bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel mutations in ADAMTS13 CUB domains cause abnormal pre‐mRNA splicing and defective secretion of ADAMTS13
Authors: Jiang Yizhi , Huang Dongping , Kondo Yuji , Jiang Miao , Ma Zhenni , Zhou Lu , Su Jian , Bai Xia , Ruan Changgeng , Wang Zhaoyue , Xia Lijun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an autosomal recessive thrombosis disorder, caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in ADAMTS13. Mutations in the CUB domains of ADAMTS13 are rare, and the exact mechanisms through which these mutations result in the development of TTP have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we identified two novel mutations in the CUB domains in a TTP family with an acceptor splice‐site mutation (c.3569−1, G>A, intron 25) and a point missense mutation (c.3923, G>A, exon 28), resulting in a glycine to aspartic acid substitution (p.G1308D). In vitro splicing analysis revealed that the intronic mutation resulted in abnormal pre‐mRNA splicing, and an in vitro expression assay revealed that the missense mutation significantly impaired ADAMTS13 secretion. Although both the patient and her brother displayed significantly reduced ADAMTS13 activity and increased levels of ultra‐large VWF (ULVWF) multimers in plasma, only the female developed acute episodes of TTP. Our findings indicate the importance of the CUB domains for the protein stability and extracellular secretion of ADAMTS13.
Is evidence‐based medicine a mirage in resource‐constrained settings? A survey among resident doctors in selected teaching hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Bello Segun , Ajayi David Taiwo , Bamgboye Eniola Adetola , Mpama Enagu Akwa 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimThe study aimed to assess the self‐rated knowledge, attitude toward, and practice (KAP) of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) among resident doctors in Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional web‐based survey among 238 resident doctors in four selected teaching hospitals in southern Nigeria. Survey questionnaire contained items assessing the KAP of EBM, familiarity with and understanding of key EBM terms, the use of EBM in decision making, barriers militating against EBM and ways to improve EBM adoption. Proportions and summary statistics were reported for the distribution of survey items.ResultsMean number of years in clinical practice was 9.3 ± 4.5 years. Respondents were uniformly distributed in major clinical specialties. The majority (70.5%) were senior registrars. Respondents’ understanding of EBM components included; current best clinical evidence (98.3%), clinical expertise (65.5%), and patients’ choices (36.6%). Self‐rated familiarity with EBM terms was high while perceived understanding of the terms was lower. The least understood concept was heterogeneity (20.6%). The attitude toward EBM was generally positive. Only about half (53.6%) had used medical bibliographic databases within the last 6 months prior to the survey. Barriers against EBM included lack of time (47.1%) and lack of requisite skills (32.4%). Suggestions to improve EBM adoption included training (58.1%), provision of free Wi‐Fi, and free access to bibliographic databases (25.2%) and increased political will (23.1%).ConclusionA further understanding of the EBM concept, provision of enabling infrastructure, regular clinical audit and advocacy to hospital management and clinical consultants, may improve the level of adoption of EBM.
Multiphoton intravital microscopy in small animals: motion artefact challenges and technical solutions
Authors: SOULET D. , LAMONTAGNE‐PROULX J. , AUBÉ B. , DAVALOS D. 
Published: February 2020

SummarySince its invention 29 years ago, two‐photon laser‐scanning microscopy has evolved from a promising imaging technique, to an established widely available imaging modality used throughout the biomedical research community. The establishment of two‐photon microscopy as the preferred method for imaging fluorescently labelled cells and structures in living animals can be attributed to the biophysical mechanism by which the generation of fluorescence is accomplished. The use of powerful lasers capable of delivering infrared light pulses within femtosecond intervals, facilitates the nonlinear excitation of fluorescent molecules only at the focal plane and determines by objective lens position. This offers numerous benefits for studies of biological samples at high spatial and temporal resolutions with limited photo‐damage and superior tissue penetration. Indeed, these attributes have established two‐photon microscopy as the ideal method for live‐animal imaging in several areas of biology and have led to a whole new field of study dedicated to imaging biological phenomena in intact tissues and living organisms. However, despite its appealing features, two‐photon intravital microscopy is inherently limited by tissue motion from heartbeat, respiratory cycles, peristalsis, muscle/vascular tone and physiological functions that change tissue geometry. Because these movements impede temporal and spatial resolution, they must be properly addressed to harness the full potential of two‐photon intravital microscopy and enable accurate data analysis and interpretation. In addition, the sources and features of these motion artefacts are varied, sometimes unpredictable and unique to specific organs and multiple complex strategies have previously been devised to address them. This review will discuss these motion artefacts requirement and technical solutions for their correction and after intravital two‐photon microscopy.
Effect of inclusion of HMBi in the ration of goats on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen bacteria community and blood serum parameters
Authors: Chen Dong , Yan Jingcai , Shen Weijun , Song Yang , Lan Xinyi , Yi Kangle , Muhammad Aziz ur Rahman 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe objective of this experiment was to test the effect of supplementation of analogues of methionine 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methylthio butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi) on growth, digestibility, antioxidant index, abundance and composition of rumen bacterial community in Xiangdong Black Goats. Thirty‐six growing Xiangdong Black Goats were divided into four groups in such a way that each group had three replicate and each replicate had three animals. Experimental groups were assigned four levels of HMBi in basal diet: 0% HMBi (on dietary DM basis); 0.05% HMBi; 0.10% HMBi and 0.20% HMBi. Goats fed 0.10% HMBi in basal diet had higher average daily weight gain (p < .05). Goats fed 0.05% HMBi had higher apparent digestibility of gross energy (p < .01). The group 0% HMBi supplementation had a higher level of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde (p < .01). The goats fed 0.20% HMBi in basal diet had a higher level of insulin and leptin (p < .01) than 0% HMBi supplementation goats. 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing analysis revealed similarities in the community composition, species diversity and relative abundance of dominant bacteria at the phylum and genus levels among the four groups. In conclusion, HMBi supplementation has no negative effect on apparent digestibility, antioxidant index and the ruminal bacteria composition. Therefore, 0.10% supplementation of HMBi is recommended in the diet of goats to improve the growth performance.
Safety of Algal Oil Containing EPA and DHA in cats during gestation, lactation and growth
Authors: Vuorinen Anna , Bailey‐Hall Eileen , Karagiannis Alexios , Yu Shiguang , Roos Franz , Sylvester Erin , Wilson Jon , Dahms Irina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAlgal Oil Containing EPA and DHA (AOCED) at approximately 50% was developed as a sustainable n−3 fatty acid source. AOCED was incorporated in diets at dose levels of 0%, 0.75%, 1.5% and 3.0% (w/w) and administered to healthy domestic shorthair female cats starting two weeks before mating, then during mating, gestation, lactation and to their kittens until they reached 32 weeks of age. The diets were made isocaloric and met the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient requirements of cats for growth and reproduction. Dietary AOCED treatment did not affect the overall health, physiological parameters, food consumption and body weights of the queens and their kittens. No AOCED‐related changes in haematology, coagulation or clinical chemistry parameters were observed in either generation when compared to control cats. Plasma levels of EPA and DHA were dose‐dependently increased in both generations, demonstrating bioavailability of the fatty acids. In this study, safety of AOCED at levels up to 3.0% in the diet was demonstrated in cats with administration starting in utero and until kittens reached 32 weeks of age. Bioavailability of EPA and DHA in cats supports use of AOCED as a source of EPA and DHA for feline growth and reproduction.
Potential growth and nutrient removal of Kappaphycus alvarezii in a fish floating‐net cage system in Sekotong Bay, Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Kambey Cicilia S. B. , Sondak Calvyn F. A. , Chung Ik‐Kyo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThere has been increasing interest in promoting the seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii as a co‐culture species in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system. In recent work, we observed the capability of K. alvarezii to grow and remove carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) when planted in an intensive fish floating‐net cage system in Sekotong Bay, Lombok, Indonesia. Environmental factors that may influence seaweed bioremediation were investigated. After 42 days, there was a significant difference in the seaweed growth and bioremediation capability while cultivated within the fish cage system compared to the control site. Six kilogram of K. alvarezii incorporated inside the fish cages reduced the inorganic NH4+ and PO43− on average of 22.5–34% and 5–30%, respectively, from morning to afternoon and removed 131 g C g DW−1, 4.6 g N g DW−1, and 1.18 g P g DW−1. The seaweed growth rate inside the fish cages was 3.33% d−1 and higher than at the control site. Water motion was a limiting factor for growth and nutrient bioremediation inside the fish cage system. Our results provide evidence of the potential for K. alvarezii to grow in a fish aquaculture system and reduce the nutrient discharge from fish farms.
Current management of refractory overactive bladder
Authors: Chen Li‐Chen , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOveractive bladder (OAB) is a common condition affecting one‐sixth to one‐fifth of the global population. The treatment of refractory OAB remains a challenge for urologists. Current treatment options include the use of combination therapy with antimuscarinic agents and beta‐3 adrenoceptor agonists, and treating underlying curable disorders. Intravesical botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) injection, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, and sacral nerve stimulation are third‐line management therapies suggested by the American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (AUA/SUFU) guidelines. In rare cases, more invasive surgical interventions can be considered after explaining the benefits and risks to the patients. Augmentation cystoplasty has a high success rate; however, it has also been associated with a high complication rate. In contrast, detrusor myomectomy is an easy procedure, but the treatment outcome remains controversial. Liposome‐encapsulated BoNT‐A is administered via bladder instillation, and promising results have been obtained in preliminary studies. More therapies are currently being investigated, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonists may be new type of medication. Radiofrequency ablation and other targets for neuromodulation have also been studied; however, more evidence is needed to confirm their efficacy.
Phosphate excess increases susceptibility to pathogen infection in rice
Authors: Campos‐Soriano Lidia , Bundó Mireia , Bach‐Pages Marcel , Chiang Su‐Fen , Chiou Tzyy‐Jen , San Segundo Blanca 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPhosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and productivity. Due to soil fixation, however, phosphorus availability in soil is rarely sufficient to sustain high crop yields. The overuse of fertilizers to circumvent the limited bioavailability of phosphate (Pi) has led to a scenario of excessive soil P in agricultural soils. Whereas adaptive responses to Pi deficiency have been deeply studied, less is known about how plants adapt to Pi excess and how Pi excess might affect disease resistance. We show that high Pi fertilization, and subsequent Pi accumulation, enhances susceptibility to infection by the fungal pathogenMagnaporthe oryzaein rice. This fungus is the causal agent of the blast disease, one of the most damaging diseases of cultivated rice worldwide. Equally,MIR399foverexpression causes an increase in Pi content in rice leaves, which results in enhanced susceptibility toM. oryzae. During pathogen infection, a weaker activation of defence‐related genes occurs in rice plants over‐accumulating Pi in leaves, which is in agreement with the phenotype of blast susceptibility observed in these plants. These data support that Pi, when in excess, compromises defence mechanisms in rice while demonstrating that miR399 functions as a negative regulator of rice immunity. The two signalling pathways, Pi signalling and defence signalling, must operate in a coordinated manner in controlling disease resistance. This information provides a basis to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in immunity in rice plants under high Pi fertilization, an aspect that should be considered in management of the rice blast disease.
Brain tumour diagnostics using a DNA methylation‐based classifier as a diagnostic support tool
Authors: Priesterbach‐Ackley L. P. , Boldt H. B. , Petersen J. K. , Bervoets N. , Scheie D. , Ulhøi B. P. , Gardberg M. , Brännström T. , Torp S. H. , Aronica E. , Küsters B. , den Dunnen W. F. A. , de Vos F. Y. F. L. , Wesseling P. , de Leng W. W. J. , Kristensen B. W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsMethylation profiling (MP) is increasingly incorporated in the diagnostic process of central nervous system (CNS) tumours at our centres in The Netherlands and Scandinavia. We aimed to identify the benefits and challenges of MP as a support tool for CNS tumour diagnostics.MethodsAbout 502 CNS tumour samples were analysed using (850 k) MP. Profiles were matched with the DKFZ/Heidelberg CNS Tumour Classifier. For each case, the final pathological diagnosis was compared to the diagnosis before MP.ResultsIn 54.4% (273/502) of all analysed cases, the suggested methylation class (calibrated score ≥0.9) corresponded with the initial pathological diagnosis. The diagnosis of 24.5% of these cases (67/273) was more refined after incorporation of the MP result. In 9.8% of cases (49/502), the MP result led to a new diagnosis, resulting in an altered WHO grade in 71.4% of these cases (35/49). In 1% of cases (5/502), the suggested class based on MP was initially disregarded/interpreted as misleading, but in retrospect, the MP result predicted the right diagnosis for three of these cases. In six cases, the suggested class was interpreted as ‘discrepant but noncontributory’. The remaining 33.7% of cases (169/502) had a calibrated score <0.9, including 7.8% (39/502) for which no class indication was given at all (calibrated score <0.3).ConclusionsMP is a powerful tool to confirm and fine‐tune the pathological diagnosis of CNS tumours, and to avoid misdiagnoses. However, it is crucial to interpret the results in the context of clinical, radiological, histopathological and other molecular information.
Time Use and Household Division of Labor in India—Within‐Gender Dynamics
Authors: Srivastava Abhilasha 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHousehold allocation of labor is an important area of scholarship in developing countries where women's well‐being is affected by the heavy load of unpaid work within the household. This study extends nuclear household‐centric research on labor allocation by drawing attention to bargaining between female in‐laws in multigenerational households in India. This paper empirically tests two competing theories based on the impact of a daughter‐in‐law's education on household division of labor in multigenerational households. First is Caldwell's thesis that contends that increasing education would increase the bargaining power of daughter‐in‐law, thereby tilting the distribution of household labor in her favor, and the second is patriarchal bargain theory that makes an opposite claim. Both these theories are tested using time‐use data, and the latter is found to have higher explanatory power. Further layers are added to the analysis by tracing the effects of caste, class, and religion. Findings show that these mediate and determine the division of housework and bargaining outcomes between female in‐laws. This study emphasizes the need for an intersectional understanding of gender norms that are inextricably tied to factors such as religion, caste, class, and family structure. Findings also underline the need to study within‐gender dynamics systematically.
Fullerene‐like structures of Cretaceous crinoids reveal topologically limited skeletal possibilities
Authors: Hoyal Cuthill Jennifer F. , Hunter Aaron W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThere are few cases where numbers or types of possible phenotypes are known, although vast state spaces have been postulated. Rarely applied in this context, graph theory and topology enable enumeration of possible phenotypes and evolutionary transitions. Here, we generate polyhedral calyx graphs for the Late Cretaceous, stemless crinoids Marsupites testudinarius and Uintacrinus socialis (Uintacrinoidea Zittel) revealing structural similarities to carbon fullerene and fulleroid molecules (respectively). The U. socialis calyx incorporates numerous plates (e.g. graph vertices |V| ≥ 197), which are small, light, low‐density and have four to eight sides. Therefore, the corresponding number of possible plate arrangements (number of polyhedral graphs) is large (≫1 × 1014). Graph vertices representing plates with sides >6 introduce negative Gaussian curvature (surface saddle points) and topological instability, increasing buckling risk. However, observed numbers of vertices for Uintacrinus do not allow more stable pentaradial configurations. In contrast, the Marsupites calyx dual graph has 17 faces that are pentagonal or hexagonal. Therefore, it is structurally identical to a carbon fullerene, specifically C30‐D5h. Corresponding graph restrictions result in constraint to only three structural options (fullerene structures C30‐C2v 1, C30‐C2v 2 and C30‐D5h). Further restriction to pentaradial symmetry allows only one possibility: the Marsupites phenotype. This robust, stable topology is consistent with adaptation to predation pressures of the Mesozoic marine revolution. Consequently, the most plausible evolutionary pathway between unitacrinoid phenotypes was a mixed heterochronic trade‐off to fewer, larger calyx plates. Therefore, topological limitations radically constrained uintacrinoid skeletal possibilities but thereby aided evolution of a novel adaptive phenotype.
Neonatal thyroid‐stimulating hormone and association with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Villanger Gro D. , Ystrom Eivind , Engel Stephanie M. , Longnecker Matthew P. , Pettersen Rolf , Rowe Alexander D. , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted , Aase Heidi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundNormal brain development is dependent on maternal, fetal and neonatal thyroid function. Measuring neonatal thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) 48‐72 hours after birth screens for congenital hypothyroidism, allowing early treatment to avoid serious impairment. However, even within sub‐clinical ranges, disrupted thyroid homeostasis during brain development has been linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).ObjectivesTo estimate the association between neonatal TSH below threshold for potential congenital hypothyroidism and subsequent ADHD diagnosis using a population‐based birth cohort.MethodsChildren with a diagnosis of ADHD in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) were identified through linkage with the Norwegian Patient Registry using ICD‐10 codes for hyperkinetic disorders. The study included 405 ADHD cases and 1,092 controls (born 2003‐2008) with available neonatal TSH concentrations below 10 mU/L (cut‐off for potential congenital hypothyroidism) measured in dried blood spots sampled 48‐72 hours after birth.ResultsIn multivariable, quintile models the relationship appeared to follow a U‐shaped pattern with elevated odds ratios (OR) at lower and higher TSH levels. Among children with TSH in the lowest quintile, odds of ADHD was approximately 1.5‐fold higher than children in the middle quintile (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.09, 2.34), which was driven by substantially elevated risk among girls, with no association among boys (Pinteraction = 0.02; girls OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.53, 6.30; boys OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.73, 1.84).ConclusionsADHD risk appeared to be elevated among newborns with low TSH levels (i.e. with hyperthyroid status), and this association was mainly found among girls. Because our findings are suggestive of increased risk at very low TSH concentrations, where analytical accuracy is low, future studies should employ highly sensitive assays capable of accurate quantitation at very low concentrations. Also, larger studies are needed to investigate these associations at higher neonatal TSH concentrations where data are more widely distributed.
Use of a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator for parenchyma‐sparing and complex liver resections in dogs
Authors: Sellier Clément , Carabalona Julien , Hahn Harriet , DVM Eymeric Gomes , Bismuth Camille ,   Hepato‐biliary and Pancreatic surgery
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo report the clinical use of a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) for the resection of hepatic lesions in dogs.Study designClinical prospective study.AnimalsEleven client‐owned dogs.MethodsDogs requiring a hepatic nodulectomy, segmentectomy, and/or a lobectomy (including complex lobectomies) were enrolled. The number and location of procedures, blood loss, duration of surgery, and short‐term complications were recorded.ResultsDogs underwent a mean of 2.3 ± 1.1 procedures. All masses were amenable to surgical excision regardless of their location and their relationship with major hepatic vessels. Dogs lost a median of 77 mL of blood (9.9‐161), which corresponded to 4.3% of blood volume (0.8%–23.2%). The dog with the highest blood loss survived without requiring transfusion. The median duration of all CUSA procedures was 33.5 minutes (15‐82). Short‐term outcomes were assessed for the first 15 days, during which two complications were diagnosed. Cholangiohepatitis was diagnosed in one dog and resolved after medical management, and another dog developed necrotic pancreatitis and died.ConclusionLiver parenchyma‐sparing nodulectomies and segmentectomies and liver lobectomies including complex lobectomies were achieved with a CUSA in all dogs.Clinical significanceUse of a CUSA can be considered as an alternative for the removal of hepatic lesions in dogs.
Modeling Arbitrarily Shaped Liquid Pipelines Using a Segmented Transmission Line Model
Authors: Wiens Travis 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This paper presents a new method of simulating the dynamic flow and pressure of laminar liquid flow through pipes of arbitrarily changing cross section. This method uses a segmented model based on the previously presented tapered transmission line model (TLM). This new method is computationally efficient and has comparable accuracy to previous methods such as the method of characteristics (MOC), but allow for more flexibility in solution time-step (such as accommodating variable time-step solvers), which is required if the rest of the system model has stiff equations. For the sample geometry presented, the new model calculates the dynamic response an order of magnitude faster than the previous method of characteristics solution, with minimal loss of accuracy.