bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Olfactory receptor neuronal dendrites become mostly intra‐sustentacularly enwrapped upon maturity
Authors: Liang Fengyi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe mammalian olfactory epithelium (OE) sustains persistent neurogenesis even in the adult. Sustentacular cells therein play both epithelial and neuroglial roles, although their relation with olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) and their function in ORN maturation remain insufficiently understood. Sustentacular wrapping of ORN dendrites has been long known but always considered a minor presence, as opposed to the supposedly unwrapped majority of ORN dendrites at inter‐sustentacular borderlines. Using immunofluorescence, confocal and immuno‐electron microscopy, the current study examined cytoarchitectonic organization and maturation of ORN dendrites at the rat OE apical layer. Contrary to common belief, the observations here on tangential histological sections of the OE apical junctional belt layer showed on average 53.93% sustentacular cell‐enwrapped, 18.46% partially wrapped (in the vertical grooves on the sides of sustentacular apices) and 27.61% unwrapped ORN dendrites (at the borderlines between sustentacular cells). The enwrapped dendrites were found within the confines of sustentacular apices but linked to the sides of the latter each by a mesentery (mesodendrite) of sustentacular plasma membranes and autotypic cell junctions. Up to six dendrites were seen in one sustentacular apical process. As marked by high and low immunoreactivity for class III beta‐tubulin, respectively, immature and mature ORN dendrites accounted on average for 12.46 and 87.54% of the total ORN dendrites at the OE apical layer. By correlative analysis of the maturity level and wrapping status, most immature ORN dendrites were found unwrapped (immature unwrapped = 9.71% of the total dendrites), and practically no immature dendrites appeared enwrapped. In contrast, mature ORN dendrites comprised all the enwrapped (mature enwrapped = 53.93% of the total), most of the partially wrapped (mature partially wrapped = 15.71% of the total) and a portion of the unwrapped ORN dendrites (mature unwrapped = 17.9% of the total dendrites). Based on the current findings and previous data by other researchers, it is concluded that immature ORN dendrites emerge vertically from the OE apical surface between sustentacular cell apices. A large majority of the newly emerged dendrites then undergo sideways migration, sustentacular enwrapment and further maturation. Only a small minority of the newly emerged dendrites reach maturity and remain unwrapped. These divergent maturational courses imply structural or functional differences between the enwrapped and unwrapped mature ORN dendrites.
Labour commodification, differentiation, and marginalization of the peasantry in Sella Limba (Sierra Leone) from 1950 to the present
Authors: Palliere Augustin , Paul Jean‐Luc , Cochet Hubert 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn Sierra Leone, migration to diamond fields and the development of cash crops have contributed to the increasing integration of the peasantry in the national and global economy. Based on the study of a small northern chiefdom, Sella Limba, we describe how the labour commodification have led to the perversion of “traditional” social relations based on anteriority, and to the break‐up of large domestic groups into smaller, more precarious ones. At the same time, manual agriculture has been marginalized by massive cheap rice imports and remained very low in capital intensity. In this context, we show how low labour productivity curtails opportunities for long‐term social and economic differentiation. Farmers combine “modern” and “traditional” social relations, developing hybrid accumulation strategies that are sometimes close to mere survival.
Clinical and immunohistochemical comparative study of the efficacy of carboxytherapy vs platelet‐rich plasma in treatment of stretch marks
Authors: Hodeib Abeer A , Hassan Ghada F R , Ragab Marwa N M , Hasby Eiman A 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundStriae distensae are dermal scars with a linear atrophic depression. The exact origin of striae distensae remains unrevealed, but low expression of collagen and fibronectin genes in the affected tissue was found. Several treatment modalities have been proposed, yet no consistent modality is available.Aim of the workTo evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of carboxytherapy vs platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in treatment of stretch marks.Patients and methodsThis study included 20 patients with striae alba. Every patient received treatment in the form of PRP injection in their right side (group A) and carboxytherapy session in their left side (group B) every 3‐4 weeks for 4 sessions. Skin biopsies were taken before and after treatment, and they were subjected to fibronectin immunohistochemical stain.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in striae alba in both groups after than before treatment. There was no significant difference between both groups as regards either percentage of improvement, response (grading scale), or patient satisfaction. The fibronectin‐stained area was significantly higher in both groups after than before treatment, and it was significantly higher after treatment in group (B) than group (A).ConclusionsBoth methods were safe and effective with minimal side effects. There was no significant difference between both methods of treatments. This was confirmed histopathologically by fibronectin expression which is found to be low in striae and increased significantly after treatment. But fibronectin expression was higher in group (B) than (A).
Comparative evaluation of skin moisture after topical application of 10% and 30% lactobionic acid
Authors: Algiert‐Zielińska Barbara , Mucha Paulina , Rotsztejn Helena 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundDry skin is characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, excessive exfoliation. These symptoms cause discomfort and contribute to secondary bacterial infections. Dry skin treatments are based on topical applications of various formulations. Among many of them are polyhydroxy acids, which recently gained more attention.AimsThe aim of this study was a comparative assessment of hydration level (corneometric) after application of lactobionic acid (LA) in the form of peel at concentrations of 10% and 30%.Material and MethodsThe study involved 10 Caucasian individuals aged 26‐73 years. Eight treatments were performed at weekly intervals. The peels were applied using the “Split face” method—on the left side of the face 10% LA, and the right side 30% LA which consisted of specified concentration of LA, deionized water, xanthan gum, ethoxydiglycol. The test subjects received a 5% LA cream for overnight use. The cream consisted of deionized water, LA, isopropyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate, methylparaben. The products for this study were provided by Grehen Ltd. Celestynów, Poland. Prior to each procedure, the skin hydration level was measured using Corneometer CM 825 from Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH.ResultsThere was a statistically significant improvement in hydration level after 8 treatments for all measuring points and both concentrations. The difference of the skin hydration level between 10% LA and 30% LA could not be determined.ConclusionsLactobionic acid is a highly moisturizing agent. There was no significant difference in moisturizing effect between 10% LA concentration and 30% LA concentration.
Effectiveness and quality of life 10 years after transobturator suburethral tape surgery for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Celada Paula , Cañete Patricia , Ortiz Murillo Ester , Tarín Juan J. , Cano Antonio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to measure the effectiveness and quality of life (QoL) 10 years after transobturator suburethral tape surgery.MethodsWe carried out a prospective observational study of 42 women assessed 10 years after surgical intervention with the transobturator technique. The main outcome measures were subjective and objective cure or improvement, complications, and changes in QoL.ResultsThe median abdominal leak point pressure had been 92 (82–113) mL H2O prior to surgery. Thirty‐six women (85.7%) remained cured (negative cough test) and 13 (31%) reported urine leakage during physical activity, percentages which were similar to those at a previous assessment at the 5th year. Urgency urinary incontinence was reported by 18 women (42.9%), 16 of whom required the use of anticholinergic drugs. Nineteen women had undergone some form of surgical pelvic reconstruction concomitantly with the TOT procedure, four of whom presented with relapse. The QoL tests indicated that cure and improvement persisted in 85.7% (n = 36, Urogenital Distress Inventory‐6) and 92.9% (n = 39, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire‐7) of the 42 evaluable women, respectively.ConclusionRates of objective and subjective effectiveness remained stable after 10 years of surgery and QoL did not deteriorate significantly during that interval. The increase in urgency incontinence needs to be further investigated.
Involvement of immune cells in the pathogenesis of endometriosis
Authors: Izumi Gentaro , Koga Kaori , Takamura Masashi , Makabe Tomoko , Satake Erina , Takeuchi Arisa , Taguchi Ayumi , Urata Yoko , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEndometriosis is characterized by the implantation and growth of endometriotic tissues outside the uterus. It is widely accepted the theory that endometriosis is caused by the implantation of endometrial tissue from retrograde menstruation; however, retrograde menstruation occurs in almost all women and other factors are required for the establishment of endometriosis, such as cell survival, cell invasion, angiogenesis, and cell growth. Immune factors in the local environment may, therefore, contribute to the formation and progression of endometriosis. Current evidence supports the involvement of immune cells in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Peritoneal neutrophils and macrophages secrete biochemical factors that help endometriotic cell growth and invasion, and angiogenesis. Peritoneal macrophages and NK cells in endometriosis have limited capability of eliminating endometrial cells in the peritoneal cavity. An imbalance of T cell subsets leads to aberrant cytokine secretions and inflammation that results in the growth of endometriosis lesions. It is still uncertain whether these immune cells have a role in the initial cause and/or stimulate actions that enhance disease; however, in either case, modulating the actions of these cells may prevent initiation or disease progression. Further studies are needed to deepen the understanding of the pathology of endometriosis and to develop novel management approaches of benefit to women suffering from this disease.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the associations between maternal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and preterm delivery
Authors: Fang Qiwen , Jiang Yixuan , Liu Zhenqiu , Zhang Zhijie , Zhang Tiejun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo date, reported associations between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and preterm delivery are conflicting. The present meta‐analysis summarized the existing evidence and evaluated these associations.MethodsEligible studies were retrieved from Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and the Cochrane Library. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) within five genetic models using either random‐effects or fixed‐effects models dependent on study heterogeneity. Potential publication bias was assessed using a Begg’s test. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of the results.ResultsThirteen studies involving 4816 mothers who experienced preterm delivery and 34 506 normal controls were finally included. Significant associations between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the risk of preterm delivery were detected overall (ORT/C = 1.34, 95% CI 1.12–1.61; ORTT/CC = 1.60, 95% CI 1.21–2.11; ORCT/CC = 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.65; ORTT/(CC + CT) = 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.78; OR(TT + CT)/CC = 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.66) and in an Asian population (ORT/C = 1.80, 95% CI 1.24–2.62; ORTT/CC = 2.13, 95% CI 1.27–3.57; ORCT/CC = 1.93, 95% CI 1.37–2.71; OR(TT + CT)/CC = 2.03, 95% CI 1.49–2.77). Negative associations of the A1298C polymorphism were only observed among Asian pregnant women (ORC/A = 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.88; ORCC/AA = 0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.53; ORCC/(AA + AC) = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.57; OR(CC + AC)/AA = 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.94).Conclusions
MTHFR 677 T may play a significant role in regard to the risk of preterm delivery, especially in the Asian population.
Prediction of histological chorioamnionitis and neonatal and infantile outcomes using procalcitonin in the umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid at birth
Authors: Horinouchi Takashi , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Kozuma Yutaka , Shinagawa Takaaki , Muto Megumi , Yamasaki Tsuyoshi , Hori Daizo , Ushijima Kimio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to clarify the usefulness of procalcitonin (PCT) in the evaluation of histological chorioamnionitis (CAM) and in the prediction of neonatal and infantile outcomes as a reference of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6).MethodsSubjects were 36 singleton pregnant women delivered at 22–37 weeks’ gestation due to threatened premature delivery and/or preterm premature rupture of membranes. Cases were classified into the CAM and non‐CAM groups, according to Blanc's criteria. Comparisons were made on umbilical venous and amniotic fluid PCT levels among the groups. The relations between umbilical venous PCT and IL‐6 levels and neonatal and infantile outcomes were also analyzed.ResultsThe umbilical venous PCT level in the CAM group (240.2 pg/mL, 125.4–350.3 pg/mL: median, first quartile–third quartile) was higher than that in the non‐CAM group (105.1, 50.2–137.5 pg/mL; P = 0.0006). There were no differences in the amniotic fluid PCT levels between the groups. There was a strong correlation between umbilical venous PCT and IL‐6 levels (correlation coefficient: 0.793). Among 10 cases with an umbilical venous PCT level of ≥170.0 pg/mL and six cases with IL‐6 ≥ 11.0 pg/mL, six (60.0%) and five cases (83.3%), respectively, had adverse neonatal and infantile outcomes. Among seven cases with adverse neonatal and infantile outcomes, six (85.7%) and five (71.4%) cases showed umbilical venous PCT levels of ≥170.0 pg/mL and IL‐6 levels of ≥11.0 pg/mL, respectively.ConclusionSimilar to IL‐6, the umbilical venous PCT level is a promising parameter for predicting histological CAM and adverse neonatal and infantile outcomes related to in utero inflammatory status.
English and discourses of commodification among tourism workers in the Himalayas
Authors: Sharma Bal Krishna 
Published: January 2018

In this article, I investigate commodification discourses and ideologies of English from the perspective of Nepali tourism workers. Drawing data from interviews with porters and trekking guides in Nepal, I argue that English is not seen as merely a transactional means to convey meaning; it works in combination with the traditional form of labor and care in the local economy, establishing itself as a powerful tool to establish closer interpersonal relationships, enhance such interpersonal relationships for economic gains and commodify local identities and cultures in the tourism market. The interview and ethnographic details show that language learners are agentive and capable of making sense of their actions by positioning themselves variously in terms of ethnicity, economic class and job category. These workers think that tourists' linguistic and financial resources are the empowering tools that enable them to travel to locations that they want. They also want to empower themselves with English skills and translocal imaginaries to travel and see the world beyond their immediate reach. Repertoires in English are considered as instruments to mediate their imaginaries and the foreign worlds they want to be part of.
Historical biogeography of Melicope (Rutaceae) and its close relatives with a special emphasis on Pacific dispersals
Authors: Appelhans Marc S. , Wen Jun , Duretto Marco , Crayn Darren , Wagner Warren L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe genus Melicope (Rutaceae) occurs on most Pacific archipelagos and is perfectly suited to study Pacific biogeography. The main goal was to infer the age, geographic origin and colonization patterns of Melicope and its relatives. We sequenced three nuclear and two plastid markers for 332 specimens that represent 164 species in 16 genera of Rutaceae. Phylogenetic reconstruction, molecular dating, ancestral area reconstruction and diversification analyses were carried out. The two main clades (Acronychia‐Melicope and Euodia) originated in Australasia and their crown ages are dated to the Miocene. Diversification rates differed among the subclades and were lowest in the Euodia lineage and highest in the Hawaiian Melicope lineage. The Malagasy and Mascarene species form a clade, which split from its SE Asian relatives in the Pliocene/Pleistocene. At least eight colonizations to the Pacific islands occurred. The timing of all colonizations except for the Hawaiian group is congruent with age of the island ages. Australia, New Guinea and New Caledonia have been the source of colonizations into the Pacific islands in the Melicope clade. Melicope shows high dispersability and has colonized remote archipelagos such as the Austral and Marquesas Islands each twice. Colonization of islands of the Hawaiian‐Emperor seamount chain likely predates the ages of the current main islands, and the initial colonization to Kaua'i occurred after the splitting of the Hawaiian lineage into two subclades. Wider ecological niches and adaptations to bird‐dispersal likely account for the much higher species richness in the Acronychia‐Melicope clade compared to the Euodia clade.
Occult HBV infection in HIV‐infected adults and evaluation of pooled NAT for HBV
Authors: Dinesha T. R. , Boobalan J. , Sivamalar S. , Subashini D. , Solomon S. S. , Murugavel K. G. , Balakrishnan P. , Smith D. M. , Saravanan S. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe study aimed to determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection among HIV‐infected persons and to evaluate the use of a pooling strategy to detect occult HBV infection in the setting of HIV infection. Five hundred and two HIV‐positive individuals were tested for HBV, occult HBV and hepatitis C and D with serologic and nucleic acid testing (NAT). We also evaluated a pooled NAT strategy for screening occult HBV infection among the HIV‐positive individuals. The prevalence of HBV infection among HIV‐positive individuals was 32 (6.4%), and occult HBV prevalence was 10%. The pooling HBV NAT had a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 100%, compared to HBV DNA NAT of individual samples. In conclusion, this study found a high prevalence of occult HBV infection among our HIV‐infected population. We also demonstrated that pooled HBV NAT is highly specific, moderately sensitive and cost‐effective. As conventional HBV viral load assays are expensive in resource‐limited settings such as India, pooled HBV DNA NAT might be a good way for detecting occult HBV infection and will reduce HBV‐associated complications.
Understanding and addressing hepatitis C reinfection in the oral direct‐acting antiviral era
Authors: Falade‐Nwulia O. , Sulkowski M. S. , Merkow A. , Latkin C. , Mehta S. H. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe availability of effective, simple, well‐tolerated oral direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C regimens has raised optimism for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination at the population level. HCV reinfection in key populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM) however threatens the achievement of this goal from a patient, provider and population perspective. The goal of this review was to synthesize our current understanding of estimated rates and factors associated with HCV reinfection. This review also proposes interventions to aid understanding of and reduce hepatitis C reinfection among PWID and HIV‐infected MSM in the oral direct‐acting antiviral era.
Phytoplankton as biomonitors: A study of Museum Lake in Government Botanical Garden and Museum, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala India
Authors: Ajayan Anila P. , Ajit Kumar K. G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAn assessment of the pollution status of Museum Lake in the Thiruvananthapuram Botanical Garden and Museum was conducted. Analysis of different community structures of the planktonic taxa in the lake revealed it is organically polluted, attributable to the organic litter from riparian vegetation. A total of 30 most pollution‐tolerant phytoplankton genera and 24 pollution‐tolerant species were identified. Pollution‐tolerant phytoplankton genera in the lake included Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Scenedesmus, Pinnularia, Euglena, Ankistrodesmus, Closterium, Crucigenia, Kirchneriella, Merismopedia and Oscillatoria were some of the phytoplankton pollution tolerant genera whereas, Nitzschia palea, Synedra acus, Scenedesmus quadricauda, Pandorina morum and Trachelomonas volvocina were some of the pollution tolerant species noted. Excessive nutrient loading from the surrounding area is definitely degrading the quality of this urban lake ecosystem. Detailed information regarding the pollution status of a waterbody is very important in this regard, noting it ultimately assists in undertaking proper management of a waterbody. The Palmer Algal Index score for Museum Lake was 37, indicating it is highly organic enriched. The results of different algal indices (e.g. Chlorophycean Index; Nygaard Index) indicated a eutrophic condition for Museum Lake, being attributed to its increased organic enrichment. Canonical correspondence analysis between environmental variables and the microalgal bioindicators also highlighted the influence of the physical and chemical parameters on phytoplankton abundance and distribution in Museum Lake.
Infant and young child feeding in emergencies: Organisational policies and activities during the refugee crisis in Lebanon
Authors: Shaker‐Berbari Linda , Ghattas Hala , Symon Andrew G. , Anderson Annie S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAppropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is key to reducing mortality amongst children aged under 2. Facilitating adherence to recommended IYCF practices during emergencies includes having relevant policies to support breastfeeding and complementary feeding as well as regulating the distribution of breast milk substitutes. In the current crisis, more than 1.2 million Syrian refugees are in Lebanon and it is timely to examine organisational IYCF policies and programmes. One hundred and thirty‐five non‐governmental organisations providing humanitarian aid in Lebanon were invited to participate in an online survey about organisational policies and programmatic activities on IYCF. Responses were obtained from 54 organisations: 29 International Non‐Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and 25 Local Non‐Governmental Organisations (LNGOs). In total, 8 (15%) reported having a written policy on IYCF, but only 1 policy (in draft format) was available for inspection. Twelve (8 INGOs and 4 LNGOs) indicated endorsing an external IYCF policy, but only 6 listed a valid policy. Four organisations (3 INGOs and 1 LNGO) had programme objectives that indicate protection, promotion, and support of IYCF. Three LNGOs reported receiving infant formula donations and 5 organisations (2 INGOs and 3 LNGOs) indicated distributing infant formula; 2 (1 INGO and 1 LNGO) did so in accordance with international and national policies. Few organisations violated IYCF guidance but organisational policies and activities on IYCF are not well established. In order to improve response in the current refugee crisis in Lebanon, there is a need to ensure policies are in place and implemented so that interventions support, promote, and protect IYCF.