bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of the modified myocardial performance index in growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: Öcal Doğa Fatma , Yakut Kadriye , Öztürk Filiz Halıcı , Öztürk Merve , Oğuz Yüksel , Altınboğa Orhan , Çelen Şevki 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe modified myocardial performance index (Mod‐MPI) can be used to assess myocardial function. Fetal growth restriction can affect fetal myocardial function, thereby altering the Mod‐MPI. The results of previous studies on the utility of the Mod‐MPI in growth‐restricted fetuses are conflicting. The aim of this study was to calculate the left modified‐MPI in growth‐restricted fetuses and to compare the results with those of healthy fetuses.MethodsThis was a prospective cross‐sectional case–control study. In total, 40 women with growth‐restricted fetuses and 40 women with fetuses of normal weight (controls) at 29–39 gestational weeks were enrolled in the study. An experienced obstetrician calculated the Mod‐MPI for each fetus. Women with systemic diseases or fetuses with chromosomal/structural abnormalities were excluded from the study. The results of Mod‐MPI measurements of the two groups were compared.ResultsThe mean single deepest vertical pocket (SDVP) of amniotic fluid, estimated fetal weight (EFW), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) was significantly lower in the fetal growth restriction (FGR) group as compared with these parameters in the control group (P < .05). The uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) was significantly higher in the FGR group as compared with that in the control group (P < .05). There were six cases of absent end‐diastolic flow (AED) in the FGR group. There were no statistically significant between‐group differences in the Mod‐MPI, isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), and ejection time (ET) (P > .05). There was also no statistically significant correlation between the Mod‐MPI in the fetuses with AED and the control group for Mod‐MPI (P > .05).ConclusionThe utility of the Mod‐MPI in FGR remains unclear. Future studies with larger populations are needed to determine the utility of the Mod‐MPI as a predictor of cardiac compromise in FGR.
Exercise and microstructural changes in the motor cortex of older adults
Authors: Rowley Christopher D. , Bock Nicholas A. , Deichmann Ralf , Engeroff Tobias , Hattingen Elke , Hellweg Rainer , Pilatus Ulrich , Füzéki Eszter , Gerten Sina , Vogt Lutz , Banzer Winfried , Pantel Johannes , Fleckenstein Johannes , Matura Silke 
Published: October 2019

AbstractExercise has been shown to counteract age‐related volume decreases in the human brain, and in this imaging study, we ask whether the same holds true for the microstructure of the cortex. Healthy older adults (n = 47, 65–90 years old) either exercised three times a week on a stationary bike or maintained their usual physical routine over a 12‐week period. Quantitative longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) maps were made at baseline and after the 12‐week intervention. R1 is commonly taken to reflect cortical myelin density. The change in R1 (ΔR1) was significantly increased in a region of interest (ROI) in the primary motor cortex containing motor outputs to the leg musculature in the exercise group relative to the control group (p = .04). The change in R1 in this ROI correlated with an increase in oxygen consumption at the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) (p = .04), a marker of improvement in submaximal aerobic performance. An exploratory analysis across the cortex suggested that the correlation was predominately confined to the leg representation in the motor cortex. This study suggests that microstructural declines in the cortex of older adults may be staved off by exercise.
The genetics of phenotypic plasticity. XVII. Response to climate change
Authors: Scheiner Samuel M. , Barfield Michael , Holt Robert D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe world is changing at a rapid rate, threatening extinction for a large part of the world's biota. One potential response to those altered conditions is to evolve so as to be able to persist in place. Such evolution includes not just traits themselves, but also the phenotypic plasticity of those traits. We used individual‐based simulations to explore the potential of an evolving phenotypic plasticity to increase the probability of persistence in the response to either a step change or continual, directional change in the environment accompanied by within‐generation random environmental fluctuations. Populations could evolve by altering both their nonplastic and plastic genetic components. We found that phenotypic plasticity enhanced survival and adaptation if that plasticity was not costly. If plasticity was costly, for it to be beneficial the phenotypic magnitude of plasticity had to be great enough in the initial generations to overcome those costs. These results were not sensitive to either the magnitude of the within‐generation correlation between the environment of development and the environment of selection or the magnitude of the environmental fluctuations, except for very small phenotypic magnitudes of plasticity. So, phenotypic plasticity has the potential to enhance survival; however, more data are needed on the ubiquity of trait plasticity, the extent of costs of plasticity, and the rate of mutational input of genetic variation for plasticity.
An investigation into the occurrence of, and risk factors for, concurrent suspensory ligament injuries in horses with hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy
Authors: Gruyaert M. , Pollard D. , Dyson S. J. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryHindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD) is a common cause of lameness or poor performance in horses and may occur alone or together with other suspensory ligament (SL) injuries in forelimbs or hindlimbs. The aims of this retrospective case‐control study (January 2009 to December 2018) were to describe the occurrence of, and identify risk factors for, concurrentSLinjuries in horses with hindlimbPSD. Data concerning age, breed, sex, work discipline, height, bodyweight and work history were collected. ConcurrentSLinjuries were defined as forelimb proximal suspensory desmitis orSLbranch injuries (≥grade 2 [0–3]) in any limb. HindlimbPSDwas graded mild, moderate or severe based on ultrasonography. Data were described, and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with concurrentSLinjuries. Data were available for 923 horses with hindlimbPSD, 28.6% (n = 264) of which had concurrentSLinjuries. Age category (≤5 years of age vs. ≥6 years of age; P = 0.008), bodyweight:height ratio (P = 0.001), breed (P = 0.05), symmetry vs. asymmetry of hindlimbPSDultrasonography grade (P = 0.005) and asymmetry vs. symmetry of lameness grade (P = 0.02) were associated with concurrentSLinjury in horses with hindlimbPSD. Compared with horses aged ≥ 6 years, younger horses (odds ratio [OR] 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.7) were more likely to have concurrentSLinjury. The risk for concurrentSLinjuries increased for every unit increase in bodyweight:height ratio (OR2.27;CI1.4–3.7). Compared with Thoroughbred crosses, Warmblood crosses (OR3.3,CI1.4–7.8), Thoroughbreds (OR2.9,CI1.1–7.1) and Irish Draught Horses (OR3.5,CI1.3–9.9) were more likely to have concurrentSLinjuries. HindlimbPSDultrasonography grade severity was not associated with concurrentSLinjury. In conclusion, age, bodyweight:height ratio and breed influenced the risk for concurrent lesions of theSLligament. Further prospective studies in young horses are warranted.
Catalase compromises the development of the insect and mammalian stages of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Horáková Eva , Faktorová Drahomíra , Kraeva Natalia , Kaur Binnypreet , Van Den Abbeele Jan , Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Lukeš Julius 
Published: October 2019

Catalase is a widespread heme‐containing enzyme, which converts hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water and molecular oxygen, thereby protecting cells from the toxic effects of H2O2. Trypanosoma brucei is an aerobic protist, which conspicuously lacks this potent enzyme, present in virtually all organisms exposed to oxidative stress. To uncover the reasons for its absence in T. brucei, we overexpressed different catalases in procyclic and bloodstream stages of the parasite. The heterologous enzymes originated from the related insect‐confined trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata and the human. While the trypanosomatid enzyme (cCAT) operates at low temperatures, its human homolog (hCAT) is adapted to the warm‐blooded environment. Despite the presence of peroxisomal targeting signal in hCAT, both human and C. fasciculata catalases localized to the cytosol of T. brucei. Even though cCAT was efficiently expressed in both life cycle stages, the enzyme was active in the procyclic stage, increasing cell's resistance to the H2O2 stress, yet its activity was suppressed in the cultured bloodstream stage. Surprisingly, following the expression of hCAT, the ability to establish the T. brucei infection in the tsetse fly midgut was compromised. In the mouse model, hCAT attenuated parasitemia and, consequently, increased the host's survival. Hence, we suggest that the activity of catalase in T. brucei is beneficial in vitro, yet it becomes detrimental for parasite's proliferation in both invertebrate and vertebrate hosts, leading to an inability to carry this, otherwise omnipresent, enzyme.
Sarcopenia as a predictor of activities of daily living capability in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation
Authors: Matsushita Tatsuya , Nishioka Shinta , Taguchi Shiori , Yamanouchi Anna 
Published: October 2019

AimThe aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between sarcopenia, as defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, and the recovery of the capability to carry out activities of daily living in convalescent stroke patients who completed a rehabilitation program.MethodsThis retrospective study included consecutive stroke patients admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards. To determine which patients had sarcopenia, we used the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. At admission, participants were classified by either the presence or absence of sarcopenia. Baseline characteristics, including the Functional Independence Measure–motor domain score (FIM‐M), were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome to be explained was the FIM‐M at discharge. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine how well a sarcopenia diagnosis and various baseline characteristics could predict the FIM‐M score at discharge.ResultsIn total, 267 participants (117 women) were included in this study. Of these, 129 (48.3%) were classified as definitely having sarcopenia. Participants with sarcopenia showed lower FIM‐M at discharge than those without this condition (median 72 vs 89, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses exploring determinants of the FIM‐M scores showed that a diagnosis of sarcopenia independently predicted them at discharge for men (B −4.957, 95% confidence interval −9.902–−0.012), but not for women.ConclusionsStroke‐related sarcopenia appears to be a predictor of how well male patients can engage in activities of daily living after rehabilitation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1124–1128.
Effects of vegetation cutting on invertebrate communities of high conservation valueCallunaupland peatlands
Authors: Sanderson Roy , Newton Samuel , Selvidge Jen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractUpland moors and bogs in the United Kingdom are peatlands of high nature conservation value, many designated under the European Union's Habitat Directive, with internationally important bird populations, which depend on abundant invertebrate populations when breeding.Moorland management in the United Kingdom traditionally employs controlled burning in 10–30 year rotations of heather,Calluna vulgaris, creating habitat mosaics of different species composition and physical structure. This can increase overall invertebrate biodiversity and abundance, for certain key invertebrate groups. Burning has potential negative environmental effects, including peat erosion and contamination of drinking‐water supplies.Rotational cutting of vegetation is now being trialled as an alternative to burning, but its long‐term effects on invertebrates are poorly understood. We surveyed invertebrates on a 16‐year chronosequence of rotational cutting on an extensive area of dwarf shrub vegetation on upland peat soils in Northern England.Invertebrate Simpson diversity was greatest on intermediate‐aged patches, and along edges between cut and uncut areas. Older patches, cut between 2000 and 2008, were dominated by ants (Hymenoptera‐Formicidae), plant‐feeding bugs (Hemiptera‐Auchenorrhyncha) and parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera‐Parasitica). Patches cut more recently, between 2009 and 2016, had significantly lower invertebrate abundance, and were dominated by predatory ground beetles (Coleoptera‐Carabidae), ants and harvestmen (Opiliones).There were significant relationships between vegetation and invertebrate community composition under both invertebrate sampling methods. We recommend that rotational cutting is used as the primary means of management, it should be undertaken in approximately 15–20 year rotations, in irregularly shaped mosaics, to maximise the benefits to invertebrates and associated wildlife.
Efficacy and safety of single versus multiple intralesional immunotherapy with purified protein derivative (PPD) in the treatment of multiple verruca vulgaris
Authors: Milante Riza R. , Venida‐Tablizo Abelaine , King‐Ismael Daisy 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite the numerous studies on the use of purified protein derivative (PPD), a protein extracted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in verruca vulgaris, there is no standardized regimen, and efficacy of single versus multiple injections has not been compared.MethodsThis is a randomized, open‐label, superiority trial. Sixty‐six patients with at least three warts in two different anatomic sites were randomized into two groups: a single injection (n = 29) and multiple injection (n = 29) groups. Patients were treated every 2 weeks until a maximum of six sessions.ResultsMultiple injections (79.3%) showed superior clearance rates compared to a single injection of PPD (58.6%) (P‐value = 0.0236). Multiple injections also exhibited faster clearance at each time point (P = 0.048). Pain was statistically more significant in the multiple injection group (P = 0.0005). There was no statistically significant difference in incidence of adverse events (P = 0.1795). Amongst all cleared patients in both groups, there were no recurrences after 6 months.ConclusionMultiple injections of warts with PPD cleared more patients with multiple common warts than the use of single injections at the end of 12 weeks and were faster in clearing patients at every time point. Single injection was better tolerated than multiple injections. Both treatments exhibited similar safety profiles and recurrence rates.
Combined use of hydrocolloids in pomegranate juice and their effects on clarification and copigmentation
Authors: Türkyılmaz Meltem , Hamzaoğlu Fatmagül , Özkan Mehmet 
Published: October 2019

SummaryPomegranate juices (PJs) were clarified using hydrocolloids [albumin (A), casein (C), chitosan (CH) and xanthan gum (XG)] and in combination with each other. The lowest turbidity was observed in PJs clarified with ‘CH+XG’ and ‘A+C+CH’. Unlike ‘CH+XG’, effects of albumin and its combinations on clarity were mainly related with the contents of ellagic acid (r = −0.861), α‐punicalagin (r = −0.761), rutin (r = −0.734), β‐punicalagin (r = −0.730) and total punicalagin (r = −0.713). ‘CH+XG’ caused the highest phenolic (602 mg L−1) and anthocyanin (449 mg L−1) contents, and the second highest Amax (0.811 ABS), resulting from copigmentation of delphinidin‐3‐glucoside and delphinidin‐3,5‐diglucoside with CH. Since A showed moderate copigmentation effect, A had lower hyperchromic effect than CH. Moreover, C reduced Amax, anthocyanin content and colour density when combined with other hydrocolloids. As a result, ‘CH+XG’ would be the best combination to obtain high clarity, maintain phenolics and anthocyanins and provide high copigmentation effect in PJ.
Are there differences in immune responses following delivery of vaccines through acutely or chronically sun‐exposed compared with sun‐unexposed skin?
Authors: Hart Prue H. , Norval Mary 
Published: October 2019

SummaryThe majority of human vaccines are administered above the deltoid muscle of the arm, a site that is chronically sun‐exposed in many people. It is known that exposure of the skin to the UV wavelengths in sunlight stimulates systemic immunosuppression, an outcome that is associated with reduced immunity to microbial infections in animal models. Here we consider whether immunization of humans through a UV‐irradiated skin site will lead to a less effective immune response compared with immunization through an unexposed site. Studies showing that the efficacy of vaccination can be reduced when surrogates of increased levels of sun exposure, such as latitude of residence and season of the year, are considered. Results from a limited number of intervention experiments in humans demonstrate a similar pattern. To provide an explanation for these findings, changes in the number and functional potential of immune cells in chronically sun‐exposed compared with unexposed skin are outlined. UV radiation‐induced changes to skin cells are also relevant when considering skin sites for administration of immune‐tolerizing peptides. The review provides the basis for further research into the effects of acute and chronic UV radiation exposure on skin cells in the context of vaccination.
Prognostic factors in patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a multicentric, retrospective analysis of the Spanish Group of Cutaneous Lymphoma
Authors: Fernández‐de‐Misa R. , Hernández‐Machín B. , Combalía A. , García Muret M.P. , Servitje O. , Muniesa C. , Gallardo F. , Pujol R.M. , Martí R.M. , Ortiz‐Brugués A. , Maroñas‐Jiménez L. , Ortiz‐Romero P.L. , Blanch Rius L. , Izu R. , Román C. , Cañueto J. , Blanes M. , Morillo M. , Bastida J. , Peñate Y. , Pérez Gala S. , Espinosa Lara P. , Pérez Gil A. , Estrach T. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundReliable prognostic factors for patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) are lacking.ObjectiveTo identify prognostic factors for specific survival in patients with PCALCL.MethodsUsing the convenience sampling method, patients with PCALCL diagnosed from May 1986 to August 2017 in 16 University Departments were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOne hundred eight patients were included (57 males). Median age at diagnosis was 58 years. All of them showed T1‐3N0M0 stages. Seventy per cent of the cases presented with a solitary lesion, mostly at the limbs. Complete response rate after first‐line treatment was 87%, and no advantage was observed for any of them (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or other approaches). Nodal and visceral progression rate was 11% and 2%, respectively. 5‐year specific survival (SSV) reached 93%; 97% for T1 patients and 84% for T2/T3 patients (P = 0.031). Five‐year SSV for patients developing early cutaneous relapse was 64%; for those with late or no relapse, 96% (P = 0.001). Estimated median SSV for patients showing nodal progression was 103 months (95% CI: 51–155 months); for patients without nodal progression, estimated SSV did not reach the median (P < 0.001). Nodal progression was an independent predictive parameter for shorter survival (P = 0.011).ConclusionMultiple cutaneous lesions at presentation, early skin relapse and nodal progression portrait worse prognosis in patients with PCALCL.
Stability of supported geomembrane tube flood barriers of novel design
Authors: Sun Liqiang , Qi Yumeng , Gao Xin , Guo Wei , Zhang Ning 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGeomembrane tube is an alternative method for the construction of flood barriers, cofferdams and breakwaters for flood risk management. Compared to the traditional method of using sandbags to build flood barriers, geomembrane tubes could be inflated very quickly using water, folded and transported easily after the flood recedes and reused in the future. A method of inserting the L‐shaped block on the downstream side of a geomembrane tube is proposed to prevent the geomembrane tubes from rolling off or slipping along the ground surface. Numerical studies using particle flow code (PFC2D) software are carried out to analyse the behaviour of the geomembrane tube supported by L‐shaped blocks. Parametric studies are also conducted to identify the influences from the key factors and to provide predictive charts for practical usage. It is found that the optimum edge length of the L‐shaped block is 0.12L and the suggested initial pumping pressure is 0.162γL where L is the cross‐sectional perimeter of the geomembrane tube and γ is the unit weight of the filling liquid. The suggested central angle of the segment of the L‐shaped block is π/3. The geomembrane tube designed using the suggested parameters can sustain and external water level of 0.296L.
Diagnostic imaging observations in cats treated with the subcutaneous ureteral bypass system
Authors: Dirrig H. , Lamb C. R. , Kulendra N. , Halfacree Z. 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesTo describe pre‐ and post‐operative ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic findings, including any abnormalities, in cats treated for ureteral obstruction with a subcutaneous ureteral bypass system.MethodsRetrospective review of imaging findings in cats with ureteral obstruction that had surgery to place the first version of the bypass system and at least one follow‐up ultrasound or fluoroscopic study. Pre‐ and post‐operative renal pelvic diameter on ultrasound, fluoroscopic appearance of the bypass system and any related abnormality were recorded.ResultsEighty‐one cats were included (47 unilateral, 34 bilateral bypass systems). Median preoperative renal pelvic diameter was 9 mm (range 3 to 28 mm) and median renal pelvic diameter at the first postoperative ultrasound was 3 mm (range 2 to 23 mm). The median number of postoperative imaging studies was two (range 1 to 8) and the median follow‐up period after surgery was 205 days (range 1 to 1378 days). Bypass system abnormalities were identified postoperatively in 43 (53%) cats, including nephrostomy or cystostomy catheter blockage due to an undetermined cause or kinking of the catheter, nephrostomy or cystostomy catheter leakage, non‐obstructive kinking of the catheter and loose nephrostomy pig‐tail loop. Many abnormalities required repeat surgery, but others were managed conservatively. Fifty‐four percent of obstructed ureters became patent after bypass placement, although the majority remained slightly dilated or had irregular margins compatible with chronic inflammation.Clinical SignificanceBypass abnormalities, mainly tube blockage, occurred frequently in cats treated for ureteral obstruction. Ultrasonography and fluoroscopy were useful for postoperative examination, including documenting renewed ureteral patency and investigation of suspected abnormalities.