bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective adsorption of soil humic acid on binary systems containing kaolinite and goethite: Assessment of sorbent interactions
Authors: Chen Hongfeng , Koopal Luuk K. , Xu Jinling , Wang Mingxia , Tan Wenfeng
Published: February 2019

Inorganic colloids are ubiquitous in soils and coexist as simple mixtures or as strong associations of particles. The coexisting inorganic colloids with a variety of active sites can selectively adsorb humic substances and thus affect the availability and mobility of organic matter. To investigate the selective adsorption of organic matter by coexisting inorganic colloids, humic acid (JGHA) extracted from soil, a kaolinite and goethite synthetic association (KGA) and a kaolinite and goethite mixture (KGM) were prepared and studied. With the adsorption expressed in μmol m−2, the adsorption affinity of JGHA on KGA (initial slope of isotherms) was slightly higher than that on KGM, although KGM could adsorb more JGHA molecules at larger JGHA concentrations. At pH 4, JGHA was adsorbed on the kaolinite edges and goethite through electrostatic attraction and ligand exchange, and on the kaolinite siloxane plates through hydrophobic interaction. At pH 6 and 8, the adsorption occurred only on the kaolinite siloxane plates and goethite. The overall average adsorption Gibbs energies were moderately negative, and comprised a strongly negative average overall molar entropy and a negative average overall molar entropy contribution. Thus, overall JGHA adsorption on KGA and KGM was enthalpy controlled. The large exothermic enthalpy gains and entropy losses were a result of electrostatic attraction and ligand exchange. The entropy gains because of hydrophobic attraction between JGHA and the kaolinite siloxane plates are masked by the larger entropy loss of adsorption on the hydrophilic surfaces. The fractions of JGHA with molar mass >~12.9 kDa (1 Da = 1 g mol−1) were adsorbed selectively by KGM, whereas the fractions <~12.9 kDa were selectively adsorbed by KGA. High molar mass and hydrophobic fractions adsorb selectively on the kaolinite siloxane plates, whereas low molar mass fractions with hydrophilic groups adsorb selectively on goethite and the kaolinite edges.

Highlights

Selective adsorption behaviour of HA on binary systems containing kaolinite and goethite.

High molar mass and hydrophobic HA fractions selectively adsorb on kaolinite siloxane plates.

Low molar mass and hydrophilic HA fractions selectively adsorb on kaolinite edges and goethite.

Binding affinity of HA to KGA is stronger than to KGM; mineral associations are more beneficial for fixing OM in soil.
Safety of buccal infiltration local anaesthesia for dental procedures
Authors: Dougall Alison , Apperley Olivia , Smith Gillian , Madden Louise , Parkinson Laura , Daly Blanaid
Published: February 2019

Aim

To assess the safety of buccal infiltration local anaesthetic (LA) without additional factor replacement in patients with haemophilia (PWH) and association with clinical experience of the operator.

Methods

A consecutive sample of participants with mild, moderate and severe haemophilia scheduled to have dental treatment were recruited from a comprehensive care centre in Ireland. Infiltration LA was administered using a standard technique. Safety was defined as any adverse event at time of administration, immediate postoperative, or postoperative period. Clinical experience was dichotomized into fewer or greater than three years clinical experience.

Results

N = 135 buccal infiltration LAs without additional factor replacement were provided to N = 71 participants with mild (n = 20; 28%) and moderate to severe haemophilia (n = 51; 72%). Successful local anaesthesia was achieved in n = 133 cases (99%). No (0%) adverse bleeding events were recorded for any participants at time of administration of LA or during follow‐up. Three out of 135 (2.2%) LAs recorded superficial bleeding 30 seconds after administration of LA, all of which resolved within 2 minutes with application of pressure; 4 out of 135 (3%) LAs produced a superficial haematoma at the site of injection no greater than 2 mm all of which resolved at 4 minutes. There were no differences in bleeding rates between clinicians by level of experience (P = 0.435) or by severity of bleeding disorder (P = 1.0).

Conclusion

Local anaesthetic is safe to administer via buccal infiltration for people with mild, moderate and severe haemophilia without additional factor cover. This finding holds true regardless of operator experience.
Erectile dysfunction in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Yang Ming , Sun Haowei (Linda) , Jackson Shannon C.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Patients with haemophilia (PWH) are experiencing a nearly normal life span with safe factor replacement therapy and effective antiviral treatments for co‐infections. As a result, many ageing‐related health issues are starting to emerge. One rarely discussed health issue is erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can affect overall well‐being and predict future cardiac events, but is not well studied in PWH.

Aim

This prospective study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors for ED in PWH using the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.

Methods

Patients with haemophilia A and B at all severities were invited to participate in IIEF questionnaire at the provincial Hemophilia Treatment Centre. Risk factors for ED including cardiovascular risk factors, prior surgeries, viral infections, medications and haemophilia‐specific factors were obtained. Fasting laboratory tests including but not limited to renal function, haemoglobin, lipid profile, glucose and CRP were performed the same day. Blood pressure and anthropomorphic indices were measured. Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD and hyperaemic velocity time integral [VTI]).

Results

Out of the 56 subjects approached, 44 completed the IIEF. Median age was 49 years. About 38.6% of the cohort reported ED symptoms. There was no significant difference in endothelial function measured by FMD and VTI between patient with ED and without. IIEF score correlated with age in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Erectile dysfunction symptoms appear prevalent in PWH, particularly in the older group. This disorder along with the underlying causes needs to be explored further in future larger observational study.
The potential for long‐term cost‐effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions in the early years of life
Authors: Brown Vicki , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Sonntag Diana , Tan Eng Joo , Hayes Alison , Moodie Marj
Published: February 2019

Background

Early childhood obesity prevention is gaining increasing importance, as the prevalence of children with overweight and obesity aged 5 years and under increases worldwide. Along with understanding the effectiveness of obesity interventions, it is important to understand the cost‐effectiveness of interventions over time.

Objectives

To estimate the long‐term health benefits and health care cost‐savings of reductions in BMI for the Australian population of children aged between 2 and 5 years.

Methods

A proportional multistate, multiple cohort lifetable model estimated the health benefits and health care cost‐savings related to hypothetical reductions in BMI, informed by a scoping review of systematic reviews reporting the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions in preschool aged children.

Results

Results suggest significant potential for cost‐effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions in preschool‐aged children if intervention effect can be maintained. A relatively small population level reduction in BMI z‐score (−0.13 BMIz) in children aged 2 to 5 years would result in 36 496 health‐adjusted life years saved (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 30 283‐42 945) and health care cost‐savings of approximately $301 million (95% UI $234 million‐$369 million) if modelled over the lifetime.

Conclusions

Scenario results highlight the importance of obesity intervention in the early years of life.
Mothers’ perception about health education in brazilian primary health care: A qualitative study
Authors: Herval Álex Moreira , de Oliveira Fernanda Piana Santos Lima , Machado Kecyanne Malheiros , Vasconcelos Mara , Ferreira Raquel Conceição , Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira e , Amaral João Henrique Lara do , Vargas Andréa Maria Duarte , Gomes Viviane Elisângela
Published: February 2019

Background

Health education actions are strategic actions aimed at health promotion. Moreover, better health education practices have been linked to comprehensive care developed by primary health services.

Aim

To understand the perception of mothers about the health education developed by the Primary Health Care (PHC) services.

Design

We adopted a qualitative research approach, conducted using semi‐structured interviews, and assuming, as the theoretical reference, the attributes derived from PHC. Pregnant women and mothers of children under 1 year old attended by Brazilian Family Health teams were included.

Results

Eight pregnant women and twelve mothers of children under 1 year of age participated in the study. These mothers perceive educational actions as necessary only for primiparous mothers. They value the guidance of informal networks and maternity hospitals to the detriment of primary services, and they do not adhere to care that conflicts with their previous knowledge. The evidence shows that the educational actions of the primary health services do not adequately respond to the attributes of community orientation, family focus, and cultural competence.

Conclusion

It is necessary to modify the educational practices in order to incorporate and value the existing knowledge in the territory, thereby adapting the care guidelines to the local context.
Informed consent practice for obstetric and gynaecologic procedures: A patients' perspective from a developing country
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad F. , Yousufi Zainab , Khan Durdana , Malik Farhat R. , Ashfaq Fizza , Batool Fatima , Atta Lyaba , Tariq Hira , Huma Zille , Ghafoor Rahat , Jamil Ayisha , Qazi Umair
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To assess the surgical informed consent (SIC) practices for obstetric and gynaecological (OB‐GYN) procedures at different hospitals in Pakistan.

Methods

Study was conducted in five hospitals (three public and two private) of Peshawar, Pakistan. A pretested structured tablet‐based questionnaire was administered from October 2016 through January 2017 among post‐op OB‐GYN patients.

Results

About 27% of the patients (significantly more in private hospitals, P = 0.001) did not remember a formal consent administration. Most patients (80%) felt they had no choice about signing the consent. About 65% (mostly in public as compared with private hospitals) mentioned that they would have signed it regardless of the specifics in it (P < 0.001). Patients had increased odds to recall consent if they felt empowered, odds ratio (OR) = 4.5; had an opportunity to ask questions, OR = 7.2; wanted more explanation, OR = 2.8; and had consent administered in their mother tongue, OR = 6.9.

Discussion

Patients' recall of key elements of consent was low. The time spent with the patient for consenting was much shorter than recommended. The printed consent forms were mostly not available in patients' mother tongue.

Conclusions

Consent practice for OB‐GYN procedures was suboptimal in studied hospitals. Patients' attitude toward informed consent practices largely reflected providers' focus on obtaining a legally valid signed consent as opposed to administering a consent that empowers patients to make an informed decision in the absence of any external pressure.
Does dissolved organic carbon from Amazon black water (Brazil) help a native species, the tambaqui Colossoma macropomum to maintain ionic homeostasis in acidic water?
Authors: Sadauskas‐Henrique Helen , Wood Chris M. , Souza‐Bastos Luciana R. , Duarte Rafael M. , Smith Donald S. , Val Adalberto L.
Published: February 2019

To assess how the quality and properties of the natural dissolved organic carbon (DOC) could drive different effects on gill physiology, we analysed the ionoregulatory responses of a native Amazonian fish species, the tambaqui Colossoma macropomum, to the presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC; 10 mg l−1) at both pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 in ion‐poor water. The DOC was isolated from black water from São Gabriel da Cachoeira (SGC) in the upper Rio Negro of the Amazon (Brazil) that earlier been shown to protect a non‐native species, zebrafish Danio rerio against low pH under similar conditions. Transepithelial potential (TEP), net flux rates of Na+, Cl− and ammonia and their concentrations in plasma and Na+, K+ ATPase; v‐type H+ ATPase and carbonic anhydrase activities in gills were measured. The presence of DOC had negligible effects at pH 7.0 apart from lowering the TEP, but it prevented the depolarization of TEP that occurred at pH 4.0 in the absence of DOC. However, contrary to our initial hypothesis, SGC DOC was not protective against the effects of low pH. Colossoma macropomum exposed to SGC DOC at pH 4.0 experienced greater net Na+ and Cl− losses, decreases of Na+ and Cl− concentrations in plasma and elevated plasma ammonia levels and excretion rates, relative to those exposed in the absence of DOC. Species‐specific differences and changes in DOC properties during storage are discussed as possible factors influencing the effectiveness of SGC DOC in ameliorating the effects of the acid exposure.
Effect of combined microwave, hot air, and vacuum treatments on cooking characteristics of rice
Authors: Agrawal Swati , Raigar Rakesh Kumar , Mishra Hari Niwas
Published: February 2019

Instant rice is a precooked and dried, whole grain rice kernel, which can be prepared relatively in a very short period by adding boiled water. Precooking method employed plays a major role in lowering the cooking time while maintaining the quality of the product. The rice kernels were pretreated and then were subjected to convective hot air at temperature 70°C for 90 min. The combination of microwave, hot air, and vacuum was also used in processing the rice kernels. Microwave power of 200 W for 2 min along with hot air at 70°C for 90 min was used with vacuum of 400 mmHg for 2 min. The study found that the internal porous structure of the instant rice plays a crucial role in determining the physical characteristics like weight gain percent, hardness, and springiness. Based on weight gain percent, texture analysis, DSC, and SEM it was found that the combination of microwave (200 W for 2 min), hot air (70°C for 90 min), and vacuum of 400 mmHg was the optimal processing condition for making instant rice that takes 2 min to cook.

Practical applications

Instant rice has a very short reconstitution time; hence, for convenience of preparation of the cooked rice within 2 min the instant rice is of immense value for those situated in very high altitudes, especially army personnel and also for the western countries. The study of the variation in the microstructure of the instant rice explains the mechanism of faster cooking. The preparation of instant rice requires no special cooking appliances and cooked rice matches with that of conventionally cooked rice. This data will also be very helpful for ready‐to‐eat food industries.
Evaluation frameworks in health services: An integrative review of use, attributes and elements
Authors: Bradford Natalie , Chambers Shirley , Hudson Adrienne , Jauncey‐Cooke Jacqui , Penny Robyn , Windsor Carol , Yates Patsy
Published: February 2019

Aims and objective

To synthesise the evidence on the use of evaluation frameworks by nurses and midwives in research designed to improve healthcare services and practice. A secondary aim was to identify the attributes and elements of evaluation frameworks.

Background

Evaluation is an integral component of any initiative to improve outcomes or change clinical practice. Yet often an evaluation may not yield the information required to sustain or integrate an initiative into practice. Evaluation frameworks can support effective evaluations, but there is a lack of consensus regarding elements and attributes of frameworks that support use.

Methods

We undertook an integrative review to synthesise the use of evaluation frameworks in practice guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis flow diagram and checklist 2009 (Supporting Information File 4). The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018087033). A broad range of electronic databases were systematically searched using keywords.

Findings

Twenty‐five papers were included from a diverse range of clinical areas and across high‐, middle‐ and low‐income nations. Twenty of the research projects had used nine existing frameworks, and five had developed an evaluation specific to an initiative. Frameworks supported the processes of evaluation and made them more meaningful by simplifying a complex process (providing structure and guidance for the evaluation processes); identifying and including stakeholders; explaining reasons for outcomes; generating transferable lessons; and identifying the mechanisms driving or inhibiting change.

Conclusion

Nurses and midwives reported that frameworks were useful in undertaking evaluations. Each framework had positive attributes and missing or confusing elements. When undertaking an evaluation, it is pertinent to review the elements and attributes of a framework to ensure it includes evaluation measures that are relevant to specific projects.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses are actively involved in evaluation of clinical practice. This review identifies important elements to consider when choosing a framework for evaluation.
Making Sense of the Numbers: The Shift from Non‐consensual to Consensual Debt Relief and the Construction of the Consumer Debtor
Authors: Möser Katharina
Published: February 2019

This article analyses trends in the number of individual insolvency proceedings in England and Wales, particularly a shift from non‐consensual debt relief to consensual Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and, connected to that, an increased privatization of the process. Seeking to conceptualize IVA users, it builds on American scholarship linking the development of bankruptcy rates to the construction of the consumer debtor. Based on this theory and empirical evidence, its findings broadly indicate that a majority of IVA users do not match the image of a strategic actor. Rather, they belong to the most vulnerable groups, whose decision in favour of IVAs is the result of external constraints and irrational biases, which commercial providers tend to exploit. Building on this characterization of IVA users, the article contributes to the critical discussion of aforementioned trends, arguing that reforms should be contemplated to partially reverse them.
A Strategic Approach to Regulating Unacceptable Forms of Work
Authors: McCann Deirdre , Fudge Judy
Published: February 2019

Upgrading low‐waged and insecure work is central to contemporary labour and development initiatives, from the UN Sustainable Development Goals to the United Kingdom ‘Taylor Review’. The International Labour Organization's notion of unacceptable forms of work (UFW) is a crucial contribution. Yet the regulatory frameworks that can effectively address UFW are unclear. This article builds on a novel framework ‐ the Multidimensional Model of UFW. Drawing on theoretical literatures at the frontline of regulation scholarship, it proposes a strategic approach to UFW regulation that supports development, acknowledges the constrained resources of low‐income countries, and targets expansive and sustainable effects. Two key concepts are identified: points of leverage and institutional dynamism. Globally‐prominent regulatory frameworks are assessed as a starting point for mapping the strategic approach: the Mathadi Act of Maharashtra, India; Uruguayan domestic work legislation; minimum wages in the global North and South; and United Kingdom regulation of ‘zero‐hours contracts’.
Quercetin attenuates H2O2‐induced toxicity of rooster semen during liquid storage at 4°C
Authors: Ghaniei Abolfazl , Eslami Mohsen , Zadeh Hashem Elham , Rezapour Reza , Talebi Alireza
Published: February 2019

Current study was carried out to examine the protective effects of quercetin against toxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide in rooster semen in vitro. Semen samples were collected from ten roosters (Ross 308 broiler breeder males, 32 weeks old) twice a week by abdominal massage method. Samples with ≥70% progressive motility were selected, pooled, diluted and used for the study. Experimental groups consisted of negative control, control that received solvent of quercetin, H2O2 (40 μM) and combination groups which incubated with constant dose of H2O2 (40 μM) plus various levels of quercetin (20, 40 and 80 μM). Measurement of total hydroperoxide (HPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase activity as well as routine sperm tests were done at 0, 24 and 48 hr of storage at 4°C. Results revealed that exposure to hydrogen peroxide significantly increased HPO (138.43 ± 7.32 vs. 66.08 ± 3.97 μmol/g protein), MDA (7.21 ± 0.08 vs. 5.71 ± 2.16 μmol/g protein) and NO (0.367 ± 0.013 vs. 0.215 ± 0.011 μmol/g protein) levels and decreased sperm progressive motility (27.28 ± 1.21 vs. 47.49 ± 1.29%), and amounts of TAC (11.49 ± 0.39 vs. 15.70 ± 0.79 mmol/g protein) compared to control at 24 hr (p < 0.05). Changes at mentioned variables were repeated at 48 hr of storage. Also, co‐administration of quercetin (especially at 40 and 80 μM) with hydrogen peroxide restored the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on rooster semen parameters such as primary and secondary lipid peroxidative indicators and other evaluated variables. The study concluded that rooster semen enrichment with quercetin would protect lipid peroxidative and nitrosative hydrogen peroxide‐mediated damage during cold liquid storage of rooster semen.
Colour variation between different lineages of a colour polymorphic lizard
Authors: Pérez i de Lanuza G. , Bellati A. , Pellitteri‐Rosa D. , Font E. , Carretero M. A.
Published: February 2019

Colour polymorphic animals offer useful models to study the evolution of polymorphisms and studies with colour polymorphic lizards have contributed many advances in this field. Unfortunately, few studies address basic questions such as how observers (e.g. conspecifics) perceive the polymorphism or whether there is chromatic variability among evolutionary lineages or distant geographic areas within a species' range. The common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) shows a striking colour polymorphism in its ventral surface, presenting up to five alternative colour morphs, that is white, yellow and orange/red (depending on the lineage), and two intermediate mosaic morphs: white‐orange and yellow‐orange. Here we compare this polymorphism in two geographically distant areas, the Po valley (Northern Italy) and the Eastern Pyrenees (Iberian Peninsula), corresponding to separate phylogeographic lineages. Using objective techniques of colour measurement and lizard vision models, we examine the chromatic differences between these two polymorphic lineages. We also search for chromatic differences in other colour traits present in P. muralis: the cryptic dorsal coloration and the ultraviolet‐blue spots of the outer ventral scales (UV‐blue OVS) used for intraspecific communication. Although we detected significant differences among lineages in colour variables, the main variation was found between the alternative ventral colour morphs. The most striking inter‐lineage divergence was between the orange Pyrenean morph and the red Italian morph, mainly caused by achromatic (but not chromatic) differences. In addition, although the UV‐blue OVS show strong chromatic and achromatic variation between lineages, the dorsal coloration shows the smallest degree of variation, and mainly between localities rather than lineages. Overall, the ventral colour pattern of P. muralis is shared by at least two geographically and phylogenetically distant lineages. Nevertheless, body coloration also shows signs of historical divergence (Pyrenean orange vs. Italian red) and local adaptation (mainly in the dorsal pattern).
Antiherbivore protection and plant selection by the lynx spider Peucetia flava (Araneae: Oxyopidae) in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: de Sousa‐Lopes B. , Alves‐da‐Silva N. , Alves‐Martins F. , Del‐Claro K.
Published: February 2019

Spiders are ubiquitous in most vegetation, however very little empirical data are available on specific spider–plant interactions and their reciprocal outcomes. In the Brazilian Cerrado, the plant Mimosa setosa var. paludosa, (Fabaceae) has glandular trichomes in its leaves and stems, commonly entrapping insects (i.e. carrion) as well as hosting the lynx spider, Peucetia flava. We hypothesized that: (1) the damage inflicted by exophytic (leaves) and endophytic (seeds) herbivore insects that overcome the glandular trichomes is lower in plants where the lynx spider is present; and (2) the presence of this predator is positively related to food availability (live insects and/or carrion) and plant size. We performed field observations and an experimental field study in terms of the spider's presence versus absence on the Fabaceae plants. Our results showed that the proportion of damaged foliolules on the Fabaceae plants differed between the spiders‐present and spiders‐absent treatments, and that the absence of spiders led to a 3.3‐fold increase in the number of damaged foliolules. However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of seeds taken by endophytic herbivores from branches with and without spiders. We also found that the presence of Peucetia flava was positively related to the presence of entrapped carrion on plants, and that there was a positive and marginally significant effect of increasing abundance of the spiders on taller plants. The results of this study suggest that it is more common to find lynx spiders interacting with M. setosa var. paludosa in larger plants with higher carrion abundance (food source), and that P. flava and M. setosa var. paludosa interact in a facultative mutualism, in which plants provide entrapped carrion for spiders to feed on and possibly facilitate prey manipulation. In return, lynx spiders decrease the damage inflicted by exophytic, but not by endophytic herbivores. These results also contribute to a better understanding of which ecological factors may affect plant selection by lynx spiders and what the influence of this predator is on the structure of food webs in glandular plants.
A rational asset pricing model for premiums and discounts on closed‐end funds: The bubble theory
Authors: Jarrow Robert , Protter Philip
Published: February 2019

This paper provides a new explanation for closed‐end fund (CEF) discounts and premiums using the local martingale theory of asset price bubbles. This is a rational asset pricing model that is shown to be consistent with the existing empirical evidence on CEF discounts/premiums. Additional testable implications of the model are derived, which await subsequent research for their resolution. This bubble theory also applies equally well to understanding discounts and premiums on exchange traded funds.
Introduction: Human Animal Health in Medical Anthropology
Authors: Brown Hannah , Nading Alex M.
Published: February 2019

This introductory article maps out the parameters of an emerging field of medical anthropology, human animal health, and its potential for reorienting the discipline. Ethnographic explorations of how animals are implicated in health, well‐being, and pathogenicity allow us to revisit theorizations of central topics in medical anthropology, notably ecology, biopolitics, and care. Meanwhile, the conditions of the Anthropocene force us to develop new tools to think about human animal entanglement. Anthropogenic change reorients debates around health and disease, but it also requires us to move beyond what some consider the traditional boundaries of the discipline. Zoonotic diseases, veterinary medicine, animal therapeutics, and food and farming are examples of topics that force such movement.
Local endoreduplication as a feature of intracellular fungal accommodation in arbuscular mycorrhizas
Authors: Carotenuto Gennaro , Volpe Veronica , Russo Giulia , Politi Mara , Sciascia Ivan , de Almeida‐Engler Janice , Genre Andrea
Published: February 2019

The intracellular accommodation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is a paradigmatic feature of this plant symbiosis that depends on the activation of a dedicated signaling pathway and the extensive reprogramming of host cells, including striking changes in nuclear size and transcriptional activity.

By combining targeted sampling of early root colonization sites, detailed confocal imaging, flow cytometry and gene expression analyses, we demonstrate that local, recursive events of endoreduplication are triggered in the Medicago truncatula root cortex during AM colonization.

AM colonization induces an increase in ploidy levels and the activation of endocycle specific markers. This response anticipates the progression of fungal colonization and is limited to arbusculated and neighboring cells in the cortical tissue. Furthermore, endoreduplication is not induced in M. truncatula mutants for symbiotic signaling pathway genes.

On this basis, we propose endoreduplication as part of the host cell prepenetration responses that anticipate AM fungal accommodation in the root cortex.
Embryonic and postnatal tendon cells respond differently to interleukin‐1β
Authors: Li Jiewen , Stoppato Matteo , Schiele Nathan R. , Graybeal Kaori L. , Nguyen Phong K. , Kuo Catherine K.
Published: February 2019

Adult tendons heal as scar tissue, whereas embryonic tendons heal scarlessly via unknown mechanisms. Scarred tendon healing results from inflammation‐driven imbalances in anabolic and catabolic functions. To test scarless versus scarring age tendon cell responses to inflammatory conditions, we treated embryonic and postnatal tendon cells with interleukin (IL)‐1β and characterized expression of collagens, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), inflammatory mediators, and phosphorylation of signaling molecules. At baseline, postnatal cells expressed significantly higher levels of inflammatory mediators. When treated with IL‐1β, both postnatal and embryonic cells upregulated inflammatory mediators and MMPs. Notably, postnatal cells secreted inflammatory factors up to 12.5 times the concentration in embryonic cultures. IL‐1β activated NF‐κB p65 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in both cell types, but phosphorylated p38 MAPK levels were two times higher in postnatal than embryonic cells. Our results suggest that scarred healing tendon cells respond to proinflammatory cytokines by promoting an imbalance in anabolic and catabolic functions, and that the heightened response involves p38 MAPK signaling activity. In contrast, embryonic cell responses are smaller in magnitude. These intriguing findings support a potential role for tendon cells in determining scarless versus scarred healing outcomes by regulating the balance between anabolic and catabolic functions during tendon healing.
Effects of different pharmacologic smoking cessation treatments on body weight changes and success rates in patients with nicotine dependence: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Tsang , Tseng Ping‐Tao , Wu Yi‐Cheng , Tu Yu‐Kang , Wu Hung‐Chi , Hsu Chih‐Wei , Lei Wei‐Te , Stubbs Brendon , Carvalho Andre F. , Liang Chih‐Sung , Yeh Ta‐Chuan , Chen Tien‐Yu , Chu Che‐Sheng , Li Juo‐Chi , Yu Chia‐Ling , Chen Yen‐Wen , Li Dian‐Jeng
Published: February 2019

Smoking cessation is a public health priority to reduce smoking‐related morbidity and mortality. However, weight gain is a known primary reason for not trying to quit smoking. The aim of the current study was to investigate differences in weight gain associated with different pharmacological smoking cessation interventions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported weight gain related to pharmacologic treatments for smoking cessation were analysed using network meta‐analysis with a random effects model. Thirty‐one RCTs with 5650 participants were included. Ten drugs and 22 regimens were identified. Nicotine patches plus fluoxetine, topiramate with/without nicotine patches, nicotine patches plus methylphenidate, nicotine spray/gum/lozenges, high‐dose nicotine patches (42 mg/21 mg), naltrexone with/without nicotine patches, or bupropion with/without nicotine patches were associated with less weight gain than the placebo/control arm. Nicotine patches plus fluoxetine were associated with the least weight gain of all smoking cessation treatments. In addition, the nicotine patch plus topiramate and nicotine inhaler was associated with the best success rate and the least dropout rate, respectively. Overall, the nicotine patch 14 mg plus fluoxetine 40 mg, nicotine patch 14 mg plus fluoxetine 20 mg, and topiramate 200 mg would be the three best pharmacologic treatments based upon both weight gain effect and success rate.
Methodological Considerations in the Statistical Modeling of Catastrophe Bond Prices
Authors: Major John A.
Published: February 2019

The problem of specifying and fitting a statistical model of the pricing of property catastrophe risk is addressed from a methodological perspective. Notable 21st century published efforts to do this are reviewed. The problem is framed in a business context and various strategic and tactical issues are investigated. A naïve application of ordinary least squares regression is seen to have undesirable consequences. Alternative approaches are offered, including weighted least squares with weights inversely proportional to capital requirements, and alternative functional forms. Recommendations are offered.
Well‐Being, Deprivation, and the Great Recession in the U.S.: A Study in A Multidimensional Framework
Authors: Dhongde Shatakshee , Pattanaik Prasanta K. , Xu Yongsheng
Published: February 2019

We study changes in social well‐being and deprivation in the U.S. during the Great Recession and the subsequent recovery. We outline an analytical framework for measuring well‐being and deprivation in a multidimensional fashion when data on achievement in each dimension is assumed to be ordinal and binary in nature. We use data from the American Community Survey between 2008 and 2015 and find that there was a decline in social well‐being and a rise in social deprivation in the U.S. during the recession followed by a reversal of trends during the recovery. Despite low deprivation levels among the White population, this population experienced the largest increase in deprivation during the recession and the least decline in deprivation in the recovery period. These results underscore the fact that the impact of recession and the subsequent recovery varied significantly across population groups.
Mediatization: Conceptual developments and research domains
Authors: Nowak‐Teter Ewa
Published: February 2019

Mediatization is nowadays considered an influential theory explaining societal, political, and cultural alterations driven by media technologies. Mediatization research, initiated almost 20 years ago (with its precursory ideas placed in the first half of the 20th century), witnesses at present dynamic theoretical, methodological, and empirical developments, obtaining a status as one of the most essential and ambitious research fields within the social sciences. Mediatization theory deals with (meta)process in which media communication is becoming increasingly complex, takes place more often, covers a growing number of topics, and lasts longer. The goal of this study is to contribute to our understanding of mediatization as well as to make the theory more familiar to non‐media scholars by presenting the state of the art and the most promising research lines of scientific inquiry. Starting from conceptualization and operationalization, we also aim to sketch the dimensions, fields, and forms of mediatization as well as to present examples of different domains where mediatization is most advanced, that is, mediatization of culture, society, and politics, or most promising, that is, mediatization of journalism.
Police militarization in theUnited States
Authors: Steidley Trent , Ramey David M.
Published: February 2019

In 2014, police responses to protests and riots in Ferguson, Missouri, prompted an unprecedented level of news coverage on the phenomenon of police militarization. Though the increased attention to police militarization and governmental programs thought to facilitate it (e.g., the 1033 Program) may give the impression that police militarization is a recent phenomena, social scientists have been documenting trends in police militarization for decades. This article provides an overview of the social science research literature on police militarization, starting with a discussion of a theory informed conceptualization of police militarization. We next discuss the major normative debates that have guided research on police militarization. We then review the empirical literature that focuses on the methodological approaches and findings of extant work on police militarization. Finally, we close with an overview of the state of the literature and suggestions for future research. Our major suggestion for future work is to consider the dimensions of police work that police militarization can occur in while continuing to engage with the normative debates of previous scholars so as to improve the overall quality of police work and public safety in the United States.
Economic Inequality and Campaign Participation*
Authors: Ritter Michael , Solt Frederick
Published: February 2019

Objective

How does economic inequality shape participation in political campaigns? Previous research has found that higher inequality makes people of all incomes less likely to participate in politics, consistent with relative power theory, which holds that greater inequality enables wealthier citizens to more fully reshape the political landscape to their own advantage. Campaign activities, however, demand more time and money than previously examined forms of participation and so might better conform to the predictions of resource theory, which focuses narrowly on the ramifications of inequality for individuals’ resources.

Methods

We combine individual‐level data on donations, meeting attendance, and volunteer work for political campaigns with measures of state‐level income inequality to construct a series of multilevel models.

Results

The analyses reveal that, where inequality is higher, campaign participation is lower among individuals of all incomes.

Conclusions

Patterns of participation in even resource‐intensive campaign activities provide support for the relative power theory.
Determinants of blood donation willingness in the European Union: a cross‐country perspective on perceived transfusion safety, concerns, and incentives
Authors: Huis in ‘t Veld Elisabeth M.J. , de Kort Wim L.A.M. , Merz Eva‐Maria
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Willingness to donate blood depends on personal characteristics, beliefs, and motivations, but also on the cultural context. The aim of this study was to examine whether willingness to donate blood is associated with attitudes toward blood transfusion, personal motivators, and incentives and whether these factors vary across countries in the European Union (EU).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 27,868 participants, from 28 EU member states, who were interviewed about blood donation and transfusion‐related issues for the 2014 round of the Eurobarometer, a country‐comparative survey, collected on behalf of the European Commission. Participants were asked whether they would be willing to donate blood and for which reasons (motivators) and which incentives are appropriate to receive in return for a blood donation.

RESULTS

Willingness to donate varied significantly across countries and was positively associated with perceived blood transfusion safety. Furthermore, helping family or people in need were the most powerful motivators for blood donation willingness in almost all countries. In contrast, the number of participants who were willing to donate to alleviate shortages or to contribute to research varied widely across countries. The wish to receive certain incentives, however, did not seem to be related to willingness to donate.

CONCLUSION

Perceived blood transfusion safety and personal motivations may be stronger determinants of willingness to donate than receiving certain incentives. EU‐wide strategies and guidelines for donor recruitment and retention should take both overall and country‐specific patterns into account. For example, education on the importance of donation could be considered.
Bacterial contamination of slit lamps in veterinary ophthalmology
Authors: Casola Christina , Winter‐Kempf Evelyne , Voelter Katrin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Healthcare‐associated infection (HAI) is a well‐known problem in human medicine. The contamination of medical devices with pathogenic organisms is less studied in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate the bacterial contamination of slit lamps throughout Europe and part of the United States. The efficacy of standard cleaning was additionally investigated.

Methods

Samples from adjustment wheels of slit lamps were taken by different veterinary ophthalmologists and submitted for culture (n = 29). The efficacy of cleaning protocols was evaluated by taking a second sample after routine cleaning (n = 29). Sensitivity testing was performed for pathogenic bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or disc diffusion (Kirby‐Bauer) method. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Seventeen of 29 slit lamps were contaminated before cleaning. The most frequently cultured bacteria were Staphylococcus spp. and coliform bacteria. Twelve of 29 slit lamps showed no bacterial growth before and after cleaning. There was a significant difference before and after cleaning (P = 0.0008), with only 4/29 contaminated samples after cleaning.

Conclusion

Contamination with pathogenic bacterial species is frequent in slit lamps used by veterinary ophthalmologists. A risk of cross‐contamination in clinical patients has to be considered. Routine cleaning reduces bacterial contamination significantly.
A new species of Multidentorhodacarus (Mesostigmata: Rhodacaridae) from Brazil, complementary description of Multidentorhodacarus squamosus Karg and a key to the world species of the genus
Authors: De Azevedo Emiliano Brandão , Sarmento Renato A. , Castilho Raphael C.
Published: February 2019

Multidentorhodacarus tocantinensis sp. nov. is described based on the morphology of adult females collected from litter and soil in the Cerrado biome of the State of Tocantins, north of Brazil. The holotype and paratypes of M. squamosus Karg, 2000 were examined, given that this species was also found in this study, and complementary morphological information about it is provided. A key for the separation of females of the 20 recognizable world species of Multidentorhodacarus Karg is provided.
Targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway in chronic tendon disease
Authors: Abraham Adam C. , Shah Shivam A. , Golman Mikhail , Song Lee , Li Xiaoning , Kurtaliaj Iden , Akbar Moeed , Millar Neal L. , Abu-Amer Yousef , Galatz Leesa M. , Thomopoulos Stavros
Published: February 2019

Inhibition of IKKβ/NF-κB in stromal cells prevents degeneration and improves healing, representing a potential therapeutic for chronic tendinopathy.
Comparative Analysis of
bla
KPC
Expression in Tn
4401
Transposons and the Tn
3
-Tn
4401
Chimera
Authors: Huang Jiansheng , Hu Xiaolei , Zhao Yunan , Shi Yang , Ding Hui , Wu Rongzhen , Zhao Zhigang , Ji Jiansong
Published: February 2019

Two basic structures that carry the
bla
KPC
gene, the Tn
4401
transposon and the Tn
3
-Tn
4401
chimera, have been identified within and outside China. However, the different
bla
KPC
expression levels and promoter activities of these two structures are not completely understood.
Growth Kinetics, Carbon Isotope Fractionation, and Gene Expression in the Hyperthermophile
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
during Hydrogen-Limited Growth and Interspecies Hydrogen Transfer
Authors: Topçuoğlu Begüm D. , Meydan Cem , Nguyen Tran B. , Lang Susan Q. , Holden James F.
Published: February 2019

Hyperthermophilic methanogens and H
2
-producing heterotrophs are collocated in high-temperature subseafloor environments, such as petroleum reservoirs, mid-ocean ridge flanks, and hydrothermal vents. Abiotic flux of H
2
can be very low in these environments, and there is a gap in our knowledge about the origin of CH
4
in these habitats. In the hyperthermophile
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
, growth yields increased as H
2
flux, growth rates, and CH
4
production rates decreased. The same trend was observed increasingly with interspecies H
2
transfer between
M. jannaschii
and the hyperthermophilic H
2
producer
Thermococcus paralvinellae
. With decreasing H
2
availability, isotopic fractionation of carbon during methanogenesis increased, resulting in isotopically more negative CH
4
with a concomitant decrease in H
2
-dependent methylene-tetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase gene expression and increase in F
420
-dependent methylene-tetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase gene expression. The significance of our research is in understanding the nature of hyperthermophilic interspecies H
2
transfer and identifying biogeochemical and molecular markers for assessing the physiological state of methanogens and possible source of CH
4
in natural environments.
Two Novel Bacteriophages Improve Survival in
Galleria mellonella
Infection and Mouse Acute Pneumonia Models Infected with Extensively Drug-Resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jeon Jongsoo , Yong Dongeun
Published: February 2019

In this study, two novel
P. aeruginosa
phages, Bϕ-R656 and Bϕ-R1836, were evaluated
in vitro
,
in silico
, and
in vivo
for therapeutic efficacy and safety as an alternative antibacterial agent to control XDR-PA strains collected from pneumonia patients. Both phages exhibited potent bacteriolytic activity and greatly improved survival in
G. mellonella
larva infection and a mouse acute pneumonia model. Based on these results, we strongly predict that these two new phages could be used as fast-acting and safe alternative biological weapons against XDR-PA infections.