bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of neuronal vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in Parkinson's disease and chronic constipation
Authors: Giancola F. , Torresan F. , Repossi R. , Bianco F. , Latorre R. , Ioannou A. , Guarino M. , Volta U. , Clavenzani P. , Mazzoni M. , Chiocchetti R. , Bazzoli F. , Travagli R. A. , Sternini C. , De Giorgio R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundChronic constipation (CC) is a common and severe gastrointestinal complaint in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. This study evaluated functionally distinct submucosal neurons in relation to colonic motility and anorectal function in PD patients with constipation (PD/CC) vs both CC and controls.MethodsTwenty‐nine PD/CC and 10 Rome III‐defined CC patients were enrolled. Twenty asymptomatic age‐sex matched subjects served as controls. Colonic transit time measurement and conventional anorectal manometry were evaluated in PD/CC and CC patients. Colonoscopy was performed in all three groups. Colonic submucosal whole mounts from PD/CC, CC, and controls were processed for immunohistochemistry with antibodies for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and peripheral choline acetyltransferase, markers for functionally distinct submucosal neurons. The mRNA expression of VIP and its receptors were also assessed.Key ResultsFour subgroups of PD/CC patients were identified: delayed colonic transit plus altered anorectal manometry (65%); delayed colonic transit (13%); altered manometric pattern (13%); and no transit and manometric impairment (9%). There were no differences in the number of neurons/ganglion between PD/CC vs CC or vs controls. A reduced number of submucosal neurons containing VIP immunoreactivity was found in PD/CC vs controls (P<.05). VIP, VIPR1, and VIPR2 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in PD/CC vs CC and controls (P<.05).Conclusions and InferencesColonic motor and rectal sensory functions are impaired in most PD/CC patients. These abnormalities are associated with a decreased VIP expression in submucosal neurons. Both sensory‐motor abnormalities and neurally mediated motor and secretory mechanisms are likely to contribute to PD/CC pathophysiology.
Communicating with children and families about obesity and weight‐related topics: a scoping review of best practices
Authors: McPherson A. C. , Hamilton J. , Kingsnorth S. , Knibbe T. J. , Peters M. , Swift J. A. , Krog K. , Chen L. , Steinberg A. , Ball G. D. C. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBackgroundHealthcare professionals have called for direction on how best to communicate about weight‐related topics with children and families. Established scoping review methodology was used to answer the question: ‘How can healthcare professionals best communicate with children and their families about obesity and weight‐related topics?’MethodsWe searched four scientific databases, two grey literature repositories and 14 key journals (2005–2016). Inclusion criteria were (i) children up to and including 18 years of age and/or their parents; (ii) communication about healthy weight, overweight, obesity or healthy/active living; and (iii) healthcare setting.ResultsThirty‐two articles were included. Evidence‐based best practices were largely absent from the literature, although the following guiding principles were identified: (i) include all stakeholders in discussions; (ii) raise the topic of weight and health early and regularly; (iii) use strengths‐based language emphasizing health over weight; (iv) use collaborative goal‐setting to engage children and parents and (v) augment discussions with appropriate tools and resources. Guidance on how to implement these principles and how to negotiate relevant contextual factors (e.g. age, culture and disability) is still needed.ConclusionDespite agreement on a number of guiding principles, evidence‐based weight‐related communication best practices are lacking. Rigorous, empirical evaluations of communication approaches are urgently required, especially those that include children's perspectives.
Elevated leukocyte count is associated with periodontitis in Korean adults: the 2012–2014 KNHANES
Authors: Kwon Y‐J , Jeon K‐J , Chung T‐H , Lee Y‐J 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveBoth an elevated leukocyte count and periodontitis share well‐recognized associations with cardiometabolic diseases. This cross‐sectional study aimed to identify whether the leukocyte count is associated with periodontitis in a nationally representative Korean adult population.Materials and MethodsData from 9391 participants (3659 males and 5732 females) enrolled in 2012–2014 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Leukocyte quartiles were categorized as follows: 3000 ≤ Q1 ≤ 4870, 4880 ≤ Q2 ≤5790, 5800 ≤ Q3 ≤ 6840, and 6850 ≤ Q4 ≤ 10000 cells/μl. Periodontitis was defined as scoring greater than or equal to ‘code 3’ in at least one site according to the WHO's Community Periodontal Index. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for periodontitis in each leukocyte count quartile were calculated using multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of periodontitis was directly correlated with increasing leukocyte quartiles: 19%, 20.4%, 24.3%, and 30.3%. Compared with the lowest leukocyte quartile group, the OR (95% CI) for periodontitis of the highest leukocyte quartile was 1.558 (1.285–1.891) after controlling for confounding factors.ConclusionAn elevated leukocyte count was positively associated with the presence of periodontitis.
Implementation of a real‐time reference and calibration grid platform for improved screening – mapping in Pap test slides
Authors: Tsiambas Evangelos , Riziotis Christos 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCervical cancer screening based on the Papanicolaou (Pap) test is a widely applied but not always efficient practice for detecting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) mediated lesions, partially due to a non‐systematic and inadequate screening process. Our aim was to introduce an inexpensive easy‐to‐use direct screening platform for improved detection of abnormal cells indicative of underlying cervical neoplasia as well as persisting HPV infection. By employing a novel, efficient technique of laser‐based micromachining, we achieved the fabrication of spatial grids on commercially available coverslips allowing visual segmentation of the slide for efficient screening. Abnormal and formerly diagnosed as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) Pap test slides (n = 200) were analyzed by conventional and grid‐based screening. Grid‐based microscopy led to a more reliable diagnosis compared to the conventional by identifying an increased number of abnormal cells (P = 0.001). It decreased borderline ASCUS, AGC diagnosis, increasing LSIL, HSIL and in situ AdenoCa detection rates closely related with biopsy (P = 0.015; kappa = 0.978). Concerning the set of NILM diagnoses in rapid re‐screening, the method upgraded six cases (n = 6) to LSIL (P = 0.001). The proposed technical solution offers a calibration and orientation visual aid during the on‐site screening process providing significant advantages compared to expensive digital imaging techniques.
Determinants of Pro‐Fracking Measure Adoption by New York Southern Tier Municipalities
Authors: Arnold Gwen , Neupane Kaubin Wosti 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNew York municipalities passed more than 60 measures promoting high‐volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF), 2008–12. These policies and resolutions signaled to state officials that municipalities desired HVHF's promised economic benefits and were anxious for an end to the state's HVHF moratorium. They also may be evidence of municipalities proactively preparing for a drilling boom. Why did some jurisdictions adopt these measures while others did not? While scholarship suggests that policy adoption is facilitated when jurisdictions and citizens possess more resources, capacity appears to have a negative or negligible impact on pro‐HVHF action. Such action appears more likely when local actors anticipate HVHF's potential gains but have not previously experienced substantial drilling, perceive that the industry could be viable locally, and can access relevant policy examples. Some lessons from conventional adoption scholarship may not apply when policies are symbolic, advocacy may be elite‐driven, and mimicry is an important diffusion mechanism.
Institutional Accountability of Nonstate Actors in the UNFCCC: Exit, Voice, and Loyalty
Authors: Kuyper Jonathan , Bäckstrand Karin , Schroeder Heike 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHow are nonstate actors within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held to account? In this article, we introduce the concept of “institutional accountability” to complement the wider literature(s) on accountability in climate governance. Within institutional frameworks, actors employ rules, norms, and procedures to demand justifications from one another. In light of those justifications, actors then use “exit, voice, or loyalty” to positively or negatively sanction each other. To depict the dynamics of institutional accountability, we analyze the role of nonstate actors in the nine constituency groups of the UNFCCC. We outline the constituency structure and the population of observer organizations. We then identify examples where nonstate actors employed institutional rules in tandem with exit, voice, or loyalty to foster accountability. In making this analysis we draw upon three years of on‐site participation at UNFCCC meetings, document analysis, and more than 40 semi‐structured interviews with state and nonstate actors. We conclude by discussing the scope and conditions under which institutional accountability may occur in other issue areas of global governance.
The cotton β‐galactosyltransferase 1 (GalT1) that galactosylates arabinogalactan proteins participates in controlling fiber development
Authors: Qin Li‐Xia , Chen Yun , Zeng Wei , Li Yang , Gao Lu , Li Deng‐Di , Bacic Antony , Xu Wen‐Liang , Li Xue‐Bao 
Published: November 2016

SummaryArabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are highly glycosylated proteins that play pivotal roles in diverse developmental processes in plants. Type‐II AG glycans, mostly O‐linked to the hydroxyproline residues of the protein backbone, account for up to 95% w/w of the AGP, but their functions are still largely unclear. Cotton fibers are extremely elongated single‐cell trichomes on the seed epidermis; however, little is known of the molecular basis governing the regulation of fiber cell development. Here, we characterized the role of a CAZy glycosyltransferase 31 (GT31) family member, GhGalT1, in cotton fiber development. The fiber length of the transgenic cotton overexpressing GhGalT1 was shorter than that of the wild type, whereas in the GhGalT1‐silenced lines there was a notable increase in fiber length compared with wild type. The carbohydrate moieties of AGPs were altered in fibers of GhGalT1 transgenic cotton. The galactose: arabinose ratio of AG glycans was higher in GhGalT1 overexpression fibers, but was lower in GhGalT1‐silenced lines, compared with that in the wild type. Overexpression of GhGalT1 upregulates transcript levels of a broad range of cell wall‐related genes, especially the fasciclin‐like AGP (FLA) backbone genes. An enzyme activity assay demonstrated that GhGalT1 is a β‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase (β‐1,3‐GalT) involved in biosynthesis of the β‐1,3‐galactan backbone of the type‐II AG glycans of AGPs. We also show that GhGalT1 can form homo‐ and heterodimers with other cotton GT31 family members to facilitate AG glycan assembly of AGPs. Thus, our data demonstrate that GhGalT1 influences cotton fiber development via controlling the glycosylation of AGPs, especially FLAs.
Systematic deletion of the ER lectin chaperone genes reveals their roles in vegetative growth and male gametophyte development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Vu Kien Van , Nguyen Ngoc Trinh , Jeong Chan Young , Lee Yong‐Hwa , Lee Hojoung , Hong Suk‐Whan 
Published: November 2016

SummaryCalnexin (CNX) and calreticulin (CRT) are homologous lectin chaperones in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that facilitate glycoprotein folding and retain folding intermediates to prevent their transit via the secretary pathway. The Arabidopsis genome has two CNX (CNX1 and CNX2) and three CRT (CRT1, CRT2 and CRT3) homologs. Despite growing evidence of the biological roles of CNXs and CRTs, little is understood about their function in Arabidopsis growth and development under normal conditions. Here, we report that the deletion of CNX1, but not of CNX2, in the crt1 crt2 crt3 triple mutation background had an adverse effect on pollen viability and pollen tube growth, leading to a significant reduction in fertility. The cnx1 crt1 crt2 crt3 quadruple mutation also conferred severe defects in growth and development, including a shortened primary root, increased root hair length and density, and reduced plant height. Disruption of all five members of the CNX/CRT family was revealed to be lethal. Finally, the abnormal phenotype of the cnx1 crt1 crt2 crt3 quadruple mutants was completely rescued by either the CNX1 or CNX2 cDNA under the control of the CNX1 promoter, suggesting functional redundancy between CNX1 and CNX2. Taken together, these results provide genetic evidence that CNX and CRT play essential and overlapping roles during vegetative growth and male gametophyte development in Arabidopsis.
Advances in understanding broad‐spectrum resistance to pathogens in rice
Authors: Ke Yinggen , Deng Hanqing , Wang Shiping 
Published: November 2016

SummaryRice diseases caused by multiple pathogen species are a major obstacle to achieving optimal yield. Using host pathogen species‐non‐specific broad‐spectrum resistance (BSR) for rice improvement is an efficient way to control diseases. Recent advances in rice genomics and improved understanding of the mechanisms of rice‐pathogen interactions have shown that using a single gene to improve rice BSR to multiple pathogen species is technically possible and the necessary resources exist. A variety of rice genes, including major disease resistance genes and defense‐responsive genes, which function in pattern‐triggered immunity signaling, effector‐triggered immunity signaling or quantitative resistance, can mediate BSR to two or more pathogen species independently. These genes encode diverse proteins and function differently in promoting disease resistance, thus providing a relatively broad choice for different breeding programs. This updated knowledge will facilitate rice improvement with pathogen species‐non‐specific BSR via gene marker‐assisted selection or biotechnological approaches.
Ascorbate degradation in tomato leads to accumulation of oxalate, threonate and oxalyl threonate
Authors: Truffault Vincent , Fry Stephen C. , Stevens Rebecca G. , Gautier Hélène 
Published: November 2016

SummaryAscorbate content in plants is controlled by its synthesis from carbohydrates, recycling of the oxidized forms and degradation. Of these pathways, ascorbate degradation is the least studied and represents a lack of knowledge that could impair improvement of ascorbate content in fruits and vegetables as degradation is non‐reversible and leads to a depletion of the ascorbate pool. The present study revealed the nature of degradation products using [14C]ascorbate labelling in tomato, a model plant for fleshy fruits; oxalate and threonate are accumulated in leaves, as is oxalyl threonate. Carboxypentonates coming from diketogulonate degradation were detected in relatively insoluble (cell wall‐rich) leaf material. No [14C]tartaric acid was found in tomato leaves. Ascorbate degradation was stimulated by darkness, and the degradation rate was evaluated at 63% of the ascorbate pool per day, a percentage that was constant and independent of the initial ascorbate or dehydroascorbic acid concentration over periods of 24 h or more. Furthermore, degradation could be partially affected by the ascorbate recycling pathway, as lines under‐expressing monodehydroascorbate reductase showed a slight decrease in degradation product accumulation.
Treatment of a giant pulmonary emphysematous cyst with primary bronchoalveolar papillary carcinoma in a Shih Tzu dog
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Lee Hae‐Beom , Jeong Seong Mok 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo report the surgical treatment of a pulmonary emphysematous cyst concurrent with primary pulmonary bronchoalveolar papillary carcinoma in a dog.Study DesignClinical case report.Animals12‐year‐old 6.4 kg spayed female Shih Tzu dog.MethodsThe dog presented for surgical treatment of pulmonary emphysema. Radiography revealed that more than half of the left caudal lung lobe was enlarged and hyperlucent and computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of an emphysematous space. Thoracoscopic lung lobectomy was attempted but was converted to an intercostal thoracotomy due to poor visualization and pleural adhesions. A left caudal total lung lobectomy was performed using a self‐cutting endoscopic stapler.ResultsThe dog recovered uneventfully and a postoperative histopathologic diagnosis of pulmonary cystic bronchoalveolar papillary carcinoma was made. Re‐evaluation using a CT scan with contrast study on postoperative days 27 and 177 revealed no evidence of residual, metastatic, or recurrent lesions. The dog has been doing well since surgery during the 11 month follow‐up period.ConclusionThis case report suggests a potential relationship between pulmonary emphysematous diseases and primary lung tumors in dogs.
Artificial shortage of surface water: how can water demand management mitigate the scarcity problem?
Authors: Slavíková Lenka , Vojáček Ondřej , Smejkal Tomáš 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWater demand management stresses the crucial roles of water user motivations in balancing actual water availability and competing human needs. This paper shows how the absence of such motivations influences artificial water scarcity, even in resource‐abundant countries, and how slight modifications to economic instruments (surface water charges in particular) might solve the problem. Data from the Czech Republic are used to illustrate the rationale behind the artificial scarcity problem and its solution. A model with feedback based on historical surface water abstraction data is built to simulate the impacts of different payment modification scenarios.
(PSEUDO)SCIENCE, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, AND HISTORIOGRAPHY: ASSESSING THE SCIENTIFICATION OF RELIGION'S METHOD AND THEORY
Authors: Ambasciano Leonardo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn the recent past, attempts to revitalize historico‐religious studies have challenged the charismatic appeal of some of the most celebrated scholars of the twentieth century. At the same time, the old and ideological frameworks that characterized the field have been critically analyzed and deconstructed. The disciplinary status quo, taken for granted for quite a long time, has been shaken to its foundation, paving the way for new approaches. However, the postmodern tenet of problematizing any authority has also become a convenient shortcut to blur the distinction between scientific signal (i.e., knowledge systematically obtained via rational inquiry) and nonepistemic noise (i.e., pseudoscience). Despite this troublesome feature, some scholars have deployed postmodern and poststructuralist tools to study the genealogy, reception, implementation, and diffusion of cultural representations within the aforementioned academic discipline. The present article briefly reviews one of the most recent and remarkable examples of such scholarship, that is, The Scientification of Religion: An Historical Study of Discursive Change, 1800–2000 (von Stuckrad 2014).
TECHNOLOGY AND MUSLIMS: A FIELD STUDY OF IRANIAN SCHOLARS
Authors: Nasiri Mahdi , Azkia Mostafa , Mahdavi Seyyed Mohammad Sadegh 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMuslim scholars have had different approaches toward modern technologies. Defining the situation in various Islamic countries is dependent on knowing the approaches adopted by their scholars. These approaches create norms which can shed light on the reasons for the success and failure of access to technology and its transference. The present article sets out to analyze the views of the Qom seminary scholars in Iran about the development of modern technologies within the framework of the development sociology using the qualitative methodology of grounded theory. To this end, such techniques as conducting interviews and investigating documents have been used to gather the data. The authors find four paradigm models regarding modern technologies among the Qom seminary scholars. These models are classified into two general categories: optimistic and pessimistic. In the end, an “appropriate technology” approach is introduced as an approach singled out by the researchers.
WHO Multi-Country Survey on Abortion-related Morbidity and Mortality in Health Facilities: study protocol
Authors: Kim Caron R , Tunçalp Özge , Ganatra Bela , Gülmezoglu Ahmet Metin ,   WHO MCS-A Research Group
Published: November 2016

IntroductionAccording to the WHO, abortion accounts for about 8% (4.7–13.2) of maternal mortality worldwide. In 2010, the WHO Multi-Country Survey (MCS) on Maternal and Newborn Health collected data on over 300 000 women who were admitted in health facilities to receive pregnancy-related care. Abortion data were partially captured by centring on severe maternal outcomes (ie, near-miss or maternal deaths). Building on the experiences of the prior MCS as well as current WHO reproductive health projects, we are undertaking a multi-country survey to better capture the burden and severity of abortion-related complications and management among women presenting to the health facilities.Methods and analysisThis is a large cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. It will be implemented in health facilities in 30 countries across the WHO regions of Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South East Asia and Western Pacific. Countries and facilities will be identified through a multistage sampling methodology. Data collection will be at both the facility and individual levels, involving review of medical records and exit surveys with eligible women using audio computer-assisted self-interview. All women presenting to the health facilities with signs and symptoms of abortion complications will comprise the study population. Online data entry and management will be performed on a web-based data management system. Analysis will include prevalence of abortion-related complications and descriptive frequencies of procedural/non-procedural management and experience of care.Ethics and disseminationEthical issues of the consent process are addressed. Dissemination plans will involve the participating facilities and communities to further strengthen abortion-related research capacity within the MCS on Abortion (MCS-A) countries. Furthermore, dissemination of results will be an iterative process at both the facility and national level to potentially propagate positive changes to abortion-related policies and practices.