bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of concentrate‐to‐forage ratios and 2‐methylbutyrate supplementation on ruminal fermentation, bacteria abundance and urinary excretion of purine derivatives in Chinese Simmental steers
Authors: Wang C. , Liu Q. , Guo G. , Huo W. J. , Pei C. X. , Zhang S. L. , Wang H. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis study evaluated the effects of dietary concentrate levels and 2‐methylbutyrate (2MB) supplementation on performance, ruminal fermentation, bacteria abundance, microbial enzyme activity and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in steers. Eight ruminally cannulated Simmental steers (12 months of age; 389 ± 3.7 kg of body weight) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Moderate‐concentrate (400 g/kg diet [MC]) or high‐concentrate (600 g/kg diet [HC]) diets were fed with or without 2MB (0 g/day [2MB−] or 15.0 g/day [2MB+]). Dry matter intake and average daily gain increased, but feed conversion ratio decreased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Ruminal pH decreased, but total volatile fatty acid increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Molar proportion of acetate and acetate‐to‐propionate ratio decreased with the HC diet, but increased with 2MB supplementation. Propionate molar proportion and ruminal NH3‐N content increased with the HC diet, but decreased with 2MB supplementation. Neutral detergent fibre degradability decreased with the HC diet, but increased with 2MB supplementation. Crude protein degradability increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Abundance of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Bufyrivibrio fibrisolvens as well as activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, cellobiase, xylanase and pectinase decreased with the HC diet, but increased with 2MB supplementation. However, abundance of Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminobacter amylophilus as well as activities of α‐amylase and protease increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. Total PD excretion also increased with the HC diet or 2MB supplementation. The results suggested that growth performance, ruminal fermentation, CP degradability and total PD excretion increased with increasing dietary concentrate level from 40% to 60% or 2MB supplementation. The observed diet × 2MB interaction indicated that supplementation of 2MB was more efficacious for improving growth performance, ruminal fermentation and total PD excretion with promoted ruminal bacteria abundance and enzyme activity in the MC diet than in the HC diet.
Sex‐specific dietary specialization in a terrestrial apex predator, the leopard, revealed by stable isotope analysis
Authors: Voigt C. C. , Krofel M. , Menges V. , Wachter B. , Melzheimer J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractApex predators in terrestrial ecosystems, such as leopards in the African savanna, feed on a wide variety of prey species, yet it is unknown whether individuals specialize on certain prey, and whether specialization changes with body traits. Here, we asked whether individual specialization of adult leopards (Panthera pardus) varies with sex, body mass, body length and age classes. We used the variation of stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in 643 segments of whiskers as a temporal record of past diets and established isotopic dietary niches for 36 adult leopards (18 males, 18 females). Based on a variance analysis for stable carbon isotope ratios, we found that between‐individual variation was larger than within‐individual variation, indicating a high degree of overall specialization within the studied leopards. Female adult leopards exhibited larger isotopic dietary niche widths than male adult leopards. Isotopic niche width did not vary with body mass, body length or age. Our data suggest a difference in the level of specialization between the sexes, which might be explained by more opportunistic feeding of small‐sized female leopards, most likely connected with a higher use of small prey species of different isotopic composition. Inter‐sexual resource partitioning likely facilitates territory sharing between the sexes.
Prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease in primary health care in the southern region of New Zealand
Authors: Lloyd Hywel , Li Grace , Tomlin Andrew , Tilyard Murray W , Walker Robert , Schollum John 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTAimWhile the prevalence of end stage kidney disease in New Zealand (NZ) is well defined, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in NZ is unknown. To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for CKD in the southern region of New Zealand.MethodsA retrospective electronic health record cohort study using data from the Southern Primary Care register covering 94% of the population. Patients, 20 years or older were identified and linked to laboratory results for serum creatinine and urinary albumin excretion. Chronic kidney disease was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (G3‐5) or the presence of albuminuria of greater than 3 mg/mmol (A2‐3). Diabetes was identified from a national virtual diabetes database. From this, we estimated the prevalence of CKD by age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation and the presence of diabetes mellitus.ResultsOf a total adult population of 211 980, 159 799 had a serum creatinine checked and 27 905 had an estimate of albuminuria. The estimated prevalence of CKD was 11.8%. 6.3% of total population had CKD stage G3a, 2.4% G3b, 0.8% G4, 0.2% G5, 1.8% A2 albuminuria and 0.3% A3 albuminuria. Increasing age, female sex, ethnic group, social deprivation and diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased risk of CKD. 11 351 patients had a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and were almost universally tested (99.3%) for CKD. The presence of albuminuria was strongly correlated with ethnic group, male sex and living in a deprived area. The retrospective electronic health record study with associated selection and testing bias are potential limitations of the present study.ConclusionChronic kidney disease prevalence in this region appears to be similar to other reported populations. The majority of those at risk for CKD were tested for reduced eGFR. The presence of albuminuria, an integral component of CKD diagnostic criteria, was under utilized in the non‐diabetic population.
Human papillomavirus prevalence in a Mid‐European oral squamous cell cancer population: A cohort study
Authors: Dalla Torre Daniel , Burtscher Doris , Soelder Elisabeth , Offermanns Vincent , Rasse Michael , Puelacher Wolfgang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivesHuman papillomavirus infection has been investigated intensively regarding oropharyngeal carcinoma. However, there is still lack of knowledge about the impact of oral HPV infections concerning oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study investigates the prevalence of oral HPV infection in such patients, identifying possible differences between HPV+ and HPV– patients.Subjects and MethodsOne hundred and six consequent patients were investigated. After completion of a study questionnaire regarding risk factors, a brush smear sample was taken in each subject to identify the individual oral HPV status (overall/low risk/high risk).ResultsAbout 35.8% of the patients were tested positive for HPV in the oral cavity (14% low risk, 28.3% high risk). Patients with oral HPV infection and high‐risk HPV infection were significantly younger (p < 0.001) and had a higher alcohol consumption (p = 0.0075 resp. p = 0.0022). A high number of different sexual partners were significantly correlated with any type of HPV infection. At last, patients with high‐risk oral HPV infection had experienced more tooth extractions during their lifetime.ConclusionOral HPV infections may influence the course of disease of oral squamous cell carcinoma as HPV+ patients are about 10 years younger. It seems that high alcohol consumption facilitates high‐risk HPV infection. It may be presumed that both alcohol consumption and high‐risk oral HPV infection act synergistically, explaining earlier cancer onset.
Effect of Ovar‐DRA and Ovar‐DRB1 genotype in small ruminants with haemonchosis
Authors: Estrada‐Reyes Z. M. , Tsukahara Y. , Goetsch A. L. , Gipson T. A. , Sahlu T. , Puchala R. , Wang Z. , Hart S. P. , Mateescu R. G. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe effect of Ovar‐DRA and Ovar‐DRB1 genotypes on faecal egg count (FEC) was determined in sheep and goats infected with Haemonchus contortus. One hundred and forty‐three sheep from 3 different breeds (St. Croix, Katahdin and Dorper) and 150 goats from three different breeds (Spanish, Boer and Kiko) were used. Parasitological (FEC), haematological (packed cell volume) and immunological (IgA, IgG and IgM) parameters were measured. Sheep populations showed a higher FEC and humoural response than goat breeds. Genotypes were determined by high‐resolution melting assays and by conventional PCR. For Ovar‐DRA, sheep and goats carrying the AA genotype showed significant lower FEC than AG and GG genotypes. The additive effect was found to be 115.35 less eggs per gram of faeces for the A allele for goats. For Ovar‐DRB1, only in sheep, the GC genotype was associated with low FEC. The additive effect was 316.48 less eggs per gram of faeces for the G allele, and the dominance effect was 538.70 less eggs per gram of faeces. The results indicate that single nucleotide polymorphisms within Ovar‐DRA and Ovar‐DRB1 could be potential markers to be used in selection programmes for improving resistance to Haemonchus contortus infection.
Zinc deficiency tolerance in maize is associated with the up‐regulation of Zn transporter genes and antioxidant activities
Authors: Khatun M. A. , Hossain M. M. , Bari M. A. , Abdullahil K. M. , Parvez M. S. , Alam M. F. , Kabir A. H. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for the growth and development of plants. However, Zn deficiency is a common abiotic stress causing yield loss in crop plants. This study elucidates the mechanisms of Zn deficiency tolerance in maize through physiological and molecular techniques.

Maize lines tolerant (PAC) and sensitive (DAC) to Zn deficiency were examined physiologically and by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Proteins, H2O2, SOD, POD, membrane permeability and gene expression (using real‐time PCR) of roots and shoots of both maize lines were assessed.

Zn deficiency had no significant effect on root parameters compared with control plants in PAC and DAC but showed a substantial reduction in shoot parameters in DAC. AAS showed a significant decrease in Zn concentrations in both roots and shoots of DAC but not PAC under Zn deficiency, implying that Zn deficiency tolerance mechanisms exist in PAC. Consistently, total protein and membrane permeability were significantly reduced in DAC but not PAC in both roots and shoots under Zn deficiency in comparison with Zn‐sufficient plants. Real‐time PCR showed that expression of ZmZIP1, ZmZIP4 and ZmIRT1 transporter genes significantly increased in roots of PAC, but not in DAC due to Zn deficiency compared with controls. The H2O2 concentration dramatically increased in roots of DAC but not PAC. Moreover, tolerant PAC showed a significant increase in POD and SOD activity due to Zn deficiency, suggesting that POD‐ and SOD‐mediated antioxidant defence might provide tolerance, at least in part, under Zn deficiency in PAC.

This study provides an essential background for improving Zn biofortification of maize.
Tripartite motif‐containing proteins precisely and positively affect host antiviral immune response
Authors: Wei Y. , Chen S. , Wang M. , Cheng A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe tripartite motif‐containing proteins (TRIMs) comprise a large family of proteins with over 70 members in humans. Recent studies have shown that TRIMs play unexpected roles in the antiviral immune responses to infections by HIV, MLV, EMCV, AIV and other viruses. There are two mechanisms used by TRIMs in the inhibition of virus infections: (1) TRIMs target the produced viruses for ubiquitination, which induces proteasome‐dependent degradation, or they interact with host proteins to inhibit viral infection in various periods of the viral life cycle. (2) TRIMs activate innate immune signalling pathways, such as RLR and TLR, which induce IFN production. In this study, we will review recent studies regarding the means by which TRIMs function as inhibitors in viral infection through the mechanisms described above.
Germline V repertoires: Origin, maintenance, diversification
Authors: Steele E. J. , Lindley R. A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn our view, Melvin Cohn (Scand J Immunol. 2018;87:e12640) has set out the logical guidelines towards a resolution of the very real enigma of the selectability of vertebrate germline Ig V repertoires under the current evolutionary paradigm…” A somatically derived repertoire scrambles this (germline VL + VH) substrate so that its specificities are lost, making it un‐selectable in the germline. Consequently, evolution faced an incompatibility.” It is argued here in Reply that a reverse transcriptase‐based soma‐to‐germline process (S‐>G) targeting germline V segment arrays goes some considerable way to resolving fundamental contradictions on the origin, maintenance and then real‐time adaptive diversification of these limited sets of V segments encoded within various V repertoire arrays.
Development, survival and reproduction of Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Laelapidae) on four diets
Authors: Xie Lixia , Yan Yi , Zhang Zhi-Qiang 
Published: April 2018

.The development, survival and reproduction of Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Acari: Laelapidae) were determined on four diets (Ephestia kuehniella eggs, Artemia sp. cysts, Typha orientalis pollen, and Tyrophagus curvipenis) in the laboratory at 25 ± 1°C, 80 ± 5% RH, 24 h D: 0 h L. E. kuehniella eggs and T. curvipenis were very suitable for the overall development of S. scimitus to adulthood, with over 90% survival rates. Shrimp cysts were not suitable, with 11.1% survival to adults, and T. orientalis pollen were intermediate, with 50% survival to adults. S. scimitus immature development was the fastest on T. curvipenis (9.67 ± 0.18 days), and it was also very fast on E. kuehniella eggs, but relatively slow on T. orientalis pollen (18.26 ± 0.68 days) and the slowest on Artemia cysts (21.36 ± 1.23 days). The female pre-ovipositional period (APOP) averaged less than 3 days on E. kuehniella eggs but over 3 days on T. curvipenis, but mated and unmated females had a similar APOP, regardless of diet. Neither diet nor mating had significant effects on the total pre-ovipositional period from birth to oviposition (around 13 days). The oviposition period averaged 1 to 2 days longer for mated females than unmated ones, regardless of diet, which had no significant effects. Mated females produced 50% more eggs than unmated females when feeding on E. kuehniella eggs, but 69% more than unmated females when feeding on T. curvipenis; the effects of mating were significant, and the effects of diet were different depending on mating status of the predators: fecundity was higher on E. kuehniella eggs (20.21 ± 1.16) than on T. curvipenis (17.07 ± 0.49) only for unmated females. Most life table parameters (intrinsic rate of population increase r, finite rate of population increase λ, and net reproductive rate R0) were not significantly affected by diet and mating. However, the mean generation time T was shorter in unmated females than in mated ones, and more so when feeding on T. curvipenis. T. curvipenis is easy to rear, so it is considered a very promising diet for S. scimitus as it does not damage plants nor cause allergenic reactions in workers or users. Since T. curvipenis is common on plants, future studies should explore the combined use of foliar predators (e.g. Phytoseiidae) and soil predators for the biocontrol of greenhouse pests (e.g. thrips) using a shared non-pest prey such as T. curvipenis.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Lelliottia nimipressuralis
Type Strain SGAir0187, Isolated from Tropical Air Collected in Singapore
Authors: Heinle Cassie E. , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Uchida Akira , Purbojati Rikky W. , Houghton James N. I. , Chénard Caroline , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Wong Anthony , Kolundžija Sandra , Clare Megan E. , Kushwaha Kavita K. , Panicker Deepa , Putra Alexander , Gaultier Nicolas E. , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Schuster Stephan C. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Lelliottia nimipressuralis
type strain SGAir0187 was isolated from tropical air samples collected in Singapore. The genome was assembled with an average coverage of 180-fold using Pacific Biosciences long reads and Illumina MiSeq paired-end reads. The genome measures 4.8 Mb and contains 4,424 protein-coding genes, 83 tRNAs, and 25 rRNAs.
Draft Genome Sequences of Nine New Carnobacterium maltaromaticum Strains Isolated from Diseased Sharks
Authors: Martinez-Steele Laura , Lowe Chris G. , Okihiro Mark S. , Berlemont Renaud 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 9 strains of
Carnobacterium maltaromaticum
(SK_LD1 to SK_LD3 and SK_AV1 to SK_AV6), a member of the
Carnobacteriaceae
family (phylum
Firmicutes
). These strains were isolated from the brain and the inner ear of three diseased thresher sharks and two diseased salmon sharks. The genome assembly resulted in an average of 3,306,205.9 ± 29,143.9 bp and 3,085 ± 32.67 coding DNA sequences (CDS).
Melatonin for the management of sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abdelgadir Ibtihal Siddiq , Gordon Morris A , Akobeng Anthony K 
Published: May 2018

ImportanceChildren with neurodevelopmental disorders have a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances. Currently there is variation in the use of melatonin; hence, an up-to-date systematic review is indicated to summarise the current available evidence.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy and safety of melatonin as therapy for sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.Data sources and study selectionsPubMed, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception up to January 2018. Two reviewers performed data assessment and extraction. We assessed randomised controlled trials that compared melatonin with placebo or other intervention for the management of sleep disorders in children (<18 years) with neurodevelopmental disorders.Data extraction and synthesisWe identified 3262 citations and included 13 studies in this meta-analysis.Main outcomesMain outcomes included total sleep time, sleep onset latency, frequency of nocturnal awakenings and adverse events.ResultsThirteen randomised controlled trials (n=682) met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of nine studies (n=541) showed that melatonin significantly improved total sleep time compared with placebo (mean difference (MD)=48.26 min, 95% CI 36.78 to 59.73, I2=31%). In 11 studies (n=581), sleep onset latency improved significantly with melatonin use (MD=−28.97, 95% CI −39.78 to −18.17). No difference was noted in the frequency of nocturnal awakenings (MD=−0.49, 95% CI −1.71 to 0.73). No medication-related serious adverse event was reported.ConclusionMelatonin appeared safe and effective in improving sleep in the studied children. The overall quality of the evidence is limited due to heterogeneity and inconsistency. Further research is needed.
Retrospective cohort study exploring whether an association exists between spatial distribution of cystoid spaces in cystoid macular oedema secondary to retinitis pigmentosa and response to treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Authors: Strong Stacey A , Hirji Nashila , Quartilho Ana , Kalitzeos Angelos , Michaelides Michel 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundCarbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) are frequently used as an initial step to treat retinitis pigmentosa-associated cystoid macular oedema (RP-CMO). Interestingly, it has been postulated that CAIs might reduce outer nuclear layer (ONL) fluid more effectively than inner nuclear layer (INL) fluid due to better access to retinal pigment epithelium basolateral membrane than neurosensory retina. This retrospective cohort study explores if an association between spatial distribution of cystoid spaces in RP-CMO and CAI response exists.MethodsTwo independent graders reviewed pretreatment and post-treatment optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of 25 patients (43 eyes) initiated on topical and/or oral CAIs between January 2013 and December 2014. Documentation included the presence/absence of fluid (and layer(s) involved), external limiting membrane, epiretinal membrane (ERM), vitreomacular adhesion/traction, lamellar/full-thickness macular hole and central macular thickness (CMT)/volume.ResultsINL fluid was found in all study eyes. All 13 ‘responders’ (at least 11% reduction of CMT after treatment) demonstrated pretreatment ONL fluid. In seven patients (four responders and three non-responders), complete clearance of ONL fluid was achieved despite persistence of INL fluid. ERM presence was similar in responders and non-responders.ConclusionIn this study, INL fluid was found to be the most common spatial distribution of RP-CMO. However, patients who were classed as a ‘responder’ to CAI treatment all demonstrated coexisting ONL fluid on their pretreatment OCT scans. This may be explained by CAIs having better access to retinal pigment epithelium basolateral membrane than neurosensory retina. Our study also suggests a minimal impact on response to CAIs by ERM.
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma involving the ocular adnexa
Authors: Lee Ga-In , Kim Yoon-Duck , Young Stephanie Ming , Shin Seonae , Woo Kyung In 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) involving the ocular adnexa.MethodsRetrospective, comparative, observational case series. A total of 350 patients with NKTL, including 27 patients with NKTL involving the ocular adnexa from 1999 to 2016. The patients were grouped into two groups: group 1 comprised patients presenting with ophthalmic symptoms, and group 2 comprised patients presenting with symptoms from other organs but subsequently developed ophthalmic involvement.ResultsGroup 1 comprised 12 patients (44.4%) and group 2 comprised 15 (55.6%). Mean duration of symptoms in group 1 was 1.8±1.2 months, while the time from diagnosis of NKTL to development of ophthalmic symptoms in group 2 was 45.3±65.6 months. Periorbital swelling was the most common presenting symptom in both groups (83.3% in group 1 and 73.3% in group 2). Symptoms mimicking cellulitis and pseudotumor were present in 50.0% and 16.7% of cases, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate was 18.5% in group 1 and 26.4% in group 2, while the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 0% and 13.3%, respectively.ConclusionsOur series is to our knowledge the largest cohort study on NKTL reported to date and demonstrates that ocular adnexal NKTL is a rare but seriously fatal disease. It is characterised by acute inflammatory signs as present in as many as two-thirds of our patients in this series. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with rapidly progressing proptosis and diagnosed promptly for optimal management.