bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired hypothalamic leptin sensitivity in pseudopregnant rats treated with chronic prolactin to mimic pregnancy
Authors: Augustine Rachael A. , Knowles Penelope J. , Khant Aung Zin , Grattan David R. , Ladyman Sharon R.
Published: February 2019

Pregnancy in rodents is associated with hyperphagia, increased fat deposition, elevated leptin concentrations and insensitivity to the satiety action of leptin. To investigate the hormonal mechanisms involved in the development of this state of pregnancy‐induced leptin resistance, we have used a pseudopregnancy rat model. We have previously demonstrated that pseudopregnant rats have a normal feeding response to leptin, although, if pseudopregnancy is extended using chronic i.c.v. ovine prolactin infusion along with progesterone implants, then leptin no longer suppresses food intake. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of chronically high lactogen levels, as seen in mid‐pregnancy, on leptin‐induced activation of hypothalamic Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signal transduction and mRNA expression of leptin (LepR‐B) and prolactin (Prlr‐L) receptors, using pseudopregnant rats chronically infused with ovine prolactin. Groups of virgin (dioestrous) and pseudopregnant rats were treated with chronic i.c.v. infusion of either prolactin (2.5 μg μL‐1 h‐1 for 5 days) or vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid [aCSF]) via a minipump connected to a cannula surgically implanted into the lateral ventricle. Rats were fasted overnight and then received an i.c.v. injection of leptin (400 ng) or vehicle (aCSF) and were perfused 30 minutes later. In chronic vehicle‐infused pseudopregnant rats, i.c.v. leptin increased the number of phosphorylated STAT3 positive cells in the arcuate nucleus and ventromedial nucleus (VMH) of the hypothalamus, similar to all acute‐leptin treated virgin groups. This effect of leptin, however, was not observed in the pseudopregnant rats that were chronically infused with prolactin. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis also showed decreased expression of LepR‐B in the arcuate and VMH nuclei, as well as decreased Prlr‐L in the arcuate nucleus of prolactin‐infused “extended pseudopregnancy” rats. These data suggest that the attenuation of the leptin‐induced suppression of food intake caused by chronically high lactogen levels in pseudopregnant rats is associated with impaired leptin‐induced activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in specific hypothalamic nuclei.
Voigt‐Futcher pigmentary demarcation lines
Authors: Zieleniewski Łukasz , Schwartz Robert A. , Goldberg David J. , Handler Marc Zachary
Published: February 2019

Pigmentary demarcation lines (PDLs) are physiological abrupt transitions between hyperpigmented and lighter skin, a common and sometimes troubling feature of normal skin. They are seen in a majority of dark‐complexioned women and a substantial percentage of light‐complexioned ones too. We review this salient finding and approaches to its management.
Management of labor and delivery in myasthenia gravis: A new protocol
Authors: Tsurane Kotoi , Tanabe Serabi , Miyasaka Naoyuki , Matsuda Minako , Takahara Megumi , Ida Tsutomu , Kohyama Akira
Published: February 2019

Aim

Pregnancy with myasthenia gravis (MG) is known to be associated with an increased cesarean section rate, presumably due to maternal fatigue during labor. Although epidural labor analgesia (ELA) appears to be a good option for circumventing maternal fatigue, a protocol for managing MG deliveries has not been established. This study, based on a review of our case series, aimed to evaluate the validity of our management protocol for maternal MG, in which ELA is used depending on MG severity.

Methods

Parturients with systemic muscle weakness or worsening symptoms were classified as Category A (A), and those without symptoms were classified as Category B (B). In A, ELA was given at the onset of labor. Immediate vacuum delivery was done once the fetal head descended to station +2. For B, spontaneous vaginal delivery was chosen. The duration, blood loss, fetal weight, Apgar score and MG symptoms on post‐partum day (PPD) 1, 14 and 30 were recorded.

Results

Six patients were enrolled. Four were classified in A, and two were classified in B. No adverse events occurred during labor. Transvaginal delivery was successfully achieved in all the patients. Symptoms of MG were well‐controlled. MG symptoms were stable on PPD 1 in all the patients although two patients complained of worsening symptoms after PPD 14.

Conclusion

Women with MG can safely undergo spontaneous or operative vaginal delivery. ELA is a good option for circumventing the effects of maternal fatigue on delivery. Our protocol may lower the cesarean section rate in maternal MG.
Temporomandibular pain in adolescents with a history of preterm birth
Authors: Nilsson Ing‐Marie , Brogårdh‐Roth Susanne , Månsson Johanna , Ekberg EwaCarin
Published: February 2019

Aim

To evaluate the frequency of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain among adolescents with a history of preterm birth compared to a matched control group.

Methods

A group of 192 preterm‐born adolescents was followed up at the age of 17‐19 years and compared to matched controls. Self‐report questionnaires included screening questions about TMD pain, chronic diseases, general health, depression, anxiety, anger, antisocial behaviour and self‐concept. TMD pain was defined as answering “yes” to one or both of the following questions: “Do you have pain in the temple, face, temporomandibular joint or jaws once a week or more?” and “Do you have pain when you open your mouth wide or chew once a week or more often?” Data analysis was performed using chi‐square test and logistic regression model with likelihood ratio test.

Results

A TMD pain frequency of 23% of preterm‐born adolescents and 26% among the controls was found, with no significant differences between the groups. Neither were there differences regarding anxiety, depression, anger or self‐confidence. Within the preterm group, adolescents with TMD pain registered tension and pain in the body, trouble sleeping, stomach pain and feelings of hopelessness about the future. The controls with TMD pain, more reported having a bad life, feeling like a failure and having bodily pain. Among tested background variables, only TMJ locking or intermittent locking once a week or more was found to explain TMD pain in adolescents.

Conclusion

A high frequency of TMD pain was found in both groups, one possible explanation could be TMJ dysfunction.
Can we stop nucleoside analogues before HBsAg loss?
Authors: Papatheodoridi Margarita , Papatheodoridis George
Published: February 2019

Most of the current guidelines and the existing data suggest that long‐term therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) [NA(s)] may be stopped in carefully selected chronic hepatitis B patients who remain HBsAg positive. In particular, NA(s) may be discontinued in such patients without pre‐existing cirrhosis who achieved long‐term on‐therapy virological remission (>12 months of HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA undetectability for initially HBeAg‐positive cases; ≥3 years of HBV DNA undetectability for HBeAg‐negative cases) and are expected to remain under close follow‐up after NA(s) discontinuation. The majority of patients will develop post‐NA(s) virological relapses and a proportion of them will have biochemical relapses and occasionally flares, but prompt retreatment can reintroduce remission. No reliable predictor(s) of post‐NA(s) relapses have been identified so far. HBsAg loss develops in a progressively increasing proportion of chronic hepatitis B patients who discontinue NA(s) with HBsAg loss rates being higher in Caucasian patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B. Follow‐up at least every 3 months for the first year seems to be appropriate for all chronic hepatitis B patients who discontinue NA(s), while HBeAg‐negative patients need to be followed more closely (monthly) during the first 3 months. Predefined criteria for retreatment are quite important, and the best candidates for retreatment are probably the patients with persistent (≥3 months) liver disease activity and those with severe flares.
Temporal niche differentiation among species changes with habitat productivity and light conditions
Authors: Huang Lin , Xue Wei , Herben Tomáš
Published: February 2019

Aim

Niche differentiation along the temporal axis has often been suggested as a potential mechanism of species coexistence. Species may co‐occur by shifting timing of growth, or by changing their growth rate to avoid competition for resources, namely light. However, due to the lack of data on growth phenology of a large set of species, we do not know how common each phenomenon is and whether the phenology of coexisting species shows a non‐random distribution, which would be indicative of either niche differentiation or resource competition.

Location

Czech Republic.

Methods

We recorded growth phenological data of 381 perennial herbaceous species in plant collections in the Botanical Garden of Charles University in Prague, allowing frequent recordings on a large number of species that grow in conditions close to their natural habitats. We used the measurements to derive the day of peak growth and two types of growth rates. We then used co‐occurrence data of these species from the Czech National Phytosociological Database and examined whether co‐occurring species show non‐random patterns of these parameters in 11 individual habitats, which were identified by the European Nature Information System.

Results

We found large differences among habitat types, partly due to differences in habitat productivity, indicated by the mean height and summed cover of all species in the habitats. Unexpectedly, we did not find temporal niche differentiation in woodlands, indicating the day of peak growth of species was essentially random. Growth rates in forests were strongly over‐dispersed. This pattern contrasted with grasslands where the distribution of all parameters showed synchronization, which is likely because plants need to succeed in asymmetric competition for light.

Conclusion

These data provide the first quantitative assessment of differences in growth dynamics across communities and show one of the first unequivocal demonstrations of trait overdispersion in plant communities.
Direct‐acting antivirals and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: The end of a polemic?
Authors: Pol Stanislas , Vallet‐Pichard Anaïs , Fontaine Hélène , Carrat Fabrice
Published: February 2019

See Article on Page 448
Effect of mild hypothermia on cerebral microcirculation in a murine cardiopulmonary resuscitation model
Authors: Yu Haifang , Wang Lin , Zhang Haihong , Wei Wei , Chen Yao , Tang Wanchun , Wan Zhi
Published: February 2019

Background

We hypothesized that mild hypothermia may improve brain microcirculation by reducing cerebral microvascular endothelial cells apoptosis, and this effect may be maximized by moving up the initiation of mild hypothermia from after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Methods

A total of 35 rats were randomized into the intra‐arrest hypothermia group (IAH), post‐resuscitation hypothermia group (PRH), normothermia group (NT), or the sham control group. A craniotomy exposed the parietal cortex for visualization of microcirculation. Ventricular fibrillation was electrically induced and untreated for 8 minutes, followed by 8 minutes of precordial compression and mechanical ventilation. Hypothermia (33 ± 0.5°C) in the IAH and PRH group was induced and maintained for 6 hours at the beginning of CPR or after ROSC, respectively. At baseline, 1, 3, and 6 hours, hemodynamic parameters were measured and the pial microcirculations were visualized with a sidestream dark field imaging video microscope. Microvascular flow index and perfused microvessel density (PMD) were calculated. Rats were euthanized, and brain tissues were removed at 3 and 6 hours separately. Expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, and Caspase 3 in brain microvascular endothelial cells was examined by Western blot.

Results

Microvascular flow index and PMD were significantly reduced after cardiac arrest and resuscitation (all P < 0.05), and the former was largely preserved by hypothermia regardless when the hypothermia treatment was induced (P < 0.05). Bax and Caspase 3 increased and Bcl‐2 decreased significantly after resuscitation, and hypothermia treatment reversed the trend partly (all P < 0.05). A moderate correlation was observed between MFI and those proteins (Bcl‐2/BAX: 3 hours: r = 0.730, P = 0.002; 6 hours: r = 0.743, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Mild hypothermia improves cerebral microcirculatory blood supply, partly by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis. Mild hypothermia induced simultaneously with CPR has shown no additional benefit in microcirculation or endothelial cell apoptosis.
Beyond and around mandatory reporting in nursing practice: Interrupting a series of deferrals
Authors: Einboden Rochelle , Rudge Trudy , Varcoe Colleen
Published: February 2019

Nurses are well positioned to contribute to child protection efforts but are underutilised. This paper describes a critical discursive analysis of nursing responses to child neglect and abuse (CN&A) in British Columbia, Canada. Legal and practice guidelines were analysed alongside nurse interview texts, offering a glimpse into how nurses prevent CN&A in their everyday practice with families. Results show how the primacy of mandatory reporting to child protection authorities coordinates a series of deferrals and how nurses engage with and interrupt these deferrals in everyday practice. Nurses' relational approaches are essential to gain access to the private sphere of the family to assess, plan, elicit cooperation with interventions and monitor the situation. They considered reporting to be one among many possible responses. This study highlights how nursing contributions to prevention are largely overlooked and points to the potential for a more significant role for nurses in a public health approach to child protection.
A two genes – for – one gene interaction between Leptosphaeria maculans and Brassica napus
Authors: Petit‐Houdenot Yohann , Degrave Alexandre , Meyer Michel , Blaise Françoise , Ollivier Bénédicte , Marais Claire‐Line , Jauneau Alain , Audran Corinne , Rivas Susana , Veneault‐Fourrey Claire , Brun Hortense , Rouxel Thierry , Fudal Isabelle , Balesdent Marie‐Hélène
Published: February 2019

Interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans, causal agent of stem canker of oilseed rape, and its Brassica hosts are models of choice to explore the multiplicity of ‘gene‐for‐gene’ complementarities and how they diversified to increased complexity in the course of plant–pathogen co‐evolution. Here, we support this postulate by investigating the AvrLm10 avirulence that induces a resistance response when recognized by the Brassica nigra resistance gene Rlm10.

Using genome‐assisted map‐based cloning, we identified and cloned two AvrLm10 candidates as two genes in opposite transcriptional orientation located in a subtelomeric repeat‐rich region of the genome. The AvrLm10 genes encode small secreted proteins and show expression profiles in planta similar to those of all L. maculans avirulence genes identified so far.

Complementation and silencing assays indicated that both genes are necessary to trigger Rlm10 resistance. Three assays for protein–protein interactions showed that the two AvrLm10 proteins interact physically in vitro and in planta.

Some avirulence genes are recognized by two distinct resistance genes and some avirulence genes hide the recognition specificities of another. Our L. maculans model illustrates an additional case where two genes located in opposite transcriptional orientation are necessary to induce resistance. Interestingly, orthologues exist for both L. maculans genes in other phytopathogenic species, with a similar genome organization, which may point to an important conserved effector function linked to heterodimerization of the two proteins.
A dynamic theoretical framework of gradual institutional changes
Authors: Koreh Michal , Mandelkern Ronen , Shpaizman Ilana
Published: February 2019

How do institutions transform? To answer that question, this article introduces a dynamic theoretical framework of gradual institutional changes. Instead of looking at each mode of gradual change—like layering or drift—as a stand‐alone process, we examine how the application of one mode of change affects the opportunities of change agents to induce additional modes of gradual transformation. We first point to the fact that any single mode of change produces a real but limited transformation. Nevertheless, since the application of a gradual mode of change alters the institutional context, it opens new change opportunities by affecting the support in the targeted institution and/or its internal coherence. Consequently, change agents who aspire to comprehensive transformation will be able to use these new opportunities to implement additional modes of gradual transformation. Two case studies of gradual social policy transformations in Israel exemplify these theoretical assertions.
Fetal umbilical, cerebral and pulmonary blood flow patterns in relation to lung function and asthma in childhood. The Generation R Study
Authors: Kooijman Marjolein N. , van Meel Evelien R. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Reiss Irwin K. M. , de Jongste Johan C. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: February 2019

Background

Fetal growth restriction is associated with higher risks of childhood respiratory morbidity. Fetal blood flow adaptations might contribute to these associations. We examined the associations of fetal umbilical, cerebral, and pulmonary blood flow with wheezing patterns, lung function, and asthma in childhood.

Methods

In a population‐based prospective cohort study among 903 children, we measured fetal umbilical, cerebral, and pulmonary blood flow by pulsed‐wave Doppler at a median gestational age of 30.3 (95% range 28.8‐32.3) weeks. We obtained information about wheezing patterns until the age of 6 years by questionnaires. Lung function was measured by spirometry and information about current asthma was obtained by questionnaire at the age of 10 years.

Results

Results showed a non‐significant relationship between a higher umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) and umbilical artery PI/cerebral artery PI ratio, indicating fetal blood flow redistribution at the expense of the trunk, with higher risks of early wheezing (OR [95% CI]: 2.07 (0.70‐6.10) and 2.74 (0.60, 12.62) per unit increase, respectively). A higher pulmonary artery time velocity integral, indicating higher pulmonary vascular resistance, was associated with a higher risk of late/persistent wheezing (Z‐score 1.14 [1.01‐1.29]). A higher middle cerebral artery PI was associated with a higher FEV1/FVC (Z‐score [95% CI]: 0.21 [0.01‐0.42]). Results did not materially change after additional adjustment for birth and growth characteristics.

Conclusion

Third‐trimester fetal blood flow patterns might be related to childhood respiratory health. These findings should be considered as hypothesis generating and need further replication.
Transformation strategies for stable expression of complex hetero‐multimeric proteins like secretory immunoglobulin A in plants
Authors: Palaci Jorge , Virdi Vikram , Depicker Ann
Published: February 2019

Plant expression systems have proven to be exceptional in producing high‐value complex polymeric proteins such as secretory IgAs (SIgAs). However, polymeric protein production requires the expression of multiple genes, which can be transformed as single or multiple T‐DNA units to generate stable transgenic plant lines. Here, we evaluated four strategies to stably transform multiple genes and to obtain high expression of all components. Using the in‐seed expression of a simplified secretory IgA (sSIgA) as a reference molecule, we conclude that it is better to spread the genes over two T‐DNAs than to contain them in a single T‐DNA, because of the presence of homologous recombination events and gene silencing. These T‐DNAs can be cotransformed to obtain transgenic plants in one transformation step. However, if time permits, more transformants with high production levels of the polymeric protein can be obtained either by sequential transformation or by in‐parallel transformation followed by crossing of transformants independently selected for excellent expression of the genes in each T‐DNA.
Changes in the vertical distribution of leaf area enhanced light interception efficiency in maize over generations of selection
Authors: Perez Raphaël P.A. , Fournier Christian , Cabrera‐Bosquet Llorenç , Artzet Simon , Pradal Christophe , Brichet Nicolas , Chen Tsu‐Wei , Chapuis Romain , Welcker Claude , Tardieu François
Published: February 2019

Breeders select for yield, thereby indirectly selecting for traits that contribute to it. We tested if breeding has affected a range of traits involved in plant architecture and light interception, via the analysis of a panel of 60 maize hybrids released from 1950 to 2015. This was based on novel traits calculated from reconstructions derived from a phenotyping platform. The contribution of these traits to light interception was assessed in virtual field canopies composed of 3D plant reconstructions, with a model tested in a real field. Two categories of traits had different contributions to genetic progress. (a) The vertical distribution of leaf area had a high heritability and showed a marked trend over generations of selection. Leaf area tended to be located at lower positions in the canopy, thereby improving light penetration and distribution in the canopy. This potentially increased the carbon availability to ears, via the amount of light absorbed by the intermediate canopy layer. (b) Neither the horizontal distribution of leaves in the relation to plant rows nor the response of light interception to plant density showed appreciable trends with generations. Hence, among many architectural traits, the vertical distribution of leaf area was the main indirect target of selection.
Combination hyperbaric oxygen therapy and ustekinumab for severe hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Provini Lauren E. , Stellar Judith J. , Stetzer Molly N. , Nguyen Phuong D. , Jen Melinda
Published: February 2019

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by inflammatory nodules that can lead to sinus tracts and scarring. Numerous treatments have been reported, though none have reliable efficacy. Antiinflammatory agents, such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors and interleukin inhibitors, have been used as medical therapy for refractory cases. We describe here a case of severe hidradenitis suppurativa in a pediatric patient successfully treated with a combination of high‐dose ustekinumab and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Starvation‐induced autophagy in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 ovarian cells
Authors: Yang Ruopeng , Shang Xiyu , Wang Chuanming , Li Mijie , Jiang Chengyan , Lu Haiju , Kong Qiong , Gao Bo , Yang Wanying , Cao Yang , Xie Kun
Published: February 2019

Autophagy controls insect development and can be targeted for pest control in agriculture. In the present study, starvation‐induced autophagy is investigated in the insect species Spodoptera frugiperda. Bioinformatics analysis and a search of the EST database (http://bioweb.ensam.inra.fr/spodobase) identifies a putative ATG8 gene of S. frugiperda. To generate a biomarker of autophagosome, the DNA sequence encoding the open reading frame of this gene is amplified and cloned into a pIEX‐4‐mCherry‐EGFP‐SfATG8 recombinant vector. Sf9 cells are then transfected with this expression vector and starved in phosphate‐buffered saline solution for 4 h to induce autophagy, which is examined by LysoTracker staining (Life Technologies, Grand Island, New York), western blotting and fluorescence microscopy. The results obtained show that starvation stimulates lipidation of SfATG8‐PE and the formation of autophagosomes, providing a foundation for further research with respect to autophagy in insects.
Comparison of techniques for estimation of resting spores of Plasmodiophora brassicae in soil
Authors: Gossen B. D. , Al‐Daoud F. , Dumonceaux T. , Dalton J. A. , Peng G. , Pageau D. , McDonald M. R.
Published: February 2019

Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) is an important disease of canola (Brassica napus) and other brassica crops. Accurate estimation of inoculum load in soil is important for evaluating producer risk in planting a susceptible crop, but also for evaluation of management practices such as crop rotation. This study compared five molecular techniques for estimating P. brassicae resting spores in soil: quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), competitive positive internal control PCR (CPIC‐PCR), propidium monoazide PCR (PMA‐PCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and loop‐mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP). For ddPCR and LAMP, calibrations were developed using spiked soil samples. The comparison was carried out using soil samples collected from a long‐term rotation study at Normandin, Québec, with replicated plots representing 0‐, 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 5‐ and 6‐year breaks following susceptible canola infested with clubroot. CPIC‐PCR and ddPCR provided repeatable estimates of resting spore numbers in soil compared with estimates from qPCR or LAMP alone. CPIC‐PCR provided the most robust measurement of spore concentration, especially in the 2 years following a crop of susceptible canola, because it corrected for effects of PCR inhibitors. PMA‐PCR demonstrated that a large proportion of the DNA of P. brassicae detected in soil after the susceptible canola crop was derived from spores that were immature or otherwise not viable. Each assay provided a similar pattern of spore concentration in soil, which supported the conclusion of a previous study at this site that resting spore numbers declined rapidly in the first 2 years after a susceptible crop, but much more slowly subsequently.
Environmental vulnerability, age and the promises of anti‐age discrimination law
Authors: Kaya Refia
Published: February 2019

Discussions on equality between age groups and the practice of anti‐age discrimination law often tend to focus on the rights of the elderly on the labour market. This article is motivated by the current climate change cases, which emphasize broader age inequalities. It aims to highlight the unexplored potential of anti‐age discrimination law. Moreover, it explores the possible added value of this law when other legal ways to defend environmental rights are considered. Anti‐age discrimination law could thus offer a meaningful and effective ground to address age‐related environmental vulnerabilities.
Reacting to Invasive Species: The Construction of a Moral Panic over Burmese Pythons
Authors: Moloney Chris , Unnithan N. Prabha
Published: February 2019

A variety of animals occupy the bad side of the Arluke‐Sanders (1996) socio‐zoological scale, including “invasives.” We contribute to the literature on animals and social problems by examining the societal reaction toward invasive Burmese pythons, focusing on the claims‐making process that culminated in the construction of a moral panic about these snakes. We seek to enhance sociological and public knowledge about social problems involving invasive species—a category of non‐human animals, plants, and organisms that attract significant scientific, political, and public attention. We draw from the work of, among others, Arluke and Sanders (1996), Nagy and Johnson (2013) and Jerolmack (2008) and argue that problematizing some animals, especially invasive species, involves the use of claims about ecological and physical harms. However, these claims do not come from the same sources or arouse similar responses. For strategic purposes, claims‐makers may rely on assertions that an animal is physically threatening, rather than ecologically threatening. They may emphasize the dangerousness or lethality of the animal to create fear and generate momentum toward a desired policy response, typically involving control or eradication of the animal. The goal is to restore the boundary between humans and nature which the animal's presence has disrupted.
Enteral iron supplementation, red blood cell transfusion, and risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very‐low‐birth‐weight infants
Authors: Patel Ravi Mangal , Knezevic Andrea , Yang Jing , Shenvi Neeta , Hinkes Michael , Roback John D. , Easley Kirk A. , Josephson Cassandra D.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Enteral iron supplementation and RBC transfusions are routinely administered to very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants, although the potential risks of these exposures have not been adequately quantified. This study evaluated the association between the cumulative dose of enteral iron supplementation, total volume of RBCs transfused, and risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in VLBW infants.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective, multicenter observational cohort study in Atlanta, Georgia. Cumulative supplemental enteral iron exposure and total volume of RBCs transfused were measured until the age at assessment of BPD. Multivariable generalized linear models were used to control for confounding, and the reliability of the factors was assessed in 1000 bootstrap models.

RESULTS

A total of 598 VLBW infants were studied. In multivariable analyses, a greater cumulative dose of supplemental enteral iron exposure was associated with an increased risk of BPD (adjusted relative risk per 50‐mg increase, 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.11; p = 0.002). Similarly, a greater volume of RBCs transfused was associated with a higher risk of BPD (adjusted relative risk per 20‐mL increase, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.07; p < 0.001). Both factors were reliably associated with BPD (>50%). Volume of RBCs transfused was similar to gestational age in reliability as a risk factor for BPD (present in 100% of models) and was more reliable than mechanical ventilation at 1 week of age.

CONCLUSION

The cumulative dose of supplemental enteral iron exposure and total volume of RBC transfusion are both independently associated with an increased risk of BPD in VLBW infants.
Improvement of mechanical properties and fatigue life by shot peening process on ASTM A516 Grade 70 steel
Authors: Isa Mohd Rashdan , Zaroog Omar Suliman , Murugan Kalaikathir , Kabashi Guma Sharif Osman , Saeid Ali Fareg
Published: February 2019

ASTM A516 Grade 70 is widely used in the industrial sector as it provides very good mechanical properties in tough conditions. The main usage of this material is in moderate and low operating services. This paper focuses on the effect of shot peening process on ASTM A516 Grade 70 on improving the mechanical properties and fatigue life of the material. Samples have been shot peened with steel shot to induce compressive residual stress. Hardness, tensile and fatigue test as well as microstructure were done on the samples before and after shot peening process to study the effects on mechanical properties. The result shows that there is an increment in every test after shot peening process. There is a slight increment of 0.47% in hardness value, 0.39% increment in tensile strength and 6.78% increment in fatigue life of the material after shot peening process applied. The slight increment in every result was due to the low intensity of the shot peening process. Result also shows that the shot peening process compressed the molecules closer to each other as can be seen under SEM. Therefore it was proven that in this study, there is a very significant improvement in mechanical properties and fatigue life by shot peening process on ASTM A516 Grade 70 Steel.
Norm estimations, continuity, and compactness for Khatri-Rao products of Hilbert Space operators
Authors: Ploymukda Arnon , Chansangiam Pattrawut
Published: February 2019

We provide estimations for the operator norm, the trace norm, and the Hilbert-Schmidt norm for Khatri-Rao products of Hilbert space operators. It follows that the Khatri-Rao product is continuous on norm ideals of compact operators equipped with the topologies induced by such norms. Moreover, if two operators are represented by block matrices in which each block is nonzero, then their Khatri-Rao product is compact if and only if both operators are compact. The Khatri-Rao product of two operators are trace-class (Hilbert-Schmidt class) if and only if each factor is trace-class (Hilbert-Schmidt class, respectively).
Separation of xanthone and vitamin E from Calophyllum inophyllum leaf
Authors: Aparamarta Hakun Wirawasista , Hapsari Safrina , Ismawan Reinaldi , Anggraeni Violita , Widjaja Arief , Widjaja Tri , Ju Yi-Hsu , Gunawan Setiyo
Published: February 2019

Calophyllum inophyllum (nyamplung) has many advantages start from stems, leaves, roots, to seeds. Indonesian society generally only know that seeds can produce biodiesel. Nyamplung leaves have bioactive compounds, such as xanthone that can be used for medical purposed. Recently, quantification of xanthone and vitamin E in the nyamplung leaf still doesn’t exist. This research aims to isolate and quantify the content of xanthone and vitamin E from the crude nyamplung leaf. The separation is done through liquid-liquid extraction with methanol and petroleum ether (PE) to obtain two layers namely non-polar fraction (PE fraction) and polar fraction (methanol fraction). The mass ratio of solvent mixture-to-crude extract (10,30, 50 and 70) and the mass ratio of PE-to-methanol (1 and 3) were applied and analyzed by TLC, GC-MS, and UV-Vis. Xanthones (0.150 equilibrium constant, 15.16% purity and 94.43% recovery) were obtained in the methanol fraction based on the mass ratio of solvent mixture-to-crude extract of 70 and mass ratio of PE-to-methanol at 1.From GC-MS, Xanthones were detected in the methanol fraction with quality of 94% and Vitamin E was detected in the petroleum ether fraction with quality of 99%.
Synthesis and characterization of zeolite NaX from Bangka Belitung Kaolin as alternative precursor
Authors: Iftitahiyah Vita Nur , Prasetyoko Didik , Nur Hadi , Bahruji Hasliza , Hartati Hartati
Published: February 2019

The potential use of kaolin as silica and alumina precursor for the synthesis of zeolite NaX was investigated in this study. The synthesis involved three steps of reactions; the preparation of seed gel, the formation of feedstock gel using kaolin and the combination of overall gel followed by hydrothermal treatment at 105°C for 12 hours. Analysis using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) method indicated the transformation of kaolin into pure phase zeolite NaX with a small amount of kaolin was still visible. Detail microscopic analysis showed the morphology of zeolite X consisted of octahedral particles with a crystallite diameter of 20-30 µm. Analysis of surface acidity using pyridine as probe molecule indicated the zeolite X has high Brǿnsted acidity with 0.181 mmol/g of acid sites, significantly higher than Lewis acidity ~0.053 mmol/g. The N2 adsorption-desorption measurement indicated a type IV material with both microporous and mesoporous structures with an average pore size of 1.47 nm for micropore and 3.41 nm for mesoporous.
Increasing the ionic conductivity of solid state polymer electrolyte using fly ash as a filler
Authors: Ni'mah Yatim Lailun , Taufik Muhammad Fajar , Maezah Atetegap , Kurniawan Fredy
Published: February 2019

Polymer electrolytes film based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) complexes with NaClO4 salt with a ratio of EO: Na = 20:1 and fly ash as filler has been prepared by solution casting technique. The crystallinity of the solid polymer electrolyte was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The interaction between PEO and Na-ions confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) analysis. The ionic conductivity of the solid polymer electrolyte was investigated by impedance analysis from 1 MHz to 1 Hz at a varied temperature of 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C. The maximum ionic conductivity of EO: Na = 20 was 5.31 x 10-5 S cm-1 and increases to 2.13 x 10-4 S cm-1 by the addition of fly ash 5% at the temperature of 60°C.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Evelyn Angelia
Published: February 2019

Reviewer AcknowledgementsApplied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 1 Anastasia Kopaneli, University of Patras, GreeceNoriaki Okamoto, Rikkyo University, JapanVineet Chouhan, Sir Padampat Singhania University, IndiaYu Peng Lin, University of Detroit Mercy, USAMarco Muscettola, Independent researcher, ItalyZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USALektore Oltiana Muharremi, University of Vlora, AlbaniaJayendra S. Gokhale, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USAMohamed Jalloh, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), NigeriaRui Fernandes, Porto Accounting and Business School, PortugalNikolay Patonov, European Polytechnical University, BulgariaMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoGheorghe Morosan, Stefan Cel Mare University Suceava Romania, RomaniaNicoleta Radneantu, Romanian – American University, RomanianAugustine Akhidime, Benson Idahosa University, NigeriaHajar Jahangard , Central Bank of Iran(CBI), IranHassan Rkein , Al Maaref University , LebanonAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelIoan Bogdan Robu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, RomaniaLingesiya Kengatharan, University of Jaffna, Sri LankaMohammad Sami Ali Al-Dahrawi, Zarqa University, Jordan  Angelia EvelynEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and AccountingRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail: afa@redfame.comURL: http://afa.redfame.com
Teachers Reaction to a Tailored Incredible Years Classroom Management Programme for Children with ADHD Symptoms in Addis Ababa
Authors: Mohammed Feruz Abdurahman
Published: February 2019

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a persistent pattern of behaviours characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Teaching children with ADHD is more stressful than teaching children without the disorder. This study examines teachers reaction towards a tailored Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management programme aimed to enhance classroom management skills of a group of 10 teachers of children with ADHD symptoms in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is the first study to evaluate the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management programme in African context. A one-group posttest-only experimental design was implemented. Ten teachers received the tailored Incredible Years Teacher training in a full-day session once a week for six weeks. The teachers drafted intervention plans at each session and implemented the strategies the following weeks in their classrooms. The teachers participated in an individual coaching sessions every week to help with implementation of the learned strategies and assess their level of performance. The teachers completed various structured and semi-structured questionnaires at the end of the intervention. The result of the study indicated that teachers were satisfied with the delivery of the programme; its content and practicality. Teachers reported that they were happy with the effects of the programme on children’s behaviour in the classroom. The teachers also indicated that they would recommend the programme to other colleagues. In light of the findings, teachers’ reaction, limitations and implications for future research were discussed.
Mechanism for etching of exfoliated graphene on substrates by low-energy electron irradiation from helium plasma electron sources
Authors: Femi-Oyetoro John D. , Yao Kevin , Tang Runtian , Ecton Phillip , Roccapriore Kevin , Mhlanga Ashley , Verbeck Guido , Weathers Duncan L. , Perez Jose M.
Published: February 2019

The authors investigate the mechanism for etching of exfoliated graphene multilayers on SiO2 by low-energy (50 eV) electron irradiation using He plasma systems for electron sources. A mechanism for this etching has been previously proposed in which the incident electrons traverse the graphene and dissociate oxygen from the SiO2 substrate at the graphene/SiO2 interface. The dissociated oxygen reacts with carbon defects formed by the electron irradiation and thereby etches the graphene from below. They study etching using graphene flakes of various thicknesses on SiO2, low and higher resistivity Si, indium tin oxide (ITO), and silicon carbide (SiC). They find that thicker layer graphene on SiO2 does not etch less than thinner layers, contrary to the previously proposed model. They find that etching does not occur on low-resistivity Si and ITO. Etching occurs on higher resistivity Si and SiC, although much less than on SiO2. This is attributed to He ion sputtering and vacancy formation. From these observations, they propose that oxygen etches graphene from above rather than below. In addition, they propose He ions instead of incident electrons cause the defects that oxygen reacts with and etches.
Conversion of Mevalonate 3-Kinase into 5-Phosphomevalonate 3-Kinase by Single Amino Acid Mutations
Authors: Motoyama Kento , Sobue Fumiaki , Kawaide Hiroshi , Yoshimura Tohru , Hemmi Hisashi
Published: February 2019

Isoprenoid is the largest family of natural compounds, including important bioactive molecules such as vitamins, hormones, and natural medicines. The mevalonate pathway is a target for metabolic engineering because it supplies precursors for isoprenoid biosynthesis. Mevalonate 3-kinase is an enzyme involved in the modified mevalonate pathway specific to limited species of thermophilic archaea. Replacement of a single amino acid residue in the active site of the enzyme changed its substrate preference and allowed the mutant enzymes to catalyze a previously undiscovered reaction. Using the genes encoding the mutant enzymes and other archaeal enzymes, we constructed an artificial mevalonate pathway, which can produce the precursor of isoprenoid through an unexplored route, in bacterial cells.
The Latency-Associated Transcript Inhibits Apoptosis via Downregulation of Components of the Type I Interferon Pathway during Latent Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Ocular Infection
Authors: Tormanen Kati , Allen Sariah , Mott Kevin R. , Ghiasi Homayon
Published: February 2019

The HSV-1 latency reactivation cycle is the cause of significant human pathology. The HSV-1 latency-associated transcript (LAT) functions by regulating latency and reactivation, in part by inhibiting apoptosis. However, the mechanism of this process is unknown. Here we show that LAT likely controls apoptosis via downregulation of several components in the JAK-STAT pathway. Furthermore, we provide evidence that immune exhaustion is not caused by the antiapoptotic activity of the LAT.
Taming the Triskelion: Bacterial Manipulation of Clathrin
Authors: Latomanski Eleanor A. , Newton Hayley J.
Published: February 2019

The entry of pathogens into nonphagocytic host cells has received much attention in the past three decades, revealing a vast array of strategies employed by bacteria and viruses. A method of internalization that has been extensively studied in the context of viral infections is the use of the clathrin-mediated pathway.
d
-Serine Degradation by Proteus mirabilis Contributes to Fitness during Single-Species and Polymicrobial Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Brauer Aimee L. , White Ashley N. , Learman Brian S. , Johnson Alexandra O. , Armbruster Chelsie E.
Published: February 2019

Urinary tract infections are among the most common health care-associated infections worldwide, the majority of which involve a urinary catheter (CAUTI). Our recent investigation of CAUTIs in nursing home residents identified
Proteus mirabilis
,
Enterococcus
species, and
Escherichia coli
as the three most common organisms. These infections are also often polymicrobial, and we identified
Morganella morganii
,
Enterococcus
species, and
Providencia stuartii
as being more prevalent during polymicrobial CAUTI than single-species infection. Our research therefore focuses on identifying “core” fitness factors that are highly conserved in
P. mirabilis
and that contribute to infection regardless of the presence of these other organisms. In this study, we determined that the ability to degrade
d
-serine, the most abundant
d
-amino acid in urine and serum, strongly contributes to
P. mirabilis
fitness within the urinary tract, even when competing for nutrients with another organism.
d
-Serine uptake and degradation therefore represent potential targets for disruption of
P. mirabilis
infections.
Negative creep of soils
Authors: Yao Yang-Ping , Fang Yu-Fei
Published: February 2019

After unloading, the deformation of soils cannot be stable immediately, but continues to expand over time even under constant pressure. In this paper, the expansive deformation over time when effective stress is kept constant is defined as the negative creep, while the compressive creep is described as the positive creep. The division between positive creep and negative creep is named the stable normal compression line (SNCL), on which the stress–strain behaviour of the soil is time-independent. Based on the concept of the SNCL and test results, a new formula for creep is proposed. This formula is simple in form and has less parameters, and both negative creep and positive creep can be well predicted. By incorporating this formula into the current yield function of the unified hardening model, a new time-dependent current yield function is built. Combining the yield function, a flow rule, and transformed stress method, a new three-dimensional time-dependent constitutive model considering both positive and negative creep for clays is derived and presented. The new model is then validated by test results, including multistage loading oedometer tests, triaxial undrained creep tests, and triaxial undrained compression tests at the constant strain rates.
NON-LINEAR EFFECTS OF TERRORISM ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN PAKISTAN: ACCOUNTING FOR CAPITAL PER WORKER AND STRUCTURAL BREAKS
Authors: KUMAR RONALD RAVINESH , SHAHZAD SYED JAWAD HUSSAIN , STAUVERMANN PETER JOSEF , KUMAR NIKEEL
Published: February 2019

In this study, we examine the asymmetric effects of terrorism and economic growth in Pakistan over the period 1970–2016, while considering the role of capital per worker and structural breaks. We use the non-linear ARDL approach to establish the long-run association and to estimate the short-run and long-run effects accordingly. The results indicate the presence of asymmetries in both long and short run. Moreover, 1% decrease in terrorism results in an increase of per capita income by 0.02% in the long run and 0.001% in the short run. Assuming symmetry, the long run capital share is 0.47. In asymmetric relation, a 1% increase in capital share increases output by 0.55%, whereas a 1% decrease in capital stock decreases output by 0.26%. The break effects show that the years 1993 and 2004 have negative effects on growth. The vector error correction model-based causality results indicate a unidirectional causality from terrorism to per capita income. Overall, the results highlight that terrorism is growth retarding.