bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in Peru and its relation to social determinants of health
Authors: Atamari-Anahui Noé , Ccorahua-Rios Maycol Suker , Condori-Huaraka Mirian , Huamanvilca-Yepez Yerika , Amaya Elard , Herrera-Añazco Percy
Published: July 2019

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Disparities in CKD may be related to social determinants and health inequalities in low- and middle-income countries. This study determined how social determinants of health influence trends in the prevalence and mortality of CKD in Peru.

Methods

This was an ecological study based on a secondary analysis of health care and death records obtained from the Ministry of Health of Peru for the period 2010–2016. The standardized prevalence and mortality rates of CKD were descriptively reported using geospatial exploratory analysis. We also determined the association with social determinants of health according to the domains suggested by Healthy People 2020.

Results

In the studied period, CKD prevalence increased by 300% and was associated with the health insurance coverage rate (β=5.9 [95% CI 0.82 to 10.92]), proportion of people with a secondary education level (β=11.4 [95% CI 1.94 to 20.93]), mean age (β=−10.7 [95% CI −19.33 to −2.12]), monetary poverty rate (β=−2.2 [95% CI −3.88 to −0.60]) and gross domestic product per capita (β=−63.2 [95% CI −117.81 to −8.52]). The standardized mortality decreased by 10% and was associated with mean age (β=−0.6 [95% CI −1.22 to −0.06]) and the proportion of people with a primary education level (β=−0.5 [95% CI −0.9 to −0.05]).

Conclusions

During the period 2010–2016, the prevalence of CKD increased and the mortality associated with CKD decreased. The observed changes were associated with some social determinants of health, such as increased health coverage and education. The health system of Peru must be prepared to take on the challenge.
The crowding out effect of out-of-pocket medication expenses of two major non-communicable diseases in Pakistan
Authors: Datta Biplab K , Husain Muhammad J , Fatehin Sohani
Published: July 2019

Background

Elevated blood pressure (i.e. hypertension) and diabetes (BPD) are the two major noncommunicable diseases that expose households to high out-of-pocket treatment costs in low- and middle-income countries. Medication is the biggest share of BPD treatment expenses, and households with someone suffering from BPD may need to adjust consumption of other commodities to pay for essential BPD medicines. We assess how BPD medication expenditures are associated with crowding out of other household commodities in Pakistan.

Methods

We analyze self-reported household consumption data from the nationally representative Pakistan Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2015–16. We estimate conditional Engel curves under the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System framework to examine the differences in average consumption shares between BPD medication-consuming and not-consuming households.

Results

We find that BPD medication expenditures are associated with crowding out of food and crowding in of other medical expenditures for all households, but the magnitudes of crowding out and crowding in are larger for the poorer households. BPD medication spending is also associated with crowding out of education and personal care for middle-class and wealthier households.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that allocations for essential commodities, like food and education, are lower for BPD medication–consuming households and inform policies for preventive health promotions and affordable treatment for hypertension and diabetes.
In vitro activity of ferroquine against artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)-resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Cambodia
Authors: Mairet-Khedim Mélissa , Nardella Flore , Khim Nimol , Kim Saorin , Kloeung Nimol , Ke Sopheakvatey , Kauy Chhayleang , Eam Rotha , Khean Chanra , Pellet Alain , Leboulleux Didier , Leang Rithea , Ringwald Pascal , Barale Jean Christophe , Leroy Didier , Menard Didier , Witkowski Benoit
Published: July 2019

Background

Cambodia is the epicentre of resistance emergence for virtually all antimalarial drugs. Selection and spread of parasites resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is a major threat for malaria elimination, hence the need to renew the pool of effective treatments.

Objectives

To determine whether ACT resistance haplotypes could have an effect on ferroquine in vitro antimalarial activity.

Methods

In vitro susceptibility to ferroquine was measured for 80 isolates from Cambodia characterized for their molecular resistance profile to artemisinin, piperaquine and mefloquine.

Results

Among the 80 isolates tested, the overall median (IQR) IC50 of ferroquine was 10.9 nM (8.7–18.3). The ferroquine median (IQR) IC50 was 8.9 nM (8.1–11.8) for Pfk13 WT parasites and was 12.9 nM (9.5–20.0) for Pfk13 C580Y parasites with no amplification of Pfpm2 and Pfmdr1 genes. The median (IQR) IC50 of ferroquine for Pfk13 C580Y parasites with amplification of the Pfpm2 gene was 17.2 nM (14.5–20.5) versus 9.1 nM (7.9–10.7) for Pfk13 C580Y parasites with amplification of the Pfmdr1 gene.

Conclusions

Ferroquine exerts promising efficacy against ACT-resistant isolates. Whereas Pfpm2 amplification was associated with the highest parasite tolerance to ferroquine, the susceptibility range observed was in accordance with those measured in ACT resistance-free areas. This enables consideration of ferroquine as a relevant therapeutic option against ACT-resistant malaria.
Resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam in Escherichia coli resulting from extensive IS26-associated gene amplification of blaTEM-1
Authors: Hansen Katrine Hartung , Andreasen Minna Rud , Pedersen Martin Schou , Westh Henrik , Jelsbak Lotte , Schønning Kristian
Published: July 2019

Background

bla TEM-1 encodes a narrow-spectrum β-lactamase that is inhibited by β-lactamase inhibitors and commonly present in Escherichia coli. Hyperproduction of blaTEM-1 may cause resistance to penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitor (P/BLI) combinations.

Objectives

To characterize EC78, an E. coli bloodstream isolate, resistant to P/BLI combinations, which contains extensive amplification of blaTEM-1 within the chromosome.

Methods

EC78 was sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) methodology. Configuration of blaTEM-1 amplification was probed using PCR. Expression of blaTEM-1 mRNA was determined using quantitative PCR and β-lactamase activity was determined spectrophotometrically in a nitrocefin conversion assay. Growth rate was assessed to determine fitness and stability of the gene amplification was assessed by passage in the absence of antibiotics.

Results

Illumina sequencing of EC78 identified blaTEM-1B as the only acquired β-lactamase preceded by the WT P3 promoter and present at a copy number of 182.6 with blaTEM-1B bracketed by IS26 elements. The chromosomal location of the IS26-blaTEM-1B amplification was confirmed by ONT sequencing. Hyperproduction of blaTEM-1 was confirmed by increased transcription of blaTEM-1 and β-lactamase activity and associated with a significant fitness cost; however, the array was maintained at a relatively high copy number for 150 generations. PCR screening for blaTEM amplification of isolates resistant to P/BLI combinations identified an additional strain containing an IS26-associated amplification of a blaTEM gene.

Conclusions

IS26-associated amplification of blaTEM can cause resistance to P/BLI combinations. This adaptive mechanism of resistance may be overlooked if simple methods of genotypic prediction (e.g. gene presence/absence) are used to predict antimicrobial susceptibility from sequencing data.
Efficacy of a ciprofloxacin/amikacin combination against planktonic and biofilm cultures of susceptible and low-level resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Soares Anaïs , Alexandre Kévin , Lamoureux Fabien , Lemée Ludovic , Caron François , Pestel-Caron Martine , Etienne Manuel
Published: July 2019

Background

Eradicating bacterial biofilm without mechanical dispersion remains a challenge. Combination therapy has been suggested as a suitable strategy to eradicate biofilm.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a ciprofloxacin/amikacin combination in a model of in vitro Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm.

Methods

The antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin and amikacin (alone, in combination and successively) was evaluated by planktonic and biofilm time–kill assays against five P. aeruginosa strains: PAO1, a WT clinical strain and three clinical strains overexpressing the efflux pumps MexAB-OprM (AB), MexXY-OprM (XY) and MexCD-OprJ (CD), respectively. Amikacin MIC was 16 mg/L for XY and ciprofloxacin MIC was 0.5 mg/L for CD. The other strains were fully susceptible to ciprofloxacin and amikacin. The numbers of total and resistant cells were determined.

Results

In planktonic cultures, regrowth of high-level resistant mutants was observed when CD was exposed to ciprofloxacin alone and XY to amikacin alone. Eradication was obtained with ciprofloxacin or amikacin in the other strains, or with the combination in XY and CD strains. In biofilm, bactericidal reduction after 8 h followed by a mean 4 log10 cfu/mL plateau in all strains and for all regimens was noticed. No regrowth of resistant mutants was observed whatever the antibiotic regimen. The bacterial reduction obtained with a second antibiotic used simultaneously or consecutively was not significant.

Conclusions

The ciprofloxacin/amikacin combination prevented the emergence of resistant mutants in low-level resistant strains in planktonic cultures. Biofilm persister cells were not eradicated, either with monotherapy or with the combination.
Development of an algorithm to discriminate between plasmid- and chromosomal-mediated AmpC β-lactamase production in Escherichia coli by elaborate phenotypic and genotypic characterization
Authors: Coolen Jordy P M , den Drijver Evert P M , Kluytmans Jan A J W , Verweij Jaco J , Lamberts Bram A , Soer Joke A C J , Verhulst Carlo , Wertheim Heiman F L , Kolwijck Eva
Published: July 2019

Objectives

AmpC-β-lactamase production is an under-recognized antibiotic resistance mechanism that renders Gram-negative bacteria resistant to common β-lactam antibiotics, similar to the well-known ESBLs. For infection control purposes, it is important to be able to discriminate between plasmid-mediated AmpC (pAmpC) production and chromosomal-mediated AmpC (cAmpC) hyperproduction in Gram-negative bacteria as pAmpC requires isolation precautions to minimize the risk of horizontal gene transmission. Detecting pAmpC in Escherichia coli is challenging, as both pAmpC production and cAmpC hyperproduction may lead to third-generation cephalosporin resistance.

Methods

We tested a collection of E. coli strains suspected to produce AmpC. Elaborate susceptibility testing for third-generation cephalosporins, WGS and machine learning were used to develop an algorithm to determine ampC genotypes in E. coli. WGS was applied to detect pampC genes, cAmpC hyperproducers and STs.

Results

In total, 172 E. coli strains (n=75 ST) were divided into a training set and two validation sets. Ninety strains were pampC positive, the predominant gene being blaCMY-2 (86.7%), followed by blaDHA-1 (7.8%), and 59 strains were cAmpC hyperproducers. The algorithm used a cefotaxime MIC value above 6 mg/L to identify pampC-positive E. coli and an MIC value of 0.5 mg/L to discriminate between cAmpC-hyperproducing and non-cAmpC-hyperproducing E. coli strains. Accuracy was 0.88 (95% CI=0.79–0.94) on the training set, 0.79 (95% CI=0.64–0.89) on validation set 1 and 0.85 (95% CI=0.71–0.94) on validation set 2.

Conclusions

This approach resulted in a pragmatic algorithm for differentiating ampC genotypes in E. coli based on phenotypic susceptibility testing.
Cohort selection for clinical trials using deep learning models
Authors: Segura-Bedmar Isabel , Raez Pablo
Published: July 2019

Objective

The goal of the 2018 n2c2 shared task on cohort selection for clinical trials (track 1) is to identify which patients meet the selection criteria for clinical trials. Cohort selection is a particularly demanding task to which natural language processing and deep learning can make a valuable contribution. Our goal is to evaluate several deep learning architectures to deal with this task.

Materials and Methods

Cohort selection can be formulated as a multilabeling problem whose goal is to determine which criteria are met for each patient record. We explore several deep learning architectures such as a simple convolutional neural network (CNN), a deep CNN, a recurrent neural network (RNN), and CNN-RNN hybrid architecture. Although our architectures are similar to those proposed in existing deep learning systems for text classification, our research also studies the impact of using a fully connected feedforward layer on the performance of these architectures.

Results

The RNN and hybrid models provide the best results, though without statistical significance. The use of the fully connected feedforward layer improves the results for all the architectures, except for the hybrid architecture.

Conclusions

Despite the limited size of the dataset, deep learning methods show promising results in learning useful features for the task of cohort selection. Therefore, they can be used as a previous filter for cohort selection for any clinical trial with a minimum of human intervention, thus reducing the cost and time of clinical trials significantly.
Extracting medications and associated adverse drug events using a natural language processing system combining knowledge base and deep learning
Authors: Chen Long , Gu Yu , Ji Xin , Sun Zhiyong , Li Haodan , Gao Yuan , Huang Yang
Published: July 2019

Objective

Detecting adverse drug events (ADEs) and medications related information in clinical notes is important for both hospital medical care and medical research. We describe our clinical natural language processing (NLP) system to automatically extract medical concepts and relations related to ADEs and medications from clinical narratives. This work was part of the 2018 National NLP Clinical Challenges Shared Task and Workshop on Adverse Drug Events and Medication Extraction.

Materials and Methods

The authors developed a hybrid clinical NLP system that employs a knowledge-based general clinical NLP system for medical concepts extraction, and a task-specific deep learning system for relations identification using attention-based bidirectional long short-term memory networks.

Results

The systems were evaluated as part of the 2018 National NLP Clinical Challenges challenge, and our attention-based bidirectional long short-term memory networks based system obtained an F-measure of 0.9442 for relations identification task, ranking fifth at the challenge, and had <2% difference from the best system. Error analysis was also conducted targeting at figuring out the root causes and possible approaches for improvement.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the generic approaches and the practice of connecting general purposed clinical NLP system to task-specific requirements with deep learning methods. Our results indicate that a well-designed hybrid NLP system is capable of ADE and medication-related information extraction, which can be used in real-world applications to support ADE-related researches and medical decisions.
Analysis of Dextromethorphan and Three Metabolites in Decomposed Skeletal Tissues by UPLC–QToF–MS: Comparison of Acute and Repeated Drug Exposures
Authors: Cornthwaite Heather M , McDonald Claire S , Watterson James H
Published: July 2019

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–QToF–MS) analysis of dextromethorphan (DXM) and its metabolites—dextrorphan, 3-methoxymorphinan (3-MEM) and 3-hydroxymorphinan—in skeletal remains of rats exposed to DXM under different dosing patterns is described. Rats (n = 20) received DXM in one of four dosing patterns: acute (ACU1 or ACU2—100 or 200 mg/kg, i.p.; n = 5, respectively) or repeated (REP1 or REP2—3 doses of 25 or 50 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min apart; n = 5, respectively). Drug-free animals (n = 5) served as negative controls. Following euthanasia, the animals decomposed to skeleton outdoors. Bones were sorted by animal and skeletal element (vertebra, femur, pelvis, tibia, rib and skull), washed, air-dried and pulverized prior to dynamic methanolic drug extraction, filtration/pass-through extraction and analysis by UPLC–QToF–MS in positive electrospray ionization mode. Analyte levels (expressed as mass-normalized response ratios, RR/m) differed significantly between ACU1 and ACU2 (Mann–Whitney (MW), P < 0.05) in all skeletal elements for all analytes investigated, and between REP1 and REP2 in most skeletal elements for 3-MEM and 3-HOM, but in all skeletal elements for DXM. Between ACU1 and ACU2, and between REP1 and REP2, analyte level ratios (RRi/RRj) differed significantly (MW, P < 0.05) in 3/6 to 6/6 skeletal elements, depending on the ratios concerned, with no analyte level ratio differing significantly between both ACU1 vs ACU2 and REP1 vs REP2. Kruskal–Wallis (KW) analysis showed skeletal element to be a main effect for all analyte levels and analyte level ratios in all ACU and REP groups examined (P < 0.05). For data pooled only according to exposure pattern, KW analysis showed dose pattern to be a main effect for both analyte levels and analyte level ratios (P < 0.05). These data illustrate a dependence of these measures on dose, dose pattern and skeletal element, suggesting that some exposure patterns may be distinguished by toxicological analysis of bone.
Oral Fluid and Drug Impairment: Pairing Toxicology with Drug Recognition Expert Observations
Authors: Truver Michael T , Palmquist Kaitlyn B , Swortwood Madeleine J
Published: July 2019

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, drugs are detected more frequently in fatally injured drivers than alcohol. Due to the variety of drugs (prescribed and/or illicit) and their various physiological effects on the body, it is difficult for law enforcement to detect/prosecute drug impairment. While blood and urine are typical biological specimens used to test for drugs, oral fluid is an attractive alternative matrix. Drugs are incorporated into oral fluid by oral contamination (chewing or smoking) or from the bloodstream. Oral fluid is non-invasive and easy to collect without the need for a trained professional to obtain the sample, unlike urine or blood. This study analyzes paired oral fluid and urine with drug recognition expert (DRE) observations. Authentic oral fluid samples (n = 20) were collected via Quantisal™ devices from arrestees under an institutional review board-approved protocol. Urine samples (n = 18) were collected with EZ-SCREEN® cups that presumptively screened for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabinoids), opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine, methadone, phencyclidine, amphetamine, benzodiazepines and oxycodone. Impairment observations (n = 18) were recorded from officers undergoing DRE certification. Oral fluid samples were screened using an Agilent Technologies 1290 Infinity liquid chromatograph (LC) coupled to an Agilent Technologies 6530 Accurate Mass Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer (MS). Personal compound and database libraries were produced in-house containing 64 drugs of abuse. An Agilent 1290 Infinity LC system equipped with an Agilent 6470 Triple Quadrupole MS was used for quantification of buprenorphine, heroin markers (6-acetylmorphine, morphine) and synthetic opioids. Subjects were 23–54 years old; 11 (55%) were male and 9 (45%) were female. Evaluator opinion of drug class was confirmed in oral fluid 90% of time and in urine 85% of the time in reference to scope of testing by the LC–MS methods employed (excludes cannabis and central nervous system depressants). Data indicate that oral fluid may be a viable source for confirming driving under the influence of drugs.
Dynamic regulation of subcellular mitochondrial position for localized metabolite levels
Authors: Alshaabi Haya , Heininger Meara , Cunniff Brian
Published: July 2019

Mitochondria are not passive bystanders aimlessly floating throughout our cell’s cytoplasm. Instead, mitochondria actively move, anchor, divide, fuse, self-destruct and transfer between cells in a coordinated fashion, all to ensure proper structure and position supporting cell function. The existence of the mitochondria in our cells has long been appreciated, but their dynamic nature and interaction with other subcellular compartments has only recently been fully realized with the advancement of high-resolution live-cell microscopy and improved fractionization techniques. The how and why that dictates positioning of mitochondria to specific subcellular sites is an ever-expanding research area. Furthermore, the advent of new and improved functional probes, sensitive to changes in subcellular metabolite levels has increased our understanding of local mitochondrial populations. In this review, we will address the evidence for intentional mitochondrial positioning in supporting subcellular mitochondrial metabolite levels, including calcium, adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species and the role mitochondrial metabolites play in dictating cell outcomes.
The Meaning of Distraction: How Metacognitive Inferences from Distraction during Multitasking Affect Brand Evaluations
Authors: Zane Daniel M , Smith Robert W , Reczek Rebecca Walker
Published: July 2019

Consumers often encounter advertisements in the background while primarily focused on other stimuli (e.g., while multitasking). Consumers’ perceived level of distraction by these background ads serves as a metacognitive cue from which inferences are drawn. When consumers perceive themselves to be relatively distracted by a background advertisement, they draw on an underlying lay theory that distraction implies interest in the contents of the distracting stimulus to make the metacognitive inference that they have positive evaluations of the advertised brand. Across five studies, we provide evidence for this proposed metacognitive inferential process by demonstrating that perceived distraction does not enhance brand evaluations when the distraction = interest lay theory is not perceived to be (1) diagnostic or (2) applicable to the current context (e.g., when consumers have little interest in the product category being advertised). Thus, this research introduces distraction as a new metacognitive experience from which consumers draw inferences and offers important insights into when and how background ads shape brand evaluations.
Relative Toxicity and Residual Activity of Nanocapsules and Commercial Formulations of Pirimicarb and Pymetrozine Against Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Maroofpour Nariman , Hejazi Mir Jalil , Hamishehkar Hamed , Iranipour Shahzad
Published: July 2019

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is one of the most common pest species that has the potential to transmit more than 100 plant viruses. Controlling this pest is difficult because it has become resistant to a wide range of insecticides. Nanoformulation has the capacity to reduce the pesticide load in agriculture and thus reduce the risks on human health and the environment. In this study, nanocapsules of pirimicarb and pymetrozine were prepared using nanostructured lipid carriers. The size, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency of nanocapsules were investigated using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Zeta potential studies revealed stability of the nanocapsules of both insecticides. The encapsulation efficiencies were 85 and 81% for pirimicarb and pymetrozine, respectively. The nanocapsules were spherical with sizes of 35.38 and 35.12 nm for pirimicarb and pymetrozine, respectively. The LC50 values for the wettable powder (WP) and nanocapsule of pirimicarb after 48 h were 216.2 and 73.2 mg ai/l; for pymetrozine after 96 h, the values were 40.6 and 14.8 mg ai/l, respectively. Durations of residual activity for WP and nanocapsule formulations of pirimicarb were 7 and 15 d, respectively. The residual activity periods for WP and nanocapsule formulations of pymetrozine were 9 and 17 d, respectively. The results revealed that nanoencapsulation can improve performance allowing for reduced doses and increased duration of insecticidal activity for both of the insecticides tested.
New Data on the Range Expansion of the Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) ‘ENA clade’ in Greece: The Role of Bacterial Endosymbionts
Authors: Avtzis Dimitrios N , Schebeck Martin , Petsopoulos Dimitrios , Memtsas George I , Stauffer Christian , Kavallieratos Nickolas G , Athanassiou Christos G , Boukouvala Maria C
Published: July 2019

The pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis and Schiffermüller), is an important insect in the Mediterranean region, as it defoliates pines and its urticating hairs can cause allergic reactions in humans and animals. Moreover, this species exhibits an interesting genetic structure as recently a distinct East-North African mtDNA lineage (‘ENA clade’) has been described. This clade has been recently detected in Greek populations where it has currently expanded its range by replacing the ‘endemic’ T. pityocampa lineages. Here, we report new data on the rapid spread of ‘ENA clade’ in the Greek island Evoia in only a few years. As the underlying mechanisms of the ‘ENA clade’ range expansion has not been studied so far, we screened T. pityocampa for an infection with the heritable bacterial endosymbionts Wolbachia (Bacteria: Anaplasmataceae), Cardinium (Bacteria: Bacteroidaceae), Rickettsia (Bacteria: Rickettsiaceae) and Spiroplasma (Bacteria: Spiroplasmataceae). These bacteria can manipulate the reproduction of infected hosts, something that could potentially explain the rapid spread of ‘ENA clade’ lineage. Therefore, we screened 28 individuals that exhibited T. pityocampa ‘ENA clade’ and ‘endemic’ T. pityocampa haplotypes from nine populations scattered all over Greece. None of them was infected with any of the four endosymbionts, suggesting that these bacteria do not cause reproductive manipulations in T. pityocampa lineages and, thus, other factors should be explored in future research efforts.
Toxicity of Bacterial Isolates on Adults of Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Parasitoids Trichopria anastrephae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Geisler Fernanda Carla Santos , Cunha Nicole de Souza , Martins Liliane Natigal , Oliveira Daiana da Costa , Stupp Paloma , de Oliveira Igor Gustavo , Leite Fábio Pereira Leivas , Garcia Flávio Roberto Melo , Bernardi Daniel
Published: July 2019

Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) has demonstrated potential use in insect pest management. We evaluated the toxicity and sublethal effects of formulations of toxic baits composed of bacterial isolates (Bt) B. thuringiensis var. oswaldo cruzi (Bto), B. thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), and B. circulars (Bc) in combination with three food attractants 50% grape juice, 7% sugar cane molasses, and 7% hydrolyzed protein on adults of Zaprionus indianus (Gupta, 1970), the main pest of fig fruit (Ficus carica) in Brazil. Likewise, we evaluated the toxicity on the parasitoids Trichopria anastrephae Lima, 1940 and Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875) in ingestion bioassays. Adults of Z. indianus showed high susceptibility to Bacterial isolates. However, the Bto isolate (1013 CFU. ml−1) caused adult mortality of 100%, in 72 h after exposure, with LT50 values of ≈20 h. By using the lethal concentrations (LC90) of the Bto isolate, estimated via the concentration–response curves with the food attractants, a significant reduction (40 to 50%) in the total fecundity and in the embryonic viability of eggs from females fed with the toxic baits was observed. The food attractants + Bto (80 × 108 CFU. ml−1) did not cause significant mortality of T. anastrephae and P. vindemmiae adults (mortality < 20%). The bacterial isolates Bti, Btk, Bc, and Bto are considered promising for the formulation of toxic baits, because, besides providing toxic effect on adults of Z. indianus, they showed no toxicity on T. anastrephae and P. vindemmiae adults.
Development and Field Validation of a Beta-cyfluthrin-Based ‘Attract-and-Kill’ Device for Suppression of Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) on Residential Citrus
Authors: Chow Andrew , Czokajlo Darek , Patt Joseph M , Sétamou Mamoudou
Published: July 2019

An ‘attract-and-kill’ (AK) device was evaluated for suppression of adult Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), on residential citrus. The AK device, made from weather-resistant plasticized PVC, lured D. citri adults by simulating the color of citrus flush and killed them with beta-cyfluthrin. This study evaluated: 1) lethality of AK devices weathered up to 8 wk on residential citrus; 2) survival of psyllids caged with potted plants and AK devices; 3) psyllid suppression achieved by AK devices on individual dooryard trees. AK devices weathered for up to 8 wk remained lethal to psyllids. Greenhouse trials evaluated survival of adult psyllids caged for 4 d with orange jasmine plants that were: 1) treated with an (beta-cyfluthrin-infused) AK device; 2) treated with a blank (no insecticide) AK device; or 3) ‘untreated’ with no AK device. After 4 d, psyllid survival was on average 95% lower among adults exposed to plants with AK devices than adults exposed to untreated plants or plants with blank AK devices. Less than half of the adults exposed to plants with AK devices were alive after 1 d and nearly all were dead after 4 d. Deployment of 20 AK devices per tree provided significant psyllid suppression on infested lemon trees from winter to summer and reduced mean reproduction (cumulative eggs) by 91% and mean attack intensity (cumulative psyllid-days) of adults by 59% and nymphs by 53%. AK devices could be an effective control option for D. citri in urban areas.
Migration restrictions and long-term regional development: evidence from large-scale expulsions of Germans after World War II
Authors: Wyrwich Michael
Published: July 2019

This article investigates the long-run impact of a migration barrier on regional development. The analysis is based on the large-scale expulsion of Germans from Central and Eastern Europe after World War II (WWII). Expellees were not allowed to resettle in the French occupation zone in the first years after the War while there was no such legislation in the other occupation zones (USA; UK; Soviet Union). The temporary migration barrier had long-lasting consequences. In a nutshell, results of a Difference-in-Difference (DiD) analysis show that growth of population and population density were significantly lower even 60 years after the removal of the barrier if a region was part of the French occupation zone. There was a common trend in regional development before the migration barrier became effective. Further analyses suggest that this pattern is driven by different population dynamics in agglomerated areas. The article discusses implications for spatial theory namely whether location fundamentals, agglomeration theories or both affect the spatial equilibrium under certain conditions.
Reflections on a Human Rights Decade, Near and Far
Authors: Gready Paul
Published: July 2019

This article reflects on some lessons from the past decade, taking as its point of reference two interventions at the Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR), University of York: the campaign for York to become a human rights city, and a Protective Fellowship Scheme for Human Rights Defenders at Risk. It draws a number of lessons for human rights from these interventions, which link the local and specific to broader global dynamics. These lessons are: develop (bigger) visions; defend victories, define progress; re-engage majority populations; reframe arguments and narratives; rethink partnerships and solidarities without and within; and channel despair. The argument resonates with an understanding of human rights practice as characterized by complex judgments, balancing arguments and values, and the navigation of dilemmas, rather than certainties, absolutes and proclamations.
Ideal Point Estimation in Political Hierarchies: A Framework and an Application to the US Executive Branch
Authors: Acs Alex
Published: July 2019

This article develops a procedure for estimating the ideal points of actors in a political hierarchy, such as a public bureaucracy. The procedure is based on a spatial auditing model and is motivated by the idea that while agents within a political hierarchy are typically segregated in different policy fiefdoms, they are bound to a common principal that can scrutinize their policy proposals through selective reviews, or audits. The theoretical model shows how a principal’s decision to audit an agent’s proposal can reveal both actors’ spatial preferences, despite the strategic nature of the interaction. Empirical identification of the ideal points comes from leveraging settings where elections replace principals over time, but not agents. Although the procedure is quite general, I provide an illustration using data on federal regulatory policymaking in the United States and recover ideal point estimates for presidents and agencies across three administrations.
Geographic variation and evolutionary history of Dipodomys nitratoides (Rodentia: Heteromyidae), a species in severe decline
Authors: Patton James L , Williams Daniel F , Kelly Patrick A , Cypher Brian L , Phillips Scott E
Published: July 2019

We examined geographic patterns of diversification in the highly impacted San Joaquin kangaroo rat, Dipodomys nitratoides, throughout its range in the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent basins in central California. The currently recognized subspecies were distinct by the original set of mensural and color variables used in their formal diagnoses, although the Fresno kangaroo rat (D. n. exilis) is the most strongly differentiated with sharp steps in character clines relative to the adjacent Tipton (D. n. nitratoides) and short-nosed (D. n. brevinasus) races. The latter two grade more smoothly into one another but still exhibit independent, and different, character clines within themselves. At the molecular level, as delineated by mtDNA cytochrome b sequences, most population samples retain high levels of diversity despite significant retraction in the species range and severe fragmentation of local populations in recent decades due primarily to landscape conversion for agriculture and secondarily to increased urbanization. Haplotype apportionment bears no relationship to morphologically defined subspecies boundaries. Rather, a haplotype network is shallow, most haplotypes are single-step variants, and the time to coalescence is substantially more recent than the time of species split between D. nitratoides and its sister taxon, D. merriami. The biogeographic history of the species within the San Joaquin Valley appears tied to mid-late Pleistocene expansion following significant drying of the valley resulting from the rain shadow produced by uplift of the Central Coastal Ranges.
Refugees as Actors? Critical Reflections on Global Refugee Policies on Self-reliance and Resilience
Authors: Krause Ulrike , Schmidt Hannah
Published: July 2019

Global policies designed to promote the self-reliance and resilience of refugees strive to increase their abilities to deal with hardships; in doing so, they rhetorically shift refugees from the category of ‘vulnerable’ to that of capable actors. This shift as well as policy effects on refugees are at the core of this article. The meanings in global refugee policies, and particularly in UNHCR policies on self-reliance and resilience, are explored through an interpretive analysis. The article shows that, in lieu of the assumed shift, these policies continue to use vulnerability ascriptions and thereby produce binary categories of vulnerable versus self-reliant or resilient refugees. ‘Objective’ criteria are installed that obscure the idea of refugees as self-determined actors and lead to an understanding of them as ‘actors-to-be’. It is ultimately argued that self-reliance and resilience policies support the logic of traditional humanitarian aid and, rather than promoting refugees’ own capabilities, strengthen the power of aid agencies over refugees.
The Impact of Broadband Access on Social and Economic Integration: Results from the RefugeeMobile Pilot
Authors: Evans William N , Perry Brendan , Factor Rachel
Published: July 2019

The Internet is a ubiquitous feature of everyday life and an important research question is whether improving broadband access for at-risk groups such as refugees enhances social and economic outcomes. The article reports the results of the RefugeeMobile pilot where a sample of refugees to the United States were randomly assigned a smartphone (n = 82) with eight months of free service and pre-loaded apps designed to help them adjust to life in the United States, or not (n = 74). At a one-year follow-up, results indicate that assignment to treatment generates statistically significant increases in smartphone ownership and Internet access, and some measures of social integration. Results for employment and earnings were positive but statistically insignificant. Treatment-group members had fewer interactions with their case worker, a smaller fraction of in-office visits and hence a larger fraction of interactions by phone than control-group members, suggesting the pilot may have increased programme efficiency.
A black esophagus as a result of treatment of inferior vena cava occlusion by a massive pelvic schwannoma
Authors: AlJamal Yazan N , Billings Jacob J , Dozios Eric J
Published: July 2019

This case presentation involves a 57-year-old-male who suffered multiple adverse sequels from the delayed diagnosis of a large presacral mass. He initially presented with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Several months later, he had developed a pulmonary embolus. Imaging demonstrated a 13 × 14 cm presacral pelvic mass that occluded the right-sided venous return from the leg and caused the DVT and pulmonary embolism. An inferior vena cava filter was placed and eventually clotted. He then was referred to our institution for surgical consultation. The patient received lytic therapy and unfortunately developed hematemesis and a significant hemoglobin drop. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed a black esophagus. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a patent foramen ovale. The patient eventually stabilized and a repeat EGD a week later showed resolution of the ischemic esophagus. The patient later underwent a resection of the pelvic mass. The surgical approach and the surgical decision-making will be discussed.
Stage IV jejunal adenocarcinoma: a multimodal therapeutic success story
Authors: Seomangal Karishma , Neary Paul
Published: July 2019

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is rare with an incidence of 2.6 in 100 000 patients. Diagnosis is often fortuitous and usually presents late. We present the case of a 36-year-old male who attended the emergency department with worsening abdominal discomfort. A computed tomography scan showed high-grade jejunal obstruction secondary to a jejunal mass suspicious for carcinoma with disseminated peritoneal carcinomatosis and hepatic metastases. Following a conservative approach, his obstruction settled. He commenced on a total of 12 cycles of FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) and bevacizumab. After re-presenting with intermittent intussusception, a decision for surgical resection was made. On laparoscopy, there was no evidence of hepatic metastases or peritoneal carcinomatosis. A jejunal resection was carried out with an uneventful postoperative period. The patient remains disease free. Despite presenting with an advanced stage, a multimodal approach to these rare tumors may yield surprising and optimistic outcomes.
The rise and fall of Light-Harvesting Complex Stress-Related proteins as photoprotection agents during evolution
Authors: Pinnola Alberta
Published: July 2019

This review on the evolution of quenching mechanisms for excess energy dissipation focuses on the role of Light-Harvesting Complex Stress-Related (LHCSR) proteins versus Photosystem II Subunit S (PSBS) protein, and the reasons for the redundancy of LHCSR in vascular plants as PSBS became established.
Nitric oxide in the physiology and quality of fleshy fruits
Authors: Palma José M , Freschi Luciano , Rodríguez-Ruiz Marta , González-Gordo Salvador , Corpas Francisco J
Published: July 2019

Fruits are unique to flowering plants and confer a selective advantage as they facilitate seed maturation and dispersal. In fleshy fruits, development and ripening are associated with numerous structural, biochemical, and physiological changes, including modifications in the general appearance, texture, flavor, and aroma, which ultimately convert the immature fruit into a considerably more attractive and palatable structure for seed dispersal by animals. Treatment with exogenous nitric oxide (NO) delays fruit ripening, prevents chilling damage, promotes disease resistance, and enhances the nutritional value. The ripening process is influenced by NO, which operates antagonistically to ethylene, but it also interacts with other regulatory molecules such as abscisic acid, auxin, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, melatonin, and hydrogen sulfide. NO content progressively declines during fruit ripening, with concomitant increases in protein nitration and nitrosation, two post-translational modifications that are promoted by reactive nitrogen species. Dissecting the intimate interactions of NO with other ripening-associated factors, including reactive oxygen species, antioxidants, and the aforementioned phytohormones, remains a challenging subject of research. In this context, integrative ‘omics’ and gene-editing approaches may provide additional knowledge of the impact of NO in the regulatory processes involved in controlling physiology and quality traits in both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits.
Unexpectedly Weak Anti-B in 2 Group O Pediatric Patients on Parenteral Nutrition and Disease Specific Supplemental Enteral Feeds
Authors: Kaplan Alesia , Gabert Kimberly A , Yazer Mark H
Published: July 2019

Anti-A and anti-B antibodies are naturally occurring and develop from exposure to intestinal bacteria after age 4 to 6 months. In the laboratory, strong agglutination with A1 and B cells, or B cells only and A1 cells only, on reverse typing in a healthy person with immunocompetence is expected for patients with ABO types O, A, and B, respectively. However, absent or weak anti-A and anti-B antibodies can be observed in some clinical scenarios, such as patients with immunodeficiencies, newborns, elderly patients, and patients who have recently received bone marrow transplants. In this article, we report the cases of 2 pediatric patients with group O blood type who were receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and disease-specific enteral feeds and who have strong anti-A and absent/weak anti-B.
The Impact and Prognostic Significance of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Upregulated 1 (CLLU1) Gene Expression in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Sevinc Mustafa , Karabulut Aydın , Eskazan Ahmet Emre , Catal Tatonyan Suzin , Ozbek Ugur , Soysal Teoman
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To determine CLLU1 gene levels and the relationship of that gene among other prognostic parameters in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Methods

Bone-marrow infiltration pattern, β2-microglobulin (β 2-M), cluster of differentiation (CD)38, and ZAP-70 status were recorded. CLLU1 levels were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and expressed as folds. The relationship between CLLU1 and other known prognostic parameters was evaluated.

Results

CLLU1 expression was positive in 81 patients and negative in 3 patients. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) CLLU1 level was 6.45 folds (3.75–16.57 folds) in patients with β 2-M normal values and 16.22 folds (3.91–62.00 folds) in patients with increased β 2-M (P = .15). Patients with a higher CD38 value than the median level had 3 times higher CLLU1 levels than the other group (P = .07). The median (IQR) CLLU1 level was 4.25 folds (2.75–13.71 folds) in patients with CLL who tested negative on ZAP-70, whereas it was 49.52 folds (15.06–446.36 folds) in those who tested positive via ZAP-70 (P = .005).

Conclusions

CLLU1 is a specific parameter to CLL, and its level corresponds well with the ZAP-70 level.
α-1 Antitrypsin Genotype-Phenotype Discrepancy in a 42-Year-Old Man Who Carries the Null-Allele
Authors: Pavičić Tomislav , Ćelap Ivana , Njegovan Milena , Tešija Kuna Andrea , Štefanović Mario
Published: July 2019

Background

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a hereditary condition caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene and associated with lung emphysema and liver disease. Laboratory testing in suspected A1AT deficiency involves quantifying serum A1AT concentration and identification of specific alleles by genotyping and phenotyping. The aim of this report was to present a case of the null allele carrier with consequent genotype/phenotype/concentration discrepancies and potential misclassification of the Z variant in a 42-year-old white man presenting with symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method

Serum A1AT concentration was measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. A1AT phenotype was determined using isoelectric focusing followed with immunofixation (IEF-IF). Genotyping specifically for the S and Z allele was performed by melting curve analysis using real-time PCR and checked by an alternative PCR-RFLP method. Genotype/phenotype ambiguity and discrepancy were amended using gene sequencing.

Results

Laboratory testing revealed highly reduced A1AT concentration (less than 0.30 g/L), mild to moderate deficient genotype (Pi*Z allele: M/Z and Pi*S allele: M/M) and severe deficient Z homozygous phenotype (Pi ZZ). After repeated sampling, the same discordant results were verified by these tests. Further sequencing revealed two clinically relevant and defective variants: rs199422210 (a rare null allele) and rs28929474 (the Z allele).

Conclusion

Due to inability of genotyping kit probes to detect null/Z allele combination (which mimics the Pi ZZ phenotype), our patient was misclassified as mild to moderate deficient Pi*MZ heterozygote. In all unclear cases, whole-gene sequencing is highly recommended in order to determine definitive cause of A1AT deficiency.
Politics, Liberal Idealism and Jewish Life in Nineteenth-Century Vienna: The Formative Years of Heinrich Jaques (1831–1894)1
Authors: Kwan Jonathan
Published: July 2019

This article addresses the formative years of the liberal parliamentarian Heinrich Jaques (1831–1894). It traces his family life, social world, education, professional career, and public activities prior to his election to parliament in 1879. The focus is on Jaques's personal perspective as he negotiated various events and influences. The article argues that the combined effects of the 1848–49 revolutions and an intense engagement with German humanist classics forged a strong loyalty and commitment to liberal values. This was manifested both in politics (as a belief in liberal reforms to Austria) and in everyday life (as guiding principles in daily conduct). For Jaques’s generation in particular, the possibility of emancipation, integration, and acceptance was a goal to strive towards. Jaques pursued and articulated this vision in his writings and activities. His impressive achievements in the 1860s and 1870s are an example of the energy and hope of many Jews during the liberal era. For a number of reasons—economic downturn, widening democracy, a mobilized Catholic Church, resentment towards the liberal elites—antisemitism became an increasingly powerful factor in politics from the 1880s onwards. For Jaques and his fellow liberal Jews, the effect was profound. History and progress no longer seemed to be on the side of liberalism and Jewish integration. Nevertheless, for a certain milieu, the dreams of liberal humanism remained a strong and guiding presence in their lives.