bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term athletic performance in sport horses after desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon
Authors: Wismann Emilie S. , Jacobsen Stine , Thøfner Martin , Ladefoged Søren , Ekstrøm Claus , Lindegaard Casper 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundOutcome after desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (AL‐DDFT) to treat flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint has been reported to be excellent. However, no studies have compared long‐term athletic performance of sport horses exposed to desmotomy of the AL‐DDFT to that of matched controls.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to compare long‐term athletic performance in sports horses subjected to desmotomy of the AL‐DDFT with the performance of matched controls.Study designThis is an observational multicentre retrospective matched cohort study.MethodsRecords from horses undergoing desmotomy of the AL‐DDFT between 2004 and 2015 were reviewed. Various databases were used to identify age‐matched siblings as unexposed controls and data on the horses' athletic careers.ResultsSeventy‐four exposed and 194 matched unexposed horses were included. Although not significantly different, the proportion of exposed horses entering competition (28%, 95% CI 16%‐38%) had a substantial risk difference compared with the proportion of unexposed horses entering competition (38%, 95% CI 26%‐44%) (P = .2). Career longevity was significantly better for unexposed (15.6 competitions [95% CI 10.7‐22.5] over a median of 570 days [IQR 210‐1340]) than for exposed horses (9.7 competitions [95% CI 6.4‐14.6] over a median of 219 days [IQR 2‐1159] for horses operated in one limb and 6.1 competitions [95% CI 3.6‐9.9] over a median of 446 days [IQR 23‐603 days] for horses operated in two limbs, P < .001). Age at surgery and whether the condition was unilateral or bilateral did not affect chance of competing.Main limitationsSmall sample size, varying quality of medical records, stage of contraction not noted in many records and missing information on reasons for not entering into competition.ConclusionsDesmotomy of the AL‐DDFT is associated with decreased long‐term athletic performance in sport horses compared with matched unexposed horses.
Influence of drought on interactions between Rhopalosiphum padi and ground dwelling predators – A mesocosm study
Authors: Njue Martin , Muturi Phyllis , Nyaga Justine , Jonsson Mattias 
Published: May 2021

AbstractClimate change will lead to extreme droughts, but it is difficult to predict how this will affect crop pests. In particular, it is unclear how interactions between natural enemies and pests will be influenced. In the field, bird cherry‐oat aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi (L.)) have been observed to reside close to, or below the ground surface during dry conditions. We hypothesized that this will increase the niche overlap between R. padi and ground‐dwelling predators such as carabid beetles and wolf spiders and that aphid numbers will therefore decline during dry conditions. A fully factorial mesocosm experiment was conducted testing the combined effects of drought and predator presence on aphid position and abundance on barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants. In support of our hypothesis, we found that (a) aphids moved below ground during dry conditions, (b) predators reduced aphid numbers, but only during dry conditions, and (c) predators reduced the proportion of aphids below ground in dry conditions. This increased predation effect during dry conditions was, however, compensated for by a corresponding increase in aphid performance on the plants and so the net effect of drought on aphid numbers ended up being neutral. Thus, pests can be affected by drought in complex ways via a combination top‐down and bottom‐up mechanisms. Predicting how pest populations will be affected by droughts in the future is thus a formidable research challenge.
A novel 2A‐peptide‐containing plasmid to generate stable Perkinsusmarinus cells expressing organelle‐targeted genes
Authors: Sakamoto Hirokazu , Kita Kiyoshi , Matsuzaki Motomichi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGenetic manipulation techniques for marine protists are not well‐established, despite immense efforts. However, Perkinsus marinus is an exception and can be developed as a genetically tractable model organism for related protists. Here, we designed a new plasmid for P. marinus that allows two proteins from a single mRNA to be differently localized using a self‐cleaving 2A peptide. This enabled us to establish a stable transfectant expressing a mitochondrially targeted fluorescent protein. The system can be applied to any protein in theory and would make a powerful tool for investigating unique organelles in P. marinus and related dinoflagellates.
Birth prevalence of congenital heart defects in Western Australia, 1990–2016
Authors: Hansen Michele , Greenop Kathryn , Yim Deane , Ramsay James , Thomas Yarlalu , Baynam Gareth S 
Published: May 2021

AimTo describe the birth prevalence and characteristics of congenital heart defects in a geographically defined Australian population.MethodsThis descriptive, population‐based study examined congenital heart defects in live births, stillbirths and pregnancy terminations ascertained by the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, 1990–2016. Birth prevalence (per 1000 births) was stratified by severity, known cause, maternal and birth characteristics, and primary diagnosis; and prevalence ratios were calculated for Aboriginal versus non‐Aboriginal births. Temporal trends in prevalence, diagnosis age and infant mortality were examined.ResultsFor births 1990–2010 (allowing 6 years for complete case ascertainment by 2016), 6419 cases were identified; prevalence was 11.5 per 1000 births (95% confidence interval (CI), 11.2–11.8). Severe defects were ascertained in 2.5 per 1000 births (95% CI 2.4–2.7). Most cases were liveborn (5842, 91.0%), and 28.9% had other birth defects. Prevalence was slightly higher in Aboriginal births (prevalence ratio 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.2); and the infant mortality rate more than doubled (13.4% vs. 5.8%, P < 0.001). Prenatal diagnosis increased over time but, in remote areas, was significantly lower for Aboriginal versus non‐Aboriginal cases (3.1% vs. 9.3%; P = 0.008). A cause was identified in 920 cases (14.3%), more often for severe defects (347, 24.4%); 63% of known causes were rare diseases. Congenital heart defects associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder were much more common in Aboriginal births (prevalence ratio 82; 95% CI 28–239).ConclusionsEarlier detection of congenital heart defects and improved survival has occurred over time, although discrepancies between ethnic groups and regions warrant further investigation and strategic action.
Development of a ball back extrusion technique for texture analysis of fluid food
Authors: Chen Wei , Hadde Enrico K. , Chen Jianshe 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTextural properties of a food not only influence consumers' sensory preference of the product but also more importantly influence the strategy of food oral manipulation. Availability of reliable instrumental techniques has always been sought by food industry for proper assessment of food texture both in lab and online quality control. In this work a set of ball back extrusion (BBE) geometries with various ball/cup diameters (38/40, 35/40, 31.5/40, 24.5/28, all in mm) have been assessed as a fixture of a standard texture analyzer for flowability and consistency test of fluid foods. The feasibility of the new design has been tested against plate back extrusion (PBE), a current standard, for a set of fluid food materials (3 near Newtonians and 2 non‐Newtonians). Pressing force and apparent maximum stress were used to quantify the flowability of fluid materials. It was observed that both techniques were able to reflect the rheological nature of the samples and were able to distinguish flowability for both Newtonian and Non‐Newtonian fluids. However, the new design shows advantages against the plate back extrusion with much improved stability. Results show that BBE could replace the conventional plate‐back extrusion to evaluate the flow properties of fluid foods in an industrial environment. The geometries of 35/40 or 24.5/28 ball/cup diameters (aspect ratio 0.875) were shown to give most satisfactory performance. The device is specifically suitable for texture classification of fluid foods for dysphagia management.
Anxiety and depression in patients who receive anti‐VEGF treatment and the usability and feasibility of e‐mental health support: the E‐PsEYE pilot study
Authors: van der Aa Hilde PA , van Rens Ger HMB , Verbraak Frank D , Bosscha Machteld , Comijs Hannie C , van Nispen Ruth MA 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeE‐PsEYE is an internet‐based, guided self‐help course, following the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, to reduce anxiety and depression in patients with retinal exudative diseases who receive anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and related factors of anxiety and depression in this population and evaluate the usability and feasibility of E‐PsEYE.MethodsSymptoms of anxiety and depression and related factors were determined in 90 patients (mean age 77 years, 58% female), based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Five patients with mild to moderate depression/anxiety tested the usability of E‐PsEYE. They were asked to think aloud while completing two modules of the intervention and freely explore system features. The feasibility of the total E‐PsEYE intervention was tested in 14 patients with mild to moderate depression/anxiety, based on a single arm pre‐post study with a follow‐up of three months: fidelity, acceptability, feasibility of study methods and potential effectiveness were explored.ResultsFifty‐three percent of the total study population experienced at least mild anxiety and/or depression symptoms. Especially female patients (odds ratio (OR) 3.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–11.40), those who experienced limitations in daily life activities due to vision loss (OR 9.67; 95% CI 3.18–29.45) and those who experienced loneliness (OR 3.53, 95% CI 1.14–10.95) were more likely to have anxiety/depression. The usability study raised several possibilities for improvement, based on which E‐PsEYE was improved. The feasibility study showed adequate fidelity and acceptability. Most participants were satisfied with the results (79%). There was a high response rate, no loss to follow‐up and mental health problems decreased in more than half of the patients. The Wilcoxon signed rank test indicated lower post‐test ranks compared to pre‐test ranks (depression Z −1.34, p = 0.18; anxiety Z −1.45, p = 0.15).ConclusionsMental health problems are prevalent in patients who receive anti‐VEGF treatment. Healthcare providers should recognise these problems and related factors in order to refer patients to appropriate care in a timely manner. Outcomes on the usability and feasibility of E‐PsEYE are promising as a prelude to performing a randomised controlled trial, which will shed more light on its (cost‐)effectiveness.
Cotyledons facilitate the adaptation of early‐maturing soybean varieties to high‐latitude long‐day environments
Authors: Xu Xin , Zhang Lixin , Cao Xiaoning , Liu Lifeng , Jiang Bingjun , Zhang Chunlei , Jia Hongchang , Lyu Xiangguang , Su Yumei , Cai Yupeng , Liu Luping , Zhang Shengrui , Chen Fulu , Wu Cunxiang , Liu Bin , Hou Wensheng , Sun Shi , Lai Jinsheng , Han Tianfu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSoybean (Glycine max), a typical short‐day plant (SDP) domesticated in temperate regions, has expanded to high latitudes where daylengths are long from soybean emergence to bloom, but rapidly decrease from seed filling to maturity. Cotyledons are well known as the major storage organs in seeds, but it is unclear whether developing cotyledons store flowering substances at filling stage in SD for upcoming seedlings, or instead respond to photoperiod for floral induction after emergence of matured seeds in long‐day (LD). Here, we report that cotyledons accelerate flowering of early‐maturing varieties not resulting from stored floral stimuli but by perceiving photoperiod after emergence. We found that light signal is indispensable to activate cotyledons for floral induction, and flowering promoting gene GmFT2a is required for cotyledon‐dependent floral induction via upregulation of floral identity gene GmAP1. Interestingly, cotyledons are competent to support the entire life cycle of a cotyledon‐only plant to produce seeds, underlying a new photoperiod study system in soybean and other dicots. Taken together, these results demonstrate a substantial role for cotyledons in flowering process, whereby we propose a ‘cotyledon‐based self‐reliance’ model highlighting floral induction from emergence as a key ecological adaptation for rapid flowering of SDPs grown in LD environments at high latitudes.
Water transport in fleshy fruits: Research advances, methodologies, and future directions
Authors: Hou Xuemin , Li Hao , Zhang Wendong , Yao Zhenzhu , Wang Yaosheng , Du Taisheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFruits are reproductive organs in flowering plants and the harvested products of many agricultural crops. They play an increasingly important role in the human diet due to their nutritional values. Water is the most abundant component of most fleshy fruits, and it is essential for fruit growth and quality formation. Water is transported to the fruit via the vascular system (xylem and phloem) and lost to the air through the fruit surface due to transpiration. This minireview presents a framework for understanding water transport in fleshy fruits along with brief introductions of key methodologies used in this research field. We summarize the advances in the research on the patterns of water flow into and out of the fruit over development and under different environmental conditions and cultural practices. We review the key findings on fruit transpiration, xylem transport, phloem transport, and the coordination of water flows in maintaining fruit water balance. We also summarize research on post‐vascular water transport mediated by aquaporins in fruits. More efforts are needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which different environmental conditions impact fruit water transport at the micro‐level and to better understand the physiological implications of the coordination of water flows. Incorporating fruit water transport into the research area of plant hydraulics will provide new insights into water transport in the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum.
The Association Between Alterations in Redox Homeostasis, Cortisol, and Commonly Used Objective and Subjective Markers of Fatigue in American Collegiate Football
Authors: McKay Benjamin A. , Delaney Jace A. , Simpkin Andrew , Larkin Theresa , Murray Andrew , Pedlar Charles R. , Lewis Nathan A. , Sampson John A. 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To assess associations between a free oxygen radical test (FORT), free oxygen radical defense test (FORD), oxidative stress index, urinary cortisol, countermovement jump (CMJ), and subjective wellness in American college football. Methods: Twenty-three male student athlete American college football players were assessed over 10 weeks: off-season conditioning (3 wk), preseason camp (4 wk), and in season (3 wk). Assessments included a once-weekly FORT and FORD blood sample, urinary cortisol sample, CMJ assessment including flight time, reactive strength index modified and concentric impulse, and a daily subjective wellness questionnaire. Linear mixed models analyzed the effect of a 2 within-subject SD change in the predictor variable on the dependent variable. The effects were interpreted using magnitude-based inference and are presented as standardized effect size (ES) ± 90% confidence intervals. Results: Small negative associations were observed between FORT–flight time, FORT–fatigue, FORT–soreness (ES range = −0.30 to −0.48), FORD–sleep (ES = 0.42 ± 0.29), and oxidative stress index soreness (ES = 0.56 ± 0.29). Small positive associations were observed between FORT–cortisol (ES = 0.36 ± 0.35), FORD–flight time, FORD reactive strength index modified and FORD–soreness (0.37–0.41), oxidative stress index concentric impulse (ES = 0.37 ± 0.28), and with soreness–concentric impulse, soreness–flight time, and soreness reactive strength index modified (0.33–0.59). Moderate positive associations were observed between cortisol–concentric impulse and cortisol–sleep (0.57–0.60). Conclusion: FORT/FORD was associated with CMJ variables and subjective wellness. Greater amounts of subjective soreness were associated with decreased CMJ performance, increased FORT and cortisol, and decreased FORD.
Development and Application of a PCR-Based Method Including an Internal Control for Diagnosis of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Jones Rachel N. , Neale M. Lynne , Beattie Brian , Westmoreland Diana , Fox Julie D. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection in the developed world. We have designed and evaluated an assay that includes an internal control for amplification and detection of CMV DNA in amniotic fluid and neonatal urine samples. We present data on the use of this assay in the diagnosis of congenital CMV infection. A total of 145 amniotic and fetal fluid samples were examined by this assay; 83 were from healthy pregnant women and 62 were from women who were being investigated because of concerns over the pregnancy (diagnostic group). CMV DNA was detected in three amniotic fluid samples from the diagnostic group but was not detected in any samples taken from healthy pregnant women. Thirty-nine urine samples were obtained from 19 neonates with suspected congenital infection; CMV DNA was detected in urine from 6 of these patients. The assay provides useful information about CMV infection in the fetus and the neonate; when used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools it will enable mothers and obstetricians to make informed decisions about the management of pregnancies complicated by CMV infection.
Comparison of Antibody Titers Determined by Hemagglutination Inhibition and Enzyme Immunoassay for JC Virus and BK Virus
Authors: Hamilton R. S. , Gravell M. , Major E. O. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
A comparison of antibody titers to JC virus (JCV) or BK virus (BKV) was made by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with 114 human plasma samples. Antibody titers to JCV or BKV determined by HI were lower than those determined by EIA. Nevertheless, as HI titers increased so did EIA titers. When antibody data were compared by the Spearman rank correlation test, highly significant correlations were found between HI and EIA titers. Results obtained by plotting EIA antibody titers for JCV against those for BKV generally showed a reciprocal relationship, i.e., samples with high antibody titers to JCV had lower antibody titers to BKV and vice versa. Some samples, however, had antibody titers to both viruses. Of the samples tested, 25.4% (25 of 114) had HI and EIA antibody titers to JCV and BKV which were identical or closely related. This is not the scenario one would expect for cross-reactive epitopes shared by the two viruses, but one suggesting that these samples were from individuals who had experienced infections by both viruses. Adsorption with concentrated JCV or BKV antigen of sera with high antibody titers to both JCV and BKV and testing by JCV and BKV EIA gave results which support this conclusion. Although 52.6% (51 of 97) of the samples from the Japanese population tested had very high antibody titers (≥40,960) to either JCV or BKV, none of the samples were found by a dot blot immunoassay to have antibodies which cross-reacted with simian virus 40. The results from this study, in agreement with those of others, suggest that humans infected by JCV or BKV produce antibodies to species-specific epitopes on their VP1 capsid protein, which is associated with hemagglutination and cellular binding.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Dextran Sulfate as Microbicides against Herpes Simplex and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses
Authors: Piret Jocelyne , Lamontagne Julie , Bestman-Smith Julie , Roy Sylvie , Gourde Pierrette , Désormeaux André , Omar Rabeea F. , Juhász Julianna , Bergeron Michel G. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
The efficacy of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a sulfated anionic chaotropic surfactant, and dextran sulfate (DS), a polysulfated carbohydrate, against herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections was evaluated in cultured cells and in different murine models of HSV infection. Results showed that both SLS and DS were potent inhibitors of the infectivities of various HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains. Pretreatment of HIV-1 (strain NL4-3) with SLS also reduced its infectivity to 1G5 cells. DS prevented the binding of HSV to cell surface receptors and therefore its entry into cells. Pretreatment of HSV-1 (strain F) with 50 μM SLS resulted in a complete loss of virus infectivity to Vero cells. However, viruses were able to enter into cells and to produce in the nuclei capsid shells devoid of a DNA core. The amount of the glycoprotein D gene produced in these cells remained unchanged compared to controls, suggesting that SLS could interfere with the maturation of the virus. At a higher SLS concentration (100 μM), HSV was highly damaged by SLS pretreatment and only a few viral particles could enter into cells to produce abnormal capsids. Although DS was a more potent inhibitor of HSV infectivity in vitro, it was unable to provide any protection in murine models of HSV infection. However, SLS conferred a complete protection of animals infected cutaneously with pretreated viruses. In addition, skin pretreatment of mice with a polymer formulation containing SLS completely prevented the development of cutaneous lesions. More interestingly, intravaginal pretreatment of mice with SLS in a buffered solution also completely protected against lethal HSV-2 infection. Taken together, our results suggest that SLS could thus represent a candidate of choice as a microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV, HSV, and possibly other pathogens that cause sexually transmitted diseases.
Isolation, Cultivation, and Characterization ofBorrelia burgdorferifrom Rodents and Ticks in the Charleston Area of South Carolina
Authors: Oliver J. H. , Clark K. L. , Chandler F. W. , Tao L. , James A. M. , Banks C. W. , Huey L. O. , Banks A. R. , Williams D. C. , Durden L. A. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTTwenty-eightBorrelia burgdorferiisolates from the Charleston, S.C., area are described. This represents the first report and characterization of the Lyme disease spirochete from that state. The isolates were obtained from December 1994 through December 1995 from the tickIxodes scapularis, collected from vegetation, and from the rodentsPeromyscus gossypinus(cotton mouse),Neotoma floridana(eastern wood rat), andSigmodon hispidus(cotton rat). All isolates were screened immunologically by indirect immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies toB. burgdorferi-specific outer surface protein A (OspA) (antibodies H5332 and H3TS) andB. burgdorferi-specific OspB (antibodies H6831 and H614), aBorrelia(genus)-specific antiflagellin antibody (H9724),Borrelia hermsii-specific antibodies (H9826 and H4825), and two polyclonal antibodies (one toBorreliaspecies and another toB. burgdorferi). Six of the isolates were analyzed by exposing Western blots to monoclonal antibodies H5332, H3TS, H6831, and H9724. All isolates were also analyzed by PCR with five pairs of primers known to amplify selected DNA target sequences specifically reported to be present in the reference strain,B. burgdorferiB-31. The protein profiles of six of the isolates (two from ticks, one from a cotton mouse, two from wood rats, and one from a cotton rat) also were compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We conclude that the 28 Charleston isolates areB. burgdorferisensu stricto based on their similarities to theB. burgdorferiB-31 reference strain.