bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic utility of clinical and laboratory test parameters for differentiating between sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome and pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs
Authors: Oh Annie , Foster Melanie L. , Williams Jonathan G. , Zheng Chaowen , Ru Hongyu , Lunn Katharine F. , Mowat Freya M.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To identify discriminating factors, using clinical ophthalmic examination findings and routine laboratory testing, that differentiate dogs with early sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARDS; vision loss <6 weeks’ duration), age‐ and breed‐matched control dogs, and dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH).

Animals

Client‐owned dogs: 15 with SARDS with <6 weeks duration of vision loss, 14 age‐ and breed‐matched control dogs, and 13 dogs with confirmed PDH.

Procedures

Dogs underwent ophthalmic examination, electroretinography (ERG) fundus photography, and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) in addition to physical examination, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, complete blood count, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing. Statistical analysis was performed using receiver operating curve area under the curve analysis, principal component analysis with sparse partial least squares analysis, and one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Dogs with SARDS all had absent vision and ERG a‐ and b‐waves. SD‐OCT demonstrated that dogs with SARDS had significantly thicker inner retina, thinner outer nuclear layer, and thicker photoreceptor inner/outer segment measurements than either controls or dogs with PDH. Discriminating laboratory parameters between dogs with SARDS and PDH with high specificity included post‐ACTH serum cortisol (<19.3 μg/dL), AST:ALT ratio (>0.343), and urine specific gravity (>1.030).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We have identified significant discriminators between SARDS and PDH. This work provides the basis for future studies that could identify and examine dogs with SARDS prior to vision loss, which may extend the potential therapeutic window for SARDS.
Unipodal stance influences radiographic evaluation of foot balance in horses
Authors: Joostens Zoë , Evrard Laurence , Busoni Valeria
Published: March 2019

Lifting the contralateral forelimb (unipodal stance) is often used as a method of restraint in horses. This experimental one group pretest, posttest study was conducted to evaluate the effects of unipodal stance on quantitative radiographic parameters in equine forefeet. Seven nonlame horses were randomly selected. Lateromedial (LM) and dorsopalmar (DP) projections were acquired for both forefeet, squarely placed on blocks, using two X‐ray generators. Radiographs of each foot were acquired first in a bipodal stance, immediately followed by the same radiographic projections obtained in a unipodal stance. The following measurements were recorded for each stance: distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) space width on both projections; mediolateral joint balance as the difference between lateral and medial DIPJ space widths on DP projections; extensor process‐to‐middle phalangeal condyle distance; and deep digital flexor tendon angle on LM projections. A matched pairs design and Student's t‐test with a 95% confidence level were used to test for statistical significance. Compared to a bipodal stance, lateral DIPJ space width was significantly reduced on unipodal DP views, whereas mediolateral joint imbalance and to a lesser extent medial DIPJ space width were significantly increased. On unipodal LM views, there was a significant higher degree of DIPJ flexion. These findings suggest that stance should be carefully taken into consideration when measuring radiographic parameters in equine forefeet, especially if assessing foot balance and conformation, as unipodal stance significantly affects the mediolateral balance of the DIPJ on DP radiographs and significantly alters the phalangeal axis on LM radiographs.
A molecular phylogeny of chafers revisits the polyphyly of Tanyproctini (Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae)
Authors: Eberle Jonas , Sabatinelli Guido , Cillo Davide , Bazzato Erika , Šípek Petr , Sehnal Richard , Bezděk Aleš , Král David , Ahrens Dirk
Published: March 2019

Tanyproctini (Melolonthinae) is a large group of chafers within the pleurostict Scarabaeidae that shows an enormous morphological diversity and variation. However, their morphology based definition appears to be mainly based on presumably plesiomorphic characters. Here, we investigate the phylogeny of this interesting lineage with a three‐gene data set using partial gene sequences of 28S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) and 16S rRNA (rrnL). Our data set comprised 191 species of all major lineages of pleurostict scarabs. Combined analyses of the 2,070 base pairs alignment with maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian tree inference always recovered Tanyproctini to be highly polyphyletic. Tests of an alternative topology with constrained monophyly of Tanyproctini using CONSEL and IQ‐TREE were not found to be more likely than the unconstrained tree topology. Instead, Tanyproctini was split into six independent lineages under the current taxon sampling that were scattered throughout diverse parts of the pleurostict tree. The fact that numerous smaller chafer lineages exist beside several evolutionary successful and large lineages, highlights the complexity of the pleurosticts’ evolutionary history. The resulting tree topologies imply the need for a thorough revision of tribal classification within Melolonthinae lineages to accommodate the polyphyly of Tanyproctini. However, a revision of classification would be premature due to low support of most relevant branches, instable tree topologies among different tree searches, and due to a still very incomplete representation of Tanyproctini lineages.
Towards a phylogeny ofCyclops(Copepoda): (in)congruences among morphology, molecules and zoogeography
Authors: Hołyńska Maria , Wyngaard Grace A.
Published: March 2019

The phylogeny ofCyclops(~30 spp.), a predominantly Palearctic cold‐adapted genus, was reconstructed based on morphological and molecular characters. The morphological analysis used extensive taxon sampling from the entire Holarctic range of the genus and included 53 morphological characters. Polymorphic traits were coded by the “unordered,” “unscaled” and “scaled” methods; maximum parsimony criterion was applied in tree building. Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions utilized partial nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal genes, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and complete internal transcribed spacer regions I and II, albeit with limited taxon sampling. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood were used in these tree reconstructions. The molecular characters were used both in combination with morphology and as an independent test of the basal relationships inferred from morphology. Monophyly of the genus received strong support in both the morphological and molecular phylogenies; the basal relationships remain unresolved. The morphology‐based phylogenies, along with the geographic distribution patterns and ecological traits, supported monophyly of theankyrae−ladakanusclade,scutifer‐clade (C. scutifer,C. jashnovi,C. columbianus),kolensis‐clade (C. kolensis,C. kikuchii,C. vicinus,C. furcifer,C. insignis,C. alaskaensis),abyssorum‐clade (C. abyssorums. str.,C. abyssorum larianus,C. ricae,C. sevani) anddivergens‐clade (South Carpathian “Cyclopssp. Y,”C. mauritaniae,C. divergens,C. bohater,C. lacustris). Relationships among European and North American populations ofC. scutiferandC. columbianusbased on partial sequences of the 12S mitochondrial gene showC. scutiferto be paraphyletic, suggesting two independent invasions into North America via the Bering Land Bridge from Siberia to Alaska.
Maintaining Pakistani Cultural Traditional Decorative Elements Blending and Adoption Different Decorating Style Approach
Authors: Khan Romana Yasmin , Ren Kangli , Gan Wei , Wahab Zain ul
Published: March 2019

Pakistani culture has the capacity to adopt multi-cultural values and décor practices in the society. With the gradual improvement of the living environment, people are pursuing more satisfaction and spiritual meaning the current interior decoration style in Pakistan considers a mix and match style. People in Pakistan cannot absolutely consider adopting a pure one style. Interior decoration is considered as primary to traditional living culture with distinctive cultural ideas, filling in the use of the latest style of thinking. The purpose of this study is to explore the development and current status of interior decoration styles in modern Pakistan and to collect background information on the current interior design decoration style and application of traditional elements in decoration.Also, investigate the extent of application of traditional thoughts in modern houses, their incorporation and blend with contemporary architecture so that the cultural values and the elements of traditional interior décor art and craft are not endangered. Study reveals that Pakistani interior décor style is the foremost interesting and attention-grabbing to work with because of the variations within the culture, splendid history and art and craft across the country.
Stability of delay differential equations in the sense of Ulam on unbounded intervals
Authors: Öğrekçi Süleyman
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we consider the stability problem of delay differential equations in the sense of Hyers-Ulam-Rassias. Recently this problem has been solved for bounded intervals, our result extends and improve the literature by obtaining stability in unbounded intervals. An illustrative example is also given to compare these results and visualize the improvement.
Extending Classical Friction Loss Modeling to Predict the Viscous Performance of Pumping Devices
Authors: Patil Abhay , Yin Wenjie , Agarwal Rahul , Delgado Adolfo , Morrison Gerald
Published: March 2019

The affinity law modified for viscosity effects is further extended to include the power input and efficiency. The power input and efficiency data generated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are utilized to represent dimensionless power coefficient and efficiency for the pump under consideration. The goal of modifying the affinity laws for power input is achieved by developing a new relationship where the power coefficient is modified by multiplying it by rotational Reynolds number raised to a power Π*Rew−Pat. This new relationship is then represented as a function of a modified flow coefficient ф*Rew−Mo. All the data collapse onto a single curve for varying values of the exponents Morrison number (Mo) and Patil number (Pat). Pat is further characterized as a function of flow regime and specific speed. The method also holds true for efficiency prediction, however, with different values of Mo and Pat. The proposed method is validated by using data collected from published literature.
A Systematical Study of the Influence of Blade Number on the Performance of a Side Channel Pump
Authors: Fleder Annika , Böhle Martin
Published: March 2019

For side channel machines, distinction is made between side channel pumps and peripheral pumps. The blade number of side channel machines has a large influence on the performance of the pump. This is known from several experimental studies. For industrial side channel pumps, the blade number is between 20 and 26, whereas for industrial peripheral pumps, the blade number is much larger (between 36 and 90). In this paper, the influence of the blade number on the performance and the inner flow phenomena of different pumps will be investigated experimentally and numerically. The inner flow of the pump is examined in detail by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Flow angles and velocities of the circulation flow between side channel and impeller are considered for different blade numbers. To explain the influences of the blade number, numerical results and theoretical formulas are combined. The experiments are carried out for two different modular side channel pump units, which differ in the side channel height h, the outer impeller diameter da, and the length of the blades l. So, the influence of the blade number can be studied in the context of other parameters like, for example, the relation between blade length and outer diameter of the pump. The obtained numerical results are compared with experimental data. Effects of the blade number on the performance curves of the pumps are shown by experimental and numerical results.
Methodology for the Measurement of the Heat Partitioning by Thermal Imaging in the Orthogonal Cutting Process
Authors: Augspurger T. , Bergs T. , Döbbeler B. , Lima A.
Published: March 2019

The thermal conditions like temperature distribution and heat fluxes during metal cutting have a major influence on the machinability, the tool life time, and the metallurgical structure of the work piece material. Though numerous analytical and experimental efforts have been developed in order to understand the thermal conditions in metal cutting, many questions still prevail. So, the exact form, distribution, and intensity of heat sources in the primary and secondary shear zone, which may describe the observed temperature distributions, are not explored to a satisfactory extend. On the other hand, the influence of the material properties like friction coefficient, heat conductivity, and shear strength is not yet fully understood. Another essential question is the heat flux partition among chip, work piece, and tool depending on process parameters and material. The particular novelty of the current investigation is a new methodological approach using modern thermal measurement system and postprocessing methods in order not only to measure the entire temperature field in the orthogonal cutting zone but also to calculate the affiliated heat flow distribution in the cutting process. Thus, the cutting process is treated as energy conversation process of the governing mechanical power into sensible heat. This point of view offers compatibility across process parameters and materials, thus new possibilities for process design.
Influence of the Planetary Movement of Tool on the Aspect Ratio of Micro Holes Machined by Micro-Ultrasonic Machining
Authors: Lei Senwang , Yu Zuyuan , Zhou Kai , Li Jianzhong , Kang Renke
Published: March 2019

The micro-ultrasonic machining (USM) is suitable for machining hard and brittle materials. When a micro hole is drilled deeply using micro-USM, machining speed slows down and the breakage of micro tool may occur. To solve this problem, this paper proposes the application the planetary movement of micro tool in high-aspect ratio micro holes drilling by micro-USM. The micro holes of about 92 μm in diameter with an aspect ratio larger than ten have been machined. The processing efficiency has been improved. The influence of planetary movement parameters on processing efficiency has been investigated
Influence of Corrugated Booster Reflectors in a Centrally Finned Twist Inserted Solar Thermal Collector on Heat Transfer and Thermal Performance Characteristics
Authors: Murugan M. , Vijayan R. , Saravanan A. , Jaisankar S.
Published: March 2019

In this present work, the influence of corrugated booster reflectors (CBR) in a centrally finned twist (CFT) inserted solar thermal collector (SC) on heat transfer and thermal performance characteristics has been approached experimentally. The experimental trials have been made with two different twist ratios (Y = 3 and 6) for typical twist (TT) and CFT under same working conditions. The results were compared with the plain tube SC with CBR plain and also with the plain tube SC with flat booster reflectors (FBR plain). The experimental result of the CBR plain has been verified with the standard equations and found the deviations within ±10.05% for Nusselt number and ±9.42% for friction factor. The CBR has 1.6% higher effective reflection area than the FBR. Hence, the CBR augmented the Nusselt number around 8.25% over the FBR. When compared to the CBR plain, the CFT of minimum twist ratio (Y = 3) offered 10.09% higher thermal efficiency. In addition, empirical correlations have been derived for predicting the Nusselt number and friction factor. The deviations of the predicted value from the experiment value fall within ±10.62% for Nusselt number and ±11.28% for friction factor.
Double-Sided Incremental Forming: A Review
Authors: Peng Wenxuan , Ou Hengan , Becker Adib
Published: March 2019

Incremental sheet-forming (ISF) processes have been developed rapidly in the past two decades. Its high flexibility and easy operability have a significant appeal for industrial applications, and substantial progress has been made in fundamental understanding and demonstration of practical implementation. However, there are a number of obstacles including achievable accuracy and instability in material deformation, which are considered as a main contributing factor for preventing the ISF process to be widely used in industry. As a variant of the general ISF process, double-sided incremental forming (DSIF) uses an additional supporting tool in the opposite side of the workpiece, maintains the flexibility, and at the same time improves the material deformation stability and reduces material thinning. In recent years, there has been increased research interest in looking into DSIF-specific material deformation mechanisms and investigation. This paper aims to provide a technical review of the DSIF process as benchmarked with single-point incremental forming (SPIF). It starts with a brief overview of the current state of the art of both SPIF and DSIF. This is followed by a comparative study between SPIF and DSIF with the key research challenges identified. This leads to a recommendation of future directions for DSIF focused research.
Theoretical Investigation of Al2O3 Nanoparticle Slip Mechanisms in High-Viscosity Two-Component Mixture in Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Bigi Andrea A. M. , Cremaschi Lorenzo
Published: March 2019

The need for higher energy efficiency is driving the space conditioning and refrigeration industry toward the use of advanced technologies. Vapor compression cycles work with a mixture of refrigerant and lubricant, and although oil in heat exchangers affects negatively the performances of the system, its presence is unavoidable. The studies of colloidal solutions showed promising results to enhance the heat transfer capabilities of the liquids in which nanoparticles are dispersed, and current experimental research revealed that the increase in thermal conductivity is not enough to explain the enhancements observed in heat transfer. In order to further understand the nanoparticles' contribution to the heat exchange phenomena, this paper analyses slip mechanisms that nanoparticles can be affected by when dispersed in the liquid phase of a high-viscosity oil–refrigerant mixture undergoing evaporation inside a horizontal tube. The study was conducted for Al2O3 nanoparticles dispersed in refrigerant R410A and polyolester (POE) oil at different mass concentrations. Depending on the flow regime, the slip mechanisms related to Brownian motion and thermophoresis were found to provide the largest contributions to nanoparticles' redistribution within the liquid phase of the mixture.
Electron-electron interactions in nano-patterned La0.3Sr0.7MnO3 thin films
Authors: Calvet Laurie E. , Agnus Guillaume , Lecoeur Philippe
Published: March 2019

Understanding the transport in ultrathin epitaxial La0.3Sr0.7MnO3 (LSMO) is a topic widespread current interest. Here, the authors explore electron-electron interactions in low temperature magneto-transport in straight and zigzag nanowires fabricated from ultrathin epitaxial LSMO films grown to different thicknesses on SrTiO3 (100) substrates. They find that three-dimensional electron-electron interactions can explain the resistivity upturn, including many changes observed with film thickness, nano-patterning, and magnetic field.
Extended source models for wind turbine noise propagation
Authors: Cotté B.
Published: March 2019

Accurate prediction of wind turbine noise propagation over long distances requires modeling the dominant broadband aerodynamic noise sources, as well as the main outdoor sound propagation effects. In this study, two methods are compared to include extended aeroacoustic source models in a parabolic equation (PE) code for wind turbine noise propagation in an inhomogeneous atmosphere. In the first method, an initial starter is obtained for each segment of the blade using the backpropagation approach. In the second method, the blade segments are viewed as moving monopole sources, and only a limited number of PE simulations are needed for different source heights across the rotor plane. The two methods are compared to the point source approximation first in a homogeneous medium for validation purposes, and then in a stratified inhomogeneous atmosphere. The results show that an extended source model is necessary to calculate the sound pressure level upwind, where a shadow zone is present, and obtain the correct amplitude modulation levels. Furthermore, the second method is seen to yield as accurate results as the first method when a sufficient number of source heights is considered with a computation time that is much reduced.
The neural circuitry of affect-induced distortions of trust
Authors: Engelmann Jan B. , Meyer Friederike , Ruff Christian C. , Fehr Ernst
Published: March 2019

Incidental aversive affect distorts trust decisions and changes activity and connectivity in social cognitive neural circuitry.
Stabilization of fault slip by fluid injection in the laboratory and in situ
Authors: Cappa Frédéric , Scuderi Marco Maria , Collettini Cristiano , Guglielmi Yves , Avouac Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2019

Fluid injection experiments on laboratory and natural faults reveal a similar phase of fault opening and accelerating creep.
Multi-isotope analysis reveals that feasts in the Stonehenge environs and across Wessex drew people and animals from throughout Britain
Authors: Madgwick R. , Lamb A. L. , Sloane H. , Nederbragt A. J. , Albarella U. , Pearson M. Parker , Evans J. A.
Published: March 2019

Pan-British mobility is revealed in Neolithic Britain in the largest faunal multi-isotope study yet delivered in archeology.
Human pluripotent stem cell–derived brain pericyte–like cells induce blood-brain barrier properties
Authors: Stebbins Matthew J. , Gastfriend Benjamin D. , Canfield Scott G. , Lee Ming-Song , Richards Drew , Faubion Madeline G. , Li Wan-Ju , Daneman Richard , Palecek Sean P. , Shusta Eric V.
Published: March 2019

The authors differentiate human stem cells to brain pericyte–like cells and integrate them into a neurovascular unit model.
Agricultural lime disturbs natural strontium isotope variations: Implications for provenance and migration studies
Authors: Thomsen Erik , Andreasen Rasmus
Published: March 2019

Agricultural liming severely affects the use of strontium isotopes in prehistoric provenance and migration studies.
Intracellular manipulation and measurement with multipole magnetic tweezers
Authors: Wang X. , Ho C. , Tsatskis Y. , Law J. , Zhang Z. , Zhu M. , Dai C. , Wang F. , Tan M. , Hopyan S. , McNeill H. , Sun Y.
Published: March 2019

A platform technology for magnetic manipulation and measurement substantially improves intracellular navigation and characterization.
ZEB1 suppression sensitizes KRAS mutant cancers to MEK inhibition by an IL17RD-dependent mechanism
Authors: Peng David H. , Kundu Samrat T. , Fradette Jared J. , Diao Lixia , Tong Pan , Byers Lauren A. , Wang Jing , Canales Jaime Rodriguez , Villalobos Pamela A. , Mino Barbara , Yang Yanan , Minelli Rosalba , Peoples Michael D. , Bristow Christopher A. , Heffernan Timothy P. , Carugo Alessandro , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Gibbons Don L.
Published: March 2019

Suppression of ZEB1 through miR-200 expression or HDAC inhibition with mocetinostat sensitizes resistant KRAS mutant lung cancers to MEK inhibition.
Preclinical development of an oral anti-
Wolbachia
macrolide drug for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis
Authors: Taylor Mark J. , von Geldern Thomas W. , Ford Louise , Hübner Marc P. , Marsh Kennan , Johnston Kelly L. , Sjoberg Hanna T. , Specht Sabine , Pionnier Nicolas , Tyrer Hayley E. , Clare Rachel H. , Cook Darren A. N. , Murphy Emma , Steven Andrew , Archer John , Bloemker Dominique , Lenz Franziska , Koschel Marianne , Ehrens Alexandra , Metuge Haelly M. , Chunda Valerinne C. , Ndongmo Chounna Patrick W. , Njouendou Abdel J. , Fombad Fanny F. , Carr Robert , Morton Howard E. , Aljayyoussi Ghaith , Hoerauf Achim , Wanji Samuel , Kempf Dale J. , Turner Joseph D. , Ward Stephen A.
Published: March 2019

An oral macrolide drug targeting the bacterial endosymbiont,
Wolbachia
, shows efficacy against filarial nematodes in preclinical animal models.
In Vitro
Activity of Combinations of Zinc Chelators with Amphotericin B and Posaconazole against Six Mucorales Species
Authors: Leonardelli Florencia , Macedo Daiana , Dudiuk Catiana , Theill Laura , Cabeza Matias S. , Gamarra Soledad , Garcia-Effron Guillermo
Published: March 2019

Mucormycosis is an emerging disease with high mortality rates. Few antifungal drugs are active against Mucorales.
Molecular Switch Controlling Expression of the Mannose-Specific Adhesin, Msa, in
Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Holst Bjørn , Glenting Jacob , Holmstrøm Kim , Israelsen Hans , Vrang Astrid , Antonsson Martin , Ahrné Siv , Madsen Søren M.
Published: March 2019

Probiotic strains possess adhesive properties enabling colonization of the human intestinal tract through interactions between molecules present on the probiotic bacteria and components of the epithelial surface. In
Lactobacillus plantarum
, interaction is mediated through bacterial surface proteins like Msa, which binds to mannose residues present on the intestinal cells. Such interactions are believed to be important for the health-promoting effects of probiotics, including displacement of pathogens, immunomodulation, and protective effects on the intestinal barrier function. In this study, we have identified a new molecular switch controlling expression of the
msa
gene in
L. plantarum
strain WCFS1. Strains with increased
msa
expression could be valuable in the development and manufacture of improved probiotic products.
Extragenic Suppression of Elongation Factor P Gene Mutant Phenotypes in Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Klee Sara M. , Sinn Judith P. , Holmes Aleah C. , Lehman Brian L. , Krawczyk Teresa , Peter Kari A. , McNellis Timothy W.
Published: March 2019

Fire blight disease has relatively few management options, with antibiotic application at bloom time being chief among them. As modification to elongation factor P (EF-P) is vital to virulence in several species, both EF-P and its modifying enzymes make attractive targets for novel antibiotics. However, it will be useful to understand how bacteria might overcome the hindrance of EF-P function so that we may be better prepared to anticipate bacterial adaptation to such antibiotics. The present study indicates that the mutation of
hrpA3
could provide a partial offset for the loss of EF-P activity. In addition, little is known about EF-P functional interactions or the HrpA3 predicted RNA helicase, and our genetic approach allowed us to discern a novel gene associated with EF-P function.
The Infectious Bronchitis Coronavirus Envelope Protein Alters Golgi pH To Protect the Spike Protein and Promote the Release of Infectious Virus
Authors: Westerbeck Jason W. , Machamer Carolyn E.
Published: March 2019

Coronaviruses are important human pathogens with significant zoonotic potential. Progress has been made toward identifying potential vaccine candidates for highly pathogenic human CoVs, including the use of attenuated viruses that lack the CoV E protein or express E mutants. However, no approved vaccines or antiviral therapeutics exist. Understanding the role of the CoV E protein in virus assembly and release is thus an important prerequisite for potential vaccines as well as in identifying novel antiviral therapeutics.
The Transcriptome of Latent Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Schwartz Michal , Stern-Ginossar Noam
Published: March 2019

The latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) transcriptome has been extremely difficult to define due to the scarcity of naturally latent cells and the complexity of available models. The genomic era offers many approaches to transcriptome profiling that hold great potential for elucidating this challenging issue.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Telford Type S Strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
Authors: Brauning Rudiger , Plain Karren , Gautam Milan , Russell Tonia , Correa C. Carolina , Biggs Patrick , Whittington Richard , Murray Alan , Price-Carter Marian
Published: March 2019

Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
is the causative agent of Johne’s disease (JD).
Draft Genome Sequence of Cold-Tolerant Kurthia gibsonii B83, Isolated from Spinach Leaf
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Bidhan Chandra , Mitra Suranjita , Kazi Tawsif Ahmed , Mandal Sukhendu , Biswas Swadesh Ranjan
Published: March 2019

Limited information is available on the whole-genome sequences of
Kurthia
spp. Here, we report, for the first time, the draft genome sequence of
Kurthia gibsonii
designated as strain B83.
Draft Genome Sequence of Campylobacter fetus subsp.
fetus
CITCf01, Isolated from a Patient with Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis
Authors: Culligan Eamonn P. , O’Connor James , Lynch Caoimhe , O’Brien Deirdre , Vaughan Carl , Bolton Declan , Coffey Aidan , Sleator Roy D. , Lucey Brigid
Published: March 2019

Campylobacter fetus
is a Gram-negative, zoonotic pathogen and a member of the class
Epsilonproteobacteria
. We report the draft genome sequence of
C. fetus
subsp.
fetus
CITCf01, isolated from a patient with subacute bacterial endocarditis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3, Isolated from the Slime of
Helix aspersa
Müller Snails
Authors: Garcia-Cancino Apolinaria , Albarracin Leonardo , Espinoza-Monje Marcela , Campos-Martin Jorge , Garcia-Castillo Valeria , Nakano Yuka , Ikeda-Ohtsubo Wakako , Guitierrez-Zamorano Cristian , Morita Hidetoshi , Kitazawa Haruki , Villena Julio
Published: March 2019

This report describes the draft genome sequence of
Weissella viridescens
UCO-SMC3, isolated from
Helix aspersa
Müller slime. The reads were generated by a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) strategy on an Illumina MiSeq sequencer and were assembled into contigs with a total estimated size of 1,612,814 bp.
Exploring patients’ understanding of antibiotic resistance and how this may influence attitudes towards antibiotic use for acute respiratory infections: a qualitative study in Australian general practice
Authors: Bakhit Mina , Del Mar Chris , Gibson Elizabeth , Hoffmann Tammy
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To explore patients’ or parents of child patients’ understanding of antibiotic resistance and aspects of resistance such as resistance reversibility and its spread among those in close proximity, along with how this may influence attitudes towards antibiotic use for acute respiratory infections (ARIs).

Design

Qualitative semistructured interview study using convenience sampling and thematic analysis by two researchers independently.

Setting

General practices in Gold Coast, Australia.

Participants

32 patients or parents of child patients presenting to general practice with an ARI.

Results

Five themes emerged: (1) antibiotic use is seen as the main cause of antibiotic resistance, but what it is that becomes resistant is poorly understood; (2) resistance is perceived as a future ‘big problem’ for the community, with little appreciation of the individual impact of or contribution to it; (3) poor awareness that resistance can spread between family members but concern that it can; (4) low awareness that resistance can decay with time and variable impact of this knowledge on attitudes towards future antibiotic use and (5) antibiotics are perceived as sometimes necessary, with some awareness and consideration of their harms.

Conclusions

Patients’ or parents of child patients’ understanding of antibiotic resistance and aspects of it was poor. Targeting misunderstandings about resistance in public health messages and clinical consultations should be considered as part of a strategy to improve knowledge about it, which may encourage more consideration about antibiotic use for illnesses such as ARIs.
Association between full monitoring of biomedical and lifestyle target indicators and HbA1clevel in primary type 2 diabetes care: an observational cohort study (ELZHA-cohort 1)
Authors: van Bruggen Sytske , Rauh Simone P , Kasteleyn Marise J , Bonten Tobias N , Chavannes Niels H , Numans Mattijs E
Published: March 2019

Objective

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires frequent monitoring of patients. Within a collective care group setting, doubts on the clinical effects of registration are a barrier for full adoption of T2DM registration in general practice. We explored whether full monitoring of biomedical and lifestyle-related target indicators within a care group approach is associated with lower HbA1clevels.

Design

Observational, real-life cohort study.

Setting

Primary care data registry from the Hadoks (EerstelijnsZorggroepHaaglanden) care group.

Exposure

The care group provides general practitioners collectively with organisational support to facilitate structured T2DM primary care. Patients are offered quarterly medical and lifestyle-related consultation.

Main outcome measure

Full monitoring of each target indicator in patients with T2DM which includes minimally one measure of HbA1clevel, systolic blood pressure, LDL, BMI, smoking behaviour and physical exercise between January and December 2014; otherwise, patients were defined as ’incompletely monitored'. HbA1clevels of 8137 fully monitored and 3958 incompletely monitored patients were compared, adjusted for the confounders diabetes duration, age and gender. Since recommended HbA1cvalues depend on age, medication use and diabetes duration, analyses were stratified into three HbA1cprofile groups. Linear multilevel analyses enabled adjustment for general practice.

Results

Compared with incompletely monitored patients, fully monitored patients had significantly lower HbA1clevels (95% CI) in the first (−2.03 [−2.53 to −1.52] mmol/mol) (−0.19% [−0.23% to −0.14%]), second (−3.36 [−5.28 to −1.43] mmol/mol) (−0.31% [−0.48% to −0.13%]) and third HbA1cprofile group (−1.89 [−3.76 to −0.01] mmol/mol) (−0.17% [−0.34% to 0.00%]).

Conclusions/interpretation

This study shows that in a care group setting, fully monitored patients had significantly lower HbA1clevels compared with incompletely monitored patients. Since this difference might have considerable clinical impact in terms of T2DM-related risks, this might help general practices in care group settings to overcome barriers on adequate registration and thus improve structured T2DM primary care. From population health management perspective, we recommend a systematic approach to adjust the structured care protocol for incompletely monitored subgroups.
Impact of patient choice for different postcesarean delivery analgesic protocols on opioid consumption: a randomized prospective clinical trial
Authors: Carvalho Brendan , Sutton Caitlin Dooley , Kowalczyk John J , Flood Pamela Dru
Published: March 2019

Background

Choice of postcesarean delivery analgesic protocol may improve pain experience and reduce analgesic requirements.

Methods

Cesarean delivery patients were randomly assigned either to choose their postcesarean delivery analgesia protocol or to have no choice and receive routine care. Choices were low (50 μg intrathecal morphine), medium (identical to routine care: 150 μg intrathecal morphine), or high (300 μg intrathecal morphine with 600 mg oral gabapentin). All groups received scheduled acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The primary outcome was oxycodone requirements 0–48 hours postdelivery in those offered versus not offered a choice.

Results

Of 160 women enrolled, 120 were offered a choice and 40 were not offered a choice. There was no difference in oxycodone requirements or pain associated with choice, but those who had a choice expressed more satisfaction than those who did not have a choice (mean (95% CI) difference 5% (0% to 10 %), p=0.005). In the choice group, the high dose group required more oxycodone (5 (0 to 15) mg 0–24 hours after delivery and 15 (10 to 25) mg at 24–48 hours; p=0.05 and p=0.001) versus the low and medium groups. The low dose group had less pruritus (p=0.001), while the high dose group had more vomiting (p=0.01) requiring antiemetic treatment (p=0.04).

Conclusion

Having a choice compared with no choice routine care did not reduce oxycodone requirements or pain scores. However, women have insight into their analgesic needs; women offered a choice and who chose the higher dose analgesic protocol required more oxycodone, and women who chose the lower dose protocol required less oxycodone. Despite providing additional analgesic (six times more intrathecal morphine plus gabapentin in high dose vs low dose protocols), we still did not equalize postcesarean oxycodone requirement differences between groups.

Trial registration number

NCT02605187
.
Sex club/party attendance and STI among men who have sex with men: results from an online survey in New York City
Authors: Meunier Étienne , Siegel Karolynn
Published: March 2019

Objective

Prior studies have shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) who attend sex clubs or parties are at higher risk for HIV and other STIs than those who do not. We sought to provide data about MSM who attend sex clubs/parties in New York City (NYC) in the era of biomedical HIV prevention.

Methods: 

We conducted an online survey among MSM in NYC (n=766) in 2016–2017 and investigated differences between those who reported never attending a sex club/party (non-attendees 50.1%), those who had attended over a year ago (past attendees 18.0%) and those who attended in the prior year (recent attendees 30.1%). We also conducted multivariable analyses to explore associations with past-year STI diagnosis.

Results: 

Recent attendees were not more likely to be HIV positive than non-attendees. Among participants never diagnosed with HIV, recent attendees were more likely to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, 32.6%) than non-attendees (14.5%) and past attendees (18.8%; p<0.001). Recent attendees reported the highest numbers of recent sex partners, including partners with whom they had condomless anal sex. Significantly more recent attendees reported an STI diagnosis in the prior year (27.9%) compared with non-attendees (14.0%) and past attendees (16.5%; p<0.001). However, 13.8% of non-attendees and 11.5% of past attendees reported having never tested for STIs, significantly more than recent attendees (6.0%, p=0.010). Multivariable analysis showed recent attendees to have 2.42 times the odds (compared with non-attendees) of reporting past-year STI diagnosis (95% CI 1.52 to 3.87, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Compared with those who had not done so, MSM who attended sex clubs/parties in NYC in the prior year were not only more likely to report past-year STI diagnoses but also more likely to report PrEP use or recent HIV/STI testing. Sexual health promotion among MSM who attend sex clubs/parties should address STI risk and prevention.
Dimorphic fruit colour is associated with differences in germination ofCalligonum comosum
Authors: Bhatt Arvind , Bhat N.R. , Carón María Mercedes , Gallacher David
Published: March 2019

Calligonum comosum L’Hér is a perennial evergreen shrub that produces dimorphic fruits of distinctly yellow or red colour. The species is found on sand dunes of the Middle East, is valued as a highly palatable livestock feed that survives extreme drought, and is suitable for desert restoration of non-saline sandy soils. The association of fruit colour with germination was assessed in laboratory conditions under two temperature (15/20 and 20/30 °C) and two light (0 and 12 h per day) treatments. Additionally, the association of fruit colour with emergence and seedling growth up to 90 days from sowing was assessed in shade house conditions. Germination percentage in the laboratory was the only variable that exhibited significant variation by seed colour. Germination was highest for red seeds grown in the dark at the higher temperature but the influence of seed colour on germination was not repeated in the shade house study. The dimorphic fruit colour of C. comosum is thus associated with differing germination rates, but further study is needed to determine whether morphs employ differing recruitment strategies.
Preserving the tree of life of the fish family Cyprinidae in Africa in the face of the ongoing extinction crisis
Authors: Adeoba Mariam , Tesfamichael Solomon G. , Yessoufou Kowiyou
Published: March 2019

Our understanding of how the phylogenetic tree of fishes might be affected by the ongoing extinction risk is poor. This is due to the unavailability of comprehensive DNA data, especially for many African lineages. In addition, the ongoing taxonomic confusion within some lineages, e.g., Cyprinidae, makes it difficult to contribute to the debate on how the fish tree of life might be shaped by extinction. Here, we combine COI sequences and taxonomic information to assemble a fully sampled phylogeny of the African Cyprinidae and investigate whether we might lose more phylogenetic diversity (PD) than expected if currently threatened species go extinct. We found evidence for phylogenetic signal in extinction risk, suggesting that some lineages might be at higher risk than others. Based on simulated extinctions, we found that the loss of all threatened species, which approximates 37% of total PD, would lead to a greater loss of PD than expected, although highly evolutionarily distinct species are not particularly at risk. Pending the reconstruction of an improved multi-gene phylogeny, our results suggest that prioritizing high-EDGE species (evolutionary distinct and globally endangered species) in conservation programmes, particularly in some geographic regions, would contribute significantly to safeguarding the tree of life of the African Cyprinidae.
Genome-wide analysis of the HAK potassium transporter gene family reveals asymmetrical evolution in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: Song Zhongbang , Wu Xingfu , Gao Yulong , Cui Xiang , Jiao Fangchan , Chen Xuejun , Li Yongping
Published: March 2019

Being an essential mineral nutrient, potassium (K+) plays numerous important roles in plant growth and development and determines the yield and quality of crop products. The cellular level of K+ is controlled to a large extent by the K+ transporter, which belongs to the KT/HAK/KUP (HAK) family. However, little is known about these genes in tobacco. In this study, we surveyed the tobacco genome and identified 41 putative NtHAK genes (NtHAKS1–NtHAKS21 and NtHAKT1–NtHAKT20). Investigation of the cis-elements in upstream regions of these NtHAK genes suggests that members of this family respond to environmental cues and phytohormones. Expression data mining reveals that NtHAK genes showed clear sub-genome dominance. In all, these results will provide molecular insights into K+ transporter research in tobacco.
Data Set of Wind–Waves Interactions in the Gulf of Aqaba
Authors: Shani-Zerbib Almog , Rivlin Asaph , Liberzon Dan
Published: March 2019

A data set containing detailed measurements of wind velocity and wave fields, conducted in the Gulf of Aqaba, near the city of Eliat, is made freely available. The set is highly suitable to be used in students’ education and specialists’ training in the field of physical oceanography and wind–waves interactions. It contains measurements of the wind velocity field performed by two sonic anemometers, of water surface fluctuations conducted by a spatial array of staff wave gages, and of records of the water column pressure conducted by a submerged pressure gage. Recorded simultaneously at high temporal (80[Formula: see text]Hz) and spatial resolutions, these data offer examination of various physical processes governing the wind–waves evolution. The diurnal fluctuations of the wind forcing allow examination of the wave field evolution during the growth, steady, and decay periods. Measured at two heights above the mean water level, wind velocity component records are suitable for deriving important wind flow characteristics. Examples of relevant processing methods and techniques are provided, including representative results, to serve as a reference point for educational use. These include estimations of the mean and fluctuating quantities and their daily variations, spectral analysis, and higher order statistical analysis.
Chronic kidney disease and the gut microbiome
Authors: Hobby Gerren P. , Karaduta Oleg , Dusio Giuseppina F. , Singh Manisha , Zybailov Boris L. , Arthur John M.
Published: March 2019

The gut microbiome is composed of a diverse population of bacteria that have beneficial and adverse effects on human health. The microbiome has recently gained attention and is increasingly noted to play a significant role in health and a number of disease states. Increasing urea concentration during chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to alterations in the intestinal flora that can increase production of gut-derived toxins and alter the intestinal epithelial barrier. These changes can lead to an acceleration of the process of kidney injury. A number of strategies have been proposed to interrupt this pathway of injury in CKD. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of the gut microbiome in CKD, tools used to study this microbial population, and attempts to alter its composition for therapeutic purposes.
The potential role of myosin motor proteins in mediating the subcellular distribution of NHE3 in the renal proximal tubule
Authors: Crajoinas Renato O. , Polidoro Juliano Z. , Girardi Adriana C. C.
Published: March 2019

Isoform 3 of the Na+/H+exchanger (NHE3) is responsible for the majority of the reabsorption of NaCl, NaHCO3, and, consequently, water in the renal proximal tubule. As such, this transporter plays an essential role in acid-base balance and extracellular fluid volume homeostasis and determining systemic arterial blood pressure levels. NHE3 activity is modulated by a number of mechanisms, including the redistribution of the transporter between the body of the microvilli (where NHE3 is active) and the base of the microvilli (where NHE3 is less active). Although the physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmacological importance of the subcellular distribution of NHE3 has been well established, the exact mechanism whereby NHE3 is translocated along microvilli microdomains of the proximal tubule apical membrane is unknown. Nonmuscle myosin IIA and unconventional myosin VI move cargoes in anterograde and retrograde directions, respectively, and are known to redistribute along with NHE3 in the proximal tubule in response to a variety of natriuretic and antinatriuretic stimuli, including stimulation or inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system, high dietary Na+intake, and high blood pressure. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the current evidence that suggests a potential role of myosin IIA and myosin VI in mediating the subcellular distribution of NHE3 along the kidney proximal tubule microvilli and their possible contribution in modifying NHE3-mediated Na+reabsorption under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.