bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroencephalographic changes associated with non-invasive nociceptive stimulus in minimally anaesthetised dogs
Authors: Kaka U. , Goh Y.M. , Chean L.W. , Chen H.C.
Published: January 2017

Electroencephalography (EEG) has been reported as an objective, non-invasive and stress free technique for nociceptive studies. Electrical stimuli can be used to evaluate the efficacy of centrally acting agents. Peripheral nerve stimulator can be a good and cheap source of electric stimulus for studies of nociception, and studies evaluating analgesic effect of drugs under EEG. In this study suitability of peripheral nerve stimulator, and milliamperage for nociceptive studies under electroencephalography were evaluated. Six dogs were subjected to electric stimulus of 20, 40, 60 and 80 milliamperes (mAs) before and after tramadol administration at 4 mg/kg IV. Electroencephalograph was recorded during electric stimulus prior tramadol (pre-tramadol) and during electric stimulus after tramadol (post-tramadol) under minimal anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with halothane at a stable concentration between 0.85 and 0.95%. Pre-tramadol median frequency (MF) increased significantly (p<0.05) at 40, 60 and 80 mAs post-electric stimulus compared to baseline MF. No difference in pre-tramadol MF was observed between 60 and 80 mAs. Tramadol produced significant effect by depression of MF at all intensities. The effect was less evident at 80 mAs. The results revealed that tramadol produced evident effect between 20 and 60 mAs. Thus, it is concluded that nerve stimulator can be used with the current between 20 and 60 mAs for nociceptive studies.
Evaluation of portable blood glucose meters using canine and feline pooled blood samples
Authors: Mori A. , Oda H. , Onozawa E. , Shono S. , Takahashi T. , Yamashita S. , Fujimoto H. , Sako T.
Published: January 2017

This study evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of a human portable blood glucose meter (PBGM) for canine and feline whole blood. Reference plasma glucose values (RPGV) were concurrently measured using glucose oxidation methods. Fifteen healthy dogs and 6 healthy cats were used for blood sampling. Blood glucose concentrations and hematocrits were adjusted using pooled blood samples for our targeted values. A positive correlation between the PBGM and RPGV was found for both dogs (y = 0.877, x = −24.38, r = 0.9982, n = 73) and cats (y = 1.048, x = −27.06, r = 0.9984, n = 69). Acceptable results were obtained in error grid analysis between PBGM and RPGV in both dogs and cats; 100% of these results were within zones A and B. Following ISO recommendations, a PBGM is considered accurate if 95% of the measurements are within ± 15 mg/dl of the RPGV when the glucose concentration is <100 mg/dl and within ±15% when it is ≥100 mg/dl; however, small numbers of samples were observed inside the acceptable limits for both dogs (11%, 8 of 73 dogs) and cats (39%, 27 of 69 cats). Blood samples with high hematocrits induced lower whole blood glucose values measured by the PBGM than RPGV under hypoglycemic, normoglycemic, and hyperglycemic conditions in both dogs and cats. Therefore, this device is not clinically useful in dogs and cats. New PBGMs which automatically compensate for the hematocrit should be developed in veterinary practice.
Gut microbiota isolated from the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and its antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Ruzauskas M. , Misyte S. , Vaskeviciute L. , Mikniene Z. , Siugzdiniene R. , Klimiene I. , Pikuniene A. , Kucinskiene J.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to isolate cultivable gut microbiota from European pond turtles kept at the Lithuanian Zoo and to determine antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. The study subjects included 8 elderly turtles living at the Lithuanian Zoo for about 50 years as well as their offspring – 24 young individuals (1-2 years old) that were hatched at the same zoo. Animals were not exposed by treatment with antimicrobials during the last 3 years.

Gut samples were taken from the cloaca and inoculated onto universal media. Isolates then were identified using sequence analysis of 16S rRNA.

The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the agar diffusion method according to Kirby-Bauer. Clinical breakpoints according to CLSI whenever possible, were used for interpretation of susceptibility. Bacterial isolates resistant to at least three antimicrobials of different classes were treated as multi-resistant.

Fifty-two bacterial isolates were obtained and identified from turtle gut samples. The most prevalent genera includedAeromonas, ChryseobacteriumandCitrobacter.Fifty percent of the isolates obtained from elderly turtles (CI 95% – 19.01-80.99) and 54.8% (CI 95% – 39.75-69.85) of the isolates from young animals were identified as multi-resistant. The most common resistance rates of the isolates from both groups of the turtles were observed toward ampicillin (86.6%), ciprofloxacin (61.5%) and gentamicin (40.4%). The lowest number of resistant isolates were detected toward combination of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (26.9%). The study revealed that European pond turtles kept in captivity are carriers of multi-resistant bacteria however, further studies need to be performed to investigate whether the resistant microorganisms are natural microbiota for this species or they were acquired in the zoo.
The distribution of different virulence grass carp reovirus strains in some neglected tissues
Authors: Liang H.R. , Fu X.Z. , Li N.Q. , Liu L.H. , Lin Q. , Li Y.G. , Peng Y.A. , Huang Z.B. , Wu S.Q.
Published: January 2017

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is the causative agent of hemorrhagic disease in infected grass carp. During an outbreak, a mortality rate of up to 85% can be experienced, thus leading to substantial economic losses. The current understanding of disease pathogenesis is limited, with the distribution and dynamics of replication amongst different GCRV strains in vivo largely unknown. We determined distribution of different GCRV strains in infected grass carp, especially in some neglected tissues, such as the gill, brain, blood and so on. The results showed elevated viral RNA copy numbers in the blood, with some tissues such as the kidney, heart, brain, and bladder exhibiting even higher viral loads following infection with the virulent GCRV-CL strain. Even more interesting is that the brain exhibited the highest viral load, with a copy number of 800,000 following GCRV-CL infection. Overall, this study provides further insight into GCRV viral load distributions following infection and potentially identified some new viral tropism sites to provide a foundation for further studies aimed at characterizing GCRV viral pathogenesis.
Replication kinetics of neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) strains in primary murine neurons and ED cell line
Authors: Cymerys J. , Słońska A. , Brzezicka J. , Tucholska A. , Chmielewska A. , Rola J. , Malik P. , Bańbura M.W.
Published: January 2017

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory infections, abortion and neurological disorders in horses. Molecular epidemiology studies have demonstrated that a single-point mutation in DNA polymerase gene, resulting in an amino acid variation (N752/D752), is significantly associated with the neuropathogenic potential of EHV-1 strains. The aim of the study was to elucidate if there are any differences between neuropathogenic (EHV-1 26) and non-neuropathogenic (Jan-E and Rac-H) EHV-1 strains in their ability to infect neuronal cells. For the tested EHV-1 strains, cytopathic effect (CPE) was manifested by changed morphology of cells, destruction of actin cytoskeleton and nuclei degeneration, which led to focal degeneration. Moreover, EHV-1 26 strain caused fusion of the infected cells to form syncytia in culture. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that both neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic EHV-1 strains replicated in neurons and ED cells (equine dermal cell line) at a similar level. We can assume that a point mutation in the EHV-1 polymerase does not affect viral replication in this cell type.
ProANP as a screening biomarker for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine coon cats
Authors: Parzeniecka-Jaworska M. , Garncarz M. , Kluciński W.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to determine if atrial natriuretic peptide can be used as an early screening tool for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Maine coon cats.

Animals: The study was performed in 43 Maine coon cats of both sexes, aged 11 to 92 months. Clinical and echocardiographic examinations were done and proANP serum concentrations were measured every three months over a period of one year (each cat had a total of five examinations). Cats were divided into 3 groups based on echocardiographic results: group 1 – healthy cats, group 2 – cats with unequivocal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy results, group 3 – cats with HCM. The study showed that the concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide correlates with the severity of HCM. A significant increase in serum concentration of this peptide was observed in cats from group 3, but it did not differ significantly between cats from group 2 and the healthy animals (p>0.05). A correlation was also found between proANP and age of the cats (p<0.01, r=0.5578) as well as between the ejection fraction (p=0.0285, r=0.5305) and end-systolic left ventricular diameter (p=0.05, r=0.48) in the affected animals. Atrial natriuretic peptide may be used to help in the diagnosis of advanced stages of HCM in Maine coon cats. Cats with high levels of proANP should be assigned to echocardiographic studies to confirm the disease.
Effects of udder infections with Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus warneri on the composition and physicochemical changes in cows milk
Authors: Vasil M. , Pecka-Kiełb E. , Elečko J. , Zachwieja A. , Zawadzki W. , Zigo F. , Illek J. , Farkašová Z.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the effects of two species of coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS),Staphylococcus xylosusandStaphylococcus warneri,on the changes in technological parameters of cows’ milk. The study was conducted in a herd of Slovak Pied cattle breed (with share of HF blood). Based on the performance results from three subsequent months, cows in the 2ndand 3rdlactation with SCC up to 200 thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), and above 800 thousand/ml (8 heads, 32 quarters), after the 4thmonth of lactation, were selected. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, total bacteria count, somatic cell count; basic milk composition and physicochemical properties were also examined. The research has found the impact of bacterial infection on the increasing (p<0.05) of the number of somatic cells and a decrease (p<0.01) in protein levels in milk due to both types of staphylococci. There was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in C8: 0, C10: 0 and the total amount of saturated fatty acids in the milk of the infected cows in comparison to the healthy ones. The research also revealed higher (p<0.01) levels of C14: 0 and C20: 1 in milk from the healthy cows.
Horse-Expert: An aided expert system for diagnosing horse diseases
Authors: Qin H. , Xiao J. , Gao X. , Wang H.
Published: January 2017

In contrast to the rapid development of the horse husbandry in China, the ability of horse veterinarians to diagnose diseases has not been improved and only a few domain experts have considerable expertise. At present, many expert systems have been developed for diseases diagnosis, but few for horse diseases diagnosis have been studied in depth. This paper presents the design and development of a computer-aided expert system for diagnosing horse diseases. We suggest an approach for diagnosis of horse diseases based on the analysis of diagnostic characteristics and the experiential knowledge of domain experts. It is based on using evidence-weighted uncertainty reasoning theory, which is a combination of evidence theory and an uncertainty pass algorithm of confidence factors. It enables drawing of inferences with atypical clinical signs and the uncertainty of the user’s subjective understanding. It reduces the influence of subjective factors on diagnostic accuracy. The system utilizes a user friendly interface for users and requests a confidence factor from users when feedback is given to the system. Horse-Expert combines the confidence factors with weight factors assigned to clinical signs by experts during the knowledge acquisition process to make diagnostic conclusions. The system can diagnose 91 common horse diseases, and provides suggestions for appropriate treatment options. In addition, users can check the medical record through statistical charts. The system has been tested in seven demonstration areas of Xinjiang province in northwestern China. By constantly maintaining and updating the knowledge base, the system has potential application in veterinary practice.
The Use of Indicator Kriging for Analyzing Prices in the Real Estate Market
Authors: Kobylińska Katarzyna , Cellmer Radosław
Published: January 2017

The patterns and relations between real estate prices and the factors which shape them can be presented, among others, in the form of traditional statistical models, as well as by means of geostatistical methods. In the case of research involving the diagnosis and prediction of transaction prices, the key role is played by the spatial aspect, hence the particular significance of geostatistical methods using spatial information.

The main goal of the conducted research is to determine the probability of the occurrence of a price in a given location in space by means of geostatistical simulation - indicator kriging. Indicator kriging does not use the entirety of information included in a dataset, and can, therefore, be useful in situations when the assumptions involving the spatial stationarity of the examined phenomenon are not fulfilled by an entire dataset, but are fulfilled by a certain part of the set. The maps of the probability with which a regionalized variable (price) takes on particular values, limited by arbitrarily selected cutoff values, were prepared by means of indicator kriging. An alternative approach to the preparation of price probability maps is the determination of the spatial distribution of areas in which, with the assumed probability, the value of the price falls within the predetermined ranges.

The paper presents both the essence as well as a theoretical description of the geostatistical simulation of a transaction on the real estate market, as well as the results of an experiment involving the transaction prices of real properties located in the north-western part of the city of Olsztyn.

The result of the research is a set of virtual information about the places in which the transactions have occurred and about the prices of real estate, constituting a reflection of the market processes which may take place in the near future.
The Impact of a Commune’s Planning Tactics on the Landscape of Suburban Areas
Authors: Zysk Elzbieta , Źrobek-Różańska Alina
Published: January 2017

The article aims to present selected transformations of landscape that follow changes in land use designated by suburban municipalities. Currently, under the pressure of suburbanization, suburban rural municipalities are gradually being transformed into urban-style residential units. Modern and dense residential constructions shape the local landscape by introducing irreversible changes. Directing this process seems to be an important aim for local authorities, which should responsibly apply planning tools and carry out policies which minimize negative changes to the landscape and promote spatial order. In this respect, the paper presents the relationship between the spatial strategy adopted by a municipality and the transformations in the landscape for two selected municipalities: Dywity and Barczewo.
Sexuality and its Deviations in the Post-Modern World
Authors: Streza Ciprian Ioan
Published: January 2017

As the modern world oscillates between powerful contrasts and profound discords, while promoting an individualistic relativism and placing excessive value on the biological life, seen as the only means towards fulfillment for a human existence reduced almost exclusively to the material plane, as the modern secularist views dispute Christian spiritual values more and more, the Church is called to adopt a new type of ministry. The Creed of the post modern society is the “transvaluation of all values”, which questioning and criticizing everything that offers stability to a society by anchoring it to history and tradition. Therefore, pornography, homosexuality, abortion, licentiousness and divorce have become everyday realities promoted through media and elevated to the level of a mandatory normality. Sex is now not only a commodity, but also a means to controlling the person. To overcome this real social crisis of the modern secularized society, the Christians of the 21st century are called to rediscover their liturgical vocation and the true meaning and power of the Worship with all its eschatological, ecclesiological, ascetical and cosmic dimensions and content.
The Geodetic Monitoring of the Engineering Structure – A Practical Solution of the Problem in 3D Space
Authors: Filipiak-Kowszyk Daria , Janowski Artur , Kamiński Waldemar , Makowska Karolina , Szulwic Jakub , Wilde Krzysztof
Published: January 2017

The study raises the issues concerning the automatic system designed for the monitoring of movement of controlled points, located on the roof covering of the Forest Opera in Sopot. It presents the calculation algorithm proposed by authors. It takes into account the specific design and location of the test object. High forest stand makes it difficult to use distant reference points. Hence the reference points used to study the stability of the measuring position are located on the ground elements of the sixmeter-deep concrete foundations, from which the steel arches are derived to support the roof covering (membrane) of the Forest Opera. The tacheometer used in the measurements is located in the glass body placed on a special platform attached to the steel arcs. Measurements of horizontal directions, vertical angles and distances can be additionally subject to errors caused by the laser beam penetration through the glass. Dynamic changes of weather conditions, including the temperature and pressure also have a significant impact on the value of measurement errors, and thus the accuracy of the final determinations represented by the relevant covariance matrices. The estimated coordinates of the reference points, controlled points and tacheometer along with the corresponding covariance matrices obtained from the calculations in the various epochs are used to determine the significance of acquired movements. In case of the stability of reference points, the algorithm assumes the ability to study changes in the position of tacheometer in time, on the basis of measurements performed on these points.
Proposals for Changes in Surveying-Legal Procedures for the Needs of Cadastre in Poland
Authors: Mika Monika
Published: January 2017

The aim of this paper is to present the need for changes of geodetic-legal procedures for the cadastre and real estate management. This problem was analyzed both in theoretical and practical terms. In order to better present the analyzed technical and legal procedures, a study of several cases of surveying documentation was made. On their example the problems associated with the surveying services were shows and the formal and legal procedures, on the basis of which described surveying works were done were verified. The problem presented is current and valid not only for the comfort of the surveyor's work, but also from the point of view of the structure and modernization of the real estate cadastre, constituting the backbone of the real estate management. The article emphasized the need to unify the databases of state registers and the digitization of the National Geodetic and Cartographic Resources (PZDGiK). Research has shown that despite the continuous changes of legislation, there are still many shortcomings and gaps, which often complicate the surveying works. The surveyor must analyze and verify all materials he uses, including those obtained from the Centre of Geodetic and Cartographic Documentation (ODGiK). The quality of the geodetic and cartographic elaboration depends largely on the work of the Centre of Geodetic and Cartographic Documentation. The need of modernization of the Land and Buildings Registry, which acts as a cadastre in Poland, has been demonstrated. Furthermore, the unification of data used as reference systems both for plane coordinates and elevation has been proposed.
The Dumbing Down of Literature
Authors: Francuski Biljana Djoric
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes to prove that in the late 20th and early 21st century commodification, commercialization and consumerism have, so to say, joined forces and led to a decrease in high literature and the increase of cheap volumes which are of low quality but in high demand.
Michael Wigglesworth and the Scope of Puritan Psychomachia
Authors: Poenaru Andreea
Published: January 2017

The present article attempts to portray a rather bleak personality of Puritan New England, Minister Michael Wigglesworth, who had in his time great influence on his community ipso facto. Mr. Doomsday, as he was called, kept a diary that reveals the abyss that a Puritan soul could fall into while struggling for perfection, which was unbreakable communion with God.
Strings of Life: Memory as Myth in Porter’s Miranda Stories
Authors: Stoleriu Oana-Raisa
Published: January 2017

The Pulitzer-prize writer, Katherine Anne Porter, dedicates a great part of her work to the Southern history. Through Miranda’s memories, this writer questions some of the major Southern myths – the Southern belle, the Southern family. This paper aims to highlight the moulding of a feminine voice of the South, whose identity is torn between the Old and the New Order.
Eighteenth-Century Garden Manuals: Old Practice, New Professions
Authors: Butoescu Elena
Published: January 2017

This article sketches the cultural significance that garden manuals had in England, from exemplifying a pleasurable and an aesthetic activity to encouraging the setting up of a profitable business. By investigating gardening manuals and treatises from the period, this study argues that eighteenth-century gardening manuals played an important role in shaping the cultural meanings of English gardens, in conveying “a practical knowledge of gardening, to gentlemen and young professors, who delight in that useful and agreeable study” (Abercrombie, The Preface, 1767) and in producing an original type of discourse which was employed to describe and represent the newly created professions.
Verbal Dreamscapes. Dorothea Tanning’s Visual Literature
Authors: Glăvan Gabriela
Published: January 2017

A Surrealist painter whose artistic vision is equally visible in her literary works, Dorothea Tanning established a solid dialogue between literature and the plastic arts. The corpus of her literary oeuvre is rather small, consisting of a novel, a volume of poetry and her memoir, Between Lives. This paper argues that Tanning can be regarded as an exemplary author of a creative transfer between verbal and plastic imagination. It also explores the tension between the two means of expression, most visible in her novel Chasm: A Weekend. Here, the imagery and enigmatic symbolism of her painting come to life in the story of a strange little girl called Destina Meridian.
Linguists, Romglish and “Verbal Hygiene”
Authors: Vișan Ruxandra
Published: January 2017

Emphasising the importance of language ideological research into the attitudes of linguists (Milroy 2012) and taking as points of reference concepts such as “verbal hygiene” (Cameron 1995), “standard language ideology” (Milroy and Milroy 1999) and “language myths” (Watts 2011), the present paper focuses on two recent interviews given by prominent linguists, where the emphasis falls on “Romglish”, a much-discussed label in the contemporary Romanian media. The paper identifies (as central to these linguists’ attitudes) myths such as those relating to homogeneity and legitimacy, discussing the pertinence of such myths in the present context of globalisation.
The European Union as a Totalitarian Nightmare: Dystopian Visions in the Discourse of the UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Authors: MacMillan Catherine
Published: January 2017

Based on an analysis of UKIP’s discourse on the EU, particularly that of leader Nigel Farage, this paper argues that the party depicts the EU in dystopian terms; in particular it compares it to dystopian narratives such as Orwell’s 1984, totalitarian communist regimes, Nazi Germany and ‘failed states’ such as North Korea.
Stylistic Devices in The Schoole of Vertue, an Early Modern Manual of Good Conduct for Children
Authors: Rutkowska Hanna
Published: January 2017

This paper is a case study examining the choice and interaction of stylistic devices employed in The Schoole of Vertue, Francis Segar and Robert Crowley’s manual of good manners for children issued between 1582 and 1687. It was designed to convince its readers that particular patterns of behaviour were socially beneficial and worth following. In order to enhance the attractiveness, persuasiveness, and mnemonic qualities of the text, several stylistic devices are employed in the manual, including, for example, rhymes, acronyms, as well as binomials. It is generally agreed that repetitive patterns (especially binomials) are typical of formal registers, and particularly plentiful in legal and literary texts in Early Modern English, but the present study shows that similar rhetorical devices were also readily employed in the less formal and elevated style of manuals of good behaviour. Another rhetorical device frequently used in the manual under consideration consists in addressing the reader directly with the second person singular pronoun, especially in imperative constructions, thus creating an ambiance of emotional closeness, characterising the relationship between the master and the pupil.
Bacterioplankton from Two Hungarian Danube River Wetlands (Beda-Karapancsa, Danube-Drava National Park) and its Relations to Environmental Variables
Authors: Kalcheva Hristina , Dinka Mária , Ágoston-Szabó Edit , Berczik Árpád , Kalchev Roumen , Tarjanyi Nikolett , Kiss Anita
Published: January 2017

Seasonal and spatial distribution of bacterioplankton from two Hungarian oxbow lake type wetlands, Mocskos-Danube and Riha, was studied. They were both covered by macrophytes and they had different hydrological connectivity to the Danube. The six sampling campaigns from April to October 2014 included parallel samples from the Danube River at Mohács, Hungary. Bacterial abundance was the highest in spring and in Mocskos-Danube, followed by Mohács and Riha. Positive relationships existed between bacterioplankton and temperature on one hand and suspended solids, pH, PO4-P and chl-a on the other. Negative correlations were with DOC, dissolved oxygen and NH4-N.
Morpholoical Study of the Brandt’s Hedgehog, Paraechinus hypomelas (Eulipotyphla, Erinaceidae), Tongue
Authors: Goodarzi N. , Azarhoosh M.
Published: January 2017

The morphology and histological structure of two adult Brandt’s hedgehog, Paraechinus hypomelas, (Brandt, 1836) tongue were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. On the dorsal surface of the tongue, three types of papillae were observed: filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae. Apex and corpus of the tongue as well as the lateral surface of the corpus were covered with numerous filiform papillae with bifurcated tip, while the epithelium lining the ventral lingual surface was free from papillae. Discoid shape fungiform papillae were scattered over the entire surface of the lingual apex, corpus and lateral surface uniformly between the filiform ones without regional variation in number and size. Three elliptical or oval vallate papillae in an inverted triangle form were found on the root of the tongue. Each papilla had a lobulated and very irregular dorsal surface. Both fungiform and vallate papillae contain taste buds. The foliate papillae was absent. Overall, the present findings reveal that despite some similarities, the lingual papillae of the Brandt’s hedgehog as an omnivore animal has spices-specific characteristics compare to the Erinaceous auritus as an insectivore species. This finding provides a set of basic data about the morphology of tongue and its lingual papillae in Brandt’s hedgehog.
A comparison of lobectomy and total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a retrospective individual risk factor-matched cohort study
Authors: Kwon Hyemi , Jeon Min Ji , Kim Won Gu , Park Suyeon , Kim Mijin , Song Dong Eun , Sung Tae-Yon , Yoon Jong Ho , Hong Suck Joon , Kim Tae Yong , Shong Young Kee , Kim Won Bae
Published: January 2017

Objective

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) accounts for most of the increase in thyroid cancer in recent decades. We compared clinical outcomes and surgical complications of lobectomy and total thyroidectomy (TT) in PTMC patients.

Design and methods

In this retrospective individual risk factor-matched cohort study, 2031 patients with PTMC were initially included. Patients who underwent lobectomy or TT were one-to-one matched according to individual risk factors, including age, sex, primary tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality and cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis.

Results

In total, 688 patients were assigned to each group. During the median 8.5 years of follow-up, 26 patients (3.8%) in the lobectomy group and 11 patients (1.6%) in the TT group had recurrences. The relative risk of recurrence was significantly less in the TT than that in the lobectomy group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21–0.81; P = 0.01). Most recurrences (84.6%) in the lobectomy group occurred in the contralateral lobe, and all patients were disease-free after completion of thyroidectomy. There were no significant differences in recurrence-free survival between the two groups after exclusion of contralateral lobe recurrences (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.08–8.79; P = 0.08). There were significantly more patients with transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism in the TT than that in the lobectomy group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lobectomy could be appropriate for most patients with PTMC when there is no evidence of extrathyroidal disease in the preoperative work-up. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies are important for patients who undergo lobectomy for PTMC, because most recurrences are in the contralateral lobe.
TheNeurosporaTranscription Factor ADV-1 Transduces Light Signals and Temporal Information to Control Rhythmic Expression of Genes Involved in Cell Fusion
Authors: Dekhang Rigzin , Wu Cheng , Smith Kristina M , Lamb Teresa M , Peterson Matthew , Bredeweg Erin L , Ibarra Oneida , Emerson Jillian M , Karunarathna Nirmala , Lyubetskaya Anna , Azizi Elham , Hurley Jennifer M , Dunlap Jay C , Galagan James E , Freitag Michael , Sachs Matthew S , Bell-Pedersen Deborah
Published: January 2017

Light and the circadian clock have a profound effect on the biology of organisms through the regulation of large sets of genes. Toward understanding how light and the circadian clock regulate gene expression, we used genome-wide approaches to identify the direct and indirect targets of the light-responsive and clock-controlled transcription factor ADV-1 in Neurospora crassa. A large proportion of ADV-1 targets were found to be light- and/or clock-controlled, and enriched for genes involved in development, metabolism, cell growth, and cell fusion. We show that ADV-1 is necessary for transducing light and/or temporal information to its immediate downstream targets, including controlling rhythms in genes critical to somatic cell fusion. However, while ADV-1 targets are altered in predictable ways in Δadv-1 cells in response to light, this is not always the case for rhythmic target gene expression. These data suggest that a complex regulatory network downstream of ADV-1 functions to generate distinct temporal dynamics of target gene expression relative to the central clock mechanism.
Correlations of Genotype with Climate Parameters Suggest Caenorhabditis elegans Niche Adaptations
Authors: Evans Kathryn S , Zhao Yuehui , Brady Shannon C , Long Lijiang , McGrath Patrick T , Andersen Erik C
Published: January 2017

Species inhabit a variety of environmental niches, and the adaptation to a particular niche is often controlled by genetic factors, including gene-by-environment interactions. The genes that vary in order to regulate the ability to colonize a niche are often difficult to identify, especially in the context of complex ecological systems and in experimentally uncontrolled natural environments. Quantitative genetic approaches provide an opportunity to investigate correlations between genetic factors and environmental parameters that might define a niche. Previously, we have shown how a collection of 208 whole-genome sequenced wild Caenorhabditis elegans can facilitate association mapping approaches. To correlate climate parameters with the variation found in this collection of wild strains, we used geographic data to exhaustively curate daily weather measurements in short-term (3 month), middle-term (one year), and long-term (three year) durations surrounding the date of strain isolation. These climate parameters were used as quantitative traits in association mapping approaches, where we identified 11 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for three climatic variables: elevation, relative humidity, and average temperature. We then narrowed the genomic interval of interest to identify gene candidates with variants potentially underlying phenotypic differences. Additionally, we performed two-strain competition assays at high and low temperatures to validate a QTL that could underlie adaptation to temperature and found suggestive evidence supporting that hypothesis.
Candida albicans Is Resistant to Polyglutamine Aggregation and Toxicity
Authors: Leach Michelle D , Kim TaeHyung , DiGregorio Sonja E , Collins Cathy , Zhang Zhaolei , Duennwald Martin L , Cowen Leah E
Published: January 2017

Disruption of protein quality control can be detrimental, having toxic effects on single cell organisms and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s in humans. Here, we examined the effects of polyglutamine (polyQ) aggregation in a major fungal pathogen of humans, Candida albicans, with the goal of identifying new approaches to disable this fungus. However, we discovered that expression of polyQ stretches up to 230Q had no effect on C. albicans ability to grow and withstand proteotoxic stress. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrates that C. albicans has a similarly glutamine-rich proteome to the unicellular fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which exhibits polyQ toxicity with as few as 72Q. Surprisingly, global transcriptional profiles indicated no significant change upon induction of up to 230Q. Proteomic analysis highlighted two key interactors of 230Q, Sis1 and Sgt2; however, loss of either protein had no additional effect on C. albicans toxicity. Our data suggest that C. albicans has evolved powerful mechanisms to overcome the toxicity associated with aggregation-prone proteins, providing a unique model for studying polyQ-associated diseases.
Genotyping-by-Sequencing-Based Investigation of the Genetic Architecture Responsible for a ∼Sevenfold Increase in Soybean Seed Stearic Acid
Authors: Heim Crystal B , Gillman Jason D
Published: January 2017

Soybean oil is highly unsaturated but oxidatively unstable, rendering it nonideal for food applications. Until recently, the majority of soybean oil underwent partial chemical hydrogenation, which produces trans fats as an unavoidable consequence. Dietary intake of trans fats and most saturated fats are conclusively linked to negative impacts on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. Two major soybean oil breeding targets are: (1) to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical hydrogenation, and (2) to replace the functional properties of partially hydrogenated soybean oil. One potential solution is the elevation of seed stearic acid, a saturated fat which has no negative impacts on cardiovascular health, from 3 to 4% in typical cultivars to > 20% of the seed oil. We performed QTL analysis of a population developed by crossing two mutant lines, one with a missense mutation affecting a stearoyl-acyl-carrier protein desaturase gene resulting in ∼11% seed stearic acid crossed to another mutant, A6, which has 24–28% seed stearic acid. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-based QTL mapping identified 21 minor and major effect QTL for six seed oil related traits and plant height. The inheritance of a large genomic deletion affecting chromosome 14 is the basis for largest effect QTL, resulting in ∼18% seed stearic acid. This deletion contains SACPD-C and another gene(s); loss of both genes boosts seed stearic acid levels to ≥ 18%. Unfortunately, this genomic deletion has been shown in previous studies to be inextricably correlated with reduced seed yield. Our results will help inform and guide ongoing breeding efforts to improve soybean oil oxidative stability.
A New Chicken Genome Assembly Provides Insight into Avian Genome Structure
Authors: Warren Wesley C , Hillier LaDeana W , Tomlinson Chad , Minx Patrick , Kremitzki Milinn , Graves Tina , Markovic Chris , Bouk Nathan , Pruitt Kim D , Thibaud-Nissen Francoise , Schneider Valerie , Mansour Tamer A , Brown C Titus , Zimin Aleksey , Hawken Rachel , Abrahamsen Mitch , Pyrkosz Alexis B , Morisson Mireille , Fillon Valerie , Vignal Alain , Chow William , Howe Kerstin , Fulton Janet E , Miller Marcia M , Lovell Peter , Mello Claudio V , Wirthlin Morgan , Mason Andrew S , Kuo Richard , Burt David W , Dodgson Jerry B , Cheng Hans H
Published: January 2017

The importance of the Gallus gallus (chicken) as a model organism and agricultural animal merits a continuation of sequence assembly improvement efforts. We present a new version of the chicken genome assembly (Gallus_gallus-5.0; GCA_000002315.3), built from combined long single molecule sequencing technology, finished BACs, and improved physical maps. In overall assembled bases, we see a gain of 183 Mb, including 16.4 Mb in placed chromosomes with a corresponding gain in the percentage of intact repeat elements characterized. Of the 1.21 Gb genome, we include three previously missing autosomes, GGA30, 31, and 33, and improve sequence contig length 10-fold over the previous Gallus_gallus-4.0. Despite the significant base representation improvements made, 138 Mb of sequence is not yet located to chromosomes. When annotated for gene content, Gallus_gallus-5.0 shows an increase of 4679 annotated genes (2768 noncoding and 1911 protein-coding) over those in Gallus_gallus-4.0. We also revisited the question of what genes are missing in the avian lineage, as assessed by the highest quality avian genome assembly to date, and found that a large fraction of the original set of missing genes are still absent in sequenced bird species. Finally, our new data support a detailed map of MHC-B, encompassing two segments: one with a highly stable gene copy number and another in which the gene copy number is highly variable. The chicken model has been a critical resource for many other fields of study, and this new reference assembly will substantially further these efforts.
Small RNA Sequencing in Cells and Exosomes Identifies eQTLs and 14q32 as a Region of Active Export
Authors: Tsang Emily K , Abell Nathan S , Li Xin , Anaya Vanessa , Karczewski Konrad J , Knowles David A , Sierra Raymond G , Smith Kevin S , Montgomery Stephen B
Published: January 2017

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that carry heterogeneous cargo, including RNA, between cells. Increasing evidence suggests that exosomes are important mediators of intercellular communication and biomarkers of disease. Despite this, the variability of exosomal RNA between individuals has not been well quantified. To assess this variability, we sequenced the small RNA of cells and exosomes from a 17-member family. Across individuals, we show that selective export of miRNAs occurs not only at the level of specific transcripts, but that a cluster of 74 mature miRNAs on chromosome 14q32 is massively exported in exosomes while mostly absent from cells. We also observe more interindividual variability between exosomal samples than between cellular ones and identify four miRNA expression quantitative trait loci shared between cells and exosomes. Our findings indicate that genomically colocated miRNAs can be exported together and highlight the variability in exosomal miRNA levels between individuals as relevant for exosome use as diagnostics.
Using Next-Generation Sequencing for DNA Barcoding: Capturing Allelic Variation in ITS2
Authors: Batovska Jana , Cogan Noel O I , Lynch Stacey E , Blacket Mark J
Published: January 2017

Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) is a popular DNA barcoding marker; however, in some animal species it is hypervariable and therefore difficult to sequence with traditional methods. With next-generation sequencing (NGS) it is possible to sequence all gene variants despite the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions/deletions (indels), homopolymeric regions, and microsatellites. Our aim was to compare the performance of Sanger sequencing and NGS amplicon sequencing in characterizing ITS2 in 26 mosquito species represented by 88 samples. The suitability of ITS2 as a DNA barcoding marker for mosquitoes, and its allelic diversity in individuals and species, was also assessed. Compared to Sanger sequencing, NGS was able to characterize the ITS2 region to a greater extent, with resolution within and between individuals and species that was previously not possible. A total of 382 unique sequences (alleles) were generated from the 88 mosquito specimens, demonstrating the diversity present that has been overlooked by traditional sequencing methods. Multiple indels and microsatellites were present in the ITS2 alleles, which were often specific to species or genera, causing variation in sequence length. As a barcoding marker, ITS2 was able to separate all of the species, apart from members of the Culex pipiens complex, providing the same resolution as the commonly used Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). The ability to cost-effectively sequence hypervariable markers makes NGS an invaluable tool with many applications in the DNA barcoding field, and provides insights into the limitations of previous studies and techniques.
Cytogenetic and Molecular Characterization of B-Genome Introgression Lines ofBrassica napusL.
Authors: Dhaliwal Inderpreet , Mason Annaliese S , Banga Shashi , Bharti Sakshi , Kaur Beerpal , Gurung Allison Mary , Salisbury Phillip Anthony , Batley Jacqueline , Banga Surinder Singh
Published: January 2017

Brassica napus introgression lines (ILs), having B-genome segments from B. carinata, were assessed genetically for extent of introgression and phenotypically for siliqua shatter resistance. Introgression lines had 7–9% higher DNA content, were meiotically stable, and had almost normal pollen fertility/seed set. Segment introgressions were confirmed by fluorescent genomic in situ hybridization (fl-GISH), SSR analyses, and SNP studies. Genotyping with 48 B-genome specific SSRs detected substitutions from B3, B4, B6, and B7 chromosomes on 39 of the 69 ILs whereas SNP genotyping detected a total of 23 B-segments (≥3 Mb) from B4, B6, and B7 introgressed into 10 of the 19 (C1, C2, C3, C5, C6, C8, C9, A3, A9, A10) chromosomes in 17 ILs. The size of substitutions varied from 3.0 Mb on chromosome A9 (IL59) to 42.44 Mb on chromosome C2 (IL54), ranging from 7 to 83% of the recipient chromosome. Average siliqua strength in ILs was observed to be higher than that of B. napus parents (2.2–6.0 vs. 1.9–4.0 mJ) while siliqua strength in some of the lines was almost equal to that of the donor parent B. carinata (6.0 vs.7.2 mJ). These ILs, with large chunks of substituted B-genome, can prove to be a useful prebreeding resource for germplasm enhancement in B. napus, especially for siliqua shatter resistance.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and High School Performance
Authors: Oei Ju Lee , Melhuish Edward , Uebel Hannah , Azzam Nadin , Breen Courtney , Burns Lucinda , Hilder Lisa , Bajuk Barbara , Abdel-Latif Mohamed E. , Ward Meredith , Feller John M. , Falconer Janet , Clews Sara , Eastwood John , Li Annie , Wright Ian M.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Little is known of the long-term, including school, outcomes of children diagnosed with Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) (International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Problems [10th Edition], Australian Modification, P96.1).

METHODS:

Linked analysis of health and curriculum-based test data for all children born in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 2000 and 2006. Children with NAS (n = 2234) were compared with a control group matched for gestation, socioeconomic status, and gender (n = 4330, control) and with other NSW children (n = 598 265, population) for results on the National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy, in grades 3, 5, and 7.

RESULTS:

Mean test scores (range 0–1000) for children with NAS were significantly lower in grade 3 (359 vs control: 410 vs population: 421). The deficit was progressive. By grade 7, children with NAS scored lower than other children in grade 5. The risk of not meeting minimum standards was independently associated with NAS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2–2.7), indigenous status (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 2.2–2.3), male gender (aOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.3–1.4), and low parental education (aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6), with all Ps < .001.

CONCLUSIONS:

A neonatal diagnostic code of NAS is strongly associated with poor and deteriorating school performance. Parental education may decrease the risk of failure. Children with NAS and their families must be identified early and provided with support to minimize the consequences of poor educational outcomes.
Diversidad bacteriana asociada a biopelículas anódicas en celdas de combustible microbianas alimentadas con aguas residuales.
Authors: Mora Collazos Alexander , Bravo Montaño Enrique
Published: January 2017

El presente trabajo evaluó la diversidad bacteriana asociada a las biopelículas formadas sobre los ánodos de celdas de combustible microbianas, por medio del análisis del gen del ARNr 16S y observaciones por microscopía electrónica de barrido. Se construyeron celdas de combustible microbianas de una cámara que permanecieron en operación durante 30 días utilizando muestras ambientales como inóculo y único sustrato energético; las celdas fueron monitoreadas en función de la producción de energía durante el desarrollo del experimento; al finalizar los ensayos, se realizó la caracterización molecular y observaciones mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido a las biopelículas formadas. Se reportan valores de densidad de potencia máxima de 4,85 mW/m2 para el agua residual doméstica y de 1,85 mW/m2 para el caso del agua residual industrial, con disminuciones de 71 % de la DBO para el agua residual doméstica y de 59 % de la DBO para el caso del agua residual industrial. Se logró la recuperación de 15 secuencias únicas provenientes de la amplificación del gen del ARNr 16S obtenidas a partir de las biopelículas formadas sobre los ánodos. El análisis filogenético ubicó estas secuencias en la clase Deltaproteobacteria. Los dos sustratos ambientales contienen una importante e interesante diversidad microbiana, mostrándolos promisorios para la construcción y operación de MFC y la implementación de procesos de biodegradación de materia orgánica.