bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proximal interphalangeal locking compression plate for pastern arthrodesis in horses
Authors: Hicks Rebecca B. , Glass Kati G. , Watkins Jeffrey P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundOutcomes following proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis by a variety of surgical methods are available. Reports detailing clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis utilising the proximal interphalangeal joint locking compression plate (PIP‐LCP) and abaxial transarticular lag screws technique are limited.ObjectivesTo report survival, radiographic and clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis with PIP‐LCP and abaxial transarticular lag screw fixation.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsMedical records of all horses undergoing pastern arthrodesis from 2009 to 2018 were reviewed. Arthrodeses performed using a 3‐hole, 4.5 mm narrow LCP, specifically designed for the proximal interphalangeal joint, were included. Patient details, presentation, radiographic findings, intraoperative and post‐operative data, and complications were documented. Short‐ and long‐term follow‐up was available for 23 horses.ResultsThirty PIPJ arthrodeses were performed in 29 horses meeting the criteria for inclusion. Twenty‐eight horses (97%, 95% CI 83‐100) survived to discharge. Twenty‐three horses (79%, 95% CI 60%‐92%) had successful outcomes including 12 of the 15 forelimb cases and 11 of the 13 hindlimb cases with available follow‐up. Fifteen of 19 performance horses returned to athletic activity. Soundness in performance horses was recognised at less than 3 months in one case, 3 to 6 months in six cases, 6 to 12 months in five cases, and greater than 12 months in six cases. Complications included three implant infections, support limb laminitis (two horses), and fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx (one horse).Main limitationsA retrospectively reviewed, small study population with a variety of breeds and disciplines.ConclusionsThe PIP‐LCP construct provides a very good prognosis for performance and an excellent prognosis for pasture soundness.
Gout and Levodopa: An unknown adverse effect?
Authors: Quarteroni Laura , Gastaldi Romain , Baillet Athan , Moro Elena , Allenet Benoit , Khouri Charles 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report the case of a 77‐year‐old man with Parkinson's disease (PD) who experimented for the first time gout crisis after the initiation of levodopa. Levodopa was withdrawn, and colchicine and allopurinol were initiated to treat the gout crisis. Because of PD progression, levodopa was reintroduced, and the patient presented relapse of gout flare. To further explore the association between gout and levodopa, we extracted and synthetized all Individual Case Safety Reports of gout associated with levodopa in the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase®, up to April 2021. 43 cases of gout were reported in VigiBase® with drugs from N04BA ATC class. Levodopa was suspected in fifteen cases among which improvement was noticed in six cases (two after levodopa withdrawal, two despite treatment continuation, and two cases lacking details about action taken with levodopa); three cases did not recover; in the remaining six cases, evolution was not known. “Hyperuricemia” was not mentioned in the Summary of Product Characteristics of medicine containing levodopa; however, “abnormality biologics test with uric acid” was mentioned. Despite few cases of recovery after reduced doses of levodopa, the above‐described case of positive reintroduction was an argument in favor of the role of levodopa in gout flare. This study highlights a potential association between levodopa and gout through an analysis of the cases reported in the WHO pharmacovigilance database.
General quantification of fatigue damage with provision for microstructure: A review
Authors: P. Jirandehi Arash , M. Khonsari Michael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRecent developments in microstructure‐sensitive computational modeling and experimental verification have provided significant insight on how one can estimate fatigue damage and predict useful life. As a myriad of methods and approaches are available, it is important to understand how to properly utilize them in a unified and efficient framework for the quantification of damage in safety‐critical components such as jet engine fan blades, gas turbine disks, and airframe structural connections. To this end, the microstructure‐sensitive studies considering crystal plasticity are reviewed, and methods for implementing the statistical representations of material microstructure are presented. Finally, a computational crystal plasticity approach utilizing the statistical representation of parameters and a new thermodynamically based framework is suggested.
Fatigue and fracture toughness of electron beam welded joints of aluminum alloy 6156 (Al–Mg–Si) for aerospace applications
Authors: Alexopoulos Nikolaos D. , Examilioti Theano N. , Stergiou Vasileios , Kourkoulis Stavros K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe mechanical behavior of AA6156 electron beam welded joints and the effect of artificial aging heat treatments on the fracture‐related properties were investigated. The fatigue test results of the welded joints presented lower fatigue endurance limit by approximately 60%, when compared to the base material. Fracture resistance results showed that the critical stress intensity factor (Kcr) was essentially decreased (~32%) in the as‐welded condition. Heat treatment before welding presented a 15% increase in Kcr for 4 h of artificial aging, while a decrease in Kcr was noticed for prolonged isothermal heat treatment prior to welding. By applying post welding heat treatments, all investigated isothermal heat treatment conditions resulted in decreasing Kcr. Tensile test results of the welded joints showed that an almost 40% increase of the yield stress can be achieved with appropriate post welding heat treatment, on the expense of only 10% decrease in Kcr.
Local habitat is a strong determinant of spatial and temporal patterns of macrophyte diversity and composition in boreal lakes
Authors: Johnson Richard K. , Toprak Vildan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Macrophyte species and trait assemblages from 104 minimally disturbed boreal forest lakes, covering broad environmental and geographic gradients were analysed to identify associations with environmental variables at different spatial scales: geographic context (GEO) and catchment (CATCH) and lake (LOCAL) characteristics.

Constrained ordination and variation partitioning were used to quantify variation in species (canonical correspondence analysis [CCA] and pCCA) and trait (redundancy analysis [RDA] and pRDA) compositions that could be explained by environmental variables, and to rank the main environmental factors associated with spatial and temporal patterns.

Diversity and assemblage composition correlated with spatial context and variables related to the length of the growing season, catchment forest type and with lake characteristics such as ecosystem size, lake productivity and alkalinity.

Variation partitioning showed that lake characteristics alone explained 53% (species) and 73.5% (traits) of the variability in macrophyte assemblages. Contrary to predictions, the shared variance component between latitude and catchment forest type (GEO&CATCH < 0.1% for both species and traits) and between latitude and lake characteristics (GEO&LOCAL = 6.7% for species and 3.9% for traits) was low.

Temporal variability, measured as changes in species richness, diversity and a pollution‐specific index (the Trophic Macrophyte Index), using a subset of the lakes sampled on two occasions (19 lakes sampled in 2012 and 2018 and five lakes sampled in 2013 and 2019) did not differ (p > 0.05, paired t‐test). Ordination showed that among‐year variability in macrophyte assemblage composition was also negligible (0.3%) compared to the variability explained by GEO, CATCH and LOCAL variables. Combined, these findings indicate low species turnover in the boreal lakes of our study.

Responses of macrophyte species and trait assemblages and the TMI index were predictable and significantly correlated with lake characteristics associated with nutrient enrichment (Chl a, nutrients) and alkalinity supporting their use in monitoring eutrophication of boreal lakes.
Stochastic colonisation dynamics can be a major driver of temporal β diversity in Atlantic Forest coastal stream communities
Authors: Saito Victor S. , Stoppa Nathalia E. , Shimabukuro Erika M. , Cañedo‐Argüelles Miguel , Bonada Núria , Siqueira Tadeu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Biodiversity is structured in space and time, yet our understanding about the temporal variation of biological communities is still limited. Recent work suggests that temporal β diversity should be lowest in unpredictable systems with low seasonality, as expected for tropical ecosystems. However, this hypothesis remains largely unexplored.

Here, we analysed the temporal dynamics of Atlantic Forest coastal stream caddisfly assemblages sampled simultaneously along four years, resulting in 99 unique site‐time combinations. Given that the region we studied is expected to have low climatic seasonality and low environmental harshness, we expected to find: (1) unseasonal variation in community composition; (2) equal contribution of nestedness and turnover to β diversity; (3) weak correlation between variation in community composition and in environmental variables; and (4) temporal β diversity similar to that expected by neutral dynamics.

Using wavelet analysis we found that, in spite of general temperature stability, precipitation was highly seasonal but unpredictable at the monthly scale. We found high temporal β diversity, with a larger contribution of nestedness due to an overall decrease in abundance and diversity during months characterised by heavy rain events. We also found that community composition was moderately structured in space, suggesting that both local in‐stream characteristics and dispersal limitation drive community reassembly after heavy rain events.

Null model analysis indicated that observed short‐term β diversity was not distinct from that expected by chance (i.e. produced by null simulations). This suggests an important role of stochastic colonisation and dispersal limitation in the temporal organisation of Atlantic Forest stream assemblages.

Since heavy rain events strongly disassemble communities that are then randomly recolonised, and considering the current scenario of climate change, increased extreme events of precipitation could lead to unpredictable changes in biodiversity in tropical regions.
Results from 8 years of the proficiency testing program for diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies under the prevention and control program of thalassemia in Thailand
Authors: Pansuwan Anupong , Yamsri Supawadee , Changtrakul Duangrudee , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Fucharoen Supan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionHemoglobin (Hb) analysis is a key testing for diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. Accurate analysis, interpretation of results, and genetic risk assessment are important. We report on 8 years of the proficiency testing (PT) program for hemoglobinopathies in Thailand.MethodsLaboratory participants were required to test two simulated PT items in each cycle using capillary electrophoresis, one was a husband and another was his pregnant wife. Related hematological parameters were provided. The participants also provide interpretation and evaluate the risk of having three severe thalassemia diseases in an expected fetus. Three cycles were operated per year in accordance with the ISO17043 and ISO13528 guidelines. A total of 84 laboratories throughout Thailand were participated.ResultsA total of 24 PT cycles were performed during 2012‐2019. Most participants had Excellent performance for the PT items with normal, β‐thalassemia trait, hemoglobin E trait, hemoglobin E trait with α‐thalassemia, and Hb H disease. However, when the PT items with homozygous Hb E and Hb E‐β‐thalassemia were tested, an increase in a Needs improvement performance was noted. From 24 PT cycles, the performance with Excellent, Good, Fair, and Needs improvement was ranging from 10.5%‐95.8%, 0%‐11.3%, 0%‐77.2%, and 2.3%‐37.0%, respectively.ConclusionMost participants have proven their performance to be reliable and demonstrated their abilities to provide interpretation and genetic risk assessment on most of the PT items. For complex thalassemia however, a need to improve the interpretation and risk assessment skills is required which is essential for effective prevention and control of severe thalassemia diseases in Thailand.
Effectiveness of health literacy education for nursing students: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Akca Ayşegül , Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of health literacy education given to nursing students on health literacy level.BackgroundHealth literacy has become an important issue in the field of health. Health literacy is an issue of interest to health professionals as well as individuals.MethodsThe study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. A total of 206 nursing students, 103 in the intervention and 103 in the control group, were included in the study. The intervention group received four weekly training sessions of health literacy education. The research was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the registration number NCT04868487.ResultsOn the baseline assessment, there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group in terms of health literacy level (p > 0.05). In the 1st‐ week and 12th‐week measurements, the health literacy level of the intervention group was significantly higher than control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionHealth literacy education was effective in increasing the health literacy level of the students. Therefore, the concept of health literacy should be added to the nursing education curriculum.
A desired gains approach for the prediction of genetic gain in resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in a multi‐trait breeding objective in Uruguayan Merino sheep
Authors: Sánchez Ana Laura , Bell Washington , Ponzoni Raúl W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) constitute a problem in many sheep production systems, including those in Uruguay, causing reduced productivity and increased expenses. The main strategy to control GIN has consisted of the use of anthelmintics. However, GINs have developed resistance to anthelmintics, reducing their effectiveness. Genetic resistance to GINs has been found in flocks of different breeds. To date, there have been no reports about GINs breaking down genetic resistance in sheep. Heritability estimates of resistance to GIN within breeds are generally moderate, so that achieving genetic gain within a flock is possible. In this study, we predicted genetic gain in worm egg count (WEC), an indirect (and generally preferred) criterion of resistance to GIN, following different strategies. A multi‐trait breeding objective including wool and meat traits was assumed and genetic gain over 10 years of selection in a Merino flock was estimated. We used a desired gains approach, examining situations in which the economic contribution of genetic gain in resistance to GIN in percentage terms was 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100. Except when the level of infestation with GIN was low, a considerable amount of emphasis had to be placed on selection for low WEC in order to reach the threshold below which the administration of anthelmintics is not required. High emphasis on reducing WEC lead to a reduction in genetic gain in wool and meat traits, or to their deterioration in the extreme case of 100 per cent emphasis on WEC. Given this finding, coupled with the difficulties encountered in accurately recording and selecting for WEC, we concluded that in addition to embarking upon a programme of within flock selection, sheep breeders interested in improving genetic resistance to GIN should also consider using breeding stock identified as superior for both resistance and production traits in across flock genetic evaluations.
IP3R attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation damage in smoking‐induced COPD by promoting autophagy
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Li Wei , Ayidaerhan Nahemuguli , Han Wuxin , Chen Yingying , Song Wei , Yue Yuanyi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTobacco smoking is one of the most important risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the most critical genes and proteins remain poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate these hub genes and proteins in tobacco smoke‐induced COPD, together with the potential mechanism(s). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed between smokers and patients with COPD. mRNA expression and protein expression of IP3R were confirmed in patients with COPD and extracted smoke solution (ESS)‐treated human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Moreover, expression of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and/or autophagy‐related protein was tested when IP3R was silenced or overexpressed in ESS‐treated and/or 3‐MA‐treated cells. A total of 30 DEGs were obtained between patients with COPD and smoker samples. IP3R was identified as one of the key targets in tobacco smoke‐induced COPD. In addition, IP3R was significantly decreased in patients with COPD and ESS‐treated cells. Loss of IP3R statistically increased expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in ESS‐treated HBE cells, and overexpression of IP3R reversed the above functions. Furthermore, the autophagy‐related proteins (Atg5, LC3 and Beclin1) were statistically decreased, and p62 was increased by silencing of IP3R cells, while overexpression of IP3R showed contrary results. Additionally, we detected that administration of 3‐MA significantly reversed the protective effects of IP3R overexpression on ESS‐induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury. Our results suggest that IP3R might exert a protective role against ESS‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation damage in HBE cells. These protective effects might be associated with promoting autophagy.
Nondestructive phenotyping fatty acid trait of single soybean seeds using reflective hyperspectral imagery
Authors: Fu Dandan , Zhou Jianfeng , Scaboo Andrew M. , Niu Xiaofan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSoybean (Glycine max) is one of the most economically important crops in the world and is used widely for different purposes. Breeding programs have developed new varieties with desired traits, including altered fatty acid profiles and levitated protein content. The breeding process involves the selection of elite genotypes from a large number of experimental lines, which is time‐consuming and costly. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a reflective hyperspectral imaging system in classifying the fatty acid content of single soybean seeds for high‐throughput phenotyping high oleic soybean cultivars. A hyperspectral imager was used to take hyperspectral images of 100 soybean seeds of two varieties. After comparing the performance of different methods for data preprocessing, featured spectral patterns were extracted to predict oleic acid and linoleic acid content using a successive projection algorithm. Results showed that the spectral reflectance of soybean seeds was able to differentiate different cultivars. The spectral information of selected regions of interest from the hyperspectral images of single seeds could reflect the spectral information of whole seeds. It is found that the classification models based on raw spectra performed the best in estimating the content of oleic acid and linoleic acid. The classification accuracy of the calibration for oleic acid and linoleic acid was both 100%, and the classification accuracy of validation was 90 and 93.3%, respectively. The results indicate that the reflective hyperspectral imaging technology might be used as a rapid and nondestructive tool to quantify the oleic acid content and linoleic acid content of single soybean seeds for high‐throughput phenotyping high oleic soybean.Practical ApplicationsIt is the interest of soybean breeders to develop high oleic soybean varieties that are in great demand. Studies indicate that the major factors affecting soybean oil content are oleic acid and linoleic acid. However, the nutritional values of soybean seeds, such as sugar, protein, oil, and fatty acids, are commonly measured using wet chemistry analysis, which is destructive, time‐consuming, and expensive. Although NIR spectroscopy can improve efficiency and simplify the measurement procedure, it still requires a large number of seeds. In breeding programs, a single seed with known oleic content is needed for further seed development. Bulk‐seed measurement using spectroscopy is not selective and would not determine the oleic profile of single seeds. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a high‐throughput and nondestructive method to quantify the nutritional values of individual seeds for precision breeding and improve the efficiency of breeding programs.
Integrated calculation of pasteurization time: A case study for thermal inactivation kinetics of a mixed fruit beverage
Authors: Bhalerao Prasanna Prakash , Chakraborty Snehasis 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe impact of batch thermal treatment (50–95°C/0–10 min) on various quality attributes of a mixed fruit beverage (pomegranate–amla–muskmelon juice = 57:5:38) was evaluated. The responses include microbial count (aerobic mesophiles [AM], yeast and mold [YM], psychrotrophs [PSY], and lactic acid bacteria [LAB]); enzyme activity (polyphenol oxidase [PPO] and peroxidase [POD]); and bioactive (ascorbic acid [AA], total phenolics [TPC], antioxidants [AOC], anthocyanins [TAC], and flavonoids [TFC]). Weibull model indicated a tailing behavior (β = 0.8) for LAB, while others showed the shouldering behavior (β > 1). YM was the most resistant microbial group. Enzyme inactivation and bioactive degradation were discussed with thenth‐order model. POD was more resistant than PPO. The corresponding activation energy (Ea) values for PPO and POD were 61.8 and 65.1 kJ/mol, respectively. Among bioactive compounds, AA was most sensitive toward thermal stress. At 95°C, the 90% inactivation of enzyme activity (t90value) was achieved after the total process time (come up + holding + cooling time) of 1.5 + 4.1 + 0.3 min. The corresponding losses (%) for AA, TPC, and AOC, att90condition, were 39, 27, and 34, respectively.Practical applicationsThe study attempts to introduce the expression for calculating the time required for 5‐log cycle reduction in resistant microbes (t5Dvalue) and 90% reduction in enzyme activity (t90value) of the sample. The kinetic model based on the cumulative approach of come‐up time (tCUT), holding time (tHOLD), and cooling time (tCOOL) will undoubtedly help in designing the thermal pasteurization process of this mixed fruit juice and thereby pave the pathway for similar counterparts.