bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of hemostasis in hyperthyroid cats
Authors: Keebaugh Audrey E. , DeMonaco Stefanie M. , Panciera David L. , Abbott Jonathan A. , Boes Katie M. , Menciotti Giulio 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundHyperthyroid cats might have a predisposition to arterial thrombus formation. The mechanism for thrombogenesis currently is unknown but could be associated with systemic hypercoagulability as seen in hyperthyroid humans.ObjectiveOur purpose was to evaluate markers of hemostasis in hyperthyroid cats compared to healthy cats, and in hyperthyroid cats before and after radioactive iodine treatment (RIT).AnimalsTwenty‐five cats with hyperthyroidism and 13 healthy euthyroid cats >8 years of age.MethodsProthrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration, antithrombin (AT), D‐dimers, thrombin‐antithrombin complexes (TAT), von Willebrand Factor antigen (vWF : Ag), and activity of factors VIII and IX were measured. An echocardiogram was performed in all cats. Hemostatic markers and echocardiogram were evaluated again 6 to 9 months after successful RIT in 7 cats.ResultsHyperthyroid cats had higher fibrinogen concentration (P < .0001), AT activity (P < .0001), and vWF : Ag concentration (P = .01) than healthy control cats with all results decreasing significantly post‐RIT. Hyperthyroid cats were not more likely to be in a hypercoaguable state than euthyroid cats (P = .08). Serum T4 concentration was not a predictor of a hypercoagulable state (P = .53).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceHyperthyroid cats have evidence of altered hemostasis that does not appear to be solely attributable to cardiac abnormalities, but no evidence of a hypercoagulable state. Findings suggest altered hemostasis resolves after RIT. Hyperthyroid cats could have endothelial dysfunction as indicated by increased vWF : Ag which could potentiate thrombogenesis.
Distinct type II opsins in the eye decode light properties for background adaptation and behavioural background preference
Authors: Bertolesi Gabriel E. , Debnath Nilakshi , Atkinson‐Leadbeater Karen , Niedzwiecka Anna , McFarlane Sarah 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCrypsis increases survival by reducing predator detection. Xenopus laevis tadpoles decode light properties from the substrate to induce two responses: a cryptic coloration response where dorsal skin pigmentation is adjusted to the colour of the substrate (background adaptation) and a behavioural crypsis where organisms move to align with a specific colour surface (background preference). Both processes require organisms to detect reflected light from the substrate. We explored the relationship between background adaptation and preference and the light properties able to trigger both responses. We also analysed which retinal photosensor (type II opsin) is involved. Our results showed that these two processes are segregated mechanistically, as there is no correlation between the preference for a specific background with the level of skin pigmentation, and different dorsal retina‐localized type II opsins appear to underlie the two crypsis modes. Indeed, inhibition of melanopsin affects background adaptation but not background preference. Instead, we propose pinopsin is the photosensor involved in background preference. pinopsin mRNA is co‐expressed with mRNA for the sws1 cone photopigment in dorsally located photoreceptors. Importantly, the developmental onset of pinopsin expression aligns with the emergence of the preference for a white background, but after the background adaptation phenotype appears. Furthermore, white background preference of tadpoles is associated with increased pinopsin expression, a feature that is lost in premetamorphic froglets along with a preference for a white background. Thus, our data show a mechanistic dissociation between background adaptation and background preference, and we suggest melanopsin and pinopsin, respectively, initiate the two responses.
Microfabrication and its use in investigating fungal biology
Authors: Bedekovic Tina , Brand Alexandra C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAdvances in microfabrication technology, and its increasing accessibility, allow us to explore fungal biology as never before. By coupling molecular genetics with fluorescence live‐cell imaging in custom‐designed chambers, we can now probe single yeast cell responses to changing conditions over a lifetime, characterise population heterogeneity and investigate its underlying causes. By growing filamentous fungi in complex physical environments, we can identify cross‐species commonalities, reveal species‐specific growth responses and examine physiological differences relevant to diverse fungal lifestyles. As affordability and expertise broadens, microfluidic platforms will become a standard technique for examining the role of fungi in cross‐kingdom interactions, ranging from rhizosphere to microbiome to interconnected human organ systems. This review brings together the perspectives already gained from studying fungal biology in microfabricated systems and outlines their potential in understanding the role of fungi in the environment, health and disease.
From cells to atoms: Cryo‐EM as an essential tool to investigate pathogen biology, host–pathogen interaction, and drug discovery
Authors: Shepherd Doulin C. , Dalvi Somavally , Ghosal Debnath 
Published: September 2021

AbstractElectron cryo‐microscopy (cryo‐EM) has lately emerged as a powerful method in structural biology and cell biology. While cryo‐EM single‐particle analysis (SPA) is now routinely delivering structures of purified proteins and protein complexes at near‐atomic resolution, the use of electron cryo‐tomography (cryo‐ET), together with subtomogram averaging, is allowing visualization of macromolecular complexes in their native cellular environment, at unprecedented resolution. The unique ability of cryo‐EM to provide information at many spatial resolution scales from ångströms to microns makes it an invaluable tool that bridges the classic “resolution‐gap” between structural biology and cell biology domains. Like in many other fields of biology, in recent years, cryo‐EM has revolutionized our understanding of pathogen biology, host–pathogen interaction and has made significant strides toward structure‐based drug discovery. In a very recent example, during the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, the structure of the stabilized severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike protein was deciphered by SPA. This led to the development of multiple vaccines. Alongside, cryo‐ET provided key insights into the structure of the native virion, mechanism of its entry, replication, and budding; demonstrating the unrivaled power of cryo‐EM in investigating pathogen biology, host–pathogen interaction, and drug discovery. In this review, we showcase a few examples of how different imaging modalities within cryo‐EM have enabled the study of microbiology and host–pathogen interaction.
Increasing morbidity and mortality of candidemia over one decade in a Swiss university hospital
Authors: Battistolo Julien , Glampedakis Emmanouil , Damonti Lauro , Poissy Julien , Grandbastien Bruno , Kalbermatter Laetitia , Pagani Jean‐Luc , Eggimann Philippe , Bochud Pierre‐Yves , Calandra Thierry , Marchetti Oscar , Lamoth Frederic ,   the Fungal Infection Network of Switzerland (FUNGINOS)
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe epidemiology of candidemia is evolving with raising concern about the emergence of intrinsically resistant non‐albicans Candida species and acquisition of antifungal resistance. In addition to microbiological surveys, epidemiological studies including clinical data are needed to assess the impact of candidemia on morbidity and mortality.ObjectivesTo assess the clinical and microbiological trends of candidemia in a Swiss university hospital.Patients/Methods.This single‐centre retrospective study compared the incidence of candidemia, Candida species distribution, antifungal resistance profiles, clinical characteristics and outcomes between two periods separated by one decade.ResultsA total of 170 candidemic episodes were included (68 from period 1, 2004‐2006, and 102 from period 2, 2014‐2017). Incidence of candidemia (0.85 to 0.97 episode/10,000 patient‐days), species distribution (55%–57% C albicans) and antifungal susceptibilities remained unchanged. During period 2, candidemia was more frequently observed in intensive care units (ICU, 38% vs 19% in period 1, P = .01) and amongst older patients (median age 68 vs 59 years old, P < .01) with more immunosuppressive conditions (24% vs 9%, P = .01). Candidemia in period 2 was more frequently followed by septic shock (23% vs 7% in period 1, P = .01) and ICU admission (42% vs 12%, P < .01) and was associated with higher mortality (34% vs 18%, P = .03). Overall, factors associated with mortality in multivariate analyses included cirrhosis, solid malignancies and ICU stay at the time of candidemia.ConclusionsDespite stable incidence, species distribution and antifungal resistance of candidemia, an epidemiological shift of the disease towards older and more critically ill patients was observed, with higher mortality rates.
Evaluation of an automated approach for facial midline detection and asymmetry assessment: A preliminary study
Authors: Yurdakurban Ebru , Duran Gökhan Serhat , Görgülü Serkan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the level of agreement between the conventional method and a machine‐learning approach to facial midline determination and asymmetry assessment.Settings and Sample PopulationThe study included a total of 90 samples (53 females; 37 males) with different levels of mandibular asymmetry.Materials and MethodsTwo researchers placed predefined soft tissue landmarks individually on selected facial frontal photographs and created 10 reference lines. The midsagittal line was determined as perpendicular to the midpoint of the bipupillary line, and the same two reference lines and facial landmarks were automatically determined by the software using machine‐learning algorithms, and researchers created the other 8 reference lines using the facial landmarks that were determined automatically by the software. In the following stage, 2 linear and 10 angular measurements were made by a single researcher on 270 photographs, and the consistency and differences between the measurements were evaluated with a one‐sample t test, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman Plots.ResultsThe level of agreement of measurements between the researchers and the software was low for eight parameters (ICC˂0.70). The one‐sample t test revealed that differences between the software and researcher measurements of lip canting and pronasale deviation were not statistically significantly different (P > .05). Aside from the body inclination difference in Group 3 (samples with a mandibular body inclination difference >6°), there was no clinically significant difference (˂3°) between the measurements of the two methods.ConclusionsMachine‐learning algorithms have the potential for clinical use in asymmetry assessment and midline determination and can help clinicians in a manual approach.
Adaptive defence and sensing responses of host plant roots to fungal pathogen attack revealed by transcriptome and metabolome analyses
Authors: Ding Yi , Gardiner Donald M. , Powell Jonathan J. , Colgrave Michelle L. , Park Robert F. , Kazan Kemal 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPlant root‐produced constitutive and inducible defences inhibit pathogenic microorganisms within roots and in the rhizosphere. However, regulatory mechanisms underlying host responses during root‐pathogen interactions are largely unexplored. Using the model species Brachypodium distachyon (Bd), we studied transcriptional and metabolic responses altered in Bd roots following challenge with Fusarium graminearum (Fg), a fungal pathogen that causes diseases in diverse organs of cereal crops. Shared gene expression patterns were found between Bd roots and spikes during Fg infection associated with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). Overexpression of BdMYB78, an up‐regulated transcription factor, significantly increased root resistance during Fg infection. We show that Bd roots recognize encroaching Fg prior to physical contact by altering transcription of genes associated with multiple cellular processes such as reactive oxygen species and cell development. These changes coincide with altered levels of secreted host metabolites detected by an untargeted metabolomic approach. The secretion of Bd metabolites was suppressed by Fg as enhanced levels of defence‐associated metabolites were found in roots during pre‐contact with a Fg mutant defective in host perception and the ability to cause disease. Our results help to understand root defence strategies employed by plants, with potential implications for improving the resistance of cereal crops to soil pathogens.
Philosophy, politics, and economics of cryptocurrency II: The moral landscape of monetary design
Authors: Bailey Andrew M. , Rettler Bradley , Warmke Craig 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this article, we identify three key design dimensions along which cryptocurrencies differ – privacy, censorship‐resistance, and consensus procedure. Each raises important normative issues. Our discussion uncovers new ways to approach the question of whether Bitcoin or other cryptocurrenciesshouldbe used as money, and new avenues for developing a positive answer to that question. A guiding theme is that progress here requires a mixed approach that integrates philosophical tools with the purely technical results of disciplines like computer science and economics.
Tomato phytochromes B1 and B2 are part of the responses to the nutritional stress induced by NPK deficiency
Authors: Soares Mariana Bomfim , de Mello Prado Renato , Tenesaca Luis Felipe Lata , Lúcio José Clebson Barbosa , Carvalho Rogério Falleiros 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPhytochromes are red‐light photoreceptors that play an important role in regulating many responses of plants, including its nutritional control. Nutrient deficiency in plants has become a constraint for agricultural production; thus, we investigated the role of phytochromes B1 and B2 in the nutritional, physiological, and growth changes of the control genotype (WT) and both phyB1 and phyB2 tomato mutants (deficient in phyB1 and phyB2) under nutritional sufficiency and individual deficiency of N, P, and K. Under complete solution, the plants of phyB1 and phyB2 had a decreased N, P, and K accumulation compared with WT and consequently a reduced content of chlorophyll and carotenoids, and dry weight production. In the condition of N deficiency, phyB1 had decreased N absorption, pigments concentration, and plant dry weight, while increased oxidative stress of membranes (MDA content). Similarly, phyB2 also had reduced N absorption. The deficiency of phyB1 mitigated the effects of P deficiency as phyB1 mutant had improved nutritional and physiological responses, increasing plant dry weight production. In contrast, phyB2 reduced N accumulation, quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), and the concentration of pigments, while it increased MDA. Under K deficiency, phyB1 displayed a reduced P accumulation, as well as the total concentration of chlorophylls and carotenoids and K use efficiency. An increased concentration of MDA was found in phyB2 plants, as well as a reduction in chlorophylls concentration and in the use efficiency of K. Together, these results indicate a new perspective on the control of phytochromes in the nutrition of tomato plants under nutritional stress.
Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation in young adults with mild depression
Authors: Zhang Weijun , Fu Wen , Yan Luda , Wang Mengyu , Ning Baile , Mo Xiuyun , Xiong Li , Liu Jia , Zhang Pandeng , Zhong Jingxin , Sun Lu , Fu Wenbin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe incidence of depression is increasing, especially in the young adult population. Impaired cognitive function is one of the characteristics of depression, which may be related to impaired cerebral autoregulation (CA). We investigated the characteristics of CA in young adults with mild depression, as well as its validity for identifying patients with depression. Patients (aged 18–35 years) with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores ranging from 8 to 17 and a first episode of mild depression were enrolled in this study. Healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. Noninvasive continuous arterial blood pressure and bilateral middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity were simultaneously recorded from each subject. Transfer function analysis was applied to derive phase difference, gain, coherence and rate of recovery for the assessment of CA. Forty‐three patients and 43 healthy controls were enrolled. Phase difference values were significantly compromised in young adults with mild depression and were negatively correlated with HAMD scores. Rate of recovery values estimated from depressed patients was significantly lower. The validity in identifying patients with depression was favorable for the phase difference. The cutoff phase difference value was 29.66. Our findings suggest that dynamic CA was impaired in young patients with mild depression and negatively correlated with HAMD scores. CA represented by phase difference can be used as an objective auxiliary examination of depression, and has clinical diagnostic value for the early identification of patients with depression.
Initial exploration results of the Collins epithermal Au‐base metal prospect, Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Mulja Thomas , Ebert Shane , Groat Lee A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractInterpretation of various exploration data, in particular geochemical prospecting, offers a powerful and rapid assessment of grass‐root projects in a green‐field terrain. Here, we present an example of the Collins epithermal prospect in Aceh Province, Indonesia. In this area, the Au+ base‐metal‐bearing sheeted quartz veins (individually mostly 2–4 cm wide), which are controlled by a 250 m wide by 800 m long NNE‐trending structural corridor within Paleogene sandstone and volcanic rocks, are the product of two main stages of deposition. Stage I formed veins with a sliver of cryptocrystalline quartz wall zone followed by an inner zone of comb quartz with interstitial rhombic adularia that terminates in open space. Stage I or main‐stage sulfide mineralization consisting of early galena + sphalerite and later chalcopyrite occurs with the quartz + adularia. Small amounts of galena also occur in the wall zone. Stage II mineralization brecciated Stage I veins and overprinted them with silicification characterized by vuggy texture. Mineralization associated with this episode consists of earlier chalcopyrite + sphalerite + tennantite–tetrahedrite and later, vug‐filling Au–Ag alloy (Ag0.37–0.41Au0.62–0.59). The above mineralized veins are successively flanked by silicic selvages, an illite + chlorite + pyrite ± kaolinite zone and a chlorite + epidote + carbonate + pyrite zone. Local supergene alteration induced replacement of galena by plumbogummite and anglesite and chalcopyrite by covellite. Data from fluid inclusion microthermometry in quartz indicated that the inner zone of Stage I veins formed from fluids with a 2.3 wt% salinity (0.5–3.3 wt% NaCl equivalent), at 174°C (155–211°C). Combining these physico‐chemical parameters with the mineral assemblage, the mineralization occurred under a reduced environment. Rock and soil assays indicate that elevated Au concentrations (up to 16.5 ppm over 1 m) occur along northeast‐trending zones and show a strong correlation with Pb, while Cu (up to 2.58% over 1 m), Zn, As, Sb, and Mo anomalies lie mostly at the periphery. The high‐grade mineralized veins correlate with moderate to high resistivity and chargeability zones, and the pseudosections of such geophysical signals are interpreted as reflecting coalesced or enlarged veins at depth, or inclined veins in other localities. The intermediate sulfidation affinity for Collins points to potential mineralization at depth as well as preservation of Au‐rich and sulfide‐poor zones in the less eroded areas.
Metal source of gold deposits in the Jiaoxibei area, Eastern China: Insights from trace element analysis of gold and pyrite
Authors: Lu Jilong , Fan Yuchao , Yin Yechang , Xiong Yuxin , Guo Jinke , Tian Wu , Zhao Xinyun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe metal source of gold deposits in the Jiaoxibei area, eastern China, has been investigated by many researchers, but no consensus has been reached so far. In this study, three typical gold deposits, the Xinli, Jiaojia, and Dayingezhuang deposits, were selected for trace element analysis of gold and pyrite to constrain the metal source. Pyrite from these three deposits has similar morphological and compositional characteristics, and can be divided into three types: Py1 with euhedral to subhedral textures, Py2 with subhedral to anhedral textures with micro‐fractures, and Py3 with subhedral to anhedral textures and intergrowing polymetallic sulfides. Among them, Py2 and Py3 were formed in the main ore‐forming stage and they are the dominant host minerals of visible gold. In these deposits, visible gold occurs mainly in micro‐fractures or as inclusions in Py2 and Py3. Most of the pyrite has extremely low concentration of invisible gold, indicating that visible gold in the Jiaoxibei district is not a product of the remobilization of invisible gold from earlier pyrite. Both Py2 and Py3 are characterized by low Co concentration of <100 ppm and Co/Ni ratio of <1, which are similar to those of pyrite in sedimentary rocks. Therefore, ore‐forming metals of these gold deposits in the Jiaoxibei district may originate mainly from a sediment‐related metal source.
Contraceptive Conversations among Adolescent Girls and Young Women and Their Partners, Peers, and Older Female Family Members in Lilongwe, Malawi: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Bhushan Nivedita L. , Phanga Twambilile , Maseko Bertha , Vansia Dhrutika , Kamtsendero Linda , Gichane Margaret W. , Maman Suzanne , Pettifor Audrey E. , Rosenberg Nora E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn sub‐Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) have high levels of unmet need for contraception, particularly those who are unmarried or nulliparous. Conversations with partners, peers, and family members influence AGYW contraceptive decision‐making yet little is known about conversation content and impact or how they vary by relationship status and parity. This paper draws on qualitative data from 60 AGYW (aged 15–24) participating in a sexual and reproductive health study in Malawi to examine contraceptive conversation patterns among participants and their social ties. AGYW's relationship status and parity influenced whether they talked about contraceptives, who they talked to about contraceptives, and the type of contraceptives that were endorsed during conversations. Unmarried and nulliparous AGYW were less likely to discuss contraceptives with all social ties and when conversations occurred, norms and misinformation regarding nonbarrier methods were reinforced, and condoms were largely prescribed. Conversations with intimate partners often provided permission for contraceptive use while conversations with peers and older women in the family provided information on contraceptive methods. Our results highlight the unique roles that social ties play in AGYW contraceptive decision‐making and suggest that existing contraceptive conversation patterns might exclude unmarried, nulliparous AGYW from accurate and comprehensive contraceptive information and options.