bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A post-disaster study of a women-led handicraft industry in rural Philippines
Authors: Cuaton Ginbert Permejo
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The tikog handicraft industry in Basey, province of Samar in the Philippines, was heavily devastated by super typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. More than five years after the disaster, very few studies have been published regarding the status of this industry. Thus, this paper aims to examine the roles of men and women farmers, weavers, converters and other chain actors of the Tikog Value Chain Industry in Basey and presents the status of the industry in terms of (a) operations, (b) performance and contribution to the economy, (c) capacity (materials, product and people), (d) market and (e) its current challenges in a post-disaster context.

Design/methodology/approach

For this case study, data were gathered through desk research and field works. The data were thematically analyzed using elements of a value chain analysis to provide insights and to help develop strategies to improve women’s contributions in developing the tikog handicraft industry.

Findings

Among the structures in the industry are associations comprising of formal and informal groups of tikog farmers, weavers, converters and traders. About 2,000 families in Basey are engaged in the tikog industry. This generates an estimated additional family income from PHP 4,200.00 (USD84.00) – PHP 18,000.00 (USD360.00)/year. Supply of raw materials is not only hampered by the depleting natural resources but also by the availability of drying facilities. Weavers continue to buy from Leyte suppliers due to challenges in drying tikog grasses. The author strongly argues that there is a need to increase capacity building opportunities for those involved in tikog to avoid stunted growth of the industry.

Originality/value

Aside from being a survivor himself, the author directly worked with the men, women and communities involved in this study. This highlights the ability of this research to realistically reflect the current knowledge, practices and attitudes of actors involved in the tikog handicraft industry in Basey, Philippines.
The invisible identity in a visible world: how religiosity mediates consumer culture and the marketplace
Authors: Nguyen Thuy D. , Chou Shih Yung , Blankson Charles , Wilson Phillip
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a systematic view of religious consumption and its iterative influences on consumers, as well as their differences in attitudes, values and behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-method approach – both qualitative and quantitative – the study develops religious self-transformation and self-categorization scales to empirically evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

The convergence of consumption, self-identification and religious attitudes and behaviors proffer an essentially subjective concept useful in understanding the existential reflection and supernatural orientation that individuals may seek through consumption. Cluster analysis (based on product, services, media and practices) reveals four quadrants. The non-religious (religious) group has low (high) consumption in all four consumption categories Self-categorization (self-transformation) group has high (low) level of product consumption, but low (high) in all three other categories. This research presented four invisible identities that are visibly different in terms of life satisfaction, religious brand preference, dollars spending on religious products and monetary donation.

Research limitations/implications

This research only considers one medium-size city as opposed to all types of cities. All religious affiliated and nonaffiliated respondents are included in the total sample.

Practical implications

The study offers new insights into the triadic relationship between religious self-identification, religious consumption, and the marketplace that can be used in branding, segmentation, targeting, positioning, and persuasive advertising, public relation and social media, and services marketing.

Social implications

Religion addresses the nature of existence. In this religion–consumer–brand nexus, consumption is a way for consumers to experience and immense themselves in the sacred to solidify, communicate, transform, improve and transport who they are capitalizing on religious self-identification can affectively promote positive social change.

Originality/value

This work proposes four invisible identities that are different in consumption of religious products and services in terms of patterns and purposes. These groups of consumers shape the marketplace through the derived utility of their religious consumption based on their self-identification, which in turn influences their religious brand preference.
Brand experience and brand attitude: examining a credibility-based mechanism
Authors: Nayeem Tahmid , Murshed Feisal , Dwivedi Abhishek
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay of brand experience and brand attitude and its influence on brand attitude. Specifically, it proposes that the relationship will be mediated by brand credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is tested by estimating a structural equation model with survey data from a sample of new automobile users (n=405).

Findings

The analysis reveals a full mediation of brand credibility; that is, brand credibility is an underlying mechanism through which the effect of brand experience on brand attitude materializes. In addition, contrary to the general expectation, there was no direct effect of brand experience on brand attitude.

Originality/value

This study enables a new perspective on how experiential marketing underpins a brand’s influence on certain aspects of consumer behaviour. By elucidating the mediating role of brand credibility, this study adds to the understanding of how brand experience shapes brand credibility, leading to favourable brand attitude.
Identity, agency and institutional work in higher education: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Adler Chloé , Lalonde Carole
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a body of research addressing changes in academic identity brought on by neo-liberal university management while proposing a new interpretation based on the institutional work theory and a relational approach to agency.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed 19 qualitative empirical studies regarding the impact of new public management policies on academic identity within universities from different countries to support a qualitative meta-synthesis.

Findings

The meta-synthesis established a classification of work identity and self-identity that reflects variable but globally difficult experiences with the universities’ neo-liberal management. The results also indicate that, paradoxically, academics contribute to the perpetuation of managerialism through protection strategies and institutional maintenance work while acknowledging their painful effects on their identity. Despite the control and monitoring measures put in place by university administrations, academics have assumed a pragmatic approach to identity by using the prevailing spaces of autonomy and engaging in constant self-questioning. Those involved could make better use of these free spaces by adopting projective agency, that is by expanding the areas of support, collaboration and creativity that, by their own admission, make up the academic profession.

Originality/value

This meta-synthesis sheds light on the limits of current academic identity research while advancing studies conducted on institutional work, primarily by highlighting the type of agency used by actors during institutional change; at a practical level, this research promotes discussion on the manner in which academics could use their agency and reflexive skills by pushing their institutional work surrounding identity recreation further.
Comparative advantage of Ethiopian textile and apparel industry
Authors: Rundassa Merertu Wakuma , Azene Daniel Kitaw , Berhan Eshetie
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Ethiopia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, but starting form 2010, the government has been determined to diversify the exports with a priority set for strategic sectors like light manufacturing in which textile and apparel manufacturing industries are included. The purpose of this paper is to measure the comparative advantages of the Ethiopian textile and apparel industry using the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in the period from 2007 to 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of the paper, secondary data were collected from the UN comtrade site, and related data sources were cited in the literature review for the purpose of triangulation (cross-checking of the analysis with theoretical background). From the theoretical background, the two indices of RCA (Balassa index and Lafay index) were used for the evaluation of the industries’ competitive advantage and to identify which industry (textiles or apparel) was of more importance in the country.

Findings

The findings of the study showed that Ethiopia was more competitive in the textile sector. However, and with reference to the Lafay index, the country has been focusing on apparel sector, because of the opportunities for job creation.

Research limitations/implications

For the purpose of this study, secondary data were used and the general conclusions are limited to the corresponding sources of data.

Practical implications

Because of the labor-intensive nature, the textile and apparel sector has been one of the areas promoted by the Ethiopian Government in its industrialization policy. The finding of this paper can be used by policy makers to evaluate the competitiveness of the country.

Social implications

The findings can be used to assess social upgrading issues in the textile and apparel sector.

Originality/value

The work is the first of its kind in the sector as well as the country.
Quality detection of laser additive manufacturing process based on coaxial vision monitoring
Authors: Chen Bo , Yao Yongzhen , Huang Yuhua , Wang Wenkang , Tan Caiwang , Feng Jicai
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influences of different process parameters, including laser power, scanning speed, defocusing distance and scanning mode, on the shape features of molten pool and, based on the obtained relationship, realize the diagnosis of forming defects during the process.

Design/methodology/approach

Molten pool was captured on-line based on a coaxial CCD camera mounted on the welding head, then image processing algorithms were developed to obtain melt pool features that could reflect the forming status, and it suggested that the molten pool area was the most sensitive characteristic. The influence of the processing parameters such as laser power, traverse speed, powder feed rate, defocusing distance and the melt pool area was studied, and then the melt pool area was used as the characteristic to detect the forming defects during the cladding and additive manufacturing process.

Findings

The influences of different process parameters on molten pool area were explored. Based on the relationship, different types of defects were accurately detected through analyzing the relationship between the molten pool area and time.

Originality/value

The findings would be helpful for the quality control of laser additive manufacturing.
Ecological stoichiometry and invasive strategies of two alien species (Bidens pilosa and Mikania micrantha) in subtropical China
Authors: Wang JuHong , Chen Wen , Zhu Hui
Published: July 2019

To understand the growth and nutritional strategies of two alien Asteraceae species in both nutrient‐rich and nutrient‐poor environments by measuring the stoichiometric characteristics of plants and soil nutrients, two alien species Bidens pilosa and Mikania micrantha from subtropical zone of southeast China was studied. The two species grow in P‐rich environments and/or have a strong capacity for absorption and utilization of P. The two invasive alien species studied used diverse nutrition and growth strategies under different habitats. For B. pilosa under low‐N environments, leaves showed lower N:P and C:P than in other habitats. In contrast, roots showed greater N:P, C:P and C:N ratios, suggesting a “resource conservative strategy,” whereas under high‐N and high‐P, or high‐N and low‐P environments, B. pilosa roots had lower N:P and C:P ratios, suggesting a “growth competitive strategy.” Conversely, M. micrantha did not match either strategy in high‐ or low‐resource habitats. The growth of B. pilosa is resource‐dependent, mainly driven by C and N content, and C:N ratio in the soil, as well as allocation of P within the plant. The growth of M. micrantha is less limited by soil resources, but mainly by tradeoffs between allocation to leaves versus roots. There are various growth and nutrient strategies under different resource environments (e.g., resource conservative strategy, and/or growth competitive strategy), as well as fundamental trade‐offs between life history traits, which all contribute to the successful invasion by alien species.
Practical ways to achieve targets in diabetes care conference
Authors: Biba Ursula , Teng Rhea W. , Kurian Martin J. , Close Kelly L.
Published: July 2019

Ursula Biba, Rhea W. Teng, Martin J. Kurian, and Kelly L. Close are of Close Concerns (http://www.closeconcerns.com), a healthcare information company focused exclusively on diabetes and obesity care. Close Concerns publishes Closer Look, a periodical that brings together news and insights in these areas. Each month, the Journal of Diabetes includes this News feature, in which Biba, Teng, Kurian, and Close review the latest developments relevant to researchers and clinicians.
Anatomical and scanning electron microscopic study of the tongue in the African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse)
Authors: Igbokwe Casmir O. , Mbajiorgu Felix E.
Published: July 2019

The African giant pouched rat is a nocturnal, fossorial and omnivorous wild rodent widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa. The morphology of lingual surface has not previously examined and was investigated by gross dissection, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron and light microscopy. Grossly, it was elongated and dorso‐ventrally flattened with rounded tip. It measured 3.48 ± 0.33 cm in length, with a median groove of 1.4 ± 0.1 cm in length and well‐developed lingual prominence. Stereomicroscopically, filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae were indicated in the apex, body and root. Fungiform papillae intermingled with filiform on the ventral and dorsal surface of the apex and body. Three vallate papillae were located in triangular arrangement on the root. The surface ultrastructural features distinguished four types of filiform which varied in size, shape and distribution: first type with long pointed process was preponderant on the apex and body of tongue; the second with robust base was located on central lingual prominence; the third (caudal body) was conically shaped with pointed process; and the fourth type (root) had forked filamentous process. Large oval‐shaped fungiform papillae were apparent. Each vallate was surrounded by a circumferential groove into which taste pores opened. Histologically, the tongue surface displayed moderately keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, and lamina propria that varied in places. Fungiform and vallate showed spindle‐shaped taste buds. Serous and mucous acini containing neutral and acidic mucins were observed in lamina propria of root. The structural adaptations of the tongue to omnivorous diet and food manipulation in oral cavity were comparatively discussed.
Anatomy and histology of the rabbit common calcanean tendon
Authors: Skalec Aleksandra , Janeczek Maciej , Czerski Albert
Published: July 2019

Despite the great progress in the field of tendon injuries and chronic tendinopathies in recent years, treatment of these conditions is still challenging. Research utilising animal models is crucial for further advancement in tendon research, with the rabbit being a commonly used species in this field. The objective of the present study was to comprehensively describe the macro‐ and microanatomy of the common calcanean tendon (tendo Achillei), together with associated structures. Eight female New Zealand rabbits were subjected to anatomical dissection and histologic analysis, revealing significant species‐specific features. The soleus muscle presented a thin, spindle shape with no tendon of insertion and attached directly to the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. Therefore, it does not contribute to the formation of the common calcanean tendon. The calcaneal tendon of the semitendinosus muscle was identified as a strong tendinous band at the medial side of the medial gastrocnemius muscle and the superficial digital flexor muscle and tendon distally. The saphenous artery was accompanied by the medial saphenous vein and characteristic accessory medial saphenous vein. The complex structure of the paratendinous connective tissue is described, with the paratenon being contiguous with the epitenon of the individual tendons and epimysium of associated muscles. At the level of the calcaneal tuber, the retromalleolar fat pad was identified, adhering to the cranial surface of the conjoint gastrocnemius tendon. Histologic studies confirmed the presence of the subtendinous calcaneal bursa of superficial digital flexor tendon and the bursa of calcaneal tendon.
Severe maternal morbidity due to obstetric haemorrhage: Potential preventability
Authors: Lepine Sam J. , Geller Stacie E. , Pledger Megan , Lawton Beverley , MacDonald Evelyn Jane
Published: July 2019

Background

Haemorrhage in pregnancy may be life‐threatening to woman and infant. The impact of severe obstetric haemorrhage can be reduced by detecting high‐risk women, implementing guidelines and treatment plans, early detection of hypovolaemia and timely appropriate treatment.

Aims

To describe cases of severe maternal morbidity caused by obstetric haemorrhage in New Zealand and investigate the potential preventability of these cases.

Materials and Methods

A multidisciplinary expert review panel was established to review cases of obstetric haemorrhage admitted to intensive care or high‐dependency units over an 18‐month span in New Zealand. Cases were critically analysed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians to determine the potential preventability.

Results

One hundred and twenty cases were identified, most commonly due to postpartum haemorrhage with 36% (n = 43) deemed potentially preventable, mainly due to delay or failure of diagnosis (65%, 28/43) and/or failure or delay in treatment (91%, 39/43). Twenty‐three per cent of cases (28/120) resulted in peripartum hysterectomy of which one‐third were deemed potentially preventable.

Conclusions

Prompt recognition and treatment in accordance with evidence‐based guidelines is imperative to decrease the burden of morbidity from obstetric haemorrhage. An emphasis on training clinicians to identify haemorrhage in a timely way may avoid unnecessary obstetric emergencies and can improve maternity and neonatal outcomes.
International consensus statement on the use of uterotonic agents during caesarean section
Authors: Heesen M. , Carvalho B. , Carvalho J. C. A. , Duvekot J. J. , Dyer R. A. , Lucas D. N. , McDonnell N. , Orbach‐Zinger S. , Kinsella S. M.
Published: July 2019

It is routine to give a uterotonic drug following delivery of the neonate during caesarean section. However, there is much heterogeneity in the relevant research, which has largely been performed in low‐risk elective cases or women with uncomplicated labour. This is reflected in considerable variation in clinical practice. There are significant differences between dose requirements during elective and intrapartum caesarean section. Standard recommended doses are higher than required, with the potential for acute cardiovascular adverse effects. We recommend a small initial bolus dose of oxytocin, followed by a titrated infusion. The recommended doses of oxytocin may have to be increased in women with risk factors for uterine atony. Carbetocin at equipotent doses to oxytocin has similar actions, while avoiding the requirement for a continuous infusion after the initial dose and reducing the need for additional uterotonics. As with oxytocin, carbetocin dose requirements are higher for intrapartum caesarean sections. A second‐line agent should be considered early if oxytocin/carbetocin fails to produce good uterine tone. Women with cardiac disease may be very sensitive to the adverse effects of oxytocin and other uterotonics, and their management needs to be individualised.
Adding heat‐treated rapeseed to the diet of yak improves growth performance and tenderness and nutritional quality of the meat
Authors: Hao Lizhuang , Xiang Yang , Degen Allan , Huang Yayu , Niu Jianzhang , Sun Lu , Chai Shatuo , Zhou Jianwei , Ding Luming , Long Ruijun , Liu Shujie
Published: July 2019

Heat‐treated rapeseed was supplemented to indoor fed yaks in winter to test the effect on dry matter intake (DMI), body mass change, and meat quality. Sixteen 3‐year‐old yak steers (124 ± 15.3 kg) were divided randomly into two groups and were offered either heat‐treated rapeseed (HTR) or rapeseed meal (CONT). The yaks were allowed 14 days for adjustment and measurements were made over 120 d. There was no difference in DMI between groups (p = 0.67), but average daily gain tended to be higher (p < 0.056) and feed to gain ratio tended to be lower (p = 0.050) in HTR than in CONT yaks. Meat from HTR yaks was more tender (p = 0.006), had higher intramuscular fat (p = 0.013), and had lower cholesterol content (p = 0.009) than from CONT yaks. In addition, the atherogenic index was lower (0.37 vs. 0.43; p = 0.049), the PUFA:SFA ratio was higher (0.55 vs. 0.37; p = 0.049), and the n‐6:n‐3 (n‐6 PUFA to n‐3 PUFA) ratio was lower (2.76 vs. 4.78; p = 0.003) in HTR than in CONT yaks, which all favoured the HTR yaks. Meat from HTR yaks met human health standards of a PUFA:SFA ratio of above 0.4 and n‐6:n‐3 ratio of less than 4, whereas meat from CONT yaks just missed these standards.
Lurasidone inhibits NMDA receptor antagonist‐induced functional abnormality of thalamocortical glutamatergic transmission via 5‐HT7 receptor blockade
Authors: Okada Motohiro , Fukuyama Kouji , Ueda Yuto
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

Lurasidone is an atypical mood‐stabilizing antipsychotic with a unique receptor‐binding profile, including 5‐HT7 receptor antagonism; however, the detailed effects of 5‐HT7 receptor antagonism on various transmitter systems relevant to schizophrenia, particularly the thalamo‐insular glutamatergic system and the underlying mechanisms, are yet to be clarified.

Experimental Approach

We examined the mechanisms underlying the clinical effects of lurasidone by measuring the release of l‐glutamate, GABA, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN), mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MDTN) and insula of freely moving rats in response to systemic injection or local infusion of lurasidone or MK‐801 using multiprobe microdialysis with ultra‐HPLC.

Key Results

Systemic MK‐801 (0.5 mg·kg−1) administration increased insular release of l‐glutamate, dopamine, and noradrenaline but decreased GABA release. Systemic lurasidone (1 mg·kg−1) administration also increased insular release of l‐glutamate, dopamine, and noradrenaline but without affecting GABA. Local lurasidone administration into the insula (3 μM) did not affect MK‐801‐induced insular release of l‐glutamate or catecholamine, whereas local lurasidone administration into the MDTN (1 μM) inhibited MK‐801‐induced insular release of l‐glutamate and catecholamine, similar to the 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist SB269970.

Conclusions and Implications

The present results indicate that MK‐801‐induced insular l‐glutamate release is generated by activation of thalamo‐insular glutamatergic transmission via MDTN GABAergic disinhibition resulting from NMDA receptor inhibition in the MDTN and RTN. Lurasidone inhibited this MK‐801‐evoked insular l‐glutamate release through inhibition of excitatory 5‐HT7 receptor in the MDTN. These effects on thalamo‐insular glutamatergic transmission may contribute to the antipsychotic and mood‐stabilizing actions of lurasidone.
Functional characterization of a novel opioid, PZM21, and its effects on the behavioural responses to morphine
Authors: Kudla Lucja , Bugno Ryszard , Skupio Urszula , Wiktorowska Lucja , Solecki Wojciech , Wojtas Adam , Golembiowska Krystyna , Zádor Ferenc , Benyhe Sándor , Buda Szymon , Makuch Wioletta , Przewlocka Barbara , Bojarski Andrzej J. , Przewlocki Ryszard
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

The concept of opioid ligands biased towards the G protein pathway with minimal recruitment of β‐arrestin‐2 is a promising approach for the development of novel, efficient, and potentially nonaddictive opioid therapeutics. A recently discovered biased μ‐opioid receptor agonist, PZM21, showed analgesic effects with reduced side effects. Here, we aimed to further investigate the behavioural and biochemical properties of PZM21.

Experiment Approach

We evaluated antinociceptive effects of systemic and intrathecal PZM21 administration. Its addiction‐like properties were determined using several behavioural approaches: conditioned place preference, locomotor sensitization, precipitated withdrawal, and self‐administration. Also, effects of PZM21 on morphine‐induced antinociception, tolerance, and reward were assessed. Effects of PZM21 on striatal release of monoamines were evaluated using brain microdialysis.

Key Results

PZM21 caused long‐lasting dose‐dependent antinociception. It did not induce reward‐ and reinforcement‐related behaviour; however, its repeated administration led to antinociceptive tolerance and naloxone‐precipitated withdrawal symptoms. Pretreatment with PZM21 enhanced morphine‐induced antinociception and attenuated the expression of morphine reward. In comparison to morphine, PZM21 administration induced a moderate release of dopamine and a robust release of 5‐HT in the striatum.

Conclusions and Implications

PZM21 exhibited antinociceptive efficacy, without rewarding or reinforcing properties. However, its clinical application may be restricted, as it induces tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Notably, its ability to diminish morphine reward implies that PZM21 may be useful in treatment of opioid use disorders.
Butyrate ameliorates caerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis and associated intestinal injury by tissue‐specific mechanisms
Authors: Pan Xiaohua , Fang Xin , Wang Fei , Li Hongli , Niu Wenying , Liang Wenjie , Wu Chengfei , Li Jiahong , Tu Xing , Pan Li‐Long , Sun Jia
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdominal condition, frequently associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction, which aggravates AP retroactively. Butyrate exhibits anti‐inflammatory effects in a variety of inflammatory diseases. However, its potential beneficial effect on AP and the underlying mechanisms have not been investigated.

Experimental Approach

Experimental AP was induced by caerulein hyperstimulation in wild‐type and GPR109A−/− mice. Sodium butyrate was administered intragastrically for 7 days prior to caerulein hyperstimulation. Anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of butyrate were further investigated in peritoneal macrophages.

Key Results

Butyrate prophylaxis attenuated AP as shown by reduced serum amylase and lipase levels, pancreatic oedema, myeloperoxidase activity, and improved pancreatic morphology. Amelioration of pancreatic damage by butyrate was associated with reduced levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and CCL2 and suppressed activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in both pancreas and colon. Further, butyrate ameliorated pancreatic inflammation by suppressing interactions between histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and AP1 and STAT1 with increased histone acetylation at H3K9, H3K14, H3K18, and H3K27 loci, resulting in suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and modulation of immune cell infiltration in pancreas. Additionally, butyrate mediated STAT1/AP1‐NLRP3 inflammasome suppression via HDAC1 inhibition was demonstrated in peritoneal macrophage. In colon, butyrate inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation via GPR109A. Accordingly, the modulatory effects of butyrate on AP, AP‐associated gut dysfunction, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation were diminished in GPR109A−/− mice.

Conclusion and Implications

Our study dissected tissue‐specific anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of butyrate during AP, suggesting that increased colonic levels of butyrate may be a strategy to protect against AP.
Paediatric and young adult manifestations and outcomes of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Herath Madhuni , Parameswaran Venkat , Thompson Michael , Williams Michelle , Burgess John
Published: July 2019

Context

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN 1) is an autosomal dominant disease presenting as hyperplasia and neoplasia of parathyroid, pituitary and enteropancreatic tissues. Over 90% of gene carriers develop phenotypic disease by age 30 years, potentially with onset of asymptomatic disease during childhood and adolescence.

Objective

To describe the paediatric and young adult manifestations of MEN 1.

Design

Descriptive retrospective study of 180 patients with a common MEN1 genotype. The paediatric and young adult (age <22 years) manifestations were determined using hospital records and disease surveillance data.

Results

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) was identified in 42 patients (mean age 17.2 ± 3.3 years). Parathyroidectomy was performed in 16 (38.1%; mean age 17.8 ± 3.2). Four patients experienced recurrent PHPT (25%), and six (37.5%) developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. Pituitary disease was identified in 13 patients. Prolactinoma was found in nine patients (mean age 16.6 ± 2.6 years) of whom four (44.4%) had macroprolactinoma. Two patients required surgical intervention; dopamine agonists showed efficacy in six patients. Two patients with Cushing's disease were successfully treated surgically. Three patients with nonfunctioning pituitary microadenoma managed conservatively. Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) were diagnosed in 12 patients (mean age 17.0 ± 2.6 years): three patients with insulinoma successfully resected (two resected and one exhibiting perineural invasion) and nine patients with nonfunctioning adenomas (NFAs).

Conclusion

Pituitary adenomas, PHPT and pNENs are encountered in the paediatric and young adult MEN 1 population. Successful outcomes are typically achieved using standard medical and surgical paradigms; however, parathyroidectomy was associated with a substantial complication rate.
The effect of scanning the palate and scan body position on the accuracy of complete‐arch implant scans
Authors: Mizumoto Ryan M. , Alp Gülce , Özcan Mutlu , Yilmaz Burak
Published: July 2019

Background

Whether stitching the palate during intraoral digital scans of implants would improve, scanning accuracy is unclear.

Purpose

Evaluate the effect of stitching the palate and the scan body position on the trueness (distance and angular deviation) and precision of digital scans in a completely edentulous situation.

Materials and Methods

An edentulous maxillary model with four parallel dental implant analogs was fabricated and intraoral scan bodies were attached. The entire surface was scanned using an industrial scanner to generate a master reference model digital scan (MRM‐DS). Digital scans of the master model were made using an intraoral scanner and the resulting scans were divided into two groups [stitched palate (S) and unstitched palate (U)]. All test scans were converted to STL files and superimposed over the MRM‐DS.

Results

For trueness, scan body position had a significant effect on distance (P < .001) and angular (P < .001) deviation values. In terms of precision, no significant difference was found in distance (P = .051) and angular deviations (P = .36) between stitched and unstitched techniques.

Conclusions

The accuracy and precision of digital scans of edentulous maxillary arch was similar independent of stitching or unstitching the palate. Position of the implant had a significant effect on trueness.
Osseointegration of titanium dental implant under fluoride exposure in rabbits: Micro‐CT and histomorphometry study
Authors: Yu Ying‐juan , Zhu Wen‐qing , Xu Li‐na , Ming Pan‐pan , Shao Shui‐yi , Qiu Jing
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aims to investigate the influence of fluoride exposure on implant osseointegration.

Methods

A total of 24 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the control group and the fluoride exposure group. Rabbits in the control group were fed with tap water, while those in the fluoride exposure group were given 200 mg/L sodium fluoride solution. After 2‐month feeding, implants were inserted into the extraction socket immediately after extraction of rabbit mandibular anterior teeth. Four rabbits in each group were sacrificed to collect the implants samples at 1, 2, and 3 months post‐implantation, respectively. Radiographic and histomorphometry examinations were performed to evaluate the condition of implant osseointegration.

Results

Bone volume around the implants increased in a time‐dependent manner in both groups. Micro‐CT images illustrated that the bone mineral density (BMD) in the fluoride exposure group was significantly lower than that in the control group after implantation for 2 and 3 months. The bone–implant contact ratio (BIC) in the fluoride exposure group was much lower than that of the control group at 3 months post‐implantation according to histomorphometry examination.

Conclusions

In rabbit animal model, high fluoride exposure affected the quality of bone surrounding the implant and significantly reduced bone integration of the implant, especially in the late stage of osseointegration.
Can China's Diplomatic Partnership Strategy Benefit Outward Foreign Direct Investment?
Authors: Sun Churen , Liu Yaying
Published: July 2019

In the context of global integration, whether a diplomatic partnership strategy can promote outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and how it works are very important issues for China. Based on a dataset featuring China's partnerships collected from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, we establish an empirical framework to assess the role of China's diplomatic strategy in its OFDI arising from partnerships since 1993. The results show that the establishment or upgrade of partnerships has had a positive effect on Chinese firms’ decisions on OFDI for at least the short term, especially for firms with higher demand for policy guarantees from the government, such as non‐central firms and non‐Beijing firms. The results also show that the increase in OFDI is concentrated in host countries with higher political risks, such as developing countries, neighboring countries, and Belt and Road countries, which is consistent with China's diplomatic focus. Our research proves that China's diplomatic strategy can assist firms to invest abroad.
The modernization of the rice value chain in Senegal: A move towards the Asian Quiet Revolution?
Authors: Soullier Guillaume , Moustier Paule
Published: July 2019

Motivation

The modernization of domestic food chains in India, Bangladesh and the People’s Republic of China is characterized by technological change and the integration of the collection function by the midstream segment. This has improved product quality and resulted in increased value added for value chain (VC) actors. In Africa, since the first world food crisis, governments have endeavoured to develop domestic value chains.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the dynamics of the rice value chain in Senegal in order to see the extent to which it follows the same trends as in Asia.

Approach and methods

We have completed the paradigm of Structure‐Conduct‐Performance with the Global Value Chain analysis framework, which highlights the influence that one stakeholder in a steering position can have on the distribution of tasks, skills and margins among the actors in the chain. We conducted 154 qualitative interviews to understand changes in governance. We also used data about 913 stakeholders to assess the competitiveness of the value chain.

Findings

We found that the Senegalese rice value chain is undergoing modernization as in Asia. Nevertheless, in Senegal, (a) midstream actors already carried out paddy collection through spot transactions with a trend towards relational governance, (b) credit policies contributed directly to the shift in governance towards integration, and (c) the modern rice VC was able to compete in terms of cost with imports thanks to state intervention.

Policy implications

In order to improve the competitiveness of this value chain, we recommend the inclusion of small‐scale processors in the modernization process through improved access to credit. We also suggest carrying out feasibility studies relating to the use of small‐scale mechanization.
The implications of rapid eco‐evolutionary processes for biological control ‐ a review
Authors: Szűcs Marianna , Vercken Elodie , Bitume Ellyn V. , Hufbauer Ruth A.
Published: July 2019

Novel environmental conditions experienced by introduced species can drive rapid evolution of diverse traits. In turn, rapid evolution, both adaptive and non‐adaptive, can influence population size, growth rate, and other important ecological characteristics of populations. In addition, spatial evolutionary processes that arise from a combination of assortative mating between highly dispersive individuals at the expanding edge of populations and altered reproductive rates of those individuals can accelerate expansion speed. Growing experimental evidence shows that the effects of rapid evolution on ecological dynamics can be quite large, and thus it can affect establishment, persistence, and the distribution of populations. We review the experimental and theoretical literature on such eco‐evolutionary feedbacks and evaluate the implications of these processes for biological control. Experiments show that evolving populations can establish at higher rates and grow larger than non‐evolving populations. However, non‐adaptive processes, such as genetic drift and inbreeding depression can also lead to reduced fitness and declines in population size. Spatial evolutionary processes can increase spread rates and change the fitness of individuals at the expansion front. These examples demonstrate the power of eco‐evolutionary dynamics and indicate that evolution is likely more important in biocontrol programs than previously realized. We discuss how this knowledge can be used to enhance efficacy of biological control.
Spatial and temporal variation of ecosystem properties at macroscales
Authors: Soranno Patricia A. , Wagner Tyler , Collins Sarah M. , Lapierre Jean‐Francois , Lottig Noah R. , Oliver Samantha K.
Published: July 2019

Although spatial and temporal variation in ecological properties has been well‐studied, crucial knowledge gaps remain for studies conducted at macroscales and for ecosystem properties related to material and energy. We test four propositions of spatial and temporal variation in ecosystem properties within a macroscale (1000 km's) extent. We fit Bayesian hierarchical models to thousands of observations from over two decades to quantify four components of variation – spatial (local and regional) and temporal (local and coherent); and to model their drivers. We found strong support for three propositions: (1) spatial variation at local and regional scales are large and roughly equal, (2) annual temporal variation is mostly local rather than coherent, and, (3) spatial variation exceeds temporal variation. Our findings imply that predicting ecosystem responses to environmental changes at macroscales requires consideration of the dominant spatial signals at both local and regional scales that may overwhelm temporal signals.
Arabidopsis thaliana Hcc1 is a Sco‐like metallochaperone for CuA assembly in Cytochrome c Oxidase
Authors: Llases María‐Eugenia , Lisa María‐Natalia , Morgada Marcos N. , Giannini Estefanía , Alzari Pedro M. , Vila Alejandro J.
Published: July 2019

The assembly of the CuA site in Cytochrome c Oxidase (COX) is a critical step for aerobic respiration in COX‐dependent organisms. Several gene products have been associated with the assembly of this copper site, the most conserved of them belonging to the Sco family of proteins, which have been shown to perform different roles in different organisms. Plants express two orthologs of Sco proteins: Hcc1 and Hcc2. Hcc1 is known to be essential for plant development and for COX maturation, but its precise function has not been addressed until now. Here, we report the biochemical, structural and functional characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana Hcc1 protein (here renamed Sco1). We solved the crystal structure of the Cu+1‐bound soluble domain of this protein, revealing a tri coordinated environment involving a CxxxCxnH motif. We show that AtSco1 is able to work as a copper metallochaperone, inserting two Cu+1 ions into the CuA site in a model of CoxII. We also show that AtSco1 does not act as a thiol‐disulfide oxido‐reductase. Overall, this information sheds new light on the biochemistry of Sco proteins, highlighting the diversity of functions among them despite their high structural similarities.

Database

PDB entry 6N5U (Crystal structure of Arabidopsis thaliana ScoI with copper bound).
Evidence of high Ca uptake by cyanobacteria forming intracellular CaCO3 and impact on their growth
Authors: De Wever Alexis , Benzerara Karim , Coutaud Margot , Caumes Géraldine , Poinsot Mélanie , Skouri‐Panet Fériel , Laurent Thierry , Duprat Elodie , Gugger Muriel
Published: July 2019

Several species of cyanobacteria biomineralizing intracellular amorphous calcium carbonates (ACC) were recently discovered. However, the mechanisms involved in this biomineralization process and the determinants discriminating species forming intracellular ACC from those not forming intracellular ACC remain unknown. Recently, it was hypothesized that the intensity of Ca uptake (i.e., how much Ca was scavenged from the extracellular solution) might be a major parameter controlling the capability of a cyanobacterium to form intracellular ACC. Here, we tested this hypothesis by systematically measuring the Ca uptake by a set of 52 cyanobacterial strains cultured in the same growth medium. The results evidenced a dichotomy among cyanobacteria regarding Ca sequestration capabilities, with all strains forming intracellular ACC incorporating significantly more calcium than strains not forming ACC. Moreover, Ca provided at a concentration of 50 μM in BG‐11 was shown to be limiting for the growth of some of the strains forming intracellular ACC, suggesting an overlooked quantitative role of Ca for these strains. All cyanobacteria forming intracellular ACC contained at least one gene coding for a mechanosensitive channel, which might be involved in Ca influx, as well as at least one gene coding for a Ca2+/H+ exchanger and membrane proteins of the UPF0016 family, which might be involved in active Ca transport either from the cytosol to the extracellular solution or the cytosol toward an intracellular compartment. Overall, massive Ca sequestration may have an indirect role by allowing the formation of intracellular ACC. The latter may be beneficial to the growth of the cells as a storage of inorganic C and/or a buffer of intracellular pH. Moreover, high Ca scavenging by cyanobacteria biomineralizing intracellular ACC, a trait shared with endolithic cyanobacteria, suggests that these cyanobacteria should be considered as potentially significant geochemical reservoirs of Ca.
Systemic inflammatory impact of periodontitis on cognitive impairment
Authors: Gil Montoya José Antonio , Barrios Rocío , Sanchez‐Lara Inés , Ramos Pablo , Carnero Cristobal , Fornieles Francisco , Montes Juan , Santana Soraya , Luna Juan de Dios , Gonzalez‐Moles Miguel Angel
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The role in dementia of systemic inflammation derived from periodontal disease is not fully elucidated. The objective of our study was to examine the impact of inflammation on the relationship between periodontitis and cognitive impairment.

Methods

We have designed a case (n = 171) and control (n = 131) study to determine the periodontal health status, grade of cognitive impairment/dementia and systemic inflammation level, the last being measured by analysis of 29 inflammatory biomarkers using multiplex techniques.

Results

At the time of sampling, 11 of the 29 inflammatory biomarkers were associated with cognitive impairment in patients with more severe periodontitis. However, the inflammatory response to severe periodontitis was more reduced (lower biomarker concentrations) in cases (with cognitive impairment or dementia) than in (cognitively healthy) controls, an unexpected finding.

Conclusions

Based on these results, we cannot confirm that systemic inflammation derived from periodontal disease plays a relevant role in the aetiology of cognitive impairment.
Urban geology: Mississippian on the main street
Authors: Donovan Stephen K.
Published: July 2019

Exposures of fossiliferous rocks in quarries and on coastlines may be locally common, but some of us are too far removed to see them on a regular basis. Yet fossils may be just around the corner, quite literally, in an urban environment. Fossils in building stones may be well exposed and include specimens of well‐known groups rubbing shoulders with the more obscure. But you have to get your eye in to identify these 3‐dimensional objects exposed in two dimensions.
Coal mining‐derived ochres in the UK: a potential selenium trap
Authors: Bullock Liam A. , Parnell John , Perez Magali , Armstrong Joseph G.T.
Published: July 2019

Thanks to the pioneering research of Paul Younger over the past 20 years, acid mine drainage in the UK has been recognized as a major environmental issue. Acid mine drainage and hydrous ferric oxide deposition are environmental hazards resulting from centuries of extensive coal mining activities across the UK. Oxidative weathering of pyrite in coal from spoil heaps and exposed bedrock can liberate trace elements, releasing them into local water systems. In addition to posing an environmental threat through water and ground contamination, ochres can also act as a remediation material, trapping elements such as selenium. Trace elements with a close association to iron oxides, such as selenium, may fix to the fine‐grained ochre materials, resulting in hyper‐enriched ochres. Selenium in coals has been known to cause an environmental issue in areas of North America but is also an important commodity for solar cells and nanotechnologies. Coal‐bearing areas of the UK, such as Northumberland, are known to contain a high selenium content, and coal‐derived ochres in these regions also contain significant selenium. The widespread occurrence of ochres in UK coal‐mining regions may therefore present a unique ‘E tech’ trace element source and prevent a toxicity problem for which they were once thought to be responsible.
Layered Intrusions: key to fundamental planetary processes
Authors: Brooks Kent
Published: July 2019

A large book entitledLayered Intrusions(edited by Bernard Charlier, Olivier Namur, Rais Latypov and Christian Tegner, Springer) has been published recently. This book (almost 750 pages) has 15 contributions by 36 experts in the field. While Part I deals with subjects such as geochronology, igneous layering, textures, silicate liquid immiscibility and behaviour of precious metals in these intrusions, Part II examines six examples that are reviewed by experts: Panzhihua (China), Sept Iles (Canada), Bushveld (South Africa), Kiglapait (Labrador), Ilímaussaq (Greenland) and ophiolitic magma chambers in the Canadian Appalachians. The publication of this book has led me to consider the geology of the most famous of them all—the Skaergaard Intrusion of Greenland—and my long history of studying it.