bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Afrotropical region using herpetofauna as hosts: conservation and epidemiological consequences of knowing little about many species
Authors: Snyman Louwrens Pieter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMosquitoes are effective vectors of disease‐causing organisms, and some species are duly very well‐studied organisms. Little fundamental biology is known for a large proportion of mosquito taxa, especially in the Afrotropics, including mosquitoes preferring herpetofauna as blood hosts. Since mosquitoes are effective vectors of pathogens, mosquitoes using herpetofauna as hosts require some scientific scrutiny, especially in light of the global decline of reptiles and amphibians. Beyond taxonomic studies, very little is known about pathogens, indigenous or alien, circulating among the Afrotropical herpetofauna. Hepatozoon spp., arguably the best studied vector‐borne pathogens affecting herpetofauna in the region, are used to illustrate this neglect and discussed in light of conservation. Apart from conservation, complex arbovirus disease dynamics warrant a renewed interest in rarely collected mosquito species, including species using herpetofauna as blood hosts. Finally, the literature pertaining to herpetophilic mosquitoes in the Afrotropics is reviewed and compared to that generated elsewhere, and taxa of interest are discussed including references to other haematophagous dipterans feeding on herpetofauna in the region.
Morphology of the spinal nerves from the cervical segments of the spinal cord of the African giant rat (Cricetomys Gambianus)
Authors: Maidawa Sunday Men , Ali Magdalene Nkweshi , Imam Jibrin , Salami Suleiman Olawoye , Hassan Adamu Zoaka , Ojo Samuel Adeniyi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study provides detailed description of the gross morphology and distribution of the nerves arising from the cervical segments of the spinal cord of the African Giant Rat (AGR).Two (2) AGRs were used for this study. The rats were euthanized using halothane. The skin and superficial fascia were removed, and dissection of the muscles in the cervical region and thoracic limbs was carried out. The vertebral canal was opened by means of a rongeur. Eight (8) pairs of spinal nerves (C1–C8) arose from the cervical segments of the spinal cord of the AGR by means of dorsal and ventral roots which merged lateral to the spinal cord to form spinal nerves. Each cervical spinal nerve divided into a dorsal and ventral ramus just before exiting the intervertebral foramen. The dorsal rami divided into medial and lateral branches distributed on the medial faces of the semispinalis and splenius muscles, respectively. The ventral rami of C1, C2 and a branch from C3 interconnected to form the cervical plexus from which branches were distributed to the M. cleidomstoideus, M. cleidooccipitalis, M. occipitoscapularis, M. omotransversarius and M. trapezius. The ventral rami of C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1 (first thoracic spinal nerve) interconnected to form the brachial plexus. The cervical spinal nerves gave rise to dorsal rami or primary branches that supplied the skin and muscles of the dorsal part of the neck and the ventral primary branches which interconnected to give rise to the cervical plexus and brachial plexuses of the AGR.
Homeobox transcription factor Meis1 is crucial to Sertoli cell mediated regulation of male fertility
Authors: Sarkar Rajesh K. , Sen Sharma Souvik , Mandal Kamal , Wadhwa Neerja , Kunj Neetu , Gupta Alka , Pal Rahul , Rai Umesh , Majumdar Subeer S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundInfertility has become a global phenomenon and constantly declining sperm count in males in modern world pose a major threat to procreation of humans. Male fertility is critically dependent on proper functioning of testicular Sertoli cells. Defective Sertoli cell proliferation and/or impaired functional maturation may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic male infertility. Using high‐throughput “omics” approach, we found binding sites for homeobox transcription factor MEIS1 on the promoters of several genes up‐regulated in pubertal (mature) Sertoli cells, indicating that MEIS1 may be crucial for Sertoli cell‐mediated regulation of spermatogenesis at and after puberty.ObjectiveTo decipher the role of transcription factor MEIS1 in Sertoli cell maturation and spermatogenesis.Materials and methodsSc‐specific Meis1 knockdown (KD) transgenic mice were generated using pronuclear microinjection. Morphometric and histological analysis of the testes from transgenic mice was performed to identify defects in spermatogenesis. Epididymal sperm count and litter size were analyzed to determine the effect of Meis1 knockdown on fertility.ResultsSertoli cell (Sc)‐specific Meis1 KD led to massive germ cell loss due to apoptosis and impaired spermatogenesis. Unlike normal pubertal Sc, the levels of SOX9 in pubertal Sc of Meis1 KD were significantly high, like immature Sc. A significant reduction in epididymal sperm count was observed in these mice. The mice were found to be infertile or sub‐fertile (with reduced litter size), depending on the extent of Meis1 inhibition.DiscussionThe results of this study demonstrated for the first time, a role of Meis1 in Sc maturation and normal spermatogenic progression. Inhibition of Meis1 in Sc was associated with deregulated spermatogenesis and a consequent decline in fertility of the transgenic mice.ConclusionsOur results provided substantial evidence that suboptimal Meis1 expression in Sc may be one of the underlying causes of idiopathic infertility.
Common carotid artery blood flow volume in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Pereira Sujith S. , Sinha Ajay K. , Shah Divyen K. , Kempley Stephen T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine carotid blood flow volume, a surrogate for cerebral blood flow, using Doppler ultrasound in extremely preterm infants.MethodsIn infants <29 weeks, right common carotid artery flow volume (RCCAF) was calculated from vessel diameter and intensity‐weighted mean velocity measured using Doppler ultrasound on days 1 and 3. In addition, left ventricular output (LVO), ductus arteriosus characteristics and invasive mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) were obtained.ResultsSixty infants with mean gestation of 25.8 weeks were studied. The median RCCAF increased from 12 (IQR 9‐15) mL/kg/min on day 1, to 14 (IQR 12‐18) mL/kg/min on day 3 (p = 0.007). RCCAF was positively correlated with invasive MABP on days 1 and 3. RCCAF significantly correlated with LVO in infants with closing or closed ductus arteriosus on day 1. Using multiple regression analysis, RCCAF was significantly associated with invasive MABP on day 1 and to inotropic treatment on day 3.ConclusionDoppler ultrasound can be used to measure RCCAF in extremely preterm infants receiving intensive care. RCCAF increased during the first three days and was positively related to invasive MABP on day 1. Values were lower than previously described in more mature infants.Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 83507686.
Laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass in intestinal non‐rotation
Authors: Kermansaravi Mohammad , Daryabari Seyed Nooredin , Davarpanah Jazi Amir Hosein , Karami Reza , Pazouki Abdolreza 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThere are some incidental findings during bariatric surgery. Some of these findings may make the operation more challenging than routine surgery. Intestinal malrotation/non‐rotation are rare congenital anomalies that may remain asymptomatic until bariatric surgery. Here we report a 30‐year‐old female patient with unknown intestinal congenital anomaly which was diagnosed during surgery and she underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, which can be a challenging procedure in intestinal malrotation/non‐rotation and conversion may be needed.
The influence of reviewer's occupation on the skill assessment of urethrovesical anastomosis in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Fukuoka Kenichiro , Teishima Jun , Inoue Shogo , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Matsubara Akio 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn recent years, crowd‐sourced assessments have been reported as a timesaving, cost‐efficient, and practicable method of surgical skill evaluation. However, the differences in the assessment of surgical skills by the individual reviewers cannot be further examined in terms of characteristics of the reviewers because they are usually anonymously and randomly selected. This study aimed to reveal the effects of reviewers' occupations on their assessment of a surgeonʼs skill.MethodsIn total, 42 urologists, 19 paramedics, 73 medical students, and 28 non‐medical personnel used the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) validated robotic surgery rating tool to assess the surgical skill of surgeons in nine edited video clips of complete urethrovesical anastomosis during a robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. The total GEARS scores of the four groups of reviewers were compared, and the similarities and the differences between the ratings of the urologists group and those of the other three groups were subsequently investigated.ResultsThe rankings of video clips in the order of GEARS scores were very similar in each group, and a strong positive correlation (R2 values >0.8) was observed between the scores assigned by the urologists group and those assigned by the other three groups.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the crude evaluation of robot‐assisted urethrovesical anastomosis is not affected by the reviewersʼ occupations. Non‐medical personnel may be able to provide a rudimentary screening evaluation of surgical skill.
Can post‐treatment free PSA ratio be used to predict adverse outcomes in recurrent prostate cancer?
Authors: Goldberg Hanan , Glicksman Rachel , Woon Dixon , Hoffman Ally , Shaikh Hina , Chandrasekar Thenappan , Klaassen Zachary , Wallis Christopher J.D. , Ahmad Ardalan E. , Sanmamed‐Salgado Noelia , Qu Xuanlu , Moraes Fabio Y. , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Berlin Alejandro , Fleshner Neil E. 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo assess whether free PSA ratio (FPSAR) at biochemical recurrence (BCR) can predict metastasis, castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and cancer‐specific survival (CSS), following therapy for localised disease.Patients and MethodsA single‐centre retrospective cohort study (NCT03927287) including a discovery cohort composed of patients with an FPSAR after radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT) between 2000 and 2017. For validation, an independent Biobank cohort of patients with BCR after RP was tested. Using a defined FPSAR cut‐off, the metastasis‐free‐survival (MFS), CRPC‐free survival, and CSS were compared. Multivariable Cox models determined the association between post‐treatment FPSAR, metastases, and CRPC.ResultsOverall, 822 patients (305 RP‐ and 363 RT‐treated patients and 154 Biobank patients) were analysed. In the RP cohort, a total of 272/305 (89.1%) and 33/305 (10.9%) had a FPSAR test incidentally and reflexively, respectively. In the RT cohort, 155/363 (42.7%) and 208/263 (57.3%) had a FPSAR test incidentally and reflexively, respectively. However, in the prospective Biobank RP cohort, FPSAR testing was done on all samples of patients diagnosed with BCR. A FPSAR cut‐off of 0.10 was determined using receiver operating characteristic analyses in both the RP and RT cohorts. A FPSAR of <0.10 resulted in longer median MFS (14.8 vs 9.3 years and 14.8 vs 13 years, respectively), and longer median CRPC‐free survival (median not reached vs 9.9 years and 20.7 vs 13.8 years, respectively). Multivariable analyses showed that a FPSAR of ≥0.10 was associated with increased metastasis in the RP cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 1.915, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.241–2.955) and RT cohort (HR 1.754, 95% CI 1.112–2.769), and increased CRPC in the RP cohort (HR 2.470, 95% CI 1.493–4.088). Findings were validated in the Biobank cohort.ConclusionsA post‐treatment FPSAR of ≥0.10 is associated with more aggressive disease, suggesting a potentially novel role for this biomarker.
Fathers' experiences as carers for autistic children with learning disabilities
Authors: Cameron Harriet , Cooper Louise 
Published: November 2020

Accessible Summary

This research explored the experience of four fathers of autistic children who also have learning disabilities.

Fathers' experiences as carers are increasingly recognised in the literature; however, the studies of parental experience tend to centre mothers. The current research builds upon the recent and important focus upon fathers' experiences.

The fathers in this study sometimes felt helpless and unable to fulfil the traditional role as protectors and providers, but they also had strong feelings of closeness with their children and developed new identities through the challenges and joys they experienced alongside their children.

AbstractBackgroundThis small study explores the lived experience of four UK‐based fathers (one black British, one white Polish and two white British) caring for at least one child with a dual diagnosis of learning disability and autism. The key aim was to get as close as possible to understanding the experience of these fathers in their role as carers.MethodsThe study makes use of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as an approach to gathering (via interview) and making sense of the fathers' experiences.Findings and discussionWe co‐constructed three themes following analysis of the interview transcripts: "fatherhood: not doing enough, not doing it right"; "crossing worlds: relearning how to communicate and reclaiming fatherhood"; and "uncertain futures." We found that, for these fathers, the experiences of anxiety and helplessness were balanced with the appreciation of their value as protectors, their shifting sense of identity and of their closeness with their children. Relationships were central throughout.ConclusionsThe exploration of fathers' experiences helps to highlight the less‐measurable, nuanced aspects of the joys and challenges of caring for children with dual diagnoses of learning disability and autism which might be used to enhance the support provided and to inform new approaches.
Emerging insights into the structure and function of ionotropic glutamate delta receptors
Authors: Burada Ananth Prasad , Vinnakota Rajesh , Bharti Pratibha , Dutta Priyanka , Dubey Neelima , Kumar Janesh 
Published: November 2020

Glutamate delta‐1 (GluD1) and delta‐2 (GluD2) receptors belong to the orphan GluD subfamily of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). GluDs were classified as ionotropic glutamate receptors based on their sequence similarity. Two decades after these GluDs were first cloned they are still considered “orphan” due to a lack of knowledge of the endogenous ligands that can activate them. Nevertheless, they are crucial for synapse formation, maturation and maintenance of CNS functions, and are implicated in multiple neuronal disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder and depressive disorders. Over the last decade significant discoveries have been made, include role of GluD receptors in mediating trans‐synaptic interactions and their unique non‐swapped architecture, which is distinct from other ionotropic glutamate receptors. Also, the prospect of GluD ionotropic activity being regulated by direct interaction with metabotropic glutamate receptors is exciting. These discoveries will likely drive the field in the future, providing direction to GluD research.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Structure Guided Pharmacology of Membrane Proteins (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.14/issuetoc
Effects of protected areas on survival of threatened gibbons in China
Authors: Zhang Lu , Turvey Samuel T. , Chapman Colin , Fan Pengfei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEstablishing protected areas (PAs) is an essential strategy to reduce biodiversity loss. However, many PAs do not provide adequate protection due to poor funding, inadequate staffing and equipment, and ineffective management. As part of China's recent economic growth, the Chinese government has significantly increased investment in nature reserves over the past 20 years, providing a unique opportunity to evaluate whether PAs can protect threatened species effectively. We compiled data from published literature on populations of gibbons (Hylobatidae), a threatened taxon with cultural significance, that occurred in Chinese reserves after 1980. We evaluated the ability of these PAs to maintain gibbon habitat and populations by comparing forest cover and human disturbance between reserves and their surrounding areas and modeling the impact of reserve characteristics on gibbon population trends. We also assessed the perspective of reserve staff concerning PA management effectiveness through an online survey. Reserves effectively protected gibbon habitat by reducing forest loss and human disturbance; however, half the reserves lost their gibbon populations since being established. Gibbons were more likely to survive in reserves established more recently, at higher elevation, with less forest loss and lower human impact, and that have been relatively well studied. A larger initial population size in the 1980s was positively associated with gibbon persistence. Although staff of all reserves reported increased investment and improved management over the past 20–30 years, no relationship was found between management effectiveness and gibbon population trends. We suggest early and emphatic intervention is critical to stop population decline and prevent extinction.
The association between outcomes and body mass index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Chen Ziying , Huang Xu , Lu Haining , Deng Wang , Huang Linna , Wu Dawei , Wang Daoxin , Zhan Qingyuan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionLimited information exists about the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the outcome of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).ObjectiveTo evaluate the hospital mortality of patients with ARDS in relation to BMI.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective, multicenter study including patients with ARDS. ARDS was defined according to the Berlin criteria. Body weight and height were obtained to calculate BMI. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) free days within 28 days and length of stays in the ICU and hospital.ResultsAmong 523 patients, 28 (5%) were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), 299 (57%) were normal weight (BMI 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), 159 (30%) were overweight (BMI 25‐29.9 kg/m2) and 37 (7%) were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Increasing BMI was associated with younger age (P = 0.017), hypertension (P = 0.003) and diabetes (P = 0.02). Compared with normal weight, being overweight and obese resulted in lower mortality regardless of whether in the hospital (P = 0.019) or ICU (P = 0.044). However, after risk adjustment, only obesity was associated with lower hospital mortality (OR 0.393, 95% CI 0.169‐0.914, P = 0.030). With the increase of BMI, the in‐hospital mortality and ICU mortality of ARDS dropped gradually (from 57.1% to 24.3%, P = 0.021, and from 53.6% to 24.3%, P = 0.035).ConclusionsObesity is associated with lower mortality in patients with ARDS. With the increase of BMI, the mortality of ARDS drops gradually.
Knowledge‐Based View of the Use of an Intermediary in New Product Manufacturing Outsourcing
Authors: Chen Qiong , Özkan‐Seely Gülru , Wang Shouqiang , Roth Aleda 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTIn this article, we introduce a game‐theoretic model to examine the impact of outsourcing knowledge, as well as firm‐ and market‐level factors, on a buyer's decision of whether to employ a supply chain intermediary or an agent to identify a manufacturer for her new product. The buyer faces two options: identify the manufacturer directly or explore outsourcing indirectly through an agent. In the case of direct outsourcing, the buyer evaluates, negotiates with, and identifies the manufacturers in‐house, whereas, under indirect outsourcing, the agent takes over these activities in exchange for a commission based on the transaction value between the buyer and the manufacturer. The model introduced in this article captures the buyer–agent incentive misalignment. Unexpectedly, we find that although attractiveness of indirect outsourcing increases as the buyer's outsourcing knowledge increases, it follows an inverse‐U shape as the agent gains more outsourcing knowledge. We further demonstrate that the observability of the buyer's outsourcing knowledge is another key driver of the outsourcing‐mode strategy. In addition, we show that the buyer's tendency to explore indirect outsourcing is greater if the sensitivity to the retail price or the commission rate is higher, or the base demand or cost of delayed time‐to‐market associated with the new product is lower. We extend our analysis to consider a contract form, whereby the agent's commission payment is driven by the expected savings generated for the buyer, and to consider the setting in which the buyer's outsourcing knowledge is private information.
No effects of dapagliflozin, metformin or exercise on plasma glucagon concentrations in individuals with prediabetes: A post hoc analysis from the randomized controlled PRE‐D trial
Authors: Clemmensen Kim K. B. , Blond Martin B. , Amadid Hanan , Bruhn Lea , Vistisen Dorte , Karstoft Kristian , Persson Frederik , Ried‐Larsen Mathias , Holst Jens J. , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J. , Torekov Signe S. , Quist Jonas S. , Jørgensen Marit E. , Færch Kristine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the effects of dapagliflozin, metformin and exercise treatment on changes in plasma glucagon concentrations in individuals with overweight and HbA1c‐defined prediabetes.Materials and MethodsOne‐hundred and twenty individuals with overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) and prediabetes (HbA1c of 39‐47 mmol/mol) were randomized to a 13‐week intervention with dapagliflozin (10 mg once daily), metformin (850 mg twice daily), exercise (30 minutes of interval training 5 days per week) or control (habitual living). A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (0, 30, 60 and 120 minutes) was administered at baseline, at 13 weeks (end of intervention) and at 26 weeks (end of follow‐up). Linear mixed effects models with participant‐specific random intercepts were used to investigate associations of the interventions with fasting plasma glucagon concentration, insulin/glucagon ratio and glucagon suppression during the OGTT.ResultsAt baseline, the median (Q1; Q3) age was 62 (54; 68) years, median fasting plasma glucagon concentration was 11 (7; 15) pmol/L, mean (SD) HbA1c was 40.9 (2.3) mmol/mol and 56% were women. Compared with the control group, fasting glucagon did not change in any of the groups from baseline to the end of the intervention (dapagliflozin group: −5% [95% CI: −29; 26]; exercise group: −8% [95% CI: −31; 24]; metformin group: −2% [95% CI: −27; 30]). Likewise, there were no differences in insulin/glucagon ratio and glucagon suppression during the OGTT between the groups.ConclusionsIn individuals with prediabetes, 13 weeks of treatment with dapagliflozin, metformin or exercise was not associated with changes in fasting or post‐OGTT glucagon concentrations.