bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Doppler as a Predictor of Ischemic Events in Vertebral Artery Dissection
Authors: Brunser Alejandro M. , Lavados Pablo M. , Cavada Gabriel , Muñoz‐Venturelli Paula , Olavarría Verónica V. , Navia Victor , Mansilla Eloy , Díaz Violeta 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSETranscranial Doppler (TCD) helps identify patients with carotid dissections at risk of ischemic events (IEs). There is paucity of data identifying independent predictors of IE in vertebral arterial dissection (VAD). We sought to investigate the clinical and ultrasound predictors of IE.METHODSPatients with VAD admitted between June 2017 and February 2020 were evaluated clinically and with TCD; sonographic curves, microembolic signals (MES), and the breath‐holding index (BHI) test were applied. Covariates found on univariate screen (P < .25) were included in a multivariable linear regression to identify independent predictors of IEs.RESULTSOf 88 patients with 100 VAD, 75 (85.2%) were females with a mean age 37.9 ± 7.5 years. All patients received antiplatelet treatment. TCD monitoring lasted an average of 21 ± 2.1 minutes. TCD was abnormal in 23 cases (26.1%); 21 patients had abnormal sonographic curves in the vertebral/basilar arteries, while in 4 cases, MES were present and in 5 (4.5%), BHI was abnormal. None of the patients with a normal TCD had an IE. Six strokes occurred during follow up. On univariate analysis, male sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, a previous myocardial infarct, migraine, time of consultation to the ER, bilateral VAD, MES, BHI abnormalities, post stenotic flow in the basilar artery (PFB), and basilar/vertebral velocities were significantly associated with the risk of IEs. In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of PFB was a significant predictor of IE (OR: 68.6, 95% CI 5‐937, <.001).CONCLUSIONSTCD in VAD predicts patients at high risk of IE.
Susceptibility‐Weighted 3T MRI of the Swallow Tail Sign in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Control Study
Authors: Weber Claudia E. , Ebert Anne , Platten Michael , Gass Achim , Eisele Philipp 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe swallow tail sign describes the physiological appearance of nigrosome‐1 within the substantia nigra on high‐resolution transverse susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI). Previous studies demonstrated its absence in Parkinson's disease due to increasing iron content. In multiple sclerosis (MS), increased iron accumulation can be found in the brain tissue including the substantia nigra.METHODSWe investigated the swallow tail sign on high‐resolution SWI MRI in 46 MS and 23 age‐ and sex‐matched controls.RESULTSMS patients demonstrated significantly more often an abnormal swallow tail sign (28/46; 60%) compared to controls (4/23; 17%; P = .001). In MS patients, we found no correlation between an abnormal swallow tail sign and age, disease duration or Expanded Disability Status Scale scores.CONCLUSIONThe finding of an abnormal swallow tail sign in MS patients may provide an additional imaging marker even in early MS development.
Anterior Insular Resting‐State Functional Connectivity is Related to Cognitive Reserve in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bizzo Bernardo Canedo , Arruda‐Sanchez Tiago , Tobyne Sean M , Bireley John Daniel , Lev Michael Howard , Gasparetto Emerson Leandro , Klawiter Eric C 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSECognitive dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). The dorsal anterior insula (dAI) is a key hub of the salience network (SN) orchestrating access to critical cognitive brain regions. The aim of this study was to assess whole‐brain dAI intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) using resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) in people with MS and healthy controls (HC) and test the relationship between cognitive reserve (CR) and dAI iFC in people with MS.METHODSWe studied 28 people with relapsing‐remitting MS and 28 HC. CR index was quantified by combining premorbid IQ, leisure activities, and education level. For whole‐brain iFC analyses, the bilateral dAI were used as seeds. Individual subject correlation maps were entered into general linear models for group comparison and to analyze the effect of CR index on dAI iFC, controlling for multiple comparisons. The correlation between CR index and iFC was assessed using a linear regression model.RESULTSrs‐fMRI analyses revealed a negative relationship between CR index and iFC within the left dAI and a left occipital cluster in people with MS including regions of the cuneus, superior occipital gyrus, and parieto‐occipital sulcus. The regression analysis showed that people with MS and a higher CR index had a statistically significantly reduced iFC within the left dAI and the cluster.CONCLUSIONSCR is relevant to functional connectivity within one of the main nodes of the SN, the dAI, and occipital regions in MS. These results have implications for how CR may modulate the susceptibility to cognitive dysfunction in MS.
Effects of spray‐dried animal plasma on the growth performance of weaned piglets—A review
Authors: Balan Prabhu , Staincliffe Maryann , Moughan Paul J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSpray‐dried animal plasma sourced from bovine, porcine or other animal origin is often used as a main feed ingredient in the diets of weanling piglets to improve growth performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of animal plasma in diets on the performance of piglets in the post‐weaning period, with and/or without pathogenic challenge, by undertaking a meta‐analysis. Data were extracted from peer‐reviewed reports published in scientific journals. The average initial weight of the piglets was 5.8 kg and the average initial age 19 days (2–56 days). The average duration of feeding animal plasma was 40 days. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found to be 22–28 g/day, 20–27 g/day and −0.28 to 0.06 g/g. Generally, diet supplemented with spray‐dried bovine plasma (SDBP) improved the ADG of the piglets and spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP) led to increases in the ADFI. For the first week post‐weaning alone, as the dietary animal plasma percentage increased there was an increase in ADG and ADFI; similarly, the latter two measures increased as weaning age increased. The evidence suggests that mainly IgG present in animal plasma prevents the binding of pathogens to the gut wall and reduces the incidence of sub‐clinical infection in the post‐weaning stage. Animal plasma containing IgG appears to be a useful in‐feed supplement for piglets in the post‐weaning phase.
The use of methylene blue to assist with parotid sialadenectomy in dogs
Authors: Gordo I. , Camarasa J. J. , Campmany M. , Bird F. G. , Vallefuoco R. , Brissot H. N. 
Published: August 2020

IntroductionThere is an important morbidity associated with parotidectomy. The most commonly reported permanent complication is facial nerve injury. Methylene blue staining has been used as an intra‐operative tool to improve tissue visualisation and preserve facial nerve integrity.ObjectivesTo describe the functionality and feasibility of the use of methylene blue for parotidectomy in dogs.Materials and MethodsRetrospective study included seven client‐owned dogs that underwent parotidectomy after injection of methylene blue from 2016 to 2019 in a referral centre. Cross‐sectional imaging was used to confirm parotid gland surgical disease and for staging purposes. All dogs underwent parotid resection and removal of the parotid duct after injection of methylene blue. Methylene blue was either administered via cannulation of the parotid duct or directly injected into the abnormal gland.ResultsIn all cases, the gland stained dark blue within seconds without any evident leakage. Complete parotid gland resection and removal of the parotid duct was achieved successfully in all dogs with a mean surgical time of 97 minutes. Subjectively, the staining was useful to identify innervation outside the coloured gland and facilitated dissection. No complications, including facial nerve injury, were recorded.Clinical SignificanceMethylene blue staining for complete parotidectomy was feasible, rapid and easy in these dogs. It can be used as an indirect facial nerve identification technique, and can therefore facilitate dissection and possibly reduce the incidence of post‐operative facial nerve paralysis.
A contribution to Gymnosphaera (Cyatheaceae) in mainland Asia: Two new species, reinstatement of Cyathea bonii, and their phylogenetic positions
Authors: Dong Shi‐Yong , Zuo Zheng‐Yu , Xiao Yong , Huang Ling , Pham Van The , Phan Ke Loc , Kang Ming 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGymnosphaera represents a minor lineage within the scaly tree‐fern family Cyatheaceae. Tropical and subtropical mainland Asia is a main distribution area of Gymnosphaera. However, the species diversity of Gymnosphaera is currently incompletely known in mainland Asia due to lacking critical revision. Here we present new findings of species diversity and their relationships to mainland Asian Gymnosphaera based on field surveys, the examination of herbarium collections, and phylogenetic analyses of sequences of multiple chloroplast and nuclear regions. Two new species, G. saxicola from southwestern Yunnan and G. bachmaensis from central Vietnam, are established. Traditionally recognized G. podophylla is revealed to be a complex, from which G. bonii is reinstated as a distinct species. Our phylogenetic analyses identified four clades within Gymnosphaera in mainland Asia: G. denticulata clade, G. gigantea clade, G. podophylla clade, and G. salletii clade. The new species G. saxicola, which is special for its saxicolous habitat, was resolved as sister to G. austroyunnanensis in the G. salletii clade. The newly discovered G. bachmaensis, which is characterized specially by the spathulate frond, was positioned in the G. podophylla clade, being sister to G. bonii. The mountainous region from south‐central Vietnam northwards to western Yunnan is a diverse center of Gymnosphaera and more species of this group are probably to be discovered there.
On the historicity of social ontology
Authors: Patomäki Heikki 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTThe question I raise is whether the basic features of mind, social categories, and society are unchanging or changing. Some understandings of ontology would seem to suggest that social ontology is a branch of metaphysics. However, as the history of concepts such as metaphysical and ontology indicate, our concepts and knowledge are historical. It is widely held that society is concept‐ and activity‐dependent. I examine critically two strands of social ontology in terms of their answers to this problematic: (1) John Searle’s theory of the construction of social reality and (2) critical realist theory of mind and society as interlaced emergent layers of reality. Apart from emergence in natural systems, there is also emergence beyond nature as consciousness, agency and society cannot be completely explained in terms of biological realities; but how and when did this emergence occur? We need an account of the emergent order of language, reflectively conscious mind, and institutions not only for its own sake, but also because the process whereby new objects and properties emerge may be on‐going, path‐dependent, diverse, and open‐ended. The main argument is that the object of study of social theorists is geo‐historically specific, liable to diversity within any given world‐historical epoch, and open to further changes and new forms of emergence in the future.
Azolla ferns testify: seed plants and ferns share a common ancestor for leucoanthocyanidin reductase enzymes
Authors: Güngör Erbil , Brouwer Paul , Dijkhuizen Laura W. , Shaffar Dally Chaerul , Nierop Klaas G.J. , de Vos Ric C.H. , Sastre Toraño Javier , van der Meer Ingrid M. , Schluepmann Henriette 
Published: August 2020

Summary

Questions about in vivo substrates for proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis and condensation have not been resolved and wide gaps in the understanding of transport and biogenesis in ‘tannosomes’ persist. Here we examined the evolution of PA biosynthesis in ferns not previously reported, asking what PAs are synthesised and how.

Chemical and gene‐expression analyses were combined to characterise PA biosynthesis, leveraging genome annotation from the floating fern Azolla filiculoides. In vitro assay and phylogenomics of PIP‐dehydrogenases served to infer the evolution of leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR).

Sporophyte‐synthesised (epi)catechin polymers, averaging only seven subunits, accumulated to 5.3% in A. filiculoides, and 8% in A. pinnata biomass dry weight. Consistently, a LAR active in vitro was highly expressed in A. filiculoides. LAR, and paralogous fern WLAR‐enzymes with differing substrate binding sites, represent an evolutionary innovation of the common ancestor of fern and seed plants.

The specific ecological niche of Azolla ferns, a floating plant–microbe mat massively fixing CO2 and N2, shaped their metabolism in which PA biosynthesis predominates and employs novel fern LAR enzymes. Characterisation of in vivo substrates of these LAR, will help to shed light on the recently assigned and surprising dual catalysis of LAR from seed plants.
Age‐related axial length changes in adults: a review
Authors: Rozema Jos J. , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the origins of age‐related decreases in axial length in the literature.MethodsA literature review was performed, including all articles regarding axial length changes with age. These data were combined with mean body length and education level for the countries of each study to assess their influence in a multivariate analysis. Furthermore, analyses were performed of how optical path length, used by optical biometers to measure axial length, is affected by the known age‐related changes in the crystalline lens. The influence of other factors mentioned in the literature was also investigated.ResultsSeventeen cross‐sectional studies were found that met the search criteria. The decrease in axial length over time was consistent across most of these studies. However, when plotted as a function of year of birth, mean body length and number of years in school, the data indicated an increase in length. Multivariate analysis confirmed the influence of body length (P = 0.005) and birth year (P = 0.017), but not age (P = 0.50). Meanwhile, the lenticular changes due to aging and cataract formation cause a minor bias in the form of increased axial length measurements. Finally, a gradual thinning of the choroidal arteries was reported to cause an increase in axial length.ConclusionThe age‐related decrease in axial length is mainly associated with gradual changes in increased body length and education level, while attenuated by minor biases in measurement procedure and thinning of the choroidal arteries.
Exclusively cephalic venous access for cardiac resynchronisation: A prospective multi‐centre evaluation
Authors: Harding Idris , Mannakkar Nilanka , Gonna Hanney , Domenichini Giulia , Leung Lisa WM , Zuberi Zia , Bajpai Abhay , Lalor Joseph , Cox Andrew T. , Li Anthony , Sohal Manav , Chen Zhong , Beeton Ian , Gallagher Mark M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSmall series has shown that cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) can be achieved in a majority of patients using exclusively cephalic venous access. We sought to determine whether this method is suitable for widespread use.MethodsA group of 19 operators including 11 trainees in three pacing centres attempted to use cephalic access alone for all CRT device implants over a period of 8 years. The access route for each lead, the procedure outcome, duration, and complications were collected prospectively. Data were also collected for 105 consecutive CRT device implants performed by experienced operators not using the exclusively cephalic method.ResultsA new implantation of a CRT device using exclusively cephalic venous access was attempted in 1091 patients (73.6% male, aged 73 ± 12 years). Implantation was achieved using cephalic venous access alone in 801 cases (73.4%) and using a combination of cephalic and other access in a further 180 (16.5%). Cephalic access was used for 2468 of 3132 leads implanted (78.8%). Compared to a non‐cephalic reference group, complications occurred less frequently (69/1091 vs 12/105; P = .0468), and there were no pneumothoraces with cephalic implants. Procedure and fluoroscopy duration were shorter (procedure duration 118 ± 45 vs 144 ± 39 minutes, P < .0001; fluoroscopy duration 15.7 ± 12.9 vs 22.8 ± 12.2 minutes, P < .0001).ConclusionsCRT devices can be implanted using cephalic access alone in a substantial majority of cases. This approach is safe and efficient.
Role of melatonin in UV‐B signaling pathway and UV‐B stress resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yao Jing‐Wen , Ma Zheng , Ma Yan‐Qin , Zhu Ying , Lei Meng‐Qi , Hao Cheng‐Ying , Chen Li‐Yu , Xu Zi‐Qin , Huang Xuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMelatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) plays important roles in plant defences against a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, including UV‐B stress. Molecular mechanisms underlying functions of melatonin in plant UV‐B responses are poorly understood. Here, we show that melatonin effect on molecular signalling pathways, physiological changes and UV‐B stress resistance in Arabidopsis. Both exogenous and endogenous melatonin affected expression of UV‐B signal transduction pathway genes. Experiments using UV‐B signalling component mutants cop1‐4 and hy5‐215 revealed that melatonin not only acts as an antioxidant to promote UV‐B stress resistance, but also regulates expression of several key components of UV‐B signalling pathway, including ubiquitin‐degrading enzyme (COP1), transcription factors (HY5, HYH) and RUP1/2. Our findings indicate that melatonin delays and subsequently enhances expression of COP1, HY5, HYH and RUP1/2, which act as central effectors in UV‐B signalling pathway, thus regulating their effects on antioxidant systems to protect the plant from UV‐B stress.
Fiscal Slack, Rule Constraints, and Government Corruption
Authors: Wei Wenchi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This article examines the effect of fiscal slack on government corruption using the US states in the period from 1998 to 2012 as a research sample. Fiscal slack in the US states is commonly referred to as “rainy day funds” (RDFs), which are intended as countercyclical reserve funds for government‐wide purposes. Theoretically, bureaucracy models predict that fiscal slack might catalyze the embezzlement or misuse behaviors of bureaucrats, who are considered to be budget maximizers. However, formally established and rules‐bound RDFs may function as a “strongbox” that curbs officials’ discretionary power, reduces uncertainty in fiscal slack management, and ultimately restrains embezzlement and misuse behaviors. Empirically, we use the incidences and durations of natural hazards as instrumental variables for RDF balances to address the potential endogeneity problems. We find that state RDFs help reduce government corruption, especially when they are regulated by relatively looser deposit rules and stricter withdrawal rules.
Evidence for Practice

State RDFs function as a “strongbox” for governments’ unspent budgetary resources and negatively affect the degree of government corruption.
A one‐standard‐deviation increase in per capita RDF balances reduces corruption‐related convicted officials per million population by approximately 3 or, measured in an alternative way, reduces corruption‐related convicted officials per thousand government employees by approximately 44–50.
The efficacy of state RDFs in curbing government corruption is contingent on the associated rules of operation. Specifically, RDFs bound by relatively looser deposit rules and stricter withdrawal rules reduce government corruption to a greater extent.
Discretion in Traffic Stops: The Influence of Budget Cuts on Traffic Citations
Authors: Su Min 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn traffic enforcement, officers have a broad range of discretionary power. They decide whether to initiate a stop. They also decide whether to write a ticket or to give a warning. Various factors affect officers' discretion, such as a driver's race, gender, and neighborhood characteristics. This study examines the influence of budget cuts to the sheriff's department on a county's traffic fines revenue. This study applies a difference‐in‐difference approach to analyze traffic citations issued by two groups of traffic enforcement officers—California's county sheriff deputies and California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers. Results show that deputies raised more traffic fines after their department experienced budget cuts in the previous years. In contrast, the number of tickets issued by CHP officers who do not receive financial benefits from the county government is not affected by a county's fiscal condition changes. This study provides evidence that traffic enforcement is under financial influence.
Is World Malaria Day an effective awareness campaign? An evaluation of public interest in malaria during World Malaria Day
Authors: Anderson J. Michael , Stafford Aaron L. , Johnson Austin L. , Hartwell Micah , Jellison Samuel , Vassar Matt 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe retrospectively analysed the relative search interest of malaria to (1) assess the relationship between Internet searches for malaria and rates of infection in 11 countries considered 'high burden' by WHO in 2019 and to (2) determine the ability of World Malaria Day on April 25 to generate interest in the disease.MethodsUsing Google Trends, we sought to determine the relative popularity of the topic of Malaria over 4 years (2015–2019). Worldwide and country‐specific searches for 'malaria' were used to assess the influence the international awareness day has on global and local interest in malaria. In order to determine whether a relationship exists between Internet searches and the disease burden of malaria, the information gathered from Google Trends was then compared with reports of morbidity and mortality of malaria from the 2019 World Malaria Report.ResultsGlobally, a negative mean difference in relative search volume was observed between World Malaria Day and the control periods of −2.46 (95% CI: −5.57 to 0.66). The relative search volume for malaria‐related search terms increased by 2.91% (±4.60) from January 2015 to 1 July 2019 in the 5 countries with the highest malaria disease burden. A positive correlation (r = 0.804) was found between per capita infections and malaria Internet search interest in addition to deaths per 1000 residents and malaria relative search interest (r = 0.663) between 2015 and 2018.ConclusionInitiatives such as World Malaria Day may help raise public awareness concerning a specific disease, prompting individuals to seek out additional information. This is especially important in high‐burden countries where access to the Internet is steadily growing. In these circumstances, having quality and easily accessible information is vital in the continuing fight against malaria.