bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between corneal and retinal neurodegenerative changes and their association with microvascular perfusion in type II diabetes
Authors: Hafner Julia , Karst Sonja , Sacu Stefan , Scholda Christoph , Pablik Eleonore , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeThe pathophysiology of diabetic neurodegeneration and microvasculopathy remains controversial. Neurosensory layer thickness and corneal nerve fibre loss represent potential biomarkers of neuropathy. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to determine the correlation between these neurodegenerative features and their association with retinal microvascular integrity in patients with type II diabetes without retinopathy.MethodsNerve fibre length (NFL), density (NFD) and branch density (NBD) were assessed using corneal confocal microscopy. Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used for peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), and macular RNFL, ganglion cell (GCL), inner plexiform (IPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) thicknesses. Parafoveal vessel density (PVD) was determined using OCT angiography.ResultsWe analysed 118 eyes of 61 patients. Peripapillary RNFL, macular RNFL, GCL, IPL and INL were 101 ± 8, 29 ± 3, 43 ± 4, 36 ± 3 and 36 ± 3 μm. NFL, NFD and NBD were 12.3 ± 4.4 mm/mm2, 17.8 ± 7.4/mm2 and 26.7 ± 15.2/mm2. Corneal nerve fibre variables were neither associated with inner retinal thicknesses nor PVD. A significant positive correlation was found between macular GCL, IPL and peripapillary RNFL with deep capillary plexus PVD (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionOur results indicate that corneal and retinal neurodegeneration are independent changes early in type II diabetes and that distinct retinal, but not corneal neurodegenerative features, are associated with retinal microvascular perfusion.
Genetic diversities and population structures of four popular Myanmar local cattle breeds
Authors: Lwin Moe , Mon Su Lai Y. , Yamanaka Hayate , Nagano Yukio , Mannen Hideyuki , Faruque Mohammad O. , Kawabe Kotaro , Okamoto Shin , Shimogiri Takeshi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLocal cattle breeds are popular in Myanmar because they make excellent draught animals, so it is of fundamental importance that their genetic diversities and population structures are elucidated for breeding and conservation purposes. In this study, we characterized the genetic diversities and population structures of four popular Myanmar local cattle breeds and five native cattle populations from neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam) using the GGP Bovine 50K array. The mean observed and expected heterozygosity estimates using pruned datasets ranged from 0.317 and 0.322, respectively, in Cambodia to 0.448 and 0.421, respectively, in Vietnam South. The four Myanmar local breeds exhibited similar levels of genetic diversity. However, AMOVA revealed significant genetic differentiation among the nine populations (p < 0.00001), and Neighbor‐Net analysis showed that Shan Ngwar Pu was distinct from the other Myanmar local breeds. Furthermore, PCA and population structure analyses revealed that the native cattle from neighboring countries genetically influenced the Myanmar local breeds to some extent and that the genetic origins could also be observed in the local breeds. These findings highlight the importance of Myanmar local breeds as genetic resources and provide useful information for the future development of breeding strategies and conservation management plans.
Adult Learning and Language Simplification
Authors: Atkinson Mark , Smith Kenny , Kirby Simon 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLanguages spoken in larger populations are relatively simple. A possible explanation for this is that languages with a greater number of speakers tend to also be those with higher proportions of non‐native speakers, who may simplify language during learning. We assess this explanation for the negative correlation between population size and linguistic complexity in three experiments, using artificial language learning techniques to investigate both the simplifications made by individual adult learners and the potential for such simplifications to influence group‐level language characteristics. In Experiment 1, we show that individual adult learners trained on a morphologically complex miniature language simplify its morphology. In Experiment 2, we explore how these simplifications may then propagate through subsequent learning. We use the languages produced by the participants of Experiment 1 as the input for a second set of learners, manipulating (a) the proportion of their input which is simplified and (b) the number of speakers they receive their input from. We find, contrary to expectations, that mixing the input from multiple speakers nullifies the simplifications introduced by individuals in Experiment 1; simplifications at the individual level do not result in simplification of the population's language. In Experiment 3, we focus on languageuseas a mechanism for simplification, exploring the consequences of the interaction between individuals differing in their linguistic competence (as native and non‐native speakers might). We find that speakers who acquire a more complex language than their partner simplify their language during interaction. We ultimately conclude that adult learning can result in languages spoken by more people having simpler morphology, but that idiosyncratic simplifications by non‐natives do not offer a complete explanation in themselves; accommodation—by comparatively competent non‐natives to less competent speakers, or by native speakers to non‐natives—may be a key linking mechanism.
Developmental outcomes in children with congenital cerebellar malformations
Authors: Pinchefsky Elana F , Accogli Andrea , Shevell Michael I , Saint‐Martin Christine , Srour Myriam 
Published: October 2018

AimNeurodevelopmental outcomes in children with congenital cerebellar malformations (CCMs) remain poorly defined. We aimed to assess whether specific neuroimaging features in CCM patients correlate with neurodevelopmental outcomes.MethodHospital records and neuroimaging of 67 children with CCMs were systematically reviewed. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between specific imaging features and neurodevelopmental outcomes.ResultsCCM categories were distributed as follows: 28 percent isolated vermis hypoplasia (n=19), 28 percent global cerebellar hypoplasia (n=19), 15 percent Dandy–Walker malformation (n=10), 13 percent pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH, n=9), 9 percent molar tooth malformation (n=6), 3 percent rhombencephalosynapsis (n=2), and 3 percent unilateral cerebellar malformation (n=2). Overall, 85 percent (55/65) of the cohort had global developmental delay (GDD). Intellectual disability was present in 61 percent (27/43) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 12 percent (6/52). Adjusting for supratentorial malformations and presence of genetic findings, severe GDD was associated with cerebellar hypoplasia (p=0.049) and PCH (p=0.030), whereas children with vermis hypoplasia were less likely to have severe GDD (p=0.003). Presence of supratentorial abnormalities was not significantly associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcome but was associated with epilepsy.InterpretationChildren with CCMs have high prevalence of neurodevelopmental deficits. Specific features on imaging can aid prognostication and establish early intervention strategies.What this paper adds

Atypical long‐term neurodevelopmental outcome is very common in patients with congenital cerebellar malformations (CCMs).

Involvement of the brainstem and cerebellar hemispheres predicts more severe neurodevelopmental disability.

Most patients with vermis hypoplasia have language delay but are verbal.

Supratentorial abnormalities are not significantly associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcome but are associated with epilepsy.

Comorbidities are common in CCMs, especially ophthalmological issues in cerebellar hypoplasia and sensorineural hearing loss in pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
Environmental effects of ambient temperature and relative humidity on insulin pharmacodynamics in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al‐Qaissi Ahmed , Papageorgiou Maria , Javed Zeeshan , Heise Tim , Rigby Alan S. , Garrett Andrew T. , Hepburn David , Kilpatrick Eric S. , Atkin Stephen L. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of ambient temperature and relative humidity on insulin pharmacodynamics in adults with type 1 diabetes.Materials and methodsA three‐way, cross‐over, randomised study was performed in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 10). The pharmacodynamics profile of a single dose of short‐acting insulin (insulin lispro) was investigated, using a controlled environmental chamber, under three environmental conditions: (a) temperature: 15°C and humidity: 10%; (b) temperature: 30°C and humidity: 10%; and (c) temperature: 30°C and humidity: 60%. A euglycaemic glucose clamp technique ensured constant blood glucose of 100 mg/dL (5.5 mmol/L). The following pharmacodynamic endpoints were calculated: maximum glucose infusion rate (GIRmax), time to GIRmax (tGIRmax), total area under the curve (AUC) for GIR from 0‐6 hours (AUCGIR.0‐6h), and partial AUCs (AUCGIR.0‐1h, AUCGIR.0‐2h and AUCGIR.2‐6h).ResultsHigher temperature (30°C) under 10% fixed humidity conditions resulted in greater GIRmax (P = 0.04) and a later tGIR.max (P = 0.049) compared to lower temperature (15°C). Humidity did not affect any pharmacodynamic parameter. When the combined effects of temperature and humidity were explored, tGIR.max (P = 0.008) occurred earlier, with a lower late insulin pharmacodynamic effect (AUCGIR.2‐6h; P = 0.017) at a temperature of 15°C and humidity of 10% compared to a temperature of 30°C and humidity of 60%.ConclusionsHigh ambient temperature resulted in a greater insulin peak effect compared to low ambient temperature, with the contribution of high relative humidity apparent only at high ambient temperature. This suggests that patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who are entering higher environmental temperatures, with or without high humidity, could experience more hypoglycaemic events.
Strategies of Phytophthora infestans adaptation to local UV radiation conditions
Authors: Wu E‐Jiao , Wang Yan‐Ping , Shen Lin‐Lin , Yahuza Lurwanu , Tian Ji‐Chen , Yang Li‐Na , Shang Li‐Ping , Zhu Wen , Zhan Jiasui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractExpected global changes in environmental conditions underline the need for a better understanding of genetic variation in ecological traits and their strategies of adaptation to the stresses. In this study, evolutionary mechanisms and processes of UV adaptation in plant pathogens were investigated by combining statistical genetics, physiological assays, and common garden experiment approaches in an assessment of the potato late blight pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, sampled from various geographic locations in China. We found spatial divergence caused by diversifying selection in UV tolerance among P. infestans populations. Local UV radiation was the driving force of selection as indicated by a positive correlation between UV tolerance in P. infestans populations and the altitude of collection sites. Plasticity accounted for 68% of population variation while heritability was negligible, suggesting temporary changes in gene expression and/or enzymatic activity play a more important role than permanent modification of gene structure in the evolution of UV adaptation. This adaptation strategy may explain the lack of fitness penalty observed in genotypes with higher UV tolerance.
Fermentation and chemical composition of Marandu grass ensiled with dehydrated brewery residue
Authors: de Jesus Ferreira Daniele , de Moura Zanine Anderson , de Paula Lana Rogério , de Souza Alexandre Lima , de Mattos Negrão Fagton , Geron Luiz J V , Parente Henrique N , de Oliveira Maia Parente Michelle , Pinho Ricardo M A 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate fermentation and chemical composition of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu silages treated with dehydrated brewery residue (DBR). Treatments consisted of five levels of DBR (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 g/kg fresh matter basis). Buffering capacity, pH, and lactic acid concentration were quadratically affected (p < 0.05) by DBR levels. Losses by gases and effluents decreased linearly (p < 0.05) as the level of DBR was increased. Dry matter recovery increased linearly (p < 0.05). The addition of DBR did not affect (p > 0.05) chemical parameters, such as organic matter, ash, and water‐soluble carbohydrates in Marandu grass silage. The addition of DBR improved the fermentation profile and nutritive value of B. brizantha cv. Marandu. These effects were consistent with the inclusion of at least 200 g/kg of DBR.
Identification and characterization of HIV positive Ethiopian elite controllers in both Africa and Israel
Authors: Kiros YK , Elinav H , Gebreyesus A , Gebremeskel H , Azar J , Chemtob D , Abreha H , Elbirt D , Shahar E , Chowers M , Turner D , Grossman Z , Haile A , Sutton RE , Maayan SL , Wolday D 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesHIV elite controllers (ECs) are a unique subgroup of HIV‐positive patients who are long‐term virologically suppressed in the absence of antiretroviral treatment (ART). The prevalence of this subgroup is estimated to be < 1%. Various cohorts of ECs have been described in developed countries, most of which have been demographically heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to identify ECs in two large African cohorts and to estimate their prevalence in a relatively genetically homogenous population.MethodsWe screened two cohorts of HIV‐positive Ethiopian patients. The first cohort resided in Mekelle, Ethiopia. The second was comprised of HIV‐positive Ethiopian immigrants in Israel. In the Mekelle cohort, ART‐naïve subjects with stable CD4 counts were prospectively screened using two measurements of viral load 6 months apart. Subjects were defined as ECs when both measurements were undetectable. In the Israeli cohort, subjects with consistently undetectable viral loads (mean of 17 viral load measurements/patient) and stable CD4 count > 500 cells/μL were defined as ECs.ResultsIn the Mekelle cohort, 16 of 9515 patients (0.16%) fitted the definition of EC, whereas seven of 1160 (0.6%) in the Israeli cohort were identified as ECs (P = 0.011).ConclusionsThis is the first large‐scale screening for HIV‐positive ECs to be performed in entirely African cohorts. The overall prevalence of ECs is within the range of that previously described in developing countries. The significant difference in prevalence between the two cohorts of similar genetic background is probably a consequence of selection bias but warrants further investigation into possible environmental factors which may underlie the EC state.
South‐South Irregular Migration: The Impacts of China's Informal Gold Rush in Ghana
Authors: Botchwey Gabriel , Crawford Gordon , Loubere Nicholas , Lu Jixia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article examines irregular South‐South migration from China to Ghana, and the role it played in transforming livelihoods and broader developmental landscapes. It looks at the entry of approximately 50,000 Chinese migrants into the informal small‐scale gold mining sector from 2008‐2013. These migrants mainly hailed from Shanglin County in Guangxi Province. In Ghana, they formed mutually beneficial relationships with local miners, both legal and illegal, introducing machinery that substantially increased gold production. However, the legal status of Chinese miners was particularly problematic as, by law, small‐scale mining is restricted to Ghanaian citizens. In mid‐2013, President Mahama established a military task force against illegal mining, resulting in the deportation of many Chinese miners. The article examines the experiences of both Chinese migrants and Ghanaian miners. Findings are that irregular migration into an informal sector had long‐lasting impacts and played a significant role in the transformation of economic, political, and physical landscapes in Ghana.
Effects and safety of atmospheric low‐temperature plasma on bacterial reduction in chronic wounds and wound size reduction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Assadian Ojan , Ousey Karen J. , Daeschlein George , Kramer Axel , Parker Christina , Tanner Judith , Leaper David J. 
Published: October 2018

The use of atmospheric low‐temperature plasma (AP) on chronic wounds and its effect on microbial bioburden in open wounds has not been explored with a systematic review and meta‐analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed and PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which compared AP with no AP for the management of open, chronic wounds. The primary outcomes of reduction of bioburden or wound size were included. Meta‐analyses were performed; odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and pooled in a random effects model.Four RCTs investigated the effect of AP on chronic wound healing. Chronic wounds treated with AP did not show a significant improvement in healing (AP vs control: OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 0.89‐2.38; P = 0.13). Five further RCTs investigated the reduction of bioburden in wounds, but AP demonstrated no significant reduction of bioburden (AP vs control: OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.45‐1.62; P = 0.63). All nine RCTs recorded the presence of any severe adverse events (SAEs) in the 268 patients studied, with only one unrelated SAE identified in each group (AP vs control: OR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.05‐19.96; P = 1.00). Use of AP in wound care is safe, but the retrieved evidence and meta‐analysis show that there is no clinical benefit of AP in chronic open wounds using currently available AP device settings.
Oncostatin M inhibits differentiation of rat stem Leydig cells in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wang Yiyan , Xie Lubin , Tian Erpo , Li Xiaoheng , Wen Zina , Li Linchao , Chen Lanlan , Zhong Ying , Ge Ren‐Shan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine within the interleukin six family of cytokines, which regulate cell growth and differentiation in a wide variety of biological systems. However, its action and underlying mechanisms on stem Leydig cell development are unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether OSM affects the proliferation and differentiation of rat stem Leydig cells. We used a Leydig cell regeneration model in rat testis and a unique seminiferous tubule culture system after ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) treatment to assess the ability of OSM in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of rat stem Leydig cells. Intratesticular injection of OSM (10 and 100 ng/testis) from post‐EDS day 14 to 28 blocked the regeneration of Leydig cells by reducing serum testosterone levels without affecting serum luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels. It also decreased the levels of Leydig cell‐specific mRNAs (Lhcgr, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd11b1) and their proteins by the RNA‐Seq and Western blotting analysis. OSM had no effect on the proliferative capacity of Leydig cells in vivo. In the seminiferous tubule culture system, OSM (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 ng/mL) inhibited the differentiation of stem Leydig cells by reducing medium testosterone levels and downregulating the expression of Leydig cell‐specific genes (Lhcgr, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd11b1) and their proteins. OSM‐mediated action was reversed by S3I‐201 (a STAT3 antagonist) or filgotinib (a JAK1 inhibitor). These data suggest that OSM is an inhibitory factor of rat stem Leydig cell development.
Effects of variation in resource acquisition during different stages of the life cycle on life‐history traits and trade‐offs in a burying beetle
Authors: Richardson Jon , Smiseth Per T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIndividual variation in resource acquisition should have consequences for life‐history traits and trade‐offs between them because such variation determines how many resources can be allocated to different life‐history functions, such as growth, survival and reproduction. Since resource acquisition can vary across an individual's life cycle, the consequences for life‐history traits and trade‐offs may depend on when during the life cycle resources are limited. We tested for differential and/or interactive effects of variation in resource acquisition in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. We designed an experiment in which individuals acquired high or low amounts of resources across three stages of the life cycle: larval development, prior to breeding and the onset of breeding in a fully crossed design. Resource acquisition during larval development and prior to breeding affected egg size and offspring survival, respectively. Meanwhile, resource acquisition at the onset of breeding affected size and number of both eggs and offspring. In addition, there were interactive effects between resource acquisition at different stages on egg size and offspring survival. However, only when females acquired few resources at the onset of breeding was there evidence for a trade‐off between offspring size and number. Our results demonstrate that individual variation in resource acquisition during different stages of the life cycle has important consequences for life‐history traits but limited effects on trade‐offs. This suggests that in species that acquire a fixed‐sized resource at the onset of breeding, the size of this resource has larger effects on life‐history trade‐offs than resources acquired at earlier stages.
Mathematical modeling of product melt flow in the molding channel of an extruding machine with meat filling feeding
Authors: Ostrikov Alexander N. , Shakhov Sergey V. , Ospanov Abdymanap A. , Muslimov Nurzhan Zh. , Timurbekova Aigul K. , Jumabekova Gulnara B. , Matevey Yesmurat Z. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDesigning alternative food products that would be capable of replacing animal husbandry products while also providing the required amount of edible protein is an important task. It will provide food products for the wider population and reduce food shortage. The aim of this research is to present the product with a high content of animal fats and proteins by extruding animal products. This goal gives rise to the following stages: choosing the temperature zone to keep the process of protein denaturation within an acceptable framework and to preserve all nutrients in easy‐to‐consume forms. Thus, a mathematical model was constructed, which describes the melt flow of the vegetable–meat mixture in the first compression zone, the decompression‐extraction zone, and the second compression zone of a double‐screw‐conveyor extruding machine. The offered product allows the organism to receive its standard daily intake of edible protein, which improves the health of the population. This type of food is also the most cost‐effective replacement for meat products.