bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No ethical divide between China and the West in human embryo research
Authors: Zhai Xiaomei , Ng Vincent , Lie Reidar 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis is a discussion of the reaction to the recent research article publication in the journal Protein & Cell by a group of scientists at Sun Yat‐sen University using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique on editing non‐viable human zygotes. Many commentators condemned the Chinese scientists for overstepping ethical boundaries long accepted in Western countries and accused China of having lax regulations on genomic research in general. We argue that not only did this research follow strict ethical standards and fully comply with current regulations, but China also has a well‐developed regulatory framework governing such research comparable to many developed countries. We see the reactions among Western commentators as a misunderstanding of the current situation and an expression of a lack of willingness to acknowledge China as an equal partner in the international debate about proper limits to the development of new biotechnologies.
Habitat selection by a despotic passerine, the Bell Miner (Manorina melanophrys): When restoring habitat through Lantana (Lantana camara) removal is not enough
Authors: Lambert Kathryn T. A. , Kumar Lalit , Reid Nick , McDonald Paul G. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe Bell Miner (Manorina melanophrys) occurs in logged eucalypt forest in northern NSW with a dense understorey of the invasive Neotropical shrub Lantana (Lantana camara) that is used for nesting. The link between Bell Miners and Lantana is important as the birds aggressively exclude all smaller and similar‐sized birds from their colonies, reducing avian diversity in forest occupied by the species. We monitored the impact of Lantana removal on Bell Miner persistence in several plots in two logged forest sites, along with untreated control plots at one of the sites. Lantana control was successful over 7 years at both sites, with regeneration of native understorey, midstorey and canopy species compensating for the loss of live Lantana cover in the understorey. Bell Miner individuals vacated the treated plots in one site (Creek's Bend) but persisted in the control and treated plots at the second site (Toonumbar National Park). Bell Miner response was correlated with forest structure: birds vacated forest with a sparse understorey (<5 m) but dense midstorey (5–15 m) and canopy (>15 m) at Creek's Bend, but remained at the site with a dense understorey but sparse midstorey and canopy at Toonumbar. We therefore predict that forest restoration that simultaneously reduces Lantana understorey and increases midstorey density will be most successful in reducing the abundance of the despotic Bell Miner and increasing avian diversity in rehabilitated sites.
The effectiveness of short‐term fox control in protecting a seasonally vulnerable species, the Eastern Long‐necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis)
Authors: Robley Alan , Howard Katie , Lindeman Michael , Cameron Rhet , Jardine Andrew , Hiscock David 
Published: January 2016

SummaryReducing predation by introduced predators on seasonally vulnerable prey is of interest to biodiversity and game managers around the world. In Australia, the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a significant predator of freshwater turtle nests, destroying up to 93% of nests. We used a nonrandomized intervention study to assess the effectiveness of a short‐term (3‐week) but broad‐scale baiting operation in reducing the level of nest predation on artificial turtle nests around a complex lake system during a major flooding event in north‐western Victoria. Estimates of fox occupancy declined from 0.58 (0.44–0.70 95% CI) to 0.34 (0.21–0.46 95% CI) following fox control. Modelling of nest‐survival rates indicated there was no significant change in survival rates. Effective short‐term predator control to protect seasonally vulnerable prey is desirable and achievable. Knowledge of underlying predator density, predator–bait encounter and consumption rates, and the optimal duration of short‐term control is needed to reduce the risk to prey.
Enhanced long‐term potentiation in mature rats in a model of epileptic spasms with betamethasone‐priming and postnatal N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate administration
Authors: Tsuji Megumi , Takahashi Yukari , Watabe Ayako M. , Kato Fusao 
Published: January 2016

SummaryObjectivePatients with epileptic spasms are at high risk for learning and memory impairment later in life. We examined whether synaptic plasticity is affected in the adult hippocampus, a structure responsible for learning and memory, using an animal model of epileptic spasms of unknown cause.MethodsWe produced a rat model of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)–induced spasms combined with prenatal betamethasone administration. In 6‐ to 11‐week‐old rats, we evaluated the long‐term potentiation (LTP) and general properties of synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus in brain slices.ResultsThe magnitude of LTP by theta burst stimulation was significantly larger in adult rats with a history of infantile NMDA injections than in control rats and rats that received additional adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) treatment. The frequency of spontaneous excitatory transmission, but not inhibitory transmission, was smaller in adult rats with a history of infantile NMDA injections.SignificanceThis study is the first to provide a basis for the alteration of synaptic plasticity and transmission in a model of epileptic spasms of unknown cause. Postnatal NMDA treatment causing epileptic spasms–like aberrant episodes in the early stage of life in rats has a latent influence on various forms of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Our results provide a novel insight into cognitive impairment that appears later in life in patients with a history of epileptic spasms.
Suspect West Nile virus encephalomyelitis in an imported horse in theUK
Authors: Gonzalez‐Medina S. , Alzola R. , Newton J. R. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThis report describes a suspect case of West Nile virus (WNV) encephalomyelitis, reported for the first time in a horse in theUK. The affected gelding had been imported from the Republic of Cyprus and travelled through severalWNVendemic areas in Europe before arriving at the premises in Lincolnshire. Clinical signs included muscle fasciculations, weakness of the hindlimbs and transient lip twitching that quickly progressed to depression and recumbency. West Nile virus specific antibodies were detected by serological tests in the absence of a previous history of vaccination. The horse improved clinically 10 days after the onset of disease and fully recovered in 12 weeks. Follow‐ups at 12 and 20 months post event did not reveal any sequela and the horse was performing adequately at novice level. This article refers to the same horse mentioned by Fookset al.(2014) and it is an extension of the previous published work.
Best Interests of the Special Needs Child: Mandating Consideration of the Child's Mental Health
Authors: Mermelstein Hindi , Rosen Jamie A. , Reinach Wolf Carolyn 
Published: January 2016

There has been a considerable increase in the number of separation and divorce cases in family court involving special needs children. However, most states do not consider the mental and physical health needs of the child in determining what is in the best interests of the child. The special needs of the child due to a mental illness or behavioral disorder must be a statutorily required factor when a court makes a custody decision and/or designs a parenting plan under the “best interests of the child” standard.

Practitioner's Key Points:
The existence of a mental illness or behavioral disorder in a child presents unique challenges to the family court in determining custody and designing a parenting plan.
Commonly recommended parenting plans may not be appropriate for a special needs child, especially when that child will require parental involvement beyond age eighteen.
The special needs of the child due to a mental illness or behavioral disorder must be a statutorily required factor when a court makes a custody decision and/or designs a parenting plan under the “best interests of the child” standard.
Family court judges can consult with clinical experts to adequately understand the child's needs and address them in the custody decision and parenting plan.
Inheriting Your Mother's Eyes, Hair, and Drug Addiction: Protecting The Drug‐Exposed Newborn By Criminalizing Pregnant Drug USE
Authors: Gaspari Alexana 
Published: January 2016

Despite the absence of statutory criminalization of drug use during pregnancy in the majority of states, states are increasingly recognizing that drug abuse is a massive economic and social problem. Tennessee is the first state to implement a statute that specifically addresses the issue of pregnant drug users by criminalizing those whose use harms their child. Because drug abuse may involve addiction in many cases, the statute provides a defense to those who take reasonable steps to seek help and get clean before the child is born. This Note examines the criminal aspect and impact of drug use during pregnancy and proposes that each state adopt the Tennessee statue, while ensuring pregnant mothers access to drug treatment and assessment through drug courts. Drug use is illegal and drug use during pregnancy should be criminalized as well.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:
The impact of drug abuse during pregnancy causes unhealthy babies, which creates a financial and social burden on the state.
Drug use during pregnancy is associated with many risks including mortality, low birth weight, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.
The goal of incentivizing healthy births can be achieved through a specific statute criminalizing drug use during pregnancy.
The Tennessee statute provides an affirmative defense for mothers who are actively enrolled in an addiction recovery program before the child is born and successfully complete the program. While still approaching addiction as a disease, this methodology will incentivize pregnant drug users to seek help before birthing an unhealthy child.
Relationships between sarcopenia and household status and locomotive syndrome in a community‐dwelling elderly women in Japan
Authors: Momoki Chika , Habu Daiki , Ogura Juri , Tada Arisa , Hasei Ai , Sakurai Kotone , Watanabe Hatsumi 
Published: January 2016

AimThe aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with sarcopenia in community‐dwelling elderly women in Japan.MethodsA total of 186 women aged over 65 years attending preventive care classes were enrolled in the study. Muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sarcopenia was defined as low muscle mass and low muscle strength in accord with the consensus report of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Data regarding household status (living alone, with a spouse, or with children and/or grandchildren), calf circumference and the presence of locomotive syndrome were obtained, as well as dietary variety score, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence and Mini‐Nutritional Assessment short form, and 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool scores.ResultsSarcopenia was identified in 21.0% of participants. Participants with sarcopenia were older, had a lower body mass index and calf circumference, and were more likely to have locomotive syndrome, and living with children and/or grandchildren. In multivariate analysis, age, body mass index <18.5 and locomotive syndrome were significantly associated with sarcopenia, as were associated living alone (OR 1.69, 95% CI 0.45–6.41), and living with children and/or grandchildren (OR 2.46, 95% CI 0.71–8.54) and dietary variety score ≥9 (OR 4.98, 95% CI 0.97–25.56).ConclusionsAge, body mass index, dietary variety score, locomotive syndrome and household status were associated with sarcopenia. Early interventions are required for older adults identified as having a higher risk of sarcopenia to prevent its adverse health consequences. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 54–60.
Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary home‐based medication review program in reducing healthcare utilization among older adult Singaporeans
Authors: Ong Kheng Yong , Cheen Mcvin Hua Heng , Chng Joanne Swee Gek , Chen Li Li , Ng Sock Mui , Lim Seng Han , Lim Paik Shia , Chang Wei Terk 
Published: January 2016

AimThe study aimed to: (i) evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary home‐based medication review (HBMR) program in reducing hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits, cost of hospital admissions and length of stay (LOS); and (ii) determine the prevalence of drug‐related problems (DRP) in elderly Singaporeans.MethodsA retrospective observational study was carried out at an academic medical center in Singapore. Patients referred between 1 March 2011 and 31 December 2012 were included. Frequency of hospital admissions and ED visits, cost of hospital admissions, and LOS 6 months before and after HBMR, number of DRP, their categories, and their outcomes (i.e. resolved/ unresolved) were recorded.ResultsThe analysis included 107 patients with a mean (SD) age of 75.6 years (7.6 years). HBMR resulted in a 41% reduction in risk for hospital admissions (Incidence rate ratio 0.59, 95% CI 0.47–0.73, P < 0.001). The same magnitude of reduction was observed for ED visits. The mean (SD) cost of hospital admissions reduced from $16 957.77 ($16 118.35) before HBMR to $7488.76 ($12 773.40) after (P < 0.001). Among 62 patients with hospital admissions before and after HBMR, the mean (SD) LOS decreased from 26.5 days (22.4 days) to 17.6 days (17.8 days; P = 0.010). The team identified 525 DRP from 1353 medications reviewed. Of these, 34 (6.7%) and 174 (34.1%) were resolved with and without physician involvement, respectively. The most common DRP identified were failure to receive drug (n = 163, 31.0%) and untreated indication (n = 140, 26.7%).ConclusionsThe multidisciplinary HBMR program was associated with reduced ED visits, hospital admissions, LOS and costs in older adult Singaporeans with multiple DRP. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 302–307.
Inhibition of blood vessel formation in tumors by IL‐18‐polarized M1 macrophages
Authors: Xing Yanjiang , Tian Yijun , Kurosawa Takamasa , Matsui Sayaka , Touma Maki , Wu Qiong , Sugimoto Kenkichi 
Published: January 2016

We previously showed that interleukin (IL)‐18 produced by NFSA cells induced the M1 type of macrophages in NFSA tumors, caused the destruction of endothelial cells in vitro and may have resulted in the necrosis of NFSA tumors by enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and cytotoxicity. However, the effect of IL‐18 on blood vessel formation in vivo has not been elucidated. MS‐K cells do not express il‐18, and they form tumors with well‐developed blood vessels. Here, we established IL‐18‐over‐expressing MS‐K cell clones (MS‐K‐IL‐18) to address the roles of IL‐18 in angiogenesis. The over‐expression of IL‐18 inhibited the proliferation rate of the MS‐K‐IL‐18 cells in vitro and blood vessel formation in the MS‐K‐IL‐18 tumors. Interestingly, CD14‐positive cells from the MS‐K‐IL‐18 tumor had up‐regulated expression of the M1‐type macrophage marker il‐6 and down‐regulated expression of interferon (ifn)‐γ. Furthermore, FACS analysis showed more accumulation of CD11b+/CD80+ M1 macrophages in the MS‐K‐IL‐18 tumors than in the parental MS‐K tumor. Moreover, an in vitro coculture assay showed that MS‐K‐IL‐18‐conditioned medium (CM) stimulated macrophages to induce the apoptosis of endothelial cells. Cumulatively, our data showed that IL‐18 inhibited tumor blood vessel formation in vivo.
Synergistic Antimicrobial Effects of Organic Acids in Combination with Carvacrol Against Shigella Sonnei
Authors: Chai Changhoon , Lee Soyeon , Kim Jinhee , Oh Se‐Wook 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of organic acids, carvacrol and their combination against Shigella sonnei. Shigella sonnei at a density of approximately 7.4 log cfu/mL in tryptic soy broth (TSB) was barely inactivated by 0.5% w/v acetic or citric acid; however, the number of S. sonnei were reduced to 4.53 and 3.25 log cfu/mL by 0.5% w/v malic and lactic acid, respectively, after the treatment for 9 h. Shigella sonnei was completely inactivated by 0.02 and 0.03% w/v carvacrol within 70 and 20 min, respectively. Furthermore, the treatment with the combination of 0.5% w/v lactic acid and 0.02% w/v carvacrol completely inactivate S. sonnei at 6.52 log cfu/mL in TSB within 10 min. The number of S. sonnei inactivated by the combination was greater than the sum of those inactivated by 0.5% w/v lactic acid and 0.02% w/v carvacrol, indicating the synergistic effect of the combination.Practical ApplicationsThe synergistic inactivation against Shigella sonnei by the combination of an organic acid and carvacrol demonstrated in this study is directly applicable to fresh food processing, and these findings could be useful for the development of new means to keep food safety from S. sonnei infection.
Immune dysregulation mediated by the oral microbiome: potential link to chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis
Authors: Slocum C. , Kramer C. , Genco C. A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disorder characterized by the progressive formation of plaque in coronary arteries, termed atherosclerosis. It is a multifactorial disease that is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although a number of risk factors have been associated with disease progression, the underlying inflammatory mechanisms contributing to atherosclerosis remain to be fully delineated. Within the last decade, the potential role for infection in inflammatory plaque progression has received considerable interest. Microbial pathogens associated with periodontal disease have been of particular interest due to the high levels of bacteremia that are observed after routine dental procedures and every day oral activities, such as tooth brushing. Here, we explore the potential mechanisms that may explain how periodontal pathogens either directly or indirectly elicit immune dysregulation and consequently progressive inflammation manifested as atherosclerosis. Periodontal pathogens have been shown to contribute directly to atherosclerosis by disrupting endothelial cell function, one of the earliest indicators of cardiovascular disease. Oral infection is thought to indirectly induce elevated production of inflammatory mediators in the systemic circulation. Recently, a number of studies have been conducted focusing on how disruption of the gut microbiome influences the systemic production of proinflammatory cytokines and consequently exacerbation of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. It is clear that the immune mechanisms leading to atherosclerotic plaque progression, by oral infection, are complex. Understanding the immune pathways leading to disease progression is essential for the future development of anti‐inflammatory therapies for this chronic disease.
Travel distances by Wisconsin Medicaid enrollees who visit emergency departments for dental care
Authors: Okunseri Christopher , Vanevenhoven Rabeea , Chelius Thomas , Beyer Kirsten M. M. , Okunseri Elaye , Lobb William K. , Szabo Aniko 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesPrior studies document increased numbers of nontraumatic dental condition (NTDC) visits to U.S. emergency departments (EDs). However, the influence of travel distance on ED use for NTDCs, particularly for Medicaid enrollees has hitherto received little attention. The authors examined the effect of travel distance on Wisconsin Medicaid enrollees’ NTDC visits to EDs after adjustment for covariates.MethodsNTDC‐related visits claims data for Wisconsin Medicaid (2001‐2009) was analyzed. For each enrollee, travel distance to the nearest of 130 EDs in Wisconsin was determined. The number of NTDC visits per person‐year was aggregated by ZIP+4 of residence. Negative binomial regression adjusting for the expected number of visits based on race, sex, age of the residents and calendar year was used to evaluate the effect of travel distance, urbanicity, and dentist‐population ratio on rate of visits.ResultsEnrollees residing in rural counties, entire dental health professional shortage areas, areas with dentist population ratios >20,000: 1 and non‐Hispanic Whites travelled the furthest, compared to nearest mean ED distance of 2.9 miles. Enrollees residing 3 miles away or further had significantly lower rates of NTDC visits to EDs.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that distance is a barrier to making NTDC‐related visits to EDs. Rates of NTDC visits decreased as travel distance to the nearest ED increased for Medicaid enrollees.
Fossil leaves of Populus from the Middle Miocene of Yunnan, SW China
Authors: Liang Xiao‐Qing , Ferguson David K. , Su Tao , Zhou Zhe‐Kun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractToday southern Yunnan, SW China, has a tropical or subtropical climate and seasonal rainforests. In the past, some temperate elements were also present. In this paper, a new species of Populus is reported from the Middle Miocene deposits in Zhenyuan. Its leaves are ovate or ovate‐suborbicular, with serrate margins. They have a shallowly cordate to cuneate base without glands, short acuminate apex, and salicoid teeth with spherical glands. The veins are glabrous but unicellular hair bases occur on the lower epidermis of the lamina. Stomata are confined to the lower epidermis. The presence of Populus in the Middle Miocene of the region indicates an expansion of the genus into low‐latitude Asia in the late Cenozoic and a more complicated history of vegetational change in southern Yunnan than has so far been assumed.
The redox control of photorespiration: from biochemical and physiological aspects to biotechnological considerations
Authors: Keech Olivier , Gardeström Per , Kleczkowski Leszek A. , Rouhier Nicolas 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPhotorespiration is a complex and tightly regulated process occurring in photosynthetic organisms. This process can alter the cellular redox balance, notably via the production and consumption of both reducing and oxidizing equivalents. Under certain circumstances, these equivalents, as well as reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, can become prominent in subcellular compartments involved in the photorespiratory process, eventually promoting oxidative post‐translational modifications of proteins. Keeping these changes under tight control should therefore be of primary importance. In order to review the current state of knowledge about the redox control of photorespiration, we primarily performed a careful description of the known and potential redox‐regulated or oxidation sensitive photorespiratory proteins, and examined in more details two interesting cases: the glycerate kinase and the glycine cleavage system. When possible, the potential impact and subsequent physiological regulations associated with these changes have been discussed. In the second part, we reviewed the extent to which photorespiration contributes to cellular redox homeostasis considering, in particular, the set of peripheral enzymes associated with the canonical photorespiratory pathway. Finally, some recent biotechnological strategies to circumvent photorespiration for future growth improvements are discussed in the light of these redox regulations.