bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intermittent serial casting for wrist flexion deformity in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dursun Nigar , Gokbel Tugba , Akarsu Melike , Bonikowski Marcin , Pyrzanowska Weronika , Dursun Erbil 
Published: January 2021

AimTo assess the efficacy of intermittent serial casting in conjunction with occupational therapy and botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) presenting spastic wrist flexion deformity.MethodThis was a controlled, prospective study in which 34 children (19 females, 15 males; mean [SD] 11y [4y 6mo]) were randomly allocated to casting or control groups in a ratio of 2:1. Both groups were subjected to BoNT‐A treatment and occupational therapy. The casting group additionally received a series of progressive casts intermittently for three consecutive weekends. Outcome measures consisted of passive range of motion (PROM) as assessed by goniometer, muscle tone by Modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and spasticity by Tardieu Scale. Assessments were done at baseline, week 4, and week 12.ResultsBaseline characteristics of casting and control groups were comparable. PROM, MAS, and Tardieu angle of catch (XV3) of the casting and control groups significantly improved after treatment (p<0.001 for all). Nevertheless the mean change from baseline MAS at week 12, mean changes from baseline PROM, Tardieu XV3, and the spasticity grade (Y) at week 4 and week 12 of the casting group showed statistical superiority over those of the control group (p<0.05 for all).InterpretationChildren with CP presenting spastic wrist flexion deformity might gain additional benefits from supplementary intermittent serial casting as well as BoNT‐A injections and occupational therapy. Serial casting could be considered as a complementary treatment to BoNT‐A and occupational therapy in children with clinically significant PROM limitations.What this paper adds

Intermittent serial casting is a useful treatment option in children with cerebral palsy with spastic wrist flexion deformity.

Intermittent serial casting supplementation to botulinum neurotoxin A and occupational therapy provides additional benefits on passive range of motion, muscle tone, and spasticity.
Importance of non‐native isopods and other terrestrial prey resources to steelhead/rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in coastal streams in Big Sur, California
Authors: Rundio David E. , Lindley Steven T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTerrestrial invertebrates provide important prey subsidies to many stream fishes. Non‐native invertebrates are widespread in many ecosystems, yet they have received little attention in studies of subsidies to stream food webs. We sampled coastal basins in Big Sur, California, to determine the importance of non‐native isopods and other terrestrial invertebrates in the summer diet of steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and to estimate the density of isopods along streambanks. Terrestrial invertebrates contributed more than 40% of the energetic value of O. mykiss stomach contents at most sites and up to 75% at some locations. Non‐native isopods Armadillidium vulgare or Porcellio scaber occurred at all sites, reaching mean densities of up to 13 individuals/m2 on streambanks, and accounted for up to 20% of the energy in the diet. The proportion of non‐native isopods in the diet was positively correlated with their density at a site, and the frequency and energetic value of terrestrial invertebrates and non‐native isopods in O. mykiss diets increased with fish size. In terms of the broader diet, the energetic value and taxonomic composition of stomach contents varied among sites but there was no major geographic pattern or trend to the variation, and overall O. mykiss diets were generally similar across the region. Our results highlight that non‐native terrestrial invertebrates may provide a considerable but overlooked subsidy to stream fishes.
Phylogenetic and pathogenicity evaluation of the marasmioid fungus Marasmius palmivorus causing fruit bunch rot disease of oil palm
Authors: Maizatul‐Suriza Mohamed , Suhanah Jaabi , Madihah Ahmad Zairun , Idris Abu Seman , Mohidin Hasmah 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMarasmius palmivorus is a marasmioid fungal species that exhibits parasitic behaviour, although most marasmioids are rarely parasitic. The fungus has been reported to cause fruit bunch rot disease of oil palm and coconut, but only a few studies on its pathogenic behaviour are available, particularly on oil palm. Hence, there is a need to assess the ability of the fungus to act as a pathogen and to study its molecular evolution and taxonomy. Nine isolates of M. palmivorus were successfully isolated from basidiocarps and diseased fruitlets of oil palm collected from oil palm plantations and were morphologically characterized on potato dextrose agar (PDA) followed by molecular identification based on nucleotide sequence alignments of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene clusters with sequences from GenBank. Koch's Postulates confirmed that M. palmivorus could infect oil palm fruitlets with symptoms similar to those observed for bunch rot disease. Molecular phylogenetic studies using nucleotide sequences of ITS and the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nLSU) showed that isolates sharing the same phenotypic characteristics of Marasmius palmivorus and Marasmiellus palmivorus are monophyletic and share a common ancestor. The fungus has also been shown to be more closely related to the genus Marasmius than Marasmiellus; therefore, we support retention of the taxon name of the pathogen causing bunch rot disease of oil palm as Marasmius palmivorus.
Muscles in and around the ear as the source of “physiological noise” during auditory selective attention: A review and novel synthesis
Authors: Bell Andrew , Jedrzejczak W. Wiktor 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe sensitivity of the auditory system is regulated via two major efferent pathways: the medial olivocochlear system that connects to the outer hair cells, and by the middle ear muscles—the tensor tympani and stapedius. The role of the former system in suppressing otoacoustic emissions has been extensively studied, but that of the complementary network has not. In studies of selective attention, decreases in otoacoustic emissions from contralateral stimulation have been ascribed to the medial olivocochlear system, but the acknowledged problem is that the results can be confounded by parallel muscle activity. Here, the potential role of the muscle system is examined through a wide but not exhaustive review of the selective attention literature, and the unifying hypothesis is made that the prominent “physiological noise” detected in such experiments, which is reduced during attention, is the sound produced by the muscles in proximity to the ear—including the middle ear muscles. All muscles produce low‐frequency sound during contraction, but the implications for selective attention experiments—in which muscles near the ear are likely to be active—have not been adequately considered. This review and synthesis suggests that selective attention may reduce physiological noise in the ear canal by reducing the activity of muscles close to the ear. Indeed, such an experiment has already been done, but the significance of its findings have not been widely appreciated. Further sets of experiments are needed in this area.
Spatial and temporal genetic variation in an exploited reef fish: The effects of exploitation on cohort genetic structure
Authors: Taboun Zahra S. , Walter Ryan P. , Ovenden Jennifer R. , Heath Daniel D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany coral reef fishes are fished, often resulting in detrimental genetic effects; however, reef fishes often show unpredictable patterns of genetic variation, which potentially mask the effects of fishing. Our goals were to characterize spatial and temporal genetic variation and determine the effects of fishing on an exploited reef fish, Plectropomus leopardus, Lacepède (the common coral trout). To determine population structure, we genotyped 417 Great Barrier Reef coral trout from four populations sampled in 2 years (1996 and 2004) at nine microsatellite loci. To test for exploitation effects, we additionally genotyped 869 individuals from a single cohort (ages 3–5) across eight different reefs, including fished and control populations. Genetic structure differed substantially in the two sampled years, with only 1 year exhibiting isolation by distance. Thus, genetic drift likely plays a role in shaping population genetic structure in this species. Although we found no loss of genetic diversity associated with exploitation, our relatedness patterns show that pulse fishing likely affects population genetics. Additionally, genetic structure in the cohort samples likely reflected spatial variation in recruitment contributing to genetic structure at the population level. Overall, we show that fishing does impact coral reef fishes, highlighting the importance of repeated widespread sampling to accurately characterize the genetic structure of reef fishes, as well as the power of analysing cohorts to avoid the impacts of recruitment‐related genetic swamping. The high temporal and spatial variability in genetic structure, combined with possible selection effects, will make conservation/management of reef fish species complex.
An investigation of behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting in ridden sports and leisure horses
Authors: Dyson S. , Bondi A. , Routh J. , Pollard D. , Preston T. , McConnell C. , Kydd J. H. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryBackgroundThere has been no large‐scale, evidence‐based study on horses’ behaviour while being tacked ‐up or mounted.ObjectivesTo describe equine behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting.Study designCross‐sectional, prospective observational study, using a convenience sample.MethodsA purpose‐designed protocol for documenting behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting was developed. Horses were recruited from 11 locations, from both amateur and professional riders. Horses (n = 193) were observed during acquisition of predefined information from the owners. Behaviour data were recorded during bridling, placement of the saddle, girthing and mounting.ResultsThe majority (67%) were bridled first. The median sum of abnormal behaviours during tacking‐up was 10/64 (interquartile range [IQR] 7.13; range 0.33). There was an equal frequency of abnormal behaviours during bridling and saddling in 52% of horses; 34% of horses showed more abnormal behaviours during saddling than bridling; 15% of horses showed more abnormal behaviours during bridling than saddling. The duration of abnormal behaviours related to total tacking‐up time was 25–75% in 51% of horses. There was a positive relationship between the sum of abnormal behaviours and the duration of abnormal behaviours (P = 0.0001). Repeatedly chomping on the bit occurred most frequently during bridling (67%). Ears back (57–65%) and an intense stare (54–62%) were similar in all phases. Fidgeting was more common during saddle placement (32%) and girthing (21%), than bridling (9%). Tail swishing was more frequent during saddle placement (20%) and girthing (34%), than bridling (10%). Turning the head to the girth was only seen during saddle placement and girthing (11 and 40%, respectively), in addition to attempting to bite (5 and 15%, respectively) and rubbing the nose (8 and 21%, respectively). The median sum of abnormal behaviours during mounting was 1/30 (IQR 1.3; range 0.12).Main limitationsAbsence of many nonlame horses with correctly fitting tack.ConclusionAbnormal behaviour during tacking‐up and mounting was common.
Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae‐associated abortion in a mare
Authors: Mayhew K. K. , Clarke L. , Howerth E. W. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryAbortion in mares can be a financially devastating event to horse owners and the equine industry. In this case report, we describe the gross, histopathological and microbiological findings associated with an abortion caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae, which should be considered in cases of abortion and metritis. Gross and histopathological evaluation of fetal and placental tissue were consistent with ascending septic placentitis resulting in fetal septicaemia. S. enterica subsp. arizonae was isolated from the placenta, lung and fetal gastric contents. Diagnosis was confirmed by MALDI‐TOF MS. To our knowledge, this subspecies of S. enterica has not been previously reported as an isolate in a case of late‐term equine abortion. A retrospective search of abortion cases at our institution was done, and no similar cases were identified for comparison. This case demonstrates S. enterica subsp. arizonae, although not previously reported as a cause of abortion in pregnant mares and uncommonly isolated from equids in the literature, may cause late‐term abortions in susceptible animals. This pathogen should be considered in cases of abortion outbreaks on a farm and merits investigation of the carrier status of mares within a herd.
Anticonvulsive effects of edaravone on penicillin‐induced focal onset seizure model in the conscious rats
Authors: Kurt Semiha , Aygun Hatice 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEdaravone is a potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent that is used in the clinic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chronic treatment effect of edaravone on penicillin‐induced epileptiform activity. Twenty‐eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into a total of four groups as penicillin control and edaravone pretreatment groups (1, 10, and 30mg/kg). Firstly, permanent electrodes for electrocorticography (ECoG) recording and canula for penicillin injection were placed as stereotactic under anesthesia. At the end of the recovery period, edaravone pretreatment groups received different doses of edaravone by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days and before 30‐min penicillin microinjection. Epileptiform activity was induced by injecting 500 IU penicillin through the intracortical cannula. The effects of edaravone pretreatment on epileptiform activity were evaluated by using both electrophysiological and behavioral parameters. Edaravone pretreatment suppressed epileptiform activity by reducing the mean spike frequency and the behavior scores in ECoG recording. The results of the present study indicated that the use of chronic edaravone had an anticonvulsant effect on penicillin‐induced focal onset epileptic activity. Edaravone had an anticonvulsant effect even at low doses.
Effects of mowing regimes on forage yield and crude protein of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel in Songnen grassland
Authors: Zhao Chengzhen , Li Qiang , Cheng Long , Zhong Rongzhen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractForage dry matter (DM) yield and its nutrient content are important in livestock nutrition; however, they have distinct, even opposite responses to mowing regimes. To optimize forage resources, two independent field experiments were conducted to determine effects of initial mowing time (15‐day intervals from May 15 to September 1) and mowing frequency (one to five times per year) on DM yield and nutritive value of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. The greatest cumulative DM yield (cDMY), pre‐mowing crude protein yield (pCPY) and cumulative crude protein yield (cCPY) were attained when initial mowing occurred from July 15 to August 15. The crude protein (CP) concentration of pDMY was higher, whereas fiber concentrations were lower, when initial mowing was from May 15 to June 15, with opposite results when the initial mowing was delayed (July 1 to September 30). When mowing three times annually, cDMY and cCPY of L. chinensis were higher (p < .05) than with less frequent mowing. With more than three mowings, accumulated CP yield of L. chinensis was not significantly affected. With four or five yearly mowings, accumulated DM yield of L. chinensis decreased significantly compared to mowing one to three times. In conclusion, based on DM yield and nutritive value, the optimal initial mowing date ranged from July 15 to August 15, whereas optimal mowing frequency was three times yearly.
Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid‐venous fistulas in patients with orthostatic headaches and normal conventional brain and spine imaging
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Maya Marcel , Prasad Ravi S. , Wadhwa Vikram S. , Cruz Rachelle B. , Moser Franklin G. , Nuno Miriam 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the occurrence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐venous fistulas, a type of spinal CSF leak that cannot be detected with routine computerized tomography myelography, among patients with orthostatic headaches but normal brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging.BackgroundSpontaneous spinal CSF leaks cause orthostatic headaches but their detection may require sophisticated spinal imaging techniques.MethodsA prospective cohort study of patients with orthostatic headaches and normal brain and conventional spine imaging who underwent digital subtraction myelography (DSM) to look for CSF‐venous fistulas, between May 2018 and May 2020, at a quaternary referral center for spontaneous intracranial hypotension.ResultsThe mean age of the 60 consecutive patients (46 women and 14 men) was 46 years (range, 13–83 years), who had been suffering from orthostatic headaches between 1 and 180 months (mean, 43 months). DSM demonstrated a spinal CSF‐venous fistula in 6 (10.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8–20.5%) of the 60 patients. The mean age of these five women and one man was 50 years (range, 41–59 years). Spinal CSF‐venous fistulas were identified in 6 (19.4%; 95% CI: 7.5–37.5%) of 31 patients with spinal meningeal diverticula but in none (0%; 95% CI: 0–11.9%) of the 29 patients without spinal meningeal diverticula (p = 0.024). All CSF‐venous fistulas were located in the thoracic spine. All patients underwent uneventful surgical ligation of the fistula. Complete and sustained resolution of symptoms was obtained in five patients, while in one patient, partial recurrence of symptoms was noted 3 months postoperatively.ConclusionConcerns about a spinal CSF leak should not be dismissed in patients suffering from orthostatic headaches when conventional imaging turns out to be normal, even though the yield of identifying a CSF‐venous fistula is low.
Identification of biological pathways specific to phases preceding rheumatoid arthritis development through gene expression profiling
Authors: Dalmasso Cyril , Derbois Céline , Veyssiere Maëva , Olaso Robert , Lamacchia Céline , Alpizar‐Rodriguez Deshiré , Deleuze Jean‐François , Finckh Axel , Petit‐Teixeira Elisabeth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis is partially understood; however, it is believed to result from a multi‐step process. The immune onset followed by pre‐clinical phases will eventually lead to the development of symptomatic disease. We aim at identifying differentially expressed genes in order to highlight pathways involved in the pre‐clinical stages of rheumatoid arthritis development. The study population consisted of first‐degree relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, known to have an increased risk of developing disease as compared to the general population. Whole transcriptome analysis was performed in four groups: asymptomatic without autoantibodies or symptoms associated with possible rheumatoid arthritis (controls); having either clinically suspect arthralgias, undifferentiated arthritis or autoimmunity associated with RA (pre‐clinical stages of RA:Pcs‐RA); having subsequently developed classifiable RA (pre‐RA); and early untreated rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA). Differentially expressed genes were determined, and enrichment analysis was performed. Functional enrichment analysis revealed 31 pathways significantly enriched in differentially expressed genes for Pcs‐RA, pre‐RA and RA compared to the controls. Osteoclast pathway is among the seven pathways specific for RA. In Pcs‐RA and in pre‐RA, several enriched pathways include TP53 gene connections, such as P53 and Wnt signalling pathways. Analysis of whole transcriptome for phenotypes related to rheumatoid arthritis allows highlighting which pathways are requested in the pre‐clinical stages of disease development. After validation in replication studies, molecules belonging to some of these pathways could be used to identify new specific biomarkers for individuals with impending rheumatoid arthritis.
De‐coding genetic risk variants in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shapiro Melanie R , Thirawatananond Puchong , Peters Leeana , Sharp Robert C , Ogundare Similoluwa , Posgai Amanda L , Perry Daniel J , Brusko Todd M 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe conceptual basis for a genetic predisposition underlying the risk for developing type 1 diabetes (T1D) predates modern human molecular genetics. Over half of the genetic risk has been attributed to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II gene region and to the insulin (INS) gene locus – both thought to confer direction of autoreactivity and tissue specificity. Notwithstanding, questions still remain regarding the functional contributions of a vast array of minor polygenic risk variants scattered throughout the genome that likely influence disease heterogeneity and clinical outcomes. Herein, we summarize the available literature related to the T1D‐associated coding variants defined at the time of this review, for the genes PTPN22, IFIH1, SH2B3, CD226, TYK2, FUT2, SIRPG, CTLA4, CTSH and UBASH3A. Data from genotype‐selected human cohorts are summarized, and studies from the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse are presented to describe the functional impact of these variants in relation to innate and adaptive immunity as well as to β‐cell fragility, with expression profiles in tissues and peripheral blood highlighted. The contribution of each variant to progression through T1D staging, including environmental interactions, are discussed with consideration of how their respective protein products may serve as attractive targets for precision medicine‐based therapeutics to prevent or suspend the development of T1D.
Regulatory B cells: TIM‐1, transplant tolerance, and rejection
Authors: Cherukuri Aravind , Mohib Kanishka , Rothstein David M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRegulatory B cells (Bregs) ameliorate autoimmune disease and prevent allograft rejection. Conversely, they hinder effective clearance of pathogens and malignancies. Breg activity is mainly attributed to IL‐10 expression, but also utilizes additional regulatory mechanisms such as TGF‐β, FasL, IL‐35, and TIGIT. Although Bregs are present in various subsets defined by phenotypic markers (including canonical B cell subsets), our understanding of Bregs has been limited by the lack of a broadly inclusive and specific phenotypic or transcriptional marker. TIM‐1, a broad marker for Bregs first identified in transplant models, plays a major role in Breg maintenance and induction. Here, we expand on the role of TIM‐1+ Bregs in immune tolerance and propose TIM‐1 as a unifying marker for Bregs that utilize various inhibitory mechanisms in addition to IL‐10. Further, this review provides an in‐depth assessment of our understanding of Bregs in transplantation as elucidated in murine models and clinical studies. These studies highlight the major contribution of Bregs in preventing allograft rejection, and their ability to serve as highly predictive biomarkers for clinical transplant outcomes.