bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in the physiology of gastric emptying
Authors: Goyal Raj K. , Guo Yanmei , Mashimo Hiroshi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere have been many recent advances in the understanding of various aspects of the physiology of gastric motility and gastric emptying. Earlier studies had discovered the remarkable ability of the stomach to regulate the timing and rate of emptying of ingested food constituents and the underlying motor activity. Recent studies have shown that two parallel neural circuits, the gastric inhibitory vagal motor circuit (GIVMC) and the gastric excitatory vagal motor circuit (GEVMC), mediate gastric inhibition and excitation and therefore the rate of gastric emptying. The GIVMC includes preganglionic cholinergic neurons in the DMV and the postganglionic inhibitory neurons in the myenteric plexus that act by releasing nitric oxide, ATP, and peptide VIP. The GEVMC includes distinct gastric excitatory preganglionic cholinergic neurons in the DMV and postganglionic excitatory cholinergic neurons in the myenteric plexus. Smooth muscle is the final target of these circuits. The role of the intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal in neuromuscular transmission remains debatable. The two motor circuits are differentially regulated by different sets of neurons in the NTS and vagal afferents. In the digestive period, many hormones including cholecystokinin and GLP‐1 inhibit gastric emptying via the GIVMC, and in the inter‐digestive period, hormones ghrelin and motilin hasten gastric emptying by stimulating the GEVMC. The GIVMC and GEVMC are also connected to anorexigenic and orexigenic neural pathways, respectively. Identification of the control circuits of gastric emptying may provide better delineation of the pathophysiology of abnormal gastric emptying and its relationship to satiety signals and food intake.
Metformin prevents colonic barrier dysfunction by inhibiting mast cell activation in maternal separation‐induced IBS‐like rats
Authors: Li Yong , Yang Tingting , Yao Qing , Li Songsong , Fang En , Li Yankun , Liu Chao , Li Weimin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal barrier dysfunction is a key etiologic factor of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Metformin improves intestinal barrier function, although the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully explained. This study evaluates the protective effect of metformin on colonic barrier integrity and explores the underlying cellular mechanisms.MethodsIBS‐like rats were induced by maternal separation. Metformin was administered daily by gavage at 08:30, and rat pups were then separated from their mother. Visceral hyperalgesia and depression‐like behaviors were evaluated by colorectal distension, sucrose preference tests, and forced swimming tests. Intestinal integrity was analyzed using sugar probes and transmission electron microscopy. Inflammatory factors and the levels of corticotropin‐releasing factor were assessed by PCR and ELISA. The number of mast cells was evaluated by toluidine blue staining. Protein expression and localization were determined using Western blot and immunochemistry.Key ResultsMetformin pretreatment (a) reduced visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension, immobility time and enhanced sucrose consumption; (b) decreased urine lactulose/mannitol ratio and sucralose output; (c) inhibited the dilation of tight junction and prevented claudin‐4 translocation; (d) inhibited mast cell activation and downregulated the expression of IL‐6, IL‐18, tryptase, PAR‐2, and ERK activation; (e) inhibited claudin‐4 phosphorylation at serine sites and interactions between clau‐4 and ZO‐1.Conclusions & InferencesMetformin may block mast cell activation to reduce PAR‐2 expression and subsequently inhibit ERK activation and clau‐4 phosphorylation at serine sites to normalize the interaction of clau‐4 and ZO‐1 and clau‐4 distribution. Metformin may be clinically beneficial for patients with IBS or IBS‐like symptoms.
Convergent xylem widening among organs across diverse woody seedlings
Authors: Zhong Mengying , Castro‐Díez Pilar , Puyravaud Jean‐Philippe , Sterck Frank J. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: February 2019

Summary

Xylem conduit diameter (Dmax) of woody angiosperm adults scales with plant size and widens from the stem apex downwards. We hypothesized that, notwithstanding relative growth rate (RGR), growth form or leaf habit, woody seedling conduit Dmax scales linearly with plant size across species; this scaling should be applicable to all vegetative organs, with consistent conduit widening from leaf via stem to main root and coupling with whole‐leaf area and whole‐stem xylem area.

To test these hypotheses, organ‐specific xylem anatomy traits and size‐related traits in laboratory‐grown seedlings were analyzed across 55 woody European species from cool‐temperate and Mediterranean climates.

As hypothesized, conduit Dmax of each organ showed similar scaling with plant size and consistent basipetal widening from the leaf midvein via the stem to the main root across species, independently of growth form, RGR and leaf habit. We also found a strong correlation between Dmax and average leaf area, and between stem xylem area and whole‐plant leaf area.

We conclude that seedlings of ecologically wide‐ranging woody species converge in their allometric scaling of conduit diameters within and across plant organs. These relationships will contribute to modeling of water transport in woody vegetation that accounts for the whole life history from the trees’ regeneration phase to adulthood.
Organellar carbon metabolism is coordinated with distinct developmental phases of secondary xylem
Authors: Pinard Desré , Fierro Ana Carolina , Marchal Kathleen , Myburg Alexander A. , Mizrachi Eshchar 
Published: February 2019

Summary

Subcellular compartmentation of plant biosynthetic pathways in the mitochondria and plastids requires coordinated regulation of nuclear encoded genes, and the role of these genes has been largely ignored by wood researchers.

In this study, we constructed a targeted systems genetics coexpression network of xylogenesis in Eucalyptus using plastid and mitochondrial carbon metabolic genes and compared the resulting clusters to the aspen xylem developmental series.

The constructed network clusters reveal the organization of transcriptional modules regulating subcellular metabolic functions in plastids and mitochondria. Overlapping genes between the plastid and mitochondrial networks implicate the common transcriptional regulation of carbon metabolism during xylem secondary growth.

We show that the central processes of organellar carbon metabolism are distinctly coordinated across the developmental stages of wood formation and are specifically associated with primary growth and secondary cell wall deposition. We also demonstrate that, during xylogenesis, plastid‐targeted carbon metabolism is partially regulated by the central clock for carbon allocation towards primary and secondary xylem growth, and we discuss these networks in the context of previously established associations with wood‐related complex traits. This study provides a new resolution into the integration and transcriptional regulation of plastid‐ and mitochondrial‐localized carbon metabolism during xylogenesis.
Dental arch relationship outcomes for children with complete unilateral and complete bilateral cleft lip and palate in New Zealand
Authors: Fowler Peter V. , Keall Heather , Kennedy Dan , Healey David , Thompson John M. D. 
Published: February 2019

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate dental arch relationships of patients with complete unilateral and complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP/CBCLP) in New Zealand.Setting and sample populationRetrospective nationwide observational outcomes study involving 100 CUCLP and 32 CBCLP non‐syndromic patients.Material and methodsFour calibrated assessors, blinded to the origin of the randomized digital models, used the GOSLON (UCLP) and the Bauru‐BCLP (BCLP) Yardsticks and a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) (UCLP&BCLP) to assess dental arch relationships. Weighted Kappa statistics were used to determine the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability for the GOSLON/Bauru‐BCLP Yardsticks and correlations for the VAS.ResultsIntra‐rater reliability ranged from 0.57 to 0.88 (GOSLON), 0.62‐0.84 (Bauru‐BCLP) and 0.45‐0.93 (VAS). Inter‐rater reliability ranged from 0.62 to 0.86, (GOSLON), 0.48‐0.75 (Bauru‐BCLP) and 0.64‐0.93 (VAS). Of the 100 CUCLP models, 46% had poor/very poor, 28% fair and 26% had good/very good dental arch relationships. Of the 32 CBCLP models, 37.5% were poor/very poor, 40.6% fair and 21.9% had good/very good dental arch relationships. The mean CUCLP VAS score was 50.5 mm (SD 19.9 mm) whilst the mean CBCLP VAS score was 40.0 mm (SD 22.0 mm) and both showed a strong relationship with their respective Yardstick scorings.ConclusionThe dental arch relationships of children in New Zealand with CUCLP are similar to those centres in the Eurocleft and Americleft studies which had less favourable outcomes. Those with CBCLP are inferior to those reported elsewhere. Continued monitoring will allow for tracking of improvement in outcomes.
Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Tension‐Type Headaches: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Freund Brin , Rao Aruna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundBotulinum toxin is approved to treat chronic migraine and has been shown to confer significant benefit in refractory cases. Due to its effect on pain by sensory modulation, there may also be efficacy in its use in chronic tension‐type headache (CTTH).MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed using our predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We targeted prospective trials, randomized or nonrandomized, studying botulinum toxin in tension‐type headaches (TTHs) in adults.ResultsTwenty‐two studies were included, including 9 nonrandomized, uncontrolled studies, 8 randomized, placebo‐controlled and double‐blinded trials (RCTs), 3 RCTs with a crossover, open‐label period, 1 comparative, randomized, single‐blinded evaluation, and 1 retrospective study with prospective evaluation of headache response to cosmetic botulinum toxin. Studies included 11 to 300 subjects, with duration typically less than 6 months and with only 1 treatment period. Results were mixed, likely due to variable study design, including toxin dosing, injection paradigms, duration/frequency of treatment, and outcome measures. There was moderate‐quality evidence that botulinum toxin improved VAS scoring, and some studies demonstrated efficacy based on improved frequency/severity.ConclusionThis systematic review demonstrates variable study designs contributing to the low quality of evidence available regarding botulinum toxin in TTH, but some data suggest efficacy. There does not appear to be irrefutable evidence of a lack of efficacy of botulinum toxin in TTH. Using the paradigm for botulinum toxin in chronic migraine may prove fruitful in treating CTTH. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the utility of botulinum toxin in this common debilitating condition.
Intestinal nematode infection exacerbates experimental visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Classon Cajsa , Feng Xiaogang , Eidsmo Liv , Nylén Susanne 
Published: February 2019

SummaryLeishmania donovani exposure often results in subclinical infection in immunocompetent individuals, and the factors dictating development of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are not known. Infection with intestinal worms skew immunity towards type 2 and regulatory responses, thereby theoretically increases susceptibility to intracellular infections controlled by type 1 responses. Here we have tested how chronic infection with the intestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus affected immunity to a secondary infection with L donovani. We found that mice infected with H polygyrus displayed higher Leishmania burden in liver and spleen compared to worm‐free animals. This increased infectious load was accompanied by reduced leucocyte infiltration and nos2 transcription in livers and increased il4 and il10 transcription in spleens. Collectively, these data show that chronic infection with intestinal nematodes skew immune responses in a way that may favour development of VL.
Ray blight of pyrethrum in Australia: a review of the current status and future opportunities
Authors: Bhuiyan M. A. H. B. , Vaghefi N. , Taylor P. W. J. 
Published: February 2019

Ray blight caused by Stagonosporopsis tanaceti is one of the most important diseases of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), a perennial herbaceous plant cultivated for the extraction of insecticidal pyrethrins in Australia. The disease is responsible for complete yield loss in severe outbreaks. Infected seed is considered as the principal source of S. tanaceti. Infection hyphae remain only in the seed coat and not in the embryo, resulting in pre‐ and post‐emergence death of seedlings and latent infection. Therefore, quantification of the level of infection by S. tanaceti within seed using a qPCR assay is important for efficient management of the disease. Stagonosporopsis tanaceti completes its life cycle within 12 days after leaf infection through production of pycnidia and can infect every tissue of the pyrethrum plant except the vascular and root tissues. Ray blight epidemics occur in pyrethrum fields through splash dispersal of pycnidiospores between adjacent plants. Besides steam sterilization, thiabendazole/thiram and fludioxonil are effective seed‐treating chemicals in controlling S. tanaceti before planting begins. Ray blight is currently managed in the field through the foliar application of strobilurin fungicides in the first 1–2 years of crop establishment. Later on, difenoconazole and multisite specific fungicides in the next 2–3 years during early spring successfully reduce ray blight infestation. Avoiding development of resistance to fungicides will require more sustainable management of ray blight including the development and deployment of resistant cultivars.
Strains in Sustainability Debates: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science through the Lens of Extension Agents in a Pastoral Region
Authors: Easdale Marcos H. , Pérez León Natalia , Aguiar Martín R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThose involved in sustainability debates on developmental pathways concur in the synergistic potential of integrating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and Western scientific approaches. Transhumant pastoralism is a livelihood strategy adapted to spatiotemporal environmental variability in many mountainous and arid regions worldwide. This form of livelihood is based on a mobile logic that is increasingly threatened by novel lifestyles promoted from a Western mind‐set and by climate change. The aim of this article is to identify and characterize the different perspectives of environmental and social issues in a pastoral region and their association with labor collaboration among extension agents, framed in an institutional action. We tackled the inquiry about viewpoints with Q methodology and related it to regional problems, alternative solutions, and future development pathways for transhumant pastoralism and landscape management in northwest Patagonia. We identified six perspectives and characterized them with their topological position in the social network. Mediating positions registered the highest network centrality of labor collaborations among agents, whereas more dominant perspectives emphasizing TEK or scientific knowledge registered intermediate centrality. There was consensus on the need for sustainable developmental options, but the emphasis on combining knowledge still needs convergent solutions.
Why Do Property‐Liability Insurers Destroy Liquidity? Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Latif , Biekpe Nicholas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper examines liquidity creation behaviour in the property‐liability insurance market in South Africa. Using annual data on 76 insurers from 2007 to 2014, the paper employs the three‐stage approach to estimate liquidity creation. The results suggest that property‐liability insurers are characterised by liquidity destruction by transforming liquid assets in cash and investable securities into illiquid reserves liabilities. The findings also indicate that the R1.32 billion in liquid assets were transformed into illiquid reserves liabilities in 2014, an increase from the R700 million liquidity de‐created in 2007. The increases were mainly driven by large insurers which accounted for about 70% liquidity de‐created. The results of panel regression analysis provide evidence in support of the “risk‐absorption” hypothesis which argues that high levels of capital increases liquidity creation. In addition, size, leverage and reinsurance were also identified as the firm‐level factors that explain liquidity creation. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Similar relative decline in aerobic and anaerobic power with age in endurance and power master athletes of both sexes
Authors: Bagley Liam , McPhee Jamie S. , Ganse Bergita , Müller Klaus , Korhonen Marko T. , Rittweger Jörn , Degens Hans 
Published: February 2019

Lower physical activity levels in old age are thought to contribute to the age‐related decline in peak aerobic and anaerobic power. Master athletes maintain high levels of physical activity with advancing age and endurance or power training may influence the extent to which these physical functions decline with advancing age. To investigate, 37‐90‐year‐old power (n = 20, 45% female) and endurance (n = 19, 58% female) master athletes were recruited. Maximal aerobic power was assessed when cycling two‐legged (VO2Peak2‐leg) and cycling one‐legged (VO2Peak1‐leg), while peak jumping (anaerobic) power was assessed by a countermovement jump. Men and women had a similar VO2Peak2‐leg (mL/kg/min, P = 0.138) and similar ratio of VO2Peak1‐leg to VO2Peak2‐leg (P = 0.959) and similar ratio of peak aerobic to anaerobic power (P = 0.261). The VO2Peak2‐leg (mL/kg/min) was 17% (P = 0.022) and the peak rate of fat oxidation (FATmax) during steady‐state cycling was 45% higher in endurance than power athletes (P = 0.001). The anaerobic power was 33% higher in power than endurance athletes (P = 0.022). The VO2Peak1‐leg:VO2Peak2‐leg ratio did not differ significantly between disciplines, but the aerobic to anaerobic power ratio was 40% higher in endurance than power athletes (P = 0.002). Anaerobic power, VO2Peak2‐leg, VO2Peak1‐leg, and power at FATmax decreased by around 7%‐14% per decade in male and female power and endurance athletes. The cross‐sectional data from 37‐90‐year‐old master athletes in the present study indicate that peak anaerobic and aerobic power decline by around 7%‐14% per decade and this does not differ between athletic disciplines or sexes.
Evaluating the use of digital image correlation for strain measurement in historic tapestries using representative deformation fields
Authors: Alsayednoor Jafar , Harrison Philip , Dobbie Maggie , Costantini Rosa , Lennard Frances 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn analysis technique to assess the viability of digital image correlation (DIC) in tracking the full‐field strains across the surface of hanging historic tapestries is presented. Measurement uncertainty related to the use of the inherent tapestry image in tracking displacements is investigated through use of “synthetic” deformation fields. The latter are generated by mapping the details of a given tapestry image into finite element analyses. The combination of self‐weight loading, material non‐linearity, and image specific heterogeneity (related to slit stitching, damage, and patch‐restorations) serve to generate a bespoke deformation field complex enough to assess the reliability of DIC measurements. Accuracy is evaluated by comparing measured results with the original known deformations. The technique demonstrates that the optimum imaging settings and the choice of subset size for DIC analysis are strongly influenced by the tapestry image and the goal of the measurement, they are found using a compromise between conflicting objectives: minimising measurement error while maximising resolution.
Caregivers and community perceptions of blood transfusion for children with severe anaemia in Uganda
Authors: Dhabangi A. , Idro R. , John C. C. , Dzik W. H. , Opoka R. , Siu G. E. , Ayebare F. , van Hensbroek M. B. 
Published: February 2019

SUMMARYObjectiveTo describe local perceptions of blood transfusion for children with severe anaemia in Uganda.BackgroundBlood transfusion is a common emergency treatment for children with severe anaemia and saves millions of lives of African children. However, the perceptions of transfusion recipients have not been well studied. A better understanding of the perceived risk may improve transfusion care.MethodsA qualitative study based on 16 in‐depth interviews of caregivers of transfused children, and six focus group discussions with community members was conducted in three regions of Uganda between October and November 2017.ResultsCaregivers of children and community members held blood transfusion in high regard and valued it as life‐saving. However, there were widespread perceived transfusion risks, including: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, too rapid blood infusion and blood incompatibility. Other concerns were: fatality, changes in behaviour, donor blood being ‘too strong’ and use of animal blood. In contrast, recent transfusion, older age, knowledge of HIV screening of blood for transfusion, faith in God and having a critically ill child were associated with less fear about transfusion. Respondents also emphasised challenges to transfusion services access including distance to hospitals, scarcity of blood and health workers' attitudes.ConclusionPerceptions of the community and caregivers of transfused children in Uganda about blood transfusion were complex: transfusion is considered life‐saving but there were strong perceived transfusion risks of HIV transmission and blood incompatibility. Addressing community perceptions and facilitating access to blood transfusion represent important strategies to improve paediatric transfusion care.
Ultrasonographic features of mesenteric cysticercosis in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Brody Ariel , Kloer Timothy B. , Rush Robert T. , Harris Lauren J. , Griffin Lynn R. , Sadar Miranda J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA 5‐year‐old, 0.92‐kg (2‐lb), spayed female Dwarf Hotot rabbit was evaluated for a 1‐day duration of lethargy and anorexia. Survey radiographs revealed evidence of gastrointestinal stasis. Abdominal ultrasonography characterized multiple small, round, anechoic structures embedded in the mesentery. These structures were thin walled with hyperechoic strands/septations. Most of the structures contained a well‐defined, eccentric, hyperechoic nodule adherent to the intraluminal wall. Mesenteric cysticercosis was confirmed via exploratory laparotomy and histopathology. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of the ultrasonographic features of mesenteric cysticercosis in a domestic rabbit.