bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Brevicoryne brassicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with extracts of Agave americana var. Marginata Trel. in Brassica oleracea crops
Authors: Pereira Adalgisa J. , Cardoso Irene M. , Araújo Hernane D. , Santana Felipe C. , Carneiro Antonio P. S. , Coelho Steliane P. , Pereira Franklin J.
Published: November 2018

Alternative methods of pest control can and should be encouraged, especially those that consider the reality of smallholder family farmers. Here, we evaluated the potential of Agave americana (agave) extracts for the control of the aphid Brevicoryne brassicae in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala) in the field and laboratory. The field experiments consisted of the evaluation of the proportion of dead aphids on cabbage plants after application of agave extracts. In the field, agave mixed with cow milk caused mortality above 80% and was the most effective extract. Agave mixed with water and agave mixed with ethanol elicited mortality above 60%. In the laboratory, we evaluated the mortality of aphids after the application of different concentrations of aqueous agave extracts; the commercial insecticide deltamethrin was included as positive control. Evaluation took place at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hr after applying the treatment. As expected, deltamethrin was the most effective treatment. However, agave extract at concentrations of 0.750 and 0.500 g/mL caused >70% mortality 3 hr after application. We conclude that A. americana extracts decreased aphid populations and is a promising alternative to the commercial insecticide against aphids in cabbage.
Executive Summary: The 2018 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference: Aligning the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Agenda to Reduce Health Outcome Gaps
Authors: Ishimine Paul , Adelgais Kathleen , Barata Isabel , Klig Jean , Kou Maybelle , Mahajan Prashant , Merritt Chris , Stoner Michael J. , Cloutier Robert , Mistry Rakesh , Denninghoff Kurt R.
Published: November 2018

Emergency care providers share a compelling interest in developing an effective patient‐centered, outcomes‐based research agenda that can decrease variability in pediatric outcomes. The 2018 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference “Aligning the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Agenda to Reduce Health Outcome Gaps (AEMCC)” aimed to fulfill this role. This conference convened major thought leaders and stakeholders to introduce a research, scholarship, and innovation agenda for pediatric emergency care specifically to reduce health outcome gaps. Planning committee and conference participants included emergency physicians, pediatric emergency physicians, pediatricians, and researchers with expertise in research dissemination and translation, as well as comparative effectiveness, in collaboration with patients, patient and family advocates from national advocacy organizations, and trainees. Topics that were explored and deliberated through subcommittee breakout sessions led by content experts included 1) pediatric emergency medical services research, 2) pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) research network collaboration, 3) PEM education for emergency medicine providers, 4) workforce development for PEM, and 5) enhancing collaboration across emergency departments (PEM practice in non–children's hospitals). The work product of this conference is a research agenda that aims to identify areas of future research, innovation, and scholarship in PEM.
Blunted stress reactivity reveals vulnerability to early life adversity in young adults with a family history of alcoholism
Authors: Lovallo William R. , Cohoon Andrew J. , Acheson Ashley , Sorocco Kristen H. , Vincent Andrea S.
Published: November 2018

Background and aims

People with blunted stress reactivity have poor impulse control and also show increased risk for alcoholism. Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) contributes to blunted reactivity, but individual differences in susceptibility to ELA are not well understood. This study aimed to determine whether exposure to ELA has a greater impact on stress reactivity in young adults with a family history of alcoholism (FH+) compared with young adults with no family history of alcoholism (FH–).

Design

Observational study using linear modeling.

Setting

Oklahoma, USA.

Participants

Seven hundred and nine young adults (398 females) recruited through community advertisement.

Measurements

We obtained heart rates and cortisol levels in subjects while undergoing public speaking and mental arithmetic stress compared with a resting control day (1418 test sessions). ELA was quantified as 0, 1 or > 1 adverse events experienced by age 15 years. FH+ people had one or two parents with an alcohol use disorder, and FH– controls had no such history for two generations.

Findings

Increasing levels of ELA predicted progressive blunting of cortisol and heart rate reactivity for the whole sample (Fs = 4.57 and 4.70, Ps ≤ 0.011), but examination by FH status showed that the effect of ELA was significant only among FH+ (Fs ≥ 3.5, Ps < 0.05) and absent in FH– (Ps > 0.40). This difference in ELA impact was not explained by the cortisol diurnal cycle or subjective evaluation of the stressors.

Conclusions

People with a family history of alcoholism appear to be vulnerable, in terms of changes to physiological stress response, to the impact of exposure to early life adversity while people with no family history of alcoholism appear to be resilient. Blunted stress reactivity may reflect differential vulnerability to early life adversity in young adults with a family history of alcoholism.
Algorithm for predicting threshold retinopathy of prematurity is insufficient and fundus examinations are still needed before 31 weeks
Authors: Wirth M , Naud A , Caputo G , Hascoët J M
Published: November 2018

Aim

We evaluated the weight, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, neonatal, retinopathy of prematurity (WINROP) algorithm for very premature infants.

Method

Infants born before 32 weeks who had undergone fundus examinations in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Nancy were included in this French retrospective cohort study from July 2012 to July 2016. We evaluated how well the WINROP software predicted threshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Results

We studied 570 infants with a mean gestational age of 28.7 ± 1.8 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1110 ± 297 g: 28.1% had ROP and 1.2% had threshold ROP. The overall WINROP sensitivity was 57.1%, specificity was 46.0%, predictive positive value was 1.3% and predictive negative value was 98.9%. At more than 30 weeks of gestation or 1250 g, these figures rose to a respective specificity of 100% and 95.7% and respective predictive negative value of 100% and 100%. There were independent associations between the severity of ROP and the Apgar score at five minutes, the duration of oxygen therapy and non‐invasive ventilation.

Conclusion

WINROP worked better on preterm infants born from 31 weeks onwards or weighing over 1250 g. Fundus examinations remain necessary for infants born earlier or lighter.
Treatment of opioid dependence with buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets: A phase 3 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Wang XuYi , Jiang Haifeng , Zhao Min , Li Jing , Gray Frank , Sheng Lixia , Li Yi , Li Xiaodong , Ling Walter , Li Wei , Hao Wei
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets for the treatment of opioid dependence in Chinese adults.

Methods

This multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study included four periods: induction (3‐5 days), stabilization (7‐21 days), randomization/treatment (6 weeks), and postmedication follow‐up (1 week). A total of 442 participants with opioid dependence were enrolled; 260 were randomized to buprenorphine/naloxone or placebo. The primary outcome was retention in treatment, defined as the time from randomization to treatment completion or treatment failure. Secondary outcomes included maximum consecutive days of abstinence from opioids, self‐reported craving and opioid withdrawal symptoms, and urine drug screen results. Safety assessments included adverse event reporting, electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, and prior/concomitant medications.

Results

The median treatment retention time (95% confidence internal) with buprenorphine/naloxone was 32 days (26‐38) versus 6 days (5‐8) for placebo, with a Cox hazard ratio of 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.21‐0.38; P < 0.0001). The median maximum consecutive days of abstinence (95% confidence interval) was: buprenorphine/naloxone, 21 days (26‐38); placebo, 5 days (5‐8) with a Cox hazard ratio of 0.38 (95% confidence interval, 0.25‐0.60; P < 0.0001). Withdrawal and craving symptoms were significantly milder with buprenorphine/naloxone versus placebo (P < 0.001). Urine drug screen results indicated significantly lower opioid usage in the buprenorphine/naloxone group compared with placebo (P < 0.001). The most commonly reported adverse events in the buprenorphine/naloxone group during treatment were aspartate aminotransferase increased and nasopharyngitis.

Discussion

Efficacy and safety results from this clinical trial support a positive benefit‐risk ratio for buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablet use in the treatment of an opioid‐dependent Chinese population.
Dysregulation of TDP‐43 intracellular localization and early onset ALS are associated with a TARDBP S375G variant
Authors: Newell Kathy , Paron Francesca , Mompean Miguel , Murrell Jill , Salis Elisa , Stuani Cristiana , Pattee Gary , Romano Maurizio , Laurents Douglas , Ghetti Bernardino , Buratti Emanuele
Published: November 2018

We investigated the Central Nervous System (CNS) and skeletal muscle tissue from A woman was clinically diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 22. Neuropathologic evaluation showed upper and lower motor neuron loss, corticospinal tract degeneration and skeletal muscle denervation. Analysis of the patient's Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) revealed a AGT>GGT change resulting in an S375G substitution in the C‐terminal region of TDP‐43. This variant was previously reported as being benign. Considering the early onset and severity of the disease in this patient, we tested the effects of this genetic variant on TDP‐43 localization, pre‐mRNA splicing activity and toxicity, in parallel with the effects on known neighboring disease‐associated mutations. In cell lines, expressed in culture, S375G TDP‐43 appeared to be more significantly localized in the nucleus and to exert higher toxicity than wild‐type TDP‐43. Strikingly, a phosphomimic mutant at the same residue (S375E) showed a strong tendency to accumulate in the cytoplasm, especially under stress conditions, and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that phosphorylation of this residue can disrupt TDP‐43 intermolecular interactions. The results of the current study highlight the importance of phosphorylation and regulation of TDP‐43 nuclear‐cytoplasmic shuttling/redistribution, in relation to the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in different forms of ALS.
Creativity within boundaries: Social identity and the development of new ideas in franchise systems
Authors: Simon Fanny , Allix‐Desfautaux Catherine , Khelil Nabil , Le Nadant Anne‐Laure
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper is to analyse one paradox of creativity that involves balancing novelty and conformity. Using a social identity perspective, we differentiate between organizational and expertise identities to understand how different types of identities impact the creative process in terms of novelty generation as well as conformity in the context of franchising. Franchise systems are a specific organizational context in which tensions between different identities may arise and ideas are selected by multiple audiences. Furthermore, because franchising is based on standardization, franchisors need to find a balance between maintaining the uniformity of the system through conformity and enhancing new idea deployment in the network for the purpose of adaptation. We conduct a comparative case study analysis of 17 franchise systems based on 20 narrations. The findings from our qualitative empirical study show that identification plays a major role in the creative process. Social control, which may be exerted by manipulating the group identity, is an efficient lever to increase both the diffusion of an idea and its variation from existing standards, which leads to important managerial implications. Networks of individuals can promote both idea generation and a uniform diffusion of those ideas by enhancing organizational identity with a strong entrepreneurship orientation or expertise identity based on occupation‐specific knowledge acquired through experience.
Evaluating willingness to pay for the temporal distribution of different air quality improvements: Is China's clean air target adequate to ensure welfare maximization?
Authors: Yao Liuyang , Deng Junfeng , Johnston Robert J. , Khan Imran , Zhao Minjuan
Published: November 2018

Stated preference analyses seeking to determine the public's value for air quality improvements often estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for days at a specified minimum quality threshold (e.g., days with clean air), but do not consider the temporal distribution of pollution levels below this threshold. This paper develops a choice experiment designed to evaluate WTP for a more complete distribution of air quality improvements, including the number of days per year at multiple air quality levels. The model is applied to a case study of air quality improvement in the core districts of Xi'an City, China. Results from a linearly constrained mixed logit model demonstrate that average household WTP for improving a lightly polluted, moderately polluted, heavily polluted, or severely polluted day to a clean air day is 7.42, 8.90, 13.06, and 24.28 RMB per year, respectively. These results show that WTP depends not only on the total number of clean air days, but on the total distribution of pollution levels across all days of the year. Results are directly relevant to the development of clean air policies in China, for which benefit estimates are currently unavailable.
Health behaviours, intentions and barriers to change among obesity classes I, II and III
Authors: Bastin A. , Romain A. J. , Marleau J. , Baillot A.
Published: November 2018

Health behaviour change is a cornerstone in the management of obesity, and data on health behaviours, intentions and barriers to change would be useful to inform the development of interventions. The aim of this study was to describe these variables in individuals with obesity, and to compare obesity classes. The study obtained data from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2011–2012 including 5614 adults with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg m−2. The majority of participants reported eating four or more fruits and vegetables daily (65.3% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 64.1–66.6]), being a regular drinker (59.6% [95% CI: 58.4–61.0]) and inactive (58.0% [95% CI: 56.7–59.3]). About 84% of participants answered they should do and/or intend to do something in the next year to improve their health, with increasing exercise being the most reported choice (69.2% [95% CI: 67.1–71.5]). Among the 58.0% (95% CI: 55.9–60.2) of participants facing barriers to change, the lack of willpower was the most reported (37.0% [95% CI: 34.2–39.7]). No difference between classes for intention to change and barriers were found. Comorbidities were the most important factor explaining several health behaviours and barriers to change. The vast majority of participants, regardless of the severity of obesity, know they should do and also want to do something to improve their health, but faced a lack of willpower. Thus, the most important thing to consider during an obesity intervention is the lack of motivation to modify health behaviours and beyond BMI, the presence of comorbidities.
Mental health quality of life after bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Szmulewicz Alejandro , Wanis Kerollos N. , Gripper Ashley , Angriman Federico , Hawel Jeff , Elnahas Ahmad , Alkhamesi Nawar A. , Schlachta Christopher M.
Published: November 2018

Recent literature has raised concerns regarding the risk of adverse psychiatric events among bariatric surgery patients. However, the relationship between weight loss therapy and psychiatric outcomes is confounded by baseline psychosocial characteristics in observational studies. To understand the impact of bariatric surgery on the risk of adverse mental health outcomes, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared surgical and non‐surgical treatments and assessed mental health quality of life (QoL). We evaluated the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science PsycINFO, Clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane databases through 7 March 2018. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) for mental health QoL scores were estimated using random effects models. Eleven randomized trials with 731 participants were included in the final analyses. Surgery was not associated with an improvement in mental health QoL from baseline as compared to non‐surgical intervention (SMD: 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.22 to 0.25). Final mental health QoL scores were similar for surgically and non‐surgically treated patients (SMD: 0.37, 95% CI −0.07 to 0.81). Subgroup analyses assessing the effect of specific surgical interventions, and varying lengths of follow‐up did not identify a beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on mental health QoL outcomes. These results, in conjunction with the fact that individuals who choose bariatric surgery tend to have high‐risk baseline characteristics, suggest that intensive mental health follow‐up following surgery should be routinely considered.
Improving collaboration in the implementation of global biodiversity conventions
Authors: Rogalla von Bieberstein Katharina , Sattout Elsa , Christensen Mads , Pisupati Balakrishna , Burgess Neil D. , Harrison Jerry , Geldmann Jonas
Published: November 2018

Eight conventions make up the biodiversity cluster of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) that provide the critical international legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of nature. However, concerns about the rate of implementation of the conventions at the national level have triggered discussions about the effectiveness of these MEAs in halting the loss of biodiversity. Two main concerns have emerged: lack of capacity and resources and lack of coherence in implementing multiple conventions. We focused on the latter and considered the mechanisms by which international conventions are translated into national policy. Specifically, we examined how the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and the associated Aichi Biodiversity Targets have functioned as a unifying grand plan for biodiversity conservation. This strategic plan has been used to coordinate and align targets to promote and enable more effective implementation across all biodiversity‐related conventions. Results of a survey of 139 key stakeholders from 88 countries suggests streamlining across ministries and agencies, improved coordination mechanisms with all relevant stakeholders, and better knowledge sharing between conventions could improve cooperation among biodiversity‐related conventions. The roadmap for improving synergies among conventions agreed to at the 13th Convention on Biological Diversity's Conference of Parties in 2016 includes actions such as mechanisms to avoid duplication in national reporting and monitoring on conventions and capacity building related to information and knowledge sharing. We suggest the scientific community can actively engage and contribute to the policy process by establishing a science‐policy platform to address knowledge gaps; improving data gathering, reporting, and monitoring; developing indicators that adequately support implementation of national plans and strategies; and providing evidence‐based recommendations to policy makers. The latter will be particularly important as 2020 approaches and work to develop a new biodiversity agenda for the next decade is beginning.
Double‐chambered left ventricle: A rare case in a child
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Min , Chang Dong‐Qing , Huang Ji‐Jiang , Maimaitiaili Aizezi , Ermek Tangsakar , Yisireyili Maimaiti , Zhang Zong‐Gang
Published: November 2018

Double‐chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is an extremely rare congenital heart disease. In this condition, the left ventricle is divided into two chambers by a septum or muscle fiber with abnormal proliferation. A symptomatic boy was diagnosed with DCLV at our hospital. The patient was admitted with the major complaint of 8 years of cardiac murmur, which was discovered through physical examination, and 5 years of palpitations and shortness of breath. He has been followed up without treatment.
Effects of larval density on a natural population ofCulex restuans(Diptera: Culicidae): no evidence of compensatory mortality
Authors: Ower Geoffrey D. , Juliano Steven A.
Published: November 2018

1. This study investigated the effects of strong density dependence on larval growth, development, and survival of the mosquitoCulex restuans(Theobald). It also tested the hypothesis that density reduction early in larval development could result in as many or more individuals surviving to adulthood (compensation or over‐compensation, respectively), or increased reproductive performance via rapid development and greater adult size.

2. In a field study of a natural population ofC. restuans, the effects of a 75% lower density on percentage survivorship to adulthood, number of adults, development time, adult size, adult longevity, and size dependent fecundity were tested.

3. No evidence was found of compensation or over‐compensation in adult production, or of effects of lower density on percentage survivorship. Low density yielded significant increases in adult size, adult longevity, and size‐dependent fecundity, and a decrease in development time.

4. Estimated per‐capita population growth rate was significantly greater in the low‐density treatment than in the high‐density treatment. It is inferred that this difference was due to greater per‐capita resources, which increased female size and fecundity, and reduced development time. Greater per‐capita population growth could therefore result from early mortality of larvae, meaning that the hydra effect, which predicts greater equilibrium population with, as opposed to without, extrinsic mortality, may be possible for these mosquitoes.
Dental students’ perceptions of learning communication skills in a forum theatre‐style teaching session on breaking bad news
Authors: Himida Tarek , Nanjappa Sucharita , Yuan Siyang , Freeman Ruth
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Communication skills are an integral component of dental undergraduate education. Due to the complex nature of these skills, didactic teaching methods used in other educational contexts can be limited. Interactive and participative methods rooted in modern adult learning theories, such as Forum Theatre, may be more effective in the teaching of communication skills.

Aim

To explore the usefulness of Forum Theatre in teaching clinical undergraduate dental students how to break bad news to their patients.

Methods

A purposive sample of 4th‐year undergraduate dental students was invited to participate. An evaluation questionnaire was given to the students and collected after the Forum Theatre interactive session. Participants were asked to provide self‐reported accounts on the most and least useful parts of the session, as well as the most important learning outcome. Usefulness of the session in clinical work, increasing confidence and ability in breaking bad news, were evaluated via a 5‐point Likert‐scale type question. Qualitative data were analysed using Framework Analysis to explore the themes found in the open‐text component. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the Likert‐scale items.

Results

One hundred and fifteen completed questionnaires were collected from the 2015 and 2016 classes. Most students gave the Forum Theatre session a rating of 3 or above on a 5‐point Likert scale; indicating that they found it useful. Qualitative results also showed that most participants liked the teaching session thanks to its interactive nature, the use of actors and the input of the facilitators. The majority of students showed preference towards smaller groups which give everyone equal opportunity to participate without unnecessary repetition.

Conclusion

The results seem to confirm previous findings. Students rated their learning experience involving Forum Theatre favourably. Smaller groups and trained facilitators are required for the success of this teaching method. Further research is needed to assess the long‐term educational benefits of Forum Theatre.
Time to reconsider the strategic role of system(s) for monitoring higher education graduates’ careers?
Authors: Pavlin Samo
Published: November 2018

The “employability” paradigm is beginning to be publicly regarded as one of the key developmental paths and “modernisation” principles of higher education institutions. In this context, the article first overviews the existing practices for tracking graduates’ early careers in Europe. Next, it identifies and discusses relevant conceptual aspects for designing system(s) for tracking graduates’ careers and using the results of graduate studies. This includes understanding and interpreting employability, possible societal tensions surrounding higher education when seeking to support the needs of graduates, employers or initiating new “professional projects”, and the development of disciplinary assumptions about career success. Third, based on the results of a national survey among higher education institutions in Slovenia, it explores institutional views related to establishing systems for monitoring graduates’ “employability”. Understanding higher education institutions’ attitudes and capacities towards monitoring the employability of their graduates is important for the success of tracking surveys in terms of their involvement in the collection of data, adapting the research instrument to reflect possible disciplinary particularities and the use of survey results. By combining the institutional perspective with the previously elaborated conceptual framework, the article calls on higher education stakeholders to support the strategic function of career monitoring systems for exploring new professional opportunities of graduates in the context of broader societal and economic developments.
The re‐entry paradox: Abuse of EU law
Authors: Guski Roman
Published: November 2018

Abuse of law is a fundamental paradox: It is necessary to consider legal acts as illegal acts. The distinction legal/illegal is applied to itself. The article shows that the notion of abuse in the European context is closely related to the antinomy of the Internal Market which describes itself as a borderless area with internal borders. A closer look at the case law reveals that actors can make use of the fundamental freedoms in the form of self‐contradictory arrangements (prototype: U‐Turns). Put more generally, autonomy is taken seriously and subjective rights are not covered by law when they are exercised in a tautological or paradoxical way.
Treatment of subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) with parathyroid hormone peptide (PTH1‐34)‐enriched fibrin hydrogel in three different concentrations: A dose‐blinded, randomised study
Authors: Jackson M. A. , Ohlerth S. , Brink P. , Simon O. , Kummer M. , Fürst A. E.
Published: November 2018

This study reports the use of parathyroid hormone fragment peptide 1‐34 (PTH1‐34) cross‐linked to a hydrogel in a fibrin base for the treatment of subchondral cyst‐like lesions (SCLs). The objectives were to determine the clinical and radiographic outcome of 28 horses with lameness attributable to one or two SCLs treated locally with one of three different concentrations of PTH1‐34and to identify which concentration produces the best results. Twenty‐eight horses (34 SCLs) were treated surgically by debriding the content of the SCL and injecting different concentrations (0.1, 0.4, or 1 mg/mL) of PTH1‐34in a fibrin hydrogel into the cavity. Treatment was considered successful if the horse was sound 12 months after treatment. The mean age of the horses was 7.2 years. Treatment was successful in 22 (78.6%) horses and improved the radiographic appearance of 27 (79.4%) SCLs. The outcome was not affected by age of the horse or by the number of SCLs (1 or 2) per horse. PTH1‐34in a fibrin hydrogel administered into the SCL after surgical debridement of the lesion appears to be an effective treatment for horses with one or two SCLs. A PTH1‐34concentration of 0.4 mg/mL may be slightly superior to concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/mL in resolving SCLs.
Plants—the great survivors!
Authors: Cascales‐Miñana Borja , Servais Thomas , Cleal Christopher J. , Gerrienne Philippe , Anderson John
Published: November 2018

The marine fossil record shows five mass extinctions at the Ordovician–Silurian, Frasnian–Famennian (Late Devonian), Permian–Triassic, Triassic–Jurassic and Cretaceous–Palaeogene transitions. However, only one of these significantly disrupted plant evolution. We clearly need to look again at what we really mean by mass extinctions events, especially in the context of the so‐called sixth mass extinction occurring today.
Bernard Mandeville on Honor, Hypocrisy, and War
Authors: Olsthoorn Peter
Published: November 2018

Authors from Cicero to Smith held honor to be indispensable to make people see and do what is right. As they considered honor to be a social motive, they did not think this dependence on honor was a problem. Today, we tend to see honor as a self‐regarding motive, but do not see this as problematic because we stopped seeing it as a necessary incentive. Bernard Mandeville, however, agreed with the older authors that honor is indispensable, but agreed with us moderns that it is a self‐interested motive. Honor might be necessary to keep society functioning, but that does not make it less self‐serving. Mandeville thus combined the classical preoccupation with honor and the modern view of man as self‐seeking. That our motivations are self‐serving is something we wish to hide from others and ourselves; society benefits because we generally behave well in order to live up to this inflated (self‐)image. Hypocrisy is the price we pay for living together peacefully. It is this sobering view on honor that sets Mandeville apart from later authors on the subject, particularly David Hume and Adam Smith.
Potential effects of ultrafiltration process and date powder on textural, sensory, bacterial viability, antioxidant properties and phenolic profile of dromedary Greek yogurt
Authors: Jrad Zeineb , Oussaief Olfa , Bouhemda Talel , Khorchani Touhami , EL‐Hatmi Halima
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to improve textural and antioxidant capacity of dromedary yogurt using ultrafiltration process and date powder. Ultrafiltration increased total solids content of dromedary milk within the range considered optimal to develop yogurt. Texture profile of Greek yogurt fortified with date powder (GYD) improved considerably compared to control. Sample of GYD are more appealing to consumer than control. LC‐ESI‐MS analysis of GYD extracts allowed the identification of fifteen phenolic compounds, among which quinic acid and cirsiliol were found to be the major phenolic acid and flavonol, respectively. GYD exhibited the highest DPPH•‐radical scavenging activity, Fe2+ chelating capacity and Fe3+ reducing power. The follow‐up of physical and microbiological stability of GYD and control during cold storage showed that date powder significantly increased bacterial counts and decreased syneresis. Therefore, ultrafiltration and date powder could be valued as effective tool to solve the poor consistency of dromedary milk products.
Are Incentive Contract Settlements Nonevents?*
Authors: Gagnon Marie‐Hélène , Philippot Aurélien
Published: November 2018

We examine the information conveyed in managers’ incentive contracts such as prepaid variable forward (PVF) contracts. Using a large database, we perform event studies on cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) and volatility around the signature and the settlement of such contracts. The results show that PVF settlements, which involve no divulgation of new information, can be interpreted as nonevents. For firms with lower visibility, CARs are significantly negative immediately after settlement, whereas firms with higher visibility incur this effect upon signature. The signature and settlement dates have a small negative effect on the firms’ volatility suggesting slow adjustment mechanisms.
The use of fat grafting and platelet‐rich plasma for wound healing: A review of the current evidence
Authors: Smith Oliver J. , Jell Gavin , Mosahebi Ash
Published: November 2018

Fat grafting is becoming a common procedure in regenerative medicine because of its high content of growth factors and adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and the ease of harvest, safety, and low cost. The high concentration of ADSCs found in fat has the potential to differentiate into a wide range of wound‐healing cells including fibroblasts and keratinocytes as well as demonstrating proangiogenic qualities. This suggests that fat could play an important role in wound healing. However retention rates of fat grafts are highly variable due in part to inconsistent vascularisation of the transplanted fat. Furthermore, conditions such as diabetes, which have a high prevalence of chronic wounds, reduce the potency and regenerative potential of ADSCs. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product rich in growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, and cytokines. It has been hypothesised that PRP may have a positive effect on the survival and retention of fat grafts because of improved proliferation and differentiations of ADSCs, reduced inflammation, and improved vascularisation. There is also increasing interest in a possible synergistic effect that PRP may have on the healing potential of fat, although the evidence for this is very limited. In this review, we evaluate the evidence in both in vitro and animal studies on the mechanistic relationship between fat and PRP and how this translates to a benefit in wound healing. We also discuss future directions for both research and clinical practice on how to enhance the regenerative potential of the combination of PRP and fat.
The variant at TGFBRAP1 is significantly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and affects diabetes‐related miRNA expression
Authors: Yang Song , Chen Xiaotian , Yang Mengyao , Zhao Xianghai , Chen Yanchun , Zhao Hailong , Liu Chunlan , Shen Chong
Published: November 2018

While the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) regulates the growth and proliferation of pancreatic β‐cells, its receptors trigger the activation of Smad network and subsequently induce the insulin resistance. A case‐control was conducted to evaluate the associations of the polymorphisms of TGF‐β1 receptor‐associated protein 1 (TGFBRAP1) and TGF‐β1 receptor 2 (TGFBR2) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and its genetic effects on diabetes‐related miRNA expression. miRNA microarray chip was used to screen T2DM‐related miRNA and 15 differential expressed miRNAs were further validated in 75 T2DM and 75 normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The variation of rs2241797 (T/C) at TGFBRAP1 showed significant association with T2DM in case‐control study, and the OR (95% CI) of dominant model for cumulative effects was 1.204 (1.060‐1.370), Bonferroni corrected P < 0.05. Significant differences in the fast glucose and HOMA‐β indices were observed amongst the genotypes of rs2241797. The expression of has‐miR‐30b‐5p and has‐miR‐93‐5p was linearly increased across TT, TC, and CC genotypes of rs2241797 in NGT, Ptrend values were 0.024 and 0.016, respectively. Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms of TGFBRAP1 may contribute to the genetic susceptibility of T2DM by mediating diabetes‐related miRNA expression.
Releasing small ejaculates slowly increases per-gamete fertilization success in an external fertilizer: Galeolaria caespitosa (Polychaeta: Serpulidae)
Authors: Olito Colin , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: November 2018

The idea that male reproductive strategies evolve primarily in response to sperm competition is almost axiomatic in evolutionary biology. However, externally fertilizing species, especially broadcast spawners, represent a large and taxonomically diverse group that have long challenged predictions from sperm competition theory—broadcast spawning males often release sperm slowly, with weak resource-dependent allocation to ejaculates despite massive investment in gonads. One possible explanation for these counter-intuitive patterns is that male broadcast spawners experience strong natural selection from the external environment during sperm dispersal. Using a manipulative experiment, we examine how male reproductive success in the absence of sperm competition varies with ejaculate size and rate of sperm release, in the broadcast spawning marine invertebrate Galeolaria caespitosa (Polychaeta: Serpulidae). We find that the benefits of Fast or Slow sperm release depend strongly on ejaculate size, but also that the per-gamete fertilization rate decreases precipitously with ejaculate size. Overall, these results suggest that, if males can facultatively adjust ejaculate size, they should slowly release small amounts of sperm. Recent theory for broadcast spawners predicts that sperm competition can also select for Slow release rates. Taken together, our results and theory suggest that selection often favours Slow ejaculate release rates whether males experience sperm competition or not.
Prevalence of pulp stones: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jannati Reza , Afshari Mahdi , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Allahgholipour Seyedeh Zahra , Eidy Milad , Hajihoseini Mojtaba
Published: November 2018

Objective

During the last years, different prevalences of dental pulps had been reported from different parts of the world. Combining these original estimates will provide useful information for policymaking in the field of health, treatment and research. This study aims to estimate the global prevalence of pulp stones.

Methods

Electronic databanks such as PubMed, Scopus, Science direct, Cochrane, and also Google scholar motor engine were searched by 2 researchers using related keywords. The heterogeneity between the results was assessed using Cochrane andI2indices. The initial estimates were represented by forest plot and were combined according to random effects models. Factors responsible for heterogeneity were investigated using meta‐regression models, and studies responsible for heterogeneity were assessed following sensitivity analysis.

Results

Prevalence of pulp stones had been reported in 16 studies including 14 093 subjects. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of pulp stones among the total population, men and women were estimated as of 36.53% (27.17‐45.88), 32.58% (24‐41.15), and 39.23% (28.73‐49.73), respectively. In addition, of 193 687 teeth investigated during the primary studies, 9.57% (95% confidence interval: 7.05‐12.08) were affected by pulp stones.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis shows a considerable prevalence of pulp stones, especially among women.
New Member of Gromochytriales (Chytridiomycetes)—Apiochytrium granulosporum nov. gen. et sp.
Authors: Karpov Sergey A. , Moreira David , Mamkaeva Maria A. , Popova Olga V. , Aleoshin Vladimir V. , López‐García Purificación
Published: November 2018

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA gene sequences of nearly any species of Chytridiomycota has typically challenged traditional classification and triggered taxonomic revision. This has often led to the establishment of new taxa which, normally, appears well supported by zoospore ultrastructure, which provides diagnostic characters. To construct a meaningful and comprehensive classification of Chytridiomycota, the combination of molecular phylogenies and morphological studies of traditionally defined chytrid species is needed. In this work, we have studied morphological and ultrastructural features based on light and transmission electron microscopy as well as molecular phylogenetic analysis of a parasite (strain X‐124 CCPP ZIN RAS) morphologically similar to Rhizophydium granulosporum living on the yellow‐green alga Tribonema gayanum. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene sequence of this strain supports that it represents a new genus and species affiliated to the recently established order Gromochytriales. The ultrastructure of X‐124 confirms its phylogenetic position sister to Gromochytrium and serves as the basis for the description of the new genus and species Apiochytrium granulosporum. The 18S rRNA gene of A. granulosporum contains a S943 group I intron that carries a homing endonuclease pseudogene.
Investigation of (+)‐catechin stability under ultrasonic treatment and its degradation kinetic modeling
Authors: Zhu Yuchen , Sun Jia , Xu Duoxia , Wang Shaojia , Yuan Yingmao , Cao Yanping
Published: November 2018

(+)‐Catechin (CA) is extremely difficult to be extracted using ultrasound‐assisted extraction technique as CA is unstable under high temperature and oxidation condition. Thus, the stability of CA under various ultrasonic treatment conditions was properly investigated in the present study. The degradation ratio of CA gradually increased with the increase in either the ultrasonic frequency or the input power when the ultrasonic frequency was below 135 kHz or the ultrasonic power was below 0.45 W/cm2. Additionally, the primary degradation product of CA was identified as epicatechin (EC) that was epimerized by CA. Reaction kinetics analysis confirmed that the degradation of CA under ultrasonic treatment followed first‐order kinetics. In addition, ultrasonic treatment induced the increase in kinetic constant (k) and frequency factor (A), while the apparent activation energies (Ea) of CA degradation only decreased at 135 kHz. A mathematical model was established to accurately predict the degradation level of CA under various ultrasonic conditions. The results are of great significance for the ultrasonic extraction of CA from plants without sacrificing the recovery rate.

Practical applications

(+)‐Catechin (CA), which is sensitive to many environmental factors, possesses many physicochemical properties and biological activities. However, due to limited investigations about using ultrasound to extract CA, the stability of CA under ultrasonic treatment was not well studied and no appropriate ultrasound‐assisted extraction method for CA has been developed. Hence, it is essential to understand the stability of CA under ultrasonic treatment. In the present work, the stability of CA under various ultrasonic treatment conditions was properly investigated. A mathematical model was established to accurately predict the degradation level of CA under various ultrasonic conditions. The results are of great significance for the ultrasonic extraction of CA from plants without sacrificing the recovery rate.
Development of a high‐precision viscous chocolate printer utilizing electrostatic inkjet printing
Authors: Suzuki Yuya , Takagishi Kensuke , Umezu Shinjiro
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to create a food printer with sufficient accuracy to grant the product artistry. To achieve this goal, a 3D printing method attracted our attention as such techniques are already used in various fields to create artistic products with complicated shapes. An accuracy of 70 μm is required to accomplish this goal due to the resolution of human eyesight. Therefore, the electrostatic printing method, which is known for printing high‐viscosity materials with high precision, was utilized for the 3D printing method. To improve the printing accuracy, the nozzle structure of the printer was modified using an ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin microfiber, as this material can be easily processed, is nontoxic, and does not interfere with the electric field.

Practical applications

The goal of this study was to create a high‐precision food printing device that can print food materials with various viscosities at a sufficient precision relative to the resolution of human eyesight to meet the user's expectations. Humans evaluate food materials by means of taste, appearance, and odor. We have focused on the appearance of the food material, which we can control with high‐precision printing. Humans with 20/16.7 eyesight can recognize 70 μm at a distance of 30 cm. Therefore, the goal precision of this study is defined as 70 μm. Achieving this precision would enable the food printer to accurately control the appearance of the structure of the printed food product.
Clinical features of idiopathic portal hypertension in China: A retrospective study of 338 patients and literature review
Authors: Sun Yongliang , Lan Xu , Shao Chen , Wang Tailing , Yang Zhiying
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) refers to a relatively rare condition characterized by intrahepatic portal hypertension in the absence of underlying disease such as liver cirrhosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 338 patients with IPH that were diagnosed at the pathological consultation center of our hospital.

Results

The ratio of male to female patients was 1:1. Mean age at onset was 35.1 ± 16.5 years; male patients on average were 12 years younger than female patients at onset. The median duration from onset to IPH diagnosis was 12 months. In 50 patients, medication use may have been an etiological factor. The most common clinical manifestations were splenomegaly (91.3%) and hypersplenism (68.9%); 57.0% patients presented varicosis, while 25.1% patients had a history of variceal bleeding. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia was found in 22.2% liver biopsies. Among patients for whom laboratory data were available, 65.0%, 50.3%, and 71.4% patients presented leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia due to hypersplenism. Liver function was mostly in the compensated stage. Female patients showed worse leukopenia and anemia, while male patients were more likely to have abnormal serum transaminase and bilirubin levels. Sixty‐seven patients received surgical or interventional treatment.

Conclusions

High‐quality liver biopsy, detailed clinical information, and expert pathologist are necessary for diagnosis of IPH. IPH can occur concurrently with other liver disease such as hepatitis and drug‐induced liver injury. Medication appears to be an important etiological factor for IPH in China. Management approach was largely focused on treatment of portal hypertension and its complications.