bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bar code reader – an algorithmic approach to cutaneous occluding vasculopathies? Part I: small vessel vasculopathies
Authors: Ratzinger Gudrun , Zelger Bettina G. , Zelger Bernhard W.
Published: September 2019

Aims

The classifications of occluding vasculopathies may present some difficulties. Firstly, classifications may follow different principles, e.g. clinicopathological findings, etiology or pathomechanism. Secondly, authors sometimes do not distinguish between vasculitis and vasculopathy. Thirdly, vasculopathies are often systemic diseases. Organ‐specific variations make morphologic findings difficult to compare. Moreover, subtle changes may be recognized in the skin, but be invisible in other organs. Our aim was to use the skin and subcutis as tools and clinicopathological correlation as the basic process for classification.

Methods and results

In the first step, we differentiate between small and medium vessel occluding vasculopathies in the skin, and focus in this part on small vessel occluding vasculopathies. In the second step, we differentiate among subtypes of small vessels. In the final step, we differentiate according to the time point of the coagulation/reorganization process and the involved inflammatory cells/stromal features. Applying the same procedure to the various entities and visualizing the findings with bar codes makes the similarities and differences more apparent, both clinically and with histopathology.

Conclusion

Occluding vasculopathies are often not separate entities, but reaction patterns and epiphenomena. Distinguishing them from vasculitides is crucial because of differences in pathogenesis, therapeutic approach and prognosis.
THE SHIFTS IN LEAD‐LAG PROPERTIES OF THE U.S. BUSINESS CYCLE
Authors: Brault Joshua , Khan Hashmat
Published: September 2019

We document shifts in the lead‐lag properties of the U.S. business cycle since the mid‐1980s. Specifically, (1) the well‐known inverted leading indicator property of real interest rates has completely vanished; (2) labor productivity switched from positively leading to negatively lagging output and labor inputs over the cycle; and (3) the unemployment rate shifted from lagging productivity negatively to leading positively. Many contemporary business cycle models produce counterfactual cross‐correlations revealing that popular frictions and shocks provide an incomplete account of business cycle comovement. Determining the underlying sources of these shifts in the lead‐lag properties and their consequences for macroeconomic forecasts is therefore a promising direction for future research. (JELE24, E32, E43)
A policy of credit disruption: the Punjab Land Alienation Act of 1900
Authors: Chaudhary Latika , Swamy Anand V.
Published: September 2019

If land is titled and transferable, it can be used as collateral against which money can be borrowed. The resulting increase in access to credit is usually expected to foster economic growth. This article focuses on a policy in colonial India that made land less available as collateral for debt. Using a panel dataset for Punjab districts from 1890 to 1910, the findings show that this reduced the availability of mortgage‐backed credit, but did not hurt proxies for economic development, such as acreage and cattle, at least in the short run.
Assessing the causes of diversification slowdowns: temperature‐dependent and diversity‐dependent models receive equivalent support
Authors: Condamine Fabien L. , Rolland Jonathan , Morlon Hélène
Published: September 2019

Diversification rates vary over time, yet the factors driving these variations remain unclear. Temporal declines in speciation rates have often been interpreted as the effect of ecological limits, competition, and diversity dependence, emphasising the role of biotic factors. Abiotic factors, such as climate change, are also supposed to have affected diversification rates over geological time scales, yet direct tests of these presumed effects have mainly been limited to few clades well represented in the fossil record. If warmer climatic periods have sustained faster speciation, this could explain slowdowns in speciation during the Cenozoic climate cooling. Here, we apply state‐of‐the art diversity‐dependent and temperature‐dependent phylogenetic models of diversification to 218 tetrapod families, along with constant rate and time‐dependent models. We confirm the prevalence of diversification slowdowns, and find as much support for temperature‐dependent than diversity‐dependent models. These results call for a better integration of these two processes in studies of diversification dynamics.
Aristolochiaceae‐ and Asteraceae‐feeding by larvae of Papilio xuthus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in Japan: A review
Authors: Yukawa Junichi , Nishida Ritsuo , Fukuda Haruo , Inoue Rinpei
Published: September 2019

Our recent observations of Aristolochiaceae‐ and Asteraceae‐feeding by larvae of Papilio xuthus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), which is generally a typical Rutaceae‐feeding swallowtail, inspired us to survey published works describing its host range and aspects of its chemical ecology. Papilio xuthus larvae have been observed feeding on a total of 22 plant species other than members of Rutaceae, including those of Asarum (Aristolochiaceae) and Cosmos (Asteraceae). Most observation records and our current study indicated that Aristolochiaceae‐feeding by P. xuthus larvae was not due to oviposition error, but to larval movement to Asarum from adjacent rutaceous hosts after they had become unsustaining. Many larvae developed on Asarum to further stadia but we confirmed that some did not, indicating that Asarum was unsuitable for some individuals. According to previous and current observations, P. xuthus females oviposit directly on Cosmos and their larvae can develop to adults although, again, their performance on these plants is not always favorable. Host choice by swallowtail butterflies is determined both at the egg‐laying and larval‐feeding stages. Although adult P. xuthus use a mixture of unique secondary metabolites as their host‐location cue, larvae use primary nutrients as their major phagostimulants. Larval feeding on Asarum could suggest a reversion triggered by vestigial chemosensitivity to ancestral olfactory and/or gustatory cues, because several major clades of Papilionidae feed on Aristolochiaceae. Further studies on the phytochemical/chemosensory bases for these associations are needed if we are to understand the evolutionary pathway of host selection in P. xuthus, as indicated by these relatively unusual host‐seeking behaviors.
Self‐management for adults with epilepsy: Aggregate Managing Epilepsy Well Network findings on depressive symptoms
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Johnson Erica K. , Fraser Robert T. , Cassidy Kristin A. , Liu Hongyan , Pandey Dilip K. , Quarells Rakale C. , Scal Peter , Schmidt Samantha , Shegog Ross , Spruill Tanya M. , Janevic Mary R. , Tatsuoka Curtis , Jobst Barbara C.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To assess depressive symptom outcomes in a pooled sample of epilepsy self‐management randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network integrated research database (MEW DB).

Methods

Five prospective RCTs involving 453 adults with epilepsy compared self‐management intervention (n = 232) versus treatment as usual or wait‐list control outcomes (n = 221). Depression was assessed with the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire. Other variables included age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, income, marital status, seizure frequency, and quality of life. Follow‐up assessments were collapsed into a visit 2 and a visit 3; these were conducted postbaseline.

Results

Mean age was 43.5 years (SD = 12.6), nearly two‐thirds were women, and nearly one‐third were African American. Baseline sample characteristics were mostly similar in the self‐management intervention group versus controls. At follow‐up, the self‐management group had a significantly greater reduction in depression compared to controls at visit 2 (P < .0001) and visit 3 (P = .0002). Quality of life also significantly improved in the self‐management group at visit 2 (P = .001) and visit 3 (P = .005).

Significance

Aggregate MEW DB analysis of five RCTs found depressive symptom severity and quality of life significantly improved in individuals randomized to self‐management intervention versus controls. Evidence‐based epilepsy self‐management programs should be made more broadly available in neurology practices.
Secondary forest fragments offer important carbon and biodiversity cobenefits
Authors: Matos Fabio A. R. , Magnago Luiz F. S. , Aquila Chan Miranda Carlos , de Menezes Luis F. T. , Gastauer Markus , Safar Nathália V. H. , Schaefer Carlos E. G. R. , da Silva Mônica P. , Simonelli Marcelo , Edwards Felicity A. , Martins Sebastião V. , Meira‐Neto João A. A. , Edwards David P.
Published: September 2019

Tropical forests store large amounts of carbon and high biodiversity, but are being degraded at alarming rates. The emerging global Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) agenda seeks to limit global climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the growth of trees. In doing so, it may also protect biodiversity as a free cobenefit, which is vital given the massive shortfall in funding for biodiversity conservation. We investigated whether natural forest regeneration on abandoned pastureland offers such cobenefits, focusing for the first time on the recovery of taxonomic diversity (TD), phylogenetic diversity (PD) and functional diversity (FD) of trees, including the recovery of threatened and endemic species richness, within isolated secondary forest (SF) fragments. We focused on the globally threatened Brazilian Atlantic Forest, where commitments have been made to restore 1 million hectares under FLR. Three decades after land abandonment, regenerating forests had recovered ~20% (72 Mg/ha) of the above‐ground carbon stocks of a primary forest (PF), with cattle pasture containing just 3% of stocks relative to PFs. Over this period, SF recovered ~76% of TD, 84% of PD and 96% of FD found within PFs. In addition, SFs had on average recovered 65% of threatened and ~30% of endemic species richness of primary Atlantic forest. Finally, we find positive relationships between carbon stock and tree diversity recovery. Our results emphasize that SF fragments offer cobenefits under FLR and other carbon‐based payments for ecosystem service schemes (e.g. carbon enhancements under REDD+). They also indicate that even isolated patches of SF could help to mitigate climate change and the biodiversity extinction crisis by recovering species of high conservation concern and improving landscape connectivity.
Mapping Groundwater Potential Through an Ensemble of Big Data Methods
Authors: Martínez‐Santos P. , Renard P.
Published: September 2019

Groundwater resources are crucial to safe drinking supplies in sub‐Saharan Africa, and will be increasingly relied upon in a context of climate change. The need to better understand groundwater calls for innovative approaches to make the best out of the existing information. A methodology to map groundwater potential based on an ensemble of machine learning classifiers is presented. A large borehole database (n = 1848) was integrated into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment and used to train, validate and test 12 machine learning algorithms. Each classifier predicts a binary target (positive or negative borehole) based on the minimum flow rate required for communal domestic supplies. Classification is based on a number of explanatory variables, including landforms, lineaments, soil, vegetation, geology and slope, among others. Correlations between the target and explanatory variables were then generalized to develop groundwater potential maps. Most algorithms attained success rates between 80% and 96% in terms of test score, which suggests that the outcomes provide an accurate picture of field conditions. Statistical learners were observed to perform better than most other algorithms, excepting random forests and support vector machines. Furthermore, it is concluded that the ensemble approach provides added value by incorporating a measure of uncertainty to the results. This technique may be used to rapidly map groundwater potential for rural supply or humanitarian emergencies in areas where there is sufficient historical data but where comprehensive field work is unfeasible.
Current dosing practices for perioperative factor VIII concentrate treatment in mild haemophilia A patients result in FVIII levels above target
Authors: Schütte Lisette M. , de Rooij Nils , Hazendonk Hendrika C. A. M. , Mathôt Ron A. A. , van Hest Reinier M. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Kruip Marieke J. H. A.
Published: September 2019

Background

In patients with haemophilia A (HA) perioperative dosing of factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate is based on body weight, historical FVIII level, in vivo recovery and FVIII level target values. In moderate and severe HA patients, this dosing regimen frequently leads to perioperative FVIII levels below and above target. This has not yet been evaluated in mild HA patients.

Objectives

To evaluate perioperative FVIII concentrate treatment in mild HA patients and to assess the frequency of FVIII levels below or above target.

Patients/Methods

This retrospective single‐centre study collected data from medical files of mild HA patients undergoing surgery and treated with FVIII concentrate. FVIII levels were compared to their target ranges and predictive factors for levels outside the target ranges were determined by logistic regression.

Results

Fifty surgeries performed in 34 patients were evaluated. Median age was 47 years and median historical FVIII level was 0.14 IU/mL. Preoperative peak FVIII level was above or below the target range in 80% and 6.7% of surgeries, respectively. Postoperatively, the percentages above and below target trough ranges were 55.8% and 12.8%. Patients with blood group 0 had the highest risk on the preoperative peak FVIII level being above target. In addition, patients who had a preoperative baseline FVIII level of >0.10 IU/mL higher than their historical FVIII level had a higher preoperative peak FVIII level than patients without this increase.

Conclusions

Dosing above FVIII target ranges with FVIII concentrates occurs frequently during perioperative treatment of mild HA patients. These results underline the necessity for better patient‐tailored treatment.
Review:Helicobacter pyloriand extragastric diseases
Authors: Franceschi Francesco , Covino Marcello , Roubaud Baudron Claire
Published: September 2019

In the last year, many studies have demonstrated a potential role ofHelicobacter pyloriin the pathogenic mechanisms of different extragastric diseases. While the role ofH pyloriin idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, idiopathic iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency has already been demonstrated, there is growing evidence of other related conditions, especially cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurologic disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. A summary of the results of the most relevant studies published over the last year on this attractive topic is presented in this review.
Review: Helicobacter pylori and non‐malignant upper gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Boltin Doron , Niv Yaron , Schütte Kerstin , Schulz Christian
Published: September 2019

This review covers recent publications investigating the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), H pylori gastritis, and functional dyspepsia. In the area of gastroesophageal reflux disease, new data suggest that reflux may have a role in the transmission of H pylori infection. In addition to several observational studies, data on alterations in esophageal physiology in patients with H pylori infection are presented. Further evidence for the inverse relationship between H pylori infection and Barrett's esophagus is available in the form of a meta‐analysis from the North American Barrett's and Esophageal Carcinoma Consortium. The relationship between H pylori infection and eosinophilic esophagitis remains uncertain. Although new data do not indicate a significantly lower prevalence of H pylori among patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, a meta‐analysis showed a 37% reduced risk of eosinophilic esophagitis among H pylori‐infected patients. Novel data are presented on the genetic variability of bacterial virulence factors and their relationship with PUD. We also report data on plasma biomarkers, which may detect progression to gastric cancer in H pylori‐associated PUD. A new meta‐analysis was published, which assessed the risk of PUD in low‐dose aspirin users with H pylori infection. Finally, we report on the ongoing attempts to stratify patients with gastritis using endoscopic methods when compared to standard biopsy examination.
Shining light into meat – a review on the recent advances in in vivo and carcass applications of near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chapman James , Elbourne Aaron , Truong Vi Khanh , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: September 2019

Methods based in the utilisation of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy have been evaluated and reported by different authors for the analysis of a wide range of properties associated with meat quality in either live animals or during carcass evaluation, as infrared (IR) light has the capability to propagate through the several layers of the tissue. Recent reports by different authors also proved that methods based in the application of short wavelengths (e.g. 700–1100 nm) in the NIR region of the electromagnetic spectrum can measure properties related to meat quality non‐destructively and non‐invasively in live animals. In addition, this methodology was reported to be able to segregate tissues (e.g. lean and fat) assessed through the skin. Presently, there is a lack of knowledge on the capability of rapid and non‐invasive methods based in NIR spectroscopy to assess and measure traits associated with meat quality in live animals (e.g. beef and pork). Therefore, this review reports the recent applications of NIR spectroscopy to predict traits (e.g. protein, fat, fatty acids and shear force) associated with meat quality in both live animals and carcass samples.
Structure and thermal properties of β‐sitosterol‐beeswax‐sunflower oleogels
Authors: Pang Min , Wang Xiuxiu , Cao Lili , Shi Zhaojuan , Lei Zheng , Jiang Shaotong
Published: September 2019

Oleogels of β‐sitosterol (Sit) and beeswax (BW) were combined at varying ratios (w/w) and added to sunflower oil (SFO) at concentrations of 10 g per 100 g and 20 g per 100 g oil to prepare oleogels (Sit/BW/SFO). Structural and thermal properties were characterised and results showed that the hardness and enthalpy of oleogels were affected by the amount of β‐sitosterol and beeswax in the oleogelator combination (Sit/BW, w/w). Oleogels with beeswax as the only oleogelator (Sit0/BW10) had the highest hardness and maximum enthalpy change. Gel network form was influenced by the crystalline behaviour of the oleogelator, and Sit0/BW10‐oleogel was densely packed, spherical and white while Sit10/BW0‐oleogel displayed a needle shape. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that the oleogel width of the crystals and D‐spacing increased with increasing amounts of β‐sitosterol and the FTIR spectra revealed that oleogels formed via non‐covalent bonding and may be stabilised with physical entanglements.
Changes in growth kinetics and motility characteristics of Escherichia coli in the presence of sulphoraphane isolated from broccoli seed meal
Authors: García‐Saldaña Jesús Santos , Parra‐Delgado Julián , Campas‐Baypoli Olga Nydia , Sánchez‐Machado Dalia Isabel , Cantú‐Soto Ernesto Uriel , López‐Cervantes Jaime
Published: September 2019

In this investigation, the purified sulphoraphane from broccoli seed meal was evaluated in a range of 5–400 μg mL−1 against Escherichia coli. The results showed that levels above 200 μg mL−1 can inhibit 100% growth of 106 CFU mL−1 up to 5 h and cause a deformation of sigmoid behaviour in the growth kinetics, and even the bacterial population is reduced. On the other hand, low sulphoraphane levels such as 5–25 μg mL−1 also have effects on the bacterium, such as the decrease in the maximum specific growth rate and the loss of ability to adjust to a growth model when maintained in isothermal conditions. In addition, sulphoraphane has an effect on swimming motility and swarming motility in semi‐solid medium. The interaction of natural sulphoraphane–E. coli and the effect in the short periods can draw attention in research on food science and technology.
Investigating the effect of age on platelet ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Tian Ju , Cheng Liu‐Hang‐Hang , Cui Xiao , Lei Xiao‐Xuan , Tang Jian‐Bing , Cheng Biao
Published: September 2019

In the present study, the age‐ and sex‐related differences in platelet ultrastructure were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A total of 15 healthy volunteers were grouped according to age, with 5 people in each of the following groups: young group (25‐45 years), middle‐aged group (46‐65 years), and old‐aged group (> 65 years). In the TEM micrographs, the internal components, specifically the α‐granules, dense granules, and lysosomal granules, of 20 platelets were counted for each group. Two‐way analysis of variance of age and sex variance was used to compare the results. The ultrastructure of the platelets in the old‐aged group was observed to be quite different from those of the young and middle‐aged groups. Specifically, with ageing, the platelet membrane becomes more irregular in shape and non‐smooth, and multiple platelet membrane ruptures are observed. Furthermore, the pseudopodia and protuberances become more numerous and slender, and the number of α‐granules is significantly reduced. These morphological changes indicate that ageing may affect the function of platelets, which in turn affects the efficacy of platelet concentrates. Thus, the effects of age should be considered when using platelet concentrates prepared from elderly autologous blood.
Effect on total microbial load and community composition with two vs six‐week topical Cadexomer Iodine for treating chronic biofilm infections in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Malone Matthew , Schwarzer Saskia , Radzieta Michael , Jeffries Thomas , Walsh Annie , Dickson Hugh G. , Micali Grace , Jensen Slade O.
Published: September 2019

This study compares two vs six weeks of topical antimicrobial therapy with Cadexomer Iodine in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) complicated by chronic biofilm infections. Patients with non‐healing DFUs with suspected chronic biofilm infections were eligible for enrolment. Patients were randomised to receive either two or six weeks of treatment with topical Cadexomer Iodine. Tissue biopsies from the ulcers were obtained pre‐and‐post treatment and underwent DNA sequencing and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the total microbial load, community composition, and diversity of bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed biofilm in all 18 ulcers with suspected chronic biofilm infections. Cadexomer Iodine resulted in 14 of 18 (78%) samples achieving a mean 0.5 log10 reduction in microbial load. Regardless of treatment duration, there was no statistical difference in the reduction of total microbial loads. No difference in the rate of wound healing in the two groups was seen at 6 weeks. Cadexomer Iodine reduces the total microbial load in DFUs with chronic biofilm infections and affects microbial community composition and diversity. All ulcers in both groups showed an initial reduction in wound size with application of Cadexomer Iodine, which might reflect its effect on biofilms.
Pheochromocytoma: Positive predictive values of mildly elevated urinary fractionated metanephrines in a large cohort of community‐dwelling patients
Authors: Hirsch Dania , Grossman Alon , Nadler Varda , Alboim Sandra , Tsvetov Gloria
Published: September 2019

The diagnostic utility of different thresholds of elevated urinary fractionated metanephrine (UFM) for pheochromocytoma‐paraganglioma (PPGL) was evaluated in 10 164 community‐dwelling subjects (2012‐2017). Levels were ≥1.5× the upper normal limit (UNL) in 276 subjects (2.7%) and ≥2×UNL in 138 (1.4%). PPGL was subsequently diagnosed in 59 (mean age 51.9 ± 14.3, 64% female); 58 (98.3%) with UFM ≥ 2×UNL. Positive predictive values (PPV) were 42% for UFM ≥ 2×UNL, 55% for UFM ≥ 2.5×UNL, and 69% for UFM ≥ 3×UNL. The main reason for PPGL screening (52.5%) was adrenal incidentaloma. Mean (median) metanephrine/normetanephrine levels were 6.7 ± 9×UNL (3 × UNL) and 6.1 ± 8.9×UNL (2.5 × UNL). Six patients (10.2%) had an extra‐adrenal tumor (one malignant paraganglioma); one had bilateral pheochromocytoma. Only one patient presented with the “classic triad” (headache, palpitations, sweating). In conclusion, after excluding obvious reasons for false‐positive results, thorough diagnostic assessment for PPGL is justified in all subjects with UFM ≥ ×2UNL. The PPV of milder UFM elevations is very low.
Molecular Detection, Multilocus Genotyping, and Population Genetics of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Pigs in Southeastern China
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wu Ran , Ji Ting , Cui Lin‐Lin , Cao Hao‐Xuan , Li Dongfang , Li Junqiang , Zhang Longxian , Huang Cuiqin , Zhou Dong‐Hui
Published: September 2019

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an important opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in humans and animals that causes diarrhea or fatal diarrhea in immunocompromised hosts. To examine the infection status and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in pigs, 725 fecal samples were collected from pigs in six areas of Fujian Province. The E. bieneusi genotypes were identified based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene by nested PCR, and its population genetics were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The results showed that the infection rate of E. bieneusi was 24.4% (177/725), and 11 known genotypes (EbpC, EbpA, CHN‐RR2, KIN‐1, CHG7, CHS5, CM11, CHG23, G, PigEBITS, and D) and 2 novel genotypes (FJF and FJS) were identified. All the genotypes were found to be clustered into zoonotic Group 1. Moreover, 52 positive samples were successfully amplified at minisatellite and microsatellite loci and formed 48 distinct multilocus genotypes (MLGs). Further population structure analyses showed strong genetic linkage disequilibrium (LD) and several recombination events (Rm), indicating that E. bieneusi has a clonal population structure. This study is the first to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. bieneusi in Fujian Province and could provide baseline data to control E. bieneusi infection in pigs and humans and deepen our understanding of the zoonotic risk of E. bieneusi and its distribution in China.
Optical, mechanical, and moisture sorption properties of whey protein edible films
Authors: Galus Sabina , Lenart Andrzej
Published: September 2019

The impact of protein and glycerol concentration on the optical, mechanical, and moisture sorption properties of whey protein isolate edible films was determined. The increasing of protein concentration leads to decreasing opacity and moisture adsorption of films but improving its tensile strength and elongation at break. Color parameters for all films remain constant and were not dependent on the film composition. Films with increasing glycerol concentration showed weakened mechanical resistance and higher moisture adsorption rates. Moisture sorption isotherms data were well described by GAB, Peleg, and Lewicki equations. These findings can be used to better design applications of whey protein films containing plasticizers, in order to optimize film formulation in a rational manner considering their practical use as protective coatings or edible packaging.

Practical applications

The increased interest in the development of edible films for food packaging applications has been raised to minimize the use of synthetic petroleum‐based polymers. Moisture sensitivity of films showed the capacity of such materials to modify their physical properties which are influenced by different relative humidity or temperature conditions. The results presented in this study, concerning optical, mechanical, and sorption properties of whey protein‐based edible films, would provide the scientific basis for developing functional protein films and their application for food products including nuts, seeds, fruits, or vegetables.
Assessing support needs in children with intellectual disability and motor impairments: measurement invariance and group differences
Authors: Aguayo V. , Verdugo M. A. , Arias V. B. , Guillen V. M. , Amor A. M.
Published: September 2019

Background

This study assessed the equivalence of the measurement of support needs between children with intellectual disability (ID) and children with intellectual and motor disabilities (IMD) and compared both groups in the different domains of support.

Method

The Supports Intensity Scale‐Children's Version was used to assess the support needs of 713 children with ID and 286 children with IMD, mainly associated with cerebral palsy.

Results

The results supported measurement invariance between the group of ID and IMD, which allowed to conduct comparison between them. Children with IMD scored higher on support needs than did children without IMD, suggesting that children with IMD needed more support than their peers without motor impairments. Furthermore, the ID levels interacted with motor impairments: at the highest levels of ID, groups tended to be similar in support needs, with high scores and low variability. The greatest differences were found in the domains of Home and Community activities.

Conclusions

This study points to the across‐condition of the construct of support needs in populations with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, additional mobility impairments should be considered during the evaluation and planning of systems of support. In this regard, the Supports Intensity Scale‐Children's Version might have limitations when discriminating between samples with high support needs.
Comparison of meperidine, tramadol and fentanyl for post‐spinal shivering prevention during cesarean delivery: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jayaraj Ashokkumar , Balachander Hemavathi , Kuppusamy Suresh K. , Arusamy Sivakumar , Rai Yeshith , Siddiqui Naveed
Published: September 2019

Aim

To assess the effects of intravenously administered meperidine, fentanyl and tramadol in reducing the incidence, onset time and severity of the shivering response in parturients during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and sedation scores.

Methods

After Ethics board approval and informed written consent, 350 parturients (ASA physical status I or II), between 20 and 40 years of age, undergoing emergency or elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were recruited. Parturients were then randomly allocated to seven study groups: normal saline (control), low‐dose meperidine (0.5 mg/kg), high‐dose meperidine (0.75 mg/kg), low‐dose fentanyl (0.5 mcg/kg), high‐dose fentanyl (0.75 mcg/kg), low‐dose tramadol (0.5 mg/kg) and high‐dose tramadol (0.75 mg/kg). The incidence, onset time and severity of shivering, along with patient satisfaction and sedation scores were measured.

Results

All study drugs showed significant reduction in incidence, onset time and severity of shivering and greater satisfaction scores compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Within each drug class, no significant differences in shivering were found between the high‐dose and low‐dose groups. Among study drugs, low‐dose tramadol was superior due to shivering prevention and significantly reduced sedation.

Conclusion

Intravenously administered meperidine, fentanyl and tramadol reduce shivering incidence, onset time and severity in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery following spinal anesthesia. Importantly, low‐dose intravenous tramadol (0.5 mg/kg) allowed shivering prevention and low sedation scores, thereby offering greater parturient satisfaction and better maternal–newborn bonding.
Serum level of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and obesity among early pregnant women
Authors: Mahmoud Sally Z. , Saad Alfarazdeg A. , Mohieldein Abdelmarouf H. , Nasr Abubakr M. , Adam Ishag
Published: September 2019

Aim

To assess serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D level in obese pregnant Sudanese women in early pregnancy.

Methods

A match case–control study was conducted in Saad Abualila Hospital (Khartoum, Sudan). The cases were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) women. Controls were women with normal BMI (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) matched for age, parity and gestational age. The 25(OH)D level was measured using ELISA.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups in their age, parity or gestational age. There was no significant difference in the median (interquartile) level of the serum (25(OH)D between obese pregnant women and normal weight pregnant women (3.05 [11.100–15.937] ng/ml vs 13.05 [10.950–17.362] ng/ml, P = 0.237). There was no significant correlation between BMI and 25(OH)D level (r = −0.133, P = 0.149).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the 25(OH)D level between the obese pregnant women and normal weight pregnant women in this study.
Development of a high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for identifying common adulterant content in saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: Kong Weijun , An Huijing , Zhang Ji , Sun Lan , Nan Yao , Song Aili , Zhou Lidong
Published: September 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to develop an efficient and reliable method for estimating common adulterants in saffron by detecting their characteristic components to warrant its efficacy and regular use as a highly valuable medicinal herb.

Methods

A selective and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to estimate the common adulterants in saffron from corn stigma, chrysanthemum and safflower through the simultaneous determination of specific constituents including allantoin, chlorogenic acid (ChA) and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA). Peak identification of each target compound was confirmed from product ions obtained using multiple reaction monitoring triggered enhanced product ions mass chromatogram. Method validation in terms of linearity, sensitivity, reproducibility, accuracy and stability was systematically performed according to official guidelines.

Key findings

Satisfactory separation of the three components was achieved on a C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) with methanol–acetonitrile–ammonium acetate (3.0 mm) as the mobile phase at gradient elution. The identification of these specific constituents was accomplished using the multiple reaction monitoring mode in combination with enhanced product ion supplementary confirmation. The established method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, reproducibility, accuracy and recovery, which were found satisfactory for sensitive detection of the three target compounds.

Conclusions

By detecting the specific constituents allantoin, ChA and HSYA in one run, the adulterants of corn stigma, chrysanthemum and safflower can be effectively identified and estimated in saffron. This is the first report on developing a simple, sensitive and operational method for the identification and estimation of common adulterants of saffron, that was forwarded for broaden application.
Implementation of Social Innovations in Subsistence Marketplaces: A Facilitated Institutional Change Process Model
Authors: Venugopal Srinivas , Viswanathan Madhubalan
Published: September 2019

Implementation of social innovations in subsistence marketplaces often fails as a result of not bringing about institutional change. In this article, we study the process through which social enterprises facilitate local communities in effecting the process of institutional change as they introduce social innovations. Analyzing rich ethnographic data from 19 social enterprises, we develop the process of “facilitated institutional work” for implementing social innovation. We present a process model for implementing social innovation with four distinct stages involving social enterprises—(1) legitimating themselves within local communities, (2) disrupting aspects of the local institutional environment, (3) helping re‐envision institutional norms or practices, and (4) resourcing the institutional change process. The four stages relate to important concerns that local communities have in working with social enterprises implementing social innovations. These community‐level concerns revolve around the following questions: (1) Why should we allow an external social enterprise to be involved in our affairs? (2) Why do we need to change? (3) What should we change and what should we sustain? and (4) What role should we play in implementing change (such as in mobilizing resources)? This article demonstrates that bringing about institutional change is often necessary for implementing social innovations in subsistence marketplaces. The findings depict a participatory approach in which social enterprises work with local communities to bring about the institutional conditions necessary for implementing social innovation.
Inbreeding in natural mammal populations: historical perspectives and future challenges
Authors: Hasselgren Malin , Norén Karin
Published: September 2019

The awareness of inbreeding as a potentially harmful process dates several centuries back in time, and occurred early in various religions, cultures, and societies. However, it was not until the 18th Century that the phenomenon was first investigated systematically through breeding experiments in domestic animals and plants. Investigations were followed by the establishment of the theoretical framework in the 19th Century by Darwin, Mendel and other pioneering evolutionary biologists.

Throughout the development of this field, from breeding experiments and discoveries of the mechanism of inheritance, via heterozygosity‐fitness correlations, construction of pedigrees for natural populations, emergence of the conservation genetics field, to present‐day whole genome sequencing of extinct species, mammals have played a crucial role as model organisms and flagship species.

In this review, we present a chronological overview of the theoretical development and empirical data on inbreeding in mammals, from the 18th Century to the present day. Furthermore, in relation to the current analytical capacity, we identify gaps in the knowledge and future challenges in the study of inbreeding and inbreeding depression in mammals.
Gene flow and genetic drift in urban environments
Authors: Miles Lindsay S. , Rivkin L. Ruth , Johnson Marc T. J. , Munshi‐South Jason , Verrelli Brian C.
Published: September 2019

Evidence is growing that human modification of landscapes has dramatically altered evolutionary processes. In urban population genetic studies, urbanization is typically predicted to act as a barrier that isolates populations of species, leading to increased genetic drift within populations and reduced gene flow between populations. However, urbanization may also facilitate dispersal among populations, leading to higher genetic diversity within, and lower differentiation between, urban populations. We reviewed the literature on nonadaptive urban evolution to evaluate the support for each of these urban fragmentation and facilitation models. In a review of the literature with supporting quantitative analyses of 167 published urban population genetics studies, we found a weak signature of reduced within‐population genetic diversity and no evidence of consistently increased between‐population genetic differentiation associated with urbanization. In addition, we found that urban landscape features act as barriers or conduits to gene flow, depending on the species and city in question. Thus, we speculate that dispersal ability of species and environmental heterogeneity between cities contributes to the variation exhibited in our results. However, >90% of published studies reviewed here showed an association of urbanization with genetic drift or gene flow, highlighting the strong impact of urbanization on nonadaptive evolution. It is clear that species biology and city heterogeneity obscure patterns of genetic drift and gene flow in a quantitative analysis. Thus, we suggest that future research makes comparisons of multiple cities and nonurban habitats, and takes into consideration species' natural history, environmental variation, spatial modelling and marker selection.
Maize phenylalanine ammonia‐lyases contribute to resistance to Sugarcane mosaic virus infection, most likely through positive regulation of salicylic acid accumulation
Authors: Yuan Wen , Jiang Tong , Du Kaitong , Chen Hui , Cao Yanyong , Xie Jipeng , Li Mengfei , Carr John P. , Wu Boming , Fan Zaifeng , Zhou Tao
Published: September 2019

Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is a pathogen of worldwide importance that causes dwarf mosaic disease on maize (Zea mays). Until now, few maize genes/proteins have been shown to be involved in resistance to SCMV. In this study, we characterized the role of maize phenylalanine ammonia‐lyases (ZmPALs) in accumulation of the defence signal salicylic acid (SA) and in resistance to virus infection. SCMV infection significantly increased SA accumulation and expression of SA‐responsive pathogenesis‐related protein genes (PRs). Interestingly, exogenous SA treatment decreased SCMV accumulation and enhanced resistance. Both reverse transcription‐coupled quantitative PCR and RNA‐Seq data confirmed that expression levels of at least four ZmPAL genes were significantly up‐regulated upon SCMV infection. Knockdown of ZmPAL expression led to enhanced SCMV infection symptom severity and virus multiplication, and simultaneously resulted in decreased SA accumulation and PR gene expression. Intriguingly, application of exogenous SA to SCMV‐infected ZmPAL‐silenced maize plants decreased SCMV accumulation, showing that ZmPALs are required for SA‐mediated resistance to SCMV infection. In addition, lignin measurements and metabolomic analysis showed that ZmPALs are also involved in SCMV‐induced lignin accumulation and synthesis of other secondary metabolites via the phenylpropanoid pathway. In summary, our results indicate that ZmPALs are required for SA accumulation in maize and are involved in resistance to virus infection by limiting virus accumulation and moderating symptom severity.
Activation of the ambusher tick Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) exposed to different stimuli
Authors: Zeringóta V. , de Oliveira Filho J. G. , Borges L. M. F.
Published: September 2019

The present study aimed to evaluate the behaviour of larvae of Rhipicephalus microplus exposed to different stimuli. A Y‐olfactometer was positioned vertically and R. microplus larvae were exposed to environmental air, CO2 alone, N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (DEET) alone, and CO2 combined with the repellents DEET and (E)‐2‐octenal. Tests were also conducted with the olfactometer positioned horizontally; in this case, however, only CO2 was tested. In all tests conducted with the Y‐olfactometer positioned vertically, CO2 activated R. microplus larvae even in the presence of DEET and (E)‐2‐octenal, although activation was lower when these repellents were used. In the absence of CO2, larval behaviour against DEET was similar to that of the larvae in the control group. In the tests performed with the olfactometer positioned horizontally, the larvae had no significant response to the presence of CO2. The larvae were not attracted to or repelled by any compound tested in either the vertical or horizontal position of the olfactometer. The lack of horizontal displacement, attraction or repellence may have been a result of the ambush behaviour of this tick species. However, when larvae were exposed to stimuli and the olfactometer was positioned vertically, the interference of attractant and repellent stimuli in larval behaviour was assessed.
Antagonistic action of TILLERS ABSENT1 and FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER2 regulates stem cell maintenance during axillary meristem development in rice
Authors: Tanaka Wakana , Hirano Hiro‐Yuki
Published: September 2019

Shoot branches are formed from the axillary meristem and their formation is a key process in plant development. Although our understanding of the mechanisms underlying stem cell maintenance in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) is progressing, our knowledge of these mechanisms during the process of axillary meristem development is insufficient.

To elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying axillary meristem development in rice (Oryza sativa), we undertook a molecular genetic analysis focusing on TILLERS ABSENT1 (TAB1) and FLORAL ORGAN NUMBER2 (FON2), respective orthologs of the WUSCHEL and CLAVATA3 genes involved in SAM maintenance in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana).

We revealed that stem cells were established at an early stage of axillary meristem development in the wild‐type, but were not maintained in tab1. By contrast, the stem cell region and TAB1 expression domain were expanded in fon2, and FON2 overexpression inhibited axillary meristem formation.

These results indicate that TAB1 is required to maintain stem cells during axillary meristem development, whereas FON2 negatively regulates stem cell fate by restricting TAB1 expression. Thus, the genetic pathway regulating SAM maintenance in Arabidopsis seems to have been recruited to play a specific role within a narrow developmental window – namely, axillary meristem establishment – in rice.
Reproductive phenology as a dimension of the phenotypic space in 139 plant species from the Mediterranean
Authors: Segrestin Jules , Navas Marie‐Laure , Garnier Eric
Published: September 2019

Phenology, the study of seasonal timing of events in nature, plays a key role in the matching between organisms and their environment. Yet, it has been poorly integrated in trait‐based descriptions of the plant phenotype. Here, we focus on three phases of reproductive phenology – time of flowering, time of seed dispersal and duration of seed maturation – to test how these traits relate to other recognized dimensions of plant functioning.

Traits describing reproductive phenology, together with reproductive plant height, seed mass, area of a leaf, and traits involved in leaf economics, were compiled for 139 species growing under Mediterranean climate conditions.

Across all species, flowering time was positively related to reproductive height, while the duration of seed maturation was related to leaf economics. Relationships differed among growth forms, however: flowering time and reproductive height were related both in annuals and in herbaceous perennials, whereas the duration of seed maturation was related to seed mass only in annuals; no correlations were found for woody species.

Phenology relates to other dimensions of plant functioning in a complex manner, suggesting that it should be considered as an independent dimension in the context of plant strategies.