bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impairment argument for the immorality of abortion: A reply
Authors: Blackshaw Bruce P.
Published: April 2019

In his recent article Perry Hendricks presents what he calls the impairment argument to show that abortion is immoral. To do so, he argues that to give a fetus fetal alcohol syndrome is immoral. Because killing the fetus impairs it more than giving it fetal alcohol syndrome, Hendricks concludes that killing the fetus must also be immoral. Here, I claim that killing a fetus does not impair it in the way that giving it fetal alcohol syndrome does. By examining the reason why giving a fetus this condition is wrong, I conclude that the same reasoning, on common pro‐choice accounts, does not apply to killing the fetus. Accordingly, Hendricks's argument does not succeed in showing abortion is immoral.
“You need a phone and camera in your bag before you go out!”: Children’s play with imaginative technologies
Authors: Bird Jo
Published: April 2019

Early childhood settings value play as the way young children learn and educators encourage children’s re‐enactment of cultural practices in the imaginative play spaces provided. From a cultural‐historical perspective, children expect these imaginative play spaces to contain objects from their social contexts, but what happens when technologies are not provided? The aim of this study was to explore children’s imaginative play involving working and imaginative technologies within two kindergartens (the year before formal schooling). Imaginative play spaces are designed to replicate social situations relevant to the cultural context in which they occur and as technologies increase in society, their proliferation is reflected within early childhood settings. Understanding the role that imaginative technologies can play in children’s digital literacy learning is important for the early childhood field. Also, these devices are often absent from literature and overlooked in conversations about children’s digital participation. The findings show how the children engaged with the imaginative technologies and raises questions around the influence of these technologies on children’s imaginative play and their technological understandings. The findings have implications for educators’ understandings of children’s play with technologies and the objects they provide in an era where children’s lives are increasingly immersed in technology.
Milk processing increases the allergenicity of cow’s milk—Preclinical evidence supported by a human proof‐of‐concept provocation pilot
Authors: Abbring Suzanne , Kusche Daniel , Roos Thomas C. , Diks Mara A. P. , Hols Gert , Garssen Johan , Baars Ton , van Esch Betty C. A. M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Several studies demonstrated the adverse effect of milk processing on the allergy‐protective capacity of raw cow's milk. Whether milk processing also affects the allergenicity of raw milk is hardly investigated.

Objective

To assess the allergenicity of raw (unprocessed) and processed cow's milk in a murine model for food allergy as well as in cow's milk allergic children.

Methods

C3H/HeOuJ mice were either sensitized to whole milk (raw cow's milk, heated raw cow's milk or shop milk [store‐bought milk]) and challenged with cow's milk protein or they were sensitized and challenged to whey proteins (native or heated). Acute allergic symptoms, mast cell degranulation, allergen‐specific IgE levels and cytokine concentrations were determined upon challenge. Cow's milk allergic children were tested in an oral provocation pilot with organic raw and conventional shop milk.

Results

Mice sensitized to raw milk showed fewer acute allergic symptoms upon intradermal challenge than mice sensitized to processed milk. The acute allergic skin response was low (103 ± 8.5 µm vs 195 ± 17.7 µm for heated raw milk, P < 0.0001 and vs 149 ± 13.6 µm for shop milk, P = 0.0316), and there were no anaphylactic shock symptoms and no anaphylactic shock‐induced drop in body temperature. Moreover, allergen‐specific IgE levels and Th2 cytokines were significantly lower in raw milk sensitized mice. Interestingly, the reduced sensitizing capacity was preserved in the isolated native whey protein fraction of raw milk. Besides, native whey protein challenge diminished allergic symptoms in mice sensitized to heated whey proteins. In an oral provocation pilot, cow's milk allergic children tolerated raw milk up to 50 mL, whereas they only tolerated 8.6 ± 5.3 mL shop milk (P = 0.0078).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

This study demonstrates that raw (unprocessed) cow's milk and native whey proteins have a lower allergenicity than their processed counterparts. The preclinical evidence in combination with the human proof‐of‐concept provocation pilot provides evidence that milk processing negatively influences the allergenicity of milk.
Triple versus dual inhaler therapy in moderate‐to‐severe COPD: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zayed Yazan , Barbarawi Mahmoud , Kheiri Babikir , Haykal Tarek , Chahine Adam , Rashdan Laith , Hamid Kewan , Sundus Saira , Banifadel Momen , Aburahma Ahmed , Bachuwa Ghassan , Chandran Arul
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is evolving specially with triple inhaler therapy.

Objectives

To perform a meta‐analysis to ascertain the safety and efficacy of triple inhaler therapy consisting of an inhaled‐glucocorticoid (ICS), long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long‐acting beta2‐agonist (LABA) when compared with dual therapy (ICS‐LABA or LAMA‐LABA).

Methods

We performed an electronic database search to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing between triple and dual inhalers. Pooled rate‐ratio (RR) or odds‐ratio (OR) for dichotomous data and weighted mean difference (MD) for continuous data were calculated with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Our study included 12 RCTs totaling 19,322 patients, mean age of 65 ± 8.2 years and 68.2% were male. Pooled analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in moderate‐to‐severe COPD exacerbations with triple therapy (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.69‐0.83; P < 0.01). Additionally, triple therapy caused significant increase in trough FEV1 (MD 0.09 L; 95% CI 0.07‐0.12; P < 0.01), significant reduction in the mean St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score (MD −1.67; 95% CI −2.02‐ −1.31; P < 0.01), and more patients experienced ≥ 4 points reduction of SGRQ score (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.19‐1.35; P < 0.01). Triple therapy was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia when compared to LABA/LAMA (OR 1.25; 95% 1.03‐1.97; P = 0.03) but there were no significant differences in other adverse events between triple and dual inhalers.

Conclusions

Among patients with moderate‐to‐severe COPD, triple inhaler therapy was associated with a reduction of moderate‐to‐severe COPD exacerbations, improved lung function and improved quality of life when compared to dual inhaler therapy but with an increased pneumonia risk.
Building resilience to El Niño‐related drought: experiences in early warning and early action from Nicaragua and Ethiopia
Authors: Ewbank Richard , Perez Carlos , Cornish Hilary , Worku Mulugeta , Woldetsadik Solomon
Published: April 2019

Forecast‐based drought early warning/early action has been hampered by both inadequate decision‐making frameworks and a lack of appropriate funding mechanisms. Rural communities in Nicaragua and Ethiopia that have participated in resilience‐building interventions of varying durations demonstrate the value of community‐based actions informed by early warning, forecasts and drought management advice, both before and during the agricultural season. While drought affected all crops negatively, participants were better able to mitigate impacts, were more organised in accessing relief and recovered more effectively. These results are consistent with other research on the cost/benefit of anticipatory actions, use of climate services and appropriate drought management advice. They also confirm the importance of embedding short‐term early action in long‐term resilience‐building. Despite this, formal systems, national and local, remain essentially unimplemented. Systems being developed at global level now need to be operationalised and translated into effective local drought management standard operating procedures for the most vulnerable.
Renal effects of a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, tofogliflozin, in relation to sodium intake and glycaemic status
Authors: Nunoi Kiyohide , Sato Yuichi , Kaku Kohei , Yoshida Akihiro , Suganami Hideki
Published: April 2019

Aims

Little is known about whether sodium intake is associated with the clinical effects of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is); however, SGLT2is may increase urinary sodium excretion. Thus, we investigated the impact of daily sodium intake on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) via an SGLT2i, tofogliflozin (TOFO), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Individual‐level data on 775 T2D patients in TOFO Phase 3 trials were analysed. Adjusted changes in variables during 52 weeks of TOFO therapy were compared according to basal daily salt intake (DSI), which was measured based on estimated daily urinary sodium excretion using the Tanaka formula. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate the impact of basal DSI on changes in eGFR at Weeks 4 and 52.

Results

Sixty‐six percent of participants were men; mean age, HbA1c, body mass index, eGFRMDRD and median DSI were 58.5 years, 8.0%, 25.6 kg/m2, 83.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 9.3 g/d, respectively. In all participants, eGFRMDRD sharply dipped during Week 4, and gradually increased by Week 52, showing a significant increase overall from baseline to Week 52. Multivariable analysis showed that basal DSI and HbA1c levels were independently correlated with eGFRMDRD changes at Weeks 4 and 52. Additionally, lower baseline HbA1c and DSI levels were significantly correlated with a greater increase in eGFRMDRD at Week 52.

Conclusions

Dietary salt intake, in addition to glycaemic control, correlates with changed eGFRMDRD via TOFO. Thus, an appropriate dietary approach to therapy should be considered before treatment of T2D patients with an SGLT2i.
Liraglutide use and evaluation of pancreatic outcomes in a US commercially insured population
Authors: Funch Donnie , Mortimer Kathleen , Ziyadeh Najat J. , Seeger John D. , Li Ling , Norman Heather , Major‐Pedersen Atheline , Bosch‐Traberg Heidrun , Gydesen Helge , Dore David D.
Published: April 2019

Aims

Both acute pancreatitis (AP) and pancreatic cancer (PC) have been areas of focus for studies of incretin drugs. This 5‐year prospective cohort study aimed to quantify possible associations between liraglutide and risk of AP and PC as compared to other antidiabetic drugs (ADs).

Materials and methods

Patients initiating liraglutide or other ADs who were enrolled in a US health plan (2010‐2014) were included. Comparisons of AP and PC incidence rates were made between matched cohorts of liraglutide initiators and initiators of other ADs. Adjudicated AP cases and algorithm‐based PC cases were identified. Propensity score‐matched intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and time‐on‐drug (TOD) analyses were completed using Poisson regression. A latency analysis was performed for PC.

Results

Median follow‐up was 405 days for AP cohorts (9995 liraglutide, 1:1 matched to all comparators) and 503 days for PC cohorts (35 163 liraglutide, 1:1 matched to all comparators). In the primary AP analysis, “current” use of liraglutide was not significantly associated with elevated risk across comparators (all comparators relative risk [RR] = 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6‐2.3). ITT results were similar where, in the primary analysis, no RRs were significantly associated with PC (all comparators RR = 0.7; 95% CI, 0.3‐1.4); latency and TOD analyses did not alter findings. There was no evidence of a dose‐response effect.

Conclusions

Liraglutide was not associated with an increased risk of AP or PC, although risk estimates were more variable for AP, and numbers of cases for both outcomes were limited because of the rarity of outcomes.
Financial development and economic growth nexus: A rejoinder to Tsionas
Authors: Nyasha Sheilla , Odhiambo Nicholas Mbaya
Published: April 2019

Tsionas has offered a more revisionist approach to the empirics of the nexus between financial development and economic growth following our paper entitled ‘Financial development and economic growth nexus: A revisionist approach’. In the current note, we engage Tsionas’ approach in tandem with our original finance–growth nexus review. We concur with Tsionas’ approach and reiterate that the debate on the relationship between financial development and economic growth remains a complex terrain both on the theoretical and empirical fronts.
Modeling mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) oviposition
Authors: McManis Anne E. , Powell James A. , Bentz Barbara J.
Published: April 2019

Mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), is a significant forest disturbance agent with a widespread distribution in western North America. Population success is influenced by temperatures that drive phenology and ultimately the adult emergence synchrony required to mass attack and kill host trees during outbreaks. In addition to lifestage‐specific developmental rates and thresholds, oviposition timing can be a source of variance in adult emergence synchrony, and is a critical aspect of mountain pine beetle phenology. Adaptation to local climates has resulted in longer generation times in southern compared to northern populations in common gardens, and the role of oviposition rate in these differences is unclear. Oviposition rates and fecundity in a northern population have been described, although data are lacking for southern populations. We assessed southern mountain pine beetle oviposition rates and fecundity in a range of temperatures using a non‐destructive technique that included frequent X‐ray imaging. We found that oviposition rate and fecundity vary independently such that a female with high oviposition rate did not necessarily have high fecundity and vice versa. Observed fecundity within the 30‐day experimental period was lowest at the lowest temperature, although estimated potential fecundity did not differ among temperatures. Females at varying temperatures have the potential to lay similar numbers of eggs, although it will take longer at lower temperatures. Southern mountain pine beetle reared in Pinus strobiformis Engelm. (Pinaceae) had a higher upper threshold for oviposition, a similar lower threshold, and slightly greater potential fecundity compared to a northern population reared in Pinus contorta Douglas. A comparison of modeled oviposition rates between the two populations, which could be influenced by host tree, suggests that differences in oviposition rate do not explain observed differences in total generation time. Our oviposition model will facilitate development of a phenology model for southern mountain pine beetle populations.
Legislation targeting head shops selling new psychoactive substances and changes in drug‐related psychiatric admissions: A national database study
Authors: Smyth Bobby P. , Daly Antoinette , Elmusharaf Khalifa , McDonald Conor , Clarke Mary , Craig Sarah , Cullen Walter
Published: April 2019

Aim

New psychoactive substance (NPS) use can negatively impact mental health and may result in drug‐related psychiatric admissions (DRPA). Irish youth reported very high rates of NPS use by international standards, the most common being synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. This occurred in the context of a rapid expansion in specialist high street shops, called head shops, selling NPS in 2010. Government responded to public protests about head shops by enacting legislation in May and August 2010 to end this trade. Many academics argued that such actions were futile. We sought to determine if changes in head shop activity coincided with changes in DRPA.

Method

The national database on psychiatric admissions was examined focusing on young adults admitted from 2008 to 2012. Joinpoint regression analysis was utilized to examine for the presence of trend changes in DRPA.

Results

The monthly rate of DRPA was higher in 2010 than 2008, 2009 and 2012 (P < 0.01). Joinpoint regression analysis identified a significant downward trend change which occurred in July 2010 (95% CI Feb 2010 to April 2011). Young males aged 18 to 24 years showed evidence of greatest change, DRPA falling by 1.4% per month (95% CI 0.7 to 3.7% decline) from May 2010 to December 2012.

Conclusions

Cessation of NPS sale by head shops coincided with a reversal in the upward trend of DRPA, this change being most evident in young men. While correlation does not imply causation, legislation which successfully targets the sale of NPS may result in reduced drug‐related mental disorders.
New views on an old enzyme: allosteric regulation and evolution of archaeal pyruvate kinases
Authors: Johnsen Ulrike , Reinhardt Andreas , Landan Giddy , Tria Fernando D. K. , Turner Jonathan M. , Davies Christopher , Schönheit Peter
Published: April 2019

Pyruvate kinases (PKs) synthesize ATP as the final step of glycolysis in the three domains of life. PKs from most bacteria and eukarya are allosteric enzymes that are activated by sugar phosphates; for example, the feed‐forward regulator fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate, or AMP as a sensor of energy charge. Archaea utilize unusual glycolytic pathways, but the allosteric properties of PKs from these species are largely unknown. Here, we present an analysis of 24 PKs from most archaeal clades with respect to allosteric properties, together with phylogenetic analyses constructed using a novel mode of rooting protein trees. We find that PKs from many Thermoproteales, an order of crenarchaeota, are allosterically activated by 3‐phosphoglycerate (3PG). We also identify five conserved amino acids that form the binding pocket for 3PG. 3PG is generated via an irreversible reaction in the modified glycolytic pathway of these archaea and therefore functions as a feed‐forward regulator. We also show that PKs from hyperthermophilic Methanococcales, an order of euryarchaeota, are activated by AMP. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that 3PG‐activated PKs form an evolutionary lineage that is distinct from that of sugar‐phosphate activated PKs, and that sugar phosphate‐activated PKs originated as AMP‐regulated PKs in hyperthermophilic Methanococcales. Since the phospho group of sugar phosphates and 3PG overlap in the allosteric site, our data indicate that the allostery in PKs first started from a progenitor phosphate‐binding site that evolved in two spatially distinct directions: one direction generated the canonical site that responds to sugar phosphates and the other gave rise to the 3PG site present in Thermoproteales. Overall, our data suggest an intimate connection between the allosteric properties and evolution of PKs.
Functional biogeography of dietary strategies in birds
Authors: Barnagaud Jean‐Yves , Mazet Nathan , Munoz François , Grenié Matthias , Denelle Pierre , Sobral Mar , Kissling W. Daniel , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Violle Cyrille
Published: April 2019

Aim

Diet is key to understanding resource use by species, their relationships with their environment and biotic interactions. We aimed to identify the major strategies that shape the diet space of birds and to investigate their spatial distributions in association with biogeographical, bioclimatic and anthropogenic drivers.

Location

Global.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Birds.

Methods

We analysed score‐based assessments of eight diet categories for 8,937 out of 10,964 extant bird species. We constructed a multivariate diet space by ordinating these data in a principal coordinates analysis and assessed its dimensionality as a balance between the representation of original diet scores and parsimony. We averaged the positions of species along each dimension for 12,705 species assemblages and used quantile regressions to infer the relative contributions of species richness, climate, primary productivity, topography and human footprint to the spatial distribution of the diet space at a global scale.

Results

The diet space of birds was structured by four dimensions ordinating species along continua ranging from insectivory to plant‐based strategies, granivory to frugivory, common to rare diets, and nectarivory to carnivory and piscivory. Although orthogonal at the species level, these dimensions were correlated among species assemblages, with regional variation consistent with past climatic and tectonic events. Human footprint packed bird assemblages in the diet space, whereas warm climate, high productivity and high topographic variability were associated with high variability in the prevalence of dietary strategies among assemblages.

Main conclusions

The tremendous variability in bird diets can be explained by a few basic ecological continua sustained by morphological and ecophysiological differences among species. Strong biogeographical legacies on top of bioclimatic drivers distribute this diet space in species assemblages through environmental filtering and niche packing. However, these patterns are altered at macroecological scales by human‐mediated functional homogenization, which might, in turn, affect the global distribution of bird functions and services.
Long non‐coding RNA miR143HG predicts good prognosis and inhibits tumor multiplication and metastasis by suppressing mitogen‐activated protein kinase and Wnt signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Xiong , Xiaoqin He , Jiayu Chen , Li Fan , Yue Li , Ximing Xu
Published: April 2019

Aim

The expression of microRNA143HG (miR143HG) was significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues by bioinformatics analysis. This study aimed to determine the role of miR143HG in HCC cell proliferation and metastasis.

Methods

Fifty patients with HCC were divided into two groups based on median miR143HG expression levels. The correlation between miR143HG expression and prognosis, and the correlations between miR143HG expression and the patients’ clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated based on the two groups. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function measurements of miR143HG were carried out to verify the biological function of miR143HG by Cell Counting Kit‐8, EdU, Transwell, and western blotting assays and flow cytometric analysis. The underlying mechanism was explored by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of miRNA (miR‐155‐5p and miR‐26b‐5p), luciferase reporter assay, western blotting of Wnt signaling pathway‐related proteins (β‐catenin, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), ZEB1, and E‐cadherin), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway‐related proteins (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase [ERK]1/2, p‐ERK1/2, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), p‐JNK, P38, and p‐P38), and immunofluorescence staining of β‐catenin.

Results

miR143HG expression was markedly downregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Its expression was associated with the presence or absence of portal vein tumor thrombus, hepatitis B virus infection, relapse and metastasis, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage. Additionally, miR143HG expression predicted a good prognosis and acted as an independent prognostic factor in HCC for overall survival. Overexpression of miR143HG suppressed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Consistently, the depletion of miR143HG resulted in the opposite phenomenon of the aforementioned results. miR143HG inhibits miR‐155 expression; miR‐155 directly targets APC, which is a negative regulator of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, so miR143HG can act on the Wnt pathway. miR143HG was further found to reduce the expression of β‐catenin and block the nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin, ultimately inhibiting the activation of the Wnt pathway. It inhibits the expression of Wnt downstream target gene ZEB1, and then E‐cadherin expression is increased and cell motility is inhibited. Furthermore, miR143HG exerts its antiproliferative function by influencing the MAPK signaling pathway and then inducing G2/M arrest in cells.

Conclusion

This study showed that miR143HG plays critical roles in the development and progression of HCC by suppressing the MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways.
Theories for ecological restoration in changing environment: Toward ‘futuristic’ restoration
Authors: CHOI Young D.
Published: April 2019

Ecological restoration is one of the fastest growing fields in applied ecology providing new ideas and opportunities for biological conservation and natural resource management. Despite countless attempts in the past, large portions of restoration projects have been considered unsuccessful mainly due to: unrealistic goals; inadequate restoration plans based on an ad‐hoc approach; lack of explicit and quantified evaluation criteria for restoration success; lack of ecological understanding; social, economic, and political constraints; or combinations of these factors. Existing ecological theories, particularly succession theories, may provide a conceptual framework for a restoration trajectory. However, projecting a ‘desirable’ trajectory and outcome is often challenged by the unpredictability of ecological communities in the changing environment. Particularly, the sustainability of reconstructed ‘historic’ ecosystems appears to be an unlikely goal in the ever‐changing and unpredictable future environment. This paper calls for a shift in the restoration paradigm from ‘historic’ to ‘futuristic.’ A ‘futuristic’ restoration is: (i) to set realistic and dynamic (instead of static) goals for future, instead of past, environment; (ii) to assume multiple trajectories acknowledging the unpredictable nature of ecological communities and ecosystems; (iii) to take an ecosystem or landscape approach, instead of ad‐hoc gardening, for both function and structure; (iv) to evaluate the restoration progress with explicit criteria, based on quantitative inference; and (v) to maintain long‐term monitoring of restoration outcomes. A theoretical framework for ‘futuristic’ restoration, in terms of goals, trajectories, evaluation criteria, and monitoring, along with a historical perspective is presented in this paper.
Effects of frequency on the electrical conductivity of whole shell egg components
Authors: Kasler David R. , Sastry Sudhir K.
Published: April 2019

In an attempt to investigate ohmic heating of shell eggs, the electrical conductivity of its components was determined. Whole shell eggs were split up into five major components including yolk, thin albumen, thick albumen, membrane, and shell. Each was individually tested to determine the effects of electric field frequency and temperature on electrical conductivity. Electrical conductivity of the liquid egg components show results similar to literature values. In the range of frequencies from 10 to 100,000 Hz, little or no frequency dependence was noted for electrical conductivity, with temperature being a far more significant variable. A modeling study for ohmic heating of whole eggs showed significant disagreement with experiment, due principally to inaccuracy in measurement of shell conductivity—accuracy was improved when using an eggshell conductivity that was far lower than the measured value. Nevertheless, despite the lack of significant ohmic heating effects, some current flow within eggs was noted. While data for liquid components may be considered reliable, methods for measuring electrical conductivity of low‐moisture, solid components such as eggshells need to be improved.

Practical Applications

We show the effects of frequency on the electrical conductivities of various shell egg components, in particular including the shell and shell membrane, and verify the accuracy of properties data with a heat transfer model. This work is useful for egg industry applications due to recent concerns about contamination with Salmonella, which has prompted research into alternative methods of in‐shell pasteurization of eggs.
Laparoscopic repair of an umbilical hernia in a Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) rescued in Sierra Leone
Authors: Pizarro Andrea Isabel , Amarasekaran Bala , Brown Donna , Pizzi Romain
Published: April 2019

Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair was performed in an adult female Western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) in a rescue centre in Sierra Leone. Biological mesh and laparoscopic spiral tacks via three 5 mm laparoscopy ports were used to close a 4 cm hernia. The chimpanzee recovered quickly and the hernia did not recur.
Development of a novel histological and histomorphometric evaluation protocol for a standardized description of the mid‐palatal suture – An ex vivo study
Authors: Willershausen Ines , Erbe Christina , Al‐Maawi Sarah , Orlowska Anna , Wehrbein Heiner , Ghanaati Shahram
Published: April 2019

The hard palate and mid‐palatal suture are highly important for orthodontic treatment. In cases of transverse maxillary deficiency, palatal expansion is the treatment of choice. As nowadays a growing number of adult patients receive orthodontic treatment, an understanding of suture development throughout life is important to derive tailored orthodontic treatment techniques for each age group. Histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical stains (haematoxylin & eosin, Azan, Movat pentachrome, Masson–Goldner trichrome, Sirius Red, CD 31, osteopontin and TRAP) and histomorphometric analyses were re‐established to detect the structural conditions of the mid‐palatal suture in human cadavers of three different age groups (20–39, 40–59 and 60–80 years). The mid‐palatal suture of the selected age groups (total of n = 12; n = 4 in every group m = f) exhibited marked differences in sutural morphology and metabolism. A wide, interdigitated and well‐vascularized suture was observed in younger specimens compared with straighter and smaller sutures with fewer vessels and lower bone density in the 60–80 year group. The fibre composition within the sutural gap differed between the three age groups. Delicate fibres were found in the 20–39 year group, and a tightly interwoven 3D fibre‐network was observed in the 40–59 year group. Atrophy primarily characterized the fibres in the 60–80 year group. This evidence demonstrates differences between the evaluated groups. These results suggest that the staining methods used are suitable for the description and evaluation of the morphology and metabolism of mid‐palatal sutures. Further investigation is necessary to provide an in‐depth description of sutural maturation over a lifetime.
Prosperity Beliefs and Value Orientations: Fueling or Suppressing Entrepreneurial Activity
Authors: Dougherty Kevin D. , Neubert Mitchell J. , Park Jerry Z.
Published: April 2019

Entrepreneurs tend to think differently than nonentrepreneurs. Among the differences are values prizing achievement and self‐direction, while downplaying tradition and conformity. Religion is an important correlate to human values. Nevertheless, previous research has failed to explore adequately the connections among religious beliefs, human values, and entrepreneurial outcomes. The purpose of this study is to test these relationships with a focus on beliefs that God rewards the faithful with material prosperity. We test eight hypotheses using a national survey of working adults. Results of a multigroup path model reveal that value orientations of self‐enhancement, openness to change, and conservation are associated with entrepreneurial attitudes of opportunity recognition and risk willingness. These attitudes likewise correlate with new business creation. Prosperity beliefs moderate the impact of values and entrepreneurial attitudes on the likelihood of starting a new business, but prosperity beliefs by themselves show little direct impact on entrepreneurial attitudes or action.
Development and validation of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ‐MLUTS) and the ICIQ‐MLUTS Long Form in Chinese population
Authors: Huang Weina , Wang Qiang , Chen Jiawei , Wu Peng
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and validate Chinese versions of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ‐MLUTS) and ICIQ‐MLUTS Long Form (LF), and to discuss their potential functions.

Methods

The original ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐MLUTS LF were translated into Chinese after obtaining permission from the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire Advisory Board. Between November 2017 and August 2018, the Chinese versions of the ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐MLUTS LF were validated by administering them to male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms attending the urology department in 6 and 12 hospitals, respectively, in China.

Results

In all, 135 and 230 patients completed the first administration of the Chinese version of the ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐MLUTS LF, respectively. Both questionnaires had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.797 and 0.853 for the ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐MLUTS LF, respectively) and good criterion validity (Pearson's correlation of 0.846 and 0.833 with the International Prostate Symptom Score for the ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐MLUTS LF, respectively). Satisfactory test–retest reliability was demonstrated, with an intraclass correlation coefficient for both questionnaires >0.9. Good responsiveness of both questionnaires was also noticeable (marked improvements between scores before and after treatment; P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions

The Chinese versions of the ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐MLUTS LF were valid and reliable in Chinese population, which will be useful for clinical practice and research in China.
Grey mould of strawberry, a devastating disease caused by the ubiquitous necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Petrasch Stefan , Knapp Steven J. , van Kan Jan A. L. , Blanco‐Ulate Barbara
Published: April 2019

The fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea causes grey mould, a commercially damaging disease of strawberry. This pathogen affects fruit in the field, storage, transport and market. The presence of grey mould is the most common reason for fruit rejection by growers, shippers and consumers, leading to significant economic losses. Here, we review the biology and epidemiology of the pathogen, mechanisms of infection and the genetics of host plant resistance. The development of grey mould is affected by environmental and genetic factors; however, little is known about how B. cinerea and strawberry interact at the molecular level. Despite intensive efforts, breeding strawberry for resistance to grey mould has not been successful, and the mechanisms underlying tolerance to B. cinerea are poorly understood and under‐investigated. Current control strategies against grey mould include pre‐ and postharvest fungicides, yet they are generally ineffective and expensive. In this review, we examine available research on horticultural management, chemical and biological control of the pathogen in the field and postharvest storage, and discuss their relevance for integrative disease management. Additionally, we identify and propose approaches for increasing resistance to B. cinerea in strawberry by tapping into natural genetic variation and manipulating host factors via genetic engineering and genome editing.
Highlights from the International Symposium on Understanding the Double Burden of Malnutrition for Effective Interventions: A focus on stable isotope techniques in nutrition
Authors: Nguo K.
Published: April 2019

The International Symposium on Understanding the Double Burden of Malnutrition for Effective Interventions was held at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 10 to 13 December 2018. The Symposium was hosted by the IAEA in cooperation with the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund. The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is a complex situation characterised by the co‐existence of overweight/obesity, underweight and/or undernutrition, and can occur at the individual, household and population levels across the lifespan. Currently, one in three individuals worldwide suffer from at least one form of malnutrition. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen understanding of how to tackle the DBM by sharing research findings, ideas and issues with the implementation of relevant interventions, programmes and policies. In particular, the Symposium highlighted the crucial roles stable isotopes play in the assessment and monitoring of the DBM and in measuring the impact of programmes designed to address this issue. The range of stable isotope applications considered at the meeting is discussed in this paper and includes the assessment of body composition, total energy expenditure, breastfeeding practices and micronutrient bioavailability.
Genome‐wide selection footprints and deleterious variations in young Asian allotetraploid rapeseed
Authors: Zou Jun , Mao Lingfeng , Qiu Jie , Wang Meng , Jia Lei , Wu Dongya , He Zhesi , Chen Meihong , Shen Yifei , Shen Enhui , Huang Yongji , Li Ruiyuan , Hu Dandan , Shi Lei , Wang Kai , Zhu Qianhao , Ye Chuyu , Bancroft Ian , King Graham J. , Meng Jinling , Fan Longjiang
Published: April 2019

Brassica napus (AACC, 2n = 38) is an important oilseed crop grown worldwide. However, little is known about the population evolution of this species, the genomic difference between its major genetic groups, such as European and Asian rapeseed, and the impacts of historical large‐scale introgression events on this young tetraploid. In this study, we reported the de novo assembly of the genome sequences of an Asian rapeseed (B. napus), Ningyou 7, and its four progenitors and compared these genomes with other available genomic data from diverse European and Asian cultivars. Our results showed that Asian rapeseed originally derived from European rapeseed but subsequently significantly diverged, with rapid genome differentiation after hybridization and intensive local selective breeding. The first historical introgression of B. rapa dramatically broadened the allelic pool but decreased the deleterious variations of Asian rapeseed. The second historical introgression of the double‐low traits of European rapeseed (canola) has reshaped Asian rapeseed into two groups (double‐low and double‐high), accompanied by an increase in genetic load in the double‐low group. This study demonstrates distinctive genomic footprints and deleterious SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) variants for local adaptation by recent intra‐ and interspecies introgression events and provides novel insights for understanding the rapid genome evolution of a young allopolyploid crop.
Malignant melanoma with areas of rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation arising in a giant congenital nevus with RAF1 gene fusion
Authors: Baltres Aline , Salhi Aicha , Houlier Aurelie , Pissaloux Daniel , Tirode Franck , Haddad Véronique , Karanian Marie , Ysmail‐Dahlouk Salim , Boukendakdji Fatma , Dahlouk Djazia , Allaoua Fateh , Metref Marzak , Djeridane Assya , Fraitag Sylvie , de la Fouchardière Arnaud
Published: April 2019

A girl, born with a posterior  lumbosacral giant congenital nevus, developed a central nodule that expanded over a period of 14 months into a 10‐cm pedunculated mass. Histological analysis of the mass revealed melanoma of myxoid, small round‐cell type with areas of  rhabdomyosarcomatous  transformation confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RNA sequencing identified an in‐frame SASS6(e14)‐RAF1(e8) fusion in both components and the nevus. A RAF1 FISH break‐apart test found a balanced rearrangement pattern in the nevus and an unbalanced pattern in the malignant areas. Wild‐type status of NRAS and BRAF was confirmed by NGS techniques. The array‐CGH profile displayed copy number alterations commonly found in rhabdomyosarcomas. Despite intensive treatment, widespread metastatic evolution of the melanomatous component was observed.
Assessment of Pierce's disease susceptibility in Vitis vinifera cultivars with different pedigrees
Authors: Deyett E. , Pouzoulet J. , Yang J.‐I. , Ashworth V. E. , Castro C. , Roper M. C. , Rolshausen P. E.
Published: April 2019

Pierce's disease (PD) of grapevine is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. In this study, an integrated approach was applied to assess PD susceptibility among different Vitis vinifera cultivars that incorporated disease severity, bacterial pathogen abundance and loss of stem xylem hydraulic conductivity. It was hypothesized that levels of PD susceptibility in V. vinifera can be attributed in part to the host anatomical features that are shaped by its pedigree background. Two popular wine grape cultivars were initially selected from the occidentalis group, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and one from the orientalis group, Thompson Seedless. The more recently bred table grape cultivar Scarlet Royal, that has mixed pedigree parentage, was also included. PD susceptibility was compared to the known PD resistant b43‐17 V. arizonica/candicans wild grape species from North America. The data indicated that Thompson Seedless was ranked as the most susceptible to PD because it significantly exhibited the most severe disease symptoms at 12 weeks post‐inoculation and hosted the highest X. fastidiosa titre of the cultivars, and lost over 90% of its stem hydraulic conductivity. In contrast, the other three cultivars displayed less susceptibility to PD. The way in which the xylem anatomy could impact PD susceptibility in V. vinifera cultivars is discussed, together with how grape pedigrees and their cognate centre of domestication may have influenced xylem anatomical features. This work provides a reference framework to further test the hypothesis that V. vinifera cultivars with wide xylem vessels may be more prone to PD decline.
Performance‐based design, expertise asymmetry, and professionalism: Fire safety regulation in the neoliberal era
Authors: Spinardi Graham
Published: April 2019

Fire safety has traditionally been regulated by prescriptive rules that stipulate requirements according to the type and size of a building, with the regulator's job being to check that these rules have been followed. However, many jurisdictions now allow performance‐based design regulation in which approval depends on the regulator assessing the prospective performance of a bespoke fire safety design for a particular project. Regulators thus need to be able to adjudicate on the knowledge claims put forward by fire safety engineers, but most regulators lack the knowledge to interrogate claims that are often the product of complex mathematical modeling across a range of disciplines. This expertise asymmetry poses a challenge for the effective regulation of fire safety designs, and the relative immaturity of fire safety engineering as a profession needs to be addressed before it would be wise to rely on professional competence and ethics alone to ensure safety.
Airway distensibility: Bringing physiology to the bedside
Authors: Wellman Andrew
Published: April 2019

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The road to lysosome‐related organelles: Insights from Hermansky‐Pudlak syndrome and other rare diseases
Authors: Bowman Shanna L. , Bi‐Karchin Jing , Le Linh , Marks Michael S.
Published: April 2019

Lysosome‐related organelles (LROs) comprise a diverse group of cell type‐specific, membrane‐bound subcellular organelles that derive at least in part from the endolysosomal system but that have unique contents, morphologies and functions to support specific physiological roles. They include: melanosomes that provide pigment to our eyes and skin; alpha and dense granules in platelets, and lytic granules in cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, which release effectors to regulate hemostasis and immunity; and distinct classes of lamellar bodies in lung epithelial cells and keratinocytes that support lung plasticity and skin lubrication. The formation, maturation and/or secretion of subsets of LROs are dysfunctional or entirely absent in a number of hereditary syndromic disorders, including in particular the Hermansky‐Pudlak syndromes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of LROs in humans and model organisms and presents our current understanding of how the products of genes that are defective in heritable diseases impact their formation, motility and ultimate secretion.
SPRINTING. . . Dietary Approaches to Optimize Training Adaptation and Performance
Authors: Slater Gary J. , Sygo Jennifer , Jorgensen Majke
Published: April 2019

Although sprint athletes are assumed to primarily be interested in promoting muscle hypertrophy, it is the ability to generate explosive muscle power, optimization of power-to-weight ratio, and enhancement of anaerobic energy generation that are key outcomes of sprint training. This reflects the physique of track sprinters, being characterized as ecto-mesomorphs. Although there is little contemporary data on sprinters dietary habits, given their moderate energy requirements relative to body mass, a carbohydrate intake within the range of 3–6 g·kg−1·day−1 appears reasonable, while ensuring carbohydrate availability is optimized around training. Similarly, although protein needs may be twice general population recommendations, sprint athletes should consume meals containing ∼0.4 g/kg high biological value protein (i.e., easily digested, rich in essential amino acids) every 3–5 hr. Despite the short duration of competitions and relative long-recovery periods between races, nutrition still plays an important role in sprint performance. As energy expenditure moderates during competition, so too should intake of energy and macronutrients to prevent unwanted weight gain. Further adjustments in macronutrient intake may be warranted among athletes contemplating optimization of power-to-weight ratio through reductions in body fat prior to the competitive season. Other novel acute methods of weight loss have also been proposed to enhance power-to-weight ratio, but their implementation should only be considered under professional guidance. Given the metabolic demands of sprinting, a few supplements may be of benefit to athletes in training and/or competition. Their use in competition should be preceded with trialing in training to confirm tolerance and perceived ergogenic potential.
Комбинированная кинетико-гидродинамическая модель течения многоатомного газа
Authors: Никитченко Юрий Алексеевич , Nikitchenko Yurii Alekseevich , Попов Сергей Александрович , Popov Sergei Aleksandrovich , Тихоновец Алена Васильевна , Tikhonovets Alena Vasil'evna
Published: April 2019

Представлена математическая модель течения многоатомного газа, содержащая комбинацию модели Навье-Стокса-Фурье (NSF) и модельного кинетического уравнения многоатомных газов. В основе комбинируемых компонентов лежит единая физическая модель, в результате чего модель NSF является строгим первым приближением модельного кинетического уравнения. Модель позволяет проводить расчеты полей течения в широком интервале чисел Кнудсена (Kn), а также полей, содержащих области высокой динамической неравновесности. Граничные условия на твердой поверхности выставляются на кинетическом уровне, что позволяет, в частности, формулировать граничные условия на поглощающих или выделяющих газ поверхностях. Проведено тестирование комбинированной модели. На примере задачи о профиле ударной волны показано, что до чисел Маха M$\approx$2 комбинированная модель дает гладкие решения даже в тех случаях, когда точка сшивания находится в высоко градиентной области. В течении Куэтта гладкие решения получены при M=5, Kn=0.2.