bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food packaging and nanotechnology: safeguarding consumer health and safety
Authors: Adeyeye Samuel Ayofemi Olalekan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Nanotechnology as an emerging area if adequately harnessed could revolutionise food packaging and food processing industry worldwide. Although several benefits of nano-materials or particles in food packaging have been suggested, potential risks and health hazards of nano-materials or particles are possible as a result of migration of their particles into food materials. The purpose of this review therefore assessed nanotechnology and its applications in food packaging, consumer acceptability of nano-packaged foods and potential hazards and safety issues in nano-packaged foods.

Design/methodology/approach

This review takes a critical assessment of previous literature on nanotechnology and its impact on food packaging, consumer health and safety.

Findings

Applications of nanotechnology in food packaging could be divided into three main divisions: improved packaging, which involves mixing nano-materials into polymers matrix to improve temperature, humidity and gas barrier resistance of the packaging materials. Active packaging deals with direct interaction between nano-materials used for packaging and the food to protect it as anti-microbial or oxygen or ultra violet scavengers. Smart packaging could be used to sense biochemical or microbial changes in foods, as well as a tracker for food safety, to prevent food counterfeit and adulteration. The review also discussed bio-based food packaging which is biodegradable. Bio-based packaging could serve as veritable alternative to conventional packaging which is non-degradable plastic polymers which are not environmental friendly and could pose a threat to the environment. However, bio-based packaging could reduce material waste, elongate shelf life and enhance food quality. However, several challenges are envisaged in the use of nano-materials in food packaging due to knowledge gaps, possible interaction with food products and possible health risks that could result from the nano-materials used for food packaging.

Originality/value

The increase in growth and utilisation of nanotechnology signifies wide use of nano-materials especially in the food sector with arrays of potential benefits in the areas of food safety and quality, micronutrients and bioactive ingredients delivery, food processing and in packaging Active studies are being carried out to develop innovative packages such as smart, intelligent and active food packaging to enhance effective and efficient packaging, as well as balanced environmental issues. This review looks at the future of nano-packaged foodsvis-à-visthe roles played by stakeholders such as governments, regulatory agencies and manufacturers in looking into consumer health and safety issues related to the application of nano-materials in food packaging.
General and abdominal obesity is related to socioeconomic status and food choices: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tutunchi Helda , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Hoojeghani Shiva , Tabrizi Sirous , Farrin Nazila , Payahoo Laleh , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the prevalence of general obesity (GO) and abdominal obesity (AO) in the north-west of Iran and investigate the association with food choices and socioeconomic status (SES).

Design/methodology/approach

In this cross-sectional study, 500 subjects aged ≥ 18 years were studied. Data on their basic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, dietary habits and physical activity were collected. The authors examined the association between GO and AO with SES and food choices using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The prevalence of GO and AO was 26.6 and 43.4%, respectively. A positive association was observed between age and GO (pfor trend <0.001) and AO (pfor trend 0.005) in both sexes. However, a negative correlation was detected between education and income with GO and AO (pfor trend <0.001). Two or more servings of fruit consumption a day were associated with lower odds of obesity. It was observed that the odds of GO and AO decreased by three or more servings of daily fruit. The consumption of dairy products in two or more servings a day led to a reduction in odds of GO and AO. The consumption of five or more servings of legumes, beans and nuts a week was associated with lower odds of GO and AO.

Originality/value

Educational attainment, greater income and a higher intake of some specific food groups were associated with lower odds of obesity in the area. More population-based investigations are required to develop effective preventive strategies to control the status of being overweight and obesity in different regions.
Progressive tax: a proposal for customer loyalty programmes
Authors: Pidduck Teresa Michelle , Odendaal Karen , Kirsten Michelle , Pleace Lauren Anne , De Winnaar Kaylee
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The South African Government needs to increase fiscal revenues to cater to increased government spending. This paper aims to argue that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has an opportunity to tax the receipt of customer loyalty programme awards in the hands of customers, with little amendment to current tax legislation or administration. This provides the South African Government an opportunity to increase much needed tax revenue in spite of limited resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Five instrumental case studies were used and analysed from a financial reporting perspective to quantify customer loyalty points earned by customers. These can form a basis for deriving the potential benefits from the taxation of customer loyalty programmes in the retail industry. The multiple instrumental case studies used and the application of accounting guidance in International Financial Reporting Standards allow generalisations to be made to highlight the amount of customer loyalty awards granted and possible tax revenues forgone in just one sector of the South African economy.

Findings

Should the proposals for taxation of customer loyalty programmes be implemented, the fiscus would be able to collect over R 234.35m (US$16.91m) in tax revenue from only five companies providing customers with loyalty awards. This indicates that this proposal for taxation is critical for investigation by the South African Government, as it may aid in achieving revenue goals for South Africa.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on taxation legislation within South Africa by proposing a model that may be used by the SARS to increase tax revenues to meet the Government’s needs.
Bridging management control systems and innovation
Authors: Barros Rúben Silva , Ferreira Ana Maria Dias Simões da Costa
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present the evolution of thinking on the role of management control systems (MCSs) in innovation, according to the development of control practices, and to provide a reflection on the achievements of the more recent literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper assesses articles, books and book chapters that have explored MCSs in innovation, together with seminal works on management accounting and control.

Findings

Moving from the traditional phase where MCSs were seen as detrimental to innovation, the literature has now reached a new consensus that attributes a positive role to control. In this recent phase, it arises from the literature that MCSs in the realm of innovation should embrace a multiplicity of controls; MCSs depend on the magnitude and innovation mode of a company; MCSs evolve over time; and that synergies and tensions are expected to arise. Adding these factors to the inherent complexity of innovation, the assertion is that qualitative approaches should be undertaken to infuse the field with more fine-grained evidence. It is also proposed that this methodological approach be used to address the following points: (1) the use of multiple controls; (2) synergies and tensions; and (3) behavioural aspects of controls in relation with innovation.

Originality/value

The paper is of value for researchers who have an interest in studying the use of MCSs in innovation and in qualitative research and proposes some areas of research that could be explored.
Interacting with change: Diet mediates how larvae respond to their thermal environment
Authors: Kutz Teresa C. , Sgrò Carla M. , Mirth Christen K.
Published: July 2019

Temperature and nutrition are amongst the most common environmental challenges faced by organisms and will become increasingly so with ongoing climate change. While we have learnt a great deal about how temperature and nutrition affect life‐history traits on their own, we know very little about their combined effect on animal performance. Given that animals in the wild are likely to experience changes in both their thermal and nutritional conditions, we need to understand how interactions between these conditions shape an animal's response if we hope to mitigate the effects of environmental change.

In the present research, we investigated the combined effects of nutrition and temperature on key life‐history traits in Drosophila melanogaster. Using nutritional geometry, developing larvae were exposed to a range of diets varying in their protein and carbohydrate content and to one of two developmental temperature regimes (25°C and 28°C). We then examined key life‐history traits: development time, viability, and two estimates of body size—wing and femur size.

We found that developmental temperature significantly changed the response to nutrition for all traits. Increased temperature led to more restricted trait optima for all traits and exacerbated the negative effects of carbohydrate‐rich diets, resulting in harsher trade‐offs between life‐history traits. For example, at 25°C there were more diets that led to high viability, fast development and large body size than at 28°C. However, for the diets that produced the best outcomes for each trait, temperature had less of an effect.

These findings highlight the importance of studying the effects of combined stressors when assessing animals' responses to changing environmental conditions.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Anticipating arrival: Tackling the national challenges associated with the redistribution of biodiversity driven by climate change
Authors: Pettorelli Nathalie , Smith Jennifer , Pecl Gretta T. , Hill Jane K. , Norris Ken
Published: July 2019

The redistribution of species in response to climate change is expected to significantly challenge environmental management and conservation efforts around the globe. To date, we have had restricted understanding of the benefits and risks that species redistribution may pose to individual countries, and a limited appreciation of the variability in current opportunities for developing effective monitoring approaches that build on existing national frameworks.

To assess the present level of ecological, economic and societal risks and opportunities associated with new arrivals of species driven by changes in climatic conditions, we conducted a review of the available information on changes in animal species (both terrestrial and marine) distribution suspected to be linked to climate change in the United Kingdom over the past 10 years (2008–2018).

We found evidence that at least 55 species have arrived in new locations in the country due to climate change in the past decade, with 22 of them suspected to impact positively or negatively the recipient ecosystems, or nearby human communities. Ten of these 55 species were identified using keywords and hashtags on social media.

Synthesis and applications. Our work identifies pressing monitoring gaps relevant to the management of species on the move and discusses the potential for social media to help address current information needs. It also calls for more theoretical work to enable the quick identification of species likely to be problematic (or beneficial) and locations likely to experience significant ecological and societal impacts from biodiversity's redistribution under a changing climate.
Conservative allocation strategy of multiple nutrients among major plant organs: From species to community
Authors: Zhao Ning , Yu Guirui , Wang Qiufeng , Wang Ruili , Zhang Jiahui , Liu Congcong , He Nianpeng
Published: July 2019

Nutrient allocation is an important aspect of plant resource uptake and use, which is related to life‐history strategies. Although to date considerable attention has focused on plant allocation of nitrogen and phosphorus, comparatively little information is available on the allocation of various other nutrients and their up‐scaling from the species to community level.

We measured 10 nutrient elements in the leaves, branches and fine roots of 551 plant species growing in eight forest ecosystems in China, ranging from cold temperate to subtropical forests. We estimated the scaling relationship of multiple nutrients among plant organs at the species level and scaled‐up the relationship to the community level by combining this information with that of community structure.

Nutrient allocation among plant organs was conserved in different functional groups and biomes across broad environmental gradients. Nutrient partitioning between organs with similar function tended to be isometric, whereas partitioning between organs with distinct functions tended to be allometric. The scaling relationship between above‐ and below‐ground organs remained consistent, whereas the scaling relationship within above‐ground organs changed after scaling up from the species to the community level, with the relative change in nutrients being consistently smaller in the more active organs.

Synthesis. The pattern of multiple nutrient allocation among organs showed a degree of conservatism across plant functional groups and biomes, with disproportional changes in nutrient content between functionally distinct organs and a lower relative change in more active organs. This conservative strategy implies the existence of general rules that constrain plant nutrient allocation.
Organic acids, siderophores, enzymes and mechanical pressure for black slate bioweathering with the basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Kirtzel Julia , Ueberschaar Nico , Deckert‐Gaudig Tanja , Krause Katrin , Deckert Volker , Gadd Geoffrey Michael , Kothe Erika
Published: July 2019

Although many fungi are known to be able to perform bioweathering of rocks and minerals, little information is available concerning the role of basidiomycetes in this process. The wood‐rotting basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune was investigated for its ability to degrade black slate, a rock rich in organic carbon. Mechanical pressure of hyphae and extracellular polymeric substances was investigated for biophysical weathering. A mixed ß1‐3/ß1‐6 glucan, likely schizophyllan that is well known from S. commune, could be identified on black slate surfaces. Secretion of siderophores and organic acids as biochemical weathering agents was shown. Both may contribute to biochemical weathering in addition to enzymatic functions. Previously, the exoenzyme laccase was believed to attack organic the matter within the black slate, thereby releasing metals from the rock. Here, overexpression of laccase showed enhanced dissolution of quartz phases by etching and pitting. At the same time, the formation of a new secondary mineral phase, whewellite, could be demonstrated. Hence, a more comprehensive understanding of biophysical as well as biochemical weathering by S. commune could be reached and unexpected mechanisms like quartz dissolution linked to shale degradation.
Reproducibility of the Endometriosis Fertility Index: a prospective inter‐/intra‐rater agreement study
Authors: Tomassetti C , Bafort C , Meuleman C , Welkenhuysen M , Fieuws S , D'Hooghe T
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the reproducibility of the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI).

Design

Single‐cohort prospective observational study.

Setting

University hospital.

Population

Women undergoing laparoscopic resection of any rASRM‐stage endometriosis.

Methods

Details of pre‐ and peroperative findings were collected into a coded research file. EFI scoring was performed en‐bloc by three different raters (expert‐1 [C.T.], expert‐2 [C.M.], junior [C.B.]). Required sample size: 71. Definitions used for agreement: clinical (scores within same range: 0–4, 5–6, 7–10) and numerical (difference ≤1 EFI point).

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome: rate of clinical agreement between two experts.

Secondary outcomes: expert numerical agreement, clinical and numerical agreement between expert‐1 and junior, and within expert‐1 (intra‐observer), agreement of rASRM score and ‐stage.

Results

A near ‘inter‐expert’ clinical agreement rate (1.000, 95% CI 0.956‐1.000; P = 0.0149) was observed. The numerical agreement between two experts was also high (0.988, 95% CI 0.934–1.000); similarly, high agreement rates were observed for both ‘junior–expert’ comparisons (clinical 0 .963, 95% CI 0.897–0.992; numerical 0.988, 95% CI 0.934–1.000) and ‘intra‐expert’ comparisons (clinical 0.988, 95% CI 0.934–1.000; numerical 1.000, 95% CI 0.956–1.000). Reasons for disagreements were different scoring of the least‐function score and disagreements in rASRM scores. The reproducibility of the rASRM score was clearly inferior to that of the EFI for all comparisons.

Conclusion

The EFI can be reproduced reliably by different raters, further supporting its use in daily clinical practice as the principal clinical tool for postoperative fertility counselling/management of women with endometriosis.

Tweetable abstract

A study confirming the high reproducibility of the EFI substantiates its use in daily clinical practice.
Clinical clearance and imaging for possible cervical spine injury in children in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hopper Sandy M , McKenna Stewart , Williams Amanda , Phillips Natalie , Babl Franz E ,   on behalf of the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: July 2019

Objectives

While cervical spine injuries (CSIs) are rare in the paediatric population, presentations to EDs with possible neck injuries are common. Based on a lack of Australian data we set out to determine how many possible injuries are clinically cleared, what imaging is used on the remainder and the incidence and characteristics of confirmed paediatric CSIs.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective electronic medical record review of children <18 years with potential CSIs at a large tertiary paediatric trauma centre in Victoria, Australia over a 12 month period (annual census 87 000). For possible injuries we extracted key epidemiologic, imaging and short‐term outcome data.

Results

During the study period, a total of 617 patients with potential neck injuries were seen in the ED (617/87 000, 0.7%). The median age was 11 years. The most common mechanisms of injury were falls (41%), motor vehicle injuries (28%) and sports‐related injuries (24%). Four hundred and fourteen of 617 (67%) underwent neck imaging (345/414, 83% plain radiograph; 100/414, 24% computed tomography; 7/414, 1.6% magnetic resonance imaging). Twenty‐three of 617 (4.1%) had radiologically documented CSIs. Two required operative interventions for their neck injuries.

Conclusion

While two‐thirds of children with potential CSIs undergo radiological evaluation, actual injuries are rare (<4%). These data suggest that there is a potential for improved targeting of cervical spine imaging for trauma. The development of a clinical decision tool may help reduce neck radiography.
Identification and temporal expression profiles of cuticular proteins in the endoparasitoid wasp, Microplitis mediator
Authors: Volovych Olga , Lin Zhe , Du Jie , Jiang Hong , Zou Zhen
Published: July 2019

Recently, parasitoid wasp species Microplitis mediator has evoked increasing research attention due to its possible use in the control of Lepidoptera insects. Because insect development involves changes in cuticle composition, identification and expression analysis of M. mediator cuticular proteins may clarify the mechanisms involved in parasite development processes. We found 70 cuticular proteins from the M. mediator transcriptome and divided them into seven distinct families. Expression profiling indicated that most of these cuticular protein genes have expression peaks specific for one particular developmental stage of M. mediator. Eggs and pupae have the highest number of transcriptionally active cuticular protein genes (47 and 52 respectively). Only 12 of these genes maintained high expression activity during late larval development. Functional analysis of two larval proteins, MmCPR3 and MmCPR14, suggested their important role in the proper organization of the cuticle layers of larvae. During M. mediator larval development, normal cuticle formation can be supported by a limited number of cuticular proteins.
Validity of the Patient‐Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tuna Zeynep , Mete Oguzhan , Tore Gizem , Baglan Yentur Songul , Varan Özkan , Göker Berna , Oskay Deran
Published: July 2019

Background

The Patient‐Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) is a patient‐reported questionnaire focusing on symptoms and function in wrist pathologies. It consists of 15 questions regarding pain and functional activities of the wrist. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multi‐systemic disease characterized by inflammation of the wrist and hand joints in almost all patients. This study aims to test the validity of PRWE in patients with RA.

Method

Seventy‐five patients with RA from a single outpatient clinic participated in the study. Patients filled out the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHOQ) and grip strength of both hands were measured. Patients filled out the PRWE questionnaire consecutively once for the dominant and once for the non‐dominant hand. Correlations between PRWE and MHOQ and grip strength scores were analyzed by Spearman's correlation method.

Results

Our results demonstrated that there was a very strong correlation between the PRWE and the MHOQ and a moderate correlation between the PRWE and grip strength (P < .001). PRWE also showed negative and fair correlation with grip strength of both hands (P < .001).

Conclusions

The Patient‐Rated Wrist Evaluation is a valid tool for evaluating wrist involvement in patients with RA. PRWE may be preferred in the busy clinical setting since it has simple and short questions. Additionally, it may provide a sensitive follow‐up tool for patients separately using its subscales of pain and function.
Do Financial Incentives Change Length‐of‐stay Performance in Emergency Departments? A Retrospective Study of the Pay‐for‐performance Program in Metro Vancouver
Authors: Wang Yuren , Ding Yichuan , Park Eric , Hunte Garth
Published: July 2019

Background

Pay‐for‐performance (P4P) programs have been implemented in various forms to reduce emergency department (ED) patient length of stay (LOS). This retrospective study investigated to what extent the timing of patient disposition in Metro Vancouver EDs was influenced by a LOS‐based P4P program.

Methods

We analyzed ED visit records of four major hospitals in Metro Vancouver, Canada. For each ED, we individually tested whether LOS was distributed discontinuously at the LOS target before and after the P4P program was terminated. For the P4P effective period, we examined whether patients discharged just prior to the LOS target had a higher 7‐day return‐and‐admission (RA) rate—the probability that a patient, after being discharged home, returned to any ED within 7 days and was admitted to an inpatient unit—than patients discharged just after the target.

Results

Prior to the termination of the P4P program, in all four EDs, the LOS density of admitted patients was discontinuous and had a significant drop at the P4P 10‐hours admission LOS target; a similar phenomenon was observed among discharged patients at the 4‐hours discharge LOS target, but only in the two lower‐volume EDs. Furthermore, in a lower‐volume ED, patients who were discharged right before the 4‐hours P4P LOS target had a higher 7‐day RA rate than patients discharged right after the LOS target. After the termination of the discharge incentive, the discontinuity at the discharge LOS target became less evident, but patients were still more frequently admitted just before 10 hours in three of the four EDs as the local health authority continued to support the admission incentive scheme after the government terminated the P4P program.

Conclusions

The LOS‐based financial incentive scheme appears to have influenced the timing of ED patient dispositions. The results suggest mixed consequences of the P4P program—it can reduce access block for admitted patients but may also lead to discharges associated with return visits and admissions.
Increased Maternal Care Rescues Altered Reinstatement Responding Following Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Olguin Sarah L. , Zimmerman Amber , Zhang Haikun , Allan Andrea , Caldwell Kevin C. , Brigman Jonathan L.
Published: July 2019

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) commonly include deficits in learning, memory, and executive control that can have a severe negative impact on quality of life across the life span. It is still unclear how prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) affects executive control processes, such as control over reward seeking, that lead to inappropriate behavior later in life. Learning and reinstatement of a previously learned response after extinction is a simple, well‐validated measure of both acquisition of a rewarded instrumental response and sensitivity to reward and reward‐associated cues. We investigated the effects of PAE on learning, extinction, and reinstatement of a simple instrumental response for food reward. Next, we assessed the effectiveness of an early intervention, communal nest (CN) housing, on increased reinstatement of an extinguished response seen after PAE.

Methods

To assess the effects of PAE on control over reward seeking, we tested male and female PAE and saccharine (SAC) controls raised in a standard nest (SN) on the acquisition, extinction, and food reward–induced reinstatement of an instrumental response utilizing a touch screen‐based paradigm. Next, in order to examine the effects of an early‐life intervention on these behaviors, we tested PAE and SAC mice raised in a CN early‐life environment on these behaviors.

Results

PAE mice readily acquired and extinguished a simple touch response to a white square stimulus. However, PAE mice showed significantly increased and persistent reinstatement compared to controls. Increased maternal care via rearing in CN slowed acquisition and sped extinction learning and rescued the significantly increased reinstatement responding in PAE mice.

Conclusions

Together these results demonstrate that even moderate PAE is sufficient to alter control over reward seeking as measured by reinstatement. Importantly, an early‐life intervention previously shown to improve cognitive outcomes in PAE mice was sufficient to ameliorate this effect.
High sampling effectiveness for non‐bee flower visitors using vane traps in both open and wooded habitats
Authors: Hall Mark A , Reboud Eliette L
Published: July 2019

Many non‐bee insects are important for pollination, yet few studies have assessed the effectiveness of sampling these taxa using low‐cost techniques, such as coloured vane traps, among different habitat types. This study sampled 192 sites – 108 in wooded and 84 in open habitats – within an agricultural region of southern Australia. Pairs of blue and yellow vane traps were placed at each site for a period of seven days during the austral spring. Overall, 3114 flies (Diptera) from 19 families and 528 wasps (non‐bee and non‐formicid Hymenoptera) from 16 families were collected during the study. This sampling was representative of the region, with vane traps equally or more likely to collect as many families from both taxa as those reported on the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) database for the sampling area. Blue vane traps (BVTs) had greater average richness of both flies and wasps and greater activity density (abundance per 7‐day sampling period) of individuals than yellow vane traps (YVTs). BVTs were particularly favoured by fly and wasp families known to pollinate flowers (e.g. Syrphidae, Bombyliidae and Scoliidae), whilst YVTs sampled flower visitors that also provide additional ecosystem services, such as pest control and nutrient cycling. Here, vane traps were an effective sampling technique to capture non‐bee flower visitors, such as flies and wasps. This study supports the use of vane traps as a component of the sampling protocol for ecological census and population monitoring within multiple habitat types, where colour attraction will more effectively sample a comprehensive pollinator community.
Dermatological conditions encountered in The Independent State of Samoa and an exploration of possible strategies to manage dermatological health‐care needs in this resource‐poor setting
Authors: Wlodek Christina , Va'a‐ Fuimaono Helena , Ekeroma Alec
Published: July 2019

This report adds to the limited existing literature concerning dermatoses in Samoa. Conditions encountered during a 4‐day private clinic are reported. Amongst the 75 patients reviewed, eczema was the most frequent condition diagnosed. This was followed by infective dermatoses particularly pityriasis versicolor and tinea infections. Reassuringly, in 97% of cases, suitable medications were available locally.
Linear IgA bullous dermatosis associated with ulcerative colitis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kanda Naoko , Nakadaira Nanami , Otsuka Yohei , Ishii Norito , Hoashi Toshihiko , Saeki Hidehisa
Published: July 2019

We report the case of a 59‐year‐old Japanese woman who developed linear IgA bullous dermatosis during treatment for ulcerative colitis that manifested as pruritic vesicles with erythema on the trunk and scalp. Histopathological examination revealed subepidermal bulla with neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration in the upper dermis. Direct immunofluorescence revealed linear IgA deposits at the basement membrane zone, and indirect immunofluorescence using split skin revealed IgA reaction to the epidermal side (lamina lucida type). We reviewed 33 reported cases of linear IgA bullous dermatosis associated with ulcerative colitis and found that ulcerative colitis preceded the onset of linear IgA bullous dermatosis in 94% of the patients and that IgA‐positive patients in split skin indirect immunofluorescence all showed the lamina lucida type, indicating that target antigens for serum IgA antibodies may reside in the lamina lucida. Regarding the pathogenetic association of ulcerative colitis and linear IgA bullous dermatosis, intestinal inflammation may induce the exposure and presentation of intestinal antigens that are cross‐reactive to cutaneous antigens, stimulating autoimmune response to antigens of cutaneous basement membrane zones.
Floral species richness, structural diversity and conservation value of vanilla agroecosystems in Madagascar
Authors: Hending Daniel , Andrianiaina Angelo , Maxfield Pete , Rakotomalala Zafimahery , Cotton Sam
Published: July 2019

Agricultural landscapes provide financial livelihoods for farming communities in rural areas. However, such agroenvironments can significantly impact the local floral biodiversity and introduce harmful invasive species to the ecosystem. Despite the prominence of plantations throughout the tropics, their effects on local flora are limited to only a few specific cash crops and geographical regions. Here, we compared the species richness and structural diversity of vegetation in natural forest fragments and three types of vanilla plantation within the Sava region of north‐east Madagascar ranging from those within or adjacent to existing forests, to intensively cultivated plantations. We recorded data on plant species abundance, diameter at breast height and canopy cover within multiple sites of each habitat. We used abundance data to calculate species richness indices, and we compared these metrics between habitats. Forested habitats contained a significantly higher floral species richness, structural diversity and more endemic and regionally native species than nonforested, anthropogenic vanilla plantations. However, our results suggest that the high floral species richness and structural diversity of natural forests can be partially achieved in vanilla plantations, depending on the site's management regime; traditionally managed vanilla plantations located close to natural forests can support diverse floral communities. These encouraging findings for plant conservation and sustainable agroforestry in Madagascar suggest that that newly created vanilla plantations and already existing nonforested plantations should endeavour to follow the more traditional forested approach to enhance the future sustainability and promote floristic diversity.
Laughing when you shouldn't
Authors: RUDGE ALICE
Published: July 2019

Batek people describe their many laughter taboos with utmost seriousness, and in ethical terms of good and bad. Despite this, people often get it wrong—sometimes laughing all the more when the taboos forbid it. Because laughter can be ambiguous and impossible to control, being wrong can be accepted without the need for discussion or reflection. People thus act autonomously while holding deeply shared ethical orientations. Here, ethics can be both culturally predefined and shaped by individuals, as when it comes to laughter people draw on individual and shared concerns in an ad hoc, flexible manner. Laughter's tangled contradictions thus demonstrate that people's understandings of being “good” are mutually implicated with their understandings of what it means to be a person in relation to others. [laughter, egalitarianism, taboo, ethics, hunter‐gatherers, Batek, Malaysia, Southeast Asia]
Liquid indigeneity
Authors: MONTERESCU DANIEL , HANDEL ARIEL
Published: July 2019

Israel/Palestine is a site of bitter struggle over definitions of indigeneity and settlerness. In 2008 the first Palestinian “indigenous wine” was released, introducing a discourse of primordial place‐based authenticity into the wine field. Today, winemakers, scientists, autochthonous grapes, and native wines reconfigure the field of gastronationalism. Palestinian and Israeli wine industries can now claim exclusive historical entitlement in a global era in which terroir, that is, the idiosyncratic place, shapes economic and cultural value. Against the dominance of “international varieties,” this indigenous turn in the wine world mobilizes genetics, enology, and ancient texts to rewrite thelongue duréeof the Israeli/Palestinian landscape. The appropriation of the indigenous grape illustrates the power of science, craft, and taste to reconfigure the human and nonhuman politics of settler colonialism. [settler colonialism,science,gastronationalism,authenticity,wine,terroir,Israel,Palestine]
Gestational age‐related reference values for Apgar score and umbilical cord arterial and venous pH in preterm and term newborns
Authors: Zaigham Mehreen , Källén Karin , Olofsson Per
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Despite much literature on reference values of acid‐base status in umbilical cord blood at birth, there are as yet no studies performed to determine gestational age‐dependent references in cord venous blood and no studies on preterm acid‐base standards. Similarly, the normal reference range of Apgar scores for term and preterm infants has not yet been determined.

Material and methods

Data were obtained from the maternity units of Skåne University Hospital, Malmö and Lund, Sweden, from 2001 to 2010. Validated paired arterial and venous cord pH values were obtained from 27 175 newborns, of whom 18 584 had spontaneous, non‐instrumental vaginal deliveries and a 5‐minute Apgar score equal to or greater than the median value for the individual gestational week. Simple linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed. Values were reported as mean ± standard deviation and median with 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles.

Results

Median 5‐minute Apgar score was 7 for gestations shorter than 28 weeks, 8 for 28 weeks, 9 for 29‐30 weeks, and 10 from 31 weeks onwards. A linear decline in pH for both cord arterial and venous blood was seen with advancing gestational age (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Median 5‐minute Apgar scores were <10 before 31 weeks of gestation. Both umbilical cord arterial and venous pH decreased linearly with increasing gestational age. Further studies are needed to show whether gestational age‐related pH reference ranges might be preferred to fixed cut‐offs in the estimation of umbilical cord acidemia at birth.
Independent risk factors for ICU mortality after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Piffard Marianne , Nubret‐Le Coniat Karine , Simon Olivier , Leuillet Sébastien , Rémy Alain , Barandon Laurent , Ouattara Alexandre
Published: July 2019

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are used as an alternative therapy for heart transplantation in patients with advanced heart failure. However, the mortality rate of these patients remains relatively high. A large proportion of deaths after LVAD implantation occur during intensive care unit (ICU) stay. We conducted a retrospective study to identify the risk factors for all‐cause ICU mortality in patients with an implanted LVAD. Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016, 70 consecutive patients who had received an LVAD were analyzed. The median ICU length of stay was 14 days (IQR: 8‐31) and 16 patients (22.9% [95%CI: 13.1‐32.7]) died in the ICU. The 90‐day mortality rate was 25.7% (95%CI: 15.5‐35.9). The main causes of ICU mortality were: multiple organ failure, stroke, and hemorrhagic events. The univariate analysis identified the following perioperative risk factors for all‐cause ICU mortality: hypertension, preoperative platelet count, preoperative white cell count, inotropic support before LVAD implantation, mechanical ventilation before LVAD implantation, renal replacement therapy before LVAD implantation, short‐term mechanical support before LVAD implantation, INTERMACS class 1 to 2, low intraoperative platelet count, low early postoperative hemoglobin level, low early postoperative platelet count, low early postoperative pH, and massive perioperative blood transfusion. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only mechanical ventilation before LVAD implantation was retained as an independent risk factor for ICU mortality (OR = 11.96 [95%CI: 2.67‐53.45], P < .01). These findings confirm that most deaths after LVAD implantation occur in the ICU. Patients that receive mechanical ventilation preoperatively have the highest risk of death. This confirms the need to actively treat respiratory failure and to wean patients from respiratory support before LVAD implantation. Such a strategy offers the best opportunity to initiate active rehabilitation.
A human Amniotic Membrane plug to manage high myopic macular hole associated with retinal detachment
Authors: Caporossi Tomaso , De Angelis Lorenzo , Pacini Bianca , Tartaro Ruggero , Finocchio Lucia , Barca Francesco , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: July 2019

Objective

To assess the efficacy of the human amniotic membrane (hAM) to treat (HMMH) associated with retinal detachment (RD).

Material and Methods

Ten eyes of 10 patients with recurrent HMMH and RD, who had already undergone one or more pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), underwent a PPV with an hAM plug implanted in the macular hole. The initial five patients enrolled were tamponaded with (SO) while the subsequent five patients with 10% octafluoropropane (C3F8). Silicon oil was removed in all five patients 2 months later. No statistical differences were reported between the two groups.

Results

Final retinal reattachment was achieved in all the patients. BCVA improved from 1.73 logMAR to 0.94 logMAR after 6 months. No adverse events were registered during follow‐up.

Conclusion

An hAM plug is an efficient substrate to manage HMMH associated with RD resulting in encouraging visual acuity recovery.
Galectin‐1 studies in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Ahmad Ajmal , Allegaert Eef , Siddiquei Mohammad Mairaj , Alam Kaiser , Gikandi Priscilla W. , De Hertogh Gert , Opdenakker Ghislain
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Galectin‐1 regulates endothelial cell function and promotes angiogenesis. We investigated the hypothesis that galectin‐1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods

Vitreous samples from 36 PDR and 20 nondiabetic patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from 13 patients with PDR, rat retinas and human retinal Müller glial cells were studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. In vitro angiogenesis assays were performed and the adherence of leukocytes to galectin‐1‐stimulated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) was assessed.

Results

The ELISA analysis revealed that galectin‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were significantly higher in vitreous samples from PDR patients than in those from nondiabetics (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). A significant positive correlation was found between the levels of galectin‐1 and VEGF (r = 0.354; p = 0.022). In epiretinal membranes, immunohistochemical analysis showed that galectin‐1 was expressed in vascular endothelial cells expressing CD31, myofibroblasts expressing α‐smooth muscle actin and leukocytes expressing CD45. The galectin‐1 receptor neuropilin‐1 was expressed on vascular endothelial cells. CD31 staining was used as a marker to assess microvessel density (MVD). Significant positive correlation was detected between MVD in epiretinal membranes and the number of blood vessels expressing galectin‐1 (r = 0.848; p < 0.001). Western blot analysis demonstrated significant increase of galectin‐1 protein in rat retinas after induction of diabetes. ELISA analysis revealed that hydrogen peroxide and cobalt chloride (CoCl2) induced upregulation of galectin‐1 in Müller cells. Treatment with galectin‐1 induced upregulation of VEGF in Müller cells and increased leukocyte adhesion to HRMECs. The galectin‐1 inhibitor OTX008 attenuated VEGF‐induced HRMECs migration and CoCl2‐induced upregulation of NF‐κB, galectin‐1 and VEGF in Müller cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that galectin‐1is involved in the pathogenesis of PDR.
Identification of hypothalamic genes in associating with food intake during incubation behavior in domestic chicken
Authors: Takeda Misa , Ohkubo Takeshi
Published: July 2019

The molecular mechanism underlying in the onset and maintenance of incubation behavior are not fully understood, and it is still unknown the reason why White Leghorn, a layer strain, hens never display incubation behavior. Therefore, to explore specific hypothalamic genes regulating incubation behavior, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) were applied to comparison between incubating Silkie and laying White Leghorn hens. In addition, mRNA expression of some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and melanocortinergic appetite genes including agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) was also analyzed on Silkie hens under natural anorexia and starvation. The CAGE identified 217 hypothalamic DEGs in incubating Silkie hens, and that of two, transthyretin (TTR) and prolactin‐releasing peptide (PrRP), suggested as appetite gene, were markedly up– and down‐regulated in incubating hens, respectively. In addition, AgRP and POMC expression also increased in incubating bird. mRNA expression of TTR, PrRP, and appetite genes were not differed significantly by starvation, although TTR mRNA expression was relatively high in fasting hens. Consequently, transcriptome by CAGE identified a number of hypothalamic genes differentially expressed by incubation behavior in Silkie hens. Of these, it is suggested that TTR and PrRP may, at least in part, be related to adaptation to natural anorexia in incubating Silkie chickens.
Effects of shared medical appointments compared to individual appointments in children with atopic dermatitis: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zijlstra Wieneke T. , van Os‐Medendorp Harmieke , Fieten Karin B. , Sinnema Gerben , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen Carla A. F. M. , Zuithoff Nicolaas P. A. , L'Hoir Monique P. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) needs intensive treatment and has a negative impact on quality of life. Shared medical appointments (SMAs) showed to be effective in clinical outcomes of chronic diseases, but little is known about the effects on children and families.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of SMAs compared to individual appointments (IA) for children with AD and their parents on coping and clinical outcomes.

Methods

In a pragmatic randomized controlled trial, new patients in UMC Utrecht with AD, younger than 18 years, and their parents were assigned to the SMA group or the IA group using a covariate adaptive randomization method, controlled for age. Before the intervention, 2 months (primary time‐point) and 6 months thereafter, we assessed parental emotional coping (primary outcome), quality of life, anxiety about corticosteroids and patient disease activity. Patients, parents and healthcare professionals could not be blinded to group assignment.

Results

Of 140 patients, enrolled in the trial, 69 patients were assigned to the SMA and 71 to the IA intervention of whom 114 completed the intervention (SMA: 49; IA: 65). After 2 months, there were no differences between SMAs and IAs in effects on emotional coping: b 0.66, 95% CI −0.7 to 2.03; P = 0.33 (mean difference: 0.30; 95% CI −1.56 to 2.16; N SMA: 11; IA: 24), quality of life, anxiety about corticosteroids and disease activity. From the initial appointment to long‐term follow‐up, both groups showed substantial improvements, but not significant in disease activity and significant reduction in anxiety about corticosteroids. This study is limited by a low response rate; therefore, linear mixed models and dropout analyses were performed. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

For children with AD and their parents, there were no additional benefits of GMAs in parental emotional coping, anxiety about corticosteroids, quality of life and disease activity.

Trial registration

www.ISRCTN.org, ISRCTN08506572.
Formulation technologies for oral vaccines
Authors: New R R C
Published: July 2019

Many options now exist for constructing oral vaccines which, in experimental systems, have shown themselves to be able to generate highly effective immunity against infectious diseases. Their suitability for implementation in clinical practice, however, for prevention of outbreaks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), is not always guaranteed, because of factors such as cost, logistics and cultural and environmental conditions. This brief overview provides a summary of the various approaches which can be adopted, and evaluates them from a pharmaceutical point, taking into account potential regulatory issues, expense, manufacturing complexity, etc., all of which can determine whether a vaccine approach will be successful in the late stages of development. Attention is also drawn to problems arising from inadequate diet, which impacts upon success in stimulating effective immunity, and identifies the use of lipid-based carriers as a way to counteract the problem of nutritional deficiencies in vaccination campaigns.