bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of primary cell culture from spleen of giant gourami Osphronemus goramy for propagation of giant gourami iridovirus (GGIV)
Authors: Gardenia Lila , Sukenda Sukenda , Junior Muhammad Zairin , Lusiastuti Angela , Alimuddin Alimuddin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe severe mortality of fish due to the infection of megalocytivirus caused significant economic losses. Since 2011, megalocytivirus (giant gourami iridovirus (GGIV)) has become the main pathogen in giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy), particularly in West Java, Central Java and Bali. This study aimed to develop primary cell culture from spleen as the target organ for propagating megalocytivirus in vitro, which was developed by explant method with enzymatic dissociation. Optimization was carried out at incubation temperature, medium and serum concentrations. The origin of the primary cell, cell susceptibility and GGIV pathogenicity were observed. The results showed that the primary cell (GP cells) can grow well in 10% foetal bovine serum L‐15 medium at 27°C, which was sufficient for cell growth. PCR and BLAST analyses showed the primary cell was originated from giant gourami. In infected GP cells, cell enlargement and cell rounding were observed. Virus propagated in GP cells was highly virulent when injecting giant gourami in an artificial infection experiment. Intraperitoneal injection of diluted virus supernatant showed 100% mortality in 7–11 days post‐injection and 97% mortality in 21 days post‐cohabitation, with abnormalities observed in spleen and kidney. In conclusion, GP cell was successfully subcultured for more than 30 passages and susceptible to GGIV.
Diagnosis of Guillain‐Barré syndrome and validation of the Brighton criteria in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Cheng‐Yin , Razali Siti Nur Omaira , Goh Khean‐Jin , Shahrizaila Nortina 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe aimed to evaluate the key diagnostic features of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in Malaysian patients and validate the Brighton criteria. This was a retrospective study of patients presenting with GBS and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) between 2010 and 2019. The sensitivity of the Brighton criteria was evaluated. A total of 128 patients (95 GBS, 33 MFS) were included. In the GBS cohort, 92 (97%) patients presented with symmetrical limb weakness. Reflexes were depressed or absent in 90 (95%) patients. Almost all patients (94, 99%) followed a monophasic disease course, with 5 (5%) patients experiencing treatment‐related fluctuations. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) albuminocytological dissociation was seen in 62/84 (73%) patients. Nerve conduction study (NCS) revealed neuropathy in 90/94 (96%) patients. In GBS patients with complete dataset (84), 56 (67%) patients reached level 1 of the Brighton criteria, 21 (25%) reached level 2, 3 (4%) reached level 3, and 4 (5%) reached level 4. In MFS, the clinical triad was present in 25 (76%) patients. All patients had a monophasic course. CSF albuminocytological dissociation was present in 10/25 (40%) patients. NCS was normal or showed sensory neuropathy in 25/33 (76%) patients. In MFS patients with complete dataset (25), 5 (20%) patients reached level 1 of the Brighton criteria, 14 (56%) reached level 2, 2 (8%) reached level 3, and 4 (16%) reached level 4. Inclusion of antiganglioside antibodies improved the sensitivity of the Brighton criteria in both cohorts. In the Malaysian cohort, the Brighton criteria showed a moderate to high sensitivity in reaching the highest diagnostic certainty of GBS, but the sensitivity was lower in MFS.
Follicle stimulating hormone, its association with glucose and lipid metabolism during the menopausal transition
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Hongyan , Chen Yijie , Du Yini , Jin Xuejing , Zhang Zhifen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimAccumulative evidence shows that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is associated with metabolic disorders. We aimed to ascertain the relationship between FSH, blood glucose and lipid metabolism in general perimenopausal women.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study analyzed 2121 perimenopausal women aged 40–54 years in Zhejiang Province from January 2016 to December 2018. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between FSH and metabolic parameters.ResultsSerum FSH had a significant inverse association with fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.05) and triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.01) in perimenopausal women. However, after adjusting for body mass index, there was no significant association between FSH and fasting plasma glucose. In a model fully adjusted for demographic variables, estradiol, body mass index, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, homocysteine, systolic blood pressure and blood viscosity, a significant association still existed between FSH and TG (standardized β = −0.095; R2 = 0.155; P = 0.002).ConclusionOverall, FSH is negatively associated with metabolic parameters, especially TG, in perimenopausal women. These results indicated that FSH might be a biomarker for the primary prevention of disorders with lipid metabolism during the menopausal period.
Rapid In‐Vitro Inactivation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Using Povidone‐Iodine Oral Antiseptic Rinse
Authors: Bidra Avinash S. , Pelletier Jesse S , Westover Jonna B , Frank Samantha , Brown Seth M , Tessema Belachew 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the optimal contact time and concentration for viricidal activity of oral preparation of povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) against SARS‐CoV‐2 (‘corona virus’) to mitigate the risk and transmission of the virus in the dental practice.Materials and MethodsThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) USA‐WA1/2020 strain, virus stock was tested against oral antiseptic solutions consisting of aqueous povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) as the sole active ingredient. The PVP‐I was tested at diluted concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. Test media without any virus was added to 2 tubes of the compounds to serve as toxicity and neutralization controls. Ethanol (70%) was tested in parallel as a positive control, and water only as a negative control. The test solutions and virus were incubated at room temperature (22 ± 2 °C) for time periods of 15 and 30 seconds. The solution was then neutralized by a 1/10 dilution in minimum essential medium (MEM) 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 50 µg/mL gentamicin. Surviving virus from each sample was quantified by standard end‐point dilution assay and the log reduction value (LRV) of each compound compared to the negative (water) control was calculated.ResultsPVP‐I oral antiseptics at all tested concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, completely inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 within 15 seconds of contact. The 70% ethanol control group was unable to completely inactivate SARS‐CoV‐2 after 15 seconds of contact, but was able to inactivate the virus at 30 seconds of contact.ConclusionsPVP‐I oral antiseptic preparations rapidly inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in vitro. The viricidal activity was present at the lowest concentration of 0.5 % PVP‐I and at the lowest contact time of 15 seconds. This important finding can justify the use of preprocedural oral rinsing with PVP‐I (for patients and health care providers) may be useful as an adjunct to personal protective equipment, for dental and surgical specialties during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The merger paradox, collusion, and competition policy
Authors: Garcia Filomena , Paz y Miño Jose Manuel , Torrens Gustavo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper develops a model that formalizes several connections between mergers, collusion, and competition policy. In equilibrium, firms may merge to make collusion sustainable when it cannot be sustained with the original set of firms. A rise in the probability of detecting and prosecuting collusion could induce a wave of mergers, so firms can sustain collusion again. Indeed, mergers could fully neutralize the procompetitive effect of an improvement in collusion detection and prosecution. From a normative perspective, we show that merger policy is crucial when cost synergies are small (or nonexistent) and the competition authority can only deter collusion by restricting mergers. Finally, we highlight that mergers could be more harmful (less beneficial) than expected if the impact that mergers have on the competition regime is properly considered, which suggests a decomposition of the welfare impact of mergers into unilateral and coordinated effects.
Metabolomics in equine sport and exercise
Authors: Klein Dylan J. , Anthony Tracy G. , McKeever Kenneth H. 
Published: June 2020

Abstractmetabolomics is the high‐throughput, multiparametric identification and classification of hundreds of low molecular weight metabolites in a biological sample. Ultimately, metabolites are the downstream readouts of cellular signalling, transcriptomic and proteomic changes that can provide a comprehensive view of tissue and organismal phenotype. The popularity of metabolomics in human sport and exercise has been gaining over the past decade and has provided important insights into the energetic demands and mechanistic underpinnings of exercise and training. To the contrary, metabolomics in the field of equine exercise physiology is lagging despite the horse's superior aerobic and muscular capabilities, as well as its prominence in competitive sport. As such, this narrative review aims to describe metabolomics, its routine implementation, the various analytical methods applied and the state of its use in the equine athlete. Sufficient attention will be paid to methodological considerations, as well as gaps in the equine literature, particularly with regard to the skeletal muscle metabolome. Finally, there will be a brief discussion of the future directions and barriers to metabolomics use in the athletic horse. A thorough understanding of the metabolomics changes that occur in the equine athlete with exercise will undoubtedly help to improve horse management and health across the lifespan.
The possibility of using citric phosphate dextrose in chilling ram semen instead of egg yolk and soybean lecithin to improve fertility
Authors: Mohamed Mahmoud Yassin , Mahdy Tarek M. M. , Khalifa Ezz I. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSemen chilling has some harmful effects on sperm characteristics. Modification of extenders by using conventional and non‐conventional chilling substances can affect sperm characteristics and fertility. One of the important substances using to chilling human blood cells is citric phosphate dextrose (CPD); therefore, it can be used to store ram semen. This study aimed to assay the ability of CPD instead of egg yolk (EGD) and soybean lecithin (SLD)‐based extenders to store ram semen at 5°C. This trial was carried on pooling semen samples that were collected from five rams using a standard artificial vagina and an oestrous restrained ewe. Immediately after semen collection, semen was divided into four portions. The EGD, SLD and citric phosphate dextrose with an antibiotic (CPDA) and without antibiotic (CPD) were extender in the first, second, third and fourth portions of semen, respectively. Sperm characteristics were evaluated after dilution and cooling up to 7 days. Also, conception rate and fertility potential were assayed by 48 ewes (12 each) after 2 days of store ram semen extenders. Data clearly indicated that higher (p > .05) sperm characteristics in EGD, SLD and CPDA than CPD at 0 day of storage. Whilst, sperm characteristics from 1 day up to 7 days of storage were higher (p < .05) in EGD, SLD, CPDA extenders than CPD. Moreover amongst extender types, the advancing of chilling days reduced sperm characteristics. Also, the results showed an acceptable conception rate and the fertility rate of dilution ram semen, which stored 2 days in EGD, SLD and CPDA than CPD. Using of CPD substances with antibiotic in chilling extension ram semen has benefits as well as EGD‐ and SLD‐based extenders. The future work should be conducted to validate these results in frozen ram semen.
Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Genus Minidiscus (Bacillariophyceae), with Description of Mediolabrus gen. nov
Authors: Li Yang , Guo Xiao‐Hui , Lundholm Nina 
Published: June 2020

The genus Minidiscus comprises a group of ecologically‐important and globally‐distributed planktonic diatoms that are characterized by their small cell size, high mantle and processes more or less concentrated in the valve center. Monoclonal strains were established from collections along the Chinese coast. In the phylogenetic analyses inferred from a LSU and SSU dataset, six Minidiscus species clustered into two well‐supported clades. The first clade was located within a larger clade formed mainly by Thalassiosira taxa, and the second clade appeared as sister to a clade comprising the genus Skeletonema. Hence, presently known Minidiscus do not form a monophyletic clade, but rather make up a phenotypic grouping. Based on the morphology of the type species, M. trioculatus, as well as morphological characters of all taxa in the clade with M. trioculatus, Minidiscus is characterized by having fultoportula(e) in the valve center or sub‐centered close to a single rimoportula, and the cells are usually cylindrical. Mediolabrus gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate species in the second clade. The main difference between Minidiscus and Mediolabrus is the type of process found in the valve (sub‐)center, with fultoportula(e) close to a rimoportula in the former, and only a single rimoportula in the latter. According to the above criteria, previously described Minidiscus taxa were re‐examined, and either retained in Minidiscus or transferred to Mediolabrus.
The impact of incorporating toilet‐training status in the pediatric Rome IV criteria for functional constipation in infant and toddlers
Authors: Saps Miguel , Velasco‐Benitez Carlos Alberto , Fernandez Valdes Lilibet , Mejia Jorge , Villamarin Eder , Moreno Jairo , Ramirez Carmen , González María José , Vallenilla Isabella , Falcon Ana Corina , Axelrod Cara 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of functional constipation (FC) is based on the Rome criteria. The last edition of the criteria (Rome IV) for infants and toddlers modified the criteria to differentiate toilet‐trained (TT) and non‐toilet‐trained (NTT) children. These changes have not been validated. We aimed to understand the impact of adding toilet training to the diagnostic criteria and to assess the prevalence of FC.MethodsParents of infants and toddlers from six outpatient clinics (four public, two private) located in three geographically dispersed cities in Colombia completed validated questionnaires to diagnose functional gastrointestinal disorders according to Spanish version of Rome IV criteria (QPGS‐IV).ResultsA total of 1334 children (24.4 months ±15.0) participated: 482 (36%) TT and 852 (64%) NTT. The prevalence of FC was 21.1%. The prevalence increased with age, 0‐1 years 7.7%; 2 years 18.2%; 3 years 23.7%; and 4 years 37.2%. TT vs NTT for FC 41.9% vs 9.3%, respectively (OR 7.06, 95% CI 5.26‐9.47, P < .0001). TT more likely to report ≥ 3 criteria (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.41‐4.21, P = .0015). 18.3% of TT had episodes of fecal incontinence that met the frequency required by Rome for FC (≤1 episode/week). However, 87.1% had fecal incontinence less often. 7.4% of them characterized as large quantity.ConclusionWe found no changes in the prevalence of FC using the Rome IV criteria vs Rome III. TT children are more likely to have FC. Study suggests that changes in Rome IV criteria were potentially clinically relevant and to have adequate face validity. Future studies should confirm our findings.
Oral health‐related quality of life in different rheumatic diseases
Authors: Schmalz Gerhard , Patschan Daniel , Schmickler Jan , Bethke Nora , Scherzinger Elena , Müller Gerhard A. , Ziebolz Dirk , Patschan Susann 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesAim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with different rheumatic diseases.Subjects and MethodsPatients with rheumatic disease, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematodes (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and vasculitis were included. OHRQoL was assessed with the German short form of oral health impact profile (OHIP G14). Age, disease duration, leukocytes, c‐reactive protein (CRP) and haemoglobin counts were considered as disease related parameters.ResultsA total of 356 patients, assigned to the groups RA (n = 218), SLE (n = 36), AS (n = 36), PsA (n = 33), vasculitis (n = 19) and SSc (n = 14) were included. The OHIP G14 sub‐scale psychosocial impact differed significantly between groups (p = .02). The OHIP G14 sum score was also significantly different between groups (p < .01). A medium‐sized correlation was found for CRP with OHIP G14 sum score within SLE group (r = .344, p = .04). A large correlation was detected for leukocytes within PsA group (r = .525, p < .01). The reliability of the applied OHIP G14 was high.ConclusionPatients with rheumatic disease show a reduced OHRQoL, with several differences between the entities. Psychosocial aspects appear to be of relevance and should be considered in multidisciplinary dental care of these patients.
The core executive and small states: Is coordination the primary challenge?
Authors: Corbett Jack , Veenendaal Wouter , Connell John 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article interrogates three key arguments derived from the functional approach to studying the core executive: (1) that coordination is the primary problem that confronts executive decision‐makers; (2) that improved coordination will lead to better governance; and (3) that linkage problems dissipate as policy systems consolidate. Drawing on the experience of hitherto understudied small states, including 112 interviews with political elites, we show how the effects of country size create governance challenges in the form of leader dominance, patronage systems and capacity constraints. Our findings support the call to broaden the focus of functional analysis beyond its traditional emphasis on coordination. For scholars of small states we synthesize existing empirical findings and provide a theoretical justification for future work using an adaptation of the core executive approach.
Cardioceptive accuracy is associated with arousal but not with valence and perceived exertion under physical load
Authors: Köteles Ferenc , Teufel Bence , Körmendi János , Ferentzi Eszter , Szemerszky Renáta 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUnder resting conditions, cardioceptive accuracy—the acuity of the perception of heartbeats—is associated with the self‐reported intensity of affective states but not with reported valence. Physical exertion elicits positive affect below the anaerobic threshold and negative affect above the threshold while arousal gradually increases. The current research aimed to study the associations between cardioceptive accuracy and characteristics of the affective response (arousal and valence) during physical activity. About 67 undergraduate students completed the Schandry task and rated their perceived exertion (Borg‐scale) and affective experience (arousal and valence) under three physical loads (running on a treadmill below, around, and above the anaerobic threshold). Cardioceptive accuracy was associated with the arousal component of the affective states during physical activity but not with valence and perceived exertion.
Cigarette smoke extract decreased basal and lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression of MARCO via degradation of p300
Authors: Lee Kyoung‐Hee , Woo Jisu , Kim Jiyeon , Lee Chang‐Hoon , Yoo Chul‐Gyu 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveAlveolar macrophages of patients with COPD display impaired cytokine release and diminished phagocytosis. COPD exacerbations exhibit immune dysfunction towards the respiratory pathogens. CS and CSE were reported to aggravate bacterial infections in COPD patients.MethodsMARCO is highly expressed in lungs and is involved in pathogen clearance. We investigated the effect of CSE on MARCO expression and its regulatory mechanisms. After relevant siRNA transfection and treatment with CSE and/or LPS, we measured the levels of MARCO by q‐RT PCR, immunoblotting and flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence staining and immunoprecipitation were used to evaluate the mechanism.ResultsCSE decreased LPS‐induced expression of MARCO mRNA and protein. Upregulation of MARCO by LPS was Nrf2‐dependent. Nrf2 knockdown significantly suppressed LPS‐induced increase in MARCO transcripts. CSE did not block nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in LPS‐treated cells, but rather CSE itself strongly accumulated Nrf2 in the nucleus through the degradation of its cytoplasmic inhibitor, KEAP1. However, CSE markedly suppressed LPS‐induced Nrf2 acetylation. Histone acetyltransferase p300/CBP directly acetylates Nrf2, which augments promoter‐specific DNA binding of Nrf2. Our results reveal CSE‐induced polyubiquitinylation and subsequent degradation of p300 via the proteasome. Pretreatment with proteasome inhibitors completely blocked CSE‐induced degradation of p300 and suppression of MARCO expression.ConclusionThese findings suggest that CSE decreases MARCO expression via the proteasomal degradation of p300 in macrophages, which may be in part responsible for impaired bacterial phagocytosis.
A Similarity-Based Approach for Macroeconomic Forecasting
Authors: Dendramis Y. , Kapetanios G. , Marcellino M. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryIn the aftermath of the recent financial crisis there has been considerable focus on methods for predicting macroeconomic variables when their behaviour is subject to abrupt changes, associated for example with crisis periods. We propose similarity-based approaches as a way to handle parameter instability and apply them to macroeconomic forecasting. The rationale is that clusters of past data that match the current economic conditions can be more informative for forecasting than the entire past behaviour of the variable of interest. We apply our methods to predict both simulated data in a set of Monte Carlo experiments, and a broad set of key US macroeconomic indicators. The forecast evaluation exercises indicate that similarity-based approaches perform well, in general, in comparison with other common time-varying forecasting methods, and particularly well during crisis episodes.
Nebkha dune morphology in the gobi deserts of northern China and potential implications for dust emission
Authors: Zhang ZhengCai , Han LanYing , Pan KaiJia , Dong ZhiBao , Liang Aimin , Nan Ling , Li XingCai , Xiao Nan , Li Chao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNebkhas (coppice dunes) have formed throughout the gobi desert regions of China in response to the decreased near‐surface wind speed caused by vegetation, combined with deposition of aeolian sediment in and around the vegetation. Although nebkhas have been extensively studied on several land surfaces, they have not yet been fully described where they form in areas of gobi desert. Based on field investigations of nebkha morphology and adjacent land surface sediment content on and inside the surface of these dunes, the following were found: (i) the nebkhas that develop in gobi deserts consist of two types – dunes with or without a depositional tail (a shadow dune); (ii) the nebkhas in the area of gobi desert were smaller than those found in sandy deserts, oases, or other areas with a rich sediment source, with a mean height of 0.28 m, mean width 1.63 m and mean length 1.34 m; and (iii) the dune height, length and width were significantly positively linearly related to the vegetation height, length and width. These patterns were similar at all four of the study sites, but the relationships with dune width differed among the sites. The average particle‐size distributions on and inside the vegetation did not differ between the four sites. However, significant spatial differences in the sediments on and inside the dunes indicate that nebkhas can capture both local and distant sediments driven by the wind. These findings suggest a potential role of nebkhas in dust emission, although this role must be confirmed in future research.