bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging and histologic findings of canine thoracolumbar discal pseudocyst: 8 cases (2014‐2019)
Authors: Fiorentino E. , Gasparinetti N. , Falzone C. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo report the clinical and MRI features, and histologic findings of thoracolumbar discal pseudocyst in dogs.Materials and MethodsThe records of eight dogs with thoracolumbar discal cyst‐like structures were retrospectively collected to record their clinical signs, MRI features and surgical and histologic findings.ResultsEight dogs with surgically and histologically confirmed thoracolumbar discal pseudocysts were included in the case series. Six dogs presented with acute onset and two dogs presented with subacute onset of thoracolumbar myelopathy. MRI showed compressive thoracolumbar myelopathy due to a round to oval‐shaped epidural mass lesion communicating with the intervertebral disc, iso/hypointense on T1WI and mostly hyperintense on T2WI, associated with a variable contrast‐enhancing wall, compatible with a cyst‐like structure. These structures were surgically visualised and removed through a mini‐hemilaminectomy or hemilaminectomy and submitted for histologic investigation. One dog also underwent cytologic examination of the cystic content. Similar to that in humans, histology revealed a cyst‐like nature with a wall consisting of dense fibrous connective tissue containing clusters of chondroid cells accompanied by groups of notochordal cells and occasional erythrocytes; however, a real epithelial lining was missing and the term pseudocyst seemed more appropriate.Clinical SignificanceThis report describes clinical signs, and MRI and histologic findings of discal pseudocysts in dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy. Despite being rare, discal pseudocysts should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with acute onset thoracolumbar myelopathy.
Use of an intragastric balloon for management of obesity in a dog
Authors: Vedrine B. , Fernandes D. , Gérard F. , Fribourg‐Blanc L.‐A. 
Published: October 2020

While various bariatric surgeries are commonplace in obesity medicine for humans, these techniques have not been commonly used in veterinary medicine. A technique used in humans consists in endoscopically placing an intragastric balloon. The intragastric balloon takes volume in the stomach causing a feeling of satiety and reducing food intake. A 57.6 kg, 9‐year‐old neutered female Labrador dog with chronic hypothyroidism was presented for overweight management. Combined levothyroxine treatment and dietary management with specific alimentation for obesity had failed to control overweight. An intragastric balloon was placed endoscopically in the stomach to allow the reduction of the gastric capacity and resulted in effective weight loss. The dog weight decreased to 40.9 kg at the time of intragastric balloon removal 198 days after placement. Further research including a larger sample size and long term follow‐up is required to establish safety and effectiveness of this procedure.
The asymptotic expansion of the regular discretization error of Itô integrals
Authors: Alòs Elisa , Fukasawa Masaaki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe study an Edgeworth‐type refinement of the central limit theorem for the discretization error of Itô integrals. Toward this end, we introduce a new approach, based on the anticipating Itô formula. This alternative technique allows us to compute explicitly the terms of the corresponding expansion formula. Two applications to finance are given; the asymptotics of discrete hedging error under the Black–Scholes model and the difference between continuously and discretely monitored variance swap payoffs under stochastic volatility models.
Ecological divergence of wild strawberry DNA methylation patterns at distinct spatial scales
Authors: De Kort Hanne , Panis Bart , Deforce Dieter , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Honnay Ollivier 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEpigenetic change is considered relatively unstable and short‐lived, raising questions of its contribution to long‐term adaptive potential. However, epigenetic modifications can accumulate in the presence of environmental stress, resulting in beneficial epigenetic memories where environments are challenging. Diverging epigenetic memories have been observed across large spatial scales, and can persist through multiple generations. It is unknown, however, to what extent epigenetic variation contributes to fine‐scale population structure and evolution. We compared DNA methylation patterns between a steep, altitudinal gradient (<2 km) and a wide spatial gradient (>500 km) using whole genome bisulphite sequencing data from 30 Fragaria vesca plants germinated and grown in controlled conditions. To assess the stability of spatial epigenetic variation in the presence of an environmental stressor, we applied acute drought stress to part of the plants and quantified drought‐induced changes in DNA methylation signatures. We find that epigenetic memories and genomic islands of epigenetic divergence arise even at fine spatial scale, and that distinct spatial scales are featured by distinct epigenetic patterns. For example, demethylation of transposable elements consistently occurred at the large but not the fine spatial scale, while methylation differentiation for most biological processes were shared between spatial scales. Acute drought stress did not result in significant epigenetic differentiation. Our results indicate that population history, rather than short‐term environmental stress, plays a dominant role in shaping epigenetic signatures. Specifically, repeated historical stress levels associated with heterogeneous environmental conditions may be required for acquiring a stable epigenetic memory and for coping with future environmental change.
Calcium‐mediated parathyroid hormone suppression test in uraemic secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Xiang Ting , Wang Yan , Lan Tian , Zhou Li 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThe present study aimed to investigate the value of calcium‐mediated parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppression test in evaluating the autonomic secretory function of parathyroid, and the management of uraemic secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).MethodsCalcium‐mediated PTH suppression test was performed in dialysis with SHPT, who were candidates for parathyroidectomy from June 2017 to December 2019 in our hospital. The PTH inhibition rate (PTH‐IR) was calculated, and the correlation between PTH‐IR and clinical indicators was explored.ResultsFifty‐one subjects were included. PTH‐IR was negatively correlated with baseline PTH (r = −0.35, P = .012), it was also correlated with dialysis years, coronary artery calcification score (CACS) and parathyroid mass (r = −0.397, P = .004; r = −0.327, P = .028; r = −0.363, P = .015), which were not found for baseline PTH. Forty‐four patients underwent surgical treatment. According to the histological results, 26 patients presented with parathyroid non‐nodular hyperplasia, and 18 patients presented with parathyroid nodular hyperplasia. The mass of parathyroid of patients with nodular hyperplasia was higher than that of patients with non‐nodular hyperplasia (ρ = 0.01). The difference of the PTH‐IR was not found between the two groups (ρ = 0.296). During the test, the highest serum calcium was 2.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L, which dropped to normal at the end of the test.ConclusionParathyroid hormone inhibition rate might be a useful indicator in evaluating the autonomic secretory function of parathyroid and the progression of SHPT on top of intact PTH. Calcium‐mediated PTH suppression test was safe in uraemic SHPT patients, but need to monitor for transient hypercalcaemia.
Defining speciesism
Authors: Horta Oscar , Albersmeier Frauke 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe term “speciesism” has played a key role in debates about the moral consideration of nonhuman animals, yet little work has been dedicated to clarifying its meaning. Consequently, the concept remains poorly understood and is often employed in ways that might display a speciesist bias themselves. To address this problem, this article develops a definition of speciesism in terms of discrimination and argues in favor of its advantages over alternative accounts. After discussing the key desiderata for a definition of discrimination in general and speciesism in particular, a wide and evaluative account of speciesism is presented. According to it, speciesism is unjustified consideration or treatment of those who are not classified as belonging to a certain species. The article then discusses rival accounts, namely narrow and descriptive definitions of speciesism. The article argues that such accounts are problematic as they overly restrict the scope of phenomena that can be identified as speciesist and disrupt the continuity with other forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism.
Protective immunity induced by CpG ODN‐adjuvanted virus‐like particles containing Toxoplasma gondii proteins
Authors: Kang Hae‐Ji , Chu Ki‐Back , Kim Min‐Ju , Lee Su‐Hwa , Park Hyunwoo , Jin Hui , Moon Eun‐Kyung , Quan Fu‐Shi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsTo date, a Toxoplasma gondii vaccine for clinical use remains unavailable, though multiple vaccine candidates have been suggested. In our previous studies, unadjuvanted virus‐like particles (VLPs) vaccines expressing multiple T. gondii antigens were confirmed to be protective against T. gondii challenge infection. Yet, the protective efficacy of adjuvanted T. gondii VLP in comparison with the unadjuvanted counterpart requires elucidation.Methods and ResultsIn the present study, mice were immunized with the multi‐antigenic VLP vaccines (TG146 VLP) with or without CpG adjuvants and their protective efficacies were compared. CpG‐adjuvanted TG146 VLP vaccine elicited enhanced T gondii‐specific IgG and IgA antibody responses in the sera, mucosal tissue and the brain compared to unadjuvanted VLPs vaccine. Inclusion of CpG adjuvant in vaccines also induced greater CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses, as well as B cell and germinal centre B cell responses from splenocytes and mesenteric lymph nodes. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine response and cyst counts in the brain were drastically diminished in mice immunized with CpG‐adjuvanted VLP vaccines.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that CpG‐adjuvanted T. gondii VLPs can significantly enhance the protective efficacy of vaccines against T. gondii infection.
The China Model in Zimbabwe: The Belt and Road Initiative and Beyond
Authors: Ganda Willie D. 
Published: October 2020

This article discusses the China model in the context of Zimbabwe's socioeconomic and political trajectory in the past two decades. It shares perspectives on why and how Sino‐Zimbabwe economic relations have failed to produce the desired outcomes. This has been largely influenced by the policy's role as more a political posturing to suit regime interests in the face of international isolation rather than a strategic deployment of the China model. I conclude by giving perspectives on the implications of China's largely self‐interested model of economic engagement with Africa under the new Belt and Road Initiative on the long‐term economic development in Zimbabwe and Africa at large. In the absence of the necessary factors and guiding philosophy, in particular within the public sector management domain, it is highly improbable that the emergence of China as a development partner under the so‐called “Beijing Consensus” will lead to a replication of its success in Zimbabwe and other African countries of the same disposition.Related Articles (in this Special Issue)Babones, Salvatore. 2020. “China's Development Model: Can it be Replicated in Sub‐Saharan Africa?” Politics & Policy 48 (5).Kinyondo, Abel A. 2020. “Does Tanzania's Development Trajectory Borrow from the China Model?” Politics & Policy 48 (5).Ziso, Edson. 2020. “The Political Economy of the Chinese Model in Ethiopia.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).
Early detection of Neophysopella tropicalis in grapevine leaves and on spore traps by qPCR
Authors: Primiano Isabela V. , Cia Mariana C. , Camargo Luis E. A. , Amorim Lilian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNeophysopella tropicalis, one of the causal agents of Asian grapevine leaf rust (AGLR), can cause severe epidemics in Brazil that lead to yield losses in commercial vineyards. An early detection of the pathogen by air sampling of urediniospores on spore traps or in symptomless leaves would be valuable to multiple studies, such as epidemics modelling, risk forecasting, monitoring of pathogen introductions in rust‐free areas, and predicting the beginning of epidemics. This study developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) protocol to quantify N. tropicalis urediniospores attached to adhesive tapes and in grapevine leaves before symptom appearance. A specific primer pair was designed based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence region of the AGLR pathogen. Standard amplification curves using genomic DNA from urediniospores of N. tropicalis and from urediniospores attached to adhesive tapes were established. Grapevine leaves inoculated with N. tropicalis were collected at 2, 5, and 7 days postinoculation (dpi). One primer pair (580F/720R) amplified a 140 bp product in all AGLR isolates but did not amplify products of other rust genera, such as Phakopsora, Puccinia, Hemileia, Tranzschelia, Cerotelium, and Coleosporium. As little as 0.1 pg DNA and 10 urediniospores of N. tropicalis attached to adhesive tapes could be detected. qPCR enabled the detection of the pathogen as early as 2 dpi, before symptom appearance. This method can be used to monitor N. tropicalis inoculum in grapevine‐growing areas and to quantify symptomless infections of the AGLR pathogen.
Differential expression and localization of TRPV channels in the mature sperm of Anas platyrhynchos
Authors: Majhi Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Ashutosh , Giri Sunil C. , Goswami Chandan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSperm cells perform precise chemotactic and thermotactic movement which is crucial for fertilization. However, the key molecules involved in detection of different chemical and physical stimuli which guide the sperm during navigation are not well understood. Ca2+‐signalling mediated by ion channels seem to play important role in motility and other fertility parameters. In this work, we explored the endogenous localization pattern of TRPV channels in the mature spermatozoa of avian species. Using sperm from white pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as the representative avian model, we demonstrate that duck sperm endogenously express the thermosensitive channels TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, and highly Ca2+‐selective channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 in specific yet differential locations. All of these TRPV channels are enriched in the sperm tail, indicating their relevance in sperm motility. Interestingly, the TRPV3 and TRPV4 channels are present in the mitochondrial region. Calcium selective TRPV5 channel is exclusively present in sperm tail and is most abundant among the TRPV channels. This is the first report describing the endogenous presence of TRPV2 and TRPV3 channels in the sperm of any species. Using confocal imaging and super‐resolution imaging, we demonstrate that though the TRPV channels are evolutionarily closely related, they have distinct localization pattern in the duck sperm, which could impact their role in fertilization.
The Good, the Bad, and the Funny: An Ethics of Humor
Authors: Morreall John 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article begins by reviewing the overwhelmingly negative assessment of laughter and humor in Western philosophy and in Christianity, arguing that that evaluation arises from a misclassification of amusement as a malicious emotion. It then sketches a play theory of humor in which humor is an activity pursued for pleasure which allows participants to violate linguistic and social norms, especially rules about sincerity. Once we understand humor as a kind of play, familiar ethical objections to jokes based on gender and race are seen to be mistaken, and a new approach to the negative ethics of humor becomes possible. What is more, this play theory also explains how humor is morally praiseworthy in many situations.
Impact of water availability on root growth of sugar beet varieties
Authors: Fitters Tamara F. J. , Mooney Sacha J. , Sparkes Debbie L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOn average, sugar beet yield in the UK is reduced by 10% due to water limitation. The root system of a plant is responsible for water uptake and hence an extensive root system is crucial to mitigate drought stress. There might be varietal differences when it comes to plant root system architecture but so far none have been reported in sugar beet. This study shows the results of 2 years of field experiments, examining the rooting patterns and overall plant growth of sugar beet under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. In the first year, three varieties were assessed, and in the second year, five varieties. No significant yield differences were found between the rainfed and irrigated treatments, which is likely due to the applied drought stress only being mild in both years. There were, however, significant varietal differences in plant growth and rooting patterns in rainfed plants which were most distinct when plants were subjected to mild drought stress. Varietal differences observed might indicate the possibility of breeding for certain root traits to mitigate drought stress in sugar beet in the future.
Strategies for forming effective women’s groups
Authors: Santhosh Lekshmi , Harleman Elizabeth , Venado Aida , Farrand Erica , E. Gilbreth Margaret , Keenan Bridget P. , Thompson Vanessa V. , Shah Rupal J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWomen are under‐represented at the highest levels of leadership in health care, so many institutions have started forming “women in medicine” affinity groups. In this The Clinical Teacher’s Toolbox, we review the history of women’s professional peer‐to‐peer networking groups in health care, describe the rationale for establishing a women’s group, discuss the goals and common content covered by successful women’s groups, share best practices on forming and sustaining women’s groups, and describe common pitfalls to avoid. When forming a women’s group, identifying the group’s vision, mission, and primary aim statements are important, and early meetings should deliberately establish a tone of inclusion. We acknowledge that the term “women’s groups” implies that gender identity is binary – in reality, these groups are for all who want to combat gender inequities in health care. While early stages of women’s groups typically focus on community‐building, peer networking, and inviting guest speakers to speak about relevant topics, successful groups often ultimately pivot to advocacy, internal capacity‐building, evaluation, and dissemination. To sustain and maintain the group, succession planning, regular opportunities for evaluation, and deliberate planning are essential. Although usual principles of successful small group creation apply, this article outlines unique considerations for how women’s groups can advance gender equity.
Schirmer strip wetting length varies by commercial manufacturer
Authors: Lewin Andrew C. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Yoon Angela , Mironovich Melanie , Miessler Bruna , Carter Renee T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether wetting length of Schirmer tear test (STT) strips varies by commercial manufacturer of test.Animals StudiedTen normal female beagle cross‐breed dogs.ProceduresSchirmer tear test strips from four commercial manufacturers were used to assess wetting lengths in‐vitro when exposed to a set volume of water over 1 minute. Digital photography was used to assess the total surface area of Schirmer strips from each manufacturer. Schirmer tear test type 1 was performed on normal dogs over 1 minute with STT strips from the same four commercial manufacturers in a randomized crossover design. ANOVA was used to detect differences between strips from different manufacturers.ResultsSignificant differences in wetting length were found between STT strips from different manufacturers in‐vitro (P < .0001) and in‐vivo (P < .0001). STT wetting lengths for the in‐vitro experiments (mean ± SD) were 21.2 ± 0.8 mm (Amcon Laboratories), 27.8 ± 2.7 mm (Merck Animal Health), 30.0 ± 1.7 mm (HUB pharmaceuticals), and 31.5 ± 2.3 mm (Gulden Ophthalmics). STT wetting lengths for the experiments in live dogs (mean ± SD) were 17.5 ± 3.4 mm (Amcon Laboratories), 24.8 ± 3.9 mm (Merck Animal Health), 26.5 ± 3.7 mm (HUB pharmaceuticals), and 24.0 ± 3.9 mm (Gulden Ophthalmics). The surface area of STT strips were found to vary between different manufacturers.ConclusionsSchirmer tear test type 1 results in dogs are affected by choice of STT strip commercial manufacturer. It is proposed that guidelines are created for the standardization of future STT strip production.
Growth hormone receptor knockout: Relevance to xenotransplantation
Authors: Iwase Hayato , Ball Suyapa , Adams Kent , Eyestone Will , Walters Anneke , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractXenotransplantation research has made considerable progress in recent years, largely through the increasing availability of pigs with multiple genetic modifications, effective immunosuppressive therapy, and anti‐inflammatory therapy to protect pig tissues from the primate immune and inflammatory responses and correct molecular incompatibilities. Further study is required regarding identification and investigation of physiological incompatibilities.Although the exact cause remains uncertain, we and others have observed relatively rapid growth of kidney xenografts after transplantation into nonhuman primates (NHPs). There has also been some evidence of growth, or at least ventricular hypertrophy, of the pig heart after orthotopic transplantation into NHPs. Rapid growth could be problematic, particularly with regard to the heart within the relatively restricted confines of the chest.It has been suggested that the problem of rapid growth of the pig organ after transplantation could be resolved by growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene knockout in the pig. The GHR, although most well‐known for regulating growth, has many other biological functions, including regulating metabolism and controlling physiological processes. Genetically modified GHRKO pigs have recently become available. We provide data on their growth compared to comparable pigs that do not include GHRKO, and we have reviewed the literature regarding the effect of GHRKO, and its relevance to xenotransplantation.