bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic sex chromosomes in Old World chameleons (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae)
Authors: Nielsen S. V. , Banks J. L. , Diaz R. E. , Trainor P. A. , Gamble T. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMuch of our current state of knowledge concerning sex chromosome evolution is based on a handful of ‘exceptional’ taxa with heteromorphic sex chromosomes. However, classifying the sex chromosome systems of additional species lacking easily identifiable, heteromorphic sex chromosomes is indispensable if we wish to fully understand the genesis, degeneration and turnover of vertebrate sex chromosomes. Squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) are a potential model clade for studying sex chromosome evolution as they exhibit a suite of sex‐determining modes yet most species lack heteromorphic sex chromosomes. Only three (of 203) chameleon species have identified sex chromosome systems (all with female heterogamety, ZZ/ZW). This study uses a recently developed method to identify sex‐specific genetic markers from restriction site‐associated DNA sequence (RADseq) data, which enables the identification of sex chromosome systems in species lacking heteromorphic sex chromosomes. We used RADseq and subsequent PCR validation to identify an XX/XY sex chromosome system in the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), revealing a novel transition in sex chromosome systems within the Chamaeleonidae. The sex‐specific genetic markers identified here will be essential in research focused on sex‐specific, comparative, functional and developmental evolutionary questions, further promoting C. calyptratus’ utility as an emerging model organism.
Diversity and abundance of lepidopteran stem borers and their host plants in Ethiopia
Authors: Goftishu M. , Assefa Y. , Niba A. , Fininsa C. , Le Ru B. P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLepidopteran stem borers are among the most important insect pests of maize, sorghum and sugarcane in sub‐Saharan Africa. Except for Chilo partellus, the other stem borer pests in Ethiopia are indigenous to Africa and are assumed to have coevolved with some native grasses and sedges in the natural habitat. In addition to pest species, natural habitats harbour diverse non‐economic stem borer species, some of which are new to science. However, with the growing threats to natural habitats, some non‐economic stem borer species may switch or expand their host ranges to include cultivated crops and evolve as “new” pests. Besides host switch, some of the unknown species currently limited to natural habitats may disappear. We examined the diversity, abundance and interactions of lepidopteran stem borers and their wild host plants in five different vegetation mosaics in Ethiopia. The stem borer species diversity varied among vegetation mosaics and host plants. Forty‐four stem borer species belonging to 14 different genera in the families of Noctuidae, Crambidae, Pyralidae and Tortricidae were recorded from 34 wild host plants and through light trap. Among these families, Noctuidae was the highest in species richness in which 31 species were identified, out of which 15 species and two genera were new to science. This paper discusses the ecological interpretation of host plant–stem borer species interactions, particularly in relation to habitat disturbances.
Urinary incontinence type, symptoms, and quality of life: A comparison between grand multipara and non‐grand multipara women aged ≥50 years
Authors: Shlain Iris , Lavy Yuval , Arbel Revital , Shveiky David , Woloski Wruble Anna , Liebergall‐Wischnitzer Michal 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimParity and age are risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI). The aim of this study was to compare grand multipara women (GMP) to non‐grand multipara (NGMP) women concerning UI types (stress urinary incontinence [SUI], urge urinary incontinence [UUI]), symptoms, and quality of life.MethodsThis correlation–comparative study used three tools: a demographic/health questionnaire, Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), and Incontinence Quality of Life (I‐QOL).ResultsThe sample included 132 women, from 50–88 years of age: 65 NGMP women (mean age: 67.23 years) and 67 GMP women (mean age: 65.04 years). The GMP group had a higher score, compared to the NGMP group, for UI type (by QUID) and a lower QOL (by I‐QOL) , with none of the scores found to be statistically significant. By dividing the sample into age groups, 50–59 and ≥60 years, the interaction between the parity and the age groups was found to be significant for both the SUI and UUI.ConclusionThe innovation of this study is the in‐depth insight into the association between parity and age regarding UI type.
Tectonic erosion related to continental subduction: An example from the eastern North Qaidam Mountains,NWChina
Authors: Lu Zenglong , Zhang Jianxin , Mattinson Chris 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTectonic erosion has been commonly recognized in oceanic subduction zones, but evidence of tectonic erosion related to continental subduction is rarely reported. In this contribution, we suggest a tectonic erosion process along the North Qaidam Mountains ofNWChina during the Early Palaeozoic continental subduction. To the north of the North Qaidam ultra‐high pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt, the microcontinental Oulongbuluke Block (OB) is characterized by Precambrian metamorphic basement. New and existing zircon U–Pb data show that the OB underwent Early Palaeoproterozoic (2.4–2.3 Ga) magmatism and Late Palaeoproterozoic (c. 1.9 Ga) high‐grade metamorphic and anatectic events. The North QaidamUHPmetamorphic belt has been considered to result from the northward subduction of the Qaidam continental block consisting mainly of Meso‐Neoproterozoic orthogneiss and paragneiss. However, our new data show some gneisses enclosing eclogites in the eastern North QaidamUHPmetamorphic belt (DulanUHPmetamorphic unit) experienced 2.4–2.3 Ga magmatism and 1.9–1.8 Ga metamorphism, similar to those of the OB, prior to Early PalaeozoicUHPmetamorphism. These data suggest that tectonic erosion occurred during north‐dipping subduction: the Precambrian basement from the upper plate (OB) was transported in the subduction zone to more than 80 km depth, resulting inUHPmetamorphism related to Early Palaeozoic continental subduction prior to their exhumation.
Systemic patterns of trabecular bone across the human and chimpanzee skeleton
Authors: Tsegai Zewdi J. , Skinner Matthew M. , Pahr Dieter H. , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Kivell Tracy L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAspects of trabecular bone architecture are thought to reflect regional loading of the skeleton, and thus differ between primate taxa with different locomotor and postural modes. However, there are several systemic factors that affect bone structure that could contribute to, or be the primary factor determining, interspecific differences in bone structure. These systemic factors include differences in genetic regulation, sensitivity to loading, hormone levels, diet, and activity levels. Improved understanding of inter‐/intraspecific variability, and variability across the skeleton of an individual, is required to interpret properly potential functional signals present within trabecular structure. Using a whole‐region method of analysis, we investigated trabecular structure throughout the skeleton of humans and chimpanzees. Trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), degree of anisotropy (DA) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) were quantified from high resolution micro‐computed tomographic scans of the humeral and femoral head, third metacarpal and third metatarsal head, distal tibia, talus and first thoracic vertebra. We found that BV/TV is, in most anatomical sites, significantly higher in chimpanzees than in humans, suggesting a systemic difference in trabecular structure unrelated to local loading regime. Differences in BV/TV between the forelimb and hindlimb did not clearly reflect differences in locomotor loading in the study taxa. There were no clear systemic differences between the taxa in DA and, as such, this parameter might reflect function and relate to differences in joint loading. This systemic approach reveals both the pattern of variability across the skeleton and between taxa, and helps identify those features of trabecular structure that may relate to joint function.
Effectiveness of a patient education plan on knowledge of post‐op venous thromboembolism survival skills
Authors: Green Julie , Bernhofer Esther I 
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the effectiveness of a multimethod venous thromboembolism prevention patient education plan on participants' knowledge retention.BackgroundA potential complication of surgery requiring general anaesthesia, worldwide, is the development of life‐threatening venous thromboembolism. Patients need education on preventing, recognising and immediately responding to a suspected thromboembolism. Written instructional materials given to patients at discharge may be inadequate.DesignA randomised controlled trial.MethodsSetting was multiple general surgery units at a large Midwestern United States academic medical centre. Sample included patients recovering from surgery with general anaesthesia: (N = 66), 68% female, 34 = experimental, 32 = usual care. Prior to discharge, participants in the experimental group were given a multimethod venous thromboembolism prevention education plan including a video, pamphlet and verbal instruction; control group received usual instructional pamphlet. Both groups received a knowledge test immediately before instruction. Two weeks following discharge, a phone call was made to participants to complete the postinstruction test. The relevant EQUATOR guideline, CONSORT checklist, was used for reporting this study.ConclusionsThere were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, race, length of stay, surgery and history of venous thromboembolism among participants and group or test score results. No statistically significant difference in postinstruction score was found between groups. However, there was a trend in greater perception of importance in all groups and higher knowledge scores in the experimental group, with the percentage of participants in the experimental group answering all questions correctly rising from 38.2% correct to 73.5% correct.Relevance to clinical practiceTeaching patients the importance of knowing venous thromboembolism signs and preventive/survival skills is potentially life‐saving and nurses must know the importance of using the most effective methods for the learning needs of their patients. Further research including different education methods and testing is suggested.
The lived experience of autologous stem cell‐transplanted patients: Post‐transplantation and before discharge
Authors: Alnasser Qasem , Abu Kharmah Salahel Deen , Attia Manal , Aljafari Akram , Agyekum Felicia , Ahmed Falak Aftab 
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore the lived experience of the patients post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and specifically after engraftment and before discharge.BackgroundPatients post‐stem cell transplantation experience significant changes in all life aspects. Previous studies carried out by other researchers focused mainly on the postdischarge experience, where patients reported their perceptions that have always been affected by the life post‐transplantation and influenced by their surroundings. The lived experience of patients, specifically after engraftment and prior to discharge (the “transition” phase), has not been adequately explored in the literature. Doing so might provide greater insight into the cause of change post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.DesignThis study is a phenomenological description of the participants’ perception about their lived experience post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The study used Giorgi's method of analysis.MethodsThrough purposive sampling, 15 post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients were recruited. Data were collected by individual interviews. Data were then analysed based on Giorgi's method of analysis to reveal the meaning of a phenomenon as experienced through the identification of essential themes.ResultsThe analysis process revealed 12 core themes covered by four categories that detailed patients lived experience post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The four categories were general transplant experience, effects of transplantation, factors of stress alleviation and finally life post‐transplantation.ConclusionThis study showed how the haematopoietic stem cell transplantation affected the patients’ physical, psychological and spiritual well‐being. Transplantation also impacted on the patients’ way of thinking and perception of life. Attending to patients’ needs during transplantation might help to alleviate the severity of the effects and therefore improve experience.Relevance to clinical practiceComprehensive information about transplantation needs to be provided over different intervals and at different occasions. The role of the haematopoietic stem cell transplantation coordinators is important, and their communication skills and knowledge were found to be significant in patients’ preparation and decision‐making. As healthcare providers usually attend to only the patients’ physical and psychological needs, spirituality was found to play an important role in maintaining morale and making sense of the meaning of life.
Influence of maternal obesity on fetal growth at different periods of pregnancies with normal glucose tolerance
Authors: Tanaka Kei , Matsushima Miho , Izawa Tomoko , Furukawa Seishi , Kobayashi Yoichi , Iwashita Mitsutoshi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimWe aimed to examine the influence of maternal obesity on fetal growth in utero at different periods of pregnancies with normal glucose tolerance.MethodsA retrospective cohort study on 356 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance was conducted. The women were categorized by pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) as obese (OB; BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) or non‐obese (n‐OB). Z‐scores of the fetal abdominal circumference (AC) and the rate of fetal macrosomia (AC ≥ 90th percentile) at 19, 30, and 36 gestational weeks (GW) were compared between the two groups. Maternal demographics (age, parity, height, pre‐pregnancy BMI, history of prior large‐for‐gestational‐age delivery) were compared between the pregnancies with and without fetal macrosomia at each gestational age. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for fetal macrosomia.ResultsBirthweights of the neonates were significantly higher in the OB group. Z‐scores of the fetal AC were significantly higher in the OB group at 30 and 36 GW, while no significant difference was found at 19 GW. The rates of fetal macrosomia in the OB group were also higher at 30 and 36 GW, while maternal obesity was not associated with fetal macrosomia at 19 GW. Pre‐pregnancy BMI was detected as the independent predictor of fetal macrosomia at 30 GW (odds ratio, 1.19 [95% CI]) and 36 GW (odds ratio, 1.13 [95% CI]).ConclusionMaternal pre‐pregnancy obesity has a promoting effect on fetal growth from the third trimester through birth.
Polyols and UV‐sunscreens in the Prasiola‐clade (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) as metabolites for stress response and chemotaxonomy
Authors: Hotter Vivien , Glaser Karin , Hartmann Anja , Ganzera Markus , Karsten Ulf 
Published: January 2018

In many regions of the world, aeroterrestrial green algae of the Trebouxiophyceae (Chlorophyta) represent very abundant soil microorganisms, and hence their taxonomy is crucial to investigate their physiological performance and ecological importance. Due to a lack in morphological features, taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of Trebouxiophycean algae can be a challenging task. Since chemotaxonomic markers could be a great assistance in this regard, 22 strains of aeroterrestrial Trebouxiophyceae were chemically screened for their polyol‐patterns as well as for mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) in their aqueous extracts using RP‐HPLC and LC‐MS. d‐sorbitol was exclusively detected in members of the Prasiolaceae family. The novel MAA prasiolin and a related compound (“prasiolin‐like”) were present in all investigated members of the Prasiola‐clade, but missing in all other tested Trebouxiophyceae. While prasiolin could only be detected in field material directly after extraction, the “prasiolin‐like” compound present in the other algae was fully converted into prasiolin after 24 h. These findings suggest d‐sorbitol and prasiolin‐like compounds are suitable chemotaxonomic markers for the Prasiolaceae and Prasiola‐clade, respectively. Additional UV‐exposure experiments with selected strains show that MAA formation and accumulation can be induced, supporting their role as UV‐sunscreen.
Quorum‐sensing molecule dihydroxy‐2,3‐pentanedione and its analogs as regulators of epithelial integrity
Authors: Elmanfi S. , Ma X. , Sintim H. O. , Könönen E. , Syrjänen S. , Gursoy U. K. 
Published: January 2018

Background and ObjectiveQuorum‐sensing molecules regulate the behavior of bacteria within biofilms and at the same time elicit an immune response in host tissues. Our aim was to investigate the regulatory role of dihydroxy‐2,3‐pentanedione (DPD), the precursor of universal autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2), and its analogs (ethyl‐DPD, butyl‐DPD and isobutyl‐DPD) in the integrity of gingival epithelial cells.Material and MethodsHuman gingival keratinocytes were incubated with four concentrations (10 μmol L−1, 1 μmol L−1, 100 nmol L−1 and 10 nmol L−1) of DPD and its analogs for 24 hours. The numbers of viable cells were determined using a proliferation kit, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9 activities were determined by gelatin zymography, and expression of occludin protein and occludin mRNA were determined by western blotting and RT‐qPCR, respectively.ResultsIncreased cell proliferation was observed in gingival keratinocytes incubated with 100 nmol L−1 of butyl‐DPD. MMP‐9 activity was elevated in cells incubated with 10 μmol L−1 of ethyl‐DPD. On the other hand, MMP‐2 activity did not show any significant change when gingival keratinocytes were incubated with or without DPD or analogs. Western blot analyses demonstrated five forms (105, 61, 52.2, 44 and 37 kDa) of occludin. Incubation with 1 μmol L−1 and 100 nmol L−1 of DPD and with 10 nmol L−1 of ethyl‐DPD increased dimeric (105 kDa) forms of occludin, while incubation with 100 nmol L−1 of isobutyl‐DPD increased monomeric (61 kDa) forms. DPD and ethyl‐DPD decreased, and 100 nmol L−1 of isobutyl‐DPD and 10 nmol L−1 of butyl‐DPD increased, the monomeric (52.2 kDa and 44 kDa) forms of occludin, whereas ethyl‐DPD decreased and isobutyl‐DPD increased, the low‐molecular‐weight (37 kDa) forms. According to RT‐qPCR analysis, the exposure of gingival keratinocytes to 10 μmol L−1 of isobutyl‐DPD up‐regulated expression of occludin.ConclusionThe results indicate that isobutyl‐DPD has the potential to enhance the integrity of the epithelium by stimulating the formation of occluding, without affecting the proliferation or gelatinolytic enzyme activities of the exposed cells. The modulatory effect of an AI‐2 analog on the epithelial cell response is shown for the first time.
Assessing hepatitis C spontaneous clearance and understanding associated factors—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aisyah D. N. , Shallcross L. , Hully A. J. , O'Brien A. , Hayward A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryNew advances in the treatment of hepatitis C provide high levels of sustained viral response but their expense limits availability in publicly funded health systems. The aim of this review was to estimate the proportion of patients who will spontaneously clear HCV, to identify factors that are associated with clearance and to support better targeting of directly acting antivirals. We searched Ovid EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed from 1 January 1994 to 30 June 2015 for studies reporting hepatitis C spontaneous clearance and/or demographic, clinical and behavioural factors associated with clearance. We undertook meta‐analyses to estimate the odds of clearance for each predictor. Forty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 20 110 individuals, and 6 of these studies included sufficient data to estimate spontaneous clearance. The proportion achieving clearance within 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following infection were, respectively, 19.8% (95% CI: 2.6%‐47.5%), 27.9% (95% CI: 17.2%‐41.8%), 36.1% (95% CI: 23.5%‐50.9%) and 37.1% (95% CI: 23.7%‐52.8%). Individuals who had not spontaneously cleared by 12 months were unlikely to do so. The likelihood of spontaneous clearance was lower in males and individuals with HIV co‐infection, the absence of HBV co‐infection, asymptomatic infection, black or nonindigenous race, nongenotype 1 infection, older age and alcohol or drug problems. This study suggests that patients continue to spontaneously clear HCV for at least 12 months following initial infection. However, injecting drug users are comparatively less likely to achieve clearance; thus, they should be considered a priority for early treatment given the continuing risks that these individuals pose for onwards transmission.
There Is No Place Like Home: Imitation and the Politics of Recognition in Bolivian Obstetric Care
Authors: Morales Gabriela Elisa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article examines how efforts to “culturally adapt” birthing spaces in a rural Bolivian hospital are generating debates among doctors about what constitutes proper obstetric care. Working at the intersection of national and transnational projects, NGOs in Bolivia have remade the birthing rooms of some public health institutions to look more like a home, with the goal of making indigenous women feel more comfortable and encouraging them to come to the clinic to give birth. Yet narratives of transformation also obscure ongoing conditions of racial and gendered inequality in health services. I demonstrate how doctors’ use of culturally adapted technologies enacts shifting affective relations—warm, cold, gentle, harsh—that draws on preoccupations with indigenous culture as a threat to maternal and infant life. In tracing practices of care, I argue that culturally adapted birthing in many ways extends historically rooted practices of doing biomedical work on indigenous bodies.
A systematic review of community‐based interventions for the treatment of adolescents with overweight and obesity
Authors: Moores C. J. , Bell L. K. , Miller J. , Damarell R. A. , Matwiejczyk L. , Miller M. D. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryAdolescent obesity is a risk factor for obesity and other chronic disease in adulthood. Evidence for the effectiveness of community‐based obesity treatment programs for adolescents is required to inform policy and clinical decisions. This systematic review aims to evaluate recent effective and scalable community‐based weight management programs for adolescents (13–17 years) who are overweight or obese. Eight databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Informit, and Scopus) were searched for studies published between January 2011–2 March 2017 which are scalable in a community setting and reported primary outcome measures relating to weight. Following deduplication, 10,074 records were screened by title/abstract with 31 publications describing 21 programs included in this review. Programs were heterogeneous in nature (including length, number and frequency of sessions, parent‐involvement and technology involvement). Reduction in adolescent BMIz ranged from 2 to 9% post‐program and from 2 to 11% after varied lengths of follow‐up. Study quality varied (n = 5 weak; n = 8 moderate; n = 8 high), and findings are limited by the risk of selection and retention bias in the included studies. Factors including the effectiveness and acceptability to the target population must be considered when selecting such community programs.