bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking sanitation policy to service delivery in Rwanda and Uganda: From words to action
Authors: Ekane Nelson , Kjellén Marianne , Westlund Hans , Ntakarutimana Amans , Mwesige Daniel 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMotivationThe gap between policy, implementation and outcome is neither new nor specific to the sphere of sanitation. This article attempts to apply policy implementation literature in the context of developing countries, when much of the scholarly work on implementation and policy process and empirical research has been in the context of developed countries.PurposeThis article explores the gap between sanitation policy intentions and outcomes in a comparative study in Rwanda and Uganda with “good” and “limited or no” reported progress respectively towards the former Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).Approach and methodsFrom a multi‐level governance perspective, the gap between strong political will and insufficient resources, implementation and outcome, is examined by drawing on policy and implementation theories and empirical research. The selection of variables for comparison is based on a range of factors theorized as affecting outcome in contemporary governance.FindingsWhereas the policy climate and prioritization of sanitation has been favourable in much of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), resources and capacity constraints, especially at the local level, negatively affect sector performance in an increasingly decentralized governance landscape. Progress in Rwanda is explained by stronger political leadership and support for sanitation, stringent performance monitoring and oversight, an institutionalized community‐based approach, and investment in rural sanitation.Policy implicationsThis article shows that the management of sanitation depends on a changing governance landscape; leadership is important for overall sector improvement; networks present co‐ordination challenges; approaching sanitation as a public concern requires strong government intervention; the move towards markets necessitates government oversight; approaches that foster inclusion and legitimacy at the local level need to be considered.
Modelling horse management in the Australian Alps
Authors: Beeton Nicholas J. , Johnson Christopher N. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryManagement of the feral Horse (Equus caballus) in the Australian Alps bioregion is a difficult and emotive issue, with interested parties working from vastly differing perspectives. Compounding this, information regarding ecology and distribution of horses, and the cost and effectiveness of management strategies is often unknown or uncertain. Resolving these issues requires an objective approach with the flexibility to incorporate different potential scenarios. We used a spatially explicit population model to compare the potential effects of two different management strategies on populations of horses in the Australian Alps bioregion: culling from helicopters versus trapping and mustering. We populated the model using the results of population surveys conducted in 2014, vegetation data and cost estimates. We then provided an estimate of the effect of each strategy on population size across the Alps, and their corresponding costs, compared to no management. To account for uncertainties, we simulated different scenarios for horse population densities, dispersal rates and population growth rates. Management using aerial culling was more effective than mustering in every scenario modelled, and three to six times cheaper. Aerial culling was only slightly more effective within its control region. However, because mustering is necessarily restricted by road access, this translated to a substantial improvement in population control – up to 2000 horses where growth and dispersal rates were high. Our results unequivocally suggest aerial culling as the only strategy that could effectively control horses within the modelled range of scenarios; this result stands in addition to its other potential benefits of lower cost, animal stress and landscape disturbance. A major advantage of this modelling approach is that we can easily update it with new data, test different measures of effectiveness and add new scenarios to adapt to the rapidly changing situation on the ground, both in terms of the ecology and the political climate.
The occurrence of the Broad‐toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus in relation to feral Horse impacts
Authors: Schulz Martin , Schroder Mellesa , Green Ken 
Published: January 2019

SummaryFeral Horse (Equus caballus) impacts in northern Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, Australia are directly occurring in habitat of the nationally threatened Broad‐toothed Rat (Mastacomys fuscus). This species is endemic primarily to the mountain regions of south‐eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania, with a disjunct population at Barrington Tops. The Broad‐toothed Rat's preferred habitat is being increasingly impacted by browsing and trampling associated with the expansion of feral horse populations. This study surveyed 180 sites supporting preferred habitat for this species to determine Broad‐toothed Rat presence and relative abundance in relation to the level of feral horse impacts within the reserve. There was a significant negative relationship between feral horse impacts and both Broad‐toothed Rat presence and abundance. No scats were identified at localities where feral horse impacts were severe, and at moderate horse impact sites, there was a proportion (34%) without scats found. Locations with low horse impacts had little impact on Broad‐toothed Rat occurrence. As feral horse populations increase, Broad‐toothed Rat populations may be further impacted. Such impacts will be due to the loss of vegetation cover from feral horse trampling and grazing, making animals more vulnerable to predation by predators or impacting on their ability to disperse to more suitable habitat. Habitat remnants and vegetation corridors along drainage lines require protection from feral horses to prevent localized extinctions of Broad‐toothed Rat.
Rehabilitation and revegetation of the Kosciuszko summit area, following the removal of grazing – An historic review
Authors: Good Roger , Johnston Stuart 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe removal of grazing from the high country in NSW and almost 20 years of rehabilitation and revegetation works at a cost of almost $10 million has restored the alpine zone in Kosciuszko National Park to a near natural landscape. Few visitors today would realise that the summer alpine floral display which they now enjoy each summer, hides a once degraded and severely eroded landscape, devoid of many of the natural catchment values so important to the discharge of water to the rivers and to the Snowy Mountains Hydro‐electric Scheme. The rehabilitation of the alpine zone has contributed to and seen the recovery of many native species and communities, some nearing extinction during the grazing years, such that their conservation will be forever ensured. The rehabilitation and revegetation programme is one that the Soil Conservation Service officers and more recently National Parks staff can be justly proud. It was arguably the first and certainly at the time, the largest landscape restoration programme undertaken in NSW. Much was learnt from the programme through observation of long‐term natural processes, providing for recognition of the limitations within which the work had to be carried out. Working with nature and utilising sound ecological principles was essential to the success of this landscape restoration programme and to the long‐term conservation of the alpine zone.
Effects and interactions of increased environmental temperature and UV radiation on photoageing and photocarcinogenesis of the skin
Authors: Lan Cheng‐Che E. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSolar radiation is one of fundamental elements sustaining and maintaining life on earth. Previous studies on health effects from the sun exposure mostly focused on ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although exposure to the solar radiation likely occurs in an environment with elevated temperature, the effects and interactions of elevated environmental temperature with UV radiation on the skin, especially in the context of ageing and carcinogenesis, have not been carefully examined. It is known that UVA radiation results in reduced production and increased degradation of dermal collagen, contributing to photoageing of the skin. Previous studies showed conflicting results regarding the effects of increased environmental temperature on dermal collagen. Additionally, we demonstrated that solar‐simulated radiation and increased environmental temperature have similar impacts on dermal fibroblasts through activation of distinct pathways. UVB radiation is well known for its carcinogenic capacity. Previously, it was reported that exposure to heat treatment before UVB radiation reduces epidermal keratinocyte cell death. We demonstrated that exposure to elevated environmental temperature prior to UVB radiation reduces UVB‐induced skin tumor formation. We proposed that alterations in molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics were involved for the observed increased environmental temperature‐induced protective effect against UVB damage. This review emphasizes that both environmental temperature and solar radiation are important elements in nature that have significant impacts on the human health, and future studies should focus on the biological effects and interactions of environmental temperature and solar radiation since this scenario is most relevant to the real‐world setting.
Novel nanocapsule of α‐lipoic acid reveals pigmentation improvement: α‐Lipoic acid stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocyte in murine skin by topical application
Authors: Kubota Yoshiki , Musashi Mina , Nagasawa Teruaki , Shimura Nanako , Igarashi Rie , Yamaguchi Yoko 
Published: January 2019

Abstractα‐Lipoic acid is amphipathic with low molecular sulphur‐containing fatty acid and has strong antioxidant effects. It has been used at the purposes of anti‐ageing, treatment of diabetic neuropathy, and supplement as antioxidant. Though α‐lipoic acid is normally administered in oral or injection, it has not been used in a topical use via skin because of its bad penetration. We developed the novel nanocapsule of α‐lipoic acid, named α‐lipoactive (nLA), to improve skin permeability. The nLA is constructed as micelles of α‐lipoic acid mixed with the non‐ionic surfactant, and its surface of the micelles was coated with inorganic metal salts. It is water soluble and has a diameter of approximately 8‐15 nm. After nLA was applied to the murine skin, epidermal thickening was observed. It was confirmed that this effect is caused by α‐lipoic acid molecule, but not by the raw material used for encapsulation. In in vivo experiments, it was found that nLA is very effective for improving UV‐induced pigmentation and epidermal thickening. Our findings suggest that nanoencapsulation of α‐lipoic acid is considerably effective for topical application.
Regional inequality: An analysis under the core–peripheral model
Authors: Gumpert Marcus 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDesmet, Gumpert, and Ortίn have analyzed regional development using the Ricardian model or the Heckscher–Ohlin theorem. However, aspects such as consideration of combined wages, substitution elasticities, marginal costs, fixed costs, and number of companies were completely ignored. This study investigates the underdevelopment of regions in light of Krugman`s core–peripheral model. The extension of the model is intended to analyze the aspects that have so far been ignored and their influence on the benefits of the two regions. The following aspects characterize the model. Two regions with two sectors are considered for the model. The regions are characterized by different technological equipment. The first region is industrial. The second region has an agricultural character. When a new technology is available, both regions can benefit under certain conditions. The financial transfers lead to a convergence of wages.
Bismuth supplements as the first‐line regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: Systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ko Sung Woo , Kim Yeon‐Ji , Chung Woo Chul , Lee Seung Jae 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsAn increase in the use of antibiotics leads to increased antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Consequently, it has been considered that the first‐line standard regimen should be changed. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nonantibiotic (bismuth) supplements as a first‐line regimen for H pylori eradication.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in English and undertaken up until August 2018. A meta‐analysis of all randomized controlled trials comparing bismuth supplements with non‐bismuth‐containing regimens in H pylori eradication was performed. RCTs of classic bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy as a first‐line regimen were excluded.ResultsWe identified twenty‐five randomized trials (3990 patients), and the total H pylori eradication rate, according to per protocol analyzed, was 85.8%. The odds ratio was 1.83 (95% confidence interval (CI). 1.57‐2.13). Among these RCTs, there were 7 RCTs for bismuth add‐on therapy, and the odds ratio was 2.81 (95% CI. 2.03‐3.89). When the studies were performed in a high clarithromycin resistance area (≥15%) or included patients with clarithromycin resistance, bismuth‐containing regimens were superior to non‐bismuth regimens. Moreover, the incidence of total side effects was insignificant.ConclusionsBismuth supplements as a first‐line regimen could be effective, with bismuth add‐on regimens being the most effective. Particularly, bismuth supplements showed the potential efficacy for clarithromycin‐resistant strains and would be the most viable alternative in clinical practice.
Differential clinical impacts of tumour budding evaluated by the use of immunohistochemical and haematoxylin and eosin staining in stage II colorectal cancer
Authors: Yamadera Masato , Shinto Eiji , Kajiwara Yoshiki , Mochizuki Satsuki , Okamoto Koichi , Shimazaki Hideyuki , Hase Kazuo , Ueno Hideki 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to clarify the quantitative and qualitative differences in tumour budding identification between haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for cytokeratin, and to estimate the respective clinical impacts in stage II colorectal cancer.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively examined 314 surgically resected cases of stage II colorectal cancer, and assessed tumour budding on serial section slides with H&E staining and IHC staining for cytokeratin. Tumour budding counts based on cytokeratin‐stained slides were strongly correlated with those based on H&E‐stained slides, and had higher detection and reproducibility. On the basis of receiver operating characteristic analyses, the optimal cut‐off values of budding counts for relapse‐free survival (RFS) were 7 and 16 in a ×200 microscopic field with H&E and IHC staining, respectively. With these cut‐off values, tumour budding based on H&E staining had a significant correlation with RFS (80.3% and 93.2% of 5‐year RFS in the high‐budding group and the low‐budding group, respectively), and similar results were observed for IHC staining (79.9% and 91.7%, respectively). The Akaike Information Criterion value for RFS with H&E staining was favourable as compared with that with IHC staining.ConclusionsTumour budding counts based on cytokeratin‐stained slides showed higher detection and better reproducibility, but did not have as satisfactory clinical impacts as those based on H&E staining.
Effect of tobacco consumption on the function of male accessory sex glands
Authors: PAKRASHI A. , CHATTERJEE S. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe function of accessory sex glands in 29 tobacco smokers, 25 tobacco chewers and 30 non‐users of tobacco was investigated by determining the ejaculate contents of various glandular markers: N‐acetyl amino sugar and total phosphate (seminal vesicles) zinc and acid phosphatase (prostate gland), and α‐1,4‐glucosidase (epididymis). Both vesicular and prostatic parameters were reduced significantly in smokers compared with non‐users of tobacco, whereas these parameters were unchanged in tobacco chewers. This difference may be due either to the difference in constitution of xenobiotics emitted as a result of burning tobacco, or to differences in the pharmacokinetics of the two forms of tobacco consumption. The activity of α‐1,4‐glucosidase was significantly lowered in both types of tobacco users. It is concluded that use of tobacco, especially by smoking, impairs the secretory function of accessory sex glands in man.
Testosterone enanthate at a dose of 200 mg/week decreases HDL‐cholesterol levels in healthy men
Authors: MERIGGIOLA M. CRISTINA , MARCOVINA SANTICA , PAULSEN C. ALVIN , BREMNER WILLIAM J. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe concept that androgen alone can provide an effective male contraceptive has been tested in a multicentre, multiphase trial by the World Health Organization. Results from this trial showed that an ester of testosterone, testosterone enanthate (TE), administered at a dose of 200 mg/week, has a very high contraceptive efficacy, and suggested that, at least in some populations, androgen alone might provide a viable option for the control of male fertility. It has been claimed that testosterone represents one of the gender‐related risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in men. Epidemiological and interventional studies have failed to establish a convincing relationship between testosterone and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). Therefore, there is concern about possible negative effects on lipoprotein asset of an androgen‐alone male contraceptive. In this study we analysed the effects of long‐term (12 months) administration of TE (200 mg/week) in normal healthy men. Blood samples (six men >10 h fast = Group 1; 30 men >4 h fast = Group 2) were drawn from 36 men, monthly before the beginning of the injections (control), every 3 months throughout the study period (treatment), and 1 month after stopping TE injections (recovery). Total cholesterol (chol), triglycerides, HDL‐C and LDL‐C levels were measured in these samples. Biochemical parameters were also monitored. TE administration induced a significant decrease (15–20%) in HDL‐C levels that was of comparable magnitude in men from both groups (fasting and non‐fasting) and occurred regardless of basal HDL‐C levels. No statistically significant effect on other lipoproteins was detected. Considering all men together, HDL‐C levels were decreased in 78% of the men by month 3, 83% by month 6, 94% by month 9 and 97% by month 12 of treatment. In all men the HDL‐C decrease was reversible within 1 month of stopping TE administration. It is concluded that: (1) injection of 200 mg TE/week causes a 15–20% decrease in HDL‐C in normal men with no effect on other lipoproteins, (2) the suppressive effect of TE is maintained throughout the 1‐year‐injection period, and a direct relationship between the duration of TE administration and the proportion of men showing decreased HDL‐C levels, was observed. (3) The HDL‐C decrease was reversible within 1 month of stopping TE administration. These data will be important in designing further studies on male contraception, and in interpreting the relationship between testosterone levels, HDL‐C levels and potential cardiovascular risk.
Comparison of the effects of chlormadinone acetate‐pellet implantation and orchidectomy on benign prostatic hypertrophy in the dog
Authors: KAWAKAMI E. , TSUTSUI T. , SHIMIZU M. , ORIMA H. , FUJITA M. , OGASA A. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryFive beagles out of 11 dogs aged 7–10 years with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) were implanted subcutaneously with pellets of the synthetic anti‐androgen chlormadinone acetate (CMA) at a dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight. The remaining six dogs (one beagle and five mongrel dogs) underwent bilateral orchidectomy. Changes in prostatic volume, histological findings in the prostate and the testis, and peripheral plasma levels of LH, testosterone and oestradiol‐17β (E2) were assessed up until 24 and 4 weeks after CMA‐implantation and orchidectomy, respectively. Measurements of the size of the prostate and biopsies of the prostate were performed by laparotomy. Mean prostatic volume had decreased to 71% and 41%, respectively, of its pretreatment volume, by 4 weeks after CMA‐implantation and orchidectomy, and was 49% and 47%, respectively, of pretreatment volume at 12 and 24 weeks after CMA‐implantation. The clinical signs of BPH, e.g. haematuria, resolved within 2 weeks after either treatment. When the prostate was examined histologically 4 weeks after either treatment, hardly any evidence of active secretion (e.g. glandular epithelium projecting markedly into the lumen), was observed in CMA‐implanted dogs, alveolar diameter and height of the glandular epithelium had decreased markedly and the glandular lumen had become very small in the orchidectomized dogs. By 12 weeks after CMA‐implantation, degenerative and atrophic glands were observed in the prostate nearly the same as at 4 weeks after orchidectomy. In the testis the number of germ cells in the seminiferous tubules decreased markedly after CMA‐implantation. The mean level of plasma LH at 4 weeks after orchidectomy had increased to 14.9 ng/ml, twice the value before operation. The mean levels of plasma testosterone and E2 at 4 weeks after CMA‐implantation had decreased to 0.7 ng/ml and 9 pg/ml from 1.5 ng/ml and 15 pg/ml, the values before treatment, respectively. CMA‐implantation resulted in poor semen quality. The results indicate that CMA‐implantation at a dose of 10 mg/kg results in the same prostate‐shrinking effect as orchidectomy.
In‐situ quantification of stage‐specific apoptosis in the rat seminiferous epithelium: effects of short‐term experimental cryptorchidism
Authors: HENRIKSÉN K. , HAKOVIRTA H. , PARVINEN M. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryTwo techniques have been combined for quantification of apoptotic germ cells in defined stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium: the improved transillumination method and nonradioactive in‐situ end‐labelling of DNA (ISEL). Segments of rat seminiferous tubules were squashed between a microscope slide and coverslip, and the stage identified under a phase‐contrast microscope. After fixation, apoptotic cells were detected by ISEL and scored per 1 mm tubule. In the normal testis apoptotic cells were found in all stages, the highest frequency occurring in stages XII–XIV (19 cells/mm). In short‐term (24 and 48 h) experimentally cryptorchid testes, a significant increase in number of apoptotic germ cells was evident in all stages, except for VI and VIII. Apoptosis of germ cells was confirmed by electrophoresis of radioactively labelled DNA from stages VII–VIII and XIII‐I. It is proposed that apoptosis is a means of eliminating the most sensitive germ cells after short‐term experimental cryptorchidism.