bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological abnormalities in anurans from southern Brazil
Authors: Ascoli‐Morrete Thaís , Signor Elias , Santos‐Pereira Manuela , Zanella Noeli 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn recent years, the progressive decline in populations of anuran amphibians has left many species increasingly vulnerable to extinction. The potential role of morphological abnormalities as a mechanism of this decline has attracted attention in many recent studies. We investigated the occurrence and frequency of morphological abnormalities in anurans from northern of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We sampled 1674 individuals from three different environments – forest, farmland and peri‐urban areas – between 2001 and 2017. We recorded 89 individuals with morphological abnormalities, with 12 different types of abnormality in 19 anuran species. We recorded nine types of abnormality in forest and seven in the farmland, with brachydactyly being the most common abnormality in both areas. Only three abnormalities were recorded in the peri‐urban area, and all three were equally frequent. Studies of morphological alterations provide important insights into the potential effects of environmental impacts on anuran populations and may be essential for the planning of effective conservation strategies.
Hypothalamic concentrations of kisspeptin and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone during the breeding season and non‐breeding season in ewes
Authors: Urias‐Castro Christian , Arreguin‐Arévalo Jesus Alejandro , Magee Christianne , Weber Eric R. , Nett Terry M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractProblemCurrent methods to quantify kisspeptin (KP) are limited. To this end, a radioimmunoassay (RIA) specific for KP was developed and validated. We hypothesized that use of a RIA would reveal multiple hypothalamic regions as targets of negative seasonal feedback of estradiol on KP production in sheep.Method of studyOvariectomized (OVX) ewes bearing a subcutaneous implant of estradiol were euthanized during the breeding season (BS) (n = 4) and non‐breeding season (NBS) (n = 3). Coronal sections of preoptic area (POA), anterior hypothalamic area (AHA), and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) were collected, as well as the median eminence (ME), cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum. Amounts of KP and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) in individual hypothalamic nuclei were quantified by radioimmunoassay.ResultsConcentration and content of KP were lower during the NBS than the BS in the MBH (P < 0.01) and POA (P < 0.01). Levels of KP in tissue adjacent to the POA and MBH were much lower, and neither concentration nor content of KP differed between the BS and NBS. Kisspeptin was also detected in the cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum, but concentrations were not affected by season. In addition, concentration and content of GnRH in the POA, AHA, MBH, and ME were similar between seasons.ConclusionOur RIA results indicate that in addition to the MBH, the POA and AHA appear to be involved in the seasonal negative feedback of estradiol on KP expression.
Pruritus in ordinary scabies: IL‐31 from macrophages induced by overexpression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and periostin
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Satoh Takahiro , Yokozeki Hiroo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundScabies is a common contagious skin disease caused by an infestation of the skin by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. A hallmark symptom of scabies is severe itch.MethodsWe sought to determine the generation of a pruritogenic cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐31, together with immune profiles in skin lesions of ordinary scabies through immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent studies. To elucidate the pathological mechanisms of IL‐31 generation, murine peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with various T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines and proteins ex vivo.ResultsA large number of CCR4(+) Th2 cells, eosinophils, and basophils infiltrated in scabies lesions. Increased generation of IL‐31, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and periostin was also observed. A major population of IL‐31(+) cells were Arginase‐1(+)/CD163(+) M2 macrophages. Murine peritoneal macrophages showed an M2 phenotype and generated IL‐31 when stimulated with TSLP and periostin.ConclusionIL‐31 appeared to be largely generated by M2 macrophages in ordinary scabies lesions. This IL‐31 induction was mediated by TSLP and periostin.
Candomblé and the Academic's Tools: Religious Expertise and the Binds of Recognition in Brazil
Authors: Hartikainen Elina Inkeri 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTLatin American state efforts to recognize ethnically and racially marked populations have focused on knowledge and expertise. This article argues that this form of state recognition does not only call on subaltern groups to present themselves in a frame of expertise. It also pushes such groups to position themselves and their social and political struggles in a matrix based on expertise and knowledge. In the context of early 2000s Brazil, the drive to recognition led activists from the Afro‐Brazilian religion Candomblé to reimagine the religion's practitioners’ long‐term engagements with scholars and scholarly depictions of the religion as a form of epistemological exploitation that had resulted in public misrecognition of the true source of knowledge on the religion: Candomblé practitioners. To remedy this situation, the activists called on Candomblé practitioners to appropriate the “academic's tools,” the modes of representation by which scholarly expertise and knowledge were performed and recognized by the general public and state officials. This strategy transformed religious structures of expertise and knowledge in ways that established a new, politically efficacious epistemological grounding for Candomblé practitioners’ calls for recognition. But it also further marginalized temples with limited connections or access to scholars and higher education. [politics of recognition, politics of expertise, state recognition, Candomblé religion, Brazil]
Intraoperative detection of aberrant biliary anatomy via intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Chehade Marthe , Kakala Benedict , Sinclair Jane‐Louise , Pang Tony , Al Asady Rafid , Richardson Arthur , Pleass Henry , Lam Vincent , Johnston Emma , Yuen Lawrence , Hollands Michael 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard of treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Although intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is widely used as an adjunct to LC, there is still no worldwide consensus on the value of its routine use. Anatomical studies have shown that variations of the biliary tree are present in approximately 35% of patients with variations in right hepatic second‐order ducts being especially common (15–20%). Approximately, 70–80% of all iatrogenic bile duct injuries are a consequence of misidentification of biliary anatomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the adequacy of and the reporting of IOCs during LC.MethodsIOCs obtained from 300 consecutive LCs between July 2014 and July 2016 were analysed retrospectively by two surgical trainees and confirmed by a radiologist. Biliary tree anatomy was classified from IOC films as described by Couinaud (1957) and correlated with documented findings. The accuracy of intraoperative reporting was assessed. Biliary anatomy was correlated to clinical outcome.ResultsA total of 95% of IOCs adequately demonstrated biliary anatomy. Aberrant right sectoral ducts were identified in 15.2% of the complete IOCs, and 2.6% demonstrated left sectoral or confluence anomalies. Only 20.4% of these were reported intraoperatively. Bile leaks occurred in two patients who had IOCs (0.73%) and two who did not (7.4%).ConclusionSurgeons generally demonstrate biliary anatomy well on IOC but reporting of sectoral duct variation can be improved. Further research is needed to determine whether anatomical variation is related to ductal injury.
Dissemination of a novel organ perfusion technique: ex vivo normothermic perfusion of deceased donor kidneys
Authors: Chandak Pankaj , Phillips Benedict L. , Uwechue Raphael , Thompson Emily , Bates Lucy , Ibrahim Ibrahim , Sewpaul Avinash , Figueiredo Rodrigo , Olsburgh Jonathon , Hosgood Sarah , Nicholson Michael L. , Wilson Colin , Callaghan Chris J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEx vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) technology is a promising means of organ preservation, assessment, and preconditioning prior to kidney transplantation, which has been pioneered by a single group. We describe the challenges of setting up clinical EVNP programs in 2 new centers, as well as early patient outcomes. Governance, training, and logistical pathways are described. In order to demonstrate safety and proficiency in this new technique, early patient outcomes are also described. Patient outcomes included the incidence of primary nonfunction, delayed graft function, graft and patient survival at 1 year. Contralateral kidneys undergoing static cold storage alone were used as a comparator group. Between March 2016 and July 2017, EVNP was performed on 14 kidneys from 12 donors (11 kidneys in center 1, 3 kidneys in center 2). Of the 14 kidneys that underwent EVNP, 12 organs were implanted into 10 recipients. Two pairs of kidneys were implanted as dual grafts and 1 kidney was implanted simultaneously with a pancreas. The remaining 7 kidneys were transplanted as single allografts. Seven pairs of kidneys were available for paired analysis comparing EVNP versus static cold storage. Graft and patient outcomes were comparable between the 2 preservation techniques. The introduction of a clinical EVNP service requires a careful multimodal approach, drawing on the expertise of specialists in transplantation, hematology, and microbiology. Both new clinical EVNP programs demonstrated proficiency and safety when a structured dissemination process was followed.
Comparative analysis of the eye anatomy in fossorial and surface‐living skink species (Reptilia: Scincidae), with special reference to the structure of the retina
Authors: Zhao Zhongning , Goedhals Jacqueline , Verdú‐Ricoy Joaquín , Jordaan Adriaan , Heideman Neil 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe compared the eye anatomy of the scotopic fossorial Acontias orientalis, Acontias rieppeli and Typhlosaurus vermis with that of the photopic surface‐living Trachylepis punctatissima, with particular reference to the retina. The findings were compared with published data on gecko species (Röll, 2001), to determine whether similar trends existed. The vestigial eye of T. vermis was not comparable with that of the other three skink species. The findings in A. orientalis, A. rieppeli and T. punctatissima were as follows: (a) A. rieppeli lacked a conus papillaris, (b) A. orientalis, A. rieppeli and T. punctatissima were pure‐cone species but lacked a fovea, (c) estimated cone density in A. orientalis and A. rieppeli was lower than that in T. punctatissima, (d) the ellipsoid cone segment was smaller and the paraboloid segment larger in A. orientalis and A. rieppeli with the reverse in T. punctatissima, (e) VCL%, ONL%, OPL% and GCL% in A. orientalis and A. rieppeli were significantly greater than that of T. punctatissima, (f) INL% and IPL% in T. punctatissima was significantly greater, and (g) T. punctatissima had abundant Müller cells and fibres. Findings in the gecko species were congruent with those of the three skink species of the present study.
Learner engagement in MOOCs: Scale development and validation
Authors: Deng Ruiqi , Benckendorff Pierre , Gannaway Deanne 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of conceptualising and measuring learner engagement in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The paper develops and validates a MOOC engagement scale (MES) to measure learner engagement. The initial questionnaire items of the scale were developed by reviewing existing related literature and validated student engagement constructs. This was followed by a modified scale development process, including two focus group interviews (n = 10), an exploratory survey (n = 12), an expert review (n = 10), a pilot survey (n = 15), an item purification study (n = 590) and a construct validation study (n = 303). The final version of the scale is made up of four dimensions: behavioural engagement, cognitive engagement, emotional engagement and social engagement. The paper concludes with recommendations for how the MES can be used to assess the pattern of engagement in MOOCs and to investigate the relationship between learner engagement and other important MOOC teaching and learning factors.
Multilevel policy from the municipal perspective: A pan‐Canadian survey
Authors: Lucas Jack , Smith Alison 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBuilding on in‐depth case studies and extensive theory‐building by Canadian multilevel governance scholars, this article identifies and describes multilevel policy involvement by federal, provincial, municipal, private, and NGO actors in three policy phases and eighteen policy domains that specifically involve local governments in Canada. Drawing from an original pan‐Canadian survey of municipal mayors and councillors, we show that municipal politicians see multilevel policy involvement as remarkably prevalent across many policy domains. Using an original measure of multilevel policy involvement, we identify the policy domains in which policy involvement is most concentrated or fragmented and then describe the correlates of this measure. Multilevel policy involvement, we argue, is more clearly associated with policy phase and policy domain than with municipal population or region. We conclude with a discussion of implications for future research.
Leucine‐rich repeat neuronal protein‐1 suppresses apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through regulation of Fas/FasL
Authors: Liu Bofang , Zhang Ye , Fan Yibo , Wang Shuo , Li Zhi , Deng Mingming , Li Ce , Wang Jin , Ma Rui , Wang Xiaoxun , Wang Yan , Xu Ling , Hou Kezuo , Che Xiaofang , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Xiujuan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is a common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. As a result of the lack of reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for GC, patient prognosis is still poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need for studies examining the underlying pathogenesis of GC in order to find effective biomarkers. LRRN1 (leucine‐rich repeat neuronal protein‐1) is a type I transmembrane protein that plays an important role in the process of nerve development and regeneration. However, its role in cancer, especially in GC, remains unclear. In the present study, we found that LRRN1 expression is upregulated in GC tissues and that high LRRN1 expression is associated with poor prognosis. siRNA and shRNA‐mediated knockdowns of LRRN1 expression promoted GC cell apoptosis and activation of the Fas/FasL pathway. LRRN1 knockdown also resulted in upregulation of JUN, a subunit of the transcription factor AP‐1 (activator protein‐1). This suggests that LRRN1 suppresses GC cell apoptosis by downregulating AP‐1, resulting in inhibition of the Fas/FasL pathway. These results confirm that LRRN1 plays a significant role in GC pathogenesis. Moreover, LRRN1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
Stages of change and engagement in a family intervention
Authors: Castillo‐Garayoa José A. , Montes‐Vallecillos Anna , Perales‐Echeverría Arantxa , Sánchez‐Velasco Almudena , Medina‐Cervera Sergio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractProchaska and DiClemente's stages of change model facilitate understanding of engagement difficulties in psychosocial intervention processes. We assessed the link between stages of family change and intervention dropout in a sample of 141 families with relational conflicts between parents and adolescent children. Each family member's stage of change was defined according to three criteria: seeing the conflict as a relational problem, assuming part of the responsibility for the dysfunctional relationship, and understanding one's own mental and emotional states and those of the other family members involved in the conflict (mentalization). Our dropout rate for the sample was 41.8% and was higher for immigrant families. We found a strong association between engagement and the contemplation stage of change, particularly the mother's. In family conflict interventions, participation of all the family members is essential so as raise awareness of the relational aspects of the conflict and the shared responsibility for the conflict and its resolution.
Contact analysis of gap formation at dental implant‐abutment interface under oblique loading: A numerical‐experimental study
Authors: He Yiting , Fok Alex , Aparicio Conrado , Teng Wei 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo develop numerical and experimental methods for investigating the formation of micro‐gaps and the change in contact area at the implant‐abutment interface of two different connector designs under oblique cyclic loading.Materials and MethodsSamples (n = 10 per group) of two‐piece implant systems with the conical connection (group A) and the external hexagonal connection (group B) were subjected to cyclic loading with increasing load amplitudes up to 220 N. After loading, the samples were scanned using micro‐CT, with silver nitrate as a high‐contrast penetrant, and the level of leakage was assessed using a discrete scoring system. Three‐dimensional finite element (FE) analyses of the two implant systems were also conducted to reveal the micro‐gap formation process, especially bridging of the internal abutment screw space. The experimental and numerical results for the bridging load were then compared.Results90% of the samples in group A showed leakage into the internal implant space at a load of around 100 N; while over 80% of those in group B did so at a load of around 40 N. This agreed with the FE analysis, which showed bridging of the internal implant space at loads similar to those measured for the two implant systems. Residual gaps of less than 1.49 μm were predicted for group A only after unloading.ConclusionsThe FE‐predicted loads for bridging agreed well with those found experimentally for leakage to occur. The conical connection showed more resistance against formation of micro‐gaps at the implant‐abutment interface than the external hexagonal connection. Although the minimum load required to bridge the internal implant space was within the range of human biting force, the relation between bacterial invasion and micro‐gaps needs further research.
Transplantation of Nurr1‐overexpressing neural stem cells and microglia for treating parkinsonian rats
Authors: Qian Yuan , Chen Xiao‐Xiang , Wang Wei , Li Jun‐Jun , Wang Xian‐Peng , Tang Zhi‐Wei , Xu Jiao‐Tian , Lin Hai , Yang Zhi‐Yong , Li Li‐Yan , Song Xiao‐Bin , Guo Jia‐Zhi , Bian Li‐Gong , Zhou Lei , Lu Di , Deng Xing‐Li 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation is considered a promising treatment for Parkinson's disease. But most NSCs are differentiated into glial cells rather than neurons, and only a few of them survive after transplantation due to the inflammatory environment.MethodsIn this study, neural stem cells (NSCs) and microglial cells both forced with the Nurr1 gene were transplanted into the striatum of the rat model of PD. The results were evaluated through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis.ResultsThe behavioral abnormalities of PD rats were improved by combined transplantation of NSCs and microglia, both forced with Nurr1. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase+ cells in the striatum of PD rats increased, and the number of Iba1+ cells decreased compared with the other groups. Moreover, the dopamine neurons differentiated from grafted NSCs could still be detected in the striatum of PD rats after 5 months.ConclusionsThe results suggested that transplantation of Nurr1‐overexpressing NSCs and microglia could improve the inhospitable host brain environments, which will be a new potential strategy for the cell replacement therapy in PD.
Study design choices for evaluating the comparative safety of diabetes medications: An evaluation of pioglitazone use and risk of bladder cancer in older US adults with type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Garry Elizabeth M. , Buse John B. , Gokhale Mugdha , Lund Jennifer L. , Nielsen Matthew E. , Pate Virginia , Stürmer Til 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to empirically demonstrate the effect of varying study designs when evaluating the safety of pioglitazone in treating bladder cancer.MethodsWe identified Medicare beneficiaries above 65 years of age with diabetes between 2008 and 2015 and with classified exposure (at least two claims within 180 days) to glucose‐lowering drugs (GLD), pioglitazone or another drug. The effects of varying the following study design parameters on bladder cancer risk were assessed: use of a new vs existing drug, choice of referent (all non‐users and users of GLDs, non‐insulin GLDs and DPP‐4s) and whether or not censoring accounted for treatment change. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to obtain adjusted HRs and 95% CIs.ResultsWe included 1,510,212 patients classified as pioglitazone users (N = 135,188) or non‐users (N = 1,375,024). Users had more diabetic complications than non‐users, but fewer than insulin users. The HR ranged from 1.10 (1.01‐1.20) to 1.13 (0.99‐1.29) when censoring ignored treatment change, suggesting a weak association or none between pioglitazone and bladder cancer, probably under‐estimating risk. However, the HR was 1.20 (1.01‐1.42) when cohorts were restricted to new users, censored upon treatment change, and when DPP‐4 was used as the referent, suggesting an increased risk of bladder cancer associated with pioglitazone.ConclusionsThe continued demand for new GLDs indicates the need for more robust observational methods to improve the value of generating real‐world evidence in equipping clinicians to make informed prescribing decisions. Although there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach, we recommend active comparator new user study designs that compare therapeutically equivalent drugs and account for treatment changes during follow‐up to present the least biased comparative safety estimates.
Influence of larval and juvenile life history on age at first maturity in two tropical amphidromous fish species
Authors: Lagarde Raphaël , Teichert Nils , Grondin Henri , Hue Thomas , Gaudin Philippe , Ponton Dominique 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study investigates how age at first maturity of two tropical amphidromous species Sicyopterus lagocephalus (Pallas, 1770) and Cotylopus acutipinnis (Guichenot, 1863) varies in relation to their larval and juvenile life history. Reproductive stage was estimated based on histological observation of ovaries of more than 200 females of each species caught monthly over 1 year. The age of fish was estimated by interpreting the daily increments deposited on otoliths during the oceanic larval phase, and the juvenile phase in the river. The age at first maturity was approximately 9 months for S. lagocephalus and 7 months for C. acutipinnis, corresponding to approximately 70–130 and 90–130 days after they returned to freshwater respectively. For both species, the time spent in freshwater before maturity was significantly influenced by the duration of the pelagic larval stage at sea (PLD) and the season of return in freshwater. Individuals with a long PLD, or returning in freshwater during the warmer season, maturated faster once in freshwater. This reproductive advantage may minimise the risk of extirpation due to catastrophic events at each generation and thus probably benefits amphidromous species living in very unpredictable tropical rivers.