bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological evaluation of equine oblique sesamoidean ligaments
Authors: Ellis Katie L. , Barrett Myra F. , Selberg Kurt T. , Frisbie David D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPathology involving the oblique sesamoidean ligaments (OSLs) is commonly diagnosed during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the equine distal limb. Presence of striations within the ligament and magic angle artefact can result in an incorrect diagnosis of pathological change. No studies have been performed using histopathology, the gold standard, to corroborate their imaging diagnosis.Objectives(a) To determine which MRI characteristics are associated with normal vs abnormal OSLs and (b) to evaluate the ability of MRI to correctly identify abnormal vs normal oblique sesamoidean ligaments using histopathology as the gold standard.Study designObservational, cross‐sectional study.MethodsCadaver limbs (n = 77) were obtained from horses (n = 21) subjected to euthanasia at the hospital. MRI and histopathology was performed on each of the limbs. MRI scoring was performed for multiple MRI characteristics, and each limb was deemed normal or abnormal. Histopathology scoring was performed to give an overall score of normal or abnormal. Mixed model logistic regression was performed to evaluate which MRI characteristics were associated with normal vs abnormal OSLs using backwards elimination and a significance level of <0.1. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of MRI to correctly identify abnormal OSLs was 81% (95% CI 54%‐96%) and 90% (95% CI 79%‐96%) respectively. Based on logistic regression, increased cross‐sectional area at the origin (OR: 26.77, 95% CI 1.1‐4640, P = .07), increased ligament hyperintensity (OR: 9.59, 95% CI 1.23‐155; P = .04) and reduction in striations (increased hypointensity score) (OR: 7.8, 95% CI 0.72‐218, P = .07) were associated with abnormal OSL.Main limitationsLameness exam was not performed on any of the horses prior to euthanasia. Findings can only be applied to chronic, degenerative changes, rather than an acute injury.ConclusionsIncreased cross‐sectional area and changes in the signal intensity are associated with pathology within the OSLs. Medial to lateral size asymmetry and striation pattern variation can occur in histologically normal OSLs and should be interpreted with caution if other signs of pathology are absent.
Blockade of CCR5 in melanoma: An alternative immune checkpoint modulator
Authors: Escandon Brehm Julia , Bedogni Barbara 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMelanoma is a deadly tumor, which in recent years has been successfully treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors as PD‐1/PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4 inhibitors and targeted therapy as BRAF and MEK inhibitors. However, immunotherapy poses deleterious side effects and pursuit of new therapeutic targets is warranted. As knowledge of tumor immunology advances, such targets are being recognized. C‐motif chemokine receptor‐5 (CCR5) is a receptor found on immune cells whose effects impact the immune response both to induce inflammation and to activate suppressor cells causing an anti‐inflammatory effect. CCR5 is well known as a target for HIV therapy where its blockade is efficient and safe, it is also known that its mutation CCR5delta32 is for the most part non‐pathological to its carriers. In oncology, activation of the CCR5 receptor has been observed in high‐stage disease and CCR5 blockade has been associated with an increased immune response. In this letter, we build up the rationale to utilize CCR5 as a therapeutic target for metastatic melanoma.
Risk assessment of small‐scale reef fisheries off the Abrolhos Bank: Snappers and groupers under a multidimensional evaluation
Authors: Previero Marília , Gasalla Maria A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn the Abrolhos Bank (Southwest Atlantic), multidimensional indicators were used in sustainability assessments of data‐poor reef fisheries. Potential impacts, risks and stocks vulnerabilities were evaluated based on biological, environmental, social and economic aspects by combining both adapted productivity and susceptibility analysis (PSA) and scale intensity consequence analysis (SICA). Data were obtained from local surveys with stakeholders and experts and from literature. A value chain map revealed final consumers at many locations and middleman presence. Vulnerability to overexploitation ranged from low (Cephalopholis fulva (L.), Lutjanus synagris (L.) and Ocyurus chrysurus (Bloch)) to moderate (Lutjanus jocu (Bloch & Schneider), Epinephelus morio (Val.) and Mycteroperca bonaci Poey). While moderate consequences of the catches were observed to C. fulva, major consequences were identified to the other five stocks. The main threat to coral reef habitats was found to be mining wastes. Poor governance may constrain fisheries sustainability in the region, while the empowerment of fishers in both governance and post‐harvest processes should enhance it.
Synchronous biological feedbacks in parrotfishes associated with pantropical coral bleaching
Authors: Taylor Brett M. , Benkwitt Cassandra E. , Choat Howard , Clements Kendall D. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Meekan Mark G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBiological feedbacks generated through patterns of disturbance are vital for sustaining ecosystem states. Recent ocean warming and thermal anomalies have caused pantropical episodes of coral bleaching, which has led to widespread coral mortality and a range of subsequent effects on coral reef communities. Although the response of many reef‐associated fishes to major disturbance events on coral reefs is negative (e.g., reduced abundance and condition), parrotfishes show strong feedbacks after disturbance to living reef structure manifesting as increases in abundance. However, the mechanisms underlying this response are poorly understood. Using biochronological reconstructions of annual otolith (ear stone) growth from two ocean basins, we tested whether parrotfish growth was enhanced following bleaching‐related coral mortality, thus providing an organismal mechanism for demographic changes in populations. Both major feeding guilds of parrotfishes (scrapers and excavators) exhibited enhanced growth of individuals after bleaching that was decoupled from expected thermal performance, a pattern that was not evident in other reef fish taxa from the same environment. These results provide evidence for a more nuanced ecological feedback system—one where disturbance plays a key role in mediating parrotfish–benthos interactions. By influencing the biology of assemblages, disturbance can thereby stimulate change in parrotfish grazing intensity and ultimately reef geomorphology over time. This feedback cycle operated historically at within‐reef scales; however, our results demonstrate that the scale, magnitude, and severity of recent thermal events are entraining the biological responses of disparate communities to respond in synchrony. This may fundamentally alter feedbacks in the relationships between parrotfishes and reef systems.
Interfacial reactions between Ti and Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites
Authors: Lu Ming‐Wei , Lin Kun‐Lin , Lin Chien‐Cheng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn titanium casting, the interfacial reactions between selected Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites in contact with titanium at 1600°C for 30 minutes in an argon environment were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and analytical transmission electron microscopy. Before contact with titanium, reaction phases of the Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites formed through hot pressing at 1500°C or annealing at 1600°C. These phases were identified as Ca4Ti3O10, Y2O3, and minor amounts of CaO. The amount of Ca4Ti3O10 in the composites gradually decreased as the amount of Y2O3 increased. When the Y2O3/Ca4Ti3O10 composites were in contact with titanium, a reaction layer of α‐Ti and Y2O3 was formed near the interface of the composite side. Large amounts of calcium and oxygen were expelled toward the composite side from Ca4Ti3O10 near the interface to form CaO, which precipitated in the Ca4Ti3O10 and Y2O3 phases. Furthermore, no reaction phases were detected in titanium. Ca4Ti3O10 and Y2O3 can function as diffusion barrier layers to effectively suppress the diffusion of oxygen into titanium.
Unplanned readmission of patients with heart transplantation in 1 year: A retrospective study
Authors: Kim Moon‐Jeong , Kim Kisook 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate readmission rate and its association with patient characteristics to identify key risk factors associated with unplanned readmission in 1 year after heart transplantation.BackgroundUnplanned readmission after heart transplantation due to complications affects patients’ quality of life and long‐term survival rate.DesignA retrospective cohort study.MethodsIndividual, disease‐related and therapeutic characteristics were included from electronic medical records. Participants were 484 adult patients who underwent heart transplantation between 1992 ‐ 2016 at a tertiary hospital in Korea.ResultsA total of 204 patients underwent unplanned readmission. The most frequent causes were infection or rejection. Multivariate analysis revealed hypertension and pre‐operative estimated glomerular filtration rate to be risk factors for unplanned readmission.ConclusionEarly screening educational programs and interventions based on recommended risk factors are needed to reduce the unplanned readmission rate of heart transplantation patients.ImpactNurses who care for heart‐transplanted patients should initially assess risk factors during the postoperative and recovery periods to reduce risk of readmission following surgery. These findings may contribute to early assessment criteria and development of discharge nursing education materials.
Soil protist diversity in the Swiss western Alps is better predicted by topo‐climatic than by edaphic variables
Authors: Seppey Christophe V. W. , Broennimann Olivier , Buri Aline , Yashiro Erika , Pinto‐Figueroa Eric , Singer David , Blandenier Quentin , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Niculita‐Hirzel Hélène , Guisan Antoine , Lara Enrique 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimTrends in spatial patterns of diversity in macroscopic organisms can be well predicted from correlative models, using topo‐climatic variables for plants and animals allowing inference over large scales. By contrast, diversity in soil microorganisms is generally considered as mostly driven by edaphic variables and, therefore, difficult to extrapolate on a large spatial scale based on predictive models. Here, we compared the power of topo‐climatic versus edaphic variables for predicting the diversity of various soil protist groups at the regional scale.LocationSwiss western Alps.TaxaFull protist community and nine clades belonging respectively to three functional groups: parasites (Apicomplexa, Peronosporomycetes and Phytomyxea), phagotrophs (Sarcomonadea, Tubulinea and Spirotrichea) and phototrophs (Chlorophyta, Trebouxiophyceae and Diatomeae).MethodsWe extracted soil DNA from 178 sites along a wide range of elevations with a random‐stratified sampling design. We defined protist Operational Taxonomic Units assemblages by metabarcoding of the V4 region of the rRNA small subunit gene. We assessed and modelled the diversity (Shannon index) patterns of all above‐mentioned taxonomic groups based on topo‐climatic (topography, slope southness, slope steepness and average summer temperature) and edaphic (soil temperature, relative humidity, pH, electroconductivity, phosphorus percentage, carbon/nitrogen, loss on ignition and shale percentage) variables in Generalized Additive Models (GAM).ResultsThe respective significance of topo‐climatic and edaphic variables varied among taxonomic and—to a certain extent—functional groups: while many variables explained significantly the diversity of the three phototrophs this was less the case for the three parasites. Topo‐climatic variables had a better predictive power than edaphic variables, yet predictive power varied among taxonomic groups.Main conclusionsTopo‐climatic variables (particularly slope steepness and summer temperature if we consider their significance in the GAMs) were, on average, better predictors of protist diversity at the landscape scale than edaphic variables. However, the predictive power of these variables on diversity differed considerably among taxonomic groups; such relationships may be due to direct and/or indirect (e.g. biotic) influences (like with parasitic taxa, where low predictive power is most likely explained by the absence of information on the hosts’ distribution). Future prospects include using such spatial models to predict hotspots of diversity and disease outbreaks.
Melanoma of the nail apparatus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of current challenges and prognosis
Authors: Lieberherr S. , Cazzaniga S. , Haneke E. , Hunger R.E. , Seyed Jafari S.M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNail apparatus melanoma (NAM) is a rare dermatologic malignancy. Its prognosis is poor because it is often diagnosed late. However, progression and survival of NAM patients have only been studied among small populations. Early biopsy could help to identify suspicious lesions at a less invasive stage. While surgery is generally seen as the treatment of choice, the extent of excision margins and the use of sentinel biopsy remain debated. This systematic review aims to summarize the treatment procedures and observed prognosis in the literature during the last two decades and present pooled survival and progression rates of NAM by using meta‐analysis. A systematic review on studies assessing pathology, treatment and prognosis of NAM was carried out up to end of 2018. After evaluation of eligible studies, the main emerging topics were outlined and pooled survival outcomes estimated. A total of 30 articles out of 624 identified records were included for systematic review. Finally, meta‐analysis of pooled mortality rates including 18 studies was 4.6 × 100 patient‐years (95% CI: 2.7, 6.8) equivalent to 5‐year cumulative survival of 77.0%. Additionally, the pooled progression rate based on 17 studies was 6.3 × 100 patient‐years (95% CI: 4.1, 8.9) with estimated 5‐year cumulative progression‐free survival of 68.5%. While the optimal extent of surgical treatment remains debated, prompt biopsy could help to identify early lesions. This is the first study to present pooled survival and progression rates by meta‐analysis.
Daylight photodynamic therapy for prevention of new actinic keratosis and keratinocyte carcinomas in organ transplants. A cryotherapy‐controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bernad I. , Aguado L. , Núñez‐Córdoba J.M. , Redondo P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundOrgan transplant recipients (OTR) have a higher risk of actinic keratosis (AK) and keratinocyte carcinomas (KC). There are no clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of daylight photodynamic therapy (DPDT) to prevent new AK and KC in OTR.ObjectivesTo determine whether repeated treatments of field cancerization with DPDT are effective in preventing new AK and KC in OTR.MethodsA randomized, intra‐subject controlled, evaluator‐blind, split‐face and/or scalp trial, from April 2016 to October 2018. Participants were OTR older than 18 years, 1‐year posttransplant, with at least 5 AK on each hemi‐face/hemi‐scalp. One side received six field treatments with DPDT: two sessions 15 days apart at baseline, two at 3 months and two at 9 months after baseline. Control side received lesion‐directed treatment with cryotherapy (double freeze–thaw) at baseline, 3 and 9 months. Total number of lesions (AK and KC) at 21 months, number of new AK and KC at 3, 9, 15 and 21 months and treatment preferences were analysed.ResultsOf 24 men included, 23 were analysed at 3 months; and 21, at 9, 15 and 21 months. Mean (SD) age was 69.8 years (9.2). The total number of lesions at 21 months was 4.7 (4.3) for DPDT and 5.8 (5.0) for control side; P = 0.09. DPDT showed significantly lower means [SD] of new lesions compared to control side at 3 months (4.2 [3.4] vs. 6.8 [4.8]; P < 0.001), 9 months (3.0 [3.3] vs. 4.3 [3.4]; P = 0.04) and 15 months (3.0 [4.6] vs. 4.8 [5.0]; P = 0.02), and non‐significant at 21 months (3.7 [3.5] vs. 5.0 [4.5]; P = 0.06). Most participants preferred DPDT.ConclusionDPDT showed potential effectiveness in preventing new AK and KC in OTR by consecutive treatments of field cancerization. The preference for DPDT could facilitate adherence to the long‐term treatment necessary in these patients.
Prospective comparison of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance enterography and contrast enhanced computed tomography enterography for the detection of ileocolonic Crohn's disease
Authors: Yu Hao , Wang Yanchun , Wang Zi , Li Jianjun , Lu Jingyu , Hu Daoyu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsCrohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and relapsing course with various status of different segments, and there were no investigations comparing the lesion detection between magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) in term of the severity of CD. We aim to assess the performances of diffusion‐weighted MR enterography (DW‐MRE) and contrast enhanced CT enterography (CTE) for detecting different grade lesions in ileocolonic CD.MethodsForty‐one consecutive patients finally diagnosed with ileocolonic CD were included. All the patients prospectively underwent DW‐MRE, contrast enhanced CTE, and ileocolonoscopy within 2 weeks. DW‐MRE and CTE images were interpreted for the presence or absence of active CD segments by two experienced radiologists independently. Ileocolonic segments (terminal ileum, right colon, transverse colon, left colon, and rectum) were graded as inactive (0–2), mild (3–6), or moderate–severe (≥ 7) by the simplified endoscopic score for CD (SES‐CD). Diagnostic efficiencies of DW‐MRE and CTE for mild and/or moderate–severe CD segments were calculated and compared, using ileocolonoscopy as reference standard.ResultsAccording to SES‐CD, 190 ileocolonic segments from 41 CD patients were scored as 91 inactive, 68 mild, and 31 moderate–severe CD lesions. The sensitivity of DW‐MRE for detecting active from inactive segments was higher than that of CTE, and the specificities of them had no significant differences. As for the subgroup analysis, DW‐MRE was more sensitive for mild CD lesions than CTE (76.5% vs 60.3%; P = 0.019), while the sensitivities for moderate–severe CD were similar between these two modalities (96.8% for DW‐MRE and 93.5% for CTE; P = 1.00).ConclusionsBoth DW‐MRE and CTE had comparably excellent performances for moderate–severe CD detection; DW‐MRE demonstrated better sensitivity in mild lesions compared with CTE and could be more suitable for the diagnosis of mild CD.
Consensus on eradication of Helicobacter pylori and prevention and control of gastric cancer in China (2019, Shanghai)
Authors: Du Yiqi , Zhu Huiyun , Liu Jiong , Li Jingnan , Chang Xin , Zhou Liya , Chen Minhu , Lu Nonghua , Li Zhaoshen 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackground and AimChina is a country with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which in turn is closely related to the occurrence of gastric cancer. Therefore, the risks of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer are highly overlapping, and the prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection are necessary to prevent gastric cancer.MethodsBased on evidence‐based medicine and the Delphi method, the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Digestive Disease along with the National Early Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center Alliance organized dozens of experts in the fields of digestive diseases, H. pylori research, gastric cancer surgery, epidemiology, health economics, and health management to discuss the relationship between H. pylori eradication and prevention and the treatment of gastric cancer.ResultsA preliminary consensus on the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer, H. pylori eradication and gastric cancer prevention, and H. pylori screening and eradication strategy was reached. The consensus further clarified the relationship between H. pylori and gastric cancer and how to formulate future prevention and control strategies for gastric cancer.ConclusionsThis consensus could provide guidance on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of H. pylori to reduce the occurrence of gastric cancer in China.
New insights into gibberellin signaling in regulating flowering in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bao Shengjie , Hua Changmei , Shen Lisha , Yu Hao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn angiosperms, floral transition is a key developmental transition from the vegetative to reproductive growth, and requires precise regulation to maximize the reproductive success. A complex regulatory network governs this transition through integrating flowering pathways in response to multiple exogenous and endogenous cues. Phytohormones are essential for proper plant developmental regulation and have been extensively studied for their involvement in the floral transition. Among various phytohormones, gibberellin (GA) plays a major role in affecting flowering in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The GA pathway interact with other flowering genetic pathways and phytohormone signaling pathways through either DELLA proteins or mediating GA homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of DELLA‐mediated GA pathway in flowering time control in Arabidopsis, and discuss its possible link with other phytohormone pathways during the floral transition.
The mycolic acid reductase Rv2509 has distinct structural motifs and is essential for growth in slow‐growing mycobacteria
Authors: Javid Asma , Cooper Charlotte , Singh Albel , Schindler Steffen , Hänisch Milena , Marshall Robert L. , Kalscheuer Rainer , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Bhatt Apoorva 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe final step in mycolic acid biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is catalysed by mycolyl reductase encoded by the Rv2509 gene. Sequence analysis and homology modelling indicate that Rv2509 belongs to the short‐chain fatty acid dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, but with some distinct features that warrant its classification as belonging to a novel family of short‐chain dehydrogenases. In particular, the predicted structure revealed a unique α‐helical C‐terminal region which we demonstrated to be essential for Rv2509 function, though this region did not seem to play any role in protein stabilisation or oligomerisation. We also show that unlike the M. smegmatis homologue which was not essential for growth, Rv2509 was an essential gene in slow‐growing mycobacteria. A knockdown strain of the BCG2529 gene, the Rv2509 homologue in Mycobacterium bovis BCG, was unable to grow following the conditional depletion of BCG2529. This conditional depletion also led to a reduction of mature mycolic acid production and accumulation of intermediates derived from 3‐oxo‐mycolate precursors. Our studies demonstrate novel features of the mycolyl reductase Rv2509 and outline its role in mycobacterial growth, highlighting its potential as a new target for therapies.