bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of in vitro culture systems for goat preantral follicles using reused ovaries from reproductive biotechniques: An alternative to maximize the potential of reproduction
Authors: Panta Amanda Michelle torres , Silva Ana Flávia Bezerra da , Padilha Rodrigo Tenório , Correia Hudson Henrique Vieira , Rondina Davide , Figueiredo José Ricardo , Magalhães Padilha Deborah de Melo 
Published: November 2018

ContentsThis study aimed to examine the in vitro culture of secondary preantral follicles, using reused ovaries, to compare both the 2D and 3D methods of in vitro culture of preantral follicles, and the system of medium replacement. Twenty‐five pairs of ovaries from mixed‐breed goats were used for the experiment. Follicular puncture of antral follicles was performed for in vitro production. After this procedure, the secondary preantral follicles were submitted to a microdissection procedure. The isolated preantral follicles were randomly divided into three treatments: (a) Two‐dimensional culture with partial replacement of medium during culture (2D PR), (b) Three‐dimensional culture with addition of medium during culture (3D AD) and (c) Three‐dimensional culture with partial replacement of medium (3D PR). The culture period was 18 days. All treatments at the end of the in vitro culture period (18 days) presented a follicular survival rate which ranged from 59% to 70%, demonstrating that it was possible to perform an experiment with preantral follicles using ovaries that had previously been used in another reproductive biotechnique. The 3D AD treatment showed a survival percentage and follicular diameter higher than the 2D PR treatment, however, it did not differ from the 3D PR treatment. In conclusion, experiments employing the use of preantral follicles can be performed with success after the ovaries have been used for experiments with antral follicles. Moreover, the three‐dimensional system with the addition of medium is recommended for in vitro culture of preantral follicles, since this system is more practical and financially feasible.
Leprosy services in primary health care in India: comparative economic cost analysis of two public‐health settings
Authors: Tiwari Anuj , Blok David J. , Suryawanshi Pramilesh , Raikwar Akash , Arif Mohammad , Richardus Jan Hendrik 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe WHO recommends inclusion of post‐exposure chemoprophylaxis with single‐dose rifampicin in national leprosy control programmes. The objective was to estimate the cost of leprosy services at primary care level in two different public‐health settings.MethodsIngredient‐based costing was performed in eight primary health centres (PHCs) purposively selected in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH) and the Umbergaon block of Valsad district, Gujarat, India. All costs were bootstrapped, and to estimate the variation in total cost under uncertainty, a univariate sensitivity analysis was performed.ResultsThe mean annual cost of providing leprosy services was USD 29 072 in the DNH PHC (95% CI: 22 125–36 020) and USD 11 082 in Umbergaon (95% CI: 8334–13 830). The single largest cost component was human resources: 79% in DNH and 83% in Umbergaon. The unit cost for screening the contact of a leprosy patient was USD 1 in DNH (95% CI: 0.8–1.2) and USD 0.3 in Umbergaon (95% CI: 0.2–0.4). In DNH, the unit cost of delivering single‐dose of rifampicin (SDR) as chemoprophylaxis for contacts was USD 2.9 (95% CI: 2.5–3.7).ConclusionsThe setting with an enhanced public‐health financing system invests more in leprosy services than a setting with fewer financial resources. In terms of leprosy visits, the enhanced public‐health system is hardly more expensive than the non‐enhanced public‐health system. The unit cost of contact screening is not high, favouring its sustainability in the programme.
Factors associated with a cervical high‐grade lesion on cytology or a positive visual inspection with acetic acid among more than 3300 Tanzanian women
Authors: Baldur‐Felskov Birgitte , Mwaiselage Julius , Faber Mette Tuxen , Kjaerem Myassa , de la Cour Cecilie Dovey , Munk Christian , Kahesa Crispin , Iftner Thomas , Rasch Vibeke , Kjaer Susanne K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesCervical cancer screening by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is a widely used alternative to cytology in developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with a positive VIA test and with cervical high‐grade lesions on cytology.MethodsWe conducted a large cross‐sectional study among 3339 women from urban and rural Tanzania. Study participants were interviewed about socio‐demographic, reproductive and lifestyle factors. Blood samples were tested for HIV, and a gynaecological examination was performed. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was determined by Hybrid Capture 2, and HPV genotyping was done using the LiPA Extra test. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe strongest risk factors for VIA positivity were positivity to HIV (OR = 3.48; 95% CI: 2.34–5.17) or to high‐risk HPV (HrHPV) (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.37–2.85). HrHPV was by far the strongest predictor of high‐grade cytology (OR = 110.1; 95% CI: 50.4–240.4), while there was no significant association with HIV in the multivariable analysis (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 0.78–2.08). After adjustment for HrHPV, HIV and age, the risk of high‐grade cytology also increased with increasing age, number of births and low body mass index (BMI), while high BMI decreased the risk of VIA positivity.ConclusionsInfection with HrHPV is a major risk factor for high‐grade cytology, while VIA positivity is associated with HIV and to a lesser extent with HrHPV.
The bZIP transcription factor SPA Heterodimerizing Protein represses glutenin synthesis in Triticum aestivum
Authors: Boudet Julie , Merlino Marielle , Plessis Anne , Gaudin Jean‐Charles , Dardevet Mireille , Perrochon Sibille , Alvarez David , Risacher Thierry , Martre Pierre , Ravel Catherine 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe quality of wheat grain is mainly determined by the quantity and composition of its grain storage proteins (GSPs). Grain storage proteins consist of low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight glutenins (LMW‐GS and HMW‐GS, respectively) and gliadins. The synthesis of these proteins is essentially regulated at the transcriptional level and by the availability of nitrogen and sulfur. The regulation network has been extensively studied in barley where BLZ1 and BLZ2, members of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family, activate the synthesis of hordeins. To date, in wheat, only the ortholog of BLZ2, Storage Protein Activator (SPA), has been identified as playing a major role in the regulation of GSP synthesis. Here, the ortholog of BLZ1, named SPA Heterodimerizing Protein (SHP), was identified and its involvement in the transcriptional regulation of the genes coding for GSPs was analyzed. In gel mobility shift assays, SHP binds cis‐motifs known to bind to bZIP family transcription factors in HMW‐GS and LMW‐GS promoters. Moreover, we showed by transient expression assays in wheat endosperm that SHP acts as a repressor of the activity of these gene promoters. This result was confirmed in transgenic lines overexpressing SHP, which were grown with low and high nitrogen supply. The phenotype of SHP‐overexpressing lines showed a lower quantity of both LMW‐GS and HMW‐GS, while the quantity of gliadin was unchanged, whatever the nitrogen availability. Thus, the gliadin/glutenin ratio was increased, which suggests that gliadin and glutenin genes may be differently regulated.
Comparison of outcome in dogs undergoing single‐incision laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal surgery and open laparotomy for simple small intestinal foreign body removal
Authors: Otomo Aki , Singh Ameet , Valverde Alexander , Beaufrere Hugues , Mrotz Victoria , Kilkenny Jessica , Linden Alex zur 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate and compare outcome in dogs that underwent single‐incision laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal surgery (SILAIS) and open laparotomy (OL) for simple foreign body removal.Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsTwenty‐eight client‐owned dogs that underwent SILAIS (n = 13) or OL (n = 15).MethodsForeign body removal via SILAIS was performed with a commercially available single‐port device. After laparoscopic evaluation, a wound retraction device (WRD) was inserted. The small intestine was extracorporeally explored, and foreign body removal was performed. The surgeon's hand was inserted through the WRD to palpate portions of the gastrointestinal tract not able to be extracorporeally evaluated. Open laparotomy with foreign body removal was performed via a ventral midline approach. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and perioperative data were collected. Follow‐up data were collected with a standardized questionnaire with the referring veterinarian and/or owner via telephone interview.ResultsNo postoperative complications were encountered in either the SILAIS or the OL group, and all dogs were successfully discharged from the hospital. Conversion from SILAIS to OL occurred in 3/13 cases. There was no significant difference in duration of hospitalization, duration of time to recovery, or surgical time between surgical approaches (SILAIS vs OL).ConclusionSingle‐incision laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal surgery for foreign body removal was not significantly different from OL in a variety of outcome measures in this cohort of dogs. Diagnostic imaging including ultrasonography or computed tomography may improve appropriate case selection for SILAIS for simple foreign body removal.Clinical significanceSingle‐incision laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal surgery offers a minimally invasive technique for simple small intestinal foreign body removal. Additional study is required to compare SILAIS with OL.
Use of test weights for breastfeeding infants with congenital heart disease in a cardiac transitional care unit: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Gregory Courtney 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
The goal of this project was to promote breastfeeding among infants with congenital heart disease in a quaternary care academic children's hospital. We aimed to increase the total number of breastfeeding episodes among all patients in the Pediatric Cardiac Transitional Care Unit with implementation of pre- and post-breastfeeding (test) weights.

Introduction:
Infants with congenital heart disease are able to breastfeed, but are often not encouraged to do so by healthcare providers. Fears and concerns relating to the inability to account for exact intake volumes through breastfeeding often prevent providers from supporting breastfeeding in these patients.

Methods:
This project used Joanna Briggs Institute's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit tool for promoting health practice change. A baseline medical record audit was conducted, followed by staff nurse education on breastfeeding test weights and the development of a parent education program. One follow-up audit measured compliance with best practice criteria for using breastfeeding test weights in infants with congenital heart disease.

Results:
Compliance rates for use of breastfeeding test weights and provision of parent education, with baseline rates of 7% and 0%, respectively, rose to 90%. Identification of maternal intent to breastfeed upon admission to the unit increased to 78% compliance from 0%. Eighty-four percent of healthcare staff were educated on breastfeeding test weights.

Conclusions:
The safety of breastfeeding very ill infants was established. Breastfeeding episodes of all patients in the unit significantly increased after implementation of breastfeeding test weights and mothers of the sample patients expressed more confidence in breastfeeding their sick infants. Although barriers to breastfeeding for patients with congenital heart disease still persisted, this project had a positive impact on the culture of breastfeeding within the project unit. Increased healthcare provider education on breastfeeding will be essential to sustaining outcomes of this implementation.
Use of GRADE in Australian clinical practice guidelines: a methodological review protocol
Authors: Dias Mafalda M. , Munn Zachary , Porritt Kylie , Tufanaru Catalin , Stern Cindy , Aromataris Edoardo , Wiechula Rick , Brennan Sue , Schünemann Holger 
Published: November 2018

Research question/objective:
The purpose of this methodological review is to determine whether and to what extent GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology has been and is currently being used in Australian clinical practice guidelines.
Factors associated with place of death for children in South Yorkshire: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Renton Kate , Mayer Anton-Paul Thomas , Alison Lilias , Yeomanson Daniel 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesPlace of death (POD) is considered a key quality indicator for adult end of-life care, but paediatric evidence is limited. Data from Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) databases provides an opportunity to describe trends in POD as regional paediatric palliative medicine (PPM) options have increased. Aims were to identify and describe trends in POD for children in South Yorkshire.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. Anonymised data extracted from five CDOP databases 2008–2015. Data included age, gender, ethnicity, postcode (outward code only), POD, classification and category of death. Descriptive statistical analysis using χ2test was used to assess intergroup differences.Results748 deaths were notified from 2008 to 2015. Neonatal deaths were excluded, 46% (n=345). Of non-neonatal deaths (n=403), 58% (n=232) were ‘expected’. Of expected deaths (n=232), 19% (n=45) died in home, 19% (n=45) died in hospice and 61% (n=141) died in hospital. This was significantly different from comparable national data which showed considerably more hospital deaths. There was no significant change in POD over time.ConclusionHospital remains the POD for most children, whether deaths are ‘expected’ or not, suggesting specialised PPM should be expanded into the hospital setting. More research is needed regarding preference for POD. This study may help inform future service planning for PPM and hospice development.
Sol–gel-based chemical synthesis of NdFeB hard magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Jinshan , Wu Wei , Meng Fangshi , Ding Hao , Dong Jiling 
Published: November 2018

NdFeB nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol–gel method. Firstly, NdFeB gel was prepared by using citric acid and glycol as the gel, and the corresponding salts of Nd, Fe and boric acid. The gel was subsequently annealed under a high temperature condition to obtain NdFeB-oxide phases. Then NdFeB nanoparticles were yielded by reductive annealing of precursors. Microstructure, phase composition and magnetic properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and also differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was performed to determine the annealing temperature. At 400[Formula: see text]C, intermediate phases of Fe3BO5 and NdBO3 were formed and stable up to 600[Formula: see text]C; while at 800[Formula: see text]C, they would reacted in presence of oxygen to form NdFeO3 and B2O3. Nd2O3 and Fe2O3 were also formed at this temperature. SEM micrographs of reduced powders after washing process showed an average particle size below 100 nm in all the samples. VSM results showed the oxide powder formed at 800[Formula: see text]C had a coercivity of 1.55 kOe and a saturation magnetization of 1.08 emu/g. The powder synthesized by reduction of oxide powders at 800[Formula: see text]C had a coercivity of 1.02 kOe and a saturation magnetization of 14.17 emu/g.
The Simplex Algorithm Is NP-Mighty
Authors: Disser Yann , Skutella Martin 
Published: November 2018

We show that the Simplex Method, the Network Simplex Method—both with Dantzig’s original pivot rule—and the Successive Shortest Path Algorithm are
NP-mighty
. That is, each of these algorithms can be used to solve, with polynomial overhead, any problem in NP implicitly during the algorithm’s execution. This result casts a more favorable light on these algorithms’ exponential worst-case running times. Furthermore, as a consequence of our approach, we obtain several novel hardness results. For example, for a given input to the Simplex Algorithm, deciding whether a given variable ever enters the basis during the algorithm’s execution and determining the number of iterations needed are both NP-hard problems. Finally, we close a long-standing open problem in the area of network flows over time by showing that earliest arrival flows are NP-hard to obtain.
Induction of MNK Kinase–dependent eIF4E Phosphorylation by Inhibitors Targeting BET Proteins Limits Efficacy of BET Inhibitors
Authors: Pham Thao N.D. , Kumar Krishan , DeCant Brian T. , Shang Meng , Munshi Samad Z. , Matsangou Maria , Ebine Kazumi , Munshi Hidayatullah G. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
BET inhibitors (BETi), which target transcription of key oncogenic genes, are currently being evaluated in early-phase clinical trials. However, because BETis show limited single-agent activity, there is increasing interest in identifying signaling pathways to enhance the efficacy of BETis. Here, we demonstrate increased MNK kinase–dependent eIF4E phosphorylation following treatment with BETis, indicating activation of a prosurvival feedback mechanism in response to BETis. BET PROTACs, which promote degradation of BET proteins, also induced eIF4E phosphorylation in cancer cells. Mechanistically, we show that the effect of BETis on MNK-eIF4E phosphorylation was mediated by p38 MAPKs. We also show that BETis suppressed RacGAP1 to induce Rac signaling–mediated eIF4E phosphorylation. Significantly, MNK inhibitors and MNK1/2 knockdown enhanced the efficacy of BETis in suppressing proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in a syngeneic mouse model. Together, these results demonstrate a novel prosurvival feedback signaling induced by BETis, providing a mechanistic rationale for combination therapy with BET and MNK inhibitors for synergistic inhibition of cancer cells.
Mitochondrial DNA Mutations are Associated with Ulcerative Colitis Preneoplasia but Tend to be Negatively Selected in Cancer
Authors: Baker Kathryn T. , Nachmanson Daniela , Kumar Shilpa , Emond Mary J. , Ussakli Cigdem , Brentnall Teresa A. , Kennedy Scott R. , Risques Rosa Ana 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

The role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in cancer remains controversial. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that increases the risk of colorectal cancer and involves mitochondrial dysfunction, making it an ideal model to study the role of mtDNA in tumorigenesis. Our goal was to comprehensively characterize mtDNA mutations in ulcerative colitis tumorigenesis using Duplex Sequencing, an ultra-accurate next-generation sequencing method. We analyzed 46 colon biopsies from non-ulcerative colitis control patients and ulcerative colitis patients with and without cancer, including biopsies at all stages of dysplastic progression. mtDNA was sequenced at a median depth of 1,364x. Mutations were classified by mutant allele frequency: clonal &gt; 0.95, subclonal 0.01–0.95, and very low frequency (VLF) &lt; 0.01. We identified 208 clonal and subclonal mutations and 56,764 VLF mutations. Mutations were randomly distributed across the mitochondrial genome. Clonal and subclonal mutations increased in number and pathogenicity in early dysplasia, but decreased in number and pathogenicity in cancer. Most clonal, subclonal, and VLF mutations were C&gt;T transitions in the heavy strand of mtDNA, which likely arise from DNA replication errors. A subset of VLF mutations were C&gt;A transversions, which are probably due to oxidative damage. VLF transitions and indels were less abundant in the non–D-loop region and decreased with progression. Our results indicate that mtDNA mutations are frequent in ulcerative colitis preneoplasia but negatively selected in cancers.

Implications:
While mtDNA mutations might contribute to early ulcerative colitis tumorigenesis, they appear to be selected against in cancer, suggesting that functional mitochondria might be required for malignant transformation in ulcerative colitis.
Risk Factors for Delayed Hemorrhage after Colonic Endoscopic Mucosal Resection in Patients Not on Antithrombotic Therapy: Retrospective Analysis of 3,844 Polyps of 1,660 Patients
Authors: Tsuruta Sanae , Tominaga Naoyuki , Ogata Shinichi , Tsuruoka Nanae , Sakata Yasuhisa , Shimoda Ryo , Eguchi Yuichiro , Anzai Keizo , Hara Megumi , Fujimoto Kazuma 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Colonic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is safe for patients without antithrombotic therapy; however, EMR is associated with several risks. This study was performed to evaluate the risk of delayed hemorrhage in patients undergoing EMR without antithrombotic therapy. Methods: In the present retrospective single-center study, 1,792 patients without antithrombotic therapy underwent colonic EMR from March 2012 to December 2016 at the Saga Medical Centre Koseikan. Risk factors were evaluated with respect to patient and lesion characteristics, the endoscopist’s experience, and preventive hemoclips. Delayed hemorrhage was defined as bleeding for which emergency endoscopic hemostasis was applied >24 h after EMR. Results: Among the 1,792 patients, 1,660 with 3,844 tumors were evaluated. Delayed hemorrhage occurred in 43 patients (2.6%) and 46 polyps (1.2%). Preventive hemoclips were applied in 996 patients (60.0%). Univariate analysis indicated that delayed hemorrhage occurred more frequently in young patients (3–39 years, p < 0.001, 40–59 years, p = 0.005) compared to > 60 years and in association with large polyps (> 10 mm, p = 0.003), hemoclip (p = 0.019), and pedunculated polyps (p = 0.024). Multivariate analysis indicated that risk factors for hemorrhage were young age (age of 3–39 years p < 0.001, 40–59 years, p = 0.005) and large polyps (> 10 mm, p < 0.001). The risk of delayed hemorrhage was increased by an estimated 8% with a 1-mm increase in polyp size. Conclusion: The present study suggests that young age (under 60 years old) and large polyp size are risk factors for causing delayed hemorrhage after colonic EMR in patients without antithrombotic therapy.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the “Five Stages” Model in a Sampling of Recent American Textbooks
Authors: Corr Charles A. 
Published: November 2018

This article examines some aspects of the enduring influence of the work of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and especially of her “five stages” model through a sampling of recent textbooks published in the United States in selected academic disciplines and professional fields. The following are the questions to be asked: 1. Does the “five stages” model appear without significant change in the textbooks described here? 2. Is the “five stages” model applied in these textbooks to issues involving loss, grief, and bereavement, as well as to those involving terminal illness and dying? 3. Is the “five stages” model criticized in some or all of these textbooks? 4. If so, is the criticism sufficient to argue that, while the “five stages” model might be presented as an important historical framework, it should no longer be regarded as a sound theory to guide contemporary education and practice?