Effects of intraocular lens glistenings on visual function: A prospective study and presentation of a new glistenings grading methodology

Objective To investigate the effect of intraocular lens (IOL) glistenings on visual performance and evaluate a new glistenings grading methodology. Methods and Analysis Thirty-four patients (34 eyes) were recruited. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), mesopic gap acuity (MGA), functional contrast sensitivity (FCS) and forward light scatter were measured (Advanced Vision and Optometric Tests, City Occupational, London, UK). The IOL centre was imaged and glistenings density graded by three observers using the Miyata scale and a new system. Inter-rater reliability, association between the two grading scales, and correlations between glistenings grades and visual performance parameters were evaluated. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient between graders for the new grading system was 0.769 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.636 to 0.868). There was a significant association between the Miyata scale and the new grading system for all graders (r s =0.533-0.895, p≤0.001). There was no association between CDVA or MGA and glistenings grade (r s =- 0.098, p=0.583 and r s =0.171, p=0.359, respectively). There was no association between FCS at mesopic light levels and glistenings grade (r s =-0.032, p=0.864), or the straylight parameter and glistenings grade (r s =0.021, p=0.916). No association was found between the integrated straylight parameter and glistenings grade (r s =0.078, p=0.701). Conclusion The new glistenings grading scale was highly reproducible. In this cohort, glistenings in the same hydrophobic acrylic IOL after cataract surgery were not associated with changes in visual function, as assessed by a series of tests not previously used in glistenings research

Symplocos buxifolia

Symplocos buxifolia is a small tree, endemic to Sabah. The estimated area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both 32 km2. Although the AOO is calculated from known existing records, it is considered that the actual AOO may be considerably larger than this due to under sampling. It is found scattered around Mount Kinabalu, and currently facing no major threat to its population. It is assessed as Least Concern. Symplocos buxifolia is endemic to Sabah, Malaysia. It is known from Mount Kinabalu

The effect of atmospheric nudging on the stratospheric residual circulation in chemistry–climate models

We perform the first multi-model intercomparison of the impact of nudged meteorology on the stratospheric residual circulation using hindcast simulations from the Chemistry–Climate Model Initiative (CCMI). We examine simulations over the period 1980–2009 from seven models in which the meteorological fields are nudged towards a reanalysis dataset and compare these with their equivalent free-running simulations and the reanalyses themselves. We show that for the current implementations, nudging meteorology does not constrain the mean strength of the stratospheric residual circulation and that the inter-model spread is similar, or even larger, than in the free-running simulations. The nudged models generally show slightly stronger upwelling in the tropical lower stratosphere compared to the free-running versions and exhibit marked differences compared to the directly estimated residual circulation from the reanalysis dataset they are nudged towards. Downward control calculations applied to the nudged simulations reveal substantial differences between the climatological lower-stratospheric tropical upward mass flux (TUMF) computed from the modelled wave forcing and that calculated directly from the residual circulation. This explicitly shows that nudging decouples the wave forcing and the residual circulation so that the divergence of the angular momentum flux due to the mean motion is not balanced by eddy motions, as would typically be expected in the time mean. Overall, nudging meteorological fields leads to increased inter-model spread for most of the measures of the mean climatological stratospheric residual circulation assessed in this study. In contrast, the nudged simulations show a high degree of consistency in the inter-annual variability in the TUMF in the lower stratosphere, which is primarily related to the contribution to variability from the resolved wave forcing. The more consistent inter-annual variability in TUMF in the nudged models also compares more closely with the variability found in the reanalyses, particularly in boreal winter. We apply a multiple linear regression (MLR) model to separate the drivers of inter-annual and long-term variations in the simulated TUMF; this explains up to ∼75 % of the variance in TUMF in the nudged simulations. The MLR model reveals a statistically significant positive trend in TUMF for most models over the period 1980–2009. The TUMF trend magnitude is generally larger in the nudged models compared to their free-running counterparts, but the intermodel range of trends doubles from around a factor of 2 to a factor of 4 due to nudging. Furthermore, the nudged models generally do not match the TUMF trends in the reanalysis they are nudged towards for trends over different periods in the interval 1980–2009. Hence, we conclude that nudging does not strongly constrain long-term trends simulated by the chemistry–climate model (CCM) in the residual circulation. Our findings show that while nudged simulations may, by construction, produce accurate temperatures and realistic representations of fast horizontal transport, this is not typically the case for the slower zonal mean vertical transport in the stratosphere. Consequently, caution is required when using nudged simulations to interpret the behaviour of stratospheric tracers that are affected by the residual circulation

Symplocos deflexa

Symplocos deflexa is a small tree, endemic to Sabah. The estimated area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are 28 km2 and 34.5 km2, respectively. Majority of the records of this species are from Kinabalu Park, a protected area. There is no immediate threat to this species. Hence, it is assessed as Least Concern. Symplocos deflexa is endemic to Sabah, Malaysia. It is known from Tenompok, Mount Kinabalu and the local vicinity, Ranau

An evidence-based socioecological framework to understand men’s use of anabolic androgenic steroids and inform interventions in this area

Research into men’s use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) over the past three decades has identified many factors that contribute to decision making in this area. However there are limited theoretical frameworks to synthesize this research and guide practice, such as interventions to prevent use or reduce health risks. To address this gap a socioecological framework is presented based upon the international literature examining AAS use. Socioecological models recognize that individuals and behaviors exist within complex physical and social systems and are useful tools for guiding interventions to ensure consideration is given to multiple influential factors. This framework proposes that use of AAS is the result of the interaction of a range of factors at the individual, social network, institutional, community and societal levels that are likely to change over time and with experience. Viewed through this framework it becomes clear that AAS use can be a complex behavior with many influential environments and relationships impacting on a diverse population in different ways and at different times. The implications of findings for engaging with people who use AAS and delivering interventions are discussed, such as the identification of important transition times and influencing norms within social groups and communities

Ecological implications of a flower size/number trade-off in tropical forest trees

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Symplocos zizyphoides

Symplocos zizyphoides is a treelet, endemic to Sabah. The estimated area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both 32 km2. There is no major threat as the species is recorded abundantly in Mount Kinabalu. It is assessed as Least Concern. Symplocos zizyphoides is endemic to Sabah, Malaysia. It is known from Mount Kinabalu, Ranau

Process evaluation of a peer-led antenatal breastfeeding class for fathers: perceptions of facilitators and participants

Background: The Parent Infant Feeding Initiative (PIFI) was a factorial, randomised controlled trial that aimed to prolong exclusive breastfeeding by targeting expecting fathers. One of the intervention strategies evaluated was a father-focused breastfeeding class facilitated by a male peer facilitator. The aim of this mixed-methods descriptive study was to 1) evaluate the feedback provided from participants of the class and 2) explore the motivations and experiences of volunteer male peer facilitators trained to deliver the class. Methods: Father-focused breastfeeding antenatal (FFAB) classes were conducted in six Western Australian hospitals between August 2015 and December 2016. Following each peer facilitated FFAB class, expecting father participants completed an evaluation form to assess their satisfaction with the format, facilitation and content, in addition to whether their expectations and confidence to manage breastfeeding problems had changed. Feedback to open-ended questions was analysed using content analysis to identify learnings and suggestions for improvements. At the completion of PIFI, individual telephone interviews were undertaken with 14 peer facilitators to gain insight into their motivations for volunteering and experiences of conducting the classes. Transcripts from interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six phases for thematic analysis. Results: Participant evaluation forms were completed by 678 of the 697 father participants (98%). Overall satisfaction with class format, facilitation and content was high with 90% or more of fathers either strongly agreeing or agreeing with each positively-phrased evaluation item. Class participants enjoyed interacting with other fathers, appreciated validation of their role, were not always aware of the importance of breastfeeding or potential difficulties, valued the anticipatory guidance around what to expect in the early weeks of parenting and appreciated learning practical breastfeeding support strategies. Peer facilitators indicated they felt well prepared and supported to conduct FFAB classes. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed common experiences of the peer facilitators incorporating four themes: ‘Highlights of being a facilitator’, ‘Challenges’, ‘Mourning the project completion’ and ‘Satisfaction with training and support’. Conclusion: Father-focused breastfeeding classes supported by volunteer male peer facilitators are a feasible and acceptable way of engaging fathers as breastfeeding supporters. Trial registration: ACTRN12614000605695. Registered 6 June 2014

Marginalization of end-use technologies in energy innovation for climate protection

Mitigating climate change requires directed innovation efforts to develop and deploy energy technologies. Innovation activities are directed towards the outcome of climate protection by public institutions, policies and resources that in turn shape market behaviour. We analyse diverse indicators of activity throughout the innovation system to assess these efforts. We find efficient end-use technologies contribute large potential emission reductions and provide higher social returns on investment than energy-supply technologies. Yet public institutions, policies and financial resources pervasively privilege energy-supply technologies. Directed innovation efforts are strikingly misaligned with the needs of an emissions-constrained world. Significantly greater effort is needed to develop the full potential of efficient end-use technologies

Aglaia sessilifolia

Aglaia sessilifolia is a tree, endemic to eastern Sabah. Due to land use changes the remaining known population is in Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sandakan. It is suspected that there has been 80% population decline in two generations (based on GeoCAT reduction analysis). The remaining estimated area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both 4 km2. The occurrence of the species in a well protected area means decline is not continuing. This species is assessed as Critically Endangered. Aglaia sessilifolia is endemic to Sabah, Malaysia. It is recorded from the eastern part of the state