bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infant growth faltering linked to subclinical mastitis, maternal faecal–oral contamination, and breastfeeding
Authors: Wren‐Atilola Hilary M. , Solomons Noel W. , Scott Marilyn E. , Koski Kristine G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInfant growth faltering occurs in breastfed infants <6 months of age. The possibility that maternal health status contributes to this growth faltering is underexplored. We investigated whether (a) subclinical mastitis (SCM), an asymptomatic inflammation of the breast, (b) maternal intestinal nematode and protozoan infections, indicators of faecal–oral contamination, or (c) poor breastfeeding practices increased the odds of stunting (length‐for‐age z‐score < −2SD), underweight (weight‐for‐age z‐score < −2SD), or low head circumference (head circumference‐for‐age z‐score < −2SD) in breastfed infants in rural indigenous communities in Guatemala. Mother–infant dyads (n = 105) were subdivided into those with and without SCM (milk Na:K ratio > 0.6). Maternal and infant anthropometry were measured at the time of breast milk collection. Maternal stool samples were examined for the presence of intestinal nematodes and protozoa. Questionnaires were used to characterize breastfeeding practices (exclusivity and frequency) and support, hygiene (latrine use and household faucet), and infant diarrhoea. SCM occurred in 14% of women and was associated with increased odds of infant stunting (odds ratio [OR] = 4.3; confidence interval [CI] [1.1, 15.8]), underweight (OR = 9.2; CI [1.8, 48.0]), and low head circumference (OR = 15.9; CI [2.6, 96.9]). Maternal pathogenic protozoa and nematodes were uncommon (<4%), but nonpathogenic protozoa were common (e.g., Entamoeba coli [39%]). Entamoeba coli increased the likelihood (OR = 3.3; CI [1.02, 10.6]) of low head circumference, whereas higher breastfeeding frequency lowered its odds (OR = 0.74, CI [0.56, 0.97]). Prevention of SCM may improve early infant growth, but public health measures that increase breastfeeding frequency and reduce faecal–oral contamination may be required to minimize low head circumference.
Chest X‐ray evaluation training: impact of normal and abnormal image ratio and instructional sequence
Authors: Geel Koos van , Kok Ellen M , Aldekhayel Abdullah D , Robben Simon G F , van Merriënboer Jeroen J G 
Published: November 2018

ContextMedical image perception training generally focuses on abnormalities, whereas normal images are more prevalent in medical practice. Furthermore, instructional sequences that let students practice prior to expert instruction (inductive) may lead to improved performance compared with methods that give students expert instruction before practice (deductive). This study investigates the effects of the proportion of normal images and practice–instruction order on learning to interpret medical images. It is hypothesised that manipulation of the proportion of normal images will lead to a sensitivity–specificity trade‐off and that students in practice‐first (inductive) conditons need more time per practice case but will correctly identify more test cases.MethodsThird‐year medical students (n = 103) learned radiograph interpretation by practising cases with, respectively, 30% or 70% normal radiographs prior to expert instruction (practice‐first order) or after expert instruction (instruction‐first order). After training, students performed a test (60% normal) and sensitivity (% of correctly identified abnormal radiographs), specificity (% of correctly identified normal radiographs), diagnostic performance (% of correct diagnoses) and case duration were measured.ResultsThe conditions with 30% of normal images scored higher on sensitivity but the conditions with 70% of normal images scored higher on specificity, indicating a sensitivity and specificity trade‐off. Those who participated in inductive conditions took less time per practice case but more per test case. They had similar test sensitivity, but scored lower on test specificity.ConclusionsThe proportion of normal images impacted the sensitivity–specificity trade‐off. This trade‐off should be an important consideration for the alignment of training with future practice. Furthermore, the deductive conditions unexpectedly scored higher on specificity when participants took less time per case. An inductive approach did not lead to higher diagnostic performance, possibly because participants might already have relevant prior knowledge. Deductive approaches are therefore advised for the training of advanced learners.
Excisionase in Pf filamentous prophage controls lysis‐lysogeny decision‐making in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Li Yangmei , Liu Xiaoxiao , Tang Kaihao , Wang Pengxia , Zeng Zhenshun , Guo Yunxue , Wang Xiaoxue 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPf filamentous prophages are prevalent among clinical and environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Pf4 and Pf5 prophages are integrated into the host genomes of PAO1 and PA14, respectively, and play an important role in biofilm development. However, the genetic factors that directly control the lysis‐lysogeny switch in Pf prophages remain unclear. Here, we identified and characterized the excisionase genes in Pf4 and Pf5 (named xisF4 and xisF5, respectively). XisF4 and XisF5 represent two major subfamilies of functional excisionases and are commonly found in Pf prophages. While both of them can significantly promote prophage excision, only XisF5 is essential for Pf5 excision. XisF4 activates Pf4 phage replication by upregulating the phage initiator gene (PA0727). In addition, xisF4 and the neighboring phage repressor c gene pf4r are transcribed divergently and their 5′‐untranslated regions overlap. XisF4 and Pf4r not only auto‐activate their own expression but also repress each other. Furthermore, two H‐NS family proteins, MvaT and MvaU, coordinately repress Pf4 production by directly repressing xisF4. Collectively, we reveal that Pf prophage excisionases cooperate in controlling lysogeny and phage production.
Detecting Co‐Movements in Non‐Causal Time Series
Authors: Cubadda Gianluca , Hecq Alain , Telg Sean 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis paper introduces the notion of common non‐causal features and proposes tools to detect them in multivariate time series models. We argue that the existence of co‐movements might not be detected using the conventional stationary vector autoregressive (VAR) model as the common dynamics are present in the non‐causal (i.e. forward‐looking) component of the series. We show that the presence of a reduced rank structure allows to identify purely causal and non‐causal VAR processes of order P>1 even in the Gaussian likelihood framework. Hence, usual test statistics and canonical correlation analysis can be applied, where either lags or leads are used as instruments to determine whether the common features are present in either the backward‐ or forward‐looking dynamics of the series. The proposed definitions of co‐movements are also valid for the mixed causal—non‐causal VAR, with the exception that a non‐Gaussian maximum likelihood estimator is necessary. This means however that one loses the benefits of the simple tools proposed. An empirical analysis on Brent and West Texas Intermediate oil prices illustrates the findings. No short run co‐movements are found in a conventional causal VAR, but they are detected when considering a purely non‐causal VAR.
Sarcopenia in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: is it a clinically significant entity?
Authors: De Fré C. H. , De Fré M. A. , Kwanten W. J. , Op de Beeck B. J. , Van Gaal L. F. , Francque S. M. 
Published: November 2018

SummarySarcopenia, described as the loss of muscle mass and/or strength, is gaining importance as it can be increasingly related to many chronic diseases. It is also associated with chronic liver disease, and recently it has been more frequently linked to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in particular. Both sarcopenia and NAFLD are subject to complex and intermingled pathophysiological processes, of which some are in common. Furthermore, it is presently unclear if sarcopenia directly contributes to NAFLD or vice versa. The mechanisms that are involved may include obesity, insulin resistance, vitamin D deficiency, aging, physical inactivity and certain cytokines. Current clinical evidence is subject to an important heterogeneity in methods and definitions, with additionally also a relative overrepresentation of evidence in Asian ethnicities. Nonetheless, all studies so far point towards the same association between sarcopenia and NAFLD, including an association with NAFLD‐severity and NAFLD‐related fibrosis. Since the field is in its infancy, clear definitions and further research are needed to aid to improve understanding of the association between NAFLD and sarcopenia. This can eventually lead to additional potential therapeutic interventions. This review attempts to give an overview of the current published literature that links sarcopenia to NAFLD, followed by a discussion of the presumably involved pathophysiological factors, and ends by discussing current unmet needs.
Risk of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with bipolar disorder: A nationwide population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chang En‐Ting , Chen Shih‐Fen , Chiang Jen‐Huai , Wang Ling‐Yi , Hsu Chung‐Y , Shen Yu‐Chih 
Published: November 2018

AimPrevious studies have found a high prevalence of risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). This study aimed to determine whether BD patients are associated with an increased risk of incident OSA.MethodsUsing the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, 3650 BD patients and 18 250 non‐BD controls matched by sex and age were enrolled between 2000 and 2010 and followed until the end of 2013. Patients who developed OSA confirmed by a polysomnographic examination during the follow‐up period were identified. Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the risk of OSA between BD patients and comparative controls.ResultsBD patients were prone to developing OSA in the crude analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–2.49). After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, the HR declined and was only marginally significant (HR: 1.54, 95%CI: 0.99–2.37). The stratification analysis by sex revealed that the risk trend with BD and subsequent OSA was mainly contributed by male BD patients (HR: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.02–2.91) and female BD patients weakened the overall association. Additionally, this study found that older age, higher income, living in urbanized areas, and some metabolic comorbidities were potential risk factors for developing OSA.ConclusionThis study shows that male BD patients are associated with an increased risk of OSA, which has direct implications for the development of targeted prevention interventions or the implementation of a screening algorithm for OSA to reduce its negative health impact.
Treatment of oral manifestations of toxic epidermal necrolysis with low‐level laser therapy in a pediatric patient
Authors: Rocha Amanda Leal , Souza Alessandra Figueiredo De , Nunes Laiz Fernandes Mendes , Cunha Nayara Dias de Souza , Lanza Célia Regina Moreira , Travassos Denise Vieira , Silva Tarcília Aparecida da 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDrug‐induced reactions are complications associated with high mortality and significant morbidity. Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are examples of these conditions, which are characterized by skin and mucous lesions. Here, we report a case of a 9‐year‐old girl who presented with blisters associated with an extensive vesicular rash and multiple ulcerations on the lips and oral cavity. A drug‐induced hypersensitivity reaction to antibiotics was suspected, and a diagnosis of TEN was made. The patient was managed with withdrawal of the suspected causative agent, and the oral lesions were treated with low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) and oral hygiene. This case highlights that TEN requires interdisciplinary intervention with dental assistance and follow‐up to improve symptoms, nutrition, systemic condition, and quality of life.
Recent empirical work on the relationship between causal judgements and norms
Authors: Willemsen Pascale , Kirfel Lara 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIt has recently been argued that normative considerations play an important role in causal cognition. For instance, when an agent violates a moral rule and thereby produces a negative outcome, she will be judged to be much more of a cause of the outcome, compared to someone who performed the same action but did not violate a norm. While there is a substantial amount of evidence reporting these effects, it is still a matter of debate how this evidence is to be interpreted. In this paper, we engage with the three most influential classes of explanations, namely, (a) the Norm‐Sensitive Cognitive Process View, (b) the Normative Concept View, and (c) the Pragmatics View. We will outline how these theories explain the empirical results and in what ways they differ. We conclude with a reflection on how well these strategies do overall and what questions they still leave unanswered.
How does toxoplasmosis affect the maternal‐foetal immune interface and pregnancy?
Authors: Borges Margarida , Magalhães Silva Tânia , Brito Carina , Teixeira Natércia , Roberts Craig W. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryToxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite which, depending on the geographical location, can infect between 10% and 90% of humans. Infection during pregnancy may result in congenital toxoplasmosis. The effects on the foetus vary depending on the stage of gestation in which primary maternal infection arises. A large body of research has focused on understanding immune response to toxoplasmosis, although few studies have addressed how it is affected by pregnancy or the pathological consequences of infection at the maternal‐foetal interface. There is a lack of knowledge about how maternal immune cells, specifically macrophages, are modulated during infection and the resulting consequences for parasite control and pathology. Herein, we discuss the potential of T. gondii infection to affect the maternal‐foetal interface and the potential of pregnancy to disrupt maternal immunity to T. gondii infection.
Body temperature of bitches in the first week after parturition measured by ingestible loggers
Authors: Schulze Laura S.‐Ch. , Heuwieser Wolfgang , Arlt Sebastian P. 
Published: November 2018

ContentsThe objective of this study was to identify the physiological ranges of body temperature of bitches in the first 7 days after parturition by measurement with ingestible temperature loggers. Twenty bitches swallowed one ingestible temperature logger daily. Bitches were defined to be healthy by spontaneous parturition and leucocyte concentration. Mean core body temperatures of eight healthy bitches were (Mean ± SD) 38.8°C ± 0.40 on day 0 p.p., 38.9°C ± 0.47 on day 1 p.p., 38.9°C ± 0.35 on day 2 p.p. 38.7°C ± 0.31 on day 3 p.p., respectively. In the following days, the three remaining healthy bitches showed mean core body temperatures (Mean ± SD) of 38.8°C ± 0.30 on day 4 p.p., 38.6°C ± 0.35 on day 5 p.p., 38.5°C ± 0.27 on day 6 p.p. and 38.4°C ± 0.34 on day 7 p.p., respectively. Three out of the eight healthy bitches showed temperatures ≥39.5°C. Bitches with leucocytosis showed significant higher mean core body temperatures (39.0°C ± 0.49) than healthy bitches (38.8°C ± 0.39) during the first 3 days after parturition (p < 0.01). We conclude that the physiological ranges of body temperature of healthy bitches in the first days after parturition do not differ from those of healthy dogs in general, while the appearance of short episodes of febrile temperatures seems to be physiological. Puerperal bitches with leucocytosis show higher body temperatures increased by only 0.2°C.
General and type 2 parvovirus‐specific passive immune transfer in puppies – Evaluation by early growth
Authors: Mila Hanna , Grellet Aurélien , Feugier Alexandre , Desario Costantina , Decaro Nicola , Buonavoglia Canio , Mariani Claire , Chastant‐Maillard Sylvie 
Published: November 2018

ContentsFailure of passive immune transfer put puppies at a higher risk of neonatal and weaning mortality due to low immune protection against infectious agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the general via serum IgG concentration (IgG) and the specific via serum maternally derived canine parvovirus type 2‐specific antibody titer (CPV2MDA) passive immune transfer within the first 4 weeks of age. Furthermore, the relationship between general and specific immune transfer and the possibility of non‐invasive evaluation was assessed. Puppies (169) were weighed systematically between birth and Day 28. IgG andCPV2MDAwere assayed in serum samples at 2 and at 28 days of age. At Day 2, there was a positive correlation between IgG andCPV2MDA(ρ = 0.71;p < 0.001). At Day 2, 17.9% (27/151) of puppies presented a deficit of passive immune transfer according to IgG result (defined as IgG < 2.3 g/L) and 25.8% (39/151) of puppies were under the minimal protectiveCPV2MDAtiter (defined as <1:160). No correlation between IgG andCPV2MDAwas observed at Day 28 (ρ = 0.14;p = 0.11). Growth rate within the first 48 hours <−2.7% allowed to distinguish puppies at high risk of the general and specific passive immune failure (Youden's index = 0.79 and 0.75, respectively). The threshold value of early growth rate, although applicable only in puppies non‐supplemented with milk replacer, allows identifying via non‐invasive way individuals requiring a special care. Further investigation of the mechanism of passive immune transfer in dogs is necessary to understand the relationship between the general and specific immunoglobulin levels.
Pre‐pubertal treatment with a GnRH agonist in bitches—Effect on the uterus and hormone receptor expression
Authors: Schäfer‐Somi Sabine , Kaya Duygu , Sözmen Mahmut , Kaya Semra , Aslan Selim 
Published: November 2018

ContentsAim of the study was to examine the effect of deslorelin on uterine tissues of eleven pre‐pubertal bitches aged 4.2 ± 0.6 m. Implants containing placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%; n = 4, G I), 4.7 mg (n = 3, GII) or 9.4 mg (n = 4, GIII) deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin®; Virbac, France), were administered subcutaneously. Signs of oestrus, vaginal cytology, serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol‐17β (E2) concentrations were monitored until the occurrence of oestrus. Bitches were ovariohysterectomized and sections from the uterine tissue were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) for detection of GnRH receptor (R), Kisspeptin (KP)10, Kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), androgen receptor (AR), oestrogen receptor (ER) α,β, and progesterone receptor (PR). Tissue sections were scored semi‐quantitatively using an immunoreactivity score (IRS) ranging from 0 to 300 (3). Since some animals were ovariohysterectomized before puberty (n = 1 from GII and n = 2 from GIII), and some in metestrus (all controls and 2 from GII and GIII each), results from these animals were separately evaluated and compared to the controls. Results: No abnormalities were seen in uterine tissues. Kisspeptin 10 expression was low in all cell types, highest IRS were seen in the vascular endothelial cells. The GPR54 was mainly detected in the luminal epithelial cells, superficial and deep uterine glands. The expression of GPR54 and ERα,β was especially high in bitches operated prepubertally. No difference was observed between the controls and experimental bitches operated in their first metestrus. The PR and ERα,β were exclusively expressed in superficial and deep uterine glands and luminal surface epithelial cells. The AR and GnRH‐R expression was negative in all cells of all groups. We conclude that application of 4.7 or 9.4 mg deslorelin at the age of 4 months did not cause uterine disturbances. GPR54 expression might be influenced by pre‐pubertal deslorelin treatment or the changings related to approaching puberty; the latter is supposed in case of ERα,β.
Vitrification of cat ovarian tissue: Does fragment size matters?
Authors: Gorricho Camila M. , Tavares Mariana R. , Apparício Maricy , Fonseca‐Alves Carlos E. , Macente Beatrice I. , Mansano Cleber F.M. , Toniollo Gilson H. 
Published: November 2018

ContentsThe aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not the size of the ovarian fragment influences its resistance to cryostorage. For that purpose, ovaries were collected from 34 queens (various breeds, age 1–5 year) by routine ovariectomy, transported to the laboratory and then sectioned in different sizes (3 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm, 5 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm and 7 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm) and randomly assigned to a control (GC3, GC5 and GC7, respectively) or vitrified (GV3, GV5 and GV7, respectively) groups. Vitrified‐warmed fragments were evaluated by histomorphology and immunohistochemistry (for apoptotic rates by using cleaved caspase‐3). Histological examination reveals that 72.97% of the follicles in GV3 and 72.58% in GV5 were normal while only 42.86% of the follicles in GV7. The main morphological alteration presented in all groups was a detachment of the epithelial cells. Similarly, immunohistochemistry evaluation using caspase 3 revealed a small proportion of apoptotic cells in GV3 (8.43%) while in GV7 30.43% of the cells expressed cleaved caspase‐3. These findings indicate that fragments sectioned in 3 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm (27 mm3) seem more adequate for perfusion of the cryoprotectant, causing less damage to the cell after vitrification‐warming.
Dog cloning—no longer science fiction
Authors: Lee Seok Hee , Oh Hyun Ju , Kim Min Jung , Kim Geon A , Setyawan Erif Maha Nugraha , Ra Kihae , Abdillah Dimas Arya , Lee Byeong Chun 
Published: November 2018

ContentsSince the generation of world's first cloned dog, Snuppy, in 2005, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in dogs has been widely applied for producing several kinds of dogs with specific objectives. Previous studies have demonstrated that cloned dogs show normal characteristics in growth, blood parameters and behavioural aspect. Also, canine SCNT technique has been applied to propagate working dogs with excellent abilities in fields such as assistance of disabled people, drugs detection and rescue activity. Because dogs have similar habituation properties and share many characteristics including anatomic and physiological aspects with humans, they are also primary candidates for human disease models. Recently, transgenic dogs that express red fluorescent protein gene constitutively and green fluorescent protein gene conditionally have been generated. In addition, transgenic dogs with an overexpression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha in specific muscles were generated to enhance physical performance. In 2017, Snuppy was recloned with markedly increased pregnancy and delivery rates compared to the statistics from when Snuppy was first cloned. Such striking improvements in the cloning of dogs using SCNT procedures suggest that dog cloning could be applied in many fields of biomedical science for human diseases research, and the application of cloning is no longer science fiction.