bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeated pregnant mare serum gonadotropin‐mediated oestrous synchronization alters gene expression in the ovaries and reduces reproductive performance in dairy goats
Authors: Sun Shuang , Liu Shimin , Luo Jun , Chen Zhi , Li Cong , Loor Juan J. , Cao Yanhong 
Published: April 2019

ContentsThis study aimed to elucidate the effects of repeated pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) treatment for oestrous synchronization (ES) on ovarian gene expression and reproductive parameters in Xinong Saanen dairy goats, the dominant breed of dairy goat in China. The experiment was carried out at the Research Station of Northwest A&F University (NWAFU), China (34°16′N, 108°4′E). Forty‐one does were randomly assigned to groups receiving ES treatments thrice every fortnight (3‐PMSG group; n = 19), or ES treatment only once simultaneously with the third ES treatment in the 3‐PMSG group (1‐PMSG group; n = 22) during middle of the breeding season from late July (14 hr light) until late September (12 hr light). ES treatment was performed via intravaginal insertion of a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device impregnated with 300 mg progesterone (P4), followed by 300 IU PMSG injections 48 hr before CIDR withdrawal. Oestrus was monitored using vasectomized bucks. Ovaries of three goats in oestrus from both groups were harvested for morphological examination and RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq). Then, all the oestrous goats in the 1‐PMSG (n = 21) and 3‐PMSG (n = 11) groups were artificially inseminated twice. The 3‐PMSG group showed reduced oestrous rate (57.89%), pregnancy rate (31.58%) and litter size (1.17) compared, respectively, with 95.45%, 68.18% and 1.67 for 1‐PMSG group (p < 0.05). However, no differences were found in the ovarian morphology between the 1‐PMSG and 3‐PMSG groups (p > 0.05). RNA‐Seq revealed 114 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovaries of the 3‐PMSG group, among which GCG, FSTL3, TET3 and AQP3 were deemed novel and promising candidate genes for regulating fertility. The present study indicates that the three‐time PMSG treatment dysregulated several ovarian genes, thereby reducing reproductive performance.
Sectarianism and Political Order in Iraq and Lebanon
Authors: Saouli Adham 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlthough Iraq and Lebanon are deeply divided societies, they have followed varying political trajectories. Whilst Lebanon has accommodated sectarianism within a consociational democracy since its inception, until 2003 Iraq had an authoritarian regime that ostensibly repressed sectarianism. However, after 2003, Iraqi politics began to converge with the consociationalism of Lebanon. Taking a longitudinal approach, the study explains this puzzle by focusing on one factor: sectarianism. It asks how and why sectarianism has shaped the political trajectories and regime types in the two cases and, conversely, how sectarianism has been shaped by these trajectories and regimes.
Religion, Political Power, and the ‘Sectarian Surge’: Middle Eastern Identity Politics in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Rørbæk Lasse Lykke 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAre countries in the Middle East characterized by comparatively distinctive, domestic‐level attributes that justify the recent years’ intensification of identity conflict in the region? The article presents descriptive statistics showing, first, that the Middle East is the only region in the world where religious (including sectarian) affiliation is the predominant identity marker determining group membership and, second, that people in the Middle East, on average, are twice as likely as people in other developing regions to belong to identity groups excluded from legitimate political representation. The article discusses these empirical trends based on the literature on ethnicity (defined broadly to include language, ‘race’, religion, and other cultural attributes) and ethnic conflict. The discussion suggests that the comparatively high level of identity‐based political inequality in the region provides a better explanation for the intensity of the conflict than does the predominance of religious identity divides.
Exploring the Nexus between Sectarianism and Regime Formation in a New Middle East: Theoretical Points of Departure
Authors: Valbjørn Morten , Hinnebusch Raymond 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this Special Issue is to examine the nature, causes, and consequences of the Middle East's current sectarian surge. Specifically, how might sectarianism and regime formation/type be inter‐related? The evidence from this specific analysis will also address the broader concern of whether the Arab uprisings have given rise to a qualitatively new kind of Middle Eastern politics, such that it makes sense to speak about a ‘newMiddle East’. In addition, the Special Issue touches on whether the study of regime formation in a sectarian context requires distinct analytical tools, or whether we can stick to the already existing approaches from the (post)democratization tradition. In order to provide a theoretical context within which the contributors locate their research focus, this introductory article will first provide an overview of two prominent debates in Middle East politics in recent years, which together constitute what we coin as the regime formation/sectarianism nexus.
Attitudes Toward Immigrants in Rural Norway. A Rural‐Urban Comparison
Authors: Zahl‐Thanem Alexander , Haugen Marit S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSuccessful integration of immigrants is vital for rural areas facing population decline and labour shortage. Yet little is known about the role civil society plays in this process and about the factors that promote or hamper acceptance of immigrants by the local population. By using data from a national survey of the Norwegian population, this article examines rural‐urban differences in attitudes toward immigrants and immigration, and what characteristics rural and urban residents consider important for immigrants who may settle in their locality. The results indicate that people living in rural areas express more negative attitudes toward immigrants and immigration compared to people living in urban areas. Additionally, rural residents place greater importance than their urban counterparts do on immigrants’ participating in local events, speaking the native language, and being willing to adapt to Norwegian values.
Sleep disturbances and modulations in inflammation: Implications for pregnancy health
Authors: Okun Michele L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWhen a woman becomes pregnant, there is a vast series of physiological, vascular, and psychological changes. Among the most commonly reported changes are those involving sleep. Pregnant women report that their ability to maintain sleep and acquire continuous refreshing sleep is impaired during the perinatal period as compared to the non‐pregnant period. A growing literature supports the hypothesis that disturbed sleep (which comes in many forms) during the perinatal period is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal, delivery, and infant outcomes. Among the suggested biological pathways linking sleep and adverse outcomes are disturbances in the immune and hormonal systems. The following paper will discuss (a) the various sleep processes that are commonly disturbed during the perinatal period and the methods used to collect sleep data; (b) the evidence linking sleep to adverse outcomes; and (c) how one specific biological pathway, the immune system, likely mediates these associations. The goal of this paper is to clarify the role that sleep disturbance has during pregnancy.
No evidence of occult hepatitis C or E virus infections in liver‐transplant patients with sustained virological response after therapy with direct acting agents
Authors: Del Bello Arnaud , Abravanel Florence , Alric Laurent , Lavayssiere Laurence , Lhomme Sébastien , Bellière Julie , Izopet Jacques , Kamar Nassim 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsIt has been recently suggested that occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatitis E virus (HEV) reactivation might occur after direct acting antiviral agent‐induced (DAA‐induced) sustained virological response (SVR). The aim of our study was to identify occult HCV and HEV infection in a cohort of organ transplant patients who had achieved SVR and had persistent elevation in liver‐enzyme levels.Patients and MethodSixty‐six liver and/or kidney transplant patients were treated with DAAs. All but one achieved SVR12. Twenty‐nine (8‐39) months post‐SVR12, 8 of the 65 patients (12.3%) who achieved SVR12 had persistently elevated liver enzyme levels. In 1 patient, this was related to hepatitis B virus reactivation. In the 7 remaining patients, blood samples (n = 7), liver biopsies (n = 4), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (n = 7) were collected simultaneously in order to identify occult HCV or HEV infection.ResultsHepatitis C virus RNA and HEV RNA were not detected in serum, liver tissues, or PBMCs. No HEV reactivation was observed after HCV clearance in patients who had anti‐HEV IgG.ConclusionOur study suggests that there is no occult HCV or HEV infection in transplant patients after successful treatment of HCV infection with DAAs, even in patients with a persistent elevation of liver enzyme levels. However, due to the small number of patients included in our study, this finding should be confirmed in a larger cohort.
Effects of starting cellular material composition on chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell expansion and characteristics
Authors: Elavia Nasha , Panch Sandhya R. , McManus Andrew , Bikkani Thejaswi , Szymanski James , Highfill Steven L. , Jin Ping , Brudno Jennifer , Kochenderfer James , Stroncek David F. 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDWhen manufacturing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells using anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 beads, ex vivo T‐cell expansion is dependent on the composition of leukocytes used in the manufacturing process. We investigated the effects of leukocyte composition on CAR T‐cell expansion and characteristics using an alternative manufacturing method.METHODSAnti–B‐cell maturation antigen and CD19‐CAR T cells were manufactured using autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMNC) concentrates. The PBMNCs were enriched for lymphocytes using density gradient separation, which were used for CAR T‐cell culture initiation. T‐cell expansion was stimulated with soluble anti‐CD3 and interleukin‐2.RESULTSFifty‐one CAR T‐cell products were evaluated; 28 anti–B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) CAR T cells produced for 24 patients and 27 CD19 CAR T cells produced for 24 patients. CAR T‐cell expansion was reduced when greater quantities of monocytes were present in the post–density gradient separation PBMNCs. In addition, the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells in the CAR T‐cell products after 7 days of culture was dependent on the quantity of monocytes, RBCs, and neutrophils in the post–density gradient separation PBMNCs. Greater quantities of monocytes and RBCs were associated with a greater proportion of CD4+ cells and greater quantities of neutrophils were associated with a greater proportion of CD8+ cells.CONCLUSIONSThe composition of leukocytes used to manufacture CAR T cells can affect cell expansion and the composition of CAR T‐cell products. More uniform or complete lymphocyte enrichment of PBMNCs improves the consistency of final CAR T‐cell products.
Red blood cell utilization and transfusion triggers in patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in Iceland 2003–2016
Authors: Thorvaldsson Hrafn Hliddal , Vidarsson Brynjar , Sveinsdottir Signy Vala , Olafsson Gunnar Bjorn , Halldorsdottir Anna Margret 
Published: April 2019

Background and ObjectivesRevised Icelandic guidelines proposed a restrictive haemoglobin (Hb) threshold of 70 g/l for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in general, but 100 g/l for malignancies/bone marrow suppression. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is frequently complicated by anaemia. The objective was to investigate RBC transfusion practices in CLL.Materials and methodsThis retrospective nation‐wide study utilized an Icelandic registry of CLL patients diagnosed between 2003 and 2016. Medical records were reviewed and haemoglobin transfusion triggers compared for two periods: Earlier (2003–2012) and latter (2013–2017).ResultsTwo hundred and thirteen patients were diagnosed with CLL over the period whereof 77 (36·2%) received RBC transfusion(s). Median time from diagnosis to first transfusion was 2·2 years. Higher age, Rai stage 3/4 at diagnosis (P < 0·05) and chemotherapy (P < 0·001) were associated with increased odds of transfusions. Shorter time to first transfusion correlated with higher age (P < 0·001) and Rai stage (P = 0·02) at diagnosis. The mean Hb trigger was 90·4 and 81·2 in the earlier and latter period respectively (P = 0·01). This difference in Hb triggers was most pronounced in patients without documented bone marrow involvement, or 80·5 g/l compared to 93·5 g/l (P = 0·004). The median time from diagnosis to transfusion was longer in the latter period (2·9 years vs. 1·6 years, P = 0·01). After RBC transfusions the survival decreased significantly (P < 0·001).ConclusionOne‐third of CLL patients received RBC transfusions but few were heavily transfused. Older age, Rai stage, and chemotherapy predicted RBC use. The Hb transfusion trigger decreased over time while time to first RBC transfusion increased. RBC transfusions predict poor survival.
Genetic diversity of Solanum elaeagnifolium, an invasive problematic weed in Jordan
Authors: Qasem J R , Al Abdallat A M , Hasan S M 
Published: April 2019

SummarySolanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) is a problematic weed that is common in Jordan and difficult to control. The weed exhibits distinct morphological variations in growth habit, leaf shape, leaf margins, flower colour and presence or absence of spines between individuals among and within populations suggesting genetic differences. Genetic variations among 61 samples of S. elaeagnifolium collected from heavily infested sites in the central Jordan Valley were investigated using six simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and eight amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations. Results showed that 111 out of 675 AFLP bands were polymorphic generating polymorphism information content (PIC) of 38.0%, while 23 SSR polymorphic alleles were detected generating a PIC of 30.8%. Phylogenetic analysis using RaxML software identified four major clades with a clear clustering of the samples with their collection sites. Genetic analysis using both techniques revealed high level of genetic diversity among S. elaeagnifolium samples collected from a small geographical area indicating that a range of genetic diversity may be detected in weed populations across the country that may complicate its management.
Effects of three intravitreal injections of aflibercept on the ocular circulation in eyes with age-related maculopathy
Authors: Mursch-Edlmayr Anna Sophie , Luft Nikolaus , Podkowinski Dominika , Ring Michael , Schmetterer Leopold , Bolz Matthias 
Published: April 2019

AimsTo investigate changes in ocular perfusion following three consecutive intravitreal injections with aflibercept for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).MethodsThe study included 20 eyes from 20 Caucasian patients with unilateral nAMD and 20 fellow eyes. All nAMD eyes were treated with standard intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA; 2 mg). Measurements of ocular perfusion at the optic nerve head (ONH) and the choroid were performed with laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). Measurements were conducted at baseline, 1 week after the first injection, at the time point of the second and third injection as well as 1 month after the third injection.ResultsIn treated eyes, mean blur rate (the main output parameter of LSFG) in the ONH microvasculature and in the choroid was significantly reduced 1 week after the first IVA treatment. The effect persisted throughout the entire follow-up period (p<0.001). No change in ocular perfusion was observed in fellow eyes.ConclusionsIVA for treatment of nAMD leads to a reduction in perfusion of the ONH and the choroid in the treated eye with no apparent effect on the fellow eye.
Using Mendelian randomisation to assess causality in observational studies
Authors: Pagoni Panagiota , Dimou Niki L , Murphy Neil , Stergiakouli Evie 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveMendelian randomisation (MR) is a technique that aims to assess causal effects of exposures on disease outcomes. The paper aims to present the main assumptions that underlie MR, the statistical methods used to estimate causal effects and how to account for potential violations of the key assumptions.MethodsWe discuss the key assumptions that should be satisfied in an MR setting. We list the statistical methodologies used in two-sample MR when summary data are available to estimate causal effects (ie, Wald ratio estimator, inverse-variance weighted and maximum likelihood method) and identify/adjust for potential violations of MR assumptions (ie, MR-Egger regression and weighted Median approach). We also present statistical methods and graphical tools used to evaluate the presence of heterogeneity.ResultsWe use as an illustrative example of a published two-sample MR study, investigating the causal association of body mass index with three psychiatric disorders (ie, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder). We highlight the importance of assessing the results of all available methods rather than each method alone. We also demonstrate the impact of heterogeneity in the estimation of the causal effects.ConclusionsMR is a useful tool to assess causality of risk factors in medical research. Assessment of the key assumptions underlying MR is crucial for a valid interpretation of the results.
Psychosocial and sexual characteristics associated with sexualised drug use and chemsex among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK
Authors: Hibbert Matthew Peter , Brett Caroline E , Porcellato Lorna A , Hope Vivian D 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo understand how the emerging public health issue of chemsex relates to broader patterns of sexualised drug use (SDU) among men who have sex with men (MSM), which has been understudied.MethodsPotential participants were invited to take part in an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey through Facebook advertising and community organisations’ social media posts (April–June 2018). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare MSM who engaged in recent SDU (past 12 months) with those who did not, and those who engaged in chemsex (γ-hydroxybutyrate/γ-butyrolactone, crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone, ketamine) with those who engaged in other SDU (eg, poppers, cocaine, cannabis).ResultsOf the 1648 MSM included, 41% reported recent SDU; 15% of these (6% of total, n=99) reported chemsex. Factors associated with SDU were recent STI diagnosis (aOR=2.44, 95% CI 1.58 to 3.76), sexual health clinic attendance (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.90 to 3.20), image and performance-enhancing drug use (aOR=3.82, 95% CI 1.87 to 7.82), greater number of condomless anal male partners, lower satisfaction with life and greater sexual satisfaction. Predictors of chemsex compared with other SDU were not being UK-born (aOR=2.02, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.86), living in a densely populated area (aOR=2.69, 95% CI 1.26 to 5.74), low sexual self-efficacy (aOR=4.52, 95% CI 2.18 to 9.40) and greater number of condomless anal male partners. Living with HIV, taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and experiencing or being unsure of experiencing sexual contact without consent were significantly associated with SDU and chemsex in bivariate analyses but not in the multivariable.ConclusionHealth and behavioural differences were observed between MSM engaging in chemsex, those engaging in SDU and those engaging in neither. While some MSM engaging in chemsex and SDU appeared content with these behaviours, the association with life satisfaction and sexual self-efficacy indicates psychosocial support is needed for some. The association with sexual risk and sexual consent also indicates the importance of promoting harm reduction among this population (eg, condoms, PrEP, drug knowledge).
A digital MEMS gyroscope with 40∘/h instability variation in −40∘C to 85∘C
Authors: Huang Fuxiang , Fu Qiang , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Yufeng , Mao Zhigang 
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a digital MEMS gyroscope with 40[Formula: see text]/h instability variation in −40[Formula: see text]C to 85[Formula: see text]C, performing 5[Formula: see text]/h instability variation at normal temperature and 0.01% nonlinearity in the range of ±400[Formula: see text]/s. This stability was achieved by using temperature compensation for the zero-output value changed after the temperature signal. As the resonant frequency of the mechanical structure varied according to the temperature linearly, a frequency calculator was adopted to detect the temperature of the mechanical structure. And the resolution of the frequency could be up to 0.01 Hz with a 1 MHz clock frequency used, obtaining a 10 Hz bandwidth. The driving mode used a PI controller to control a VGA to maintain at a fixed effective value of the driving signal. The sensing mode contained a low noise C/V convertor and a switch demodulation, which could give the angular velocity signal to the A/D convertor. Then the output data of A/D will be compensated in the digital domain. Finally, the digital output of the gyroscope will be available through a normal SPI serial port. The whole circuit was realized on one chip with an active circuit area of 3.5 mm × 5.2 mm fabricated in a 0.35 [Formula: see text]m CMOS technology. And the MEMS structure and circuit are packaged in a 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm aluminum mold. The digital output of the gyroscope earned a noise floor of 0.0024[Formula: see text]/s.