bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β‐carotene attenuates weaning‐induced apoptosis via inhibition of PERK‐CHOP and IRE1‐JNK/p38 MAPK signalling pathways in piglet jejunum
Authors: Li Ruonan , Yang Yu , Hong Pan , Zhang Ziqi , Li Lingqian , Hui Junnan , Zheng Xin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWeaning may cause oxidative injury, immune response impairment, apoptosis and other injuries in piglets. Oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) can elicit inflammatory responses, and persistent oxidative and ERS also may lead to apoptotic cascades, which is associated with the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. β‐carotene, a natural carotenoid, has potential anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant functions. However, the effect of β‐carotene on apoptosis in weaned piglets and the detailed molecular mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we found that β‐carotene decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in piglet serum. β‐carotene could inhibit the mRNA levels of caspase‐3 significantly, but had no significant inhibitory effect of the mRNA levels of caspase‐9 and caspase‐12 in the piglet jejunum. In addition, β‐carotene decreased the activation of GRP78, CHOP, and JNK/p38 MAPK and the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2. Furthermore, β‐carotene had a significant influence on the activation of ERS and apoptosis‐related signals in TG‐induced IPEC‐J2. In the present study, β‐carotene pre‐treatment attenuated the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2 and prevented TG‐induced increases in the level of PERK‐CHOP and IRE1‐JNK/p38 MAPK pathway activation in a dose‐dependent manner. Overall, these findings indicate that β‐carotene may protect weaning‐induced apoptosis through inhibiting ERS.
Improving access to care for people who inject drugs: Qualitative evaluation of project ITTREAT—An integrated community hepatitis C service
Authors: Phillips Clare , Schulkind Jasmine , O’Sullivan Margaret , Edelman Natalie , Smith Helen E. , Verma Sumita , Jones Christina J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAchieving hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030 requires an increased linkage to care for people who inject drugs (PWID). Project ITTREAT was established to mitigate barriers to HCV care by providing an integrated service within a local drug and alcohol treatment centre. This study aimed to explore the experiences of clients and staff involved in Project ITTREAT and assess the facilitators and barriers to a community‐based HCV service. Between October 2014 and April 2016, drug and alcohol treatment attendees were interviewed using one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews. Drug and alcohol treatment staff took part in focus groups. All data were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Fifteen drug and alcohol treatment attendees with current/previous HCV infection were interviewed, and 15 staff members contributed across two focus groups. Drug and alcohol treatment staff and attendees reported that Project ITTREAT facilitated access to HCV care by mitigating previous negative hospital‐based experiences. Other key facilitators were positive narratives around HCV care, and drug and alcohol treatment attendees being well engaged in their drug/alcohol recovery. Barriers included a lack of stability in drug and alcohol treatment attendees, negative discourse around testing/treatment and stigma associated with attending the drug and alcohol treatment to access HCV treatment in some who had successfully achieved drug rehabilitation. Our findings indicate the positive impact of an integrated and personalized community‐based service delivered by a dedicated hepatitis nurse. This played a crucial role in reducing barriers to HCV care for PWID. Our work also highlights areas for future investment including non–DAT‐based community services and increasing awareness of new treatments amongst this cohort.
Heterotopic vascularization and functionalization of implantable bio engineered hepatic tissue alleviates liver injury in rats
Authors: Li Yi , Wu Qiong , Yang Zhen , He Yuting , Weng Chengxin , Gao Mengyu , Zhang Bingqi , Wang Yujia , Li Li , Chen Fei , Bu Hong , Bao Ji 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe challenge of using bioengineered liver lies in sustaining the quantity of high‐quality hepatocytes and the vasculature for blood perfusion. We characterized the heparinization of a porcine decellularized liver scaffold (DLS) as a carrier to support hepatocyte angiogenesis, thereby developing functional and vascularized hepatic tissue useful to treat liver injury.MethodThe porcine DLS was obtained by the removal of cellular components and then subjected to heparinization by the end‐point attachment technique. The heparinized DLSs were recellularized with rat hepatocyte spheroids to construct engineered hepatic tissue. The hepatic tissue was heterotopically implanted in the omentum majus of a rat model with liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).ResultsHepatocyte spheroids in the heparinized DLS remained viable for at least 10 weeks in vivo. The entire scaffold was populated with hepatocytes and arranged well. The volume of the heparinized DLS group was expanded over 400‐fold. Liver‐specific functions such as albumin synthesis, glycogen storage and cytochrome P 3A4 activity were highly expressed in the hepatic tissue. In addition, endothelial cells were recruited, as shown by CD31 staining, and new blood vessels formed, as visualized by fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled dextran intravital confocal microscopy. The heparinized bioengineered hepatic tissue alleviated CCl4‐induced liver injury by regulating the deposition and degradation of the extracellular matrix.ConclusionPrimary hepatocyte spheroids survived for an extended time on the heparinized DLS and expanded to generate vascularized and functional bioengineered hepatic tissue that can alleviate liver injury in rats.
A matched‐pair analysis of patients with medium‐sized prostates (50 cc) treated for male LUTS with HoLEP or TURP
Authors: Magistro Giuseppe , Westhofen Thilo , Stief Christian G. , Weinhold Philipp 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate perioperative parameters, early functional outcomes, and the safety profile in a matched‐pair analysis of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) patients treated with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, matched‐pair analysis of 2011 men treated for LUTS in our institution from 2013 to 2017. In the final analysis, 197 patients (HoLEP n = 97; TURP n = 98) were matched for prostate size (50 cc), age, and body mass index, and both cohorts were compared for demographic parameters, clinical outcomes, and adverse events according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification.ResultsThe perioperative assessment revealed a significantly higher tissue retrieval percentage of 75.4% (interquartile range [IQR] 64‐81.2) after HoLEP in comparison to 47.3% (IQR 40‐54.7) after TURP (P <.001). A shorter surgery time was reported for TURP with a median time of 55.5 minutes (IQR 48‐70.5), whereas the median time for HoLEP was 62 minutes (IQR 51‐85) (P =.006). The median improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were 11 points (IQR 5.5‐17) and 7 points (IQR 3‐14) for HoLEP and TURP, respectively (P =.007). Peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) increased more after HoLEP (12.0 mL/s; IQR 7‐23) than after TURP (8.5 mL/s; IQR 5‐18.25) (P =.028). With an overall incidence of adverse events of 6% (n = 6) compared to 16% (n = 16%), significantly fewer complications occurred after HoLEP than after treatment with TURP (P <.05).ConclusionsHoLEP is not only an attractive alternative for the enucleation of larger prostates, but it must be considered a size‐independent technique with the potential to outdo the current reference method TURP.
The Corruption Game: Health Systems, International Agencies, and the State in South Asia
Authors: Closser Svea 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDrawing on ethnographic material collected in Pakistan, India, and Nepal, this article analyzes patterns of corruption in vaccination programs in South Asia. Corrupt practices—which required substantial work—were deeply shaped by both the money and systems of accountability of the global health system. Bilateral and multilateral donors provided substantial funding for immunization programs across South Asia. International agencies and governments instituted systems of accountability, including documentation requirements and a parallel UN bureaucracy in problematic districts, to try to ensure that health workers did what they wanted. Some immunization program staff skillfully bent these systems of accountability to their own ends, diverting vaccination funding into their own pockets. Corruption operates not in opposition to the official rules, but in spaces opened up by them. These practices sometimes transform Weber's rational bureaucracy into a sophisticated game with many players, whose aims are more complex than the stated goals of the bureaucracy.
“Am I doing this wrong?” Breastfeeding mothers' use of an online forum
Authors: Lebron Cynthia N. , St. George Sara M. , Eckembrecher Daphne G. , Alvarez Lucia M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAs mothers seek out information around breastfeeding, many are turning to online message boards, listservs, or social media for advice. Babycenter.com, a parenting website with widespread use, hosts a Breastfeeding Support and Help community forum with over 140,000 users and more than one million conversation threads. The purpose of this study is to examine this online support forum to understand the information seeking and sharing practices of its users. We extracted a total of 258 original posts and 1,445 corresponding comments from Babycenter.com's breastfeeding forum posted over a 10‐day period. Using content analysis, we coded the posts into 15 categories reflective of the types of information users were seeking. We then randomly selected 45 conversation threads across the most popular categories to further understand how users were sharing information. The most popular breastfeeding topics for which users sought out information included feeding challenges, supply issues, feeding schedule and duration, pumping, physical health, excretion issues, storing milk, nipple issues, and general breastfeeding questions. Participants elicited information from others using interviewing questions and built consensus around issues by agreeing with previous posts. They shared their knowledge and personal breastfeeding experiences and also provided encouragement to continue breastfeeding and overcome challenges. Online support forums are actively being used by breastfeeding mothers seeking information from others with similar experiences. This presents an important resource for breastfeeding mothers and may, therefore, be an important component of future breastfeeding interventions.
Massive introgression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes in newt hybrid zones
Authors: Dudek Katarzyna , Gaczorek Tomasz S. , Zieliński Piotr , Babik Wiesław 
Published: October 2019

AbstractVariation in the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is crucial for fighting pathogen assault. Because new alleles confer a selective advantage, MHC should readily introgress between species, even under limited hybridization. Using replicated transects through two hybrid zones between strongly reproductively isolated European newts, Lissotriton montandoni and L. vulgaris, we demonstrated recent and ongoing MHC class I and II introgression in the Carpathian region. The extent of introgression correlated with the age of contact. In the older zone, MHC similarity between species within transects exceeded similarity between transects within species, implying pervasive introgression ‐ a massive exchange of MHC genes, not limited to specific variants. In simulations, the observed pattern emerged under the combined action of balancing selection and hybridization, but not when these processes acted separately. Thus, massive introgression at advanced stages of divergence can introduce novel and restore previously lost MHC variation, boosting the adaptive potential of hybridizing taxa. In consequence, MHC genes may be the last to stop introgressing between incipient species.
The Social Lives of Adolescent Study Abroad Learners and Their L2 Development
Authors: SAUER LUZIA , ELLIS ROD 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article reports a longitudinal case study of two German high‐school exchange students’ 5.5‐month study abroad (SA) in New Zealand, examining their social lives and oral second language (L2) development. Six informal interviews, weekly diary entries, and monthly summaries were used to elicit data about their overseas experiences and reflections associated with them. The qualitative analysis investigated the nature of the students’ social lives at school, in their homestay, in their hobbies, and during their free time. The results demonstrated that opportunities for L2 engagement varied considerably with context—some affording and others restricting interaction. Especially the presence of co‐nationals impeded L2 interaction and required the students to seek out opportunities themselves—an effort that the students were not always willing to make. For the quantitative analysis, the interview data were coded using multiple measures of complexity, accuracy, lexis, and fluency (CALF). Compared to previous studies, the results showed that all CALF dimensions improved during SA, but just for one student and not in a linear fashion. The two learners’ L2 profiles varied considerably, demonstrating that development is dynamic and unique and that interpretations of it need to take account of the learners’ social contexts and what they make of these.
Fragmented and failed swallows on esophageal high‐resolution manometry associate with abnormal reflux burden better than weak swallows
Authors: Rogers Benjamin D. , Rengarajan Arvind , Mauro Aurelio , Ghisa Matteo , De Bortoli Nicola , Cicala Michele , Ribolsi Mentore , Penagini Roberto , Savarino Edoardo , Gyawali C. Prakash 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAssociation between proportions of hypomotile swallows on esophageal high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and esophageal reflux burden remains incompletely understood. We investigated relationships between hypomotility, acid exposure time (AET), and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) on ambulatory reflux monitoring.MethodsClinical data, HRM, and ambulatory pH‐impedance studies (performed off acid suppression) from patients with persisting reflux symptoms were reviewed from five international centers. AET (abnormal > 6%) and MNBI (abnormal < 2292 ohms) were extracted from pH‐impedance studies. Distal contractile integral (DCI) designated esophageal peristalsis into normal (DCI > 450 mmHg.cm.s), fragmented (DCI > 450 mmHg.cm.s with breaks > 5 cm), weak (DCI 100‐450 mmHg.cm.s), and failed (DCI < 100 mm mmHg.cm.s) sequences. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify motor associations of abnormal reflux burden.Key ResultsOf 351 patients (52.1 ± 0.8 years, 67%F), 29.3% had AET > 6% and 61.8% had MNBI < 2292 ohms. On univariate analysis, both fragmented peristalsis and IEM associated with abnormal AET (P ≤ .01) and MNBI (P ≤ .03); reflux burden was more profound with >70% fragmented as well as ineffective sequences compared to ≤70% for each (P < .05 for each comparison). When weak and failed sequences within IEM were separately analyzed, ≥50% failed sequences predicted abnormal AET (P ≤ .009), and ≥50% weak sequences did not (P = .14). On multivariate regression, ≥50% failed sequences predicted abnormal AET (P = .02), and >70% ineffective sequences trended strongly (P = .069); >70% ineffective sequences predicted abnormal MNBI (P = .046), and >70% fragmented sequences trended strongly (P = .076).Conclusions and InferencesBreaks in esophageal peristaltic integrity seen with fragmented and failed sequences are more relevant to abnormal esophageal acid burden than weak sequences.
Plant root exudation under drought: implications for ecosystem functioning
Authors: Williams Alex , de Vries Franciska T. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryRoot exudates are a pathway for plant–microbial communication and play a key role in ecosystem response to environmental change. Here, we collate recent evidence that shows that plants of different growth strategies differ in their root exudation, that root exudates can select for beneficial soil microbial communities, and that drought affects the quantity and quality of root exudation. We use this evidence to argue for a central involvement of root exudates in plant and microbial response to drought and propose a framework for understanding how root exudates influence ecosystem form and function during and after drought. Specifically, we propose that fast‐growing plants modify their root exudates to recruit beneficial microbes that facilitate their regrowth after drought, with cascading impacts on their abundance and ecosystem functioning. We identify outstanding questions and methodological challenges that need to be addressed to advance and solidify our comprehension of the importance of root exudates in ecosystem response to drought.
Genome‐wide analysis of coding and non‐coding RNA reveals a conserved miR164‐NAC regulatory pathway for fruit ripening
Authors: Wang Wen‐qiu , Wang Jian , Wu Ying‐ying , Li Da‐wei , Allan Andrew C. , Yin Xue‐ren 
Published: October 2019

Summary

Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is a climacteric fruit with high sensitivity to ethylene, influenced by multiple ethylene‐responsive structural genes and transcription factors. However, the roles of other post‐transcriptional regulators (e.g. miRNAs) necessary for ripening remain elusive.

High‐throughput sequencing sRNAome, degradome and transcriptome methods were used to identify further contributors to ripening control in the kiwifruit (A. deliciosa cv ‘Hayward’).

Two NAM/ATAF/CUC domain transcription factors (AdNAC6 and AdNAC7), both predicted targets for miR164, showed significant upregulation by exogenous ethylene. Gene expression analysis and luciferase reporter assays indicated that Ade‐miR164 and one of its precursor miRNAs (Ade‐MIR164b) were repressed by ethylene treatment and negatively correlated with AdNAC6/7 expression. Subsequent analysis indicated that both AdNAC6 and AdNAC7 proteins are transcriptional activators and physically bind the promoters of AdACS1 (1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase), AdACO1 (1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid oxidase), AdMAN1 (endo‐β‐mannanase) and AaTPS1 (terpene synthase). Moreover, subcellular analysis indicated that the location of the AdNAC6/7 proteins was influenced by Ade‐miR164.

Multiple omics‐based approaches revealed a novel regulatory link for fruit ripening that involved ethylene‐miR164‐NAC. The regulatory pathway for miR164‐NAC is present in various fruit (e.g. Rosaceae fruit, citrus, grape), with implications for fruit ripening regulation.
Effect of facial profile convexity on the perception of mandibular asymmetry using three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetric images
Authors: Duran Gökhan Serhat , Taşdelen Fahir Özer , Dindaroğlu Furkan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that sagittal anomalies have an effect on the perception of mandibular asymmetry. Secondly, it aimed to determine the asymmetry perception threshold of orthodontist and laypeople.Setting and Sample PopulationA total of 90 individuals were included in the study from different professions (Orthodontist: n:45, layperson: n:45).Materials & MethodsThe reference image was obtained with 3dMD device and selected from among the individuals with class I soft tissue relationship. In the sagittal direction, the chin area has been moved as to produce 5 and 10 degrees of change in facial convexity angle. Similarly, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm changes were made and recorded in video format. Manipulated images were scored by participants with VAS method.ResultsWhen differences between the groups were evaluated, the reference image was scored similarly by orthodontists and layperson (P: .017). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in other parameters (P > .05). Asymmetry in 0‐2 mm range was evaluated by orthodontist and layperson and statistically insignificant (P > .05). Similarly, the change between 8 mm and 10 mm was different in both groups and statistically insignificant (P > .05). Also, when there was no asymmetry, the sagittal direction was differently scored by the participants in both groups and statistically insignificant (P > .05).ConclusionsIt was observed that the effect of sagittal direction changes on asymmetry perception was not statistically significant.
Risk of childhood wheeze and asthma after respiratory syncytial virus infection in full‐term infants
Authors: Mejias Asuncion , Wu Bingcao , Tandon Neeta , Chow Wing , Varma Ram , Franco Eduardo , Ramilo Octavio 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost studies addressing the association between RSV and recurrent wheezing (RW) and asthma have been conducted in patients at risk for lung morbidity. Data in full‐term infants are limited.MethodsThe risk of RW/asthma during the first 5 years of life in full‐term infants hospitalized with RSV during the first year (Y) of life was estimated using 2010‐16 data from three claims databases in USA (Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database [CCAE], Truven Health MarketScan Multi‐State Medicaid [MDCD], and Optum Clinformatics Extended Data Mart‐Socio‐Economic Status [SES]). Full‐term infants with and without RSV infection and ≥ 2 years of continuous health plan enrollment from birth were included. Incidence rates of RW/asthma, cumulative incidence, adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR), and odds ratios (aOR) were calculated.ResultsDuring the 16‐year study, 38,494 (CCAE), 62 846 (MDCD), and 23 099 (SES) matched infant pairs were included in each cohort. In the CCAE database, RW/asthma incidence/1000 patient‐years (69.7 vs 28.7, aIRR: 2.4 [2.3‐2.5]); cumulative incidence (17.6%‐25.2% vs 5.0%‐11.4%); and aOR (Y2: 4.1 [3.9‐4.4]; Y3: 3.2 [3.0‐3.3]; Y4: 2.9 [2.7‐3.1]; Y5: 2.6 [2.5‐2.9]) were higher in the RSV vs. non‐RSV cohort. Results in the SES insured population were comparable, while cumulative incidence and aIRR were higher in the Medicaid population (MDCD).ConclusionAlthough there are limitations in this study, including possible coding errors and missing covariates, we showed that full‐term infants with severe RSV infection during the first year of life, spanning several respiratory seasons and a geographically diverse population, are at significant risk of RW/asthma during childhood.