bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spermatogonial stem cell organization in felid testis as revealed by Dolichos biflorus lectin
Authors: Escada‐Rebelo S. , Silva A. F. , Amaral S. , Tavares R. S. , Paiva C. , Schlatt S. , Ramalho‐Santos J. , Mota P. C. 
Published: June 2016

SummarySpermatogonial stem cells are being exploited in many species as a tool to recover fertility, but may also be used to manipulate the genetic pool. Whatever the purpose, these cells must be fully characterized and easily identifiable, and our goal was to improve this procedure in the domestic cat, used as an animal model for endangered felid species and for some human diseases/physiological processes. We have therefore screened several markers that might be used to distinguish and study the undifferentiated spermatogonia population in situ and in vitro via immunohistochemistry applied to tissue sections and whole mounts of the domestic cat seminiferous tubules. Our results show that, although they label the cytoplasm and nucleus of gonocytes and spermatogonia in pre‐pubertal animals, PGP9.5 and FoxO1 cannot be considered markers of undifferentiated spermatogonia in adult animals, as almost all spermatogonia, namely type A and B, express these proteins. Nonetheless, the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA lectin) was able to label the cell surface and cytoplasm of a small type A spermatogonial population in the adult animals. Analysis of the number and distribution of the DBA‐labeled cells showed they were present in low number, which did not vary with epithelium seminiferous stage. Morphometric analysis revealed that DBA‐labeled cells present tropism to a peculiar area of the seminiferous tubules, namely the area in direct contact with Leydig cells. Whole mounts of DBA‐stained seminiferous tubules revealed the arrangement of DBA‐stained cells in small clones up to eight cells. Noteworthy, the clonal cells presented variable staining intensity suggesting the existence of asymmetric distribution of O‐glycosylated proteins within each clone. Our results strongly suggest that the DBA lectin is a marker of undifferentiated spermatogonia in domestic cat, and illustrate the peculiar characteristics of spermatogonial stem cell development and organization in this species.
Evaluation of CC‐cytokine ligand 2 and complementary factor H Y402H polymorphisms and their interactional association with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Bonyadi Mortaza , Foruzandeh Zahra , Mohammadian Tahereh , Fotouhi Nikou , Soheilian Masoud , Jabbarpoor Bonyadi Mohammad Hossein , Javadzadeh Alireza , Moein Hamidreza , Yaseri Mehdi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the association of CC‐cytokine ligand 2 CCL2–2518 (rs1024611) single nucleotide polymorphism, complement factor H (CFH Y402H) and their possible interaction in developing advanced age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsIn this case–control study, DNA samples from 266 patients with advanced AMD and 229 healthy controls were genotyped for CCL2 polymorphism and also 254 patients and 164 healthy controls were genotyped for CFH polymorphism. The possible associations of these polymorphisms with susceptibility to AMD independently and in different joint combinations were evaluated.ResultsThe genotype frequency for CFH was found to be significantly different between AMD and normal controls (31.5% versus 20.7%, OR = 3.56, p < 0.001 for CC and 52.4% versus 41.5%, OR = 2.96, p < 0.001 for CT genotype). However, no significant association between CCL2 polymorphism and AMD was observed in this cohort (OR = 1.15 and OR = 0.8, p = 0.172). Interestingly, studying the joint effects of two genotypes (TT genotype of CFH Y402H and AG genotype of CCL2‐2518) showed more significant protective effect against AMD (p = 0.0001), while the risk effect of CC and CT genotypes of CFH was only visible in the presence of AA genotype of CCL2‐2518 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.05).ConclusionComplement factor H Y402H polymorphism is strongly associated with advanced type AMD. Although this study revealed no association of CCL2‐2518 with AMD, the risk effect of CFH genotypes was only visible in the presence of AA genotype of CCL2‐2518. AG genotype of CCL2‐2518 in combination with TT genotype of CFH Y402H showed significant protective effect against AMD.
Children's understanding of equity in the context of inequality
Authors: Rizzo Michael T. , Killen Melanie 
Published: June 2016

In the context of a pre‐existing resource inequality, the concerns for strict equality (allocating the same number of resources to all recipients) conflict with the concerns for equity (allocating resources to rectify the inequality). This study demonstrated age‐related changes in children's (3–8 years old, N = 133) ability to simultaneously weigh the concerns for equality and equity through the analysis of children's judgements, allocations, and reasoning in the context of a pre‐existing inequality. Three‐ to 4‐year‐olds took equity into account in their judgements of allocations, but allocated resources equally in a behavioural task. In contrast, 5‐ to 6‐year‐olds rectified the inequality in their allocations, but judged both equitable and equal allocations to be fair. It was not until 7–8 years old that children focused on rectifying the inequality in their allocations and judgements, as well as judged equal allocations less positively than equitable allocations, thereby demonstrating a more complete understanding of the necessity of rectifying inequalities. The novel findings revealed age‐related changes from 3 to 8 years old regarding how the concerns for equity and equality develop, and how children's judgements, allocations, and reasoning are coordinated when making allocation decisions.
Treatment patterns, testicular loss and disparities in inpatient surgical management of testicular torsion in boys: a population‐based study 1998–2010
Authors: Sood Akshay , Li Hanhan , Suson Kristina D. , Majumder Kaustav , Sedki Mai , Abdollah Firas , Sammon Jesse D. , Friedman Ariella , Löppenberg Björn , Lakshmanan Yegappan , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Elder Jack S. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo examine temporal trends in inpatient testicular torsion (TT) treatment and testicular loss (TL), and to identify risk factors for TL using a large nationally representative paediatric cohort, stratified to established high prevalence TT cohorts (neonatal TT [NTT]; age <1 years) and adolescent TT (ATT; age 12–17 years).MethodsBoys (age ≤17 years, n = 17 478) undergoing surgical exploration for TT were identified within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998–2010). Temporal trends in inpatient TT management (salvage surgery vs orchiectomy) and TL were examined using estimated annual percent change methodology. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for TL.ResultsTeaching hospitals treated 90% of boys with NTT, compared with 55% with ATT (P < 0.001). Of boys with NTT, 85% lost their testis, compared with 35% with ATT (P < 0.001). Inpatient management of NTT declined during the study period, from 7.5/100 000 children in 1998 to 3/100 000 in 2010 (estimated annual percent change −4.95%; P < 0.001). The decrease was similar but less dramatic in ATT. TL patterns did not improve. In adjusted analyses, for NTT, orchiectomy was more likely at teaching hospitals. For ATT, orchiectomy was more likely in children with comorbidities (odds ratio 5.42; P = 0.045), Medicaid coverage or self‐pay (P < 0.05) and weekday presentation (P = 0.001). Regional or racial disposition was not associated with TL.ConclusionsThere has been a gradual decrease in inpatient surgical treatment for both NTT and ATT, presumably as a result of increased outpatient and/or non‐operative management of these children. Concerningly, TL patterns have not improved; targeted interventions such as parental and adolescent male health education may lead to timely recognition/intervention in children at‐risk for ATT. We noted no regional/racial disparities in contrast to earlier studies.
Rethinking accountability in complex and horizontal network delivery systems
Authors: Conteh Charles 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis paper revisits the conventional notion of accountability rooted in bureaucratic and hierarchical structures of government and advances an alternative conceptualization more useful for analyzing complex horizontal network delivery systems. Although such systems are increasingly prevalent, they often exacerbate the problem of accountability in the public sector. By examining regional economic development policy implementation in Manitoba, this article illustrates the prospects and challenges of adapting conventional constructs of accountability to horizontal network delivery systems.
Employment equity in Canada: Making sense of employee discourses of misunderstanding, resistance, and support
Authors: McGowan Rosemary A. , Ng Eddy S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractEmployment equity initiatives – redressing past inequities or discrimination by promoting the hiring of members of underrepresented groups – are controversial and divisive. Although a national Gallup poll (1993) indicated 74 % of Canadians felt a person's qualifications should solely determine hiring decisions, many have little knowledge and understanding of the issue. Adopting a discourse analytic framework, this research explores employees’ understandings and perceptions of an employment equity initiative in a mid‐sized Canadian organization. Employment equity was seen as problematic and not well understood, and individuals eligible for employment equity initiatives were marginalized. This study contributes to identifying the misunderstandings and underlying sources of tensions with employment equity principles, legislation and administrative regimes.
Synthesis, structure–activity relationship studies and biological evaluation of novel 2,5‐disubstituted indole derivatives as anticancer agents
Authors: Hu Hongyu , Wu Jun , Ao Mingtao , Wang Huiru , Zhou Tongtong , Xue Yuhua , Qiu Yingkun , Fang Meijuan , Wu Zhen 
Published: June 2016

Three novel series of 2,5‐disubstituted indole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells and HIV‐1 inhibition activity used as a readout of cellular activity. Most compounds were found to have potent anticancer activity. In particular, 2c and 3b which showed effectively to repress HIV‐1 transcription had a pan antiproliferative activity in cervical cancer cells (HeLa), breast cancer cells (MCF‐7), liver cancer cells (HepG2), and lung cancer cells (H460 and A549). While 3b exhibited high sensitivity to A549 cells with the IC50 value 0.48 ± 0.15 μm, 2c showed high selectivity toward HepG2 cells with the IC50 value 13.21 ± 0.30 μm. With respect to the cellular mechanism of action, HepG2 cells treated with 2c and A549 cells treated with 3b for 24 h were studied by annexin V/PI staining and Western blot analysis, and results revealed that 2c and 3b may induce cancer cells apoptosis through inhibiting the phosphorylation at Ser2 of RNAPII CTD which can be phosphorylated by cyclin‐dependent kinase 9. These studies indicated that 2c and 3b may develop as potent lead compounds in the therapy of cancer. However, determining their roles in preventing HIV‐1 still requires further intensive study.
Young Children Detect and Avoid Logically Inconsistent Sources: The Importance of Communicative Context and Executive Function
Authors: Doebel Sabine , Rowell Shaina F. , Koenig Melissa A. 
Published: June 2016

The reported research tested the hypothesis that young children detect logical inconsistency in communicative contexts that support the evaluation of speakers’ epistemic reliability. In two experiments (N = 194), 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds were presented with two speakers who expressed logically consistent or inconsistent claims. Three‐year‐olds failed to detect inconsistencies (Experiment 1), 4‐year‐olds detected inconsistencies when expressed by human speakers but not when read from books, and 5‐year‐olds detected inconsistencies in both contexts (Experiment 2). In both experiments, children demonstrated skepticism toward testimony from previously inconsistent sources. Executive function and working memory each predicted inconsistency detection. These findings indicate logical inconsistency understanding emerges in early childhood, is supported by social and domain general cognitive skills, and plays a role in adaptive learning from testimony.
Extensive surgery and lymphadenectomy do not improve survival in primary melanoma of the anorectum: results from analysis of a large database (SEER)
Authors: Ciarrocchi A. , Pietroletti R. , Carlei F. , Amicucci G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimPrimary anorectal melanoma is a rare disease with a dismal prognosis due to early distant metastasis. The prognostic value of positive loco‐regional lymph nodes and the impact of lymphadenectomy on overall survival are unclear. We have investigated this by analysis of data obtained from a national representative database, controlling for potential confounders.MethodsData were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Multiple imputation analysis was performed to deal with missing data. Cox regression models were formulated using different prognostic factors including site of origin, gender, size, race, rate of lymph node metastasis (ratio between positive lymph node count and total lymph nodes harvested), extent of lymphadenectomy (none, level I etc.), age, type of surgery, stage of disease and administration of radiotherapy.ResultsOur population was composed of 208 patients who underwent surgery between 1998 and 2012. Rate of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.027; hazard ratio 1.873, 95% CI 1.076–3.261) and race (P = 0.019; hazard ratio 2.291, 95% CI 1.148–4.575) were found to be independent predictors of survival.ConclusionBased on the data retrieved from the SEER database, metastasis to loco‐regional lymph nodes is an important prognostic factor, but lymphadenectomy does not improve survival.
External validation of a prognostic model of preoperative risk factors for failure of restorative proctocolectomy
Authors: Sahami S. , Bartels S. A. L. , D'Hoore A. , Young Fadok T. , Tanis P. J. , de Buck van Overstraeten A. , Wolthuis A. M. , Buskens C. J. , Bemelman W. A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThe Cleveland Clinic has proposed a prognostic model of preoperative risk factors for failure of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. The model incorporates four predictive variables: completion proctectomy, handsewn anastomosis, diabetes mellitus and Crohn's disease. The aim of the present study was to perform an external validation of this model in a new cohort of patients who had RPC.MethodValidation was performed in a multicentre cohort of 747 consecutive patients who had an RPC between 1990 and 2015 in three tertiary‐care facilities, using a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis. The performance of the model was expressed using the Harrell concordance error rate. The primary outcome measure was pouch survival with maintenance of anal function.ResultsDuring the study period, 45 (6.0%) patients experienced failure at a median interval of 31 months (interquartile range 9–82 months) from the original RPC. Multivariable analysis showed handsewn anastomosis to be the only significant independent predictor. The Harrell concordance error rate was 0.42, indicating poor performance. Anastomotic leakage and Crohn's disease of the pouch were strong postoperative predictors for pouch failure and showed a significant difference in pouch survival after 10 years (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe poor performance of the Cleveland Clinic prognostic model makes it unsuitable for daily clinical practice. Handsewn anastomosis was associated with pouch failure in our cohort with relatively few events. A prediction model for anastomotic leakage or Crohn's disease of the pouch may be a better solution since these variables are strongly associated with pouch failure.
Adolescent development of insula‐dependent interoceptive regulation
Authors: Li Dawei , Zucker Nancy L. , Kragel Philip A. , Covington Virginia E. , LaBar Kevin S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAdolescence is hypothesized to be a critical period for the maturation of self‐regulatory capacities, including those that depend on interoceptive sensitivity, but the neural basis of interoceptive regulation in adolescence is unknown. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging and psychophysiology to study interoceptive regulation in healthy adolescent females. Participants regulated their gut activities in response to a virtual roller coaster by deep breathing aided by visually monitoring their online electrogastrogram (EGG) activity through a virtual thermometer (i.e. gut biofeedback), or without biofeedback. Analyses focused on the insula, given its putative role in interoception. The bilateral posterior insula showed increased activation in the no‐biofeedback compared to biofeedback condition, suggesting that the participants relied more on interoceptive input when exteroceptive feedback was unavailable. The bilateral dorsal anterior insula showed activation linearly associated with age during both induction and regulation, and its activation during regulation correlated positively with change of EGG in the tachygastria frequency band from induction to regulation. Induction‐related activation in the bilateral ventral anterior insula was nonlinearly associated with age and peaked at mid‐adolescence. These results implicate different developmental trajectories of distinct sub‐regions of the insula in interoceptive processes, with implications for competing neurobiological theories of female adolescent development.
Parallel inputs from the mediodorsal thalamus to the prefrontal cortex in the rat
Authors: Alcaraz Fabien , Marchand Alain R. , Courtand Gilles , Coutureau Etienne , Wolff Mathieu 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThere is a growing interest in determining the functional contribution of thalamic inputs to cortical functions. In the context of adaptive behaviours, identifying the precise role of the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) in particular remains difficult despite the large amount of experimental data available. A better understanding of the thalamocortical connectivity of this region may help to capture its functional role. To address this issue, this study focused exclusively on the specific connections from the MD to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) by means of direct comparisons of labelling produced by single and dual injections of retrograde tracers in the different subdivisions of the PFC in the rat. We show that at least three parallel and essentially separate thalamocortical pathways originate from the MD, as follows: projections to the dorsal (1) and the ventral (2) subdivisions of the mPFC follow a mediolateral topography at the thalamic level (i.e. medial thalamic neurons target the mPFC ventrally whereas lateral thalamic neurons project dorsally), whereas a considerable innervation to the OFC (3) includes thalamic cells projecting to both the lateral and the ventral OFC subdivisions. These observations provide new insight on the functions of the MD and suggest a specific focus on each of these pathways for future functional studies.
A biologically plausible mechanism for neuronal coding organized by the phase of alpha oscillations
Authors: Gips Bart , van der Eerden Jan P. J. M. , Jensen Ole 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe visual system receives a wealth of sensory information of which only little is relevant for behaviour. We present a mechanism in which alpha oscillations serve to prioritize different components of visual information. By way of simulated neuronal networks, we show that inhibitory modulation in the alpha range (~ 10 Hz) can serve to temporally segment the visual information to prevent information overload. Coupled excitatory and inhibitory neurons generate a gamma rhythm in which information is segmented and sorted according to excitability in each alpha cycle. Further details are coded by distributed neuronal firing patterns within each gamma cycle. The network model produces coupling between alpha phase and gamma (40–100 Hz) amplitude in the simulated local field potential similar to that observed experimentally in human and animal recordings.
Trophic cascades in the bryosphere: the impact of global change factors on top‐down control of cyanobacterial N2‐fixation
Authors: Kardol Paul , Spitzer Clydecia M. , Gundale Michael J. , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Wardle David A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTrophic cascades in which predators regulate densities of organisms at lower trophic levels are important drivers of population dynamics, but effects of trophic cascades on ecosystem‐level fluxes and processes, and the conditions under which top‐down control is important, remain unresolved. We manipulated the structure of a food web in boreal feather mosses and found that moss‐inhabiting microfauna exerted top‐down control of N2‐fixation by moss‐associated cyanobacteria. However, the presence of higher trophic levels alleviated this top‐down control, likely through feeding on bacterivorous microfauna. These effects of food‐web structure on cyanobacterial N2‐fixation were dependent on global change factors and strongly suppressed under N fertilisation. Our findings illustrate how food web interactions and trophic cascades can regulate N cycling in boreal ecosystems, where carbon uptake is generally strongly N‐limited, and shifting trophic control of N cycling under global change is therefore likely to impact ecosystem functioning.
Long‐term socioeconomic consequences and health care costs of childhood and adolescent‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Jennum Poul , Christensen Jakob , Ibsen Rikke , Kjellberg Jakob 
Published: June 2016

SummaryObjectiveTo estimate long‐term socioeconomic consequences and health care costs of epilepsy with onset in childhood and adolescence.MethodsA historical prospective cohort study of Danish individuals with epilepsy, age up to 20 years at time of diagnosis between January 1981 and December 2012. Information about marital status, parenthood, educational level, employment status, income, use of the health care system, and cost of medicine was obtained from nationwide administrative and health registers.ResultsWe identified 12,756 and 28,319 people with diagnosed with epilepsy, ages 0–5 and 6–20 years at onset, respectively. Using follow‐up data for a maximum of 30 years, 1,394 of those ages 0–5 years at onset were compared with 2,897 controls persons without epilepsy, and 10,195 of those ages 6–20 years at onset were compared with 20,678 controls without epilepsy. Compared with people without the epilepsy, those with epilepsy tended to have a lower level of education, to be less likely to be married, to be more likely to live alone, and to have higher divorce and unemployment rates, lower employment rates, and people with epilepsy were more likely to receive disability pension and social security. Income was lower from employment, which in part was compensated by social security, sick pay, disability pension and unemployment benefit, sick pay (public‐funded), disability pension, and other public transfers. Predicted health care costs 30 years after epilepsy onset were significantly higher among persons with epilepsy onset at 0–5 and 6–20 years, including costs for outpatient and inpatient services (hospital services), emergency room use, primary health care sector (general practice), and use of medication.SignificanceThe long‐term negative effects on all aspects of health care and social domains, including marital status, parental socioeconomic status, educational level, employment status, and use of welfare benefits compared with controls without epilepsy calls for increased awareness on childhood‐ and adolescent‐onset epilepsy.