bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fixation of Anteromedial Coronoid Facet Fractures: A Biomechanical Evaluation of Plated Versus Screw Constructs
Authors: Morellato John , Louati Hakim , Desloges William , Papp Steven , Pollock J. Whitcomb
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To examine the stability of plate (locking and non–) versus screw constructs in the fixation of these fractures.

Methods:

An anteromedial coronoid facet fracture (OTA/AO type 21–B1, O'Driscoll type 2, subtype 3) was simulated in 24 synthetic ulna bones that were then assigned to 3 fracture fixation groups: non–locking plate, locking plate (LP), or screw fixation. Each construct was first cycled in tension (through a simulated medial collateral ligament) and then in compression. They were then loaded to failure (displacement >2 mm). Fracture fragment displacement was recorded with an optical tracking system.

Results:

During tension testing, a mean maximum fragment displacement of 12 ± 13 and 14 ± 9 μm was seen in the locking and non–locking constructs, respectively. There was no difference in fragment motion between the plated constructs. All screw-only fixed constructs failed during the tension protocol. During compression testing, the mean maximum fragment displacement for the screw-only construct (64 ± 79 μm) was significantly greater than locking (9 ± 5 μm) and non–locking constructs (10 ± 9 μm). During load to failure testing, the maximum load to failure in the screw-only group (316 ± 83 N) was significantly lower than locking (650.4 ± 107 N) and non–locking constructs (550 ± 76 N). There was no difference in load to failure between the plated groups.

Conclusion:

Fixation of anteromedial coronoid fractures (type 2, subtype 3) is best achieved with a plating technique. Although LPs had greater stiffness, they did not offer any advantage over conventional non-LPs with respect to fracture fragment displacement in this study.

Clinical Relevance:

Isolated screw fixation showed inferior stability when compared with plate constructs for these fractures. This could result in loss of fracture reduction leading to instability and posttraumatic arthrosis.
Clinical Characteristics of Infective Endocarditis in Children
Authors: Kelchtermans Jelte , Grossar Lorenz , Eyskens Benedicte , Cools Bjorn , Roggen Mieke , Boshoff Derize , Louw Jacoba , Frerich Stefan , Veloso Tiago Rafael , Claes Jorien , Ditkowski Bartosz , Rega Filip , Meyns Bart , Gewillig Marc , Heying Ruth
Published: October 2018

Background:

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge associated with high morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the microbial profile and clinical manifestation of IE in children.

Methods:

A retrospective study examining pediatric IE cases treated between 2000 and 2017 at the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, KU Leuven, was conducted. Clinical presentation, treatment, complications, outcome of IE, underlying microorganisms and congenital heart defects were reviewed.

Results:

Fifty-three patients were diagnosed with IE. Overall, 19 patients (36%) required cardiac surgery. Seven patients (13%) died. Eighty-seven percent of patients had an underlying congenital cardiac defect. Eighteen (34%) children presented with prosthetic graft IE. A causative organism was found in 49 (92%) cases: viridans group streptococci were identified in 17 (32%), Staphylococcus aureus in 13 (25%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci in 11 (20%) children. Community-acquired (CA) IE increased significantly from 8 (33%) cases in 2000–2007 to 20 (74%) cases in 2008–2017 (P < 0.01). Even with viridans streptococci being significantly more prevalent in the CA group (P < 0.01), we did not observe an increase of streptococcal IE from 2008 to 2017. Seventeen (32%) patients presented with hospital-acquired IE during the first year of life with 14 (82%) children after surgery and a prevalence of coagulase-negative staphylococci (53%).

Conclusions:

The incidence of pediatric IE was similar over the investigated time period with a shift toward CA IE. Streptococci and staphylococci accounted for the majority of cases in both periods. Awareness of IE and its prevention is crucial in patients after implantation of prosthetic grafts.
Natural history of pain associated with melanoma surgery
Authors: Slagelse Charlotte , Munch Troels , Glazer Clara , Greene Kaitlin , Finnerup Nanna Brix , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed , Leong Stanley P. , Petersen Karin Lottrup , Rowbotham Michael C.
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

After excision of a primary malignant melanoma (MM), treatment of stage IB or higher MM consists of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). If malignant cells are identified, a complete lymph node dissection (CLND) can be performed.

Objective:

To determine the natural history of pain and sensory changes after MM surgery.

Methods:

We prospectively followed 39 patients (29 SLNB-only, 2 CLND-only, and 8 CLND preceded by SLNB) from before inguinal or axillary surgery through 6 months after surgery on measures of pain intensity, sensory symptoms, allodynia, and questionnaires of anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing.

Results:

No patient had pain preoperatively. Ten days after surgery, 35% had surgical site pain after SLNB-only compared with 90% after CLND (P < 0.003); clinically meaningful pain (Visual Analogue Scale ≥ 30 mm/100 mm) was reported by 3% of patients after SLNB-only compared with 40% after CLND (P < 0.001). At 6 months, all SLNB-only patients were pain-free. By contrast, 4 of 7 in the SLNB + CLND group still had pain (P < 0.002). At 6 months, symptoms of altered sensation or numbness were reported by 32% and 42% of SLNB-only patients, and by 67% and 67% of patients undergoing CLND surgery (both P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Acute pain is more common after CLND surgery. Undergoing SLNB followed by more invasive CLND surgery may increase the likelihood of pain at 6 months. Persistent sensory symptoms typical of those associated with nerve injury are more common after CLND. Surgery for MM is a good model for studying the natural history of postsurgical pain and sensory changes.
Lidocaine Use in Vaginal Surgery and Risk of Toxicity
Authors: Willis-Gray Marcella G. , Husk Katherine E. , Brueseke Taylor J. , Connolly AnnaMarie , Geller Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to compare the amount of lidocaine administered for vaginal reconstruction with versus without hysterectomy. The secondary objective was to assess the risk of lidocaine toxicity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compares lidocaine dose in 2 cohorts: women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with additional vaginal reconstruction (VH + VR) versus those who underwent vaginal reconstruction without hysterectomy (VR only). Total intraoperative lidocaine dose included the intravenous dose from anesthesia and the vaginally injected dose from the surgeon. The risk of toxicity was defined as total dose greater than 7 mg/kg. The primary outcome was the difference in total lidocaine dose for VH + VR versus VR only.

Results

Among 372 women included, 140 (37.6%) were in the VH + VR group, and 232 (62.4%) in the VR-only group. For the primary outcome of total lidocaine dose between groups, VH + VR received more total lidocaine than did VR only (228 ± 105 vs 168 ± 78 mg, P < 0.001). This difference was due to the vaginal lidocaine dose (P < 0.001), with no significant difference in the intravenous lidocaine dose (P = 0.68). In a logistic regression model controlling for age, anesthesia type, sling, and anterior repair, posterior repair, and anesthesia type, VH remained an independent risk factor for increased lidocaine dose (P < 0.001). Two women received a toxic dose of lidocaine, and both were in the VH + VR group.

Conclusions

Women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with additional vaginal reconstructive procedures are more likely to receive a higher dose of lidocaine compared with women undergoing vaginal reconstruction alone. The risk of lidocaine toxicity is increased with concomitant procedures.
Estimating interaction credit for trophic rewilding in tropical forests
Authors: Marjakangas Emma-Liina , Genes Luísa , Pires Mathias M. , Fernandez Fernando A. S. , de Lima Renato A. F. , de Oliveira Alexandre A. , Ovaskainen Otso , Pires Alexandra S. , Prado Paulo I. , Galetti Mauro
Published: October 2018

Trophic rewilding has been suggested as a restoration tool to restore ecological interactions and reverse defaunation and its cascading effects on ecosystem functioning. One of the ecological processes that has been jeopardized by defaunation is animal-mediated seed dispersal. Here, we propose an approach that combines joint species distribution models with occurrence data and species interaction records to quantify the potential to restore seed-dispersal interactions through rewilding and apply it to the Atlantic Forest, a global biodiversity hotspot. Using this approach, we identify areas that should benefit the most from trophic rewilding and candidate species that could contribute to cash the credit of seed-dispersal interactions in a given site. We found that sites within large fragments bearing a great diversity of trees may have about 20 times as many interactions to be cashed through rewilding as small fragments in regions where deforestation has been pervasive. We also ranked mammal and bird species according to their potential to restore seed-dispersal interactions if reintroduced while considering the biome as a whole and at finer scales. The suggested approach can aid future conservation efforts in rewilding projects in defaunated tropical rainforests.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Trophic rewilding: consequences for ecosystems under global change’.
Trophic rewilding as a climate change mitigation strategy?
Authors: Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , te Beest Mariska , Kerley Graham I. H. , Landman Marietjie , le Roux Elizabeth , Smith Felisa A.
Published: October 2018

The loss of megafauna at the terminal Pleistocene has been linked to a wide range of Earth-system-level changes, such as altered greenhouse gas budgets, fire regimes and biome-level vegetation changes. Given these influences and feedbacks, might part of the solution for mitigating anthropogenic climate change lie in the restoration of extant megafauna to ecosystems? Here, we explore the potential role of trophic rewilding on Earth's climate system. We first provide a novel synthesis of the various ways that megafauna interact with the major drivers of anthropogenic climate change, including greenhouse gas storage and emission, aerosols and albedo. We then explore the role of rewilding as a mitigation tool at two scales: (i) current and near-future opportunities for national or regional climate change mitigation portfolios, and (ii) more radical opportunities at the global scale. Finally, we identify major knowledge gaps that complicate the complete characterization of rewilding as a climate change mitigation strategy. Our perspective is urgent since we are losing the Earth's last remaining megafauna, and with it a potential option to address climate change.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Trophic rewilding: consequences for ecosystems under global change’.
Risks and opportunities of trophic rewilding for arthropod communities
Authors: van Klink Roel , WallisDeVries Michiel F.
Published: October 2018

Trophic rewilding is a restoration strategy focusing on the restoration of trophic interactions to promote self-regulating, biodiverse ecosystems. It has been proposed as an alternative to traditional conservation management in abandoned or defaunated areas. Arthropods constitute the most species-rich group of eukaryotic organisms, but are rarely considered in rewilding. Here, we first present an overview of direct and indirect pathways by which large herbivores and predators affect arthropod communities. We then review the published evidence of the impacts of rewilding with large herbivores on arthropods, including grey literature. We find that systematic monitoring is rare and that a comparison with a relevant control treatment is usually lacking. Nevertheless, the available data suggest that when the important process of top-down control of large-herbivore populations is missing, arthropod diversity tends to decrease. To ensure that rewilding is supportive of biodiversity conservation, we propose that if natural processes can only partially be restored, substitutes for missing processes are applied. We also propose that boundaries of acceptable outcomes of rewilding actions should be defined
a priori
, particularly concerning biodiversity conservation, and that action is taken when these boundaries are transgressed. To evaluate the success of rewilding for biodiversity, monitoring of arthropod communities should be a key instrument.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Trophic rewilding: consequences for ecosystems under global change’.
SimpactCyan 1.0: An Open-source Simulator for Individual-Based Models in HIV Epidemiology with R and Python Interfaces
Authors: Liesenborgs Jori , Hendrickx Diana M , Kuylen Elise , Niyukuri David , Hens Niel , Delva Wim
Published: October 2018

SimpactCyan is an open-source simulator for individual-based models in HIV epidemiology. Its core algorithm is written in C++ for computational efficiency, while the R and Python interfaces aim to make the tool accessible to the fast-growing community of R and Python users. Transmission, treatment and prevention of HIV infections in dynamic sexual networks are simulated by discrete events. A generic “intervention” event allows model parameters to be changed over time, and can be used to model medical and behavioural HIV prevention programmes. First, we describe a more efficient variant of the modified Next Reaction Method that drives our continuous-time simulator. Next, we outline key built-in features and assumptions of individual-based models formulated in SimpactCyan, and provide code snippets for how to formulate, execute and analyse models in SimpactCyan through its R and Python interfaces. Lastly, we give two examples of applications in HIV epidemiology: the first demonstrates how the software can be used to estimate the impact of progressive changes to the eligibility criteria for HIV treatment on HIV incidence. The second example illustrates the use of SimpactCyan as a data-generating tool for assessing the performance of a phylodynamic inference framework.
Postmarketing commitments for novel drugs and biologics approved by the US Food and Drug Administration: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Wallach Joshua D , Luxkaranayagam Anita T , Dhruva Sanket S , Miller Jennifer E , Ross Joseph S
Published: October 2018

Background

Postmarketing commitments are clinical studies that drug sponsors agree to conduct at the time of FDA approval, but which are not required by statute or regulation. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics, completion, and dissemination of postmarketing commitments agreed upon by sponsors at first FDA approval.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of postmarketing commitments for new drugs and biologics approved 2009-2012. Using public FDA documents, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Scopus, we determined postmarketing commitments and their characteristics known at the time of FDA approval; number of postmarketing commitments subject to reporting requirements, for which FDA is required to make study status information available to the public (“506B studies”), and their statuses; and rates of registration and results reporting on ClinicalTrials.gov and publication in peer-reviewed journals for all clinical trials, with follow-up through July 2018.

Results

Among 110 novel drugs and biologics approved by the FDA between 2009-2012, 61 (55.5%) had at least one postmarketing commitment at the time of first approval. Of 331 total postmarketing commitments, 271 (81.9%) were non-human subjects research, predominantly chemistry, manufacturing, and controls studies; 49 (14.8%) were clinical trials (33 new and 16 ongoing trials for which follow-up results would be reported). Study descriptions for the new clinical trials often lacked information to establish study design features. Of the 89 (26.9%) 506B studies subject to public reporting requirements, of which 42 were clinical trials, 59 (66.3%) did not have an up-to-date status provided by FDA. Nearly all new clinical trials (28 of 31, 90.3%) were registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; of the 23 registered trials that were completed or terminated, 22 (95.7%) had reported results. Only half (14 of 29, 48.3%) of completed or terminated clinical trials, registered or unregistered, were published in peer-reviewed journals. Conclusions: The majority of postmarketing commitments agreed to by sponsors at the time of FDA approval for novel drugs and biologics approved between 2009-2012 were chemistry, manufacturing, and controls studies. While only 15% were clinical trials, these trials were nearly always registered with reported results on ClinicalTrials.gov. However, despite FDA public reporting requirements, up-to-date study status information was often unavailable for 506B studies.
LRRK2 exonic variants associated with Parkinson’s disease augment phosphorylation levels for LRRK2-Ser1292 and Rab10-Thr73
Authors: Christensen Kenneth V. , Hentzer Morten , Oppermann Felix S. , Elschenbroich Sarah , Dossang Pamela , Thirstrup Kenneth , Egebjerg Jan , Williamson Douglas S. , Smith Garrick P.
Published: October 2018

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is associated to Parkinson’s disease (PD). The most common form of LRRK2 PD is caused by the G2019S variant. Besides G2019S, eight other LRRK2 variants causing familial PD also have amino acid substitutions located in a LRRK2 enzymatic domainsuggesting that enzymatic activity is at the core of mechanisms underlying disease risk. Common LRRK2 polymorphic risk variations such as G2385R, A419V, R1628 and M1646T all reside in other LRRK2 domains. Prior knowledge is limited on how these variants influence LRRK2 function. To investigate the impact on enzymatic function of both rare and common LRRK2 variation a comprehensive profiling of nineteen LRRK2 exonic variants was pursued. Six LRRK2 phosphorylation sites were identified by mass spectrometry. Besides already known phosphorylation sites such as Ser910, Ser935, Ser955, Ser973 and Ser1292 also Thr826 was confirmed by a targeted MRM assay as a LRRK2 phosphorylation site in mammalian cells. Phosphorylation site occupancy for all six LRRK2 sites was obtained but no obvious correlation to risk of disease was found. Instead, application of phospho-specific antibodies targeting LRRK2 phosphorylation sites confirmed that autophosphorylation at Ser1292 was significantly increased for all disease-causing variants whereas no significant differences could be observed for the common intermediate risk variants. Recently, Rab10 and Rab12 have been shown to be bona fide LRRK2 substrates and we find that both rare and common LRRK2 exonic variants augment the phosphorylation of Rab10. This was not observed with Rab12. Furthermore, the protective variant N551K has reduced Rab10 phosphorylation compared to LRRK2 WT. This was not observed with the protective variant R1398H. Our findings support the hypothesis that increased LRRK2 kinase function is associated with increased PD risk but also highlights the need for more sensitive tools for detection of increases in kinase activity in carriers of LRRK2 PD risk variants.

Abbreviations

PD

Parkinson’s disease

LRRK2

leucine-rich repeat kinase 2

MRM

multiple mass spectrometry

MS

mass spectrometry

LC-MS

liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

LOD

limit of detection

MAF

minor allele frequency

CV%

coefficient of variation

SDS-PAGE

SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Roc

Ras of complex

COR

C-terminal of Roc

PRL

pleomorphic risk loci.
Chlamydia muridarum infection differentially changes smooth muscle contractility and responses to prostaglandins in uterus and cervix
Authors: Lee Jia Ming , Mayall Jemma R. , Chevalier Anne , Helden Dirk Van , Horvat Jay C. , Hansbro Philip M. , Jobling Philip
Published: October 2018

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a primary cause of reproductive tract diseases including chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Previous studies showed that this infection alters physiological activities in mouse oviducts. Whether this occurs in the uterus and cervix has never been investigated. This study characterized the physiological activity of the uterus and the cervix in a Chlamydia muridarum (Cmu) mouse model of reproductive tract infection. Uterine or cervix smooth muscle contractility, responses to oxytocin or prostaglandins (PGF2α and PGE2) and mRNA expression of oxytocin and PG receptors were assessed 14 days post infection. Cmu infection did not affect the contractions of the uterine horn but significantly decreased the contraction amplitude of the cervix. Cmu infection did not alter the responses of uterine horn or cervix to oxytocin, however PGF2α induced contractions of the uterine horn, but not the cervix, were significantly increased following Cmu infection. PGE2 contraction amplitude in both the uterine horn and cervix was unaffected by Cmu infection. An upregulation of Ptgfr and a down-regulation of Ptegr4 mRNA expression was observed in the uterine horn following Cmu infection. These results indicate that Cmu infection alters contractility and prostaglandin signalling in the female reproductive tract but the effects are localised to specific regions.
Parental infections disrupt clustered genes encoding related functions required for nervous system development in newborns
Authors: Friedenson Bernard
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to understand the role of infection in the origin of chromosomal anomalies linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. In children with disorders in the development of their nervous systems, chromosome anomalies known to cause these disorders were compared to viruses and bacteria including known teratogens. Results support the explanation that parental infections disrupt elaborate multi-system gene coordination needed for neurodevelopment. Genes essential for neurons, lymphatic drainage, immunity, circulation, angiogenesis, cell barriers, structure, and chromatin activity were all found close together in polyfunctional clusters that were deleted in neurodevelopmental disorders. These deletions account for immune, circulatory, and structural deficits that accompany neurologic deficits. In deleted gene clusters, specific and repetitive human DNA matched infections and passed rigorous artifact tests. In some patients, epigenetic driver mutations were found and may be functionally equivalent to deleting a cluster or changing topologic chromatin interactions because they change access to large chromosome segments. In three families, deleted DNA sequences were associated with intellectual deficits and were not included in any database of genomic variants. These sequences were thousands of bp and unequivocally matched foreign DNAs. Analogous homologies were also found in chromosome anomalies of a recurrent neurodevelopmental disorder. Viral and bacterial DNAs that match repetitive or specific human DNA segments are thus proposed to interfere with highly active break repair during meiosis; sometimes delete polyfunctional clusters, and disable epigenetic drivers. Mis-repaired gametes produce zygotes containing rare chromosome anomalies which cause neurologic disorders and accompanying non-neurologic signs. Neurodevelopmental disorders may be examples of assault on the human genome by foreign DNA with some infections more likely tolerated because they resemble human DNA segments. Further tests of this model await new technology.

Graphic Abstract
The Caspase-3 homolog DrICE regulates endocytic trafficking duringDrosophilatracheal morphogenesis
Authors: McSharry Saoirse S. , Beitel Greg J.
Published: October 2018

Although well known for its role in apoptosis, the executioner caspase DrICE has a non-apoptotic function that is required for elongation of the epithelial tubes of theDrosophilatracheal system. Here, we show that DrICE acts downstream of the Hippo Network to regulate endocytic trafficking of at least four cell polarity, cell junction and apical extracellular matrix proteins involved in tracheal tube size control: Crumbs, Uninflatable, Kune-Kune and Serpentine. We further show that tracheal cells are competent to undergo apoptosis, even though developmentally-regulated DrICE function rarely kills tracheal cells. Our results reveal a novel developmental role for caspases, a previously unidentified pool of DrICE that colocalizes with Clathrin, and a mechanism by which the Hippo Network controls endocytic trafficking. Given published reports ofin vitroregulation of endocytosis by mammalian caspases during apoptosis, we propose that caspase-mediated regulation of endocytic trafficking is an evolutionarily conserved function of caspases that can be deployed during morphogenesis.
Temporal correlation of elevated PRMT1 gene expression with mushroom body neurogenesis during bumblebee brain development
Authors: Guan Cui , Egertová Michaela , Perry Clint J. , Chittka Lars , Chittka Alexandar
Published: October 2018

Proper neural development in insects depends on the controlled proliferation and differentiation of neural precursors. In holometabolous insects, these processes must be coordinated during larval and pupal development. Recently, protein arginine methylation has come into focus as an important mechanism of controlling neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in mammals. Whether a similar mechanism is at work in insects is unknown. We investigated this possibility by determining the expression pattern of three protein arginine methyltransferase mRNAs(PRMT1, 4and 5) in the developing brain of bumblebees byin situhybridisation. We detected expression in neural precursors and neurons in functionally important brain areas throughout development. We found markedly higher expression ofPRMT1, but notPRMT4andPRMT5, in regions of mushroom bodies containing dividing cells during pupal stages at the time of active neurogenesis within this brain area. At later stages of development,PRMT1expression levels were found to be uniform and did not correlate with actively dividing cells. Our study suggests a role for PRMT1 in regulating neural precursor divisions in the mushroom bodies of bumblebees during the period of neurogenesis.
The role of tactile interactions in flight responses in the Bronze Cory catfish(Corydoras aeneus)
Authors: Riley RJ , Gillie ER , Jungwirth A , Savage J , Boogert NJ , Manica A
Published: October 2018

One of the primary functions of animal aggregations is defense against predators. Many social animals enjoy reduced predation risk as a result of grouping, and individuals within groups can benefit from information transferred by their group-mates about a potential predator. We present evidence that a tactile interaction behavior we term ‘nudging’ substantially modified group responses to a potential threat in a highly social catfish species,Corydoras aeneus. These catfish deployed nudges during flight responses, and these nudges were associated with a greater likelihood of group cohesion following a threat event. Increased nudging behavior resulted in longer flight responses. In addition, individuals that perceived the threat first were more likely to initiate nudges, implying that nudges could be used to alert group-mates to the presence of a threat. Taken together, our results suggest that tactile communication plays an important role in gaining anti-predator benefits from sociality in these fish.
Pesticide exposure affects flight dynamics and reduces flight endurance in bumblebees
Authors: Kenna Daniel , Cooley Hazel , Pretelli Ilaria , Rodrigues Ana Ramos , Gill Steve D. , Gill Richard J.
Published: October 2018

The emergence of agricultural land use change creates a number of challenges that insect pollinators, such as eusocial bees, must overcome. Resultant fragmentation and loss of suitable foraging habitats, combined with pesticide exposure, may increase demands on foraging, specifically the ability to reach resources under such stress. Understanding the effect that pesticides have on flight performance is therefore vital if we are to assess colony success in these changing landscapes. Neonicotinoids are one of the most widely used classes of pesticide across the globe, and exposure to bees has been associated with reduced foraging efficiency and homing ability. One explanation for these effects could be that elements of flight are being affected, but apart from a couple of studies on the honeybee, this has scarcely been tested. Here we used flight mills to investigate how exposure to a field realistic (10ppb) acute dose of imidacloprid affected flight performance of a wild insect pollinator - the bumblebee,Bombus terrestris audax. Intriguingly, intial observations showed exposed workers flew at a significantly higher velocity over the first ¾ km of flight. This apparent hyperactivity, however, may have a cost as exposed workers showed reduced flight distance and duration to around a third of what control workers were capable of achieving. Given that bumblebees are central place foragers, impairment to flight endurance could translate to a decline in potential forage area, decreasing the abundance, diversity and nutritional quality of available food, whilst potentially diminishing pollination service capabilities.

Summary Statement

Acute neonicotinoid exposure impaired flight endurance and affected velocity ofBombus terrestrisworkers, which may dramatically reduce colony foraging potential and pollination provision in pesticide applied landscapes.
Effects of age on the green autofluorescence of the skin and fingernails of healthy persons
Authors: Zhang Mingchao , Tao Yue , Wu Danhong , Li Yujia , Chen Xingdong , Ying Weihai
Published: October 2018

Our recent studies have suggested that altered Pattern of Autofluorescence (AF) of skin and fingernails are novel biomarkers of multiple major diseases. The age of all of the subjects in these studies ranges from 50 to 80 years of old. For future studies on the potential diagnostic value of green AF for age-independent diseases, it is required to answer the following question: Are there differences in the green AF of healthy persons of various age populations? In our current study, we determined the green AF of the skin and fingernails of healthy persons in several age populations, showing significant age dependence of the AF: First, the green AF intensity of the age group between 15 to 20 years of old is significantly higher than that of the age group between 50 to 80 years of old at both right and left Centremetacarpus, right Dorsal Centremetacarpus, and right Dorsal Index Finger. Second, for the green AF intensity of the age groups of 15 to 20 years of old, 60 to 70 years of old, 70 to 80 years of old, and 81 to 85 years of old, the green AF intensity is negatively correlated with the age at both right and left Centremetacarpus and right Dorsal Centremetacarpus. Collectively, our study has provided first evidence indicating the age dependence of the AF intensity of human’s skin, which has established essential basis for the studies that determine the diagnostic value of the green AF for the age-independent diseases.
Investigating the cytotoxic effects of the venom proteome of two species of theViperidaefamily (Cerastes cerastesandCryptelytrops purpureomaculatus) from various habitats
Authors: Ozverel Cenk Serhan , Damm Maik , Hempel Benjamin-Florian , Göçmen Bayram , Sroka Robert , Süssmuth Roderich D. , Nalbantsoy Ayse
Published: October 2018

Animal secretions are of great interest in terms of drug development due to their complex protein and peptide composition. Especially, in the field of therapeutic medications such as anti-cancer drugs snake venoms receive attention. In this study we report of twoViperidaespecies from various habitats with a particular focus on the cytotoxic potential along with the decomplexation of the venom proteome: the horned desert viper (Cerastes cerastes), native to desert regions of North Africa and the mangrove pit viper (Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus), found in coastal forests of Southeast Asia. Initial cytotoxic screenings of the crude venoms revealed diverse activity, with the highest effect against SHSY5Y human glioblastoma carcinoma cells compared to other cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines. In-depth cytotoxicity studies of SHSY5Y cells with purified venom fractions revealed dimeric disintegrins fromC. cerastesvenom which exerted a high cytotoxic activity with IC50values from 0.11 to 0.58µM and the disintegrins-like effect on SHSY5Y morphology was observed due to cell detachment. Furthermore, two polyproline BPP-related peptides, one PLA2and a peptide-rich fraction were determined forC. purpureomaculatuswith moderate IC50values between 3-51µM. Additionally, the decryption of the venom proteomes by snake venomic mass spectrometry and comparison of same species from different habitats revealed slight differences in the composition.
Influence of human resource development (HRD) practices on hotel industry’s performance
Authors: Otoo Frank Nana Kweku , Mishra Mridula
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of employee competencies in the association between human resource development (HRD) practices and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated research model was developed by combining principal factors from existing literature. Data were collected through questionnaire from 600 employees of the selected hotels. The validity of the model and hypotheses was tested using structural equation modeling. The reliability and validity of the dimensions are established through confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that some HRD practices impact organizational performance through their influence on employee competencies. The study further revealed that employee competencies mediate the association between HRD practices and organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research was undertaken in the hotel industry and the analysis based on cross-sectional data which cannot be generalized across a broader range of sectors.

Practical implications

The findings of the study have the potential to help stakeholders and management of hotels in adopting properly and well-articulated HRD practices to stimulate positive behavior in individuals and impact their knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature by adducing evidence that employee competencies mediated the association between HRD practices and organizational performance of the hotel industry in Ghana.
Scenario-planning in strategic decision-making: requirements, benefits and inhibitors
Authors: Meyerowitz Danielle , Lew Charlene , Svensson Göran
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the corporate requirements, benefits and inhibitors of scenario planning in strategic decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a sample of 15 case studies with executives in the South African context to reveal the perceived corporate requirements, benefits and inhibitors of scenario-planning.

Findings

From the cases, it is evident that industry-, organizational- and leadership-related factors enable or inhibit scenario planning. Requirements, benefits and inhibitors are revealed in strategic decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

Further research to determine supportive tools and technologies for enabling scenario-planning across multiple contexts is needed.

Practical implications

This paper expands insights into the requirements, benefits and inhibitors of scenario-planning in strategic decision-making.

Originality/value

Given the increasing complexity of the business environment, a framework of scenario-thinking is presented and recommend greater emphasis on developing strategic decision-making competence, changed mindsets and organizational agility.
Individual law: an Islamic Sufi approach
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how individual law is defined in Islam. Individual law includes a set of human rights that the government is bound to vindicate by duty. Islamic law approach is how human beings transcendence, and freedom may be formed wisely.

Design/methodology/approach

Spiritual flourishing is the goal of Islamic Sufism. The main topics of individual freedom are discussed here are freedom of opinion, will, religion, speech, meeting, minorities, rule of law, equality before law, rights resulted from implementing justice, ownership and self-determination of destiny and jobs, which are explained through the Islamic Sufism viewpoint.

Findings

By comparing individual law in Islamic law with the other law schools, transcendence of the former is more clarified.

Research limitations/implications

Comparative research of the other religions’ gnosticism will develop the paradigm.

Practical implications

The principles highlighted in this study can be used for applied debates in the field to promote individual law for understanding and recompilation.

Social implications

Delicateness, truthfulness and righteousness of Islamic Sufism may turn the attentions of scholars and researchers to this rich viewpoint.

Originality/value

Individual law scholars have not touched the topic from this viewpoint. This paper opens new challenging area.
India’s services: sector, trade and employment
Authors: Maiti Moinak
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to detail about the India’s service sector with different aspects of services and the opportunities or challenges that lie within it.

Design/methodology/approach

Preliminary part of the study covers the following details of the India’s services sector: services gross domestic product (GDP), individual states/union territories’ services contributions, services foreign direct investment (FDI), services export, services employment, services inflation and overall service performance. Then the study compares India’s services sector performances with the top 15 services performance countries in the world in terms of GDP.

Findings

Study found R&D services, legal services, media and broadcasting services and “internal trade and repairs services” to be the potential services sub-sectors that will boost the services sector growth in future. Finally, the study concluded with the implication of the present study finding/results for the present Indian Government policies related to the services, trade, FDI for economic growth and employment.

Practical implications

The study has significant public policy content. The research focuses on the economic and commercial impact, mainly by practice.

Originality/value

The paper is original and brings out some valuable finding that will help the policymakers and economists to make policy decision regarding India’s services: sector, trade and employment. The study has found R&D services, legal services, media & broadcasting services and internal trade and repairs services as the potential services sub-sectors which are new and not addressed by any other studies.
A critical examination of the regulation of Ponzi scheme in Mauritius
Authors: Uppiah Valerie
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the regulation of the financial crime of Ponzi scheme in Mauritius. Contrary to money laundering which has a legal framework to combat it, for Ponzi scheme, there is no specific legal mechanism to combat this particular financial crime. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to provide for an analysis of Ponzi scheme which includes, inter alia, the definition of a Ponzi scheme, its modus operandi and how it should be tackled. Focus will be placed on devising a specific legal framework for it in Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method used to conduct this research and write this paper is a black letter legal research method. An analysis of several laws and cases is carried out so as to provide for the legal background of the research.

Findings

The investigation conducted in this paper will lead to the conclusion that Mauritius has to devise a law which will specifically combat Ponzi schemes. This law shall provide for the ways to counter this financial crime as well as the duties of the various financial supervisory bodies.

Originality/value

The paper provides for an analysis of the operation of Ponzi scheme in the Mauritian context. The paper also examines the existing legal framework that combats this financial crime in Mauritius and highlights its strengths and weaknesses.
Individual resources, property rights and entrepreneurship in China
Authors: Sahasranamam Sreevas , Raman G. Venkat
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In the last decade, the Chinese Government enacted two rule-based policy changes related to property rights, namely, a constitutional amendment to protect the lawful rights of the private sector in 2004 and a property rights law in 2007. Using property rights theory, the purpose of this paper is to hypothesize the contingent effect that these property rights changes have on the investment of individual human and financial capital toward entrepreneurship. In addition, this study also explores whether property rights changes have a differential effect on the two forms of entrepreneurship, namely, opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses logit regression analysis on a two-period model using the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) database to test these effects.

Findings

Contrary to existing evidence from western contexts, this study finds that property rights changes have a significant influence on the investment of both forms of capital toward necessity entrepreneurship in China.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a secondary database like GEM has certain limitations, such as the non-availability of data on a longitudinal basis, and the need to operationalize certain constructs like social and financial capital as non-continuous variables.

Originality/value

There has been limited research on the phenomena of necessity entrepreneurship in economies such as that of China. The findings of this study highlight that property rights protection is equally important for necessity entrepreneurship in institutional contexts like China.
Do sovereign credit rating announcements influence excess bond and equity returns in Africa?
Authors: Mutize Misheck , Gossel Sean Joss
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether new sovereign credit rating (SCR) changes are valuable, and relevant information is provided to bond and equity markets in 30 African countries that received an SCR during the period 1994–2014.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a combination of GARCH models and event study techniques.

Findings

This study shows that the financial markets do not significantly react to SCR announcements, possibly because these African markets are already perceived to be risky.

Research limitations/implications

At last, a significant portion of Africa’s sovereign debt is held by foreign investors (Arslanalp and Tsuda, 2014) who commonly preclude asset managers from investing in low SCR grades. Thus, an unfavorable SCR announcement could lead to a withdrawal of these funds, which could significantly alter both fiscal and monetary policies in the economy.

Practical implications

SCRs is immaterial to investors holding African securities.

Social implications

Although financial markets are weakly responsive to SCR announcements, they appear to be informationally important in the operation of stocks and bond markets in Africa. Therefore, governments should appreciate the long-term information exchange between investors and borrowers, and the consequential nature of credit ratings in Africa’s nascent financial markets in order to proactively manage the risks of negative ratings.

Originality/value

Studies on credit rating effects on Africa markets are rare.
Impact of public intervention on micro and small enterprises performance in Ethiopia
Authors: Yonis Manex Bule , Woldehanna Tassew , Amha Wolday
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The effectiveness of any government interventions to support small firms is always a concern in achieving improvements in enterprise performances. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate thoroughly the impact of micro and small enterprises’ (MSEs’) support programs on core intermediate and final outcomes of interest.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact evaluation employs a non-parametric matching procedure for parametric outcome analysis using the propensity score matching (PSM) method. Aiming at a doubly robust evaluation process, the study applies parametric analyses than non-parametric permutation-based tests to investigate the causal effects of the public intervention.

Findings

The study reveals that the public intervention encouraged MSEs to develop innovative business practices and improve their human capital development process. Moreover, the intervention had a positive effect in expanding employment opportunities in urban areas. Contrariwise, the study shows that support beneficiaries are not at an advantage in investment intensity. The lower level of investment intensity on fixed capital resulted inefficiency among the recipients. Moreover, the intervention did not have an effect on changing the net-asset over time for the recipients.

Practical implications

This study implies that the support programs need to be dynamic and also targets on creating innovative high-growth MSEs.

Originality/value

This paper is fairly original and provides policy makers and MSE promoters/facilitators evidence-based information on the effectiveness of the support services, with looking at firm-level analysis.
Halal products consumption in international chain restaurants among global Moslem consumers
Authors: Asnawi Nur , Sukoco Badri Munir , Fanani Muhammad Asnan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of global Moslem consumers on consuming halal products in international chain restaurants. The hypotheses are proposed based on the integration of theory of planned behavior (TPB) and identity theory–religiosity.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method was used to test the proposed hypotheses by using PLS. A total of 296 out of 407 questionnaires were collected among global Moslem students in a big city of Indonesia.

Findings

The results indicate that perceived behavioral control and religiosity is the significant predictor of the intention to consume halal products in international chain restaurants. Surprisingly, attitudes toward halal products and subjective norms have no significant effects on their intention.

Research limitations/implications

This study mainly investigates from international students’ perspectives, and future studies could diversify the respondents. Further, although the studies were done in the biggest Moslem populated country, conducting a multi-country study further validates the results of this study. Additional variables, such as personality or cross-cultural variables, could enhance the prediction of the developed model.

Originality/value

This study proposes religiosity as an important predictor of halal products consumption among global consumers, which increases the predictive capability of TPB. The results suggest that it is important for managers and governments all products targeted for global Moslem consumers to be halal certified.