bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Police perception of citizens and its impact on police effectiveness and behavior
Authors: Wu Guangzhen , Boateng Francis D. 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences in police officers’ attitudes toward citizens between China and Ghana, and explore the extent to which officers’ perceptions of citizens influence their effectiveness and behavior.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 271 Chinese police officers were surveyed representing those attending in-service training program at a national police university in China in 2014, and a random sample of 145 Ghanaian police officers was surveyed in 2013, representing those from five police districts in the Accra region of Ghana Police service.FindingsResults revealed significant perceptual variations across the two countries. While Ghanaian officers were found to have more favorable perceptions of citizens’ cooperation and recognition, Chinese officers reported greater levels of citizens’ compliance and disrespectfulness. Moreover, results indicated significant relationships between officers’ attitudes and their sense of effectiveness and behavior in the two countries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on a convenient sample of Chinese police officers, which restricts the generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsFindings offer insights for police administrators to reform the police with a focus on improving police perceptions of citizens.Originality/valueAlthough there are a few comparative studies that compare police attitudes toward citizens between developing and developed countries, and between western democracies, there is a profound lack of studies comparing these attitudes between developing/transitional countries. This study is an initial attempt to identify variations in officers’ perceptions of the public between two developing/transitional countries.
Tree resprout dynamics following fire depend on herbivory by wild ungulate herbivores
Authors: LaMalfa Eric M. , Kimuyu Duncan M. , Sensenig Ryan L. , Young Truman P. , Riginos Corinna , Veblen Kari E. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Savanna tree cover is dynamic due to disturbances such as fire and herbivory. Frequent fires can limit a key demographic transition from sapling to adult height classes in savanna trees. Saplings may be caught in a ‘fire trap’, wherein individuals repeatedly resprout following fire top‐kill events. Saplings only rarely escape the cycle by attaining a fire‐resistant height (e.g. taller than the minimum scorch height) during fire‐free intervals.

Large mammalian herbivores also may trap trees in shorter size classes. Browsing herbivores directly limit sapling height, while grazing herbivores such as cattle facilitate sapling growth indirectly via grass removal. Experimental studies investigating how meso‐wildlife, megaherbivores and domestic livestock affect height of resprouts following fire are rare, but necessary for fully understanding how herbivory may reinforce (or counteract) the fire trap. In our study system, interactive fire–herbivore effects on transitions from sapling (<1 m) to adult tree (>1 m) height classes may be further influenced by plant defences, such as symbiotic ants.

We used the Kenya Long‐term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE) to investigate how post‐fire resprout size of a widespread monodominant East African tree, Acacia drepanolobium was influenced by (a) herbivory by different combinations of cattle, meso‐wildlife (15–1,000 kg) and megaherbivores (>1,000 kg) and (b) the presence of acacia–ant mutualists that confer tree defences. We sampled height, stem length and ant occupancy of resprouts exposed to different herbivore combinations before and after controlled burns.

Resprout height of saplings that were short prior to fire (<1 m) was reduced primarily by meso‐wildlife. Negative effects of elephants on post‐fire resprout height increased with pre‐fire tree size, suggesting that resprouts of the tallest trees (with the greatest potential to escape the fire trap cycle) were preferentially browsed and reduced in height by elephants. There were no significant cattle effects.

Synthesis. We provide experimental evidence for two potential pathways through which large herbivores exert control over sapling escape from the fire trap: (a) post‐fire meso‐wildlife browsing of short (<1 m) resprouts and (b) elephant browsing of the largest size class of resprouts, which would otherwise be most likely to escape the fire trap.
Effect of lymph node examined count on accurate staging and survival of resected esophageal cancer
Authors: Xia Wenjie , Liu Suyao , Mao Qixing , Chen Bing , Ma Weidong , Dong Gaochao , Xu Lin , Jiang Feng 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundWe examined the association between numbers of lymph nodes examined (LNEs) and accurate staging and survival to determine the optimal LNE count during esophagectomy using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry and the Department of Thoracic Surgery of a single institution (SI).MethodsA total of 7356 EC patients met our inclusion criteria from the SEER database and 1275 patients from SI. We applied multivariate models to investigate the relationship between the LNE count and LN metastasis and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) generated by the multivariate models were fitted with Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing, and the structural breakpoints were determined by the Chow test.ResultsHigher numbers of LNEs were linked to a higher proportion of LN metastasis and better CSS in both cohorts. Cut‐point analysis determined a threshold of LNEs of 12 for adenocarcinoma and 14 for esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) considering accurate staging, and 15 for adenocarcinoma and 14 for ESCC considering OS. The cut‐points for CSS were examined in the SEER database and validated in the divided cohort from SI (all P < 0.05).ConclusionA greater number of LNEs are significantly associated with more accurate N staging and better survival in EC patients. We recommend 15 and 14 as the threshold LNE counts for adenocarcinoma and ESCC patients, respectively.
Inhibitory transmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in male and female mice following morphine withdrawal
Authors: Luster Brennon R. , Cogan Elizabeth S. , Schmidt Karl T. , Pati Dipanwita , Pina Melanie M. , Dange Kedar , McElligott Zoé A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe United States is experiencing an opioid crisis imposing enormous fiscal and societal costs and driving the staggering overdose death rate. While prescription opioid analgesics are essential for treating acute pain, cessation of use in individuals with a physical dependence induces an aversive withdrawal syndrome that promotes continued drug use to alleviate/avoid these symptoms. Additionally, repeated bouts of withdrawal often lead to an increased propensity for relapse. Understanding the neurobiology underlying withdrawal is essential for providing novel treatment options to alleviate physiological and affective components accompanying the cessation of opiate use. Here, we administered morphine and precipitated withdrawal with naloxone to investigate behavioral and cellular responses in C57BL/6J male and female mice. Following 3 days of administration, both male and female mice demonstrated sensitized withdrawal symptoms. Since the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a role in mediating withdrawal‐associated behaviors, we examined plastic changes in inhibitory synaptic transmission within this structure 24 hours following the final precipitated withdrawal. In male mice, morphine withdrawal increased spontaneous GABAergic signaling compared with controls. In contrast, morphine withdrawal decreased spontaneous GABAergic signaling in female mice. Intriguingly, these opposing GABAergic effects were contingent upon activity‐dependent dynamics within the ex vivo slice. Our findings suggest that male and female mice exhibit some divergent cellular responses in the BNST following morphine withdrawal, and alterations in BNST inhibitory signaling may contribute to the expression of behaviors following opioid withdrawal.
Whole blood transcriptome analysis reveals footprints of cattle adaptation to sub‐arctic conditions
Authors: Pokharel K. , Weldenegodguad M. , Popov R. , Honkatukia M. , Huuki H. , Lindeberg H. , Peippo J. , Reilas T. , Zarovnyaev S. , Kantanen J. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIndigenous cattle breeds in northern Eurasia have adapted to harsh climate conditions. The local breeds are important genetic resources with cultural and historical heritages, and therefore, their preservation and genetic characterization are important. In this study, we profiled the whole‐blood transcriptome of two native breeds (Northern Finncattle and Yakutian cattle) and one commercial breed (Holstein) using high‐throughput RNA sequencing. More than 15 000 genes were identified, of which two, 89 and 162 genes were significantly upregulated exclusively in Northern Finncattle, Yakutian cattle and Holstein cattle respectively. The functional classification of these significantly differentially expressed genes identified several biological processes and pathways related to signalling mechanisms, cell differentiation and host–pathogen interactions that, in general, point towards immunity and disease resistance mechanisms. The gene expression pattern observed in Northern Finncattle was more similar to that of Yakutian cattle, despite sharing similar living conditions with the Holstein cattle included in our study. In conclusion, our study identified unique biological processes in these breeds that may have helped them to adapt and survive in northern and sub‐arctic environments.
Surgical anatomy of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in Egyptian native sheep (Ovis aries) using computed tomography and cross sectioning
Authors: Awaad Ashraf Sayed , Abdel Maksoud Mohamed Kamal Merai , Fathy Mohamed Zaki 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present work aimed to describe the normal computed tomography (CT) and cross‐sectional anatomy of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in sheep and to correlate these features with the relevant clinical practices. Twenty apparent healthy heads of Egyptian native breed of sheep (Baladi sheep) of both sexes were used for studying these sinuses. CT images and their closely identical cross sections of the same head were selected and serially labelled in a progression from the rostral nasal region to the caudal aspect of the head using cheek teeth as landmarks. The current investigation reported seven sinuses in sheep, including maxillary, frontal, lacrimal and sphenoidal as paranasal, as well as dorsal and middle conchal and ethmoidal as nasal with unnoticeable palatine and ventral nasal conchal sinuses. The boundaries, extension, structure and communications of these sinuses were fully described. The current study provided anatomical guidelines for surgical interference in the frontal and maxillary sinuses during trephination, dehorning and sinuscopy. Also, an acceptable anatomical explanation was reported in this study for the high incidence of maxillary sinusitis than other sinuses. CT and cross‐sectional anatomy could be used as helpful database for diagnosis and clinical interference of the nasal and paranasal sinuses in sheep.
Development and Validation of a Tool to Assess Military Veterans' Status, Functioning, and Satisfaction with Key Aspects of their Lives
Authors: Vogt Dawne , Taverna Emily C. , Nillni Yael I. , Booth Bradford , Perkins Daniel F. , Copeland Laurel A. , Finley Erin P. , Tyrell Fanita A. , Gilman Cynthia L. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundWe developed and validated the Well‐Being Inventory (WBI) to address the need for a tool that can provide a comprehensive assessment of key aspects of military veterans' lives. This multidimensional instrument assesses status, functioning, and satisfaction with regard to vocation, finances, health, and social relationships.MethodsTwo large multi‐phase studies (Study 1 Ns = 301, 286; Study 2 Ns = 9,566, 7,342) were conducted to develop and validate this tool among military veterans.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses supported the proposed factor structure, with separate factors observed for all scales except the health functioning scale, which was best represented as three factors rather than a single factor. Cronbach's alphas were satisfactory, with an average alpha of 0.86. Most WBI measures discriminated among individuals with and without mental health conditions and demonstrated expected declines among those with a new mental health condition.ConclusionsThis study provides initial evidence for the reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the WBI. This tool can be used to provide insight into areas in which military veterans would benefit from additional support and inform efforts to promote the well‐being of this population. Given its broad focus, it may also prove useful with other civilian populations.
Potential prediction of formulation performance in paediatric patients using biopharmaceutical tools and simulation of clinically relevant administration scenarios of nifedipine and lorazepam
Authors: Van der Vossen Anna C. , Hanff Lidwien M. , Vulto Arnold G. , Fotaki Nikoletta 
Published: April 2019

AimsThis study explores the impact of paediatric patient related factors and choice of formulation on the dissolution characteristics of nifedipine and lorazepam, 2 drug substances regularly applied in very young patients and in compounded formulations.MethodsDissolution experiments were designed to reflect clinical practice in a paediatric hospital, with respect to dosage forms, feeding regimens and methods of administration. Solubility studies addressed the influence of age and prandial state. Drug solubility and dissolution experiments were conducted in biorelevant media and adapted age‐specific (neonate and infant) media. Dissolution studies were performed with the mini‐paddle apparatus and the flow‐through cell apparatus.ResultsDissolution of nifedipine formulations was not affected by age‐related changes of the fasted state simulated gastrointestinal fluids, and by disintegration of the formulation before administration. However, a significant difference in nifedipine's dissolution rate from commercial tablets and compounded capsules was observed. The dissolution of lorazepam tablets was affected by fasted‐ vs fed‐state media, but it was deemed less likely to be clinically relevant. The significant effect of fed‐state media on nifedipine's solubility was considered to have possible clinical relevance since very young patients are almost continuously in a fed state.ConclusionThe in vitro results obtained from these studies reveal the potential of biorelevant solubility and dissolution studies reflecting clinical practice to predict drug performance in paediatric patients.
Inhibition of STAT3 activation mediated by toll‐like receptor 4 attenuates angiotensin II‐induced renal fibrosis and dysfunction
Authors: Xu Zheng , Zou Chunpeng , Yu Weihui , Xu Sujing , Huang Lan , Khan Zia , Wang Jingying , Liang Guang , Wang Yi 
Published: April 2019

Background and PurposeHypertension adversely affects the kidney and is the second leading cause of kidney failure. Overproduction of angiotensin II greatly contributes to the progression of hypertensive kidney disease. Angiotensin II has recently been shown to activate STAT3 in cardiovascular cells. However, the underlying mechanisms of STAT3 activation by angiotensin II and downstream functional consequences in the kidneys are not fully understood.Experimental ApproachC57BL/6 mice were treated with angiotensin II by subcutaneous infusion for 1 month to develop nephropathy. Mice were treated with either adeno‐associated virus expressing STAT3 shRNA or STAT3 inhibitor, S3I‐201. Human archival kidney samples from five patients with hypertension and five individuals without hypertension were also examined. In vitro, STAT3 was blocked using siRNA or STAT3 inhibitor S3I‐201 in the renal proximal tubular cell line, NRK52E, after exposure to angiotensin II.Key ResultsAngiotensin II activated STAT3 in kidney epithelial cells through engaging toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and JAK2, which was independent of IL‐6/gp130 and angiotensin AT1 receptors. Angiotensin II‐mediated STAT3 activation increased fibrotic proteins and resulted in renal dysfunction. Both STAT3 inhibition by the low MW compound S3I‐201 and TLR4 deficiency normalized renal fibrosis and dysfunction caused by Ang II in mice, without affecting hypertension.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur study reveals a novel mechanism of STAT3 activation, induced by angiotensin II, in kidney tissues and highlights a translational significance of a STAT3 inhibitor as potential therapeutic agent for hypertensive kidney disease.
OAGB vs BGBP: A retrospective comparative study of a cohort of patients who had bariatric surgery in 2012 at one centre by a single surgeon
Authors: Bhandari Mohit , Nautiyal Hemant K. , Mathur Winni , Kosta Susmit 
Published: April 2019

SummaryTwo modifications of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux‐en‐Y banded gastric bypass (BGBP), are gaining popularity in use because the OAGB is reported to be a simpler operation, and the BGBP is reported to have sustained weight loss compared to standard RYGB. A retrospective review and analysis of data comparing outcomes up to 5 years after BGBP and OAGB from a prospectively maintained database of all bariatric metabolic operations in 2012 was performed. Eighty‐two patients underwent a BGBP and 90 an OAGB. The average age and body mass index were 44.12 and 43.97 and 43.57 and 45.79 in the BGBP and OAGB groups, respectively. Postoperative nutrient deficiencies were similar in both groups but were more prominent in the OAGB group. The % excess body weight loss (%EBWL) was 78% and 71.5% at 5 years in the OAGB and BGBP groups, respectively. The % total weight loss (%TWL) was also higher in OAGB compared to the BGBP group, 34.72% and 30.49%, respectively. Resolution of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was significantly higher in the OAGB group, 79.16%, than in the BGBP group, 71.42%. The resolution of dyslipidaemia and hypertension were similar in both groups, but sleep apnoea resolution was higher in OAGB group. Both operations produced excellent weight loss in the intermediate term. The %EBWL and resolution of T2DM were significantly higher after the OAGB operation at the expense of increased incidence of nutrient deficiencies and hypoproteinemia. Quality of life improvement and patient satisfaction were high after both operations. Long‐term follow up and multicentre prospective studies are needed to confirm these intermediate outcomes.
Cutaneous mantle cell lymphoma histomorphologically mimicking subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma: Case report
Authors: Laggis Caroline , Miles Rodney , Stephens Deborah M. , Duffy Keith , Bowen Anneli , Wada David 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSecondary cutaneous involvement by mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), an uncommon aggressive B‐cell malignancy, predominantly involves the dermis, with few reports of pannicular involvement. Lymphocytic infiltration of subcutaneous tissue is associated with inflammatory panniculitides and certain T‐cell lymphomas, primarily subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐Cell lymphoma (SPTCL), which is characterized by rimming of adipocytes by tumor cells. We report the case of a 69‐year‐old man with a history of systemic nodal MCL who presented with subcutaneous nodules on his lower extremities after receiving multi‐agent chemotherapy. Biopsies showed a dense infiltrate of atypical, mitotically active, monomorphic, medium‐sized lymphoid cells in the subcutaneous fat with prominent rimming of the adipocytes by the tumor cells. These features were not morphologically typical of MCL. Immunohistochemistry showed these cells to be CD20+, CD5+ B‐cells with strong cyclin D1 expression; fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was positive for t(11;14)(q13;32), confirming the diagnosis of secondary cutaneous involvement of MCL. This represents an exceptional report of cutaneous MCL presenting clinically and histologically with a panniculitis‐type pattern and adipocyte rimming, histomorphologically mimicking SPTCL. Noteworthy examples, such as this report, support the practice of utilizing clinical correlation, immunohistochemistry, and/or molecular cytogenetics to confirm the diagnosis of any case suspicious for cutaneous lymphoma.
Klinische Merkmale und Management oberflächlicher Fibromatosen
Authors: Kelenjian Shinorik , Mattjie Rebeca Assuncao , Franz Regina , Biedermann Tilo , Brockow Knut 
Published: April 2019

ZusammenfassungFibromatosen sind eine Gruppe von gutartigen Bindegewebstumoren, die sich durch eine aggressive infiltrative Proliferation gut differenzierter Fibroblasten auszeichnen und zu lokalen Rezidiven neigen. Innerhalb dieser heterogenen Gruppe von Erkrankungen zeigen die oberflächlichen Fibromatosen ein langsameres und weniger infiltratives Wachstum in das umgebende Gewebe als die tiefen Fibromatosen.Zu den für die Dermatologie relevanten oberflächlichen Dermatosen gehören die Palmarfibromatose, die Plantarfibromatose, die Induratio penis plastica, die Fingerknöchelpolster, die Pachydermodaktylie und die infantile digitale Fibromatose. Klinisch manifestieren sich die oberflächlichen Dermatosen mit subkutanen Knötchen und/oder Strängen, die zu einer lokalen Infiltration und einer eingeschränkten Beweglichkeit der betroffenen Bereiche führen.Die Therapieoptionen reichen vom „Beobachten und Abwarten“, über nichtinvasive Verfahren wie Radiotherapie und intraläsionale Kortikosteroid‐/Kollagenase‐Injektionen bis hin zu radikalen chirurgischen Eingriffen. Eine frühe Intervention kann ein Fortschreiten der Erkrankung aufhalten und möglicherweise sogar die Funktionsfähigkeit wiederherstellen. Die Erkrankungen sollten daher früh im Verlauf erkannt und behandelt werden.
Einsatz des 2940 nm ER:YAG‐Lasers zur Behandlung der Lentigo maligna
Authors: Fikrle Tomáš , Divišová Barbora , Šuchmannová Jitka , Pizinger Karel 
Published: April 2019

ZusammenfassungZieleDie Lentigo maligna ist ein bei älteren Patienten häufig auftretendes malignes Carcinoma in situ mit einem geringen invasiven Progressionsrisiko. Da ein chirurgisches Vorgehen schwierig sein kann oder vom Patienten abgelehnt wird, besteht ein Bedarf an nichtoperativen Therapieoptionen wie beispielsweise eine Laserbehandlung.Patienten und MethodenWir berichten über 17 Patienten, die wegen einer histopathologisch gesicherten Lentigo maligna mit einem 2940 nm Er:YAG‐Laser (Erbium‐dotierter Yttrium‐Aluminium‐Granat‐Laser) behandelt wurden. Die Ablation der Läsionen schloss einen Sicherheitsabstand von 5 mm ein und wurde unter Lokalanästhesie mit überlappenden Laserspots (3,5 mm), einer Energiedichte von 6,5 J/cm2 und einer Wiederholungsrate von 5 Hz durchgeführt. Trat im abladierten Bereich während der nachfolgenden drei Monate eine klinisch erkennbare Pigmentierung auf, wurde die Läsion erneut behandelt. Bei allen Patienten erfolgte eine Nachkontrolle auf residuale oder rezidivierende Tumoren.ErgebnisseWir konnten bei allen 17 Patienten klinische Tumorfreiheit erreichen. Während der Nachsorge traten drei Rezidive auf (9, 30 und 36 Monate nach der Laserbehandlung). Alle Patienten waren mit dem Behandlungsverlauf und dem kosmetischen Ergebnis zufrieden. Die mittlere Dauer der Nachkontrolle betrug 28 Monate.SchlussfolgerungenDie Laserablation ist eine interessante alternative Therapieoption bei Lentigo maligna. Sie kann in ausgewählten Fällen eingesetzt werden, bei denen ein chirurgisches Vorgehen kontraindiziert oder schwierig ist oder vom Patienten abgelehnt wird.