bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydromagnetic free convective flow of Walters’-B fluid over a vertical surface with time varying surface conditions
Authors: Singh Jitendra Kumar , Seth Gauri Shenkar , Begum Ghousia , S. Vishwanath
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In the present investigation, hydromagnetic boundary layer flow of Walters’-B fluid over a vertical porous surface implanted in a porous material under the action of a strong external applied magnetic field and rotation is presented. In several industrial applications, the external applied magnetic field is strong enough to produce Hall and ion-slip currents. Thus, the influence of Hall and ion-slip currents is also considered in this analysis. The flow through configuration is generated because of time varying motion of the free-stream and buoyancy action.

Design/methodology/approach

Regular perturbation scheme is used to obtain the solution of the system of coupled partial differential equations representing the mathematical model of the problem. Numerical computation has been performed to notice the change in flow behavior and the numerical results for velocity field, temperature field, species concentration, skin friction, rate of heat and mass transfer are presented through graphs and tables.

Findings

An important fact noticed that the exponential time varying motion of the free-stream induces reverse flow in the direction perpendicular to the main flow. Rising values of the strength of the applied magnetic field give increment in the fluid velocity in the neighbourhood of the vertical surface, this may cause because of the exponential motion of the free-stream. The behaviour of the Darcian drag force is similar as magnetic field on fluid flow.

Originality/value

In literature, very less research works are available on Walters’-B fluid where unsteadiness in the system occurs because of time varying motion of the free-stream. In this paper, the authors have made an attempt to study the action of Hall and ion-slip currents, rotation and external applied magnetic field on hydromagnetic boundary layer flow of Walters’-B fluid over a vertical surface implanted in a porous material.
Efficacy and safety of bexarotene combined with photo(chemo)therapy for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Morita Akimichi , Tateishi Chiharu , Muramatsu Shinnosuke , Kubo Ryouji , Yonezawa Eri , Kato Hiroshi , Nishida Emi , Tsuruta Daisuke
Published: March 2020

Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a chronic condition with low malignancy. International treatment guidelines for CTCL are widely followed in Europe and the USA. Combination therapy with therapeutic agents for CTCL and phototherapy is effective on the basis of European data. The efficacy and safety of combination therapy for Japanese CTCL patients are not established. We investigated the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with photo(chemo)therapy and bexarotene in Japanese CTCL patients. Twenty‐five patients received daily oral bexarotene (300 mg/m2 body surface), followed by bath‐psoralen plus ultraviolet (UV)‐A (PUVA) or narrowband UV‐B. Treatment results were evaluated using the modified Severity‐Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT) and the Physician Global Assessment of Clinical Condition (PGA) up to week 24. Safety was also assessed. Twenty‐four weeks after initiating treatment, the total response rate was 80.0% (mSWAT) and 84.0% (PGA). Response rates did not differ when stratified by disease stage. Number of days (mean ± standard deviation) for time to response, duration of response and time to progression determined by the mSWAT were 20.7 ± 9.62, 117.0 ± 43.0 and 163.6 ± 28.8, respectively. T‐helper 2 chemokine levels in patients at stage IIA or more decreased significantly at weeks 12 and 24. All patients experienced adverse events and adverse drug reactions. Serious adverse drug reactions included sepsis, anemia and congestive cardiac insufficiency (n = 1 each). Other adverse drug reactions were of mild to moderate severity. Combination therapy with bexarotene and PUVA was safe and effective in Japanese CTCL patients.
Novel mutation in the KITLG gene in familial progressive hyperpigmentation with or without hypopigmentation
Authors: Kato Maki , Yagami Akiko , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Shinkai Yasuko , Kato Takema , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: March 2020

We herein report a novel mutation in familial progressive hyper‐ and hypopigmentation (FPHH). The KITLG gene encoding the KIT ligand protein is a disease‐causing gene for FPHH. Various disease‐causing gain‐of‐function mutations, which reside within or adjacent to the conserved VTNN motif of this gene, have been described to date. We have now identified a novel KITLG mutation, c.337G>A (p.Glu113Lys), in FPHH which is located within another ligand‐receptor interaction site.
Simulating effects of fitness and dispersal on the use of Trojan sex chromosomes for the management of invasive species
Authors: Day Casey C. , Landguth Erin L. , Simmons Ryan K. , Baker William P. , Whiteley Andrew R. , Lukacs Paul M. , Bearlin Andrew
Published: March 2020

The use of Trojan Y chromosomes (TYC) for controlling invasive species involves manipulating the sex chromosomes of captive‐raised individuals. Following release, the offspring of these individuals consist of only one sex, thereby skewing the sex ratio of the invasive population and potentially leading to eradication. Simulation models are needed that can inform managers about how to maximize the likelihood of invasive species eradication, since implementation of this novel management approach in the field is still rare.

Here, we present the first spatially explicit, mechanistic simulation model of a real‐world TYC program for invasive species eradication. Using a brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis system model, we investigated the effects of competitive and reproductive fitness of the captive‐raised YY males, dispersal behaviour upon their release and landscape heterogeneity on eradication success.

Likelihood of eradication was dependent on both the competitive and reproductive fitness of the Trojan individuals. Competitive fitness (i.e. survival) had a higher threshold for eradication, below which the invasive populations were not eradicated.

Movement ecology of both the wild and YY male populations was important for eradication. Under a restricted dispersal scenario for YY males following their release, the wild population was not extirpated but maintained a stable, yet reduced, population size. Analysis of landscape configuration indicated that time to eradication of local patches increased with greater connectivity within the stream network.

In addition to sex ratio distortion, density‐dependent mortality resulting from outplantings made an important contribution to population decline and therefore may also affect native competitors.

Synthesis and applications. The use of Trojan sex chromosomes to skew population sex ratios is a novel method for the suppression and eradication of aquatic invasive species. Results from our modelling work indicate that while eradication is possible, maximizing its likelihood requires an understanding of the fitness and movement ecology of both the wild and YY male populations of the invasive species. Both our model and the principles derived from this study related to fitness and behavioural landscape ecology can be broadly applied to other invaded species and systems.
QuiC2 represents a functionally distinct class of dehydroshikimate dehydratases identified in Listeria species including Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Xue Kevin , Prezioso Stephanie M. , Christendat Dinesh
Published: March 2020

Many Listeria species including L. monocytogenes contain the pathway for the biosynthesis of protocatechuate from shikimate and quinate. The qui1 and qui2 operons within these Listeria spp. encode enzymes for this pathway. The diversion of shikimate pathway intermediates in some Listeria species to produce protocatechuate suggests an important biological role for this compound to these organisms. A total of seven ORFs, including quiC2, were identified within qui1 and qui2, however only three proteins encoded by the operons have been functionally annotated. The final step in Listeria's protocatechuate biosynthesis involves the conversion of dehydroshikimate by a dehydroshikimate dehydratase (DSD). In this study, we demonstrate that QuiC2 functions as a DSD in Listeria spp. through biochemical and structural analyses. Moreover, we show that QuiC2 forms a phylogenetic cluster distinct from other functionally annotated DSDs. The individual phylogenetic clusters of DSD are represented by enzymes that produce protocatechuate for distinct biological processes. Similarly, QuiC2 is expected to produce protocatechuate for a novel biological process. We postulate that protocatechuate produced by DSDs found within the QuiC2 phylogenetic cluster provides an ecological niche for representative organisms.
Ghana's national health insurance, free maternal healthcare and facility‐based delivery services
Authors: Agbanyo Richard
Published: March 2020

Ghana implemented the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2005 and introduced free maternal healthcare (FMH) into the scheme in 2008. These reforms aimed at improving the utilization of healthcare, especially for expectant mothers. Using data from the 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS) with a sample of 8,081, this study employed multivariate probit and conditional mixed process (CMP) estimators to analyze the NHIS enrolment and the use of facility‐based delivery services among expectant mothers within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 3 in Ghana. The influence of birth order on these policies has also been explored. Before and after analysis was used for the effect of the FMH on NHIS enrolment and the use of delivery services while CMP was used for the effect of NHIS on delivery services. It is concluded that higher birth order reduces the likelihood of NHIS enrolment and health facility delivery. Moreover, the FMH policy has improved both NHIS enrolment and facility‐based delivery. Finally, the NHIS policy proves to be a reliable factor to induce utilization of facility‐based delivery services. It is recommended that maternal health education at antenatal care visits should be enriched with potential consequences and complications associated with multiple births. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) should provide registration desks for expectant mothers at health facilities.
Measuring poverty with noisy and corrected estimates of annual consumption: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Gibson John , Alimi Omoniyi
Published: March 2020

An opportunity to improve measurement and modelling of poverty in Africa arises from recent intra‐year panel surveys that observe household consumption in post‐planting and post‐harvest periods. Observing the same household twice lets an intra‐year correlation be estimated, which can be used to form a corrected estimate of annual consumption. The usual approach surveys consumption for just one short period, like a week or month, and extrapolates to an annual total. This may adequately estimate mean annual consumption for samples spread over a year but overstates dispersion. The resulting noise in consumption estimates inflates measures of poverty and inequality and creates misclassification errors that bias logit and probit models of poverty determinants. This study uses data from the 2012/2013 Nigeria General Household Survey panel to show effects on poverty measures of using annual estimates extrapolated from short‐period surveys. With the corrected extrapolation method that uses intra‐year correlations to adjust for inflated variances, Nigeria's poverty headcount rate falls by one half. Hence, much of the poverty measured in cross‐sectional surveys is transient poverty, for which different policy interventions are needed than for alleviating chronic poverty.
Legislating deliberative engagement: Is local government in Victoria willing and able?
Authors: Savini Emanuela , Grant Bligh
Published: March 2020

Growing dissatisfaction with representative democracy and concomitantly, the increasing expectation that citizens assert more influence over public policy have seen the emergence of more participatory and deliberative forms of governance in public management practice. This article explores the attempt of the state government of Victoria, Australia to legislate for mandatory deliberative engagement as part of its local government strategic planning instruments. The ambition of the reform was significant; however, it was almost unanimously rejected by the local government sector. Based on analysis of the key themes that emerged from the submissions made during the 3‐year Victorian Local Government Act Review process, we explore the limitations and barriers to implementing deliberative engagement practice at a local government level. We demonstrate that whilst the promise of participatory democracy might have been compelling, in the case of Victoria there were a series of contextual and capacity considerations that needed to be taken into account before the implementation of such reforms were pursued.
The Inefficiency of Quasi–Per Se Rules: Regulating Information Exchange in EU and U.S. Antitrust Law
Authors: Khoo Kenneth , Soh Jerrold
Published: March 2020

It is well understood that the exchange of information between horizontal competitors can violate competition law provisions in both the European Union (EU) and the United States, namely, article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and section 1 of the Sherman Act. However, despite ostensible similarities between EU and U.S. antitrust law concerning interfirm information exchange, substantial differences remain. In this article, we make a normative argument for the U.S. antitrust regime's approach, on the basis that the United States’ approach to information exchange is likely to be more efficient than the relevant approach under the EU competition regime. Using economic theories of harm concerning information exchange to understand the imposition of liability in relation to “stand‐alone” instances of information exchange, we argue that such liability must be grounded on the conception of a prophylactic rule. We characterize this rule as a form of ex ante regulation and explain why it has no ex post counterpart in antitrust law. In contrast to the U.S. antitrust regime, we argue that the implementation of such a rule pursuant to EU competition law leads to higher error costs without a significant reduction in regulatory costs. As a majority of jurisdictions have competition law regimes that resemble EU competition law more closely than U.S. antitrust law, our thesis has important implications for competition regimes around the world.
Effect of UK plain tobacco packaging and minimum pack size legislation on tobacco and nicotine product switching behaviour
Authors: Opazo Breton Magdalena , Britton John , Bogdanovica Ilze
Published: March 2020

Background and aims

The introduction of plain tobacco packaging and minimum pack size legislation in the United Kingdom between May 2016 and May 2017 was accompanied by substantial changes in tobacco product diversity and pricing. This study investigates the extent to which these changes were associated with consumer switching between tobacco product types and price segments, and from tobacco to non‐tobacco nicotine products.

Design

Longitudinal study (changing trends in product and price choices) and survey (reasons for consumer choices).

Setting

Great Britain

Participants

We used 11 695 British households from Kantar Worldpanel who purchased tobacco and non‐tobacco nicotine products from March 2011 to December 2017.

Measurements

Product choice was defined using household's monthly purchases of tobacco (cigarettes, roll‐your‐own (RYO) tobacco, cigar/cigarillo and pipe tobacco) and non‐tobacco nicotine products (e‐cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy), while price was defined using price paid by pack size and by price quartiles. Our switching analysis considered three switching alternatives: switching to a different tobacco product or to a combination of tobacco products, switching to any non‐nicotine tobacco product, and switching out of our dataset. We explored changes in price quartile purchasing behaviour using binary variables for whether a household purchased or not from each price quartile monthly. Finally, self‐declared consumer's choice was assessed through survey responses.

Findings

The introduction of plain packaging and minimum pack sizes coincided with major switching to purchasing of pack sizes of 20 cigarettes or 30 g or larger RYO tobacco (>99% of purchases in December 2017) and a migration towards lower‐price cigarettes, as for cigarettes, around 80% of purchases were in the lowest price quartiles at the end of the study period compared to about 50% at the start of the study period. During the first 6 months of implementation there was also a marked increase in the likelihood that cigarette smokers would switch to non‐tobacco nicotine (OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.57), predominantly e‐cigarettes, compared with the period before May 2016. Survey results suggest that price was the main driver of changes in purchasing behaviour.

Conclusions

Implementation of plain packaging and minimum pack size legislation in the UK appears to have been associated with tobacco users switching to lower price tobacco products and to e‐cigarettes.
The Ibogaine Experience: A Qualitative Study on the Acute Subjective Effects of Ibogaine
Authors: Kohek Maja , Ohren Maurice , Hornby Paul , Alcázar‐Córcoles Miguel Ángel , Bouso José Carlos
Published: March 2020

Ibogaine is the most abundant alkaloid present in the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. As a result of the lack of research on the acute subjective effects, the purpose of this study was to identify categories of the ibogaine experience and gain a better understanding of the internal processes while under its effects. We created a semistructured interview and recruited twenty individuals who had recently taken ibogaine. The interviews were analyzed according to grounded theory approach. We identified eight categories (physical, sensory, visual, cognitive, auditory, adverse, anti‐dependency agent, after‐effects) and ten subcategories (open eye visuals; closed eye visuals: ancestors and entities, sceneries and landscapes, horrific scenarios; self‐psychoanalysis enhancement; empathy, love, and prosocial behavior; catharsis; observer quality; ego dissolution; spiritual states) of the acute subjective effects of ibogaine. The study contributes to the advancement of our understanding of ibogaine and its role in personal growth, prosocial behavior, therapeutic use, and anti‐dependency treatments.
Histology of myopic posterior scleral staphylomas
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Ohno‐Matsui Kyoko , Holbach Leonard , Panda‐Jonas Songhomitra
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Since histomorphometric descriptions of posterior scleral staphylomas, although forming a major part of myopic maculopathy, have been scarce so far, we histomorphometrically examined scleral staphylomas in enucleated human eyes.

Methods

Using light microscopy, we histomorphometrically examined sagittal histological sections of human globes enucleated due to malignant choroidal melanomas or secondary angle‐closure glaucoma.

Results

Out of 246 globes included into the study, posterior scleral staphylomas were detected in 10 eyes (mean length: 31.4 ± 3.0 mm; range: 28.0–37.0 mm). In the staphylomatous region in the study group as compared with the corresponding region of a control group adjusted for age and axial length, scleral thickness was significantly lower (109 ± 25 µm versus 319 ± 161 µm; p = 0.001). The study group in the staphylomatous region as compared to the highly myopic control group in the corresponding region did not differ significantly in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell density (19.6 ± 4.9 cells/300 µm versus 21.1 ± 5.7 cells/300 µm; p = 0.84) and RPE height (8.2 ± 2.8 µm versus 6.1 ± 2.5 µm; p = 0.13), Bruch’s membrane (BM) thickness (3.5 ± 1.3 µm versus 4.2 ± 2.3 µm; p = 0.40) and choriocapillaris thickness (5.3 ± 2.8 µm versus 4.4 ± 2.8 µm; p = 0.49) and density (164 ± 99 µm versus 226 ± 38 µm; p = 0.13). All staphylomatous regions showed a localized BM defect.

Conclusions

Marked scleral thinning and spatially correlated BM defects histologically characterized myopic scleral staphylomas, while thickness and density of the choriocapillaris and RPE and BM thickness did not differ significantly between staphylomatous versus non‐staphylomatous eyes in the respective regions. These findings support the notion that a locally reduced scleral resistance against a backward pushing BM led to a local scleral outpouching. The outpouching‐associated increase in curvature length may stretch BM with the sequel of a localized BM rupture.
Congenital cataract in newborns: A qualitative study on parents’ experiences of the surgery and subsequent care
Authors: De Lima Sara , Kugelberg Maria , Jirwe Maria
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Having a child with congenital cataract that requires surgery, contact lens treatment, and frequent medication is a life‐altering experience. The aim of this study was to provide more in‐depth knowledge of parents’ experiences of diagnosis, surgery, and subsequent care, in order to find the areas for improvement.

Methods

Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews with parents recruited from St. Erik Eye Hospital, Sweden. The children were operated for congenital cataract before 3 months of age and were aged 12–24 months at the time of the interviews. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: living in a turbulent time before the diagnosis, coping during the time of initial treatment, and managing the responsibility of their child’s visual development. All parents expressed confidence in the operating unit. However, there was a clear need for reliable information on the condition, the surgery, and likely the long‐term outcome in the time between receiving the preliminary diagnosis at the maternity ward and getting it confirmed by a paediatric ophthalmologist.

Conclusion

Much of the parents’ concern in this turbulent time is linked to poor information before the visit to the eye hospital. We, therefore, recommend earlier contact with the eye hospital, preferably at the time of writing the referral. Moreover, the possibility of providing up‐to‐date information via alternative information channels such as smartphone apps should be investigated.
Which type of producer organization is (more) inclusive? Dynamics of farmers’ membership and participation in the decision‐making process
Authors: Mwambi Mercy , Bijman Jos , Mshenga Patience
Published: March 2020

Producer organizations (POs) provide benefits to smallholders by alleviating market access challenges. However, whether all farmers benefit from a PO is still a question. Limited evidence is available on whether POs are inclusive of poor farmers. Even if the poor join, do they participate in decision‐making? We conducted interviews with 595 smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya. We distinguish three groups; members of a bargaining PO, members of a processing PO and non‐members. We show that membership is related to the structural characteristics of the organization: processing POs favor membership of farmers that are wealthier, more educated and more innovative. As to participation in the decision‐making process: older, male and specialized farmers have a higher chance of being involved than poor farmers. Factors distinguishing farmer participation in decision‐making between bargaining and processing POs are highlighted. We find that a bargaining PO is more inclusive of all groups of farmers, while women and poor farmers are excluded from decision‐making in a processing PO. Our findings contribute to policymaking on inclusive development.
An analysis of business ethics in the cultural contexts of different religions
Authors: Gallego‐Alvarez Isabel , Rodríguez‐Domínguez Luis , Martín Vallejo Javier
Published: March 2020

The aim of our research is to analyze how different religions influence business ethics. We develop an index of practices in the field of business ethics, made up of 19 items containing practices related to workers, consumers, products, human rights, management of ethical conflicts, and crime prevention. Also, we consider a wide range of religion affiliations. To undertake this research, we use a panel data sample composed of 11,956 firm‐year observations from 18 countries. Drawing on stakeholder theory, we posit some hypotheses based on the religions considered. The results obtained show that a higher percentage of religious adherents in the country where a company does business usually involve the implementation of more ethical practices in the corporate field. These findings are obtained for Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu religions. In contrast, this does not stand for Buddhist and folk religions. Also, countries where there is no predominant religion do not show a confluence between religion and ethical corporate practices.
Simulation in Urological Training and Education (SIMULATE): Protocol and curriculum development of the first multicentre international randomized controlled trial assessing the transferability of simulation‐based surgical training
Authors: Aydin Abdullatif , Ahmed Kamran , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Ahmed Hashim U. , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar ,   the SIMULATE Trial Group
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To report the study protocol for the first international multicentre randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of simulation‐based surgical training and the development process for an evidence‐based training curriculum, to be delivered as an educational intervention.

Participants and Methods

This prospective, international, multicentre randomized controlled clinical and educational trial will recruit urology surgical trainees who must not have performed ≥10 of the selected index procedure, ureterorenoscopy (URS). Participants will be randomized to simulation‐based training (SBT) or non‐simulation‐based training (NSBT), the latter of which is the current sole standard of training globally. The primary outcome is the number of procedures required to achieve proficiency, where proficiency is defined as achieving a learning curve plateau of 28 or more on an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) assessment scale, for three consecutive operations, without any complications. All participants will be followed up either until they complete 25 procedures or for 18 months. Development of the URS SBT curriculum took place through a two‐round Delphi process.

Results

A total of 47 respondents, consisting of trainees (n = 24) with URS experience and urolithiasis specialists (n = 23), participated in round 1 of the Delphi process. Specialists (n = 10) finalized the content of the curriculum in round 2. The developed interventional curriculum consists of initial theoretic knowledge through didactic lectures followed by select tasks and cases on the URO‐Mentor (Simbionix, Lod, Israel) VR Simulator, Uro‐Scopic Trainer (Limbs & Things, Bristol, UK) and Scope Trainer (Mediskills, Manchester, UK) models for both semi‐rigid and flexible URS. Respondents also selected relevant non‐technical skills scenarios and cadaveric simulation tasks as additional components, with delivery subject to local availability.

Conclusions

SIMULATE is the first multicentre trial investigating the effect and transferability of supplementary SBT on operating performance and patient outcomes. An evidence‐based training curriculum is presented, developed with expert and trainee input. Participants will be followed and the primary outcome, number of procedures required to proficiency, will be reported alongside key clinical secondary outcomes, (ISCRTN 12260261).
Motor skills and later communication development in early childhood: Results from a population‐based study
Authors: Valla Lisbeth , Slinning Kari , Kalleson Runa , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Riiser Kirsti
Published: March 2020

Background

Motor milestones in infancy are important developmental markers, not only for later motor skills but also for more widespread social, cognitive, and communication development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between fine and gross motor development in infants at 6 and 12 months of age and communication skills at 24 months of age.

Methods

The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐II) was used to measure gross motor, fine motor, and communication skills in a large population‐based sample of 1,555 infants, recruited from well‐baby clinics in five municipalities in South‐Eastern Norway. Of these, 557 children had valid values of gross and fine motor scores at 6 and 12 months and for communication score at 24 months. The relationships between motor skills at 6 and 12 months and communication skills at 24 months were analysed using a linear regression analysis.

Results

Gross motor skills at 6 months were positively associated with communication skills at 24 months (coefficients 0.09,p= 0.036) and fine motor skills at 12 months were positivelyassociated with communication skills at 24 months (coefficient 0.23,p< 0.001). We did not find clear evidence for a relationship between gross motor skills at 12 months and communication skills at 24 months (coefficient 0.05,p= 0.126) or between fine motor skills at 6 months and communication skills at 24 months (coefficient 0.08,p= 0.098).

Conclusion

The present study supports previous research showing associations between early motor development and later communication development in infancy. Targeted intervention should be considered with at‐risk infants.
Does the solitary parasitoid Microplitis pennatulae use a combinatorial approach to manipulate its host?
Authors: Mohan Prabitha , Sinu Palatty Allesh
Published: March 2020

Host manipulation is a strategy used by some parasites to enhance their transmission. These parasites use a combination of neuropharmacological, psychoneuroimmunological, genomic/proteomic, or symbiont‐mediated mechanisms to manipulate their hosts. Bodyguard manipulation occurs when parasitized hosts guard parasitoid pupae to protect them from their natural enemies. Bodyguard‐manipulated hosts exhibit altered behaviours only after the egression of parasitoid prepupae. Behavioural changes in post‐parasitoid egressed hosts could have resulted from their altered physiology. Previous studies have shown that gregarious manipulative parasitoids induce multiple physiological changes in their host, but the physiological changes induced by solitary manipulative parasitoids are unknown. Microplitis pennatulae Ranjith & Rajesh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a larval parasitoid of Psalis pennatula Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). After the egression of parasitoid prepupae, P. pennatula stops its routine activities and protects the parasitoid pupa from hyperparasitoids by body thrashes. In this study, we looked into the physiological changes induced by the solitary manipulative parasitoid, M. pennatulae, in its host, P. pennatula, during various stages of parasitization. We considered octopamine concentration and phenoloxidase (PO) activity as biomarkers of physiological change. We also examined whether M. pennatulae has a symbiotic virus and whether the wasp transfers it to the host during parasitization. We found that octopamine concentration was low in the pre‐parasitoid egressed host, but it was elevated after the parasitoid egressed. Phenoloxidase activity was lower in the pre‐ and post‐parasitoid egressed host than in the unparasitized host. We also detected symbiotic bracovirus (BV) in the wasp ovaries and isolated the BV virulence gene from the parasitised host. Our study suggests that solitary parasitoids also induce multiple physiological changes to influence the host behaviour to their advantage, as is the case with the gregarious parasitoids.
Pregabalin adjunctive therapy for focal onset seizures in children 1 month to <4 years of age: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, video‐electroencephalographic trial
Authors: Mann Donald , Antinew Jeremias , Knapp Lloyd , Almas Mary , Liu Jing , Scavone Joseph , Yang Ruoyong , Modequillo Margaret , Makedonska Iryna , Ortiz Marilyn , Kyrychenko Alla , Nordli Douglas , Farkas Viktor , Farkas Mark Kristof ,   the A0081042 study group
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin as adjunctive treatment for children (aged 1 month‐<4 years) with focal onset seizures (FOS) using video‐electroencephalography (V‐EEG).

Methods

This randomized, placebo‐controlled, international study included V‐EEG seizure monitoring (48‐72 hours) at baseline and over the last 3 days of 14‐day (5‐day dose escalation; 9‐day fixed dose) double‐blind pregabalin treatment (7 or 14 mg/kg/d in three divided doses). This was followed by a double‐blind 1‐week taper. The primary efficacy endpoint was log‐transformed seizure rate (loge[24‐hour seizure rate + 1]) for all FOS recorded during the double‐blind V‐EEG monitoring, evaluated in subjects who took ≥1 dose of study medication, experienced ≥1 baseline seizure(s), and had a treatment phase V‐EEG. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory data, physical/neurological examinations, vital signs, and electrocardiograms.

Results

Overall, 175 patients were randomized (mean age = 28.2 months; 59% male, 69% white, 30% Asian) in a 2:1:2 ratio to pregabalin 7 or 14 mg/kg/d (n = 71 or n = 34, respectively), or placebo (n = 70). Pregabalin 14 mg/kg/d (n = 28) resulted in a statistically significant 35% reduction of loge(24‐hour seizure rate + 1) versus placebo (n = 53; P = .022), an effect that was not observed with pregabalin 7 mg/kg/d (n = 59; P = .461). The most frequently reported treatment‐emergent AEs for pregabalin 7 mg/kg/d, 14 mg/kg/d, and placebo, respectively, were somnolence (11.3%, 17.6%, and 5.7%) and upper respiratory tract infection (7.0%, 11.8%, and 11.4%). All AEs were mild to moderate in severity.

Significance

Pregabalin 14 mg/kg/d (but not 7 mg/kg/d) significantly reduced seizure rate in children with FOS, when assessed using V‐EEG, compared with placebo. Both pregabalin dosages were generally safe and well tolerated in children 1 month to <4 years of age with FOS. Safety and tolerability were consistent with the known profile of pregabalin in older children with epilepsy.
Identification of novel angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptide from collagen hydrolysates and its molecular inhibitory mechanism
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Wu Sijia , Zhao Wenzhu , Mi Geng , Ding Long , Li Jianrong , Liu Jingbo
Published: March 2020

The fish collagen protein was hydrolysed and further fractionated into four molecular weight ranges by ultrafiltration. Subsequently, the peptide fraction with the potent angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was identified. The potential inhibitory mechanism of the peptide was clarified by molecular docking. As a result, FCPH‐Ⅳ with molecular weight between 600 and 1000 Da exerted the high ACE inhibitory activity and was identified by de novo peptide sequencing. The peptide GHVGAAGS exhibited significant ACE inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 407.28 ± 3.55 μm. In addition, the docking results showed the interactions between the amino acids at the four positions closest to the C‐terminal site of GHVGAAGS and the major active residues (GLN281, HIS353, LYS511 and HIS513) of ACE lead to the conformational change in ACE. This work indicates that fish collagen could be utilised to produce ACE inhibitory peptides and develop health products.
Is it worth carrying out ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy on Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 3 prostate lesions?
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwan , Ku Ja Yoon , Park Won Young , Hong Seung Baek , Kim Suk , Ha Hong Koo
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the use of ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 prostate lesions.

Methods

We identified 227 patients with prostate‐specific antigen levels ≥4 ng/mL who underwent concurrent transrectal ultrasound‐guided systemic biopsy and fusion biopsy. Suspicious prostatic lesions were assessed in accordance with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2.0. We compared ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy and ultrasound‐guided biopsy cancer detection rates in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions with those in other Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score lesions. In Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 patients, we identified clinically significant prostate cancer risk factors by logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 2770 transrectal ultrasound‐guided and 867 fusion biopsy cores were obtained; where 332 (12.0%) and 194 (22.4%) cores were prostate cancer‐positive, respectively (P < 0.001). The fusion biopsy cancer detection rate (8.0%) in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions was similar to that in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 1–2 lesions, but was lower than that of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 (30.0%; P < 0.001) and 5 lesions (65.2%; P < 0.001), and ultrasound‐guided biopsy (12.0%; P = 0.023). For clinically significant prostate cancer detection, fusion biopsy in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions was inferior to that in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 and 5 lesions, and non‐superior to ultrasound‐guided biopsy. Cancer detection rate trends were similar in biopsy‐naïve patients. In Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 patients, prostate‐specific antigen density was the only significant predictor of clinically significant prostate cancer.

Conclusions

The present findings do not support the use of ultrasound–magnetic resonance imaging fusion targeted biopsy for Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions. Thus, we recommend the use of transrectal ultrasound‐guided systemic biopsy for patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 index lesions.
Intestinal interposition for complex ureteral reconstruction: A comprehensive review
Authors: Xiong Shengwei , Zhu Weijie , Li Xinfei , Zhang Peng , Wang He , Li Xuesong
Published: March 2020

Long ureteral defects have remained a challenge to urologists for a long time. Bowel interposition, including ileal ureter, appendiceal interposition and reconfigured colon substitution, has gained wide acceptance, even though it is a complicated procedure and associated with some potential complications. Mucus obstruction and metabolic disorders are common complications of intestinal substitution. To circumvent these troubles, modified techniques, such as tapering the bowel graft, intestinal onlay flap and the Yang–Monti procedure, are used. In particular, Yang–Monti ileal ureter replacement is a highly effective option for ureteral reconstruction, and the incidence of complications would be significantly reduced in select patients. After being combined with the Boari flap or psoas hitch technique, the length of intestinal segment used can also be significantly reduced. Most recent long‐term results suggest that ileal ureter replacement with antireflux anastomosis seems to be remarkably free of complications, and we highly praise the distal nipple valve technique. Appendiceal interposition is available for patients with normal appendix, and usually this procedure is limited to reconstructing the right ureter. Appendiceal onlay ureteroplasty has emerged as a feasible and effective option to manage patients with complex proximal and mid‐ureteral strictures of the right side. The colon is rarely used for ureteral reconstruction because of its large caliber and mucous surface area. However, a reconfigured colon segment is a good substitute to reconstruct long‐segment ureteral defects, and long‐term follow up confirmed minimal complications and improved renal function. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on complex ureteral reconstruction and replacement using intestinal segments, in particular, ileal ureter replacement.
Development of a low‐cost methodology for data acquisition and flood risk assessment in the floodplain of the river Moustiques in Haiti
Authors: Glas Hanne , De Maeyer Philippe , Merisier Sadrack , Deruyter Greet
Published: March 2020

Over the past two decades, Haiti was struck by 30 storm events and 40 floods, affecting over 3.5 million people. Being the poorest country in the Northern hemisphere, it is unable to allocate funds to risk assessment and management. Therefore, this research developed a low‐cost methodology to analyse flood risk in data‐sparse regions. The floodplain of the river Moustiques was chosen as study area. First, a methodology was developed and input data were gathered from existing data, literature, field data, and open source data. Then, a flood risk assessment was performed for the area. The resulting economic risk map and social risk map indicate that the region is at risk for nearly 2 million USD and has potentially 60 casualties per year. Although the assessment was performed as a quantitative analysis, the resulting maps should be interpreted qualitatively, as the values could not be validated. Nonetheless, the results clearly indicate the high‐risk areas where measures should be taken. Furthermore, this research shows the potential of citizen science, in the form of a questionnaire survey conducted in the floodplain. This low‐cost and fast acquisition method provided many different input data for flood risk assessment, from population data to damage factors and validation information on historic flooding.
Changes of intravaginal microbiota and inflammation after self‐replacement ring pessary therapy compared to continuous ring pessary usage for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuaki , Morotomi Nobuo , Fukuda Kazumasa , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Taniguchi Hatsumi
Published: March 2020

Aim

Continuous usage of a ring pessary for pelvic organ prolapse may cause a disturbance of intravaginal microbiota and intravaginal mucosal damage. To avoid the side effects of continuous ring pessary therapy, daily self‐replacement of the ring pessary is recommended. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of self‐replacement versus continuous ring usage, by analysing clinical findings and intravaginal microbiota.

Methods

Thirty seven patients who managed self‐replacement ring pessary therapy and 13 patients with continuous ring pessary therapy participated in this study. The clinical symptoms were checked at 1 month after the initial ring pessary insertion. The changes in the intravaginal microbiota were evaluated by conventional methods, i.e. pH in the vagina, Lactobacillary grade, Nugent score, inflammatory cell counts, and culture‐based bacterial detection methods. In addition, our clone library method using 16S rRNA sequencing of vaginal fluid was performed.

Results

Patients were divided into four groups: self‐replacement pre/post‐menopause and continuous and pre/post‐menopause. Five patients of the self‐replacement group (n = 37) and all patients of the continuous use group (n = 13) complained of increased discharge. However, both the conventional methods and the clone library method revealed that the number of the self‐replacement group patients who had abnormal intravaginal microbiota were not significantly different from that of the continuous use group.

Conclusion

Daily self‐replacement ring pessary therapy prevented adverse clinical symptoms. However, abnormal intravaginal microbiota was frequently observed during self‐replacement of ring pessary therapy as with continuous usage. Regardless, pelvic examinations should be performed routinely.
Association between chronic endometritis and uterine natural killer cell density in women with recurrent miscarriage: clinical implications
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Yingyu , Zhao Yiwei , Cheung Wing Ching , Zhang Tao , Qi Ruofan , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Wang Chi Chiu , Li Tin Chiu
Published: March 2020

Aim

This aim of this study was to determine the association between uterine natural killer (uNK) cell density and chronic endometritis (CE).

Methods

Endometrial biopsies from 135 women with recurrent miscarriage were obtained precisely 7 days after luteinizing hormone surge in natural cycles. Endometrial sections were immunostained for CD56 for uNK cells and CD138 for plasma cells, respectively. Uterine NK cell counting was performed according to a standardized protocol and results were expressed as percentage of CD56+ cells/ total stromal cells. High uNK cell density was defined as >4.5% and CE was diagnosed when the plasma cell density > 5.15 cells/ 10 mm2.

Results

The uNK cells density in women with CE (median, 5.1%; range, 3.4–8.8%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of those without CE (median, 3.8%; range, 1.2%–7.3%). The prevalence of high uNK cell density in women with CE (11/29, 37.9%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of women without CE (8/106, 7.5%).

Conclusion

To conclude, there was a significant association between high uNK cell density and CE. In women with high uNK cell density, plasma cell should be examined to determine if the underlying cause is associated with CE.
High‐density diet improves growth performance and beef yield but affects negatively on serum metabolism and visceral morphology of Holstein steers
Authors: Qiu Qinghua , Qiu Xinjun , Gao Chaoyu , Muhammad Aziz ur Rahman , Cao Binghai , Su Huawei
Published: March 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different dietary densities on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, serum metabolism, ruminal papillae morphology and liver injuries of steers. For this purpose, a total of eighteen Holstein steers were randomly fed one of the three diets: high energy and protein diet (H), standard energy and protein diet (C), and low energy and protein diet (L) for 11 months fattening with three‐step finishing strategy. Steers fed with H diet had higher (p < .05) average daily gain, feed efficiency, hot carcass weight, serum aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio, and monounsaturated fatty acids along with continuous low ruminal pH value, severer hepatic steatosis and ruminal papillae parakeratosis. Meanwhile, steers fed L diet increased the proportion of C20:0, C22:6n‐3, saturated fatty acids and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids along with lower n‐6 to n‐3 ratio in longissimus dorsi muscle as compared to that of steers fed H diet. Dietary densities did not influence (p > .10) proximate nutrients and sensory characteristics of beef. The present study indicates that Holstein steers could achieve better growth and carcass performance under high‐density diet, whereas they are under threat of visceral injuries and metabolic disorders. This study gives comprehensive relationship between productivity and animal health and suggests that a proper diet should be adopted for fattening Holstein steers in consideration of both beef quality and quantity and animal health.