bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thrombophilia in non‐thrombotic chronic venous disease of the lower limb – a systematic review
Authors: Tan Matthew K. H. , Onida Sarah , Laffan Michael , Davies Alun H. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryChronic venous disease (CVD) represents a significant healthcare burden. Thrombophilia is proposed as a risk factor, particularly for post‐thrombotic CVD. A systematic review was performed to determine the relationship between thrombophilia and non‐thrombotic CVD. MEDLINE® and Embase® databases were searched from 1946 up to March 2018. Case‐control studies, cohort studies or randomised clinical trials reporting on thrombophilias in non‐thrombotic lower limb CVD in adult patients were included. Non‐English and post‐thrombotic syndrome studies were excluded. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two reviewers. Fifteen studies were included, reporting on 916 cases and 1261 controls. Studies largely focused on venous ulceration and investigated multiple haemostatic factors. An association between thrombophilia and non‐thrombotic CVD was identified, with greater prevalence and factor concentration alteration reported in patients compared to controls. Concomitant thrombophilia presence was associated with earlier CVD onset. Relationship strength varied, with commoner aetiologies showing clearer correlation than rarer ones. Thrombophilia is associated with non‐thrombotic CVD but the mechanism is unclear and causation cannot be determined. Future research should focus on prospective studies with larger populations and identify adjunct therapies targeting thrombophilia.
European consensus on the standardization of robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
Authors: Miskovic D. , Ahmed J. , Bissett‐Amess R. , Gómez Ruiz M. , Luca F. , Jayne D. , Figueiredo N. , Heald R. J. , Spinoglio G. , Parvaiz A. ,   the European Academy for Robotic Colorectal Surgery (EARCS)
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimSurgery for rectal cancer is challenging for both technical and anatomical reasons. The European Academy of Robotic Colorectal Surgery (EARCS) provides a competency‐based training programme through a standardized approach. However, there is no consensus on technical standards for robotic surgery when used during surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of this consensus study was to establish operative standards for anterior resection incorporating total mesorectal excision (TME) using robotic techniques, based on recommendations of expert European colorectal surgeons.MethodA Delphi questionnaire with a 72‐item statement was sent through an electronic survey tool to 24 EARCS faculty members from 10 different countries who were selected based on expertise in robotic colorectal surgery. The task was divided into theatre setup, colonic mobilization and rectal dissection, and each task area was further divided into several subtasks. The levels of agreement (A* > 95% agreement, A > 90%, B > 80% and C > 70%) were considered adequate while agreement of < 70% was considered inadequate. Once consensus was reached, a draft document was compiled and sent out for final approval.ResultsThe average length of experience of robotic colorectal surgery for participants in this study was 6 years. Initial agreement was 87%; in nine items, it was < 70%. After suggested modifications, the average level of agreement for all items reached 94% in the second round (range 0.75–1).ConclusionThis is the first European consensus on the standardization of robotic TME. It provides a baseline for technical standards and structured training in robotic rectal surgery.
Environmental gradients and the evolution of tri‐trophic interactions
Authors: Kergunteuil Alan , Röder Gregory , Rasmann Sergio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLong‐standing theory predicts herbivores and predators should drive selection for increased plant defences, such as the specific production of volatile organic compounds for attracting predators near the site of damage. Along elevation gradients, a general pattern is that herbivores and predators are abundant at low elevation and progressively diminish at higher elevations. To determine whether plant adaptation along such a gradient influences top‐down control of herbivores, we manipulated soil predatory nematodes, root herbivore pressure and plant ecotypes in a reciprocal transplant experiment. Plant survival was significantly higher for low‐elevation plants, but only when in the presence of predatory nematodes. Using olfactometer bioassays, we showed correlated differential nematode attraction and plant ecotype‐specific variation in volatile production. This study not only provides an assessment of how elevation gradients modulate the strength of trophic cascades, but also demonstrates how habitat specialisation drives variation in the expression of indirect plant defences.
Smart bacteria‐foraging algorithm‐based customized kernel support vector regression and enhanced probabilistic neural network for compaction quality assessment and control of earth‐rock dam
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Zhong Denghua , Adeli Hojjat , Wang Dong , Liu Minghui 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCompaction quality assessment and control for an earth‐rock dam is the key measure to ensure dam safety. However, to date, the compaction quality assessment model has not been accurate enough, and no effective feedback control measures have been developed. Hybrid data mining algorithms have great potential for solving this problem. In this study, smart bacteria‐foraging algorithm‐based customized kernel support vector regression (SBFA‐CKSVR) is proposed for compaction quality assessment, whereas an enhanced probabilistic neural network (EPNN) is adopted for compaction quality control. SBFA integrates a bacteria‐foraging algorithm, chaos mapping, and adaptive and quantum computing to solve the high‐dimensional complex problem effectively. CKSVR is proposed to approximate a function in quadratic continuous integral space L2(R) where its hyperparameters are optimized by SBFA. Finally, SBFA‐CKSVR is used to establish a high‐precision compaction quality assessment model whereas the EPNN is adopted to realize the compaction quality feedback control. A three‐dimensional real‐time monitoring system for the earth‐rock dam is also developed based on SBFA‐CKSVR and EPNN. A large‐scale hydraulic engineering application proves the effectiveness and superiority of this research compared with the previous work.
Habitat fragmentation: A long and tangled tale
Authors: Fahrig Lenore 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this essay: I provide a brief history of habitat fragmentation research; I describe why its “non‐questions” (‘Is habitat fragmentation a big problem for wildlife species?” and, “Are the effects of habitat fragmentation generally negative or positive?”) are important to conservation; I outline my role in tackling these questions; I discuss reasons why the culture of habitat fragmentation research is largely incapable of accepting the answers; and I speculate on the future of habitat fragmentation research.
Effects of defoliation on whole‐plant maize characteristics as forage and energy crop
Authors: Bani Paolo , Grecchi Isabella , Ahmed Sadek , Ficuciello Valentina , Calamari Luigi , Tabaglio Vincenzo , Minuti Andrea 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHail affects yield and quality of maize crops, and consequences also depend on the growth stage at which the injury occurred. Whole‐plant maize (WPM) silage is often used within the same farm for cattle feeding and biogas production. The present study aimed to verify the effects of hail damage, simulated by artificial defoliation, on yield and chemical and nutritional features, as well as on biochemical methane potential (BMP) of maize forage. In a randomized block design with three replicates, four defoliation levels (0%, 33%, 66% and 100% of leaf area removal respectively) have been applied at either the V12 (12th leaf), R1 (silking) or R3 (milk) stages for two consecutive years. WPM yield, chemical and nutritional features, and BMP were measured. Dry‐matter (DM) yield per hectare was progressively reduced (p < 0.001) with increasing levels of defoliation and with application at V12 in comparison with R1 or R3 (1.26 vs. 1.39 and 1.46 kg ha−1 for V12 vs. R1 and R3; p < 0.003). Nutritive value and BMP per unit of product were less altered than dry‐matter yield per hectare by defoliation. Anticipating defoliation reduced net energy for lactation (5.26 vs. 5.46 MJ kg−1 DM for V12 and R3 respectively; p = 0.02). Total defoliation resulted in an accumulation of nitrates (NO3) compared to the other treatments (3.98 vs. 1.53 g NO3 kg−1 DM; p < 0.001). BMP was mainly reduced by early and complete defoliation. Equations were developed to estimate the effects of defoliation on yield, composition, and nutritive and energetic values of WPM.
Basics of memory B‐cell responses: lessons from and for the real world
Authors: Wong Rachel , Bhattacharya Deepta 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe production of pathogen‐specific B cells and antibodies underlies protective immunity elicited by most vaccines and many infections. Humoral immunity follows a regulated process by which high‐affinity antibody‐secreting plasma cells and memory B cells are generated. Yet for certain pathogens, protective immunity is inefficiently generated and/or maintained. For example, Dengue virus infections lead to lasting immunity against re‐infection by the same serotype. However, if infected with a different Dengue serotype, the individual is predisposed to more severe disease than if he/she was completely naive. As another example, both natural infections with or vaccination against malaria do not necessarily lead to lasting immunity, as the same individual can be re‐infected many times over the course of a lifetime. In this review, we discuss how these real‐world problems can both instruct and be informed by recent basic studies using model organisms and antigens. An emphasis is placed on protective epitopes and functional distinctions between memory B‐cell subsets in both mice and humans. Using flavivirus and Plasmodium infections as examples, we also speculate on the differences between ineffective B‐cell responses that actually occur in the real world, and perfect‐world responses that would generate lasting immunity.
Experiential Learning through Community Co‐design in Interior Design Pedagogy
Authors: Thamrin Diana , Wardani Laksmi Kusuma , Sitindjak Ronald Hasudungan Irianto , Natadjaja Listia 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe profit‐driven tendency of interior design trends and styles today has developed in line with the decrease of social awareness in design. The majority of interior design students also decide to pursue interior design education for its marketable and profitable purposes rather than seeing interior design as a field of opportunity to contribute to the social welfare of their communities. Hence, the objective of this research is to implement community service through co‐design in interior design pedagogy. The article describes the learning and design methods used based on human‐centred design approaches of co‐design and analyses the resulting benefits from this approach. Findings reveal that the process of collective creativity and collaborative development with the community enables a direct experience of learning and fosters a deeper connection and understanding of users. They also promote novel multidisciplinary design innovations, accommodate the community's potentials in the society and stimulate a reflexive impact, allowing students to reflect on their future role as interior designers in bringing positive changes to their community against the profit‐driven tendency of contemporary designers today.
A gender matching effect in learning with pedagogical agents in an immersive virtual reality science simulation
Authors: Makransky Guido , Wismer Philip , Mayer Richard E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to determine whether boys and girls learn better when the characteristics of the pedagogical agent are matched to the gender of the learner while learning in immersive virtual reality (VR). Sixty‐six middle school students (33 females) were randomly assigned to learn about laboratory safety with one of two pedagogical agents: Marie or a drone, who we predicted serve as a role models for females and males, respectively. The results indicated that there were significant interactions for the dependent variables of performance during learning, retention, and transfer, with girls performing better with Marie (d = 0.98, d = 0.67, and d = 1.03; for performance, retention, and transfer, respectively) and boys performing better with the drone (d = −0.41, d = −0.45, d = −0.23, respectively). The results suggest that gender‐specific design of pedagogical agents may play an important role in VR learning environments.
FAM3B (PANDER) functions as a co‐activator of FOXO1 to promote gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes
Authors: Chi Yujing , Meng Yuhong , Wang Junpei , Yang Weili , Wu Zhe , Li Mei , Wang Di , Gao Fangfang , Geng Bin , Tie Lu , Zhang Weiping , Yang Jichun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFAM3B, also known as PANcreatic DERived factor (PANDER), promotes gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis in hepatocytes. However, the underlying mechanism(s) still remains largely unclear. This study determined the mechanism of PANDER‐induced FOXO1 activation in hepatocytes. In mouse livers and cultured hepatocytes, PANDER protein is located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Nuclear PANDER distribution was increased in the livers of obese mice. In cultured mouse and human hepatocytes, PANDER was co‐localized with FOXO1 in the nucleus. PANDER directly interacted with FOXO1 in mouse and human hepatocytes. PANDER overexpression enhanced PANDER‐FOXO1 interaction, and detained FOXO1 in the nucleus upon insulin stimulation in hepatocytes. With the increase in PANDER‐FOXO1 interaction, PANDER overexpression upregulated the expression of gluconeogenic genes and promoted gluconeogenesis in both human and mouse hepatocytes. Luciferase reporter assays further revealed that PANDER augmented the transcriptional activity of FOXO1 on gluconeogenic genes. Moreover, PANDER overexpression also interfered the binding of AS1842856, a specific FOXO1 inhibitor, with FOXO1, and impaired its inhibitory effects on gluconeogenic gene expression and gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes. siRNA mediated‐silencing of FOXO1 inhibited PANDER‐promoted gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose production in hepatocytes. In conclusion, PANDER protein is abundantly present in the nucleus, where it functions as a new co‐activator of FOXO1 to induce gluconeogenic gene expression in hepatocytes.
Host, agent and environment interactions affecting Nervous necrosis virus infection in Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata
Authors: Jaramillo Diana , Fielder Stewart , Whittington Richard J. , Hick Paul 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAustralian bass Macquaria novemaculeata were challenged by immersion with nervous necrosis virus (NNV) at different ages and under controlled conditions to investigate factors affecting disease expression. Fish challenged at 3 weeks of age with 103 TCID50/ml and higher doses developed clinical disease; a lower dose of 102 TCID50/ml resulted in incidence below 100% and 101 TCID50/ml was insufficient to cause infection. Additionally, fish were challenged at 5, 6 and 13 weeks of age at 17 and 21°C to assess the role of the age of the host and water temperature on disease expression. Although Australian bass challenged at all ages had evidence of replication of NNV, only those challenged at 3 weeks of age (20 and 24 days post−hatch [dph]) developed clinical disease. Higher water temperature had an additive effect on disease expression in larvae challenged at 24 dph, but it did not affect the disease outcome in older fish. Finally, isolates of NNV derived from fish with clinical or subclinical disease presentations caused similar cumulative mortality and clinical signs when larvae at 24 dph were challenged, suggesting that agent variation was not responsible for variation in clinical presentation in these field outbreaks of NNV infection.
Peripheral axonopathy in sciatic nerve of adult Wistar rats following exposure to vanadium
Authors: Mustapha Oluwaseun A. , Olude Matthew A. , Bello Stephen T. , Taiwo Ayobami , Jagun Afusat , Olopade James O. 
Published: November 2018

Depletion of myelin and neurobehavioural deficits are indications that vanadium crosses the blood‐brain barrier and such neurotoxic effects of vanadium on the brain of Wistar rats have been elucidated. The effect however on the peripheral nerves, is yet to be reported. Thus, this work was designed to evaluate the axonal and myelin integrity of sciatic nerves in Wistar rats following exposure to vanadium.Ten male Wistar rats were exposed to 3 mg/kg body weight of sodium metavanadate for 7 days, subjected to rearing and forelimb grip behavioural tests, and sciatic nerves processed for histology (haematoxylin and eosin, cresyl violet, and luxol fast blue). Dystrophic axons with vesiculated myelin, thinned myelin sheath, and demyelinated axons were observed in the vanadium exposed rats, suggestive of axonopathy, classified as fourth‐degree nerve injury. Lower behavioural scores were recorded for vanadium‐dosed rats; thus, corroborating histological pictures observed of the sciatic nerves. Authors posit that vanadium crossed the “blood‐nerve” barrier and caused the observed axonal pathologies and myelin depletion in the sciatic nerves of these rodents with resultant motor deficits. The present paper discusses possible motor deficits and the likely public health importance in regions with crude oil pollution and gas flaring rich in vanadium products.
The Biologic Role of Sex Steroid Receptors in the Decidualization of Human Endometrium
Authors: Tamaya Teruhiko , Fujimoto Jiro , Arabori Kenji , Wada Keisuke , Kato Yoshiko , Okada Hiroji 
Published: November 2018

This study was designed to elucidate the action of steroids in decidualization of stromal cells by a study of steroid receptor interaction in the human uterine endometrium.Dispersed endometrial stroma cells were found to contain receptor for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and androgen (AR). Dissected uterine and ovarian arteries contained cytosol ER, and AR, but not PR. Human pregnant uterine decidua contained ER, PR and AR, whose levels did not seem to alter remarkably with advance of gestation during the first trimester.In cultured endometrial fibroblasts, the same three receptors were detected; estrogen stimulated synthesis of all steroid receptors, but progesterone with estrogen did not.These findings suggest that estrogen stimulates steroid receptor synthesis in mesenchymal fibroblasts around the uterine spiral arteries, and that progesterone and estrogen via their receptors cause differentiation of fibroblasts to decidual cells, in which steroid receptors are active during pregnancy.
Effects of formulation composition on the characteristics of mucoadhesive films prepared by hot-melt extrusion technology
Authors: Bhagurkar Ajinkya M , Darji Mittal , Lakhani Prit , Thipsay Priyanka , Bandari Suresh , Repka Michael A 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the effects of formulation composition on the physico-chemical and drug release properties of mucoadhesive buccal films prepared by melt extrusion technology, using a response surface methodology.

Methods
Salbutamol sulphate, an antiasthmatic drug was used for this study. Klucel hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) EF (film-forming polymer), Benecel hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) K-15M (drug release retardant) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4500 (plasticiser) were the three independent factors utilised for the study. The responses were fitted to a full quadratic model and P-values for each of the factors were used to determine their significance on the film characteristics.

Key findings
Films were successfully extruded using the corotating twin-screw extruder. The torque during extrusion was found to be significantly affected by all the three factors and no interaction between factors was observed. A significant interaction was observed between HPC and PEG 4500 for stiffness of films. For disintegration time and swelling index, a significant interaction was found between HPC and HPMC. The in vitro % drug release was directly correlated with HPMC content and not with other factors and varied from 69–89% at 4 h.

Conclusions
The influence of extrusion process and formulation parameters on salbutamol sulphate films was elucidated, indicating the use of melt extrusion as a feasible method for film preparation.
Reduced quality of life and greater psychological distress in vasovagal syncope patients compared to healthy individuals
Authors: Ng Jessica , Sheldon Robert S. , Ritchie Debbie , Raj Vidya , Raj Satish R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundVasovagal syncope (VVS) patients have a reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). There are limited data comparing HRQoL and psychological profile in VVS patients and healthy individuals. We tested the hypothesis that VVS patients have greater impairment in both HRQoL and psychological profile compared to healthy nonfainting individuals, and that both outcome measures are negatively correlated for VVS patients.MethodsThe RAND 36‐Item Health Survey (RAND36), global health visual analogue scale (VAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Expanded Form were completed by healthy individuals and at baseline by VVS patients enrolled in the Second Prevention of Syncope Trial, a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of fludrocortisone for VVS.ResultsData were available on 76 VVS patients (34 ± 14 years; 68% F) and 85 healthy participants (35 ± 11 years; 80% F). Compared to healthy participants, VVS patients reported poorer HRQoL on all scales of the RAND36 and the VAS. VVS patients had significantly greater anxiety, depression, and anxiety sensitivity (each P < 0.001). VVS patients had more negative affect (P < 0.001) and less positive affect (P = 0.003) compared to healthy participants. Anxiety, depression, and anxiety sensitivity were negatively correlated with HRQoL for VVS patients, but not for healthy participants.ConclusionIn this first direct comparison, VVS patients have a significantly reduced HRQoL and more anxiety and depression compared to healthy nonfainting individuals. For VVS patients, there is a relationship between psychological distress and HRQoL, suggesting a potential benefit from more comprehensive assessment and treatment.
Variable resistance of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) lines carrying 2NS/2AS translocation to wheat blast
Authors: Cardozo Téllez Lourdes , Chavez Alice , Bobadilla Nathalia , Pérez‐Estigarribia Pastor , Kohli Mohan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWheat blast disease, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (anamorph Pyricularia oryzae), produces severe damage to wheat production in South America. It was observed that many resistant cultivars contain the 2NS/2AS translocation from Triticum ventricosum. In this study, we evaluate the presence of the 2NS/2AS translocation in 57 advanced breeding lines and one variety ‘Caninde 1’ from Paraguayan wheat germplasm, using VENTRIUP‐LN2 primers. The germplasm ‘Caninde 1 and 22’ of the breeding lines, found positive for the presence of 2NS/2AS translocation, were inoculated with a single aggressive Magnaporthe pathotype P14‐039, to assess their response to wheat blast infection under controlled conditions. Based on the disease infection score, ten of the breeding lines, ‘Caninde 1’ and ‘Milan’ (positive control), were classified as resistant. Three of the remaining breeding lines were classified as moderately resistant, five as moderately susceptible and other four as susceptible. Our results show that the expression of 2NS/2AS‐based blast resistance is more dependent on genetic background of the inserted germplasm than previously envisioned.