bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predatory potential of eleven native Moroccan adult ladybird species on different stages of Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)
Authors: El Aalaoui M. , Bouharroud R. , Sbaghi M. , El Bouhssini M. , Hilali L. 
Published: July 2019

Dactylopius opuntiae is an insect pest of cactus which is currently causing severe damage to cactus crops in Morocco. It was first observed in 2014 in the Sidi Bennour region 120 km northwest of Marrakech, and has spread very quickly to destroy the prickly pear cactus crops (Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Miller) in several regions of country, causing very heavy economic losses. To control this pest, the predatory potential of eleven species of native Moroccan ladybird predators was investigated under laboratory conditions at 26 ± 2°C, 60 ± 10% RH and a 12 h light:12 h dark regime. The experiments were conducted in no‐choice feeding tests (only eggs, first instar or second instar of mealybugs were offered at one time) and free‐choice feeding tests (eggs and first and second instar larvae were offered simultaneously). In the no‐choice feeding tests, Exochomus nigripennis, Chilocorus bipustulatus and Chilocorus politus consumed the highest mean number of mealybug eggs and first instars, and the highest mean number of second instars was consumed by Hippodamia convergens. In the free‐choice feeding tests the highest mean number of mealybug eggs was eaten by Chilocorus bipustulatus and Chilocorus politus and Hippodamia convergens consumed the highest mean number of first and second instars of the mealybug.
First report of Thrips setosus in Belgium
Authors: Goedefroit T. , Bonte J. , Reybroeck E. , Bosmans L. , San Martin G. , Witters J. 
Published: July 2019

The Japanese flower thrips, Thrips setosus, is a polyphagous insect which in Europe has mainly been observed on hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.). The first report of T. setosus in the EPPO region was in the Netherlands (2014). Since then it has been observed in four other countries inside the EPPO region: Germany (2015), the United Kingdom (2016), France (2016) and Croatia (2016). Its dispersal is most likely to be related to trade. Because of its polyphagous nature, there is a risk of spread to other economically important crops. Therefore, T. setosus was included in the national survey project ‘STATREGO’, during which the status of several invasive plant pests and diseases in Belgium was determined.
Protective effect of metformin on a rat model of lipopolysaccharide‐induced preeclampsia
Authors: Hu Jilin , Zhang Jinman , Zhu Baosheng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRecent in vitro and clinical studies have found that metformin (MET) may play a preventive or therapeutic role in preeclampsia (PE) and may be a candidate drug for the prevention and/or treatment of PE. In this study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce a PE‐like rat model and investigated the intervention effect of MET from the perspectives of clinical manifestations, placental morphology, serum marker for placental injury, systemic inflammatory response and oxidative/nitrative stress, and placental nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling. The results showed that MET improved LPS‐induced hypertension, proteinuria, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and stillbirth, alleviated placental injury and decreased maternal serum marker alpha‐fetoprotein (MS‐AFP) level; MET suppressed LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐6 productions, reduced oxidative/nitrative stress as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO); MET inhibited LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation in placentas. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that MET is beneficial to the PE‐like rat model by protecting placentas from injury, suppressing systemic inflammatory response and oxidative/nitrative stress, and inhibiting placental NF‐κB signaling pathway. MET is a promising drug for prevention and/or treatment of PE.
Le rôle des initiatives de responsabilité sociale dans le contrôle des audits sociaux et la responsabilisation de leurs auteurs
Authors: TERWINDT Carolijn , ARMSTRONG Amy 
Published: July 2019

RésuméEn 2018, l'effondrement du Rana Plaza braquait le projecteur sur les conditions de travail parfois déplorables dans la confection. Si la grande distribution est depuis pointée du doigt, la responsabilité des cabinets d'audit social est rarement mentionnée. Les auteures examinent les moyens disponibles à ce stade pour repérer et sanctionner les audits négligents ou complaisants, qui taisent les atteintes aux droits des travailleurs. Elles constatent que les contrôles et les rappels à l'ordre restent limités dans les faits. Elles s'interrogent alors sur l'apport des initiatives de responsabilité sociale pour un contrôle véritable de la qualité des audits et une responsabilisation de leurs auteurs.
Le non‐respect des dispositions relatives au salaire minimum en Europe centrale et orientale
Authors: GORAUS‐TAŃSKA Karolina , LEWANDOWSKI Piotr 
Published: July 2019

RésuméL'étude porte sur l'inobservation du salaire minimum dans dix pays d'Europe centrale et orientale dotés de cette institution. Les auteurs estiment la fréquence et la gravité des infractions à partir des données de l'EU‐SILC (2003–2012), en reprenant la méthode de Bhorat, Kanbur et Mayet (2013). Ils tiennent compte dans leurs régressions des caractéristiques individuelles, des caractéristiques de l'emploi et des données macroéconomiques. Les infractions restent relativement peu fréquentes mais touchent d'abord les groupes que les politiques de salaire minimum devraient protéger. Par ailleurs, la hausse du rapport entre salaire minimum et salaire moyen dans le temps s'accompagne d'une hausse de la fréquence des infractions.
Les disparités salariales entre effectifs permanents et effectifs temporaires chez les jeunes, dans trois pays européens
Authors: REGOLI Andrea , D'AGOSTINO Antonella , GRANDNER Thomas , GSTACH Dieter 
Published: July 2019

RésuméLes auteurs étudient les disparités salariales chez les jeunes (25–40 ans) dans trois pays européens (Allemagne, France et Italie) en utilisant les statistiques de l'EU‐SILC (2010). La méthode fait appel à des régressions fondées sur la fonction d'influence recentrée et à des techniques d'estimation par repondération. Elle vise à faire apparaître le rôle des caractéristiques relatives à l'individu et au poste de travail aux différents points de la répartition des salaires. La part de l'écart qui reste inexpliquée est considérable en Italie, pour tous les centiles. En France, elle s'atténue dans le haut de la répartition. En Allemagne, elle n'est jamais significative.
Travailler ou ne pas travailler: la motivation professionnelle autre que pécuniaire et ses prédicteurs, une question d'époque
Authors: SHARABI Moshe , HARPAZ Itzhak 
Published: July 2019

RésuméPour mesurer la motivation professionnelle autre que pécuniaire, on demande généralement aux gens s'ils continueraient à travailler s'ils gagnaient au loto. Les auteurs rappellent les conclusions des études menées sur la base des réponses à cette question dans différents pays dont Israël, tout en recherchant l'influence en la matière des variables démographiques et des différentes dimensions du sens du travail. Ils constatent un net recul de la motivation professionnelle autre que pécuniaire au nouveau millénaire, et une évolution des facteurs en cause. Ils analysent ces résultats et leurs effets potentiels sur le travail et l'emploi au regard de l'évolution économique et sociale en Israël.
New frontiers in applied veterinary point‐of‐capture diagnostics: Toward early detection and control of zoonotic influenza
Authors: Schar Daniel , Padungtod Pawin , Tung Nguyen , O’Leary Michael , Kalpravidh Wantanee , Claes Filip 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAmong the chief limitations in achieving early detection and control of animal‐origin influenza of pandemic potential in high‐risk livestock populations is the existing lag time between sample collection and diagnostic result. Advances in molecular diagnostics are permitting deployment of affordable, rapid, highly sensitive, and specific point‐of‐capture assays, providing opportunities for targeted surveillance driving containment strategies with potentially compelling returns on investment. Interrupting disease transmission at source holds promise of disrupting cycles of animal‐origin influenza incursion to endemicity and limiting impact on animal production, food security, and public health. Adoption of new point‐of‐capture diagnostics should be undertaken in the context of promoting robust veterinary services systems and parallel support for operationalizing pre‐authorized plans and communication strategies that will ensure that the full potential of these new platforms is realized.
Bioinspired multilevel interconnected networks with porous multiwalled nanotubes built by heterogeneous nanocrystallites
Authors: Chen Shikun , Yang Chengzhi , Wu Lingling , Su Huilan , Zhu Yifu , Li Guoyao , Song Fang , Zhang Wang , Gu Jiajun , Liu Qinglei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractInspired by fiber‐interwoven eggshell membrane (ESM) with associated specific permeability and transport performance, interconnected nanotube networks are constructed to empolder relevant distinctive properties and functional advantages. In this work, a typical ESM‐templated procedure combined with stepwise impregnation and gradient calcination is developed to accomplish the fabrication of multilevel frameworks from TiO2 nanocrystallites to porous multiwalled nanotubes (NTs) to final interconnected networks. During the impregnation process, in situ mineralization occurs on ESM fiber substrate to generate Ti‐impregnant coating with variant composition and layered structure. Followed by the calcination, anatase TiO2 porous NTs come into being as ESM templates decompose at 500°C, then heterogeneous nanocrystallites are achieved at higher temperature. Thus, the final ESM‐morphic nanocomposites present interconnected networks woven by porous multiwalled NTs. Benefiting from interconnected multichannels of multilevel networks and controllable heterogeneous nanocrystallites, the ESM‐inspired TiO2 would behave higher light‐excitation and transport efficiency, which can achieve more valuable applications such as photocatalytic degradation to some organic pollutants.
Achieving durable mitral isthmus block: Challenges, pitfalls, and methods of assessment
Authors: Hamoud Naktal S. , Abrich Victor A. , Shen Win‐Kuang , Mulpuru Siva K. , Srivathsan Komandoor 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesMacroreentrant atrial tachycardias often occur following atrial fibrillation ablation, most commonly due to nontransmural lesions in prior ablation lines. Perimitral atrial flutter is one such arrhythmia which requires ablation of the mitral isthmus. Our objectives were to review the literature regarding ablation of the mitral isthmus and to provide our approach for assessment of mitral isthmus block.MethodsWe review anatomical considerations, ablation strategies, and assessment of conduction block across the mitral isthmus, which is subject to several pitfalls. Activation sequence and spatial differential pacing techniques are discussed for assessment of both endocardial and epicardial bidirectional mitral isthmus block.ResultsTraditional methods for verifying mitral isthmus block include spatial differential pacing, activation mapping, and identification of double potentials. Up to 70% of cases require additional ablation in the coronary sinus (CS) to achieve transmural block. Interpretation of transmural block is subject to six pitfalls involving pacing output, differentiation of endocardial left atrial recordings from epicardial CS recordings, identification of a slowly conducting gap in the line, and catheter positioning during spatial differential pacing. Interpretation of unipolar electrograms can identify nontransmural lesions. We employ a combined epicardial and endocardial assessment of mitral isthmus block, which involves using a CS catheter for epicardial recording and a duodecapolar Halo catheter positioned around the mitral annulus for endocardial recording.ConclusionsThe assessment of transmural mitral isthmus block can be challenging. Placement of an endocardial mapping catheter around the mitral annulus can provide a precise assessment of conduction across the mitral isthmus.
Periodontitis in individuals with liver cirrhosis: A case–control study
Authors: Costa Fernando Oliveira , Lages Eugênio José Pereira , Lages Elizabeth Maria Bastos , Cota Luís Otávio Miranda 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between liver cirrhosis and periodontitis.MethodsThis case–control study included 294 individuals, 98 cases with liver cirrhosis and 196 controls. A full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed and plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing were recorded. The association of risk variables with periodontitis was tested through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, stratified by alcohol status.ResultsA high prevalence of periodontitis was observed among cases (62.2%) when compared to controls (41.8%). Individuals with cirrhosis presented a chance ~2 higher of having periodontitis than controls (OR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.39–3.78; p < .001). Significant variables associated with periodontitis in the final logistic models were as follows: (a) no/occasional alcohol use model—number of teeth up 14, age ≥45–55 years, male sex and smoking; (b) moderate and intensive alcohol use models—cirrhosis, number of teeth up 14, age ≥45–55 years, male sex and smoking.ConclusionsAn important risk association between liver cirrhosis and periodontitis was observed. Additionally, the intensive alcohol use significantly increased the risk for periodontitis.
Limited female dispersal predicts the incidence of Wolbachia across ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Treanor David , Hughes William O. H. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia is perhaps the greatest panzootic in the history of life on Earth, yet remarkably little is known regarding the factors that determine its incidence across species. One possibility is that Wolbachia more easily invades species with structured populations, due to the increased strength of genetic drift and higher initial frequency of infection. This should enable strains that induce mating incompatibilities to more easily cross the threshold prevalence above which they spread to either fixation or a stable equilibrium infection prevalence. Here, we provide empirical support for this hypothesis by analysing the relationship between female dispersal (as a proxy for population structure) and the incidence of Wolbachia across 250 species of ants. We show that species in which the dispersal of reproductive females is limited are significantly more likely to be infected with Wolbachia than species whose reproductive ecology is consistent with significant dispersal of females, and that this relationship remains after controlling for host phylogeny. We suggest that structured host populations, in this case resulting from limited female dispersal, may be an important feature determining how easily Wolbachia becomes successfully established in a novel host, and thus its occurrence across a wide diversity of invertebrate hosts.
An Ultrastructural Study of the Extruded Polar Tube of Anncaliia algerae (Microsporidia)
Authors: Takvorian Peter M. , Han Bing , Cali Ann , Rice William J. , Gunther Leslie , Macaluso Frank , Weiss Louis M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAll microsporidia share a unique, extracellular spore stage, containing the infective sporoplasm and the apparatus for initiating infection. The polar filament/polar tube when exiting the spore transports the sporoplasm through it into a host cell. While universal, these structures and processes have been enigmatic. This study utilized several types of microscopy, describing and extending our understanding of these structures and their functions. Cryogenically preserved polar tubes vary in diameter from 155 to over 200 nm, noticeably larger than fixed‐sectioned or negatively stained samples. The polar tube surface is pleated and covered with fine fibrillar material that projects from the surface and is organized in clusters or tufts. These fibrils may be the sites of glycoproteins providing protection and aiding infectivity. The polar tube surface is ridged with 5–6 nm spacing between ridges, enabling the polar tube to rapidly increase its diameter to facilitate the passage of the various cargo including cylinders, sacs or vesicles filled with particulate material and the intact sporoplasm containing a diplokaryon. The lumen of the tube is lined with a membrane that facilitates this passage. Careful examination of the terminus of the tube indicates that it has a closed tip where the membranes for the terminal sac are located.
Impact of Computer‐Based and Pharmacist‐Assisted Medication Review Initiated in the Emergency Department
Authors: Liu Ying‐Ling , Chu Li‐Ling , Su Hui‐Chen , Tsai Kang‐Ting , Kao Pei‐Hsin , Chen Jung‐Fang , Hsieh Hsing‐Chun , Lin Hung‐Jung , Hsu Chien‐Chin , Huang Chien‐Cheng 
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVESWhether early medication reconciliation and integration can reduce polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in the emergency department (ED) remains unclear. Polypharmacy and PIM have been recognized as significant causes of adverse drug events in older adults. Therefore, this pilot study was conducted to delineate this issue.DESIGNAn interventional study.SETTINGA medical center in Taiwan.PARTICIPANTSOlder ED patients (aged ≥65 years) awaiting hospitalization between December 1, 2017, and October 31, 2018 were recruited in this study. A multidisciplinary team and a computer‐based and pharmacist‐assisted medication reconciliation and integration system were implemented.MEASUREMENTSThe reduced proportions of major polypharmacy (≥10 medications) and PIM at hospital discharge were compared with those on admission to the ED between pre‐ and post‐intervention periods.RESULTSA total of 911 patients (pre‐intervention = 243 vs post‐intervention = 668) were recruited. The proportions of major polypharmacy and PIM were lower in the post‐intervention than in the pre‐intervention period (−79.4% vs −65.3%; P < .001, and − 67.5% vs −49.1%; P < .001, respectively). The number of medications was reduced from 12.5 ± 2.7 to 6.9 ± 3.0 in the post‐intervention period in patients with major polypharmacy (P < .001).CONCLUSIONEarly initiation of computer‐based and pharmacist‐assisted intervention in the ED for reducing major polypharmacy and PIM is a promising method for improving geriatric care and reducing medical expenditures. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2298–2304, 2019
RALBP1 regulates oral cancer cells via Akt and is a novel target of miR‐148a‐3p and miR‐148b‐3p
Authors: Ieong ChengCheng , Ma Junpeng , Lai Wenli 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundMalignant tumors arising from the epithelium of the oral cavity are termed as squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). The aim of the current work was to understand the role of an isoform of RAS‐like protein (RAL), RALBP1, in mediating squamous cell tumorigenesis. The study also aims to understand epigenetic modifications of RALBP1 mediated through microRNA‐148a/b‐3p.MethodsBiopsies of tumor and healthy tissues from 25 patients with OSCC were collected and subjected to RNA and protein extraction to confirm upregulation of RLBP1 in tumor tissues. Expression of RLBP1 was silenced in SCC‐9, using shRNA, and HN6 was transfected with plasmid bearing genes for RLBP1 over expression. Tumorigenic traits such as increased glucose uptake, aerobic glycolysis, enhanced cellular survival, cell migration, and invasion were assessed. Probable, molecular machinery involved in the upregulation was also assessed using Western blots. Using Target Scan tool, the miRNAs targeting RLBP1 were identified. Rescue of phenotypes in presence of miRNAs were also evaluated.ResultsOver expression of RLBP1 was associated with increased glucose uptake and aerobic glycolysis mediated ATP synthesis. The cells divided at a faster rate with a higher rate of migration and invasion phenotype. miR‐148a/b‐3p were found to target RLBP1 and rescued RLBP1 mediated phenotype.ConclusionRLBP1 may mediate squamous cell tumorigenesis in oral cavity, independently of the RAS protein and through Akt. miR‐148a/b‐3p functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting RLBP1.
Effect of autoclaving on the mechanical properties and structure of the giant squid hydrolysate‐polysaccharide gel
Authors: Chen Ling , Liu Xiangyu , Yang Yan , Xue Changhu , Xue Yong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFish hydrolysates are an attractive option for preparing composite gel foods. However, not much is known regarding their gel properties. Here, we investigated the effect of the autoclaving treatment (121°C, 10 min) on the microstructure and properties of the giant squid hydrolysate‐konjac glucomannan–κ‐carrageenan–locust bean gum gel (GSH‐P gel). The nuclear magnetic resonance proton spin–spin relaxation time (T2) measurements indicated that autoclaving led to stronger water‐binding ability of the GSH‐P gel. The rheological measurements indicated that autoclaving led to significantly higher viscoelastic modulus and gel strength. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering indicated that the phase separation of polysaccharides and proteins/peptides was enhanced by autoclaving, and the polysaccharides swelled better, resulting in less, but ordered, network structures. Autoclaving had a similar, but insignificant, positive effect on the polysaccharide (P) gel. Thus, GSH seems to play an important role in the process of polysaccharide gelation. This study shows that autoclaving can alter the structure and improve the properties of the GSH‐P gel.
Environmental heterogeneity and not vicariant biogeographic barriers generate community‐wide population structure in desert‐adapted snakes
Authors: Myers Edward A. , Xue Alexander T. , Gehara Marcelo , Cox Christian L. , Davis Rabosky Alison R. , Lemos‐Espinal Julio , Martínez‐Gómez Juan E. , Burbrink Frank T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractGenetic structure can be influenced by local adaptation to environmental heterogeneity and biogeographic barriers, resulting in discrete population clusters. Geographic distance among populations, however, can result in continuous clines of genetic divergence that appear as structured populations. Here, we evaluate the relevant importance of these three factors over a landscape characterized by environmental heterogeneity and the presence of a hypothesized biogeographic barrier in producing population genetic structure within 13 codistributed snake species using a genomic data set. We demonstrate that geographic distance and environmental heterogeneity across western North America contribute to population genomic divergence. Surprisingly, landscape features long thought to contribute to biogeographic barriers play little role in divergence community wide. Our results suggest that isolation by environment is the most important contributor to genomic divergence. Furthermore, we show that models of population clustering that incorporate spatial information consistently outperform nonspatial models, demonstrating the importance of considering geographic distances in population clustering. We argue that environmental and geographic distances as drivers of community‐wide divergence should be explored before assuming the role of biogeographic barriers.