bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and function of macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) in inflammation driven parturition in fetal membranes and myometrium
Authors: Lim R , Lappas M 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThe pivotal role of inflammatory processes in human parturition is well known, but not completely understood. We have performed a study to examine the role of macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) in inflammation-associated parturition. Using human samples, we show that spontaneous labour is associated with up-regulated Mincle expression in the myometrium and fetal membranes. Mincle expression was also increased in fetal membranes and myometrium in the presence of pro-labour mediators, the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1B and tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands fsl-1, poly(I:C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and flagellin. These clinical studies are supported by mouse studies, where an inflammatory challenge in a mouse model of preterm birth increased Mincle expression in the uterus. Importantly, elimination of Mincle decreased the effectiveness of proinflammatory cytokines and TLR ligands to induce the expression of pro-labour mediators; namely, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, contraction-associated proteins and prostaglandins, and extracellular matrix remodelling enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases. The data presented in this study suggest that Mincle is required when inflammatory activation precipitates parturition.
Multiyear monitoring of survival following mitigation‐driven translocation of a long‐lived threatened reptile
Authors: Dickson Brett G. , Scherer Rick D. , Kissel Amanda M. , Wallace Bryan P. , Langin Kathryn M. , Gray Miranda E. , Scheib Amanda F. , Weise Bruce 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTranslocation is used by managers to mitigate the negative impacts of development on species. Moving individuals to a new location is challenging, and many translocation attempts have failed. Robust, posttranslocation monitoring is therefore important for evaluating effects of translocation on target species. We evaluated the efficacy of a translocation designed to mitigate the effects of a utility‐scale solar energy project on the U.S. federally listed Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). The species is a long‐lived reptile threatened by a variety of factors, including habitat loss due to renewable energy development in the Mojave Desert and portions of the Colorado Desert in southern California (southwestern United States). We translocated 58 individual tortoises away from the project's construction site and intensively monitored them over 5 years (2012–2017). We monitored these individuals and tortoises located in the translocation release area (resident tortoises; n = 112) and control tortoises (n = 149) in a nearby location. We used our tortoise encounter data and known‐fate survival models to estimate annual and cumulative survival. Translocated tortoises in each of 2 size classes (120–160 mm, >160 mm) did not survive at lower rates than resident and control tortoises over the study period. For models with different sets of biotic and abiotic covariates, annual and cumulative estimates of survival were always >0.87 and >0.56, respectively. Larger tortoises tended to have higher survival, but translocated tortoises were not differentially affected by the covariates used to model variation in survival. Based on these findings, our translocation design and study protocols could inform other translocation projects for desert species. Our case study highlights the benefits of combining rigorous scientific monitoring with well‐designed, mitigation‐driven management actions to reduce the negative effects of development on species of conservation concern.
Ecology of wood‐inhabiting fungi in northern forests of Iran
Authors: Bari Ehsan , Aghajani Hamed , Ohno Katie M. , Shahi Roya , Hale Mike D. C. , Bahmani Mohsen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWood‐decay fungi are important in forest ecosystems and play an important role in nutrient and carbon recycling. The scope of this research was to identify wood‐inhabiting and wood‐decay macrofungi and determine their ecology. We sampled standing trees and dead wood of oak and hornbeam in the northern forests of Iran, specifically in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. We assessed the influence of field slope, elevation, site direction and the height of fungal sporocarp position on the tree. The species of wood‐inhabiting and wood‐decay fungi belonged to 11 families: Polyporaceae; Stereaceae; Ganodermataceae; Physalacriaceae; Agaricaceae; Xylariaceae; Pluteaceae; Coprinaceae; Strophariaceae; Pleurotaceae; and Hydnaceae. The most common fungal species identified belonged to the Polyporaceae and Ganodermataceae and predominantly grew on trees growing on a slope of 20%, at an altitude of 700–900 m, 0–3 m from the ground a southwesterly site direction and the northern sides of both tree species. These results indicated that field slope was the most important factor in determining fungal sporocarp abundance.
Oxidative lipoprotein markers predict poor functional outcome in patients with minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Wang A. , Zhang X. , Li S. , Zhao X. , Liu L. , Johnston S. C. , Meng X. , Lin J. , Zuo Y. , Li H. , Wang Y. , Wang Y. ,   the CHANCE Study Group
Published: February 2019

Background and purposeOxidative stress plays an important role in acute ischaemic stroke. However, the association of oxidative lipoprotein markers, including oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL), oxLDL:high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and oxLDL:low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), with functional outcome of minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between oxidative lipoprotein markers and poor functional outcome in patients with minor stroke or TIA.MethodsAll patients with minor stroke or TIA were recruited from the Clopidogrel in High‐Risk Patients With Acute Non‐Disabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial. The poor functional outcome included modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 2–6 and 3–6 at 90‐day and 12‐month follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the associations of oxLDL, oxLDL:HDL and oxLDL:LDL with poor functional outcome.ResultsAmong 3019 patients included in this study, the median (interquartile range) oxLDL, oxLDL:HDL and oxLDL:LDL were 13.96 (6.65–28.81), 4.52 (2.08–9.32) and 11.73 (5.27–24.85) μg/dL, respectively. After adjusted for confounding factors, patients in the highest oxLDL quartile had a higher proportion of mRS score 2–6 at 90 days [hazard ratio (HR), 1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26–2.52] and 12 months (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01–1.99), and mRS score 3–6 at 90 days (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.29–3.04) and 12 months (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.09–2.89) when compared with the lowest oxLDL quartile (P < 0.05). Similar results were found for oxLDL:HDL and oxLDL:LDL.ConclusionsHigher levels of oxidative lipoprotein markers are independent predictors of poor functional outcome in patients with minor stroke or TIA at 90 days and 12 months.
Tropical joint syndrome: Exostosis on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx in racing Thoroughbreds in Asia
Authors: Shaw D. J. , Rosanowski S. M. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryTropical joint syndrome (TJS) is poorly documented in the published literature but appears to be associated with horses undergoing intensive training in tropical areas: South East Asia and Northern Australia. Tropical joint syndrome is characterised by a firm, often nonpainful swelling at the front of the fetlock, which has a slow and insidious onset. Swelling associated with TJS can reach an alarming size, with a marked loss of fetlock flexion. Radiographs reveal varying degrees of exostosis, initially on the dorsolateral aspect of proximal phalanx (P1) but, as the condition progresses, onto the dorsomedial P1 and distal dorsal third metacarpal bone. A survey of equine veterinarians employed in racing practices in Southeast Asia and Australia (n = 10) was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of this condition and treatment methods. Additionally, a retrospective study of clinical records was undertaken at the Singapore Turf Club to identify horses with TJS, with racing performance post‐diagnosis compared with matched controls. All 10 racing veterinarians responded to the survey. All respondents recognised TJS in horses in their practice as ‘new bone deposits of unknown origin’, with most estimating prevalence between 1 and 10% in their population of horses. The most common treatment for TJS was intra‐articular medication (n = 9) and/or shockwave therapy. In total, 79 horses had TJS diagnosed by equine veterinarians at the Singapore Turf Club between 2008 and 2015, 64 of which had complete race records. There was no significant difference in racing performance between horses with and without TJS. However, 29 cases that were retired from racing were retired with chronic, severe and irreversible fetlock pain. The high number of horses retired with fetlock pain due to TJS is a welfare concern. More research is required to identify management and treatment strategies to aid in dealing with this condition.
Transurethral intraluminal closure of a caudally located bladder neck tear in a standing mare
Authors: Hall M. D. , Rodgerson D. H. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThis case report describes a minimally invasive transurethral approach to repair a caudally located, ventral tear in the neck of the bladder in a standing mare. The mare was diagnosed with a ruptured bladder 16 h post‐partum based on clinical signs, transabdominal ultrasonography, peritoneal fluid analysis and serum biochemistry, and cystoscopy. Under sedation and epidural anaesthesia, the tear was visualised with a laparoscope placed through a sterile disposable foil large animal vaginal speculum (Henry Schein®; Henry Schein Animal Health, Dublin, Ohio, USA). Using Karl Storz Macro needle holders (Karl Storz Endoscopy, Culver City, California, USA.) passed through the speculum, the defect was sutured in a single layer simple continuous pattern using 0 Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl®; Ethicon Inc., Cornelia, Georgia, USA.). The surgical time was 30 min and no complications were encountered. The mare has shown no signs of urine pooling, urine dribbling, or cystitis since the operation. She is alive at the time of submission (130 days post‐operatively).
A genealogy of military geographies: Complicities, entanglements, and legacies
Authors: Forsyth Isla 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper argues that historical geography is particularly well positioned to make insightful contributions to military geographies and critical military studies more broadly because of its commitment to critically exploring the genealogies and consequences of military violence, which are too often seen as a given or historically non‐contingent. This is demonstrated by a review of existing literature which variously acknowledges the emergence of disciplinary geography in concert with the modern military, traces the contributions of geographers to and their entanglements with the military, and accounts for the complicities, consequences, and legacies of military activities and violence through a historical lens. The paper reveals how historical geography exposes the knowledges, technologies, and lives that produce and are shaped by military activities as being spatially and temporally specific. Further, it suggests future directions for historical geography that would extend and expand the discipline's attempts to more fully acknowledge the place of military geographies in our histories, politics, spatialities, cultures, and everyday lives.
Characterization of Herves‐like transposable elements (hATs) in Drosophila species and their evolutionary scenario
Authors: Bernardo L. P. , Mombach D. M. , Loreto E. L. S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA monophyletic group of Drosophila hAT transposable elements, referred to as Herves‐like, was characterized and found to be present in 46% of 57 screened Drosophila species. A remarkable characteristic of these elements is the presence of a long array of minisatellite repeats (MnRs) in both subterminal extremities of the elements. The copy number of these minisatellites was highly variable between and within populations. Twenty‐three strains of Drosophila willistoni, covering its geographic distribution, were screened for polymorphism in the copy number of 5′ MnRs, showing a variation from 7 to 20 repeat copies. These MnRs are well conserved among Drosophila species and probably function as transposase binding sequences, as provided by short subterminal repeats in other hAT elements. Miniature inverted repeat transposable elements were found in 27% of species carrying Herves‐like elements. Phylogenetic analysis showed incongruences between transposable elements and species phylogenies, suggesting that at least four horizontal transfer events have occurred.
A computationally efficient model for determining sound speed in shallow tropical freshwater systems, with field validation
Authors: Sadalage Jyoti , Das Arnab , Joshi Yashwant 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe optimum performance of any underwater system depends on the propagation characteristics of the acoustic signals in the local water medium. Shallow tropical freshwater systems suffer from sub‐optimal performance of sonar systems deployed for any acoustic sensing because of random fluctuations of the water medium. The propagation characteristics depend largely on the sound speed variations defined by the site‐specific physical parameters such as water temperature, salinity and depth. The present study focuses on analysing the sound speed profile of a typical shallow freshwater system (Khadakwasla Lake; 18.43°N, 73.76°E), using regression models with the goal of deriving a computationally efficient model. To this end, a linear and polynomial regression model was developed, and their performance compared with the results of the model of Chen and Millero (), based on root mean square error (RMSE). In situ measurements of electrical conductivity, temperature and density (CTD) were carried out using a Valeport 602 CTD meter. Approximately 125 CTD samples were obtained during a 2‐day experimental study conducted at Khadakwasla Lake from 11 October 2017 to 12 October 2017. The data collection was undertaken throughout the day at multiple locations in the lake over a spatial distance of ~16 km. The Valeport 602 CTD meter uses the Chen and Millero () formula, considered the most conventional sound speed equation. The computational complexity of the proposed models was measured in terms of the number of addition and multiplication operations required. The validation of both models was carried out by varying the model input parameters within defined limits. The model inputs have been derived from an in situ experimental data collection process in a typical shallow tropical freshwater system. The linear regression model exhibited an RMSE of 4.15 m/s, while the polynomial regression model exhibited a good agreement with an RMSE of 0.5 m/s.
Employee Engagement as Administrative Reform: Testing the Efficacy of the OPM's Employee Engagement Initiative
Authors: Hameduddin Taha , Fernandez Sergio 
Published: February 2019

AbstractResearchers have long recognized administrative reform as a constant feature of American public administration. The employee engagement initiative of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has become one of the most prominent administrative reforms underway in the federal government. Like many reforms, the veracity of claims about this reform have gone untested. This article addresses this gap by testing the relationship between the OPM's employee engagement initiative and agency performance. After establishing the psychometric validity of the OPM's Employment Engagement Index, the authors use a five‐year panel data set of federal agencies and two‐way fixed‐effects regression to test the efficacy of this prominent reform. The analysis shows that efforts to encourage employee engagement generally have the expected relationship with performance, but the relationship varies according to the components that make up the index and the organizational level at which these efforts are expended.
The eruptive tempo of Deccan volcanism in relation to the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary
Authors: Sprain Courtney J. , Renne Paul R. , Vanderkluysen Loÿc , Pande Kanchan , Self Stephen , Mittal Tushar 
Published: February 2019

Two timelines for extinctionThe Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction that wiped out the nonavian dinosaurs 66 million years ago was correlated with two extreme events: The Chicxulub impact occurred at roughly the same time that massive amounts of lava were erupting from the Deccan Traps (see the Perspective by Burgess). Sprainet al.used argon-argon dating of the volcanic ash from the Deccan Traps to argue that a steady eruption of the flood basalts mostly occurred after the Chicxulub impact. Schoeneet al.used uranium-lead dating of zircons from ash beds and concluded that four large magmatic pulses occurred during the flood basalt eruption, the first of which preceded the Chicxulub impact. Whatever the correct ordering of events, better constraints on the timing and rates of the eruption will help elucidate how volcanic gas influenced climate.Science, this issue p.866, p.862; see also p.815
Persistence of pneumococcal antibodies after primary immunisation with a polysaccharide–protein conjugate vaccine
Authors: Zimmermann Petra , Perrett Kirsten P , Berbers Guy , Curtis Nigel 
Published: February 2019

IntroductionDespite immunisation, antibiotics and intensive care management, infection withStreptococcus pneumoniaeremains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The WHO currently recommends vaccinating infants with either a 3+0 schedule (6 weeks, 3–4 and 4–6 months of age) or 2+1 schedule (2 doses before 6 months of age, plus a booster dose at 9–15 months of age). This study investigated pneumococcal antibody responses, including persistence of antibodies, after immunisation of healthy infants with a 3+0 schedule.MethodsWe measured pneumococcal antibody concentrations to all 13 antigens included in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) after immunisation with a 3+0 schedule in 91 infants at 7 months and in 311 infants at 13 months of age. The geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and the proportion of infants with an antibody concentration above the standard threshold correlate of protection (seroprotection rate) were calculated at both time points.ResultsAt 7 months of age, GMCs varied between 0.52 µg/mLand 11.52 µg/mL, and seroprotection rates varied between 69% and 100%. At 13 months of age, GMCs had decreased to between 0.22 µg/mLand 3.09 µg/mL, with the lowest responses against serotype 4, followed by 19A, 3, 6B and 23F. Seroprotection rates at 13 months of age were below 90% for most serotypes, with the lowest rates for serotype 4 (23%) followed by 19A (50%), 23F (61%) and 6B (64%).ConclusionOur study shows that at 13 months of age, many infants vaccinated with a 3+0 schedule have pneumococcal antibody concentrations below the standard threshold correlate of protection. To optimise protection against pneumococcal disease through early childhood and to improve antibody persistence and indirect protective effects, immunisation schedules with booster doses might be necessary.
Does daily dietary intake affect diabetic retinopathy progression? 10-year results from the 45 and Up Study
Authors: Yan Xixi , Han Xiaotong , Wu Changfan , Keel Stuart , Shang Xianwen , Zhang Lei , He Mingguang 
Published: February 2019

Background/aimsTo evaluate the associations of dietary consumption with the 10-year incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression in working-aged Australians with diabetes.MethodsWe obtained longitudinal data of all diabetic subjects aged 45–65 years from the baseline of the 45 and Up Study and linked this data with Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme claims until 2016. Retinal photocoagulation (RPC), as determined based on the MBS data, was used as a proxy measure of DR progression. Dietary measurements were assessed via self-reported consumption of meat, dairy products, whole-meal bread, breakfast cereal, vegetables, fruit and fruit juice using a self-administered questionnaire at baseline. Cox regression was used to assess the association between dietary consumption and incident RPC during the follow-up period.ResultsA total of 8122 participants were included in the current analysis with a mean age of 57.2±5.2 years. During a mean follow-up of 8.6 years, 314 participants (3.8% of baseline) received RPC. Higher consumption of cheese and whole-meal bread was associated with a lower risk of incident RPC, with the HRs of the highest quartiles versus the lowest being 0.58 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.83; test for trend, p=0.007) and 0.64 (0.46 to 0.89; p=0.04), respectively. Body mass index, insulin treatment and gender were significant modifiers for the association between cheese/whole-meal bread and RPC.ConclusionConsumption of cheese and whole-meal bread could reduce the risk of DR progression among the working-aged Australian population with diabetes.
Preservation of retinoblastoma group E eyes with neovascular glaucoma using intravenous chemotherapy: risk factors and outcomes
Authors: Rao Raksha , Honavar Santosh G , Reddy Vijayanand Palkonda 
Published: February 2019

Background/aimTo report the outcomes of retinoblastoma group E eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG) treated conservatively with intravenous chemotherapy and investigate factors associated with eye salvage and secondary enucleation.MethodsThis is a retrospective, comparative, interventional case series. The outcome measures were life salvage, eye salvage and vision salvage.ResultsOf the 37 eyes managed by intravenous chemotherapy, secondary enucleation was necessary in 21 eyes (group 1) and eye salvage was possible in 16 eyes (group 2). A comparison of both groups revealed significant difference with group 1 demonstrating greater duration of symptoms (18.8 weeks vs 5.4 weeks, p=0.016), greater intraocular pressure (IOP) at presentation (36 mm Hg vs 30 mm Hg, p=0.044), greater increase in corneal diameter (1.52 mm vs 0.50 mm, p=0.013) and the presence of sterile orbital cellulitis (9 vs 1, p=0.023). Further, the risk factors for secondary enucleation by univariate analysis were duration of symptoms >10 weeks (p=0.003), presenting IOP >26 mm Hg (p=0.045), buphthalmos (p=0.014) and sterile orbital cellulitis (p=0.023) and by multivariate analysis were age at presentation >6 months (p=0.012) and buphthalmos (p=0.017). At a mean follow-up of 20.5 months, none of the patients in either group developed systemic metastasis.ConclusionFor retinoblastoma group E eyes presenting with NVG, the chance of eye salvage with intravenous chemotherapy is better when the age at diagnosis is <6 months, duration of symptoms is <10 weeks, IOP is <26 mm Hg, and in the absence buphthalmos and sterile orbital inflammation.