bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cotton farmers’ willingness to pay for pest management services in northern Benin
Authors: Kpadé Cokou Patrice , Mensah Edouard Roméo , Fok Michel , Ndjeunga Jupiter
Published: October 2016

This study was carried out to assess cotton farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for pest management services in northern Benin. Targeted staggered control (TSC) has been introduced to reduce pesticide use in cotton cropping and generate an estimated benefit of FCFA48,800 (€74.40) per cotton hectare accruing from increased productivity and reduced pesticide cost. However, TSC application requires extra time for pest identification and scouting, and its adoption remains low due to the lack of funding to boost farmers’ awareness and cover training costs. An interval regression model was used to analyze responses to a double‐bounded contingent valuation survey with data collected from 300 cotton farmers. The results showed that 87.3% of cotton farmers were willing to pay for TSC services. Annual WTP per cotton hectare was estimated at FCFA16,962 (€25.80), revealing an existing demand for TSC adoption. Respondents' WTP was driven by farm and socio‐economic characteristics. Financial mechanisms managed by farmers could thus potentially foster technology adoption, and in turn, generate economic and environmental benefits.
Factors explaining the low and variable profitability of fertilizer application to maize in Zambia
Authors: Burke William J. , Jayne Thom. S. , Black J. Roy
Published: October 2016

It is widely recognized that an “African green revolution” will require greater use of inorganic fertilizers. Often‐made comparisons note that fertilizer use rates in Africa are just 10–20% of those in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Most attempts to explain relatively low‐adoption of fertilizer assume yield responses to inorganic fertilization warrant higher application rates and hypothesize that observed use rates are limited by market‐based factors. Another explanation may be that application rates are low because African yields are less responsive to inorganic fertilizer than yields in other regions, and less responsive than analysts perceive. Examining the case of Zambia, we evaluate whether yield response to fertilizers could explain adoption and application rates. A model of yield response is constructed and a combination of estimators is employed to mitigate potential biases related to correlation between fertilizer use and unobserved heterogeneity as well as stochastic shocks. Results indicate higher fertilization rates would be marginally profitable or unprofitable in many cases given commercial fertilizer and maize prices. Phosphoric fertilizer is particularly unprofitable on acidic soils, which are common in Zambia and other areas of sub‐Saharan Africa. We propose feasible recommendations for diversifying the current government strategy to enhance crop productivity.
Bongs and baby boomers: Trends in cannabis use among older Australians
Authors: Kostadinov Victoria , Roche Ann
Published: October 2016

Objective

To examine the prevalence and predictors of cannabis use among older Australians and discuss implications for service provision.

Methods

Secondary analyses were conducted on the 2004 and 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, a large and nationally representative data set. Frequency analyses explored the distribution of demographic characteristics and cannabis use. Logistic regression explored the predictors of cannabis use.

Results

Cannabis use among Australians aged 50 years and over increased significantly (P < 0.01) from 1.5% to 3.6% between 2004 and 2013. Cannabis use was significantly (P < 0.01) more likely among those who were male, unmarried, risky drinkers, smokers and poly‐drug users, and significantly less likely among those who were older.

Conclusion

This increase in cannabis use among older Australians has important implications for policy and practice. Healthcare services and professionals need the skills to be able to effectively support older cannabis users. Targeted, age‐appropriate interventions are similarly required.
Incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer
Authors: Daniel Eric S. , Dean Anastasia E. , Lim Mingjoe , Master Mobin , Gibbs Peter , Faragher Ian
Published: October 2016

Background

Studies have suggested a benefit from extended venous thromboprophylaxis post‐operatively in colorectal cancer with an assumed base rate of zero venous thromboembolic events prior to treatment. We aim to establish the incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients with newly diagnosed stage III or IV colorectal cancer prior to any treatment.

Method

Consecutive patients presenting to a single health service with a new diagnosis of stage III or IV colorectal cancer were identified from a prospective database, for the period between January 2011 and September 2014. Contemporaneous clinical data was reviewed. Included patients had a computerized tomography (CT) chest scan for pre‐operative staging for cancer. The diagnosis of pulmonary emboli was made on chest CT.

Results

Of 330 patients identified, 224 had baseline CT chest imaging available for review, of which 107 (47.8%) were technically adequate scans. Pulmonary emboli were identified on five (4.7%) of these 107, including one of five patients (1.7%) with stage III and four of five patients (8.3%) with stage IV disease. None of the 107 patients with adequate scans had post‐operative pulmonary emboli or deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusion

There is a clinically significant baseline rate of asymptomatic pulmonary emboli in patients with stage III and IV colorectal cancer that can be demonstrated on the staging chest CT scan. Pulmonary emboli described as a post‐operative event in previous series may have been present prior to surgery.
Radical Urban Horticulture for Food Autonomy: Beyond the Community Gardens Experience
Authors: Mudu Pierpaolo , Marini Alessia
Published: October 2016

For those who are interested in radical changes, it is important to analyze the forms of resistance that promote self‐managed practices, also at apparently very small scale. In Italy the experience of “community gardens” is usually named “orti urbani”. In the last 10 years, the occupation of abandoned urban spaces to set up orti urbani has increased within the squatting movement. The case of the city of Rome is interesting because there has been a widespread activity to organize self‐managed spaces to grow fruit and vegetable plants. These initiatives make up not only potential spaces of dense social networking, political action and discussion on environmental issues, but also supporting large food autonomous configurations such as Genuino Clandestino, that are challenging dominant food production. A proliferation of orti urbani located in Social Centers, squatted houses or other abandoned spaces represents a scalar strategy to re‐appropriate and commune urban space.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among women in rural Nepal
Authors: Shakya Sunila , Syversen Unni , Åsvold Bjørn O. , Bofin Anna M. , Aune Guro , Nordbø Svein A. , Vaidya Karishma M. , Karmacharya Biraj M. , Afset Jan E. , Tingulstad Solveig
Published: October 2016

Introduction

In this study we aimed to determine the overall and type‐specific prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and risk factors for such infection among women in rural Nepal, and to investigate the distribution of HPV infection by cervical cytology.

Material and methods

The study was conducted among women aged ≥15 years in five rural villages within Kavre District in Nepal. Sociodemographic data and information on risk factors for cervical cancer were obtained through an interview, and a cervical specimen was collected for HPV DNA detection and typing using the Anyplex™ll HPV28 Detection system, and for Papanicolaou test.

Results

Among the 1289 women in whom a valid HPV result was obtained the median age was 40 years (range 17–86 years). Overall, the HPV prevalence was 14.4%, 7.9% for high‐risk and 6.5% for low‐risk HPV types, and was similar between age groups. The five most common HR types were HPV‐18 (2.3%), HPV‐51 (1.2%), HPV‐59 (1.1%), HPV‐31 (0.9%), and HPV‐16 (0.8%). The prevalence of high‐risk types in women with and without abnormal cytology was 8.3 and 7.7%, respectively. HPV infection was associated with current smoking, formal education, and being married to a husband with at least one previous marriage.

Conclusions

This is the first population‐based study to report the prevalence of a broad range of HPV types among women from rural Nepal. These data are crucial for development of preventive strategies to reduce cervical cancer burden in the country.
Macrophages Undergo M1‐to‐M2 Transition in Adipose Tissue Regeneration in a Rat Tissue Engineering Model
Authors: Li Zhijin , Xu Fangfang , Wang Zhifa , Dai Taiqiang , Ma Chao , Liu Bin , Liu Yanpu
Published: October 2016

Macrophages are involved in the full processes of tissue healing or regeneration and play an important role in the regeneration of a variety of tissues. Although recent evidence suggests the role of different macrophage phenotypes in adipose tissue expansion, metabolism, and remodeling, the spectrum of macrophage phenotype in the adipose tissue engineering field remains unknown. The present study established a rat model of adipose tissue regeneration using a tissue engineering chamber. Macrophage phenotypes were assessed during the regenerative process in the model. Neo‐adipose tissue was generated 6 weeks after implantation. Macrophages were obvious in the chamber constructs 3 days after implantation, peaked at day 7, and significantly decreased thereafter. At day 3, macrophages were predominantly M1 macrophages (CCR7+), and there were few M2 macrophages (CD206+). At day 7, the percentage of M2 macrophages significantly increased and remained stable at day 14. M2 macrophages became the predominant macrophage population at 42 days. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated transition of cytokines from pro‐inflammatory to anti‐inflammatory, which was consistent with the transition of macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2. These results showed distinct transition of macrophage phenotypes from a pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti‐inflammatory M2 in adipose tissue regeneration in our tissue engineering model. This study provides new insight into macrophage phenotype transition in the regeneration of adipose tissue.
Height‐adjusted percentiles evaluated central obesity in children and adolescents more effectively than just waist circumference
Authors: Hosseini Mostafa , Kelishadi Roya , Yousefifard Mahmoud , Qorbani Mostafa , Bazargani Behnaz , Heshmat Ramin , Motlagh Mohammad Esmail , Mirminachi Babak , Ataei Neamatollah
Published: October 2016

Aim

We compared the prevalence of obesity based on both waist circumference for height and body mass index (BMI) in Iranian children and adolescents.

Methods

Data on 13 120 children with a mean age of 12.45 ± 3.36 years (50.8% male) from the fourth Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non‐communicable Disease study were included. Measured waist circumference values were modelled according to age, gender and height percentiles. The prevalence of obesity was estimated using the 90th percentiles for both unadjusted and height‐adjusted waist circumferences and compared with the World Health Organization BMI cut‐offs. They were analysed further for short, average and tall children.

Results

Waist circumference values increased steadily with age. For short and average height children, the prevalence of obesity was higher when height‐adjusted waist circumference was used. For taller children, the prevalence of obesity using height‐adjusted waist circumference and BMI was similar, but lower than the prevalence based on measurements unadjusted for height. Height‐adjusted waist circumference and BMI identified different children as having obesity, with overlaps of 69.47% for boys and 68.42% for girls.

Conclusion

Just using waist circumference underestimated obesity in some Iranian children and measurements should be adjusted for height.
‘The weather is like the game we play’: Coping and adaptation strategies for extreme weather events among ethnic minority groups in upland northern Vietnam
Authors: Delisle Sarah , Turner Sarah
Published: October 2016

The Vietnamese government, along with country‐based non‐government organisations, are well aware of the vulnerability of Vietnam's coastal and low‐lying areas to extreme weather events. Yet scant attention has been paid to extreme weather hazards affecting Vietnam's northern mountainous regions and the livelihoods of ethnic minority farmers residing there. Building on conceptual tools from vulnerability, food security and sustainable livelihoods literatures, we examine the impacts of extreme weather, namely drought and severe cold spells, in Vietnam's northern uplands. We explore the degree to which these events impact the livelihood portfolios and food security of ethnic minority farmers, and examine the coping strategies households initiate, based on their ecological knowledge as well as recent market integration initiatives. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with ethnic minority Hmong and Yao semi‐subsistence households undertaken yearly from 2012 to 2014, we demonstrate that financial capital – now more central to households' livelihoods than ever before due to state‐sponsored agricultural intensification – is an important means for farmers to cope with extreme weather events. Yet concurrently, longstanding culturally rooted social capital, networks and ties remain critical. Nonetheless, short‐ and long‐term adaptation is not widespread, leading us to investigate possible explanations.
Next‐generation sequencing‐based detection of circulating tumour DNA After allogeneic stem cell transplantation for lymphoma
Authors: Herrera Alex F. , Kim Haesook T. , Kong Katherine A. , Faham Malek , Sun Heather , Sohani Aliyah R. , Alyea Edwin P. , Carlton Victoria E. , Chen Yi‐Bin , Cutler Corey S. , Ho Vincent T. , Koreth John , Kotwaliwale Chitra , Nikiforow Sarah , Ritz Jerome , Rodig Scott J. , Soiffer Robert J. , Antin Joseph H. , Armand Philippe
Published: October 2016

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) detection is a promising monitoring tool for lymphoid malignancies. We evaluated whether the presence of ctDNA was associated with outcome after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in lymphoma patients. We studied 88 patients drawn from a phase 3 clinical trial of reduced‐intensity conditioning HSCT in lymphoma. Conventional restaging and collection of peripheral blood samples occurred at pre‐specified time points before and after HSCT and were assayed for ctDNA by sequencing of the immunoglobulin or T‐cell receptor genes. Tumour clonotypes were identified in 87% of patients with adequate tumour samples. Sixteen of 19 (84%) patients with disease progression after HSCT had detectable ctDNA prior to progression at a median of 3·7 months prior to relapse/progression. Patients with detectable ctDNA 3 months after HSCT had inferior progression‐free survival (PFS) (2‐year PFS 58% vs. 84% in ctDNA‐negative patients, P = 0·033). In multivariate models, detectable ctDNA was associated with increased risk of progression/death (Hazard ratio 3·9, P = 0·003) and increased risk of relapse/progression (Hazard ratio 10·8, P = 0·0006). Detectable ctDNA is associated with an increased risk of relapse/progression, but further validation studies are necessary to confirm these findings and determine the clinical utility of NGS‐based minimal residual disease monitoring in lymphoma patients after HSCT.
‘This is not a Favela’: Rio de Janeiro's Urban Quilombo Sacopã and the Limits of Multiculturalism
Authors: POETS DESIREE
Published: October 2016

Under Brazil's 1988 Constitution, quilombo communities have the right to the titles of the lands they occupy. This paper assesses quilombo titles' transformative potential through the experiences of Rio de Janeiro's urban quilombo Sacopã, an ethnic Afro‐descendant community once perceived as a favela. Unlike its neighbours, the community managed to resist the widespread favela removals of the 1970s. Based on an ethnographic approach during fieldwork conducted between December 2013 and January 2014, the article asks: how did Sacopã manage to remain, whilst its surrounding favelas were forcefully removed? Who counts as ethnic? What does this imply for Brazil's afro‐descendant majority?
The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens
Authors: Rietjens Ivonne M C M , Louisse Jochem , Beekmann Karsten
Published: October 2016

Phytoestrogens are plant‐derived dietary compounds with structural similarity to 17‐β‐oestradiol (E2), the primary female sex hormone. This structural similarity to E2 enables phytoestrogens to cause (anti)oestrogenic effects by binding to the oestrogen receptors. The aim of the present review is to present a state‐of‐the‐art overview of the potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens. Various beneficial health effects have been ascribed to phytoestrogens, such as a lowered risk of menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and osteoporosis, lowered risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, brain function disorders, breast cancer, prostate cancer, bowel cancer and other cancers. In contrast to these beneficial health claims, the (anti)oestrogenic properties of phytoestrogens have also raised concerns since they might act as endocrine disruptors, indicating a potential to cause adverse health effects. The literature overview presented in this paper illustrates that several potential health benefits of phytoestrogens have been reported but that, given the data on potential adverse health effects, the current evidence on these beneficial health effects is not so obvious that they clearly outweigh the possible health risks. Furthermore, the data currently available are not sufficient to support a more refined (semi) quantitative risk–benefit analysis. This implies that a definite conclusion on possible beneficial health effects of phytoestrogens cannot be made.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc
Pharmacological mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects of the “bath salt” constituent 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)
Authors: Schindler Charles W , Thorndike Eric B , Suzuki Masaki , Rice Kenner C , Baumann Michael H
Published: October 2016

Background and Purpose

3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic cathinone with stimulatory cardiovascular effects that can lead to serious medical complications. Here, we examined the pharmacological mechanisms underlying these cardiovascular actions of MDPV in conscious rats.

Experimental Approach

Male Sprague–Dawley rats had telemetry transmitters surgically implanted for the measurement of BP and heart rate (HR). On test days, rats were placed individually in standard isolation cubicles. Following drug treatment, cardiovascular parameters were monitored for 3 h sessions.

Key Results

Racemic MDPV (0.3–3.0 mg·kg−1) increased BP and HR in a dose‐dependent manner. The S(+) enantiomer (0.3–3.0 mg·kg−1) of MDPV produced similar effects, while the R(−) enantiomer (0.3–3.0 mg·kg−1) had no effects. Neither of the hydroxylated phase I metabolites of MDPV altered cardiovascular parameters significantly from baseline. Pretreatment with the ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine (1 and 3 mg·kg−1) antagonized the increases in BP and HR produced by 1 mg·kg−1 MDPV. The α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.3 mg·kg−1) attenuated the increase in BP following MDPV, while the β‐adrenoceptor antagonists propranolol (1 mg·kg−1) and atenolol (1 and 3 mg·kg−1) attenuated the HR increases.

Conclusions and Implications

The S(+) enantiomer appeared to mediate the cardiovascular effects of MDPV, while the metabolites of MDPV did not alter BP or HR significantly; MDPV increased BP and HR through activation of central sympathetic outflow. Mixed‐action α/β‐adrenoceptor antagonists may be useful as treatments in counteracting the adverse cardiovascular effects of MDPV.
The evolution of the avian bill as a thermoregulatory organ
Authors: Tattersall Glenn J. , Arnaout Bassel , Symonds Matthew R. E.
Published: October 2016

The avian bill is a textbook example of how evolution shapes morphology in response to changing environments. Bills of seed‐specialist finches in particular have been the focus of intense study demonstrating how climatic fluctuations acting on food availability drive bill size and shape. The avian bill also plays an important but under‐appreciated role in body temperature regulation, and therefore in energetics. Birds are endothermic and rely on numerous mechanisms for balancing internal heat production with biophysical constraints of the environment. The bill is highly vascularised and heat exchange with the environment can vary substantially, ranging from around 2% to as high as 400% of basal heat production in certain species. This heat exchange may impact how birds respond to heat stress, substitute for evaporative water loss at elevated temperatures or environments of altered water availability, or be an energetic liability at low environmental temperatures. As a result, in numerous taxa, there is evidence for a positive association between bill size and environmental temperatures, both within and among species. Therefore, bill size is both developmentally flexible and evolutionarily adaptive in response to temperature. Understanding the evolution of variation in bill size however, requires explanations of all potential mechanisms. The purpose of this review, therefore, is to promote a greater understanding of the role of temperature on shaping bill size over spatial gradients as well as developmental, seasonal, and evolutionary timescales.
Anti‐PD‐L1 treatment enhances antitumor effect of everolimus in a mouse model of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirayama Yukiyoshi , Gi Min , Yamano Shotaro , Tachibana Hirokazu , Okuno Takahiro , Tamada Satoshi , Nakatani Tatsuya , Wanibuchi Hideki
Published: October 2016

Immunotherapy based on blockade of the programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) axis has shown promising clinical activity for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients; however, the most effective use of these agents in combination with conventional targeted therapy remains to be resolved. Here we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the combination of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus (EVE) and anti‐PD‐L1 using an immunocompetent mouse model of RCC. We first assessed the in vitro effect of EVE on PD‐L1 expression in the human 786‐O and mouse RENCA RCC cell lines and found that EVE upregulated PD‐L1 expression in these RCC cell lines. We then treated RENCA tumor‐bearing mice with EVE and found that PD‐L1 expression was also increased in tumor cells after EVE treatment. To determine the antitumor effects of EVE alone, anti‐PD‐L1 alone, and EVE in combination with anti‐PD‐L1, we evaluated their antitumor effects on RENCA tumor‐bearing mice. A significant decrease in the tumor burden was observed in the EVE alone but not in the anti‐PD‐L1 alone treatment group compared with the control group. Importantly, the combination of EVE with anti‐PD‐L1 significantly reduced tumor burden compared with the EVE alone treatment, increasing tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the ratio of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to TILs. The results of the present study demonstrated that anti‐PD‐L1 treatment enhanced the antitumor effect of EVE in a mouse model, supporting a direct translation of this combination strategy to the clinic for the treatment of RCC.
Discovery of selective protein arginine methyltransferase 5 inhibitors and biological evaluations
Authors: Ji Sen , Ma Shuang , Wang Wen‐Jing , Huang Shen‐Zhen , Wang Tian‐qi , Xiang Rong , Hu Yi‐Guo , Chen Qiang , Li Lin‐Li , Yang Sheng‐Yong
Published: October 2016

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is an important protein arginine methyltransferase that catalyzes the symmetric dimethylation of arginine resides on histones or non‐histone substrate proteins. It has been thought as a promising target for many diseases, particularly cancer. Despite the potential applications of PRMT5 inhibitors in cancer treatment, very few of PRMT5i have been publicly reported. In this investigation, virtual screening and structure–activity relationship studies were carried out to discover novel PRMT5i, which finally led to the identification of a number of new PRMT5i. The most active compound, P5i‐6, exhibited a considerable inhibitory potency against PRMT5 with an IC50 value of 0.57 μm, and a high selectivity for PRMT5 against other tested PRMTs. It displayed a very good antiviability activity against two colorectal cancer cell lines, HT‐29 and DLD‐1, and one hepatic cancer cell line, HepG2, in a sensitivity assay against 36 different cancer cell lines. Western blot assays indicated that P5i‐6 selectively inhibited the symmetric dimethylations of H4R3 and H3R8 in DLD‐1 cells. Overall, P5i‐6 could be used as a chemical probe to investigate new functions of PRMT5 in biology and also served as a good lead compound for the development of new PRMT5‐targeting therapeutic agents.
Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in a general population in Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Nabovati Payam , Yekta Abbasali , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: October 2016

Background

To determine retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness distribution and its related factors in a general population of 45 to 69 year olds in Iran.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Of the 5190 participants of phase one of Shahroud Eye Cohort Study, 4737 participated in Phase two (participation rate = 91.3%).

Methods

All study participants underwent visual acuity measurement, refraction tests, slit lamp examination and ophthalmoscopic fundus exam. Tests also included imaging with Cirrus HD‐OCT 4000 and its RNFL thickness data were used in this study.

Main Outcome Measures

The overall RNFL thickness and the average RNFL thickness in different quadrants.

Results

Mean RNFL thickness in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants were 92.47 µm [95% confidence interval (CI): 92.14–92.80], 111.22 µm (95% CI: 110.7–111.73), 118.93 µm (95% CI: 118.31–119.55), 74.83 µm (95% CI: 74.07–75.59) and 65.48 µm (95% CI: 65.06–65.90). Multiple linear regression models indicated that RNFL thickness in all quadrants decreased with ageing, was lower in females (coefficient:–0.87 and P = 0.015), decreased by 1.42 µm (P < 0.001) for each millimetre increase in axial length and decreased by 0.41 µm (P = 0.041) for each diopter decrease in spherical equivalent refraction of myopia.

Conclusion

RNFL thickness in the 45 to 69‐year‐old Iranian population is lower compared to other studies. This difference should be noted in making disease diagnoses, particularly glaucoma. Also, there is a significant relationship between ageing and RNFL thinning in all quadrants. Longer axial length, myopia and male gender are associated with reduced RNFL thickness.
The biology of germ cell tumors in disorders of sex development
Authors: Hersmus Remko , van Bever Yolande , Wolffenbuttel Katja P. , Biermann Katharina , Cools Martine , Looijenga Leendert H.J.
Published: October 2016

Development of a malignant germ cell tumor, i.e., germ cell cancer (GCC) in individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD) depends on a number of (epi‐)genetic factors related to early gonadal‐ and germ cell development, possibly related to genetic susceptibility. Fetal development of germ cells is orchestrated by strict processes involving specification, migration and the development of a proper gonadal niche. In this review we will discuss the early (epi‐)genetic events in normal and aberrant germ cell and gonadal development. Focus will be on the formation of the precursor lesions of GCC in individuals who have DSD. In our view, expression of the different embryonic markers in, and epigenetic profile of the precursor lesions reflects the developmental stage in which these cells are blocked in their maturation. Therefore, these are not a primary pathogenetic driving force. Progression later in life towards a full blown cancer likely depends on additional factors such as a changed endocrine environment in a susceptible individual. Genetic susceptibility is, as evidenced by the presence of specific risk genetic variants (SNPs) in patients with a testicular GCC, related to genes involved in early germ cell and gonadal development.
Antipoaching standards in onshore hydrocarbon concessions drawn from a Central African case study
Authors: Vanthomme Hadrien P.A. , Tobi Elie , Todd Angelique F. , Korte Lisa , Alonso Alfonso
Published: October 2016

Unsustainable hunting outside protected areas is threatening tropical biodiversity worldwide and requires conservationists to engage increasingly in antipoaching activities. Following the example of ecocertified logging companies, we argue that other extractive industries managing large concessions should engage in antipoaching activities as part of their environmental management plans. Onshore hydrocarbon concessions should also adopt antipoaching protocols as a standard because they represent a biodiversity threat comparable to logging. We examined the spatiotemporal patterns of small‐ and large‐mammal poaching in an onshore oil concession in Gabon, Central Africa, with a Bayesian occupancy model based on signs of poaching collected from 2010 to 2015 on antipoaching patrols. Patrol locations were initially determined based on local intelligence and past patrol successes (adaptive management) and subsequently with a systematic sampling of the concession. We generated maps of poaching probability in the concession and determined the temporal trends of this threat over 5 years. The spatiotemporal patterns of large‐ and small‐mammal poaching differed throughout the concession, and likely these groups will need different management strategies. By elucidating the relationship between site‐specific sampling effort and detection probability, the Bayesian method allowed us to set goals for future antipoaching patrols. Our results indicate that a combination of systematic sampling and adaptive management data is necessary to infer spatiotemporal patterns with the statistical method we used. On the basis of our case study, we recommend hydrocarbon companies interested in implementing efficient antipoaching activities in their onshore concessions to lay the foundation of long‐needed industry standards by: adequately measuring antipoaching effort; mixing adaptive management and balanced sampling; setting goals for antipoaching effort; pairing patrols with large‐mammal monitoring; supporting antipoaching patrols across the landscape; restricting access to their concessions; performing random searches for bushmeat and mammal products at points of entry; controlling urban and agricultural expansion; supporting bushmeat alternatives; and supporting land‐use planning.
Return to normal activities and work after living donor laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Larson Dawn B. , Jacobs Cheryl , Berglund Danielle , Wiseman Jennifer , Garvey Catherine , Gillingham Kristen , Ibrahim Hassan N. , Matas Arthur J.
Published: October 2016

Transplant programs inform potential donors that they should be able to return to normal activities within ~2 weeks and to work by 6 weeks after laparoscopic nephrectomy. We studied actual time. Between 10/2004 and 9/2014, 911 donors having laparoscopic nephrectomy were surveyed 6 months post‐donation. Surveys asked questions specific to their recovery experience, including time to return to normal activities and work and a description of their recovery time relative to pre‐donation expectations. Of the 911, 646 (71%) responded: mean age at donation was 43.5±10.6 years; 65% were female, 95% were white, 51% were biologically related to their recipient, and 83% reported education beyond high school. Of the 646 respondents, a total of 35% returned to normal activities by 2 weeks post‐donation; 79% by 4 weeks post‐donation; 94% by 5‐6 weeks; however, 6% took >6 weeks. Of the 646, 551 (85%) were working for pay; of these, mean time to return to work was 5.3±2.8 weeks; median, 5 weeks. Of the 551, a total of 14% returned to work in 1‐2 weeks, 46% by 3‐4 weeks, and 76% by 5‐6 weeks. Importantly, 24% required >6 weeks before returning to work with the highest rates for donors in manual labor or a skilled trade. Significantly longer return to work was reported by females (vs males; P=.01), those without (vs those with) post‐high school education (P=.010, those with longer hospital stay (P=.01), and those with a postoperative complication (P=.02). Of respondents, 37% described their recovery time as longer than expected. During the donor informed consent process, additional emphasis on realistic expectations around recovery to baseline activities and return to work is warranted.
Surgery for epileptogenic cerebral dysplasia in children
Authors: Hidalgo Eveline Teresa , Weiner Howard L
Published: October 2016

New developments in diagnostic methods, technical improvements in the surgical field, and a better understanding of the effects of epilepsy on the developing brain are contributing to the general observation that more children with epilepsy are being treated surgically. Malformations of cortical development are the most common cause of seizures in pediatric surgical candidates, and the best predictor of seizure freedom after surgery appears to be the complete removal of the epileptogenic lesion. To achieve this goal in challenging cases, such as magnetic resonance imaging‐negative or multifocal lesions, a staged approach with pre‐ and/or post‐resective invasive electroencephalography monitoring has increasingly been used at a number of centers. As the experience with this approach has grown, and the risks and benefits are better understood, a larger number of patients with epilepsy have been identified as potential surgical candidates. In this review, a number of the recent developments in pediatric epilepsy surgery are discussed.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists compared with basal insulins for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Singh Sonal , Wright Eugene E. , Kwan Anita Y. M. , Thompson Juliette C. , Syed Iqra A. , Korol Ellen E. , Waser Nathalie A. , Yu Maria B. , Juneja Rattan
Published: October 2016

Aims

Since 2005, several glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) have been approved to treat people with type 2 diabetes. These agents are considered for use at the same point in the treatment paradigm as basal insulins. A comprehensive comparison of these drug classes, therefore, can help inform treatment decisions. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of GLP‐1 RAs compared with basal insulins.

Materials and methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PubMed databases were searched. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of ≥16 weeks’ duration comparing GLP‐1 RAs vs basal insulins in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antihyperglycemic drugs were included. Data on the change from baseline to 26 weeks (±10 weeks) of treatment in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight, as well as the proportion of patients experiencing hypoglycaemia, were extracted. Fixed‐effect pairwise meta‐analyses were conducted where data were available from ≥2 studies.

Results

Fifteen RCTs were identified and 11 were meta‐analysed. The once‐weekly GLP‐1 RAs, exenatide long acting release (LAR) and dulaglutide, led to greater, statistically significant mean HbA1c reductions vs basal insulins (exenatide: −0.31% [95% confidence interval −0.42, −0.19], dulaglutide: −0.39% [−0.49, −0.29]) whilst once‐daily liraglutide and twice‐daily exenatide did not (liraglutide: 0.06% [−0.06, 0.18], exenatide: 0.01% [−0.11, 0.13]). Mean weight reduction was seen with all GLP‐1 RAs while mean weight gain was seen with basal insulins. Interpretation of the analysis of hypoglycaemia was limited by inconsistent definitions and reporting. Because of the limited number of available studies sensitivity analyses to explore heterogeneity could not be conducted.

Conclusions

Although weight reduction is seen with all GLP‐1 RA’s, only the once‐weekly agents, exenatide LAR and dulaglutide, demonstrate significant HbA1c reductions when compared to basal insulins.
The Evolution of Administrative Systems in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar: The Challenge of Implementing Market Based Reforms
Authors: Biygautane Mhamed , Gerber Paula , Hodge Graeme
Published: October 2016

The dramatic plunge in oil prices since the second half of 2014 poses serious challenges for the oil dependent states of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, and revives their interest in accelerating the implementation of market‐based reforms such as outsourcing, privatization, and public–private partnerships. This article challenges the assumption that these reforms offer a panacea for administrative change, and argues that while they might appear to be a solution to the growing fiscal constraints in the three Gulf states, considerable administrative, cultural, economic, and political barriers hinder their effective implementation. The conclusion reached is that western labels of market‐based reforms offer limited options for the three states in the absence of strong political will to make fundamental reforms that could alter the state–society relations. It is suggested that further theorization of administrative change is required in cultural contexts, such as the Gulf region, where administration and society are intertwined, and where trying to minimize the role and size of the state, poses a direct threat to the political legitimacy of the ruling elites.
Do Aid Donors Specialize and Coordinate within Recipient Countries? The case of Malawi
Authors: Nunnenkamp Peter , Sotirova Albena , Thiele Rainer
Published: October 2016

Acknowledging that aid proliferation and a lack of coordination impair aid effectiveness, donors have repeatedly promised to specialize and better coordinate their aid activities, notably in the Paris Declaration of 2005. We exploit data on the exact location of aid projects in Malawi to assess whether the country's bilateral and multilateral donors have acted accordingly at the district and sector level. We do not find compelling evidence for increased aid specialization after the Paris Declaration, and the regional division of labour among donors may even have deteriorated. Our within‐country evidence thus broadly corroborates what previous studies have found at the national level of recipient countries.
High sensitivity of spontaneous spike frequency to sodium leak current in a Lymnaea pacemaker neuron
Authors: Lu T. Z. , Kostelecki W. , Sun C. L. F. , Dong N. , Pérez Velázquez J. L. , Feng Z.‐P.
Published: October 2016

The spontaneous rhythmic firing of action potentials in pacemaker neurons depends on the biophysical properties of voltage‐gated ion channels and background leak currents. The background leak current includes a large K+ and a small Na+ component. We previously reported that a Na+‐leak current via U‐type channels is required to generate spontaneous action potential firing in the identified respiratory pacemaker neuron, RPeD1, in the freshwater pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. We further investigated the functional significance of the background Na+ current in rhythmic spiking of RPeD1 neurons. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and computational modeling approaches were carried out in isolated RPeD1 neurons. The whole‐cell current of the major ion channel components in RPeD1 neurons were characterized, and a conductance‐based computational model of the rhythmic pacemaker activity was simulated with the experimental measurements. We found that the spiking rate is more sensitive to changes in the Na+ leak current as compared to the K+ leak current, suggesting a robust function of Na+ leak current in regulating spontaneous neuronal firing activity. Our study provides new insight into our current understanding of the role of Na+ leak current in intrinsic properties of pacemaker neurons.
Multiculturalism and Entrepreneurial Intentions: Understanding the Mediating Role of Cognitions
Authors: Dheer Ratan J. S. , Lenartowicz Tomasz
Published: October 2016

Biculturals, or people who identify with two or more cultures, are said to play an important role in economic development by starting new ventures. However, little research has theorized or analyzed the factors that influence their propensity to do so. Based on an identity integrationist perspective, we contribute to filling this gap. We hypothesize that identity integration is a critical factor that influences entrepreneurial intentions of bicultural individuals. In addition, we hypothesize that cognitive and metacognitive cultural intelligence mediate this relationship. Empirical analyses based on survey data supported our hypothesized arguments. The findings provide guidance on the role of psychological and cognitive factors in influencing intentions.
Behavioural Type Affects Space Use in a Wild Population of Crows (Corvus corone)
Authors: Deventer Sarah A. , Uhl Florian , Bugnyar Thomas , Miller Rachael , Fitch W. Tecumseh , Schiestl Martina , Ringler Max , Schwab Christine
Published: October 2016

While personality‐dependent dispersal is well studied, local space use has received surprisingly little attention in this context, despite the multiple consequences on survival and fitness. Regarding the coping style of individuals, recent studies on personality‐dependent space use within a habitat indicate that ‘proactive’ individuals are wider ranging than ‘reactive’ ones. However, such studies are still scarce and cover limited taxonomic diversity, and thus, more research is needed to explore whether this pattern generalises across species. We examined the link between coping style and space use in a population of crows (Corvus corone) freely inhabiting the urban zoo of Vienna, Austria. We used a binary docility rating (struggle during handling vs. no struggle) and a tonic immobility test to quantify individual coping style. Individual space use was quantified as the number of different sites at which each crow was observed, and we controlled for different number of sightings per individual by creating a space use index. Only the binary docility rating showed repeatability over time, and significantly predicted space use. In contrast to previous studies, we found that reactive crows (no struggle during handling) showed wider ranging space use within the study site than proactive individuals (who struggled during handling). The discrepancy from previous results suggests that the relationship between behavioural type and space use may vary between species, potentially reflecting differences in socioecology.
Cynomolgus monkey model of interleukin‐31‐induced scratching depicts blockade of human interleukin‐31 receptor A by a humanized monoclonal antibody
Authors: Oyama Sohei , Kitamura Hidetomo , Kuramochi Taichi , Higuchi Yoshinobu , Matsushita Hiroaki , Suzuki Tsukasa , Goto Masaaki , Adachi Hideki , Kasutani Keiko , Sakamoto Akihisa , Iwayanagi Yuki , Kaneko Akihisa , Nanami Masahiko , Fujii Etsuko , Esaki Keiko , Takashima Yoshiaki , Shimaoka Shin , Hattori Kunihiro , Kawabe Yoshiki
Published: October 2016

Scratching is an important factor exacerbating skin lesions through the so‐called itch‐scratch cycle in atopic dermatitis (AD). In mice, interleukin (IL)‐31 and its receptor IL‐31 receptor A (IL‐31RA) are known to play a critical role in pruritus and the pathogenesis of AD; however, study of their precise roles in primates is hindered by the low sequence homologies between primates and mice and the lack of direct evidence of itch sensation by IL‐31 in primates. We showed that administration of cynomolgus IL‐31 induces transient scratching behaviour in cynomolgus monkeys and by that were able to establish a monkey model of scratching. We then showed that a single subcutaneous injection of 1 mg/kg nemolizumab, a humanized anti‐human IL‐31RA monoclonal antibody that also neutralizes cynomolgus IL‐31 signalling and shows a good pharmacokinetic profile in cynomolgus monkeys, suppressed the IL‐31‐induced scratching for about 2 months. These results suggest that the IL‐31 axis and IL‐31RA axis play as critical a role in the induction of scratching in primates as in mice and that the blockade of IL‐31 signalling by an anti‐human IL‐31RA antibody is a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of AD. Nemolizumab is currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Local paleoenvironmental controls on the carbon‐isotope record defining the Bitter Springs Anomaly
Authors: Klaebe R. M. , Kennedy M. J. , Jarrett A. J. M. , Brocks J. J.
Published: October 2016

Large magnitude (>10‰) carbon‐isotope (δ13C) excursions recorded in carbonate‐bearing sediments are increasingly used to monitor environmental change and constrain the chronology of the critical interval in the Neoproterozoic stratigraphic record that is timed with the first appearance and radiation of metazoan life. The ~10‰ Bitter Springs Anomaly preserved in Tonian‐aged (1000–720 Ma) carbonate rocks in the Amadeus Basin of central Australia has been offered as one of the best preserved examples of a primary marine δ13C excursion because it is regionally reproducible and δ13C values covary in organic and carbonate carbon arguing against diagenetic exchange. However, here we show that δ13C values defining the excursion coincide with abrupt lithofacies changes between regularly cyclic grainstone and microbial carbonates, and desiccated red bed mudstones with interbedded evaporite and dolomite deposits, recording local environmental shifts from restricted marine conditions to alkaline lacustrine and playa settings that preserve negative (−4‰) and positive (+6‰) δ13C values, respectively. The stratigraphic δ13C pattern in both organic and carbonate carbon recurs within the basin in a similar way to associated sedimentary facies, reflecting the linkage of local paleoenvironmental conditions and δ13C values. These local excursions may be time transgressive or record a relative sea‐level influence manifest through exposure of sub‐basins isolated by sea‐level fall below shallow sills, but are independent of secular seawater variation. As the shallow intracratonic setting of the Bitter Springs Formation is typical of other Neoproterozoic carbonate successions used to construct the present δ13C seawater record, it identifies the potential for local influences on δ13C excursions that are neither diagenetic nor representative of the global exogenic cycle.
Validation of the Rostock fermentation test as an in vitro method to estimate ensilability of forages using glass jar model silages as a basis for comparison
Authors: Pieper B. , Hoedtke S. , Wensch‐Dorendorf M. , Korn U. , Wolf P. , Zeyner A.
Published: October 2016

This study compared the predictive power of an in vitro fermentation test [Rostock fermentation test (RFT)] with common glass jar silages (GLASS) using maize, fresh and wilted perennial ryegrass and fresh and wilted lucerne. Treatments were made in quadruplicate and included a control variant without additives, sucrose (20 g kg−1), a homolactic inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum, 3 × 105 cfu g−1), a heterolactic inoculant (Lactobacillus buchneri, 1 × 105 cfu g−1) and combinations of each inoculant with sucrose. The pH was measured in GLASS at days 1·5, 3, 10 and 90, and in RFT at 14, 18, 22, 26, 38 and 46 h, whereas fermentation products were determined at days 3 and 90 in GLASS, and at 46 h in RFT. Linear regressions revealed the closest relation for pH between 10‐d silages of GLASS and 38‐h measurement of RFT (adjusted R2 = 0·808) and coefficients of determination for fermentation products were always higher when 3‐d instead of 90‐d silages were compared with 46‐h measurement of RFT. A pH increase in GLASS as indicator of insufficient anaerobic stability was not reproduced by RFT, suggesting that the in vitro test reflects the initial phase of fermentation, which was also indicated by the absence of 1,2‐propanediol in RFT.