bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of long‐term mineral fertilisation on soil microbial abundance, community structure and diversity in a Typic Hapludoll under intensive farming systems
Authors: Verdenelli Romina A. , Dominchin María F. , Pérez‐Brandan Carolina , Rovea Adrián , Vargas‐Gil Silvina , Meriles José M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFertiliser application can not only influence plant communities, but also the soil microbial community dynamics, and consequently soil quality. Specifically, mineral fertilisation can directly or indirectly affect soil chemical properties, microbial abundance and, the structure and diversity of soil microbial communities. We investigated the impact of six different mineral fertiliser regimes in a maize/soybean rotation system: control (CK, without fertilisation), PS (application of phosphorus plus sulphur), NS (application of nitrogen plus S), NP (application of N plus P), NPS (application of N, P plus S) and NPSm (application of N, P, S plus micronutrients). Soil samples were collected at the physiological maturity stage of maize and soybean in March of 2013 and 2014, respectively. Overall, mineral fertilisation resulted in significantly decreased soil pH and increased total organic carbon compared with the control (CK). The analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) revealed that mineral fertilisers caused a shift in the composition of both bacterial and fungal communities. In 2013, the highest value of Shannon diversity of bacterial terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) was found in control soils. In 2014, NPSm treated soils showed the lowest values of diversity for both bacterial and fungal TRFs. In both crop growing seasons, the analysis of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) detected the lowest value of total microbial biomass under CK. As PLFA analysis can be used to evaluate total microbial community, this result suggests that fertilisation increased total microbial biomass. When the bacterial and fungal abundance were examined using real time polymerase chain reaction, the results revealed that mineral fertilisation led to decreased bacterial abundance (16S rRNA), while fungal abundance (18S rRNA) was found to be increased in both crop growing seasons. Our results show that mineral fertiliser application has a significant impact on soil properties, bacterial and fungal abundance and microbial diversity. However, further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in the changes to microbial communities as a consequence of mineral fertilisation.
Effects of Alcohol and Estrogen Receptor Blockade Using ICI 182,780 on Bone in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Wagner Lindsay , Howe Kathy , Philbrick Kenneth A. , Maddalozzo Gianni F. , Kuah Amida F. , Wong Carmen P. , Olson Dawn A. , Branscum Adam J. , Iwaniec Urszula T. , Turner Russell T. 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundEstrogen signaling is essential for the sexual dimorphism of the skeleton, is required for normal bone remodeling balance in adults, and may influence the skeletal response to alcohol. High levels of alcohol consumption lower bone mass in ovary‐intact but not ovariectomized (ovx) rats. However, the extremely rapid rate of bone loss immediately following ovx may obscure the effects of alcohol. We therefore determined (i) whether heavy alcohol consumption (35% caloric intake) influences bone in sexually mature ovx rats with established cancellous osteopenia and (ii) whether ICI 182,780 (ICI), a potent estrogen receptor signaling antagonist, alters the skeletal response to alcohol.MethodsThree weeks following ovx, rats were randomized into 5 groups, (i) baseline, (ii) control + vehicle, (iii) control + ICI, (iv) ethanol (EtOH) + vehicle, or (v) EtOH + ICI, and treated accordingly for 4 weeks. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, blood measurements of markers of bone turnover, and gene expression in femur and uterus were used to evaluate response to alcohol and ICI.ResultsRats consuming alcohol had lower bone mass and increased fat mass. Bone microarchitecture of the tibia and gene expression in femur were altered; specifically, there was reduced accrual of cortical bone, net loss of cancellous bone, and differential expression of 19/84 genes related to bone turnover. Furthermore, osteocalcin, a marker of bone turnover, was lower in alcohol‐fed rats. ICI had no effect on weight gain, body composition, or cortical bone. ICI reduced cancellous bone loss and serum CTX‐1, a biochemical marker of bone resorption; alcohol antagonized the latter 2 responses. Neither alcohol nor ICI affected uterine weight or gene expression.ConclusionsAlcohol exaggerated bone loss in ovx rats in the presence or absence of estrogen receptor blockade with ICI. The negligible effect of alcohol on uterus and limited effects of ICI on bone in alcohol‐fed ovx rats suggest that estrogen receptor signaling plays a limited role in the action of alcohol on bone in a rat model for chronic alcohol abuse.
Acute surgical experience of Australian general surgical trainees
Authors: Di Re Angelina M. , Adusumilli Sanjay , O'Grady Greg , Lam Vincent 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundA principle of Australian general surgical training is exposure to a variety of operative and clinical experiences. These are potentially being impacted upon by expanding post‐fellowship training positions, mandatory reduced working hours, and advances in non‐operative care. This study aims to report the recent acute surgical experience of Australian general surgical trainees.MethodsA de‐identified summary of general surgical trainee logbook data was obtained from General Surgeons Australia, over a 6‐year period (2009–2014). Case volumes in operative and non‐operative acute surgical cases were analysed, encompassing 5307 individual logbooks from 12 consecutive training terms.ResultsThere was a mean of 112.2 ± 6.8 total major operative cases per trainee per term. There was an increase in case volumes reported from terms 1–8 (from 102.1 to 122.9), with the most recent reported volume being 117.8 cases per trainee in term 12. The total major operative primary operator rate increased from 35.5% in term 1 to 40.6% in term 8, with the most recent reported rate being 41.8% in term 12. Open and laparoscopic colorectal case volumes have remained stable. Operative trauma case volumes have increased.ConclusionThe acute surgical operative case experience of general surgical trainees has not declined. However, it should continue to be monitored in view of the changing scope of surgical practice.
Statin use and longitudinal changes in prostate volume; results from the REduction by DUtasteride of prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial
Authors: Allott Emma H. , Csizmadi Ilona , Howard Lauren E. , Muller Roberto L. , Moreira Daniel M. , Andriole Gerald L. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Freedland Stephen J. 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveTo test the association between statin use and prostate volume (PV) change over time using data from the REduction by DUtasteride of prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial, a 4‐year randomised controlled trial testing dutasteride for prostate cancer chemoprevention.Subjects/Patients and MethodsWe identified men with a baseline negative prostate biopsy from REDUCE who did not undergo prostate surgery or develop prostate cancer over the trial period. Men reported statin use at baseline. PV was determined from transrectal ultrasonography performed to guide prostate biopsy at baseline, and 2‐ and 4‐years after randomisation. Multivariable generalised estimating equations tested differences in PV change over time by statin use, overall and stratified by treatment arm. We tested for interactions between statins and time in association with PV using the Wald test.ResultsOf 4106 men, 17% used statins at baseline. Baseline PV did not differ by statin use. Relative to non‐users, statin users had decreasing PVs over the trial period (P = 0.027). Similar patterns were seen in the dutasteride and placebo arms, although neither reached statistical significance. The mean estimated PV was modestly but significantly lower in statin users relative to non‐users in the dutasteride arm at 2‐years (4.5%, P = 0.032) and 4‐years (4.0%, P = 0.033), with similar (3–3.3%) but non‐significant effects in the placebo arm.ConclusionIf confirmed, our present findings support a role for statins in modestly attenuating PV growth, with a magnitude of effect in line with previously reported prostate‐specific antigen‐lowering effects of statins (~4%). Future studies are needed to assess whether this putative role for statins in PV growth could impact lower urinary tract symptom development or progression.
The effects of insecticides on two splice variants of the glutamate‐gated chloride channel receptor of the major malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Atif Mohammed , Lynch Joseph W. , Keramidas Angelo 
Published: September 2019

Background and PurposeBetween half to 1 million people die annually from malaria. Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are major malaria vectors. Unfortunately, resistance has emerged to the agents currently used to control A. gambiae, creating a demand for novel control measures. The pentameric glutamate‐gated chloride channel (GluCl) expressed in the muscle and nerve cells of these organisms are a potentially important biological target for malaria control. The pharmacological properties of Anophiline GluCl receptors are, however, largely unknown. Accordingly, we compared the efficacy of four insecticides (lindane, fipronil, picrotoxin, and ivermectin) on two A. gambiae GluCl receptor splice variants with the aim of providing a molecular basis for designing novel anti‐malaria treatments.Experimental ApproachThe A. gambiae GluCl receptor b1 and c splice variants were expressed homomerically in Xenopus laevis oocytes and studied with electrophysiological techniques, using two‐electrode voltage‐clamp.Key ResultsThe b1 and c GluCl receptors were activated with similar potencies by glutamate and ivermectin. Fipronil was more potent than picrotoxin and lindane at inhibiting glutamate‐ and ivermectin‐gated currents. Importantly, b1 GluCl receptors exhibited reduced sensitivity to picrotoxin and lindane. They also recovered from these effects to a greater extent than c GluCl receptorsConclusions and ImplicationsThe two splice variant subunits exhibited differential sensitivities to multiple, structurally divergent insecticides, without accompanying changes in the sensitivity to the endogenous neurotransmitter, glutamate, implying that drug resistance may be caused by alterations in relative subunit expression levels, without affecting physiological function. Our results strongly suggest that it should be feasible to develop novel subunit‐specific pharmacological agents.
Relaxin reduces endothelium‐derived vasoconstriction in hypertension: Revealing new therapeutic insights
Authors: Leo Chen Huei , Ng Hooi Hooi , Marshall Sarah A. , Jelinic Maria , Rupasinghe Thusitha , Qin Chengxue , Roessner Ute , Ritchie Rebecca H. , Tare Marianne , Parry Laura J. 
Published: September 2019

Background and PurposeEndothelium‐derived vasoconstriction is a hallmark of vascular dysfunction in hypertension. In some cases, an overproduction of endothelium‐derived prostacyclin (PGI2) can cause contraction rather than relaxation. Relaxin is well known for its vasoprotective actions, but the possibility that this peptide could also reverse endothelium‐derived vasoconstriction has never been investigated. We tested the hypothesis that short‐term relaxin treatment mitigates endothelium‐derived vasoconstriction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).Experimental ApproachMale Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR were subcutaneously infused with either vehicle (20 mmol·L−1 sodium acetate) or relaxin (13.3 μg·kg−1·hr−1) using osmotic minipumps for 3 days. Vascular reactivity to the endothelium‐dependent agonist ACh was assessed in vitro by wire myography. Quantitative PCR and LC‐MS were used to identify changes in gene expression of prostanoid pathways and PG production, respectively.Key ResultsRelaxin treatment ameliorated hypertension‐induced endothelial dysfunction by increasing NO‐dependent relaxation and reducing endothelium‐dependent contraction. Notably, short‐term relaxin treatment up‐regulated mesenteric PGI2 receptor (IP) expression, permitting PGI2–IP‐mediated vasorelaxation. In the aorta, reversal of contraction was accompanied by suppression of the hypertension‐induced increase in prostanoid‐producing enzymes and reduction in PGI2‐evoked contractions.Conclusions and ImplicationsRelaxin has region‐dependent vasoprotective actions in hypertension. Specifically, relaxin has distinct effects on endothelium‐derived contracting factors and their associated vasoconstrictor pathways in mesenteric arteries and the aorta. Taken together, these observations reveal the potential of relaxin as a new therapeutic agent for vascular disorders that are associated with endothelium‐derived vasoconstriction including hypertension.
Psychological, social and everyday visual impact of diabetic macular oedema and diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Cooper O. A. E. , Taylor D. J. , Crabb D. P. , Sim D. A. , McBain H. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimsTo synthesize the evidence on the impact of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema from the patient perspective.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, EMBASE and AMED. We included articles investigating the impact of the condition on quality of life, symptoms, visual functioning, activities of daily living, well‐being, social functioning, and financial status. The studies evaluated were observational, including cross‐sectional, prospective cohort and retrospective cohort designs. Outcome data were extracted and synthesized.ResultsSearches yielded 5114 publications. After screening, 85 studies were included, measuring the following outcomes: visual functioning (n=46); quality of life (n=22); well‐being (n=16); functional status (n=5); work (n=4); and visual task performance (n=2). Diabetic retinopathy has a considerable impact on visual functioning and this is greater in people with greater disease severity. Diabetic retinopathy significantly limits activities including working, driving, walking and reading, and has the potential to have a negative impact on psychological well‐being.ConclusionsDiabetic retinopathy is associated with poor self‐reported visual functioning, well‐being, and health‐related quality of life. Ability to perform basic everyday tasks appears to diminish with disease severity. Some studies suggest impaired mobility and problems with work, but there are gaps in this evidence.
Striatal dopamine transporter changes after glucose loading in humans
Authors: Pak Kyoungjune , Seo Seongho , Kim Keunyoung , Lee Myung Jun , Shin Myung Jun , Suh Sunghwan , Im Hyung‐Jun , Park Jung‐Jun , Kim Seong‐Jang , Kim In Joo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimsThe dopamine transporter (DAT) actively translocates dopamine that is released from the presynaptic neurons across the membranes of nerve terminals into the extracellular space. We hypothesized that glucose loading‐induced changes in striatal DAT levels could be associated with food intake in humans.Materials and methodsAn intravenous bolus injection of 18F‐FP‐CIT was administered after infusion of glucose or placebo (normal saline), and emission data were acquired over 90 minutes in 33 healthy males. For a volume‐of‐interest‐based analysis, an atlas involving sub‐striatal regions of ventral striatum (VST), caudate nucleus and putamen was applied. DAT availability and binding potential (BPND) were measured using a simplified reference tissue method with cerebellum as the reference.ResultsThe glucose‐loaded BPND from the VST negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), whereas the placebo‐loaded BPND from the VST did not. After loading with glucose, there were substantial increases in BPNDs: 18.3%, 71.7% and 34.0% on average in the VST, caudate nucleus and putamen, respectively.ConclusionStriatal DAT changes after glucose loading, and BMI is associated with glucose‐loaded DAT availability, not with placebo‐loaded DAT availability. DAT might have a role in the reward system of eating behavior.
Efficacy and safety of gemigliptin as add‐on therapy to insulin, with or without metformin, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (ZEUS II study)
Authors: Cho Young Min , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Seekaew Samroeng , Suraamornkul Swangjit , Benjachareonwong Sunun , Sattanon Sarinya , Chamnan Parinya , Sirirak Thanitha , Kosachunhanun Natapong , Pratipanawatr Thongchai , Suwanwalaikorn Sompongse , Lee Woo Je , Kim Sungrae , Choi Seonghui , Kang Eun Seok , Oh Taekeun , Kwon Sam , Lee Moon‐Kyu 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gemigliptin added to a stable dose of insulin alone or of insulin in combination with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. After a two‐week run‐in period, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive gemigliptin 50 mg or placebo once daily as add‐on to background therapy with insulin or insulin plus metformin for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline at Week 24. Baseline characteristics were similar between the gemigliptin (n = 188) and placebo (n = 95) groups in terms of HbA1c (8.1%). At Week 24, the gemigliptin group showed a statistically significant reduction in mean HbA1c from baseline as compared with placebo (between‐group mean difference, −0.7% [95% CI, −0.9% to −0.4%]; P‐value < 0.0001). The incidence of overall adverse events and the number of hypoglycaemic adverse events were similar between the study groups. Gemigliptin added to insulin alone or to insulin in combination with metformin resulted in superior glycaemic control compared to that in the placebo group and was well tolerated for 24 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, without causing weight gain or increasing the incidence of hypoglycaemia.
Promoting ownership in a “post‐aid effectiveness” world: Evidence from Rwanda and Liberia
Authors: Keijzer Niels , Klingebiel Stephan , Scholtes Fabian 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMotivationAfter generating considerable momentum in the period 2005–2011, policy debates on the aid effectiveness agenda—including the core principle of ownership—witnessed a sharp decline. Current trends raise questions about the continuing relevance of ownership as a fundamental principle for development co‐operation.PurposeThis article analyses how approaches to managing development co‐operation have evolved in Rwanda and Liberia, two aid‐dependent post‐conflict states that were previously at the forefront of the aid effectiveness agenda. It presents new evidence on how ownership features and is promoted in development co‐operation relations.Approach and MethodsThe article draws on 48 semi‐structured interviews, complemented by a review of academic literature, policy documents and grey sources concerning the two countries and the broader subject matter.FindingsRecent years have shown considerable drift in Liberia’s approach to development co‐operation management, while Rwanda retained its established system to manage its external partnerships and incentivize donor behaviour. Both cases illustrate challenges in promoting ownership among all relevant stakeholders, with a key shift being that donors increasingly favour the “what” of co‐operation over the “how.”Policy implicationsIn view of the importance of ownership for the sustainability of development co‐operation, policy‐makers should consider reinvigorating and repositioning a self‐standing development effectiveness agenda. Such an international initiative should adjust to new co‐operation trends, notably the increased practice of predetermining co‐operation themes and the promotion of multi‐stakeholder approaches.
Machine learning applications in epilepsy
Authors: Abbasi Bardia , Goldenholz Daniel M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMachine learning leverages statistical and computer science principles to develop algorithms capable of improving performance through interpretation of data rather than through explicit instructions. Alongside widespread use in image recognition, language processing, and data mining, machine learning techniques have received increasing attention in medical applications, ranging from automated imaging analysis to disease forecasting. This review examines the parallel progress made in epilepsy, highlighting applications in automated seizure detection from electroencephalography (EEG), video, and kinetic data, automated imaging analysis and pre‐surgical planning, prediction of medication response, and prediction of medical and surgical outcomes using a wide variety of data sources. A brief overview of commonly used machine learning approaches, as well as challenges in further application of machine learning techniques in epilepsy, is also presented. With increasing computational capabilities, availability of effective machine learning algorithms, and accumulation of larger datasets, clinicians and researchers will increasingly benefit from familiarity with these techniques and the significant progress already made in their application in epilepsy.
Du machisme au coparentage: pour une révolution des mentalités en Italie
Authors: MARTONE Michel 
Published: September 2019

RésuméCet article décrit les processus législatifs et judiciaires complexes nécessaires pour que le droit au coparentage s'impose dans le droit du travail italien. Après avoir expliqué que le système juridique italien a jusqu'à présent assimilé la protection de la famille à la seule protection de la femme et de la maternité, l'auteur décrit l'évolution législative qui a permis de reconnaître aux pères un rôle fondamental dans l'éducation des enfants. Il montre ensuite que la jurisprudence, en retenant une interprétation moderne des principes inscrits dans la loi, contribue à vaincre la résistance à une telle évolution dans une société encore marquée par la domination masculine.
Reframing resilience: Strengthening continuity of patient care to improve the mental health of immigrants and refugees
Authors: Wylie Lloy , Corrado Ann Marie , Edwards Nandni , Benlamri Meriem , Murcia Monroy Daniel E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractRefugee and immigrant populations experience many pre‐ and post‐migration risk factors and stressors that can negatively impact their mental health. This qualitative study aimed to explore the system‐level issues that affect the access to, as well as quality and outcomes of mental health care for immigrants and refugees, with a particular focus on challenges in the continuity of patient care. A multidisciplinary group of health providers, including nurses, identified six themes including (i) perceived access to care; (ii) coordination amongst health care providers; (iii) patient connections with community organizations; (iv) coordinated care planning; (v) organizational protocols, policies and procedures and (vi) systemic and health care training needs. Although patient resilience is seen as a pivotal way for vulnerable populations to cope with hardship, there is a clear need for creating a resilient health care system that is able to anticipate and adapt to adverse situations. The findings from this study have implications for nurses, who are uniquely positioned to advocate for public health policy that improves the continuity of health care by creating systemic resilience.