bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
16S rRNA‐based amplicon analysis of changes in the bacterial population in the lesions of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle after topical treatment with allyl isothiocyanate
Authors: Gotoh Yasuhiro , Chiba Kanako , Sekiyama Yasushi , Okada Keiji , Hayashi Tetsuya , Misawa Naoaki
Published: March 2020

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is a foot disease causing lameness in dairy cattle. It is regarded as a polymicrobial infection, although its etiology is not fully understood. PDD is treated by the topical or systemic administration of antibiotics such as lincomycin (LCM); however, the milk of the cows cannot be marketed during the treatment and withdrawal period due to the residual antibiotics in milk. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), an extract of Wasabia japonica (known as wasabi or Japanese horseradish) widely employed as a food additive, can be used as an alternative antimicrobial agent that overcomes this problem. We previously showed that AITC is as effective as LCM in PDD treatment. Here, using the samples obtained in the previous clinical study, we analyzed changes in the bacterial population in the PDD‐associated microbiota after AITC treatment and compared those with that following LCM treatment by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)‐based amplicon analysis. Both treatments induced major changes in the bacterial population, and Treponema species, which have been regarded as the major causative agents of PDD, were efficiently eliminated by both agents. However, the AITC‐treated samples exhibited higher diversity compared with pretreatment samples, but this trend was not observed for LCM treatment, probably reflecting different antibacterial activities of the two agents. Importantly, this analysis detected population changes before morphological changes in PDD lesions (clinical signs of healing) became evident, indicating that 16S rRNA‐based amplicon analysis represents an efficient strategy for analyzing and monitoring the treatment efficiency of PDD as well as other polymicrobial diseases.
The effect of competition on the control of invading plant pathogens
Authors: Sharp Ryan T. , Shaw Michael W. , van den Bosch Frank
Published: March 2020

New invading pathogen strains must compete with endemic pathogen strains to emerge and spread. As disease control measures are often non‐specific, that is, they do not distinguish between strains, applying control not only affects the invading pathogen strain but the endemic as well. We hypothesize that the control of the invasive strain could be compromised due to the non‐specific nature of the control.

A spatially explicit model, describing the East African cassava mosaic virus‐Uganda strain (EACMV‐UG) outbreak, is used to evaluate methods of controlling both disease incidence and spread of invading pathogen strains in pathosystems with and without an endemic pathogen strain present.

We find that while many newly introduced or intensified control measures (such as resistant cultivars or roguing) decrease the expected incidence, they have the unintended consequence of increasing, or at least not reducing, the speed with which the invasive pathogen spreads geographically. We identify the controls that cause this effect and methods in which these controls may be applied to prevent it.

We found that the spatial spread of the invading strain is chiefly governed by the incidence at the wave front. Control can therefore be applied, or intensified, once the wave front has passed without increasing the pathogen's rate of spread.

When trade of planting material occurs, it is possible that the planting material is already infected. The only forms of control in this study that reduces the speed of geographic spread, regardless of the presence of an endemic strain, are those that reduce the amount of trade and the distance over which trade takes place.

Synthesis and applications. The best control strategy depends on the presence of competing endemic strains. Applying or intensifying the control can slow the rate of spread when absent but increase it if present. Imposing trade restrictions before the epidemic has reached a given area and intensifying other control methods only when the wave front has passed is the most effective way of both slowing down spread and controlling incidence when a competing endemic strain is present and is the safest approach when its presence is unknown.
The impact of terrorism on public debt in African countries
Authors: Abid Mehdi , Sekrafi Habib
Published: March 2020

Given the increase in the number of terrorist attacks in African countries, a better understanding of the relationship between terrorism, the informal economy and public debt is essential for policymakers. The model is empirically tested for 47 countries during the period 1996–2015. We use ordinary least squares (OLS), random effects (ER) and system generalized method of moments (GMM). Three terrorism indicators are used: the uncertain, the domestic, and the transnational. The results confirm that the rise in terrorism and the informal economy lead to an increase in public debt. The results also show that the informal economy magnifies the effect of terrorism on public debt. In addition, the results suggest that a larger informal economy reduces income taxes and therefore increases public debt and the increase in public spending reinforces the effects of terrorism on public debt. The reduction of terrorism should therefore be governments’ primary political objective. Given the detected complementarity between terrorism and the informal economy, the reduction of terrorism would also reduce the size of the informal economy and the public debt. The reduction of terrorism will also minimize the harmful effects of terrorism on public debt through public spending.
A Markov‐switching analysis of Nigeria's business cycles: Are election cycles important?
Authors: Olakojo Solomon Abayomi
Published: March 2020

The study examines Nigeria's business cycles between October 1998 and October 2017 and ascertains the importance of general elections cycles in engendering cyclical fluctuations in different measures of business cycles.

A framework based on political business cycles theory was estimated with a dynamic Markov‐switching regression technique. The study finds that election cycles are adequate in predicting cycles in food prices, non‐farm prices, exports, and imports in Nigeria while a significant effect of election cycles on the stock market, general price level, and exchange rate could not be established. The study concludes that cycles in food, non‐farm prices, imports, and exports can be predicted by future general elections while re‐election seeking behaviour of politicians lacks the power to influence stock market performance and exchange rate in Nigeria. Hence, artificial business cycles that result primarily from politicians manipulating certain fiscal tools targeted at stimulating the economy only to increase the re‐election chances could be minimized if monetary and fiscal institutions are strong, effective, and truly independent. This will ensure that policies are not manipulated between elections by politicians but are well targeted at achieving a set of long‐term developmental goals.
Long‐term survival analysis of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Gaoxiang , Li Xuejiao , Xiong Ran , Wu Hanran , Xu Meiqing , Xie Mingran
Published: March 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on survival of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed NSCLC patients who had undergone radical lung cancer surgery from January 2011 to December 2014 in the Anhui Medical University affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital. Kaplan‐Meier plots, log‐rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to describe the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the overall survival of patients with NSCLC.

Results

A total of 769 patients with NSCLC were enrolled, including 126 in the diabetic mellitus group and 643 in the nondiabetic mellitus group. The one, three, and five‐year survival for patients with and without diabetes mellitus were 86.1% versus 89.6%, 49.5% versus 62.4%, and 33.3% versus 40.6%, respectively. The Cox model showed that type 2 diabetes mellitus was a poor independent prognostic factors for NSCLC patients. In addition, metformin is a good independent prognostic factor for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

NSCLC patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased survival rate compared with those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Anthropozoic impacts on forest ecosystems: Case of the Zloul Valley (Ribat Al Khair Region, Morocco)
Authors: Benarchid Khalid , Khatori Mohammed , Hilali Said
Published: March 2020

Over the second half of the past century, the Zloul Valley has undergone rapid and intense changes, such as deforestation and massive clearing as well as a grazing ban in olive plots since the introduction of olive cultivation approximately 30 years ago. The aim of this study was to explore these rapidly changing ecosystems. The floristic analysis revealed a more pronounced anthropozoic impact on the Chamaerops humilis and Ampelodesmos mauritanicus steppe group, which displayed the lowest floristic diversity, with a Shannon–Weaver index of 3.72, and a very high disturbance, of 68.85%. The grazing ban in olive plots had a positive effect on floristic richness and diversity, with the Shannon–Weaver index reaching a maximum value of 4.67. However, the floristic composition remained unbalanced, with an equitability index of 0.61 and a perturbation index of 70.8%. Therefore, these ecosystems have not been able to recover their initial equilibrium despite being under protection for long. The ecosystems of the Zloul Valley demonstrated alarming levels of degradation, especially on the southern slopes of Jbel Ikraa and Jnab Diss. Urgent measures must be taken to mitigate biodiversity loss and soil erosion as a matter of priority.
I still miss human contact, but this is more flexible—Paradoxes in virtual learning interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration
Authors: Kauppi Suvi , Muukkonen Hanni , Suorsa Teemu , Takala Marjatta
Published: March 2020

Teaching and learning in universities have shifted towards online education, and there is not enough scientific knowledge about suitable pedagogical design principles to guide the construction of hybrid learning spaces for today’s university students. In this design‐based research, we studied the benefits and challenges in reaching the expected learning outcomes of an e‐course, “Collaboration and Professional Interaction Skills.” The practical purpose was developing the pedagogical design of this e‐course. The scientific objective was to build on the research about design principles that guide teachers in constructing e‐courses, enabling in‐depth learning in hybrid learning spaces. The pedagogical design was guided by six design principles. Empirical data (21 students’ assignments and reflections, teacher’s observations, data from the digital learning management system) were collected in two research cycles. Students were from different degree programmes of educational sciences. Thematic analysis of students’ individually and collaboratively authored assignments was carried out in both research cycles. The most emphasised benefits and challenges concerned the combination of working and creating knowledge together, virtually, in a multidisciplinary group. Based on the results, practical recommendations were made for university‐level pedagogical designs that facilitate effective and active collaboration and interaction, and learning of such competence.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic:

In higher education, more emphasis needs to be placed on learning skills such as multidisciplinary teamwork and collaborative knowledge creation.

There is a need for more personalised learning opportunities that offer flexibility in one’s studies and take learners’ diverse situations into account.

Advanced understanding of suitable pedagogical design principles and knowledge from empirical cases is needed.

What this paper adds:

What to consider when technology is used to mediate the learning processes.

How to tackle the demands of personalised study opportunities and demanding interaction skills by online collaboration.

Implications for practice and/or policy:

Pedagogical design exemplifying how students build shared knowledge objects iteratively.

Students need guidelines and support for multidisciplinary collaboration and interaction online.

Learning management systems are not fully tailored for iterative multidisciplinary collaboration; thus, the designer of the course must be aware of the limitations and develop ways of overcoming the discrepancies between the learning management system and learning objectives.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of 2CdA (cladribine) in extra‐pulmonary adult‐onset Langerhans cell histiocytosis: analysis of 23 cases from the French Histiocytosis Group and systematic literature review
Authors: Néel Antoine , Artifoni Mathieu , Fontenoy Anne‐Maelle , Tessoulin Benoit , Lorillon Gwenaël , Cohen‐Aubart Fleur , Haroche Julien , Genereau Thierry , de Menthon Mathilde , Guillevin Loïc , Maillard Hélène , Kahn Jean‐Emmanuel , Hermine Olivier , Araujo Carla , Dromer Claire , Jullien Denis , Hamidou Mohamed , Donadieu Jean , Tazi Abdellatif
Published: March 2020

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare protean disease that usually affects children. Few data are available for management of adult‐onset cases. A complete picture of the efficacy and safety of 2CdA (2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine, cladribine) is lacking. We report a retrospective multicentre study of 23 adult LCH (a‐LCH) patients who received single‐agent 2CdA and a systematic literature review. All had previously received systemic therapy (vinblastine, n = 19). Response to 2CdA was evaluable in 22 cases. Overall response rate (ORR) was 91%. Complete response (CR) occurred in 11 cases (50%). Nine patients (39%) developed grade 3–4 neutropenia and/or severe infection. A literature review yielded 48 additional cases. A pooled analysis confirmed our findings (ORR: 88%, CR: 49%). CRs were rare with cumulative dose <50 mg/m2. Disease progression rates were 20% and 30% at two and five years, respectively. Partial response (PR) to 2CdA was predictive of disease progression. Among eight re‐treated patients, five went into CR, two in PR, and one died. Single‐agent 2CdA is effective in reactivated a‐LCH, including at intermediate doses. Toxicity, significant but acceptable, warrants infectious prophylaxis. Complete responders may enter prolonged remission. Further studies are needed to determine 2CdA sequencing with other agents (vinblastine, cytarabine).
Correction of Bcl‐x splicing improves responses to imatinib in chronic myeloid leukaemia cells and mouse models
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Yan , Li Shu‐Qi , Fang Le , Wang Xiao‐Zhong , Li Jing , Zhang Hai‐Bin , Huang Bo , Xu Yan‐Mei , Yang Wei‐Ming , Lin Jin , Min Qing‐Hua , Liao Zhi‐Hua , Wu Yan , Liu Jing
Published: March 2020

Imatinib mesylate (IM) resistance has become a major clinical problem for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It is known that Bcl‐x splicing is deregulated and is involved in multiple malignant cancer initiation and chemotherapy resistance, including CML. The aim of the present study was to correct the abnormal splicing of Bcl‐x in CML and investigate the subsequent malignant phenotype changes, especially response to IM. The aberrant Bcl‐x splicing in CML cells was effectively restored using vivo‐Morpholino Antisense Oligomer (vMO). CCK‐8 cell viability assay and flow cytometry showed that restoring of Bcl‐x splicing increases IM‐induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of K562 cells. Moreover, a more significant similar phenomenon was observed in imatinib‐resistant CML cell lines K562/G01. Finally, establishment of CML xenograft model had also proved that correcting Bcl‐x splicing in vivo can also enhance the anti‐tumor effect of IM. Our findings suggest that vMO co‐operating with IM can effectively increase the sensitivity of CML cells to IM both in vitro and in vivo, and Bcl‐x splicing could become good candidates for chemotherapy‐sensitized target in IM‐resistant CML.
Public administration in the cross‐hairs of evidence‐based policy and authentic engagement: School closures in Ontario
Authors: Johns Carolyn , MacLellan Duncan
Published: March 2020

Education policy affects communities across Canada. Changes in demographics, enrolment patterns, and pressures on education budgets have put school closures on the political agenda in many provinces. Implementing these policies is increasingly contested and conflict‐ridden. Public administrators are at the cross‐hairs of implementing evidence‐based policies, based on authentic stakeholder input and engagement. This article examines two cases of school closure policy implementation in Ontario to illustrate the tension between these two important dimensions of public administration and challenges that must be overcome in this and other policy areas where evidence and engagement are increasingly important.
Better support for children with additional health and developmental needs in school settings: Perspectives of education experts
Authors: Garvey William , O'Connor Meredith , Quach Jon , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: March 2020

Aim

Many children start school with additional health and developmental needs (AHDN), yet how best to support these children for optimal outcomes in the school setting is a complex challenge. This study aims to determine the views of education experts on what differentiates the most effective primary schools.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with nine senior leaders across the education system responsible for managing or improving practice across a range of schools or school regions in Victoria. Using a positive deviance approach, which investigates strategies already implemented in organizations achieving desired outcomes, the semi‐structured interviews aimed to elicit instances of perceived good practice that already exists within the school system. Interviews were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

All education experts reported high variability across schools and suggested a number of factors differentiating those that were most effective at supporting children with AHDN. They included the presence of strong teacher support by the school leadership team; explicit and documented processes to guide the practice of teachers and ensure consistency at a whole school level; inclusive relationships and environments; participation and knowledge sharing between medical, allied health and other stakeholders in the care team; and an evidenced‐based approach to allocating resources to programmes and strategies.

Conclusion

This exploration of instances of good practice can generate novel insights into a complex problem. Current findings suggest a number of potential opportunities for enhancing practice that can be tested in future research. Improving outcomes for this vulnerable and significant group of children will require collaboration across health and education.
Manipulating water for amphibian conservation
Authors: Mathwin Rupert , Wassens Skye , Young Jeanne , Ye Qifeng , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: March 2020

Amphibian populations globally are in decline. One great threat is the abstraction of water resources that alter surface‐water hydrology. Conservation actions aimed at restoring or manipulating surface water are employed as a management tool, but empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these approaches is scarce. In this systematic review, we summarized the global experience of manipulating water for amphibian conservation. We explored examples of manipulating water to conserve amphibian species and communities. Approaches varied in their frequency of implementation and in their success. Extending hydroperiod to match larval requirements showed encouraging results, as did off‐season drying to control predators. Spraying water into the environment showed several potential applications, but successes were limited. Despite some promising interventions, we identified few (n = 17) empirically supported examples of successful water manipulation to benefit amphibians. It is unclear whether this stems from publication bias or if it is an artifact of language selection. However, manipulating water shows some potential in amphibian conservation, particularly at sites with a proximal water source and in regions where aridity is increasing due to climate change. Regardless of the scale of the intervention or its perceived probability of success, high‐quality reporting of empirical results will further understanding of how water manipulations can benefit threatened amphibian populations.
Analysis of clinical features and prognostic factors of lung cancer patients: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhou Xinjia
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This paper analyses clinical features of lung cancer patients and discusses factors influencing the lung cancer occurrence and prognosis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with lung cancer from 1975 to 2016 are analysed based on SEER database. The samples are divided into groups according to the number of positive lymph nodes of LN > 3 and LN ≤ 3. Univariate and multivariate Cox risk models are performed. After balancing the clinicopathological features of the two groups with the propensity score matching (PSM) method, the survival rates of the two groups are compared.

Results

A total of 30 864 patients are included in this study. Kaplan‐Meier curves show that the survival rate of patients with LN ≤ 3 is higher than that of patients with LN > 3 (P < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk model analysis suggests that the number of lymph nodes is an independent prognostic risk factor for lung cancer. LN ≤ 3 group shows better OS (HR2.066; 95% CI 1.941‐2.199, P < 0.01) and better CSS (HR 2.461; 95% CI 2.304‐2.629, P < 0.01). In addition, age at diagnosis, gender, Laterality, Derived AJCC T, 7th ed (2010‐2015), Derived AJCC N, 7th ed (2010‐2015) and Derived AJCC M, 7th ed, (2010‐2015) have also been proved to be potential prognostic factors. A total of 1,851 pairs of patients are screened after 1:1 PSM matching. Patients with LN ≤ 3 have significant improvements in OS and CSS (HR 1.09; 95% CI 1.001‐1.187, P < 0.05 and HR 1.127; 95% CI 1.03‐1.232, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The number of lymph nodes is an independent prognostic risk factor for lung cancer. Patients with fewer lymph node positives have a better survival prognosis than patients with more lymph nodes.
Socio‐economic differences in cardiovascular disease risk factor prevalence in people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Whittaker E. , Read S. H. , Colhoun H. M. , Lindsay R. S. , McGurnaghan S. , McKnight J. A. , Sattar N. , Wild S. H. ,   the Scottish Diabetes Research Network Epidemiology Group
Published: March 2020

Aim

To describe the association between socio‐economic status and prevalence of key cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 264 011 people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland in 2016 identified from the population‐based diabetes register. Socio‐economic status was defined using quintiles of the area‐based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) with quintile (Q)1 and Q5 used to identify the most‐ and least‐deprived fifths of the population, respectively. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, health board, history of cardiovascular disease and duration of diabetes were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for Q1 compared with Q5 for each risk factor.

Results

The mean (sd) age of the study population was 66.7 (12.8) years, 56% were men, 24% were in Q1 and 15% were in Q5. Crude prevalence in Q1/Q5 was 24%/8.8% for smoking, 62%/49% for BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, 44%/40% for HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%), 31%/31% for systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg, and 24%/25% for total cholesterol ≥ 5 mmol/l, respectively.

ORs [95% confidence intervals (CI)] were 3.08 (2.95–3.21) for current smoking, 1.48 (1.44–1.52) for BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, 1.11 (1.08–1.15) for HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%), 1.03 (1.00–1.06) for SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and 0.87 (0.84–0.90) for total cholesterol ≥ 5 mmol/l.

Conclusions

Socio‐economic deprivation is associated with higher prevalence of smoking, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%), and lower prevalence of total cholesterol ≥ 5 mmol/l among people with type 2 diabetes in Scotland. Effective approaches to reducing inequalities are required as well as reducing risk factor prevalence across the whole population.
Transcriptional differentiation of UV‐B protectant genes in maize landraces spanning an elevational gradient in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Kost Matthew A. , Perales Hugo , Wijeratne Saranga , Wijeratne Asela J. , Stockinger Eric J. , Mercer Kristin L.
Published: March 2020

Globally, farmers cultivate and maintain crop landraces (i.e., traditional varieties). Landraces contain unique diversity shaped in part by natural and human‐mediated selection and are an indispensable resource for farmers. Since environmental conditions change with elevation, crop landraces grown along elevational gradients have provided ideal locations to explore patterns of local adaptation. To further probe traits underlying this differentiation, transcriptome signatures can help provide a foundation for understanding the ways in which functional genetic diversity may be shaped by environment. In this study, we returned to an elevational gradient in Chiapas, Mexico, to assess transcriptional differentiation of genes underlying UV‐B protection in locally adapted maize landraces from multiple elevations. We collected and planted landraces from three elevational zones (lowland, approximately 600 m; midland, approximately 1,550 m; highland approximately 2,100 m) in a common garden at 1,531 m. Using RNA‐seq data derived from leaf tissue, we performed differential expression analysis between maize from these distinct elevations. Highland and lowland landraces displayed differential expression in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis genes involved in the production of UV‐B protectants and did so at a rate greater than expected based on observed background transcriptional differentiation across the genome. These findings provide evidence for the differentiation of suites of genes involved in complex ecologically relevant pathways. Thus, while neutral evolutionary processes may have played a role in the observed patterns of differentiation, UV‐B may have also acted as a selective pressure to differentiate maize landraces in the region. Studies of the distribution of functional crop genetic diversity across variable landscapes can aid us in understanding the response of diversity to abiotic/biotic change and, ultimately, may facilitate its conservation and utilization.
It’s a wormy world: Meta‐analysis reveals several decades of change in the global abundance of the parasitic nematodes Anisakis spp. and Pseudoterranova spp. in marine fishes and invertebrates
Authors: Fiorenza Evan A. , Wendt Catrin A. , Dobkowski Katie A. , King Teri L. , Pappaionou Marguerite , Rabinowitz Peter , Samhouri Jameal F. , Wood Chelsea L.
Published: March 2020

The Anthropocene has brought substantial change to ocean ecosystems, but whether this age will bring more or less marine disease is unknown. In recent years, the accelerating tempo of epizootic and zoonotic disease events has made it seem as if disease is on the rise. Is this apparent increase in disease due to increased observation and sampling effort, or to an actual rise in the abundance of parasites and pathogens? We examined the literature to track long‐term change in the abundance of two parasitic nematode genera with zoonotic potential: Anisakis spp. and Pseudoterranova spp. These anisakid nematodes cause the disease anisakidosis and are transmitted to humans in undercooked and raw marine seafood. A total of 123 papers published between 1967 and 2017 met our criteria for inclusion, from which we extracted 755 host–parasite–location–year combinations. Of these, 69.7% concerned Anisakis spp. and 30.3% focused on Pseudoterranova spp. Meta‐regression revealed an increase in Anisakis spp. abundance (average number of worms/fish) over a 53 year period from 1962 to 2015 and no significant change in Pseudoterranova spp. abundance over a 37 year period from 1978 to 2015. Standardizing changes to the period of 1978–2015, so that results are comparable between genera, we detected a significant 283‐fold increase in Anisakis spp. abundance and no change in the abundance of Pseudoterranova spp. This increase in Anisakis spp. abundance may have implications for human health, marine mammal health, and fisheries profitability.
Public preferences for the allocation of donor organs for transplantation: Focus group discussions
Authors: Oedingen Carina , Bartling Tim , Dierks Marie‐Luise , Mühlbacher Axel C. , Schrem Harald , Krauth Christian
Published: March 2020

Background

Deceased donor organs are scarce resources because of a large supply‐and‐demand mismatch. This scarcity leads to an ethical dilemma, forcing priority‐setting of how these organs should be allocated and whom to leave behind.

Objective

To explore public preferences for the allocation of donor organs in regard to ethical aspects of distributive justice.

Methods

Focus groups were facilitated between November and December 2018 at Hannover Medical School. Participants were recruited locally. Transcripts were assessed with content analysis using the deductive framework method. All identified and discussed criteria were grouped according to the principles of distributive justice and reported following the COREQ statement.

Results

Six focus groups with 31 participants were conducted. Overall, no group made a final decision of how to allocate donor organ; however, we observed that not only a single criterion/principle but rather a combination of criteria/principles is relevant. Therefore, the public wants to allocate organs to save as many lives as possible by both maximizing success for and also giving priority to urgent patients considering the best compatibility. Age, waiting time, reciprocity and healthy lifestyles should be used as additional criteria, while sex, financial status and family responsibility should not, based on aspects of equality.

Conclusions

All participants recognized the dilemma that prioritizing one patient might cause another one to die. They discussed mainly the unclear trade‐offs between effectiveness/benefit and medical urgency and did not establish an agreement about their importance. The results suggest a need of preference studies to elucidate public preferences in organ allocation.
Chert–clastic sequence in the Cretaceous Shimanto Accretionary Complex on the central Kii Peninsula, SW Japan
Authors: Shimura Yusuke , Takeuchi Makoto , Tokiwa Tetsuya
Published: March 2020

Ocean plate stratigraphy (OPS) within an ancient accretionary complex provides important information for understanding the history of an oceanic plate from its origin at a mid‐ocean ridge to its subduction at a trench. Here, we report a recently discovered chert–clastic sequence (CCS) that comprises a continuous succession from pelagic sediments to terrigenous clastics and which constitutes part of the OPS in the Akataki Complex within the Cretaceous Shimanto Accretionary Complex on the central Kii Peninsula, SW Japan. As well as describing this sequence, we present U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from terrigenous clastic rocks in the CCS, results for which show that the youngest single grain and youngest cluster ages belong to the Santonian–Campanian and are younger than the radiolarian age from the underlying pelagic sedimentary rock (late Albian–Cenomanian). Thus, the CCS records the movement history of the oceanic plate from pelagic sedimentation (until the late Albian–Cenomanian) to a terrigenous sediment supply (Santonian–Campanian).
Extraction of lipid‐soluble antioxidants from rosemary leaves using vegetable oils
Authors: Ginsburg Shoshana R. , Maleky Farnaz
Published: March 2020

The objective of this research was to extract carnosic acid and carnosol, natural lipid‐soluble antioxidants, from rosemary leaves without the use of chemical aid. Three different vegetable oils [high oleic soybean oil (HOSO), peanut oil (PO) and cottonseed oil (CO)] were used as the medium for extracting rosemary's lipid‐soluble antioxidants. Dried rosemary leaves were ground into fine particles, added two of the selected vegetable oils, mixed and heated. The vegetable oil containing the extracted antioxidants was filtered from the rosemary particles and analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As a control, a common extraction method using ethanol was performed to compare the oil extraction efficiency for carnosic acid and carnosol. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of carnosic acid and carnosol in all three vegetable oil solutions. Compared to the ethanol extraction, a higher level of the carnosic acid was found in the vegetable oil solutions. Among the vegetable oils, high oleic soybean oil contained the most carnosic acid; however, there were similar amounts of carnosol in all three vegetable oil solutions. The extractions' efficacy was tested on soybean oil's (SO) oxidative stability by adding 2% (w/w) of the antioxidant–vegetable oil solution. The results obtained from peroxide value (PV) and p‐anisidine value (AnV) analysis documented a significantly lower degree of oxidation in the soybean oil containing the extracted antioxidant solutions, compared to the pure soybean oil.
Social Citizenship Guarantee for Minorities in Japan: Present and Future
Authors: Hirano Hiroya
Published: March 2020

In recent years, the presence of minorities and their ways of life have become the subject of public interest in Japan. These minorities have experienced misrecognition and denial of their rights, and have been forced to live without benefiting from social redistribution. However, the lack of acceptance of minorities or their ways of life by majorities is being challenged. These aspects of recognition and redistribution are matters of universal human dignity. They are indispensable when considering issues of security in the lives of minorities. To achieve this security it is necessary to consider social citizenship. It described the way we are treated in society. In this article I examine the current state of social citizenship for minorities in Japan. An analysis of the contents and characteristics of social policy and social security systems in which social citizenship is embodied suggests that social citizenship in Japan is still strongly based on traditional social standards. This traditional orientation constitutes an obstacle to guaranteeing social citizenship for minorities. Moreover, the more serious inherent problem is that neither the concept of citizenship nor that of rights has been adequately accepted by the people. Given these points, it is unsurprising that the majority perceives minorities as deviant, and this situation has made guarantees of social citizenship for minorities much more difficult. A full guarantee of social citizenship for minorities requires further efforts to be made in human rights education and citizenship education.
Evaluation of global haemostatic assays and fibrin structure in patients with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Lalic‐Cosic Sanja , Dopsaj Violeta , Kovac Mirjana , Pruner Iva , Littmann Karin , Mandic‐Markovic Vesna , Mikovic Zeljko , Antovic Aleksandra
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Haemostatic balance shifted towards hypercoagulability in normal pregnancy is even more pronounced in pre‐eclampsia (P‐EC). The aim of this study was to analyse haemostatic disturbances and fibrin clot properties in women with pre‐eclampsia and to investigate their association with maternal and foetal outcomes.

Methods

Forty‐six pregnant women diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia were included in the study, with blood sampling done on the morning following admission to hospital, as well as after delivery (mean duration 4.8 days). Two global haemostatic assays—endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and assay of overall haemostatic potential (OHP)—were employed, including fibrin clot turbidity measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of representative samples.

Results

Three thrombin generation parameters (ETP, t_lag and peak height) and OHP were significantly increased in pre‐eclampsia compared with controls, whereas overall fibrinolytic potential (OFP—determined as a parameter of the OHP assay) had significantly lower values. Clot lysis time was significantly prolonged in patients with pre‐eclampsia. In the pre‐eclamptic group after delivery, we observed a significant elevation in the peak height and a reduction in the time to peak and OFP compared with values before delivery. Pre‐eclamptic patients with renal complications had significantly higher values for ETP, peak height and D‐dimer. Turbidity measurements and SEM revealed dense fibrin structure in patients with pre‐eclampsia.

Conclusion

Patients with pre‐eclampsia have enhanced coagulation and impaired fibrinolysis before, and even after, delivery. In particular, the presence of multi‐organ dysfunction, such as renal dysfunction, may be associated with increased thrombin generation in pre‐eclampsia.
Hemolysis interference in 10 coagulation assays on an instrument with viscosity‐based, chromogenic, and turbidimetric clot detection
Authors: Hedeland Ylva , Gustafsson Christina M. , Touza Zinah , Ridefelt Peter
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Hemolysate in plasma samples from patients may cause misleading results in coagulation assays. Even though modern coagulation instruments often are equipped with modules that can detect hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia (HIL), studies that report the influence of these interferences are still limited. The present paper focuses on the influence of hemolysis on 10 coagulation assays.

Methods

Artificial hemolysis was created by freezing/thawing, and the hemolysates generated were added to pools of patient plasma. Pathological and normal levels were pooled separately. These spiked samples were analyzed on a STA R Max 2 instrument. The coagulation assays evaluated utilize clot, chromogenic, or immunoturbidimetric detection.

Results

Four of the evaluated assays were not influenced by hemolysis: fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen, activated partial thromboplastin time, and factor VIII. Interestingly, normal and slightly elevated prothrombin time (INR < 2.0) was insensitive to hemolysis, whereas samples with a high INR (≥2.0) exhibited falsely high readings. The assays for antithrombin and fibrin D‐dimer displayed an intermediate sensitivity to hemolysis. The most sensitive assay turned out to be anti‐Xa, followed by protein C and protein S. For the anti‐Xa assay, the results are decreased by 10% already at 0.5 g/L hemoglobin.

Conclusion

The present study shows that hemolysis affects several of commonly used coagulation assays. Since the sensitivity for hemolysis is dependent on the brand of the assay as well as the instrument and principle of measurement, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of each specific combination.
Pharmacists and continuing education: a cross-sectional observational study of value and motivation
Authors: Tawil Samah , Hallit Souheil , Sacre Hala , Hajj Aline , Salameh Pascale
Published: March 2020

Objective

To validate the scales of motivation and value towards CE and determine the factors affecting the motivation and value for CE among the Lebanese pharmacists.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between February and May 2018, using a random sample of Lebanese pharmacists. Data collection was performed by a team of pharmacists independent of the study. The self-administered questionnaire was available in both English and French, and comprised sections on factors related to the value and motivation of pharmacists to enrol in the CE programme.

Results

Of the 750 questionnaires distributed, 628 (83.37%) were completed and collected back. The value and motivation scales’ items converged over a solution of one and two factors, respectively, explaining a total of 67.62% and 60.86% of the variance, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha values were as follows: value of CE (0.686) and motivation for CE (0.800). Higher scores of value of CE were significantly associated with pharmacists who find the access to e-library (platform of online courses) easy (Beta = 1.154), want long-term courses with certification (Beta = 1.088) and those employed in a community pharmacy (Beta = 1.344). Higher scores of motivation for CE were significantly associated with pharmacists being aware of their CE credits (Beta = 2.14), working during weekdays and evening shifts (Beta = 1.659) and those who preferred long-term courses (Beta = 1.869).

Conclusion

This study validated the scales of motivation and value towards CE among Lebanese pharmacists and showed that pharmacists’ motivation and value towards CE were highly correlated. These findings could help design more convenient and personalized programmes, thereby increasing the motivation of pharmacists towards new CE activities.
Species‐specific schooling behaviour of fish in the freshwater pelagic habitat: an observational study
Authors: Holubová Michaela , Blabolil Petr , Čech Martin , Vašek Mojmír , Peterka Jiří
Published: March 2020

Social living of animals is a broadly occurring phenomenon, although poorly studied in freshwater systems, fish schooling behaviour is an excellent example. The composition of fish schools, species‐specific schooling tendencies and preferences of adult fish were studied in the pelagic habitat of the Římov Reservoir, Czech Republic. Video recordings captured over a total of 34 days (16 h per day) in the clear water period of three seasons were analysed. From four species identified as school‐forming species – bream, bleak, roach and perch, 40% of the individuals observed formed schools of 3–36 individuals. Although conspecific schools prevailed, 20% of individuals formed heterospecific schools, except bleak that schooled strictly with conspecifics. Schools were composed of individuals of similar body size and life strategy. Heterospecific schools were significantly larger than conspecific schools and showed uneven proportion among species, that is, one species being more abundant when the school dimension increased. Probability of encounter in bleak was lowest and proved highest inclination for schooling. Gregarianism levels depended on species morphology and body size, with larger and morphologically advanced fish tending less to sociability. This indicates that the antipredator function of schooling behaviour is intensified with increasing vulnerability of the species.
Acacia gum fluidized bed agglomeration: Use of inulin as a binder and process parameters analysis
Authors: Rosa Juliana G. , Nascimento Raul F. , Andreola Kaciane , Taranto Osvaldir P.
Published: March 2020

This work aimed to investigate the use of inulin as an alternative binder in fluidized bed agglomeration to improve both acacia gum functional and handling properties. Acacia gum was agglomerated in fluidized bed with inulin solution (18.0% wt/wt) at two different fluidizing air temperature (65 and 85°C) and binder feed rate (1.5 ml/min and 3.0 ml/min). The granule growth kinetics and system stability were monitored by a spatial filter velocimetry probe. The influence of process parameters on process yields and product characteristics: final particle size, wettability, and flowability were also evaluated. We observed an increase in particle size and the agglomerated particles showed a short wetting time, indicating that inulin can be successfully used as an alternative binder adding both nutritional and functional value to the acacia gum. Low binder feed rate provided better system stability and larger particle size.

Practical Applications

This paper presents inulin as an alternative binder for application in powder food agglomeration processes. The use of inulin has provided improved flowability and wetting properties. Moreover, the inulin may also add functional value to agglomerated foods. Besides, it was possible to monitor particle growth and process stability through a relatively new technique that measures the particle size, spatial filter velocimetry. In this way, it is possible to establish which conditions of temperature and binder feed rate are the most suitable for the agglomeration process.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes: understanding the role of ethnicity
Authors: Olsson T. , Goedecke J. H.
Published: March 2020

Content List ‐ Read more articles from the symposium: “Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding the Role of Ethnicity”.
Dietary grape seed procyanidins suppressed weaning stress by improving antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression in weanling piglets
Authors: Fang Luoyun , Li Mingyue , Zhao Luyv , Han Siyv , Li Yi , Xiong Benhai , Jiang Linshu
Published: March 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of grape seed procyanidins (GSP) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression in weanling piglets. A total of 96 piglets (Pietrain × Large White) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 8.4 ± 1.7 kg were weaned at 28 days, and randomly divided into 4 groups. Four groups of animals were fed with a basic diet supplemented with various doses of GSP (0, 40, 70 and 100 mg/kg respectively) during the 28‐day treatment period. The results showed that the group receiving 40 mg/kg GSP significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG, p < .05) and decrease the feed/gain ratio (F/G, p < .05). Interestingly, the incidence of diarrhoea was significantly reduced in the groups of 40 and 70 mg/kg GSP, but it was increased in the group of 100 mg/kg GSP. Subsequent biochemical studies indicated that dietary GSP significantly increased the activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes, including amylase (Amy), lipase(LPS, p < .05), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH‐Px, p < .05), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD, p < .05) and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC, p < .05) in serum, liver and muscle, increased the expression of GSH‐Px, SOD and CAT genes (p < .05) in the liver, and decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA, p < .05) in serum, liver and muscle. Taken together, these studies revealed that low GSP supplement in diets can improve growth performance of weaned piglets, which is associated with increased digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities and enhanced resistance to weanling stress.
Gene editing of three BnITPK genes in tetraploid oilseed rape leads to significant reduction of phytic acid in seeds
Authors: Sashidhar Niharika , Harloff Hans J. , Potgieter Lizel , Jung Christian
Published: March 2020

Commercialization of Brassica napus. L (oilseed rape) meal as protein diet is gaining more attention due to its well‐balanced amino acid and protein contents. Phytic acid (PA) is a major source of phosphorus in plants but is considered as anti‐nutritive for monogastric animals including humans due to its adverse effects on essential mineral absorption. The undigested PA causes eutrophication, which potentially threatens aquatic life. PA accounts to 2‐5% in mature seeds of oilseed rape and is synthesized by complex pathways involving multiple enzymes. Breeding polyploids for recessive traits is challenging as gene functions are encoded by several paralogs. Gene redundancy often requires to knock out several gene copies to study their underlying effects. Therefore, we adopted CRISPR‐Cas9 mutagenesis to knock out three functional paralogs of BnITPK. We obtained low PA mutants with an increase of free phosphorus in the canola grade spring cultivar Haydn. These mutants could mark an important milestone in rapeseed breeding with an increase in protein value and no adverse effects on oil contents.