bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sucrose assists selection of high‐quality oocytes in pigs
Authors: Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Nguyen Hiep Thi , Somfai Tamas , Wells David , Men Nguyen Thi , Viet‐Linh Nguyen , Noguchi Junko , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Nagai Takashi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe investigated whether high‐quality in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes can be distinguished from poor ones based on the morphological changes after treatment with hyperosmotic medium containing 0.2 mol/L sucrose in pigs. We hypothesize that IVM oocytes maintaining round shape have higher quality than mis‐shapened oocytes following dehydration. Oocyte quality was verified by determining embryonic developmental competence using in vitro fertilization, nuclear transfer and parthenogenetic activation. In all cases, the round oocytes had greater (p < .05) developmental competence than that of mis‐shapened oocytes in terms of blastocyst rate and total cell number in blastocysts obtained after 6 days of in vitro culture. We also confirm that round aged oocytes are higher in quality than mis‐shapened aged oocytes. In an attempt to find out why high‐quality oocytes maintain a round shape whereas poorer oocytes become mis‐shapened following sucrose treatment, we examined the arrangement of actin microfilaments and microtubules. Abnormal organization of these cytoskeletal components was higher (p < .05) in mis‐shapened oocytes compared to round oocytes after 52 hr of IVM. In conclusion, sucrose treatment helps selection of high‐quality oocytes, including aged oocytes, in pigs. Abnormal cytoskeleton arrangements partly explain for low developmental competence of mis‐shapened oocytes.
Identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers for deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Memon Ashfaque A. , Sundquist Kristina , PirouziFard Mirnabi , Elf Johan L. , Strandberg Karin , Svensson Peter J. , Sundquist Jan , Zöller Bengt 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe combination of a negative D‐dimer and a Wells score can rule out, but not confirm, a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We aimed to identify new diagnostic biomarkers for DVT and to investigate their relationship with hypercoagulability markers [D‐dimer and activated protein C‐protein C inhibitor (APC‐PCI) complex]. We screened 92 cardiovascular‐specific proteins in plasma samples from 45 confirmed DVT patients and 45 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐DVT patients selected from a prospective multicentre diagnostic management study (SCORE) by Proseek Multiplex CVDIII96×96. Plasma levels of 30 proteins were significantly different between DVT and non‐DVT patients. After Bonferroni correction, plasma levels of seven proteins: P‐selectin, transferrin receptor protein 1, von Willebrand factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, osteopontin (OPN), bleomycin hydrolase and ST2 protein remained significantly different. The area under curve (AUC) for these proteins ranged from 0·70 to 0·84. Furthermore, all seven identified proteins were significantly associated with markers of hypercoagulability. A combination of OPN and APC‐PCI had the best ability to discriminate DVT from non‐DVT patients (AUC = 0·94; sensitivity = 89% and specificity = s84%). In conclusion, we identified multiple proteins associated with markers of hypercoagulability and with a potential to become novel diagnostic biomarkers for DVT.
Contemporary outcomes of hypospadias retrieval surgery in adults
Authors: Aldamanhori Reem B. , Osman Nadir I. , Inman Richard D. , Chapple Christopher R. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo describe the surgical approach and outcomes in the treatment of adult patients with complications of childhood hypospadias surgery, as such patients present a significant reconstructive challenge due to the combination of anatomical and cosmetic deformity, which often results in major functional and psychosexual sequelae.Patients and MethodsWe analysed prospectively collected data on 79 adults with complications of childhood hypospadias surgery, who were operated on between 2004 and 2016. Of the 79 patients, 48 underwent a two‐stage urethroplasty using a buccal mucosa graft, and 31 underwent a one‐stage distal urethroplasty.ResultsPatients were followed up using flexible cystoscopy (every 6–9 months). The mean (range) follow‐up was 48 (12–96) months. Of the 48 patients who underwent a two‐stage repair, eight (16%) needed a revision of the first‐stage graft. In total, nine of the 48 patients (16%) developed fistula requiring closure after the second stage; all but one was closed successfully on the first attempt, whilst one required two attempts before closure. Only two of the 48 patients that underwent a two‐stage procedure required a re‐do urethroplasty within 3 years. Of the 31 patients who underwent a one‐stage repair, six (19%) needed fistula closure, all of which were successful. No patient required a further urethroplasty during follow‐up.ConclusionsDespite the significant surgical challenges found in this patient group, excellent long‐term functional outcomes can be achieved. As expected there is a need for additional intervention, either for revision of the first stage or to close fistulae and less commonly for further reconstruction for stricture recurrence.
Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in the context of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Bronte Giuseppe , Bravaccini Sara , Bronte Enrico , Burgio Marco Angelo , Rolfo Christian , Delmonte Angelo , Crinò Lucio 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe identification of oncogenic driver mutations in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has led to the development of targeted drugs. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) target lung tumours bearing EGFR‐activating mutations. This new therapeutic strategy has greatly improved tumour response rates. However, drug resistance invariably occurs during TKI‐based treatment. Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the resistance mechanisms identified in EGFR‐mutated NSCLC treated with TKIs. In this review we gather together the most important findings on this phenomenon in relation to cancer stem cells and cancer epigenetics. We also outline the correlation between the effects of stromal factors from the microenvironment, the transcription factors activated, the epigenetic changes in chromatin, and the evolution of cellular behaviour. Notably, EMT has already been shown to be the link between benign lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung carcinogenesis. The various mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs are also briefly described to provide background information on EMT. Our extensive review of the scientific literature serves to highlight the cellular and molecular events that lead to the onset of EMT in NSCLC cells treated with EGFR‐TKIs. Finally, we put forward a hypothesis to explain why, in some cases, EMT rather than other known mechanisms is involved in resistance to TKIs.
Young age is associated with increased rates of residual and recurrent paediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Hampson Sarah , Stephens Derek , Wasserman Jonathan D. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryObjectiveDifferentiated thyroid carcinoma is rare in young children. There are conflicting data as to whether disease in this age group differs from that in adolescents and specifically, if it is more aggressive. Current practice guidelines do not differentiate treatment between these groups, but speculate that differences may exist. We sought to compare clinical features, treatment and outcomes between children (<12 years) and adolescents (12‐18 years) with thyroid nodules and thyroid malignancy over a 20‐year period.DesignRetrospective case series at a single tertiary care hospital.PatientsA total of 177 children 0‐18 years of age at the time of diagnosis of a thyroid nodule and/or malignancy between 1992 and 2012.ResultsThere was a significantly higher female‐to‐male ratio in patients 12‐18 years with benign and malignant nodules compared to those under 12. There was no difference across age groups with respect to cytology or histology, size, surgical approach or nodal status. Younger patients had a higher lymph node ratio. Younger patients received a higher cumulative dose of radioactive iodine (97.6 mCi/m2) vs older patients (75.9 mCi/m2) and had higher rates of pulmonary metastatic disease, although the differences did not achieve significance. Finally, children were less likely than adolescents to achieve a state of undetectable disease and fewer of the younger children remained disease‐free.ConclusionsDespite comparable apparent initial disease burden and treatment, younger children have poorer outcomes when compared to adolescents, even in the absence of nodal metastases and thus may warrant intensification of primary therapy and/or tumour surveillance.
Evaluation of a public education campaign to support parents to reduce adolescent alcohol use
Authors: Johnston Robyn S. , Stafford Julia , Jongenelis Michelle I. , Shaw Therese , Samsa Hannah , Costello Eleanor , Kirby Gary 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsMass media education campaigns targeting parents may influence parent factors that reduce adolescent drinking; however few such campaigns have been evaluated.Design and MethodsThe Parents, Young People and Alcohol campaign included two phases of mass media advertising, Cogs and I See, to deliver consistent messages across multiple media channels. The campaign targeted Western Australian parents of 12–17 year olds with messages describing alcohol's effect on the developing brain and adolescent physical and mental health. The campaign reinforced the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guideline that for under 18s, not drinking is the safest option. Parent knowledge, attitudes and behaviours were assessed via cross‐sectional surveys administered before the campaign (Time 1) and at two post‐tests (Time 2; Time 3). Post‐test campaign awareness and perceptions were also assessed.ResultsCampaign awareness was high (48% Time 2; 80% Time 3) and over 86% of parents found the campaign believable and relevant at both post‐tests. Increased knowledge of the NHMRC guideline and lower belief in alcohol myths were found at both post‐tests compared to Time 1. Less positive attitudes to parental supply were found at Time 2, but were not sustained at Time 3. Parents were more likely to have discussed alcohol risks and limiting drinking with their child at Time 3, but parent‐to‐child alcohol supply did not change significantly.Discussion and ConclusionsThe campaign achieved high awareness and positively influenced parental outcomes. Longer term campaign implementation supported by policy and environmental measures may be required to change parental supply.
Dewey in His Skivvies: The Trouble with Reconstruction
Authors: McClintock Robbie 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTIn this essay, Robbie McClintock argues that educational theorists have inflated John Dewey's deserved reputation beyond what the quality of his work can sustain. He briefly recounts how Dewey developed a program for reconstruction in philosophy, education, and social life with the aim of overcoming chronic dislocations in social life. McClintock sees two parts to Dewey's reconstruction: a negative program, in which Dewey rejects the metaphysical heritage that had induced these social dislocations; and a positive program, in which he advances scientifically grounded instrumentalities for a more humane conduct of life. McClintock hypothesizes that Dewey's negative reconstruction, based on facile historical reasoning, dismissed historical resources that could have strengthened his positive program to develop a naturalistic humanism, one more instrumental in the art of living. To explain his hypothesis, McClintock selectively shows how, in numerous works, Dewey rejected prior thinking unnecessarily as a means to advance his ideas, focusing in particular on Dewey's dismissive assessment of Immanuel Kant's and G. W. F. Hegel's work. McClintock criticizes Dewey's historical views to encourage present‐day educational thinkers to avoid emulating them and to make full, creative use of the philosophical tradition instead. He closes the essay by suggesting how historical reason can anticipate future possibilities and thus inform present action, and by calling on all to use it in humanizing the lifeworld we share.
Learned and spontaneous magnetosensitive behaviour in the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii)
Authors: Malewski Sandra , Begall Sabine , Burda Hynek 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSensing the geomagnetic field, called magnetoreception, might be a helpful tool for an animal to orientate and navigate in its environment. Although several rodent species are known to be magnetosensitive, detailed insights into this sensory ability are rare and the underlying mechanism in mammals is still unknown. The magnetic sense of the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) expresses a learned behavioural pattern. Here, we report evidence for magnetoreception based on learned cues as well as spontaneous magnetosensitive behaviour in a closely related species, the Roborovski hamster (Phodopus roborovskii), for the first time. The hamsters learned to build their nests in specific magnetic directions (nest‐building assay) and spent spontaneously more time exploring a magnet compared to a sham (magnetic object assay). Furthermore, an influence of weak radio frequency magnetic fields was observed and is discussed with respect to magnetoreception mechanisms.
Citizen science and wildlife biology: Synergies and challenges
Authors: Frigerio Didone , Pipek Pavel , Kimmig Sophia , Winter Silvia , Melzheimer Jörg , Diblíková Lucie , Wachter Bettina , Richter Anett 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCitizen science (CS) has evolved over the past decades as a working method involving interested citizens in scientific research, for example by reporting observations, taking measurements or analysing data. In the past, research on animal behaviour has been benefitting from contributions of citizen scientists mainly in the field of ornithology but the full potential ofCSin ecological and behavioural sciences is surely still untapped. Here, we present case studies that successfully appliedCSto research projects in wildlife biology and discuss potentials and challenges experienced. Our case studies cover a broad range of opportunities: large‐scaleCSprojects with interactive online tools on bird song dialects, engagement of stakeholders as citizen scientists to reduce human–wildlife conflicts, involvement of students of primary and secondary schools inCSprojects as well as collaboration with the media leading to successful recruitment of citizen scientists. Each case study provides a short overview of the scientific questions and how they were approached to showcase the potentials and challenges ofCSin wildlife biology. Based on the experience of the case studies, we highlight howCSmay support research in wildlife biology and emphasise the value of fostering communication inCSto improve recruitment of participants and to facilitate learning and mutual trust among different groups of interest (e.g., researchers, stakeholders, students). We further show how specific training for the participants may be needed to obtain reliable data. We considerCSas a suitable tool to enhance research in wildlife biology through the application of open science procedures (i.e., open access to articles and the data on publicly available repositories) to support transparency and sharing experiences.
Foliar nutrient resorption differs between arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal trees at local and global scales
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Yang , Lü Xiao‐Tao , Hartmann Henrik , Keller Adrienne , Han Xing‐Guo , Trumbore Susan , Phillips Richard P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimTrees associating with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi typically occur in infertile soils and use nutrients more conservatively than arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees. We hypothesized that ECM trees would have greater nutrient resorption (i.e., proportion of nutrients resorbed during leaf senescence) than AM trees.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe synthesized nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption data from 378 species from sub/tropical, temperate and boreal forests, including 43 studies where ECM and AM trees co‐occurred, and conducted a meta‐analysis. Additionally, we quantified N resorption in 45 plots varying in ECM‐AM tree abundances in the temperate deciduous forests of southern Indiana, USA.ResultsOverall, resorption patterns were driven primarily by mycorrhizal type, climate zone, and to a lesser degree, leaf habit. In the boreal forest, P resorption was 76% greater for ECM than AM trees (p < .05). In the sub/tropics, AM trees resorbed 30% more N than ECM trees. At the sites where AM and ECM trees co‐occurred, ECM trees resorbed more N in temperate forests (15% greater; p < .001) whereas AM trees tended to resorb more N in sub/tropical forests (by 29%; p = .08). Besides, deciduous ECM trees resorbed more N (10%) and P (15%) than deciduous AM trees, while evergreen ECM and AM trees did not differ. In the deciduous forests of Indiana, where ECM and AM trees co‐occurred, the relative abundance of ECM trees in a plot was positively correlated to plot‐scale N resorption (R2 = .25, p = .001), indicating greater nutrient conservatism with increasing ECM‐dominance.Main conclusionsOur results indicate that mycorrhizal association – in addition to other factors – is correlated with the degree to which trees recycle nutrients, with the strongest effects occurring for N resorption by temperate deciduous trees.
New insights in reproducing transnational corporate elites: the labour market intermediation of executive search in the pursuit of global talent in Singapore
Authors: BEAVERSTOCK JONATHAN 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this article, I provide new theoretical and empirical insights into the reproduction of transnational corporate elites through the process of people moving between firms’ internal labour markets rather than from expatriation. Theoretically, the article advances understandings of the reproduction of transnational corporate elites by drawing on a pioneering engagement with global talent, transnational elites and labour market intermediary discourses. I generate these new theoretical insights through an original case study of how global executive search firms in Singapore create pipelines for the recruitment of transnational corporate elites between firms’ internal labour markets. The findings also highlight the vital role of Singapore's neoliberal labour market practices, as well as its foreign talent programme to ‘win the war for talent'. By situating this research on the agency of executive search in reproducing Singapore's transnational corporate elite, the article's key contribution is to decentre North American and Western perspectives on the reproduction of knowledge on transnational corporate elites.
Postural control during a transition task in haemophilic children, adolescents and young adults with haemophilic ankle arthropathy
Authors: Deschamps K. , Staes F. , Eerdekens M. , Peerlinck K. , Hermans C. , Vandesande J. , Lobet S. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine whether young haemophilic boys with and without MRI‐based signs of ankle arthropathy demonstrate reduced balance ability during a transition task with eyes open and eyes closed.MethodsThirty‐four haemophilic bodies and 28 typically developing boys aged 6‐20 years participated to this study. Structural integrity of the tarsal foot joints of all haemophilic boys was assessed with MRI. All participants performed a standard transition task from double‐leg stance to single‐leg stance with eyes open and eyes closed. Comparison of balance features derived from the centre of pressure displacement captured by a single force platform was performed between the different haemophilia subgroups and sex‐age‐height matched peers.FindingsThe haemophilic boys without signs of arthropathy presented only a higher intermediate phase velocity during the eyes closed condition (P = .05). The haemophilic boys with signs of arthropathy had significantly higher displacement after the time to new stability point, and 95% Ellipse Sway Area and Balance Area compared to their matched peers during eyes open test (P < .05). Similar findings were observed during the eyes closed test for the displacement after the time to new stability point and 95% Ellipse Sway Area (P < .05). No significant differences were observed between affected and non‐affected side of the unilateral affected patients.InterpretationWe suggest that the pathophysiological cascade associated with chronic bleeding episodes should not be considered as a “simple” musculoskeletal injury, hence more as a complex neurophysiological dysfunction which may originate both from unilateral and bilateral deterioration of the musculoskeletal system.
Prospective study of robotic partial nephrectomy for renal cancer in Japan: Comparison with a historical control undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Tanaka Kazushi , Teishima Jun , Takenaka Atsushi , Shiroki Ryoichi , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Hattori Kazunori , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Horie Shigeo , Yoshino Yasushi , Fujisawa Masato 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy compared with those of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1 renal tumors in Japanese centers.MethodsPatients with a T1 renal tumor who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy were eligible for inclusion in the present study. The primary end‐point consisted of three components: a negative surgical margin, no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery and a warm ischemia time ≤25 min. We compared data from these patients with the data from a retrospective study of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy carried out in Japan.ResultsA total of 108 patients were registered in the present study; 105 underwent robotic partial nephrectomy. The proportion of patients who met the primary end‐point was 91.3% (95% confidence interval 84.1–95.9%), which was significantly higher than 23.3% in the historical data. Major complications were seen in 19 patients (18.1%). The mean change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the operated kidney, 180 days postoperatively, was −10.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% confidence interval −12.3–9.4%).ConclusionsRobotic partial nephrectomy for patients with a T1 renal tumor is a safe, feasible and more effective operative method compared with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. It can be anticipated that robotic partial nephrectomy will become more widely used in Japan in the future.