bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food waste in tourist households: a perspective article
Authors: Gretzel Ulrike , Murphy Jamie , Pesonen Juho , Blanton Casey
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a perspective on food waste by tourists and tourist households, now and in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a perspective article that summarizes contemporary thinking about food waste and conceptualizes food waste specifically for tourist household settings.

Findings

In tourism, food is more than nourishment and extends to visitor experiences and attractions. Yet food waste arising from tourism activity is a major environmental and societal issue. Festive moods and holiday spirits – synonymous with over-sized portions, bountiful buffets and entertainment excess – exacerbate food waste. Cultural norms that portray food waste as a sign of good hospitality further aggravate the problem. This paper argues that efforts to reduce food waste in tourism require new conceptualizations of tourist households, and where food waste occurs in relation to tourism, and of who should be responsible for preventing and managing food waste.

Research limitations/implications

The tourism industry faces ever-growing economical, societal and legislative reasons to address food waste, which are dynamic and difficult to predict.

Practical implications

Savvy meal providers will migrate towards reducing their food waste or turning it into assets. However, a focus on preventing food waste only in traditional food service and accommodation establishments ignores the reality of growing tourist households and will stifle sustainability efforts unless theoretically unpacked and practically addressed.

Social implications

A third of food produced globally is lost or wasted. Stark facts, proclamations and regulations underscore food waste as a burgeoning global problem with major environmental, social and economic costs.

Originality/value

Food waste, in general, and by tourists, is a burgeoning environmental, social and economic challenge. This is one of the first articles to focus on this topic and introduces the concept of tourist households.
Do diverse landscapes provide for effective natural pest control in subtropical rice?
Authors: Zou Yi , de Kraker Joop , Bianchi Felix J. J. A. , Xiao Haijun , Huang Jikun , Deng Xiangzheng , Hou Lingling , van der Werf Wopke
Published: October 2019

While the biocontrol potential of natural enemies is well established, it is largely unknown how landscape‐mediated effects on pest and natural enemy communities impact the cascade of biocontrol potential, crop injury, yield and profit, taking into account crop management and surrounding landscape composition.

We compared natural biocontrol with chemical control according to local farmers’ practice, across the ‘full cascade’ from natural enemy and pest abundance to crop injury, yield loss, yield and economic performance. This 2‐year study was conducted in 20 rice fields embedded in a gradient of landscapes from crop‐dominated to semi‐natural habitat‐dominated, in subtropical China, the world's largest rice‐producing region.

Natural enemies suppressed brown planthopper population growth in unsprayed plots, irrespective of landscape composition. However, crop injury was lower in pesticide treated plots than in unsprayed plots, and yields in sprayed plots were 20% higher than in unsprayed plots. Nevertheless, pesticide applications were only profitable in less than half of the cases when only costs for pesticides were considered, and in less than one third of the cases when costs for pesticides and labour were considered.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings question the cost‐effectiveness of current chemical‐based pest management in farming, and highlight opportunities for more ecologically based pest management strategies based on the widespread activity of natural enemies. Pest damage and biocontrol, however, are largely independent from the landscape context, which might be due to the small‐scale character of Chinese rice landscapes. To maintain high levels of biocontrol, conserving this small‐scale character appears more important than increasing the proportion of semi‐natural habitat.
Emerging risks of non‐native species escapes from aquaculture: Call for policy improvements in China and other developing countries
Authors: Ju Rui‐Ting , Li Xiao , Jiang Jia‐Jia , Wu Jihua , Liu Jianguo , Strong Donald R. , Li Bo
Published: October 2019

Global aquaculture relies heavily on the farming of non‐native aquatic species (hereafter, NAS). NAS escapes from aquaculture facilities can result in serious aquatic bio‐invasions, which has been an important issue in the FAO Blue Growth Initiative. A regulatory quagmire regarding NAS farming and escapes, however, exists in most developing countries.

We discuss aquaculture expansion and NAS escapes, illustrate emerging risks and propose recommendations for improved aquaculture management across developing countries and particularly for China.

In China, 68 NAS are known to have successfully established feral populations in natural habitats due to recurrent leakages or escapes; among the 68 NAS, 52 represent risks to native aquatic ecosystems. In addition to affecting a country's own biodiversity and ecosystem functions, NAS escapees can also threaten the biosecurity of shared waters in neighbouring countries.

Policy implications. Non‐native aquatic species (NAS) escapes have already had adverse ecological effects in China and other developing countries. The importance of this problem, however, is not adequately recognized by current conservation policies in developing countries. To conserve biodiversity and to support the goal of FAO's sustainable aquaculture, developing countries should now take responsible actions to address NAS escapes through policy and management improvements. Specifically, these countries should pass comprehensive legislation, establish effective agencies and national standards and planning and enhance integrated research and education to deal with risk assessment, prevention, monitoring and control of NAS escapes. Given that China is the world's largest aquacultural producer, China can create a model for other developing countries that will increase the biosecurity and sustainability of global aquaculture.
Bibliometric study of research productivity in occupational therapy and physical therapy/physiotherapy in four Western countries and five Asian countries/regions
Authors: Man David W.K. , Tsang Walter S.F. , Lu Erin Yiqing , Tsang Hector W.H.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

High‐quality research is the foundation of occupational therapy and physical therapy/physiotherapy. A bibliometric study on the research productivity of occupational therapy and physical therapy/physiotherapy scholars in different Western and Asian countries/regions could provide a snapshot of current research achievement in rehabilitation science.

Method

On the basis of an understanding of the leading role of rehabilitation research in Western countries and a recognition of achievements made by Asian occupational therapy and physical therapy/physiotherapy scholars, the current bibliometric study examined the research productivity of occupational therapy and physical therapy/physiotherapy professors and associate professors from four Western countries (Australia, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom) and five Asian countries/regions (Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea). The h‐indices of these scholars were retrieved online and aggregated to quantify the research productivity of institutions and countries/regions.

Results

Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United States were identified as countries/regions with higher research productivity in occupational therapy and physical therapy/physiotherapy. The institutions were ranked on the basis of the median h‐indices of their professors and associate professors; the top 20 productive institutions with occupational therapy programmes had a median h‐index of 17.5 or higher, whereas the benchmark of the top 20 institutions with physical therapy/physiotherapy programmes was 25.

Conclusion

Professors and associate professors in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and the United States are productive in occupational therapy and physical therapy/physiotherapy research. The number of faculty members and university connections are regarded as important for research achievement. Recommendations for various levels of collaboration are provided.
The effects of global leniency programs on margins and mergers
Authors: Dong Ailin , Massa Massimo , Žaldokas Alminas
Published: October 2019

In a cross‐country study, we investigate how staggered passage of national leniency programs from 1990–2012 has affected firms’ margins and merger activity. We find that these programs, which give amnesty to cartel conspirators that cooperate with antitrust authorities, reduced the gross margins of the affected firms. However, firms reacted to new regulations by engaging in more mergers that had negative effects on downstream firms. Our results imply that although these programs were generally effective, their full potential was mitigated by mergers that substitute for cartels, and that a strong merger review process might be a prerequisite for strengthening anti‐collusion enforcement.
Wake Forest Alcohol Imagery Set: Development and Validation of a Large Standardized Alcohol Imagery Dataset
Authors: Peterson Hope , Simpson Sean L. , Laurienti Paul J.
Published: October 2019

Background

The study of alcohol use frequency utilizes alcohol‐related cue imagery. Although a number of alcohol‐image databases currently exist, they have several limitations: Many are not publicly available, some use stock images or clip art rather than real photographs, several eliminate any photographs displaying brand information, and predominantly they contain relatively few images. The aim of this project was to develop a large, open‐access database of alcohol‐related cue images, containing photographs with and without brand information, taken in real‐world environments, with images in a variety of orientations and dimensions.

Methods

The study collected 1,650 images voluntarily from the larger community, to capture photographs with a wide range of content, environments, and relation to alcohol. All images were then rated on scales of valence, arousal, and relation to alcohol by 1,008 Amazon Mechanical Turk workers, using classical emotion validation methods based on the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). Survey respondents were screened with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and Cronbach’s alpha scores were calculated to determine the interrater reliability of scores across the whole sample, and within low‐risk, moderate‐risk, and high‐risk drinkers for each rating domain. Univariate ANOVAs were run to determine differences in ratings across drinking groups.

Results

All Cronbach’s alpha scores indicated high interrater reliability within the whole sample, and across drinking severity groups. Tukey’s HSD post hoc results indicated greater arousal and affect in response to image viewing in moderate‐ and high‐risk drinkers, and higher relation‐to‐alcohol ratings in low‐risk drinkers. All images had categorization tags assigned by members of the study team.

Conclusions

The established imagery set includes 1,650 alcohol‐related images, rated on scales of valence, arousal, and relation to alcohol, and categorized by type of alcohol depicted. The imagery database will be available for open‐access download and use through Google Photos.
Peer effects in the diffusion of water‐saving agricultural technologies
Authors: Sampson Gabriel S. , Perry Edward D.
Published: October 2019

We investigate the role of peer effects in the diffusion of an important water‐saving irrigation technology: low energy precise application (LEPA). Using detailed irrigation behavior data for growers in the High Plains Aquifer region of Kansas covering 1990–2014, we find clear evidence of peer influence in adoption of LEPA, net of environmental factors. Specifically, an additional neighboring LEPA installation within 1 km increases the probability of adoption by about 0.3 percentage points, on average, and this effect diminishes with distance. Our empirical estimates indicate that in the absence of peer effects, LEPA adoption would have been about 10% lower (1,000–1,600 fewer installations) per year. In addition, we find that growers install LEPA in response to higher energy prices.
Do consumers value hydroponics? Implications for organic certification
Authors: Gilmour Daniel N. , Bazzani Claudia , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Snell Heather A.
Published: October 2019

Recent controversy about the inclusion of hydroponics in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic program has highlighted uncertainty about marketing hydroponic crops. In a controversial vote in November 2017, the National Organic Standards Board chose not to recommend that hydroponic farms be banned from organic certification. It is still unclear, however, how consumers perceive and value hydroponic production. This study used a nonhypothetical choice experiment to estimate consumers’ willingness to pay for hydroponic and traditional lettuce both with and without organic certification. No hydroponic premium was found, but exposing consumers to different kinds of information about hydroponics significantly affected consumers’ preference formation. Findings generally suggest that the National Organic Program should consider ways to ensure the stability of organic premiums as perceptions about hydroponics evolve.
Aberrant DNA methylation profiling affecting the endometrial receptivity in recurrent implantation failure patients undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Pathare Amruta D. S. , Hinduja Indira
Published: October 2019

Problem

DNA methylation profile in mid‐secretory phase of endometrium is reported to be varied from other phases in natural menstrual cycle. Therefore, we intended to study the impairment in endometrial receptivity by performing whole‐genome methylation and gene expression profiling in endometrium of recurrent implantation failure patients (RIF) during IVF under controlled ovarian stimulation (COS).

Method of study

Endometrial biopsies were collected from IVF‐RIF patients (cases, n = 6) and healthy fertile oocyte donors (controls, n = 6) undergoing COS after 6/7th day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration. The whole‐genome methylation and gene expression microarray were performed and analysed by GenomeStudio software (P < .05 by Illumina Custom Model), whereas the enrichment analysis was performed using “Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery” (DAVID, V6.8). Significant differentially methylated genes were correlated with dys‐regulated genes using Pearson's correlation.

Results

Differential methylation in RIF patients revealed 448 CpG sites. The enrichment analysis showed aberrant methylation in genes involved in immunological response and G protein activity. Methylation in NLRP2 gene in inflammatory pathway had significant negative correlation with gene expression (P = .008), whereas SERPINA5 gene that is already known to be involved in endometrial receptivity was observed to be hypomethylated in promoter region with highest delta beta value and up‐regulated in gene expression analysis.

Conclusion

The aberrant methylation of genes involved in immunological functions and G protein activation was found to be prevalent which might suggest a role in endometrial receptivity. However, the findings need to be further validated on a larger cohort of IVF‐RIF patients.
Evaluating the accuracy and precision of sonographic fetal weight estimation models in extremely early‐onset fetal growth restriction
Authors: Warrander Lynne K. , Ingram Emma , Heazell Alexander E. P. , Johnstone Edward D.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Birthweight is a critical predictor of survival in extremely early‐onset fetal growth restriction (diagnosed pre‐28 weeks’ gestation, with abnormal umbilical/uterine artery Doppler waveforms), therefore accurate fetal weight estimation is a crucial component of antenatal management. Currently available sonographic fetal weight estimation models were predominantly developed in populations of mixed gestational age and varying fetal weights, but not specifically tested within the context of extremely early‐onset fetal growth restriction. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and precision of fetal weight estimation in this population and investigate whether model performance is affected by other factors.

Material and methods

Cases where a growth scan was performed within 48 hours of delivery (n = 65) were identified from a cohort of extremely early‐onset fetal growth‐restricted pregnancies at a single tertiary maternity center (n = 159). Fetal biometry measurements were used to calculate estimated fetal weight using 21 previously published models. Systematic and random errors were calculated for each model and used to identify the best performing model, which in turn was used to explore the relationship between error and gestation, estimated fetal weight, fetal presentation, fetal asymmetry and amniotic fluid volume.

Results

Both systematic (median 8.2%; range −44.1 to 49.5%) and random error (median 11.6%; range 9.7‐23.8%) varied widely across models. The best performing model was Hadlock head circumference‐abdominal circumference‐femur length (HC‐AC‐FL), regardless of gestational age, fetal size, fetal presentation or asymmetry, with an overall systematic error of 1.5% and random error of 9.7%. Despite this, it only calculated the estimated fetal weight within 10% of birthweight in 64.6% of cases. There was a weak negative relation between mean percentage error with Hadlock HC‐AC‐FL and amniotic fluid volume, suggesting fetal weight is overestimated at lower liquor volumes and underestimated at higher liquor volumes (P = 0.002, adjusted R2 = 0.08).

Conclusions

Hadlock HC‐AC‐FL is the most accurate model currently available to estimate fetal weight in extremely early‐onset fetal growth restriction independent of gestation or fetal size, asymmetry or presentation. However, for 35.4% of cases in this study, estimated fetal weight calculated using this model deviates by more than 10% from birthweight, highlighting a need for an improved model.
Follicular eruption with folliculotropic lymphocytic infiltrates associated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha therapy: Report and study of 3 cases
Authors: Avitan‐Hersh Emily , Dias‐Polak David , Ramon Michal , Zaaroura Hiba , Sahar Dvora , Bergman Reuven
Published: October 2019

Background

We have encountered three cases of follicular eruptions with folliculotropic infiltrates of non‐atypical lymphocytes associated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) therapy.

Methods

Three patients aged 15 to 56 years treated with anti‐TNF‐α therapy (one with adalimumab, and two with infliximab) developed follicular eruptions characterized histopathologically by folliculotropic lymphocytic infiltrates. These were studied clinically, histopathologically, immunophenotypically, and molecularly.

Results

All three cases were characterized histopathologically by folliculotropic cell infiltrates of non‐atypical T (CD3+) lymphocytes with variable follicular exocytosis. Marked reduction in CD7 staining and marked predominance of CD4+ cells over CD8+ cells were observed in 1 and 2 cases, respectively. T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement studies were monoclonal in 1 case. Discontinuation of anti‐TNF‐α therapy in all three cases, with corticosteroid creams in 1 case, led to complete resolution. Rechallenge with adalimumab in 1 case resulted in exacerbation. Replacement of therapy with non‐anti‐TNF‐α biologic agents in 2 cases was not associated with recurrence.

Conclusion

Follicular eruptions with folliculotropic lymphocytic infiltrates associated with anti‐TNF‐α therapy may show some immunophenotypical variations and/or monoclonal TCR gene rearrangements but lack sufficient cytomorphological features of folliculotropic MF. They may resolve with discontinuation of anti‐TNF‐α therapy.
Activated‐cytotoxic TCRαβ+CD4+ peripheral T‐cell lymphoma with hypodermal localization: Case report of a lymphoproliferative disorder probably evolved from the CD4+ cytotoxic T‐cell subpopulation
Authors: Tomasini Dario M. , Serio Giovanni , Landoni Carlo , Appio Lorena , Crivelli Filippo , Bregni Marco
Published: October 2019

The World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors identifies distinctive subtypes of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL), and, additionally, some PTCLs involving mostly extranodal sites like the skin. The difficulty of classifying PTCLs according to the normal stages of T‐cell differentiation and the lack of definitive diagnostic markers for most of the subtypes make the diagnosis of these diseases challenging. PTCL cases which do not fit into any of the specifically defined entities are categorized as PTCL not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS). PTCLs‐NOS represent less than 2% of the total cases of T‐cell lymphoma involving the skin. This article illustrates a case of a PTCL‐NOS in which tumor cells have an activated cytotoxic TCRαβ+CD3+CD4+CD56+ T‐cell phenotype and histopathologic features of subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma, leading to a fatal outcome.
Low incidence of atrial septal defects in nonmammalian vertebrates
Authors: Jensen Bjarke , Joyce William , Gregorovicova Martina , Sedmera David , Wang Tobias , Christoffels Vincent M
Published: October 2019

The atrial septum enables efficient oxygen transport by separating the systemic and pulmonary venous blood returning to the heart. Only in placental mammals will the atrial septum form by the coming‐together of the septum primum and the septum secundum. In up to one of four placental mammals, this complex morphogenesis is incomplete and yields patent foramen ovale. The incidence of incomplete atrial septum is unknown for groups with the septum primum only, such as birds and reptiles. We found a low incidence of incomplete atrial septum in 11 species of bird (0% of specimens) and 13 species of reptiles (3% of specimens). In reptiles, there was a trabecular interface between the atrial septum and the atrial epicardium which was without a clear boundary between left and right atrial cavities. In developing reptiles (four squamates and one crocodylian), the septum primum initiated as a sheet that acquired perforations and the trabecular interface developed late. We conclude that atrial septation from the septum primum only results in a low incidence of incompleteness. In reptiles, the atrial septum and atrial wall develop a trabecular interface, but previous studies on atrial hemodynamics suggest this interface has a very limited capacity for shunting.
Worker demography and behavior in a supercolonial ant colony: The case of the desert antCataglyphis niger
Authors: Reiner Brodetzki Tali , Brodetzki Guy , Feinerman Ofer , Hefetz Abraham
Published: October 2019

Insect societies headed by multiple queens (polygyny) raise evolutionary questions, such as how does genetic heterogeneity among colony members affect in‐nest interactions; or, are all queens equally reproductive or equally treated by workers? Answering such questions requires intensive and continuous observations of in‐nest behavior. Here, we addressed these questions in the polygyne supercolonial ant,Cataglyphis niger,using a barcoding system that enables the tracking of individual interactions, together with polymorphic DNA microsatellite markers that indicate the matriline and patriline of all individuals. Our findings that both queens and workers have low interrelatedness corroborate earlier reports regarding the supercolony structure ofC. niger. Ovary inspection and worker genotyping revealed that all the queens contribute similarly to nest demography. Tracking positions of individual workers through time revealed that only a small proportion of them are constantly engaged in tending the queens and can be considered as retinue workers. However, genotyping these workers and the attended queens revealed no relationship to genetic relatedness, again typical of a true polygyne and supercolonial species. Unlike invasive supercolonial species,C. nigeris native to Israel, enabling us to address questions regarding the driving forces, other than kin selection, that stabilize this society.
Interface processes between protected and unprotected areas: A global review and ways forward
Authors: Blanco Julien , Bellón Beatriz , Fabricius Christo , de O. Roque Fabio , Pays Olivier , Laurent François , Fritz Hervé , Renaud Pierre‐Cyril
Published: October 2019

Land‐use changes and the expansion of protected areas (PAs) have amplified the interaction between protected and unprotected areas worldwide. In this context, ‘interface processes' (human–nature and cross‐boundary interactions inside and around PAs) have become central to issues around the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. This scientific literature review aimed to explore current knowledge and research gaps on interface processes regarding terrestrial PAs. At first, 3,515 references related to the topic were extracted through a standardized search on the Web of Science and analyzed with scientometric techniques. Next, a full‐text analysis was conducted on a sample of 240 research papers. A keyword analysis revealed a wide diversity of research topics, from ‘pure' ecology to sociopolitical research. We found a bias in the geographical distribution of research, with half the papers focusing on eight countries. Additionally, we found that the spatial extent of cross‐boundary interactions was rarely assessed, preventing any clear delimitation of PA interactive zones. In the 240 research papers we scanned, we identified 403 processes that were studied. The ecological effects of PAs were well documented and appeared to be positive overall. In contrast, the effects of PAs on local communities were understudied and, according to the literature focusing on these, were very variable according to local contexts. Our findings highlight key research advances on interface processes, especially regarding the ecological outcomes of PAs, the influence of human activities on biodiversity, and PA governance issues. In contrast, main knowledge gaps concern the spatial extent of interactive zones, as well as the interactions between local people and conservation actions and how to promote synergies between them. While the review was limited to terrestrial PAs, its findings allow us to propose research priorities for tackling environmental and socioeconomic challenges in the face of a rapidly changing world.
Steam pressure and velocity effects on high temperature silicon carbide oxidation
Authors: Mouche Peter A. , Terrani Kurt A.
Published: October 2019

The effects of steam pressure, velocity, and composition on SiC oxidation kinetics were studied. Pressure effects were tested at 1200°C from 0.1 to 1.4 MPa at a steam velocity of 0.25 cm/s. Velocity effects were tested in two furnaces at 0.45 MPa, 1200°C and 0.1 MPa, 1600°C with velocities ranging from 0.25 to 137 cm/s. Steam composition was altered by changing the reaction vessel material. Oxide morphology and composition were determined using optical and electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Porous oxides were observed whenever structural SiC from the reaction vessel saturated the steam with volatilized silica, H2, and CO. Oxidation kinetics were calculated by the change in SiC thickness. The steam velocity/recession rate followed a power‐law relationship of ~ 0.35 while the steam pressure/recession rate followed a power‐law relationship of ~ 1.78.
Emerging Market Footholds and Knowledge: An Examination of New Product Launch Performance
Authors: Jenkins Matthew T. , Craighead Christopher W. , Holcomb Mary C. , Munyon Timothy P. , Ketchen David J. , Eckerd Stephanie
Published: October 2019

As developed markets become more saturated, managers increasingly recognize the value of emerging markets as venues for growth opportunities. Yet, launching products into these markets is extremely risky due to weak institutional environments (e.g., lack of physical infrastructure), making success more uncertain. To alleviate this challenge, theory points to using emerging market footholds that yield market‐specific knowledge. However, it is unclear whether knowledge is realized and, if so, what facets of harvested knowledge are effective in driving performance. Accordingly, we used data collected from a survey of business professionals to examine emerging market footholds and market‐specific knowledge (i.e., customer, competitor, and logistics knowledge). Our results show that the extent of market presence held by an emerging market foothold is positively associated with all types of knowledge, yet only competitor and logistics knowledge—not customer knowledge—is positively associated with product launch performance. A supplemental sample of new product launches in developed markets revealed the opposite results wherein customer knowledge was the only significant predictor. Viewed collectively, the results suggest a market maturity threshold wherein logistics and competitive knowledge becomes less influential in driving performance, and customer knowledge becomes more influential.
Potential complications in patients undergoing an ethanol injection into the vein of Marshall
Authors: Kato Kazuo , Tanaka Akimitsu , Morimoto Shin‐Ichiro , Hasegawa Shin , Ishiguro Nobuo , Kametani Ryosuke , Hattori Hideo , Shibata Norihisa
Published: October 2019

Background

Ethanol injections into the vein of Marshall (VOM) (EIM) are considered to be a good therapeutic option for atrial tachyarrhythmias, however, the safety remains to be determined. To elucidate what would affect the safety and potential complications of an EIM, we investigated the anatomical features of the VOM and patient background.

Methods

We performed the EIM before the conventional pulmonary vein isolation for drug‐resistant atrial fibrillation in 88 patients and evaluated the anatomical features of the VOM and their background.

Results

All procedures were completed, however, other than myocardial staining, trivial contrast medium leaked out of the VOM into the pericardial space, that is, extravasation of contrast medium with capillary rupture, during the EIM in 20 patients (22.7%) regardless of the features of the VOM. No pericardial effusions requiring further intervention developed after the extravasation, which resolved by the next day on echocardiography in 18 of those patients. However, two patients who had extravasation other than during the initial contrast injection required additional therapeutic intervention for nonnegligible pericardial effusions. Their body weights were significantly lower and the latter two patients were also small lean women with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction.

Conclusions

The physical constitution, regardless of the characteristics of the VOM, could be strongly associated with adverse events during the EIM. We must take extreme care in smaller patients with poor compliant hearts during the EIM.
A review of the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Nyaga Ulrich Flore
Published: October 2019

This systematic review summarizes the data on the prevalence, risk factors, complications, and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Bibliographic databases were searched from inception to 31 May 2019, to identify all published studies providing data on AF in populations living in SSA. A total of 72 studies were included. The community‐based prevalence of AF was 4.3% and 0.7% in individuals aged ≥40 years and aged ≥70 years, respectively. The prevalence of AF ranged between 6.7% and 34.8% in patients with ischemic stroke, between 9.5% and 46.8% in those with rheumatic heart disease (RHD), between 5% and 31.5% in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The main risk factors for AF were hypertension, affecting at least one‐third of patients with AF, and valvular heart disease (12.3%‐44.4%) and cardiomyopathy (~20%). Complications of AF included heart failure in about two thirds and stroke in 10% to 15% of cases. The use of anticoagulation for stroke prevention was suboptimal. Rate control was the most frequent therapeutic strategy, used in approximately 65% to 95% of AF patients, with approximately 80% of them achieving rate control. The management of AF was associated with exorbitant cost. In conclusion, AF seems to have a higher prevalence in the general population than previously thought and is mostly associated with hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and RHD in SSA. It is associated with a high incidence of heart failure and stroke. The management of AF is suboptimal in SSA, especially with a low uptake of oral anticoagulation.
HMGN2 regulates non‐tuberculous mycobacteria survival via modulation of M1 macrophage polarization
Authors: Wang Xinyuan , Chen Shanze , Ren Hongyu , Chen Junli , Li Jingyu , Wang Yi , Hua Yuanqi , Wang Xiaoying , Huang Ning
Published: October 2019

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), also known as an environmental and atypical mycobacteria, can cause the chronic pulmonary infectious diseases. Macrophages have been suggested as the main host cell to initiate the innate immune responses to NTM infection. However, the molecular mechanism to regulate the antimicrobial immune responses to NTM is still largely unknown. Current study showed that the NTM clinical groups, Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium smegmatis, significantly induced the M1 macrophage polarization with the characteristic production of nitric oxide (NO) and marker gene expression of iNOS, IFNγ, TNF‐α, IL1‐β and IL‐6. Interestingly, a non‐histone nuclear protein, HMGN2 (high‐mobility group N2), was found to be spontaneously induced during NTM‐activated M1 macrophage polarization. Functional studies revealed that HMGN2 deficiency in NTM‐infected macrophage promotes the expression of M1 markers and the production of NO via the enhanced activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signalling. Further studies exhibited that HMGN2 knock‐down also enhanced IFNγ‐induced M1 macrophage polarization. Finally, we observed that silencing HMGN2 affected the survival of NTM in macrophage, which might largely relevant to enhanced macrophage polarization into M1 phenotype under the NTM infection. Collectively, current studies thus suggested a novel function of HMGN2 in regulating the anti‐non‐tuberculous mycobacteria innate immunity of macrophage.
Editorial Perspective: Delivering autism intervention through development
Authors: Green Jonathan
Published: October 2019

Autism is a priority condition within global health and represents a significant public health challenge. In this Editorial, I argue for a new perspective on how this challenge might be met, based on the idea of autism as an enduring developmental condition and focused on the family as a key resource. Drawing on models from management of enduring conditions elsewhere in health and on recent autism intervention science, I make the case for a developmental sequence of pulsed interventions, initially focused on early family resilience and self‐management, along with case management and timely step‐up care to specialist management.
The Healthy Heart‐Mind Trial: Randomized Controlled Trial of Melatonin for Prevention of Delirium
Authors: Ford Andrew H. , Flicker Leon , Kelly Rachael , Patel Hema , Passage Jurgen , Wibrow Bradley , Anstey Matthew , Edwards Mark , Almeida Osvaldo P.
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVES

Delirium is a serious medical condition with increased incidence in at‐risk surgical populations. We sought to determine if melatonin use reduces the incidence of delirium in individuals undergoing major cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial (two arms, 1:1 allocation, parallel design).

SETTING

The trial took place in two metropolitan hospitals (public tertiary and private) in Perth, Western Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

We recruited 210 adults aged 50 years or older who were due to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement surgery.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to 7 days of treatment with melatonin 3 mg at night or matching placebo, starting 2 days before the surgery.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome of interest was incident delirium within 7 days of surgery as assessed via daily clinical assessment that included the Confusion Assessment Method. Secondary outcomes of interest included duration and severity of delirium, length of hospital stay, cognitive function, and mood and anxiety symptoms at discharge and 3 months after the surgery.

RESULTS

The groups were well balanced for demographic and clinical parameters. Forty‐two participants developed delirium, but it was evenly distributed between the groups (melatonin 21/98, 21.4%; placebo 21/104, 20.2%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = .78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .35‐1.75). The median duration of delirium was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2‐4) and 2 (IQR = 1‐3) days for people treated with melatonin and placebo, respectively (z = −1.03; P = .304). A similar proportion of participants experienced severe episodes of delirium in each group (melatonin 9/21, 42.9% vs placebo 6/21, 28.6%; χ2 = .93; P = .334; adjusted OR = 1.98; 95% CI = .40‐9.78). The groups did not differ in terms of length of stay, mood, anxiety, and cognitive performance.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial do not support the prophylactic use of melatonin to prevent delirium after major cardiac surgery. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:112–119, 2019
Trading Against the Random Expiration of Private Information: A Natural Experiment
Authors: BOLANDNAZAR MOHAMMADREZA , JACKSON ROBERT J. , JIANG WEI , MITTS JOSHUA
Published: October 2019

For years, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accidentally distributed securities disclosures to some investors before the public. We exploit this setting, which is unique because the delay until public disclosure was exogenous and the private information window was well defined, to study informed trading with a random stopping time. Trading intensity and the pace at which prices incorporate information decrease with the expected delay until public release, but the relation between trading intensity and time elapsed varies with traders' learning process. Noise trading and relative information advantage play similar roles as in standard microstructure theories assuming a fixed time window.
Effect of chitosan for the control of potato diseases caused by Fusarium species
Authors: Mejdoub‐Trabelsi Boutheina , Touihri Soumaya , Ammar Nawaim , Riahi Anissa , Daami‐Remadi Mejda
Published: October 2019

The antifungal activity of chitosan against Fusarium spp. was investigated based on in vitro and in vivo assays, and its possible modes of action were also explored. Chitosan applied at 4.0 g/L of acetic acid‐distilled water solution significantly decreased the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sambucinum and Fusarium graminearum by 88.4%, 89.0% and 89.8%, respectively. Tuber treatment by chitosan (4.0 g/L) of acetic acid‐distilled water solution, prior to inoculation, reduced dry rot severity induced by F. oxysporum and F. sambucinum by 60.0% and 48.2%, respectively. When tested as plant treatment, potato plants inoculated with Fusarium species, exhibited 33.5%–45.3% less wilting severity as compared to the control. This abiotic treatment improved the phenolic compounds activities and defence‐related enzymes such as peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase in potato tubers inoculated with Fusarium spp. Results clearly demonstrated that chitosan could be explored as an alternative agent to chemical fungicides for the control of tuber dry rot and Fusarium wilt through induction of the plant defence system.
Nutritional applications and beneficial health applications of green tea and l‐theanine in some animal species: A review
Authors: Alagawany Mahmoud , Abd El‐Hack Mohamed E. , Saeed Muhammad , Naveed Muhammad , Arain Muhammad A. , Arif Muhammad , Tiwari Ruchi , Khandia Rekha , Khurana Sandip K. , Karthik Kumaragurubaran , Yatoo Mohd. I. , Munjal Ashok , Bhatt Prakash , Sharun Khan , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Sun Chao , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: October 2019

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular herbal plant with abundant health benefits, and thus, it has been used as a potent antioxidant for a long time. Based on the available literature, the diversity and the availability of multifunctional compounds in green tea offer its noteworthy potential against many diseases such as liver and heart diseases, inflammatory conditions and different metabolic syndromes. Owing to its bioactive constituents including caffeine, amino acids, l‐theanine, polyphenols/flavonoids and carbohydrates among other potent molecules, green tea has many pharmacological and physiological effects. The effects of green tea include anti‐oxidative, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐arthritic, anti‐stress, hypolipidaemic, hypocholesterolaemic, skin/collagen protective, hepatoprotective, anti‐diabetic, anti‐microbial, anti‐infective, anti‐parasitic, anti‐cancerous, inhibition of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, anti‐mutagenic, and memory and bone health‐improving activities. Apart from its utilization in humans, green tea has also played a significant role in livestock production such as in dairy, piggery, goatry and poultry industries. Supplementation of animal feeds with green tea and its products is in line with the modern concepts of organic livestock production. Hence, incorporating green tea or green tea by‐products into the diet of poultry and other livestock can enhance the value of the products obtained from these animals. Herein, an effort is made to extend the knowledge on the importance and useful applications of green tea and its important constituents in animal production including poultry. This review will be a guideline for researchers and entrepreneurs who want to explore the utilization of feeds supplemented with green tea and green tea by‐products for the enhancement of livestock production.
Effects of low‐frequency intravaginal electrical stimulation on female urinary incontinence, quality of life, and urinary symptoms: A pilot study
Authors: Bae Sangrak , Lee Kyu Won , Jeong Hyun Cheol , Park Bong Hee , Bae Woong Jin , Lee Yong Seok , Han Chang Hee , Kang Sung Hak , Kim Sae Woong
Published: October 2019

This study investigated the effects of a low‐frequency home‐based incontinence therapy device on quality of life (QoL) and urinary symptoms in women with urinary incontinence. From May 2017 to February 2018, 34 patients, aged ≥ 20 years, with involuntary urine leakage >2 times/week, were recruited to this study. Patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy, virgin status, and psychological problems were excluded. The incontinence home‐care device treatments were administered in 12‐minute sessions, twice daily for 8 weeks. Simultaneously, hyperthermic conditions of 35°C to 40°C and microvibrations were administered. All patients completed urinary incontinence questionnaires (King's Health Questionnaire [KHQ], Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms [BFLUTS] questionnaire, and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score [OABSS]) before treatment, as well as 4 and 8 weeks into treatment. Changes in the questionnaire responses over time were compared. Two participants dropped out of the study and there was one screening failure, leaving 31 patients for analysis. After 4 weeks treatment, there were significant improvements in symptoms, such as role limitation, physical limitation, social limitation, personal relationship, emotion, sleep/energy, and severity measures. After 8 weeks treatment, almost all parameters on the KHQ revealed symptomatic improvement. On the BFLUTS, voiding times during activity, nocturia, urgency, urge incontinence, incontinence frequency, stress incontinence, volume leakage, strain to start, intermittency, reduced stream, acute retention, incomplete emptying, and stopping flow showed significant improvements. On the OABSS, almost all storage symptoms improved. Low‐frequency electrical stimulation devices were effective at improving urinary incontinence, which became evident as the duration of treatment increased. Improvement of urgency and frequency was more evident after treatment.
Breastfeeding progression in late preterm infants from birth to one month
Authors: Jónsdóttir Rakel B. , Jónsdóttir Helga , Skúladóttir Arna , Thorkelsson Thordur , Flacking Renée
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to describe and compare breastfeeding progression, infants' feeding behaviours, maternal feeding difficulties, and mothers' usage of breastfeeding interventions for singleton late preterm (LPT) and term infants. A further aim was to identify associated factors for exclusive breastfeeding at breast at 1 month in LPT infants. This was a cohort study where mothers of LPT infants from a neonatal unit (n= 60), LPT infants from a maternity unit (n= 62), and term infants from a maternity unit (n= 269) answered a questionnaire approximately 1 month after delivery. Findings showed no significant differences in exclusive breastfeeding at breasts between LPT infants admitted to the neonatal unit compared with the maternity unit, during the first week at home (38% vs. 48%), or at 1 month of age (52% vs. 50%). Term infants were more likely to be exclusively breastfed at the breast (86% and 74%,p< 0.05) compared with LPT infants. Multiple regression analysis showed that usage of a nipple shield, not feeding breast milk exclusively during the first week at home, or feeding less than 10 times per day at 1 month were statistically significant for not exclusively breastfeed at the breast. A protective factor was the mothers' experience of having an abundance of milk during the first week at home. In conclusion, LPT infants are less likely to be exclusively breastfed at the breast than term infants, highlighting the need for further research to guide interventions aimed at optimising exclusive breastfeeding rates.
Interactions between immune response to fungal infection and microRNAs: The pioneer tuners
Authors: Pakshir Keyvan , Badali Hamid , Nami Sanam , Mirzaei Hamed , Ebrahimzadeh Veghar , Morovati Hamid
Published: October 2019

Due to their physiological and biological characteristics, numerous fungi are potentially emerging pathogens. Active dynamicity of fungal pathogens causes life‐threatening infections annually impose high costs to the health systems. Although immune responses play crucial roles in controlling the fate of fungal infections, immunocompromised patients are at high risk with high mortality. Tuning the immune response against fungal infections might be an effective strategy for controlling and reducing the pathological damages. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known as the master regulators of immune response. These single‐stranded tuners (18‐23 bp non‐coding RNAs) are endogenously expressed by all metazoan eukaryotes and have emerged as the master gene expression controllers of at least 30% human genes. In this review article, following the review of biology and physiology (biogenesis and mechanism of actions) of miRNAs and immune response against fungal infections, the interactions between them were scrutinised. In conclusion, miRNAs might be considered as one of the potential goals in immunotherapy for fungal infections. Undoubtedly, advanced studies in this field, further identifying of miRNA roles in governing the immune response, pave the way for inclusion of miRNA‐related immunotherapeutic in the treatment of life‐threatening fungal infections.