bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teratozoospermia: Its association with sperm DNA defects, apoptotic alterations, and oxidative stress
Authors: Ammar Oumaima , Mehdi Meriem , Muratori Monica
Published: February 2020

This study was carried out to evaluate the level of nuclear sperm DNA damage in men with isolated polymorphic teratozoospermia and examining its relationship with apoptosis and oxidative stress. A total of 89 subjects were divided into two groups: men with isolated teratozoospermia (n = 69) and men with normal semen parameters (n = 20) as controls. Sperm DNA breaks were determined by using acridine orange staining. The proportion of viable spermatozoa with mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization was detected by fluorescence microscopy through the use of MitoPTJC‐1 staining method. Bivariate Annexin V/6‐CFDA analysis was then set out in order to measure the percentage of both viable and dead spermatozoa with phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. Seminal antioxidant profile (reduced glutathione (GSHr); oxidized glutathione (GSSG); glutathione S‐transferase (GST)) and total protein sulfhydryl (P‐SH) concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Men with isolated teratozoospermia, when compared to controls, showed significantly increased level of single sperm DNA breaks and higher proportions of spermatozoa with phosphatidylserine externalization and mitochondrial depolarization. Among the differently studied oxidative stress seminal parameters, the rates of seminal GSHr, GST, and P‐SH were significantly decreased in the teratozoospermic group. However, the seminal rates of GSSG and GST have decreased, but only GST did not show a significant difference. Interestingly, significant correlations were found between the studied apoptotic markers and the rate of atypical sperm forms with the incidences of head abnormalities. Furthermore, positive inter‐correlations were found between sperm DNA defects, impaired seminal antioxidant status, and the apoptotic sperm markers. Such data provide clear evidence that the apoptotic alterations are closely correlated to abnormal sperm morphology and DNA damage. Moreover, decreased seminal antioxidant profile may be a crucial factor involved in the mechanism of sperm cell death‐mediated DNA breaks in teratozoospermic semen.
Topical wound anaesthesia: efficacy to mitigate piglet castration pain
Authors: Sheil ML , Chambers M , Sharpe B
Published: February 2020

Objective

There is a critical need for safe and effective analgesic treatments to address pain resulting from surgical husbandry procedures in livestock. Piglet castration results in acute pain and stress to the animal; however, it is performed globally on millions of piglets annually, often without any analgesia what‐so‐ever. Tri‐Solfen® (Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, Yarra Glen, Victoria, Australia) is a combination local anaesthetic and antiseptic formulation which, applied topically to wounds, has proven effective, and is registered for use to alleviate pain associated with castration (and other wounds) in lambs and calves in Australia and New Zealand. It is also reported to be effective to reduce pain in piglets following castration.

Design

This randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled study examined the safety and efficacy of the formulation, administered via an adapted wound instillation method, to control pain both during and following piglet castration.

Method

Piglets received Tri‐Solfen or placebo, instilled to the wound immediately following skin incision. A 30 s wait period was then observed prior to completing castration. Pain mitigation was assessed by grading nociceptive resistance movements and piglet vocal response during castration, as well as by grading response to mechanical sensory stimulation of the wound (von Frey and needlestick) following castration.

Results

There was a significant reduction in nociceptive motor and vocal response during castration and in response to mechanical sensory wound stimulation up to and including 2 h following castration. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

Administered via this method, Tri‐Solfen is effective to mitigate acute peri‐operative castration pain in piglets.
The Influence of Unions on CSR: Is There a Trade‐Off Between Employee‐Oriented and Non–Employee‐Oriented Policies?
Authors: Boodoo Muhammad Umar
Published: February 2020

Strategic managers are consistently faced with decisions of how to allocate a company's scarce resources to meet the demands of shareholders and other powerful and legitimate stakeholders. This article analyses whether higher union density at company level pushes management to engage more in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Drawing from stakeholder theory and the resource allocation approach of CSR as well as union voice and monopoly models, this article finds that companies have to substitute non–employee‐oriented CSR with employee‐oriented CSR as union density increases but is still at low levels. At higher levels of union density, companies can complement both types of CSR. This perhaps represents a reinforcement of mutual interests between management and organized labour, which has implications for managerial prerogatives as well as union positioning in the labour and political process.
BAP1‐inactivated melanocytic tumor with preserved BAP1 expression? Morphology to the rescue!
Authors: Duncan Lyn M. , Tetzlaff Michael T.
Published: February 2020

BAP1‐inactivated melanocytic tumors typically present with distinctive histopathological changes and loss of nuclear BAP1 protein expression. Rare cases exhibit the typical morphology but with preserved expression of BAP1. In the current issue of Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Linos et al. describe such a case and provide a comprehensive molecular‐genetic exploration to explain such a phenomenon.
Influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the preferred format of health education delivery in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and or cardiovascular disease: a questionnaire study
Authors: Woolley A. K. , Chudasama Y. , Seidu S. I. , Gillies C. , Schreder S. , Davies M. J. , Khunti K.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To examine the influence of sociodemographic factors of interest on preference for a particular health education format among people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease.

Methods

A questionnaire was used to collect information on the influence of six sociodemographic factors of interest on the preference for health education formats in people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. Chi‐squared tests were used to examine the distribution of preferences between groups. The characteristics of the population preferring the online format were then examined in more detail using logistic regression.

Results

Responses were received from 1559 participants. Overall the preferred health education format was one‐to‐one learning from a doctor or nurse (67%). Age, gender, diagnosis and educational level all affected the preferences expressed. The characteristics showing most consistent and significant influence were age and educational level. Overall, 29% ranked the online format highly (scores 1 or 2). This group were more likely to be aged < 65 years (P < 0.001) and to have a higher level of educational attainment (upper secondary education or higher; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Significant differences between sociodemographic groups exist in preferences for health education formats among people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. Preferences should be considered when designing educational interventions to ensure they are accessible to the target group and to avoid increases in health inequality.
Panel of novel urine biomarkers for incident microalbuminuria in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yamashita S. , Shinozaki T. , Murata H. , Matsuyama Y. , Babazono T.
Published: February 2020

Aim

The need to identify novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic nephropathy is widely recognized. However, only a few studies have investigated the association between biomarkers and the onset of albuminuria. In this study, we aimed to investigate a panel of biomarkers suitable for predicting microalbuminuria.

Methods

Some 346 Japanese people with type 2 diabetes exhibiting normoalbuminuria were studied. The endpoint was defined as the onset of microalbuminuria. Thirty biomarkers were selected from among urinary biomarkers described in previous studies. A panel of biomarkers was selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). The prognostic performance of the developed panel was evaluated.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 6.2 years, 45 people progressed to microalbuminuria. A composite panel of six biomarkers (monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, osteopontin, soluble human tumour necrosis factor receptor‐1, tenascin C, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A and kidney injury molecule‐1) was developed using LASSO. Compared with the basal model comprising estimated GFR and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio, addition of these six biomarkers significantly increased the overall C index from 0.773 to 0.824 (P = 0.019). Net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were estimated to be 0.412 (P = 0.049) and 0.040 (P = 0.040), respectively. Decision curve analysis also showed that the model with the six novel biomarkers had a better prognostic value for predicting the onset of microalbuminuria. The optimism was moderate or negligible according to measures.

Conclusions

The panel consisting of six novel urinary biomarkers effectively predicted incident microalbuminuria in people with type 2 diabetes.
A comparison of MTA and Biodentine as medicaments for pulpotomy in traumatized anterior immature permanent teeth: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Abuelniel Gihan Mohamed , Duggal Monty Singh , Kabel Nihal
Published: February 2020

Background/Aim

The placement of a biocompatible material after performing pulp therapy in traumatically exposed permanent incisors is one of the important factors that determine pulp healing. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes when using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as pulpotomy materials to maintain the vitality of traumatized immature anterior permanent teeth with pulp exposure.

Materials and Methods

Fifty traumatized immature anterior permanent teeth with exposed pulps were included in the study. Teeth were equally divided and randomly assigned to two groups MTA or Biodentine. After pulpotomy, pulp stumps were covered with MTA or Biodentine followed by a permanent restoration. Blinded clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at baseline, immediate post‐operative and after 6, 12 and 18 months according to pre‐determined clinical and radiographic criteria.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed between MTA and Biodentine for any of the clinical parameters, except for discoloration, which was significantly more prevalent in the MTA group (P < .001). No significant statistical difference was observed in the radiographic outcomes between MTA and Biodentine, as evidenced by continued root development and by an increased prevalence of root formation stage H in both groups.

Conclusions

Both MTA and Biodentine showed similar clinical and radiographic outcomes when used as pulpotomy materials in the treatment of traumatized immature anterior permanent teeth. However, discoloration was significantly more prevalent in the MTA group.
Identification and pathogenicity of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot and blight disease of Ailanthus excelsa in India
Authors: Kant Rama , Joshi Pooja , Bhandari Maneesh S. , Pandey Amit , Pandey Shailesh
Published: February 2020

Alternaria leaf spot of Ailanthus excelsa is generally considered as minor disease in India. Recently, severe disease outbreaks were recorded in the nursery of the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, progeny trial at Jhumpa, Haryana, and in a nearby farm field. Leaf symptoms included small circular, brown, necrotic spots with a chlorotic halo. With severe infections, leaf spots coalesced and resulted in leaf blight. A small‐spored Alternaria with concatenated conidia was isolated consistently from the leaf samples with spot symptoms. Sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and the translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (tef‐1α) gene region of two fungal isolates confirmed the species as A. alternata. In detached leaf assays, both isolates produced symptoms similar to those observed on the nursery/field‐grown plants. To validate the detached leaf assay result, pathogenicity was also demonstrated on whole plants in a glasshouse. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re‐isolating A. alternata from the inoculated leaves. This work is the first to confirm that A. alternata is associated with leaf spot and blight disease of A. excelsa in India.
Influence of age at disease onset on future relapses and disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis on immunomodulatory treatment
Authors: von Wyl V. , Décard B. F. , Benkert P. , Lorscheider J. , Hänni P. , Lienert C. , Kuhle J. , Derfuss T. , Kappos L. , Yaldizli Ö.
Published: February 2020

Background and purpose

To investigate the relation of age at disease onset and clinical outcomes across the lifespan from adolescence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on disease‐modifying therapy (DMT).

Methods

We analysed data from the Swiss Association for Joint Tasks of Health Insurers database containing data from 14 718 patients with MS. Patients were included in this analysis when they were on DMT for at least 1 year. The influence of age at disease onset on future relapses and disability worsening was explored using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

Data from 9705 patients with MS were analysed. Pediatric‐onset MS patients (n = 236) had higher relapse rates and marginally slower disability worsening rates compared with adult‐onset MS (n = 9469). The risk of relapses was highest in childhood and decreased continuously to about 35 years of age. It remained stable for about a decade and then again continuously decreased. In contrast, disability worsening hazards remained stable from childhood to about 32 years of age and then increased sharply around the age of 45 years.

Conclusions

Age is an important factor independently affecting clinical outcomes in MS. This should be considered when designing clinical trials or choosing DMT.
New insights into the early mechanisms of epileptogenesis in a zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Tiraboschi Ettore , Martina Silvia , van der Ent Wietske , Grzyb Kamil , Gawel Kinga , Cordero‐Maldonado Maria Lorena , Poovathingal Suresh Kumar , Heintz Sarah , Satheesh Somisetty Venkata , Brattespe Jarle , Xu Ju , Suster Maximiliano , Skupin Alexander , Esguerra Camila V.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To pinpoint the earliest cellular defects underlying seizure onset (epileptogenic period) during perinatal brain development in a new zebrafish model of Dravet syndrome (DS) and to investigate potential disease‐modifying activity of the 5HT2 receptor agonist fenfluramine.

Methods

We used CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis to introduce a missense mutation, designed to perturb ion transport function in all channel isoforms, into scn1lab, the zebrafish orthologue of SCN1A (encoding voltage‐gated sodium channel alpha subunit 1). We performed behavioral analysis and electroencephalographic recordings to measure convulsions and epileptiform discharges, followed by single‐cell RNA‐Seq, morphometric analysis of transgenic reporter‐labeled γ‐aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurons, and pharmacological profiling of mutant larvae.

Results

Homozygous mutant (scn1labmut/mut) larvae displayed spontaneous seizures with interictal, preictal, and ictal discharges (mean = 7.5 per 20‐minute recording; P < .0001; one‐way analysis of variance). Drop‐Seq analysis revealed a 2:1 shift in the ratio of glutamatergic to GABAergic neurons in scn1labmut/mut larval brains versus wild type (WT), with dynamic changes in neuronal, glial, and progenitor cell populations. To explore disease pathophysiology further, we quantified dendritic arborization in GABAergic neurons and observed a 40% reduction in arbor number compared to WT (P < .001; n = 15 mutant, n = 16 WT). We postulate that the significant reduction in inhibitory arbors causes an inhibitory to excitatory neurotransmitter imbalance that contributes to seizures and enhanced electrical brain activity in scn1labmut/mut larvae (high‐frequency range), with subsequent GABAergic neuronal loss and astrogliosis. Chronic fenfluramine administration completely restored dendritic arbor numbers to normal in scn1labmut/mut larvae, whereas similar treatment with the benzodiazepine diazepam attenuated seizures, but was ineffective in restoring neuronal cytoarchitecture. BrdU labeling revealed cell overproliferation in scn1labmut/mut larval brains that were rescued by fenfluramine but not diazepam.

Significance

Our findings provide novel insights into early mechanisms of DS pathogenesis, describe dynamic cell population changes in the scn1labmut/mut brain, and present first‐time evidence for potential disease modification by fenfluramine.
Antifibrogenic effects of C‐C chemokine receptor type 2 antagonist in a bleomycin‐induced scleroderma model
Authors: Ishikawa Masato , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: February 2020

There have been several studies on the role of the monocyte chemotactic protein‐1/C‐C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) signalling pathway in fibrotic diseases, which identified the blockade of this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for treating fibrosis. We examined the efficacy of CCR2 antagonist (RS‐504393) in a mouse model of scleroderma induced by bleomycin. RS‐504393 was administered via intradermal injection 6 hours prior to bleomycin injection, in the same sites. Histopathological examination showed that RS‐504393 treatment suppressed dermal fibrosis and decreased dermal thickness. The numbers of mast cells and myofibroblasts in the skin of RS‐504393–treated mice were significantly lower compared with those in PBS‐treated mice. Moreover, the amount of collagen in the skin of RS‐504393–treated mice was significantly lower compared with that in the PBS‐treated mice. Additionally, mRNA levels of TGF‐β1 and collagen I alpha 1 in sclerotic skin were significantly decreased by RS‐504393, and semiquantitative histopathological scoring of the lungs showed inhibition of fibrosis in RS‐504393–treated mice. The amount of collagen in the lung of the RS‐504393–treated mice was lower compared with that in the PBS‐treated mice. These data suggest that CCR2 antagonist RS‐504393 may be a therapeutic agent for human scleroderma.
Evidence that perceptions of and tolerance for medical ambiguity are distinct constructs: An analysis of nationally representative US data
Authors: Simonovic Nicolle , Taber Jennifer M. , Klein William M. P. , Ferrer Rebecca A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Medical information is often conflicting and consequently perceived as ambiguous. There are individual differences both in how much people perceive ambiguity and in their tolerance for such ambiguity. Little is known about how these constructs are related to each other and with other beliefs.

Objective

To examine the association between (a) perceived medical ambiguity, (b) tolerance for medical ambiguity and (c) their associations with various medical and cancer‐specific judgement and decision‐making correlates.

Method and Participants

We conducted secondary data analyses using the cross‐sectional, nationally representative Health Information National Trends Survey 4, Cycle 4 (n = 3,433, 51.0% female, Mage = 46.5). Analyses statistically controlled for age, sex, race, education and health‐care coverage.

Main variables studied

Perceived medical ambiguity, tolerance for medical ambiguity, cancer perceptions, health‐care experiences and preferences, and information‐seeking styles and beliefs.

Results

Perceived medical ambiguity and tolerance for medical ambiguity were statistically independent. Higher perceived ambiguity was associated with lower perceived cancer preventability, lower reliance on doctors, lower perceived health and information‐seeking self‐efficacy, lower perceived quality of the cancer information‐seeking process, and greater cancer information avoidance. Lower tolerance for ambiguity was associated with lower cancer worry, lower trust in doctors, lower likelihood of seeking health information, and lower engagement in medical research.

Discussion and Conclusions

Perceived medical ambiguity and tolerance for medical ambiguity seem to be distinct constructs. Findings have implications for how people make medical decisions when they perceive and prefer to avoid conflicting medical information.
Pulmonary peripheral glandular papilloma and mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma frequently harbour the BRAF V600E mutation
Authors: Lin Dong‐Liang , Xing Xiao‐Ming , Ran Wen‐Wen , Zhao Han , Li Guang‐Qi , Xu Jin , Wang Yan , Shao Shi‐Hong , Wang Ji‐Gang
Published: February 2020

Aims

Pulmonary peripheral glandular papilloma (GP) and mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma (MP) have very similar histological features to pulmonary ciliated muconodular papillary tumour (CMPT)/bronchiolar adenoma (BA). The underlying genetic relationships between GP/MP and CMPT/BA have rarely been characterised. We aimed to reveal the relationship between them.

Methods and results

We performed a clinicopathological review and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) study of two GPs and five MPs. Histologically, GPs/MPs showed similar cellular and architectural features to CMPTs/BAs, such as bilayered epithelium, bronchiole‐associated lesions and skipping (discontinuous) growth pattern. One MP showed partial and inconspicuous endobronchiolar growth and more glandular structures, which was very similar to the appearance of CMPT/BA. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in four papillomas (57.1%, one GP and three MPs).

Conclusions

Overlapping morphological features and comparable mutation profiles support that peripheral GPs/MPs and CMPTs/BAs are on the same disease spectrum. We propose expanding the concept of CMPT/BA and including GP and MP in the CMPT/BA family.
Capturing temporal dynamics of fear behaviors on a moment‐to‐moment basis
Authors: Shewark Elizabeth A. , Brick Timothy R. , Buss Kristin A.
Published: February 2020

Identifying patterns of fearful behaviors early and accurately is essential to identify children who may be at increased risk for psychopathology. Previous work focused on the total amount of fear by using composites across time. However, considering the temporal dynamics of fear expression might offer novel insights into the identification of children at risk. One hundred and twenty‐five toddlers participated in high‐ and low‐fear tasks. Data were modeled using a novel two‐step approach. First, a hidden Markov model estimated latent fear states and transitions across states over time. Results revealed children's behavior was best represented by six behavioral states. Next, these states were analyzed using sequence clustering to identify groups of children with similar dynamic trajectories through the states. A four‐cluster solution found groups of children varied in fear response and regulation process: “external regulators” (using the caregiver as a regulation tool), “low reactive” (low reaction to stimulus), “fearful explorers” (managing their own internal state with minimal assistance from the caregiver), and “high fear” (fearful/at‐caregiver state regardless of task). The combination of analytic tools enabled fine‐grained examination of the processes of fearful temperament. These insights may help prevention programs target behaviors that perpetuate anxious behavior in the moment.
Occupational burnout and depression among paediatric dentists in the United States
Authors: Chohan Leena , Dewa Carolyn S. , El‐Badrawy Wafa , Nainar S. M. Hashim
Published: February 2020

Background

Paediatric dentists in the United States may be at greater risk for occupational burnout and/or depression because of chronic stress associated with provision of paediatric dental care and increasing prevalence of females in the workforce.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of occupational burnout and/or depression among US paediatric dentists.

Design

A self‐administered online anonymous survey was sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (n = 4735). The questionnaire consisted of seven demographic items, 22 items of Maslach Burnout Inventory (Three subscales: Emotional exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal accomplishment), and eight items of Patient Health Questionnaire‐8.

Results

The survey had a response rate of 11.4% (females = 53%). Twenty‐three per cent of respondents had high emotional exhaustion while fewer respondents had high depersonalization (12%) or low personal accomplishment (10%). Nine per cent fulfilled the study's definition of occupational burnout (high emotional exhaustion + high depersonalization). Seven per cent of respondents had moderate‐to‐severe depression and showed significant correlations (P < .05) with high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization and low personal accomplishment. Two out of five respondents with occupational burnout also had moderate‐to‐severe depression. There were no gender differences in prevalence of burnout or depression.

Conclusions

Few paediatric dentists had occupational burnout and/or depression.
Concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass and cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Churyla Andrei , Desai Anand , Kruse Jane , Cox James , McCarthy Patrick
Published: February 2020

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in conjunction with other cardiac surgery is now a class I guideline recommendation. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the concomitant surgical ablation of AF can be performed safely and effectively during valve and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) resulting in a return to sinus rhythm postoperatively and improved long‐term results. However, the surgical ablation of AF at the time of other cardiac surgery is performed less often than it should be, especially in patients undergoing CABG and aortic valve surgery. Randomized‐controlled trials designed to determine the effect of treating AF concomitantly with other cardiac surgical procedures have lacked long‐term follow up, but multiple, large observational studies have demonstrated an improved quality of life, a decrease in long‐term strokes, and improved late survival in patients who undergo AF ablation. However, the potential survival benefit of concomitant AF ablation was not addressed by either the Society of Thoracic Surgery or American Association for Thoracic Surgery guideline committees. Left atrial appendage closure is an important part of the surgical ablation of AF as it significantly reduces the long‐term risk of stroke following cardiac surgery and improves the success of AF treatment. In this study, we update the electrophysiology and surgical community on the recommended surgical techniques for AF ablation and its effect on perioperative morbidity, perioperative mortality, as well as its long‐term effects on stroke, quality of life, and survival.
Accelerated aging of grape pomace vinegar by using additives combined with physical methods
Authors: Dong Zhou Yong , Liu Yin , Xu Min , Zhang Tie Hua , Ren Hui , Liu Wei , Li Meng Yao
Published: February 2020

(a) High‐quality vinegar is traditionally produced by aging in barrels, but this process is time‐consuming and costly. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effectiveness of three novel aging techniques, including additives combined with ultrasound, with microwave, or with heating. (b) The contents of esters, amino acid nitrogen, and non‐volatile acids were evaluated. The effects of aging techniques on the color and aroma components of grape pomace vinegar were also studied. (c) It was found the ester contents significantly increased and more aroma components accumulated under three aging techniques, especially the additives combined with ultrasound. The total ester content of grape pomace vinegar treated by the additives combined with ultrasound increased by 42.2% compared with natural aging at 16°C for 180 days. (d) Therefore, the additives combined with ultrasound can be applied as a reliable technique to accelerate the aging process of grape pomace vinegar.

Practical Application

Grape pomace is the main by‐product of the wine and grape juice industry, and contains rich nutrient and bioactive components. Conventional aging methods are time‐consuming and unable to maintain the original color and acidity of vinegar. The aging technique of additives (glucose, ethanol, and calcium chloride) combined with ultrasound can accelerate the aging of grape pomace vinegar and enhance the properties. This combined technique theoretically underlies the practical application of grape resources and supports the development of grape pomace vinegar with health care function.
Contribution to a renewed framework for analysing the interactions between family and capitalist agriculture
Authors: Pédelahore Philippe , Uwizeyimana Laurien , Wainaina Juliet , Toko Claude , Vaast Philippe
Published: February 2020

We examine whether current assumptions concerning the declining resilience of family farming and the growing influence of capitalist forms of agricultural production are being confirmed in the cocoa sector of Cameroon and the coffee sector of Kenya. This study is based on surveys of 181 family and capitalist farmers. Our results indicate that the capitalist approach is being consolidated on former colonial coffee estates in Kenya and on the cocoa pioneer front in Cameroon. This study also shows that in areas with a long history of family farming, family forms are showing good resilience due to a diversification of activities and sources of income, especially nonagricultural ones, and the patrimonialization of the land. Finally, this study proposes a framework for analysing the interactions between family and capitalist agriculture and their respective multisectorial strategies. For family farming, these strategies are based on work force mobility, whereas for capitalist agriculture, they are based on financial capital mobility.
Understanding HIV‐positive drug users’ experiences of taking highly active antiretroviral treatment: Identity–Values–Conscious engagement model
Authors: Ho Szu‐Szu , Stenhouse Rosie , Holloway Aisha
Published: February 2020

Aim

To explore HIV‐positive drug users’ experiences of taking antiretroviral medications in Taiwan and further develop a conceptual model that can be used to understand their adherence to the long‐term treatment.

Background

The global vision of ending AIDS by 2030 cannot be achieved without addressing HIV‐positive drug users’ experience of taking antiretroviral treatment. There remains a paucity of qualitative evidence on HIV‐positive drug users’ experiences of taking antiretroviral medications globally and in East Asia. Nurses play a key role in supporting HIV‐positive drug users throughout their treatment process. Therefore, it is pivotal to understand HIV‐positive drug users’ experiences of managing long‐term anti‐HIV treatment.

Design

This qualitative study drew on a constructivist grounded theory approach to achieve the aims. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 22 HIV‐positive drug users were conducted in Taiwan between September 2015 and July 2016. Data were analysed using Charmaz's coding principles. The integration and formation of the model began with focused coding and proceeded through the subsequent analytic process. The reporting of this study was based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Results

This study shows that integrating HIV‐positive identity into sense of self laid a solid foundation for the acceptance of self and antiretroviral treatment. Valuing of antiretroviral treatment played a central role in driving their medication‐taking behaviour. While valuing the treatment appeared to drive participants’ behavioural change, data revealed that conscious engagement was an important element for their behaviour maintenance.

Conclusion

The evidence from this study can extend our knowledge of the mechanisms that influence the change and maintenance of HIV‐positive drug users’ adherence to antiretroviral treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Identity–Values–Conscious engagement model developed and proposed in this study can serve as a guide for the development of tailored adherence assessment and associated nursing interventions for this population.
What Matters to Individual Investors? Evidence from the Horse's Mouth
Authors: CHOI JAMES J. , ROBERTSON ADRIANA Z.
Published: February 2020

We survey a representative sample of U.S. individuals about how well leading academic theories describe their financial beliefs and decisions. We find substantial support for many factors hypothesized to affect portfolio equity share, particularly background risk, investment horizon, rare disasters, transactional factors, and fixed costs of stock market participation. Individuals tend to believe that past mutual fund performance is a good signal of stock‐picking skill, actively managed funds do not suffer from diseconomies of scale, value stocks are safer and do not have higher expected returns, and high‐momentum stocks are riskier and do have higher expected returns.
Food Waste as a Classic Problem that Calls for Interdisciplinary Solutions: A Case Study Illustration
Authors: Saber Deborah A. , Silka Linda
Published: February 2020

In 2015, the United States generated over 250 million tons of municipal solid waste. Of this, food products comprised nearly 15% of this waste. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gasses and subsequent climate change. Ongoing examination from the vantage of multiple academic disciplines is needed to understand and work toward solutions for this “wicked” problem. The University of Maine's interdisciplinary Materials Management team, composed of a psychologist, nurse scientist, environmental/civil engineer, anthropologist, food scientist, and economist, works to examine and guide food waste solutions. Strategies to achieve successful interdisciplinary approaches for addressing sustainability problems include authentic listening, stakeholder engagement, and student participation. For example, the work of the psychologist brings attitude/behavior/organizational understanding and expertise to the interdisciplinary team with aims to implement strategies for outcome‐oriented solutions. Overcoming disciplinary language barriers and securing interdisciplinary grant funding are examples of challenges that must be addressed if interdisciplinary teams are to succeed.
Evaluating character partitioning and molecular models in plastid phylogenomics at low taxonomic levels: A case study using Amphilophium (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Thode Verônica A. , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Sanmartín Isabel
Published: February 2020

The accurate analyses of massive amounts of data obtained through next‐generation sequencing depend on the selection of appropriate evolutionary models. Many plastid phylogenomic studies typically analyze plastome data as a single partition, or divided by a region, using a concatenate “supergene” approach. The effects of molecular evolutionary models and character partition strategies on plastome‐based phylogenies have generally been evaluated at higher taxonomic levels in green plants. Using plastome data from 32 species of Amphilophium, a genus of Neotropical lianas, we explored potential sources of topological incongruence with different plastid genome datasets and approaches. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of compositional heterogeneity, codon usage bias, positive selection, and incomplete lineage sorting as sources of systematic error (i.e., the recovery of well‐supported conflicting topologies). We compared different datasets (e.g., non‐coding regions, exons, and codon‐aligned and translated amino acids) using concatenated approaches under site‐heterogeneous and site‐homogeneous models, as well as multispecies coalescent (MSC) methods. We found incongruences in recovered phylogenetic relationships, which were mainly located in short internodes. The MSC and concatenated approaches recovered similar topologies. The analysis of GC content and codon usage bias indicated higher substitution rates and AT excess at the third codon positions, and we found evidence of positive selection in 3% of amino acid sites. There were no significant differences among species in site biochemical profiles. We argue that the selection of appropriate partition strategies and evolutionary models is important to increase accuracy in phylogenetic relationships, even when using plastome datasets, which is still the primarily used genome in plant phylogenetics.
Randomized clinical trials towards a single‐visit cure for chronic hepatitis C: Oral GSK2878175 and injectable RG‐101 in chronic hepatitis C patients and long‐acting injectable GSK2878175 in healthy participants
Authors: Deng Yanli , Campbell Fiona , Han Kelong , Theodore Dickens , Deeg Mark , Huang Michael , Hamatake Robert , Lahiri Soumi , Chen Shuguang , Horvath Gabor , Manolakopoulos Spilios , Dalekos George N. , Papatheodoridis George , Goulis Ioannis , Banyai Tivadar , Jilma Bernd , Leivers Martin
Published: February 2020

Single‐visit cures for chronic hepatitis C are lacking. We conducted two clinical studies towards the goal of developing a regimen for single‐visit cure. In a randomized, open‐label, Phase 2 study (RG101‐04), investigators enrolled 26 adult chronic hepatitis C patients to evaluate safety and efficacy of single subcutaneous injection of RG‐101 (4 mg/kg) and daily oral tablets of GSK2878175 (20 mg) for 6, 9 or 12 weeks. In another randomized, double‐blind, single dose Phase 1 study (RG101‐06), investigators enrolled 18 healthy men to assess safety and PK of GSK2878175 long‐acting injectable at 100, 200 or 400 mg. In RG101‐04, SVR48 rates were 50%, 56% and 89%, for the 6, 9 and 12 weeks treatment arms, respectively. All AEs were mild or moderate in severity (≤Grade 2). In RG101‐06 at 400 mg, the mean duration of GSK2878175 plasma levels above in vitro therapeutic concentrations for GT1b was 41 days. All AEs were Grade 2 or less. In conclusion, single injection of RG‐101 combined with 12 weeks of GSK2878175 oral tablets was generally well tolerated and resulted in high SVR rates in chronic hepatitis C patients. Single injections of GSK2878175 long‐acting injectable were also well tolerated; however, higher doses would be required if used in combination with RG‐101 to achieve the SVR rates observed in the oral combination study to enable a single‐visit curative regimen.
High‐frequency whistles of Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) recorded in Brunei Bay
Authors: Jiang Ying , Liu Zongwei , Yang Chunmei , Lü Lian‐gang , Yu Xiaolin , Huang Longfei , Zhang Xuelei , Yang Zhiguo , Yang Guangbing , Sun Lu , Jaaman Saifullah Arifin , Muda Azmi Marzuki
Published: February 2020

Studies of the whistles of Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) have traditionally been restricted to analyses of the human audio range (below 20 kHz). In this study, broadband acoustic recordings of Irrawaddy dolphins in Brunei Bay were obtained using a sampling frequency of 512 kHz. Among the 984 whistles collected, eight (0.81%) high‐frequency whistles were detected with fundamentals above 18.4 kHz, which is the reported maximum frequency. Four (50%) of these whistles had the entire fundamentals in the ultrasonic frequency range (above 20 kHz), where 52.3 kHz was the maximum frequency. This is the first description of the ultrasonic components of Irrawaddy dolphin whistles. Our findings demonstrate that the whistles of Irrawaddy dolphins span a wider frequency range than previously published.
Poverty, Inequality, and Fertility: The Contribution of Demographic Change to Global Poverty Reduction
Authors: Wietzke Frank‐Borge
Published: February 2020

Global poverty has fallen dramatically over the past decades. In many developing countries, this transformation was accompanied by rapid improvements in demographic outcomes, such as falling child mortality and fertility. Yet, recent theorizing and empirical research into the causes of global poverty reduction has mostly omitted demographic factors. This paper aims to fill this gap by testing for effects of demographic variables on poverty. Using time series data for 140 countries, we document a strong effect of lagged fertility on country‐specific poverty rates. This effect is robust across several specifications and data sets. It appears to be stronger in countries with larger fertility differentials, in the early transition stages. The proposed mechanism behind this result is a “Kuznets curve‐type” expansion of fertility inequality at the onset of the demographic transition. We conclude by calling for a stronger inclusion of demographic variables in the distribution‐sensitive analysis of global poverty.
Relationship between dysfunctional beliefs, self‐esteem, extreme appraisals, and symptoms of mania and depression over time in bipolar disorder
Authors: Atuk Emel , Richardson Thomas
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental health problem characterized by episodes of mania and depression which can lead to significant difficulties impairing one’s daily functioning. Cross‐sectional research has highlighted self‐esteem and dysfunctional beliefs in those with this diagnosis, but there has been little research into how self‐esteem and dysfunctional beliefs relate to symptoms of mania and depression over time.

Design

A secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study was used.

Methods

Forty patients with BD attending a community adult mental health service completed the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, Brief Hypomanic Attitudes and Positive Predictions Inventory, Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Altman Self‐Rating Mania Scale at two time points 4 months apart.

Results

Cross‐sectional correlations revealed significant associations between elevated goal attainment dysfunctional beliefs and higher symptoms of mania; however, this did not hold over time. Elevated dependency‐related dysfunctional beliefs and lower self‐esteem were linked to higher symptoms of depression, and this relationship held over time. There was no impact of achievement‐related dysfunctional beliefs on mood. Extreme appraisals were correlated with higher depression symptoms at baseline, but this did not hold over time.

Conclusions

Findings suggest lower self‐esteem and specific dysfunctional beliefs around dependency may precede symptoms of depression. Further research is required to further explore these associations.

Practitioner points

Elevated dysfunctional beliefs around dependency on others and lower levels of self‐esteem may precede symptoms of depression in BD.

Therapeutic interventions and relapse prevention targeting these psychological factors may help reduce the risk of depression relapse.
Genetic and evolution analysis of extrafloral nectary in cotton
Authors: Hu Wei , Qin Wenqiang , Jin Yuying , Wang Peng , Yan Qingdi , Li Fuguang , Yang Zhaoen
Published: February 2020

Extrafloral nectaries are a defence trait that plays important roles in plant–animal interactions. Gossypium species are characterized by cellular grooves in leaf midribs that secret large amounts of nectar. Here, with a panel of 215 G. arboreum accessions, we compared extrafloral nectaries to nectariless accessions to identify a region of Chr12 that showed strong differentiation and overlapped with signals from GWAS of nectaries. Fine mapping of an F2 population identified GaNEC1, encoding a PB1 domain‐containing protein, as a positive regulator of nectary formation. An InDel, encoding a five amino acid deletion, together with a nonsynonymous substitution, was predicted to cause 3D structural changes in GaNEC1 protein that could confer the nectariless phenotype. mRNA‐Seq analysis showed that JA‐related genes are up‐regulated and cell wall‐related genes are down‐regulated in the nectary. Silencing of GaNEC1 led to a smaller size of foliar nectary phenotype. Metabolomics analysis identified more than 400 metabolites in nectar, including expected saccharides and amino acids. The identification of GaNEC1 helps establish the network regulating nectary formation and nectar secretion, and has implications for understanding the production of secondary metabolites in nectar. Our results will deepen our understanding of plant–mutualism co‐evolution and interactions, and will enable utilization of a plant defence trait in cotton breeding efforts.
Blaschkoid lichen planus occurring in childhood systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sil Abheek , Chakraborty Sayantani , Panigrahi Avik , Mondal Satarupa
Published: February 2020

Lupus erythematosus‐lichen planus (LE‐LP) overlap syndrome represents a rare disorder with clinical and histopathological features of both lichen planus and lupus erythematosus presenting in the same lesions. However, lichen planus and lupus erythematosus can also coexist in the same patient. Blaschkoid lichen planus in the setting of concurrent childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus has not been previously described.
Main B‐cell epitopes of PvAMA‐1 and PvMSP‐9 are targeted by naturally acquired antibodies and epitope‐specific memory cells in acute and convalescent phases of vivax malaria
Authors: Soares Roberta Reis , Nakaie Clovis Ryuichi , Rodrigues‐da‐Silva Rodrigo Nunes , da Silva Rogério Lauria , Lima‐Junior Josué da Costa , Scopel Kézia Katiani Gorza
Published: February 2020

Although antibodies are considered critical for malaria protection, little is known about the mechanisms/factors that maintain humoral immunity, especially regarding the induction and maintenance of memory B cells over time. In Brazilian endemic areas, this is the first time that the profile of antibody responses and the occurrence of antigen‐specific memory B cells (MBC) against P vivax were investigated during acute malaria and up to six months after parasite clearance. For this, we selected two peptides, PvAMA‐1(S290‐K307) and PvMSP‐9(E795‐A808), which represent the apical membrane antigen‐1 and merozoite surface protein‐9 of P vivax, respectively. Both peptides were previously described as containing linear B‐cell epitopes. Our findings were as follows: 1—both peptides were recognized by IgG antibodies at a high frequency (between 24% and 81%) in all study groups; 2—in the absence of infection, the IgG levels remained stable throughout 6 months of follow‐up; and 3—PvAMA‐1(S290‐K307) and PvMSP‐9(E795‐A808)‐specific MBCs were detected in all individual groups in the absence of reinfection throughout the follow‐up period, suggesting long‐lived MBC. However, no positive association was observed between malaria‐specific antibody levels and frequency of MBCs over time. Taken together, these results suggest that peptides can be, in the future, an alternative strategy to polypeptidic vaccine formulation.
Freight Rates in Downside and Upside Markets: Pricing of Own and Spillover Risks from Other Shipping Segments
Authors: Theodossiou Panayiotis , Tsouknidis Dimitris , Savva Christos
Published: February 2020

Shipping freight rates are notoriously volatile and shipping investors are perceived to be risk loving. The paper explores the stochastic properties of freight rates in the shipping industry and derives the analytical equations for their moments in downside and upside markets by using a two-piece extension of the generalized error distribution. Pricing equations developed across shipping segments show how conditional risk and conditional skewness are priced along with their risk spillover effects. Results reveal the existence of a positive skewness premium, suggesting that shipping investors are willing to accept lower expected returns for the opportunity to earn high pay-offs in the future.