bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vacuum‐assisted closure therapy combined with bi‐pectoral muscle flap for the treatment of deep sternal wound infections
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Jixun , Liu Zhenzhong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDeep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a fatal complication after median sternotomy. This study was to assess the effect of vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) combined with bi‐pectoral muscle advancement flap therapy on rehabilitation for the treatment of DSWI. Fifty‐two patients with DSWI underwent treatment of VAC and bi‐pectoral muscle flap. These patients were followed‐up 12 months postoperation. The patient characteristics, duration of VAC therapy, the mean hospital stay, and postoperative complications were retrospectively analysed. All patients underwent 1 to 3 VAC treatment sessions before closure. Fifty‐one of 52 DSWI patients were cured to discharge; the mean hospital stay was 26.5 days. The drainage tube continued to drain a large amount of bloody fluid in three patients after the wound was closed. Respiratory failure occurred in one patient with severe mediastinal and pulmonary infections and died eventually in hospital. One patient died of acute cerebral haemorrhage during the12‐month follow‐up. VAC therapy combined with bi‐pectoral muscle flap is a simple and effective treatment for DSWIs with short hospital stays and few complications. However, this is a retrospective case series presentation with no comparison group; further large‐scale controlled studies are needed.
Effect and mechanism of vitamin D on the development of colorectal cancer based on intestinal flora disorder
Authors: Zhou Xueyan , Chen Chunxia , Zhong Ya' Nan , Zhao Feng , Hao Zhixiang , Xu Yinxue , Lai Ran , Shen Guifang , Yin Xiaoxing 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the correlation between the level of circulating vitamin D and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to clarify the effect and mechanism of vitamin D on the development of CRC.MethodsSerum samples from 63 patients with CRC (CRC group) and 61 healthy volunteers (normal group) were collected. Azoxymethane + dextran sodium sulfate‐induced CRC mouse model and dietary models with different doses of vitamin D were established to verify whether vitamin D supplementation could reverse the occurrence and development of CRC at the overall animal level. Intestinal barrier integrity and microbial defense response were evaluated by detection of intestinal flora and expression of related genes.ResultsIn the clinical serum samples, compared with the normal group, the level of 25 (OH) D3 in the CRC group was relatively low (P < 0.01), which was consistent with the clinical situation in mice. Vitamin D deficiency aggravated the deterioration of enteritis and intestinal cancer in CRC mice, whereas the overall condition of CRC mice improved after vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D has a significant regulatory effect on the homeostasis of the intestinal flora, particularly in the regulation of intestinal probiotics, Akkermansia muciniphila‐mediated colon barrier integrity.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency is closely related to the high incidence of CRC, and vitamin D supplementation can inhibit the occurrence and development of CRC. Vitamin D plays a role in the reversal of CRC mainly through the regulation of intestinal flora, especially the regulation of A. muciniphila‐mediated colon barrier integrity.
Reproducibility and construct validity of the utrecht mixing ability Test to obtain masticatory performance outcome in patients with condylar mandibular fractures
Authors: Weinberg Florine M. , Vermaire Jorine A. , Forouzanfar Tymour , Rosenberg Antoine J.W.P. , Speksnijder Caroline M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study assessed the test‐retest reproducibility of the Utrecht mixing ability test (MAT) and the construct validity of the MAT in relation to the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ) in patients with mandibular condylar fractures.Material and methodsTwenty‐six patients treated for a mandibular condylar fracture participated in this clinimetric study; all patients performed the MAT twice. Simultaneously the MFIQ was conducted. Test‐retest reliability and construct validity were assessed using the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman correlation, respectively.ResultsThe ICC of the MAT was 0.906 (95% CI: 0.801‐0.957), which indicates an excellent reliability. A weak correlation of 0.386 (P = .052) between the first MAT and the overall outcome of the MFIQ was found. A significant moderate correlation of 0.401 (P = .042) was found between the retest of the MAT and the overall outcome of the MFIQ. One question on the MFIQ (about yawning) showed a moderate positive correlation of 0.569 (P = .002) and 0.416 (P = .034) for the MAT test and retest, respectively.ConclusionThe MAT is an easy test to use in follow‐up of patients. The test‐retest reliability of this test is excellent in condylar trauma patients. As the validity of the MAT and the MFIQ could not be confirmed, the MFIQ may be an addition to patient's feedback about the rehabilitation process of their mandibular functioning.
Evaluation of microbial contamination and effects of storage in raw meat‐based dog foods purchased online
Authors: Morelli Giada , Catellani Paolo , Miotti Scapin Riccardo , Bastianello Sofia , Conficoni Daniele , Contiero Barbara , Ricci Rebecca 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFeeding raw‐meat‐based diets to companion animals has become a widespread practice, and many owners are now accustomed to buying frozen ingredients online. The goals of this study were to assess the microbiological quality of raw‐meat dog foods obtained from specialized websites and to evaluate the effects of storage at different temperatures for a few days. Twenty‐nine raw dog food products were processed for quantitative bacteriology (i.e. total viable count, TVC; Escherichia coli; faecal coliforms, FC) and sulphite‐reducing clostridia, and analysed for the presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and Clostridium difficile. Every sample was examined right after the delivery (T0), after 24 to 48 hr and after 72 hr, both at 2°C and 7°C. At T0, the mean score for the TVC was 5.9 × 106 cfu/g (SD = 4.8 × 107 cfu/g), while those for E. coli and FC were 1.1 × 104 cfu/g (SD = 2.5 × 105 cfu/g) and 3.3 × 103 cfu/g (SD = 6.5 × 104 cfu/g) respectively. The samples stored at 2°C had a significant increase of all parameters (TVC: p < .01; E. coli: p = .03; FC: p = .04) through time. Noteworthy differences between the analyses performed at 2°C and 7°C were found for TVC (p < .01), being the samples considerably more contaminated at higher temperatures. No sample tested positive for Salmonella spp., while L. monocytogenes was isolated from 19 products, Y. enterocolitica from three products and Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile from four and six products respectively. The microbiological quality of raw‐meat dog foods sold online appears to be poor, carrying considerable amounts of potentially zoonotic bacteria and reaching greater levels of bacterial contaminations if not kept at proper refrigeration temperatures and fed soon after defrosting.
Physico‐Chemical, antioxidant activities, textural, and sensory properties of yoghurt fortified with different states and rates of pomegranate seeds (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Bchir Brahim , Bouaziz Mohamed Ali , Blecker Christophe , Attia Hamadi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study examines the effects of incorporating fresh, frozen, osmodehydrated, and dried pomegranate seeds, at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20%) on the physicochemical, antioxidant, textural, and sensory properties of yoghurt. Antioxidant activity, pH, acidity, syneresis, and color of yoghurt were also evaluated during the storage (28 days) at 4°C. The principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess the correlations between different yoghurt formulation and their sensory attributes. Data showed that the addition of pomegranate seeds reduced pH and modified the chromatics coordinate (L*, a*, b*, C*, h°) and firmness of the yoghurt samples. In addition, acidity, °Brix, and syneresis increased compared to the control. Thanks to their high anthocyanin content, pomegranate seeds considerably improved the antioxidant activity essentially for yoghurt enriched with frozen seeds. In addition, the supplementation of 20% of frozen seeds into yoghurt was the most appreciated by panelists and improved the sensory properties in comparison to other formulation. According to PCA, taste and appearance were the main criteria for the overall acceptability of yoghurt. After 28 days of storage, the reddish color was reinforced; however, the antioxidant activity of yoghurts was reduced. Overall, it can be concluded that pomegranate seeds can be used as a natural ingredient to develop a novel yoghurt with high nutritional properties.
Caste‐biased locomotor activities in isolated termites
Authors: Shimoji Hiroyuki , Mizumoto Nobuaki , Oguchi Kohei , Dobata Shigeto 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEusocial insects are characterized by a well‐developed division of labour among castes. Although the successful division of labour should stem from behavioural differentiation depending on caste identity, caste‐specific intrinsic behavioural characteristics might be masked by social interactions within colonies. The present study explores caste‐specific intrinsic locomotive activities of termites by quantifying them in isolation. We track individual movement trajectories of the damp‐wood termite Hodotermopsis sjostedti over 30 min and extract individual locomotion parameters. Multivariate statistical analyses reveal significant differences among castes: soldiers move more actively than workers and neotenic reproductives. The morphometric data of test individuals indicate that locomotor activities reflected caste identity more strongly compared with quantitative morphological variations among individuals. We find that the different locomotor activities of soldiers compared with those of neotenics and workers probably reflect their physiological differentiation. The present study provides a basis for a deeper understanding of the roles of individual locomotor activities in social behaviours.
Expression and functions of cellular prion proteins in immunocytes
Authors: Zhang Baizhuo , Shen Pingping , Yin Xiang , Dai Yanyuan , Ding Mingxuan , Cui Li 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPrion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative processes caused by the accumulation of the pathological prion protein, PrPSc. While pathological lesions are limited to the central nervous system (CNS), disease‐specific proteins accumulate and replicate in secondary lymphoid organs prior to neuroinvasion, and their replication there depends on the abundance of cellular prion protein (PrPC). PrPC is expressed in both central and peripheral lymphoid tissues, and up‐ or downregulates innate and adaptive immune responses. In addition to prion diseases, PrPC is also immunologically involved in other neurological disorders and infectious diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Herein, we summarize the expression and functions of PrPC in various immunocytes, as well as its immunological and pathological roles in neurodegeneration and infection.
Ex vivo full‐field cellular‐resolution optical coherence tomography of basal cell carcinomas: A pilot study of quality and feasibility of images and diagnostic accuracy in subtypes
Authors: Wang Yen‐Jen , Chang Wei‐Chin , Wang Jen‐Yu , Wu Yu‐Hung 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundStudies have reported the application of conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The new OCT provides cellular details similar to those in pathology slides and may reduce user learning time. This study aimed to demonstrate the quality of ex vivo full‐field cellular‐resolution OCT images and compare the diagnostic accuracy between physicians with varying pathology experience.Materials and MethodsSixty histologically confirmed BCCs were selected. Tissue samples were sectioned and scanned using OCT, and their features were compared with those of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained sections. Thirty images were selected for the test administered to dermatology residents, dermatopathology fellows, and board‐certified general pathologists without any OCT experience. The pretest learning included a 3‐min instruction and 10‐min self‐study of four BCC variants.ResultsHistopathological BCC and normal histological features were clearly recognizable on the OCT images. The pathological BCC features observed in the OCT images correlated with those found in the H&E‐stained sections. Seven participants completed the test. The correct answer rates of the residents, fellows, and pathologists were 71%, 68%, and 83% for BCC and 44%, 57%, and 57% for the BCC subtypes, respectively.ConclusionAll the participants identified BCC in >70% cases with a learning time of only 13 minutes. The results indicated that cellular‐resolution OCT provided high‐quality images similar to the conventional pathology slides. Pathology experience did reflect the diagnostic accuracy. However, a longer training time is still needed at all levels to recognize the BCC subtypes correctly.
Advancements in web‐mapping tools for land use and marine spatial planning
Authors: González Ainhoa , Kelly Christina , Rymszewicz Anna 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLand use and marine spatial planning processes are increasingly supported by systematic assessment techniques, particularly by multi‐criteria spatial analysis methods. This has been facilitated by the growing release and uptake of web‐mapping tools, which contribute to transparent, consistent, and informed planning processes and decisions. This article reviews the usability, functionality, and applicability of contemporary planning web‐mapping tools to identify the state‐of‐the‐art and future prospects. The review reveals that interfaces are increasingly available and intuitively applicable by non‐specialized users. Basic map navigation and data querying functionality is being expanded to incorporate advanced map‐making and online data geoprocessing capabilities that enable deriving new data and insights. However, the majority of published planning web tools are one‐off solutions, and a disconnect between research and practice is rendering many of these inaccessible or obsolete. Despite the significant progress made in advancing their provision in the last decade, there is a need for developing transferable interfaces that are maintained beyond project end dates, for them to effectively and consistently support planning processes.
Clinical manifestation of hemophilia A in the absence of mutations in the F8 gene that encodes FVIII: role of microRNAs
Authors: Jankowska Katarzyna I. , McGill Joseph , Pezeshkpoor Behnaz , Oldenburg Johannes , Atreya Chintamani D. , Sauna Zuben E. 
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUNDHemophilia A (HA) is associated with mutations in the F8 gene that expresses factor VIII (FVIII). Unexpectedly, HA also manifests in a small subset of individuals with no mutations (exonic or intronic) in their F8 gene. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) cause translational interference, affecting protein quality and stoichiometry. Here, by analyzing miRNAs of two patients from this subset, we evaluated miRNA‐based FVIII suppression as a testable hypothesis to explain FVIII deficiency in patients with HA with no F8 gene mutations.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTo test the hypothesis, miRNA sequencing from two patients with mild and moderate HA with no mutations in their F8 gene, followed by experimental verification, was used to identify a group of upregulated miRNAs in patients with HA compared to normal controls; with binding sites in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of F8 messenger RNA (mRNA), a prerequisite for miRNA‐based gene regulation. From this pool, miR‐374b‐5p and miR‐30c‐5p, known to be expressed in human liver, where FVIII is expressed, were subjected to extensive characterization.RESULTSIn two cell lines that constitutively express FVIII, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR‐374b or miR‐30c decreased FVIII expression, while an miR‐30c inhibitor partially restored FVIII expression.CONCLUSIONThese data support a role for microRNAs in fine‐tuning F8 gene regulation. Based on our findings, our current model suggests that in HA cases where the F8 gene is normal and is predicted to express normal levels of FVIII, F8 mRNA 3′ UTR targeting miRNAs may be responsible for a FVIII‐deficiency phenotype clinically manifesting as HA.
Shade‐induced plasticity in invasive Impatiens glandulifera populations
Authors: Gruntman M , Segev U , Tielbörger K 
Published: December 2019

SummaryPhenotypic plasticity, which confers a fitness advantage under heterogeneous and novel environments, has been commonly suggested to contribute to the success of invasive plants in their introduced range. For example, plasticity in response to changes in light availability could facilitate invasiveness by allowing plants to both rapidly establish in unshaded, disturbed habitats, and tolerate shaded or crowded environments. The plastic responses of invasive plants to shade were mostly studied in morphological traits. However, plasticity in physiological traits might provide more rapid and reversible responses and thus be more effective in environments with rapid temporal variations. Here, we compared plasticity in a range of morphological and physiological traits that provide shade avoidance or tolerance between two native and six introduced populations of Impatiens glandulifera. In a common garden, we subjected second‐generation siblings of native and invasive plants to two light availability treatments and measured their morphological, physiological and performance responses. Impatiens glandulifera from invasive populations exhibited greater phenotypic plasticity in response to light availability in four out of 12 measured traits. Moreover, this greater plasticity was mostly limited to physiological traits associated with photosynthetic acclimation. These results suggest high phenotypic plasticity in response to light availability could have facilitated I. glandulifera's spread in both disturbed habitats and woodlands or under intense light competition. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering physiological traits when studying the role of plasticity in the success of invasive plants.
Vegetative propagation of Solidago canadensis – do fragment size and burial depth matter?
Authors: Rosef L , Ingebrigtsen H H , Heegaard E 
Published: December 2019

SummaryClonal species may benefit from human disturbance because their vegetative fragments may be distributed via soil. Solidago canadensis is an invasive rhizomatous perennial frequently found in ruderal environments. When creating new infrastructure, digging and cutting are two main factors that may influence the spread of S. canadensis into new areas. To have a better understanding of the invasive potential of S. canadensis, we investigated whether S. canadensis was able to survive and grow from stem cuttings as well as from rhizomes. Rhizomes and cuttings were collected from three populations in Eastern Norway. The rhizomes and cuttings were planted in a pot experiment to assess their vegetative ability to propagate. Rhizome fragments (5 and 10 cm long) were buried at 0.5, 10 and 30 cm depths. The cuttings were planted as 15 cm stems, with the bottom 5 cm pushed into the soil. The results showed that rhizome length did not have an effect on survival. Although some sprouting occurred at all burial depths, increasing depth had a negative effect on rhizome survival. In general, development of the cuttings was good, but there were differences between population performance and survival. These results imply that care must be taken when (i) constructing new sites, because digging and transport of soil masses may spread S. canadensis into new areas by rhizomes or cuttings, and (ii) mowing road verges and other ruderal areas to prevent the spread of stem cuttings from one area to another.
Muscle cross‐sectional area and motor unit properties of the medial gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis in normal weight and overfat children
Authors: Herda Trent J. , Ryan Eric D. , Kohlmeier Martin , Trevino Michael A. , Gerstner Gena R. , Roelofs Erica J. , Miller Jonathan D. 
Published: December 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Are differences in muscle size and motor unit properties between normal weight and overfat children muscle specific?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Muscle cross‐sectional area and motor unit action potential amplitudes and firing rates were similar between overfat and normal weight children for both the medial gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis muscles. There was no evidence that the chronic mechanical overload provided by the greater body mass resulted in significant hypertrophy of contractile tissue or motor units that would be used during lower‐to‐moderate intensity activities.

AbstractThis study examined the possible differences in muscle cross‐sectional area (mCSA), motor unit action potential amplitudes (MUAPAMPS) and interspike intervals (ISIs) of the firing instances of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and vastus lateralis (VL) between normal weight (NW) and overfat (OF) children aged 7–10 years. Fourteen NW (age = 8.6 ± 1.1 years, BMI = 15.8 ± 1.4 kg m−2) and 12 OF (age = 8.8 ± 0.9 years, BMI = 21.8 ± 2.4 kg m−2) children performed isometric trapezoidal muscle actions at 40% of maximal voluntary contraction of the plantar flexors and knee extensors. Surface electromyography was recorded from the MG and VL and decomposed into the firing events of motor units (MUs). Statistical procedures were performed on the composite recruitment thresholds (RTs), ISIs and MUAPAMPS of recorded MUs collapsed across subjects and the y‐intercepts and slopes calculated from each subject's ISI and MUAPAMP vs. RT relationships. Ultrasound was used to assess mCSA, echo intensity (mEI), and subcutaneous fat (sFAT) of the MG and VL. The OF had greater mCSAs, mEI and sFAT (P = 0.004–0.024), but there were no differences in mCSA when accounting for mEI for the MG (P = 0.506) and VL (P = 0.326). The NW children had significantly greater composite MUAPAMPS for the VL and MG (P < 0.001), but only significantly larger MUAPAMPS of the VL remained for the NW (P < 0.001) when subjects were matched for sFAT. There were no differences between groups for the ISI or MUAPAMP vs. RT relationships (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the OF children did not undergo significant muscle or MU hypertrophy that would be routinely activated during activities of daily living.