bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐mediated photodynamic therapy has effective antifungal activity againstSporothrix globosain vitro
Authors: Chen Ruili , Song Yang , Zhen Yu , Yao Lei , Shi Ying , Cui Yan , Li Shanshan 
Published: August 2020

SummaryBackgroundAn alternative therapy for sporotrichosis is necessary to reduce the treatment time and raise clinical efficacy. The 5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) is a promising platform with which to treat mycoses. However, despite the worldwide prevalence ofSporothrix globosa, a causative agent of sporotrichosis, the effect of ALA‐PDT on this pathogen has not been validated.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ALA‐PDT onS globosaand the protection of melanin through an in vitro study. The mechanisms involved were also investigated.MethodsTo estimate the survival rate ofS globosatreated with ALA‐PDT and the protection offered by melanin, the conidia and yeast cells of wild‐typeS globosa(Mel+), other clinical strains, tricyclazole‐treated Mel+ and an albino mutant strain (Mel−) were incubated with and without ALA or irradiation. Reactive oxygen species generation by Mel+ conidia induced by ALA‐PDT was assayed. SEM and TEM were conducted to obverse ultrastructural changes in the conidia. A comet assay was performed to evaluate DNA damage.ResultsThe survival rate ofS globosaconidia and yeast cells significantly decreased following incubation with 1.19M ALA and 162 J/cm2irradiation in vitro. Melanin was not only capable of protecting the conidia against ALA‐PDT, but also against ALA or irradiation alone. After induction by ALA‐PDT, alterations in reactive oxygen species generation, DNA damage and ultrastructural changes were observed.ConclusionsALA‐PDT inhibits the survival ofS globosaconidia in vitro and therefore has potential for the treatment of sporotrichosis.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders are increased in joint hypermobility‐related disorders with concomitant postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Tai Foong Way David , Palsson Olafur S. , Lam Ching Y. , Whitehead William E. , Sperber Ami D. , Tornblom Hans , Simren Magnus , Aziz Imran 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with hypermobility spectrum disorders/hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (HSD/hEDS) frequently fulfill criteria for Rome IV functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is also commonly reported in HSD/hEDS and may impact on co‐morbidity with and severity of FGIDs, although this remains to be studied. We determined the impact of concomitant POTS and HSD/hEDS on their association with Rome IV FGIDs.MethodsWith the help of the charity organization Ehlers‐Danlos Support UK, an online cross‐sectional health survey was completed by individuals with HSD/hEDS. The survey enquired for (a) self‐reported doctor diagnosis of POTS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia, (b) the presence and symptom frequency of Rome IV FGIDs, and (c) anxiety and depression scores.Key ResultsOf 616 subjects with HSD/hEDS, 37.5% reported a doctor diagnosis of POTS. POTS‐positive individuals were significantly younger than POTS‐negative subjects (37 vs 40 years, P = 0.002), more likely to report chronic fatigue syndrome (44% vs 31%, P < 0.0001), and showed a trend toward increased prevalence of fibromyalgia (44% vs 37%, P = 0.06) and higher depression score (P = 0.07). POTS‐positive subjects were also more likely to fulfill criteria for Rome IV FGIDs across various organ domains and experienced both upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms significantly more frequently. The increased associations for FGIDs and GI symptom frequency remained unchanged in HSD/hEDS subjects with POTS following adjustments for age, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and depression scores.Conclusions and InferencesThe high FGID burden in HSD/hEDS is further amplified in the presence of POTS. Future studies should elucidate the mechanism by which POTS arises in HSD/hEDS and is associated with increased GI symptoms.
Obesity in young children and its relationship with diagnosis of asthma, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, specific allergies and flat‐footedness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Malden Stephen , Gillespie Jenny , Hughes Adrienne , Gibson Ann‐Marie , Farooq Abdulaziz , Martin Anne , Summerbell Carolyn , Reilly John J. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThere is evidence that a number of medical conditions and co‐morbidities are associated with obesity in young children. This review explored whether there is evidence of associations with other conditions or co‐morbidities. Observational studies of young children (mean age < 10 years) were identified using electronic searches of five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED and SPORTDiscus). Of 27 028 studies screened, 41 (comprising 44 comparisons) met the inclusion criteria. These studies provided data on five distinct diseases/conditions: asthma (n = 16), vitamin D deficiency (n = 10), iron deficiency (n = 10), allergies (n = 4) and flat‐footedness (n = 4). Thirty‐two studies were appropriate for meta‐analysis using random‐effects models, and revealed obesity was significantly associated with having asthma (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–1.7), vitamin D deficiency (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.5) and iron deficiency (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.2). Heterogeneity (I2) ranged from 57% to 61%. Narrative synthesis was conducted for all studies. There was no evidence of a consistent association between obesity in young children and eczema, dermatitis or rhinitis due to the low number of studies. However, there was an association with flat‐footedness. These results have implications for health policy and practice and families. Further research leading to a greater understanding of the associations identified in this review is suggested.
Comparing the effects of CAD/CAM nickel‐titanium lingual retainers on teeth stability and periodontal health with conventional fixed and removable retainers: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alrawas Mohamad Basel , Kashoura Yaman , Tosun Özgür , Öz Ulaş 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a CAD/CAM nickel‐titanium retainer on the stability of mandibular anterior teeth and periodontal health and to compare it with other retainers.Setting/Sample PopulationSixty participants from both genders who had irregularities prior to orthodontic therapy and who had been treated with full‐fixed appliance mechanotherapy were included in the study and randomly allocated into four groups: CAD/CAM NiTi, multi‐stranded stainless steel, single‐stranded nickel‐free titanium and vacuum‐formed removable retainer groups. The mean age of the participants at the end of the treatment was approximately 20 years.Materials and MethodsDigital impressions were taken for all participants at three different times: immediately (T0), three months (T1) and six months (T2) after treatment. Irregularity index, inter‐canine and inter‐molar width, and arch length were recorded using software. Additionally, a full periodontal assessment was carried out at T2.ResultsDuring the follow‐ups, all groups showed some relapse in the lower anterior teeth. No statistical significance was found intergroup in terms of all measured values. Within the multi‐stranded group, inter‐canine width had decreased by 0.10 mm with a statistical significance (P = .048). An additional statistical significance withP = .045 was found within the single‐stranded group regarding the increased arch length. The periodontal assessment results of the mandibular anterior teeth between groups did not show clinically significant differences.ConclusionNo statistical significance was found between the CAD/CAM retainer and other retainers regarding the clinical failure rate. Less plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation were observed in the CAD/CAM NiTi retainer group.
Colletotrichum siamense is the main aetiological agent of anthracnose of avocado in south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Soares Maria G. O. , Alves Eduardo , Silveira Amanda L. , Pereira Fernanda D. , Guimarães Sarah S. C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAnthracnose caused by species of Colletotrichum is considered one of the main postharvest diseases for avocado. In this study, Colletotrichum isolates associated with avocado anthracnose, collected in different states of Brazil, were evaluated through phylogenetic analysis, morphological characterization, and pathogenicity assays. Moreover, the events during pathogen infection of avocados were examined by scanning electron microscopy. To assess the genetic diversity of 54 Colletotrichum isolates, partial sequence analysis of the gene gapdh was performed. According to the generated groupings and the geographical origins of isolates, a subset of 14 strains was selected for performing multilocus phylogeny analysis (using sequences of gapdh, act, tub2, and ApMat). Two species previously described were identified: C. siamense belonging to the C. gloeosporioides species complex and Colletotrichum karstii belonging to the C. boninense species complex. All Colletotrichum strains evaluated caused typical symptoms of anthracnose in avocado fruits. Conidia of the most virulent strain germinated between 6 and 12 hr after inoculation (hai). Penetration through wounds occurred 48 hai, tissue colonization occurred between 144 and 240 hai, and sporulation took place at 240 hai via the production of an acervulus, conidiophores, and conidia. The findings shed light on the aetiology of avocado anthracnose in Brazil and provide a better understanding of the infection process of this pathogen, which may assist in the development of disease management strategies.
Identification of polymorphisms in the oocyte‐derived growth differentiation growth factor 9 (GDF9) gene associated with litter size in New Zealand sheep (Ovis aries) breeds
Authors: Amirpour Najafabadi Hamed , Khansefid Majid , Mahmoud Ghassan Ghaith , Zhou Huitong , Hickford Jon G. H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHaving the ability to control litter size is important for sheep farmers and breeders worldwide. However, making genetic gain in key livestock traits like reproductive performance needs typically a lot of time, and both the fecundity and fertility traits have a great economic importance. Attention has therefore turned to better understanding the genes that control reproductive performance. Of these genes, research has focussed on the growth differentiation growth factor 9 (GDF9) gene (GDF9). In this study, a PCR‐single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) approach was used to investigate variation in this gene in separate groups of purebred Finnish Landrace sheep, Finnish Landrace × Texel‐cross sheep and composite sheep of undefined breed background, but based on New Zealand Romney‐type genetics. Three GDF9 variants (named A, B and C) were found, and upon DNA sequencing, the nucleotide substitutions c.978A>G, c.994G>A and c.1111G>A were revealed. The frequency of variant A (containing nucleotides c.978A, c.994G and c.1111G) in the Finnish Landrace, Finnish Landrace × Texel‐cross and composite sheep was 0.86, 0.78 and 0.76, respectively. In these three sheep groups, the frequency of B (defined by the presence of nucleotides c.978G and c.994A) was 0.01, 0.03 and 0.23 and for C (containing c.1111A) was 0.13, 0.18 and 0.01, respectively. An animal model was used to estimate the additive effect of fertility data for Finnish Landrace × Texel‐cross sheep and revealed an association between litter size and the c.1111G>A variation (p = .036), but this was not observed for the Finnish Landrace sheep (p = .27) or the composite sheep (p = .17). When all the sheep were analysed together, the presence of c.1111A was associated (p < .05) with increased litter size, when compared to ewes that had c.1111G. Litter size did not differ between sheep with and without c.994A in all three groups of sheep investigated. This study suggests that c.1111A could be a useful genetic marker for improving fecundity in New Zealand sheep breeds and that it could be introgressed into other breeds, but analysis of more sheep will be required to confirm the associations that have been observed here.
Problems of ‘Religion’ in Japan: Part 1
Authors: Horii Mitsutoshi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article problematises the utilisation of the category ‘religion’ as an analytical concept in the Japanese context. For some decades, in religious studies, the idea of religion has been interrogated and the ideological function of the category ‘religion’ has become a subject of critical investigation. This kind of critical approach to ‘religion’ has been applied to many different contexts including Japan. Although there has been a significant development in the critical study of ‘religion’ in Japan, this article argues that the discourse of sui generis religion is still dominant in the academic subject area currently called ‘Japanese religion(s)’. This article critically examines the category of religion in recent works of scholars who claim to study ‘Japanese religion(s)’ and suggests abandoning the term as a category of analysis. This will help scholars to re‐imagine what they use to call ‘religion’, by enabling them to see what the idea of ‘religion’ has formerly prevented them from seeing.
Mars or Mercury redux: The geopolitics of bilateral trade agreements
Authors: Eichengreen Barry , Mehl Arnaud , Chițu Livia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe analyse the role of economic and security considerations in bilateral trade agreements. We use the pre‐World War I period to test whether trade agreements are governed by standard gravity variables, or by instead—or in addition—geopolitical factors. While we like others find support for standard gravity variables, we also find that defence pacts boost the probability of trade agreements by as much as 20 percentage points. Our estimates imply that were the U.S. to alienate its geopolitical allies, the likelihood and benefits of successful bilateral agreements would fall significantly. Trade creation from an agreement between the U.S. and E.U. countries would decline by about 0.6 per cent of total U.S. exports.
Cutaneous metastases of prostatic adenocarcinoma in two dogs
Authors: Di Maria Francesca M. , Annoni Maurizio , Roccabianca Paola , Antoniazzi Elisa , Bertazzolo Walter 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCanine prostatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy characterized by rapid growth, local invasiveness, and early metastatic spread. Metastases of prostatic cancer are generally diffuse at the time of diagnosis due to hematogenous or lymphatic spread and by direct exfoliation of neoplastic cells into the peritoneal cavity. Here we describe two dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma and skin metastases. The first was a 12‐year‐old intact male German Shepherd dog that was presented with a history of chronic prostatic disease and multiple skin nodules that recently appeared on the ventral abdomen. The second was an 8‐year‐old intact male mixed breed dog that was referred for a neurologic examination because of a 1‐month history of back pain and kyphosis of undefined origin. Cutaneous cytology of the first case was suggestive of carcinoma, and at necropsy, prostatic adenocarcinoma with metastases to the skin, spleen, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and lungs were found. In the second case, a computed tomographic examination revealed a prostatic neoplasm with inguinal, subcutaneous, and cutaneous nodular metastases. Cytology and histopathology were suggestive of primary prostatic adenocarcinoma with cutaneous and subcutaneous metastases. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma skin metastases in dogs with cytologic descriptions.
A novel insertion technique for urinary catheters in female dogs with the use of a guidewire
Authors: Robben Joris H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundComplicated transurethral urinary bladder catheterization in female dogs is a commonly encountered urologic problem, often causing inadvertent trauma to the lower urinary tract and breach in aseptic technique.Key ConceptsA novel method for transurethral insertion of urinary catheters in female dogs is described. The main variation from current procedures involves the application of the Seldinger technique with the use of an introduction catheter that is specifically designed to feed into the urethra, and the use of a guidewire to replace the introducer with an indwelling balloon catheter.SignificanceThe technique presented offers a step‑by‑step approach that could improve success in urinary catheter placement. This modification may facilitate catheter insertion, be less traumatic, and offer better control of asepsis, especially with challenging urethral catheterization. The technique also offers an easy method to replace the catheter. Application of the technique may reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infections as it addresses certain infection‐related risk factors. Prospective validation studies are needed to support its advantages over current urinary catheter placement techniques.
The effect of intra‐articular mepivacaine administration prior to carpal arthroscopy on anesthesia management and recovery characteristics in horses
Authors: Gaesser Angela M. , Varner Kelley M. , Douglas Hope F. , Barr Ciara A. , Hopster Klaus , Levine David G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of intra‐articular (IA) mepivacaine administration prior to carpal arthroscopy on anesthetic drug requirements, blood pressure support, hemodynamic variables, and quality of recovery in horses.Study designExperimental, analytical, cohort study.Sample populationTwenty‐two horses (n = 11 horses/group).MethodsHorses were anesthetized by using the same protocol, but an IA injection of mepivacaine or saline was performed before carpal arthroscopy. End‐tidal isoflurane concentration, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were recorded at specific time points.Quality of recovery was scored by the anesthetist, who was unaware of group assignment. Data were analyzed by using two‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance.ResultsMean arterial pressure was higher during joint distension in the control group compared with baseline (7% higher, P = .02) and with the treatment group (10% higher, P = .04). Heart rate was higher in the control group compared with the treatment group during joint distension (8% higher, P = .04) and chip removal (11% higher, P = .03). Heart rate was higher in the control group compared with baseline during chip removal (5.5% higher, P = .04). Two horses in the control group required additional ketamine vs none in the treatment group. Quality of recovery was not different between groups.ConclusionIntra‐articular mepivacaine resulted in fewer detectable reactions to surgical stimulation, with similar recovery scores and blood pressure support requirements.Clinical significanceIntra‐articular anesthesia prior to arthroscopy can be used safely in the horse and should be considered as a part of balanced anesthetic protocols.
Association of Pressure injury with body care activities in nursing homes
Authors: Sethuraman Kinjal N. , Leekha Surbhi , Adediran Timileyin , Roghmann Mary Claire 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFrequent repositioning and skin examinations are the cornerstone of many pressure injury prevention programs. This study explores the hypothesis that frequent skin‐exposing body care activities are protective against pressure injuries in residents of long‐term care facilities. We designed a cross‐sectional observational cohort study of 381 residents from 13 such facilities. Data were collected on resident characteristics and nursing care activities for each resident. We analyzed those data, looking for an association between skin‐exposing body care and the presence of a pressure injury of stage 1 or greater. Body‐exposing care activities were divided into high‐ and low‐frequency groups. A logistic regression model was developed to include confounding variables. The odds ratio associated with body care and pressure injury was calculated. Fifteen percent of the residents in our study had pressure injuries. Confounders were activities of daily living score, heart failure, recent hospitalization, and stool incontinence. The adjusted odds ratio for body care as a risk factor was 4.9 (95% CI, 2.4, 10.4), indicating that residents with more than five body care needs are approximately five times more likely to have a pressure injury. Our results fail to support our hypothesis that frequent skin‐exposing body care activities protect against pressure injury. Further exploration is needed to understand the resident characteristics and co‐morbid conditions associated with the persistent risk for pressure injury despite frequent skin examinations.
Diversity, phylogeny and biogeography of Systomus (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sudasinghe Hiranya , Pethiyagoda Rohan , Raghavan Rajeev , Dahanukar Neelesh , Rüber Lukas , Meegaskumbura Madhava 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe South and South‐East Asian freshwater fish genus Systomus (Cyprinidae) comprises 17 valid species. Six nominal species, including three endemics, have been reported from Sri Lanka, a continental island separated from India by a shallow‐shelf sea. The species diversity of Systomus on the island has until now not been assessed; neither has an evaluation been made of their phylogenetic history. Here, based on an analysis of the nuclear recombination activating protein 1 (rag1), and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb) gene markers, and a morphological examination of 143 specimens from 49 locations in Sri Lanka, we reassess the diversity of Systomus on the island and analyse patterns of their evolution and biogeography. Divergence‐time estimates, based on a substitution rate calibration, date the basal split between Systomus and its sister group, the Afrotropical small barbs, to 30.0 Ma (95% highest posterior density: 25.4–35.2 Ma). The species of Systomus belong to two distinct clades. The first includes the Sri Lankan endemics S. asoka, S. martenstyni and S. pleurotaenia, which comprise an insular diversification following the immigration of a common ancestor during the Oligocene. The second, which includes the remaining species of Indian, Sri Lankan and South‐East Asian Systomus, has a crown age dating to the Late Miocene. Morphological and molecular species delimitation analyses failed to validate the two nominal species, S. spilurus and S. timbiri, previously reported from Sri Lanka: both are considered synonyms of S. sarana, as are the nomina S. chryseus, S. chrysopoma, S. laticeps, S. rufus, S. pinnauratus and S. subnasutus. Four genetically and geographically discrete lineages of S. sarana occur in the island, and three in India. Molecular species delimitation analysis suggests these all belong to a single species, S. sarana. The genetically distinct Sri Lankan populations of S. sarana result from Plio‐Pleistocene dispersal or vicariance events between India and Sri Lanka—as a result of emergence and inundation of the now submerged isthmus connecting the two landmasses—as well as autochthonous insular diversification.