bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of phosphorus homeostasis and the impact of different types and amounts of dietary phosphate on metabolism and renal health in cats
Authors: Laflamme Dottie , Backus Robert , Brown Scott , Butterwick Richard , Czarnecki‐Maulden Gail , Elliott Jonathan , Fascetti Andrea , Polzin David 
Published: November 2020

AbstractElevated concentrations of serum phosphate are linked with progression and increased case fatality rate in animals and humans with chronic kidney disease. Elevated concentrations of serum phosphate can be a risk factor for development of renal and cardiovascular diseases or osteoporosis in previously healthy people. In rodents, an excess intake of dietary phosphorus combined with an inverse dietary calcium : phosphorus ratio (<1 : 1) contributes to renal calcification. Renal injury also has occured in cats fed experimental diets supplemented with highly soluble phosphate salts, especially in diets with inverse calcium : phosphorus ratios. However, not all phosphorus sources contribute similarly to this effect. This review, which focuses on cats, summarizes the published evidence regarding phosphorus metabolism and homeostasis, including the relative impact of different dietary phosphorus sources, and their impact on the kidneys. No data currently shows that commercial cat foods induce renal injury. However, some diets contain high amounts of phosphorus relative to recommendations and some have inverse Ca : P ratios and so could increase the risk for development of kidney disease. While limiting the use of highly soluble phosphates appears to be important, there are insufficient data to support a specific upper limit for phosphate intake. This review also proposes areas where additional research is needed in order to strengthen conclusions and recommendations regarding dietary phosphorus for cats.
Common generalist mites do not transmit from foster parents to brood parasitic chicks
Authors: Trnka A. , Fenďa P. , Požgayová M. , Procházka P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractInteractions between avian brood parasites, their hosts and their parasites provide an ideal model system for studying coevolutionary processes across multiple hierarchical levels. Despite this, how brood parasitism affects the ecology and transmission of bird ectoparasites is not well known. Here, we examined the mite fauna of great reed warblerAcrocephalus arundinaceusnests successfully parasitized and unparasitized by the common cuckooCuculus canorusto find whether there is vertical transmission of northern fowl mitesOrnithonyssus sylviarum, a generalist blood‐feeding parasite of birds, through infected nests. Although there was no difference in the prevalence of mites between successfully parasitized and unparasitized nests, the former nests exhibited two times lower mite abundances than the latter nests. Importantly, none of the common cuckoo nestlings examined shortly before fledging carried mites, whereas the great reed warbler nestlings were infested in almost half of the contaminated nests. Thus, our results indicate that, despite their high dispersal abilities, northern fowl mites may be unable to survive or reproduce on the common cuckoo nestlings. Factors that can contribute to the observed patterns are discussed.
CD8+ T cells specific to apoptosis‐associated epitopes are expanded in patients with chronic HBV infection and fibrosis
Authors: Pacella Ilenia , Cammarata Ilenia , Martire Carmela , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Gaeta Giovanni Battista , Barnaba Vincenzo , Piconese Silvia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsDuring chronic viral infections, the apoptosis of activated T cell elicits a CD8+ T cell response directed to those cryptic epitopes that emerge from caspase‐cleaved structural proteins. Such response directed to apoptosis‐associated epitopes (AEs) contributes to the amplification of immunopathology.MethodsHere, we have analysed through flow cytometry AE‐specific CD8+ T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, naïve‐to‐treatment or undergoing nucleos(t)ide‐analogue (NUC) therapy.ResultsWe found that AE‐specific CD8+ T cell frequencies were significantly increased only in those NUC‐treated patients who also presented advanced hepatic fibrosis. Regulatory T cells were also expanded in those patients, and AE‐specific, but not HBV‐specific, CD8+ T cell frequency positively correlated with Treg percentages. Through multiparameter flow cytometry, multidimensionality reduction and unsupervised clustering analysis, we could identify novel subpopulations among effector memory (em) and emCD45RA+ T cell (Tem and Temra) subsets. CD8+ T cells with distinct specificities differentially populated the subpopulation map: while HBV‐specific were mostly contained in the Tem subset, AE‐specific CD8+ T cells encompassed naïve, as well as T central memory, Tem and Temra cells.ConclusionAll together, these findings indicate a link between AE‐specific CD8+ T cells and advanced liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection, and suggest that virus‐specific and AE‐specific CD8+ T cells exhibit distinct differentiation states and contribute in distinct ways to immunopathology.
Mobility, Stagnation, or Attrition? Diverse Earning Trajectories in a Cohort of Foreign‐born Men
Authors: Ye Leafia Zi , Engelman Michal 
Published: November 2020

AbstractResearchers and policymakers frequently debate about the integration of immigrants into the US economy. These debates are often based on limited data that do not capture the diversity of immigrants who arrived in the later twentieth century. Related research has also struggled to incorporate the experience of short‐term immigrants or immigrants who move in and out of the labor force. Using records from the Social Security Administration, we track the complete cohort of foreign‐born men who received social security numbers in 1978 through their subsequent working years and characterize their earning trajectories. We find that the share of foreign‐born men with low earnings declined over time, mainly due to attrition from the formal labor force. We also show, for the first time, that immigrants’ employment and earning histories vary considerably by their countries of origin: while those from several countries in Asia and Africa experienced substantial earnings growth and tended to stay in the United States for the long term, men from Central America and the Caribbean experienced more stagnation and had high levels of temporary and permanent attrition from the formal labor force. We end by discussing the historical contingencies and socioeconomic contexts—in sending countries and the United States—that shaped these trajectories.
Predominance of Burkholderia cenocepacia lineages causing onion sour skin in the semi‐arid region of north‐east Brazil
Authors: Baia Ana D. B. , Silva Adriano M. F. , Ribeiro Bárbara G. , Souza Claudeana C. , Silva Júnior Wilson J. , Balbino Valdir Q. , Leal Carla M. , de Farias Antônio R. G. , Souza Elineide B. , Gama Marco A. S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBurkholderia cepacia was originally described as the causal agent of onion sour skin. However, this bacterium is now recognized as a complex of 22 closely related species, commonly referred to as the B. cepacia complex (BCC). Only a few taxonomic studies have been undertaken with the aim of understanding the diversity of species associated with onion sour skin. In this study, we used a polyphasic analysis including rep‐PCR assay, biochemical and pathological profiles, and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) to characterize the BCC species associated with onion sour skin in the semi‐arid region of north‐east Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis of the recA of strains representing the genetic variability, as determined by rep‐PCR, grouped the strains into four clades. Clades I and II represent B. cenocepacia lineages IIB and IIIA, respectively, while the strains in Clades III and IV clustered more closely to Clades I and II than to strains of any other BCC species. MLSA confirmed the existence of the four clades with a 1.00 posterior probability. A distance matrix indicated a low level of divergence among the strains of the four clades found in the MLSA, proving that B. cenocepacia lineages IIIA, IIIB, and a new lineage of B. cenocepacia are associated with onion sour skin in the semi‐arid region of north‐east Brazil. Also, surprisingly, no strain was identified as B. cepacia, indicating that this species probably does not play a role in this disease in this region.
Insights in the pathophysiology of haemorrhagic strokes in a sub‐Sahara African country, an epidemiological and MRI study
Authors: Damien C. , Cisse F. , Ligot N. , Toure M.L. , Konaté M. , Barry S.D. , Saw M. , Naeije G. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveIntra‐cerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) seems more prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) than in High‐Income Countries (HIC) with poorer clinical outcome. Higher impact of hypertension and/or amyloid angiopathy could account for this disproportion. Here, we sought to (i) retrospectively compare ICH clinical and imaging patterns in Belgium and Guinea and in a subsequent cohort (ii) prospectively compare brain MRI characteristics to seek evidence for a different proportion of amyloid angiopathy patterns.MethodsNinety one consecutive patients admitted for spontaneous ICH at Brussels Erasme‐ULB Hospital and at Conakry Ignace Deen‐UGANC were retrospectively compared in terms of ICH volume estimated with the ABC/2 method, clinical characteristics and modified ranking (mRS) score at 30 days. mRS was dichotomised as good outcomes (≤3) and poor outcomes (>3). A prospective cohort of 30 consecutive patients with ICH admitted at CHU Conakry Ignace Deen‐UGANC was prospectively included to undergo brain MRI. Results of the Guinean MRI were compared to 30 patients randomly selected from Brussels’ initial cohort. Paired Student’s t‐test and Mann–Whitney u‐test were used for group comparisons.ResultsAge of ICH onset was higher in Belgium (68 ± 17 years vs. 56 ± 14 years, P < 0.01) while ICH volume and 30‐day mortality rate were higher in Guinea (20 ml vs. 11 ml, P < 0.01 and mortality 33% vs. 10 %, P < 0.01). ICH burden in survivors in Conakry and Brussels showed respectively good outcomes in 56.7% and 60.4% (P = 0.09) and poor outcomes in 10.3% vs. 29.6% (P < 0.001). MRI analysis of the prospective cohort failed to disclose significant differences regarding brain MRI characteristics.ConclusionsIntra‐cerebral Haemorrhage affected patients 15 years younger in Guinea with larger haematoma volumes and higher mortality than in Belgium. MRI findings did not show more prevalent amyloid angiopathy pathology suggesting that better primary prevention of hypertension could positively impact ICH epidemiology in Guinea.
Mother–child separation among women living with HIV and their children in the first four years postpartum in South Africa
Authors: Mogoba Phepo , Phillips Tamsin K. , le Roux Stanzi , Mukonda Elton E. , Brittain Kirsty , Gomba Yolanda , Zerbe Allison , Abrams Elaine J. , Myer Landon 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesMother–child pairs may separate during early life, yet the health impacts thereof are unclear. We explored the patterns and impact of separation among women living with HIV (WLHIV) and their children in South Africa.MethodsWLHIV who had initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy received HIV viral load (VL) testing and completed a timeline questionnaire of mother–child separation since delivery at 3–5 years post‐partum. Health care usage was abstracted from routine medical records. We examined associations between separation and (a) maternal health outcomes (engagement in HIV care and HIV viral suppression, [VS]) and (b) child health outcomes (post‐breastfeeding HIV testing and immunisation completion), using logistic regression.ResultsOf 346 mother–child pairs (median maternal age at antenatal ART initiation, 28 years), 24% were ever separated (median time to first separation 20 months, interquartile range [IQR] 9, 31). Most separated children were living with their grandmothers (65/83, 78%). Mothers who ever separated were younger, and more likely to be employed, and to reside in informal housing than those who never separated. Any separation reduced the odds of VS ≤ 50 copies/mL at four years post‐partum (odds ratio 0.57; 95% CI 0.34–0.93); associations were similar for VL ≤ 1000 copies/mL and maternal engagement in care. No association was found between separation and child confirmatory HIV testing or immunisation completion.ConclusionsIn this setting, mother–child separation is common in the first four years of life and appears associated with suboptimal maternal outcomes. Further research is required to understand the drivers and implications of mother–child separation.
Evaluation of Lactobacillus kefiri and manganese peroxidase‐producing bacteria for decolorization of melanoidins and reduction of chemical oxygen demand
Authors: Omar Ahmad A. , Mahgoub Samir , Salama Ali , Likotrafiti Eleni , Rhoades Jonathan , Christakis Christos , Samaras Petros 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThirteen bacterial isolates from a bioreactor treating a mixture of municipal and molasses wastewater were investigated for their potential to degrade and decolorize melanoidins. All isolates were initially screened for manganese peroxidase activity and growth potential in the presence of four synthetic melanoidins solutions at concentrations ranging from 3 to 7 g/L/L. Three isolates of potential manganese peroxidase‐producing bacteria two Klebsiella sp. (B2–B3) and Escherichia coli (B4) and one strain of Lactobacillus kefiri (B1) showed high synthetic melanoidin tolerance. The 16S rDNA sequence showed that they were closely related to E. coli and Klebsiella sp. The most significant degree of decolorization was observed on day 1, reaching 60–67%. Furthermore, the tested strains reduced the chemical oxygen demand by more than 50% or more than 70% of the initial value with or without additional supplementation of the reaction mixture, respectively. All tested isolates showed increased ability for reducing the organic matter content of a raw melanoidin solution exceeding 65%, favouring, therefore, the utilization potential of the isolated strains for the biological processing of molasses wastewaters. Thus, microbial decolorization could be an innovative wastewater treatment for environmental protection purposes.
Quantitative Assessment of Damage in Buried Polyethylene Pipe Subjected to Land Subsidence
Authors: Zha Sixi , Lan Hui-qing , Zhang Hao , Wu Ying 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTraditional investigation of polyethylene pipe (PE) subjected to external loads focused only on the study of mechanical behavior or the failure judgment, but could not predict the damage evolution process. In this paper, a quantitative assessment was conducted for the damage of PE pipe subjected to land subsidence. Specifically, a static damage model was proposed based on failure pressure. Then, a finite element model of the buried PE pipe was established to calculate the failure pressure of smooth or notched pipe. Finally, the damage of the buried PE pipes suffering from land subsidence was computed by the damage model. The results show that the failure pressure and damage curves of smooth PE pipe can be divided into increased, steady, and reducing stages. For notched PE pipe, the damage curve can be divided into initial, middle, and late stages when the notch depth coefficient A (notch depth/thickness) equals to 0.1. But when A surpasses 0.2, the damage curve loses its middle stage and rapid damage follows. The threshold of the late stage of damage can be regarded as the last warning value of the damage of PE pipe under land subsidence, which indicates the maintenance measures should be taken immediately. The defects on the pipe accelerated the speed of damage and the late stage of damage evolution.
Microstructure and Nanoindentation Studies of Hydridated Zircaloy-4 Claddings After High Temperature Oxidation
Authors: Gávelová Petra , Halodová Patricie , Marušáková Daniela , Libera Ondřej , Krejčí Jakub , Vrtílková Věra 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Zirconium-based alloys are one of the most significant materials in thermal-neutron reactor systems. With very low neutron capture cross section, good corrosion resistance, mechanical strength and resistance to neutron radiation damage, zirconium alloys are used for fuel claddings. Cladding materials are still improved and tested in normal as well as critical reactor conditions. Zircaloy-4 (Zr-1.5Sn-0.2Fe-0.1Cr) is used for west types of light-water reactors, Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR). In our study, Zircaloy-4 cladding tubes were high-temperature oxidized in steam at the series of temperatures from 950 up to 1425 °C to simulate PWR reaching severe accident conditions. To observe the influence of hydrogen (H) diffusing from the coolant water on oxidation process, the specimens with ∼1000 ppm H were compared to the specimens with almost no hydrogen content. Wave Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) and nanoindentation were performed in line profiles across the cladding wall. Both methods contributed to verify the pseudobinary Zircaloy-4/oxygen phase diagram with focus on determination of phase boundaries. The increase of oxygen concentration with increasing temperature was observed. Moreover, oxygen concentration profiles and related change in nanohardness and Young's modulus showed the effect of hydrogen on the cladding microstructure. Hydrogen dissolved in metallic matrix increases the oxygen solubility in prior β-phase, the specimens with 1000 ppm H showed the higher oxygen content at almost all temperatures. As well, material hardening was observed on specimens with 1000 ppm H with significant difference in β-phase, measured on specimens exposed to lowest and highest oxidation temperature. Thus, with increasing temperature and hydrogen content, increased oxygen solubility affects the cladding ductility.
From troubles to solutions: conservation of Mediterranean tortoises under global change
Authors: Graciá Eva , Rodríguez-Caro Roberto Carlos , Ferrández Marcos , Martínez-Silvestre Albert , Pérez-Ibarra Irene , Amahjour Rabie , Aranda Carmen , Benelkadi Hadj Aissa , Bertolero Albert , Biaggini Marta , Botella Francisco , Budó Joan , Cadenas Vanessa , Chergi Brahim , Corti Claudia , Esperón Fernando , Esteve-Selma Miguel Ángel , Fahd Soumia , García de la Fuente Mª Isabel , Golubović Ana , Heredia Ana , Jiménez-Franco Mª Victoria , Arakelyan Marine , Marini Daniele , Martínez-Fernández Julia , Martínez-Pastor Mª Carmen , Mascort Ramón , Mira-Jover Andrea , Pascual-Rico Roberto , Perera-Leg Anna , Pfau Beate , Pinya Samuel , Santos Xavier , Segura Amalia , Semaha Mohamed Jaouhar , Soler-Massana Joaquim , Vidal Jose Manuel , Giménez Andrés 
Published: November 2020

Chelonians are among the animal groups with the poorest conservation status. Since tortoises are long-lived species that need very long time to reach sexual maturity, they are extremely vulnerable to human pressure. Despite their endangered status, there are no common strategies for the development of conservation actions. At the “Mediterranean workshop to develop tortoise conservation strategies”, scientists, conservation associations, environmental managers, IUCN advisers and CITES inspectors met in October 2019 in Alicante (Spain). The aims were to update the diagnosis of the conservation status of the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) and to suggest strategies that guarantee their preservation at the Mediterranean Region. The main conclusions are summarized by:
i) Mediterranean tortoises are wild endangered species that must be protected in, and together with, their natural habitat. Their main threats are habitat loss and fragmentation and pet trade, but we should also pay attention to wildfires, spread of diseases, the introduction of exotic species or lineages and climate change.
ii) Long-term efforts and stablished protocols are needed to accurately diagnose and monitor the conservation status of wild populations, as well as flows among captive and wild animals.
iii) Tortoise trade should be banned because it threatens the conservation of wild populations of tortoises. Illegal practices related to tortoises should be decidedly persecuted. People should consider tortoises as wild animals that are endangered and deserving of protection. It is possible to enjoy them by responsibly observing them in their habitat.
iv) Tortoises may carry pathogens or parasites and their sanitary status cannot be fully assessed. They should always be considered potential vectors of tortoise diseases and of zoonosis. Hygiene protocols should be implemented when managing them.
v) The researchers attending this workshop aimed to develop a scientific network for the long-term monitoring of graeca and T. hermanni populations in the Mediterranean Region. They will need the support from public administrations.
Implementing gene curation for hereditary cancer susceptibility in Australia: achieving consensus on genes with clinical utility
Authors: Tudini Emma , Davidson Aimee L , Dressel Uwe , Andrews Lesley , Antill Yoland , Crook Ashley , Field Michael , Gattas Michael , Harris Rebecca , Kirk Judy , Pachter Nicholas , Salmon Lucinda , Susman Rachel , Townshend Sharron , Trainer Alison H , Tucker Katherine M , Mitchell Gillian , James Paul A , Ward Robyn L , Mar Fan Helen , Poplawski Nicola K , Spurdle Amanda B 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe strength of evidence supporting the validity of gene-disease relationships is variable. Hereditary cancer has the additional complexity of low or moderate penetrance for some confirmed disease-associated alleles.MethodsTo promote national consistency in interpretation of hereditary cancer/tumour gene test results, we requested opinions of representatives from Australian Family Cancer Clinics regarding the clinical utility of 157 genes initially collated for a national research project. Viewpoints were sought by initial survey, face-to-face workshop and follow-up survey. Subsequent review was undertaken by the eviQ Cancer Genetics Reference Committee, a national resource providing evidence-based and consensus-driven cancer treatment protocols.ResultsGenes were categorised by clinical actionability as: relevant for testing on presentation of common cancer/tumour types (n=45); relevant for testing in the context of specific rare phenotypes (n=74); insufficient clinical utility (n=34) or contentious clinical utility (n=3). Opinions for several genes altered during the study time frame, due to new information.ConclusionThrough an iterative process, consensus was achieved on genes with clinical utility for hereditary cancer/tumour conditions in the Australian setting. This study highlighted need for regular review of gene-disease lists, a role assumed in Australia for hereditary cancer/tumour predisposition genes by the eviQ Cancer Genetics Reference Committee.