bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate and the seasonal abundance of the tick Dermacentor reticulatus
Authors: Sands B. O. , Bryer K. E. , Wall R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Fabricius 1794) is one of the most widely distributed and abundant tick species in central Europe and is a vector for a range of pathogens. Nevertheless, many aspects of its ecology and distribution remain poorly understood. To quantify the seasonal abundance of this species in the U.K. and the environmental factors that determine this, weekly sampling at sites throughout Wales and southern England was undertaken for 12 months. This showed that the activity of adult D. reticulatus peaked February and March and that no individuals were collected between May and mid‐October; no questing tick activity was observed when the 5‐day average temperature was greater than 15 °C. A single nymph was collected by dragging, confirming speculation over the nidicolous status of larval and nymphal stadia. Laboratory analysis found that D. reticulatus were able survive cold shock and the lower lethal temperature was estimated to be between −18 and −20 °C. Habitat was significantly associated with tick activity, with higher numbers of ticks collected from low lying vegetation in marsh environments than from exposed grassland or woodland. A strong association was observed between activity and saturation deficit suggesting that the seasonal pattern of activity seen in the field, within the sites where it was abundant, is more strongly determined by temperature than humidity. Range expansion within the U.K. should be expected, bringing with it an elevated disease risk for animal and human hosts.
Divergent effects of exendin‐4 and interleukin‐6 on rat colonic secretory and contractile activity are associated with changes in regional vagal afferent signaling
Authors: O'Brien Rebecca , Buckley Maria M. , O'Malley Dervla 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐6 is elevated in individuals with the functional bowel disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IL‐6 can independently modify intestinal secreto‐motor function, thereby contributing to IBS pathophysiology. Additionally, hormonal changes may underlie symptom flares. Post‐prandial exacerbation of IBS symptoms has been linked to secretion of the incretin hormone, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), which can also influence colonic secreto‐motor activity. This study aimed to ascertain if the effects of GLP‐1 on colonic secretory and contractile activity was impacted by elevated IL‐6 levels and if sensory signals regarding such changes were reflected in altered vagal afferent activity.MethodsColonic secretory currents and circular muscle contractile activity was investigated in Sprague Dawley rats using Ussing chamber and organ bath electrophysiology. Regional afferent signaling was assessed using extracellular electrophysiological recordings from colonic vagal afferents.Key ResultsApplication of the GLP‐1 receptor agonist, exendin‐4 (Ex‐4) in the presence of IL‐6 potentiated colonic secretory currents and transepithelial resistance. Vagal afferent fibers originating in the submucosal layer exhibited larger responses to Ex‐4 when IL‐6 was also present. In contrast, co‐application of Ex‐4 and IL‐6 to gut‐bath chambers suppressed circular muscle contractile activity. The activity in extrinsic afferents originating in the colonic myenteric layer was similarly suppressed.Conclusions & InferencesApplication of Ex‐4 in the presence of IL‐6 had divergent modulatory effects on colonic secretion and contractile activity. Similar patterns were observed in vagal afferent signaling originating in the submucosal and myenteric neuronal layers, indicating regional afferent activity reflected immune‐ and endocrine‐mediated changes in colonic function.
A Bayesian model identifying locations at risk from human‐transported exotic pathogens
Authors: McKelvey Steven C. , Koch Frank H. , Smith William D. , Hawley Kelly R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA two‐phase Bayesian model is presented for updating risk assessments for locations susceptible to infection by exotic pathogens. Human transportation from previously infected regions to uninfected regions is the main dispersal mechanism. Information embedded in patterns within the transportation flow are exploited in the update process. We explore the sensitivity of the model's outputs to changes in inputs. A sample application of the model to sudden oak death, using fictitious infection data, is performed.
Calculation of ocular magnification in phakic and pseudophakic eyes based on anterior segment OCT data
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Leydolt Christina , Cayless Alan , Schwarzenbacher Luca , Zsolt Nagy Zoltán , Menapace Rupert 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a straightforward mathematical concept for determination of object to image magnification in both phakic and pseudophakic eyes, based on biometric measures, refractometry and data from an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).MethodsWe have developed a strategy for calculating ocular magnification based on axial length measurement, phakic anterior chamber and lens thickness, keratometry and crystalline lens front and back surface curvatures for the phakic eye, and axial length measurement, anterior chamber and lens thickness, keratometry and intraocular lens power, refractive index and shape factor for the pseudophakic eye. Comparing the magnification of both eyes of one individual yields aniseikonia, while comparing the preoperative and postoperative situation of one eye provides the gain or loss in ocular magnification. The applicability of this strategy is shown using a clinical example and a small case series in 78 eyes of 39 patients before and after cataract surgery.ResultsFor the phakic eye, the refractive index of the crystalline lens was adjusted to balance the optical system. The pseudophakic eye is fully determined and we proposed three strategies for considering a potential mismatch of the data: (A) with spherical equivalent refraction, (B) with intraocular lens power and (C) with the shape factor of the lens. Magnification in the phakic eye was −0.00319 ± 0.00014 and with (A) was −0.00327 ± 0.00013, with (B) was −0.00323 ± 0.00014 and with (C) was −0.00326 ± 0.00013. With A/B/C, the magnification of the pseudophakic eye was on average 2.52 ± 2.83%/1.31 ± 2.84%/2.14 ± 2.80% larger compared with the phakic eye. Magnification changes were within a range of ±10%.ConclusionsOn average, ocular magnification does not change greatly after cataract surgery with implantation of an artificial lens, but in some cases, the change could be up to ±10%. If the changes are not consistent between the left and right eyes, then this could lead to post‐cataract aniseikonia.
Shape of the anterior surface of the cornea after extended wear of silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses
Authors: Stachura Joanna , Mlyniuk Patryk , Bloch Waldemar , Jimenez‐Villar Alfonso , Grulkowski Ireneusz , Kaluzny Bartlomiej J 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeTo measure geometrical changes in the anterior surface of the cornea after wearing silicon hydrogel (SiH) soft contact lenses continuously for 1 week.MethodsForty‐three eyes with 3.0D of myopia and 22 eyes with 3.0D of hyperopia were enrolled in the prospective, interventional study. All subjects underwent a general eye examination, corneal tomography with wavefront aberration analysis, corneal thickness measurements and epithelial thickness mapping before and after wearing SiH lenses (Acuvue Oasys) for 7 days.ResultsNo significant changes in average keratometry were observed in either refractive group. In the myopic group, keratometry findings for the flat meridian (K1) and central corneal thickness decreased significantly. After +3.0 D lens wear in the hyperopic group, a significant decrease in epithelial thickness up to 3.19 µm was observed in the central and paracentral cornea, (p < 0.001). In both refractive groups, the largest epithelial thickness increase was seen in the periphery. A decrease in spherical aberration was noted in myopic eyes, while an increase of both higher order corneal aberrations and coma was found in hyperopic subjects.ConclusionExtended wear of SiH lenses results in a significant change in epithelial thickness leading to alteration in the geometry of the anterior surface of the cornea, particularly in hyperopic patients. These epithelial thickness variations lead to changes in the higher order aberrations of the cornea.
Clinical Results of Acetabular Fracture via the Pararectus versus Ilioinguinal Approach
Authors: Zou Ruyi , Wu Min , Guan Jianzhong , Xiao Yuzhou , Chen Xiaotian 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of pararectus and ilioinguinal approach in the treatment of acetabular fractures.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 60 patients with acetabular fractures treated by the pararectus approach or the ilioinguinal approach from January 2016 to January 2019 was performed to record all data by comparing the length of the surgical incision, the time to expose the fracture and the amount of blood loss during the operation. Patients were routinely followed up at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The function of the hip joint after the operation (Improved Merle d' Aubigne and Postel scores) and the complications postoperation were recorded.ResultsThere was a significant difference (mean ± SD) in the length of surgical incision [(11.2 ± 1.5) cm vs.(23.8 ± 2.1) cm], and in surgical exposure time [(10.8 ± 1.7) min vs.(19.9 ± 1.9) min] (P < 0.05) between the two approaches; there was no significant difference (mean ± SD) in intraoperative blood loss [(591.8 ± 131.4) mL vs. (614.6 ± 132.7) mL] or in hip function scores at the last follow‐up between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the pararectus approach group, there was one patient (3.3%) with postoperative wound fat liquefaction, and the wound completely improved by secretion culture, enhanced dressing and effective antibiotics, one patient (3.3%) developed lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury; One case (3.3%) of postoperative myositis ossificans occurred in the ilioinguinal approach group, and there were no obvious symptoms.ConclusionsThese data suggest that for patients with acetabular fractures, both the pararectus approach and the ilioinguinal approach can achieve satisfactory surgical results, but the former has relatively simple operation and small incision length, which is in line with the modern concept of the minimally invasive pelvis.
Clinical Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy for Hip Labrum Calcification in Young and Middle‐Aged Patients
Authors: Zhang Bai‐qing , An Ming‐yang , Gao Feng , Li Chun‐bao , Wei Qi , Hu Bo , Yuan Wei , Lu Ming , Liu Yu‐feng , Liu Yu‐jie 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the methods and outcomes of hip arthroscopy for hip labrum calcification, and to discuss the clinical, imaging, and intraoperative findings of hip labrum calcification.MethodsThis is a therapeutic case series study. From January 2015 to June 2018, 15 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed up for at least 2 years for an analysis on the outcomes of arthroscopy in the treatment of hip labrum calcification and the clinical, imaging, and intraoperative findings of the patients. There were eight males and seven females, with an average age of 38.9 ± 8.8 years (range, 23–50 years). The visual analog scale (VAS), the modified Harris hip score (mHSS), and the international hip outcome tool (iHOT‐12) were used to evaluate the outcomes of surgery.ResultsA total of 15 patients were followed up for at least 2 years (28.1 ± 2.9 months). The average calcified volume was 118.0 mm3 (range, 19.4–609.2 mm3) and calcified volume was related to the preoperative hip function score. Thirteen patients had pain in the groin area (86.7%). Labrum calcifications were located (according to the clock distribution) as follows: 14 patients were anterior and superior (11:00–3:00); 12 cases of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) were observed during operation, including five cases of pincer type, two cases of cam type, and five cases of mixed type. VAS pain score means were 7.73 ± 1.28 before surgery, decreasing to 2.0 ± 0.89 and 1.73 ± 0.79 at 1 and 2 years post‐surgery, respectively. mHSS scores were 57.40 ± 6.23 before surgery and 82.10 ± 4.76 and 83.18 ± 4.07, 1 and 2 years post‐surgery, respectively; iHOT‐12 mean score pre‐surgery was 37.67 ± 4.85, increasing to 67.64 ± 5.30 and 72.18 ± 4.49, 1 and 2 years post‐surgery, respectively. Compared with preoperative values, postoperative VAS, mHSS, and iHOT‐12 scores were significantly improved (P < 0.01); iHOT‐12 scores also significantly decreased from 1 to 2 years postoperatively (P = 0.034). No patient had complications.ConclusionHip arthroscopy is an effective method for the treatment of hip labrum calcification. The size of calcification influenced preoperative symptoms and function. Long‐term irritation from FAI may be one important cause of labrum calcification.
The pan‐genome of the cultivated soybean (PanSoy) reveals an extraordinarily conserved gene content
Authors: Torkamaneh Davoud , Lemay Marc‐André , Belzile François 
Published: May 2021

SummaryStudies on structural variation in plants have revealed the inadequacy of a single reference genome for an entire species and suggest that it is necessary to build a species‐representative genome called a pan‐genome to better capture the extent of both structural and nucleotide variation. Here, we present a pan‐genome of cultivated soybean (Glycine max), termed PanSoy, constructed using the de novo genome assembly of 204 phylogenetically and geographically representative improved accessions selected from the larger GmHapMap collection. PanSoy uncovers 108 Mb (˜11%) of novel nonreference sequences encompassing 3621 protein‐coding genes (including 1659 novel genes) absent from the soybean ‘Williams 82’ reference genome. Nonetheless, the core genome represents an exceptionally large proportion of the genome, with >90.6% of genes being shared by >99% of the accessions. A majority of PAVs encompassing genes could be confirmed with long‐read sequencing on a subset of accessions. The PanSoy is a major step towards capturing the extent of genetic variation in cultivated soybean and provides a resource for soybean genomics research and breeding.
Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and coronatine as new elicitors of tropane alkaloid biosynthesis in Atropa acuminata and Atropa belladonna hairy root cultures
Authors: Fattahi Farnoosh , Shojaeiyan Abdolali , Palazon Javier , Moyano Elisabeth , Torras‐Claveria Laura 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHyoscyamine (HYO) and scopolamine (SCO) are tropane alkaloids acting as anticholinergic factors on the parasympathetic nervous system in humans and are produced by Solanaceous plants. Two strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, A4 and LBA9402, were used to infect Atropa acuminata Royle ex Miers and Atropa belladonna L. leaf explants. A. acuminata was inoculated either by direct infection or sonicated‐assisted A. rhizogenes‐mediated transformation (SAAT) was performed. A. belladonna was inoculated with the A4 strain using a direct method. The selected hairy root lines of both species were elicited with 50 mM methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), 0.5 μM coronatine (Cor) or 50 mM β‐CD + 0.5 μM Cor on Day 14 of culture. The elicitor effect on growth and HYO and SCO content was analyzed after one (T1) and two (T2) weeks of treatment. In A. acuminata explants, the highest transformation percentage (T%) was obtained with strain A4 and the SAAT method (T%: 96.43). Cor significantly reduced the growth of A. acuminata hairy roots (fresh weight and dry weight [DW]: 2.52 and 0.3 g, respectively), whereas β‐CD increased their DW (0.4 g). Also, the combined β‐CD + Cor treatment had a positive significant effect on the DW of A. belladonna hairy roots (0.41 g). In A. acuminata hairy roots, the HYO level was lower under Cor treatment than in the control at both sampling times. In contrast, the SCO content was increased 10‐fold by Cor elicitation at T1 compared to the control (10.95 mg g−1 DW) and was also positively affected by  β‐CD + Cor. In A. belladonna hairy roots, all the elicitors had a negative effect on both HYO and SCO production. This report is the first assessment of the effect of β‐CD and Cor elicitors on tropane alkaloid production.
Microplastics as a sedimentary component in reef systems: A case study from the Java Sea
Authors: Utami Dwi Amanda , Reuning Lars , Konechnaya Olga , Schwarzbauer Jan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMicroplastic pollution has been reported from coral reef systems all over the tropics. Exposure to microplastics has several negative impacts on coral health, such as bleaching, tissue necrosis, or an impairment of the coral’s immune system. Despite this potential risk for reef systems, the controlling processes for microplastics dispersion and accumulation in reef sediments are still largely under‐studied. Presented here is a study of microplastics (125 µm to 5 mm) distribution in two tropic atoll reef platforms in Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia. Sediment samples were collected in different facies zones within the reef platform. Microplastics were concentrated using density floatation and characterized by light and scanning electron microscopy. Some particles were identified as polypropylene using micro‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. All recovered microplastics were classified as secondary microplastics, likely derived from marine and local sources, with fibres as the most abundant type. Microplastics are showing similar transport and accumulation behaviour as fine siliciclastic grains. The abundance of microplastic is controlled by the proximity to the source area of larger plastic debris and hydrodynamic processes. Microplastics are not only present in low energy environments but also high energy settings such as the reef crest. Processes that contribute to accumulation in reef sediments are biofouling, interlocking and the creation of compound grains. Microplastics are present in sediment close to the seafloor (0 to 3.5 cm) but also at depths between 3.5 cm and 7.0 cm. Microplastic particles from below 3.5 cm are unlikely to be remobilized under modal weather conditions in the studied equatorial reefs. Subtidal reef sediment therefore can be regarded as a permanent sink for microplastics. The study shows that microplastics in coral reef environments deserve careful consideration since microplastics pose an additional threat to corals and their ability as framework builders in reef systems.
Performing Identity: The Case of the (Greek) Cypriot National Guard
Authors: Moisi Evangelina , Zachariades Alexandros 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStudents of International Relations are taught that the modern nation‐state has a monopoly on the (legitimate) use of violence. However, in the case of the Republic of Cyprus this does not seem to be the case, since its armed forces, the Cypriot National Guard (CNG), are intimately embedded within Greece’s military structure, and half the island remains under Turkish occupation. The colonization of Cyprus (1571–1960) and subsequent decolonization has led to the gradual construction of two rigid identities, Greek and Turkish, that have been institutionalized legally and imposed constitutionally. This paper seeks to answer two questions. First, how does the CNG perform and therefore constitute a ‘Greek identity’? Second, is this performance epistemically violent, hindering the formation of hybrid identities? We use autoethnography, interviews, and insights from Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of the habitus and Judith Butler’s performativity theory to explore these two questions. We argue that the CNG performs a Greek identity in three key configurations: 1) the operational link between the Greek Army and the CNG; 2) the explicit connection to both ancient and modern Greece through various CNG insignia and practices, including parades and marching songs; and 3) the entrenchment of the Greek Orthodox Church within its practices.
White elephants on quicksand: Low oil prices and high geopolitical risk
Authors: Abdel‐Latif Hany , El‐Gamal Mahmoud 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe investigate the effects of low oil prices and heightened geopolitical risks on economic growth and investment in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. We find that negative shocks to oil prices and positive shocks to geopolitical risk have adverse effects on GDP and investment. Moreover, we find that the impact of investment on GDP in MENA countries is muted when oil prices are low and/or geopolitical risk level is high. These findings cast doubts on the prospects of mega‐project economic transformation plans as envisioned in 2030 visions for several MENA countries.
Biomechanical analysis of accessory tendon graft augmentation for primary gastrocnemius tendon reconstruction in dogs
Authors: Duffy Daniel J. , Chang Yi‐Jen , Fisher Matthew B. , Moore George E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of accessory tendon graft (ATG) augmentation as an adjunct to a core locking‐loop (LL) and epitendinous suture (ES) repair in a gastrocnemius tendon (GT) model.Study DesignRandomized, ex vivo, biomechanical.PopulationTwenty‐two canine GT musculotendinous constructs.MethodsGT repair constructs were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10/group). After transection, paired GT were repaired with LL + ES alone or with concurrent ATG augmentation. Yield, peak and failure loads, tensile loads required to create 1 and 3 mm gapping, and failure modes were evaluated. Four GT were used as intact controls for validation of testing methodology. ATG constructs were compared to LL + ES and control specimens.ResultsYield (p < .0001), peak (p = .0001) and failure loads (p = .0003) were greater when ATG was used for repair. Greater force was required to cause 1 mm (p = .0001) and 3 mm (p = .0002) gap formation in the ATG group, however, the frequency of gap formation did not differ between groups. All repaired constructs failed exclusively by suture pull‐through.ConclusionAutologous ATG augmentation as an adjunct to primary GT repair increased yield, peak and failure forces by approximately 1.6×, 1.9×, 1.8× respectively and required 2.1× greater force to cause 1 and 3 mm formation respectively compared to LL + ES repairs alone.Clinical SignificanceATG augmentation should be considered as an autologous method to support and strengthen the primary GT repair. These results justify studies to determine the effect of ATG on clinical function following graft harvest in dogs.