bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new species of Parapharyngodon Chatterji, 1933 (Oxyuroidea: Pharyngodonidae), parasitic in Osteocephalus taurinus (Anura: Hylidae) from Brazil
Authors: Santos T.A.P. , Argolo E.G.G. , Santos A.N. , Rodrigues A.R.O. , Gonzaléz C.E. , Santos J.N. , Melo F.T.V. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractParapharyngodon politoedi n. sp. is described here, based on specimens found in the large intestines of Osteocephalus taurinus from the Caxiuanã National Forest, State of Pará, Brazil. The new species is assigned to Parapharyngodon based on the presence of non-embryonated eggs with sub-terminal opercula, when in the ovijector. Parapharyngodon politoedi belongs to a group of species with three pairs of cloacal papillae and differs from its congeners by morphometric aspects, such as the length of the spicule, and the combination of the following morphological characters: ovaries never encircling the oesophagus, tail shape in females, cloacal lips, sharply pointed spicule and presence of genital cone. This is the second species of nematode reported to parasitize O. taurinus and the eleventh species of Parapharyngodon from hylids in the Neotropical region.
Cryptic species and their utilization of indigenous and non-indigenous intermediate hosts in the acanthocephalanPolymorphus minutus sensu lato(Polymorphidae)
Authors: Zittel Maike , Grabner Daniel , Wlecklik Andre , Sures Bernd , Leese Florian , Taraschewski Horst , Weigand Alexander Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe bird-infecting acanthocephalanPolymorphus minutushas been suggested to comprise different lineages or even cryptic species using different intermediate hosts. To clarify this open question, we investigatedPolymorphuscf.minutuscystacanths originating from amphipod intermediate hosts from 27 sites in Germany and France. Parasites and hosts were identified using integrated datasets (COI and/or morphology for hosts and COI + ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 for parasites).Mitochondrial and nuclear data (ITS1) strongly support the existence of three cryptic species inPolymorphuscf.minutus(type 1-3). These three types reveal a high degree of intermediate host specificity, withPolymorphustype 1 only encountered inGammarus fossarumtype B,Polymorphustype 2 inEchinogammarussp. andEchinogammarus berilloni, andPolymorphustype 3 inGammarus pulexandGammarus roeselii. Our results point to a so far neglected cryptic diversity of the genusPolymorphusin Central Europe. Furthermore,Polymorphustype 2 is most likely a non-native parasite in Germany that co-invaded withE. berillonifrom the Mediterranean area. Potentially, type 3 originates from South-East Europe and migrated to Germany byG. roeselii, where it might have capturedG. pulexas an intermediate host. Therefore, our findings can be seen in the context of ecological globalization in terms of the anthropogenic displacement of intermediate hosts and its impact on the genetic divergence of the parasites.
Autonomous weapons systems and changing norms in international relations
Authors: Bode Ingvild , Huelss Hendrik 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAutonomous weapons systems (AWS) are emerging as key technologies of future warfare. So far, academic debate concentrates on the legal-ethical implications of AWS but these do not capture how AWS may shape norms through defining diverging standards of appropriateness in practice. In discussing AWS, the article formulates two critiques on constructivist models of norm emergence: first, constructivist approaches privilege the deliberative over the practical emergence of norms; and second, they overemphasise fundamental norms rather than also accounting for procedural norms, which we introduce in this article. Elaborating on these critiques allows us to respond to a significant gap in research: we examine how standards of procedural appropriateness emerging in the development and usage of AWS often contradict fundamental norms and public legitimacy expectations. Normative content may therefore be shaped procedurally, challenging conventional understandings of how norms are constructed and considered as relevant in International Relations. In this, we outline the contours of a research programme on the relationship of norms and AWS, arguing that AWS can have fundamental normative consequences by setting novel standards of appropriate action in international security policy.
INDUSTRY'S EXPERIENCES WITH THE SCIENTIFIC ADVICE OFFERED BY THE FEDERAL JOINT COMMITTEE WITHIN THE EARLY BENEFIT ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN GERMANY
Authors: Dintsios Charalabos-Markos , Schlenkrich Sara 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Optional scientific advice (SA) for the early benefit assessment of pharmaceuticals is offered by the German decision maker, the Federal Joint Committee (FJC). The aim of this study was to elicit manufacturers’ experiences with the SA procedures offered by the FJC to date.Methods: A preliminary survey on a small sample size was conducted. Subsequently, a questionnaire comprising eight items, which was developed on the basis of that survey, was used. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches.Results: The elicitation, including a sample of 25 percent of the completed advice, highlighted the following, regarding the process as well as to the content shortcomings of the SA procedures from an industrial perspective: inconsistencies, FJC's lack of expertise in conducting clinical trials, partially incomplete answers. and a low willingness of the FJC to engage in dialogue with industry were criticized. On the other hand, the majority of respondents expressed a positive attitude concerning unambiguousness, completeness, traceability, discussion atmosphere, and the protocol of the advice. Early SA, before pivotal trials start, showed a significantly higher completeness compared with late SA with respect to endpoints and study duration. Within 4 years the quality of FJC's propositions on some topics improved significantly.Conclusions: Only a few statistically significant differences were detectable between early versus late SA. A positive trend in industry's perception of the SA can be observed over time. A more active involvement of additional stakeholders and the incorporation of procedural elements from other healthcare systems could improve the quality of the SA offered by the FJC.
Testing the effect of an arbitrary subject pronoun on relative clause comprehension: a study with Hebrew-speaking children
Authors: HAENDLER Yair , ADANI Flavia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have found that Hebrew-speaking children accurately comprehend object relatives (OR) with an embedded non-referential arbitrary subject pronoun (ASP). The facilitation of ORs with embedded pronouns is expected both from a discourse-pragmatics perspective and within a syntax-based locality approach. However, the specific effect of ASP might also be driven by a mismatch in grammatical features between the head noun and the pronoun, or by its relatively undemanding referential properties. We tested these possibilities by comparing ORs whose embedded subject is either ASP, a referential pronoun, or a lexical noun phrase. In all conditions, grammatical features were controlled. In a referent-identification task, the matching features made ORs with embedded pronouns difficult for five-year-olds. Accuracy was particularly low when the embedded pronoun was referential. These results indicate that embedded pronouns do not facilitate ORs across the board, and that the referential properties of pronouns affect OR processing.
Association between TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Xiaochun , Yin Shuzhou , Zhang Youtao , Chen Xu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractToll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is a key member of TLRs, which is crucial in the initial inflammatory response against bacteria. TLR2, is also the initial barrier against bacterial infection and plays an important role in recognising a variety of bacterial lipoproteins. Several studies have been performed to investigate the TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis susceptibility. Unfortunately, the results of previous studies were controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the association. The association between the TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis susceptibility was assessed by odds ratios together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Six studies were enrolled in the present meta-analysis. Overall, no significant association between TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and bacterial meningitis risk were found under allele contrast (A vs. G: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.93–1.43, P = 0.202), recessive genetic model (AA vs. AG/GG: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.90–1.41, P = 0.313). The significant association was found between TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism and pneumococcal meningitis risk under allele contrast (A vs. G: OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.01–2.36, P = 0.046), recessive genetic model (AA vs. AG/GG: OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.03–2.57, P = 0.035). We conclude that TLR2 + 2477G/A polymorphism is not associated with meningococcal meningitis risk but contributes an increased risk of pneumococcal meningitis.
Gentrification in Lagos, 1929–1990
Authors: DAVIES LANRE 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT:Some scholars have argued that the process of gentrification can bring about development, attract businesses and even lower the crime rate in an area. However, no scholars have considered developments in a colonial situation where government policies sometimes produced unintended results, which have subsequently become a permanent feature of those socio-political situations. The experience of colonial Lagos shows that the colonial government policies of town planning and segregation forced the working-class residents of Lagos to the suburbs. As a result, both the population and housing rent of the area were increased with implications for the demography and physical development of metropolitan Lagos.
Existing Approaches to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Education and Training for Health Professionals: Findings from an Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Kako Mayumi , Hammad Karen , Mitani Satoko , Arbon Paul 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis review was conducted to explore the literature to determine the availability, content, and evaluation of existing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education programs for health professionals.MethodsAn integrative review of the international literature describing disaster education for CBRN (2004-2016) was conducted. The following relevant databases were searched: Proquest, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Journals @ OVID, Google Scholar, Medline, and Ichuschi ver. 5 (Japanese database for health professionals). The search terms used were: “disaster,” “chemical,” “biological,” “radiological,” “nuclear,” “CBRN,” “health professional education,” and “method.” The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, “education,” “nursing,” “continuing,” “disasters,” “disaster planning,” and “bioterrorism,” were used wherever possible and appropriate. The retrieved articles were narratively analyzed according to availability, content, and method. The content was thematically analyzed to provide an overview of the core content of the training.ResultsThe literature search identified 619 potentially relevant articles for this study. Duplicates (n=104) were removed and 87 articles were identified for title review. In total, 67 articles were discarded, yielding 20 articles for all-text review, following 11 studies were retained for analysis, including one Japanese study. All articles published in English were from the USA, apart from the two studies located in Japan and Sweden. The most typical content in the selected literature was CBRN theory (n=11), followed by studies based on incident command (n=8), decontamination (n=7), disaster management (n=7), triage (n=7), personal protective equipment (PPE) use (n = 5), and post-training briefing (n=3).ConclusionWhile the CBRN training course requires the participants to gain specific skills and knowledge, proposed training courses should be effectively constructed to include approaches such as scenario-based simulations, depending on the participants’ needs.KakoM, HammadK, MitaniS, ArbonP. Existing approaches to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education and training for health professionals: findings from an integrative literature review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):182–190.
Developing Public Health Initiatives through Understanding Motivations of the Audience at Mass-Gathering Events
Authors: Hutton Alison , Ranse Jamie , Munn Matthew Brendan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis report identifies what is known about audience motivations at three different mass-gathering events: outdoor music festivals, religious events, and sporting events. In light of these motivations, the paper discusses how these can be harnessed by the event organizer and Emergency Medical Services. Lastly, motivations tell what kinds of interventions can be used to achieve an understanding of audience characteristics and the opportunity to develop tailor-made programs to maximize safety and make long-lasting public health interventions to a particular “cohort” or event population. A lot of these will depend on what the risks/hazards are with the particular populations in order to “target” them with public health interventions. Audience motivations tell the event organizer and Emergency Medical Services about the types of behaviors they should expect from the audience and how this may affect their health while at the event. Through these understandings, health promotion and event safety messages can be developed for a particular type of mass-gathering event based on the likely composition of the audience in attendance. Health promotion and providing public information should be at the core of any mass-gathering event to minimize public health risk and to provide opportunities for the promotion of healthy behaviors in the local population. Audience motivations are a key element to identify and agree on what public health information is needed for the event audience. A more developed understanding of audience behavior provides critical information for event planners, event risk managers, and Emergency Medical Services personnel to better predict and plan to minimize risk and reduce patient presentations at events. Mass-gathering event organizers and designers intend their events to be positive experiences and to have meaning for those who attend. Therefore, continual vigilance to improve public health effectiveness and efficiency can become best practice at events. Through understanding the motivations of the audience, event planners and designers, event risk managers, and emergency medical personnel may be better able to understand the motivation of the audience and how this might impact on audience behavior at the event.HuttonA, RanseJ, MunnMB. Developing public health initiatives through understanding motivations of the audience at mass-gathering events. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):191–196.
Inhibition of ATG12-mediated autophagy by miR-214 enhances radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hu J. L. , He G. Y. , Lan X. L. , Zeng Z. C. , Guan J. , Ding Y. , Qian X. L. , Liao W. T. , Ding Y. Q. , Liang L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRadioresistance hampers success in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance could increase patients’ response to irradiation (IR). MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs involved in tumor therapy response to radiation. Here we found that miR-214 was markedly decreased in CRC cell lines and blood of CRC patients after IR exposure. Meanwhile, autophagy was enhanced in irradiated CRC cells. Mechanically, ATG12 was predicted and identified as a direct target of miR-214 by dual luciferase assay, qPCR, and Western blot. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that miR-214 promoted radiosensitivity by inhibiting IR-induced autophagy. Restoration of ATG12 attenuated miR-214-mediated inhibition of cell growth and survival in response to IR. Importantly, miR-214 was highly expressed in radiosensitive CRC specimens and negatively correlated with plasma level of CEA. Moreover, ATG12 and LC3 expressions were increased in radioresistant CRC specimens. Our study elucidates that miR-214 promotes radiosensitivity by inhibition of ATG12-mediated autophagy in CRC. Importantly, miR-214 is a determinant of CRC irradiation response and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in CRC treatment.
Depth matters: effects of precipitation regime on soil microbial activity upon rewetting of a plant-soil system
Authors: Engelhardt Ilonka C , Welty Amy , Blazewicz Steven J , Bru David , Rouard Nadine , Breuil Marie-Christine , Gessler Arthur , Galiano Lucía , Miranda José Carlos , Spor Aymé , Barnard Romain L 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Changes in frequency and amplitude of rain events, that is, precipitation patterns, result in different water conditions with soil depth, and likely affect plant growth and shape plant and soil microbial activity. Here, we used 18O stable isotope probing (SIP) to investigate bacterial and fungal communities that actively grew or not upon rewetting, at three different depths in soil mesocosms previously subjected to frequent or infrequent watering for 12 weeks (equal total water input). Phylogenetic marker genes for bacteria and fungi were sequenced after rewetting, and plant-soil microbial coupling documented by plant 13C-CO2 labeling. Soil depth, rather than precipitation pattern, was most influential in shaping microbial response to rewetting, and had differential effects on active and inactive bacterial and fungal communities. After rewetting, active bacterial communities were less rich, more even and phylogenetically related than the inactive, and reactivated throughout the soil profile. Active fungal communities after rewetting were less abundant and rich than the inactive. The coupling between plants and soil microbes decreased under infrequent watering in the top soil layer. We suggest that differences in fungal and bacterial abundance and relative activity could result in large effects on subsequent soil biogeochemical cycling.
Polycomb protein family member CBX7 regulates intrinsic axon growth and regeneration
Authors: Duan Run-Shan , Tang Gang-Bin , Du Hong-Zhen , Hu Yi-Wen , Liu Pei-Pei , Xu Ya-Jie , Zeng Yu-Qiang , Zhang Shuang-Feng , Wang Rui-Ying , Teng Zhao-Qian , Liu Chang-Mei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNeurons in the central nervous system (CNS) lose their intrinsic ability and fail to regenerate, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, which include PRC1 and PRC2 complexes function as gene repressors and are involved in many biological processes. Here we report that PRC1 components (polycomb chromobox (CBX) 2, 7, and 8) are novel regulators of axon growth and regeneration. Especially, knockdown of CBX7 in either embryonic cortical neurons or adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons enhances their axon growth ability. Two important transcription factors GATA4 and SOX11 are functional downstream targets of CBX7 in controlling axon regeneration. Moreover, knockdown of GATA4 or SOX11 in cultured DRG neurons inhibits axon regeneration response from CBX7 downregulation in DRG neurons. These findings suggest that targeting CBX signaling pathway may be a novel approach for promoting the intrinsic regenerative capacity of damaged CNS neurons.
Light action spectrum on oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in A2E-loaded retinal pigment epithelium cells
Authors: Marie Mélanie , Bigot Karine , Angebault Claire , Barrau Coralie , Gondouin Pauline , Pagan Delphine , Fouquet Stéphane , Villette Thierry , Sahel José-Alain , Lenaers Guy , Picaud Serge 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsBlue light is an identified risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We investigated oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial changes in A2E-loaded retinal pigment epithelium cells under the blue–green part of the solar spectrum that reaches the retina to better understand the mechanisms underlying light-elicited toxicity.ResultsPrimary retinal pigment epithelium cells were loaded with a retinal photosensitizer, AE2, to mimic aging. Using a custom-made illumination device that delivers 10 nm-wide light bands, we demonstrated that A2E-loaded RPE cells generated high levels of both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2•−) when exposed to blue–violet light. In addition, they exhibited perinuclear clustering of mitochondria with a decrease of both their mitochondrial membrane potential and their respiratory activities. The increase of oxidative stress resulted in increased levels of the oxidized form of glutathione and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of the main antioxidant enzymes (SOD2, catalase, and GPX1) also decreased.ConclusionsUsing an innovative illumination device, we measured the precise action spectrum of the oxidative stress mechanisms on A2E-loaded retinal pigment epithelium cells. We defined 415–455 nm blue–violet light, within the solar spectrum reaching the retina, to be the spectral band that generates the highest amount of reactive oxygen species and produces the highest level of mitochondrial dysfunction, explaining its toxic effect. This study further highlights the need to filter these wavelengths from the eyes of AMD patients.
Optimizing Parkinson’s disease diagnosis: the role of a dual nuclear imaging algorithm
Authors: Langston J. William , Wiley Jesse C. , Tagliati Michele 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) currently relies almost exclusively on the clinical judgment of an experienced neurologist, ideally a specialist in movement disorders. However, such clinical diagnosis is often incorrect in a large percentage of patients, particularly in the early stages of the disease. A commercially available, objective and quantitative marker of nigrostriatal neurodegeneration was recently provided by 123-iodine 123I-ioflupane SPECT imaging, which is however unable to differentiate PD from a variety of other parkinsonian syndromes associated with striatal dopamine deficiency. There is evidence to support an algorithm utilizing a dual neuroimaging strategy combining 123I-ioflupane SPECT and the noradrenergic receptor ligand 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), which assesses the post-ganglion peripheral autonomic nervous system. Evolving concepts regarding the synucleinopathy affecting the central and peripheral autonomic nervous systems as part of a multisystem disease are reviewed to sustain such strategy. Data are presented to show how MIBG deficits are a common feature of multisystem Lewy body disease and can be used as a unique feature to distinguish PD from atypical parkinsonisms. We propose that the combination of cardiac (MIBG) and cerebral 123I-ioflupane SPECT could satisfy one of the most significant unmet needs of current PD diagnosis and management, namely the early and accurate diagnosis of patients with typical Lewy body PD. Exemplary case scenarios will be described, highlighting how dual neuroimaging strategy can maximize diagnostic accuracy for patient care, clinical trials, pre-symptomatic PD screening, and special cases provided by specific genetic mutations associated with PD.