bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microenvironment of the male and female reproductive tracts regulate sperm fertility: Impact of viscosity, pH, and osmolality
Authors: Lavanya Maharajan , Selvaraju Sellappan , Krishnappa Balaganur , Krishnaswamy Narayanan , Nagarajan Govindasamy , Kumar Harendra 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundTerminally differentiated mammalian sperm are exposed to gradients of viscosity, pH, and osmolality both in the male and female reproductive tract during their perilous journey to quest the ovum. The complex physicochemical factors play an integral role in preparing sperm for the fertilization process.ObjectivesTo elucidate the influence of the reproductive tract microenvironment especially viscosity, pH, and osmolality in regulating sperm functional and fertilization competence.Materials and MethodsThe data used in this review were collected from the research papers and online databases focusing on the influence of viscosity, pH, and osmolality on sperm function.DiscussionThe gradients of viscosity, pH, and osmolality exist across various segments of the male and female reproductive tract. The changes in the viscosity create a physical barrier, pH aid in capacitation and hyperactivation, and the osmotic stress selects a progressive sperm subpopulation for accomplishing fertilization. The sperm function tests are developed based on the concept that the male genotype is the major contributor to the reproductive outcome. However, recent studies demonstrate the significance of sperm genotype‐environment interactions that are essentially contributing to reproductive success. Hence, it is imperative to assess the impact of physicochemical stresses and the adaptive ability of the terminally differentiated sperm, which in turn would improve the outcome of the assisted reproductive technologies and male fertility assessment.ConclusionElucidating the influence of the reproductive tract microenvironment on sperm function provides newer insights into the procedures that need to be adopted for selecting fertile males for breeding, and ejaculates for the assisted reproductive technologies.
Changes in antiepileptic drug prescriptions over a decade in childbearing women in Lombardy region, Italy
Authors: Clavenna Antonio , Campi Rita , Putignano Daria , Fortino Ida , Bonati Maurizio 
Published: August 2021

AimsTo describe the antiepileptic drug (AED) prescription pattern in pregnant women and women of childbearing age in the 2010–2019 period in the Lombardy region, Italy.MethodsThe Lombardy region administrative healthcare databases (2010–2019) were analysed. AEDs were classified as drugs belonging to the N03A subgroup of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. Women aged 15–49 years were considered as being of childbearing age, while exposure during pregnancy was estimated taking into account the 12 months before delivery (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, ICD‐9‐CM codes in the diagnosis record from 650 to 659).ResultsDuring 2019, 16 605 women of childbearing age (prevalence: 14.8‰) received at least 1 AED prescription. Pregabalin was the most widely used antiepileptic in women of childbearing age (22.3%), followed by valproic acid (20.0%). In 2010, the prevalence of valproic acid prescription to women of childbearing age was 30.2%; in 2019 this was 20.0%. In pregnant women, this prevalence was 24.9% in 2010 and 14.1% in 2019. Starting from 2017, levetiracetam and lamotrigine were the most commonly drugs prescribed to pregnant women.ConclusionDespite the decrease in valproic acid prescription over time, this drug is still among the most used AEDs, in particular in women of childbearing age. Educational interventions for healthcare professionals and women are needed in order to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy.
Multidimensional profiles of parent involvement: Antecedents and impact on student engagement
Authors: Chan Melvin , Manzon Maria , Hong Helen , Khong Lana Y. L. 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundParent involvement in school is a consistent predictor of educational success. However, research has been inconsistent in addressing how parent involvement ought to be defined and measured, which has led to varied findings across schools and educational systems.AimsAttending to the multidimensionality of the construct, this study adopted a person‐centred approach to identify subpopulations of school‐based parent involvement. Subsequently, profile differences were investigated in relation to student engagement and three antecedent variables (gender, socio‐economic status, and authoritative parenting).SampleData were obtained from primary (10‐year old; N = 4,284) and secondary (14‐year old; N = 3,346) school students in Singapore.MethodsLatent profile analysis was conducted on student‐rated surveys of multiple parent involvement behaviours in school and their perceptions. Subsequently, the manual BCH method was employed to concurrently model covariates and outcomes on the latent profile model. Pairwise comparisons between profiles were examined for statistical significance.ResultsConsistent across both cohorts, four distinct profiles emerged that revealed high, moderate, selective, and low parent involvement patterns. High parent involvement reflected high ratings across multiple activities, combined with positive perceptions of parental involvement. These profiles differed significantly in terms of their antecedent characteristics, particularly, authoritative parenting, and in relation to their impact on student engagement.ConclusionResults from this study clarify relations between multi‐faceted dimensions of parent involvement in school. Additionally, there is a case for continued school‐family partnerships among secondary students as students remain academically engaged when parents are involved in school and students relate positively to their involvement.
Cell‐to‐cell contact‐mediated regulation of tumor behavior in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Sato Akira , Rahman Nor Idayu A. , Shimizu Akio , Ogita Hisakazu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTumor growth and progression are complex processes mediated by mutual interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding stroma that include diverse cell types and acellular components, which form the tumor microenvironment. In this environment, direct intercellular communications play important roles in the regulation of the biological behaviors of tumors. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are insufficiently defined. We used an in vitro coculture system to identify genes that were specifically expressed at higher levels in cancer cells associated with stromal cells. Major examples included epithelial membrane protein 1 (EMP1) and stomatin, which positively and negatively regulate tumor progression, respectively. EMP1 promotes tumor cell migration and metastasis via activation of the small GTPase Rac1, while stomatin strongly suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis of cancer cells via inhibition of Akt signaling. Here we highlight important aspects of EMP1, stomatin, and their family members in cancer biology. Furthermore, we consider the molecules that participate in intercellular communications and signaling transduction between cancer cells and stromal cells, which may affect the phenotypes of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Irisin levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis and the expression and distribution of irisin in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Xia , Zhang Sheng-Nan , Zhang Lin-Jie , Zhang Da-Qi , Yang Li 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Irisin is a novel hormone-like myokine that plays an important role in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, such as cerebral ischaemia and Alzheimer's disease. However, irisin is rarely investigated in multiple sclerosis (MS), a typical inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS, and in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a typical model of MS. We determined the levels of irisin in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with MS. The expression and histological distribution of irisin were determined in EAE. Serum irisin levels in patients with MS and in EAE mice were increased, and the levels of FNDC5/irisin mRNA were decreased in the spinal cord and brain regardless of the onset, peak or chronic phase of EAE. Immunofluorescence staining showed co-localization of irisin and neurones. The levels of irisin fluctuated with disease progression in MS and EAE. Irisin may be involved in the pathological process of MS/EAE.
Dysregulation of the epithelial barrier by environmental and other exogenous factors
Authors: Mitamura Yasutaka , Ogulur Ismail , Pat Yagiz , Rinaldi Arturo O. , Ardicli Ozge , Cevhertas Lacin , Brüggen Marie‐Charlotte , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Akdis Mubeccel , Akdis Cezmi A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe “epithelial barrier hypothesis” proposes that the exposure to various epithelial barrier–damaging agents linked to industrialization and urbanization underlies the increase in allergic diseases. The epithelial barrier constitutes the first line of physical, chemical, and immunological defense against environmental factors. Recent reports have shown that industrial products disrupt the epithelial barriers. Innate and adaptive immune responses play an important role in epithelial barrier damage. In addition, recent studies suggest that epithelial barrier dysfunction plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of the atopic march by allergen sensitization through the transcutaneous route. It is evident that external factors interact with the immune system, triggering a cascade of complex reactions that damage the epithelial barrier. Epigenetic and microbiome changes modulate the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Robust and simple measurements of the skin barrier dysfunction at the point‐of‐care are of significant value as a biomarker, as recently reported using electrical impedance spectroscopy to directly measure barrier defects. Understanding epithelial barrier dysfunction and its mechanism is key to developing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize recent studies on the pathophysiological mechanisms triggered by environmental factors that contribute to the dysregulation of epithelial barrier function.
Contact dermatitis to hair cosmetics: Current diagnostic recommendations
Authors: Thomas Zita‐Rose Manjaly , Jamiolkowski Dagmar , Chantraine Sibylla , Steveling‐Klein Esther , Hofmeier Kathrin Scherer , Hartmann Karin 
Published: August 2021

SummaryHair cosmetics such as shampoos, hair dyes, bleaching agents or hair straightening creams contain frequent contact allergens. These can lead to allergic contact dermatitis especially in hairdressers, but also in their customers and in others who use hair products at home. While hairdressers suffer mainly from hand dermatitis, in customers and home‐users, dermatitis primarily affects the head, neck and face. In this mini‐review, we propose a diagnostic algorithm in two steps, based on patch testing, that can be used for the assessment of suspected hair product‐induced contact dermatitis. In a first step, we recommend testing the German Contact Allergy Group (DKG) standard series, DKG ointment series, DKG preservative series, DKG hairdresser series, DKG fragrance series as well as (especially in hairdressers) the DKG rubber series. In a second step, if the culprit allergen cannot be identified with the help of the standardized test series and there is a well‐founded suspicion, testing the patient’s own products, such as shampoos, hair sprays and hair dyes, is recommended.
Potential distributions of invasive vertebrates in the Iberian Peninsula under projected changes in climate extreme events
Authors: Baquero Rocío A. , Barbosa A. Márcia , Ayllón Daniel , Guerra Carlos , Sánchez Enrique , Araújo Miguel B. , Nicola Graciela G. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimInvasive alien species (IAS) can cause profound impacts on ecosystem function and diversity, human health, well‐being and livelihoods. Climate change is an important driver of biological invasions, so it is critical to develop models and climate‐driven scenarios of IAS range shifts to establish preventive measures. In this study, we analyse how projected changes in the frequency and magnitude of climate extreme events could affect the spread of the six most widely distributed invasive vertebrate species in the Iberian Peninsula.LocationIberian Peninsula.TaxaRed avadavat (Amandava amandava), common waxbill (Estrilda astrild), monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), rose‐ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), American mink (Neovison vison) and pond slider (Trachemys scripta).MethodsWe followed best‐practice standards for species distribution models (SDMs) regarding handling of the response and predictor variables, model building and evaluation using metrics that assess different facets of model performance. We used an ensemble approach with four modelling methods of varying complexity, including both regression‐based and tree‐based machine‐learning algorithms. We analysed five regional models for current (1971–2000) and future climate (2021–2050). We used principal components analysis to assess consensus among model outputs and positively weighed predictions from well‐performing models.ResultsSelected models showed high consensus and good predictive capacity on block cross‐validation areas. Generalized Linear Models and Generalized Additive Models scored highest in reliability (calibration), but Bayesian Additive Regression Trees provided the best balance between calibration and discrimination capacity. Forecasts include visible changes in environmental favourability, with losses generally outweighing the gains, but with some areas becoming more favourable for several species.Main conclusionsIncreased frequency and/or intensity of climate extreme events associated with ongoing climate change are projected to reduce overall invasion risk for the species examined although increases in favourability should be expected locally.
Task‐specific training for bicycle‐riding goals in ambulant children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Toovey Rachel A M , Harvey Adrienne R , McGinley Jennifer L , Lee Katherine J , Shih Sophy T F , Spittle Alicia J 
Published: August 2021

AimTo determine whether a task‐specific physiotherapist‐led training approach is more effective than a non‐specific parent‐led home programme for attaining bicycle‐riding goals in ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodSixty‐two ambulant children with CP aged 6 to 15 years (33 males, 29 females, mean age 9y 6mo) with bicycle‐riding goals participated in this multi‐centre, assessor‐blind, parallel‐group, superiority randomized controlled trial. Children in the task‐specific group participated in a physiotherapist‐led, group‐based, intensive training programme. Children in the parent‐led home group were provided with a practice schedule, generic written information, and telephone support. Both programmes involved a 1‐week training period. The primary outcome was goal attainment at 1 week after training measured using the Goal Attainment Scale. Secondary outcomes included bicycle skills, participation in bicycle riding, functional skills, self‐perception, physical activity, and health‐related quality of life at 1 week and 3 months after training.ResultsChildren in the task‐specific training group had greater odds of goal attainment than those in the parent‐led home programme at 1 week after intervention (odds ratio [OR] 10.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8–38.6), with evidence for superiority retained at 3 months (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3–12.5).InterpretationThe task‐specific physiotherapist‐led training approach was more effective for attaining bicycle‐riding goals than a non‐specific parent‐led home programme in ambulant children with CP.
Can Agenda 2030 bring about “localization”? Policy limitations of Agenda 2030 in the broader global governance system
Authors: Novovic Gloria 
Published: August 2021

SummaryMotivationLocalization is an elusive target of international development, aimed at strengthening local ownership through equitable partnerships and redistribution of resources and decision‐making. While this is a long‐standing objective, it remains unachieved. In light of these limitations in global governance, the transformative potential of Agenda 2030 is questioned.PurposeThis article observes policy shifts triggered by Agenda 2030 by analysing its domestication in institutional and national contexts in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. By asking “Can Agenda 2030 bring about localization?” the article examines the policy potential of Agenda 2030 to transform the traditional international development paradigm, as David Slater theorized in 1993.Methods and approachThe article offers interpretive policy analysis and presents insights drawn from 172 interviews and 11 focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with international and national civil servants, civil society actors, and academics in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as headquarters and regional offices of selected United Nations and donor agencies.FindingsAgenda 2030 emerges as a legitimate framework that creates new policy avenues of national agenda‐setting and multi‐stakeholder co‐ordination. Across all three national contexts, Agenda 2030 was integrated into national agendas, considered to be central development anchors that, however, largely depend on change‐resistant donor structures. This is intensifying critiques of development paradigms among development practitioners, particularly from historically disadvantaged countries.Policy implicationsWhile triggering meaningful shifts in development agenda‐setting, Agenda 2030 has not resulted in political commitments to transform inequitable global development mechanisms that would enable its achievement. Key bottlenecks, in fact, are found not in the insufficient implementation of countries receiving official development assistance, but in the lack of institutional reforms to donor and global governance mechanisms. Political, rather than policy, solutions are required.
Massive spider web aggregations in South American grasslands after flooding
Authors: Piacentini Luis N. , Grismado Cristian J. , Aisenberg Anita , Toscano‐Gadea Carlos A. , Laborda Alvaro , Simó Miguel , Postiglioni Rodrigo , Peralta Luciano , Proud Dan N. , Ramírez Martín J. 
Published: August 2021

1. Major floods of riparian and grassland habitats may lead to a shift in the availability of resources (e.g., food, space) that produces cascading effects on the organisms that rely on it. After flooding occurs, particularly in natural grasslands or agricultural fields, massive aggregative spider webs are occasionally observed. However, given it is an infrequent and unpredictable event, it is seldom reported in detail.2. We characterise two instances of massive web aggregations that followed major floods in grasslands and agricultural fields in Argentina and Uruguay in 2015. In the Argentinean event, we compare the composition of spider assemblages on the webs, in grasses below the webs, and in grasses from nearby habitats, with samples taken in the same location but when the fields were not flooded.3. The assemblage of spiders in the massive web aggregations largely consisted of immature Diapontia uruguayensis (Lycosidae). In the grass below the webs, we recorded an impressive density of 1007 specimens m−1 belonging to several spider species, 6–15 times the density of similar samples without aggregated webs, co‐occurring and showing low levels of aggression among them.4. Our observations and review of the literature support the idea massive webs produced by lycosids are a byproduct of an unusually high density of spiders simultaneously attempting to disperse through the air via ballooning and escaping from floods.
Insect and plant invasions follow two waves of globalisation
Authors: Bonnamour Aymeric , Gippet Jérôme M. W. , Bertelsmeier Cleo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGlobalisation has facilitated the spread of alien species, and some of them have significant impacts on biodiversity and human societies. It is commonly thought that biological invasions have accelerated continuously over the last centuries, following increasing global trade. However, the world experienced two distinct waves of globalisation (~1820–1914, 1960‐present), and it remains unclear whether these two waves have influenced invasion dynamics of many species. To test this, we built a statistical model that accounted for temporal variations in sampling effort. We found that insect and plant invasion rates did not continuously increase over the past centuries but greatly fluctuated following the two globalisation waves. Our findings challenge the idea of a continuous acceleration of alien species introductions and highlight the association between temporal variations in trade openness and biological invasion dynamics. More generally, this emphasises the urgency of better understanding the subtleties of socio‐economic drivers to improve predictions of future invasions.
A web‐based algorithm to rapidly classify seizures for the purpose of drug selection
Authors: Beniczky Sándor , Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Perucca Emilio , Rubboli Guido , Tartara Elena , Meritam Larsen Pirgit , Ebrahimi Saqar , Farzinmehr Somayeh , Rampp Stefan , Sperling Michael R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and validate a pragmatic algorithm that classifies seizure types, to facilitate therapeutic decision‐making.MethodsUsing a modified Delphi method, five experts developed a pragmatic classification of nine types of epileptic seizures or combinations of seizures that influence choice of medication, and constructed a simple algorithm, freely available on the internet. The algorithm consists of seven questions applicable to patients with seizure onset at the age of 10 years or older. Questions to screen for nonepileptic attacks were added. Junior physicians, nurses, and physician assistants applied the algorithm to consecutive patients in a multicenter prospective validation study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03796520). The reference standard was the seizure classification by expert epileptologists, based on all available data, including electroencephalogram (EEG), video‐EEG monitoring, and neuroimaging. In addition, physicians working in underserved areas assessed the feasibility of using the web‐based algorithm in their clinical setting.ResultsA total of 262 patients were assessed, of whom 157 had focal, 51 had generalized, and 10 had unknown onset epileptic seizures, and 44 had nonepileptic paroxysmal events. Agreement between the algorithm and the expert classification was 83.2% (95% confidence interval = 78.6%–87.8%), with an agreement coefficient (AC1) of .82 (95% confidence interval = .77–.87), indicating almost perfect agreement. Thirty‐two health care professionals from 14 countries evaluated the feasibility of the web‐based algorithm in their clinical setting, and found it applicable and useful for their practice (median = 6.5 on 7‐point Likert scale).SignificanceThe web‐based algorithm provides an accurate classification of seizure types, which can be used for selecting antiseizure medications in adolescents and adults.