Cultivated alien plants with high invasion potential are more likely to be traded online in China.

Biological invasions have become a worldwide problem, and measures to efficiently prevent and control invasions are still in development. Like many other parts of the world, China is undergoing a dramatic increase in plant invasions. Most of the currently 933 established (i.e., naturalized) plant species, of which 214 are categorized as invasive, have been introduced into China for cultivation. It is likely that many of those species are still being traded, particularly online, by plant nurseries. However, studies assessing whether naturalized and invasive species are currently being traded more or less than nonnaturalized aliens are rare. We extracted online-trade information for 13,718 cultivated alien plant taxa on 1688.com, the largest website for domestic B2B in China. We analyzed how the presence in online-nursery catalogs, the number of online nurseries that offerred the species for sale, and the product type (i.e., seeds, live plants and vegetative organs) differed among nonnaturalized, naturalized noninvasive, and invasive species. Compared to nonnaturalized taxa, naturalized noninvasive and invasive taxa were 3.7-5.2 times more likely to be available for purchase. Naturalized noninvasive and invasive taxa were more frequently offered as seeds by online nurseries, whereas nonnaturalized taxa were more frequently offered as live plants. Based on these findings, we propose that, to reduce the further spread of invasive and potentially invasive plants, implementation of plant-trade regulations and a monitoring system of the online horticultural supply chain will be essential.

Population ecology and juvenile density hotspots of thornback ray (Raja clavata) around the Shetland Islands, Scotland.

Elasmobranchs are facing global decline, and so there is a pressing need for research into their populations to inform effective conservation and management strategies. Little information exists on the population ecology of skate species around the British Isles, presenting an important knowledge gap that this study aimed to reduce. The population ecology of thornback ray (Raja clavata) around the Shetland Islands, Scotland, was investigated in two habitats: inshore (50-150 m deep) and shallow coastal (20-50 m deep), from 2011 to 2022, and 2017 to 2022, respectively. Using trawl survey data from the annual Shetland Inshore Fish Survey, the size composition of R. clavata catches was compared between shallow and inshore habitats across 157 trawl sets, and 885 individuals, over the years 2017-2022. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) of R. clavata was significantly higher in shallow than that in inshore areas (ANOVA, F = 72.52, df = 1, 5, p < 0.001). Size composition also significantly differed between the two habitats (analysis of similarities, R = 0.96, p = 0.002), with R. clavata being smaller in shallow areas and juveniles (<60 cm) occurring more frequently. Spatial distribution maps confirmed density hotspots of juveniles in shallow habitats, with repeated use of certain locations consistent over time. The results of this study provide the first evidence for R. clavata using shallow areas for potential nurseries in Shetland, which can inform the IUCN's Important Shark and Ray Area process. Furthermore, this study provides important new population ecology information for R. clavata around Shetland, which may have important conservation implications and be valuable for informing species and fisheries stock assessments in this region.

Pesticides as a potential independent childhood leukemia risk factor and as a potential confounder for electromagnetic fields exposure.

BACKGROUND: Both pesticides and high magnetic fields are suspected to be childhood leukemia risk factors. Pesticides are utilized at commercial plant nurseries, which sometimes occupy the areas underneath high-voltage powerlines. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether potential pesticide exposures (intended use, chemical class, active ingredient) utilized at plant nurseries act as an independent childhood leukemia risk factor or as a confounder for proximity to, or magnetic fields exposure from, high-voltage powerlines. METHODS: We conducted a state-wide records-based case-control study for California with 5788 childhood leukemia cases and 5788 controls that examined specific pesticide use, magnetic field exposures and distances to both powerlines and plant nurseries. Exposure assessment incorporated geographic information systems, aerial satellite images, and other historical information. RESULTS: Childhood leukemia risk was potentially elevated for several active pesticide ingredients: permethrin (odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.83-2.67), chlorpyrifos (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.89-1.87), dimethoate (OR 1.79, 95% CI 0.85-3.76), mancozeb (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.85-2.33), oxyfluorfen (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.75-2.66), oryzalin (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.97-2.63), and pendimethalin (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.81-2.25). Rodenticide (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.78-2.56) and molluscicide (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.82-1.81) exposure also presented potentially elevated childhood leukemia risks. Childhood leukemia associations with calculated fields or powerline proximity did not materially change after adjusting for pesticide exposure. Childhood leukemia risks with powerline proximity remained similar when pesticide exposures were excluded. DISCUSSION: Pesticide exposure may be an independent childhood leukemia risk factor. Childhood leukemia risks for powerline proximity and magnetic fields exposure were not explained by pesticide exposure.

Commercial outdoor plant nurseries as a confounder for electromagnetic fields and childhood leukemia risk.

BACKGROUND: Close residential proximity to powerlines and high magnetic fields exposure may be associated with elevated childhood leukemia risks as reported by prior studies and pooled analyses. Magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines is associated with proximity to these powerlines and consequently with any factor varying with distance. Areas underneath powerlines in California may be sites for commercial plant nurseries that can use pesticides, a potential childhood leukemia risk factor. OBJECTIVES: Assess if potential pesticide exposure from commercial plant nurseries is a confounder or interacts with proximity or magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines to increase childhood leukemia risk. METHODS: A comprehensive childhood leukemia record-based case-control study with 5788 cases and 5788 controls (born and diagnosed in California, 1986-2008) was conducted. Pesticide, powerline, and magnetic field exposure assessment utilized models that incorporated geographical information systems, aerial satellite images, site visits and other historical information. RESULTS: The relationship for calculated fields with childhood leukemia (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-3.23) slightly attenuated when controlling for nursery proximity (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.65-3.16) or restricting analysis to subjects living far (>300 m) from nurseries (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.79-2.60). A similar association pattern was observed between distance to high-voltage powerlines and childhood leukemia. The association between nursery proximity and childhood leukemia was unchanged or only slightly attenuated when controlling for calculated fields or powerline distance; ORs remained above 2 when excluding subjects with high calculated fields or close powerline proximity (OR 2.16, 95% CI 0.82-5.67 and OR 2.15, 95% CI 0.82-5.64, respectively). The observed relationships were robust to different time periods, reference categories, and cut points. DISCUSSION: Close residential proximity to nurseries is suggested as an independent childhood leukemia risk factor. Our results do not support plant nurseries as an explanation for observed childhood leukemia risks for powerline proximity and magnetic fields exposure, although small numbers of subjects concurrently exposed to high magnetic fields, close powerline proximity and plant nurseries limited our ability to fully assess potential confounding.

A cross-sectional national investigation of COVID-19 outbreaks in nurseries during rapid spread of the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant of SARS-CoV-2 in England.

BACKGROUND: In England, the emergence the more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant Alpha (B.1.1.7) led to a third national lockdown from December 2020, including restricted attendance at schools. Nurseries, however, remained fully open. COVID-19 outbreaks (≥ 2 laboratory-confirmed cases within 14 days) in nurseries were investigated to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and cumulative incidence in staff and children over a three-month period when community SARS-CoV-2 infections rates were high and the Alpha variant was spreading rapidly across England. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional national investigation of COVID-19 outbreaks in nurseries across England. Nurseries reporting a COVID-19 outbreak to PHE between November 2020 and January 2021 were requested to complete a questionnaire about their outbreak. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-four nurseries, comprising 1% (324/32,852) of nurseries in England, reported a COVID-19 outbreak. Of the 315 (97%) nurseries contacted, 173 (55%) reported 1,657 SARS-CoV-2 cases, including 510 (31%) children and 1,147 (69%) staff. A child was the index case in 45 outbreaks (26%) and staff in 125 (72%) outbreaks. Overall, children had an incidence rate of 3.50% (95%CI, 3.21-3.81%) and was similar irrespective of whether the index case was a child (3.55%; 95%CI, 3.01-4.19%) or staff (3.44%; 95%CI, 3.10-3.82%). Among staff, cumulative incidence was lower if the index case was a child (26.28%; 95%CI, 23.54-29.21%%) compared to a staff member (32.98%; 95%CI, 31.19-34.82%), with the highest cumulative incidence when the index case was also a staff member (37.52%; 95%CI, 35.39-39.70%). Compared to November 2020, outbreak sizes and cumulative incidence was higher in January 2021, when the Alpha variant predominated. Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in < 5 year-olds remained low and followed trends in older age-groups, increasing during December 2020 and declining thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study of COVID-19 outbreaks in nurseries, one in three staff were affected compared to one in thirty children. There was some evidence of increased transmissibility and higher cumulative incidence associated with the Alpha variant, highlighting the importance of maintaining a low level of community infections.

Calophoma clematidina causing leaf spot and wilt on Clematis plants in the Czech Republic.

Clematis L. is one of the largest genera of Ranunculaceae, accommodating over 300 plant species (Wang & Li 2005). They are mostly flowering creepers commonly grown as ornamentals. Clematis leaf spot and wilt is a fungal disease caused by Calophoma clematidina (Thüm.) Q. Chen & L. Cai. Infected plants initially show irregular brown to black leaf spots which later turn into large necroses, usually leading to wilt disease. In June 2021, Clematis plants displaying symptoms described above were observed in three independent nurseries located in three counties (Brno-venkov, Breclav and Nymburk) in the Czech Republic. Around 60% of 120 inspected plants were symptomatic, including both mother plants and young plants. Leaves, stems and roots of 43 diseased plants originating from the three nurseries were collected, sectioned into small pieces (5 × 5 mm), surface sterilized (60 sec in 75% ethanol, followed by 60 sec in 1% sodium hypochlorite and rinsed three times using sterile distilled water), plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C for 5 weeks. Newly developed mycelia were immediately transferred to a fresh PDA plates and purified by single-spore isolation. A total of 21 strains morphologically resembled the genus Calophoma. Colonies on PDA (7 d at 25°C) were felty, white to olivaceous/iron grey in the centre. Conidiomata were dark brown, pycnidial, solitary or in groups, (117-220 × 65-170 µm). Conidia were cylindrical to ellipsoidal, hyaline, 0(-1)-septate, (4-8 × 2-3 µm). Two representative isolates were deposited at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands (CBS 149230 and CBS 149231). The partial internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, large ribosomal subunit of the nrRNA gene (LSU), beta-tubulin gene (tub2) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene (rpb2) were amplified from genomic DNA of both isolates following protocols previously described (Spetik et al. 2022). Sequences were deposited in NCBI GenBank (accession nos. ITS: ON107539, ON107540; LSU: ON108575, ON108576; tub2: ON314832, ON314833; rpb2: ON125007, ON125008), being 100% identical with that of the ex-type strain of C. clematidina (CBS 108.79), ITS (NR_135964), LSU (FJ515632), tub2 (FJ427100), and rpb2 (KT389588). Phylogenetically, the two representative isolates formed a fully supported clade with sequences of the ex-type and another culture of C. clematidina in the multigene phylogeny. To confirm Koch's postulates, leaves of ten two-month-old Clematis plants grown in pots were wounded by a needle and inoculated with a conidial suspension (1.0 × 106 conidia ml-1) of both strains (five plants per strain) following Golazar et al. (2011). Ten plants were mock-inoculated with sterile distilled water and served as controls. Within one month, inoculated plants exhibited dark necrotic leaf spots similar to the symptoms observed in the nurseries, while controls remained symptomless. Calophoma clematidina was reisolated from the inoculated plants, and its identity confirmed (ITS, GenBank OP363927). The experiment was repeated. Although known from Europe, this is the first report of Clematis leaf spot and wilt caused by C. clematidina in the Czech Republic. Clematis leaf spot and wilt represents a serious disease in Czech nurseries, with the pathogen present in leaves, stems and roots of Clematis spp.

[CIVIL HEALTHCARE IN EASTERN SIBERIA ON THE EVE AND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR].

Eastern Siberia during the Great Patriotic War, being in the deep rear, was one of the key regions where the population and industrial enterprises were evacuated from the front-line zones and west territories of the USSR. Among the arriving population, there were many highly qualified specialists who were sent along with enterprises to resume their work, which, on the one hand, gave preconditions for the development of the region, including as a major industrial and scientific center in the future, but also created an additional burden on the civil health care system of the region "in the moment." Eastern Siberia provided the USSR with healthy human and necessary production resources, making it possible for the Soviet Army to defend the Motherland, which was the main thing in those difficult years, in the face of the sudden invasion of Nazi Germany. The archival materials that give an idea of ​​the state of the civil health care system in the region by the beginning and in the first days of the Great Patriotic War are analyzed, and a comparative analysis of the indicators of both the Eastern Siberia region and its individual republics with the RSFSR as a whole is carried out. This study was carried out as part of the research work "State policy in the field of health protection and medical science in the Russian Empire and the USSR."

Weekly SARS-CoV-2 Sentinel Surveillance in Primary Schools, Kindergartens, and Nurseries, Germany, June‒November 2020.

We investigated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections in primary schools, kindergartens, and nurseries in Germany. Of 3,169 oropharyngeal swab specimens, only 2 were positive by real-time reverse transcription PCR. Asymptomatic children attending these institutions do not appear to be driving the pandemic when appropriate infection control measures are used.

Residential proximity to plant nurseries and risk of childhood leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Pesticides are a potential risk factor for childhood leukemia. Studies evaluating the role of prenatal and/or early life exposure to pesticides in the development of childhood leukemia have produced a range of results. In addition to indoor use of pesticides, higher risks have been reported for children born near agricultural crops. No studies have looked at pesticide exposure based on proximity of birth residence to commercial plant nurseries, even though nurseries are located much closer to residences than agricultural crops and can potentially result in chronic year-round pesticide exposure. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether risk of childhood leukemia is associated with pesticide use as determined by distance of residence at birth to commercial, outdoor plant nurseries. METHODS: We conducted a large statewide, record-based case-control study of childhood leukemia in California, which included 5788 childhood leukemia cases and an equal number of controls. Pesticide exposure was based on a spatial proximity model, which combined geographic information system data with aerial satellite imagery. RESULTS: Overall, the results supported an increased childhood leukemia risk only for birth residences very close to nurseries. For birth residences less than 75 m from plant nurseries, we found an increased risk of childhood leukemia (odds ratio (OR) 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99-5.82) that was stronger for acute lymphocytic leukemia (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.14-8.34). DISCUSSION: The association was robust to choices of reference group, cut points and data quality. Our findings suggest that close proximity to plant nurseries may be a risk factor for childhood leukemia and that this relationship should be further evaluated.

Cadophora sabaouae sp. nov. and Phaeoacremonium Species Associated with Petri Disease on Grapevine Propagation Material and Young Grapevines in Algeria.

A field survey conducted on asymptomatic grapevine propagation material from nurseries and symptomatic young grapevines throughout different regions of Algeria yielded a collection of 70 Phaeoacremonium-like isolates and three Cadophora-like isolates. Based on morphology and DNA sequence data of ß-tubulin (tub2) and actin, five Phaeoacremonium species were identified including Phaeoacremonium minimum (22 isolates), Phaeoacremonium venezuelense (19 isolates), Phaeoacremonium parasiticum (17 isolates), Phaeoacremonium australiense (8 isolates), and Phaeoacremonium iranianum (4 isolates). The latter two species (P. australiense and P. iranianum) were reported for the first time in Algeria. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses (internal transcribed spacer, tub2, and translation elongation factor 1-α) and morphological features, allowed the description of the three isolates belonging to the genus Cadophora (WAMC34, WAMC117, and WAMC118) as a novel species, named Cadophora sabaouae sp. nov. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on grapevine cuttings cultivar Cardinal. All the identified species were pathogenic on grapevine cuttings.

Evidence of cooperative calves' care and providers' characteristics in zebu cattle (Bos indicus) raised under extensive conditions.

Communal rearing has been reported in several mammals, including wild ungulates. However, until now, there was no evidence of any alloparental care in the Bos genus. To test the hypothesis that calves' groups are formed under the care of specific cows, a herd of 31 peri-partum zebu cows raised under pasture conditions were used. Groups of ≥ 3 individuals within a 10-m diameter were estimated using aerial pictures taken every other day at 7:00, 10:30, 13:30, 16:00, and 18:00 h, during 6 weeks. Temperament (exit speed, flight distance, intensity of reaction), age, and parity of each cow were registered. A total of 142 groups were observed, and in all of them, at least one calf was present. A total of 75% of the groups were more calves than cows, and in 65.4% of the cases, there were 1 to 3 cows with 2 to 32 calves. While there were no groups integrated only by cows, there were 3.5% integrated only with calves. The most frequent group was formed by 2 calves and 1 cow (14.8%). Parity was positively related with the number of times that a cow was observed in a group (R2 = 0.19, P = 0.01) and with the number of groups in which her calf was present (R2 = 0.16; P = 0.03). The results of the temperament tests were unrelated to the total number of groups in which a cow was observed nor the number of groups with or without its calf. It was concluded that zebu calves congregate in newborn groups in companion with one or more adults, preferably high parity cows, regardless of their temperament.

A quality appraisal using the AGREE II instrument of endotracheal tube suction guidelines in neonatal intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal tube (ETT) suction is among the most common procedures performed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Although necessary, it is associated with significant risks. To mitigate these risks, clinical practice guidelines are developed to provide evidence-based recommendations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to appraise the quality of neonatal ETT suction guidelines from all NICUs in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: All level III NICUs in Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate. Three researchers graded the methodological quality of the received guidelines using the AGREE II instrument. Item and domain scores were calculated by scaling as a percentage of the total possible score out of 100%. A threshold score of <50% is considered to be of limited potential use. RESULTS: Twenty-three (79.31%) clinical practice guidelines were received from 29 invited facilities. The scaled results of the AGREE II domains were as follows: Scope and Purpose, mean = 73%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 63-83%; Stakeholder Involvement, mean = 23%, 95% CI = 15-31%; Rigour of Development, mean = 17%, 95% CI = 12-21%; Clarity of Presentation, mean = 63%, 95% CI = 56-70%; Applicability, mean = 5%, 95% CI = 20-30%; and Editorial Independence, mean = 50%, 95% CI = 50-50%. Overall assessment indicated low methodological quality (31%; 22-39%), with only five clinical practice guidelines scoring >50%, suggesting that they could be recommended for use with modifications. The remaining 18 could not be recommended for use. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal ETT suction guidelines are of a low methodological quality. All guidelines poorly incorporated latest evidence in guideline development. This appraisal highlights the need to improve the quality of neonatal ETT suction guidelines to promote optimal patient care.

[THE STATUS OF ADMISSION TO FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH FOOD ALLERGIES].

BACKGROUND: To clarify the status of admission to facilities for food allergy (FA) children. METHODS: Guardians of FA children who underwent oral food challenges at Sagamihara National Hospital from September to December 2018 were enrolled. We surveyed the experience of refusal to enter facilities, the reason for refusal and so on using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: We distributed a questionnaire to 205 guardians, of which 168 responded (response rate 82%). The median age (range) at the time of the survey was 4.5 (0 to 12) years old, 2 (1 to 11) food items had been removed at the time of admission, and 56 (33%) had a history of anaphylaxis before admission. Twenty-nine patients (17%) were prescribed an adrenaline auto injector. Twenty patients (12%) had been denied entry, the median number of refusals (range) was 1.5 (1 to 30). History of anaphylaxis before admission (odds ratio 2.80 [1.08-7.22]) and having 5 or more causative foods (odds ratio 3.44 [1.27-9.32]) were associated with admission refusal. 〔' Factors related to children with FA〕, 〔Factors related to facilities〕, and 〔Factors related to facility staff〕 were extracted as the reasons for refusal. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the factors related to children with FA, the factors related to facilities and facility staff were related to admission refusal. Therefore, cooperation between medical care, local governments, and facility that comprehensively supports the living environment of children with FA is needed.

Use of nursery areas by the extinct megatooth shark Otodus megalodon (Chondrichthyes: Lamniformes).

Nursery areas are fundamental for the success of many marine species, particularly for large, slow-growing taxa with low fecundity and high age of maturity. Here, we examine the population size-class structure of the extinct gigantic shark Otodus megalodon in a newly described middle Miocene locality from Northeastern Spain, as well as in eight previously known formations (Temblor, Calvert, Pisco, Gatún, Chucunaque, Bahía Inglesa, Yorktown and Bone Valley). In all cases, body lengths of all individuals were inferred from dental parameters and the size-class structure was estimated from kernel probability density functions and Gaussian mixture models. Our analyses support the presence of five potential nurseries ranging from the Langhian (middle Miocene) to the Zanclean (Pliocene), with higher densities of individuals with estimated body lengths within the typical range of neonates and young juveniles. These results reveal, for the first time, that nursery areas were commonly used by O. megalodon over large temporal and spatial scales, reducing early mortality and playing a key role in maintaining viable adult populations. Ultimately, the presumed reliance of O. megalodon on the presence of suitable nursery grounds might have also been determinant in the demise of this iconic top predatory shark.

Effectiveness of different interventions in public nurseries based on food and nutrition education: promoting breast-feeding and healthy complementary feeding.

OBJECTIVE: Food practices in the early years of life are important to form healthy eating habits; therefore, it is essential for the caregivers of infants to receive appropriate guidance. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different nutritional interventions on complementary feeding practices in municipal nurseries. DESIGN: Non-randomized controlled intervention study with education professionals and parents of infants (<2 years). Participants were divided into: control group (CG), standard food and nutrition education in writing; and intervention group (IG), the same information as the CG and face-to-face meetings (professionals, 8 h; parents, 5 h). Changes in professionals' knowledge on the subject and alterations in parents' beliefs, attitudes and intentions were assessed using questionnaires before and after the educational activities. SETTING: Ten public nurseries in Nova Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2015. SUBJECTS: Ninety professionals (fifty in CG; forty in IG) and 169 parents (ninety-seven in CG; seventy-two in IG). RESULTS: After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the mean number of correct responses given by professionals in the IG (12·2 v. 10·7; P=0·001). In addition, there were improvements among the parents of the IG in relation to beliefs (soups and broths do not nourish my child: P=0·012), attitudes (offer meat from the sixth month: P=0·032) and intentions (do not offer soups and broths: P=0·003; offer vegetables: P=0·018; offer meat: P<0·001). CONCLUSIONS: Face-to-face nutritional intervention had a significantly greater effect on the parameters evaluated, indicating the importance of adequate guidance in childcare services to support the introduction of complementary feeding.

Association of diet in nurseries and physical activity with zBMI in 2-4-year olds in England: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity tracks into adulthood with detrimental effects on health. We aimed to examine the relationships of diet in childcare settings and daily physical activity (PA) of preschoolers with body mass index z-score (z-BMI). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 150 children aged 2-4-years participating in the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) UK study to examine the associations of their diet in childcare settings and daily PA with z-BMI. Dietary intake was observed and recorded by fieldworkers using a validated tick-list food questionnaire and diet quality was assessed based on adherence to Children's Food Trust (CFT) guidelines. PA was measured using accelerometers. We derived z-BMI scores using the UK 1990 and International Obesity Taskforce growth reference charts. Multilevel regression models were used to estimate associations between diet and PA with z-BMI separately, adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, parental education level and clustering. RESULTS: Among children who consumed one main meal or snack at childcare, 34.4% and 74.3% met the standards on fruits and vegetables and high sugar or fat snacks, respectively. Adherence to CFT guidelines was not associated with zBMI. Only 11.4% of children met recommended UK guidelines of three hours per day of physical activity. Minutes spent in light PA (ß = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.15) and active time (ß = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.12) were positively associated with UK 1990 zBMI scores. CONCLUSIONS: The low proportion of children meeting the standards on fruits and vegetables and high sugar or fat snacks and recommended physical activity levels highlight the need for more work to support nurseries and parents to improve preschool children's diet and activity. In our exploratory analyses, we found children with higher zBMI were more physically active which could be attributed to fat-free mass or chance finding and so requires replication in a larger study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN16287377 . Registered 12 June 2014.

Inter-Regional Differences in Travel Time to the Nearest Nursery for Children with Mild Acute Illness in Japan.

Access to day-care services for children with mild acute illness is important for working parents, because infants and toddlers often suddenly become ill, and most Japanese nursery schools do not accept children with even mild illnesses. Actual travel time to nurseries providing such day-care services is one of the indicators for measuring accessibility. However, this variable has not been well analyzed in previous work. To clarify practical access to such nurseries, this study used a car navigation algorithm to calculate the percentage of the population of children in Japan who can access nurseries providing services for children with mild acute illnesses within 15 to 30 minutes and compared this with the proportion of children living within a linear distance of 10 km of such nurseries. Of the 4,987,706 children younger than 5 years in 2015, 51.7% lived in areas from which the nearest nursery for children with mild acute illness was accessible within 0-15 minutes by automobile. In addition, 81.5% lived within 0-30 minutes of such nurseries, and the same percentage (81.5%) lived within a linear distance of 10 km of such nurseries. Both calculation methods (travel time and linear distance) showed inter-regional differences in accessibility, and the proportion of children with access to these nurseries was higher in heavily populated regions (e.g., Kanto and Kinki) than in less populated regions (e.g., Hokkaido and Tohoku). Children and caregivers throughout Japan should have equal access to these nurseries, because the national government subsidizes such services.

Dental caries and their association with socioeconomic characteristics, oral hygiene practices and eating habits among preschool children in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - the NOPLAS project.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries are a global public health problem and influence the overall health of children. The risk factors for caries include biological, socio-behavioral and environmental factors. This cross-sectional study assessed dental caries and their associations with socioeconomic factors, oral hygiene practices and eating habits among Emirati and non-Emirati children in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: The stratified sample comprised children aged 18 months to 4 years recruited from 7 nurseries. The World Health Organization (WHO) decayed, missing and filled teeth index (dmft) was used to analyze the dental status of the children. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding demographics, food consumption and oral habits. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at Zayed University, UAE (ZU15_029_F). RESULTS: A total of 186 children with a mean age of 2.46 years, of which 46.2% were Emirati, participated. Overall, 41% of the children had dental caries. The mean dmft±SD was 1.70 ± 2.81 with a mean ± SD decayed component (dt) of 1.68 ± 2.80 and mean ± SD filled component (ft) of 0.02 ± 0.19. Emirati children showed higher mean dmft, Plaque Index and Significant Carries Index values than non-Emirati children (P < 0.000). Low maternal education, rural nursery location, infrequent tooth-brushing, frequent consumption of high-sugar food items and Emirati nationality were factors significantly associated with dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 4 out of 10 nursery children were found to have dental caries. Sociodemographic factors, dietary and oral health habits were associated with dental caries. Effective oral health interventions tailored to improve eating habits and the dental screening of children in this age group are imperative to mitigate these concerns.

Nutrition practices in nurseries in Poland - initial results of nationwide study

Background: Rational nutrition of infants and toddlers is essential for their normal growth and development, and for the development of proper nutritional habits. It should be preceded by proper planning. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate of the planning and organization of nutrition in nurseries. Material and methods: In the research conducted within the program "Eating healthy, growing healthy" (EHGH), 128 crèches from all over Poland participated. The nurseries were attended by 8182 children under the age of 3. The research was carried out between 2015 and 2016. Data on the organization and quality of nutrition were collected through direct interviews with directors and / or staff responsible for feeding in crèches. In addition, analysis of the decade's menu of the participating institutions (128 menus) and daily inventory reports (1280 documents) were analyzed. The data were analyzed for the total number and the type (public and non-public) of institution. The program Statistica Version 13.1 was used. Results: Half of the surveyed DCCs planned in the menu whole grains, nearly all of them served fresh vegetables and fruits to the children, and every third added them to every meal. The most common drink during the meal was compote. Access to water between meals was offered to children in majority of the DCCs. The quality of diet was differentiated by the type of nursery: depending on the type (public vs non-public), the differences in salting and sweetening meals have been shown. Public DCCs had a much lower average amount of money allocated per day to feed a child compared to non-public, most of these managed own kitchens and did not employ a dietitian. Despite the higher nutritional rates in non-public crèches, some errors in nutrition planning have been observed. Conclusions: Higher average amount of money allocated per day to feed a child in non-public nurseries did not provide adequate nutrition. There is a need to publish standardized, understandable and practical recommendations in nutrition of children in nurseries. Adopting such recommendations in daily practice in all public and non-public crèches should improve the nutrition of children.

Mycorrhization of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) with black truffles: Tuber melanosporum and Tuber brumale.

Pecan, Carya illinoinensis, is an economically important nut producing tree that can establish ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with a high diversity of fungi. In the southern USA, truffles (Tuber spp.) sometimes fruit prolifically in cultivated pecan orchards and regularly associate with pecan roots as ectomycorrhizae (ECMs). It has been demonstrated that some valuable European truffle species (e.g., Tuber borchii and Tuber aestivum) can form ECMs with pecan seedlings in nursery conditions. Thus, pecan may represent an attractive alternative host to forest trees for truffle growers given the potential for co-cropping truffles and pecans. To further explore the capacity of pecan to host truffle symbionts, pecan seedlings were inoculated with species of black truffles that are economically important in Europe, T. melanosporum and T. brumale. Ectomycorrhizae were characterized molecularly and their morphology was described in detail. Mycorrhization rates on pecan roots were assessed over a 2-year period. Tuber melanosporum and T. brumale produced well-formed ECMs with a level of root colonization in the first year of 37.3 and 34.5%, respectively. After 24 months, the level of mycorrhization increased for T. brumale (49.4%) and decreased for T. melanosporum (10.5%) inversely to that of non-target ECM greenhouse contaminants (e.g., Sphaerosporella brunnea, Trichophaea woolhopeia, Pulvinula constellatio). To assess whether mating types segregated in T. melanosporum as been reported for other host species, we amplified the mating-type locus from single T. melanosporum ECM belonging to different seedlings over a 2-year period. The two mating idiomorphs were nearly equally represented along the 2-year time span: MAT 1-1-1 decreased from 59.4% in the first year to 48.5% in the second year after inoculation. Data reported in this study add to knowledge on the mycorrhization of pecan trees with commercial truffles and has application to truffle and nut co-cropping systems.