bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Problem of “Ninjas” and “Bandits”: Ethnographic Encounters with Reformist Muslim Women in Guinea
Authors: Fioratta Susanna 
Published: June 2018

SUMMARYMuslim women in Guinea who wear face and body coverings are derisively called “ninjas” and “bandits,” while those who attend Arabic language and Koranic reading classes are widely regarded with suspicion. This article focuses on women participating in a controversial religious movement, explores how these women engage and embody the limits of gender roles, and asks how examining the experiences of aberrant women can challenge assumptions about both gender and ethnographic practice.
Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy provides an additive physiological benefit following treatment of aortic stenosis: Insights from serial coronary wave intensity analysis
Authors: Broyd Christopher J. , Rigo Fausto , Nijjer Sukhjinder , Sen Sayan , Petraco Ricardo , Al‐Lamee Rasha , Foin Nicolas , Chukwuemeka Andrew , Anderson Jon , Parker Jessica , Malik Iqbal S. , Mikhail Ghada W. , Francis Darrel P. , Parker Kim , Hughes Alun D. , Mayet Jamil , Davies Justin E. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimSevere aortic stenosis frequently involves the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) creating a dichotomous haemodynamic state within the coronary circulation. Whilst the increased force of ventricular contraction enhances its resultant relaxation and thus increases the distal diastolic coronary “suction” force, the presence of LVH has a potentially opposing effect on ventricular‐coronary interplay. The aim of this study was to use non‐invasive coronary wave intensity analysis (WIA) to separate and measure the sequential effects of outflow tract obstruction relief and then LVH regression following intervention for aortic stenosis.MethodsFifteen patients with unobstructed coronary arteries undergoing aortic valve intervention (11 surgical aortic valve replacement [SAVR], 4 TAVI) were successfully assessed before and after intervention, and at 6 and 12 months post‐procedure. Coronary WIA was constructed from simultaneously acquired coronary flow from transthoracic echo and pressure from an oscillometric brachial cuff system.ResultsImmediately following intervention, a decline in the backward decompression wave (BDW) was noted (9.7 ± 5.7 vs 5.1 ± 3.6 × 103 W/m2/s, P < 0.01). Over 12 months, LV mass index fell from 114 ± 19 to 82 ± 17 kg/m2. Accompanying this, the BDW fraction increased to 32.8 ± 7.2% at 6 months (P = 0.01 vs post‐procedure) and 34.7 ± 6.7% at 12 months (P < 0.001 vs post‐procedure).ConclusionIn aortic stenosis, both the outflow tract gradient and the presence of LVH impact significantly on coronary haemodynamics that cannot be appreciated by examining resting coronary flow rates alone. An immediate change in coronary wave intensity occurs following intervention with further effects appreciable with hypertrophy regression. The improvement in prognosis with treatment is likely to be attributable to both features.
Luteolin Decreases Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor‐Mediated Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Anson David M. , Wilcox Rachel M. , Huseman Eric D. , Stump Trevor A. , Paris Robert L. , Darkwah Belinda O. , Lin Stacy , Adegoke Andrea O. , Gryka Rebecca J. , Jean‐Louis Denise S. , Amos Samson 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGlioblastomas are a subtype of gliomas, which are the most aggressive and deadly form of brain tumours. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over‐expressed and amplified in glioblastomas. Luteolin is a common bioflavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular and biological effects of luteolin on EGF‐induced cell proliferation and the potential of luteolin to induce apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. In vitro cell viability assays demonstrated that luteolin decreased cell proliferation in the presence or absence of EGF. Immunoblots revealed that luteolin decreased the protein expression levels of phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, p70S6K and MAPK in the presence of EGF. Furthermore, our results revealed the ability of luteolin to induce caspase and PARP cleavages in glioblastoma cells in addition to promoting cell cycle arrest. Our results demonstrated that luteolin has an inhibitory effect on downstream signalling molecules activated by EGFR, particularly the Akt and MAPK signalling pathways, and provided a rationale for further clinical investigation into the use of luteolin as a therapeutic molecule in the management of glioblastoma.
Antimicrobial endotoxin‐neutralizing peptides promote keratinocyte migration via P2X7 receptor activation and accelerate wound healing in vivo
Authors: Pfalzgraff Anja , Bárcena‐Varela Sergio , Heinbockel Lena , Gutsmann Thomas , Brandenburg Klaus , Martinez‐de‐Tejada Guillermo , Weindl Günther 
Published: June 2018

Background and PurposeWound healing is a complex process that is essential to provide skin homeostasis. Infection with pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can lead to chronic wounds, which are challenging to heal. Previously, we demonstrated that the antimicrobial endotoxin‐neutralizing peptide Pep19‐2.5 promotes artificial wound closure in keratinocytes. Here, we investigated the mechanism of peptide‐induced cell migration and if Pep19‐2.5 accelerates wound closure in vivo.Experimental ApproachCell migration was examined in HaCaT keratinocytes and P2X7 receptor‐overexpressing HEK293 cells using the wound healing scratch assay. The protein expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2, ATP release, calcium influx and mitochondrial ROS were analysed to characterize Pep19‐2.5‐mediated signalling. For in vivo studies, female BALB/c mice were wounded and infected with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or left non‐infected and treated topically with Pep19‐2.5 twice daily for 6 days.Key ResultsSpecific P2X7 receptor antagonists inhibited Pep19‐2.5‐induced cell migration and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in keratinocytes and P2X7 receptor‐transfected HEK293 cells. ATP release was not increased by Pep19‐2.5; however, ATP was required for cell migration. Pep19‐2.5 increased cytosolic calcium and mitochondrial ROS, which were involved in peptide‐induced migration and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In both non‐infected and MRSA‐infected wounds, the wound diameter was reduced already at day 2 post‐wounding in the Pep19‐2.5‐treated groups compared to vehicle, and remained decreased until day 6.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data suggest the potential application of Pep19‐2.5 in the treatment of non‐infected and S. aureus‐infected wounds and provide insights into the mechanism involved in Pep19‐2.5‐induced wound healing.
Qualitative exploration of a targeted school‐based mindfulness course in England
Authors: McGeechan Grant J. , Richardson Catherine , Wilson Lynn , Allan Keith , Newbury‐Birch Dorothy 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundMindfulness‐based training has been shown to provide benefits for adults with numerous conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, and depression. However, less is known about its impact for young people. Early adolescence (typically 10–14 years) is a time fraught with challenges such as cognitive changes, social, and academic pressures in the form of exams, all of which can provoke anxiety. While there is a lack of effectiveness studies, there is growing interest in the potential for school‐based mindfulness programmes to help young people cope with the pressures of modern life.MethodsThis study outlines a qualitative exploration of a school‐based targeted mindfulness course. We interviewed 16 young people who had taken part in a 10‐week mindfulness course, and held a focus group with three members of teaching staff who delivered the programme. Interviews and focus groups were analysed using applied thematic analysis.ResultsWhile young people felt that they had to take part, once they started the programme they enjoyed it. Young people felt that they learned a range of coping skills, and it had a positive impact on their behaviour. However, the targeted approach of the intervention could lead to young people being stigmatised by their peers. Teaching staff could see the potential benefit of mindfulness courses in schools but felt there were some barriers to be overcome if it were to be implemented in the long term.ConclusionsYoung people were willing to engage in mindful practice and felt it better equipped them to deal with stressful situations.
Individual and monitoring centre influences upon anticoagulation control of AF patients on warfarin: A longitudinal multi‐centre UK‐based study
Authors: Abohelaika Salah , Wynne Hilary , Avery Peter , Robinson Brian , Jones Lisa , Tait Campbell , Dickinson Bradley , Salisbury Julie , Nightingale Joanna , Green Louise , Kamali Farhad 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesTime within therapeutic INR range (TTR) predicts benefits/risk of warfarin therapy. Identification of individual‐ and centre‐related factors that influence TTR, and addressing them to improve anticoagulation control, are important. This study examined the impact of individual and centre‐related factors upon long‐term anticoagulation control in atrial fibrillation patients in seven UK‐based monitoring services.MethodsData between 2000 and 2014 on 25 270 patients (equating to 203 220 patient years) [18 120 (71.7%) in general practice, 2348 (9.3%) in hospital‐based clinics and 4802 (19.0%) in domiciliary service] were analysed.ResultsTTR increased with increasing age, peaking around 77% at 70‐75 years, and then declined, was lower in females than males, and in dependent home‐monitored patients than those attending clinic (P < 0.0001). TTR, number of dose changes and INR monitoring events and the probability of TTR ≤ 65%, differed across the centres (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsAlthough all the participating centres ostensively followed a standard dosing algorithm, our results indicate that variations in practice do occur between different monitoring sites. We suggest feedback on TTR for individual monitoring sites gauged against the average values reported by others would empower the individual centres to improve quality outcomes of anticoagulation therapy by identifying and adjusting contributory factors within their management system.
Multigenerational and transgenerational effects of paternal exposure to drugs of abuse on behavioral and neural function
Authors: Goldberg Lisa R. , Gould Thomas J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAddictions are highly heritable disorders, with heritability estimates ranging from 39% to 72%. Multiple studies suggest a link between paternal drug abuse and addiction in their children. However, patterns of inheritance cannot be explained purely by Mendelian genetic mechanisms. Exposure to drugs of abuse results in epigenetic changes that may be passed on through the germline. This mechanism of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may provide a link between paternal drug exposure and addiction susceptibility in the offspring. Recent studies have begun to investigate the effect of paternal drug exposure on behavioral and neurobiological phenotypes in offspring of drug‐exposed fathers in rodent models. This review aims to discuss behavioral and neural effects of paternal exposure to alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and nicotine. Although a special focus will be on addiction‐relevant behaviors, additional behavioral effects including cognition, anxiety, and depressive‐like behaviors will be discussed.
Tau uptake in agrammatic primary progressive aphasia with and without apraxia of speech
Authors: Utianski R. L. , Whitwell J. L. , Schwarz C. G. , Duffy J. R. , Botha H. , Clark H. M. , Machulda M. M. , Senjem M. L. , Knopman D. S. , Petersen R. C. , Jack C. R. , Lowe V. J. , Josephs K. A. 
Published: June 2018

Background and purposeThe non‐fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia (agPPA) is a heterogeneous diagnosis wherein some individuals have apraxia of speech (AOS). When agPPA includes AOS, a tauopathy is the likely underlying pathology. Recently, [18F]AV‐1451 was developed for the in‐vivo assessment of tau. In this study, we compared patterns of tau tracer uptake in patients with agPPA with and without AOS.MethodsNine patients with agPPA (four without AOS) underwent tau positron emission tomography imaging with [18F]AV‐1451. Uptake of [18F]AV‐1451 was assessed as cortical to cerebellar crus ratio (standard uptake value ratio) in cortical regions of interest measured using the MCALT atlas and compared voxel‐wise in SPM12. Each patient was age‐ and sex‐matched to three controls.ResultsThe agPPA without AOS showed uptake in the left frontal and temporal lobes, whereas agPPA with AOS showed uptake in the bilateral supplementary motor areas, frontal lobes, precuneus and precentral gyrus relative to controls. The left precentral gyrus had uptake in agPPA with AOS relative to those without AOS.ConclusionsThis cross‐sectional study suggests that [18F]AV‐1451 uptake in the precentral gyrus is implicated in AOS in agPPA.
Pooling of genital swabs for detection by PCR of Taylorella equigenitalis, the cause of contagious equine metritis
Authors: Mawhinney I. , Errington J. , Stamper N. , Torrens N. , Engelsma M. Y. , Roest H. I. J. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBackgroundSets of genital swabs are routinely taken from horses to screen for the presence of Taylorella equigenitalis, the cause of contagious equine metritis. Typically, two to four different sites are swabbed at a time and tested by culture or PCR.ObjectivesThis study explored the feasibility of pooling these swabs for a single PCR test per animal instead of testing each swab individually.Study designIn vitro.MethodsPCR signal strengths (Ct values) from 149 historical PCR positive genital swabs, together with historical data on the number of swabs in a set expected to be positive, were used to assess the suitability of pooling for screening horses for T. equigenitalis infection in the population at large. Twenty‐four sets of four equine genital swabs were tested. The sets were prepared in the laboratory using one or more swabs positive for T. equigenitalis from naturally infected cases. Positive and negative swabs were selected to reflect a typical range of PCR Ct values expected in field cases of T. equigenitalis infection. These pools were tested by an established PCR to assess the impact and suitability of a PCR test on pooled swabs compared to individual swab testing, by comparing the Ct values.ResultsPooling one positive swab with three negative swabs produced a small drop in Ct value but all pools were still clearly positive.Main limitationsLarge numbers of field positive horses are not available, but the proof of concept approach with laboratory prepared pools shows the method is applicable to field cases.ConclusionsIt was concluded that pooling of swabs would confer no appreciable drop in the ability to detect a positive animal compared to individual swab testing; pooling is therefore a suitable alternative to individual swab testing with reduced costs.
The Summary is available in Spanish – see Supporting Information
A comparison of rolling contact fatigue behaviour of 17NiCrMo6‐4 case‐hardened disc specimens and gears
Authors: Terrin A. , Meneghetti G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA two‐disc test rig employed to assess the contact fatigue performance of gear materials is presented. Tests were performed on both shot‐peened and un‐peened 17NiCrMo6‐4 discs, designed to recreate the meshing conditions between the sun and planet gears of planetary gear sets in the wheel hubs of off‐highway vehicles. The mechanisms leading to pitting damage in disc specimens are discussed. Disc specimens with the same slide‐to‐roll ratio as that of the sun gears exhibited similar crater morphology but had 44% higher capacity in terms of contact pressure. This difference was attributed to changes in the disc geometry due to wear and micropitting during the tests, which enhanced the conformity between the contact surfaces and thus reduced the contact pressure for a given applied load.
Miglitol attenuates non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in diabetic patients
Authors: Komatsu Michiharu , Tanaka Naoki , Kimura Takefumi , Fujimori Naoyuki , Sano Kenji , Horiuchi Akira , Sugiura Ayumi , Yamazaki Tomoo , Shibata Soichiro , Joshita Satoru , Umemura Takeji , Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: June 2018

AimPostprandial hyperglycemia is frequently accompanied by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH). Although α‐glucosidase inhibitors (αGIs) can slow glucose absorption from the intestine and suppress the surge of circulating glucose concentration after meals, it remains unclear whether αGIs are also beneficial for NASH. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the efficacy and safety of miglitol, a typical αGI, for NASH.MethodsSeventeen patients with histologically confirmed NASH and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) >6.5% were treated with miglitol (150 mg/day) for 12 months. The changes in clinical parameters and liver histology were analyzed.ResultsAll patients completed the 12‐month miglitol treatment course with no severe adverse events. The treatment significantly decreased body mass index, serum alanine aminotransferase levels, and HbA1c (all P < 0.001). Post‐treatment liver biopsy of 11 patients revealed significant improvements in steatosis (from 2.2 ± 0.6 to 1.5 ± 0.7, P = 0.001), lobular inflammation (from 1.8 ± 0.8 to 1.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.014), portal inflammation scores (from 0.6 ± 0.5 to 0.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.025), and NAFLD activity score (from 5.5 ± 1.5 to 3.9 ± 1.4, P = 0.012). Fibrosis and hepatocyte ballooning scores were unchanged.ConclusionsMiglitol appears to safely ameliorate NASH activity by attenuation of steatosis and lobular/portal inflammation. Appropriately powered controlled trials are warranted to validate our results.
Genetic structure of the Painted Bunting and its implications for conservation of migratory populations
Authors: Contina Andrea , Alcantara Jose L. , Bridge Eli S. , Ross Jeremy D. , Oakley William F. , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Ruegg Kristen C. 
Published: June 2018

The Painted BuntingPasserina cirisis a Neotropical songbird which breeds primarily in theUSAduring the summer and migrates to Mexico, Central America, southern Florida and the Caribbean over the winter. Male Painted Buntings are brightly coloured, which makes them highly sought after as pets, particularly in Mexico, Central America and Europe. We used short sequence repeats (microsatelliteDNA) to investigate the population genetic structure of the Painted Bunting and its implications in conservation management of migratory populations. We found a detectable level of population differentiation as revealed by pairwiseFSTandRSTcomparisons and Bayesian clustering analyses, with strong support for differentiation between eastern and western Painted Buntings (e.g. Oklahoma and GeorgiaFST = 0.1;P = 0.005;RST = 0.18;P = 0.04) in accordance with previous mitochondrialDNAanalysis. We recovered additional support for two sub‐groups within the western clade. While linking migrant songbirds captured outside of theUSAto their breeding populations remains a challenge, we show that natural levels of population genetic differentiation can be detected via microsatelliteDNAmarkers and exploited in migratory connectivity studies. We also demonstrate the potential utility of our low‐cost markers for population identification of birds recovered from the pet trade by screening a small subset of samples (n = 5) collected as part of wildlife tracking. We discuss the implications of our results for future efforts to understand patterns of population decline in Painted Buntings more generally, as well as how we might expand this methodology to combat illegal pet‐trade activity in this and other songbird species.
Testing hypotheses driving genetic structure in the cooperatively breeding Brown‐headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla
Authors: Han Kin‐Lan , Kimball Rebecca T. , Cox James A. 
Published: June 2018

Habitat fragmentation has often been implicated in the decline of many species. For habitat specialists and/or sedentary species, loss of habitat can result in population isolation and lead to negative genetic effects. However, factors other than fragmentation can often be important and also need to be considered when assessing the genetic structure of a species. We genotyped individuals from 13 populations of the cooperatively breeding Brown‐headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla in Florida to test three alternative hypotheses regarding the effects that habitat fragmentation might have on genetic structure. A map of potential habitat developed from recent satellite imagery suggested that Brown‐headed Nuthatch populations in southern Florida occupied smaller and more isolated habitat patches (i.e. were more fragmented) than populations in northern Florida. We also genotyped individuals from a small, isolated Brown‐headed Nuthatch population on Grand Bahama Island. We found that populations associated with more fragmented habitat in southern Florida had lower allelic richness than populations in northern Florida (P = 0.02), although there were no differences in heterozygosity. Although pairwise estimates of FST were low overall, values among southern populations were generally higher than northern populations. Population assignment tests identified K = 3 clusters corresponding to a northern cluster, a southern cluster and a unique population in southeast Florida; using sampling localities as prior information revealed K = 7 clusters, with greater structure only among southern Florida populations. The Bahamas population showed moderate to high differentiation compared with Florida populations. Overall, our results suggest that fragmentation could affect gene flow in Brown‐headed Nuthatch populations and is likely to become more pronounced over time.
Correlation between flow cytometry and molecular findings in autosomal recessive chronic granulomatous disease: A cohort study from Oman
Authors: Al‐Riyami A. Z. , Al‐Zadjali S. , Al‐Mamari S. , Al‐Said B. , Al‐Qassabi J. , Al‐Tamemi S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an X‐linked (XL) or autosomal recessive (AR) primary immunodeficiency disease. Respiratory burst assessment by flow cytometry is a rapid test of granulocyte stimulation, and results predict the underlying genotype. This study aims to describe the immune‐phenotypic profile of patients with CGD diagnosed in our center and correlate that with underlying genetic mutations.MethodsImmuno‐phenotypic and genetic data on all patients with CGD diagnosed at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) were reviewed.ResultsA total of 32 patients were diagnosed with CGD using molecular studies. Genetically confirmed individuals included 1 patient with XL‐CGD (a large deletion involving the CYBB and XK genes resulting in a McLeod phenotype), 27 patients with AR‐CGD with a c.579G>A (p.Trp193X) mutation at the NCF1 gene, and 4 patients with AR‐CGD with a c.784G>A (p.Gly262Ser) mutation at the NCF1 gene. Flow cytometry and molecular results were available for comparison in 26 patients with AR‐CGD. The patients with AR‐CGD had a range of flow cytometry‐generated fluorescent patterns as follows: reduced neutrophil stimulation with a sharp peak (12/26), reduced neutrophil stimulation with a broad peak (11/26), and a complete lack of neutrophil stimulation (3/26). No consistent flow cytometry‐generated fluorescent pattern was observed in either of the 2 AR mutations identified in our patients.ConclusionFlow cytometry is a robust test of CGD diagnosis. However, results should be interpreted with caution when predicting the underlying probable genotype, and results need to be complemented with definitive molecular studies.