bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global patterns of functional diversity and assemblage structure of island parasitoid faunas
Authors: Santos Ana M. C. , Cianciaruso Marcus V. , De Marco Paulo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe processes leading to the assembly of ecological communities can determine their functional structure. We assess the influence of biogeographical correlates associated with species diversity gradients on the global patterns of functional diversity of island parasitoid assemblages (Hymenoptera,Braconidae). We also evaluate whether island assemblages present a non‐random functional structure.LocationFifty‐three archipelagos distributed world‐wide.MethodsSix traits related to morphology, attack strategy and development were used to measure functional diversity and determine the level of departure from randomness on trait diversity between islands and their corresponding species pool, through null models. We used generalized and partial regressions to determine the influence of different predictors (climate, regional and local island characteristics) on the functional diversity of island assemblages, comparing results with those obtained for species richness. We also evaluated whether any of the predictors or particular species traits were related to the patterns obtained when comparing island assemblages with null models.ResultsMost of the geographical variation in functional diversity was not explained by the predictors evaluated, while for species richness these explained over 70% of spatial variation. The abiotic characteristics of islands with functionally clustered parasitoid biotas (c. 40% of all islands) did not differ from those of other islands. Comparisons between functionally clustered assemblages and those expected randomly from the species pool indicated a higher percentage of that the former included proportionally fewer ectoparasitoid and idiobiont species, which attack fewer host orders and prefer the egg and larval stages of their hosts.Main conclusionsThe predictors correlated with functional diversity differ from those driving species richness patterns. We argue that biotic filters associated with the structure of the host communities may be important determinants of the assembly of many island parasitoid faunas, leading to assemblages dominated by species presenting particular ranges of trait values that differ from those in their pool of potential colonists.
The contribution of patch‐scale conditions is greater than that of macroclimate in explaining local plant diversity in fragmented forests across Europe
Authors: Valdés Alicia , Lenoir Jonathan , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Andrieu Emilie , Brunet Jörg , Chabrerie Olivier , Closset‐Kopp Déborah , Cousins Sara A. O. , Deconchat Marc , De Frenne Pieter , De Smedt Pallieter , Diekmann Martin , Hansen Karin , Hermy Martin , Kolb Annette , Liira Jaan , Lindgren Jessica , Naaf Tobias , Paal Taavi , Prokofieva Irina , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Wulf Monika , Verheyen Kris , Decocq Guillaume 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimMacroclimate is a major determinant of large‐scale diversity patterns. However, the influence of smaller‐scale factors on local diversity across large spatial extents is not well documented. Here, we quantify the relative importance of local (patch‐scale), landscape‐scale and macroclimatic drivers of herbaceous species diversity in small forest patches in agricultural landscapes across Europe.LocationDeciduous forest patches in eight regions along a macroclimatic gradient from southern France to central Sweden and Estonia.MethodsThe diversity of forest specialists and generalists at three levels (whole forest patch, sampling plots within patches and between scales) was related to patch‐scale (forest area, age, abiotic and biotic heterogeneity), landscape‐scale (amount of forest, grasslands and hedgerows around the patch, patch isolation) and macroclimatic variables (temperature and precipitation) using generalized linear mixed models and variation partitioning for each group of variables.ResultsThe total amount of explained variation in diversity ranged from 8% for plot‐scale diversity of generalists to 54% for patch‐scale diversity of forest specialists. Patch‐scale variables always explained more than 60% of the explained variation in diversity, mainly due to the positive effect of within‐patch heterogeneity on patch‐scale and between‐scale diversities and to the positive effect of patch age on plot‐scale diversity of forest specialists. Landscape‐scale variables mainly contributed to the amount of explained variation in plot‐scale diversity, being more important for forest specialists (21%) than for generalists (18%). Macroclimatic variables contributed a maximum of 11% to the plot‐scale diversity of generalists.Main conclusionsMacroclimate poorly predicts local diversity across Europe, and herbaceous diversity is mainly explained by habitat features, less so by landscape structure. We show the importance of conserving old forest patches as refugia for typical forest species, and of enhancing the landscape context around the patches by reducing the degree of disturbance caused by agriculture.
Concomitant occurrence of Mikulicz's disease and immunoglobulin G4‐related chronic rhinosinusitis: a clinicopathological study of 12 cases
Authors: Piao Yingshi , Wang Chengshuo , Yu Wenling , Mao Meiling , Yue Changli , Liu Honggang , Zhang Luo 
Published: July 2015

AimsConcomitant occurrence of Mikulicz's disease (MD) and immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐related chronic rhinosinusitis (IgG4‐related CRS) is extremely rare. We evaluated the clinicopathological features of MD patients with concomitant IgG4‐related CRS (CRS‐MD).Methods and resultsTwelve CRS‐MD patients were evaluated clinically and biopsy samples were taken from the lacrimal/salivary glands (n = 12) and nasal mucosa (n = 7) for assessment of IgG4‐positive cells, using immunohistochemical techniques. Similarly, nine MD patients and 10 patients with common CRS were evaluated as controls. CRS‐MD patients had higher serum IgG and IgG4 concentrations than MD patients (P < 0.05 for both). Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, lymphoid follicle formation and sclerosis was prominent in the lacrimal/salivary glands in both groups; however, the magnitude of IgG4‐positive plasma cells infiltration in the CRS‐MD group was significantly higher compared to the MD group (P = 0.004). Similarly, evaluation of nasal mucosa revealed greater lymphocyte, plasma cell and eosinophil infiltration and lymphoid follicle formation, together with significantly higher IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltration in the CRS‐MD group compared to the common CRS group (P = 0.004).ConclusionsConcomitant MD and IgG4‐related CRS were characterized by a combination of IgG4‐positive plasma cells infiltration in the lacrimal/salivary glands and the nasal mucosa and increased serum IgG4.
Physical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of starch‐based film containing ethanolic propolis extract
Authors: de Araújo Grace Kelly P. , de Souza Silvio J. , da Silva Marcos V. , Yamashita Fabio , Gonçalves Odinei H. , Leimann Fernanda V. , Shirai Marianne A. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryPropolis is a natural product that meets the requirements as functional additive for food packaging due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this work, ethanolic propolis extract (EPE) was incorporated in cassava starch films, and characterisations with respect to their microstructure, mechanical properties, water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture sorption kinetics as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities were performed. The results showed that tensile strength was not affected (P > 0.05) by the presence of EPE but Young's modulus decreased about 50% when compared to control films possibly because of EPE plasticiser effect. When 1% EPE was used, changes in moisture sorption properties were detected by a slightly hydrophobic character at films WVP. When extracted from the films, propolis retained its antioxidant activity. The films exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli even at low EPE concentrations (0.5%) mainly due to its phenolic compounds.
‘Pharmacists have been left out of the loop’: exploring the role of pharmacists in the management of HIV/AIDS in South Africa
Authors: Gilbert Leah 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this paper is to portray and critically analyse the role played by pharmacists in the management of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

Methods
The data used for this article originate in secondary and primary sources. They were collected by means of a documentary analysis of all relevant documents of significance as well as exploratory telephone interviews conducted with a systematic random sample of community pharmacies in Greater Johannesburg in 2004 and 2010.

Key findings
It is clear from the original strategic framework that the government envisaged pharmacists playing a significant role in the various facets of the epidemic. Following these intentions, the South African Pharmacy Council and the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa embarked on a process of establishing AIDS Resource Centres in pharmacies. However, although in some areas pharmacists are contributing to the management of HIV/AIDS, the overall scenario revealed is that of lack of willingness to go for additional training and/or to invest in restructuring the pharmacy to ‘accommodate’ the activities of an ‘AIDS Resource Centre’ without the prospects of adequate financial gains. In a parallel process, the original, more meaningful role for pharmacists in the management of HIV/AIDS has not been featured in recent professional and governmental documentation.

Conclusion
The reality on the ground is that of a missed opportunity as the pharmacists have not risen to the challenge and they remain on the margins, and not at the centre, of those professionals managing HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
Potential application of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Hu Liang‐Hao , Ji Jun‐Tao , Li Zhao‐Shen 
Published: July 2015

AbstractChronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disease typified by end‐stage fibrosis. This disease can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The associated diagnosis, pain and other complications further add to the burden of disease management. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in identifying miRNAs and their physiological functions, including mRNA repression and protein expression control. Given the extensive effort made on miRNA research, a close correlation has been discovered between certain types of miRNAs and disease progression, particularly for tissue fibrosis. Designing miRNA‐related tools for disease diagnosis and therapeutic treatments presents a novel and potential research frontier. In the current review, we discuss various miRNAs closely interacting with CP, as well as the possible development of targeted miRNA therapies in managing this disease.
Analysis of provider specialties in the treatment of patients with clinically diagnosed back and joint problems
Authors: Wilson Fernando A. , Licciardone John C. , Kearns Cathleen M. , Akuoko Mathias 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesAlthough several studies have compared patient outcomes by provider specialty in the treatment of back and joint pain, little is known about the cost‐effectiveness of improving patient outcomes across specialties. This study uses a large‐scale, nationally representative database to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of being treated by specific provider specialists for back and joint pain in the United States.MethodThe 2002–2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys were used to examine patients diagnosed with back and/or joint problems seeking treatment from doctors (internal medicine, family/general, osteopathic medicine, orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology) or other providers (chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncturist, massage therapist). A total of 16 546 respondents aged 18 to 85 and clinically diagnosed with back/joint pain were examined. Self‐reported measures of physical and mental health and general quality of life (measured by the EuroQol‐5D) were compared with average total costs of treatment across medical providers.ResultsTotal annual treatment costs per person ranged from $397 for family/general doctors to $1205 for rheumatologists. Cost‐effectiveness analysis suggests that osteopathic, family/general, internal medicine doctors and chiropractors and massage therapists were more cost‐effective than other specialties in improving physical function to back pain patients. For mental health measures, family/general and orthopaedic doctors and physical therapists were more cost‐effective compared with other specialties. Similar to results on physical function, family/general, osteopathic and internal medicine doctors dominated other specialties. However, only massage therapy was cost‐effective among non‐doctor providers in improving quality of life measures.ConclusionsPatients seeking care for back and joint‐related health problems face a wide range of treatments, costs and outcomes depending on which specialist provider they see. This study provides important insight on the relationship between health care costs and patients' perceived physical and mental health status from receiving treatment for diagnosed back/joint problems.
School Gardens Enhance Academic Performance and Dietary Outcomes in Children
Authors: Berezowitz Claire K. , Bontrager Yoder Andrea B. , Schoeller Dale A. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchools face increasing demands to provide education on healthy living and improve core academic performance. Although these appear to be competing concerns, they may interact beneficially. This article focuses on school garden programs and their effects on students' academic and dietary outcomes.METHODSDatabase searches in CABI, Web of Science, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Education Full Text, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and PsychINFO were conducted through May 2013 for peer‐reviewed literature related to school‐day garden interventions with measures of dietary and/or academic outcomes.RESULTSAmong 12 identified garden studies with dietary measures, all showed increases/improvements in predictors of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption. Seven of these also included self‐reported FV intake with 5 showing an increase and 2 showing no change. Four additional interventions that included a garden component measured academic outcomes; of these, 2 showed improvements in science achievement and 1 measured and showed improvements in math scores.CONCLUSIONSThis small set of studies offers evidence that garden‐based learning does not negatively impact academic performance or FV consumption and may favorably impact both. Additional studies with more robust experimental designs and outcome measures are necessary to understand the effects of experiential garden‐based learning on children's academic and dietary outcomes.
Extracurricular Activities and Bullying Perpetration: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Riese Alison , Gjelsvik Annie , Ranney Megan L. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDBullying is a widespread problem for school‐aged children and adolescents. Interventions to reduce bullying are not well disseminated. Extracurricular involvement is, however, common. This study aims to examine the relationship between parent‐reported participation in extracurricular activities and bullying perpetration.METHODSUsing the 2011 National Survey of Children's Health, 62,215 interviews with parents of children 6 to 17 were analyzed. Extracurricular categories of sports only, sports + nonsport, nonsport only, and no activities were based on parental response to questions regarding sport teams/lessons, clubs, and organizations. Bullying was derived from report of the child “bullying or being cruel/mean to others.” Weighted bivariate analyses, logistic regression, and sex/race/ethnicity/age stratified analyses were conducted.RESULTSEighty percent of children participated in extracurricular activities: 8% sports, 48% sports + nonsports, and 24% nonsports. Bullying perpetration was reported in 15% of the sample. Compared with those not participating in extracurricular activities, the odds of bullying were significantly lower for children who participated in sports + nonsports (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57‐0.79) and nonsport only (AOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70‐0.97). Stratified analyses showed attenuated effects of extracurricular activities for boys and for Hispanics.CONCLUSIONSChildren who participate in a variety of extracurricular activities exhibit the least frequent bullying perpetration.
Adoption of Safe Routes to School in Canadian and the United States Contexts: Best Practices and Recommendations
Authors: Macridis Soultana , García Bengoechea Enrique 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDeclines in physical activity (PA) in children and youth have contributed to increases in childhood overweight and obesity. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program was developed to promote school active transportation (AT) and reverse the trend.METHODSAdopting concepts of a realist approach, this article seeks to understand strategies of adoption that worked in the Canadian and United States context. Inclusion criteria consisted of adoption of SRTS program, identification and definition of SRTS, implementation in Canada /United States, and partnership identified.RESULTSPartnerships focused on increasing the number of children using AT to school. With unique political and funding atmospheres, a common strategy was developing multilevel comprehensive partnerships to mobilize knowledge and resources, as well as to align intervention planning. Key successes, tools used to measure success, as well as benefits, challenges and lessons learned from partnerships were identified.CONCLUSIONThis article is the first attempt to examine SRTS at the state/provincial/city level to understand key adoption strategies using a realist approach. It found collaborative community‐research partnerships that initiated SRTS and created cultural shifts in communities from the individual to policy level. Researchers, schools and communities interested in increasing school AT should consider SRTS as a valuable approach.
Correlates to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Status and Willingness to Vaccinate in Low‐Income Philadelphia High School Students
Authors: Bass Sarah B. , Leader Amy , Shwarz Michelle , Greener Judith , Patterson Freda 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDLittle is known about the correlates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination or willingness to be vaccinated in urban, minority adolescents.METHODSUsing responses to the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Philadelphia, a random sample of high schools provided weighted data representing 20,941 9th to 12th graders. Stratified by either having had or willingness to have the vaccine, bivariate analysis with sexual behavior, preventive health behaviors, mental health, substance use, and demographic characteristics were examined and then multivariable regression models were developed to estimate significant correlates.RESULTSRespondents were 52.3% female, 84.4% non‐White, and 65.9% ≥16 years; 43% reported having had the HPV vaccine, and of those not vaccinated, 66% reported willingness to be vaccinated. Logistic regression models indicate that females (odds ratio [OR] = 3.12, p < .01) and those reporting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing (OR = 2.10, p < .01) were more likely to be vaccinated. Those reporting condom use during last intercourse (OR = 0.40; p = .05) and current marijuana use (OR = 0.37; p = .03) were less likely to indicate willingness to be vaccinated.CONCLUSIONSImportant areas for intervention include addressing misconceptions or feelings of “immunity,” especially for those using condoms. Understanding the correlation between HIV testing and HPV vaccination is also an important intervention opportunity for schools hoping to increase adolescent vaccination rates.
School‐Based Sex Education and Neuroscience: What We Know About Sex, Romance, Marriage, and Adolescent Brain Development
Authors: Ballonoff Suleiman Ahna , Johnson Megan , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Galván Adriana 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMany school‐based abstinence‐only sex education curricula state that sexual activity outside of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological effects. Recent advances in neuroscience have expanded our understanding of the neural underpinnings of romantic love, marriage, sexual desire, and sexual behavior and improved our understanding of adolescent brain development.METHODSIn this article, we review recent advances in neuroscience and clarify what is known about the link between neural development and adolescent romantic and sexual behavior and what opportunities exist for future research.RESULTSWhereas the evidence from neuroscience does not yet allow for clear conclusions about the cost or benefits of early romantic relationships and sexual behavior, it does indicate that providing developmentally appropriate education contributes to lifelong sexual health.CONCLUSIONSDeveloping policies and practices for school‐based sex education that reflect current research will best support the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents throughout their lives.
Effect of White Wheat Flour Substitution with Whole Oat Flour on Physical Properties of Part‐Baked Frozen Bread
Authors: Majzoobi Mahsa , Raissjalali Aida , Jamalian Jalal , Farahnaky Asgar 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to improve the shelf life and nutrition quality of bread by combination of part‐baked frozen technology and white wheat flour replacement with 0, 10, 20 and 30% (w/w) of whole oat flour (WOF). Part‐baked breads were produced at 200C for 7 min followed by freezing at −18C for 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days and re‐baking at 230C for 8.5 min. Increasing the level of WOF enhanced water absorption, dough development time and dough softening while reduced dough stability time. Peak viscosity, trough and final viscosities reduced while pasting temperature increased. Baking weight loss increased with frozen storage time but reduced with addition of WOF. Frozen storage time and flour replacement enhanced bread density and firmness. Inclusion of maximum 10% WOF resulted in bread with similar sensory properties to those of control with a minimum shelf life of 28 days at −18C.Practical ApplicationsOat grains are well known for their health benefits and have been used in bread and other foods to improve their nutritional value. Oat bread has been produced already by conventional methods, while there is little information to show the possibility of production of oat bread using part‐baked frozen breads technology. This technology has a growing market as it can enhance the quality and shelf life of the bread. The results of this research indicated that replacement of maximum 10% wheat flour with whole oat flour can result in satisfactory part‐baked bread with frozen shelf life of 28 days. This study can provide further information on application of whole oat flour as an excellent source of dietary fiber (mainly β‐glucan) and bioactive compounds with health benefits in bread production industry in order to respond to the increasing demand for a wider variety of healthy breads with longer shelf life.