bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of vitrification after equilibration in different concentrations of cryoprotectants on the survival and quality of bovine blastocysts
Authors: Yodrug Thatawat , Parnpai Rangsun , Hirao Yuji , Somfai Tamás 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study assessed the effects of cryoprotectant concentration during equilibration on the efficiency of bovine blastocyst vitrification and the expression of selected developmentally important genes. In vitro produced bovine blastocysts were equilibrated in either 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) + 7.5% DMSO (Va group) or in 2% EG + 2% DMSO (Vb group) then vitrified on Cryotop® sheets in 16.5% EG + 16.5% DMSO + 0.5M sucrose. After warming, embryos were cultured for 48 hr. Re‐expansion, hatching, and the numbers of total and membrane damaged cells were compared among vitrified groups and a control. There was no significant difference between the vitrified groups in survival, cell numbers and the extent of membrane damage. Vitrification increased the number of membrane‐damaged cells in both groups, however, in a greater extent in the Vb group. Vitrification increased (p < .05) the expression of the HSP70 gene in Va but not in Vb embryos. The expression of IGF2R, SNRPN, HDAC1, DNMT3B, BAX, OCT4, and IFN‐t genes were the same in control and vitrified groups. In conclusion, the concentration of cryoprotectants during equilibration did not affect survival rates; however, normal cell numbers could be maintained only by equilibration in 15% cryoprotectants which was associated with increased HSP70 expression.
Non‐surgical transfer of vitrified porcine embryos using a catheter designed for a proximal site of the uterus
Authors: Hirayama Yuri , Takishita Rie , Misawa Hiroyasu , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Misumi Koji , Egawa Sachiko , Motoyama Sawako , Hasuta Yasunobu , Nakamura Yoshiyuki , Hashiyada Yutaka 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the efficiency of non‐surgical embryo transfer (ET) using a newly developed catheter, which enables transferring embryos into a proximal site of the uterus (mostly uterine body), and surgical ET of vitrified porcine embryos. In Experiment 1, the catheter was inserted into 12 gilts, with each half of the group allocated to skilled or novice operators. The time required for insertion into the uterus did not differ between skilled and novice operators (4 min 9 s and 4 min 6 s, respectively). In Experiment 2, 12 gilts were used as recipients for non‐surgical and surgical ET with vitrified embryos (n = 6, each). There was no significant difference in the rate of piglet production based on the number of transferred embryos between surgical and non‐surgical ET (25.8% vs. 15.4%, p = .098). The results suggest that non‐surgical ET catheter allowed for easy insertion and transfer of embryos without special training. Although the catheter is effective for deposition of embryos into the proximal site of uterus, the efficiency of piglet production is not enhanced compared with surgical ET. The ET method using this catheter, being labor‐saving and less‐invasive, may contribute to the improvement of ET in pigs.
Diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in dogs with suspected idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Gilbert SE , Cardy TJ , Bertram S , Taylor‐Brown F 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIdiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common cause of repeated seizures in dogs. The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus guidelines recommend performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis as part of a tier II diagnosis of IE, and these procedures have documented risks. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify how often dogs with suspected IE have abnormalities on CSF analysis.MethodsDogs aged between 6 months and 6 years that were presented with a history of two or more seizures with at least 24 h between seizure episodes, a normal neurologic examination, no evidence of toxic or metabolic causes, a normal MRI scan (including contrast administration) and CSF analysis were included.ResultsEighty‐two dogs were included. Of these, nine dogs (10.9%) had abnormalities on CSF analysis: five of nine dogs (55.5%) had albuminocytologic dissociation, three of nine dogs (33.3%) had mild increases in total nucleated cell count (TNCC), and one of nine dogs (11.1%) had mild increase in both total protein and TNCC. Cytology in dogs with elevated TNCC revealed a mononuclear pleocytosis. One of the nine dogs with abnormal CSF had a seizure within the 24 h before investigations, and six of nine dogs had a seizure within 1 month before investigation.ConclusionCSF analysis can play an important role in the diagnostic investigation of the underlying causes of repeated seizures. However, in dogs with a normal inter‐ictal neurological examination and MRI scan, it rarely reveals significant abnormalities, and the risk of performing a CSF tap may outweigh the potential diagnostic gain.
Population pharmacokinetic evaluation of cefuroxime in perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis during and after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Rimmler Christer , Lanckohr Christian , Mittrup Miriam , Welp Henryk , Würthwein Gudrun , Horn Dagmar , Fobker Manfred , Ellger Björn , Hempel Georg 
Published: September 2020

AimsThe purpose of this study was to explore pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of a contemporary dosing scheme of cefuroxime as perioperative prophylaxis in cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).MethodsCefuroxime plasma concentrations were measured in 23 patients. A 1.5‐g dose of cefuroxime was administered at start of surgery and CPB, followed by 3 additional doses every 6 hours postoperative. Drug levels were used to build a population pharmacokinetic model. Target attainment for Staphylococcus aureus (2–8 mg/L) and Escherichia coli (8–32 mg/L) were evaluated and dosing strategies for optimization were investigated.ResultsA dosing scheme of 1.5 g cefuroxime preoperatively with a repetition at start of CPB achieves plasma unbound concentrations of 8 mg/L in almost all patients during surgery. The second administration is critical to provide this level of coverage. Simulations indicate that higher unbound concentrations up to 32 mg/L are reached by a continuous infusion rate of 1 g/h after a bolus of 1 g. In the postoperative phase, most patients do not reach unbound concentrations above 2 mg/L. To improve target attainment up to 8 mg/L, the continuous application of cefuroxime with infusion rates of 0.125–0.25 g/h is simulated and shown to be an alternative to bolus dosing.ConclusionDosing recommendations for cefuroxime as perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac surgery are sufficient to reach plasma unbound concentration to cover S. aureus during the operation. Target attainment is not achieved in the postoperative period. Continuous infusion of cefuroxime may optimize target attainment.
Administration of all‐transretinoic acid after experimental traumatic brain injury is brain protective
Authors: Hummel Regina , Ulbrich Sebastian , Appel Dominik , Li Shuailong , Hirnet Tobias , Zander Sonja , Bobkiewicz Wieslawa , Gölz Christina , Schäfer Michael K.E. 
Published: September 2020

Background and PurposeAll‐transretinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A metabolite, important in the developing and mature brain. Pre‐injury ATRA administration ameliorates ischaemic brain insults in rodents. This study examined the effects of post‐traumatic ATRA treatment in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI).Experimental ApproachMale adult mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact model of TBI or sham procedure and killed at 7 or 30 days post‐injury (dpi). ATRA (10 mg kg−1, i.p.) was given immediately after the injury and 1, 2 and 3 dpi. Neurological function and sensorimotor coordination were evaluated. Brains were processed for (immuno‐) histological, mRNA and protein analyses (qPCR and western blot).Key ResultsATRA treatment reduced brain lesion size, reactive astrogliosis and axonal injury at 7 dpi, and hippocampal granule cell layer (GCL) integrity was protected at 7 and 30 dpi, independent of cell proliferation in neurogenic niches and blood–brain barrier damage. Neurological and motor deficits over time and the brain tissue loss at 30 dpi were not affected by ATRA treatment. ATRA decreased gene expression of markers for damage‐associated molecular pattern (HMGB1), apoptosis (caspase‐3 and Bax), activated microglia (TSPO), and reactive astrogliosis (GFAP, SerpinA3N) at 7 dpi and a subset of markers at 30 dpi (TSPO, GFAP).Conclusion and ImplicationsIn experimental TBI, post‐traumatic ATRA administration exerted brain protective effects, including long‐term protection of GCL integrity, but did not affect neurological and motor deficits. Further investigations are required to optimize treatment regimens to enhance ATRA's brain protective effects and improve outcomes.
Shrinking body sizes in response to warming: explanations for the temperature–size rule with special emphasis on the role of oxygen
Authors: Verberk Wilco C.E.P. , Atkinson David , Hoefnagel K. Natan , Hirst Andrew G. , Horne Curtis R. , Siepel Henk 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTBody size is central to ecology at levels ranging from organismal fecundity to the functioning of communities and ecosystems. Understanding temperature‐induced variations in body size is therefore of fundamental and applied interest, yet thermal responses of body size remain poorly understood. Temperature–size (T–S) responses tend to be negative (e.g. smaller body size at maturity when reared under warmer conditions), which has been termed the temperature–size rule (TSR). Explanations emphasize either physiological mechanisms (e.g. limitation of oxygen or other resources and temperature‐dependent resource allocation) or the adaptive value of either a large body size (e.g. to increase fecundity) or a short development time (e.g. in response to increased mortality in warm conditions). Oxygen limitation could act as a proximate factor, but we suggest it more likely constitutes a selective pressure to reduce body size in the warm: risks of oxygen limitation will be reduced as a consequence of evolution eliminating genotypes more prone to oxygen limitation. Thus, T–S responses can be explained by the ‘Ghost of Oxygen‐limitation Past’, whereby the resulting (evolved) T–S responses safeguard sufficient oxygen provisioning under warmer conditions, reflecting the balance between oxygen supply and demands experienced by ancestors. T–S responses vary considerably across species, but some of this variation is predictable. Body‐size reductions with warming are stronger in aquatic taxa than in terrestrial taxa. We discuss whether larger aquatic taxa may especially face greater risks of oxygen limitation as they grow, which may be manifested at the cellular level, the level of the gills and the whole‐organism level. In contrast to aquatic species, terrestrial ectotherms may be less prone to oxygen limitation and prioritize early maturity over large size, likely because overwintering is more challenging, with concomitant stronger end‐of season time constraints. Mechanisms related to time constraints and oxygen limitation are not mutually exclusive explanations for the TSR. Rather, these and other mechanisms may operate in tandem. But their relative importance may vary depending on the ecology and physiology of the species in question, explaining not only the general tendency of negative T–S responses but also variation in T–S responses among animals differing in mode of respiration (e.g. water breathersversusair breathers), genome size, voltinism and thermally associated behaviour (e.g. heliotherms).
Factors associated with advanced colorectal cancer differ between young and older adults in England: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chambers A. C. , Dixon S. W. , White P. , Thomas M. G. , Williams A. C. , Messenger D. E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimAdvanced stage presentation of colorectal cancer is associated with poorer survival outcomes, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to determine whether demographic risk factors for advanced stage presentation differed between young and older adults.MethodIndividual‐level data on all incident colorectal cancers in people aged 20 years and above were extracted from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service database for the years 2012 to 2015. Patients were divided into two cohorts: young‐onset colorectal cancer (YOCC) if aged 20–49 years and older‐onset colorectal cancer (OOCC) if aged 50 years and above. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for advanced stage presentation, defined as TNM Stage III or IV, in each cohort.ResultsThere were 7075 (5.2%) patients in the YOCC cohort and 128 345 (94.8%) patients in the OOCC cohort. Tumours in the YOCC cohort were more likely to be at an advanced stage (67.2% vs 55.3%, P < 0.001) and located distally (63.7% vs 55.4%, P < 0.001). No demographic factor was consistently associated with advanced stage presentation in the YOCC cohort. Among the OOCC cohort, increased social deprivation [OR (Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile 5 vs 1) = 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.16), P < 0.001], Black/Black British ethnicity [OR (baseline White) = 1.25 (95% CI 1.11–1.40), P < 0.001] and residence in the East Midlands [OR (baseline London) = 1.11 (95% CI 1.04–1.17), P = 0.001] were associated with advanced stage presentation.ConclusionDemographic factors associated with advanced disease were influenced by age. The effects of social deprivation and ethnicity were only observed in older adults and mirror trends in screening uptake. Targeted interventions for high‐risk groups are warranted.
Evolving Impact of COVID‐19 on Transplant Center Practices and Policies in the United States
Authors: Boyarsky Brian J. , Ruck Jessica M. , Chiang Teresa Po‐Yu , Werbel William A. , Strauss Alexandra T. , Getsin Samantha N. , Jackson Kyle R. , Kernodle Amber B. , Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , Baker Talia B. , Al Ammary Fawaz , Durand Christine M. , Avery Robin K. , Massie Allan B. , Segev Dorry L. , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn our first survey of transplant centers in March 2020, >75% of kidney and liver programs were either suspended or operating under restrictions. To safely resume transplantation, we must understand the evolving impact of COVID‐19 on transplant recipients and center‐level practices. We therefore conducted a six‐week follow‐up survey May 7‐15, 2020, and linked responses to the COVID‐19 incidence map, with a response rate of 84%. Suspension of live donor transplantation decreased from 72% in March to 30% in May for kidneys and from 68% to 52% for livers. Restrictions/suspension of deceased donor transplantation decreased from 84% to 58% for kidneys and from 73% to 42% for livers. Resuming transplantation at normal capacity was envisioned by 83% of programs by August 2020. Exclusively using local recovery teams for deceased donor procurement was reported by 28%. Respondents reported caring for a total of 1166 COVID‐19–positive transplant recipients; 25% were critically ill. Telemedicine challenges were reported by 81%. There was a lack of consensus regarding management of potential living donors or candidates with SARS‐CoV‐2. Our findings demonstrate persistent heterogeneity in center‐level response to COVID‐19 even as transplant activity resumes, making ongoing national data collection and real‐time analysis critical to inform best practices.
The future of alcohol surveys: Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Authors: Mäkelä Pia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe future of survey research in the alcohol field, as elsewhere, does look gloomy. Even if there is a need to better confront this reality, abandoning traditional survey methods does not guarantee better outcomes and is not an equally burning issue in all countries or surveys and for all objectives. Correcting biases is easier when the aim is to estimate the parameters of a consumption distribution than when the aim is to measure drinking patterns, their changes and subgroup differences. Combining data from various sources requires making assumptions that affect the results but that may be hard to base on evidence. Despite these challenges, alcohol researchers need to take steps in this direction to find out more about the situations and ways in which such new methods would best serve the field.
Stable isotopes and morphology reveal spatial and annual patterns in trophic reliance of an invertivorous juvenile fish
Authors: Senegal Taylor J. , Sesterhenn Timothy M. , Roswell Charles R. , Pothoven Steven A. , Höök Tomas O. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEcological studies have traditionally treated fish species or populations as homogenous groups; however, numerous studies have shown that intrapopulation variation in resource use is widespread. Within‐species diet differences are evident in small and large freshwater systems and may influence trophic and population dynamics. In a previous study of young yellow perch, spatial intrapopulation diet variation was observed for stomach contents, a relatively short‐term diet indicator. In the current study, we build upon the earlier study of yellow perch in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, and assess patterns of long‐term diet indicators (stable isotopes and morphology) to assess consistency of diet variation over time and improve characterisation of trophic differences among sites. Specifically, we analysed soft tissue samples for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios and used geometric morphometrics to describe morphological variation of young yellow perch. While both isotopes displayed significant spatial differences, δ15N values demonstrated a much clearer separation among sites, with greater δ15N values for yellow perch collected closer to the mouth of the Saginaw River. Morphological variation also was more apparent among sites rather than between years or months, with more streamlined yellow perch morphologies evident at sites where they consumed high proportions of zooplankton relative to benthic invertebrates. Somewhat unexpectedly, soft tissue δ13C values varied strongly between the two study years; however, the ultimate cause of such interannual variation in δ13C is unclear. These long‐term indicators showed consistent spatial differences, which suggests that individual fish are using resources at a particular site long enough to reflect a stable isotope or morphological signal. Yellow perch production at different locations seemingly relies on different prey resources, suggesting that annual variation in dominant trophic pathways may alter the performance of yellow perch at each location.
Finding a tenure‐track position in academia in North America: Development of an employability model for new assistant professors
Authors: Saffie‐Robertson Ma. Carolina , Fiset John 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSearching for an academic position is known to be a stressful and often ambiguous process for applicants. During this transition from doctoral students to assistant professors, applicants seek any additional means to increase their chances of securing an academic appointment. This research draws on data gathered from a sample of recently hired business school professors for tenure‐track positions in Canada and the United States to develop an inductive model of academic employability. The academic employability model derived from our data consists of four dimensions, three of which have been included in existing employability models (Career Identity, Personal Adaptability, and Social and Human Capital) as well as a fourth unique dimension to this model (Academic Professionalism). In addition to providing an analysis of this distinct and context‐rich job market environment, we offer practical advice for aspiring job candidates, doctoral programmes and academic supervisors seeking to improve academic employability of doctoral graduates.
Efficacy of the DigniCap System in preventing chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in breast cancer patients is not related to patient characteristics or side effects of the device
Authors: Pedersini Rebecca , Fornaro Carla , di Mauro Pierluigi , Bianchi Susanna , Vassalli Lucia , Amoroso Vito , Gelmi Maria , Ardine Mara , Rodella Filippo , Cosentini Deborah , Dalla Volta Alberto , Turla Antonella , Pierini Michela , Motta Paolo , Conti Elisa , Simoncini Edda Lucia , Berruti Alfredo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe DigniCap System is an effective scalp cooling device for the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in early breast cancer patients.AimThis prospective study was designed to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of the device, to explore potential factors associated with its efficacy and to collect data on patient perceptions and satisfaction.MethodsBetween January 2016 and June 2018, 163 early breast cancer patients eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Hair loss was assessed using the Dean scale, where a score of 0–2 (hair loss ≤50%) was defined as successful.ResultsHair preservation was successful in 57% of patients in the overall series. The proportion was even higher (81%) in the patient subgroup treated with a paclitaxel and trastuzumab regimen. Side effects (feeling cold, headache, head heaviness, scalp and cervical pain) were mild to moderate and did not correlate with the rate of hair loss. Lifestyle, anthropometric factors and hair characteristics failed to be associated with device efficacy.ConclusionsThe DigniCap System was well tolerated and found to be effective in preventing alopecia in early breast cancer patients. Our study failed to identify factors other than type of chemotherapy regimen associated with hair preservation.
Clinical scoring approach for detection of histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis in adults
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhu Yingying , Zhang Jiaojiao , Pan Shuming , Wang Hairong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundHistiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis (HNL) is rare and can be easily ignored.AimsTo summarise the characteristics of HNL and find a simple scoring approach to detect HNL in adult patients.MethodsAdult patients with lymphadenopathy diagnosed by lymph node biopsy were enrolled. Chi‐squared test and t‐test were used to determine the significant variables. The cut‐off values and scores assigned to each factor were performed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and coefficients in the logistic regression respectively. The performance of the scoring system was evaluated by ROC curves.ResultsThere were 32 HNL cases and 1162 other cases in the present study. These features, including age, the frequency of presentations of fever, cervical and painful lymph nodes, decrease of white blood cells (WBC), ratio of neutrophil to WBC (N ratio) and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were different between patients with HNL and other diseases. Based on the multivariate analysis, the scoring approach was defined as follows: score = 3 (fever) + 2 (cervical lymphadenopathy) + 2 (decreased WBC) + 1 (decreased N ratio) + 2 (elevated LDH). The cut‐off was score 4. This approach performed will detect HNL with an area under the curve of 0.889.ConclusionThe present study suggests that the novel scoring approach we put forward might be useful to detect HNL in adult patients though further studies are needed.
Sex differences in bedbug nymphs, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Langer Lucas , Froschauer Christin , Reinhardt Klaus 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBedbugs, Cimex lectularius, have re‐gained their status as economically important insects in many parts of the world and, consequently, re‐attracted research into their biology. Standardizing age, feeding and mating status of experimental animals requires easy and reliable identification of the nymphal sex. Here, we show the angle of the pointedness of the abdomen to be a reliable sex marker in nymphal stage 5, as well as the shape of the 9th sternite, allowing rapid nymph sorting by sex. The sexual dimorphism was driven by males, not females, departing from the larval growth trajectory.