bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of antimalarial interventions in Nigeria: Evidence from facility‐level longitudinal data
Authors: Witvorapong Nopphol , Yakubu Kolo Yaro 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a program of antimalarial interventions implemented in 2010‐2013 in Niger State, Nigeria.Data SourcesUtilization reports from 99 intervention and 51 non‐intervention health facilities from the Niger State Malaria Elimination Program, supplemented by data on facility‐level characteristics from the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency and Local Government Malaria Control units.Study DesignEstimated with mixed‐effects negative binomial modeling, a difference‐in‐differences method was used to quantify the impact of the program on the number of febrile illness cases and confirmed malaria cases. Potential confounding factors, non‐stationarity, seasonality, and autocorrelation were explicitly accounted for.Data Extraction MethodsData were retrieved from hard copies of utilization reports and manually inputted to create a panel of 5550 facility‐month observations.Principal FindingsThe program was implemented in two phases. The first phase (August 2010‐June 2012) involved the provision of free artemisinin‐based combination therapies, long‐lasting insecticidal nets, and intermittent preventive treatments. In the second phase (July 2012‐March 2013), the program introduced an additional intervention: free parasite‐based rapid diagnostic tests. Compared to the pre‐intervention period, the average number of monthly febrile illness and malaria cases increased by 20.876 (P < 0.01) and 22.835 (P < 0.01) in the first phase, and by 19.007 (P < 0.05) and 19.681 (P < 0.05) in the second phase, respectively. The results are consistent across different evaluation methods.ConclusionsThis study suggests that user‐fee removal leads to increased utilization of antimalarial services. It motivates future studies to cautiously select their investigative methods.
A potential role for immigrant reproductive behavior in the outcome of population augmentations
Authors: Mensch E. L. , Kronenberger J. A. , Broder E. D. , Fitzpatrick S. W. , Funk W. C. , Angeloni L. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAugmenting wild populations with translocated individuals is a powerful conservation tool to achieve genetic rescue, but little is known about the role mating behavior plays in the success of augmentation efforts. We studied the behavior of male Trinidadian guppies Poecilia reticulata introduced into experimental mesocosm populations and assessed whether mating behavior influenced reproductive success. A previously published analysis of the same experiment found that populations from the Quare River had higher immigrant reproductive success than populations from the Marianne River, contributing to higher population fitness following augmentation. However, the reason for high immigrant reproductive success remained unclear. Our behavioral observations of a subset of those populations revealed that immigrant males from Quare (but not Marianne) performed more sexual displays and forced copulations and had marginally higher reproductive success than resident males. These results, combined with significant differences in reproductive success and population fitness reported in the previous study, suggest that mating behavior may have improved the outcome of augmentation by increasing genetic admixture. We urge wildlife managers and researchers to consider mating behavior as a factor influencing augmentation success.
Demonstration of critical role of GRIN3A in nicotine dependence through both genetic association and molecular functional studies
Authors: Chen Jiali , Liu Qiang , Fan Rongli , Han Haijun , Yang Zhongli , Cui Wenyan , Song Guohua , Li Ming D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNicotine dependence (ND) is a chronic disease with catastrophic effects on individual and public health. The glutamate receptor subunit gene, ionotropic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate 3A (GRIN3A), encodes a crucial subunit of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), which play an essential role in synaptic plasticity in the brain. Although various variants of GRIN3A have been associated with ND in European‐American and African‐American samples, no study has been reported for the association between GRIN3A and ND in Chinese Han population. We performed an association study of 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GRIN3A with ND in 2616 Chinese individuals. SNP‐based association analysis indicated that SNP rs1323423 was significantly associated with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score after correction for multiple testing (P = 0.0026). Haplotype‐based association analysis revealed that Block 3, formed by rs1323423‐rs10989591, was significantly associated with the FTND score after correction for multiple testing (global P = 0.0183). Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the DNA region containing rs1323423 was an enhancer element, the activity of which was significantly impacted by rs1323423 genotype. Considering that rs1323423 is located in a potential enhancer region, we performed GRIN3A editing in HEK293T cells with CRISPR/Cas9 and found that the DNA region around rs1323423 has a regulatory function and the expression of GRIN3A affects the expression of other NMDA subunits. Moreover, we demonstrated that nicotine at a concentration of 100 μM decreased expression of GRIN3A in SH‐SY5Y and HEK293T cells at the RNA and protein level, respectively. This study provides novel evidence for the involvement of GRIN3A in ND.
Isolation of primary odontoblasts: Expectations and limitations
Authors: Widbiller Matthias , Bucchi Cristina , Rosendahl Andreas , Spanier Gerrit , Buchalla Wolfgang , Galler Kerstin M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate different protocols of enzymatic treatment (collagenase with either protease, trypsin or hyaluronidase) to isolate mature odontoblasts. Primary odontoblasts were obtained from human molars, which was confirmed by histology and scanning electron microscopy. The combination of collagenase with protease appeared most suitable and resulted in higher cell numbers and better integrity of the odontoblast processes, whereas combination with hyaluronidase or trypsin led to truncated processes and detachment of cell patches instead of single cells. However, trypan blue staining after 24 h showed that odontoblasts in culture did not remain viable. Gene expression analysis was possible after mRNA extraction from tissues ex vivo and real‐time semi‐quantitative PCR revealed increased expression of collagen, nestin, bone sialoprotein and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 in the odontoblast layer. Though primary odontoblasts could not be cultivated after isolation, characteristic genes were identified to differentiate odontoblasts from pulp fibroblasts.
Signatures of de‐domestication in autochthonous pig breeds and of domestication in wild boar populations from MC1R and NR6A1 allele distribution
Authors: Ribani A. , Utzeri V. J. , Geraci C. , Tinarelli S. , Djan M. , Veličković N. , Doneva R. , Dall'Olio S. , Nanni Costa L. , Schiavo G. , Bovo S. , Usai G. , Gallo M. , Radović Č. , Savić R. , Karolyi D. , Salajpal K. , Gvozdanović K. , Djurkin‐Kušec I. , Škrlep M. , Čandek‐Potokar M. , Ovilo C. , Fontanesi L. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryAutochthonous pig breeds are usually reared in extensive or semi‐extensive production systems that might facilitate contact with wild boars and, thus, reciprocal genetic exchanges. In this study, we analysed variants in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene (which cause different coat colour phenotypes) and in the nuclear receptor subfamily 6 group A member 1 (NR6A1) gene (associated with increased vertebral number) in 712 pigs of 12 local pig breeds raised in Italy (Apulo‐Calabrese, Casertana, Cinta Senese, Mora Romagnola, Nero Siciliano and Sarda) and south‐eastern European countries (Krškopolje from Slovenia, Black Slavonian and Turopolje from Croatia, Mangalitsa and Moravka from Serbia and East Balkan Swine from Bulgaria) and compared the data with the genetic variability at these loci investigated in 229 wild boars from populations spread in the same macro‐geographic areas. None of the autochthonous pig breeds or wild boar populations were fixed for one allele at both loci. Domestic and wild‐type alleles at these two genes were present in both domestic and wild populations. Findings of the distribution of MC1R alleles might be useful for tracing back the complex genetic history of autochthonous breeds. Altogether, these results indirectly demonstrate that bidirectional introgression of wild and domestic alleles is derived and affected by the human and naturally driven evolutionary forces that are shaping the Sus scrofa genome: autochthonous breeds are experiencing a sort of ‘de‐domestication’ process, and wild resources are challenged by a ‘domestication’ drift. Both need to be further investigated and managed.
Supporting ageing well research: Findings from a research priority setting exercise
Authors: Doolan‐Noble Fiona , Mehta Poonam , Waters Debra , Baxter George David 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThis paper describes a workshop process conducted to guide funding priorities for the Ageing Well National Science Challenge in New Zealand (NZ).MethodsBased on the Checklist for Health Research Priority Setting, stakeholders networking workshops were conducted in five main cities in NZ (n = 133 attendees). Each workshop involved an introductory presentation; small group work exploring the a priori areas of: mind health, social well‐being, health services and age‐friendly environments; capturing key ideas on flip charts; feedback; and discussion of documented content.ResultsSuggested strategies to address these issues incorporated reduction in segregated “villages,” delivery of integrated care and provision of age‐friendly transport. Proposed examples of monitoring impact included increased tertiary participation by older people and presence of more housing options.ConclusionActively engaging older adults and community stakeholders in setting research priorities provided a unique opportunity to understand the key areas older adults think important for future research.
Comparison of bilateral medial rectus plication and resection for the treatment of convergence insufficiency‐type intermittent exotropia
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Wenqiu , Chen Bingjie , Liao Meng , Liu Longqian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurposeTo compare the clinical outcomes of bilateral medial rectus plication and resection for the treatment of convergence insufficiency (CI)‐type intermittent exotropia (IXT).MethodsFifty‐five patients with CI‐type IXT were included in this prospective study and were followed for 6 months. The patients were randomized into two groups: the bilateral medial rectus plication (BMRP) group (n = 27) and the bilateral medial rectus resection (BMRR) group (n = 28). The eye examinations of each patient were carried out before the surgery and at 1 day and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The success rate, angle of deviation, stereoacuity, operative time and postoperative conjunctival swelling and redness score were analysed.ResultsThe mean deviation at distance at 1 day postoperatively was +6.6 ± 5.6 prism dioptres (PD) in the BMRP group, which was lower than the value of +10.8 ± 9.3 PD observed in the BMRR group (p = 0.046). There was more overcorrection in the BMRR group at first day after surgery. However, there were no significant differences in deviations or success rates were observed between the two groups at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery (p > 0.05). The operative time in the BMRP (12.9 ± 1.4 min) group was shorter than that in the BMRR (14.7 ± 1.4 min) group (p < 0.001). Postoperative conjunctival swelling and redness were milder in the BMRP group than in the BMRR group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe BMRP surgery could be an alternative procedure to BMRR for the treatment of CI‐type IXT with less immediate postoperative overcorrection and simpler, safer, less traumatic characteristics.
Randomised clinical trial: gabapentin vs baclofen in the treatment of suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough
Authors: Dong Ran , Xu Xianghuai , Yu Li , Ding Hongmei , Pan Jing , Yu Yiming , Shi Cuiqin , Chen Qiang , Zhang Mengru , Lv Hanjing , Qiu Zhongmin 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundNeuromodulators are considered potential therapeutic options for refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough.AimTo compare the efficacy of gabapentin and baclofen in patients with suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty‐four patients with suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough, who failed an 8‐week course of omeprazole and domperidone, were recruited into the open‐labelled study and randomly assigned to receive either gabapentin (maximum daily dose of 900 mg) or baclofen (maximum daily dose of 60 mg) for 8 weeks as add‐on therapy to the previous treatment. The primary end point was the successful rate of cough resolution; and the secondary end‐points included cough sensitivity to capsaicin and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease questionnaire score and reported side effects.ResultsOne hundred and eleven patients in the gabapentin group and 106 in the baclofen group completed the study. The overall success rate for cough resolution was comparable (57.3% vs 53.0%, χ2 = 0.357, P = 0.550) between the two groups. In parallel, cough sensitivity to capsaicin and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease questionnaire score decreased after treatment with either gabapentin or baclofen. However, gabapentin was associated with less frequent somnolence (20.5% vs 35.0%, χ2 = 6.156, P = 0.013) and dizziness (11.1% vs 23.9%, χ2 = 6.654, P = 0.010) than baclofen.ConclusionsGabapentin and baclofen have similar therapeutic efficacy for suspected refractory gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐induced chronic cough. However, gabapentin may be preferable because of fewer side effects. Trial Register: http://www.chictr.org/; No.: ChiCTR‐ONC‐13003066.
Biology and therapy of primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma: current status and future directions
Authors: Lees Charlotte , Keane Colm , Gandhi Maher K. , Gunawardana Jay 
Published: February 2019

SummaryPrimary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a distinct disease closely related to classical nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma. Conventional diagnostic paradigms utilising clinical, morphological and immunophenotypical features can be challenging due to overlapping features with other B‐cell lymphomas. Reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that are applicable to the conventional diagnostic laboratory are largely lacking. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signalling pathways are characteristically dysregulated in PMBCL and implicated in several aspects of disease pathogenesis, and the latter pathway in host immune evasion. The tumour microenvironment is manipulated by PMBCL tumours to avoid T‐cell mediated destruction via strategies that include loss of tumour cell antigenicity, T‐cell exhaustion and activation of suppressive T‐regulatory cells. R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) and DA‐EPOCH‐R (dose‐adjusted etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, rituximab) are the most common first‐line immunochemotherapy regimens. End of treatment positron emission tomography scans are the recommended imaging modality and are being evaluated to stratify patients for radiotherapy. Relapsed/refractory disease has a relatively poor outcome despite salvage immunochemotherapy and subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation. Novel therapies are therefore being developed for treatment‐resistant disease, targeting aberrant cellular signalling and immune evasion.
The influence of basement faults on local extension directions: Insights from potential field geophysics and field observations
Authors: Samsu Anindita , Cruden Alexander R. , Hall Mike , Micklethwaite Steven , Denyszyn Steven W. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractComplex arrays of faults in extensional basins are potentially influenced by pre‐existing zones of weakness in the underlying basement, such as faults, shear zones, foliation, and terrane boundaries. Separating the influence of such basement heterogeneities from far‐field tectonics proves to be challenging, especially when the timing and character of deformation cannot be interpreted from seismic reflection data. Here we aim to determine the influence of basement heterogeneities on fault patterns in overlying cover rocks using interpretations of potential field geophysical data and outcrop‐scale observations. We mapped >1 km to meter scale fractures in the western onshore Gippsland Basin of southeast Australia and its underlying basement. Overprinting relationships between fractures and mafic intrusions are used to determine the sequence of faulting and reactivation, beginning with initial Early Cretaceous rifting. Our interpretations are constrained by a new Early Cretaceous U‐Pb zircon isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry age (116.04 ± 0.15 Ma) for an outcropping subvertical, NNW‐SSE striking dolerite dike hosted in Lower Cretaceous Strzelecki Group sandstone. NW‐SE to NNW‐SSE striking dikes may have signaled the onset of Early Cretaceous rifting along the East Gondwana margin at ca. 105–100 Ma. Our results show that rift faults can be oblique to their expected orientation when pre‐existing basement heterogeneities are present, and they are orthogonal to the extension direction where basement structures are less influential or absent. NE‐SW to ENE‐WSW trending Early Cretaceous rift‐related normal faults traced on unmanned aerial vehicle orthophotos and digital aerial images of outcrops are strongly oblique to the inferred Early Cretaceous N‐S to NNE‐SSW regional extension direction. However, previously mapped rift‐related faults in the offshore Gippsland Basin (to the east of the study area) trend E‐W to WNW‐ESE, consistent with the inferred regional extension direction. This discrepancy is attributed to the influence of NNE‐SSW trending basement faults underneath the onshore part of the basin, which caused local re‐orientation of the Early Cretaceous far‐field stress above the basement during rifting. Two possible mechanisms for inheritance are discussed—reactivation of pre‐existing basement faults or local re‐orientation of extension vectors. Multiple stages of extension with rotated extension vectors are not required to achieve non‐parallel fault sets observed at the rift basin scale. Our findings demonstrate the importance of (1) using integrated, multi‐scale datasets to map faults and (2) mapping basement geology when investigating the structural evolution of an overlying sedimentary basin.
On the Quebec Judiciary and Phenomenon of Online Child Luring
Authors: Greco Christopher 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOnline child luring (OCL) or the use of transmission media connected computers to facilitate the sexual abuse of a child is not a new social problem. Seventeen years have passed since parliament introduced section 172.1 (luring a child) to the Criminal Code of Canada in the hope of addressing “a growing phenomenon” [McLellan, 2001. House of Commons Debates 37th Parliament 1st Session. Edited Hansard 137(54):3581]. While the government has, on several occasions, moved to increase the length of sentences adjoined to section 172.1, little research exists on how judges perceive OCL or that which constitutes an appropriate judicial response. Using the written decisions of criminal cases tried in the province of Quebec, I focus on these perceptions or, rather, their descriptive indicators.
Secure Base Provision: A New Approach to Examining Links Between Maternal Caregiving and Infant Attachment
Authors: Woodhouse Susan S. , Scott Julie R. , Hepworth Allison D. , Cassidy Jude 
Published: February 2019

This observational study addressed a critical gap in the understanding of the precursors of infant attachment by examining whether a new conceptualization of maternal caregiving behavior, secure base provision (SBP), explained variance in attachment above and beyond variance explained by sensitivity. Participants included 83 low‐socioeconomic status (SES), 4.5‐month‐old infants (56% male) and their mothers. Infant–mother dyads completed laboratory tasks at 4.5 months and three 30‐min home visits between 7 and 9 months, then returned to the laboratory at 12 months for an attachment assessment. Maternal sensitivity did not significantly predict infant attachment security. SBP significantly predicted infant attachment, over and above sensitivity, with an effect size eight times larger than that of sensitivity in meta‐analytic findings for low‐SES families.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of ASP3662, a Novel 11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitor, in Healthy Young and Elderly Subjects
Authors: Bellaire Susan , Walzer Mark , Wang Tianli , Krauwinkel Walter , Yuan Nancy , Marek Gerard J. 
Published: February 2019

Inhibition of the enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) represents a potential mechanism for improving pain conditions. ASP3662 is a potent and selective inhibitor of 11β‐HSD1. Two phase I clinical studies were conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PKs), and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of single and multiple ascending doses of ASP3662 in healthy young and elderly non‐Japanese and young Japanese subjects. Nonlinear, more than dose‐proportional PKs were observed for ASP3662 after single‐dose administration, particularly at lower doses (≤ 6 mg); the PKs at steady state were dose proportional, although the time to ASP3662 steady state was dose dependent at lower doses (≤ 2 mg). Similar PKs were observed among young Japanese, young non‐Japanese, and elderly non‐Japanese subjects. Specific inhibition of 11β‐HSD1 occurred after both single and multiple doses of ASP3662. A marked dissociation between PKs and PDs was observed after single but not multiple doses of ASP3662. ASP3662 was generally safe and well tolerated.
Early environmental influences on the development of children's brain structure and function
Authors: Miguel Patrícia M , Pereira Lenir O , Silveira Patrícia P , Meaney Michael J 
Published: February 2019

The developing brain in utero and during the first years of life is highly vulnerable to environmental influences. Experiences occurring during this period permanently modify brain structure and function through epigenetic modifications (alterations of the DNA structure and chromatin function) and consequently affect the susceptibility to mental disorders. In this review, we describe evidence linking adverse environmental variation during early life (from the fetal period to childhood) and long‐term changes in brain volume, microstructure, and connectivity, especially in amygdala and hippocampal regions. We also describe genetic variations that moderate the impact of adverse environmental conditions on child neurodevelopment, such as polymorphisms in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase genes, as well as genetic pathways related to glutamate and monoaminergic signaling. Lastly, we have depicted positive early life experiences that could benefit childhood neurodevelopment and reverse some detrimental effects of adversity in the offspring.What this paper adds

Prenatal, peripartum, and postnatal adversities influence child behavior and neurodevelopment.

Exposure to environmental enrichment and positive influences may revert these effects.

Putative mechanisms involve alterations in neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitter systems.

New tools/big data improved the understanding on how early adversity alters neurodevelopment.

This permits better translation/application of the findings from animal models to humans.