bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do We Want a Referendum on the Common Market?
Authors: Duff Andrew
Published: March 2019

In March 1975 Britain quarrelled about whether to hold a referendum on membership of the European Community. The Hansard Society organised an important debate about it between Enoch Powell, Geoffrey Howe, John Mackintosh and Keith Kyle. This is a report on that event drawn from a recently discovered recording. Many of the arguments deployed then are being repeated in today's debate about a ‘people's vote'—including the long‐term effects on the UK's constitution of having recourse to the referendum device.
Oviposition preference and development of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different radiofrequency fields
Authors: Maharjan Rameswor , Bae Soondo , Kim Gil‐Hah , Yoon Youngnam , Jang Yunwoo , Kim Yongchul , Yi Hwijong
Published: March 2019

Maruca vitrata is considered as one of the major impediments in boosting up the production of tropical legumes. Since chemical pesticides have an adverse effect on human health and environment, there is an urgent need for developing a non‐chemical based method to replace chemical insecticides for controlling of pests. We investigated the oviposition, development and adult performances of M. vitrata at five radiofrequency levels of 0 (control without frequency), 5, 10, 20, and 30 kHz on artificial diet. In addition, the effects were also studied in three successive generations (Parent, F1‐ and F2‐ generations) of M. vitrata. The results showed that radiofrequency application had significant effects on the life‐variables of M. vitrata. Radiofrequency exposures on M. vitrata not only impacted on oviposition, developmental time, adult longevity, and adult weight but negative effects were also transmitted to the successive generations. Oviposition was found to reduce as generation passed after exposed to radiofrequencies. Total developmental times from egg to adult emergence were longer with shorter longevity in case of radiofrequency treatment than untreated. Decreasing the radiofrequency level further increased time for development of adults as generation passed. The shortest adult longevity occurred at 5 kHz treatment. The outcomes of this study are discussed in terms of targeting susceptibilities to radiofrequency as an alternative to chemical treatments.
Visualization and characterization of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 pellicles
Authors: Farias Gabriela A. , Olmedilla Adela , Gallegos María‐Trinidad
Published: March 2019

Cellulose, whose production is controlled by c‐di‐GMP, is a commonly found exopolysaccharide in bacterial biofilms. Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000, a model organism for molecular studies of plant–pathogen interactions, carries the wssABCDEFGHI operon for the synthesis of acetylated cellulose. The high intracellular levels of the second messenger c‐di‐GMP induced by the overexpression of the heterologous diguanylate cyclase PleD stimulate cellulose production and enhance air–liquid biofilm (pellicle) formation. To characterize the mechanisms involved in Pto DC3000 pellicle formation, we studied this process using mutants lacking flagella, biosurfactant or different extracellular matrix components, and compared the pellicles produced in the absence and in the presence of PleD. We have discovered that neither alginate nor the biosurfactant syringafactin are needed for their formation, whereas cellulose and flagella are important but not essential. We have also observed that the high c‐di‐GMP levels conferred more cohesion to Pto cells within the pellicle and induced the formation of intracellular inclusion bodies and extracellular fibres and vesicles. Since the pellicles were very labile and this greatly hindered their handling and processing for microscopy, we have also developed new methods to collect and process them for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These techniques open up new perspectives for the analysis of fragile biofilms in other bacterial strains.
Yeast two‐ and three‐species hybrids and high‐sugar fermentation
Authors: Sipiczki Matthias
Published: March 2019

The dominating strains of most sugar‐based natural and industrial fermentations either belong to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces uvarum or are their chimeric derivatives. Osmotolerance is an essential trait of these strains for industrial applications in which typically high concentrations of sugars are used. As the ability of the cells to cope with the hyperosmotic stress is under polygenic control, significant improvement can be expected from concerted modification of the activity of multiple genes or from creating new genomes harbouring positive alleles of strains of two or more species. In this review, the application of the methods of intergeneric and interspecies hybridization to fitness improvement of strains used under high‐sugar fermentation conditions is discussed. By protoplast fusion and heterospecific mating, hybrids can be obtained that outperform the parental strains in certain technological parameters including osmotolerance. Spontaneous postzygotic genome evolution during mitotic propagation (GARMi) and meiosis after the breakdown of the sterility barrier by loss of MAT heterozygosity (GARMe) can be exploited for further improvement. Both processes result in derivatives of chimeric genomes, some of which can be superior both to the parental strains and to the hybrid. Three‐species hybridization represents further perspectives.
A native with a taste for the exotic: weeds and pasture provide year‐round habitat for Nysius vinitor (Hemiptera: Orsillidae) across Australia, with implications for area‐wide management
Authors: Parry Hazel R , Marcora Anna , Macfadyen Sarina , Hopkinson Jamie , Hulthen Andrew D , Neave Mick , Bianchi Felix J J A , Franzmann Bernard A , Lloyd Richard J , Miles Melina , Zalucki Myron P , Schellhorn Nancy A
Published: March 2019

While pest management tends to focus on pests that are already present in crops, non‐crop hosts may play a crucial role in supporting pest populations outside the crop growing season. Non‐crop hosts may allow pest populations to persist throughout the year, build‐up and colonise crops after emergence. Here, we assess the hosts of the Rutherglen bug, Nysius vinitor Bergroth, which is a polyphagous native insect pest of growing economic importance in Australia. We conducted a literature review on the occurrence of N. vinitor on crop and non‐crop hosts and analysed field survey data on N. vinitor abundance from two independent field studies in three agricultural regions of Australia. We differentiated between juvenile (nymph) and adult stages to consider the function of plants as reproduction sites. The literature review resulted in reports of N. vinitor on 44 crop species from 18 plant families. Pigweed Portulaca oleracea and capeweed Arctotheca calendula were the most cited weed hosts. In the field study, N. vinitor was primarily found on exotic weeds and grasses within pastures, Lucerne and degraded native vegetation remnants. While N. vinitor was found on a total of 16 weed plant families, juvenile stages of N. vinitor were most often observed on fleabane (Conyza spp.), goosefoot Chenopodium pumilio (Amaranthaceae) and plants of the Asteraceae family, indicating that these are important host plants for N. vinitor reproduction. Grasses appear to be an important but understudied host plant group; citations in the literature do not reflect the extent to which N. vinitor was found on grasses in the field. In contrast, the field survey indicated that very few native plant species supported N. vinitor, which was consistent across regions and confirms findings from the literature review. Our findings suggest that exotic weeds and grasses (but not native plants) play a key role in supporting N. vinitor populations in Australian agricultural landscapes. Reducing exotic weeds in pastures and non‐crop habitats may limit breeding opportunities of N. vinitor and may be an important component in the area‐wide management of this polyphagous pest.
Results of combining intramedullary nailing and plate fixation for treating segmental femoral fractures
Authors: Liu Hui , Wu Jin , Lin Dasheng , Lian Kejian , Luo Deqing
Published: March 2019

Background

Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is generally accepted as the standard treatment for femoral shaft fractures. However, segmental femoral fractures are considered to be a special injury type associated with high complication rates. Combined IMN and plate is proved to be a reliable method for treating complex tibia fractures with less operation time and high union rates. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to evaluate the outcome of following combined IMN and plate fixation for segmental femoral fractures.

Methods

Between February 2013 and January 2016, 18 consecutive patients with femoral shaft fracture with AO/OTA type 32‐C2 were treated via combined IMN and plate. Surgical details, operative and postoperative complications, the rate of union and time to union were evaluated.

Results

There were 14 men and four women with a mean age of 37.8 years (range 27–52 years). All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Of the patients, 13 were closed fractures, three were Gustilo type I open fractures and two were Gustilo type II open fractures. All patients achieved union within 18.9 weeks (range 12–28 weeks) and none of them had malunion. There were no deep infections, and two patients with superficial wound infections were successfully treated with antibiotics.

Conclusion

Combining IMN and plate fixation appears to be a reliable method for the treatment of segmental femoral shaft fractures with less operation time, high union rates and ability to maintain alignment, therefore it provides another choice for treating segmental femoral fractures.
Feasibility of support vector machine learning in age‐related macular degeneration using small sample yielding sparse optical coherence tomography data
Authors: Quellec Gwenolé , Kowal Jens , Hasler Pascal W. , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Zweifel Sandrine , Konstantinos Balaskas , de Carvalho João Emanuel Ramos , Heeren Tjebo , Egan Catherine , Tufail Adnan , Maloca Peter M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

A retrospective pilot study is conducted to demonstrate the utility of a novel support vector machine learning (SVML) algorithm in a small three‐dimensional (3D) sample yielding sparse optical coherence tomography (spOCT) data for the automatic monitoring of neovascular (wet) age‐related macular degeneration (wAMD).

Methods

From the anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor injection database, 588 consecutive pairs of OCT volumes (57.624 B‐scans) were selected in 70 randomly chosen wAMD patients treated with ranibizumab. The SVML algorithm was applied to 183 OCT volume pairs (17.934 B‐scans) in 30 patients. Four independent, diagnosis‐blinded retina specialists indicated whether wAMD activity was present between 100 pairs of consecutive OCT volumes (9800 B‐scans) in the remaining 40 patients for comparison with the SVML algorithm and a non‐complex baseline algorithm using only retinal thickness. The SVML algorithm was assessed using inter‐observer variability and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

The retina specialists showed an average Cohen's κ of 0.57 ± 0.13 (minimum: 0.41, maximum: 0.83). The average κ between the proposed algorithm and the retina specialists was 0.62 ± 0.05 and 0.43 ± 0.14 between the baseline algorithm and the retina specialists. Using each of the four retina specialists as the reference, the proposed method showed a superior area under the ROC curve of 0.91 ± 0.03 compared to the ROC 0.81 ± 0.05 shown by the baseline algorithm.

Conclusion

The SVML algorithm was as effective as the retina specialists were in detecting activity in wAMD. Support vector machine learning (SVML) may be a useful monitoring tool in wAMD suited for small samples that yield sparse OCT data possibly derived from self‐measuring OCT‐robots.
The distributions of morphologically specialized hummingbirds coincide with floral trait matching across an Andean elevational gradient
Authors: Sonne Jesper , Zanata Thais B. , Martín González Ana M. , Cumbicus Torres Nixon L. , Fjeldså Jon , Colwell Robert K. , Tinoco Boris A. , Rahbek Carsten , Dalsgaard Bo
Published: March 2019

Morphological trait matching between species affects resource partitioning in mutualistic systems. Yet, the determinants of spatial variation in trait matching remain largely unaddressed. Here, we generate a hypothesis that is based on the geographical distributions of species morphologies. To illustrate our hypothesis, as a study system we use hummingbirds in the tropical Andes. Hummingbirds with specialized morphologies (i.e., long or curved bills) may forage on flowers that are inaccessible to hummingbirds with generalized bill morphologies (i.e., small‐to‐medium‐sized bills with no curvature), yet the vast majority of hummingbirds have generalized bill morphologies. Thus, we propose that trait matching across space is determined by the distribution of morphological specialists. In the Andes, we observe the richness of specialized hummingbird morphotypes to peak at high and low elevations. Therefore, we hypothesize that trait matching should be most influential in predicting pairwise interactions at high and low elevations. We illustrate our hypothesis by field observations along an elevational gradient in Podocarpus National Park (Ecuador). Using Bayesian hierarchical modeling of interaction frequencies in combination with network analyzes, we found that hummingbirds at high and low elevations contributed to resource partitioning by foraging on morphologically close‐matching flowers. Moreover, at high and low elevations, hummingbirds with specialized morphologies showed a stronger tendency to visit close‐matching flowers than morphological non‐specialists did. In contrast, at mid‐elevations, hummingbirds were not attracted to morphologically close‐matching flowers. These results suggest that the spatial distribution of specialized morphotypes determines trait matching and the partitioning of interactions within hummingbird–plant communities.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
PARTY CUES, POLITICAL TRENDS, AND FISCAL INTERACTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Leguizamon J. Sebastian , Montero Kuscevic Casto Martin
Published: March 2019

Recent theoretical and empirical research has suggested that similarities in party affiliations across space will alter voters' comparisons, thus influencing fiscal policy mimicking. We employ a two‐regime spatial panel data model applied to U.S. state governors from 1970 to 2012, and find rather weak empirical evidence of influence of political party affiliations in fiscal yardstick competition. Our observed cross‐state interdependence in fiscal policies suggests voters may not weigh party affiliation heavily in their measure of comparative quality, treating each incumbent individually and independently. Incumbents strategically choose policy accordingly. This provides indirect support for the median voter theorem, in which incumbents' objective function is to maximize votes, independent of political affiliation. (JEL D72, H2, H7)
Insulin promotes invasion and migration of KRASG12D mutant HPNE cells by upregulating MMP‐2 gelatinolytic activity via ERK‐ and PI3K‐dependent signalling
Authors: Wang Guangfu , Yin Lingdi , Peng Yunpeng , Gao Yong , Gao Hao , Zhang Jingjing , Lv Nan , Miao Yi , Lu Zipeng
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but the function of insulin in carcinogenesis is unclear, so this study aimed to elucidate the carcinogenic effects of insulin and the synergistic effect with the KRAS mutation in the early stage of pancreatic cancer.

Materials and methods

A pair of immortalized human pancreatic duct‐derived cells, hTERT‐HPNE E6/E7/st (HPNE) and its oncogenic KRASG12D variant, hTERT‐HPNE E6/E7/KRASG12D/st (HPNE‐mut‐KRAS), were used to investigate the effect of insulin. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed using Cell Counting Kit‐8 and transwell assays, respectively. The expression of E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, vimentin and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2, MMP‐7 and MMP‐9) was evaluated by Western blotting and/or qRT‐PCR. The gelatinase activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in conditioned media was detected using gelatin zymography. The phosphorylation status of AKT, GSK3β, p38, JNK and ERK1/2 MAPK was determined by Western blotting.

Results

The migration and invasion ability of HPNE cells was increased after the introduction of the mutated KRAS gene, together with an increased expression of MMP‐2. These effects were further enhanced by the simultaneous administration of insulin. The use of MMP‐2 siRNA confirmed that MMP‐2 was involved in the regulation of cell invasion. Furthermore, there was a concentration‐ and time‐dependent increase in gelatinase activity after insulin treatment, which could be reversed by an insulin receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (HNMPA‐(AM)3). In addition, insulin markedly enhanced the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT, p38, JNK and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways, with wortmannin or LY294002 (a PI3K‐specific inhibitor) and PD98059 (a MEK1‐specific inhibitor) significantly inhibiting the insulin‐induced increase in MMP‐2 gelatinolytic activity.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that insulin induced migration and invasion in HPNE and HPNE‐mut‐KRAS through PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 activation, with MMP‐2 gelatinolytic activity playing a vital role in this process. These findings may provide a new therapeutic target for preventing carcinogenesis and the evolution of pancreatic cancer with a background of hyperinsulinemia.
Advanced oxidation protein products play critical roles in liver diseases
Authors: Zhao Yalei , Zhang Lingjian , Ouyang Xiaoxi , Jiang Zhengyi , Xie Zhongyang , Fan Linxiao , Zhu Danhua , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2019

There is a complex oxidant and antioxidant system that maintains the redox homoeostasis in the liver. While suffering from exogenous or endogenous risk factors, the balance between oxidants and antioxidants is disturbed and excessive reactive oxygen species are generated, resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is prevalent in various liver diseases and is thought to be involved in their pathophysiology. Advanced oxidation protein products are generated under conditions of oxidative damage and are newly described protein markers of oxidative stress. Previous studies have underscored the universal pathogenic roles of oxidation protein products in various diseases. However, investigations into how these products participate in the development of liver diseases have been superficial and insufficient. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the roles of advanced oxidation protein products in liver disease pathogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we summarize the current studies on advanced oxidation protein products in infectious and noninfectious, acute and chronic liver diseases. Different strategies for targeting these advanced oxidation protein products and future perspectives, which may pave the way for developing new therapeutic strategies, will also be discussed here.
Glucose effectiveness and its components in relation to body mass index
Authors: Morettini Micaela , Di Nardo Francesco , Ingrillini Laura , Fioretti Sandro , Göbl Christian , Kautzky‐Willer Alexandra , Tura Andrea , Pacini Giovanni , Burattini Laura
Published: March 2019

Background

Obesity is known to induce a deterioration of insulin sensitivity (SI), one of the insulin‐dependent components of glucose tolerance. However, few studies investigated whether obesity affects also the insulin‐independent component, that is glucose effectiveness (SG). This cross‐sectional study aimed to analyse SG and its components in different body mass index (BMI) categories.

Materials and methods

Three groups of subjects spanning different BMI (kg m−2) categories underwent a 3‐h frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test: Lean (LE; 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25, n = 73), Overweight (OW; 25 ≤ BMI < 30, n = 90), and Obese (OB; BMI ≥ 30, n = 41). OB has been further divided into two subgroups, namely Obese I (OB‐I; 30 ≤ BMI < 35, n = 27) and Morbidly Obese (OB‐M; BMI ≥ 35, n = 14). Minimal model analysis provided SG and its components at zero (GEZI) and at basal (BIE) insulin.

Results

Values for SG were 1.98 ± 1.30 × 10−2·min−1 in all subjects grouped and 2.38 ± 1.23, 1.84 ± 0.82, 1.59 ± 0.61 10−2·min−1 in LE, OW and OB, respectively. In all subjects grouped, a significant inverse linear correlation was found between the log‐transformed values of SG and BMI (r = −0.3, P < 0.0001). SG was significantly reduced in OW and OB with respect to LE (P < 0.001) but no significant difference was detected between OB and OW (P = 0.35) and between OB‐I and OB‐M (P = 0.25). Similar results were found for GEZI. BIE was not significantly different among NW, OW and OB (P = 0.11) and between OB‐I and OB‐M (P ≥ 0.07).

Conclusions

SG and its major component GEZI deteriorate in overweight individuals compared to those in the normal BMI range, without further deterioration when BMI increases above 30 kg m−2.
Ethnic–Racial Socialization Practices Among Latino Immigrant Families: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Ayón Cecilia , Tran Alisia G. T. T. , Nieri Tanya
Published: March 2019

Objective

To examine profiles of Latinx immigrant parents' use of ethnic–racial socialization (ERS) strategies, as well as demographic, cultural, and sociopolitical factors associated with those profiles.

Background

Few studies have examined ethnic–racial socialization strategies beyond cultural socialization among Latinx immigrant families. This study was designed to assess 6 ERS strategies: cultural socialization, promotion of mistrust, adapt (preparation for bias, avoidant coping), advocate (preparation for bias, active coping), promoting the value of diversity, and educating about nativity and documentation status.

Method

Using a cross‐sectional design and a sample of 300 immigrant parents (80% of whom were mothers; overall mean of 3 children). A new validated ERS measure was used along with measures of familismo, social support, and discrimination.

Results

Profile analysis revealed 3 ERS profiles: Low ERS, Moderate ERS, and High ERS. Although parents in the sample used all the ERS strategies, they used adapt and promotion of mistrust with less frequency relative to other strategies across the 3 profiles. Four demographic variables and 2 cultural variables predicted profile membership.

Conclusion

This study advances understanding of how Latinx immigrant parents socialize their children in the context of resurgent antiimmigrant sentiment and policy and illuminates the complexities in the ERS process.

Implications

Practitioners should assess for strategies parents use to prepare their children for racial interactions and the support structures parents have in place. In addition, future interventions need to account for ERS strategies, which are a particularly critical aspect of parenting among immigrants given current attitudes toward immigration in the United States.
Traditional methods for managing illness in newborns and infants in an Arab society
Authors: Arabiat D.H. , Whitehead L. , AL Jabery M. , Towell‐Barnard A. , Shields L. , Abu Sabah E.
Published: March 2019

Aim

This study explored self‐management practices in relation to traditional methods for managing illness in newborns and infants and the implications of these practices on infant health.

Background

Self‐medication with folk remedies is believed to have short‐ and long‐term impacts on well‐being. Little is known about how mothers in Arab societies used their traditional beliefs and practices in self‐managing their newborns’ and infants’ health.

Methods

Data were collected from five focus groups using open‐ended questions with 37 mothers. Participants were selected using snowball sampling and were recruited from four different cities in Jordan between June 2016 and August 2016.

Ethical approval

All identifying information regarding the study participants has been omitted, and this study was approved by the Academic Research Committee at the University of Jordan.

Findings

Mothers were more willing to try herbal remedies, traditional massage and certain foods to self‐manage their infants’ health. Folk remedies were not restricted to traditions handed down through generations, but included a representation of newly emerged trends towards ‘safety’ or ‘nature’.

Conclusions

While the use of folk remedies have been handed down generations as customs, today, virtual support groups and social media provide modern resources for folk remedies’ promotion in care and self‐management.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nursing and health policymakers can use our findings for planning and developing strategies and health policies that increase public awareness about adverse health effects associated with herbal remedies. Such strategies are likely to be facilitated through partnerships between nursing and midwifery education institutions, antenatal clinics and social media in the region.
Water diffusion in Zr‐containing fiberglass materials at room temperature
Authors: Glazneva Tatiana S. , Paukshtis Evgeny A. , Sadovskaya Ekaterina M. , Larina Tatyana V. , Bal'zhinimaev Bair S.
Published: March 2019

Diffusion of water into Zr‐containing silica fiberglass materials was studied at room temperature by infrared spectroscopy. Several types of experiments were performed: (a) rehydration with H2O of fiberglass materials previously calcined in air at 450°C and under vacuum at 180°C; (b) isotopic experiments for uncalcined fiberglass materials using D2O with and without the presence of sodium. Water diffusion coefficients were determined in each case. It was suggested that the transfer of the protons and water molecules occurred by different mechanisms: the protons diffused through the hydroxyl groups via the relay mechanism like in liquid water, whereas water diffused more slowly in the form of molecular water.
Influence of PbO stoichiometry on the properties of PZT ceramics and multilayer actuators
Authors: Oldenkotte Moritz , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Schönau Kristin A. , Kühlein Marc , Bernard Thilo , Hoffmann Michael J. , Hinterstein Manuel
Published: March 2019

Lead‐oxide stoichiometry of lead‐zirconate‐titanate (PZT) ceramics and multilayer actuators is a critical issue for fabrication and performance. During sintering, the high vapor pressure and the corresponding volatility of lead oxide (PbO) require a careful design of sintering setup and parameters, as both may significantly impact on the PbO content in ceramics and devices. In order to investigate the effects of PbO stoichiometry, PZT compositions with different PbO contents have been synthesized and were sintered under varying temperature conditions and sintering setups. Structure and microstructure of the material was characterized using X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dielectric properties and high field strain behavior were analyzed with respect to their relation to PbO content and grain size. Corresponding experiments with multilayer actuators were carried out, whereby the PbO content was varied by controlling the sintering atmosphere. The results indicate that there is a pronounced correlation between PbO content, structure and high field strain in both, PZT ceramics, and multilayer actuators.
Cross‐Functional Integration: Concept Clarification and Scale Development
Authors: Pellathy Daniel A. , Mollenkopf Diane A. , Stank Theodore P. , Autry Chad W.
Published: March 2019

The centrality of cross‐functional integration (CFI) to supply chain theory and practice has long been recognized. Yet researchers continue to struggle with consistently defining or measuring the CFI construct, thus limiting the utility of CFI research. This research develops (1) a comprehensive definition of CFI that synthesizes previous supply chain research and (2) a valid set of scale items that measure the conceptual domain outlined by this definition. The goal is to build a common foundation for extending knowledge on CFI's antecedents and consequences, and ultimately to improve scholars’ ability to guide a broader practitioner community still struggling to achieve integration in their organizations.
Pruritus characteristics in a large Italian cohort of psoriatic patients
Authors: Damiani G. , Cazzaniga S. , Conic R.R.Z. , Naldi L. ,   Psocare Registry Network
Published: March 2019

Background

Psoriasis (Ps) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease associated with pruritus in 64–98% of patients. However, few modestly sized studies assess factors associated with psoriatic pruritus.

Objective

To investigate factors associated with Ps pruritus intensity.

Methods

Psoriasis patients 18 years or older seen in one of 155 centres in Italy between September 2005 and 2009 were identified from the Italian PsoCare registry. Patients without cutaneous psoriasis and those with missed information on pruritus were excluded.

Results

We identified 10 802 patients, with a mean age 48.8 ± 14.3 years. Mild itch was present in 33.2% of patients, moderate in 34.4%, severe in 18.7% and very severe in 13.7%. Higher itch intensity was associated with female gender, lower educational attainment compared to university degree, pustular psoriasis, psoriasis on the head, face, palmoplantar areas, folds and genitalia, more severe disease, disease duration <15 years, and no or few prior systemic treatments.

Limitations

Effects of specific medication on itch were not assessed.

Conclusions

Pruritus should be evaluated during psoriasis visits, and physicians should be aware of patients at higher risk for itch. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of medications on itch, and establish therapy for psoriasis patients with persistent itch.
Perspectives of Patients in Identifying Their Values‐Based Health Priorities
Authors: Feder Shelli L. , Kiwak Eliza , Costello Darcé , Dindo Lilian , Hernandez‐Bigos Kizzy , Vo Lauren , Geda Mary , Blaum Caroline , Tinetti Mary E. , Naik Aanand D.
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES

Patient Health Priorities Identification (PHPI) is a values‐based process in which trained facilitators assist older adults with multiple chronic conditions identify their health priorities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients’ perceptions of PHPI.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using thematic analysis.

SETTING

In‐depth semistructured telephone and in‐person interviews.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty‐two older adults who participated in the PHPI process.

MEASUREMENTS

Open‐ended questions about patient perceptions of the PHPI process, perceived benefits of the process, enablers and barriers to PHPI, and recommendations for process enhancement.

RESULTS

Patient interviews ranged from 9 to 63 minutes (median = 20 min; interquartile range = 15–26). The mean age was 80 years (standard deviation = 7.96), 64% were female, and all patients identified themselves as white. Of the sample, 73% reported no caregiver involvement in their healthcare; 36% lived alone. Most patients felt able to complete the PHPI process with ease. Perceived benefits included increased knowledge and insight into disease processes and treatment options, patient activation, and enhanced communication with family and clinicians. Patients identified several factors that were both enablers and barriers to PHPI including facilitator characteristics, patient demographic and clinical characteristics, social support, relationships between the patient and their primary care provider, and the changing health priorities of the patient. Recommendations for process enhancement included more frequent and flexible facilitator contacts, selection of patients for participation based on specific patient characteristics, clarification of process aims and expectations, involvement of family, written reminders of established health priorities, short duration between facilitation and primary care provider follow‐up, and the inclusion of health‐related tasks in facilitation visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients found the PHPI process valuable in identifying actionable health priorities and healthcare goals leading to enhanced knowledge, activation, and communication regarding their treatment options and preferences. PHPI may be useful for aligning the healthcare that patients receive with their values‐based priorities.
A Balance of Social Inclusion and Risks: Staff Perceptions of Information and Communication Technology in the Daily Life of Young Adults with Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability in a Social Care Context
Authors: Ramsten Camilla , Martin Lene , Dag Munir , Marmstål Hammar Lena
Published: March 2019

Information and communication technology (ICT) has increased in importance and facilitates participation in several life areas throughout society. However, young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability make less use ICT than the general population. Disability services staff play a central role in supporting and enabling service users in daily life, and their perceptions of ICT are important to their role in service provision. The aim of the study is to describe staff perceptions of the role of ICT and how it affects daily life in young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability living in residential homes. Focus group interviews and individual interviews were conducted with staff working in residential homes in which young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability live. All materials were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using latent content analysis. Staff perceived ICT and, more specifically, the Internet as being supportive of both daily life and social relationships of these young adults, but they also viewed ICT as posing social risks. Perceptions of and support for ICT were related to staff perceptions about what is appropriate and manageable in relation to an individual resident's functioning level. Staff members also considered the views of parents about appropriate content when providing support. Staff in residential homes for young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability use their implicit moral judgment about the use of ICT by residents. Their enablement of and support for ICT are not primarily based on the service user's wishes or interests. This finding implies a risk that the organization of a conflict‐free service provision is a higher priority than service users' participation in social life.
Milestones in the discovery of Budd‐Chiari syndrome
Authors: Zanetto Alberto , Pellone Monica , Senzolo Marco
Published: March 2019

In 1845, George Budd published a brief report regarding three patients who developed an obstruction of the hepatic veins. The condition has never been reported before, and was related to sepsis and alcoholism. Fifty‐three years later, Hans Chiari postulated that syphilis was causing the obstruction of the hepatic veins, and enriched the debate with clinical and pathological correlations. Following the hypothesis on the ‘phlebitis obliterans’, several authors proposed other pathophysiological explanations including congenital causes, chronic trauma and exogenous toxins. RG Parker, in 1959, first recognized the relationship between obstruction of hepatic veins and thrombophilic conditions such as polycythaemia vera, pregnancy and hormonal therapy. Based on that, anticoagulant treatment was attempted, but with unsatisfactory outcome. We need to wait until the mid 1980s to see a widespread adoption of anticoagulants, with a consequent improvement of patients' survival. The fear of haemorrhagic events in patients with liver disease discouraged this therapeutic approach, and other surgical interventions (mainly port‐systemic shunts) were conceived, but with high morbidity and mortality. The first liver transplantation in 1976 and the first trans‐jugular intra‐hepatic porto‐systemic shunt in 1993 represented two major cornerstones in the management of Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS). Such progresses allowed modifying the treatment of BCS until the modern concept of stepwise therapy. The present review thoroughly reviews the major landmarks in the discovery, treatment and clinical management of patients with BCS.
Stealing styles
Authors: Haensler Philippe Pascal
Published: March 2019

The “uncreative writing” movement has quickly and firmly established its position as one of the prime examples for a genuinely twenty‐first‐century poetics. With regards to stylistics on the level of the text, the most glaring feature of works like Kenneth Goldsmith's “Kenneth Goldsmith Sings Jacques Derrida” (a musical reading/rendition of parts of Derrida's Of Grammatology) or Vanessa Place's “The laugh of the Minotaur” (an almost word‐for‐word retyping of Hélène Cixous's “The laugh of the Medusa”) is, quite simply, not to have a personal literary style at all. Despite its first (non‐)appearance, this lack does not make the question of style obsolete—on the contrary: where other authors’ styles are stolen, the focus shifts to the specific styles of stealing themselves. This multilayered movement, the article argues, directly responds to a specific set of problems in post‐structuralist literary theory and provides a key contribution towards (re)conceptualizing what literary style is—or, rather, was—in the first place.
SOX10 regulates multiple genes to direct eumelanin versus pheomelanin production in domestic rock pigeon
Authors: Domyan Eric T. , Hardy Jeremy , Wright Tanner , Frazer Cody , Daniels Jordan , Kirkpatrick Joshua , Kirkpatrick Jacob , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Hill Jonathon T.
Published: March 2019

The domesticated rock pigeon (Columba livia) has been bred for hundreds of years to display an immense variety of ornamental attributes such as feather color and color patterns. Color is influenced by multiple loci that impact the type and amount of melanin deposited on the feathers. Pigeons homozygous for the “recessive red” mutation, which causes downregulation of Sox10, display brilliant red feathers instead of blue/black feathers. Sox10 encodes a transcription factor important for melanocyte differentiation and function, but the genes that mediate its promotion of black versus red pigment are unknown. Here, we present a transcriptomic comparison of regenerating feathers from wild‐type and recessive red pigeons to identify candidate SOX10 targets. Our results identify both known and novel targets, including many genes not previously implicated in pigmentation. These data highlight the value of using novel, emerging model organisms to gain insight into the genetic basis of pigment variation.
Evolution of congenital melanocytic nevi toward benignity: A case series
Authors: Cotton Colleen H. , Goldberg Gerald N.
Published: March 2019

We report on four children born with medium to large congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) with color heterogeneity and irregular surface rugosity. As these patients aged, their nevi evolved to become more homogeneous and lighter in color, and developed a smoother, more even texture. We propose that given this evolution toward benignity, conservative monitoring and management may be appropriate even in the context of atypical‐appearing features at birth. Such knowledge regarding the evolution of these CMN can more accurately guide parents and clinicians in determining whether to biopsy or remove an atypical‐looking lesion early in life for medical or cosmetic reasons.
Novel metrics to classify fire blight resistance of 94 apple cultivars
Authors: Kostick S. A. , Norelli J. L. , Evans K. M.
Published: March 2019

Fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), a potentially devastating disease in apple, can cause floral, fruit and structural damage and even tree death. Most commercial apple cultivars are susceptible and the resistance/susceptibility of many modern cultivars has not been evaluated. Fire blight resistance/susceptibility is difficult to phenotype due to quantitative resistance, impacts of tree vigour and environment on susceptibility, and the erratic nature of the disease. Resistance/susceptibility levels were determined for 94 apple cultivars and important breeding parents. In 2016 and 2017, multiple actively growing shoots per tree (about three trees per cultivar) were challenged withE. amylovoraEa153n via a cut‐leaf inoculation method. Proportion of current season's shoot length blighted (SLB) was calculated for each shoot. To classify cultivar responses, estimated marginalSLBmeans were compared to four controls, representing highly susceptible (HS) to highly resistant (HR), via Dunnett's tests. Cultivar responses ranged fromHStoHRwith estimated marginalSLBmeans of 0.001–0.995 in 2016 and 0.000–0.885 in 2017. Most cultivars demonstrated similar resistance/susceptibility levels in both years (ρ = 0.657,P < 0.0001). K‐means clustering was used to classify cultivars into three resistance/susceptibility groups based on incidence, average severity (SLB), and maximum severity values (maximumSLBand age of wood infected). Sixteen cultivars were consistently moderately resistant (MR) toHRwhile the remainder ranged fromHStoMR. An updated comparison of susceptibility of important cultivars is provided. Resistance/susceptibility information gained could be used to identify genetic loci associated with resistance/susceptibility and/or inform parental selection in apple scion breeding programmes.
Comparative analysis of thylakoid protein complexes in the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells from C3, C4 and C3–C4 Paniceae grasses
Authors: Hernández‐Prieto Miguel A. , Foster Christie , Watson‐Lazowski Alexander , Ghannoum Oula , Chen Min
Published: March 2019

To better understand the coordination between dark and light reactions during the transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis, we optimized a method for separating thylakoids from mesophyll (MC) and bundle sheath cells (BSCs) across different plant species. We grew six Paniceae grasses including representatives from the C3, C3–C4 and C4 photosynthetic types and all three C4 biochemical subtypes [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐dependent malic enzyme (NADP‐ME), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐dependent malic enzyme (NAD‐ME) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)] in addition to Zea mays under control conditions (1000 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 and 400 ppm of CO2). Proteomics analysis of thylakoids under native conditions, using blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), demonstrated the presence of subunits of all light‐reaction‐related complexes in all species and cell types. C4 NADP‐ME species showed a higher photosystems I/II ratio and a clear accumulation of the NADH dehydrogenase‐like complexes in BSCs, while Cytb6f was more abundant in BSCs of C4 NAD‐ME species. The C4 PEPCK species showed no clear differences between cell types. Our study presents, for the first time, a good separation between BSC and MC for a C3–C4 intermediate grass which did not show noticeable differences in the distribution of the thylakoid complexes. For the NADP‐ME species Panicum antidotale, growth at glacial CO2 (180 ppm of CO2) had no effect on the distribution of the light‐reaction complexes, while growth at low light (200 μmol quanta m−2 s−1) promoted the accumulation of light‐harvesting proteins in both cell types. These results add to our understanding of thylakoid distribution across photosynthetic types and subtypes, and introduce thylakoid distribution between the MC and BSC of a C3–C4 intermediate species.
Effects of different exercise training programs on body composition: A randomized control trial
Authors: Amaro‐Gahete Francisco J. , De‐la‐O Alejandro , Jurado‐Fasoli Lucas , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Castillo Manuel J. , Gutiérrez Ángel
Published: March 2019

We aimed to investigate the effects of different exercise training programs on body composition parameters in sedentary middle‐aged adults. A total of 89 middle‐aged adults (53.5 ± 4.9 years old; ~53% women) participated in the FIT‐AGEING study. A 12‐week randomized controlled trial was performed with a parallel group design. The participants were randomly assigned to (a) a concurrent training based on physical activity recommendation from the World Health Organization group (PAR group), (b) a high‐intensity interval training group (HIIT group), and (c) a high‐intensity interval training group adding whole‐body electromyostimulation group (WB‐EMS group). A significant decrease of fat body mass, fat body mass index, and visceral adipose tissue was observed in all training modalities compared to the control group (all P ≤ 0.001). There was a significant increase in lean body mass in the HIIT group as well as in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.044), whereas an increment of lean body mass index was only observed in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group and the PAR group (all P ≤ 0.042). A significant increase of bone mineral content was observed in the WB‐EMS group compared to the control group (P = 0.015), while no changes were found in the PAR group and in the HIIT group compared to the control group (all P ≥ 0.2). Our findings suggest that PAR, HIIT, and WB‐EMS can be used as a strategy to improve body composition parameters, obtaining slightly better results with the application of WB‐EMS.
Controlling floodwater mosquitoes by river regulation
Authors: Dargahi Bijan
Published: March 2019

Floodwater mosquitoes cause serious problems especially the spread of mosquito‐borne diseases. The main challenge is to implement acceptable general mitigation methods. In recent years, encouraging steps have been taken in favour of developing more sustainable measures such as modern biological methods. The novelty of the present study is in suggesting an alternative green method that can eliminate the use of any secondary biological or chemical agents. The method is based on establishing an alternative river regulation scheme that limits flooding of high‐risk lowland areas. A combined hydrodynamic modelling and optimization method gave effective river regulation schemes. The main idea is to maintain the total power production for a modified inflow hydrograph. The approach was applied to a 30‐km reach of the Österdalälven River located in central Sweden. It was found that with the specific constraints of the site a reduction of about 8% of lowland flood areas is possible if the inflow hydrograph is moderately modified by 20%. Higher reductions are possible by further modification of the hydrograph. The proposed method has a general character controlled by the specific site requirements of a critical flow or a water surface elevation. Based on the foregoing information, the method can be applied to similar sites.