bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of diseases and health management in zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton 1822) in research facilities
Authors: Kent M. L. , Sanders J. L. , Spagnoli S. , Al‐Samarrie C. E. , Murray K. N. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in biomedical research has expanded at a tremendous rate over the last two decades. Along with increases in laboratories using this model, we are discovering new and important diseases. We review here the important pathogens and diseases based on some 20 years of research and findings from our diagnostic service at the NIH‐funded Zebrafish International Resource Center. Descriptions of the present status of biosecurity programmes and diagnostic and treatment approaches are included. The most common and important diseases and pathogens are two parasites, Pseudoloma neurophilia and Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, and mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium chelonae, M. marinum and M. haemophilum. Less common but deadly diseases are caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri and infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV). Hepatic megalocytosis and egg‐associated inflammation and fibroplasia are common, apparently non‐infectious, in zebrafish laboratories. Water quality diseases include supersaturation and nephrocalcinosis. Common neoplasms are spindle cell sarcomas, ultimobranchial tumours, spermatocytic seminomas and a small‐cell carcinoma that is caused by a transmissible agent. Despite the clear biosecurity risk, researchers continue to use fish from pet stores, and here, we document two novel coccidia associated with significant lesions in zebrafish from one of these stores.
Use of hepatitis B virus core‐related antigen to evaluate natural history of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chan Henry Lik Yuen , Yasuda Satoshi , Wong Grace Lai Hung , Tada Toshifumi , Chan Carmen Ka Man , Kumada Takashi , Tse Yee Kit , Wong Vincent Wai Sun , Toyoda Hidenori 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimHepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) has been shown to correlate with various viral markers in chronic hepatitis B, but its role in defining natural history is not well studied. We aimed to investigate the use of HBcrAg to define different phases of chronic hepatitis B.MethodsStored residual serum samples from longitudinal cohorts of chronic hepatitis B patients in Hong Kong and Japan were studied. Viral markers were measured in three serial serum samples for each patient. Patients were divided into six groups for analysis: hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic infection (EPI), HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis (EPH), HBeAg seroconversion (ES), HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis (ENH), HBeAg‐negative chronic infection (ENI), and HBsAg seroclearance (SS).ResultsIn total, 166 patients followed up for 100 (76–113) months were included. HBcrAg was correlated with hepatitis B virus DNA and HBsAg levels in both HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients. HBcrAg cut‐off of ≥ 6.0 log U/mL could best differentiate HBeAg‐positive from HBeAg‐negative patients (area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.99, P < 0.001). HBcrAg could not differentiate patients in EPI and EPH phases, but HBcrAg declined dramatically at HBeAg seroconversion. In HBeAg‐negative patients, HBcrAg ≥ 4.0 log U/mL could best differentiate ENH from ENI (area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81; P < 0.001), with high specificity (81.6%) but only moderate sensitivity (65.7%) at baseline. Undetectable HBcrAg was found in 17%, 63%, and 89% patients in ENH, ENI, and SS groups at the last visit, respectively.ConclusionsHBcrAg provides useful information to stage the natural history of chronic hepatitis B, particularly identifying HBeAg‐positive patients and HBeAg‐negative patients with active disease.
Novel mass spectrometry‐based comprehensive lipidomic analysis of plasma from patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Iwatani Shuko , Iijima Hideki , Otake Yuriko , Amano Takahiro , Tani Mizuki , Yoshihara Takeo , Tashiro Taku , Tsujii Yoshiki , Inoue Takahiro , Hayashi Yoshito , Takeda Kiyoshi , Hayashi Akio , Fujita Setsuko , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimLipids play important roles in inflammation and may be involved in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we evaluated the characteristics of the plasma lipid profile in patients with IBD.MethodsPlasma samples were collected from 20 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 20 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 10 healthy volunteers (HVs) after overnight fasting. The subjects were men between 20 and 49 years of age with no history of hyperlipidemia. A total of 698 molecular species in 22 lipid classes were analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsLipid classes of lysophosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylserine (LPS), phosphatidylserine (PS), and shingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) were significantly increased in UC patients compared with the HV. The LPS, PS, and S1P levels were significantly increased, while those of lysophosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine were significantly decreased in CD patients compared with HV. Among PS species, the levels of PSacyl (PSa) 40:3, PSa 38:3, and PSa 42:4 were significantly higher in CD patients, both active and remissive stage, than in HV. The LPS 18:0 level was significantly higher in CD and UC patients compared with HV. PSa 40:3 and PSa 38:3 levels positively correlated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and platelet count and negatively correlated with hemoglobin, hematocrit, and albumin levels in CD patients.ConclusionThe lipid profile in IBD patients exhibits significant alterations, and PS levels are associated with clinical disease activity in CD patients.
Dental caries treatment completed under general anesthesia among American Indian children in a northern plains tribal community
Authors: Warren John J. , Thrap Steven , Starr Delores 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the occurrence of treatment under general anesthesia (GA) for dental caries among American Indian (AI) children from a Northern Plains tribal community.MethodsAs part of a follow‐up study of ECC, dental records for children age 6–8 years were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were generated, including the number of dental visits, extent of treatment, and whether the treatment was completed under GA.ResultsData were obtained from 95 dental records. The age of dental visits varied from 15 months to 8 years. Of the 95 children, 79 (83.2%) received dental treatment under GA at least once; 24 (25.2%) did so two or more times. The majority of the treatment involved extractions and placement of stainless steel crowns.ConclusionsA large number of AI children received dental treatment under GA; many did so multiple times. Given the high cost of this treatment, even modestly effective preventive strategies such as silver diamine fluoride could yield cost savings.
Encapsulation of curcumin into layered double hydroxides improve their anticancer and antiparasitic activity
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Filiberto , Sánchez-Jiménez Cecilia , Rangel-Castañeda Itzia Azucena , Carbajal-Arízaga Gregorio Guadalupe , Macías-Lamas Adriana Macaria , Castillo-Romero Araceli , Parra-Saavedra Karina Jeanette 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Curcumin (CUR) has well-known activity against cancer cells and parasites; however, its applications are limited since this is an unstable molecule, which may suffer degradation by light and temperature, also, the low water solubility reduce its bioavailability. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are well-known materials owing to the excellent anion exchange capacity, good biocompatibility and low toxicity.

Methods
Layered double hydroxides nanoparticles prepared with zinc and magnesium cations were used as a vehicle for CUR in Caco-2, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica cultures. The physicochemical properties of Mg-LDH-CUR and Zn-LDH-CUR were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Additionally, the load efficiency, release profiles and photostability of CUR were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV-Vis spectrometry. Then, Mg-LDH-CUR and Zn-LDH-CUR were tested on Caco-2, G. lamblia and E. histolytica cultures.

Key findings
The experiments demonstrated that Zn-LDH-CUR protects better against photodegradation by UV light, while Mg-LDH-CUR showed increased toxicity against Caco-2 cell, G. lamblia and E. histolytica, in comparison with free CUR.

Conclusions
Layered double hydroxides are good vehicles to improve stability, resistance to degradation of CUR, also they are useful to improve solubility, provide a controlled release and improve the cytotoxic activity. Additionally, it was shown that the composition of the M+2 cation of LDH affects its properties and structure and that this directly influences its biological activity. The findings are important to select the composition of the encapsulation vehicle for a specific activity.
Intraocular cataract lens replacement and light exposure potentially impact procedural learning in older adults
Authors: Chellappa Sarah L. , Bromundt Vivien , Frey Sylvia , Schlote Torsten , Goldblum David , Cajochen Christian , Reichert Carolin F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractProcedural learning declines with age and appropriately timed light exposure can improve cognitive performance in older individuals. Because cataract reduces light transmission and is associated with cognitive decline in older adults, we explored whether lens replacement (intraocular blue‐blocking [BB] or UV‐only blocking) in older patients with cataracts enhances the beneficial effects of light on procedural learning. Healthy older participants (n = 16) and older patients with post‐cataract surgery (n = 13 with BB or UV lens replacement) underwent a randomized within‐subject crossover laboratory design with three protocols. In each protocol, 3.5 hr dim–dark adaptation was followed by 2 hr evening blue‐enriched (6,500K) or non‐blue‐enriched light exposure (3,000K or 2,500K), 30 min dim post‐light, ~8 hr sleep and 2 hr morning dim light. Procedural learning was assessed by the alternating serial reaction time task (ASRT), as part of a larger test battery. Here, ASRT performance was indexed by type of trial (random or sequence) and sequence‐specific (high or low probability) measures. During evening light exposure, we observed a significant effect of the interaction of “group” versus “light condition” on the type of trial (p = .04; p = .16; unadjusted and adjusted p‐values, respectively) and sequence‐specific learning (p = .04; p = .16; unadjusted and adjusted p‐values, respectively), whereby patients with UV lens replacement performed better than patients with BB lens or non‐cataract controls, during blue‐enriched light exposure. Lens replacement in patients with cataracts may potentially be associated with beneficial effects of blue light on procedural learning. Thus, optimizing spectral lens transmission in patients with cataracts may help improve specific aspects of cognitive function, such as procedural learning.
Plasma concentrations of itraconazole following a single oral dose in juvenile California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Scott Gregory , Field Cara L. , Papich Mark G. , Harms Craig A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to establish a single‐dose pharmacokinetic profile for orally administered itraconazole in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Twenty healthy rehabilitated juvenile California sea lions were included in this study. Itraconazole capsules were administered orally with food at a target dose of 5–10 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected from each animal at 0 hr and at two of the following timepoints: 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr. Quantitative analysis of itraconazole in plasma samples was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. An average maximum concentration of 0.22 µg/ml ± 0.11 was detected 4 hr after administration. The average concentration fell to 0.12 µg/ml ± 0.11 by 6 hr and 0.02 µg/ml ± 0.02 at 12 hr. At no point did concentrations reach 0.5 µg/ml, the concentration commonly accepted for therapeutic efficacy. While this formulation was well tolerated by the sea lions, oral absorption was poor and highly variable among individuals. These data indicate that a single oral dose of itraconazole given as a capsule at 5–10 mg/kg, under the conditions used in this study, does not achieve therapeutic plasma concentrations in California sea lions.
Dispersal syndrome influences the match between seed rain and soil seed bank of woody species in a Neotropical dry forest
Authors: Jara‐Guerrero Andrea , Espinosa Carlos I. , Méndez Marcos , De la Cruz Marcelino , Escudero Adrian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsPlant recruitment may occur immediately after seed dispersal from the mother plant, or be delayed through the formation of soil seed banks. These strategies are known to be mediated by adaptations of seed dispersal and reproductive phenology, which if analyzed together can provide valuable information about the regeneration strategies of species. We explored whether dispersal syndrome and/or seed dispersal phenology control the similarity between standing vegetation, seed rain and soil seed bank in a seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF) in Southern Ecuador.LocationArenillas Ecological Reserve, Southwestern Ecuador, the biogeographic region of Pacific Coastal Ecuador.MethodsWe recorded standing vegetation of woody species in a 9‐ha permanent plot and sampled soil seed bank from 265 cores of 0.06 m2. Additionally, we sampled seed rain from 265 seed traps of 0.64 m2 for one year. We evaluated similarity in species composition, species richness, and abundance between the three components for all species and for each dispersal syndrome.ResultsThe community we studied showed a high similarity in species composition between components. The similarity was influenced by dispersal syndrome and the seed dispersal phenology. Similarity between seed rain and standing vegetation was high in species that dispersed in the rainy season, such as zoochorous species, while for autochorous species, compared with the other dispersal syndromes it was higher between seed bank and standing vegetation.ConclusionsIn our SDTF, dispersal phenology seemed to influence whether seeds had direct germination or entered the soil seed bank and influenced the match between seed rain and soil seed bank, suggesting different regeneration strategies related to dispersal ability.
Full cheek defect reconstruction using ALTF versus RFF: Comparison of quality of life, clinical results, and donor site morbidity
Authors: Zhou Bin , Liao Juankun , Zhu Chuandong , Yuan Kaifang , Liu Zhixin , Lin Zhaoyu , Huang Zhiquan , Chen Weiliang , Li Jinsong , Wang Youyuan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the quality of life (QOL) of patients, clinical results of the recipient site, and morbidities of the donor site between the use of free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALTFs) and radial forearm flaps (RFFs) for reconstruction of full cheek defects following tumor resection.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 52 patients who underwent reconstruction of full cheek defects using free ALTFs and free RFFs following tumor ablation at our center. The range of mouth opening, speech, swallowing, facial appearance, donor site complications, and subjective symptoms based on the University of Washington Quality of Life (UW‐QOL) questionnaire findings were assessed in the ALTF and RFF groups at 3, 12, and 36 months after surgery.ResultsQuality of life, range of mouth opening, facial appearance, mood and anxiety, donor site appearance, subjective feeling, and functional impairment were better in the ALTF group than in the RFF group based on the physical examination findings and questionnaire scores.ConclusionThis study found better QOL and better functional results at the recipient site and minor morbidities at the donor site with the use of free ALTFs in the reconstruction of full cheek defects.
Continuous costoclavicular brachial plexus block in a pediatric patient for postfracture rehabilitation
Authors: Regufe Rita , Artilheiro Vanessa , Dias Maria Beatriz , Miranda Ivanete , Cenicante Teresa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe costoclavicular approach to the brachial plexus block has been recently described as a technique for anesthesia or postoperative analgesia of distal upper limb. In this article, we describe a case in which a continuous costoclavicular brachial plexus block was performed in a pediatric patient for conservative treatment of a traumatic radial fracture with severe elbow rigidity. Perineural catheter placement is a valuable option for pain control and functional prognosis during rehabilitation.
Pain Catastrophizing Mediates the Association Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress in Chronic Pain Syndrome
Authors: Conti Yael , Vatine Jean‐Jacques , Levy Sigal , Levin Meltz Yulia , Hamdan Sami , Elkana Odelia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTrait mindfulness has been found to be inversely associated with emotional distress such as depression and anxiety among patients suffering from pain. The current study investigated the putative mechanisms underlying these associations by examining whether pain catastrophizing mediates the association between mindfulness and psychological distress and whether this model differs in patients suffering from chronic pain compared to patients experiencing nonchronic pain in a medical rehabilitation setting.MethodsForty‐eight patients in their subacute stage of recovery participated in the study. Seventeen participants had a diagnosis of chronic pain. Trait mindfulness was assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, and anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Two mediation models were used, with pain catastrophizing mediating the association between mindfulness and depression and anxiety.ResultsCatastrophizing significantly mediated the association between trait mindfulness and depression (P < 0.05, confidence interval [CI] = −0.35, −0.05). Catastrophizing also mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and anxiety (P < 0.05, CI = −0.34, −0.04). Two moderated mediation models were tested, in which pain catastrophizing fully mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and depression and anxiety, but only in patients with chronic pain.ConclusionsThe negative association between trait mindfulness and psychological distress may thus be partly attributed to pain catastrophizing: individuals high in trait mindfulness engage in less catastrophic thinking and therefore experience less distress. Importantly, this was only observed in the patients with chronic pain. These results further underscore the need to cope with pain catastrophizing and encourage mindfulness among patients with chronic pain.
Effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization and artificial insemination success in farmers flock in sheep under semi‐arid tropical region
Authors: De Kalyan , Kumar Davendra , Balaganur Krishnappa , Naqvi Syed Mohammad Khursheed 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEnvironmental cues in the different seasons might influence the estrus and lambing percentages. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination success in sheep.During the period from 2012 to 2017, a total of 1,197 ewes of Kheri and Malpura breeds of 34 farms originating from 10 villages were synchronized for estrus and then fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI) was done. Oestrous synchronization was done by intravaginal progesterone sponges and eCG protocol. Fixed‐time cervical insemination was performed 48 and 56 hr after sponge removal in ewes exhibiting estrus, using liquid chilled semen containing 100 million sperm per dose of Patanwadi/Malpura rams. Mean sunshine hours, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures, temperature amplitude, mean relative humidity (RH), temperature‐humidity index (THI), mean temperature during sponge‐in to sponge‐out—12‐day period, sponge‐out and next day, AI day and AI to next 15 days have been calculated. The estrus response and lambing percentage were higher (p < .05) when ES and FTAI were done during hot‐humid with rainfall season. Successful (p < .05) ES occur when the minimum temperature was higher in cold‐humid season, and the sunshine hour was higher in hot‐humid with scanty rainfall season during sponge‐in to sponge‐out period. The success of the lambing percentage was higher (p < .05) when maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and THI was higher on the day of AI and the next 15‐day period, irrespective of the season. The success of FTAI indicates the adaptability of the local breed to tolerate the harsh climate of the hot semi‐arid region without much hindrance in lambing percentages.
Wagner’s Law and Fiscal Illusion: An analysis of state government finances in Brazil
Authors: Prado Pedro Henrique Martins , da Silva Cleomar Gomes 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe aim of this article is to analyze state‐level public finances in Brazil. We examine the dynamics of governmental spending in a panel of 26 Brazilian states in search of evidence of Wagner’s Law and Fiscal Illusion Hypothesis. For the period ranging from 2002 to 2015, three methodologies are applied: dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and pooled mean group (PMG). The main empirical results found indicate that (1) there is strong evidence of Fiscal Illusion caused by public deficit and by central government transfer grants; (2) there are possible Flypaper Effects; (3) there is no evidence in support of Wagner’s Law; (4) there is low publicness degree of local expenditures; (5) due to Fiscal Illusion, less‐developed Brazilian states tend to be stuck in a public expenditure growth mechanism, especially in expenses related to non‐public goods, which tend to benefit private interests and lobby groups.
A theory on intercultural caring in maternity care
Authors: Wikberg Anita Maria 
Published: April 2020

AimTo describe a theory on intercultural caring in maternity care and its development.MethodologyThe theory has been developed qualitatively using hermeneutics.MaterialPrevious studies have been interpreted.FindingsFive meaningful interpretation patterns emerged. These are that the experience of caring is related to power; the family is always present; childbearing and migration – a multiple vulnerability; the intercultural encounter changes the mother and the midwife; and conflicts may cause change. These themes are implicit in the theory. The theory consists of the caring relationship between the midwife and the mother. Intercultural caring has four dimensions: universal, cultural, contextual and unique caring. Intercultural caring relieves suffering and promotes health and well‐being. Outer circumstances on three levels influence the maternity care. The five patterns and the theory are merged together.ConclusionThe theory can be used in nursing education to awaken awareness in students of cultural aspects and caring in the maternity care of immigrants. Midwives can apply the theory to maternity care to enable a positive experience of childbearing by immigrant and minority mothers, which in turn can influence the well‐being and indirectly the health outcome. The theory connects caring, culture, intercultural and maternity care in a new way, which is important in the care of childbearing immigrant and minority women. It also adds the intercultural and maternity care contexts to the theory of caritative caring.