bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of structural, optical, and magnetic properties of Nd‐doped Sr2SnO4 Ruddlesden Popper oxide
Authors: Kumar Upendra , Yadav Dharmendra , Upadhyay Shail 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe samples of Sr2‐xNdxSnO4 with x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.10 were synthesized by a high‐temperature solid‐state ceramic route. Rietveld refining of X‐ray diffraction results showed that all the synthesized compositions are single phase under tetragonal crystal structure. The presence of functional group and local structure has been studied using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. XPS study of samples showed the presence of oxygen vacancy and interstitial oxygen in the sample. Optical band gap of samples analyzed by UV‐Vis spectra gradually increases with dopant concentration, and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy study showed most intense emission around 1064 nm. Room‐temperature magnetic hysteresis curve in sample SSN2 showed ferromagnetism, slowly decreasing with Nd and becoming antiferromagnetic for higher compositions. Utilizing the absorption state observed in PL as metastable state makes it promising candidate for laser and IR detector application and the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic nature of sample makes it suitable candidate for spintronics device applications.
Evaluation of the efficacy of low‐dose liraglutide in weight control among Taiwanese non‐diabetes patients
Authors: Chou Chien‐An , Chuang Shu‐Fen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionObesity and metabolic syndrome are well‐known to be associated with multiple chronic diseases. Currently, high‐dose liraglutide has been used for weight control in non‐diabetic patients. Considering incretin‐based therapy is more effective in Asian populations, the effect of low‐dose liraglutide in weight control among these non‐diabetic groups has not been well evaluated. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low‐dose liraglutide in weight control among Taiwan patients.Materials and MethodsFrom July 2017 to December 2018, 46 non‐diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome were included. They had received low‐dose liraglutide at 0.6 or 1.2 mg per day for weight reduction for 12 weeks. After then, changes in bodyweight, waist and metabolic factors were examined. Overt bodyweight reduction was defined as a decrease of >5% within 12 weeks.ResultsWith 12 weeks of medication use, both groups showed statistical weight reduction. Higher doses of liraglutide had better efficacy, and 44.4% of patients in the liraglutide 1.2 mg group reached overt weight reduction, whereas just 32.1% in the 0.6 mg group had achieved this. Young age was found to be a predictor factor for a positive finding (odds ratio 0.941, P = 0.037). Early responders with decreased bodyweight of >4.2% within the first 4 weeks indicated a better chance to achieve measurable weight reduction.ConclusionsLow‐dose liraglutide still has high efficacy in weight reduction in Taiwanese people, especially for those of younger age.
The influence of immune activation on thermal tolerance along a latitudinal cline
Authors: Hector Tobias E. , Sgrò Carla M. , Hall Matthew D. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGlobal change is shifting both temperature patterns and the geographic distribution of pathogens, and infection has already been shown to substantially reduce host thermal performance, potentially placing populations at greater risk that previously thought. But what about individuals that are able to successfully clear an infection? Whilst the direct damage a pathogen causes will likely lead to reductions in host's thermal tolerance, the response to infection often shares many underlying pathways with the general stress response, potentially acting as a buffer against subsequent thermal stress. Here, by exposing Drosophila melanogaster to heat‐killed bacterial pathogens, we investigate how activation of a host's immune system can modify any response to both heat and cold temperature stress. In a single focal population, we find that immune activation can improve a host's knockdown times during heat shock, potentially offsetting some of the damage that would subsequently arise as an infection progresses. Conversely, immune activation had a detrimental effect on CTmax and did not influence lower thermal tolerance as measured by chill‐coma recovery time. However, we also find that the influence of immune activation on heat knockdown times is not generalizable across an entire cline of locally adapted populations. Instead, immune activation led to signals of local adaptation to temperature being lost, erasing the previous advantage that populations in warmer regions had when challenged with heat stress. Our results suggest that activation of the immune system may help buffer individuals against the detrimental impact of infection on thermal tolerance; however, any response will be population specific and potentially not easily predicted across larger geographic scales, and dependent on the form of thermal stress faced by a host.
Histomorphological and endocrine assessment of female Arabian carpetshark, Chiloscyllium arabicum (Elasmobranchii: Hemiscylliidae) from the Persian Gulf during annual reproductive cycle
Authors: Falahiehzadeh Nadieh , Salamat Negin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed at assessing the annual reproductive cycle of female Arabian carpetshark, Chiloscyllium arabicum from the Persian Gulf by a macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the reproductive tract. The annual cycle of gonadal steroids [17β‐estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T)] was also assessed in this shark. In total, 130 female C. arabicum were collected from the Bahrakan Creek (located northwest of the Persian Gulf) between January 2018 and March 2019. Females were oviparous with an external‐type ovary and only one functional ovary. Five sexual maturity stages were recognized based on macroscopic and microscopic evaluation: Immature I (August–October), Immature II (November–January), Mature (February–March), Pregnant (April–May) and Spent (June–July). The structural changes in the oviducts, oviducal glands and uterus throughout the annual reproductive cycle were consistent with their roles in the egg movement, the egg capsule production and sperm storage. The plasma levels of the gonadal steroids were associated with morphological changes in the reproductive tract. E2 showed two detectable peaks during March (close to ovulation) and June (just before mating). P4 and T displayed a peak just before ovulation.
Human‐facilitated dispersal of the Gulf toadfish Opsanus beta (Goode & Bean, 1880) in the Guaratuba Bay, south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: de Carvalho Barbara M. , Ferreira Junior Augusto L. , Fávaro Luís F. , Artoni Roberto F. , Vitule Jean 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOpsanus beta is endemic to the Gulf of Mexico and has recently been introduced to the Brazilian coast; probably the introduction is via ballast water and/or oil rigs. In this study, the presence of the species is recorded for the first time in Guaratuba Bay, on the southern coast of Brazil. In this region there are no port terminals, which suggests that O. beta used a different mode of human‐facilitated transport to colonize Guaratuba Bay.
Tube‐like structures within the ovarian follicle of Hydrolagus colliei indicate the early origins of follicle cell processes
Authors: Crawford Lydia , Bart Henry , Harold Enrique L. , Huckaba Thomas M. , Davenport Ian R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFollicle cell processes (FCP) are actin‐based, tube‐like structures that connect the developing oocyte to the follicle cells throughout oogenesis. They were first described in Selachians (sharks) where their suggested roles were facilitating the transport of metabolites to the developing oocyte and providing structural support to the large egg cells of sharks, an early stage in the evolution of viviparity. Subsequent studies found that FCP are absent in Rajiformes (skates), suggesting that FCP may have been novel structures specific to the sharks. Here, FCP in Hydrolagus colliei, a Chimaeriform, were described. The FCP of H. colliei differ morphologically from those previously described in sharks, but as they also contain actin, they presumably play similar roles provisioning the developing oocyte and providing structural support. The presence of FCP in the order Chimaeriformes suggests that their origin predates the split of the elasmobranchs and the holocephalans.
Immigrants, Financial Knowledge, and Financial Behavior
Authors: Rostamkalaei Anoosheh , Riding Allan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis research seeks to identify gaps in financial knowledge and behaviors between immigrants to Canada and individuals who are born in Canada. The research aims to evaluate to what extent immigrants involve themselves in financial planning and avoid harmful financial behaviors. Employing the Canadian Financial Capability Survey (2009), the findings of the study suggest that immigrants are less likely to show high levels of financial knowledge compared to born citizens. The knowledge gap between immigrants and born citizens narrows as an individual resides longer in Canada. In addition, immigrants are less likely to prepare themselves financially for their retirement or to have long‐term investments. The findings provide a basis for addressing the implications of weak financial knowledge.
Safety guidelines for nonsurgical facial procedures during COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Bertossi Dario , Mohsahebi Ash , Philipp‐Dormston Wolfgang G , Heidenrich Izolda , Pirayesh Ali , D’Souza Alwyn , Saleh Hesham , Yavuzer Rezha , Fakih Nabil , Vent Julia , Rahman Eqram , Kapoor Krishan Mohan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic is expected to last for an extended time, making strict safety precautions for office procedures unavoidable. The lockdown is going to be lifted in many areas, and strict guidelines detailing the infection control measures for aesthetic clinics are going to be of particular importance.MethodsA virtual meeting was conducted with the members (n = 12) of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery Focus Group to outline the safety protocol for the nonsurgical facial aesthetic procedures for aesthetic practices in order to protect the clinic staff and the patients from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The data analysis was undertaken by thematic and iterative approach.ResultsConsensus guidelines for nonsurgical facial aesthetic procedures based on current knowledge are provided for three levels: precautions before visiting the clinic, precautions during the clinic visit, and precautions after the clinic visit.ConclusionsSound infection control measures are mandatory for nonsurgical aesthetic practices all around the world. These may vary from country to country, but this logical approach can be customized according to the respective country laws and guidelines.
Effect of dysphagia rehabilitation in patients receiving enteral nutrition at home nursing care: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Furuya Hiroyasu , Kikutani Takeshi , Igarashi Kumi , Sagawa Keiichiro , Yajima Yuri , Machida Reiko , Tohara Takashi , Takahashi Noriaki , Tamura Fumiyo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe considered the effect of dysphagia rehabilitation and investigated parameters associated with the resumption of oral intake in the elderly patients receiving home nursing care who were not eating by mouth.MethodsThe participants were 116 patients aged ≥65 years (66 men and 50 women, mean age 79.7 ± 8.9 years) who were receiving home nursing care and not eating by mouth because of dysphagia. All patients underwent dysphagia rehabilitation for 6 months with the objective of resuming oral intake. After 6 months of dysphagia rehabilitation, the patients’ eating status was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and the associations of the post‐intervention FOIS score with age, history of pneumonia, duration of enteral nutrition, body mass index (BMI), alertness, physical function (ability to walk) and swallowing function at the initial examination.ResultsFunctional Oral Intake Scale scores increased significantly after 6 months rather than those at the initial evaluation (P < .001). Eighty patients (69.0%) resumed oral intake (FOIS score ≥2), thirty patients (25.9%) of whom became capable of daily oral intake (FOIS score ≥3). Swallowing function was associated with the resumption of oral intake. In addition, physical function before dysphagia rehabilitation was an important factor to resume daily oral intake.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that the resumption of oral intake by patients receiving enteral nutrition requires improvement in swallowing function. In addition, anyone who cannot walk may not recover daily oral intake.
Sarcomatoid variant of squamous carcinoma in recurrent and second primary tumors of the oral cavity
Authors: Singh Arjun , Sharin Florida , Singhavi Hitesh , Patil Akshay , Nair Sudhir , Chaturvedi Pankaj 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSarcomatoid variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is aggressive tumors that frequently recur and metastasize. Our aim was to determine the survival outcomes and factors that predict its incidence in recurrent and second primary tumors (SPT).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of SPT and recurrent OSCC cases with sarcomatoid differentiation. The overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were determined by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with SPT and recurrent sarcomatoid OSCC. Recursive partitioning was performed to classify the sample based on the clinicopathological factors of the index tumor.ResultsA total of 82 patients were included in the study with a median survival, calculated from the date of diagnosis of recurrence or SPT, of 6 months (recurrence‐2 months, SPT‐8 months). The 3‐year OS for the recurrence group was 19.9% and for SPT group was 29%. Perineural invasion in the index tumor was significantly associated with sarcomatoid differentiation in the recurrent tumor. At one end of the spectrum of the recursive partitioning were the SPTs that had small index tumor sizes and DOI/thickness less than 14.5 cm (lowest risk), and at the other end were recurrent diseases that had index tumors of advanced T stage (highest risk).ConclusionSarcomatoid variant in the recurrent/SPT OSCC infers a poor prognosis. Recurrent disease that had an index tumor with advanced T stage carries the worst outcomes. Perineural invasion in the index tumor can help predict the presence of sarcomatoid carcinoma in the recurrent or SPT.
Prevalence, knowledge of and attitude towards hepatitis B virus among pregnant females in Jordan
Authors: Othman Bayan , Al‐Najjar Mohammad A. A. , Othman Dalia , Al‐Qudah Rajaa , Basheti Iman 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis observational study was designed to assess the prevalence, knowledge and attitude of pregnant females towards hepatitis B infection, in addition to their perspective of the healthcare practice about HBV in Jordan. A randomly selected group of pregnant females visiting public gynaecology clinics in Jordan were approached to participate in the study. Blood samples were collected from the participants, and HBV markers were detected in their serum using specialized ELISA Kits to assess for the prevalence of infection. Knowledge and attitude of participants was assessed via a developed and validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Blood samples (n = 300) from 330 pregnant females were collected. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among the pregnant females was found to be 5%. Anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc were found to be 33.3% and 7%, respectively. No significant correlation between age, socio‐economic status and educational level was found with HBsAg positivity. Limited knowledge regarding HBV was revealed among the pregnant females (9.1%‐41.3%, P < .05). The majority had a positive attitude regarding HBV vaccination and antiviral medications in case of infectivity. More than 90% agreed on the present lack of counselling and screening of HBV they obtained during their first perinatal visit to the gynaecology clinics. This study revealed a lack of knowledge on HBV, and low counselling and screening received were reported. Policymakers need to introduce new interventions to improve the current awareness of patients and gynaecologists regarding hepatitis B infection.
Assessment of serum symmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine concentrations in hyperthyroid cats before and after a fixed dose of orally administered radioiodine
Authors: Yu Lucia , Lacorcia Lauren , Finch Sue , Johnstone Thurid 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSerum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is a sensitive renal biomarker for detecting early chronic kidney disease (CKD) in nonhyperthyroid cats, but knowledge regarding its performance in hyperthyroid cats remains limited.ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between serum SDMA, creatinine and total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations in hyperthyroid cats before (T0) and 3 months after (T1) receiving a PO fixed dose of radioiodine.AnimalsEighty client‐owned hyperthyroid cats.MethodsProspective cohort study. Serum TT4, and SDMA, creatinine concentrations, and urine specific gravity were measured at T0 and T1. Nonparametric tests were used to determine the relationship among SDMA, and creatinine and TT4 concentrations. Agreement between SDMA and creatinine regarding CKD staging at both time points was assessed using Goodman and Kruskal's gamma statistic.ResultsMean serum SDMA concentration increased after treatment of hyperthyroidism. However, 21 of 75 cats experienced a decrease in SDMA between T0 and T1, whereas creatinine decreased in only 2 cats. A moderate correlation between SDMA and creatinine was seen at T1 (r= 0.53;P <.001) but not at T0 (r= 0.13;P =.25). Where assessable at T1, poor agreement was observed between SDMA and creatinine and CKD stage (Goodman and Kruskal's gamma 0.20;P =.29).Conclusions and clinical importanceDiscordant outcomes between SDMA and creatinine after radioiodine treatment in cats with hyperthyroidism suggest extrarenal factors may interfere with the reliability of SDMA to adequately reflect renal function. As a result, SDMA should not be interpreted in isolation in hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine.
Improved deferred antagonism technique for detecting antibiosis
Authors: Klein J.M. , Stockwell V.O. , Minsavage G.V. , Vallad G.E. , Goss E.M. , Jones J.B. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The deferred antagonism technique has been utilized for several decades for detecting antibiosis activity. Most protocols require the elimination of antibiotic-producing cells by exposing them to chloroform vapour, UV radiation or filter sterilizing the filtrate steps that require additional time and expense to complete. We provide a modified approach to current soft agar overlay practices, which involves addition of antibiotics to the soft agar overlay to inhibit growth of the producer but not the indicator strain. This technique can be used to reproducibly and efficiently screen for antibiotic production with ease. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique with three bacterial systems: inhibition of the bacterial spot of tomato pathogen, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, by its pathogenic competitor Xanthomonas perforans; and inhibition of the fire blight pathogen, Erwinia amylovora, by Pantoea vagans C9-1 or Pseudomonas fluorescens A506.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Deferred antagonism assays are used commonly to observe antibiotic production by micro-organisms. Killing or removing the producer cells prior to introduction of the indicator strain is a standard practice but requires additional time and special handling procedures. We evaluated a modification of the assay, where the overlay medium is amended with an antibiotic to which the indicator strain is resistant and the producer strain is sensitive. This modification obviates extra steps to kill the producer strain prior to overlaying with the indicator strain and provides a rapid, consistent and cost-effective method to detect antibiosis.
Adaptive changes in the genomes of wild rabbits after 16 years of viral epidemics
Authors: Schwensow Nina , Pederson Stephen , Peacock David , Cooke Brian , Cassey Phillip 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSince its introduction to control overabundant invasive European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the highly virulent rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has caused regular annual disease outbreaks in Australian rabbit populations. Although initially reducing rabbit abundance by 60%, continent‐wide, experimental evidence has since indicated increased genetic resistance in wild rabbits that have experienced RHDV‐driven selection. To identify genetic adaptations, which explain the increased resistance to this biocontrol virus, we investigated genome‐wide SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) allele frequency changes in a South Australian rabbit population that was sampled in 1996 (pre‐RHD genomes) and after 16 years of RHDV outbreaks. We identified several SNPs with changed allele frequencies within or close to genes potentially important for increased RHD resistance. The identified genes are known to be involved in virus infections and immune reactions or had previously been identified as being differentially expressed in healthy versus acutely RHDV‐infected rabbits. Furthermore, we show in a simulation study that the allele/genotype frequency changes cannot be explained by drift alone and that several candidate genes had also been identified as being associated with surviving RHD in a different Australian rabbit population. Our unique data set allowed us to identify candidate genes for RHDV resistance that have evolved under natural conditions, and over a time span that would not have been feasible in an experimental setting. Moreover, it provides a rare example of host genetic adaptations to virus‐driven selection in response to a suddenly emerging infectious disease.
Epidemiological investigation for grouped cases of Trichosporon asahii using whole genome and IGS1 sequencing
Authors: Desnos‐Ollivier Marie , Maufrais Corinne , Pihet Marc , Aznar Christine , Dromer Françoise ,   the French Mycoses Study Group
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundTrichosporonosis is a rare invasive infection in humans mainly due to Trichosporon asahii, and especially recovered from patients having haematological malignancy. Since 2012, IGS1 region sequencing is used as a genotyping method to distinguish isolates, with high frequency of one haplotype worldwide and a geographic specificity for some haplotypes.ObjectivesWe compared the IGS1 genotyping method and whole genome sequencing (WGS) to study the relationship between clinical isolates involved in two grouped cases in France.MethodsIGS1 sequencing and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed for 54 clinical isolates. Clinical data for 28 isolates included in surveillance programs were analysed. Whole genome was sequenced for 32 clinical isolates and the type strain.ResultsAll isolates were intrinsically resistant to flucytosine, while voriconazole had the most potent in vitro activity. The majority of the isolates was recovered from patients with haematological malignancies (42.86%), with a high proportion of children (<15 yrs‐old, 32.14%) and a high mortality rate at three months (46.15%). Based on the WGS analysis, isolates exhibiting IGS1 haplotype 1, 3 and 7 belonged to different clades. Five isolates recovered during the first grouped cases had the same IGS1 haplotype and shared 99% of SNPs similarity. For the second grouped cases, four isolates had 98.7% of SNPs similarity while the isolate recovered 4 years earlier was totally unlinked.ConclusionsWe confirmed the usefulness of IGS1 sequencing for grouped cases infection of T. asahii. We underlined its limitation for the study of population structure and the utility of WGS analysis for the study of epidemiologically unrelated isolates.