bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compatibility of early natural enemy introductions in commercial pepper and tomato greenhouses with repeated pesticide applications
Authors: Dáder Beatriz , Colomer Ignacio , Adán Ángeles , Medina Pilar , Viñuela Elisa 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSuccessful integrated pest management in protected crops implies an evaluation of the compatibility of pesticides and natural enemies (NE), as control strategies that only rely on one tactic can fail when pest populations exceed NE activity or pests become resistant to pesticides. Nowadays in Almería (Spain), growers release NE prior to transplanting or early in the crop cycle to favor their settlement before pest arrival because this improves biocontrol efficacy, although it extends pesticide exposure periods. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the compatibility of two applications of pesticides with key NE in 2‐year trials inside tomato and sweet pepper commercial greenhouses: Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae), Orius laevigatus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). In tomato, flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole (IOBC category 1) were compatible with N. tenuis, but chlorpyrifos‐methyl and spinosad (IOBC categories 2–3), which effectively reduced Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) density, compromised its predatory activity. In sweet pepper, chlorantraniliprole (IOBC category 1) was the only pesticide compatible with O. laevigatus while chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, spirotetramat and pymetrozine were harmless (IOBC category 1) to Amblyseius swirskii, and sulfoxaflor slightly harmful (IOBC category 2) to this phytoseiid predator.
A Powderization Process for Encapsulating with Functional Biomaterials Using Nozzleless Electrostatic Atomization
Authors: Mori Chinatsu , Kadota Kazunori , Shimosaka Atsuko , Yoshida Mikio , Shirakawa Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPowderization of oils has been used as a method to enhance the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Previously, we successfully powderized soybean oil via nozzleless electrostatic atomization. The process of nozzleless electrostatic atomization process was applied to the one‐step process of encapsulating oil in wall materials. The encapsulation of oils in powder is dependent on the wall materials. The present study aimed to resolve the behavior of oil encapsulated in particles using a novel method of electrostatic atomization, and to investigate the effect of wall materials on the oil content in the encapsulated formulations. The size of particles surrounding oil was dependent on the type of wall materials used for encapsulation, and the oil content within the encapsulation decreased with increase in particle size. Furthermore, wall materials with higher hydrophobicity increased the oil content within the encapsulation, as more hydrophobic particles could absorb the oil more effectively.Practical ApplicationNozzleless electrostatic atomization is a new method for preparing encapsulation of oil using various wall materials.
Comparison of mRNA expression from Y‐chromosome X‐degenerate region genes in taurine cattle, yaks and interspecific hybrid bulls
Authors: Wu Y. , Zhang W.‐X. , Zuo F. , Zhang G.‐W. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryThe yattle (dzo) is an interspecific hybrid of the taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and the domestic yak (Bos grunniens). F1 hybrid yattle bulls are sterile due to spermatogenic arrest and have misregulation of spermatogenesis genes in the testes. However, the expression pattern of Y chromosome‐linked genes in cattle, yaks and yattle testes is still unknown. In this study, we analyzed the mRNA expression pattern of 10 genes known to be present as single copies in the X‐degenerate region of the bovine male‐specific region of the Y chromosome. Using male‐specific primers and reverse transcription quantitative PCR, the ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat gene, Y‐linked (UTY), oral‐facial‐digital syndrome 1, Y‐linked (OFD1Y) and ubiquitin specific peptidase 9, Y‐linked (USP9Y) genes were ubiquitously expressed and significantly more highly expressed in yattle than in cattle and yaks testes (P < 0.001). RNA binding motif protein, Y‐linked (RBMY) had testes‐specific expression, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A, Y‐linked (EIF1AY) was expressed mainly in testis, whereas yattle and cattle did not show significant differences with respect to the expression of RBMY and EIF1AY. Thus, based on the model of yattle bull sterility, the high expression of UTY, OFD1Y and USP9Y may be associated with yattle infertility.
Genome‐wide detection of genetic loci and candidate genes for teat number and body conformation traits at birth in Chinese Sushan pigs
Authors: Zhou L. , Zhao W. , Fu Y. , Fang X. , Ren S. , Ren J. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryBody conformation at birth and teat number are economically important traits in the pig industry, as these traits are usually explored to evaluate the growth and reproductive potential of piglets. To detect genetic loci and candidate genes for these traits, we performed a GWAS on 269 pigs from a recently developed Chinese breed (Sushan) using 38  128 informative SNPs on the Affymetrix Porcine SNP 55K Array. In total, we detected one genome‐wide significant (P = 1.31e‐6) SNP for teat number on chromosome X and 15 chromosome‐wide significant SNPs for teat number, body weight, body length, chest circumference and cannon circumference at birth on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18. The most significant SNP had an additive effect of 0.74 × total teat number, explaining 20% of phenotypic variance. Five significant SNPs resided in the previously reported quantitative trait loci for these traits and seven significant SNPs had a pleiotropic effect on multiple traits. Intriguingly, 12 of the genes nearest to the significant SNPs are functionally related to body conformation and teat number traits, including SPRED2, MKX, TMSB4X and ESR1. GO analysis revealed that candidate genes proximal to the significant SNPs were enriched in the G‐protein coupled receptor and steroid hormone‐mediated signaling pathway. Our findings shed light on the genetic basis of the measured traits and provide molecular markers especially for the genetic improvement of teat number in Sushan and related pigs.
International external quality assessment for measurements of direct oral anticoagulants: results and recommendations
Authors: Hollestelle Martine J. , Meijer Piet 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThere is limited information regarding the performance of tests for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). To generate more knowledge, the accuracy of DOAC tests were evaluated using external quality assessment data from multiple years. This data demonstrated a good correlation for the tests with a small overall interlaboratory variability (10% for dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban and 12% for edoxaban). The greatest differences between the various reagents were observed for rivaroxaban, especially for concentrations below 100 ng/ml. In conclusion, the results show overall reliable DOAC levels with some differences between reagent groups. Important finding: clinical decision criteria could be affected by the choice of reagent.
Zombie Firms and Debt Accumulation: A Theoretical Framework and Chinese Experience
Authors: Zhu He , He Fan , Wang Shennan , Ye Qianlin , Liang Chen 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn recent years, as China has grappled with rising debt and broad economic restructure, the prevalence of zombie firms has become a critical problem. This paper provides a theoretical framework illustrating the rationale behind the occurrence of zombie firms from the perspective of banks. We develop differential equations to model a bank's expectation and the ex ante estimate that underlies its decision to refinance an insolvent borrower. An optimistic expectation is essential in zombie lending and is intrinsic to the countercyclical pattern of zombie firms. Our model also predicts that debt can build up to an unsustainable level if recovery of profitability is sluggish or the initial debt burden is too high. Examining the Chinese experience of zombie firms over 2007–2017, this paper highlights two findings. First, the share of zombie firms among Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share listed companies demonstrates a countercyclical pattern. Second, the positive correlation between zombie share and debt accumulation across manufacturing sectors sheds light on the link between zombie firms and the rising corporate debt in China. To deal with the “zombie” problem, the government should carefully weigh its policies to avoid further distortions because the occurrence of zombie firms may be inevitable and impossible to eliminate.
Diagnosis of mycobacterial skin infections
Authors: Kromer Christian , Fabri Mario , Schlapbach Christoph , Schulze Marco H. , Groß Uwe , Schön Michael P. , Buhl Timo 
Published: September 2019

SummaryThe diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacterial infections may be challenging. Owing to the broad spectrum of their clinical presentations, mycobacterioses have to be considered as differential diagnoses to many inflammatory dermatoses. Diagnostic measures comprise histology including special staining, cultures and molecular microbiological examinations as well as the detection of cellular immune reactions of the patient by means of interferon‐γ release assays and skin testing. Clinicians should know the appropriate use and combination of procedures to diagnose mycobacterioses quickly and correctly and to avoid costs and delays caused by unnecessary examinations. This mini review summarizes advantages, limitations, and pitfalls of diagnostic methods for mycobacterial skin infections.
Developmental bias in horned dung beetles and its contributions to innovation, adaptation, and resilience
Authors: Hu Yonggang , Linz David M. , Parker Erik S. , Schwab Daniel B. , Casasa Sofia , Macagno Anna L. M. , Moczek Armin P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractDevelopmental processes transduce diverse influences during phenotype formation, thereby biasing and structuring amount and type of phenotypic variation available for evolutionary processes to act on. The causes, extent, and consequences of this bias are subject to significant debate. Here we explore the role of developmental bias in contributing to organisms’ ability to innovate, to adapt to novel or stressful conditions, and to generate well integrated, resilient phenotypes in the face of perturbations. We focus our inquiry on one taxon, the horned dung beetle genusOnthophagus, and review the role developmental bias might play across several levels of biological organization: (a) gene regulatory networks that pattern specific body regions; (b) plastic developmental mechanisms that coordinate body wide responses to changing environments and; (c) developmental symbioses and niche construction that enable organisms to build teams and to actively modify their own selective environments. We posit that across all these levels developmental bias shapes the way living systems innovate, adapt, and withstand stress, in ways that can alternately limit, bias, or facilitate developmental evolution. We conclude that the structuring contribution of developmental bias in evolution deserves further study to better understand why and how developmental evolution unfolds the way it does.
Are kea prosocial?
Authors: Heaney Megan , Bastos Amalia P. M. , Gray Russell D. , Taylor Alex H. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractProsocial behaviour is widespread in humans, but evidence for its occurrence in other species is mixed. We presented a parrot species, the kea (Nestor notabilis) with a series of experiments to test whether they exhibit prosocial tendencies. Across the first round of testing, in our first condition, two of the four kea acted prosocially, as they preferred to choose a prosocial token which rewarded both themselves and a partner, rather than a token that rewarded only themselves. Three of the four kea then showed a preference for the prosocial token in a second condition where they alternated taking turns with a partner. However, no kea showed a decrease in the third yoked control condition in which the experimenter replicated the token choice made by the partner in the previous alternating trials. This yoked condition was used to dissociate truly reciprocal behaviour, whereby the actor made choices based on their partner's choices, from a response to the amount of rewards conferred to the partner. Finally, three of the four kea continued to choose the prosocial token in the fourth asocial control condition where no partner was present. However, in round two of testing, one kea changed its token choices to a similar pattern to that expected if kea are prosocial, in that it preferred the prosocial token in the initial condition, showed a trend for the prosocial token when turns were alternated, but chose at chance in the yoked and asocial conditions. This study therefore found no evidence of spontaneous reciprocity in kea but further testing is required before we can conclude that kea are not capable of prosocial behaviour at all.
Rhabdomyolysis in organic acidemia patients manifesting with metabolic decompensation
Authors: Kido Jun , Matsumoto Shirou , Sawada Takaaki , Endo Fumio , Nakamura Kimitoshi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSeveral metabolic disorders are related to rhabdomyolysis, but their association with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and propionic acidemia (PA) is unclear. Eleven patients with MMA and four patients with PA were treated and/or followed up in Kumamoto University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. Three patients with MMA and one patient with PA developed rhabdomyolysis at 1–2 weeks after onset of metabolic crisis. Cases 1 and 4 initially developed rhabdomyolysis after withdrawal from continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF), and cases 2 and 3 developed rhabdomyolysis at the time of onset and had recurrent rhabdomyolysis during the recovery phase after withdrawal from CHDF. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with rhabdomyolysis. The rhabdomyolysis in patients with MMA and PA may have been attributed to a defect in energy production because of a secondary mitochondrial disorder. Therefore, physicians should closely follow patients with MMA and PA, especially after withdrawal of hemodialysis therapy, and provide supportive care for their mitochondrial function.
Five‐layer border dressings as part of a quality improvement bundle to prevent pressure injuries in US skilled nursing facilities and Australian nursing homes: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Padula William V. , Chen Yutong H. , Santamaria Nick 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe BORDER III trial found that five‐layer silicone border dressings effectively prevented pressure injuries in long‐term care, but the value of this approach is unknown. Our objective was to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of preventing facility‐acquired pressure injuries with a quality improvement bundle, including prophylactic five‐layer dressings in US and Australian long‐term care. Markov models analysed the cost utility for pressure injuries acquired during long‐term care from US and Australian perspectives. Models calibrated outcomes for standard care compared with a dressing‐inclusive bundle over 18 monthly cycles or until death based on BORDER III outcomes. Patients who developed a pressure injury simulated advancement through stages 1 to 4. Univariate and multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses tested modelling uncertainty. Costs in 2017 USD and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were used to calculate an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Dressing use yielded greater QALYs at slightly higher costs from perspectives. The US ICER was $36 652/QALY, while the Australian ICER was $15 898/QALY, both of which fell below a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis favoured dressings as cost‐effective for most simulations. A quality improvement bundle, including prophylactic five‐layer dressings, is a cost‐effective approach for pressure injury prevention in all US and Australia long‐term care residents.
Imiquimod regulating Th1 and Th2 cell‐related chemokines to inhibit scar hyperplasia
Authors: Chen Baoguo , Li Huichao , Xia Wei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractImmunological factors play important roles in the occurrence of hypertrophic scars. Imiquimod can be used as an immunosuppressive agent to regulate the function of T‐helper (Th) cell subsets Th1 and Th2. In this article, we explored the impact of imiquimod on scar hyperplasia through Th cells. A rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model was built. Four round wounds were cut in each rabbit's ears ventrally with a diameter of 1 cm and bilateral symmetry. All the right ear wounds were treated with 5% imiquimod cream. The blank control group contained all the left ear wounds, which were treated with Vaseline ointment at the same time. Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining showed that imiquimod collagen deposition was significantly reduced compared with the control group, scar index (SEI) showed that the proliferative degree reached its peak on the 28th day after operation in blank group, and the degree of hyperplasia was significantly higher than that of the imiquimod group (P < .05). Real‐time Polymerase chain reaction results showed that the imiquimod induced the expression of Th2 cell‐related chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, and CCL13 at each time point, which were significantly lower than that of the blank control group, and the expressions of Th1 cell‐associated chemokines CXCL10 and CXCL12 at each time point was significantly higher than the blank control group (P < .05). Imiquimod can be used to regulate the expression of Th1 and Th2 cell‐associated chemokines to control scar hyperplasia.
Characterisation and diagnosis of ulcers in inpatient dermatology consultation services: A multi‐centre study
Authors: Haynes Dylan , Hammer Phoebe , Malachowski Stephen J. , Kaffenberger Benjamin , Yi Jonathan S. , Vera Nora , Calhoun Cody , Shinohara Michi M. , Seminario‐Vidal Lucia , Trinidad John C. , Keller Jesse J. , Ortega‐Loayza Alex G. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAccurate and prompt diagnosis of skin ulcers is critical to optimise management; however, studies in hospitalised patients are limited. This retrospective review of dermatologic consultations included 272 inpatients with skin ulcers between July 2015 and July 2018 in four U.S. academic hospitals. The median age was 54 years and 45% were male. In 49.3% of the patients, skin ulcers were considered the primary reason for admission. Ulcers of 62% were chronic and 49.6% were located on the lower extremities. Pyoderma gangrenosum (17.3%), infection (12.5%), and exogenous causes (11.8%) were the leading aetiologies; 12% remained diagnostically inconclusive after consultation. Diagnostic agreements pre‐dermatology and post‐dermatology consult ranged from 0.104 (n = 77, 95% CI 0.051‐0.194) to 0.553 (n = 76, 95% CI 0.440‐0.659), indicating poor‐modest agreement. This study highlights the diagnostic complexity and relative incidences of skin ulcers in the inpatient setting.
Pruritus in patients with chronic leg ulcers: A frequent and often neglected problem
Authors: Jockenhöfer Finja , Zaremba Anne , Wehrmann Caren , Benson Sven , Ständer Sonja , Dissemond Joachim 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThere is a paucity of studies regarding pruritus in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Data were collected using newly developed questionnaires for patients and physicians to evaluate pruritus in individuals with chronic leg ulcers. The results show that a total of 50 patients with chronic leg ulcers were included in this prospective study. Frequent pruritus was observed in 32.0% of the participants, while 36.0% reported occasional pruritus. The average pruritus intensity was 3.5 points (0‐10 numeric rating scale [NRS]) and was found to increase with age. Patients experiencing pruritus achieved a higher Wound‐quality of life (QoL) score (32.1) as that of patients without pruritus (25.8). Additional dermatological findings around the wounds included xerosis (26.0%), eczema (4.0%), and excoriations (2.0%). Pruritus was reported by all subjects with eczema and 84.6% of those with xerosis. The pruritus lasted significantly longer in women (average 98.4 months) vs men (average 37.5 months). Interestingly, men reported more intense pruritus than women (4.4 vs 2.8). Females reported more frequent use of skin care products than males. In conclusion, the current data show that two‐thirds of patients with chronic leg ulcers suffer from moderate intense pruritus. Therefore, pruritus is a frequent and often neglected problem that should be regularly evaluated in all patients with chronic leg ulcers and considered in future therapy concepts.
Using Serious Games to Facilitate Collaborative Water Management Planning Under Climate Extremes
Authors: Bathke Deborah J. , Haigh Tonya , Bernadt Tonya , Wall Nicole , Hill Harvey , Carson Andrea 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSustainable management is a complex process that involves balancing the competing interests of the human, plant, and animal communities that depend on watershed resources. It involves developing and implementing plans, programs, and projects that sustain and enhance watershed functions while taking into account the natural, social, political, economic, and institutional factors operating within the watershed and other relevant regions. Examples of such factors include crosscutting mandates by different levels of government, conflicting objectives across sectors, and the constraints and uncertainty of the availability and accessibility of the resources within the watershed. One way to address these complexities is with public participation processes designed to share knowledge among disciplinary experts, policy‐makers, and local stakeholders and provide outcomes, which inform the creation of sustainable watershed management plans. Serious games (i.e., games played for purposes other than pure entertainment) are an example of such processes. Here, we present a case study of how a serious game, called the multi‐hazard tournament, was used to facilitate watershed management by promoting social learning, cross‐sectoral dialogue, and stakeholder participation in the planning process.
Protective role of melatonin in early‐stage and end‐stage liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Zhao Lingfei , Tao Jingjing , Li Lanjuan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe liver is composed of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and dendritic cells; all these functional and interstitial cells contribute to the synthesis and secretion functions of liver tissue. However, various hepatotoxic factors including infection, chemicals, high‐fat diet consumption, surgical procedures and genetic mutations, as well as biliary tract diseases such as sclerosing cholangitis and bile duct ligation, ultimately progress into liver cirrhosis after activation of fibrogenesis. Melatonin (MT), a special hormone isolated from the pineal gland, participates in regulating multiple physiological functions including sleep promotion, circadian rhythms and neuroendocrine processes. Current evidence shows that MT protects against liver injury by inhibiting oxidation, inflammation, HSC proliferation and hepatocyte apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the progression of liver cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize the circadian rhythm of liver cirrhosis and its potential mechanisms as well as the therapeutic effects of MT on liver cirrhosis and earlier‐stage liver diseases including liver steatosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. Given that MT is an antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory agent that is effective in eliminating liver injury, it is a potential agent with which to reverse liver cirrhosis in its early stage.