Korps Landelijke Politiediensten

This open access book offers unique insights into how governments and governing systems, particularly in advanced economies, have responded to the immense challenges of managing the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing disease COVID-19. Written by three eminent scholars in the field of the politics and policy of crisis management, it offers a unique ‘bird’s eye’ view of the immense logistical and political challenges of addressing a worst-case scenario that would prove the ultimate stress test for societies, governments, governing institutions and political leaders. It examines how governments and governing systems have (i) made sense of emerging transboundary threats that have spilled across health, economic, political and social systems (ii) mobilised systems of governance and often fearful and sceptical citizens (iii) crafted narratives amid high uncertainty about the virus and its impact and (iv) are working towards closure and a return to ‘normal’ when things can never quite be the same again. The book also offers the building blocks of pathways to future resilience. Succeeding and failing in all these realms is tied in with governance structures, experts, trust, leadership capabilities and political ideologies. The book appeals to anyone seeking to understand ‘what’s going on?’, but particularly academics and students across multiple disciplines, journalists, public officials, politicians, non-governmental organisations and citizen groups.

Summary Light‐demanding trees and thorny shrubs in temperate plant communities may reflect adaptations to now‐extinct large grazers, such as aurochs and tarpans, rendering these adaptations ecological anachronisms. We explored the ecological functions of plant traits of Quercus robur and Prunus spinosa in areas grazed by cattle and horses, the domesticated descendants of aurochs and tarpans. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that grazing induces a shifting mosaic of grassland, shrub thickets and woodlands through the key process of associational resistance: the protection of palatable young trees by thorny shrubs. An exclosure experiment with transplanted Q. robur seedlings revealed that Q. robur grew best in grassland exclosures and on the edge of thorny shrub thickets, which may be viewed as an optimal balance between sufficient protection from large herbivores and sufficient light availability. A cross‐site comparison of four floodplain woodlands in north‐western Europe showed that Q. robur can regenerate in the presence of large herbivores through spatial association with P. spinosa . However, we found that expansion of P. spinosa shrubs and Q. robur coincided with periods of low rabbit abundance and not with livestock density. From this, it appears that the process of associational resistance does not work with rabbits. Synthesis and applications . With extensive grazing by large (domesticated) grazers in temperate floodplains, a shifting mosaic of grassland, shrubs and trees may develop that has high conservation value. Palatable, light‐demanding Q. robur seedlings can successfully regenerate in spiny P. spinosa shrubs through associational resistance. This process does not offer protection from abundant small herbivores, such as rabbits, that can inhibit the recruitment of shrubs and trees in this mosaic vegetation. In floodplain meadows frequent flooding may be an efficient way to reduce rabbit populations, with dry conditions in summer and wet in winter. When floodplain meadows are combined with adjacent higher grounds, large herbivores can escape the floods through migration.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antartica , Cladosporium austrolitorale from coastal sea sand. Australia , Austroboletus yourkae on soil, Crepidotus innuopurpureus on dead wood, Curvularia stenotaphri from roots and leaves of Stenotaphrum secundatum and Thecaphora stajsicii from capsules of Oxalis radicosa. Belgium , Paraxerochrysium coryli (incl. Paraxerochrysium gen. nov.) from Corylus avellana. Brazil , Calvatia nordestina on soil, Didymella tabebuiicola from leaf spots on Tabebuia aurea, Fusarium subflagellisporum from hypertrophied floral and vegetative branches of Mangifera indica and Microdochium maculosum from living leaves of Digitaria insularis. Canada , Cuphophyllus bondii fromagrassland. Croatia , Mollisia inferiseptata from a rotten Laurus nobilis trunk. Cyprus , Amanita exilis oncalcareoussoil. Czech Republic , Cytospora hippophaicola from wood of symptomatic Vaccinium corymbosum. Denmark , Lasiosphaeria deviata on pieces of wood and herbaceousdebris. Dominican Republic , Calocybella goethei among grass on a lawn. France (Corsica) , Inocybe corsica onwetground. France (French Guiana) , Trechispora patawaensis on decayed branch of unknown angiosperm tree and Trechispora subregularis on decayed log of unknown angiosperm tree. Germany , Paramicrothecium sambuci (incl. Paramicrothecium gen. nov.)ondeadstemsof Sambucus nigra. India , Aureobasidium microtermitis from the gut of a Microtermes sp. termite, Laccaria diospyricola on soil and Phylloporia tamilnadensis on branches of Catunaregam spinosa . Iran , Pythium serotinoosporum from soil under Prunus dulcis. Italy , Pluteus brunneovenosus on twigs of broad leaved trees on the ground. Japan , Heterophoma rehmanniae on leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa f. hueichingensis. Kazakhstan , Murispora kazachstanica from healthy roots of Triticum aestivum. Namibia , Caespitomonium euphorbiae (incl. Caespitomonium gen. nov.)from stems of an Euphorbia sp. Netherlands , Alfaria junci, Myrmecridium junci, Myrmecridium juncicola, Myrmecridium juncigenum, Ophioceras junci, Paradinemasporium junci (incl. Paradinemasporium gen. nov.), Phialoseptomonium junci, Sporidesmiella juncicola, Xenopyricularia junci and Zaanenomyces quadripartis (incl. Zaanenomyces gen. nov.), fromdeadculmsof Juncus effusus, Cylindromonium everniae and Rhodoveronaea everniae from Evernia prunastri, Cyphellophora sambuci and Myrmecridium sambuci from Sambucus nigra, Kiflimonium junci, Saro cladium junci, Zaanenomyces moderatricis academiae and Zaanenomyces versatilis from dead culms of Juncus inflexus, Microcera physciae from Physcia tenella, Myrmecridium dactylidis from dead culms of Dactylis glomerata, Neochalara spiraeae and Sporidesmium spiraeae from leaves of Spiraea japonica, Neofabraea salicina from Salix sp., Paradissoconium narthecii (incl. Paradissoconium gen. nov.)from dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Polyscytalum vaccinii from Vaccinium myrtillus, Pseudosoloacrosporiella cryptomeriae (incl. Pseudosoloacrosporiella gen. nov.)fromleavesof Cryptomeria japonica, Ramularia pararhabdospora from Plantago lanceolata, Sporidesmiella pini from needles of Pinus sylvestris and Xenoacrodontium juglandis (incl. Xenoacrodontium gen. nov. and Xenoacrodontiaceae fam. nov.)from Juglans regia . New Zealand , Cryptometrion metrosideri from twigs of Metrosideros sp., Coccomyces pycnophyllocladi from dead leaves of Phyllocladus alpinus, Hypoderma aliforme from fallen leaves Fuscopora solandri and Hypoderma subiculatum from dead leaves Phormium tenax. Norway , Neodevriesia kalakoutskii from permafrost and Variabilispora viridis from driftwood of Picea abies. Portugal , Entomortierella hereditatis from abio film covering adeteriorated limestone wall. Russia , Colpoma junipericola from needles of Juniperus sabina, Entoloma cinnamomeum on soil in grasslands, Entoloma verae on soil in grasslands, Hyphodermella pallidostraminea on a dry dead branch of Actinidia sp., Lepiota sayanensis onlitterinamixedforest, Papiliotrema horticola from Malus communis , Paramacroventuria ribis (incl. Paramacroventuria gen. nov.)fromleaves of Ribes aureum and Paramyrothecium lathyri from leaves of Lathyrus tuberosus. South Africa , Harzia combreti from leaf litter of Combretum collinum ssp. sulvense, Penicillium xyleborini from Xyleborinus saxesenii , Phaeoisaria dalbergiae from bark of Dalbergia armata, Protocreopsis euphorbiae from leaf litter of Euphorbia ingens and Roigiella syzygii from twigs of Syzygium chordatum . Spain , Genea zamorana on sandy soil, Gymnopus nigrescens on Scleropodium touretii, Hesperomyces parexochomi on Parexochomus quadriplagiatus, Paraphoma variabilis from dung, Phaeococcomyces kinklidomatophilus from a blackened metal railing of an industrial warehouse and Tuber suaveolens in soil under Quercus faginea. Svalbard and Jan Mayen , Inocybe nivea associated with Salix polaris. Thailand , Biscogniauxia whalleyi oncorticatedwood. UK , Parasitella quercicola from Quercus robur. USA , Aspergillus arizonicus from indoor air in a hospital, Caeliomyces tampanus (incl. Caeliomyces gen. nov.)fromoffice dust, Cippumomyces mortalis (incl. Cippumomyces gen. nov.)fromatombstone, Cylindrium desperesense from air in a store, Tetracoccosporium pseudoaerium from air sample in house, Toxicocladosporium glendoranum from air in a brick room, Toxicocladosporium losalamitosense from air in a classroom, Valsonectria portsmouthensis from airinmen'slockerroomand Varicosporellopsis americana from sludge in a water reservoir. Vietnam , Entoloma kovalenkoi on rotten wood, Fusarium chuoi </jats:

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intermittent vital signs measurements are the current standard on hospital wards, typically recorded once every 8 hours. Early signs of deterioration may therefore be missed. Recent innovations have resulted in 'wearable' sensors, which may capture patient deterioration at an earlier stage. The objective of this study was to determine whether a wireless 'patch' sensor is able to reliably measure respiratory and heart rate continuously in high-risk surgical patients. The secondary objective was to explore the potential of the wireless sensor to serve as a safety monitor. DESIGN: In an observational methods comparisons study, patients were measured with both the wireless sensor and bedside routine standard for at least 24 hours. SETTING: University teaching hospital, single centre. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five postoperative surgical patients admitted to a step-down unit. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were limits of agreement and bias of heart rate and respiratory rate. Secondary outcome measures were sensor reliability, defined as time until first occurrence of data loss. RESULTS: 1568 hours of vital signs data were analysed. Bias and 95% limits of agreement for heart rate were -1.1 (-8.8 to 6.5) beats per minute. For respiration rate, bias was -2.3 breaths per minute with wide limits of agreement (-15.8 to 11.2 breaths per minute). Median filtering over a 15 min period improved limits of agreement of both respiration and heart rate. 63% of the measurements were performed without data loss greater than 2 min. Overall data loss was limited (6% of time). CONCLUSIONS: The wireless sensor is capable of accurately measuring heart rate, but accuracy for respiratory rate was outside acceptable limits. Remote monitoring has the potential to contribute to early recognition of physiological decline in high-risk patients. Future studies should focus on the ability to detect patient deterioration on low care environments and at home after discharge.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia , Aschersonia mackerrasiae on whitefly, Cladosporium corticola on bark of Melaleuca quinquenervia , Penicillium nudgee from soil under Melaleuca quinquenervia , Pseudocercospora blackwoodiae on leaf spot of Persoonia falcata , and Pseudocercospora dalyelliae on leaf spot of Senna alata . Bolivia , Aspicilia lutzoniana on fully submersed siliceous schist in high-mountain streams, and Niesslia parviseta on the lower part and apothecial discs of Erioderma barbellatum onatwig. Brazil , Cyathus bonsai on decaying wood, Geastrum albofibrosum from moist soil with leaf litter, Laetiporus pratigiensis on a trunk of a living unknown hardwood tree species, and Scytalidium synnematicum on dead twigs of unidentified plant. Bulgaria , Amanita abscondita on sandy soil in a plantation of Quercus suber . Canada , Penicillium acericola on dead bark of Acer saccharum , and Penicillium corticola on dead bark of Acer saccharum . China , Colletotrichum qingyuanense on fruit lesion of Capsicum annuum . Denmark , Helminthosphaeria leptospora on corticioid Neohypochnicium cremicolor. Ecuador (Galapagos) , Phaeosphaeria scalesiae on Scalesia sp. Finland , Inocybe jacobssonii on calcareouss oils in dry forests and park habitats. France , Cortinarius rufomyrrheus on sandy soil under Pinus pinaster , and Periconia neominutissima on leaves of Poaceae . India , Coprinopsis fragilis on decaying bark of logs, Filoboletus keralensis on unidentified woody substrate, Penicillium sankaranii from soil, Physisporinus tamilnaduensis on the trunk of Azadirachta indica , and Poronia nagaraholensis on elephant dung. Iran , Neosetophoma fic on infected leaves of Ficus elastica . Israel , Cnidariophoma eilatica (incl. Cnidariophoma gen. nov.) from Stylophora pistillata . Italy , Lyophyllum obscurum on acidic soil. Namibia , Aureobasidium faidherbiae on dead leaf of Faidherbia albida , and Aureobasidium welwitschiae on dead leaves of Welwitschia mirabilis . Netherlands , Gaeumannomycella caricigena on dead culms of Carex elongata , Houtenomyces caricicola (incl. Houtenomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Carex disticha , Neodacampia ulmea (incl. Neodacampia gen. nov.) on branch of Ulmus laevis , Niesslia phragmiticola on dead standing culms of Phragmites australis , Pseudopyricularia caricicola on culms of Carex disticha , and Rhodoveronaea nieuwwulvenica on dead bamboo sticks. Norway , Arrhenia similis half-buried and moss-covered pieces of rotting wood in grass-grownpath. Pakistan , Mallocybe ahmadii on soil. Poland , Beskidomyces laricis (incl. Beskidomyces gen. nov.) from resin of Larix decidua ssp. polonica , Lapidomyces epipinicola from sooty mould community on Pinus nigra , and Leptographium granulatum from a gallery of Dendroctonus micans on Picea abies . Portugal , Geoglossum azoricum on mossy areas of laurel forest areas planted with Cryptomeria japonica , and Lunasporangiospora lusitanica from a biofilm covering a bio deteriorated limestone wall. Qatar , Alternaria halotolerans from hypersaline sea water, and Alternaria qatarensis from water sample collected from hypersaline lagoon. South Africa , Alfaria thamnochorti on culm of Thamnochortus fraternus , Knufia aloeicola on Aloe gariepensis , Muriseptatomyces restionacearum (incl. Muriseptatomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Restionaceae , Neocladosporium arctotis on nest of cases of bagworm moths( Lepidoptera, Psychidae ) on Arctotis auriculata , Neodevriesia scadoxi on leaves of Scadoxus puniceus , Paraloratospora schoenoplecti on stems of Schoenoplectus lacustris , Tulasnella epidendrea from the roots of Epidendrum × obrienianum , and Xenoidriella cinnamomi (incl. Xenoidriella gen. nov.) on leaf of Cinnamomum camphora . South Korea , Lemonniera fraxinea on decaying leaves of Fraxinus sp. frompond. Spain , Atheniella lauri on the bark of fallen trees of Laurus nobilis , Halocryptovalsa endophytica from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Salicornia patula , Inocybe amygdaliolens on soil in mixed forest, Inocybe pityusarum on calcareous soil in mixed forest, Inocybe roseobulbipes on acidic soils, Neonectria borealis from roots of Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris , Sympoventuria eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., and Tuber conchae fromsoil. Sweden , Inocybe bidumensis on calcareous soil. Thailand , Cordyceps sandindaengensis on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil, Ophiocordyceps kuchinaraiensis on Coleoptera larva, buried in soil, and Samsoniella winandae on Lepidoptera pupa, buriedinsoil. Taiwan region (China) , Neophaeosphaeria livistonae on dead leaf of Livistona rotundifolia . Türkiye , Melanogaster anatolicus on clay loamy soils. UK , Basingstokeomyces allii (incl. Basingstokeomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Allium schoenoprasum . Ukraine , Xenosphaeropsis corni on recently dead stem of Cornus alba. USA , Nothotrichosporon aquaticum (incl. Nothotrichosporon gen. nov.) from water, and Periconia philadelphiana from swab of coil surface. Morphological and culture characteristics for these new taxa are supported by DNA barcodes.

BACKGROUND: Being involved in caring for family members during illness is part of the Indonesian culture, even during hospitalization. It is unknown which factors influence the quality of life (QoL) of family members taking care of their loved ones. The present study aims to identify factors influencing the QoL of family caregivers of hospitalized patients with cancer in Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed. Data were collected in a general hospital in Yogyakarta from September to December 2011. Family caregivers of patients with cancer were invited to participate. Regression analysis was used to determine which aspects of caring and which demographic characteristics influenced their QoL. The Caregiver QoL Index-Cancer questionnaire was used to measure the QoL. RESULTS: One hundred of 120 invited caregivers (83%) completed the questionnaire. Being involved in psychological issues in caring (β = 0.374; p = 0.000), younger age (β = -0.282; p = 0.003), no previous caring experience (β = -0.301; p = 0.001), and not being the spouse (β = -0.228; p = 0.015) negatively influenced the QoL and explained 31% of the variation (adjusted R(2) = 0.312; F = 12.24; p = 0.000). Gender, education level, and time spent on caring did not influence the QoL of family caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings identified modifiable factors such as dealing with psychological issues and lack of experience in caring that negatively influenced the QoL of family caregivers. These factors are potential targets for intervention strategies. Education and intervention programs focusing on dealing with psychological problems in cancer care might improve the QoL of both patients and their families.

Arterial thromboembolism is a rare disease in cats with an estimated prevalence of less than 0.57%. The outcome is often disastrous. The most commonly identified underlying cause is a form of cardiomyopathy. Thromboemboli usually tend to lodge near the aorta trifurcation, causing extreme pain, paralysis of the rear limbs, no palpable pulse wave, and cold rear limbs. Treatment is aimed at palliation, thrombolysis, and prevention of recurrence of thrombus formation. The prognosis is usually guarded and medical treatment tends not to influence the outcome markedly. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology, common clinical features, diagnostics, and treatment of arterial thromboembolism in cats. We also summarize risk factors and new developments in prevention and treatment.

Question: Which environmental variables affect floristic species composition of acid grasslands in the Atlantic biogeographic region of Europe along a gradient of atmospheric N deposition? Location: Transect across the Atlantic biogeographic region of Europe including Ireland, Great Britain, Isle of Man, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Materials and Methods: In 153 acid grasslands we assessed plant and bryophyte species composition, soil chemistry (pH, base cations, metals, nitrate and ammonium concentrations, total C and N, and Olsen plant available phosphorus), climatic variables, N deposition and S deposition. Ordination and variation partitioning were used to determine the relative importance of different drivers on the species composition of the studied grasslands. Results: Climate, soil and deposition variables explained 24% of the total variation in species composition. Variance partitioning showed that soil variables explained the most variation in the data set and that climate and geographic variables accounted for slightly less variation. Deposition variables (N and S deposition) explained 9.8% of the variation in the ordination. Species positively associated with N deposition included Holcus mollis and Leontodon hispidus. Species negatively associated with N deposition included Agrostis curtisii, Leontodon autumnalis, Campanula rotundifolia and Hylocomium splendens. Conclusion: Although secondary to climate gradients and soil biogeochemistry, and not as strong as for species richness, the impact of N and S deposition on species composition can be detected in acid grasslands, influencing community composition both directly and indirectly, presumably through soil-mediated effects.

Bitcoin cryptocurrency is reportedly one widely used digital currency in criminal activities (e.g. used for online purchases of illicit drugs and paying of ransom in ransomware cases). However, there has been limited forensic research of bitcoin clients in the literature. In this paper, the process memory of two popular bitcoin clients, bitcoin Core and electrum, is examined with the aims of identifying potential sources and types of potential relevant data (e.g. bitcoin keys, transaction data and passphrases). Artefacts obtained from the process memory are also studied with other artefacts obtained from the client device (application files on disk and memory-mapped files and registry keys). Findings from this study suggest that both bitcoin Core and electrum's process memory is a valuable source of evidence, and many of the artefacts found in process memory are also available from the application and wallet files on the client device (disk).

The prevalence of clinical signs and neuropathological findings of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is high in Down's syndrome (DS). In the general population, the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon 4 isoform is an important risk for AD. We studied the allelic frequencies of ApoE in 26 DS cases fulfilling clinical diagnostic criteria for AD and in 26 DS controls matched for age, sex, and premorbid level of mental retardation. A meta-analysis of data available in the literature was used for comparison with allele frequencies in other AD and control populations. ApoE type 2, 3, or 4 allele frequencies were not significantly different in AD-DS cases and DS controls. The ApoE epsilon 4 frequency in DS cases with AD (0.14; CI, 0.06-0.26) was significantly lower than in any other AD population studied so far and it is within the range of nondemented controls from the general population. These findings suggest that ApoE epsilon 4 does not significantly affect the pathogenesis of AD in DS patients.

Managerial derailment is costly to managers, their co-workers, and their organization. Knowing whether discrepancies (i.e., differences, dissimilarity, disagreement, incongruity) exist between self- and observer- (subordinates, peers, and bosses) ratings about derailment may help to lessen or prevent the detrimental outcomes of derailment on managers, their co-workers, and their organization. Results from 1742 European managers revealed a statistically significant difference between a manager's self-ratings and observer-ratings on the extent to which a manager displayed derailment behaviours and characteristics. The discrepancy also widened as managerial level increased, and was mostly due to inflated self-ratings. In addition, discrepancies between self – boss, self – direct report, and self – peer were examined, as well as differences between European and American managers. A discussion of these findings and implications for practice conclude this article.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of thoracic spine manipulation (TSM) in reducing pain and disability in patients diagnosed with non-specific neck pain. METHODS: An extensive literature search of PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and EMBASE was conducted in February 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials evaluating the effect of TSM in patients aged 18 to 65 years with non-specific neck pain were eligible. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PEDro). Qualitative analyses were conducted by means of the best evidence synthesis of van Peppen et al. RESULTS: The methodological quality of the 10 included RCTs (677 patients) varied between four and eight points. Eight studies reported significant reduction in pain and/or disability by TSM. Overall, according to the best evidence synthesis, there is insufficient evidence that TSM is more effective than control interventions in reducing pain and disability in patients with non-specific neck pain. CONCLUSIONS: TSM has a therapeutic benefit to some patients with neck pain, when compared to the effect of interventions such as electrotherapy/thermal programme, infrared radiation therapy, spinal mobilization and exercises. However, in comparison to cervical spine manipulation, no evidence is found that TSM is more effective in reducing pain and disability. Implications for Rehabilitation TSM is often used in the treatment of non-specific neck pain, which is a major health problem in the Western society. There is insufficient evidence that TSM is more effective in reducing pain and disability than control treatments in patients with non-specific neck pain. Despite the insufficient evidence that TSM is more effective than control treatments, TSM has a therapeutic benefit to some patients with neck pain. Therefore, TSM alone or in combination with other interventions is a suitable intervention to use in the treatment of non-specific neck pain.

Summary Effects of climate change may affect the Sphagnum species composition in bogs, and ultimately the functioning of the whole ecosystem. We investigated the effect of different water tables on the competition between six Sphagnum species in the glasshouse. The amount of precipitation (234 mm year −1 ) and precipitation frequency (every 2 weeks) were kept low to encourage water‐table effects. Relevant species combinations and monocultures were grown at different water tables for a 16‐month period. We studied changes in cover, height increment and capitulum water content (WC cap ) in order to understand competitive responses. Species naturally occurring further above the water table generally showed higher competitive strength than species naturally occurring closer to the water table. Surprisingly, this effect was irrespective of the water table, indicating a minor role for capillary water transport. Cover change seemed to be related to differences in length growth, but not to water table or WC cap . The WC cap of species within a mixture did not differ, but was lower than the WC cap of the individual species growing in monoculture, indicating differences in ability to supply water to the capitula between mono‐ and mixed cultures. Subcapitulum bulk densities between mono‐ and mixed cultures did not differ, or were even lower in monocultures, but did differ between species within mixed cultures. Our results indicate that structural heterogeneity of the peat in mixed cultures has a negative effect on WC cap of both species. Furthermore, we show that sustained periods of drought cause species that naturally occur further above the water table to oust species that naturally occur closer to the water table, even if the water table remains high. Ultimately, the Sphagnum vegetation in raised bogs may shift from hollow to hummock species, evening out the natural microtopography of raised bogs.

Abstract Ammonium-saponite is hydrothermally grown at temperatures below 300°C from a gel with an overall composition corresponding to (NH 4 ) 0.6 Mg 3 Si 3.4 Al 0.6 O 10 (OH) 2 . The synthetic saponite and coexisting fluid have been characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Induced Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, CEC determination using an ammonia selective electrode, and pH measurement. In the crystallization model developed, crystallization started with the growth of individual tetrahedral layers with an aluminum substitution not controlled by the A1 IV /A1 VI ratio in the gel and hydrothermal fluid, on which the octahedral Mg layers can grow. During the synthesis, individual sheets stacked to form thicker flakes while lateral growth also took place. The remaining A1 VI partly replaced ammonium as the interlayer cation.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of different intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas available on the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) post-refractive surgery IOL power calculator for the prediction of multifocal IOL power after previous corneal refractive laser surgery for myopia. METHODS: An analysis and comparison were performed of the accuracy of three methods using surgically induced change in refraction (ie, Masket, Modified Masket, and Barrett True-K formulas) and three methods using no previous data (ie, Shammas, Haigis-L, and Barrett True-K No History formulas). The average of all formulas was also analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Thirty-six eyes of 36 patients were included. All formulas, except for the Masket, Modified Masket, and Barrett True-K formulas, had myopic mean numerical errors that were significantly different from zero (P ⩽ .01). The median absolute error of the Shammas formula (0.52 diopters [D]) was significantly higher compared to all of the other formulas (P < .05), except for the Haigis-L formula (P = .09). Comparing the formulas using no previous data, the Barrett True-K No History formula had the lowest median absolute error (0.33 D, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Shammas formula showed the least accuracy in predicting IOL power in eyes with multifocal IOL implantation after previous corneal refractive laser surgery for myopia. In eyes with all available data, all formulas performed equally except for the Shammas formula, whereas in eyes lacking historical data, the Barrett True-K No History formula performed best. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(1):54-59.].

In 2012, a controversial study on the long-term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and the glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified (GM) maize NK603 was published. The EC-funded G-TwYST research consortium tested the potential subchronic and chronic toxicity as well as the carcinogenicity of the glyphosate-resistant genetically modified maize NK603 by performing two 90-day feeding trials, one with GM maize inclusion rates of 11 and 33% and one with inclusion rates of up to 50%, as well as a 2-year feeding trial with inclusion rates of 11 and 33% in male and female Wistar Han RCC rats by taking into account OECD Guidelines for the testing of chemicals and EFSA recommendations on the safety testing of whole-food/feed in laboratory animals. In all three trials, the NK603 maize, untreated and treated once with Roundup during its cultivation, and the conventional counterpart were tested. Differences between each test group and the control group were evaluated. Equivalence was assessed by comparing the observed difference to differences between non-GM reference groups in previous studies. In case of significant differences, whether the effects were dose-related and/or accompanied by changes in related parameters including histopathological findings was evaluated. It is concluded that no adverse effects related to the feeding of the NK603 maize cultivated with or without Roundup for up to 2 years were observed. Based on the outcome of the subchronic and combined chronic toxicity/carcinogenicity studies, recommendations on the scientific justification and added value of long-term feeding trials in the GM plant risk assessment process are presented.

The human gastrointestinal microbiota, densely populated with a diverse array of microorganisms primarily from the bacterial phyla Bacteroidota, Bacillota, and Actinomycetota, is crucial for maintaining health and physiological functions. Dietary fibers, particularly pectin, significantly influence the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiome. Pectin is fermented by gut bacteria using carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which provide various health benefits. The gastrointestinal microbiota has evolved to produce CAZymes that target different pectin components, facilitating cross-feeding within the microbial community. This review explores the fermentation of pectin by various gut bacteria, focusing on the involved transport systems, CAZyme families, SCFA synthesis capacity, and effects on microbial ecology in the gut. It addresses the complexities of the gut microbiome's response to pectin and highlights the importance of microbial cross-feeding in maintaining a balanced and diverse gut ecosystem. Through a systematic analysis of pectinolytic CAZyme production, this review provides insights into the enzymatic mechanisms underlying pectin degradation and their broader implications for human health, paving the way for more targeted and personalized dietary strategies.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina , Colletotrichum araujiae on leaves, stems and fruits of Araujia hortorum . Australia , Agaricus pateritonsus on soil, Curvularia fraserae on dying leaf of Bothriochloa insculpta , Curvularia millisiae from yellowing leaf tips of Cyperus aromaticus , Marasmius brunneolorobustus on well-rotted wood, Nigrospora cooperae from necrotic leaf of Heteropogon contortus , Penicillium tealii from the body of a dead spider, Pseudocercospora robertsiorum from leaf spots of Senna tora , Talaromyces atkinsoniae from gills of Marasmius crinis-equi and Zasmidium pearceae from leaf spots of Smilax glyciphylla . Brazil , Preussia bezerrensis fromair. Chile , Paraconiothyrium kelleni from the rhizosphere of Fragaria chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis . Finland , Inocybe udicola onsoilinmixedforest with Betula pendula , Populus tremula , Picea abies and Alnus incana . France , Myrmecridium normannianum on dead culm of unidentified Poaceae . Germany , Vexillomyces fraxinicola from symptomless stem wood of Fraxinus excelsior . India , Diaporthe limoniae on infected fruit of Limonia acidissima , Didymella naikii on leaves of Cajanus cajan , and Fulvifomes mangroviensis on basal trunk of Aegiceras corniculatum . Indonesia , Penicillium ezekielii from Zea mays kernels. Namibia , Neocamarosporium calicoremae and Neocladosporium calicoremae on stems of Calicorema capitata , and Pleiochaeta adenolobi on symptomatic leaves of Adenolobus pechuelii . Netherlands , Chalara pteridii on stems of Pteridium aquilinum , Neomackenziella juncicola (incl. Neomackenziella gen. nov.)and Sporidesmiella junci from dead culms of Juncus effusus . Pakistan , Inocybe longistipitata on soil in a Quercus forest. Poland , Phytophthora viadrina from rhizosphere soil of Quercus robur , and Septoria krystynae on leaf spots of Viscum album . Portugal (Azores) , Acrogenospora stellata on dead wood or bark. South Africa , Phyllactinia greyiae on leaves of Greyia sutherlandii and Punctelia anae on bark of Vachellia karroo . Spain , Anteaglonium lusitanicum on decaying wood of Prunus lusitanica subsp . lusitanica , Hawksworthiomyces riparius from fluvial sediments, Lophiostoma carabassense endophytic in roots of Limbarda crithmoides , and Tuber mohedanoi from calcareussoils. Spain (Canary Islands) , Mycena laurisilvae on stumps and woody debris. Sweden , Elaphomyces geminus from soil under Quercus robur . Thailand , Lactifluus chiangraiensis on soil under Pinus merkusii , Lactifluus nakhonphanomensis and Xerocomus sisongkhramensis on soil under Dipterocarpus trees. Ukraine , Valsonectria robiniae on dead twigs of Robinia hispida . USA , Spiralomyces americanus (incl. Spiralomyces gen. nov.) from office air. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes.

Based on criminal career data of a sample of 601 police-identified outlaw motorcycle gang members and an age-matched comparison group of 300 non-gang affiliated motorcycle owners, the current analysis examines various dimensions of the criminal careers of outlaw bikers, including participation, onset, frequency, and crime mix. Results show that Dutch outlaw bikers are more often convicted than the average Dutch motorcyclist, and that these convictions not only pertain to minor offenses but also to serious and violent crimes. We find that outlaw bikers’ criminal careers differ from that of the average Dutch motorcyclist already during the juvenile and early adult years, but also – and more so – during the adult years. These results fit the enhancement hypothesis of gang membership and suggest that both selection of crime prone individuals in outlaw motorcycle gangs and facilitation of criminal behavior whilst in the gang are taking place.

PURPOSE: To compare visual, refractive, and satisfactory outcomes between a new-generation sectorial addition multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Lentis Mplus LS-312; study group) and a diffractive apodized multifocal IOL (Restor SN6AD1; control group). SETTING: Private practice, Driebergen, and Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Refractive and visual outcomes at near and distance, patient satisfaction, and dysphotopsia scores were recorded 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study group comprised 90 eyes and the control group, 143 eyes. Three months postoperatively, the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was not statistically significantly different between the study group and the control group (0.04 ± 0.15 logMAR [SD] versus 0.06 ± 0.25 logMAR). The control group had significantly better uncorrected near visual acuity than the study group at 30 cm (0.05 ± 0.14 logMAR versus 0.15 ± 0.08 logMAR) and 40 cm (0.05 ± 0.14 versus 0.16 ± 0.21) (P<.01 and P<.03, respectively). Patients in the control group were more satisfied with their vision (P<.001). Dissatisfaction was related to younger age at surgery and male sex (P<.0001 and P<.033 respectively). Dysphotopsia occurred in approximately 18% of cases in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The new sectorial addition multifocal IOL performed comparably to the diffractive apodized multifocal IOL in terms of UDVA and the presence of dysphotopsia. The diffractive apodized multifocal IOL performed better at 30 cm and 40 cm reading distances and had higher patient satisfaction. Financial Disclosure: Dr. Lapid-Gortzak has received speaker’s fees from Alcon, Simovision, Oculentis, and Medtechnika. Dr. Lapid-Gortzak and Dr. van der Meulen have received an unrestricted research grant from Oculentis. Dr. van Velthoven has received speaker’s fees from Novartis (Netherlands). Drs. van der Linden, Nieuwendaal, and Mourits have no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.