bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in Guajará-Mirim State Park forest reserve, near the Brazil-Bolivian border, with a description of Pintomyia fiocruzi, a new sand fly species
Authors: PEREIRA ANTONIO MARQUES JÚNIOR , MARIALVA ERIC FABRÍCIO , JULIÃO GENIMAR REBOUÇAS , PESSOA FELIPE ARLEY COSTA , MEDEIROS JANSEN FERNANDES
Published: October 2019

Rondônia State has been subject to a higher percentage of deforestation than any other Brazilian state in the Amazon basin. Rondônia’s protected forests are extremely important because their biodiversity attests to the species richness that has been lost to human encroachment. Phlebotomine sand flies are Leishmania vectors that have the potential to function as environmental bioindicators. A sand fly survey was conducted near the Brazil-Bolivian border, in a protected ombrophylous forest in Guajará-Mirim State Park, which is located between the municipalities of Guajará-Mirim and Nova Mamoré, in Rondônia State, Brazil. A total of 6,341 specimens were collected and 59 species were identified; the most abundant species were Trichophoromyia auraensis (Mangabeira), Nyssomyia antunesi (Coutinho) and Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis (Mangabeira). Additionally, a new sand fly species of the genus Pintomyia (Lima) was discovered and is described herein. This new species belongs to the Pifanomyia Ortiz & Scorza subgenus, Serrana group, and is characterized by parameres with a basal area that is clearly more dilated than the apical area. The high diversity and abundance of sand fly vectors observed in this study, such as Ny. antunesi, Th. auraensis and Th. ubiquitalis, indicate that these species are probable vectors within Rondônia State. In addition, the discovery of a new Pintomyia species increases the number of sand fly species in Rondônia to 136, which demonstrates that high sand fly diversity within the region holds great potential for yielding important new discoveries.
Description of a new species of the genus Paraedes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Assam, India
Authors: NATARAJAN R.
Published: October 2019

A new species, Paraedes jambulingami, is described from Assam, northeastern India. The adult male and female are described in detail and an illustration of the male is provided. This species is easily distinguished from all known species of the genus Paraedes by the presence of broad silvery or golden scales on the paratergite and the outer arm of the basal mesal lobe of the male genitalia bearing a long, flattened blade-like seta. Dichotomous keys are provided for the identification of the adult females and males of the five species of the genus that are known to occur in India.
Detecting and Tracking Coastal Precipitation in the Tropics: Methods and Insights into Multiscale Variability of Tropical Precipitation
Authors: Coppin David , Bellon Gilles , Pletzer Alexander , Scott Chris
Published: October 2019

We propose an algorithm to detect and track coastal precipitation systems and we apply it to 18 years of the high-resolution (8 km and 30 min) Climate Prediction Center CMORPH precipitation estimates in the tropics. Coastal precipitation in the Maritime Continent and Central America contributes to up to 80% of the total rainfall. It also contributes strongly to the diurnal cycle over land with the largest contribution from systems lasting between 6 and 12 h and contributions from longer-lived systems peaking later in the day. While the diurnal cycle of coastal precipitation is more intense over land in the summer hemisphere, its timing is independent of seasons over both land and ocean because the relative contributions from systems of different lifespans are insensitive to the seasonal cycle. We investigate the hypothesis that coastal precipitation is enhanced prior to the arrival of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) envelope over the Maritime Continent. Our results support this hypothesis and show that, when considering only coastal precipitation, the diurnal cycle appears reinforced even earlier over islands than previously reported. We discuss the respective roles of coastal and large-scale precipitation in the propagation of the MJO over the Maritime Continent. We also document a shift in diurnal cycle with the phases of the MJO, which results from changes in the relative contributions of short-lived versus long-lived coastal systems.
Arctic Lower-Tropospheric Warm and Cold Extremes: Horizontal and Vertical Transport, Diabatic Processes, and Linkage to Synoptic Circulation Features
Authors: Papritz Lukas
Published: October 2019

The thermodynamic processes and synoptic circulation features driving lower-tropospheric temperature extremes in the high Arctic (>80°N) are investigated. Based on 10-day kinematic backward trajectories from the 5% most intense potential temperature anomalies, the contributions of horizontal and vertical transport, subsidence-induced warming, and diabatic processes to the generation of the Arctic temperature anomaly are quantified. Cold extremes are mainly the result of sustained radiative cooling due to a sheltering of the Arctic from meridional airmass exchanges. This is linked to a strengthening of the tropospheric polar vortex, a reduced frequency of high-latitude blocking, and in winter also a southward shift of the North Atlantic storm track. The temperature anomaly of 60% of wintertime extremely warm air masses (90% in summer) is due to transport from a potentially warmer region. Subsidence from the Arctic midtroposphere in blocking anticyclones is the most important warming process with the largest contribution in summer (70% of extremely warm air masses). In both seasons, poleward transport of already warm air masses contributes around 20% and is favored by a poleward shift of the North Atlantic storm track. Finally, about 40% of the air masses in winter are of an Arctic origin and experience diabatic heating by surface heat fluxes in marine cold air outbreaks. Our study emphasizes the importance of processes in the Arctic and the relevance of anomalous blocking—in winter in the Barents, Kara, and Laptev Seas and in summer in the high Arctic—for the formation of warm extremes.
Intergyre Salt Transport in the Climate Warming Response
Authors: Levang Samuel J. , Schmitt Raymond W.
Published: October 2019

Regional connectivity is important to the global climate salinity response, particularly because salinity anomalies do not have a damping feedback with atmospheric freshwater fluxes and may therefore be advected over long distances by ocean circulation, resulting in nonlocal influences. Climate model intercomparison experiments such as CMIP5 exhibit large uncertainty in some aspects of the salinity response, hypothesized here to be a result of ocean dynamics. We use two types of Lagrangian particle tracking experiments to investigate pathways of exchange for salinity anomalies. The first uses forward trajectories to estimate average transport time scales between water cycle regimes. The second uses reverse trajectories and a freshwater accumulation method to quantitatively identify remote influences in the salinity response. Additionally, we compare velocity fields with both resolved and parameterized eddies to understand the impact of eddy stirring on intergyre exchange. These experiments show that surface anomalies are readily exchanged within the ocean gyres by the mean circulation, but intergyre exchange is slower and largely eddy driven. These dynamics are used to analyze the North Atlantic salinity response to climate warming and water cycle intensification, where the system is broadly forced with fresh surface anomalies in the subpolar gyre and salty surface anomalies in the subtropical gyres. Under these competing forcings, strong intergyre eddy fluxes carry anomalously salty subtropical water into the subpolar gyre which balances out much of the local freshwater input.
Global sociology revisited: Toward new directions
Authors: Hanafi Sari
Published: October 2019

As newly elected President of the International Sociological Association, I unfold my vision for new directions for global sociology. After defining what a global sociology is, I will point out two particular directions for this sociology: supplementing the postcolonial approach with an anti-authoritarian one, and theorizing post-secular society. One cannot but acknowledge the scars of the colonial era, but postcolonial studies have been rightly used but also abused. I would identify two abuses: the over-emphasis on external factors while neglecting local ones, and the binary logic of antagonistic categories such as East/West, universalism/contextualism. Thus, I make the call to supplement the postcolonial approach with an anti-authoritarian one. There are three levels of authoritarianism: one relates to the political regime; another relates rather to neoliberalism; and the third concerns attitudes. The authoritarian attitude is closely related to the difficulty of dealing with religion in our society. Global sociology should take into account in any contemporary analysis of society the new features of our post-secular society, a sort of low-key secularism in confluence with neoliberalism. In light of these two directions, I would like to see global sociology moving forward. But what should the features of this global sociology be? The article will discuss five features for global sociology.
Appraisal Centers: A Formative Assessment Model for Preservice Teachers to Demonstrate Emerging Theory–Practice Understanding
Authors: Silvers Penny , Sarvis Josephine
Published: October 2019

Appraisal Centers provide authentic experienced-based communities of practice for preservice teachers (PSTs) to show application of theory into practice at critical gateways throughout their elementary education program while fulfilling School of Education dispositions, course objectives, and state standards. A goal is to provide formative assessment opportunities for PSTs to present inclusive, differentiated teaching practices at increasing levels of proficiency for culturally diverse 21st-century classrooms. Appraisal Centers provide multiple opportunities for PSTs to reflect on the complexities of teaching and learning, and the importance of embracing a culturally responsive, critically literate professional identity as emerging beginning educators.
Asylum seekers: Forensic remarks regarding 185 cases
Authors: Russo Maria Cristina , Azzalini Elena , Rossetti Chiara , Maghin Francesca , Antonietti Anna , Verzeletti Andrea
Published: October 2019

The medical examination of asylum seekers plays a significant role in helping them to obtain any form of international protection (refugee status or subsidiary or humanitarian protection). The Brescia Institute of Forensic Medicine has been increasingly involved in the medical examination of alleged victims of torture. Based on the Istanbul Protocol, the purpose of this study was to correlate the degree of consistency between the information provided by asylum seekers and the results of clinical examinations. A total of 185 asylum seekers were examined between September 2008 and September 2017. Almost all of the victims were male (94.0%) and aged between 11 and 30 years old (89.2%). Most victims were from Nigeria (23.2%), Gambia (16.2%) and Mali (10.8%), and the majority of the aggressions happened in Nigeria (18.9%), Gambia (14.5%) and Libya (12.9%). More than half of the instances of torture were related to political motives (57.3%); in 22% of cases, the victims referred to more than one act of aggression at different times. Blunt instruments were the most frequent means of injury (33.8%), followed by sharp instruments (23.3%). The most commonly involved anatomical regions were the lower and the upper limbs (23.6% and 20.5%, respectively). In terms of the degree of consistency between the lesion and the alleged torture, 50.4% of lesions were consistent with the information provided by the asylum seekers.
Securing Decarbonisation and Growth
Authors: Zenghelis Dimitri
Published: October 2019

Executive Summary

The need to decarbonise the economy in order to slow the pace of climate change is now recognised as one of the most pressing international policy challenges. While the UK cannot by itself materially affect global climate change, it has an opportunity to play an influential role, both by persuading others of the need for action but also by reshaping its domestic economy to benefit from a low-carbon transition.

Far from hampering competitiveness, adoption of a coordinated policy approach to climate change today would generate positive benefits for the UK economy, especially if it addresses the multiple market failures that promote pollution and places decarbonisation at the heart of structural economic policy.

Desirable strategies would include public support for research, development, and deployment of new technologies, and measures to foster an environment where innovation can rapidly shift the economy from dirty to clean production systems. Focusing UK industrial strategy on securing strong domestic supply chains for green products and services, for example, could help create an early mover advantage in rapidly growing global market sectors. Interventions could include the establishment of a National Infrastructure Bank to support decarbonisation in crucial sectors such as energy and transport, and would also need to encompass measures to assist structural adjustment in affected industries and their workforces.
Precise modeling of complex tooth surface microtopography and multi-degree-of-freedom nonlinear friction dynamics for high-performance face gear
Authors: Mo Shuai , Gong Jiabei , Jin Guoguang , Zhu Shengping , Zhang Ting , Feng Zhanyong , Cao Xiaolin
Published: October 2019

Face gear transmission is a kind of space-meshing mechanism that is mainly used in the field of aviation. Compared with traditional transmission, it has the advantages of stability, reliability, low noise, and strong carrying capacity. However, owing to its complex tooth surface, there are no means to accurately model the face gear. Likewise, research based on the geometry is difficult. Therefore, the tooth surface equation of the face gear is derived in this article based on the meshing theory. Based on the equations, the point cloud of the face gear tooth surface is calculated, the complex tooth surface is generated, and the face gear is accurately modeled. Moreover, taking tooth surface friction excitation into consideration, a multi-degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model of face gear transmission system is established, using the adaptive variable step length Runge–Kutta method. As shown in the results, the bifurcation diagram, phase diagram, time history diagram, and Poincaré section diagram are combined to analyze the influence of tooth surface friction and meshing frequency on the dynamic characteristics of the system.
The Implications of Pre-Field Training, Negative Family-Related Events, and Negative Pre-Field Events for Resilience among Cross-Cultural Workers
Authors: Thom Nathaniel , Davis Pamela S. , Tseng Luke
Published: October 2019

Cross-cultural workers are often exposed to a host of environmental, interpersonal, and physical stressors. This exposure may lead to negative mental health outcomes such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, or sub-clinical psychological distress. This study sought to investigate risk and resilience factors, both broadly and in-depth, among a group of faith-based cross-cultural workers. An adapted Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory, 2nd edition (DRRI-2) along with the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD–RISC) were administered to N=268 missionaries and faith-based humanitarian aid workers. A comprehensive correlational analysis revealed significant relationships to risk and resilience in the areas of pre-field preparation, negative family events while on the field, and pre-field negative events. Implications for member care are discussed.
Liquid parties, dense populism
Authors: Urbinati Nadia
Published: October 2019

Before proceeding, I would like to clarify briefly two interpretative premises, one methodological and one normative, which sustain my argument. Understanding the transformations facing constitutional democratic societies is a demanding task. These transformations, whose multiple causes are socio-economic not merely political, reflect on the one hand in the decline of mass party form of organization and on the other in the success of populism as not simply a movement of contestation but as a ruling power. In this article, I will suggest that the successes of populism are connected to the decline of organized parties, the pillar of constitutional democracy as it emerged after 1945. It is impossible to predict whether populism will succeed in becoming the new form of democracy. It is, however, certain that contemporary representative governments are facing astonishing mutations and the decline of the party form of representative unification of claims and ideas is one of them. My argument relies upon a phenomenology of populism as a movement that is strong in proportion as organized parties are weak, which actually capitalizes on a revolt against intermediary bodies such as parties. 1
The meaning of ‘populism’
Authors: Mueller Axel
Published: October 2019

This essay presents a novel approach to specifying the meaning of the concept of populism, on the political position it occupies and on the nature of populism. Employing analytic techniques of concept clarification and recent analytic ideology critique, it develops populism as a political kind in three steps. First, it descriptively specifies the stereotype of populist platforms as identified in extant research and thereby delimits the peculiar political position populism occupies in representative democracies as neither inclusionary nor fascist. Second, it specifies on this basis analytically–normatively the particular stance towards liberal representative democracy (in particular towards popular sovereignty and democratic legitimacy) that unifies populism’s political position and explains how populist politics can be compelling for democratic citizens. The normative core (populist ideology) turns out to require no more than two general principles of legitimizing political authority by elections. Surprisingly, it does not need a separate anti-pluralist or exclusionary commitment: it entails it. Third, this normative model allows a response to a contested question in the theoretical discussion, namely, whether populism (properly specified) can be democracy-enhancing. The article defends the negative answer in virtue of the normative core alone and does so as much vis-à-vis a minimal (purely electoral) as vis-à-vis a normatively ambitious (liberal) conception of democracy. The reconstruction of the normative core of populist ideology enables a novel argument to show that populism is incompatible with the continued democratic legitimation of political authority even in the normatively most austere conception of ‘electoral democracy’, not just with ‘liberal democracy’. Assuming a normatively more ambitious concept of democratic legitimation in terms of political autonomy, the model also produces an extremely direct argument showing that populists cannot fulfil their promise of ‘taking back control’ over political decision-making to the population.
Varieties of populist parties
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: October 2019

Can parties such as the Swedish Democrats, the Jobbik Movement for a Better Hungary, the UK Independence Party and the Italian Lega Nord all be classified consistently as part of the same family? Part I of this study summarizes the conceptual framework arguing that the traditional post-war Left-Right cleavage in the electorate and party competition has faded, overlaid by divisions over authoritarian-libertarianism and populism-pluralism. Building on this, part II discusses the pros and cons of alternative methods for gathering evidence useful to classify party positions. Part III describes how these are measured in this study, using Chapel Hill Expert Survey data in 2014 and 2017, and how they are mapped on a multidimensional issue space. Part IV compares European political parties on these scales – including Authoritarian-Populist parties – across a wide range of European countries. The conclusion in part V draws together the main findings and considers their implications.
The paradox of emancipation: Populism, democracy and the soul of the Left
Authors: Azmanova Albena
Published: October 2019

What is the connection between the surge of populism and the deflation of electoral support to traditional left-leaning ideological positions? How can we explain the downfall of the Left in conditions that should be propelling it to power? In its reaction both to the neo-liberal hegemony and to the rise of populism, I claim that the Left is afflicted by what Nietzsche called ‘a democratic prejudice’ – the reflex of reading history as the advent of democracy and its crisis. As a result, the Left now undertakes to recover democracy by resurrecting the growth-and-redistribution policy set that was a trademark of the ‘golden age’ of social democracy in the three post-war decades. This nostalgic gesture, however, is leading the Left into another predicament, which I call the ‘paradox of emancipation’ – while fighting for equality and inclusion as essential conditions for democratic citizenship, the Left is validating the social order within which equality and inclusion are being sought – namely, order shaped by the competitive production of profit which is the root cause of our societies’ plight. The analysis concludes with a proposal for building a counter-hegemony against neo-liberal capitalism by means of enlarging the Left’s focus beyond its traditional concerns with inequality and exclusion, to address also the injustice of growing social and economic insecurity – a harm whose reach surpasses the working poor. Reformulating an agenda of social justice around issues of economic insecurity that cross the ‘class divide’ would allow the Left to mobilize a broad coalition of social forces for radical and lasting change in the direction of socialist democracy.
Introduction
Authors: Mueller Axel
Published: October 2019

This introduction presents the articles contained in this special issue of Philosophy and Social Criticism on the topic of populism. It does so by placing them in the field of discussions that the standard conception of populism as ‘illliberal democracy’ has stimulated in many areas of the populism-research that was produced in response to the recent increase in populist governments in established constitutional democracies world-wide. Following the methodological canon of studies in the field, it presents the individual contributions roughly in three segments according to leading questions they focus on. In each segment, the introduction attempts to indicate the degree to which the articles depart and provide reasons for departing from the initial standard conception and thereby point to new relevant directions for further work. The first segment (articles 1. -4.) consists of essays that take on the definitional and empirical question of what and where populism is, and which varieties of it there are. The second segment (articles 5. -8.) presents new work focusing on the diagnostic question of what conditions and institutional conditions enable contemporary populism in established liberal constitutional representative democracies. They thus also aim at explaining or at least providing insight into the structures on the supply side (party politics) that make populism popular as an `outsider option'. The third and largest segment (essays 9. -15.) comprises essays that present various approaches to answering the therapeutic question what democratic political systems and societies can do to confront, absorb or internalize the lessons from populist challenges.
Insight and Resources From a Study of the “Impact of Sex, Androgens, and Prostate Size on C57BL/6J Mouse Urinary Physiology
Authors: Ruetten Hannah , Wegner Kyle A. , Zhang Helen L. , Wang Peiqing , Sandhu Jaskiran , Sandhu Simran , Morkrid Jacquelyn , Mueller Brett , Wang Zunyi , Macoska Jill , Peterson Richard E. , Bjorling Dale E. , Ricke William A. , Marker Paul C. , Vezina Chad M.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this symposium report is to summarize information from a session 3 oral presentation at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology Annual Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mice are genetically tractable and are likely to play an important role in elucidating environmental, genetic, and aging-related mechanisms of urinary dysfunction in men. We and others have made significant strides in developing quantitative methods for assessing mouse urinary function and our collaborators recently showed that aging male mice, like men, develop urinary dysfunction. Yet, it remains unclear how mouse prostate anatomy and histology relate to urinary function. The purpose of this report is to share foundational resources for evaluating mouse prostate histology and urinary physiology from our recent publication “Impact of Sex, Androgens, and Prostate Size on C57BL/6J Mouse Urinary Physiology: Functional Assessment.” We will begin with a review of prostatic embryology in men and mice, then move to comparative histology resources, and conclude with quantitative measures of rodent urinary physiology.
Smashing the Imperial Frame: Race, Culture, (De)Coloniality
Authors: Hafiz Muneeb
Published: October 2019

Extending the philosopher Achille Mbembe’s notion of the ‘seeing power of race’ in Critique of Black Reason, this paper explores the imperial frame – a racialized and racializing vision of singularity/alterity – that was foundational to European modernity and the formation of the modern world. I intend to show how the racialized have always articulated an otherwise for cultivating a humane relationship with difference, an unconditional relationship with humanity, through (knowingly or unknowingly) putting the rhetoric of modernity/coloniality on trial. Interweaving a discussion of the 2014 Jordanian film Theeb (trans: Wolf) – our decolonial text – I propose a framework, a series of commitments for a culture decolonized: to time as (re)enchanted and emerging; space as pluriversal and planetary; and self as the guarantor for the Other’s share.
Long-term training in diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practice among diabetes liaison nurses
Authors: Zhou Wen , Huang Jin , Yang Lingfeng , Qiu Tieying , Zhang Yan , Liu Fang , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: October 2019

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether long-term regular training of diabetes liaison nurses (DLNs) could improve their diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practice.

Methods

We enrolled 45 diabetes liaison nurses (DLNs) and 45 non-specialist nurses (controls). DLNs received 11 days of qualifying training, followed by regular theory classes and practice sessions for 4 years. All nurses were administered a questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge about diabetes mellitus (DM), attitudes toward DM, and DM management practices, before and after the 4-year DLN training period.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences between the DLN and control groups for sex, age, educational level, nurse title/grade, work experience, hospital department, or questionnaire scores. At 4 years, the DLN group had a higher overall questionnaire score and higher scores for knowledge about DM, attitudes toward DM, and DM management practices, as compared with baseline scores.

Conclusion

Long-term regular training provided by a multidisciplinary diabetes care team can improve the knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practice levels of DLNs.
An Insight into the Role of the Maxillary Labial Frenum in the Growth of the Maxilla: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rajagopalan Rajani Elayadath , Padmaprabha Biswas Palakunnu
Published: October 2019

Background: The review attempts to provide synthesis of published studies evaluating the influence of an aberrant frenum attached close to the gingival margin or with inadequate width of attached gingiva on the growth of the maxilla.

Methodology: This review was reported using the PRISMA checklist as a template. PubMed, EBSCO and Google scholar were searched for in earlier publications up to January 2019. In addition, reference lists of the included studies were hand searched. The eligibility criteria were listed out based on Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study type (PICOS) concept.

Results: A total of 148 articles were found by database search strategies and 27 additional studies by hand search. Finally three cross sectional and one longitudinal study were selected based on the eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis was not justified. Risk of bias was assessed using AXIS tool for cross sectional studies and Newcastle-Ottawa scale for longitudinal study. Common weaknesses of the studies were failure to justify or calculate the sample size and insufficient statistical reporting.

Conclusion: This review reveals that there is a need for methodologically standardized studies that will throw light on to the physiological importance of labial frenum in the growth of the nasomaxillary complex.
Effects of Reinforced Oral Hygiene Instruction Program With and Without Professional Tooth Cleaning on Plaque Control and Gingival Health of Orthodontic Patients Wearing Multibracket Appliances
Authors: Singla Sapna , Gupta Priyanka , Lehl Gurvanit , Talwar Manjit
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic therapy is considered to be one of the important risk factor for plaque accumulation, since various orthodontic components serves as the retentive areas for plaque accumulation and thus increasing the risk of caries and periodontitis. Therefore these patients must be encouraged to maintain good oral health throughout the treatment.

Objective: To investigate the effects of reinforced oral hygiene instruction programme with and without professional tooth cleaning on the plaque accumulation and gingival health of orthodontic patients wearing fixed multibracket appliances.

Material and Methods: Forty patients with fixed orthodontic appliances in the age range of 12–28 years were divided randomly into Group I (n=20) and Group II (n=20). Group I received oral hygiene instructions and Group II received similar instructions supplemented with one sitting of professional tooth cleaning. The plaque and gingival index were recorded at the baseline (before the instructions), after 4 and 8 weeks in both the groups. At each visit all the instructions were reinforced in both the groups.

Results: Intergroup comparison showed significant decrease in the mean plaque score at 4 weeks in Group II (p<0.01), but no significant difference in the mean plaque score at 8 weeks and mean gingival scores at 4 and 8 weeks between both the groups. Within the group comparison, showed that the mean values of both the indices showed significant decrease after 8 weeks in both the groups (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Reinforced oral hygiene instruction programme with or without professional prophylaxis can lead to efficient control of plaque accumulation as well as improvement in the gingival health of orthodontic patients wearing multibracket appliances. However, provision of professional tooth cleaning should be based on individual plaque control needs.
Zinc treatment modulates hematological and morphological changes in rat erythrocytes following arsenic exposure
Authors: Bhardwaj Payal , Dhawan Devinder Kumar
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of zinc supplementation on antioxidant defense systems, hematological indices, and erythrocyte morphology in conditions of chronic arsenic toxicity. Male Wistar rats were segregated into four groups: control, arsenic treated, zinc supplemented, and arsenic + zinc treated. The animals in the arsenic-treated group were given arsenic orally in drinking water in the form of sodium arsenite at a dose level of 100 mg L−1, and zinc was administered to zinc-treated animals in the form of zinc sulfate orally in drinking water at a dose level of 227 mg L−1. The animals were subjected to different treatments for a period of 12 weeks, and various investigations were undertaken that included serum zinc content, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and hematological indices. Further, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were performed to assess morphological changes in erythrocytes. Arsenic treatment significantly reduced serum zinc concentrations, which, however, were restored to near-normal levels upon zinc supplementation. The activities of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense systems were altered in the erythrocyte lysates of arsenic-treated rats, which interestingly revealed a significant improvement upon simultaneous zinc supplementation. A significant reduction in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes was observed following arsenic intoxication, which came back to near control levels following zinc supplementation. Also, protective effects of zinc were evident from SEM that revealed maintenance of topographical appearances of erythrocytes in conditions of arsenic toxicity. Thus, this study clearly shows the protection afforded by zinc on erythrocytes during arsenic-induced toxicity.
Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Dentistry and Oral Surgery: Introduction and Review of the Literature
Authors: Feigin Kristina , Shope Bonnie
Published: October 2019

Platelet concentrates, mostly represented by platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin, have gained significant interest in various medical and oral disciplines because of their potential to stimulate and boost regeneration of hard and soft tissues. Prepared from the patient’s own blood, they have been tested and used in various different surgical fields including oral and maxillofacial surgery. The effects of these biomaterials are described to be a result of the large concentration of platelets which contain a wide range of growth factors. The aim of this article is to introduce the principle and function of these platelet concentrates, to review their preparation, and to provide a comprehensive examination of the published oral and maxillofacial literature on this subject.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone protected autophagy-dependent apoptosis induced by mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in INS-1 cells
Authors: Shi L , Jiang L , Zhang X , Yang G , Zhang C , Yao X , Wu X , Fu M , Sun X , Liu X
Published: October 2019

Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) is the main metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in organisms and is commonly used as a plasticizer. Exposure to DEHP impairs the function of islet beta cells (INS-1 cells), which is related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. At present, some research data have also confirmed that MEHP has a certain damage effect on INS-1 cells. In our experiment, we found that MEHP would lead to the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the upregulation of autophagy. And downregulated ROS production by N-acetyl-L-cysteine could also reduce autophagy. In addition, MEHP-induced lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP) subsequently released cathepsin D. Additionally, MEHP induced the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and release of cytochrome c. Addition of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine relieved MEHP-induced apoptosis as assessed by the expression of cleaved caspase 3, cleaved caspase 9, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, indicating that MEHP-induced apoptosis was autophagy dependent. Cathepsin D inhibitor, pepstatin A, suppressed MEHP-induced mitochondria release of cytochrome c and apoptosis as well. Meanwhile, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a new B vitamin, improved the above phenomenon. Taken together, our results indicate that MEHP induces autophagy-dependent apoptosis in INS-1 cells by lysosomal–mitochondrial axis. PQQ improved this process by downregulating ROS and provided a degree of protection. Our study provides a new perspective for MEHP on the cytotoxic mechanism and PQQ protection in INS-1 cells.
Understanding and Influencing Occupational Sedentary Behavior: A Mixed-Methods Approach in a Multiethnic Asian Population
Authors: Wang Nan Xin , Chen Jiaxuan , Wagner Norbert L. , Rebello Salome A. , Petrunoff Nicholas Alexander , Owen Neville , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: October 2019

We aim to assess sedentary behavior (SB) and its determinants, as well as potential strategies to reduce SB among employees in a tertiary hospital in Singapore, using a mixed-methods approach grounded in the socioecological framework. All employees with email and security guards of a tertiary hospital in Singapore were invited to complete a questionnaire that captured sociodemographics and self-reported domain-specific SB. Environmental influences of occupational SB were assessed using an adapted version of the Checklist for Health Promotion Environments at the Worksite (CHEW). Focus group discussion (FGD) addressed perceptions, barriers, and strategies toward reducing workplace SB. Analyses were performed separately and integrated using an inductive comparative approach. The median occupational sitting time ( n = 938) was 300 minutes/day, and highest among administrative staff (administrative, 421 minutes/day; allied health, 300 minutes/day; ancillary, 300 minutes/day; nursing, 120 minutes/day; medical/dental/others, 240 minutes/day; p value: <.001). The CHEW assessment identified poor physical and information environment contributing to occupational SB. FGDs confirmed an unsupportive environment and elicited barriers such as low SB awareness, nature of work, and workplace norms. Besides environmental approaches, participants suggested having face-to-face communication and social modelling to promote more breaks from sitting. This mixed-methods study among diverse professional groups of a tertiary hospital indicated a large amount of occupational SB, particularly among administrative staff. Raising awareness of the health risks of SB and building a supportive organizational culture, information, and physical environment emerged as significant factors. To reduce occupational SB, multicomponent interventions addressing these diverse factors are warranted.
Lessons from the United Kingdom: Employability, Brand Responsibility, and a Nation of “Ad Lovers”
Authors: Turnbull Sarah
Published: October 2019

Providing students with employability skills is an important aspect of advertising education. However, as educators we must also be prepared to encourage students to think about a brand’s responsibility and consider how advertising can help address important issues facing society.
Indoor soundscape perception in residential spaces: A cross-cultural analysis in Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Ali Elghadaffi , Dokmeci Yorukoglu Papatya Nur
Published: October 2019

Studies in the literature suggest that factors influencing soundscape perception are based heavily on sound environments and auditory perception. Nevertheless, in studying the soundscape perception of people living in certain acoustic environments, cultural, social and habitual criteria should be taken into consideration. Residential environments are where people spend most of their time. Therefore, understanding the soundscape perception in the residential context is significant for indoor soundscape studies. This research investigates the residential soundscape perception differences of two different culture groups living in Ankara, Turkey. A total of 405 Arab and Turkish residents are included in the study. The questionnaire findings are statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance and t-test. The results suggest that the sound environment in a house setting is equally important for both culture groups, while the Arab residents showed a higher satisfaction level from their present sound environment in their residences. Furthermore, statistically significant differences have been found based on cultural variances of the two groups regarding the overall soundscape perception, sound source loudness, frequency of occurrence, and sound favourability evaluations.
Multi-component synthesis of piperidines and dihydropyrrol-2-one derivatives catalyzed by a dual-functional ionic liquid
Authors: Basirat Narjes , Sajadikhah Seyed Sajad , Zare Abdolkarim
Published: October 2019

N,N,N’, N’-tetramethyl- N,N’-bis(sulfo)ethane-1,2-diaminium mesylate ([TMBSED][OMs]2) was employed for the synthesis of piperidines and dihydropyrrol-2-ones via one-pot multi-component reactions in simple and green processes. This pseudo five-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, anilines and alkyl acetoacetates was carried out under reflux conditions in ethanol to afford substituted piperidines. Also, dihydropyrrol-2-one derivatives were synthesized by means of four-component reactions of various amines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and formaldehyde in ethanol at room temperature. The present approaches have several advantages such as good yields, easy work-ups, short reaction times, and utilize mild and clean reaction conditions.
Is Dupuytren’s disease really a ‘disease of the Vikings’?
Authors: Ng Michael , Lawson Daniel J , Winney Bruce , Furniss Dominic
Published: October 2019

It has been suggested that Dupuytren’s disease has an origin in Norse countries. We harnessed data from a genome-wide association study of Dupuytren’s disease and the People of the British Isles study to determine evidence for a Norse origin of Dupuytren’s disease. We computed Wright’s Fixation Index between Orkney (Norse ancestry), Wales (ancient British) and South East England (Anglo-Saxons); compared mean Wright’s Fixation Index in cases versus controls; used permutation to determine any excess of Norse inheritance in disease associated variants; constructed a genetic risk score for Dupuytren’s disease and applied this to the People of the British Isles dataset to look for systematic differences between counties with known high and low levels of Norse ancestry. Finally, chromosome painting was used to see whether Dupuytren’s disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms are geographically structured. In all analyses, no evidence was found for an excess of Norse ancestry in Dupuytren’s disease. We conclude that there is no genetic evidence for a ‘Viking origin of Dupuytren’s disease’.
Release of partial syndactyly using a trident flap without skin grafting
Authors: Guero Stéphane
Published: October 2019

We reviewed outcomes of a modified trident flap technique in 83 patients for a series of partial syndactyly releases performed by a single operator over 30 years. Only patients with at least 3 years of follow-up (range 3 to 27 years) were included. One-hundred and twenty-seven procedures were performed for 83 patients, and no cases of flap necrosis occurred. Three hands had Grade 1 web creep on Withey’s semi-quantitative scoring system, and two had Grade 2 web creep. Revision surgery was required for one minor contracture and one intermediate contracture. Abduction angles of up to 30° were measured for operated adjacent fingers. The mean satisfaction score of the child or parents on the visual analogue scale was 1.1. The trident flap is a safe procedure, with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. The residual scarring is limited to the web, and there is no scarring on the dorsum of the hand.

Level of evidence: IV
Systemic sclerosis in pregnancy
Authors: Clark Kristina EN , Etomi Oseme , Ong Voon H
Published: October 2019

Systemic sclerosis is a rare multisystem connective tissue disease. It predominantly affects women and poses a significant risk to mother and baby during pregnancy if not managed appropriately. The commonest manifestations are skin fibrosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Subgroups of women have an increased risk of organ involvement, especially interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and renal crises. Pregnancy increases the risk to the mother, especially those with established organ involvement, but also the development of new organ dysfunction; and risks to the fetus. Optimising these women prior to conception, along with careful management and surveillance during pregnancy, is vital for optimising pregnancy outcome. Women with scleroderma need to be managed in a specialised centre with coordinated care from the multi-disciplinary teams including physicians, obstetricians, anaesthetists, neonatologists and midwives. This review aims to describe the risks associated with systemic sclerosis and pregnancy, with management advice for physicians looking after pregnant women with this chronic condition.
Elevated serum circ_0068481 levels as a potential diagnostic and prognostic indicator in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Yongbin , Yao Hua , Lie Zhenbang , Chen Guo , Tan Hong , Zhou Yingling
Published: October 2019

Circular RNAs have continuous, stable, and covalently closed circular structures and are not easily degraded by nucleases, thus they are ideal serum biomarkers for detecting diseases. However, research is still lacking on circular RNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study investigated the potential role of serum circ_0068481 levels in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosis and prognosis. This prospective cohort study enrolled 82 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension between January 2016 and July 2018 at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. Serum circ_0068481 levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Baseline data, including clinical background, hemodynamic variables, and biochemical variables, were collected. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to investigate diagnostic effect, the Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival rates, and univariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed with a Cox proportional hazard model. We found that serum circ_0068481 expression levels were significantly higher in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and had higher sensitivity and specificity for predicting idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Additionally, we found that circ_0068481 expression correlated significantly with heart function, 6‐min walk distance, serum N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, serum H2S, the 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension risk stratification, right heart failure, and patient death. Moreover, serum circ_0068481 levels were elevated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and right heart failure and were able to predict right heart failure. Serum circ_0068481 levels were also elevated in patients who died with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and were able to predict poorer clinical outcomes. Circ_0068481 is a novel and noninvasive biomarker for diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and predicting poor clinical outcome in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.