents. Findings could be taken into account in interventions with families.
Do more hats bring more benefits? Exploring the impact of dual organizational identification on work‐related attitudes and performance
Authors: Chen Yen‐Chun , Chi Shu‐Cheng Steve , Friedman Ray 
Published: April 2013

Recent work on organizational identity has recognized the possibility of dual identification. We present an analysis of complementary dual identification, according to which the known positive benefits of employer identification are amplified when there exist strong secondary forms of identification at work. Thus, even though non‐employer identification is weakly associated with beneficial job outcomes, these secondary aspects of non‐employer work identification remain important because they amplify the beneficial impact of employer identification on work attitudes and performance. Using a sample of sales representatives at department stores in Taiwan, we found that the stronger the department‐store identification was, the stronger the positive effects of employing‐company identification on job performance and customer‐oriented behaviour were.Practitioner points
To enhance employees’ job performance and customer focus, it is important to strengthen their identification with the employing company and the workplace.
The development of employees’ co‐occurring identification with their workplace does not distract them from their work, but rather enhances the benefits of employing‐company identification.
Companies should train their managers to be aware of employees’ dual identification and of methods for strengthening it.
Sales representatives at department stores and in other contexts should be granted a pleasant and attractive work environment, as the benefits of dual identification can be boosted when employees identify with their workplace.
Early developmental outcome following surgery for oesophageal atresia
Authors: Walker Karen , Halliday Robert , Badawi Nadia , Stewart Jan , Holland Andrew JA 
Published: April 2013

AimTo compare the developmental outcome of infants with oesophageal atresia with or without trachea‐oesophageal fistula (OA/TOF) who underwent surgery in early infancy with healthy control infants in New South Wales, Australia.MethodsInfants diagnosed with OA/TOF requiring surgical intervention were enrolled prospectively between 1 August 2006 and the 31 December 2008. Healthy control infants were enrolled in the same time period. The children underwent a developmental assessment at 1 year of age (corrected) using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Version III).ResultsOf 34 infants with OA/TOF that were enrolled, 31 had developmental assessments. The majority (75%) were term infants (≥37 weeks gestation) with a mean birth weight of 2717 g. Fourteen infants (44%) had an associated birth defect and one infant with multiple associated anomalies subsequently died. Developmental assessments were also performed on 62 control infants matched for gestational age. Infants with OA/TOF had a mean score significantly lower on the expressive language subscale (P < 0.05) compared with the control infants.ConclusionsThis study found a lower than expected developmental score for infants following surgery for OA/TOF in the expressive language subscale compared with the healthy control infants. These findings support concerns over the potential impact of OA/TOF and its effects on development. Further studies, including continuing developmental review to determine whether these differences persist and their functional importance, should be performed.
Application of Adaptive Cluster Sampling with a Data‐Driven Stopping Rule to Plant Disease Incidence
Authors: Gattone Stefano Antonio , Esha Mohamed , Mwangi Jesse Wachira 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPlant pathologists need to manage plant diseases at low incidence levels. This needs to be performed efficiently in terms of precision, cost and time because most plant infections spread rapidly to other plants. Adaptive cluster sampling with a data‐driven stopping rule (ACS*) was proposed to control the final sample size and improve efficiency of the ordinary adaptive cluster sampling (ACS) when prior knowledge of population structure is not known. This study seeks to apply the ACS* design to plant diseases at various levels of clustering and incidences levels. Results from simulation study show that the ACS* is as efficient as the ordinary ACS design at low levels of disease incidence with highly clustered diseased plants and is an efficient design compared with simple random sampling (SRS) and ordinary ACS for some highly to less clustered diseased plants with moderate to higher levels of disease incidence.
Conversion of α‐linolenic acid to long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid derivatives and alterations of HDL density subfractions and plasma lipids with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus)
Authors: Petzinger C. , Larner C. , Heatley J. J. , Bailey C. A. , MacFarlane R. D. , Bauer J. E. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe effect of α‐linolenic acid from a flaxseed (FLX)‐enriched diet on plasma lipid and fatty acid metabolism and possible atherosclerosis risk factors was studied in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Twenty‐four Monk parrots were randomly assigned to diets containing either 10% ground SUNs or 10% ground FLXs. Feed intake was calculated daily. Blood samples, body condition scores and body weights were obtained at −5 weeks, day 0, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 70. Plasma samples were analysed for total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins. Phospholipid subfraction fatty acid profiles were determined. By day 70, the FLX group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid fatty acids including 18:3n‐3 (α‐linolenic acid), 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The sunflower group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid levels of 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid). By day 70, the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) peak shifted resulting in significantly different HDL peak densities between the two experimental groups (1.097 g/ml FLX group and 1.095 g/ml SUN group, p = 0.028). The plasma fatty acid results indicate that Monk parrots can readily convert α‐linolenic acid to the long‐chain omega‐3 derivatives including docosahexaenoic acid and reduce 20:4n‐6 accumulation in plasma phospholipids. The reason for a shift in the HDL peak density is unknown at this time.
Gene expression and phenotypic traits of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in response to environmental changes
Authors: Longo P. L. , Nunes A. C. R. , Umeda J. E. , Mayer M. P. A. 
Published: April 2013

Background and ObjectivePeriodontopathogens experience several challenges in the oral cavity that may influence their transcription profile and resulting phenotype. This study evaluated the effect of environmental changes on phenotype and gene expression in a serotype b Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans isolate.Material and MethodsCultures in early exponential phase and at the start of stationary growth phase in microaerophilic and anaerobic atmospheres were evaluated. Cell hydrophobic properties were measured by adherence to n‐hexadecane; in addition, adhesion to, and the ability to invade, KB cells was evaluated. Relative transcription of 12 virulence‐associated genes was determined by real‐time reverse transcritption quantitative PCR.ResultsThe culture conditions tested in this study were found to influence the phenotypic and genotypic traits of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Cells cultured in microaerophilic conditions were the most hydrophobic, reached the highest adhesion efficiency and showed up‐regulation of omp100 (which encodes an adhesion) and pga (related to polysaccharide synthesis). Cells grown anaerobically were more invasive to epithelial cells and showed up‐regulation of genes involved in host‐cell invasion or apoptosis induction (such as apaH, omp29, cagE and cdtB) and in adhesion to extracellular matrix protein (emaA).ConclusionEnvironmental conditions of different oral habitats may influence the expression of factors involved in the binding of A. actinomycetemcomitans to host tissues and the damage resulting thereby, and thus should be considered in in‐vitro studies assessing its pathogenic potential.
Plasma pharmacokinetics of alfaxalone after a single intraperitoneal or intravenous injection of Alfaxan® in rats
Authors: Lau C. , Ranasinghe M. G. , Shiels I. , Keates H. , Pasloske K. , Bellingham M. C. 
Published: April 2013

Alfaxalone (3α‐hydroxy‐5α‐pregnane‐11, 20‐dione) is a neuroactive steroid with anaesthetic properties and a wide margin of safety. The pharmacokinetic properties of alfaxalone administered intravenously and intraperitoneally in rats (n = 28) were investigated. Mean t1/2elim for 2 and 5 mg/kg i.v. was 16.2 and 17.6 min, respectively, but could not be estimated for IP dosing, due to sustained plasma levels for up to 60 min after injection. Clp for i.v. injection was calculated at 57.8 ± 23.6 and 54.3 ± 6.8 mL/min/kg, which were 24.5% and 23% of cardiac output, respectively. The observed Cmax was 3.0 mg/L for IP administration, and 2.2 ± 0.9 and 5.2 ± 1.3 mg/L for 2 and 5 mg/kg i.v. administration, respectively. AUC0–60 was 96.2 min·mg/L for IP dosing. The relative bioavailability for IP dosing was 26% and 28% compared to i.v. dosing. Differences in t1/2elim and Clp from previous pharmacokinetic studies in rats are likely due to variations in alfaxalone formulation rather than sex differences. Alfaxan® given IP caused sustained levels of alfaxalone, no apnoea and longer sleep times than i.v. dosing, although immobilization was not induced in 30% of rats given Alfaxan® IP. A pharmacodynamic study of the effects of combining IP injection of Alfaxan® with other premedication agents is worthwhile, to determine whether improved anaesthesia induction could ultimately provide an alternative anaesthetic regimen for rats.
Sharing personalised stories on iPads: a close look at one parent–child interaction
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia , Messer David , Sheehy Kieron , Flewitt Rosie 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLittle is known about how specific iPad applications affect parent–child story‐sharing interactions. This study utilises a case‐study approach to provide an insight into the patterns of interaction, which emerge when a mother and her 33‐month‐old daughter share a self‐created, audio‐visual ‘iPad story’. Multimodal analysis allowed us to gain insights into the complex interaction patterns orchestrated in this new, personalised story‐sharing medium. We found that the app‐mediated story‐sharing context produced a harmonious and smooth interaction, achieving a coherence that is typical of ‘happy’ oral stories. We suggest that the observed interaction resembles that of experiencing a piece of art, and we highlight the need for a holistic approach to understanding the implications for research and practice of children's interactions during multimedia story sharing.
Laboratory‐based scoring system for prediction of hepatic inflammatory activity in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Gutkowski Krzysztof , Hartleb Marek , Kacperek‐Hartleb Teresa , Kajor Maciej , Mazur Włodzimierz , Zych Włodzimierz , Walewska‐Zielecka Bożena , Habior Andrzej , Sobolewski Marek 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackground & AimsIn autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), inflammation is closely related to fibrosis. Although transaminase levels are commonly used to assess hepatic inflammation, they may not relate directly to the histology. We developed a noninvasive diagnostic score as an alternative to liver biopsy to help optimize treatment for AIH and monitor disease progress.MethodsEighty‐two participants with type 1 AIH who had undergone liver biopsy were included (44 in training and 38 in validation sets). Liver histology was assessed according to the histologic activity index (HAI; score 0–18) and Ishak's histologic fibrosis index (HFI; score 0–6). High inflammation was defined as HAI>4, and advanced fibrosis was defined as HFI>2. Routine laboratory test findings and stepwise linear regression were used to develop the best models predicting HAI and HFI. The best cut‐off value to predict high inflammation and advanced fibrosis for these formulas was then calculated based on receiver‐operating characteristic analysis.ResultsThe cut‐off value for a model predicting high inflammation was ≥3.57 (AUROC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86–1.00), with 100% sensitivity and 85% specificity. High inflammation was confirmed with an 81% positive predictive value and excluded with a 100% negative predictive value. In the validation set, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were 100, 56, 88 and 100% respectively. The diagnostic yield of the fibrosis score was unsatisfactory.ConclusionsThe noninvasive inflammatory score based on four routine laboratory parameters discriminated patients with and without significant hepatic inflammation and may facilitate follow‐up of type 1 AIH patients.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease independently predicts prediabetes during a 7‐year prospective follow‐up
Authors: Zelber‐Sagi Shira , Lotan Roni , Shibolet Oren , Webb Muriel , Buch Assaf , Nitzan‐Kaluski Dorit , Halpern Zamir , Santo Erwin , Oren Ran 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is suspected to confer an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes (DM). However, only a few prospective studies evaluated NAFLD as a predictor for DM, most did not adjust for the full range of potential cofounders and none used an objectively quantified degree of steatosis. Our aim was to evaluate the independent role of NAFLD in predicting the development of pre‐DM in a 7‐year prospective follow‐up of healthy volunteers.MethodsA prospective cohort of a subsample of the Israeli National Health Survey evaluated at baseline and after 7 years by identical protocols. Metabolic parameters and ultrasonographic evidence of NAFLD were evaluated in 213 subjects, without known liver disease or history of alcohol abuse. Exclusion criteria were pre‐DM at the baseline survey. Steatosis was quantified by ultrasound with the hepato‐renal ultrasound index (HRI).ResultsThe study included 141 volunteers (mean age 48.78 ± 9.68, 24.82% with NAFLD) without pre‐DM/DM at baseline. Both NAFLD on regular US (OR=2.93, 1.02–8.41 95%CI) and HRI (OR=7.87, 1.83–33.82) were independent predictors for the development of pre‐DM, adjusting for age, gender, BMI, family history of DM, baseline insulin, adiponectin and glucose. Further adjustment for physical activity and dietary intake did not weaken the association. Furthermore, NAFLD was a stronger predictor for pre‐DM than the metabolic syndrome. Subjects with both NAFLD and glucose ≥89 had 93.3% incidence rate of pre‐DM.ConclusionNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is a strong and independent risk factor for pre‐DM in the general adult population; thus, NAFLD patients should be classified as a population at risk.