bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of hyper‐ and hypothyroidism on the development and proliferation of testicular cells in prepubertal rats
Authors: Fadlalla Mohamed Babo , Wei Quanwei , Fedail Jaafar Sulieman , Mehfooz Asif , Mao Dagan , Shi Fangxiong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThyroid hormones are important in the development and regulation of testes. This study was conducted to determine the effects of hyper‐ and hypothyroidism on testicular development in prepubertal rats aged 20–70 days. Weaning male rats (20 days old) until day 70 age were randomly divided into four groups: control, hyperthyroid (hyper‐T), hypothyroid (hypo‐T) and hypothyroid treated with thyroxine (T4) (hypo‐T+T4). The results indicated that thyroid hormones caused a significant effect in body and testis weights, and food and water consumption. In addition there were changes in serum concentrations of tri‐iodothyronine, T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and testosterone. Histomorphology showed a significant decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter in hyper‐T compared to the other groups. Leydig cell numbers showed a significant elevation in hyper‐T but not in hypo‐T groups. Immunostaining indicated that TSH receptor (TSHR), thyroid hormone receptors α/β (TRαβ) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) have the roles in testicular development. Our findings suggest that hyper‐ and hypo‐thyroidism regulate testicular cell proliferation and spermatogenesis in prepubertal rats, indicating that expression of TSHR, TRαβ and PCNA may be regulated by thyroid hormones that are involved in testicular development; and that the administration of T4 to the hypo‐T+T4 group leads to an improvement in the testicular condition.
The role of accredited zoos in the recovery process for species at risk in Canada
Authors: Olive Andrea , Jansen Katrina 
Published: August 2017

Key Messages

Accredited zoos in Canada are involved in species‐at‐risk recovery efforts on provincial, federal, and international levels.
Accredited zoos participate in recovery of species at risk through research, captive breeding and reintroduction, writing recovery strategies, and creating recovery policy.
Accredited zoos have the space, expertise, apolitical status, and public connections necessary to aid in the recovery of at‐risk species in Canada.
Long‐term outcome of intractable constipation treated by sacral neuromodulation: a comparison between children and adults
Authors: Janssen P. T. J. , Meyer Y. M. , Van Kuijk S. M. J. , Benninga M. A. , Stassen L. P. S. , Bouvy N. D. , Melenhorst J. , Breukink S. O. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimSacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive therapy for functional constipation (FC) and is most often used to treat adults. Recent studies suggest that SNM may also beneficial in children. However, comparative data regarding preferred age of SNM for FC are lacking. Therefore, long‐term results of SNM for FC were compared between children and adults.MethodAll patients treated with SNM for FC between 2004 and 2015 were evaluated. Outcomes of children (age 10–18 years) were compared with those for adults (≥ 18 years). The primary end‐point was a defaecation frequency of three or more times per week, which is consistent with the ROME‐III criteria. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QoL; SF‐36) and the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score.ResultsOne hundred and eighty patients (45 children, 135 adults) were eligible for SNM. The mean age was 15.8 (children) and 41.4 years (adults). One hundred and twenty‐six patients received permanent SNM (38 children, 88 adults). Mean follow‐up was 47 months in both groups. Defaecation frequency increased in both groups after SNM compared with baseline. Defaecation frequency in adults was higher than in children. The increased defaecation frequency was maintained during the entire follow‐up period in both groups. QoL of children was impaired compared with the Dutch population with regard to bodily pain, general health and vitality. Adults had worse QoL with regard to physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality and social functioning compared with the Dutch population. QoL of children did not differ from adults.ConclusionSacral neuromodulation (SNM) should be considered in children (< 18 years) with FC. However, the indication of SNM for FC remains debatable considering the limited improvements and high costs.
A multi‐faceted intervention to reduce alcohol misuse and harm amongst sports people in Ireland: A controlled trial
Authors: O'Farrell Anne , Kingsland Melanie , Kenny Susan , Eldin Nazih , Wiggers John , Wolfenden Luke , Allwright Shane 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsAlcohol misuse and harm are more prevalent amongst sports people than non‐sports people. Few studies have trialled interventions to address alcohol misuse for this group. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce alcohol misuse and related harms amongst amateur sports people in Ireland.Design and MethodsA controlled trial was conducted in two counties in Ireland. A random selection of sports clubs in one county received a 4 month multi‐faceted intervention. All sports clubs in a non‐adjacent county acted as control sites. Consumption of more than 21 units of alcohol per week and six or more standard drinks on a single occasion at least once per week was the primary study outcome. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores and number of alcohol‐related harms were also reported. Outcomes were assessed for cross‐sectional samples of players at pre‐intervention and post‐intervention and paired samples of players who completed surveys at both times. Generalised linear mixed model analysis was used.ResultsThere was no evidence of effect for the primary outcomes or Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores. There was a statistically significant difference in the median number of alcohol‐related harms reported by intervention group players compared with control group players at post‐intervention for the paired samples [intervention: 0; control: 3; incident rate ratio 0.56 (0.37, 0.84); P = 0.005].Discussion and ConclusionsIntervention in community sports clubs may be effective in reducing the number of alcohol‐related harms. Low levels of intervention participation and inadequate intervention dose are possible reasons for lack of a broader intervention effect. [O'Farrell A, Kingsland M, Kenny S, Eldin N, Wiggers J, Wolfenden L, Allwright S. A multi‐faceted intervention to reduce alcohol misuse and harm amongst sports people in Ireland: A controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:14–22]
Psychosis risk screening in different populations using the Prodromal Questionnaire: A systematic review
Authors: Savill Mark , D'Ambrosio Jennifer , Cannon Tyrone D. , Loewy Rachel L. 
Published: August 2017

AimDiagnosing individuals at ultra high risk (UHR) for psychosis can improve early access to treatment, and a two‐stage model utilizing self‐report screening followed by a clinical interview can be accurate and efficient. However, it is currently unclear which screening cut‐offs to adopt with different populations.MethodsA systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies evaluating the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ) as a preliminary screener for UHR and psychosis was conducted to examine screening effectiveness in different contexts. MedLine, PsycInfo, SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations and Abstracts databases were electronically searched, along with a review screen and citation search of key papers. Findings were summarized in a narrative synthesis.ResultsIn total, 14 diagnostic accuracy studies and 45 studies using the PQ as a screening tool for UHR and psychosis were included. In all settings, the 3 different versions of the PQ were all found to accurately identify UHR and full psychosis. Higher cut‐off points were required in non‐help‐seeking samples, relative to general help‐seeking populations, which in turn were higher than those needed in samples highly enriched with UHR participants.ConclusionThe findings support the use of the PQ as a preliminary screening tool for UHR in different settings; however, higher thresholds in lower UHR‐prevalence populations are necessary to minimize false positives. Including the distress criteria, rather than just number of symptoms, may improve screening effectiveness. Different thresholds may be appropriate in different contexts depending on the importance of sensitivity vs specificity. Protocol registration: CRD42016033004.
Growth gains from selective breeding in a spruce hybrid zone do not compromise local adaptation to climate
Authors: MacLachlan Ian R. , Yeaman Sam , Aitken Sally N. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHybrid zones contain extensive standing genetic variation that facilitates rapid responses to selection. The Picea glauca × Picea engelmannii hybrid zone in western Canada is the focus of tree breeding programs that annually produce ~90 million reforestation seedlings. Understanding the direct and indirect effects of selective breeding on adaptive variation is necessary to implement assisted gene flow (AGF) polices in Alberta and British Columbia that match these seedlings with future climates. We decomposed relationships among hybrid ancestry, adaptive traits, and climate to understand the implications of selective breeding for climate adaptations and AGF strategies. The effects of selection on associations among hybrid index estimated from ~6,500 SNPs, adaptive traits, and provenance climates were assessed for ~2,400 common garden seedlings. Hybrid index differences between natural and selected seedlings within breeding zones were small in Alberta (average +2%), but larger and more variable in BC (average −7%, range −24% to +1%), slightly favoring P. glauca ancestry. The average height growth gain of selected seedlings over natural seedlings within breeding zones was 36% (range 12%–86%). Clines in growth with temperature‐related variables were strong, but differed little between selected and natural populations. Seedling hybrid index and growth trait associations with evapotranspiration‐related climate variables were stronger in selected than in natural seedlings, indicating possible preadaptation to drier future climates. Associations among cold hardiness, hybrid ancestry, and cold‐related climate variables dominated signals of local adaptation and were preserved in breeding populations. Strong hybrid ancestry–phenotype–climate associations suggest that AGF will be necessary to match interior spruce breeding populations with shifting future climates. The absence of antagonistic selection responses among traits and maintenance of cold adaptation in selected seedlings suggests breeding populations can be safely redeployed using AGF prescriptions similar to those of natural populations.
Rare‐earth‐doped SiO2‐CaF2 glass ceramic nano‐particle with upconversion properties
Authors: Dash Aiswarya , Pal Sumit Kumar , Banerjee Indranil , Chakraborty Subhabrata 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRare‐earth‐doped upconversion nano‐phosphor shows new possibilities in the field of bioimaging because of its unique properties like higher penetration depth, low signal to noise ratio (SNR), good photo stability, and zero auto fluorescence. The oxyfluoride glass system is the combination of both fluoride and oxide where fluoride host offers high optical transparency due to low phonon energy and oxide network offers high physical stability. Thus, in the present work, an attempt has been made to synthesize 1 mol% Er3+ doped SiO2‐CaF2 glass ceramic nano‐particles through sol‐gel route. The synthesized glass ceramic particles were heat treated at 4 different temperatures starting from 600°C to 900°C.The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the formation of CaF2 nano‐crystals in the matrix which is 20‐30 nm in size. The vibrational spectroscopic analysis of the glass ceramics sample has been investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The UV‐Visible‐NIR spectroscopy analysis was carried out to analyze the absorption intensity in the near infrared region. Upon 980 nm excitation, the sample shows red emission corresponds to 4F9/2→4I15/2 energy level transition. The prepared nano‐particles showed excellent biocompatibility when tasted on MG‐63 osteoblast cells.
Knowledge of proprietary and generic drug names among hospital prescribers: time to mandate generic prescribing?
Authors: Davis Joshua S. , Barrett Thomas , Harris Lisa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough medical students are taught clinical pharmacology using generic drug names, prescribing in hospitals often uses brand names. As a result, junior doctors may be prescribing drugs without knowing their nature or mode of action. We carried out a knowledge survey of 81 medical students and doctors at a 650‐bed Australian teaching hospital to assess their knowledge of common drugs when given the brand name. We identified 20 commonly prescribed drugs and their brand names based on current hospital inpatients. No participant was able to provide the generic name, class or mode of action for all 20 drugs, with an average of 8.3 of 20 and 6.3 of the 10 most common drug names correctly identified. These data support calls to mandate prescribing using generic rather than brand names of drugs in hospitals.
Managing hyponatraemia secondary to primary polydipsia: beware too rapid correction of hyponatraemia
Authors: Boehm Emma , Kumar Shanal , Nankervis Alison , Colman Peter 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe describe three cases of severe hyponatraemia in the setting of primary polydipsia that were managed in our centre in 2016. Despite receiving different solute loads, large volume diuresis and rapid correction of serum sodium occurred in all cases. Given the potentially catastrophic consequence of osmotic demyelination, we highlight the judicious use of desmopressin and hypotonic fluid infusion to mitigate sodium overcorrection in this setting.
Temporal changes in neutropenic blood culture isolates and disease associations: a single centre series of 1139 episodes
Authors: Lucas Nathanael , Humble Michael , Sim Dalice , Balm Michelle , Carter John , Weinkove Robert 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNeutropenic infections are life‐threatening and require empiric antibiotic treatment. We examined 1139 blood culture isolates from our institution over a 36‐year period from neutropenic patients to examine temporal trends and disease associations. Positive associations were found between viridans streptococci and acute myeloid leukaemia, coagulase negative staphylococci and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and indolent B‐cell malignancies.
Short androgen receptor poly‐glutamine‐promoted endometrial cancer is associated with benzo[a]pyrene‐mediated aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation
Authors: Chen Lumin , Bao Bo‐Ying , Chang Wei‐Chun , Ho Jason Yen‐Ping , Cheng Bi‐Hua , Wang Chung‐Lin , Tang Qifeng , Cheng Wei‐Chung , Chang Hui‐Wen , Hung Yao‐Ching , Ma Wen‐Lung 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe androgen receptor (AR) poly‐glutamine polymorphism (AR‐Q) was reported to play role in endometrial cancer (EMCA) development, yet controversial. Environmental factors interact with genetic variation have been reported in EMCA. Aerosol toxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), are EMCA facilitators. This report examined the interplay between AR‐Qs and BaP in EMCA. During analysing patient AR‐Q polymorphism and Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) expressions, we found overall survival (OS) benefit is ascending with AR‐Q lengths (5‐year OS of 61.3% in Q length <20 and 88% in Q length >23). And AhR is higher expressed in short AR‐Q tumour compared to that in long AR‐Q patient. In vitro study found androgen‐response element (ARE) activity descends with AR‐Qs length (Q13 > Q25 > Q35), whereas BaP suppresses ARE activities in EMCA cells. Furthermore, AR‐Q13 (but not AR‐Q25, or ‐35) enhances BaP‐induced dioxin‐responsive element (DRE) activity. Lastly, AR‐Q13 exerts higher colony‐forming capacity than other AR‐Qs, and knock‐down AhR abolished AR‐Q13‐mediated colony numbers. This study demonstrated a possible interaction of gene (AR‐Q polymorphism) and environmental toxins (e.g. BaP) to affect cancer progression. A large‐scale epidemiology and public health survey on the interaction of environmental toxin and AR poly‐Q in EMCA is suggested.
Emerging role of Hippo signalling pathway in bladder cancer
Authors: Xia Jianling , Zeng Ming , Zhu Hua , Chen Xiangjian , Weng Zhiliang , Li Shi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide with a high progression rate and poor prognosis. The Hippo signalling pathway is a conserved pathway that plays a crucial role in cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Furthermore, dysregulation and/or malfunction of the Hippo pathway is common in various human tumours, including BC. In this review, an overview of the Hippo pathway in BC and other cancers is presented. We focus on recent data regarding the Hippo pathway, its network and the regulation of the downstream co‐effectors YAP1/TAZ. The core components of the Hippo pathway, which induce BC stemness acquisition, metastasis and chemoresistance, will be emphasized. Additional research on the Hippo pathway will advance our understanding of the mechanism of BC as well as the development and progression of other cancers and may be exploited therapeutically.
Circulating trimethylamine N‐oxide and the risk of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 11 prospective cohort studies
Authors: Qi Jiaqian , You Tao , Li Jing , Pan Tingting , Xiang Li , Han Yue , Zhu Li 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCirculating trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO), a canonical metabolite from gut flora, has been related to the risk of cardiovascular disorders. However, the association between circulating TMAO and the risk of cardiovascular events has not been quantitatively evaluated. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all available cohort studies regarding the association between baseline circulating TMAO and subsequent cardiovascular events. Embase and PubMed databases were searched for relevant cohort studies. The overall hazard ratios for the developing of cardiovascular events (CVEs) and mortality were extracted. Heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated with Cochran's Q Test and I2 statistics. A random‐effect model or a fixed‐effect model was applied depending on the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were used to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Among the 11 eligible studies, three reported both CVE and mortality outcome, one reported only CVEs and the other seven provided mortality data only. Higher circulating TMAO was associated with a 23% higher risk of CVEs (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.42, I2 = 31.4%) and a 55% higher risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19–2.02, I2 = 80.8%). Notably, the latter association may be blunted by potential publication bias, although sensitivity analysis by omitting one study at a time did not significantly change the results. Further subgroup analysis and meta‐regression did not support that the location of the study, follow‐up duration, publication year, population characteristics or the samples of TMAO affect the results significantly. Higher circulating TMAO may independently predict the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events and mortality.
Silencing of CA1 mRNA in tumour cells does not change the gene expression of the extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Vulic Radivojka , Tyciakova Silvia , Dubrovcakova Maria , Skultety Ludovit , Lakota Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe report the silencing of CA1 mRNA in PC3 and MDA cells. The levels of mRNA coding CA1 protein in the knock‐down mRNA (CA1 siRNA) cells have been measured by RT‐PCR and were approximately 5% (PC3) and 20% (MDA‐MB‐231), respectively, of the level of control (Mock siRNA) used during silencing. In PC3 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the mRNAs for COL1A1 and COL4A4 were up‐regulated. The mRNAs for CTHRC1, LAMC2, and WNT7B were not changed when compared to the control. The morphology of the cells during the treatments remained the same. On the Western blots, the lysate from the silenced cells showed lower levels of CA I as well.
Effect of Brewery Size on the Main Process Parameters and Cradle‐to‐Grave Carbon Footprint of Lager Beer
Authors: Cimini Alessio , Moresi Mauro 
Published: August 2017

SummarySeveral carbon footprint (CF) studies have been so far carried out to assess the environmental impact of the brewing industry. In this study, a series of reliable secondary data for small‐, medium‐, and large‐sized breweries were collected and used to develop a simplified model to estimate the cradle‐to‐grave (C2G) CF of the production of a functional unit consisting of 1 hectoliter (hL) of lager beer packed in 66‐centiliter (glass or polyethylene terephthalate [PET]) bottles. With reference to the typical operating conditions of nine breweries of different size, the C2G CF was found to increase up to 43% or 45% either for glass or PET bottles as the brewery size reduced from 10 × 106 to 500 hL per year. Whatever the brewery size, the use of PET instead of glass bottles lowered the beer CF by 2.7 ± 0.9%. The contribution of the consumer and postconsumer waste disposal phases was found to be significant. Thus, beer makers should pay attention to the recycling ratio of postconsumer packaging in the sales areas. The C2G CF tended to increase linearly with the overall (thermal and electric) energy needed to produce 1 hL of beer, almost independently of the primary packaging material used. Such a simple and easy‐to‐measure quantitative indicator might be more than sufficient not only to estimate qualitatively the environmental burden of beer production, but also to identify which mitigation opportunities might be explored or to prioritize primary data collection efforts to refine CF calculation.
Dyadic Supervision Evaluation: An Actor–Partner Relational Model
Authors: Avila Adrian , Distelberg Brian , Estrada Ana , Foster Lauren , Moline Mary , Huenergardt Douglas 
Published: August 2017

This article contributes to research practices in marital and family therapy, specifically the dyadic and development over time in clinical supervision, and describes and applies methodological strategies to develop measurements congruent with the systemic and developmental principles of the field. This project evaluates the psychometric properties of the dyadic supervision evaluation (DSE) in terms of measurement equivalence and causality. A structural equation analysis is conducted utilizing the actor–partner interdependent model resulting in a goodness of fit. This study presents a longitudinal model for evaluating the supervisory relationship and proposes a model of clinical supervision evaluation. The relationship among latent constructs in the DSE and its limitations related to inference and application are discussed.