bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decidualization of the canine uterus: From early until late gestational in vivo morphological observations, and functional characterization of immortalized canine uterine stromal cell lines
Authors: Graubner FR , Reichler IM , Rahman NA , Payan‐Carreira R , Boos A , Kowalewski MP 
Published: November 2016

ContentsThe apparent lack of classical mechanisms for maternal recognition of pregnancy is one of the most intriguing features of canine reproduction. Consequently, similar levels of circulating luteal steroids are observed in pregnant and non‐pregnant dogs. However, the early pre‐implantation canine embryo locally modulates uterine responses to its presence, facilitating the successful onset of pregnancy. As a part of this interaction, the canine uterus undergoes a species‐specific decidualization. Maternal stroma‐derived decidual cells develop, the only cells of the canine placenta expressing progesterone receptor (PGR). There exists an acute need for an in vitro stable cell line model for canine decidualization. Therefore, herein our goal was to establish, immortalize and characterize such a cell line. We immortalized three monolayer dog uterine stromal (DUS) cell lines by stably transfecting them with SV40Tag oncogene. Cells retained their mesenchymal character for over 30 passages, as evidenced by VIMENTIN staining. Genomic incorporation of the SV40Tag protein was confirmed by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. Cells submitted to a classical in vitro decidualization protocol (N6,2′‐O‐dibutyryladenosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate) revealed upregulated gene levels of selected major decidualization markers (e.g. PRLR, PGR, IGF1, PTGES). Additionally, the basic decidualization capability of PGE2 was demonstrated, revealing increased levels of, for example, PGR and PRLR gene expression, thereby implying its involvement in the progesterone‐dependent decidualization in the canine uterus. In summary, our in vitro model with immortalized DUS cell line could serve as an ideal and unique model to study the underlying molecular and endocrine mechanisms of canine decidualization.
The nuclear and developmental competence of cumulus–oocyte complexes is enhanced by three‐dimensional coculture with conspecific denuded oocytes during in vitro maturation in the domestic cat model
Authors: Morselli MG , Luvoni GC , Comizzoli P 
Published: November 2016

ContentsThe objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of coculture with conspecific cumulus‐denuded oocytes (CDOs) during in vitro maturation in a three‐dimensional system of barium alginate microcapsules on the in vitro embryo development of domestic cat cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). In Experiment I, COCs were cocultured with conspecific CDOs or cultured separately in a 3D system for 24 hr of in vitro maturation, before assessing the meiotic progression. In Experiment II, the in vitro fertilization of COCs and CDOs was carried out with chilled epididymal spermatozoa and the presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro separately for 7 days in 3D microcapsules before assesment of embryonic development. The results showed that the viability was maintained and that meiosis was resumed in the 3D culture system. The presence of CDOs during in vitro maturation improved the meiotic competence of the COCs, since the proportions of telophase I/metaphase II were higher than that in the groups cultured separately. The enrichment of the maturation system by companion oocytes also enhanced the ability of COCs to develop into embryos, and increased the percentages of morula and blastoycst stages. The COCs cocultured with CDOs developed at higher rates than the COCs cultured separately and the CDOs themselves. The beneficial effects of coculture with conspecific CDOs were presumably due to the paracrine action of some secreted factors that enhanced many molecular patterns related to the complex of cumulus oophorous cells. Further investigations to understand how the 3D microenvironment can influence the features of oocytes and embryos are required.
Fertility of Angus cross beef heifers after GnRH treatment on day 23 and timing of insemination in 14‐day CIDR protocol
Authors: Kasimanickam RK , Hall JB , Whittier WD 
Published: November 2016

ContentsThis study compared artificial insemination pregnancy rate (AI‐PR) between 14‐day CIDR‐GnRH‐PGF2α‐GnRH and CIDR‐PGF2α‐GnRH synchronization protocol with two fixed AI times (56 or 72 hr after PGF2α). On day 0, heifers (n = 1311) from nine locations assigned body condition score (BCS: 1, emaciated; 9, obese), reproductive tract score (RTS: 1, immature, acyclic; 5, mature, cyclic) and temperament score (0, calm; and 1, excited) and fitted with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR, 1.38 g of progesterone) insert for 14 days. Within herd, heifers were randomly assigned either to no‐GnRH group (n = 635) or to GnRH group (n = 676), and heifers in GnRH group received 100 μg of GnRH (gonadorelin hydrochloride, IM) on day 23. All heifers received 25 mg of PGF2α (dinoprost, IM) on day 30 and oestrous detection aids at the same time. Heifers were observed for oestrus thrice daily until AI. Within GnRH groups, heifers were randomly assigned to either AI‐56 or AI‐72 groups. Heifers in AI‐56 group (n = 667) were inseminated at 56 hr (day 32 PM), and heifers in AI‐72 group (n = 644) were inseminated at 72 hr (day 33 AM) after PGF2α administration. All heifers were given 100 μg of GnRH concurrently at the time AI. Controlling for BCS (p < .05), RTS (p < .05), oestrous expression (p < .001), temperament (p < .001) and GnRH treatment by time of insemination (p < .001), the AI‐PR differed between GnRH treatment [GnRH (Yes – 60.9% (412/676) vs. No – 55.1% (350/635); p < .05)] and insemination time [AI‐56 – 54.6% (364/667) vs. AI‐72 – 61.8% (398/644); (p < .01)] groups. The GnRH treatment by AI time interaction influenced AI‐PR (GnRH56 – 61.0% (208/341); GnRH72 – 60.9% (204/335); No‐GnRH56 – 47.9% (156/326); No‐GnRH72 – 62.8% (194/309); p < .001). In conclusion, 14‐day CIDR synchronization protocol for FTAI required inclusion of GnRH on day 23 if inseminations were to be performed at 56 hr after PGF2α in order to achieve greater AI‐PR.
Estimation of endogenous levels of osteopontin, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in seminal plasma: Application for fertility assessment in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls
Authors: Kumar P , Saini M , Kumar D , Bharadwaj A , Yadav PS 
Published: November 2016

ContentThis study was attempted to identify subfertile bulls by quantifying the endogenous levels of osteopontin (OPN), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in seminal plasma of buffalo bulls. On the basis of conception rate, buffalo bulls were classified into two groups: high‐fertile (conception rate >50%) and subfertile bulls (conception rate <40%). A total of 100 ejaculates (10 ejaculates from each bull) were collected through artificial vagina method. The concentration ofOPN,TACand catalase (CAT) of high‐fertile bulls was found to be higher (p < .05) than that of subfertile bulls. Further,MDAlevel in seminal plasma was found to be lower (p < .05) in high‐fertile bulls compared with subfertile bulls. The fertility status had no effect on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration in seminal plasma of both the groups. The levels ofOPN(r = .678,p = 0.013) andTAC(r = .648,p = .042) were found to be positively correlated with bull fertility and the level ofMDA(r = −.718,p = .019) was found to be negatively correlated with bull fertility. However, the fertility of bulls was not found to be significantly correlated withSOD,CATand sperm motility. In conclusion, seminalOPN,TACandMDAtended to be more realistic in identification of subfertile bulls from breeding herds.
Hidden Markov Modelling of Sparse Time Series from Non-Volcanic Tremor Observations
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhuang Jiancang , Obara Kazushige , Tsuruoka Hiroshi 
Published: November 2016

SummaryTremor activity has been recently detected in various tectonic areas world wide and is spatially segmented and temporally recurrent. We design a type of hidden Markov models to investigate this phenomenon, where each state represents a distinct segment of tremor sources. A mixture distribution of a Bernoulli variable and a continuous variable is introduced into the hidden Markov model to solve the problem that tremor clusters are very sparse in time. We applied our model to the tremor data from the Tokai region in Japan to identify distinct segments of tremor source regions and the results reveal the spatiotemporal migration pattern among these segments.
Forced Migration and Changing Livelihoods in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Randell Heather 
Published: November 2016

AbstractForced migration due to development projects or environmental change impacts livelihoods, as affected households are faced with new—and often less favorable—environmental, social, and economic conditions. This article examines changing livelihood strategies among a population of rural agricultural households displaced by the Belo Monte Dam in the Brazilian Amazon. Using longitudinal data, I find that many households used compensation payments to concentrate income generation efforts on the most lucrative strategies—cacao and cattle production and business or rental income. Poorer households and those that received the least compensation were more likely to continue relying on agricultural wage labor—a less desirable income source associated with not owning land or with persons needing to supplement income with additional work as a day laborer. Results also indicate that the amount of compensation received by most households was sufficient to enable them to make productive investments beyond attaining replacement land and housing. Many households invested in assets such as agricultural infrastructure, cattle, rental houses, or tractors—all of which directly contribute to future income. Displacement compensation, similar to remittances or conditional cash transfers, can therefore act as an important infusion of capital to promote socioeconomic development and poverty reduction.
Nonphysical effects of exergames on child and adolescent well‐being: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Joronen Katja , Aikasalo Anna , Suvitie Anne 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundExergames have the potential to promote physical activity among children and adolescents. They also have other important benefits, but knowledge about other than the physical effects of exergaming remains thin.AimTo report the findings of a review of ten studies on the nonphysical effects of exergames on child and adolescent well‐being.Data SourcesA broad search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies in CINAHL Ebsco Host, Ovid MEDLINE, Psycinfo ProQuest, Eric ProQuest, Scopus and Cochrane Library. The search timeframe was from January 2004 to April 2015.Review MethodsA comprehensive systematic review without meta‐analysis was conducted on 10 quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods intervention studies. The quality of these studies was assessed following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The data were analysed using a narrative synthesis approach.ResultsExergaming was found to have some positive effects on self‐concept, situational interest and motivation, enjoyment, psychological and social well‐being, symptomatology and different learning experiences. However, two studies reported no effect on self‐efficacy, and one study showed no intervention effect on self‐esteem. The only follow‐up study indicated that the enjoyment effect lasted for a few months.ConclusionMost of the studies reviewed found that exergaming had positive effects. However, more research evidence is still needed. In particular, there is a need for better‐validated instruments and follow‐up research.
Dolomitization, gypsum calcitization and silicification in carbonate–evaporite shallow lacustrine deposits
Authors: Bustillo Mª Angeles , Armenteros Ildefonso , Huerta Pedro 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper describes and interprets the mineral and facies assemblages that occur in carbonate–evaporite shallow lacustrine deposits, considering the importance of the processes pathway (i.e. dolomitization, gypsum calcitization and silicification). The Palaeogene deposits of the Deza Formation (Almazán Basin, central‐northern Spain) are selected as a case study to determine the variety of physicochemical processes taking place in carbonate–evaporite shallow lakes and their resulting diagenetic features. Dolostones are the predominant lithology and are composed mainly of dolomite with variable amounts of secondary calcite (5 to 50%), which mainly mimic lenticular gypsum (pseudomorphs). Five morphological types of dolomite crystal were identified as follows: dolomite tubes, dolomite cylinders, rhombohedral dolomite, spheroidal and quasi‐rhombohedral dolomite, and cocoon‐shaped dolomite. The dolomite cylinders and tubes are interpreted as the dolomitized cells of a widespread microbial community. The sequence of diagenetic processes started with growth of microlenticular interstitial gypsum in a calcareous mud deposited on the playa margin mudflats, and that sometimes included microbial sediments. Immediately following growth of gypsum, dolomite replaced the original calcite (or possibly aragonite) muds, the microbial community and the gypsum. Partial or total replacement of gypsum by dolomite was related mainly to the biomineralization of endolithic microbial communities on gypsum crystals. Later calcitization took place under vadose, subaerial exposure conditions. The development of calcrete in distal alluvial settings favoured the release of silica and subsequent silicification on the playa margin mudflats. Stable isotope compositions of calcite range from −9·02 to −5·83‰ δ13CPDB and −7·10 to 1·22‰ δ18OPDB; for the dolomite, these values vary from −8·93 to −3·96‰ δ13CPDB and −5·53 to 2·4‰ δ18OPDB. Quartz from the cherts has δ18OSMOW values ranging from 27·1 to 31·1‰. Wide variation and relatively high δ18OSMOW values for dolomite indicate evaporitic and closed hydrological conditions; increased influx of meteoric waters reigned during the formation of secondary calcite spar.
Kernel Density Estimation on a Linear Network
Authors: McSwiggan Greg , Baddeley Adrian , Nair Gopalan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper develops a statistically principled approach to kernel density estimation on a network of lines, such as a road network. Existing heuristic techniques are reviewed, and their weaknesses are identified. The correct analogue of the Gaussian kernel is the ‘heat kernel’, the occupation density of Brownian motion on the network. The corresponding kernel estimator satisfies the classical time‐dependent heat equation on the network. This ‘diffusion estimator’ has good statistical properties that follow from the heat equation. It is mathematically similar to an existing heuristic technique, in that both can be expressed as sums over paths in the network. However, the diffusion estimate is an infinite sum, which cannot be evaluated using existing algorithms. Instead, the diffusion estimate can be computed rapidly by numerically solving the time‐dependent heat equation on the network. This also enables bandwidth selection using cross‐validation. The diffusion estimate with automatically selected bandwidth is demonstrated on road accident data.
Screening of living organ donors for endemic infections: Understanding the challenges and benefits of enhanced screening
Authors: Rosen Amanda , Ison Michael G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLiving organ donor candidates are screened for medical and psychosocial contraindications to donation. One important goal of this process is to prevent donor‐derived infectious diseases transmissions. These transmissions are exceptionally rare, but have the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network now requires each recovery hospital to develop a protocol for evaluating living donors for tuberculosis and other geographically defined endemic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative pathogen of Chagas’ disease), Strongyloides stercoralis, and West Nile Virus (WNV), in addition to universal screening for blood‐borne pathogens. Enhanced screening requirements were developed in response to the changing epidemiology and endemicity of these diseases, as well as recent case reports of donor‐derived disease transmission. Living organ donor disease screening presents a number of unique challenges to clinicians and policy‐makers, including deciding which donors to test, which testing modality to use, when to test, and appropriate interpretation of results. This review will analyze the epidemiology of T. cruzi, S. stercoralis, and WNV, the assays available for screening for these diseases, and the subsequent impact on the living organ donor process.
Thalidomide for steroid‐dependent chronic disseminated candidiasis after stem cell transplantation: A case report
Authors: Rammaert Blandine , Candon Sophie , Maunoury Christophe , Bougnoux Marie‐Elisabeth , Jouvion Grégory , Braun Thorsten , Correas Jean‐Michel , Lortholary Olivier 
Published: November 2016

AbstractChronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) is a rare and difficult‐to‐treat invasive fungal disease occurring mainly after prolonged and profound neutropenia. We describe the case of a 59‐year‐old man successfully treated with thalidomide for CDC recurrences after an autologous transplantation. We add evidence of the effectiveness of immunomodulatory drugs to manage inflammatory reconstitution immune syndrome‐related refractory CDC.
Variability of respiratory rate measurements in children suspected with non‐severe pneumonia in north‐east Tanzania
Authors: Muro Florida , Mosha Neema , Hildenwall Helena , Mtei Frank , Harrison Nicole , Schellenberg David , Olomi Raimos , Reyburn Hugh , Todd Jim 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveMeasurement of respiratory rate is an important clinical sign in the diagnosis of pneumonia but suffers from interobserver variation. Here, we assess the use of video recordings as a quality assurance tool that could be useful both in research and in training of staff.MethodsRespiratory rates (RR) were recorded in children aged 2–59 months presenting with cough or difficulty breathing at two busy outpatient clinics in Tanzania. Measurements were repeated at 10‐min intervals in a quiet environment with simultaneous video recordings that were independently reviewed by two paediatricians.ResultsEight hundred and fifty‐nine videos were sent to two paediatricians; 148 (17.2%) were considered unreadable by one or both. For the 711 (82.8%) videos that were readable by both paediatricians, there was perfect agreement for the presence of raised RR with a kappa value (κ) of 0.85 (P < 0.001); and in 476 (66.9%) cases, both paediatricians agreed on the RR within 2 breaths per minute (±2 bpm). A reported illness of 5 days or more was associated with unreadable video recordings (OR = 3.44, CI: 1.5–6.08; P < 0.001). The multilevel model showed that differences between observers accounted for only 13% of the variability in RR.ConclusionVideo recordings are reliable tools for quality assurance of RR measurements in children with suspected pneumonia. Videos with a clear view of respiratory movements may also be useful in training primary healthcare staff.
Drone transportation of blood products
Authors: Amukele Timothy , Ness Paul M. , Tobian Aaron A.R. , Boyd Joan , Street Jeff 
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUNDSmall civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are a novel way to transport small goods. To the best of our knowledge there are no studies examining the impact of drone transport on blood products, describing approaches to maintaining temperature control, or component physical characteristics during drone transport.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSix leukoreduced red blood cell (RBC) and six apheresis platelet (PLT) units were split using sterile techniques. The larger parent RBC and PLT units, as well as six unthawed plasma units frozen within 24 hours of collection (FP24), were placed in a cooler, attached to the drone, and flown for up to 26.5 minutes with temperature logging. Ambient temperatures during the experimental window ranged between −1 and 18°C across 2 days. The difference between the ambient and unit temperatures was approximately 20°C for PLT and FP24 units. After flight, the RBC parent units were centrifuged and visually checked for hemolysis; the PLTs were checked for changes in mean PLT volumes (MPVs), pH, and PLT count; and the frozen air bubbles on the back of the FP24 units were examined for any changes in size or shape, as evidence of thawing.RESULTSThere was no evidence of RBC hemolysis; no significant changes in PLT count, pH, or MPVs; and no changes in the FP24 bubbles. The temperature of all units was maintained during transport and flight.CONCLUSIONThere was no adverse impact of drone transport on RBC, PLT, or FP24 units. These findings suggest that drone transportation systems are a viable option for the transportation of blood products.
Geographic distribution of blood collections in Haiti before and after the 2010 earthquake
Authors: Bjork A. , Jean Baptiste A. E. , Noel E. , Jean Charles N. P. D. , Polo E. , Pitman J. P. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundThe January 2010 Haiti earthquake destroyed the National Blood Transfusion Center and reduced monthly national blood collections by > 46%. Efforts to rapidly scale‐up blood collections outside of the earthquake‐affected region were investigated.Study Design and MethodsBlood collection data for 2004–2014 from Haiti's 10 administrative departments were grouped into four regions: Northern, Central, Port‐au‐Prince and Southern. Analyses compared regional collection totals during the study period.ResultsCollections in Port‐au‐Prince accounted for 52% of Haiti's blood supply in 2009, but fell 96% in February 2010. Haiti subsequently increased blood collections in the North, Central and Southern regions to compensate. By May 2010, national blood collections were only 10·9% lower than in May 2009, with 70% of collections coming from outside of Port‐au‐Prince. By 2013 national collections (27 478 units) had surpassed 2009 levels by 30%, and Port‐au‐Prince collections had recovered (from 11 074 units in 2009 to 11 670 units in 2013).ConclusionHaiti's National Blood Safety Program managed a rapid expansion of collections outside of Port‐au‐Prince following the earthquake. Annual collections exceeded pre‐earthquake levels by 2012 and continued rising annually. Increased regional collections provided a greater share of the national blood supply, reducing dependence on Port‐au‐Prince for collections.
Full‐scale maturation ponds working below a latitude of 43°S in a semiarid area: seasonal performance and removal mechanisms
Authors: Faleschini M. , Esteves J. L. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractStabilisation ponds are the most frequently used wastewater treatment technology in Argentina. This study focuses on the performance of two maturation ponds (MPs) that are part of the full‐scale sewage treatment system of Puerto Madryn. Seventy‐seven shots of surface water were analysed for organic matter, inorganic nitrogen, phytoplankton dynamics and bacterial removal. The system presented a clear evolution with respect to oxygenation and phytoplankton development. The treated wastewater reached values above 8 mg‐O2/L, an important organic matter removal, and this was accompanied by a strong increase in pH.
removal and oxidation, was active even during winter in the MPs, with average concentrations below 10 mg ‐
/L. Bacteriological removal resulted in a liquid that approached the WHO recommendations for unrestricted irrigation. These results show that is possible to generate treated wastewater in stabilisation ponds working in a semiarid and temperate region, with bacterial content and conductivity suitable for irrigation.