bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial resistance increased over an 8‐year period in Enterobacteriaceae cultured from canine urine samples
Authors: Guzmán Ramos P. J. , Shiel R. E. , Fernández Pérez C. , Ríos Boeta A. M. , Perlado Chamizo M. R. , Ballester Aguado J. I. , Ruiz Duro N. , Ortiz‐Díez G. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesThe aims of the present study were to describe the prevalence of positive urinary bacterial culture in dogs, to identify the most commonly isolated microorganisms and to analyse changes in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns over time.Material and MethodsA retrospective case series was performed using culture and susceptibility results from canine urine samples collected between January 2010 and December 2017. The presence or absence of infection, identity of the bacterium with heaviest growth, and susceptibility profile were recorded for each sample. Trends in the frequency of positive culture and antimicrobial resistance were assessed by Poisson regression modelling. Prevalence rate ratio and 95% confidence interval were reported for resistance to each antimicrobial.ResultsA positive urine culture was documented in 771 (22.5%) of 3420 samples.Escherichia coliwas the most commonly isolated microorganism. There was no significant increase in the frequency of positive bacterial culture over the study period (prevalence rate ratio 0.98; 95% confidence interval: 0.92 to 1.0). Overall, there was an increase in antimicrobial resistance within Enterobacteriaceae from 5.2 to 35.6%. The prevalence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria varied from year to year throughout the study period. However, the Poisson regression model identified a significant increase in the frequency of multidrug‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae over this period, averaging approximately 22% per year (prevalence rate ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.06 to 1.42).Clinical SignificanceThe significant increase in antimicrobial resistance observed in this study is concerning and may have implications for veterinary and public health. Appropriate measures, such as antibiotic stewardship programmes, should be implemented to address increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Shift from trait convergence to divergence along old‐field succession
Authors: Backhaus Lindsay , Albert Georg , Cuchietti Anibal , Jaimes Nino Luisa María , Fahs Nina , Lisner Aleš , Kolář Vojtěch , Kermavnar Janez , Widmer Stefan , Zimmermann Zita , Rofrics Nora , de Bello Francesco , Lepš Jan , García Medina Nagore 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsEcological theories predict that assembly processes shape communities so that co‐existing species may either be functionally more dissimilar ("divergence") or more similar ("convergence") than expected by chance. Two important factors that are rarely considered in combination are spatial scale and successional stage. Our aim is to identify different functional patterns during succession across spatial scales and to discuss the likely underlying assembly processes. We expect to find convergence due to environmental filtering at early succession, especially at the largest scales, and a tendency towards divergence driven by competitive interactions as succession unfolds and at smaller spatial scales.LocationProtected Landscape Area “Bohemian Karst”, Czech Republic.MethodsWe studied three succession stages (two, eight and 55 years after abandonment). Each field was sampled using 40 1‐m2 quadrats containing 100 pins in a regular grid. We analysed trait dispersion at several combinations of grain and extent and characterised trait similarity using phylogeny and four traits: specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, height, and seed mass analysed individually and combined using Gower distance (multi‐trait dissimilarity).ResultsIn the youngest field, three of the traits individually and the multi‐trait dissimilarity showed convergence regardless of scale. Phylogeny showed convergence at most spatial scales of the youngest stage. The other two fields showed greater divergence predominantly in the oldest field at the smallest spatial scale.ConclusionsThe results are mainly congruent with theoretical expectations and provide a valuable example of directional changes from trait convergence to divergence along succession. The scale‐invariant convergence in the early stages of succession seems to be the result of environmental filtering and weaker competitive exclusion. At later stages and particularly at smaller scales, divergence becomes more common, likely because competition limits the trait similarity of species. These results highlight the importance of predictable (non‐random) changes in ecological succession.
Diversification, disparification and hybridization in the desert shrubs Encelia
Authors: Singhal Sonal , Roddy Adam B. , DiVittorio Christopher , Sanchez‐Amaya Ary , Henriquez Claudia L. , Brodersen Craig R. , Fehlberg Shannon , Zapata Felipe 
Published: January 2021

Summary

There are multiple hypotheses for the spectacular plant diversity found in deserts. We explore how different factors, including the roles of ecological opportunity and selection, promote diversification and disparification in Encelia, a lineage of woody plants in the deserts of the Americas.

Using a nearly complete species‐level phylogeny based on double‐digest restriction‐aided sequencing along with a broad set of phenotypic traits, we estimate divergence times and diversification rates, identify instances of hybridization, quantify trait disparity and assess phenotypic divergence across environmental gradients.

We show that Encelia originated and diversified recently (mid‐Pleistocene) and rapidly, with rates comparable to notable adaptive radiations in plants. Encelia probably originated in the hot deserts of North America, with subsequent diversification across steep environmental gradients. We uncover multiple instances of gene flow between species. The radiation of Encelia is characterized by fast rates of phenotypic evolution, trait lability and extreme disparity across environments and between species pairs with overlapping geographic ranges.

Encelia exemplifies how interspecific gene flow in combination with high trait lability can enable exceptionally fast diversification and disparification across steep environmental gradients.
In vivo assembly of the sorgoleone biosynthetic pathway and its impact on agroinfiltrated leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Pan Zhiqiang , Bajsa‐Hirschel Joanna , Vaughn Justin N. , Rimando Agnes M. , Baerson Scott R. , Duke Stephen O. 
Published: January 2021

Summary

Sorgoleone, a hydrophobic compound exuded from root hair cells of Sorghum spp., accounts for much of the allelopathic activity of the genus. The enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of this compound have been identified and functionally characterized. Here, we report the successful assembly of the biosynthetic pathway and the significant impact of in vivo synthesized sorgoleone on the heterologous host Nicotiana benthamiana.

A multigene DNA construct was prepared for the expression of genes required for sorgoleone biosynthesis in planta and deployed in N. benthamiana leaf tissues via Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression. RNA‐sequencing was conducted to investigate the effects of sorgoleone, via expression of its biosynthesis pathway, on host gene expression.

The production of sorgoleone in agroinfiltrated leaves as detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) resulted in the formation of necrotic lesions, indicating that the compound caused severe phytotoxicity to these tissues. RNA‐sequencing profiling revealed significant changes in gene expression in the leaf tissues expressing the pathway during the formation of sorgoleone‐induced necrotic lesions.

Transcriptome analysis suggested that the compound produced in vivo impaired the photosynthetic system as a result of downregulated gene expression for the photosynthesis apparatus and elevated expression of proteasomal genes which may play a major role in the phytotoxicity of sorgoleone.
DIGGING PITS AND MAKING PLACES AT UĞURLU DURING THE SIXTH MILLENNIUM BC
Authors: Karamurat Cansu , Atakuman Çiğdem , Erdoğu Burçin 
Published: January 2021

SummaryThe site of Uğurlu on the island of Gökçeada (Imbros) is the earliest known Neolithic settlement within the Aegean Islands (c.6800–4500 cal. BC). In total, 37 pits, associated with a rich variety of artefacts as well as human and animal bones were excavated in the Late Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic levels of the site (c.5900–4500 BC). The pits belonging to the early sixth millennium BC levels of Uğurlu were small and located within the houses that seem to have gone through multiple episodes of house destruction and renovation rituals. During the late sixth millennium BC, this area became the focus of extensive pit‐digging activity, when large pits involving rich variety of artefacts were set within the courtyard of a special building (Building 4). Among the pits, a collective human burial pit (P188) incorporating the remains of 11 individuals and another pit (P52) involving a partial human skeleton were also found. From a comparative point of view, the construction techniques of these pits, their spatio‐temporal relations as well as their associated archaeological artefacts resemble the Anatolian and Near Eastern Neolithic practices of house destruction and renovation cycles, which are activities related to the ancestor cults of the region. We argue that all of these practices reflect public events during which social relations were negotiated through the agency of place. The differences observed during the sixth millennium BC at Uğurlu reflect the changing concepts of place and society in the immediate aftermath of the Neolithic Process, when interactions with the Balkans as well as the Aegean intensified in this region.
Low nitrate alleviates iron deficiency by regulating iron homeostasis in apple
Authors: Sun Wei‐Jian , Zhang Jiu‐Cheng , Ji Xing‐Long , Feng Zi‐Quan , Wang Xun , Huang Wen‐Jing , You Chun‐Xiang , Wang Xiao‐Fei , Hao Yu‐Jin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIron (Fe) is an essential element for plant growth, development and metabolism. Due to its lack of solubility and low bioavailability in soil, Fe levels are usually far below the optimum amount for most plants' growth and development. In apple production, excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer may cause iron chlorosis symptoms in the newly growing leaves, but the regulatory mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unclear. In this study, low nitrate (NO3−, LN) application alleviated the symptoms of Fe deficiency and promoted lower rhizosphere pH, which was beneficial for root Fe acquisition. At the same time, LN treatment increased citrate and abscisic acid accumulation in roots, which promoted Fe transport from root to shoot and maintained Fe homeostasis. Moreover, qRT‐PCR analysis showed that nitrate application caused differential expression of genes related to Fe uptake and transport, as well as transcriptional regulators. In summary, our data reveal that low nitrate alleviated Fe deficiency through multiple pathways, demonstrating a new option for minimizing Fe deficiency by regulating the balance between nutrients.
Proteomic profile of pre‐implantational ovine embryos produced in vivo
Authors: Sanchez Deisy J. D. , Vasconcelos Fabio R. , Teles‐Filho Antônio C. A. , Viana Arabela G. A. , Martins Aline M. A. , Sousa Marcelo V. , Castro Mariana S. , Ricart Carlos A. , Fontes Wagner , Bertolini Marcelo , Bustamante‐Filho Ivan C. , Moura Arlindo A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present study was conducted to decipher the proteome of in vivo‐produced pre‐implantation ovine embryos. Ten locally adapted Morana Nova ewes received hormonal treatment and were inseminated 12 hr after ovulation. Six days later, 54 embryos (morula and blastocyst developmental state) were recovered from eight ewes and pooled to obtain sufficient protein for proteomic analysis. Extracted embryo proteins were analysed by LC‐MS/MS, followed by identification based on four database searches (PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer software, SearchGUI software, PepExplorer). Identified proteins were analysed for gene ontology terms, protein clusters and interactions. Genes associated with the ovine embryo proteome were screened for miRNA targets using data sets of TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org) and mIRBase (http://www.mirbase.org) servers. There were 667 proteins identified in the ovine embryos. Biological processes of such proteins were mainly related to cellular process and regulation, and molecular functions, to binding and catalytic activity. Analysis of the embryo proteins revealed 49 enriched functional clusters, linked to energy metabolism (TCA cycle, pyruvate and glycolysis metabolism), zona pellucida (ZP), MAPK signalling pathway, tight junction, binding of sperm to ZP, translation, proteasome, cell cycle and calcium/phospholipid binding. Sixteen miRNAs were related to 25 pre‐implantation ovine embryo genes, all conserved in human, bovine and ovine species. The interaction network generated by miRNet showed four key miRNAs (hsa‐mir‐106b‐5p; hsa‐mir‐30‐5p; hsa‐mir‐103a‐5p and hsa‐mir‐106a‐5p) with potential interactions with embryo‐expressed genes. Functional analysis of the network indicated that miRNAs modulate genes related to cell cycle, regulation of stem cell and embryonic cell differentiation, among others. Retrieved miRNAs also modulate the expression of genes involved in cell signalling pathways, such as MAPK, Wnt, TGF‐beta, p53 and Toll‐like receptor. The current study describes the first major proteomic profile of 6‐day‐old ovine embryos produced in vivo, setting a comprehensive foundation for our understanding of embryo physiology in the ovine species.
Age at marriage, social norms, and female education in Nepal
Authors: Jafarey Saqib , Mainali Ram , Montes‐Rojas Gabriel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe study the impact of age at marriage on female education. We hypothesize that in cultures where women marry young, parents discount the pecuniary benefits of educating girls; the earlier the anticipated age at marriage the greater this discount. We empirically test this effect using household data from Nepal. We control for potential endogeneity of age at marriage by exploiting variations in cultural norms regarding dowry and differences in the average age of female marriage among ethnicities and regions as instrumental variables. The econometric results support the hypothesis that female education is negatively affected by cultural norms that favor early marriage.
HIV, HCV, and HBV incidence and residual risk in US blood donors before and after implementation of the 12‐month deferral policy for men who have sex with men
Authors: Steele Whitney R. , Dodd Roger Y. , Notari Edward P. , Haynes James , Anderson Steven A. , Williams Alan E. , Reik Rita , Kessler Debra , Custer Brian , Stramer Susan L. ,   Transfusion‐Transmissible Infections Monitoring System (TTIMS)
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn December 2015, the men who have sex with men (MSM) deferral was reduced to 12 months in the United States. We compared human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) incidence and residual risk before and after this policy change using data from >50% of the US blood supply.Study Design and MethodsThree estimation intervals from the Transfusion‐Transmissible Infections Monitoring System were compared: 15‐months pre‐ and two consecutive, nonoverlapping 15‐month post‐MSM deferral implementation. Repeat, first‐time, and weighted all‐donor incidences were estimated. Residual risk was calculated for all incidence estimates using the incidence/window‐period method.ResultsHIV repeat donor incidence was 1.57 per 100 000 person‐years (phtpy) in the second 15‐month post change and not significantly different from pre‐MSM incidence of 2.19 phtpy. Similar values were seen for HCV (1.49 phtpy vs 1.46 phtpy) and HBV (1.14 phtpy vs 0.97 phtpy). In some cases, higher estimated incidence, but without significant change from pre‐MSM to the second post change period occurred for males and first‐time donors (eg, first‐time donors, second post change period: 6.12 phtpy HIV, 6.41 phtpy HCV and 5.34 phtpy HBV). Estimated per donation residual risk was 1:1.6 million for HIV, 1:2.0 million for HCV and 1:1.0 million for HBV based on weighted incidence for all donors.ConclusionsRepeat, first‐time, and overall donor incidence did not vary significantly comparing pre‐MSM to either of the post‐MSM estimation intervals. Residual risk estimates vary by study, but all yield residual risks in the United States of ≤1 per million, and thus far have not shown increasing risk with the 12‐month MSM policy change.
How do I create a partnership between a blood bank and a milk bank to provide safe, pasteurized human milk to infants?
Authors: O'Rourke Janice , Long Sarah , LePage Nichole L. , Waxman Dan A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe now 5‐year collaboration between the Indiana Blood Center, now Versiti Blood Center of Indiana, and The Milk Bank has increased the number of human milk donors, improved the collection and processing of donor milk, and improved awareness of this lifesaving resource. The Indiana Blood Center provides greater visibility for The Milk Bank, creating more opportunities to reach potential donors, and can provide the screening blood test for potential donors to become approved human milk donors. The resources of the multiple locations of the Indiana Blood Center permitted the formation of new milk depots in five different cities and quicker transportation of donated milk through their active courier system. This partnership most importantly has improved awareness for both lifesaving missions to the communities they serve.
Influence of osteochondrosis on the longevity and racing performance of standardbred trotters and pacers
Authors: Boorman Sophie , Hofmeister Erik H. , Ross Michael W. , Ralston Sarah , Bell Garrett , Mackie Sarah , Ortved Kyla 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of clinical osteochondrosis (OC) on the short‐term (2, 3, and 4‐year‐old) and long‐term racing performance and longevity of standardbred racehorses.Study designRetrospective case–control study.Sample populationStandardbred racehorses from a single breeding farm born between 2009 and 2017 that survived to racing age (n = 2711). Three hundred eighty‐two (14%) horses were OC‐affected (829 lesions confirmed arthroscopically during surgical treatment), and 2329 (86%) horses were nonaffected.MethodsRacing performance data were obtained from an online database and evaluated with multiple linear regression models.ResultsTrotters were more likely than pacers to be affected by OC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1‐1.9,P= .006). Compared with nonaffected horses, long‐term OC‐affected horses had 8.8 fewer starts (95% CI = −14.4 to −3.2,P= .002), 1.0 fewer wins (95% CI = −1.9 to −0.1,P= .030), and 3.8 fewer total number of first through third place finishes (95% CI = −6.2 to −1.4,P < .0001). Nonaffected horses had longer careers compared with OC‐affected horses, racing 0.32 years longer (95% CI = −0.52 to −0.12,P= .002). Osteochondrosis had no impact on short‐term racing performance. Horses with lesions at the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia or lateral trochlear ridge of the talus had decreased performance compared with horses without these lesions.ConclusionPacers were less likely than trotters to be affected by OC. Affected horses had fewer starts and shorter careers, despite early surgical intervention.Clinical significanceOsteochondrosis decreases long‐term racing performance in racing standardbreds.
T2-hyperintense, non-gadolinium-enhancing, diffusion-restricted symmetrical curvilinear lesion of the anterior pons: a rare radiological pattern of leptomeningeal metastatic disease secondary to likely lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Brooks Christopher Alan , Bonura Andrew , Beran Roy G 
Published: January 2021

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is a devastating sequelae of metastatic cancer. It has protean manifestations on imaging. An elderly woman presented to our tertiary centre with symptoms suggestive of a cerebrovascular accident. Investigations revealed no evidence of this. There was clinical, contextual and radiological evidence of an underlying neoplasm.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated evidence of a rare morphology (anterolateral pontine leptomeningeal enhancement) in the presence of a probable concomitant lung adenocarcinoma. Other reports have previously described this same neuroradiology, seemingly always in association with lung adenocarcinoma.The purpose of this report is to highlight an unusual case and discuss its peculiarity and pathophysiology. Our patient is the latest documented of a small cohort with this constellation of clinical and neuroradiological features.This study demonstrates the importance of differential diagnosis in stroke medicine, specifically the need to consider neoplastic phenomena in patients admitted following putative cerebrovascular events.
Morning glory disc anomaly-associated maculopathy: multimodal imaging
Authors: Hwang Inae , Ugarte Marta 
Published: January 2021

Morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA) is most commonly found in white females in childhood with reduced vision. One in two cases have been reported to develop maculopathy or posterior pole retinal detachment as they grow older. The pathophysiology of MGDA-associated maculopathy is not well understood.We describe a 31-year-old black woman, who presented with gradual reduction of vision in the right eye due to MGDA-associated maculopathy. We identified morphological characteristics of the optic disc and macula with multicolour and optical coherence tomography imaging.We speculate that the centripetal inner retina traction and cerebrospinal fluid pressure fluctuation play an important role in inner retinal fluid accumulation in the pathology of retinoschisis in MGDA. Further studies will shed some light of a potential cause-and-effect relationship between MGDA and retinoschisis.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on stroke admissions in Qatar
Authors: Akhtar Naveed , Al Jerdi Salman , Mahfoud Ziyad , Imam Yahia , Kamran Saadat , Saqqur Maher , Morgan Deborah , Joseph Sujatha , Khan Khurshid , Shuaib Ashfaq 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic unexplained decline in hospital admissions due to acute coronary syndromes and stroke. Several theories have emerged aiming to explain this decline, mostly revolving around the fear of contracting the disease and thus avoiding hospital visits.AimsIn this study, we aim to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stroke admissions to a tertiary care centre in Qatar.MethodsThe Hamad General Hospital stroke database was interrogated for stroke admissions between September 2019 and May 2020. The number of stroke admissions, stroke subtypes and short-term outcomes was compared between the ‘pre-COVID-19’ period (September 2019 to February 2020) and the COVID-19 pandemic period (March to May 2020).ResultsWe observed a significant decline in monthly admissions in March (157), April (128) and May (135) compared with the pre-COVID-19 6-month average (229) (p=0.024). The reduction in admissions was most evident in functional stroke mimics. The average admissions decreased from 87 to 34 per month (p=0.0001). Although there were no significant differences in admissions due to ischaemic stroke (IS), intracranial haemorrhage or transient ischaemic attacks between the two periods, we noted a relative decrease in IS due to small vessel disease and an increase in those due to large vessel atherosclerosis in March to May 2020.ConclusionsThe decline in overall stroke admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic is most likely related to concerns of contracting the infection, evidenced mainly by a decline in admissions of stroke mimics. However, a relative increase in large vessel occlusions raises suspicion of pathophysiological effects of the virus, and requires further investigation.