bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survivability and developmental competences of domestic cat (Felis catus) oocytes after Cryotech method vitrification
Authors: Nowak Agnieszka , Kochan Joanna , Świętek Ewa , Kij Barbara , Prochowska Sylwia , Witarski Wojciech , Bugno‐Poniewierska Monika , Niżański Wojciech 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the Cryotech technique for the vitrification of domestic cat (Felis catus) oocytes, as a model for other feline species threatened with extinction. This technique, in which oocytes are stored in a minimal volume of medium, is already widely used in human assisted reproductive technology. In the first part of this study, a viability test (EtBr/FDA) was used to evaluate the toxicity of the vitrification media (solutions). After IVM, oocytes were placed in vitrification and warming solutions according to the manufacturer's procedure, with or without exposure to liquid nitrogen. The solutions and the vitrification procedure each caused a reduction in oocyte viability, with survival rates of 71.4% in oocytes exposed to the Cryotech media (without cooling in liquid nitrogen), and 62% in oocytes that were vitrified. In the second part of the experiment, parthenogenetic activation was used to evaluate the developmental potential of oocytes previously vitrified using the Cryotech method. After warming, the oocytes were activated using a combination of 0.7 µM ionomycin in TCM 199 medium (5 min) followed by 2 mM 6‐DMAP in TCM 199 supplemented with 10% FBS (3 hr), then cultured and evaluated every 24 hr for parthenogenetic cleavage. In the experimental group, 23/50 (46%) cleaved embryos were obtained. Domestic cat oocytes, vitrified by the Cryotech method, are characterized by high survival rates. However, it is necessary to improve the technique to increase the developmental competence of embryos obtained from vitrified oocytes.
Immuno‐histological mapping and functional association of seminal proteins in testis and excurrent ducts with sperm function in buffalo
Authors: Patil Sunil Kumar , Somashekar Lakshminarayana , Selvaraju Sellappan , Jamuna Kolatalu V. , Parthipan Shivashanmugam , Binsila Bala Krishnan , Prasad Ramaswamy Venkatesha , Ravindra Janivara Parameshwaraiah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe region‐specific expression of seminal proteins in testis and excurrent duct system determines the quality and function of the spermatozoa. In the present study, localization and expression of some of the seminal proteins such as insulin‐like growth factor receptor 1β (IGF‐1Rβ), phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein 4 (PEBP4), α‐tubulin and tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI2) were carried out in testis, excurrent duct system and spermatozoa of buffalo. IGF‐1Rβ was localized in the cells of the seminiferous tubules of the testis, except in primary spermatocytes. The PEBP4 was localized only in the elongated spermatid, whereas α‐tubulin and TFPI2 proteins were localized in all cells of the seminiferous tubule including spermatocyte. In the buffalo spermatozoa, IGF‐1Rβ, PEBP4, α‐tubulin and TFPI2 were localized in the acrosome region, the post‐acrosomal region till the tail end, post‐acrosome to the entire tail region and the equatorial region, respectively. The study indicates that IGF‐1R, α‐tubulin and PEBP4 proteins regulate spermatogenesis, whereas TFPI2 may be involved during the zona binding process of the buffalo spermatozoa.
From Corona Virus to Corona Crisis: The Value of An Analytical and Geographical Understanding of Crisis
Authors: Brinks Verena , Ibert Oliver 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe term ‘crisis’ is omnipresent. The current corona virus pandemic is perceived as the most recent example. However, the notion of crisis is increasingly deployed as a signifier of relevance, rather than as an analytical concept. Moreover, human geography has so far little contributed to the interdisciplinary crisis research field which is fixated on the temporal aspects of crisis but neglects its spatiality. Against this background, the first aim of the paper is to demonstrate the value of thinking about crisis analytically. Therefore, we introduce theoretical knowledge developed within a recently emerging literature on crisis management. Second, we demonstrate the relevance of including geographical thinking into crisis research more systematically. Based on the TPSN‐framework by Jessop et al., we illustrate spatial dimensions of the ‘corona crisis’, its perception and handling in Germany. The empirical references are based on media reports.
Extracting invariant characteristics of sketch maps: Towards place query‐by‐sketch
Authors: Tang Ming , Falomir Zoe , Freksa Christian , Sheng Yehua , Lyu Haiyang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn geography, invariant aspects of sketches are essential to study because they reflect the human perception of real‐world places. A person's perception of a place can be expressed in sketches. In this article, we quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the characteristics of single objects and characteristics among objects in sketches and the real world to find reliable invariants that can be used to establish references/correspondences between sketch and world in a matching process. These characteristics include category, shape, name, and relative size of each object. Moreover, quantity and spatial relationships—such as topological, ordering, and location relationships—among all objects are also analyzed to assess consistency between sketched and actual places. The approach presented in this study extracts the reliable invariants for query‐by‐sketch and prioritizes their relevance for a sketch‐map matching process.
Prospective, controlled, blinded, randomized crossover trial evaluating the effect of maropitant versus ondansetron on inhibiting tranexamic acid‐evoked emesis
Authors: Kantyka Marta E. , Meira Carolina , Bettschart‐Wolfensberger Regula , Hartnack Sonja , Kutter Annette P.N. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence of tranexamic acid (TXA)‐induced nausea and vomiting after the prophylactic use of 2 antiemetics, ondansetron and maropitant, compared with saline.DesignProspective, blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized, crossover study.SettingUniversity research facility.AnimalsEight adult, purpose‐bred Beagles.InterventionDogs received 3 treatments on 3 occasions with a 3‐week washout period. Either maropitant (1 mg/kg), ondansetron (0.2 mg/kg), or saline solution was given intravenously in equal volumes, followed 10 minutes later by 50 mg/kg IV TXA. A blinded observer evaluated the dogs for signs of vomiting and nausea for 30 minutes. The severity of nausea was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded at baseline before TXA, and at the end of 3 observational periods: 0–5, 5–15, and 15–30 minutes after TXA. A generalized linear mixed effect model was used to assess for group and period effects. Statistical significance was set at .Measurements and main resultsNone of the dogs vomited after maropitant. Emesis occurred in 5 out of 8 dogs (62.5%), a median (range) of 1 time (1–2) after ondansetron and 1 time (1–3) after saline. There was a significant effect on vomiting of maropitant against saline (P < 0.0001) but not for ondansetron against saline (P = 0.53). The highest nausea VASs were recorded during the first 5 minutes after TXA with a significant reduction of VAS variability in the maropitant group (P = 0.003). The effect of maropitant and ondansetron against saline on the severity of nausea was not statistically significant (P = 0.069).ConclusionThe neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist maropitant at the dose used, administered IV 10 minutes before 50 mg/kg TXA, was effective in preventing vomiting compared with ondansetron and placebo. Our results support the prophylactic IV administration of maropitant in dogs that are scheduled to receive TXA.
Angiotensin‐II receptor type Ia does not contribute to cardiac atrophy following high‐thoracic spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Järve Anne , Qadri Fatimunnisa , Todiras Mihail , Schmolke Shirley , Bader Michael 
Published: June 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
What is the role of the renin–angiotensin system with angiotensin II acting via its receptor AT1a in spinal cord injury‐induced cardiac atrophy?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Knockout of AT1a did not protect mice that had undergone thoracic level 4 transection from cardiac atrophy. There were no histopathological signs but there was reduced load‐dependent left ventricular function (lower stroke volume and cardiac output) with preserved ejection fraction.
AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) leads to cardiac atrophy often accompanied by functional deficits. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) with angiotensin II (AngII) signalling via its receptor AT1a might contribute to cardiac atrophy post‐SCI. We performed spinal cord transection at thoracic level T4 (T4‐Tx) or sham‐operation in female wild‐type mice (WT, n = 27) and mice deficient in AT1a (Agtr1a−/−, n = 27). Echocardiography (0, 7, 21 and 28 days post‐SCI) and histology and gene expression analyses at 1 and 2 months post‐SCI were performed. We found cardiac atrophy post‐SCI: reduced heart weight, reduced estimated left ventricular mass in Agtr1a−/−, and reduced cardiomyocyte diameter in WT mice. Although, the latter as well as stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were reduced in Agtr1a−/− mice already at baseline, cardiomyocyte diameter was even smaller in injured Agtr1a−/− mice compared to injured WT mice. SV and CO were reduced in WT mice post‐SCI. Ejection fraction and fractional shortening were preserved post‐SCI in both genotypes. There were no histological signs of fibrosis and pathology in the cardiac sections of either genotype post‐SCI. Gene expression of Agtr1a showed a trend for up‐regulation at 2 months post‐SCI; angiotensinogen was up‐regulated at 2 month post‐SCI in both genotypes. AngII receptor type 2 (Agtr2) was up‐ and down‐regulated at 1 and 2 months post‐SCI in WT mice, respectively, and Ang‐(1‐7) receptor (Mas) at 1 and 2 months post‐SCI. Atrogin‐1/MAFbx and MuRF1, atrophy markers, were not significantly up‐regulated post‐SCI. Our data show that lack of AT1a does not protect from cardiac atrophy post‐SCI.
Performance Characteristics of Four High-Throughput Immunoassays for Detection of IgG Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Theel Elitza S. , Harring Julie , Hilgart Heather , Granger Dane 
Published: June 2020

The role of serologic testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in both the clinical and public health settings, will continue to evolve as we gain increasing insight into our immune response to the virus. Here, we evaluated four high-throughput serologic tests for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, from Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL), Epitope Diagnostics, Inc. (San Diego, CA), Euroimmun (Lubeck, Germany), and Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (Rochester, NY), using a panel of serially collected serum samples (
n
= 224) from 56 patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), healthy donor sera from 2018, and a cross-reactivity serum panel collected in early 2020.
Biliary atresia screening in Shenzhen: implementation and achievements
Authors: Zheng Jiachen , Ye Yongqin , Wang Bin , Zhang Lihui 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo elaborate on the implementation and achievements of a biliary atresia (BA) screening programme in Shenzhen.MethodsIn 2015, we partnered with the government in Shenzhen and attached the stool colour card (SCC) to the health handbook for mothers and children. These handbooks have been distributed through official channels to every pregnant woman in Shenzhen since 1 January 2015. A total of 118 patients diagnosed with BA at Shenzhen Children’s Hospital were enrolled and divided into two cohorts based on their date of diagnosis: cohort A before and cohort B after introduction of screening. The cohorts were compared to evaluate differences in age at diagnosis, jaundice-free rate, 2-year native liver survival rate and so on.ResultsAfter the implementation of the screening programme, the age at diagnosis decreased from 81±12 to 56±15 days old (p<0.05), the incidence of postoperative complications decreased from 58.8% to 52.6% (p<0.05), the jaundice-free rate increased from 47.1% to 54.4% (p<0.05), and the 2-year native liver survival rate increased from 44.4% to 52.6% (p<0.05). The percentage of patients who underwent surgery increased from 68.0% to 83.8% (p<0.05).ConclusionIn Shenzhen, our screening programme led to earlier diagnoses and better prognoses. The latter resulted in an increased willingness to undergo the Kasai procedure. Through a hospital and government collaboration, this programme exerted a considerable influence, and guardians observed benefits with only a small cost of implementation. Our results may eventually help promote the widespread use of the SCC across the whole country.
NUBPL mitochondrial disease: new patients and review of the genetic and clinical spectrum
Authors: Kimonis Virginia , al Dubaisi Rehab , Maclean Andrew E , Hall Kathy , Weiss Lan , Stover Alexander E , Schwartz Philip H , Berg Bethany , Cheng Cheng , Parikh Sumit , Conner Blair R , Wu Sitao , Hasso Anton N , Scott Daryl A , Koenig Mary Kay , Karam Rachid , Tang Sha , Smith Moyra , Chao Elizabeth , Balk Janneke , Hatchwell Eli , Eis Peggy S 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe nucleotide binding protein-like (NUBPL) gene was first reported as a cause of mitochondrial complex I deficiency (MIM 613621, 618242) in 2010. To date, only eight patients have been reported with this mitochondrial disorder. Five other patients were recently reported to have NUBPL disease but their clinical picture was different from the first eight patients. Here, we report clinical and genetic findings in five additional patients (four families).MethodsWhole exome sequencing was used to identify patients with compound heterozygous NUBPL variants. Functional studies included RNA-Seq transcript analyses, missense variant biochemical analyses in a yeast model (Yarrowia lipolytica) and mitochondrial respiration experiments on patient fibroblasts.ResultsThe previously reported c.815-27T>C branch-site mutation was found in all four families. In prior patients, c.166G>A [p.G56R] was always found in cis with c.815-27T>C, but only two of four families had both variants. The second variant found in trans with c.815-27T>C in each family was: c.311T>C [p.L104P] in three patients, c.693+1G>A in one patient and c.545T>C [p.V182A] in one patient. Complex I function in the yeast model was impacted by p.L104P but not p.V182A. Clinical features include onset of neurological symptoms at 3–18 months, global developmental delay, cerebellar dysfunction (including ataxia, dysarthria, nystagmus and tremor) and spasticity. Brain MRI showed cerebellar atrophy. Mitochondrial function studies on patient fibroblasts showed significantly reduced spare respiratory capacity.ConclusionWe report on five new patients with NUBPL disease, adding to the number and phenotypic variability of patients diagnosed worldwide, and review prior reported patients with pathogenic NUBPL variants.
Preparing medical students for a pandemic: a systematic review of student disaster training programmes
Authors: Ashcroft James , Byrne Matthew H V , Brennan Peter A , Davies Richard Justin 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo identify pandemic and disaster medicine-themed training programmes aimed at medical students and to assess whether these interventions had an effect on objective measures of disaster preparedness and clinical outcomes. To suggest a training approach that can be used to train medical students for the current COVID-19 pandemic.Results23 studies met inclusion criteria assessing knowledge (n=18, 78.3%), attitude (n=14, 60.9%) or skill (n=10, 43.5%) following medical student disaster training. No studies assessed clinical improvement. The length of studies ranged from 1 day to 28 days, and the median length of training was 2 days (IQR=1–14). Overall, medical student disaster training programmes improved student disaster and pandemic preparedness and resulted in improved attitude, knowledge and skills. 18 studies used pretest and post-test measures which demonstrated an improvement in all outcomes from all studies.ConclusionsImplementing disaster training programmes for medical students improves preparedness, knowledge and skills that are important for medical students during times of pandemic. If medical students are recruited to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic, there needs to be a specific training programme for them. This review demonstrates that medical students undergoing appropriate training could play an essential role in pandemic management and suggests a course and assessment structure for medical student COVID-19 training.RegistrationThe search strategy was not registered on PROSPERO—the international prospective register of systematic reviews—to prevent unnecessary delay.
Anxiolytic and antioxidant effects ofEuterpe oleraceaMart. (açaí) seed extract in adult rat offspring submitted to periodic maternal separation
Authors: de Bem Graziele Freitas , Okinga Anicet , Ognibene Dayane Teixeira , da Costa Cristiane Aguiar , Santos Izabelle Barcellos , Soares Ricardo Andrade , Silva Dafne Lopes Beserra , da Rocha Ana Paula Machado , Isnardo Fernandes Jemima , Fraga Mabel Carneiro , Filgueiras Cláudio Carneiro , Manhães Alex Christian , Soares de Moura Roberto , Resende Angela Castro 
Published: June 2020

Many studies suggest a protective role of phenolic compounds in mood disorders. We aimed to assess the effect of Euterpe oleracea (açaí) seed extract (ASE) on anxiety induced by periodic maternal separation (PMS) in adult male rats. Animals were divided into 6 groups: control, ASE, fluoxetine (FLU), PMS, PMS+ASE, and PMS+FLU. For PMS, pups were separated daily from the dam for 3 h between postnatal day (PN) 2 and PN21. ASE (200 mg·kg−1·day−1) and FLU (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) were administered by gavage for 34 days after stress induction, starting at PN76. At PN106 and PN108, the rats were submitted to open field (OF) and forced swim tests, respectively. At PN110, the rats were sacrificed by decapitation. ASE increased time spent in the center area in the OF test, glucocorticoid receptors in the hypothalamus, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TRKB) levels in the hippocampus, and nitrite levels and antioxidant activity in the brain stem (PMS+ASE group compared with PMS group). ASE also reduced plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone levels, adrenal norepinephrine levels, and oxidative damage in the brain stem in adult male offspring submitted to PMS. In conclusion, ASE treatment has an anti-anxiety effect in rats submitted to PMS by reducing hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity and increasing the nitric oxide (NO)–brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)–TRKB pathway and antioxidant defense in the central nervous system.Novelty ASE has anti-anxiety and antioxidant effects in early-life stress. ASE reduces hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity. The anxiolytic effect of ASE may involve activation of the NO–BDNF–TRKB pathway in the central nervous system.
Chapter 1 Introduction to Geological Hazards in the UK: Their Occurrence, Monitoring and Mitigation
Authors: Giles David Peter 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The UK is perhaps unique globally in that it presents the full spectrum of geological time, stratigraphy and associated lithologies within its boundaries. With this wide range of geological assemblages comes a wide range of geological hazards, whether geophysical (earthquakes, effects of volcanic eruptions, tsunami, landslides), geotechnical (collapsible, compressible, liquefiable, shearing, swelling and shrinking soils), geochemical (dissolution, radon and methane gas hazards) or related to georesources (coal, chalk and other mineral extraction). An awareness of these hazards and the risks that they pose is a key requirement of the engineering geologist. This volume sets out to define and explain these geohazards, to detail their detection, monitoring and management, and to provide a basis for further research and understanding, all within a UK context.
Chapter 10 Periglacial geohazards in the UK
Authors: Berry T. W. , Fish P. R. , Price S. J. , Hadlow N. W. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Almost all areas of the UK have been affected by periglaciation during the Quaternary and, as such, relict periglacial geohazards can provide a significant technical and commercial risk for many civil engineering projects. The processes and products associated with periglaciation in the relict periglacial landscape of the UK are described in terms of their nature and distribution, the hazards they pose to engineering projects, and how they might be monitored and mitigated. A periglacial landsystems classification is applied here to show its application to the assessment of ground engineering hazards within upland and lowland periglacial geomorphological terrains. Techniques for the early identification of the susceptibility of a site to periglacial geohazards are discussed. These include the increased availability of high-resolution aerial imagery such as Google Earth, which has proved to be a valuable tool in periglacial geohazard identification when considered in conjunction with the more usual sources of desk study information such as geological, geomorphological and topographical publications. Descriptions of periglacial geohazards and how they might impact engineering works are presented, along with suggestions for possible monitoring and remediation strategies.
Chapter 13 Hazards associated with mining and mineral exploitation in Cornwall and Devon, SW England
Authors: Gamble B. , Anderson M. , Griffiths J. S. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK is found in Cornwall and west Devon, and its designation is based specifically on its heritage for metalliferous mining, especially tin, copper and arsenic. With a history of over 2000 years of mining, SW England is exceptional in the nature and extent of its mining landscape. The mining for metallic ores, and more recently for kaolin, is a function of the distinctive geology of the region. The mining hazards that are encountered in areas of metallic mines are a function of: the Paleozoic rocks; the predominant steeply dipping nature of mineral veins and consequent shaft mining; the great depth and complexity of some of the mines; the waste derived from processing metallic ores; the long history of exploitation; and the contamination associated with various by-products of primary ore-processing, refining and smelting, notably arsenic. The hazards associated with kaolin mining are mainly related to the volume of the inert waste products and the need to maintain stable spoil tips, and the depth of the various tailings’ ponds and pits. The extent of mining in Cornwall and Devon has resulted in the counties being leaders in mining heritage preservation and the treatment and remediation of mining-related hazards.
Chapter 14 Geological hazards from salt mining, brine extraction and natural salt dissolution in the UK
Authors: Cooper Anthony H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Salt mining along with natural and human-induced salt dissolution affects the ground over Permian and Triassic strata in the UK. In England, subsidence caused by salt mining, brine extraction and natural dissolution is known to have occurred in parts of Cheshire (including Northwich, Nantwich, Middlewich), Stafford, Blackpool, Preesall, Droitwich and Teeside/Middlesbrough; it also occurs around Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. Subsidence ranges from rapid and catastrophic failure to gentle sagging of the ground, both forms being problematical for development, drainage and the installation of assets and infrastructure such as ground source heat pumps. This paper reviews the areas affected by salt subsidence and details the mitigation measures that have been used; the implications for planning in such areas are also considered.