bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of cage size on stress levels in captive green anole (Anolis
carolinensis)
Authors: Borgmans G , Palme R , Sannen A , Vervaecke H , Van Damme R 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Reptiles are often used as model species in scientific research and are
popular in the pet trade, yet how they cope with captive conditions has not
been well studied. Stress caused by captivity could affect the
endocrinology, physiology and behaviour of animals, resulting in a general
decrease in welfare and could confound the results of scientific
experiments. One of the factors that could influence stress in a captive
environment is the size of the cage. However, the effect of cage size on
stress has rarely been investigated in reptiles. In this study, the effect
of cage size on the behaviour, morphology and physiology of the green anole
(Anolis carolinensis) was quantified. We were unable to find an effect of
cage dimensions (range 0.05 to 0.2 m3) on body mass,
tail-base width, heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (H/L ratios), behaviour and
faecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels.
Prevalence and severity of tail lesions as a possible welfare indicator for rabbit does
Authors: Bill J , Rauterberg SL , Stracke J , Kemper N , Fels M 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe impact of behavioural disorders on animal welfare in modern animal husbandry has been much debated. While other abnormal behaviours have been explored at length, there are a paucity of studies on tail-biting in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In the present study, severe tail lesions were observed in group-reared rabbit does on a commercial rabbit farm. In the subsequent investigations, the occurrence of tail lesions in 219 rabbit does from nine batches was compared between group- or singlehousing and a scoring system recording the severity of tail lesions was developed and verified. This five-grade scoring system was applied to evaluate the progression of prevalence and severity of tail lesions in 21 groups during rearing in two batches. The results revealed a significant difference in the score level between housing types with a higher prevalence of injured tails in group- (60.4%) compared to single-reared (4.0%) does. An increase in severity and frequency of tail lesions was observed in groups during the course of a rearing period. Furthermore, the established scoring system was characterised by adequate observer reliability. Overall, tail injuries occurred on a regular basis in the investigated rearing groups, indicating tail-biting to be a prevalent problem. This could be considered relevant in terms of animal welfare, both for the animal doing the biting and the individual being bitten. The findings draw attention to an inadequately described problem in rabbit husbandry. However, the search for preventive measures needs to scrutinise the role of single-housing, without failing to consider the gregarious nature of rabbits.
Mission Statements in Port Authorities: Empirical Analysis of Content in Spanish Port System
Authors: De la Peña Zarzuelo Ignacio , Freire-Seoane María Jesús , López-Bermudez Beatriz 
Published: October 2019

Introduction: A structured Strategic Planning process has been developed in the Spanish Port System since 1990s. One of the first elements of this process is the formulation of the mission statement of each Port Authority.
Aim: An in-depth review of the mission statements of the Spanish Port Authorities is carried out in this research, and mission statements are assessed from a theoretical point of view. The goal of the study is to discuss how mission statements of these entities are aligned with the international standards.
Methods: Mission statements are captured from public sources. Two criteria are used for the assessment: its content (analyzing if the mission statement reflects nine key elements usually considered internationally), and its length (number of words). As the first component is qualitative, a Delphi method was used in the assessment of this element.
Results: The mission statements of these Port Authorities reflect more frequently than the benchmark omparison made by over 50 companies seven of the nine key elements. The only two fields in which Spanish Port Authorities show a negative gap are those related to "technology” and “concern of employees”. In terms of length, the average of 32 words is shorter than the 50-100 words recommended by some authors.
Conclusions: The Strategic Planning in the Spanish Port Authorities is a long and well -structured process. Port Authorities are essentially market-oriented public organisms and their mission statements seems to be properly formulated following business practices in terms of their content.
Consuming alternative prey does not influence the DNA detectability half-life of pest prey in spider gut contents
Authors: Fülöp Dávid , Szita Éva , Gerstenbrand Regina , Tholt Gergely , Samu Ferenc 
Published: October 2019

Background
Key natural enemy-pest interactions can be mapped in agricultural food webs by analysing predator gut content for the presence of a focal pest species. For this, PCR-based approaches are the most widely used methods providing the incidence of consumption of a focal pest in field sampled predators. To interpret such data the rate of prey DNA decay in the predators’ gut, described by DNA detectability half-life (t1/2), is needed. DNA decay may depend on the presence of alternative prey in the gut of generalist predators, but this effect has not been investigated in one of the major predatory arthropod groups, spiders.

Methods
In a laboratory feeding experiment, we determined t1/2 of the key cereal pest virus vector leafhopper Psammotettix alienus in the digestive tracts of its natural enemy, the spider Tibellus oblongus. We followed the fate of prey DNA in spiders which received only the focal prey as food, or as an alternative prey treatment they also received a meal of fruit flies after leafhopper consumption. After these feeding treatments, spiders were starved for variable time intervals prior to testing for leafhopper DNA in order to establish t1/2.

Results
We created a PCR protocol that detects P. alienus DNA in its spider predator. The protocol was further calibrated to the digestion speed of the spider by establishing DNA decay rate. Detectability limit was reached at 14 days, where c. 10% of the animals tested positive. The calculated t1/2 = 5 days value of P. alienus DNA did not differ statistically between the treatment groups which received only the leafhopper prey or which also received fruit fly. The PCR protocol was validated in a field with known P. alienus infestation. In this applicability trial, we showed that 12.5% of field collected spiders were positive for the leafhopper DNA. We conclude that in our model system the presence of alternative prey did not influence the t1/2 estimate of a pest species, which makes laboratory protocols more straightforward for the calibration of future field data.
Effects of Selected Antioxidants on Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats
Authors: Adedapo K. S. , Adepoju S. , Olusanya T. O. 
Published: October 2019

The interplay of hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in atherosclerosis has been fairly established by previous studies. There remains however, paucity of data in this environment on the direct effects of antioxidants on atherosclerosis. This study therefore aimed at determining the protective effects of EDTA, vitamin C and Vitamin E on atherosclerosis in diet induced heperlipidemic wister rats.
Thirty Wister rats were investigated in this study. The rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6). The control group was fed with growers mash and water only while group II-V were induced with hyperlipidemic diet for ten weeks. In addition to the hyperlipidemic diet; group III received 1 g/kg body weight of EDTA, group IV received 1 g/kg body weight of vitamin C, group V received 1 g/kg body weight of vitamin E, and group VI received EDTA, vitamin C and E. The group’s treatments were orally for two weeks. C-reactive protein, Total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, Total calcium and Total antioxidant status were analyzed using standard methods after the treatments.
The study showed significant effect in the use of EDTA, Vitamin C and Vitamin E in the treatment of atherosclerosis in rats which could be due to their antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. Therefore the combinations EDTA, vitamin C and vitamin E appear greatly protective against atherosclerosis.
Consumers’ Opinion towards Food Product Recall
Authors: Kaaviya C. , Lavanya S. Moghana , Krishnakumare B. 
Published: October 2019

Aim: To examine consumers’ opinion towards food product harm crisis.
Research Design: Primary data was collected using well-structured questionnaire. Online survey was conducted and responses were obtained from 100 respondents. The study used convenience sampling technique in order to full fill the objectives.
Methodology: Percentage analysis was used to analyze the data collected.
Results: The results revealed that that the quality is the major factor influencing purchase of food products rather than its taste and promotional activities. Besides, majority of respondents would buy the product again if the issues were resolved. Also, the study revealed that consumers’ would switch the brand if there is any quality issues arise in usual brands they are buying.
Conclusion: Results inferred that brand loyalty is dependent on the quality of the product. In order to overcome the food harm crisis, it is suggested that, stringent measures need to be taken regarding the quality of the product, traceability system needs to be implemented for the food products to ensure food safety.
Prevalence of Candida Species from Cases of Vulvovaginitis in Women using Contraceptives in Four Selected States of North Central Nigeria
Authors: Chuku Aleruchi , Yami Adogo, Lillian , Bukola Ajide 
Published: October 2019

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects millions of women every year and in most developing countries such as Nigeria, vulvovaginal candidiasis is still received with little attention since it is considered to be a trivial disease.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Candida species from cases of vulvovaginitis in women using contraceptives in four selected states of North Central Nigeria.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in four selected states of North Central Nigeria and the Department of Microbiology, Federal University Lafia between the months of January to November 2018.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study design was utilized.
Material and Methods: One thousand six hundred samples of high vaginal swabs were collected in four States of North Central Nigeria. Four hundred samples were collected from women using contraceptive device in each state. Two high vaginal swabs were collected. Germ tube test, direct examination and lactophenol cotton blue examination was carried out. The high vaginal swabs was streaked on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and subsequently isolates from SDA were streaked on CHROM agar and incubated aerobically at 37ºC.
Results: Five species of Candida were isolated from 710 women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Candida albicans was the most frequent isolate which accounted for 43.23% of the species isolated. The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis across the four selected states in the North Central zone is 44.37%. The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis in relation to age in the study area shows that the lowest prevalence (32.67%) of candidiasis infection was recorded among women below 20 years. The distribution of contraceptive usage reveals that the use of injectables was the most predominant contraceptive method used in the study area. The cross tabulated results at 95% confidence interval showed a statistically strong significance at 0.001 level for demographic characteristics which include age, marital status, and educational status in the study area. A significant difference at 0.294, 0.351 was recorded for diabetes and HIV status respectively.
Conclusion: The high prevalence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis in this study poses a great threat to women’s reproductive health, hence the need for continuous epidemiological surveys among women in Nigeria.
Fis protein forms DNA topological barriers to confine transcription‐coupled DNA supercoiling in Escherichia coli
Authors: Dages Samantha , Zhi Xiaoduo , Leng Fenfei 
Published: October 2019

Previously, we demonstrated that transcription‐coupled DNA supercoiling (TCDS) potently activated or inhibited nearby promoters in Escherichia coli even in the presence of all four DNA topoisomerases, suggesting that DNA topoisomerases are not the only factors regulating TCDS. A different mechanism exists to confine this localized DNA supercoiling. Using an in vivo system containing the TCDS‐activated leu‐500 promoter (Pleu‐500), we find that the nucleoid‐associated Fis protein potently inhibits the TCDS‐mediated activation of Pleu‐500. We also find that deletion of the fis gene significantly enhances TCDS‐mediated inhibition of transcription of three genes purH, yieP, and yrdA divergently coupled to different rrn operons in the early log phase. These results suggest that Fis protein forms DNA topological barriers upon binding to its recognition sites, blocks TCDS diffusion, and potently inhibits the TCDS‐activated Pleu‐500.
P
aludifilum
Authors: Fardeau Marie‐Laure , Cayol Jean‐Luc , Ollivier Bernard 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Pa.lu.di.fi'lum L. fem. n.
palus
, ‐
dis
a marsh; L. neut. n.
filum
a thread; N.L. neut. n.
Paludifilum
a thread from a marsh.

Firmicutes / Bacilli / Bacillales / Thermoactinomycetaceae / Paludifilum

The genus
Paludifilum
comprises one species with a validly published name,
Paludifilum halophilum
, which was isolated from superficial sediment of a solar saltern in Sfax, Tunisia. This species is thermotolerant, halophilic, aerobic, and chemoorganotrophic. Aerial and substrate mycelia are long and well developed with long chains containing fluorescent and circular spores. Colonies are pale yellow on Bennett's medium after 7 days at 40°C and 10% NaCl (w/v). Growth occurs between 30 and 55°C. No diffusible pigments are produced and cells can tolerate up to 20% NaCl with no growth observed below 5%. The major menaquinone is MK‐7, but MK‐8 is also present. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylmethylethanolamine. Major fatty acids are anteiso‐C
15:0
, iso‐C
15:0
, and iso‐C
17:0
. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the species as representative of
Thermoactinomycetaceae
family.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 51.2 (HPLC).

Type species
:
Paludifilum halophilum
Frikha‐Dammak, Fardeau, Cayol, Ben Fguira‐Fourati, Najeh, Ollivier et al. 2016, 5376
VP
.
P
aenalcaligenes
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Paen.al.ca.li'ge.nes. L. adv.
paene
nearly, almost; N.L. masc. n.
Alcaligenes
a bacterial genus name; N.L. masc. n.
Paenalcaligenes
almost
Alcaligenes
.

Proteobacteria / Betaproteobacteria / Burkholderiales / Alcaligenaceae / Paenalcaligenes

Cells stain Gram‐negative and are motile, short rods, 1.3–2.0‐µm long and 0.2–0.8‐µm wide. Oxidase‐positive, showing an aerobic respiratory metabolism. Good growth occurs after 24 h incubation on nutrient‐rich media, like nutrient agar at 25–30°C. The polyamine pattern is composed of the major compound putrescine and moderate amounts of spermidine. Spermine, cadaverine, and 2‐hydroxyputrescine may be present in minor amounts. The quinone system is ubiquinone Q‐8 with minor amounts of Q‐7. The polar lipid contains diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and specific unidentified phospholipids and aminolipids. The major fatty acids are C
16:0
, C
17:0
cyclo, and summed feature 3 (C
16:1
ω7
c
and/or C
15:0
iso 2‐OH); summed feature 2 (comprising C
14:0
3‐OH and/or C
16:1
iso) may also be detected. C
12:0
2‐OH is not detected.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 56.1–57% (HPLC).

Type species
:
Paenalcaligenes hominis
Kämpfer, Falsen, Langer, Lodders and Busse 2010, 1539
VP
.
R
habdanaerobium
Authors: Liu Lan , Salam Nimaichand , Li Wen‐Jun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Rhabd.an.ae.ro'bi.um. Gr. fem. n.
rhabdos
rod; Gr. pref.
an
not; Gr. n.
aer
air; Gr. n.
bios
life; N.L. neut. n.
Rhabdanaerobium
an anaerobic rod‐shaped life form.

Firmicutes / Clostridia / Clostridiales / Eubacteriaceae / Rhabdanaerobium

The genus
Rhabdanaerobium
is classified with the family
Eubacteriaceae
in order
Clostridiales
based on the 16S rRNA gene‐based phylogeny. Cells are
rods,
stain
Gram‐positive, obligately anaerobe,
and
moderate thermophile
. Cells form terminal endospore.
Motile.
Subpolar flagellum is observed. Negative for catalase and oxidase activities. Can utilize complex substrates including beef extract, peptone, starch, and yeast extract as sole energy sources. The polar lipids consist of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol. The fatty acids in the cell membranes predominantly contain C
14:0
FAME, anteiso‐C
15:0
FAME, and C
18:0
FAME.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 35.6 (HPLC).

Type species
:
Rhabdanaerobium thermarum
Liu, Jiao, Salam, Zhou, Fang, Xian, et al. 2017, 4587
VP
.
PAI‐1 5G/5G genotype is an independent risk of intracranial hemorrhage in post‐lysis stroke patients
Authors: Szegedi István , Nagy Attila , Székely Edina G. , Czuriga‐Kovács Katalin R. , Sarkady Ferenc , Lánczi Levente I. , Berényi Ervin , Csiba László , Bagoly Zsuzsa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThrombolysis by recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) is the main pharmacological therapy in acute ischemic stroke (IS); however, it is only effective in a subset of patients. Here we aimed to investigate the role of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), an effective inhibitor of t‐PA, and its major polymorphism (PAI‐1 4G/5G) in therapy outcome.MethodsStudy population included 131 consecutive IS patients who all underwent thrombolysis. Blood samples were taken on admission, 1 and 24 h after rt‐PA infusion. PAI‐1 activity and antigen levels were measured from all blood samples and the PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism was determined. Clinical data including NIHSS were registered on admission and day 1. ASPECTS was assessed using CT images taken before and 24 h after thrombolysis. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was classified according to ECASS II. Long‐term outcome was defined 90 days post‐event by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsPAI‐1 activity levels dropped transiently after thrombolysis, while PAI‐1 antigen levels remained unchanged. PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism had no effect on PAI‐1 levels and did not influence stroke severity. PAI‐1 activity/antigen levels as measured on admission were significantly elevated in patients with worse 24 h ASPECTS (<7). Logistic regression analysis including age, sex, NIHSS on admission, BMI, history of arterial hypertension, and hyperlipidemia conferred a significant, independent risk for developing ICH in the presence of 5G/5G genotype (OR:4.75, 95%CI:1.18–19.06). PAI‐1 levels and PAI‐1 4G/5G polymorphism had no influence on long‐term outcomes.InterpretationPAI‐1 5G/5G genotype is associated with a significant risk for developing ICH in post‐lysis stroke patients.
Gene Expression Profiles in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome With and Without Systemic Manifestations
Authors: Vitali Claudio , Dolcino Marzia , Del Papa Nicoletta , Minniti Antonina , Pignataro Francesca , Maglione Wanda , Lunardi Claudio , Puccetti Antonio 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate the gene expression profile in patients with Sjögren's syndrome that is characterized by different clinical phenotypes.MethodsRNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was purified in 8 patients with glandular features (GFs) and widespread pain (WP) and 11 with extraglandular manifestations (EGMs) and then was analyzed by hybridization on a human gene chip exploring more than 40,000 human genes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two subgroups (ie, those with false discovery rate–corrected P values ≤ 0.01) with respect to 20 healthy controls have been submitted to functional classification using a Gene Ontology database and were mapped to define the networks of protein to protein interactions (PPIs).ResultsThe enriched pathway analyses of DEGs and of the highly interconnected modules identified in the PPI networks showed that the pathological processes characterizing the two subgroups were substantially different. The predominant pathways in patients with EGMs are related to T‐ and B‐cell activation, Toll‐like receptor, interferon signaling, and apoptosis. Conversely, pathological processes related to pain transmission and modulation are preferentially operative in patients with GFs and WP. These data suggest that a neuroinflammatory pathway driven by cytokines and chemokines may play a central role in triggering WP features in this phenotype of patients.ConclusionThe present study supports the hypothesis that different biological pathways are operative in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome with different clinical phenotypes. A better knowledge of these specific processes might help in tailoring more effective target therapies.
Recent Progress in Photonic Processing of Metal‐Oxide Transistors
Authors: Yarali Emre , Koutsiaki Christina , Faber Hendrik , Tetzner Kornelius , Yengel Emre , Patsalas Panos , Kalfagiannis Nikolaos , Koutsogeorgis Demosthenes C. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOver the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the field of photonic processing of electronic materials using a variety of light sources. Several of these technologies have now been exploited in conjunction with emerging electronic materials as alternatives to conventional high‐temperature thermal annealing, offering rapid manufacturing times and compatibility with temperature‐sensitive substrate materials among other potential advantages. Herein, recent advances in photonic processing paradigms of metal‐oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are presented with particular emphasis on the use of various light source technologies for the photochemical and thermochemical conversion of precursor materials or postdeposition treatment of metal oxides and their application in thin‐film electronics. The pros and cons of the different technologies are discussed in light of recent developments and prospective research in the field of modern large‐area electronics is highlighted.