bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Verbal Number in Lo–Toga and Hiw: The Emergence of a Lexical Paradigm
Authors: François Alexandre 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSeveral languages around the world encode number through a regular alternation between verb roots, in a pattern sometimes called ‘verbal number suppletion’ (Veselinova 2006). Lo–Toga and Hiw, two Oceanic languages of Vanuatu (Torres Islands), thus alternate certain verbs according to their absolutive argument's number – e.g. Hiw tō ‘go:Sing’ vs. vën ‘go:Plural’. The pattern affects 17 verb pairs in Lo–Toga, 33 in Hiw. This rich system is a local innovation in the Torres Islands, not found elsewhere in Oceanic.This structure is here analysed for the first time. Verbal number is not just agreement: its principles and categories differ from nominal number. Despite its similarity with suppletion, the structure really involves separate words, organised into a ‘lexical paradigm’ – a structured set of lexical pairs, contrasting individual vs. collective events. The comparative method helps reconstruct the system's development. A former circumfix encoding pluractionality was the source for the number alternation; yet most verbs encoded the contrast lexically, as near‐synonyms were harnessed into the emergent paradigm. Crucially, even after it was recruited into the number paradigm, each verb remained an autonomous lexeme. While nominal number belongs to the morphology, the paradigm of verbal number in the Torres languages pertains entirely to the lexicon.
Flattening of the articular eminence is associated with the loss of occlusal support: radiological study
Authors: Oruba Z , Malisz P , Sendek J , Aardal VE , Kopycińska N , Krzystyniak K , Darczuk D , Kaczmarzyk T 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDegenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint might be associated with ageing and/or with the loss of occlusal support.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether the inclination of the posterior slope of the articular eminence changes in association with: (i) ageing in patients with maintained occlusal support zones (OSZs); and (ii) the loss of OSZs in elders.MethodsIn this retrospective radiological study, selected orthopantomograms were allocated into the following groups: I—age 18–35, maintained OSZs, II—age 36–60, maintained OSZs, III—age >60, at least one OSZ per side maintained, IV—age >60, loss of all OSZs. The inclination of the articular eminence was measured relative to the Frankfort plane.ResultsThe mean values of the inclination of the slope of the articular eminence amounted 34.05° ± 5.17°, 36.68° ± 5.65°, 34.86° ± 6.26° and 26.31° ± 5.12° for group I, II, III and IV respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups I to III. Group IV differed significantly from each of the previous groups.ConclusionsFlattening of the articular eminence is associated with the loss of OSZs rather than ageing.
Carbon isotope analysis shows introduced bovines have broader dietary range than the largest native herbivores in an Australian tropical savanna
Authors: Reid Angela M. , Murphy Brett P. , Vigilante Tom ,   Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, Barry Linda A. , Bowman David M.J.S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAustralian savannas lack native megaherbivores (>500 kg body mass), but since the commencement of European colonisation in the 19th century bovine livestock, such as cattle (Bos sp.) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), have established large feral populations that continue to geographically expand. The largest extant native herbivores are marsupials in the family Macropodidae (henceforth 'macropods': common wallaroo, Osphranter robustus [c. 40 kg]; antilopine wallaroo, O. antilopinus [c. 35 kg] and agile wallaby, Notamacropus agilis [c. 20 kg]). These species occur at low densities, with evidence that some species are in decline, the cause of which remains uncertain. We tested the hypothesis that bovines and macropods compete for nutritious forage in the North Kimberley, Western Australia by using carbon isotope analysis of feral cattle and native macropod dung (as a proxy for the relative contribution of C4 grass to their diet) and nutrient analysis of standing herbaceous biomass. Grass consumption varied between macropod species and was highest in larger wallaroo species and lowest in the smaller agile wallaby reflecting its broader diet. Grass consumption by wallaroos was maximal on fertile sites. The relative abundance of grass in the diet of cattle was lowest in the middle of the dry season with an interaction between fire and substrate fertility where grass consumption was highest on fertile sites, particularly those recently burnt. Grass consumption by cattle and wallaroos was negatively correlated with fibre content of live biomass, which was lowest on fertile and burnt sites. Introduced bovines shift their diets to non‐grasses as quality of herbaceous biomass declines with increasing fibre content, and by contrast, the largest macropod herbivores do not have this dietary flexibility. We conclude a plausible mechanism for the success of bovines and the decline of large macropods in Australian savannas is competition for nutritious grass that is abundant immediately after fire.
Roadmap of germline development and in vitro gametogenesis from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Makar Karen , Sasaki Kotaro 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe germ cell lineage is a fundamental component of the metazoan life cycle, ensuring the perpetuation and substantial diversification of genetic information across generations. Recent advances in the understanding of mouse germ cell development have culminated in the ability to reconstitute gametogenesis in vitro, thereby enabling the biochemical and molecular analyses of germ cell specification and subsequent development in mice. Similar advances in reconstituting human germ cells in vitro would provide critical insight into the etiology of various reproductive conditions and disorders, including infertility.ObjectivesThis review presents the mechanisms leading to germ cell development in mammals, particularly in mice and non‐human primates, as well as the applicability of these animal models to human germ cell development. The induction methods performed to recapitulate germ cell development in vitro are also discussed in this review, specifically focusing on in vitro gametogenesis from pluripotent stem cells.Materials and methodsThis review compiles the key methods and findings of various references relevant to the above‐mentioned topic.ResultsMurine models have provided essential mechanistic insight into the process of germ cell lineage development. However, there are several structural differences between mice and humans during early embryogenesis that hinder the extrapolation of findings made in murine models to what may occur in humans. Recent studies using human or non‐human primate embryos and human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived germ cells shed light on key cellular and genetic mechanisms governing germ cell development in humans.DiscussionUtilizing the knowledge obtained from studying germ cell development in different animal models, induction methods established by various laboratories now permit partial reconstitution of human gametogenesis in vitro.ConclusionIn vitro gametogenesis will constitute an emergent new field in human reproductive medicine in the near future, although legal and ethical considerations must be taken into account.
Historical Vignette: Attempted treatment of Sigmund Freud's oral squamous cell carcinoma by vasectomy (Steinach Operation) in 1923
Authors: Benmoussa Nadia , Charlier Philippe , Rebibo John‐David 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAt the beginning of the 20th century, the Viennese physiologist Eugen Steinach proposed to treat the effects of physiological ageing by vasectomy. After experimenting his theory with animal, he published his results, and convinced scientists to apply this method to humans (ie men). The scientific community has been convinced by these pictures of the interest of these vasectomies, and many patients undergo it for the purpose of physical, mental and sexual rejuvenation, including Sigmund Freud.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to explain How Sigmund Freud decided to do this operation.Materials and methodsWe read and analysed a set of articles and books about Sigmund Freud live and the rejuvenation theory with the help of Sigmund Freud Museum (London).ResultsFreud suffered from a cancer of the right maxillary diagnosed in 1923 for which he underwent a first surgery of excision on April 20, 1923 followed by radiotherapy and a lot of another surgery to treat reccurences. Probably in despair or wanting to heal himself, he decided to have a Steinach vasectomy.DiscussionSigmund Freud knew Steinach's theories through his scientific publications, including his work on the «treatment of homosexuality» (sic!); he even tended to believe that biological methods were more reliable for «treating homosexuality» than his psychoanalyses. Because cancer was considered a disease of old age, vasectomy rejuvenation seemed to be useful (and potentially effective) in treating cancer, according to Freud.ConclusionEven Sigmund Freud, who was a great scientist, was fooled by the scientific results of a badly conducted study. We must keep a critical eye on new medical developments.
Hemi‐ablative low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy for unilateral localised prostate cancer
Authors: Langley Stephen , Uribe Jennifer , Uribe‐Lewis Santiago , Franklin Adrian , Perna Carla , Horton Alex , Cunningham Melanie , Higgins Donna , Deering Claire , Khaksar Sara , Laing Robert 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo report clinical outcomes of the Hemi‐Ablative Prostate Brachytherapy (HAPpy) trial evaluating treatment‐related toxicity and effectiveness of hemi‐gland (HG) low‐dose‐rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy as a focal approach to control unilateral localised prostate cancer.Patients and MethodsSingle institution phase IIS pilot study of patients treated with focal 4D Brachytherapy™ (BXTAccelyon, Burnham, Buckinghamshire, UK). The primary outcome was patient‐reported toxicity 24 months after implant. The secondary outcome was assessment of disease control. Outcomes in HG patients were compared to whole‐gland (WG) controls obtained from our prospective cohort registry by negative binomial and linear regression models.ResultsPre‐treatment demography was similar between the 30 HG patients and 362 WG controls. Post‐implant dosimetry was similar for the prostate gland target volumes and significantly reduced for the urethra and bowel in HG patients relative to WG controls, but this did not translate into a difference in post‐implant mean symptom scores between the two groups. Nevertheless, the change in score from baseline indicated that the impact on pre‐treatment symptom status was less after HG implants. Only HG patients showed a return to baseline urinary scores as early as 12 months. Sexual potency was conserved in 73% and 67% of HG and WG patients, respectively (P = 0.84). Post‐implant prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) kinetics revealed that baseline PSA was reduced at 24 months by 78% and 88% in HG and WG patients, respectively (P < 0.05). Treatment relapse occurred in one (3%) HG patient 55 months after implant and in nine (3%) WG patients at 32–67 months after implant.ConclusionThis pilot study suggests that treatment‐related toxicity and biochemical outcomes after HG implants are broadly similar to those observed with WG treatment despite the lower dose delivered by HG implants.
Blockade of angiotensin AT1 receptors prevents arterial remodelling and stiffening in iron‐overloaded rats
Authors: Fidelis Helbert Gabriel , Mageski Jandinay Gonzaga Alexandre , Goes Susana Curry Evangelista , Botelho Tatiani , Marques Vinicius Bermond , Ávila Renata Andrade , dos Santos Leonardo 
Published: November 2019

Background and PurposeDamage to the vasculature caused by chronic iron‐overload in both humans and animal models, is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and reduced compliance. In vitro, blockade of the angiotensin II AT1 receptors reversed functional vascular changes induced by chronic iron‐overload. In this study, the effect of chronic AT1 receptor blockade on aorta stiffening was assessed in iron‐overloaded rats.Experimental ApproachMale Wistar rats were treated for 15 days with saline as control group, iron dextran 200 mg·kg−1·day−1, 5 days a week (iron‐overload group), losartan (20 mg·kg−1·day−1 in drinking water), and iron dextran plus losartan. Mechanical properties of the aorta were assessed in vivo. In vitro, aortic geometry and biochemical composition were assessed with morphometric and histological methods.Key ResultsThoracoabdominal aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) increased significantly, indicating a decrease in aortic compliance. Co‐treatment with losartan prevented changes on PWV, β‐index, and elastic modulus in iron‐overloaded rats. This iron‐related increase in PWV was not related to changes in aortic geometry and wall stress. but to increased elastic modulus/wall stress ratio, suggesting that a change in the composition of the wall was responsible for the stiffness. Losartan treatment also ameliorated the increase in aorta collagen content of the iron‐overload group, without affecting circulating iron or vascular deposits.Conclusions and ImplicationsLosartan prevented the structural and functional indices of aortic stiffness in iron‐overloaded rats, implying that inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system would limit the vascular remodelling in chronic iron‐overload.
G protein‐biased kratom‐alkaloids and synthetic carfentanil‐amide opioids as potential treatments for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Gutridge Anna M. , Robins Meridith T. , Cassell Robert J. , Uprety Rajendra , Mores Kendall L. , Ko Mee Jung , Pasternak Gavril W. , Majumdar Susruta , van Rijn Richard M. 
Published: November 2019

Background and PurposeMitragyna speciosa, more commonly known as kratom, is a plant that contains opioidergic alkaloids but is unregulated in most countries. Kratom is used in the self‐medication of chronic pain and to reduce illicit and prescription opioid dependence. Kratom may be less dangerous than typical opioids because of the stronger preference of kratom alkaloids to induce receptor interaction with G proteins over β‐arrestin proteins. We hypothesized that kratom (alkaloids) can also reduce alcohol intake.Experimental ApproachWe pharmacologically characterized kratom extracts, kratom alkaloids (mitragynine, 7‐hydroxymitragynine, paynantheine, and speciogynine) and synthetic carfentanil‐amide opioids for their ability to interact with G proteins and β‐arrestin at μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors in vitro. We used C57BL/6 mice to assess to which degree these opioids could reduce alcohol intake and whether they had rewarding properties.Key ResultsKratom alkaloids were strongly G protein‐biased at all three opioid receptors and reduced alcohol intake, but kratom and 7‐hydroxymitragynine were rewarding. Several results indicated a key role for δ opioid receptors, including that the synthetic carfentanil‐amide opioid MP102—a G protein‐biased agonist with modest selectivity for δ opioid receptors—reduced alcohol intake, whereas the G protein‐biased μ opioid agonist TRV130 did not.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results suggest that kratom extracts can decrease alcohol intake but still carry significant risk upon prolonged use. Development of more δ opioid‐selective synthetic opioids may provide a safer option than kratom to treat alcohol use disorder with fewer side effects.
X‐linked intellectual disability: Phenotypic expression in carrier females
Authors: Ziats Catherine A. , Schwartz Charles E. , Gecz Jozef , Shaw Marie , Field Michael J. , Stevenson Roger E. , Neri Giovanni 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTo better understand the landscape of female phenotypic expression in X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID), we surveyed the literature for female carriers of XLID gene alterations (n = 1098) and combined this with experience evaluating XLID kindreds at the Greenwood Genetic Center (n = 341) and at the University of Adelaide (n = 157). One‐hundred forty‐four XLID genes were grouped into nine categories based on the level of female phenotypic expression, ranging from no expression to female only expression. For each gene, the clinical presentation, gene expression in blood, X‐inactivation (XI) pattern, biological pathway involved, and whether the gene escapes XI were noted. Among the XLID conditions, 88 (61.1%) exhibited female cognitive phenotypic expression only, while 56 (38.9%) had no female phenotypic expression (n = 45), phenotype expression with normal cognition in females (n = 8), or unknown status for female phenotypic expression (n = 3). In twenty‐four (16.6%) XLID genes, XI was consistently skewed in female carriers, in 54 (37.5%) XI showed variable skewing, and in 33 (22.9%) XI was consistently random. The XI pattern was unknown in 33 (22.9%) XLID conditions. Therefore, there is evidence of a female carrier phenotype in the majority of XLID conditions although how exactly XI patterns influence the female phenotype in XLID conditions remains unclear.
From Third‐Class to World‐Class Citizens: Claiming Belonging, Countering Betrayal in the Margins of Ahmedabad
Authors: Salmi Jelena 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper ethnographically explores the repercussions of the large‐scale displacement and resettlement of slum‐dwellers in the city of Ahmedabad, India, where state‐sponsored urban development aimed at the creation of a slum‐free world‐class city is strongly personified around the figure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Based on ten months’ fieldwork in the slum resettlement site of Sadbhavna Nagar in 2015–2016, I explore the intricacies of betrayal resulting from world‐class city making. First, I suggest that infrastructure interventions and futuristic imaginaries invoked dreams of a better future among the poor, but resulted in a sense of having been betrayed by both Modi and the state when people were physically and discursively excluded from the world‐class city. Second, I demonstrate how resettled people have engaged in micro‐level practices of betrayal by mobilizing middle‐class “nuisance talk” (Ghertner 2012) to denigrate their new, unwanted neighbors. I argue that the perceived betrayal by the state trickles down and translates into a betrayal of neighbors in the resettlement site, reinforcing the pre‐existing inequalities of caste and religion among the urban poor [Displacement; Urban Development; World‐Class City; Resettlement; India].
How can we correct for contingent valuation bias? A case study of the Macau Orchestra
Authors: Vinnicombe Thea , Sou Joey Pek U 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe long‐standing contingent valuation method (CVM) is one of the most controversial techniques in economics. But it still remains the main means of assisting policymakers in understanding the preferences of ordinary citizens in valuing a range of non‐market goods believed to have positive external benefits. In the absence of viable alternatives, it is necessary that this method continues to be refined. This is especially important as CVM is increasingly being applied outside the area of environmental economics and outside the Western socio‐political context where theoretical advances have previously been made. This article examines three sources of bias in CVM in the context of valuing cultural goods: information, mixed good, and payment vehicle bias. A small case study of a publicly funded orchestra in an Asian city, the Macau Orchestra, is used to provide a preliminary exploration of the issues discussed.
An assessment of transesophageal echocardiography studies rated as rarely appropriate tests for infective endocarditis at an academic medical center
Authors: Amuchastegui Tomas , Hur David J. , Lynn Fillipon Nicole M. , Eder Maxwell D. , Bonomo Jason A. , Kim Yekaterina , McNamara Robert L. , Malinis Maricar , Sugeng Lissa 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeEndocardial involvement documented by echocardiography is a major criterion of the modified Duke criteria (MDC) for infective endocarditis (IE). Though transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is sensitive in the diagnosis of IE, it can be inappropriately used.MethodsThis retrospective study included all patients who underwent TEE due to bacteremia, fever, and/or endocarditis in a single, tertiary academic medical center in 2013. Data collected from electronic medical charts were as follows: demographics, history, physical examination, blood cultures, and transthoracic (TTE) and TEE findings. Cases were categorized based on appropriate use criteria (AUC) and MDC. An infectious disease (ID) specialist reviewed cases with rarely appropriate TEE use.ResultsIn the 194 patients included, 147 (75.8%) were rated as appropriate, 36 (18.6%) rarely appropriate, and 11 (5.6%) uncertain. Of the 36 with rarely appropriate TEEs, using MDC 31 (86%) were rejected and 5 (14%) were possible for IE. Retrospective chart review by an ID specialist determined that 10 of these patients warranted TEE due to compelling issues, including immunosuppression or complicated infection.ConclusionsIn this retrospective cohort, almost one fifth of cases were rated as rarely appropriate. However, a review of these cases showed that TEE was often pursued when the clinical situation involved immunosuppression or complex infectious process. There remains room for improvement to our screening process for TEE and a need to implement a nuanced educational plan to better precisely identify appropriate cases for TEE usage.
Management of aortic valve replacement according to the gradient across symptomatic aortic valve stenosis and its prognostic impact
Authors: Bridonneau Valentin , Galli Elena , Auffret Vincent , Lederlin Mathieu , Campion Marine , Le Breton Herve , Boulmier Dominique , Hubert Arnaud , Lenz Pierre‐Axel , Leclercq Christophe , Oger Emmanuel , Donal Erwan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundTreatment strategy for low‐gradient (LG) aortic stenosis (AS) remains an unresolved issue. The presence of a low aortic gradient and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) might lead toward the underestimation of aortic stenosis severity and a more conservative management. We sought (a) to describe the nature and timing of intervention according to flow/gradient subgroups in patibents with LG‐AS, (2) to determine the factors associated with the decision to intervene, and (c) to describe prognosis.Methods and ResultsOne hundred and ten patients prospectively included in this study underwent a standardized clinical and imaging evaluation at inclusion and at 1‐year follow‐up. According to aortic flow, gradient and LVEF, patients were divided into 4 groups: LG‐normal flow [n = 27], LG‐low flow‐low LVEF [n = 27], LG‐low flow‐normal LVEF [n = 16], and high gradient (HG) [n = 40]). 73% of patients underwent AVR 86 ± 59 days after the initial assessment. The HG subgroup had significantly higher intervention rates (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, four parameters were associated with the AVR: aortic gradient (HR 1.52 [1.10‐2.11], P = .012), LVEF (HR 0.58 [0.40‐0.85], P = .006), atrial fibrillation (HR 0.43 [0.021‐0.87], P = .019), and NT‐proBNP (HR 0.92[0.86‐0.98), P = .008]. Patients operated earlier had better outcomes than those having a delayed AVR (P = .042). LG‐AS patients had worse outcomes than HG‐AS patients (P < .001).ConclusionCompared to HG‐AS, LG‐AS is less likely to benefit from an AVR and had a significantly worse outcome. Further interventional studies are needed to investigate the timing of AVR in these patients.