bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramides and diabetes mellitus: an update on the potential molecular relationships
Authors: Yaribeygi H. , Bo S. , Ruscica M. , Sahebkar A.
Published: February 2019

Recent evidence suggests that ceramides can play an important pathophysiological role in the development of diabetes. Ceramides are primarily recognized as lipid bilayer building blocks, but recent work has shown that these endogenous molecules are important intracellular signalling mediators and may exert some diabetogenic effects via molecular pathways involved in insulin resistance, β‐cell apoptosis and inflammation. In the present review, we consider the available evidence on the possible roles of ceramides in diabetes mellitus and introduce eight different molecular mechanisms mediating the diabetogenic action of ceramides, categorized into those predominantly related to insulin resistance vs those mainly implicated in β‐cell dysfunction. Specifically, the mechanistic evidence involves β‐cell apoptosis, pancreatic inflammation, mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, adipokine release, insulin receptor substrate 1 phosphorylation, oxidative stress and insulin synthesis. Collectively, the evidence suggests that therapeutic agents aimed at reducing ceramide synthesis and lowering circulating levels may be beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetes and its related complications.
Noncompaction‐like membranous structure in left ventricle
Authors: Ceylan Ozben , Arman Didem , Kara Nursu
Published: February 2019

A 22‐day‐old boy born to a 21‐year‐old gravida 1, para 1 mother was admitted to our hospital for routine newborn examination. On physical examination, any clinical abnormality or malformations were not observed except 1/6 systolic murmur. A well‐demarcated membranous structure was confirmed by echocardiography which was starting from left ventricular apex, extending to the mitral chords including papillary muscles in apical four‐chamber and parasternal long‐axis examination. This structure was considered as a variant of left ventricular noncompaction. The patient is still being followed up in our pediatric cardiology department.
The effects of geographic origin and antibiotic treatment on the gut symbiotic communities ofBactrocera oleaepopulations
Authors: Koskinioti Panagiota , Ras Erica , Augustinos Antonios A. , Tsiamis George , Beukeboom Leo W. , Caceres Carlos , Bourtzis Kostas
Published: February 2019

The olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae(Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the major insect pest of olive orchards (Olea europaeaL.), causing extensive damages on cultivated olive crops worldwide. Due to its economic importance, it has been the target species for a variety of population control approaches including the sterile insect technique (SIT). However, the inefficiency of the current mass‐rearing techniques impedes the successful application of area‐wide integrated pest management programs with anSITcomponent. It has been shown that insect mass rearing and quality of sterile insects can be improved by the manipulation of the insect gut microbiota and probiotic applications. In order to exploit the gut bacteria, it is important to investigate the structure of the gut microbial community. In the current study, we characterized the gut bacterial profile of two wild olive fruit fly populations introduced in laboratory conditions using next generation sequencing of two regions of the 16SrRNAgene. We compared the microbiota profiles regarding the geographic origin of the samples. Additionally, we investigated potential changes in the gut bacteria community before and after the first exposure of the wild adult flies to artificial adult diet with and without antibiotics. Various genera – such asErwinia,Providencia,Enterobacter, andKlebsiella– were detected for the first time inB. oleae. The most dominant species wasCandidatusErwinia dacicola Capuzzo et al. and it was not affected by the antibiotics in the artificial adult diet used in the first generation of laboratory rearing. Geographic origin affected the overall structure of the gut community of the olive fruit fly, but antibiotic treatment in the first generation did not significantly alter the gut microbiota community.
Efficacy and tolerability of the ketogenic diet versus high‐dose adrenocorticotropic hormone for infantile spasms: A single‐center parallel‐cohort randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dressler Anastasia , Benninger Franz , Trimmel‐Schwahofer Petra , Gröppel Gudrun , Porsche Barbara , Abraham Klaus , Mühlebner Angelika , Samueli Sharon , Male Christoph , Feucht Martha
Published: February 2019

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of the ketogenic diet (KD) with standard adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment in infants with West syndrome.

Methods

In this parallel‐cohort (PC) randomized controlled trial (RCT), infants were randomly allocated to KD or high‐dose ACTH. Those who could not be randomized were followed in a PC. Primary end point was electroclinical remission at day 28. Secondary end points were time to electroclinical remission, relapse after initial response, seizure freedom at last follow‐up, adverse effects, and developmental progress.

Results

One hundred one infants were included: 32 in the RCT (16 KD; 16 ACTH) and 69 in the PC (37 KD; 32 ACTH). Electroclinical remission at day 28 was similar between KD and ACTH (RCT: 62% vs 69%; PC: 41% vs 38%; combined cohort: 47% vs 48%; KD vs ACTH, respectively). In the combined cohort, time to electroclinical remission was similar between both treatments (14 days for KD, 16 days for ACTH). However, relapse rates were 16% (KD) and 43% (ACTH, P = 0.09), and seizure freedom at last follow‐up was 40% (KD) and 27% (ACTH, P = 0.18). Adverse effects needing acute medical intervention occurred more often with ACTH (30% with KD, 94% with ACTH, P < 0.001). Age‐appropriate psychomotor development and adaptive behavior were similar.

Without prior vigabatrin (VGB) treatment, remission at day 28 was 47% (KD) and 80% (ACTH, P = 0.02); relapse rates were 29% (KD) and 56% (ACTH, P = 0.13). Consequently, seizure freedom at last follow‐up was similar. In infants with prior VGB, seizure freedom at last follow‐up was 48% (KD) and 21% (ACTH, P = 0.05).

Significance

The study is underpowered; therefore, its results should be interpreted with caution. KD is as effective as ACTH in the long term but is better tolerated. Without prior VGB treatment, ACTH remains the first choice to achieve short‐term remission. However, with prior VGB, KD was at least as effective as ACTH in the short term and was associated with lower relapse rates in the long term; therefore, it represents an appropriate second‐line treatment after VGB.
Mechanism of Suspended Kaolinite Particle Clogging in Porous Media During Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Ye Xueyan , Cui Ruijuan , Du Xinqiang , Ma Sijia , Zhao Jingtong , Lu Ying , Wan Yuyu
Published: February 2019

Managed aquifer recharge is an effective strategy for urban stormwater management. Chemical ions are normally retained in stormwater and groundwater and may accelerate clogging during the recharge process. However, the effect of water chemistry on physical clogging has not previously been investigated. In this study, we investigated the hydrogeochemical mechanism of saturated porous media clogging in a series of column experiments. The column was packed with river sand and added suspensions of kaolinite particles. Calcium chloride and sodium chloride are used as representative ions to study chemical effects. We found that an increase in ionic strength resulted in retention of kaolinite solids in the column, with a breakthrough peak of C/C0 value of 1 to 0.2. The corresponding hydraulic conductivity decreased with increased solids clogging. Divalent cations were also found to have a greater influence on kaolinite particle clogging than monovalent cations. The enhanced hydrochemical‐related clogging was caused by kaolinite solids flocculating and increasing the deposition rate coefficient by 1 to 2 times in high ionic strength conditions. Three clogging mechanisms of kaolinite solids are proposed: surface filtration, inner blocking, and attachment. This study further deepens the understanding of the mechanisms of solids clogging during aquifer recharge and demonstrates the significance of ionic strength on recharge clogging risk assessments.
Using qPCR Assays to Predict Rates of Cometabolism of TCE in Aerobic Groundwater
Authors: Wilson John T. , Mills James C. , Wilson Barbara H. , Ferrey Mark L. , Freedman David L. , Taggart Dora
Published: February 2019

Monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is commonly used as a remedy for trichloroethene (TCE) in anaerobic groundwater; however, MNA has not been applied to TCE contamination in aerobic groundwater. Under aerobic conditions, bacteria initiate the degradation of many organic substances with oxygenase enzymes. Several of these enzymes are known to degrade TCE through a fortuitous reaction known as cometabolism. There are commercially available qPCR assays that can determine the number of gene copies of these enzymes. If the qPCR assay could be used to predict the first‐order rate constant for cometabolism of TCE, the qPCR assay could be used to screen sites to determine whether MNA was a plausible remedy for TCE contamination. This study reevaluated data from water samples that were collected from 19 wells on five sites in Minnesota, New York, and Utah. Data had previously been published on the rate constant for cometabolism of TCE in the water samples as determined by a 14C‐assay and the abundance of gene copies for five enzymes that cometabolize TCE as determined using a qPCR assay. The Michaelis‐Menten (Haldane) kinetic parameters for cometabolism of TCE and the abundance of DNA for the five oxygenase enzymes were used to predict the rate constant for cometabolism of TCE. The predicted rate constants were evaluated and validated by comparing them to the rate constants derived from the 14C‐assay. For predicted rate constants greater than 0.003 per year, the predicted rate constants agreed with the measured rate constants within a factor of three. The qPCR assay serves as a convenient screening tool to determine whether MNA is a plausible remedy for an aerobic plume of TCE.
First evidence of Middle to Late Triassic radiolarians in the Garba mountains, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Munasri  , Putra Akbar Maharsha
Published: February 2019

A Middle to Late Triassic (Ladinian–Carnian) radiolarian fauna was discovered in cherts of the Situlanglang Member of the Garba Formation, South Sumatra, which is generally regarded as of Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous age. This fauna is characterized by the presence of Annulotriassocampe sulovensis, Triassocampe postdeweveri, Spongotortilispinus tortilis, Poulpus piabyx, Canoptum levis and others. This evidence possibly indicates that the deposition of the Situlanglang cherts took place after the collision of the Sibumasu and East Malaya blocks recorded in the Bentong–Raub Suture in Peninsular Malaysia in Late Permian–Early Triassic times. During the Middle–Late Triassic Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia consisted of submarine horst and graben structures. It is possible that a submarine graben, the Tuhur basin, whose southern boundary was formerly undefined, extends into South Sumatra, to the area in which the Situlanglang cherts were deposited. The Situlanglang Member is proposed to be a rock unit stratigraphically contemporaneous with those of the Middle–Upper Triassic Kualu and Tuhur Formations in North and Central Sumatra.
Nicotinamide riboside has protective effects in a rat model of mesenteric ischaemia‐reperfusion
Authors: Toropova Yana G. , Pechnikova Nadezdha A. , Zelinskaya Irina A. , Zhuravsky Sergey G. , Kornyushin Oleg V. , Gonchar Alina I. , Ivkin Dmitry Y. , Leonova Yulia V. , Karev Vadim E. , Karabak Irina A.
Published: February 2019

Acute mesenteric ischaemia is a syndrome caused by inadequate blood flow through the mesenteric vessels, resulting in ischaemia and eventual gangrene of the bowel wall. Although relatively rare, it is a potentially life‐threatening condition. The maintenance of haemodynamic stability, along with adequate oxygen saturation, and the correction of any electrolyte imbalance, are of the utmost importance. However, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis modulation by precursor introduction can also be a powerful tool for preventing injury. Nicotinamide riboside is a pyridine‐nucleoside form of vitamin B3 that functions as a precursor to NAD+. The present study investigated nicotinamide riboside's effect on endothelium functional state, microcirculation and intestinal morphology in acute mesenteric ischaemia and reperfusion. Mesenteric ischaemia was simulated after the adaptation period (15 minutes) by occluding the superior mesenteric artery for 60 minutes, followed by a reperfusion period of 30 minutes. The functional state of intestinal microcirculation was evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry. Endothelial functional activity was studied by using wire myography. Intestinal samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. The results revealed that nicotinamide riboside protects the intestinal wall from ischaemia‐reperfusion injury, as well as improving the relaxation function of mesenteric vessels. Nicotinamide riboside's protective effect in small intestine ischaemia‐reperfusion can be used to reduce ischaemia‐reperfusion injury, as well as to preserve intestinal grafts until transplant.
How does perception on green environment across generations affect consumer behaviour? A neural network process
Authors: Deliana Yosini , Rum Irlan Adiyatma
Published: February 2019

This paper examines how the perception on green environment can affect consumer behaviour. It tests whether consumer behaviour responds to environmental change. This study captures the interaction between green environment perception and behaviour. A neural network analysis is used to address this challenge to model such a behaviour. A total of 462 interviews were conducted and analysed using neural network process. A Scaled Conjugate Gradient with random data division was used in training and the performance was calculated using mean square error. The result reveals that perception–behaviour gap exists across generations on green environment. It indicates that perception on green producing, green living, green transport and green product is an important factor in determining the behaviour on green consumption. The neural network accurately recognized green behaviour up to nearly 82% with MSE = 0.09 at epoch 31, which is a high level of recognition accuracy. This study underlines the existence of perception–behaviour gap on green environment. However, these are only identified to people with low‐to‐medium level of green behaviours (level of correct only 44.5% and 30%). People with high level of green behaviour in fact show consistency between their perceptions and behaviours (level of correct 96.4%). This result shows that people tend to have higher perceptions on green environment, but their behaviour reflects otherwise.
Insulin‐like growth factor 1 sustained‐release collagen on urethral catheter prevents stricture after urethral injury in a rabbit model
Authors: Shinchi Masayuki , Kushibiki Toshihiro , Mayumi Yoshine , Ito Keiichi , Asano Tomohiko , Ishihara Miya , Horiguchi Akio
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the preventive effect of an insulin‐like growth factor 1 sustained‐release collagen urethral catheter on urethral stricture after urethral injury in a rabbit model.

Methods

We made urethral catheters coated either with insulin‐like growth factor 1 impregnated collagen or with only collagen, and we divided 19 male Japanese white rabbits into three groups according to the kind of catheter inserted immediately after the rabbit's urethra was injured by electrocoagulation. Group 1 (n = 7) had a catheter coated with insulin‐like growth factor 1 impregnated collagen inserted; group 2 (n = 7) had a catheter coated with only collagen inserted; and group 3 (n = 5) had an uncoated catheter inserted. A total of 14 days later, the injured urethras were evaluated by urethrography and urethroscopy, and were also histologically examined.

Results

Urethrography showed that the ratio of the urethral lumen diameter in injured urethra to that in normal urethra was the largest in group 1 (P < 0.0001). In addition, five of the seven rabbits in group 1 (71.4%) had a urethral lumen large enough for passage of a urethroscope, a fraction larger than the corresponding fractions in groups 2 (57.1%) and 3 (20%). On histological analysis, the injured area not covered with regenerated urethral epithelium tended to be smaller in group 1 than the other two groups, but the mean difference was not significant (P = 0.19).

Conclusions

An insulin‐like growth factor 1 sustained‐release collagen urethral catheter significantly improves wound healing and prevents urethral stricture after urethral injury.
Tadalafil improves bladder dysfunction and object recognition in rats with pelvic venous congestion
Authors: Nishijima Saori , Sugaya Kimio , Kadekawa Katsumi , Ashitomi Katsuhiro , Ueda Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Hideyuki
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To examine the effects of tadalafil on bladder function and object recognition ability in rats with alterations in urinary frequency and locomotor activity as a result of pelvic venous congestion.

Methods

A total of 48 female rats were divided into three groups (sham, pelvic venous congestion and pelvic venous congestion/tadalafil groups). In the pelvic venous congestion and pelvic venous congestion/tadalafil groups, the bilateral common iliac veins and uterine veins were ligated under anesthesia. Rats in the pelvic venous congestion/tadalafil group received a diet containing tadalafil, and the other rats were fed a normal diet. After 4 weeks, rats underwent analysis of voiding behavior, locomotor activity, a novel object recognition test, continuous cystometry, measurement of plasma monoamines, and measurement of plasma and urinary nitric oxide metabolites. Expression of nitric oxide synthase messenger ribonucleic acid in the bladder wall was also assessed, along with histological examination of the bladder.

Results

Rats with pelvic venous congestion showed a higher urinary frequency, lower locomotor activity, and lower plasma and urinary nitric oxide levels than sham rats. The bladder wall endothelial nitric oxide synthase messenger ribonucleic acid level was low and object recognition was impaired. Pelvic venous congestion/tadalafil rats showed improvement in locomotor activity, bladder function and object recognition compared with pelvic venous congestion rats, as well as elevation of plasma and urinary nitric oxide, plasma monoamines, and bladder neuronal nitric oxide synthase messenger ribonucleic acid expression. Bladder wall vascularity was greater in pelvic venous congestion/tadalafil rats compared with sham rats.

Conclusions

In rats with pelvic venous congestion, tadalafil might improve bladder function and the general condition by increasing blood flow to the bladder and brain, and by increasing dopamine levels.
Oral health in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children: An age, period, and cohort analysis
Authors: Stormon Nicole , Ford Pauline J. , Lalloo Ratilal
Published: February 2019

Background

Oral health policy and funding must be informed by well‐designed studies which monitor oral health and the factors which influence it.

Aim

This study aimed to analyse the oral health of the Longitudinal Study of Australia Children (LSAC).

Design

The LSAC is a dual‐cohort cross‐sequential study run biennially since 2004. Carer‐report measures for oral health were measured across six biennial waves and included frequency of tooth brushing, dental service use, and dental problems since the previous wave.

Results

A total of 10 090 Australian children participated at baseline (birth [B] n = 5017 and kindergarten [K] n = 4983). Most carers reported that children brushed daily and had regular access to dental care. Increasing age was a significant predictor of dental caries, whereas no differences were observed between time periods and cohorts. Dental caries was more frequently reported than dental injuries. Caries was highest at age eight for the B (n = 1234, 30.5%) and K (n = 1355, 31.5%) cohorts.

Conclusions

By the age of six, caries prevalence had already begun to climb despite the majority of carers reporting good oral health behaviours for their children. Early intervention in the prevention of dental caries is essential, as children appear to attend dental services when caries is already occurring.
Law and lawlessness in industrial fishing: frontiers in regulating labour relations in Asia
Authors: Vandergeest Peter
Published: February 2019

The paper examines the extension of state regulation of industrial fisheries to include labour relations in the wake of scandals concerning unfree and abusive working conditions in the fishing industry. The focus is on fisheries operated out of Thailand, supplemented by information about working conditions in fisheries based in Myanmar and Taiwan. A concept of frontier that pays attention to patterns in labour relations prior to intensification of state regulation enables consideration of how non‐state agents including vessel owners and captains, fishing technologies, marine ecologies, vessel mobilities, borders, and workers contribute to shaping working conditions in industrial fishing. This approach reframes current efforts to regulate industrial fisheries as acting not on an unregulated or lawless fisheries, but on a series of dynamic existing practices of involving multiple agents who regulate fisheries work in the relative absence of state regulation. Using this concept of the frontier also helps explain how and why labour relations in fisheries are positioned as exceptional in relation to terrestrial work, and draws attention to the way that state regulation works through owners and captains, often neglecting the agency of workers, or undermining worker agency through migration policies.
Reproductive cycle of the commercially harvested sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) along the western coast of Portugal
Authors: Machado Inês , Moura Paula , Pereira Fábio , Vasconcelos Paulo , Gaspar Miguel B.
Published: February 2019

Harvested populations of the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) from the northwestern (Carreço) and southwestern (Aljezur) coasts of Portugal were surveyed to describe the species reproductive cycle and assess possible relationships with geographical location and seawater temperature. Individuals were sampled monthly to analyze gonad histology, mean gonadal index (GI), and gonadosomatic index (GSI) during 2 consecutive years (November 2010–November 2012). Both populations presented an annual reproductive cycle, with synchronous gonad maturation and gamete release between sexes. Gonad maturation occurred throughout autumn–winter, followed by a single but prolonged spawning season during spring–summer. The duration of the spawning season displayed a latitudinal gradient likely related to the north–south increasing trend in seawater temperature, with the northwestern population (Carreço) exhibiting a shorter spawning period compared to the southwestern population (Aljezur). The timing and duration of the spawning season was compared with several populations throughout the distributional range of P. lividus in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In the population from Carreço, the size at first sexual maturity (test diameter = 35.9 mm) was considerably smaller than the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) of 50 mm test diameter legally established for P. lividus. This study confirms that sustainable exploitation depends on harvesters’ awareness of and compliance with the MCRS and provides useful information for the eventual establishment of a closed season in the harvesting of P. lividus.
Effects of the frequency of ostomy management reinforcement education on self‐care knowledge, self‐efficacy, and ability of stoma appliance change among Korean hospitalised ostomates
Authors: Seo Hui‐Won
Published: February 2019

Patients who undergo stoma surgery experience difficulties in adapting physically and psychologically. The priority is to support them in learning self‐care for successful rehabilitation and psychosocial adaption to a new life. In order to do this, it is important to provide ostomates with repetitive reinforcement education on self‐care in a continuous and individual manner, not just to increase knowledge or perform related skills. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ostomy management reinforcement education (OMRE) in ostomates and to identify the optimal frequency of reinforcement education using an equivalent control group post‐test design. Participants were 60 ostomates admitted to a university hospital after ostomy formation surgery, and they were randomly assigned to a control and two experimental groups of this study. The OMRE was given to the control group (n = 20), experimental group 1 (n = 20), and experimental group 2 (n = 20) once, twice, and three times, respectively. Participants' self‐care knowledge, self‐efficacy, and ability of stoma appliance change were evaluated before and after the OMRE. Major results of this study were as follows: the self‐care knowledge score of post‐test was higher than the pretest in the control, experimental 1, and experimental two groups (P < 0.001). The self‐efficacy score of post‐test was higher than the pretest in the control, experimental 1, and experimental 2 groups (P < 0.001). The self‐care knowledge score according to the frequency of OMRE did not differ among the control, experimental 1, and experimental 2 groups (F = 1.921, P = 0.156). The self‐efficacy score according to the frequency of OMRE was significantly different between the control and experimental groups (F = 8.616, P = 0.001), but there was no difference between the experimental 1 and experimental 2 groups (Scheffe's post‐hoc analysis: a < b, c). The ability of stoma appliance change score according to the frequency of OMRE was significantly different between the control and experimental groups (F = 49.546, P < 0.001), but there was no difference between the experimental 1 and experimental 2 groups (Scheffe's post‐hoc analysis: a < b, c). Results of this study suggested that the OMRE was effective for promoting hospitalised ostomates' self‐care knowledge, self‐efficacy, and ability of stoma appliance change, and two sessions of the OMRE was the most effective. Findings of this study may be useful in planning education programmes designed to improve self‐care ability for hospitalised ostomates.
Enhanced photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) on silver nanoparticles modified mesoporous silicon under visible light
Authors: Faisal Mohd , Harraz Farid A. , Al‐Salami Ali E. , El‐Toni Ahmed Mohamed , Almadiy Abdulrhman A. , Khan Aslam , Labis Joselito P. , Al‐Sayari Saleh A. , Al‐Assiri Mohammad S.
Published: February 2019

The development of visible‐light photocatalysts with desirable material characteristics and efficient performance is an existing challenge for photocatalysis community. Herein, we report on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) modified porous silicon (PSi) nanopowder and its effective use in the photo‐reduction of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) to trivalent Cr(III) under direct visible light irradiation in the presence of citric acid. The PSi was prepared via simple stain etching of Si microparticles in HF/HNO3 aqueous solution, followed by the deposition of AgNPs onto PSi by the immersion plating technique. The developed photocatalyst composed of PSi with <20 nm mesoporous structure, decorated with crystalline 15‐50 nm AgNPs. Photocatalytic experiments using unmodified Si microparticles, either PSi or sonicated one, indicated inactive catalytic behavior toward the photo‐reduction of Cr(VI). Remarkable photo‐reduction efficiency (97.4%) was achieved after 180 minutes irradiation using the AgNPs/PSi sample. The efficient photo‐reduction capability of AgNPs/PSi photocatalyst is attributed to the enhanced separation between photo‐generated electrons and holes (e−‐h+) enabling better utilization of light, as revealed from the photoluminescence measurement. Additionally, the presence of citric acid in solution promoted greatly the photo‐reduction reaction as it acted as a hole scavenger, suppressing further the rate of e−‐h+ recombination through rapid consumption of photo‐generated holes. Excellent reusability of the current photocatalyst was evidenced by performing cyclic five runs with minimal reactivity loss. Results of synthesis, characterization, photocatalytic activity and reaction mechanism are thoroughly addressed and discussed.
Understanding the atomic and electronic structures origin of defect luminescence of CdSe quantum dots in glass matrix
Authors: Li Wenke , Li Neng , Liu Chao , Greaves George Neville , Ong Wee‐Jun , Zhao Xiujian
Published: February 2019

Well‐defined density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed as the first exploratory study for the atomic and electronic mechanism of defect mediated morphology and optical properties of CdnSen (n = 3, 10, 13, and 33) quantum dots (QDs) in inorganic amorphous matrix. The intrinsic defects of pristine CdSe QDs, and the interfacial defects between the QDs and surrounding amorphous matrix, were systematically studied. The calculated electronic structure suggested that the pristine CdSe QDs capped by the structural modifiers or non‐bridging oxygen in the amorphous matrix gave rise to the structure reconstruction and paired defect states at the edge of the valence and conduction bands. The orbital analysis elucidated that the redistribution of the majority of HOMO and LUMO electron density was localized over the bonds formed by capping atoms and QDs. These changes in the electronic structures were further demonstrated by CdSe QDs embedded sodium silicate glasses. It turned out that Se atoms at QDs/glass interface were much more active than those found on the surface of organically passivated CdSe QDs. The results serve as a new paradigm in materials research to explore structural origins of defect emission from QDs and a new strategy to develop glasses containing QDs with high photoluminescence quantum efficiency.
Structure and composition of surface depletion layers in poled aluminosilicate glasses
Authors: Smith Nicholas J. , Regier Tom , Dutta Indrajit
Published: February 2019

Thermal poling processes can be used to form modified surface layers on glass that, under ion‐blocking electrode conditions, are depleted of virtually all network‐modifying cations relative to the network‐forming species. During this process, many outstanding questions remain as to the structure of these layers and how it may vary between glasses of different “parent” composition, with important implications for resultant surface properties and industrial applications of this technology. This phenomenon of depleting modifiers is particularly difficult to rationalize in aluminosilicate glass compositions, where—in the parent glass—aluminum ions are predominantly present as cation‐charge‐compensated [AlO4]− tetrahedra prior to poling. Here, we present results of a detailed investigation into the surface depletion layers formed across a wide range of ternary sodium aluminosilicate (NAS) glasses, applying a host of surface‐sensitive spectroscopy methods to directly interrogate the resulting composition and structure within the Na‐depleted, anode‐side surface layers. The desired depletion layers were successfully formed on all of the NAS glasses attempted, all showing (a) near‐complete depletion of alkali within 300‐500 nm‐thick layers on the anode‐side surfaces, (b) thin zones of Al depletion with the Na‐depleted layer, and (c) the absence of injected H+ ions that could serve as an alternative charge‐compensation mechanism. These data essentially confirmed a true binary Al2O3–SiO2 composition inside the depletion layers. However, no significant structural dependence was found as a function of parent glass, where initial compositions ranged from peralkaline to charge‐balanced. Importantly, TEM imaging showed the depletion layers to be fully amorphous and homogeneous (not phase‐separated) at the nanoscale, despite final compositions in the range of 5‐33 mol% Al2O3—a composition space notoriously prone to phase‐separation if prepared by conventional melting. Within the depletion layers, ELNES and TEY‐XANES evidence is shown for retention of Al in a 4‐coordinated state, along with XPS data indicating elimination of non‐bridging oxygen. Taken as a whole, our results indicate a highly‐connected aluminosilicate network, most likely with a relatively high concentration of 3‐coordinated oxygen—or O “triclusters”—as a plausible means of charge‐compensating 4‐coordinated Al in the absence of Na+ or H+. The combined results of this work provide convincing new evidence for unique glass structures within the depletion layers not achievable through analogous melt pathways, with important implications for surface properties.
A conceptual replication examining the risk of overtly listing eligibility criteria on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk
Authors: Siegel Jason T. , Navarro Mario
Published: February 2019

Recent scholarship indicates that explicitly listing eligibility requirements on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk can lead to eligibility falsification. Offering a conceptual replication of prior studies, we assessed the prevalence of eligibility falsification and its impact on data integrity. A screener survey collected the summer before the 2016 presidential election assessed political affiliation. Participants were then randomly assigned to be exposed to a second survey link for which they were eligible or ineligible. There was a significant interaction such that the differences between self‐reported Republicans and Democrats on outcome measures (e.g., attitudes toward Hillary Clinton), were smaller among participants that were falsifying eligibility (i.e., imposters) than those that were not (i.e., genuine participants). Moreover, for most outcomes, imposters put forth responses that were significantly different from the responses put forth by those in the political party with which imposters were pretending to be affiliated. Imposters’ responses were also significantly different from participants in the political party with which imposters initially claimed to genuinely belong. For example, those who self‐reported themselves as Democrats on the screener survey but responded to a survey for “only Republicans” (i.e., imposter Republicans), reported more favorable attitudes toward Donald Trump than genuine Democrats, but indicated less favorable attitudes toward Donald Trump than genuine Republicans. These results highlight the potential harms of explicitly listing eligibility requirements and emphasize the importance of minimizing imposter participation.
The role of spore size in the global pattern of co‐occurrence among Selaginella species
Authors: Margaroni Sofia , Petersen Kurt B. , Gleadow Roslyn , Burd Martin
Published: February 2019

Aim

Separation of regeneration niches may promote coexistence among closely related plant species, but there is little evidence that regeneration traits affect species ranges at broad geographical scales. We address patterns of co‐occurrence within the genus Selaginella, an ancient lineage of free‐sporing, heterosporous, vascular plants. Specifically, we ask whether differences between species in spore size are associated with the extent of overlap in their geographical ranges, a measure of opportunity for ecological interaction.

Taxon

Selaginella (Selaginellaceae: Lycopodiales).

Methods

We used quantile regression to examine the relationship of spore size ratios (pairwise ratios for megaspores and microspores of co‐occurring species) to the area of range overlap and to latitude for a worldwide sample of 112 Selaginella species. Phylogenetically informed tests of statistical significance were used for each percentile relationship examined in the quantile regressions.

Results

Large pairwise disparities in megaspore sizes were significantly associated with large range overlap. Disparities also tended to be larger at low latitudes. Microspore size differences, in contrast, were unrelated to shared range area or latitude.

Main conclusion

Megaspore size appears to affect coexistence at a broad regional scale among Selaginella species, in at least some cases. The pattern is consistent with some degree of competitive structuring of size‐related aspects of dispersal and establishment of propagules among some co‐occurring species. Habitat complexity, such as open microsites within otherwise closed and shaded vegetation, seems likely to promote reproductive niche separation and may account for the latitudinal structure in Selaginella spore sizes.
Cutaneous schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis coinfection: a case report
Authors: Gregorio A.W. , Vasconcellos M.R.A. , Enokihara M.M.S.S. , Guerra J.M. , Nonogaki S. , Tomimori J.
Published: February 2019

Background

The polymorphic clinical presentations of schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis allow their inclusion in the differential diagnoses of several conditions. Although an overlap in distribution of these diseases has been reported in endemic areas, coinfection with cutaneous schistosomiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the same patient is rare.

Objectives

We report an unusual case of concomitant cutaneous schistosomiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Actions for the management and diagnosis were proposed.

Methods

A patient presented with cutaneous lesions on the abdomen and left elbow. The presence of degenerated ova of Schistosoma mansoni in the skin biopsy led to perform a complementary investigation with immunohistochemical techniques, rectal biopsy and abdominal ultrasonography. After the left elbow lesions had failed to improve after several weeks of standard treatment, a new biopsy was performed and led to diagnosis of another infection.

Results

The patient lived in an endemic area for two infectious diseases (schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis). Biopsies revealed chronic granulomatous dermatitis. Degenerated S. mansoni eggs were found in the abdominal lesion and in a rectal biopsy specimen. Ultrasonography revealed hepatic involvement. Despite combination treatment with oxamniquine and praziquantel, a cutaneous lesion persisted on the left elbow; a new biopsy revealed amastigote forms of Leishmania. The patient was successfully treated with intramuscular and intralesional meglumine antimoniate.

Conclusions

The presence of a similar granulomatous infiltrate in lesions caused by the two different infectious agents led to a delay in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. This report serves as a warning of the unusual possibility of cutaneous schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis coinfection in an endemic area.
Primary prevention of keratinocyte carcinoma among outdoor workers, the general population and medical professionals: a systematic review updated for 2019
Authors: Ziehfreund S. , Schuster B. , Zink A.
Published: February 2019

Worldwide 2–3 million cases of keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) are diagnosed annually. Sun‐related knowledge is essential for adequate protection against solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), the main risk factor for KC. The goal was (i) to provide an updated overview of primary prevention against KC including skin cancer‐related knowledge, attitudes and sun protection behaviour (SPB) of outdoor workers, the general population and medical professionals as well as (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of sun protection programmes. We conducted a systematic review of articles indexed for MEDLINE on PubMed using selected MeSH terms and keywords related to the studied topic as well as an extensive hand search of publications between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2018. We identified 51 relevant cross‐sectional studies and 22 interventional studies. Sun‐related knowledge and attitude showed substantial differences with some alarming results, including people who had not even heard about skin cancer before. Reported SPB varied enormously between the included studies, with none of the studies providing an overall sufficient SPB in their examined sun protection measures. However, sun protection programmes using new technologies seem to have great potential to increase sun‐related knowledge and SPB. In countries worldwide, particularly in those where KC is not yet a public health issue, UVR protection should be promoted by healthcare institutions and authorities, politicians, cancer foundations and dermatologists to increase awareness as well as SPB and to decrease the worldwide burden of KC.
Re: The increasing incidence of frontal fibrosing alopecia: in search of triggering factors
Authors: Harries M.J. , Holmes S.
Published: February 2019

Linked article: L. Rudnicka et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: e251. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15529.
Opposite responses to selection and where to find them
Authors: Fisher David N. , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: February 2019

We generally expect traits to evolve in the same direction as selection. However, many organisms possess traits that appear to be costly for individuals, while plant and animal breeding experiments reveal that selection may lead to no response or even negative responses to selection. We formalize both of these instances as cases of “opposite responses to selection.” Using quantitative genetic models for the response to selection, we outline when opposite responses to selection should be expected. These typically occur when social selection opposes direct selection, when individuals interact with others less related to them than a random member of the population, and if the genetic covariance between direct and indirect effects is negative. We discuss the likelihood of each of these occurring in nature and therefore summarize how frequent opposite responses to selection are likely to be. This links several evolutionary phenomena within a single framework.
The consensus of integrative diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis‐2017
Authors: Li Junxiang , Chen Jing , Tang Wenfu
Published: February 2019

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common acute abdominal diseases. The digestive disease committee, Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine, released Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine for diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis in 2010.1 Since then, further studies and great progress have been made by domestic and foreign counterparts from the perspective of both Chinese and Western medicine in AP, including the classification, fluid resuscitation, organ function maintenance, surgery intervention, enteral nutrition (EN), and syndrome differentiation and treatment. It is necessary to update the consensus on diagnosis and treatment of integrated Chinese and Western medicine to meet clinical needs. Therefore, the 2012 Revision of the Atlanta Classification Standard (RAC) by the International AP Consensus,2 the 2013 the Management of Acute Pancreatitis by the American College of Gastroenterology,3, 4 the 2014 Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of the acute pancreatitis guide (2014) by the Chinese medical association branch,5 the 2014 Guidelines on Integrative Medicine for Severe Acute Pancreatitis by the General Surgery Committee of the Chinese Society of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,6 and Traditional Chinese Medicine Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment for Acute Pancreatitis by the Spleen and Stomach committee of China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine7, 8 were taken into account for the revision of the consensus published in 2010. The digestive specialists in Chinese and Western medicine had a discussion on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) types, syndrome differentiation, the main points of integrative medicine, and so on. According to the Delphi method, Consensus of Integrative Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis (the 2017 revision) has been passed after three rounds votes. (The voting options are as follows: (a) totally agree; (b) agree, but with some reservations; (c) agree, but with larger reservations; (d) disagree, but reserved; and (e) absolutely disagree. If more than two out of three choose (a), or over 85% choose (a) + (b), the consensus will be passed.) The final validation was carried out by the core expert group in Taizhou, Jiangsu on June 9, 2017. The full text is as follows.
Analysis of long non‐coding RNA expression profiles in neonatal rats with hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage
Authors: Zhou Han , Wang Xuan , Cheng Rui , Hou Xuewen , Chen Ying , Feng Yun , Qiu Jie
Published: February 2019

Hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage (HIBD) which is a common cause of acute mortality and neurological dysfunction in neonates still lacks effective therapeutic methods. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were demonstrated to play a crucial role in many diseases. To give a foundation for subsequent functional studies of lncRNAs in HIBD, we investigated the profiling of lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) using neonatal HIBD rat model. Six neonatal rats were divided into sham‐operated group (n = 3) and HIBD group (n = 3) randomly. Deep RNA sequencing was implemented to find out the meaningful lncRNAs and mRNAs. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to validate expressions of lncRNAs and mRNAs. The Gene Ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes a genomes (KEGG) database were used to predict functions of lncRNAs. A total of 328 differentially expressed lncRNAs (177 down‐regulated vs 151 up‐regulated) and 7157 differentially expressed mRNAs (2552 down‐regulated vs 4605 up‐regulated) were identified. The Quantitative real‐time PCR results showed significant differential expressions of five lncRNAs and five mRNAs which were consistent with the RNA‐Seq data. Gene ontology and KEGG analysis showed these lncRNAs and their expression‐correlated mRNAs were closely related to the Janus tyrosine kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signaling pathway, NF‐kappa B signaling pathway, Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction pathway and more. The results of our study identified the characterization and expression profiles of lncRNAs in neonatal HIBD and may be a basis for further therapeutic research.

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