bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro‐ribonucleic acid‐binding site variants of type 2 diabetes candidate loci predispose to gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese Han women
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Li Wei , Ma Liangkun , Ping Fan , Liu Juntao , Wu Xueyan , Mao Jiangfeng , Wang Xi , Nie Min 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionEmerging evidence has suggested that the genetic background of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was analogous to type 2 diabetes mellitus. In contrast to type 2 diabetes mellitus, the genetic studies for GDM were limited. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to extensively explore the influence of micro‐ribonucleic acid‐binding single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus candidate loci on GDM susceptibility in Chinese.Materials and MethodsA total of 839 GDM patients and 900 controls were enrolled. Six micro‐ribonucleic acid‐binding SNPs were selected from 30 type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility loci and genotyped using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays.ResultsThe minor allele of three SNPs, PAX4 rs712699 (OR 1.366, 95% confidence interval 1.021–1.828, P = 0.036), KCNB1 rs1051295 (OR 1.579, 95% confidence interval 1.172–2.128, P = 0.003) and MFN2 rs1042842 (OR 1.398, 95% confidence interval 1.050–1.862, P = 0.022) were identified to significantly confer higher a risk of GDM in the additive model. The association between rs1051295 and increased fasting plasma glucose (b = 0.006, P = 0.008), 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose (b = 0.058, P = 0.025) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (b = 0.065, P = 0.017) was also shown. Rs1042842 was correlated with higher 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test plasma glucose (b = 0.056, P = 0.028). However, no significant correlation between the other included SNPs (LPIN1 rs1050800, VPS26A rs1802295 and NLRP3 rs10802502) and GDM susceptibility were observed.ConclusionsThe present findings showed that micro‐ribonucleic acid‐binding SNPs in type 2 diabetes mellitus candidate loci were also associated with GDM susceptibility, which further highlighted the similar genetic basis underlying GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Identifying the Stance of Monetary Policy at the Zero Lower Bound: A Markov‐Switching Estimation Exploiting Monetary‐Fiscal Policy Interdependence
Authors: GONZALEZ‐ASTUDILLO MANUEL 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, I propose an econometric technique to estimate a Markov‐switching Taylor rule subject to the zero lower bound of interest rates. I show that linking the switching of the Taylor rule coefficients to the switching of the coefficients of an auxiliary uncensored Markov‐switching regression improves the identification of an otherwise unidentifiable prevalent monetary regime because of the presence of the zero lower bound. Using a Markov‐switching fiscal policy rule as the auxiliary regression, I apply the estimation technique to U.S. data. Results show evidence of monetary and fiscal policy comovements, with monetary policy reacting weakly to inflation when fiscal policy is focused on real activity as opposed to debt stabilization, and vice versa.
Doxorubicin, mesenchymal stem cell toxicity and antitumour activity: implications for clinical use
Authors: Baxter-Holland Mia , Dass Crispin R 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
The use of doxorubicin, an antineoplastic medication used for the treatment of cancers via mechanisms that prevent replication of cells or lead to their death, can result in damage to healthy cells as well as malignant. Among the affected cells are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are involved in the maintenance and repair of tissues in the body. This review explores the mechanisms of biological effects and damage attributed to doxorubicin on MSCs. The PubMed database was used as a source of literature for this review.

Key findings
Doxorubicin has the potential to lead to significant and irreversible damage to the human bone marrow environment, including MSCs. The primary known mechanism of these changes is through free radical damage and activation of apoptotic pathways. The presence of MSCs in culture or in vivo appears to either suppress or promote tumour growth. Interactions between doxorubicin and MSCs have the potential to increase chemotherapy resistance.

Summary
Doxorubicin-induced damage to MSCs is of concern clinically. However, MSCs also have been associated with resistance of tumour cells to drugs including doxorubicin. Further studies, particularly in vivo, are needed to provide consistent results of how the doxorubicin-induced changes to MSCs affect treatment and patient health.
Amoxicillin—current use in swine medicine
Authors: Burch D. G. S. , Sperling D. 
Published: January 2018

Amoxicillin has become a major antimicrobial substance in pig medicine for the treatment and control of severe, systemic infections such as Streptococcus suis. The minimum inhibitory concentration 90% (MIC 90) is 0.06 μg amoxicillin/ml, and the proposed epidemiological cut‐off value (ECOFF) is 0.5 μg/ml, giving only 0.7% of isolates above the ECOFF or of reduced susceptibility. Clinical breakpoints have not been set for amoxicillin against porcine pathogens yet, hence the use of ECOFFs. It has also been successfully used for bacterial respiratory infections caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida. The ECOFF for amoxicillin against A. pleuropneumoniae is also 0.5 μg/ml demonstrating only a reduced susceptibility in 11.3% of isolates. Similarly, P. multocida had an ECOFF of 1.0 μg/ml and a reduced susceptibility in only 2.6% of isolates. This reduced susceptibility disappears when combined with the beta‐lactamase inhibitor, clavulanic acid, demonstrating that it is primarily associated with beta‐lactamase production. In contrast, amoxicillin is active against Escherichia coli and Salmonella species but using ECOFFs of 8.0 and 4.0 μg/ml, respectively, reduced susceptibility can be seen in 70.9% and 67.7% of isolates. These high levels of reduced susceptibility are primarily due to beta‐lactamase production also, and most of this resistance can be overcome by the combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. Currently, amoxicillin alone is considered an extremely valuable antimicrobial in both human and animal medicine and remains in the critically important category of antibiotics alongside the fluoroquinolones and macrolides by the World Health Organization as well as the third‐ and fourth‐generation cephalosporins, but these cephalosporins show marked resistance to basic beta‐lactamase production and are only destroyed by the extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases. Amoxicillin alone and in combination with clavulanic acid are currently classed together in Category 2 in the European Union. By reviewing the pharmacodynamic data and comparing this with pharmacokinetic data from healthy and infected animals and clinical trial data, it can be seen that the product has a good efficacy against S. suis and A. pleuropneumoniae, in spite of usage over many years. However, it may be much less efficacious on its own against E. coli, due to reduced susceptibility and resistance associated with beta‐lactamase production, which is largely overcome by the use of clavulanic acid. It is felt that this differentiation may be useful in future classification of amoxicillin alone, in comparison with its combined use with clavulanic acid and thereby preserve the use of the more critically important antibiotics in veterinary medicine and reducing the risk of their resistance being transmitted to human.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of the active metamizole metabolites after four different routes of administration in healthy dogs
Authors: Giorgi M. , Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska B. , Lisowski A. , Owen H. , Poapolathep A. , Kim T. W. , De Vito V. 
Published: January 2018

Metamizole (MT), an analgesic and antipyretic drug, is rapidly hydrolyzed to the active primary metabolite 4‐methylaminoantipyrine (MAA) and relatively active secondary metabolite 4‐aminoantipyrine (AA). The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profiles of MAA and AA after dose of 25 mg/kg MT by intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), oral (p.o.), and rectal (RC) routes in dogs. Six dogs were randomly allocated to an open, single‐dose, four‐treatment, four‐phase, unpaired, crossover study design. Blood was collected at predetermined times within 24 hr, and plasma was analyzed by a validated HPLC‐UV method. Plasma concentrations of MAA and AA after i.v., i.m., p.o., and RC administrations of MT were detectable from 5 (i.v. and i.m.) or 30 (p.o. and RC) min to 24 hr in all dogs. The highest concentrations of MAA were found in the i.v., then i.m., p.o., and RC groups. Plasma concentrations of AA were similar for i.v., i.m., and RC, and the concentrations were approximately double those in the PO groups. The AUCEV/IV ratio for MAA was 0.75 ± 0.11, 0.59 ± 0.08, and 0.32 ± 0.05, for i.m., p.o., and RC, respectively. The AUCEV/IV ratio for AA was 1.21 ± 0.33, 2.17 ± 0.62, and 1.08 ± 0.19, for i.m., p.o., and RC, respectively. Although further studies are needed, rectal administration seems to be the least suitable route of administration for MT in the dog.
Tolerance of fen mosses to submergence, and the influence on moss community composition and ecosystem resilience
Authors: Borkenhagen Andrea , Cooper David J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractQuestionFlood disturbance in peatlands can create temporary or permanently submerged areas where tolerant species may persist and replace intolerant species over time. Fen moss species and communities occur along a hummock–hollow gradient in natural ecosystems, but their resistance and resilience to different durations of submergence has yet to be tested. We asked what are the short‐ and long‐term effects of submergence duration on four common boreal fen moss species and the implications for ecosystem resilience?LocationRich fen near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada.MethodsTo examine the effect of submergence duration on fen moss species and communities, we harvested and submerged monoculture plugs dominated byHamatocaulis vernicosus,Sphagnum warnstorfii, Tomentypnum nitensandAulacomnium palustrein the field under rich fen water for 1–8 weeks. After submergence, we planted the plugs in bare peat at the same site to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term responses of each species and changes in moss community composition over time.ResultsWe found that moss species response to duration of submergence is not strictly related to their occurrence along a hummock–hollow gradient and that tolerant species maintain or restore moss cover.H. vernicosuswas most tolerant to submergence of all durations, whereasS. warnstorfiiwas nearly eliminated by submergence. Over the long term, more tolerant species replaced less tolerant species, increasing diversity and moss community resilience. Overall, moss communities withoutS. warnstorfiiwere resilient to 4 weeks of submergence becauseT. nitensandH. vernicosusmaintained dominance or established where the cover of less resilient species was limited.ConclusionsWe show that moss species varied in their responses to submergence duration, resulting in shifts in community composition and long‐term effects on community resilience with longer durations of submergence. This provides insight into how moss communities provide stability to peatlands in response to disturbance through shifts in community composition that support tolerant dominant species.
Trophic niche, capture efficiency and venom profiles of six sympatric ant‐eating spider species (Araneae: Zodariidae)
Authors: Pekár Stano , Petráková Lenka , Šedo Ondrej , Korenko Stanislav , Zdráhal Zbyněk 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe arms race between specialist predators and their prey has resulted in the evolution of a variety of specific adaptations. In venomous predators, this can include venom composition, particularly if predators are specialized on dangerous prey. Here, we performed an integrative study using six species of highly specialized ant‐eating spiders of the genus Zodarion to investigate their phylogeny, realized trophic niche, efficacy in the capture of various ant species and venom composition. Data on natural diet obtained by next‐generation sequencing and field observations showed that the six Zodarion species exploit different ant species. Their phylogeny, based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes, correlated with the composition of their natural prey, indicating that closely related Zodarion species specialize on similar ant species. Prey‐capture parameters differed among Zodarion species suggesting prey‐specific efficacy. Similarly, the venom profiles of both low and high molecular compounds differed among species. Only the profiles of low molecular compounds were correlated with capture efficacy parameters, suggesting that the venom of Zodarion spiders contains prey‐specific components. Our study suggests that Iberian Zodarion spiders are specialized on particular ant species.
Development of paradoxical cerebral embolism during lymphatic draining massage: A case report
Authors: Oomura Masahiro , Fujioka Teppei , Usami Toshihiko , Wakami Kazuaki , Mizuno Masayuki , Matsukawa Noriyuki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA 62‐year‐old woman presented with left hemiparesis just after finishing lymphatic draining massage involving the four extremities. Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed an acute infarct in the right precentral gyrus. The diagnosis of paradoxical cerebral embolism was established on the findings of transesophageal echocardiography and detected thrombi in the leg veins. Movement of extant thrombi in the legs to the right atrium, in association with massage, is considered to have contributed to the stroke onset.
The Impact of Degree Duration on Higher Education Participation: Evidence from a Large‐scale Natural Experiment
Authors: Bondonio Daniele , Berton Fabio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects on enrolment, retention rate and on‐time graduation of a nationwide Bologna Process reform introduced in Italy to establish BAs with a duration of three years, followed by optional second‐tier degrees of two years, in place of single‐tier degrees of four or five years. The analysis exploits exogenous delay of treatment conditions and the unique availability of microdata that cover the universe of the departments. We estimate that the reform boosted first‐year enrolments by 14.5–17.3 percentage points, compared to a counterfactual status of no reform. This enrolment shift was due to participation gains rather than substitution effects, and it is likely to have persisted in the longer term. Moreover, no trade‐off between increased participation and deteriorated retention and on‐time graduation emerged.
Persistent pain following common outpatient surgeries in children: A multicenter study in Italy
Authors: Mossetti Valeria , Boretsky Karen , Astuto Marinella , Locatelli Bruno G. , Zurakowski David , Lio Rodolfo , Nicoletti Roberta , Sonzogni Valter , Maffioletti Micol , Vicchio Noemi , Ivani Giorgio 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIntroductionThe prevalence of persistent postsurgical pain in children is over 20% after major surgeries; however, data are scarce on the prevalence, character, and risk factors among children undergoing common ambulatory surgeries. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of persistent pain following pediatric ambulatory surgery at 1, 3, and 6 months. Secondary aims were to identify risk factors and characterize the pain and consequences of persistent postsurgical pain.MethodsASA I‐II, ages 1 month to 16 years old, undergoing elective hypospadias repair, herniorraphy, orchiopexy, and orthopedic surgery were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal, observational study at 3 pediatric centers in Italy. All patients received general plus regional anesthesia. Postoperative pain was evaluated using age appropriate pain scales at 1 and 3 hours. At 1, 3, and 6 months, pain scores were obtained and Parent's Postoperative Pain Measures (<8 yo) and Child Activity Limitations Interview (>8 yo) surveys were administered.ResultsAbout 350 patients completed the study. The prevalence of pain at 1, 3, and 6 months was 24% (84/350), 6.0% (21/350), and 4.0% (14/350), respectively. Inguinal herniorraphy patients experienced significantly higher pain at all 3‐time points; 35.6%, 14.9%, and 9.2%. There was no significant association between mean pain scores >4 in PACU and persistent pain. Pain persisting at 6 months had neuropathic characteristics and frequently interfered with daily activities and sleep.ConclusionOur data support the presence of persistent pain in pediatric patients after common surgeries. Most patients who developed persistent pain at 6 months had pain at 1 month. We recommend questioning at follow‐up visit about persistent pain and functional impairment with follow‐up until resolution.
Rice copine genes OsBON1 and OsBON3 function as suppressors of broad‐spectrum disease resistance
Authors: Yin Xin , Zou Baohong , Hong Xuexue , Gao Mingjun , Yang Weibing , Zhong Xiangbin , He Yang , Kuai Peng , Lou Yonggen , Huang Jirong , Hua Jian , He Zuhua 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBreeding for disease resistance is the most effective strategy to control diseases, particularly with broad‐spectrum disease resistance in many crops. However, knowledge on genes and mechanism of broad‐spectrum resistance and trade‐off between defence and growth in crops is limited. Here, we show that the rice copine genes OsBON1 and OsBON3 are critical suppressors of immunity. Both OsBON1 and OsBON3 changed their protein subcellular localization upon pathogen challenge. Knockdown of OsBON1 and dominant negative mutant of OsBON3 each enhanced resistance to rice bacterial and fungal pathogens with either hemibiotrophic or necrotrophic lifestyles. The defence activation in OsBON1 knockdown mutants was associated with reduced growth, both of which were largely suppressed under high temperature. In contrast, overexpression of OsBON1 or OsBON3 decreased disease resistance and promoted plant growth. However, neither OsBON1 nor OsBON3 could rescue the dwarf phenotype of the Arabidopsis BON1 knockout mutant, suggesting a divergence of the rice and Arabidopsis copine genes. Our study therefore shows that the rice copine genes play a negative role in regulating disease resistance and their expression level and protein location likely have a large impact on the balance between immunity and agronomic traits.
Picturing Primates and Looking at Monkeys: Why 21st Century Primatology Needs Wittgenstein
Authors: Barrett Louise 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe Social Intelligence or Social Brain Hypothesis is an influential theory that aims to explain the evolution of brain size and cognitive complexity among the primates. This has shaped work in both primate behavioural ecology and comparative psychology in deep and far‐reaching ways. Yet, it not only perpetuates many of the conceptual confusions that have plagued psychology since its inception, but amplifies them, generating an overly intellectual view of what it means to be a competent and successful social primate. Here, I present an analysis of the Social Intelligence/Brain hypothesis highlighting how its anthropocentric origins have led us to be held captive by a picture of what social life involves and the kind of mind needed to navigate the social landscape. I go on to consider how experimental work in this vein either does not test what it claims to be testing, or introduces impossible problems regarding animal minds that cannot be solved, but only dissolved. What we need, in other words, is the application of “Wittgenstein's razor” and the reinvention of primatology along his enactivist lines.
A sticky end for gastrointestinal helminths; the role of the mucus barrier
Authors: Sharpe C. , Thornton D. J. , Grencis R. K. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryGastrointestinal (GI) nematodes are a group of successful multicellular parasites that have evolved to coexist within the intestinal niche of multiple species. It is estimated that over 10% of the world's population are chronically infected by GI nematodes, making this group of parasitic nematodes a major burden to global health. Despite the large number of affected individuals, there are few effective treatments to eradicate these infections. Research into GI nematode infections has primarily focused on defining the immunological and pathological consequences on host protection. One important but neglected aspect of host protection is mucus, and the concept that mucus is just a simple barrier is no longer tenable. In fact, mucus is a highly regulated and dynamic‐secreted matrix, underpinned by a physical hydrated network of highly glycosylated mucins, which is increasingly recognized to have a key protective role against GI nematode infections. Unravelling the complex interplay between mucins, the underlying epithelium and immune cells during infection are a major challenge and are required to fully define the protective role of the mucus barrier. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on mucins and the mucus barrier during GI nematode infections, with particular focus on murine models of infection.
On The Word Order Of Numeral Quantifier Constructions
Authors: An Duk‐Ho 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, I examine the numeral quantifier construction in Korean and propose novel generalizations about the order of four key elements, i.e., numeral, quantifier, noun, and case marker, to the effect that (i) numerals always precede quantifiers and (ii) nouns always precede case markers. I show that the interplay between these two properties correctly yields all and only the attested orders in numeral quantifier constructions in the language. To account for the various word order possibilities in the construction in question, I propose a uniform analysis which employs layers of functional categories and iterated applications of movement, essentially following Cinque () and Watanabe (,).
A Restriction on Recursion
Authors: den Dikken Marcel , Dékány Éva 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUniversal Grammar places a restriction on self‐embedding recursion structures created through External Merge: A phasal category of type α can be embedded in a phasal category of the same type where there is a c‐command relation between the heads of the two instances of α only if the two instances of α are separated by a phase head. This restriction (the exact counterpart of the familiar c‐command cum phasemate requirement that is imposed on identical copies of a single category under Internal Merge) explains a variety of hitherto poorly understood properties of the noun phrase. The set of elements that are eligible to serve as nondative possessors in Hungarian possessive DPs is shown to fall out from the recursion restriction: all and only those possessors that are not as large as DP can be placed in the caseless possessor position in the immediate c‐command domain of the D head of the possessive noun phrase; dative possessors are in the specifier position of the possessive DP, not c‐commanded by its D head and hence immune to the recursion restriction. The recursion restriction sheds new light on the syntax of the possessive noun phrase, the nature of possessor drop, and the structure and distribution of demonstratives. The analysis also presents an empirical case for labeling of XP–YP structures via ϕ‐feature sharing.