bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration in healthy neonatal Thoroughbred foals
Authors: Gough Rachel L. , McGovern Kate F. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryBackgroundSymmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is widely used in other species as a marker of renal dysfunction and is considered a more sensitive indicator of glomerular filtration rate than creatinine. Reference ranges are established in healthy adult horses (≤14 μg/dL) and concentrations are increased in horses with acute kidney injury (median 32 μg/dL; range 15‐92).ObjectivesTo establish the normal range of SDMA concentrations in neonatal Thoroughbreds.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsBlood samples were collected from Thoroughbred foals <36 h old deemed healthy by physical examination. Exclusion criteria included foals from mares undergoing treatment for placentitis and foals that developed clinical disease or died/euthanised <2 weeks from birth. Biochemistry and serum SDMA concentrations were obtained.ResultsSubjects included 120 foals. Median age was 13.5 h (range 1.0‐34.0). Median and 95% confidence interval for SDMA concentration was 69.0 µg/dL (63.0, 75.0; range 35.0‐376.0). A cut‐off value of 168 µg/dL would include 95% of individuals and is therefore suggested. Serum SDMA concentration was correlated with age (R = −.3, P = .003), creatinine concentration (R = .6, P ≤ .001) and urea concentration (R = .3, P = .002).Main limitationsLimitations include a small sample size, no consideration of subclinical disease and a short follow‐up period.ConclusionsIn equine neonates, SDMA concentration is higher than in adult horses, older foals and adults with acute kidney injury. Therefore, currently SDMA cannot be used as a marker of renal dysfunction in this age group. Further work is required to assess whether SDMA concentration is increased in neonates with renal disease and, if so, what cut‐off should be used.
Species composition of semi‐natural mesic grasslands as a factor influencing the methane yield of plant biomass (Central Europe)
Authors: Meserszmit Mateusz , Swacha Grzegorz , Pavlů Lenka , Pavlů Vilém , Trojanowska‐Olichwer Adriana , Kącki Zygmunt 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSemi‐natural lowland and mountain mesic meadows are grasslands rich in species, and their conservation status depends on treatments such as mowing or grazing livestock. In many countries, the condition of grasslands is deteriorating because of their inappropriate use or abandonment. This study aimed to determine the effects of the species composition of plant communities and functional plant groups on the methane yield from biomass harvested from mesic grasslands in the Sudetes Mountains. Biogas potential analysis was performed based on biomass samples collected from Poland and the Czech Republic. The biogas potential was determined in 40 day‐long batch anaerobic digestion tests. The average methane yield obtained from the biomass was 246 ± 16 NL CH4 kg−1 VS, whereas the methane yield per hectare was 870 ± 203 m3 CH4 ha−1. Plant communities comprising different dominant species had no effect on the methane yield but affected the methane yield per hectare. Additionally, the species composition of grasslands with a higher percentage of forbs had lower biomass yield, resulting in lower methane yields per hectare. The continuity of the low‐intensity management of mountain grassland, which can be provided by the utilization of their biomass for bioenergy production, sustains high biodiversity and ensures appropriate meadow conservation.
Nuclear morphology in breast lesions: refining its assessment to improve diagnostic concordance
Authors: Katayama Ayaka , Toss Michael S , Parkin Matthew , Sano Takaaki , Oyama Tetsunari , Quinn Cecily M , Ellis Ian O , Rakha Emad A 
Published: October 2021

AimsAlthough evaluation of nuclear morphology is important for the diagnosis and categorisation of breast lesions, the criteria used to assess nuclear atypia rely upon the subjective evaluation of several features that may result in inter‐ and intraobserver variation. This study aims to refine the definitions of cytonuclear features in various breast lesions.Methods and resultsImageJ was used to assess the nuclear morphological features including nuclear diameter, axis length, perimeter, area, circularity and roundness in 160 breast lesions comprising ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC‐NST), tubular carcinoma, usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH), columnar cell change (CCC) and flat epithelial atypia (FEA). Reference cells included normal epithelial cells, red blood cells (RBCs) and lymphocytes. Reference cells showed size differences not only between normal epithelial cells and RBCs but also between RBCs in varied‐sized blood vessels. Nottingham grade nuclear pleomorphism scores 1 and 3 cut‐offs in IBC‐NST, compared to normal epithelial cells, were < ×1.2 and > ×1.4 that of mean maximum Feret’s diameter and < ×1.6 and > ×2.4 that of mean nuclear area, respectively. Nuclear morphometrics were significantly different in low‐grade IBC‐NST versus tubular carcinoma, low‐grade DCIS versus UDH and CCC versus FEA. No differences in the nuclear features between grade‐matched DCIS and IBC‐NST were identified.ConclusionThis study provides a guide for the assessment of nuclear atypia in breast lesions, refines the comparison with reference cells and highlights the potential diagnostic value of image analysis tools in the era of digital pathology.
Impact of urethroplasty on overactive bladder symptoms in patients with anterior urethral strictures
Authors: Hamamoto Koetsu , Horiguchi Akio , Shinchi Masayuki , Ojima Kenichiro , Hirano Yusuke , Takahashi Eiji , Kimura Fumihiro , Ito Keiichi , Azuma Ryuichi 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the incidence of overactive bladder in men with anterior urethral stricture and to evaluate the impact of urethroplasty on its improvement.MethodsA total of 104 men with anterior urethral stricture who underwent urethroplasty between 2016 and 2020 completed a validated urethral stricture surgery patient‐reported outcome measure comprising six lower urinary tract symptoms questions on voiding symptoms and overactive bladder symptom score before and 3, 6, and 12 months after urethroplasty. Patients with an urgency score of ≥2 for overactive bladder symptom score question 3, and a total overactive bladder symptom score of ≥3 were considered to have overactive bladder. An improvement in overactive bladder was defined as a decrease in the total overactive bladder symptom score by at least three points.ResultsThirty‐nine patients (37.5%) were considered to have overactive bladder, and improvement in overactive bladder after urethroplasty was found in 30 (76.9%). Maximum flow rate on uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume, lower urinary tract symptoms total score, and total overactive bladder symptom score were all significantly improved after urethroplasty (P < 0.0001 for all variables). There was a positive correlation between changes in lower urinary tract symptoms total score and total overactive bladder symptom score (Spearman’s correlation 0.48, P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that greater change in lower urinary tract symptoms score was an independent predictor of improvement in overactive bladder (odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.59; P = 0.002).ConclusionsOveractive bladder is prevalent in patients with anterior urethral stricture, and can be effectively improved after urethroplasty. Improvement of voiding symptoms are key for improving overactive bladder symptoms.
Testicular microlithiasis defines a subgroup of azoospermic men with low rates of sperm retrieval
Authors: Barda Shimi , Hauser Ron , Mano Roy , Savin Ziv , Molad‐Hayo Yonatan , Lehavi Ofer , Kleiman Sandra E , Azem Foad , Yossepowitch Ofer , Dekalo Snir 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis and its association with sperm retrieval rates and histopathology in men with non‐obstructive azoospermia.MethodsA total of 120 men underwent scrotal ultrasonography prior to microsurgical testicular sperm extraction. Sperm retrieval rate, testicular histopathology, testicular size, reproductive hormones, karyotyping, Y chromosome microdeletion analyses, and presence of varicoceles and hydroceles were compared between men with and without testicular microlithiasis.ResultsThe total sperm retrieval rate was 40%. Ten men with normal spermatogenesis were excluded. The remaining 110 men with non‐obstructive azoospermia were analyzed and testicular microlithiasis was detected in 16 of them (14.5%). The sperm retrieval rate in that subgroup was only 6.2% (1/16) as opposed to 39.4% (37/94) in men with non‐obstructive azoospermia and no evidence of microlithiasis (P = 0.009). The mean right and left testicular diameters were significantly lower in the microlithiasis group (P = 0.04). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of mictolithiasis (odds ratio 7.4, 95% confidence interval 2.3, 12.2; P = 0.01) was the only independent predictor of unsuccessful sperm retrieval. The 15 patients with microlithiasis and without successful sperm extraction were diagnosed by histopathology as having Sertoli cells only. The 16th patient with successful sperm retrieval had a histopathology of mixed atrophy and was diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome.ConclusionThe presence of testicular microlithiasis is associated with low sperm retrieval rates among our cohort of men with non‐obstructive azoospermia undergoing scrotal ultrasonography prior to microsurgical testicular sperm extraction. Larger, prospective studies should be conducted to confirm these findings.
Clinical characteristics and population‐based attack rates of respiratory syncytial virus versus influenza hospitalizations among adults—An observational study
Authors: Auvinen Raija , Syrjänen Ritva , Ollgren Jukka , Nohynek Hanna , Skogberg Kirsi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical significance of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among adults remains underinvestigated. We compared the characteristics and population‐based attack rates of RSV and influenza hospitalizations.MethodsDuring 2018–2020, we recruited hospitalized adults with respiratory infection to our prospective substudy at a tertiary care hospital in Finland and compared the characteristics of RSV and influenza patients. In our retrospective substudy, we calculated the attack rates of all RSV and influenza hospitalizations among adults in the same geographic area during 2016–2020.ResultsOf the 537 prospective substudy patients, 31 (6%) had RSV, and 106 (20%) had influenza. Duration of hospitalization, need for intensive care or outcome did not differ significantly between RSV and influenza patients. RSV was more often missed or its diagnosis omitted from medical record (13% vs 1% p = 0.016 and 48% vs 15%, p > 0.001). In the retrospective substudy, the mean attack rates of RSV, influenza A, and influenza B hospitalizations rose with age from 4.1 (range by season 1.9–5.9), 15.4 (12.3–23.3), and 4.7 (0.5–16.2) per 100,000 persons among 18‐ to 64‐year‐olds to 58.3 (19.3–117.6), 204.1 (31.0–345.0), and 60.4 (0.0–231.0) per 100,000 persons among 65+‐year‐olds and varied considerably between seasons.DiscussionWhile the attack rates of influenza hospitalizations were higher compared with RSV, RSV and influenza hospitalizations were similar in severity. Missing or underreporting of RSV infections may lead to underestimating its disease burden. Both RSV and influenza caused a substantial amount of hospitalizations among the elderly, stressing the need for more effective interventions.
Quinoa sourdough-based biscuits with high antioxidant activity fermented with autochthonous lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Sandez Penidez Sergio H. , Velasco Manini Marina A. , LeBlanc Jean Guy , Gerez Carla L. , Rollán Graciela C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the capacity of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (43) from Andean grains to increase the antioxidant activity (AOA) and total phenolic compounds (TPCs) in quinoa sourdough to select best performing strains to be used as starter cultures in the elaboration of biscuits.Methods and ResultsMicrobial growth (CFU per g) and pH were evaluated during quinoa dough fermentation. Counts were increased in a range of 0.61–2.97 log CFU per g and pH values between 3.95 and 4.54 were determined after 24 h at 30°C of fermentation. Methanolic (ME) and aqueous (AE) extracts were obtained at the end of fermentation, and free radical scavenging capacity was performed by the DPPH and ABTS methods. ME was selected for further analysis using other methods and TPC quantification. Principal component analysis showed the highest scores of growth, acidification capacity, AOA and TPC for the strains Lc. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides CRL 2131 and L. plantarum CRL 1964 and CRL 1973. AOA and TPC in biscuits made with sourdough from these LAB were higher than the acidified and uninoculated controls.ConclusionsAutochthonous LAB strains (3) increased the AOA of quinoa-based biscuits.Significance and Impact of the StudyQuinoa sourdough obtained with selected LAB is suitable as an ingredient for bakery foods with improved antioxidant status.
Early manifestations of genetic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Askeland Ragna Bugge , Hannigan Laurie J. , Ask Helga , Ayorech Ziada , Tesli Martin , Corfield Elizabeth , Magnus Per , Njølstad Pål Rasmus , Andreassen Ole A. , Davey Smith George , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted , Havdahl Alexandra 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (autism) and schizophrenia are highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting the lives of many individuals. It is important to increase our understanding of how the polygenic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders manifests during childhood in boys and girls.MethodsPolygenic risk scores (PRS) for ADHD, autism and schizophrenia were calculated in a subsample of 15 205 children from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Mother‐reported traits of repetitive behavior, social communication, language and motor difficulties, hyperactivity and inattention were measured in children at 6 and 18 months, 3, 5 and 8 years. Linear regression models in a multigroup framework were used to investigate associations between the three PRS and dimensional trait measures in MoBa, using sex as a grouping variable.ResultsBefore the age of 2, the ADHD PRS was robustly associated with hyperactivity and inattention, with increasing strength up to 8 years, and with language difficulties at age 5 and 8. The autism PRS was robustly associated with language difficulties at 18 months, motor difficulties at 36 months, and hyperactivity and inattention at 8 years. We did not identify robust associations for the schizophrenia PRS. In general, the PRS associations were similar in boys and girls. The association between ADHD PRS and hyperactivity at 18 months was, however, stronger in boys.ConclusionsPolygenic risk for autism and ADHD in the general population manifests early in childhood and broadly across behavioral measures of neurodevelopmental traits.
Visual detection of moldy peanut kernels based on the combination of hyperspectral imaging technology and chemometrics
Authors: Sun Xia , Liu Junjie , Sun Jianfei , Zhang Hui , Guo Yemin , Zhao Wenping , Xia Lianming , Wang Bao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn order to facilitate the identification of moldy peanuts using hyperspectral imaging, in this study, hyperspectral images of four peanut kernels in a large dark box were acquired at the band range of 1,000–2,030 nm for classification of moldy peanut kernels. Then, the spectral data were extracted from hyperspectral images. Moreover, successive projection algorithm (SPA) was used to select effective wavelength. Next, three models including partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), support vector machine, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were established to identify moldy peanut kernels based on the optimal wavelengths selected by SPA. As a result, SPA–LDA generated the best effect with accuracy of 100% in both calibration set and prediction set. Finally, based on the SPA–LDA model, we successfully completed the visual detection of peanut seed mold using 1,120 nm wave band and threshold method. The results indicated that the combination of chemometrics and hyperspectral imaging technology provided an accurate, rapid, and nondestructive detecting method for the classification of moldy peanut kernels.Practical ApplicationsIt is well‐known that the moldy peanuts contain potent carcinogen. Therefore, the accuracy of moldy peanuts identification becomes very important. Traditional methods for detection of moldy peanuts are tedious, time‐consuming and strict requirements for operators, which cannot meet the requirements of intelligent agriculture. Hyperspectral imaging technology, providing both spectral and spatial information simultaneously, can detect moldy peanuts rapidly, accurately, and nondestructively. All these results show that the use of hyperspectral technology combined with appropriate chemometrics can facilitate the accurate identification of moldy peanuts, and the high accuracy of discrimination also provides theoretical support for the rapid and accurate detection of industrial application of moldy peanuts in the future.
Digital to Analog Facially Generated Interchangeable Facebow Transfer: Capturing a Standardized Reference Position
Authors: Kois John C. , Kois Dean E. , Zeitler Jonathan M. , Martin Jean 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlthough the evolution of digital technology continues to improve patient data acquisition, the ability to both standardize the recording of the maxillary occlusal plane and capture the necessary dynamic data for dento‐facial analysis remains elusive. This article describes step‐by‐step techniques to position the maxilla on an articulator using the natural head position and a facial reference system (Kois Facial Reference Glasses) for both analog and digital workflows. A photographic technique will be presented that captures the natural head position and allows the clinician to align a 2D reference photograph with the maxillary intraoral digital scan and the virtual articulator. Using this reference photograph, the clinician can record and communicate to the technician the maxillary arch position in relationship with the facial references, as well as transfer the additively manufactured casts in the same facial orientation for mounting and analysis either virtually or on an analog articulator.
Magnetic resonance imaging accuracy before surgery in children with retropharyngeal abscesses
Authors: Conte Mariasole , Vinci Francesco , Muzzi Enrico , Canuto Arianna , Barbi Egidio , Cozzi Giorgio 
Published: October 2021

AimsRetropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is a deep neck infection occurring in childhood. The gold standard technique for diagnosis is computerised tomography (CT) with a contrast medium. The aim of this study is to answer the question of whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be an alternative in diagnosing RPA and predicting pus drainage at surgery.MethodsThis is a retrospective study conducted at the paediatric emergency department of a tertiary level children hospital. The medical records of 31 children admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology and Paediatric ward, with a suspected diagnosis of RPA, were reviewed. The primary study outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of CT and MRI in predicting the amount of pus during surgery.ResultsTwenty‐two patients (71%) underwent surgery. Among them, 18 had imaging before surgery. Eleven patients evaluated with CT scan underwent surgery: four had non‐significant purulent drainage, three of them were reported to have a significant fluid collection (negative predictive value 66% and positive predictive value of 55%). Nine patients evaluated with MRI underwent surgery: four cases had non‐significant purulent drainage, three of them showed a significant fluid collection at MRI (negative predictive value of 60%; positive predictive value of 56%).ConclusionMRI and CT scans showed similar accuracy in predicting successful pus drainage during surgery; therefore, it could be a valid alternative in the diagnosis of RPA in children.
The Politics of 130,000 American Religious Leaders: A New Methodological Approach
Authors: Malina Gabrielle , Hersh Eitan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe compile an original database of 130,000 American clergy across 40 denominations, which we link to public voter registration data. We then link these data to mass surveys and a survey of pastors' own churches. This paper has two purposes. First, it introduces a new methodology for learning about religious communities by scraping information from denominational find‐a‐church websites . Second, the paper presents several short analyses that focus on the political affiliations of pastors and how they relate to congregants. We demonstrate that denominational affiliation is highly informative of a pastor's party registration but not a congregant's. Yet, the weak relationship for congregants masks a stronger underlying relationship between denominational affiliation and issue positions. We also demonstrate that many congregants, particularly in conservative churches, are politically unaligned with their pastor.
Mycobacteria–host interactions in human bronchiolar airway organoids
Authors: Iakobachvili Nino , Leon‐Icaza Stephen Adonai , Knoops Kèvin , Sachs Norman , Mazères Serge , Simeone Roxane , Peixoto Antonio , Bernard Célia , Murris‐Espin Marlène , Mazières Julien , Cam Kaymeuang , Chalut Christian , Guilhot Christophe , López‐Iglesias Carmen , Ravelli Raimond B. G. , Neyrolles Olivier , Meunier Etienne , Lugo‐Villarino Geanncarlo , Clevers Hans , Cougoule Céline , Peters Peter J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRespiratory infections remain a major global health concern. Tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, while infections with Non‐Tuberculous Mycobacteria are rising globally. Recent advances in human tissue modeling offer a unique opportunity to grow different human “organs” in vitro, including the human airway, that faithfully recapitulates lung architecture and function. Here, we have explored the potential of human airway organoids (AOs) as a novel system in which to assess the very early steps of mycobacterial infection. We reveal that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) mainly reside as extracellular bacteria and infect epithelial cells with very low efficiency. While the AO microenvironment was able to control, but not eliminate Mtb, Mabs thrives. We demonstrate that AOs responded to infection by modulating cytokine, antimicrobial peptide, and mucin gene expression. Given the importance of myeloid cells in mycobacterial infection, we co‐cultured infected AOs with human monocyte‐derived macrophages and found that these cells interact with the organoid epithelium. We conclude that adult stem cell (ASC)‐derived AOs can be used to decipher very early events of mycobacteria infection in human settings thus offering new avenues for fundamental and therapeutic research.