bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐governmental organisations and informal associations in service delivery for African migrants in China: Evidence of voluntary sector failure?
Authors: Chui Cheryl , Jordan Lucy Porter , Wang Wei
Published: September 2018

As the Chinese government has purposefully built economic, social and political links with several African states in recent decades, new patterns of international migration have emerged. Notably, mixed‐race families are increasingly visible in southern China, particularly Guangzhou, where there is a concentration of African traders. The few existing studies on this population have failed to pay attention to how, in the absence of state provision of or support for key public resources including health care and education, African‐Chinese families are raising their children. We examined factors contributing to NGO successes and failures in facilitating these families’ wellbeing and integration into mainstream society, drawing on the theory of voluntary sector failure. Mixed‐raced families are relatively isolated from mainstream society as well as formal/informal civil society organisations. We found select features of philanthropic paternalism, philanthropic amateurism, and what we term philanthropic mistrust, with implications for understanding voluntary sector growth in the Chinese context.
Effectiveness of two types of incontinence rehabilitation exercises: A pilot study
Authors: Chiu Aih‐Fung , Hsieh Chun‐Man , Chu Su‐Feng , Yang Tsan
Published: September 2018

Is abdominal muscle exercise (AME) an effective alternative therapy to treat urinary incontinence (UI)?. Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) is a conservative and conventional treatment for UI. In recent decades, another innovative method of incontinence rehabilitation involving abdominal muscles exercise, namely AME, was proposed to achieve better UI care. However, the effectiveness of AME is unclear. A quasi‐experimental pilot study with a 12‐week intervention period compared AME with PFME. Women aged ≥45 years with at least one episode per month of stress or mixed UI were enrolled. Informed consent was obtained before participation in the study. Women from each region were considered a cluster and were randomly allocated into the AME or PFME groups. All exercise sessions were accomplished at citizen activity centres. With 20 women in each group, the primary outcomes were to compare the score changes in the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), 1‐hour pad test, and 3‐day voiding diary whereas the secondary outcomes compared the scores between the pre‐ and post‐tests. The ISI, 1‐hour pad test, and 3‐day voiding diary improved significantly after the interventions within each group; however, no significant difference was found between the groups. The effectiveness of AME was similar to that of PFME. Nevertheless, health care providers should understand the effectiveness of different strategies for treating or preventing UI.
A statistical model for the failure of glass plates due to nickel sulfide inclusions
Authors: Bonati Antonio , Pisano Gabriele , Royer Carfagni Gianni
Published: September 2018

Nickel Sulfide (NiS) inclusions can provoke the rupture of thermally treated glass due to a phase transformation with volume increase that stresses the surrounding glass. Starting from a Pareto statistics for the population of inclusion sizes, from an assumed kinetics of the phase transformation, a micro‐mechanically motivated model provides the statistical characterization of the probability of spontaneous failure of glass during lifetime. A distinction based upon the composition of NiS is used to discuss the effects of the heat soak test (HST), where glass remains at high temperature for a certain time to speed‐up the phase transformation and destroy those elements with critical inclusions. Three functions à la Weibull for the probability of spontaneous rupture during lifetime are theoretically derived for the case of no HST, short HST, and long HST. In particular, the probability of collapse for long HSTs depends upon the holding time in the oven. An explanatory example shows the potentiality of the model for optimizing the HST parameters toward a target probability of failure, but experimental campaigns are needed for a proper calibration.
From Gondwana to GAARlandia: Evolutionary history and biogeography of ogre‐faced spiders (Deinopis)
Authors: Chamberland Lisa , McHugh Anne , Kechejian Sarah , Binford Greta J. , Bond Jason E. , Coddington Jonathan , Dolman Gaynor , Hamilton Chris A. , Harvey Mark S. , Kuntner Matjaž , Agnarsson Ingi
Published: September 2018

Aim

We explore the evolutionary history of the ogre‐faced spiders (Deinopis) from their Early Cretaceous origins to present day. Specifically, we investigate how vicariance and dispersal have shaped distribution patterns of this lineage. Within the Caribbean, we test the role of GAARlandia, a hypothesized land bridge that connected South America to the Greater Antilles during the Eocene–Oligocene transition (~35–33 Ma), in the biogeography of Deinopis.

Taxon

Araneae: Deinopidae: Deinopis.

Location

Caribbean islands, with additional global exemplars.

Methods

Combining standard Sanger sequence data with an Anchored Hybrid Enrichment (AHE) phylogenomic dataset, we use Bayesian inference to estimate the phylogenetic relationships of Deinopis. “BioGeoBEARS” is used to test the GAARlandia hypothesis, and to pinpoint major dispersal events in the biogeographic history of Deinopis.

Results

The phylogeny supports the nesting of a Caribbean clade within a continental grade. Model comparisons indicate GAARlandia as the best fitting model, and the biogeographic analyses reflect the geologic history within the Caribbean. Ancient and recent overwater dispersal events are also indicated within this lineage. There is also an ancient 113 Ma split into Old and New World clades.

Main Conclusions

The Deinopis phylogeny corresponds well with geography. This is reflected in the support for the GAARlandia land bridge hypothesis and the phylogenetic relationships within and among Caribbean islands mirroring nuances of Caribbean geologic history. Overwater dispersal also plays an important role in the biogeographic history of this lineage as implicated in the colonization of the volcanic and sedimentary Lesser Antilles and in a “reverse” colonization of North America. The spider family Deinopidae is an ancient lineage with origins dating back to Gondwana. While overwater dispersal has clearly played a role in the biogeography of the genus, the Deinopis phylogeny bears a strong signature of ancient geological events.
Geographical and temporal origins of terrestrial vertebrates endemic to Taiwan
Authors: He Jiekun , Gao Zefang , Su Yuanyuan , Lin Siliang , Jiang Haisheng
Published: September 2018

Aim

Phylogeographical studies of Taiwan have advanced our knowledge of the origins of its fauna, but the discrepancies raise issues related to the interpretation of single‐taxon studies. Here, we provide a synthesis of the biogeographical histories of multiple terrestrial vertebrates endemic to Taiwan and infer the colonization processes within the context of geological and climatic events.

Location

Taiwan and neighbouring land masses.

Taxon

Terrestrial vertebrates.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis of 28 phylogenetic studies of 33 endemic Taiwanese terrestrial vertebrates to summarize the insights into their source regions and divergence times. We used dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis models to reconstruct the ancestral ranges of 54 endemic species based on a recently published time‐calibrated phylogenetic tree. By constructing a frequency histogram that quantified the number and timing of divergence events within 1 Myr bins, we inferred the spatiotemporal colonization patterns of endemic Taiwanese species.

Results

The results from 28 phylogenetic studies revealed that South China is the main source region of endemic Taiwanese species. However, based on a more comprehensive time tree, the ancestral area reconstruction analyses indicated that endemic species are predominately of Eastern Himalayan origin. Both datasets highlighted a temporal pattern that the majority of colonization events of terrestrial vertebrates endemic to Taiwan occurred from the early Pliocene (c. 5 Ma) onwards, and these events were temporally congruent with the geological estimates of the emergence of Taiwan Island.

Main conclusions

Terrestrial vertebrates endemic to Taiwan reached the island over the last 5 Myr from a variety of zoogeographical regions. In contrast to the traditional notion, the Eastern Himalayas is the most important source region of endemic Taiwanese species, followed by South China and Indochina. In addition to the land bridge, transoceanic dispersal provided another potential mode for species to colonize Taiwan.
Sustainability in Practice
Authors: Sheffi Yossi
Published: September 2018

Should business lead on environmental sustainability? The article argues that while there are some environmental initiatives that support the mission of the business, such as energy savings that also reduce costs, business should not go too far. On the one hand, its ability to do so is limited since most of the carbon footprint is outside its four walls, and even where it can make substantial changes, it should not do it until consumers will be willing to pay for it and incur minor inconveniences.
Automated detection of repetitive focal activations in persistent atrial fibrillation: Validation of a novel detection algorithm and application through panoramic and sequential mapping
Authors: Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Schilling Richard J. , Providencia Rui , Keating Emily , Sporton  Simon , Lowe Martin , Lambiase Pier D. , Chow Anthony , Earley Mark J. , Hunter Ross J.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Identifying drivers in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains challenging. We sought to validate an automated system for detection of focal activation using basket and PentaRay catheters in AF.

Methods

Patients having ablation for atrial tachycardia (AT) and persistent AF were mapped. Thirty‐second unipolar basket and PentaRay recordings were analyzed using CARTOFINDER. Focal activation or “region of interest” (ROI) was defined as more than or equal to 2 consecutive focal activations with one electrode leading relative to its neighbors with QS morphology on the unipolar electrogram. ROI was validated in AT. AF patients were mapped to (1) look for evidence of focal activations on wavefront maps, (2) evaluate whether these were detected as ROI on basket recordings, and (3) whether these sites could be identified on sequential PentaRay recordings.

Results

ROIs were identified in five focal ATs but none of 16 reentrant ATs. Twenty‐eight AF patients had 35 focal drivers identified from basket wavefront maps with an ablation response in all (16 cycle length slowing and 19 AF termination). Thirty focal activations were detected on basket ROI maps (86%). Twenty‐three of 28 patients had sequential PentaRay mapping and 22 of 30 focal drivers in these patients (73%) were identified as ROI. These drivers had greater temporal stability (3.6 ± 0.6 vs 2.7 ± 0.6; P < 0.001), higher recurrence rate (12.4 ± 2.7 vs 7.2 ± 0.9;
P < 0.001), and more frequently were associated with AF termination (
P < 0.001) compared with those not identified as ROI.

Conclusions

Focal activations can be detected in AF using sequential recordings. The ablation response at focal sources suggests they may be viable therapeutic targets.
The value of ablation parameter indices for predicting mature atrial scar formation in humans: An in vivo assessment using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chubb Henry , Lal Kulvinder , Kiedrowicz Radoslaw , Karim Rashed , Williams Steven E. , Harrison James , Whitaker John , Wright Matthew , Razavi Reza , O’Neill Mark
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The VisiTag module (CARTO3) provides an objective assessment of radiofrequency (RF) ablation parameters. This study aimed to determine the predictive value and optimal VisiTag threshold settings for prediction of gaps in mature atrial scar, as assessed non‐invasively using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Methods

Twenty‐four subjects (11 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) underwent first‐time RF ablation with operators blinded to VisiTag data. Three‐dimensional late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR scans were performed at 3 months (1.3 × 1.3 × 4 mm3). A survey of UK operators defined the standard VisiTag settings (“Force,” 8 g; “Time,” 10 seconds; “Percentage Time,” 50%; “Range,” 3 mm; “Impedance” and “Temperature” “off”). Each ablation procedure was exported 27 times, varying single VisiTag parameters from default values. The presence of gaps in VisiTag markers (18 sectors) was assessed for each export and compared with gaps in CMR enhancement.

Results

At default settings, VisiTag gaps were specific (97.5%) but less sensitive (50.4%) for CMR gaps. Sensitivity improved at higher thresholds (89.2% at 20 g, 85.6% at 30 seconds, 88.5% impedance 10 Ω, 92.8% temperature 42°C), but with a lower positive predictive value (PPV) (42.3%, 42.7%, 41.1%, and 37.7%, respectively, vs 90.9% at baseline). “Force” thresholds demonstrated stable PPV from 2 to 8 g (P = 0.24), but a rapid fall at forces more than 10 g. The binomial logistic regression model explained 41.7% of gaps;
χ
2(4), 148;
P < 0.0001, correctly classifying 82% of cases (specificity 94.9%, sensitivity 56.8%).

Conclusion

Gaps in VisiTags predict gaps in CMR LGE enhancement with high specificity at default settings. Sensitivity may be improved using more stringent thresholds but at the potential cost of unnecessary ablation, particularly when a force more than 10 g is stipulated.
Young bone marrow Sca‐1 cells protect aged retina from ischaemia‐reperfusion injury through activation of FGF2
Authors: Shao Zhengbo , Wu Jie , Du Guoqing , Song Huifang , Li Shu‐Hong , He Sheng , Li Jiao , Wu Jun , Weisel Richard D. , Yuan Huiping , Li Ren‐Ke
Published: September 2018

Retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and optic nerve degeneration are prevalent in aged patients, which may be related to the decrease in bone marrow (BM) stem cell number/function because of the possible cross‐talk between the two organs. This pathological process is accelerated by retinal ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study investigated whether young BM stem cells can regenerate and repair the aged retina after acute I/R injury. Young BM stem cell antigen 1 positive (Sca‐1+) or Sca‐1− cells were transplanted into lethally irradiated aged recipient mice to generate Sca‐1+ and Sca‐1− chimaeras, respectively. The animals were housed for 3 months to allow the young Sca‐1 cells to repopulate in the BM of aged mice. Retinal I/R was then induced by elevation of intraocular pressure. Better preservation of visual function was found in Sca‐1+ than Sca‐1− chimaeras 7 days after injury. More Sca‐1+ cells homed to the retina than Sca‐1− cells and more cells differentiated into glial and microglial cells in the Sca‐1+ chimaeras. After injury, Sca‐1+ cells in the retina reduced host cellular apoptosis, which was associated with higher expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in the Sca‐1+ chimaeras. Young Sca‐1+ cells repopulated the stem cells in the aged retina and diminished cellular apoptosis after acute I/R injury through FGF2 and Akt signalling pathways.
Repression of Noxa by Bmi1 contributes to deguelin‐induced apoptosis in non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Li Wei , Yu Xinfang , Xia Zhenkun , Yu Xinyou , Xie Li , Ma Xiaolong , Zhou Huiling , Liu Lijun , Wang Jian , Yang Yifeng , Liu Haidan
Published: September 2018

Deguelin, a natural rotenoid isolated from several plants, has been reported to exert anti‐tumour effects in various cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of this regulation remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we found that deguelin inhibited the growth of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells both in vitro and in vivo by downregulation of Bmi1 expression. Our data showed that Bmi1 is highly expressed in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of Bmi1 significantly suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and colony formation. Deguelin treatment attenuated the binding activity of Bmi1 to the Noxa promoter, thus resulting in Noxa transcription and apoptosis activation. Knockdown of Bmi1 promoted Noxa expression and enhanced deguelin‐induced apoptosis, whereas overexpression of Bmi1 down‐regulated Noxa protein level and deguelin‐induced apoptosis. Overall, our study demonstrated a novel apoptotic mechanism for deguelin to exert its anti‐tumour activity in NSCLC cells.
Predation risk determines pigmentation phenotype in nuthatches by melanin‐related gene expression effects
Authors: Galván Ismael
Published: September 2018

Pigments determine the appearance of organisms. However, pigment production can be associated with physiological constraints as in the case of pheomelanin, the sulphurated form of melanin whose synthesis in melanocytes consumes cysteine and consequently reduces the availability of glutathione (GSH) to exert antioxidant protection. Pheomelanogenesis may thus increase the susceptibility to suffer chronic oxidative stress. I investigated the possibility that environmental lability in the expression of genes regulating pheomelanogenesis protects from oxidative stress, a situation in which GSH is most required. By broadcasting adult alarm calls, I manipulated the perception of predation risk, a natural source of oxidative stress, in free‐living Eurasian nuthatch Sitta europaea nestlings developing pheomelanin‐pigmented flank feathers. The manipulation affected the consumption of GSH that resulted from the expression of two genes (Slc7a11 and Slc45a2) influencing cysteine/GSH availability in cells, as these genes were down‐regulated in the feather melanocytes of the nestlings with lowest intracellular antioxidant capacity (i.e. lowest GSH levels). Systemic oxidative damage increased with Slc7a11 expression in feather melanocytes, suggesting that the observed down‐regulation was physiologically advantageous. The nestlings exposed to an increased perception of predation risk developed flank feathers of reduced colour intensity. These results indicate that perceived predation risk can determine the pigmentation phenotype by (probably epigenetic) effects on gene expression that protect from physiological constraints imposed by pheomelanin production.
Bankruptcy Claims Trading
Authors: Ellias Jared A
Published: September 2018

A robust secondary market has emerged over the past 20 years in the debt of Chapter 11 firms. Critics worry that the trading associated with this market has undermined bankruptcy governance by forcing managers to negotiate with shifting groups of activist investors in the Chapter 11 bargaining process. This article investigates whether this is a common problem and concludes that it is not. Although trading of bond debt is pervasive, the activist groups that tend to participate in negotiations usually enter cases early and rarely change significantly. Trading in general, therefore, does not appear to have the impact on governance that many claims trading critics fear, at least insofar as the average case is concerned.
Moral management in competitive markets
Authors: Martin Steve
Published: September 2018

The intrinsic motivation of a firm’s management for engaging in prosocial behavior is an important determinant of a firm’s social conduct. I provide the first model in which firms run by morally motivated managers engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a competitive setting. Moral management crowds out a competitor’s strategic CSR, increasing profitability and leading shareholders to strategically delegate moral managers, although necessary for socially optimal CSR is that shareholders be morally motivated as well. Shareholders appoint managers that engage in a socially excessive amount of CSR, counter to existing literature, whenever product‐market competition is sufficiently intense.
Revisions to the Classification, Nomenclature, and Diversity of Eukaryotes
Authors: Adl Sina M. , Bass David , Lane Christopher E. , Lukeš Julius , Schoch Conrad L. , Smirnov Alexey , Agatha Sabine , Berney Cedric , Brown Matthew W. , Burki Fabien , Cárdenas Paco , Čepička Ivan , Chistyakova Lyudmila , del Campo Javier , Dunthorn Micah , Edvardsen Bente , Eglit Yana , Guillou Laure , Hampl Vladimír , Heiss Aaron A. , Hoppenrath Mona , James Timothy Y. , Karnkowska Anna , Karpov Sergey , Kim Eunsoo , Kolisko Martin , Kudryavtsev Alexander , Lahr Daniel J.G. , Lara Enrique , Le Gall Line , Lynn Denis H. , Mann David G. , Massana Ramon , Mitchell Edward A.D. , Morrow Christine , Park Jong Soo , Pawlowski Jan W. , Powell Martha J. , Richter Daniel J. , Rueckert Sonja , Shadwick Lora , Shimano Satoshi , Spiegel Frederick W. , Torruella Guifré , Youssef Noha , Zlatogursky Vasily , Zhang Qianqian
Published: September 2018

This revision of the classification of eukaryotes follows that of Adl et al., 2012 [J. Euk. Microbiol. 59(5)] and retains an emphasis on protists. Changes since have improved the resolution of many nodes in phylogenetic analyses. For some clades even families are being clearly resolved. As we had predicted, environmental sampling in the intervening years has massively increased the genetic information at hand. Consequently, we have discovered novel clades, exciting new genera and uncovered a massive species level diversity beyond the morphological species descriptions. Several clades known from environmental samples only have now found their home. Sampling soils, deeper marine waters and the deep sea will continue to fill us with surprises. The main changes in this revision are the confirmation that eukaryotes form at least two domains, the loss of monophyly in the Excavata, robust support for the Haptista and Cryptista. We provide suggested primer sets for DNA sequences from environmental samples that are effective for each clade. We have provided a guide to trophic functional guilds in an appendix, to facilitate the interpretation of environmental samples, and a standardized taxonomic guide for East Asian users.
Development of a VP38 recombinant protein‐based indirect ELISA for detection of antibodies against grass carp reovirus genotype II (iELISA for detection of antibodies against GCRV II)
Authors: Zeng Weiwei , Wang Yingying , Guo Yanmin , Bergmann Sven M. , Yin Jiyuan , Li Yingying , Ren Yan , Shi Cunbin , Wang Qing
Published: September 2018

Currently, serological assays for grass carp reovirus genotype II (GCRV‐II) diagnosis are not available. In this study, an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies against GCRV‐II was developed. The structural protein VP38 of GCRV‐II was used as the coating antigen. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against IgM of grass carp labelled with HRP were used as a secondary antibody. The antigen concentration and serum dilution were optimized using chess board titration. Furthermore, the specificity of indirect ELISA assay was confirmed by cross check with sera positive for other grass carp pathogens. In comparison with results obtained from indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blot by testing of 60 serum samples to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA, agreement between 90% and 96.7% was reached, respectively. A serological survey was performed using the assay with grass carp field serum samples. The seropositive rate of the 242 serum samples was 69.8%. In conclusion, the developed indirect ELISA is a very specific and sensitive test that will be useful for large‐scale serological surveys to detect indirectly GCRV II infections as well as to monitor the changes of antibody level after immunization.
Streptomyces lydicus A01 affects soil microbial diversity, improving growth and resilience in tomato
Authors: Wu Qiong , Lu Caige , Ni Mi , Wang Hongli , Liu Weicheng , Chen Jie
Published: September 2018

The actinomycete Streptomyces lydicus A01 promotes tomato seedling growth; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated whether changes in soil microbial diversity, following Streptomyces lydicus A01 treatment, were responsible for the increased tomato seedling growth. Eukaryotic 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing showed that S. lydicus A01‐treated and untreated soil shared 193 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), whereas bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing identified 1,219 shared OTUs between the treated and untreated soil. Of the 42 dominant eukaryotic OTUs, eight were significantly increased and six were significantly decreased after A01 treatment. Of the 25 dominant bacterial OTUs, 12 were significantly increased and eight were significantly decreased after A01 treatment. Most of the eukaryotes and bacteria that increased in abundance exhibited growth promoting characteristics, which were mainly predicted to be associated with mineralization of nitrogen and phosphorus, phosphate solubilization, nutrient accumulation, and secretion of auxin, whereas some were related to plant protection, such as the degradation of toxic and hazardous substances. Soil composition tests showed that S. lydicus A01 treatment enhanced the utilization of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in tomato seedlings. Thus, microbial fertilizers based on S. lydicus A01 may improve plant growth, without the detriment effects of chemical fertilizers.
Utility and limitations of perimortem cesarean section: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Kobori Shusaku , Toshimitsu Masatake , Nagaoka Shinichi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Murotsuki Jun
Published: September 2018

Aim

Perimortem cesarean section (PCS) is a procedure performed as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study aims to clarify maternal and neonatal prognosis and establish PCS's utility and limitations.

Methods

We sent structured questionnaires to obstetrics facilities regarding the cases of PCS performed in Japan between April 2010 and April 2015. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut‐off values of the time from cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) to return of spontaneous circulation to predict the onset of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Results

PCS was performed for 18 patients. Out of 18 patients, 12 were resuscitated. The women who were discharged without major sequelae (n = 6) were compared with the non‐discharged women who were dead or in persistent vegetative state (n = 12), and median interval time from arrest to PCS was significantly shorter in the former group (P = 0.002). Median interval time from CPA to PCS in the cases in which the neonates survived without major morbidities was significantly shorter than that in the cases of neonatal death and hypoxic encephalopathy (P = 0.01). DIC was observed in 8/9 (89%) patients whose resuscitation took more than 20 min from the diagnosis of CPA. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) was introduced in 4/9 patients. However, more cases with uncontrolled bleeding, possibly caused by a sudden increase in blood flow and DIC after resuscitation, were observed in the PCPS group compared to the non‐PCPS group.

Conclusion

PCS can be an effective CPR procedure. However, if PCS is not performed within 20 min from CPA, starting PCPS before PCS is an option.
Fetal intracranial hemorrhage due to maternal subclinical vitamin K deficiency associated with long‐term eating disorder
Authors: Sotodate Genichiro , Matsumoto Atsushi , Konishi Yu , Toya Yukiko , Endo Mikiya , Oyama Kotaro
Published: September 2018

Vitamin K deficiency in pregnant women causes intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in fetuses. Fetal ICH frequently causes life‐threatening and persistent neurological damage. However, indicators for preventing fetal ICH are not established. Two pregnant women developed long‐term eating disorders caused by psychosis. They were administered intravenous fluid and vitamin supplementation, excluding vitamin K. The intracranial low‐hypoechoic area on fetal ultrasound was suggestive of fetal ICH due to vitamin K deficiency. Their neonates showed severe developmental delay. Laboratory analysis revealed a normal prothrombin time, but elevated protein induced by vitamin K absence II. Pregnant women who have eating disorders more than 3 weeks could develop fetal ICH due to maternal subclinical vitamin K deficiency. Illness duration and protein induced by vitamin K absence II of pregnant woman may be indicators for vitamin K administration to prevent fetal intracranial hemorrhage.
Incidence of complete vaginal cuff wound healing at sixth and eighth week after total abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: Watcharaprapapong Jiraphan , Treetampinich Chatchai , Na Ayudhya Nathpong I. , Paiwattananupant Krissada , Chinthakanan Orawee
Published: September 2018

Aim

To assess the incidence and risk factors of complete vaginal cuff wound healing at sixth and eighth week after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH).

Methods

A retrospective chart review of women who underwent TAH for benign conditions from January 2015 to December 2015 at Ramathibodi Hospital was conducted. The primary outcome was the incidence of complete vaginal cuff healing at 6 and 8 weeks after operation as determined by complete vaginal mucosal approximation without the presence of suture material or granulation tissue.

Results

The medical records of 235 patients who underwent TAH for benign conditions were reviewed. The incidence of complete vaginal cuff wound healing at 6 and 8 weeks after operation were 189 and 225 cases, respectively (80.4% vs 95.7%, P value <0.001). Forty‐six (19.6%) patients had incomplete vaginal cuff healing at 6 weeks after operation. Of those, 33 patients had vaginal cuff granulation. Spontaneous regression of lesions had occurred in 69.7% at 8 weeks. Independent risk factors of delay vaginal cuff healing were the used of electrosurgery for vaginal incision (adjusted odds ratio 13.4, 95% confidence interval 2.63–67.74) and suturing cuff with continuous technique (adjusted odds ratio 9.1, 95% confidence interval 2.12–39.01).

Conclusion

The incidence of complete vaginal cuff wound healing was significantly higher at 8 weeks than at 6 weeks after TAH for benign conditions. Therefore, 8 weeks after operation would be an appropriate time for the first vaginal cuff examination.
Diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism: practical clinical perspectives
Authors: Young W. F.
Published: September 2018

Primary aldosteronism (PA), the most common form of secondary hypertension, can be either surgically cured or treated with targeted pharmacotherapy. PA is frequently undiagnosed and untreated, leading to aldosterone‐specific cardiovascular morbidity and nephrotoxicity. Thus, clinicians should perform case detection testing for PA at least once in all patients with hypertension. Confirmatory testing is indicated in most patients with positive case detection testing results. The next step is to determine whether patients with confirmed PA have a disease that can be cured with surgery or whether it should be treated medically; this step is guided by computed tomography scan of the adrenal glands and adrenal venous sampling. With appropriate surgical expertise, laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is safe, efficient and curative in patients with unilateral adrenal disease. In patients who have bilateral aldosterone hypersecretion, the optimal management is a low‐sodium diet and lifelong treatment with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist administered at a dosage to maintain a high–normal serum potassium concentration without the aid of oral potassium supplements.
NON‐DESTRUCTIVE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE THERMAL MATURITY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SOURCE ROCKS
Authors: Eichmann S. L. , Jacobi D. , Haque M. H. , Burnham N.A.
Published: September 2018

Source rocks consist of diverse lithofacies whose composition can vary according to the depositional environment and the provenance of the sediment composing the rock matrix. In general, the rock fabric is made up of very fine grained, laminated and non‐laminated intervals composed of authigenic, detrital and biogenic minerals, together with organic matter consisting of kerogen, bitumen and pyrobitumen. During burial, exposure to elevated temperatures and pressures transforms the kerogen in a source rock into hydrocarbons. This transformation is tracked according to different stages of maturity, and results in increases in both the porosity and aromaticity of the kerogen within the rock and the formation of pyrobitumen. Little is understood about how these changes affect the mechanical properties of the organic matter contained in the rock, or to what degree this also influences bulk rock mechanical moduli. Understanding this relationship is essential to determine the production potential of a “source rock reservoir”, i.e. an unconventional self‐sourced reservoir from which oil and gas can be recovered through hydraulic fracturing of the rock matrix. Direct measurement of the mechanical properties of organic matter in relation to its thermogenic transformation, however, is a challenge due to the small size of the materials composing the rock fabric, especially with source rocks that are finely laminated. To explore this relationship, the results of a non‐destructive, dual‐mode examination of source rock maturity and kerogen mechanical properties is presented using Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), respectively. The analysed samples (n = 5) are a Silurian source rock from the Middle East. The results demonstrate the ability to measure both mechanical moduli and thermal maturity of organic components in intact source rock samples which range in maturity from the catagenesis through the metagenesis stages i.e %Ro from 0.6 to 1.6. These techniques provide an opportunity to examine kerogen, bitumen and pyrobitumen properties at the micro‐ and nano‐scale using intact rock samples without disruption of the rock fabric, which readily occurs with conventional bulk core analysis techniques.
PALAEO‐EXPOSURE SURFACES IN THE APTIAN DARIYAN FORMATION, OFFSHORE SW IRAN: GEOCHEMISTRY AND RESERVOIR IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Mehrabi H. , Rahimpour‐Bonab H. , Al‐Aasm I. , Hajikazemi E. , Esrafili‐Dizaji B. , Dalvand M. , Omidvar M.
Published: September 2018

Palaeo‐exposure surfaces within and at the top of the carbonate‐dominated Aptian Dariyan Formation have been poorly studied in the Iranian sector of the Persian Gulf. This paper presents an integrated sedimentological and geochemical study of the Dariyan Formation at four oil and gas fields located in the western, central and eastern parts of the Gulf. Facies stacking patterns in general indicate shallowing‐upwards trends toward the exposure surfaces, which are interpreted to correspond to unconformities.

The Dariyan Formation in the study area is divided into upper and lower carbonate units by a deep‐water, high‐gamma shale‐marl interval. At fields in the western and central Gulf, significant diagenetic changes were recorded in the top of the upper carbonate unit, including meteoric dissolution and cementation, brecciation and paleosol formation. An exposure surface is also present at the top of the lower carbonate unit in all the fields in the study area, and is associated with meteoric dissolution and cementation of grain‐dominated facies.

Age calibration of studied intervals was carried out using microfossil assemblages including benthic and planktonic foraminifera. Negative excursions of both δ18O (−10‰ VPDB) and δ13C (−0.66‰ VPDB) were recorded in weathered intervals located below the unconformity surfaces. A sequence stratigraphic framework for the Dariyan Formation was established by integrating sedimentological, palaeontological and geochemical data. The δ13C curve for the formation in the Iranian sector of the Persian Gulf can be correlated with the reference curve for the northern Neotethys and used as a basis for regional stratigraphic correlation. Where the top‐Aptian unconformity is present, it has resulted in an enhancement of the reservoir characteristics of the underlying carbonate succession. Accordingly, the best reservoir zones in the Dariyan Formation occur in the upper parts of the lower and upper carbonate units which are bounded above by significant palaeo‐exposure surfaces.
THREE‐DIMENSIONAL SEISMIC GEOMORPHOLOGY OF PALEOKARST IN THE CRETACEOUS MACAÉ GROUP CARBONATES, CAMPOS BASIN, BRAZIL
Authors: Basso M. , Kuroda M. C. , Afonso L. C. S. , Vidal A. C.
Published: September 2018

Three‐dimensional seismic data from an oilfield in the Campos Basin, SE Brazil, was used to characterize a karstified unconformity surface at the top of the Albian – Cenomanian Macaé Group. Macaé Group carbonates underwent intense karstification associated with subaerial exposure during a period of some 10 to 15 Ma resulting in the development of canyons, valleys, sinkholes and cave systems. The carbonates host commercial oil accumulations at a number of important oil fields. Understanding how the karstification process has affected the carbonates' reservoir properties is essential for future exploration, not only to improve recovery rates but also to avoid drilling‐related issues such as thief zones. In this context, this study aims to characterize the top‐Macaé Group paleokarst system by investigating the morphology of the associated reflectors recorded on seismic data, together with endokarst features in the underlying carbonate succession such as cave systems and collapse structures. The top‐Macaé Group seismic horizon can be divided into two principal geomorphological domains: highlands, characterized by abrupt relief with well‐developed erosional features; and lowlands, marked by a smoother topography. Collapse sinkholes occur in both domains and take the form of closed circular depressions. The study of endokarst features from an analysis of amplitude anomalies (bright spots) indicates the presence of heterogeneous cave systems. The interpreted data contributes to a better understanding of the spatial distribution of the paleokarst system in the Macaé Group carbonates and may assist with future hydrocarbon exploration in the Campos Basin.
Phytomelatonin: Recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Kanwar Mukesh Kumar , Yu Jingquan , Zhou Jie
Published: September 2018

Melatonin (MEL) has been revealed as a phylogenetically conserved molecule with a ubiquitous distribution from primitive photosynthetic bacteria to higher plants, including algae and fungi. Since MEL is implicated in numerous plant developmental processes and stress responses, the exploration of its functions in plant has become a rapidly progressing field with the new paradigm of involvement in plants growth and development. The pleiotropic involvement of MEL in regulating the transcripts of numerous genes confirms its vital involvement as a multi‐regulatory molecule that architects many aspects of plant development. However, the cumulative research in plants is still preliminary and fragmentary in terms of its established functions compared to what is known about MEL physiology in animals. This supports the need for a comprehensive review that summarizes the new aspects pertaining to its functional role in photosynthesis, phytohormonal interactions under stress, cellular redox signaling, along with other regulatory roles in plant immunity, phytoremediation, and plant microbial interactions. The present review covers the latest advances on the mechanistic roles of phytomelatonin. While phytomelatonin is a sovereign plant growth regulator that can interact with the functions of other plant growth regulators or hormones, its qualifications as a complete phytohormone are still to be established. This review also showcases the yet to be identified potentials of phytomelatonin that will surely encourage the plant scientists to uncover new functional aspects of phytomelatonin in plant growth and development, subsequently improving its status as a potential new phytohormone.
Examining plant variety protection in Nigeria: Realities, obligations and prospects
Authors: Adebola Titilayo
Published: September 2018

Nigeria does not currently have a plant variety protection system. Three key reasons why Nigerian law and policy makers should pay attention to plant variety protection are the country's evolving agricultural sector, susceptibility to external pressures and pending international obligations. From 2010, successive Nigerian governments have promoted private sector investments in agriculture, contributing to the increase in the number of agribusinesses in the country. Agribusinesses tend to lobby for the introduction or reform of national plant variety protection systems to suit their business interests. Furthermore, as a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Nigeria has a pending obligation under Article 27.3(b) of the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) to protect plant varieties through a patent system, a sui generis system, or a combination of systems. This article argues that Nigeria should proactively introduce a plant variety protection system designed to suit its socio‐economic realities before it is pressured to adopt an unsuitable system. In assessing the options under TRIPS vis‐a‐vis the small‐scale centered agricultural sector in Nigeria, the article finds that the best‐suited option for the country is a sui generis system which protects the interests of both small‐scale farmers and agribusinesses.
When I say … networks and systems
Authors: Nimmon Laura , Cristancho Sayra
Published: September 2018

The authors compare and contrast the concepts of networks and systems in an effort to disentangle definitional confusions of importance to health professional education.
Epidemiology of Aspergillus species causing keratitis in Mexico
Authors: Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Castro Marino Alcantara , de Hoog G. Sybren , Badali Hamid , Alvarado Victor Flores , Verweij Paul E. , Meis Jacques F. , Zago Virginia Vanzzini
Published: September 2018

Background

The incidence of fungal keratitis has increased in recent years. While the epidemiology and clinical roles of various Candida and Fusarium species have been relatively well‐identified in infections of the eye, data regarding keratitis caused by Aspergillus species are scant. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is important for successful management of this infection.

Objectives

To present the first molecular epidemiological data from Mexico during a 4‐year period of cases admitted with Aspergillus keratitis to a tertiary care eye institution in Mexico City.

Patients/Methods

A total of 25 cases of keratitis were included in the study. Aspergillus isolates were identified by sequencing the calmodulin gene. Antifungal susceptibility was tested according to CLSI.

Results

The aetiological agents belonged to Aspergillus flavus (n = 13), Aspergillus effusus (n = 1), Aspergillus tamarii (n = 4), Aspergillus sydowii (n = 1), Aspergillus protuberus (n = 3) and Aspergillus terreus (n = 3). All strains had low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of itraconazole and voriconazole (VCZ). Amphotericin B and natamycin showed moderate elevated MICs.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis and application of topical VCZ 1% were associated with good outcome. Monitoring of local epidemiological data plays an important role in clinical practice.
The gut–brain axis in health neuroscience: implications for functional gastrointestinal disorders and appetite regulation
Authors: Weltens Nathalie , Iven Julie , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Kano Michiko
Published: September 2018

Over the past few years, scientific interest in the gut–brain axis (i.e., the bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain) has exploded, mostly due to the identification of the gut microbiota as a novel key player in this communication. However, important progress has also been made in other aspects of gut–brain axis research, which has been relatively underemphasized in the review literature. Therefore, in this review, we provide a comprehensive, although not exhaustive, overview of recent research on the functional neuroanatomy of the gut–brain axis and its relevance toward the multidisciplinary field of health neuroscience, excluding studies on the role of the gut microbiota. More specifically, we first focus on irritable bowel syndrome, after which we outline recent findings on the role of the gut–brain axis in appetite and feeding regulation, primarily focusing on the impact of subliminal nutrient‐related gut–brain signals. We conclude by providing future perspectives to facilitate translation of the findings from gut–brain axis neuroscientific research to clinical applications in these domains.
Interventions to increase physical activity in children 0–5 years old: a systematic review, meta‐analysis and realist synthesis
Authors: Hnatiuk J. A. , Brown H. E. , Downing K. L. , Hinkley T. , Salmon J. , Hesketh K. D.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in 0–5 year olds and to determine what works, for whom, in what circumstances.

Design

Systematic review, meta‐analysis and realist synthesis.

Data sources

Embase and EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, Global Health, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus with full text), up to and including April 2017.

Eligibility criteria

Published in a peer‐reviewed English language journal; randomized or controlled trial design; aimed to increase children's PA levels; reported on objectively assessed PA in children between 0 and 5.9 years at baseline and post‐intervention.

Results

Thirty‐four studies were included in the review, mostly conducted in the preschool/childcare setting. Meta‐analyses showed an overall non‐significant (Z = 0.04,p = 0.97) mean difference of 0.03 (95% CI = −1.57, 1.63) minutes/day for light‐intensity PA (n = 11). The overall mean difference for moderate‐intensity to vigorous‐intensity PA (n = 21) was 2.88 (95% CI = 1.54, 4.23) minutes/day, indicating a small but significant overall positive effect (Z = 4.20,p < 0.001). The realist synthesis provided insights into the key contexts and mechanisms that appeared to be effective at changing children's PA.

Conclusion

Based on a quantitative and qualitative examination of the evidence, this review provides specific recommendations for effective early childhood PA interventions for practitioners and policymakers.
A novel PAX9 mutation found in a Chinese patient with hypodontia via whole exome sequencing
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhao Xiaoxue , Hou Feifei , Sun Yanwei , Wu Jing , Ma Tengfei , Zhang Xiangyu
Published: September 2018

Objective

To investigate a novel gene mutation in a Chinese patient with non‐syndromic hypodontia.

Subjects and Methods

Mutation analysis was carried out by whole exome sequencing. Bioinformatics tools were used for the biophysical predictions of the mutative protein. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to analyse the effects of mutation on protein function. PAX9 and BMP4 gene expression from mutant cells was detected by qRT‐PCR.

Results

A novel heterozygous mutation (c.G1057A) was detected in the patient but was not found in the controls. The novel missense mutation led to a Val111Met substitution in the paired box domain which was completely conserved evolutionarily, as analysed by dbNSFP. The mutation was predicted to be disease‐causing and harmful using MutationTaster and CADD, respectively. Protean of Lasergene showed that this mutation may lead to β‐region shortening in the mutant protein compared to the wild type. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that the mutated protein reduced the transactivation activity of PAX9. This mutation led to increased levels of PAX9 transcript and reduced levels of BMP4 transcript, likely due to compensatory activation and lower transactivation activity of mutant PAX9.

Conclusion

This novel mutation (c.G1057A) in PAX9 caused hypodontia by altering PAX9 gene function and downregulating BMP4 gene expression.