bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farming by ants remodels nutrient uptake in epiphytes
Authors: Chomicki Guillaume , Renner Susanne S.
Published: June 2019

True agriculture – defined by habitual planting, cultivation, harvesting and dependence of a farmer on a crop – is known from fungi farmed by ants, termites or beetles, and plants farmed by humans or ants. Because farmers supply their crops with nutrients, they have the potential to modify crop nutrition over evolutionary time. Here we test this hypothesis in ant/plant farming symbioses.

We used field experiments, phylogenetic‐comparative analyses and computed‐tomography scanning to investigate how the evolution of farming by ants has impacted the nutrition of locally coexisting species in the epiphytic genusSquamellaria(Rubiaceae).

Using isotope‐labelled mineral and organic nitrogen, we show that specialised ants actively and exclusively fertilise hyperabsorptive warts on the inner walls of plant‐formed structures (domatia) where they nest, sharply contrasting with nitrogen provisioning by ants in nonfarming generalist symbioses. Similar hyperabsorptive warts have evolved repeatedly in lineages colonised by farming ants.

Our study supports the idea that millions of years of ant agriculture have remodelled plant physiology, shifting from ant‐derived nutrients as by‐products to active and targeted fertilisation on hyperabsorptive sites. The increased efficiency of ant‐derived nutrient provisioning appears to stem from a combination of farming ant behaviour and plant ‘crop’ traits.
Non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without palate‐susceptible SNPs is associated with hyperdontia
Authors: Kan Shiyi , Zhu Guirong , Du Yifei , Fan Liwen , Yang Fan , Lou Shu , Li Dandan , Ma Lan , Pan Yongchu
Published: June 2019

Background

Non‐syndromic supernumerary teeth (NSST) or hyperdontia may share common genetic determinants with non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCL/P). The aim of this study was to test the associations between five genome‐wide‐associated NSCL/P‐susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2235371, rs7078160, rs8049367, rs4791774, and rs13041247) and the occurrence of NSST.

Materials and methods

A total of 163 cases and 326 controls were recruited and their genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. Five NSCL/P‐susceptible SNPs (rs2235371, rs7078160, rs8049367, rs4791774, and rs13041247) were genotyped by TaqMan method. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the associations between the SNPs and the risk of NSST by PLINK software.

Results

Rs4791774 (A > G) and rs13041247 (T > C) were associated with risk of NSST (rs4791774: Padd = 0.011, OR, 95% CI = 0.62, 0.43–0.90; rs13041247: Phomo = 0.031, OR, 95% CI = 1.79, 1.05–3.05) and one supernumerary tooth (rs4791774: Pdom = 0.009, OR, 95% CI = 0.56, 0.36–0.87; rs13041247: Phomo = 0.034, OR, 95% CI = 1.82, 1.05–3.15). Rs4791774 (A > G) was also showed association with risk of upper arch supernumerary teeth only (Padd = 0.010, OR, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.41–0.89).

Conclusion

Non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without palate‐susceptible loci rs4791774 (A > G) and rs13041247 (T > C) were associated with the risk of supernumerary teeth.
Mesangial C4d deposition at diagnosis in childhood immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Sato Yasuyuki , Sasaki Satoshi , Okamoto Takayuki , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Hayashi Asako , Ogawa Yayoi , Ariga Tadashi
Published: June 2019

Background

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a major cause of end‐stage renal disease. Complement activation via the lectin pathway influences outcomes in IgAN. We examined the association of glomerular C4d deposition with clinicopathological severity at diagnosis and the disappearance of proteinuria in Japanese pediatric IgAN patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 25 children newly diagnosed with IgAN at Hokkaido University Hospital. We evaluated glomerular C4d immunofluorescent staining at diagnosis. We compared clinical findings, pathological findings (based on Oxford classification), and the disappearance of proteinuria within 24 months after renal biopsy between C4d‐positive and C4d‐negative patients.

Results

Glomerular C4d staining was observed in 14 patients (56.0%). C4d‐positive patients had significantly higher proteinuria at diagnosis than C4d‐negative patients (2.03 g/gCr vs 0.78 g/gCr; P = 0.005). The number of glomeruli with segmental glomerulosclerosis or adhesion (8.0% vs 0.0%; P = 0.046) and the extent of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (9.46% vs 2.86%; P = 0.031) were significantly increased in C4d‐positive patients compared with C4d‐negative patients. Further, the proportion of patients with modified T1 (>10%) was significantly higher in the C4d‐positive group than the C4d‐negative group. There was no significant difference, however, in the disappearance rate of proteinuria at 24 months after renal biopsy between groups (64% vs 82%; P = 0.149).

Conclusions

Glomerular C4d deposition was associated with clinicopathological severity at diagnosis in Japanese pediatric patients with IgAN. Glomerular C4d deposition, however, was not a predictor of the disappearance of proteinuria within 24 months after diagnosis in Japanese pediatric patients with IgAN.
Effects of amount and recurrence of leaf herbivory on the induction of direct and indirect defences in wild cotton
Authors: Abdala‐Roberts L. , Reyes‐Hernández M. , Quijano‐Medina T. , Moreira X. , Francisco M. , Angulo D. F. , Parra‐Tabla V. , Virgen A. , Rojas J. C.
Published: June 2019

The induction of defences in response to herbivory is a key mechanism of plant resistance. While a number of studies have investigated the time course and magnitude of plant induction in response to a single event of herbivory, few have looked at the effects of recurrent herbivory. Furthermore, studies measuring the effects of the total amount and recurrence of herbivory on both direct and indirect plant defences are lacking. To address this gap, here we asked whether insect leaf herbivory induced changes in the amount and concentration of extrafloral nectar (an indirect defence) and concentration of leaf phenolic compounds (a direct defence) in wild cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

We conducted a greenhouse experiment where we tested single event or recurrent herbivory effects on defence induction by applying mechanical leaf damage and caterpillar (Spodoptera frugiperda) regurgitant.

Single events of 25% and 50% leaf damage did not significantly influence extrafloral nectar production or concentration. Extrafloral nectar traits did, however, increase significantly relative to controls when plants were exposed to recurrent herbivory (two episodes of 25% damage). In contrast, phenolic compounds increased significantly in response to single events of  leaf damage but not to recurrent damage. In addition, we found. that local induction of extrafloral nectar production was stronger than systemic induction, whereas the reverse pattern was observed for phenolics.

Together, these results reveal seemingly inverse patterns of induction of direct and indirect defences in response to herbivory in wild cotton.
White rot disease protection and growth promotion of garlic (Allium sativum) by endophytic bacteria
Authors: Wang J. , Shi L. , Wang D. , Li L. , Loake G. J. , Yang X. , Jiang J.
Published: June 2019

Thirty‐five bacterial isolates, recovered from the healthy bulbs of Allium sativum that grow in different sites of China, were screened for their ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes and metabolites and to dissolve inorganic phosphorus in vitro. These 35 endophytes inhibited the growth of the causal agent of white rot disease, Sclerotium cepivorum (Sc), by 19–64%. The isolates 153 (Bacillus siamensis) (Bs) and 136 (Streptomyces setonii) (Ss) were found to be the most effective in decreasing Sc disease incidence, both by 66%. In addition, there was a significant enhancement in the growth of garlic plants pretreated with isolates 153 Bs and 136 Ss. Isolate 136 could not produce indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and did not exhibit an inorganic phosphorus solubilization ability in vitro. Thus, growth promotion by this Streptomyces sp. is likely to be mediated by a different, and perhaps novel, mechanism to that typically associated with growth promoting bacteria. An increase in expression of alliin lyase 2 was found in garlic plants treated with 153 Bs. By extension, the quantity of the antimicrobial sulphoxide, alliin, was also increased in 153 Bs‐treated and Sc‐inoculated plants, relative to the Sc‐inoculated controls. These results indicated that this bacterial endophyte might protect A. sativum not only by direct antibiosis, but also by enhancing the expression of alliin lyase 2 and the concomitant production of alliin.
Tuberculosis and malaria walk side by side in the Brazilian Amazon: an ecological approach
Authors: Teixeira Rahyja , Rodrigues Maria Gabriela Almeida , Ferreira Marcia Danielle , Borges Maria Cecília , Safe Izabella , Melo Gisely Cardoso , Spener Renata , Garrido Marlucia Silva , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Siqueira André Machado , Lacerda Marcus Vinícius Guimarães , Cordeiro‐Santos Marcelo , de Souza Sampaio Vanderson
Published: June 2019

Objective

To assess the spatial distribution of TB and malaria incidence, as well as their spatial association with each other, regardless of environmental and socio‐economic factors commonly reported as determinants of both disease rates among the municipalities of Amazonas State, Brazil between 2012 and 2015.

Methods

Through an ecological approach considering municipalities of Amazonas, Brazil, as unit of analysis, a negative binomial regression model was used to assess association between malaria and TB rates, in which the dependent variable was the average municipal tuberculosis incidence rate.

Results

Positive associations of overall malaria (β = 0.100 [CI = 0.032, 0.168], P = 0.004), P. vivax malaria (β = 0.115 [CI = 0.036, 0.195], P = 0.005), and P. falciparum malaria (β = 0.389 [CI = −0.0124, 0.791], P = 0.057) with TB rates were found, regardless of the sociodemographic factors included in the study.

Conclusion

In the Brazilian Amazon, TB and malaria are spatially associated. Therefore, it is very likely that co‐infections also occur in this region, regardless of the HIV status.
Minimally invasive microsurgical decompression of an intervertebral disc protrusion in a dog
Authors: Guevar Julien , Olby Natasha
Published: June 2019

Objective

To report the successful treatment of intervertebral disc protrusion with minimally invasive microsurgery in a large breed dog.

Study design

Retrospective case report.

Animal

A 4‐year‐old, neutered male, German shepherd dog presented with chronic progressive ambulatory paraparesis and thoracolumbar pain; lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and severe spinal cord compression at L2‐L3 were diagnosed.

Methods

A minimally invasive approach was used to access the target surgical area by using a muscle splitting technique and retractors. Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirmed correct placement. Magnification and illumination through a surgical microscope were used (microsurgery) to perform the spinal cord decompression by means of a foraminotomy and lateral corpectomy.

Results

Technically, the combination of fluoroscopy and muscle splitting approach offered adequate minimally invasive access. Microsurgery allowed for precise and efficient spinal cord decompression. Clinically, no immediate postoperative neurological deterioration was observed. Opioid usage was limited to 24 hours postoperatively. Focal muscle swelling was observed postoperatively for 2 days, and hospital stay was 3 days. At 7 weeks postoperatively, neurological examination results were normal, and postoperative MRI confirmed spinal cord decompression. No complications were reported.

Conclusion

The procedure was associated with a small incision, limited muscle trauma, early improvement of the neurological status, a short hospital stay, and limited postoperative pain.

Clinical significance

This case provides evidence that minimally invasive microsurgery is an effective treatment for intervertebral disc protrusion in large breed dogs and may offer benefits regarding postoperative pain and functional recovery.
Reconstructing rational stable motivic homotopy theory
Authors: Garkusha Grigory
Published: June 2019

Using a recent computation of the rational minus part of$SH(k)$by Ananyevskiy, Levine and Panin, a theorem of Cisinski and Déglise and a version of the Röndigs and Østvær theorem, rational stable motivic homotopy theory over an infinite perfect field of characteristic different from 2 is recovered in this paper from finite Milnor–Witt correspondences in the sense of Calmès and Fasel.
Dynamic
Interactions Between the Rolling Element and the Cage in Rolling Bearing Under Rotational Speed
Fluctuation Conditions
Authors: Tu Wenbing , Luo Ya , Yu Wennian
Published: June 2019

A nonlinear dynamic model is proposed to investigate the dynamic interactions between the rolling element and cage under rotational speed fluctuation conditions. Discontinuous Hertz contact between the rolling element and the cage and lubrication and interactions between rolling elements and raceways are considered. The dynamic model is verified by comparing simulation result with the published experimental data. Based on this model, the interaction forces and the contact positions between the rolling element and the cage with and without the rotational speed fluctuation are analyzed. The effects of fluctuation amplitude, fluctuation frequency, and cage pocket clearance on the interaction forces between the rolling element and the cage are also investigated. The results show that the fluctuation of the rotational speed and the cage pocket clearance significantly affects the interaction forces between the rolling element and the cage.
Design of a Prototype for the In Situ Forming of a Liquid-Infused Preform Process
Authors: Juan Jaime , Núria Salán M. , Silva Arlindo , Tornero José A.
Published: June 2019

The world is changing and demanding stronger, lighter, and more versatile materials. Taking advantage of the full potential of these materials also requires versatile manufacturing processes. The in situ forming of a liquid-infused preform (ISFLIP) is a new manufacturing process for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) parts with shell shapes. ISFLIP is a hybrid process between vacuum infusion (VI) and diaphragm forming. This paper focuses on the mechanical design and experimental validation of a functional prototype of ISFLIP. The novelty of the design lies especially in a double-diaphragm system that is fundamental to carrying out the forming just after the infusion stage. The double-diaphragm system and other two major subsystems, a vacuum table and an infrared heating grid, were devised to benefit from the operational advantages of ISFLIP. The whole prototype, once constructed, was tested by forming some demonstration components. The result of one of these components, a “C” cross-section FRP profile with two sharp joggles, is finally obtained, proving the feasibility of the prototype.
Sueños de Béisbol: Hopes, Experiences, and Expectations of Professional Baseball Players in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Ruiz Leonardo , Van Raalte Judy L. , France Thaddeus , Petitpas Al
Published: June 2019

More than 1,400 Latin American professional baseball players, age 16-21, are employed by 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) academies in the Dominican Republic. The popular press has highlighted scandals related to professional youth baseball player recruitment, selection, and exploitation in the academies, but little attention has been given to the academy experiences of youth baseball players from the perspective of the players themselves. For this research, 11 professional baseball players residing at an MLB Academy in the Dominican Republic participated in semi-structured interviews. Players described their transitions into the baseball academy system, their experiences in the academy, and their perceptions and expectations upon leaving or being released from the academy. Themes that emerged from the data included athletes’ hopes and dreams, stress, faith, and career transitions. Clinical implications of these findings for sport psychology practitioners are discussed.
Help-Seeking for Eating Pathology Among Collegiate Athletes: Examining Stigma and Perfectionism as Moderating and Mediating Mechanisms
Authors: Martin Shelby J. , Anderson Timothy
Published: June 2019

Despite elevated risk of eating pathology (EP) among athletes, utilization of EP-treatment among athletes is low. Factors that may inhibit EP-help-seeking among athletes include perceived social stigma, self-stigma, and perfectionism. Heightened stigma associated with EP and sport climates may be exacerbated by negative perfectionism characteristic of athletes and decrease intentions to seek help for EP. We tested the following moderated-mediation model among a sample of collegiate athletes (N = 201) via online questionnaires: EP indirectly relates to EP help-seeking intentions through perceived and self-stigma and these relations are conditional on negative perfectionism. EP help-seeking intentions were negatively associated with EP severity, stigma, and negative perfectionism. EP was related to eating-specific help-seeking intentions through perceived social stigma, influencing self-stigma, but this was not moderated by negative perfectionism. Targeting mental-health treatment stigma among athletes may reduce risk of untreated EP among collegiate athletes.
The Relationship Between Personality Traits and Muscle Injuries in Swedish Elite Male Football Players
Authors: Eckerman Mattias , Svensson Kjell , Edman Gunnar , Alricsson Marie
Published: June 2019

Context: The physical and mental demands of an elite football player are complex, which may explain why injuries are common in football. At elite level, muscle injuries of the lower-extremity are the most common among male football players, and the research hitherto is limited. Objective: To investigate whether personality traits affect the incidence of muscle injuries among male football players from the first league in Sweden. Design: Prospective cohort study. Participants: A male football team from the first league in Sweden was prospectively followed, in terms of muscle injuries of the lower-extremity during 8 seasons, between 2007 and 2015. Intervention: All muscle injuries included in this study were evaluated and diagnosed with ultrasonography. Players from the team filled out the Swedish Universities Scales of Personality questionnaire. Swedish Universities Scales of Personality questionnaire consists of 91 items and is divided into 13 categories. Main Outcome Measures: The raw values of each scale were linearly transformed to T scores, having a mean (SD) of 50 (10). All variables were summarized with standard descriptive statistics, such as frequency, mean, and SD. As data were of interval scale and no variable distribution was severely skewed, differences between noninjured players, rarely injured players, and frequently injured players were analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc tests by Tukey honestly significant difference test. Results: No significant difference in personality traits were observed between noninjured players, rarely injured players, and frequently injured players regarding number of muscle injuries (P > .05). However, a trend (P = .07) was seen, where frequently injured players scored higher on stress susceptibility than rarely injured players. Conclusion: A player’s stress susceptibility should be taken into consideration by the player, coaches, and medical staff when assessing the risk of a muscle injury. Also, preventive measures available for these players may need to be considered.
Ultrasound Imaging of the Paraspinal Muscles for Interscapular Pain After Back Massage
Authors: Ricci Vincenzo , Özçakar Levent
Published: June 2019

Muscle injuries are very common in sports medicine, but involvement of the paraspinal muscles is relatively rare. The diagnosis is usually clinical, but diagnostic imaging modalities (ie, ultrasound and magnetic resonance) identify, in detail, the anatomical site and extension of the lesion helping the physician plan a specific rehabilitation program. Likewise, the authors present an unusual case of a amateur volleyball player who suffered injury of the paraspinal muscles after a session of manual therapy with deep massage. The authors also highlight the potential role of ultrasound imaging in detecting muscle injuries not only in the limbs but also at the level of paraspinal region for prompt management and return to play.
Optimizing Systems for Cas9 Expression in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Markus Benedikt M. , Bell George W. , Lorenzi Hernan A. , Lourido Sebastian
Published: June 2019

Toxoplasma gondiiis an intracellular parasite that causes life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients and affects the developing fetus when contracted during pregnancy. Closely related species cause malaria and severe diarrhea, thereby constituting leading causes for childhood mortality. Despite their importance to global health, this family of parasites has remained enigmatic. Given its remarkable experimental tractability,T. gondiihas emerged as a model also for the study of related parasites. Genetic approaches are important tools for studying the biology of organisms, includingT. gondii. As such, the recent developments of CRISPR-Cas9-based techniques for genome editing have vastly expanded our ability to study the biology of numerous species. In some organisms, however, CRISPR-Cas9 has been difficult to implement due to its inherent toxicity. Our research characterizes the basis of the observed toxicity, usingT. gondiias a model, allowing us to develop approaches to aid the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in diverse species.
Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia (DIPNECH) with liver metastases
Authors: Flint Kristen , Ye Chengcheng , Henry Tracey L
Published: June 2019

Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pulmonary disorder characterised by classic radiological findings and symptoms of obstructive lung disease. DIPNECH is considered a precursor to carcinoid tumours in the lungs. In this case, we describe a patient with years of unexplained dry cough presenting with 2 weeks of progressive nausea and vomiting, and found to have massive hepatomegaly on examination. By CT-PE, she was diagnosed with DIPNECH, and abdominal MRI revealed metastatic carcinoid tumours. Despite its non-specific presentation, DIPNECH has characteristic radiological findings of mosaic attenuation with numerous pulmonary nodules. DIPNECH requires early identification and close surveillance to prevent progression to carcinoid tumours. Thus, it is critical for frontline providers to consider this diagnosis as part of their differential when other common causes of obstructive lung disease have been ruled out.
Can nudge-interventions address health service overuse and underuse? Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: O’Keeffe Mary , Traeger Adrian C , Hoffmann Tammy , Ferreira Giovanni Esteves , Soon Jason , Maher Christopher
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Nudge-interventions aimed at health professionals are proposed to reduce the overuse and underuse of health services. However, little is known about their effectiveness at changing health professionals’ behaviours in relation to overuse or underuse of tests or treatments.

Objective

The aim of this study is to systematically identify and synthesise the studies that have assessed the effect of nudge-interventions aimed at health professionals on the overuse or underuse of health services.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a systematic review. All study designs that include a control comparison will be included. Any qualified health professional, across any specialty or setting, will be included. Only nudge-interventions aimed at altering the behaviour of health professionals will be included. We will examine the effect of choice architecture nudges (default options, active choice, framing effects, order effects) and social nudges (accountable justification and pre-commitment or publicly declared pledge/contract). Studies with outcomes relevant to overuse or underuse of health services will be included. Relevant studies will be identified by a computer-aided search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO databases. Two independent reviewers will screen studies for eligibility, extract data and perform the risk of bias assessment using the criteria recommended by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) group. We will report our results in a structured synthesis format, as recommended by the Cochrane EPOC group.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this study. Results will be presented at relevant scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed literature.
Impact of emergency physician experience on decision-making in patients with suspected community-acquired pneumonia and undergoing systematic thoracic CT scan
Authors: Le Bel Josselin , Pelaccia Thierry , Ray Patrick , Mayaud Charles , Brun Anne-Laure , Hausfater Pierre , Casalino Enrique , Benjoar Mikhael , Claessens Yann-Erick , Duval Xavier
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To determine whether the impact of a thoracic CT scan on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) diagnosis and patient management varies according to emergency physician’s experience (≤10 vs >10 years).

Methods

Early thoracic CT Scan for Community-Acquired Pneumonia at the Emergency Department is an interventional study conducted from November 2011 to January 2013 in four French emergency departments, and included suspected patients with CAP. We analysed changes in emergency physician CAP diagnosis classification levels before and after CT scan; and their agreement with an adjudication committee. We performed univariate analysis to determine the factors associated with modifying the diagnosis classification level to be consistent with the radiologist’s CT scan interpretation.

Results

319 suspected patients with CAP and 136 emergency physicians (75% less experienced with ≤10 years, 25% with >10 years of experience) were included. The percentage of patients whose classification was modified to become consistent with CT scan radiologist’s interpretation was higher among less-experienced than experienced emergency physicians (54.2% vs 40.2%; p=0.02). In univariate analysis, less emergency physician experience was the only factor associated with changing a classification to be consistent with the CT scan radiologist’s interpretation (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.10, p=0.04). After CT scan, the agreement between emergency physicians and adjudication committee was moderate for less-experienced emergency physicians and slight for experienced emergency physicians (k=0.457 and k=0.196, respectively). After CT scan, less-experienced emergency physicians modified patient management significantly more than experienced emergency physicians (36.1% vs 21.7%, p=0.01).

Conclusions

In clinical practice, less-experienced emergency physicians were more likely to accurately modify their CAP diagnosis and patient management based on thoracic CT scan than more experienced emergency physicians.

Trial registration number

NCT01574066
Dexrazoxane preferentially mitigates doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in female children with sarcoma
Authors: Narayan Hari K , Putt Mary E , Kosaraju Nikitha , Paz Alejandro , Bhatt Shivani , Plappert Theodore , Mercer-Rosa Laura , Armenian Saro H , Desai Ami V , Womer Richard B , Ky Bonnie
Published: June 2019

Objective

We sought to determine how sex and dexrazoxane therapy influence cardiac remodelling in children with sarcoma receiving high-dose doxorubicin.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort of 85 children with sarcoma receiving high-dose doxorubicin, echocardiography measures prior to, early after (within 6 months of doxorubicin completion) and 1 – 2 years after doxorubicin completion were quantified. At each follow-up visit, multivariable, propensity-adjusted linear regression models evaluated dexrazoxane’s effects on changes in left ventricular (LV) shortening fraction (SF), structure, strain and wall stress for subgroups divided by sex. Likelihood ratio tests assessed the interaction between sex and dexrazoxane in determining these changes.

Results

Early after doxorubicin completion, males not treated with dexrazoxane (n = 15) developed increased cavity size and diminished circumferential strain; females (n = 8) developed diminished SF and strain indices, and increased cavity size and wall stress. With dexrazoxane, males (n = 33) demonstrated less deterioration in circumferential strain by 3.4% (95% CI 0.01 to 6.8), and females (n = 29) demonstrated less reduction in SF by 5.7% (95% CI 2.1 to 9.3), and had mitigation of increases in cavity size and wall stress. In interaction analyses, females had greater protection with dexrazoxane with regard to SF (p = 0.019) and cavity size in diastole (p = 0.002) and systole (p ≤ 0.001). These findings largely persisted 1 – 2 years after doxorubicin therapy.

Conclusions

Early, sustained alterations in LV structure and function occur in children with sarcoma after high-dose doxorubicin, with adverse changes and protective effects of dexrazoxane more pronounced in females as compared with males. Dexrazoxane may have sex-specific cardioprotective effects.
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and fecal microbial flora in growing pigs fed diets containing Spirulina
Authors: Liu X. , Han Y.S. , Kim I.H.
Published: June 2019

The present experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary Spirulina (SP) supplementation in growing pigs. A total of 140 pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc, 25.32 ± 1.36 kg] were randomly distributed to one of four treatments: control, basal diet; treatment 1, basal diet + 0.025% SP; treatment 2, basal diet + 0.050% SP; and treatment 3, basal diet + 0.100% SP. Growing pigs fed 0.050% SP diet had greater (P < 0.05) body weight and fecal Lactobacillus counts compared with pigs fed basal diet. Average daily gain and gain to feed ratio were greater (P < 0.05) in pigs fed 0.050% and 0.100% SP diets as compared with pigs fed basal diet. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity for pigs fed 0.050% SP diet tended to increase compared with pigs fed basal diet (P < 0.10). Pigs fed 0.025%, 0.050%, and 0.100% SP had a higher (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity than pigs fed basal diet. In conclusion, SP supplementation improved growth performance and ATTD of DM, increased the SOD and GPx activity, and enhanced the fecal Lactobacillus counts in growing pigs.
Comparative sequence analysis of morbillivirus receptors and its implication in host range expansion
Authors: Yadav Ajay Kumar , Rajak Kaushal Kishor , Bhatt Mukesh , Kumar Ashok , Chakravarti Soumendu , Sankar Muthu , Muthuchelvan Dhanavelu , Kumar Ravi , Khulape Sagar , Singh Rabindra Prasad , Singh Raj Kumar
Published: June 2019

SLAM (CD150) and nectin-4 are the major morbillivirus receptors responsible for virus pathogenesis and host range expansion. Recently, morbillivirus infections have been reported in unnatural hosts, including endangered species, posing a threat to their conservation. To understand the host range expansion of morbilliviruses, we generated the full-length sequences of morbillivirus receptors (goat, sheep, and dog SLAM, and goat nectin-4) and tried to correlate their role in determining host tropism. A high level of amino acid identity was observed between the sequences of related species, and phylogenetic reconstruction showed that the receptor sequences of carnivores, marine mammals, and small ruminants grouped separately. Analysis of the ligand binding region (V region; amino acid residues 52–136) of SLAM revealed high amino acid identity between small ruminants and bovine SLAMs. Comparison of canine SLAM with ruminants and non-canids SLAM revealed appreciable changes, including charge alterations. Significant differences between feline SLAM and canine SLAM have been reported. The binding motifs of nectin-4 genes (FPAG motif and amino acid residues 60, 62, and 63) were found to be conserved in sheep, goat, and dog. The differences reported in the binding region may be responsible for the level of susceptibility or resistance of a species to a particular morbillivirus.
Preparation of Germanium-Tin Alloy Nanoparticles by Laser-Assisted Techniques in Liquid
Authors: Tarasenka N. , Tarasenko N. , Pankov V.
Published: June 2019

Laser-assisted synthesis of germanium–tin (Ge–Sn) alloy nanoparticles (NPs) using 532-nm laser processing of colloidal solutions produced by laser ablation of Ge in Sn suspension has been demonstrated and studied. Laser-induced rapid heating, subsequent co-melting and re-solidification processes at high cooling rates have been considered to be experimentally achieved at the optimized laser processing parameters. Detailed characterization of the formed Ge–Sn alloys indicated substitution of Sn atoms in the Ge matrix.
Water-Soluble Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots with Controlled Surface Charge
Authors: Radchanka A. , Artemyev M.
Published: June 2019

By chemical modification of poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-tetradecene) with different negatively and positively charged groups, we demonstrate how magnitude of zeta potential of encapsulated CdSe quantum dots and their sensitivity to pH can be tuned by varying type and proportion of the negatively and positively charged groups on the surface of quantum dots.
Study of Diluted Meldonium Solutions by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Khinevich N. , Zavatski S. , Bandarenka H. , Belyatsky V. , Galyuk E. , Ryneiskaya O.
Published: June 2019

Silvered porous silicon was utilized as an active substrate for a detection of small amounts of meldonium by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. We were able to detect the meldonium in its water solutions at the concentrations of 10[Formula: see text]–10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M. Immersion of the silvered porous silicon in the meldonium solutions at the 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M concentration and lower led to the dimers’ formation. At the concentrations larger than 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M, a greater contribution to the enhancement of the Raman intensity was caused by a chemical mechanism while the smaller amounts were detected mostly due to an electromagnetic mechanism.
Nanostructuring of the CIGS Films Surface by the Plasma Treatment with Low Ion Energy
Authors: Zimin S. P. , Mazaletskiy L. A. , Amirov I. I. , Gorlachev E. S. , Gremenok V. F. , Khoroshko V. V.
Published: June 2019

We report on surface nanostructuring of Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) films using inductively coupled argon plasma treatment with the ion energy of 25–30[Formula: see text]eV within 30–120[Formula: see text]s. The films were fabricated on glass substrates using the selenization method and had a polycrystalline structure. We demonstrate that the plasma treatment results in the formation of tip-shaped nanostructure arrays with the geometrical parameters controlled by the treatment duration. The features of the surface nanostructuring using low energy ions are discussed.
Formation of Metallic Droplets on the Surface of Indium Sulfide Films During Argon Plasma Treatment
Authors: Zimin S. P. , Pipkova A. S. , Mazaletskiy L. A. , Amirov I. I. , Gorlachev E. S. , Vasilev S. V. , Khoroshko V. V. , Gremenok V. F. , Pyatlitski A. N.
Published: June 2019

Modification of indium sulfide (In2S3) film surface was performed by the treatment in high-density low-pressure inductively coupled argon plasma. The films with thickness of 500–800[Formula: see text]nm were fabricated on glass substrates by the thermal evaporation method and subsequent annealing in sulfur ambience. The plasma treatment of as-grown and annealed films was carried out with argon ions having the energy of 25–200[Formula: see text]eV. Nanostructuring of the film surface took place resulting in the formation of arrays of nanosized indium droplets.
Gold Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Matsukovich A. S. , Shabunya-Klyachkovskaya E. V. , Sawczak M. , Grochowska K. , Maskowicz D. , Śliwiński G.
Published: June 2019

This work shows comparative analysis of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of gold nanoparticles fabricated by chemical synthesis and laser ablation methods. The gold nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation (Au-LA) are more effective for SERS than those prepared chemically (Au-citr). The “analyte on Au film” configuration allows obtaining enhancement of Raman scattering up to 104 in case of Au-LA nanoparticles and up to 102 in case of Au-citr. Also the “sandwich” configuration for Au-LA gives additional enhancement of SERS up to two times, and for Au-citr up to one order, that is consistent with theoretical calculations.
Nanocrystalline Features of Structure and Luminescent Properties of (Y1−xLax)3(Al1−yGay)5O12:Ce3+ Garnets
Authors: Bokshits Yu. V. , Shevchenko G. P. , Tratsiak E. V. , Kichanov S. E.
Published: June 2019

The compounds of (Y[Formula: see text]Lax)3(Al[Formula: see text]Gay)5O[Formula: see text]:Ce[Formula: see text] compositions with partial substitution of Y[Formula: see text] and Al[Formula: see text] by La[Formula: see text] and Ga[Formula: see text], respectively, were fabricated by the co-precipitation method using different precipitants. Detailed investigations of the crystalline structure were made using the neutron diffraction method. The influence of the precipitant, quantity and type of the substituted ions on the structural and luminescent properties of the compounds was established. Distortion of the oxygen dodecahedron in the crystals has the strongest impact on their luminescent properties.
Research on logistics distribution path optimization based on PSO and IoT
Authors: Sun Rongting , Liu Mingding , Zhao Li
Published: June 2019

Logistics information tends to be large-scale and complicated, and must be handled by intelligent means to promote the sustainable and healthy development of the logistics industry. The key issue currently facing is the optimization of the logistics distribution path. First, analyze the current research status of Internet of Things (IoT) and the basic application of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO); Then according to the development needs of logistics industry analyze the connection and restriction of optimal path planning. With this as a constraint, the optimization model is built with the goal of comprehensive cost; Then studied how to design and implement the logistics information system based on the IoT. The paper focuses on the design of information mechanism to ensure information security and the intelligent mechanism design to improve distribution efficiency. Finally, an optimization model of logistics distribution path based on IoT is established. The improved PSO algorithm is used to optimize and compare it with the traditional PSO algorithm. It is concluded that based on the logistics distribution model of the IoT, intelligent logistics is formed, so that goods and articles, goods and trucks, goods and people can all be contacted, and the distribution route can be rationally planned.
Good algorithms make good neighbors
Authors: Klarreich Erica
Published: June 2019

Many computer scientists doubted ad hoc methods would ever give way to a more general approach to finding nearest neighbors. They were wrong.
Extract, shoehorn, and load
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: June 2019

Data doesn't always fit nicely into a new home.
Availability Enhancement of Riak TS Using Resource‐Aware Mechanism
Authors: Li Ling , Liu Zihao , Ye Feng , Zhang Peng , Lu Ming
Published: June 2019

The dependability and elasticity of various NoSQL stores in critical application are still worth studying. Currently, the cluster and backup technologies are commonly used for improving NoSQL availability, but these approaches do not consider the availability reduction when NoSQL stores encounter performance bottlenecks. In order to enhance the availability of Riak TS effectively, a resource‐aware mechanism is proposed. Firstly, the data table is sampled according to time, the correspondence between time and data is acquired, and the real‐time resource consumption is recorded by Prometheus. Based on the sampling results, the polynomial curve fitting algorithm is used to constructing prediction curve. Then the resources required for the upcoming operation are predicted by the time interval in the SQL statement, and the operation is evaluated by comparing with the remaining resources. Using the real hydrological sensor dataset as experimental data, the effectiveness of the mechanism is experimented in two aspects of sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The results show that through the availability enhancement mechanism, the average specificity is 80.55% and the sensitivity is 76.31% which use the initial sampling dataset. As training datasets increase, the specificity increases from 80.55% to 92.42%, and the sensitivity increases from 76.31% to 87.90%. Besides, the availability increases from 40.33% to 89.15% in hydrological application scenarios. Experimental results show that this resource‐aware mechanism can effectively prevent potential availability problems and enhance the availability of Riak TS. Moreover, as the number of users and the size of the data collected grow, our method will become more accurate and perfect.
Identification and Interaction Analysis of Significant Genes and MicroRNAs in Pterygium
Authors: He Siying , Sun Hui , Huang Yifang , Dong Shiqi , Qiao Chen , Zhang Shuai , Wang Chen , Zheng Fang , Yan Ming , Yang Guohua
Published: June 2019

Purpose. MiRNAs have been widely analyzed in the occurrence and development of many diseases, including pterygium. This study aimed to identify the key genes and miRNAs in pterygium and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods. MiRNA expression was initially extracted and pooled by published literature. Microarray data about differentially expressed genes was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed with the R programming language. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The protein-protein interaction network was constructed with the STRING database. The associations between chemicals, differentially expressed miRNAs, and differentially expressed genes were predicted using the online resource. All the networks were constructed using Cytoscape. Results. We found that 35 miRNAs and 301 genes were significantly differentially expressed. Functional enrichment analysis showed that upregulated genes were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, while downregulated genes were mainly involved in cell death and apoptotic process. Finally, we concluded the chemical-gene affected network, miRNA-mRNA interacted networks, and significant pathway network. Conclusion. We identified lists of differentially expressed miRNAs and genes and their possible interaction in pterygium. The networks indicated that ECM breakdown and EMT might be two major pathophysiological mechanisms and showed the potential significance of PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. MiR-29b-3p and collagen family (COL4A1 and COL3A1) might be new treatment target in pterygium.
Control of Bovine Leukemia Virus in Three US Dairy Herds by Culling ELISA-Positive Cows
Authors: Ruggiero Vickie J. , Bartlett Paul C.
Published: June 2019

The objective of this trial was to evaluate a test-and-cull approach to controlling bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in US dairy herds with a low BLV prevalence. Despite worldwide distribution of the virus, 21 nations have eradicated BLV from their dairy cattle and are currently considered ‘BLV-free.’ In contrast, the US has attempted no industry-wide BLV control programs and has experienced an increase in BLV prevalence among dairy cows to about 40%. This raises concerns about production efficiency, herd health, and sustainability. In a pilot field trial with three Midwestern-US dairy herds, a test-and-cull approach using ELISA screening of milk samples was successful in reducing BLV prevalence in two herds. In the third herd, BLV prevalence increased following the introduction of infected heifers that were raised at an out-of-state calf raising facility. This trial demonstrated that a test-and-cull approach to BLV control can be successful in US dairy herds with low BLV prevalence, but ongoing surveillance is necessary to prevent reintroduction of the virus.
An 11-Year Retrospective Research Study of the Predictive Factors of Peri-Implantitis and Implant Failure: Analytic-Multicentric Study of 1279 Implants in Peru
Authors: Mayta-Tovalino Frank , Mendoza-Martiarena Yens , Romero-Tapia Percy , Álvarez-Paucar María , Gálvez-Calla Luis , Calderón-Sánchez Juan , Bolaños-Cardenas Rodolfo , Diaz-Sarabia Antonio
Published: June 2019

Aim. To analyze the risk factors by logistic regression and perform the analysis of the survival rate of osseointegrated dental implants placed in public and private institutions. Methods. An analytic-multicentric study was carried out, where 1279 dental implants that were placed by specialists from January 2006 to October 2017 in public and private institutions (UPCH-SI, HCFAP, CMNAVAL, UPCH-SM, and UPSJB) were evaluated. The variables sex (X1), location (X2), hypertension (X3), antibiotic prophylaxis (X4), diabetes (X5), osteoporosis (X6), bisphosphonates (X7), history of periodontitis (X8), hypercholesterolemia (X9), bone quality (X10), bone quantity (X11), design (X12), smoker (X13), connection (X14), edentulism type (X15), staging (X16), 3D guided surgery (X17), load (X18), bone graft (X19), peri-implantitis (X20), mucositis (X21), and GBR (X22) were collected and analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. The logit analysis was performed among all the variables to choose the best statistical model that explains the true risk factors. The analysis was performed by multivariate logistic regression and the Kaplan–Meier test, at a level of statistical significance of p<0.05. Results. It was found that the failure rate of the 1279 implants evaluated was 17.98% corresponding to only 23 implants lost as they have good longevity over time. When establishing the best multivariate logistic regression model, it was found that the variables that remained stable in relation to their statistically significant value and more stable confidence intervals were age, osteoporosis, bisphosphonates, history of periodontitis, bone quality, bone graft, connection, number of implants, GBR (guided bone regeneration), and follow-up. Conclusions. Dental implants placed by specialists in public and private institutions had a failure rate similar to that in studies previously published in other countries.