bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profiles of maternal origin factors during transition from embryonic diapause to implantation in roe deer
Authors: Korzekwa Anna J. , Kotlarczyk Angelika M. , Zadroga Anna 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe aim was to evaluate in female roe deer: (a) PAG mRNA relative abundance in endometrial uterine tissue for determination of the duration of embryonic diapause, (b) mRNA relative abundance of progesterone, estradiol, and prolactin (P4, E2, and PRL) receptors (PGR, ESR, and PRLR) during diapause and after implantation in the endometrium; (c) concentration of P4, E2, and PRL in the blood, and (d) a noninvasive method of hormone detection by measurement of P4 and E2 concentrations in feces. A total of fifteen individuals were obtained post mortem during hunting seasons and divided into three experimental groups (November, December, January). The results did not reveal mRNA relative abundance for PAGs in the endometrium or detectable PAG concentrations in the serum of all examined females. Concentration of PRL and mRNA relative abundance for PRLR long isoform in the endometrium was the highest in January (p < .01). mRNA relative abundance for PGR, P4 concentration in the endometrium, serum, and feces was the highest in January (p < .01). Endometrial origin PRL and P4 may be responsible for the termination of this process and pregnancy development after implantation.
NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 2 promotes tumor progression via its interacting partner RPL6 in gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Gao Yuan , Wang Zheng , Zhu Yidi , Zhu Qin , Yang Yang , Jin Yunpeng , Zhang Fei , Jiang Lin , Ye Yuanyuan , Li Huaifeng , Zhang Yichi , Liang Haibin , Xiang Shanshan , Miao Huijie , Liu Yingbin , Hao Yajuan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNOP2/Sun domain family, member 2 (NSUN2) is a nuclear RNA methyl‐transferase catalyzing 5‐methylcytosine formation. Evidence shows that NSUN2 is correlated with cell unlimited proliferation. However, its functional role in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), which is the most common biliary tract malignancy and has a poor prognosis, remains to be determined. Here we found that NSUN2 was highly expressed in GBC tissues as well as cell lines. NSUN2 silencing repressed GBC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, upregulation of NSUN2 enhanced GBC cell growth and colony formation. We further discovered that RPL6 was a closely interacting partner with NSUN2. Silencing RPL6 resulted in insufficient NSUN2 translational level and accumulative NSUN2 transcriptional level. Exogenous expression of NSUN2 partially rescued the effect of RPL6 in gallbladder cancer progression. Taken together, our data provided novel mechanic insights into the function of NSUN2 in GBC, thus pointing to NSUN2 as a potential and effective therapeutic approach to GBC treatment.
Progressive Refinement Imaging
Authors: Kluge M. , Weyrich T. , Kolb A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a novel technique for progressive online integration of uncalibrated image sequences with substantial geometric and/or photometric discrepancies into a single, geometrically and photometrically consistent image. Our approach can handle large sets of images, acquired from a nearly planar or infinitely distant scene at different resolutions in object domain and under variable local or global illumination conditions. It allows for efficient user guidance as its progressive nature provides a valid and consistent reconstruction at any moment during the online refinement process.Our approach avoids global optimization techniques, as commonly used in the field of image refinement, and progressively incorporates new imagery into a dynamically extendable and memory‐efficient Laplacian pyramid. Our image registration process includes a coarse homography and a local refinement stage using optical flow. Photometric consistency is achieved by retaining the photometric intensities given in a reference image, while it is being refined. Globally blurred imagery and local geometric inconsistencies due to, e.g. motion are detected and removed prior to image fusion.We demonstrate the quality and robustness of our approach using several image and video sequences, including handheld acquisition with mobile phones and zooming sequences with consumer cameras.
Feasibility of early activation after cochlear implantation
Authors: Sun Chuan‐Hung , Chang Chan‐Jung , Hsu Chuan‐Jen , Wu Hung‐Pin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of the study is to investigate feasibility of early activation after cochlear implantation by evaluating long‐term impedance change and speech perception.DesignCase‐control studySettingBetween July 2015 and December 2016, we prospectively enrolled 20 subjects for early activation (within 24 hours after cochlear implantation). On the other hand, from November 2013 to July 2015, 20 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects from the database of cochlear implantees treated with conventional activation schedule (4 weeks after surgery) were retrospectively enrolled.ParticipantForty patients who underwent cochlear implantation surgeries.Main outcome measuresThe series impedance and speech perception score of both groups were compared.ResultsNo statistical difference in long‐term follow‐up between the two groups was found using GEEs and multivariate analysis. In the early activation group, impedance reached a steady level by the 2nd postoperative week, and the hearing perception ability significantly improved by the 4th postoperative week.ConclusionThis comparative study illustrated sequential impedance data during early activation (24 hours) and conventional activation (4 weeks) after CI surgery. There were no major complications in either group, and the safety of early activation with respect to impedance changes, postoperative residual hearing preservation and speech perception scores were non‐inferior to that of the conventional group. Therefore, in this study, we established the feasibility of early activation 24 hours after cochlear implantation.
Effects of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors on serum alanine aminotransferase levels in people with type 2 diabetes: A multi‐institutional cohort study
Authors: Shao Shih‐Chieh , Chang Kai‐Cheng , Chien Rong‐Nan , Lin Swu‐Jane , Hung Ming‐Jui , Chan Yuk‐Ying , Kao Yang Yea‐Huei , Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng 
Published: September 2019

AbstractClinical trials have indicated that sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have a favourable effect on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but supporting evidence from real‐world studies is lacking. We identified patients with T2D who initiated SGLT2 inhibitors during the period 2016 to 2017 from Chang Gung Research Database, which covers 1.3 million individuals from seven hospitals (6% of the Taiwan population). We classified patients by baseline ALT level and evaluated changes in ALT values from baseline to 1 year after initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors. We identified 11 690 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors with a mean (SD) age of 59.3 (11.8) years. The mean (SD) glycated haemoglobin and ALT levels were 8.9 (1.7)% and 34.7 (28.9) U/L at baseline, respectively. The mean change in ALT levels was −5.0 U/L (95% confidence interval [CI] –6.4, −3.5) 1 year after initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors. In patients with ALT levels ≤1× the upper limit of normal (ULN), the change in ALT levels was 1.6 U/L (95% CI –0.1, 3.4), while in those with ALT levels >1× ULN, the change in ALT levels was −26.5 U/L (95% CI –28.6, −24.3). The higher the baseline ALT level, the greater the decline after SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. Our findings suggest the initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors for T2D management could improve serum ALT levels in clinical practice, particularly in patients with especially high ALT levels.
Intensive glucose‐lowering and the risk of vascular events and premature death in patients with decreased kidney function: The ADVANCE trial
Authors: Ohkuma Toshiaki , Zoungas Sophia , Jun Min , Lisheng Liu , Mancia Giuseppe , Marre Michel , Rodgers Anthony , Williams Bryan , Woodward Mark , Chalmers John ,   on behalf of the ADVANCE Collaborative Group
Published: September 2019

AbstractTo assess the effects of intensive glucose control on the risk of major clinical outcomes according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Of 11 140 ADVANCE trial participants, 11 096 with baseline eGFR measurements were included, and classified into three eGFR groups: ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2; 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2; and < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Relative risk reduction of randomized intensive glucose control with regard to the composite outcome of major macro‐ and microvascular events, all‐cause death and cardiovascular death did not significantly vary by eGFR level (P for heterogeneity ≥0.49). The risk of severe hypoglycaemia increased with intensive glucose control; however, this risk did not vary across eGFR groups (P for heterogeneity = 0.83). The risk–benefit profile of intensive glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired kidney function appears similar to that observed in those with preserved kidney function.
Applications of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil analysis, part I: Review of fundamentals and chemical and physical properties
Authors: Villas‐Boas Paulino R. , Franco Marco A. , Martin‐Neto Ladislau , Gollany Hero T. , Milori Debora M. B. P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLaser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become a prominent analytical technique in recent years for real‐time characterization of soil properties. However, only a few studies of soil chemical and physical properties have been reported using LIBS until recently. The aims of this article are to: (a) provide the basic principles of LIBS for soil analysis and (b) present the use of LIBS for the analysis of soil pH, soil texture and the humification degree of soil organic matter (SOM). The second article will cover soil classification and soil elemental analysis, including plant nutrients, carbon (C) and toxic elements. LIBS is a multi‐element analytical technique based on atomic spectroscopy that employs a high‐energy laser pulse focused onto a sample surface to create a transient plasma. It is a spectroscopic analytical technique that requires very little or no sample preparation, examines each sample in seconds, and offers a flexible platform for the examination of a broad array of elements in the sample. LIBS also can be used to infer soil chemical and physical properties if a relationship exists between the chemical composition and the soil properties. With proper calibration, LIBS has a great potential for real‐time in‐field soil analysis and precision farming that could lead to improved soil management and agricultural production, and reduced agricultural environmental impacts.HighlightsLaser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast, multi‐element analytical technique with great potential for soil characterization.Basic principles of LIBS and general description of its use for soil analysis are provided.Soil chemical and physical characterization by LIBS are reviewed and compared to other techniques.LIBS advantages, limitations and challenges are discussed for soil chemical and physical characterization.
Applications of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil characterization, part II: Review of elemental analysis and soil classification
Authors: Villas‐Boas Paulino R. , Franco Marco A. , Martin‐Neto Ladislau , Gollany Hero T. , Milori Debora M. B. P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn‐field soil health assessments, including plant nutrients and toxic elements, are needed and could improve the sustainability of agriculture production. Among the available analytical techniques for these analyses, laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become one of the most promising techniques for real‐time soil analysis at low cost and without the need for reagents. The first part of this two‐part review (Part I, Villas‐Boas, P.R., de Franco, M.A., Gollany, H.T., Martin‐Neto, L. & Milori, D.M.B.P. 2019. Applications of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil characterization, Part I: Review of Fundamentals and Chemical and Physical Properties.) in this issue focused on the fundamentals of LIBS for soil analysis and its use for soil chemical and physical characterization. Our objectives in this review article (Part II) are to review (a) the main applications of LIBS in the determination of soil carbon (C), nutrients and toxic elements, spatial elemental mapping, and (b) its use in soil classification. Traditional and more recent techniques will be compared to LIBS, considering their advantages and disadvantages. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy is a promising, versatile technique for detecting many elements in soil samples, requires little or no sample preparation, takes only a few seconds per sample, and has a low cost per sample compared to other techniques. However, overcoming matrix effects is a challenge for LIBS applications in soil analysis, because most studies are conducted with limited changes in the matrix. In spite of the limitation of matrix effects, a typical LIBS system has a limit of detection of 0.3, 0.6, 4, 7, 10, 18, 46 and 89 mg kg−1for Mo, Cu, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, K and Ca, respectively. Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy holds potential for real‐time in‐field spatial elemental analysis of soils and practical applications in precision farming with proper calibration. This could lead to immediate diagnoses of contaminated soil and inefficient nutrient supplies and facilitate well‐informed soil management, increasing agricultural production while minimizing environmental impacts.HighlightsLaser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast analytical technique with great potential for elemental mapping of soils.Elemental analyses of soil and plants and soil classification by LIBS are reviewed.Soil and rhizosphere spatial elemental analyses by LIBS are presented.LIBS advantages, limitations and challenges are discussed for soil elemental analysis.
Evaluation of baits for trapping of Neotropical flower chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniinae)
Authors: Correa César M. A. , Puker Anderson , Lara Marco A. , Rosa Cassiano S. , Korasaki Vanesca 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe lack of a standardized protocol to efficiently capture flower chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniinae) in the wild limits studies regarding the ecology of the group, as well as systematic collections seeking species surveys for taxonomic studies, especially in the Neotropical region. We investigate the efficiency of different baits to capture flower chafer beetles in the Brazilian Cerrado: (i) banana; (ii) banana + sugarcane juice; (iii) pineapple; (iv) pineapple + sugarcane juice; (v) sugarcane juice; or (vi) water (control). From January to December 2014, we sampled these beetles using a typical aerial fruit‐baited trap, every 15 days in ten sites of Brazilian Cerrado, in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Traps baited with banana + sugarcane juice, pineapple + sugarcane juice and sugarcane juice alone sampled the greatest species richness and abundance of flower chafer beetles when compared to the other baits used. Our results indicated the importance of sugarcane juice, either used in isolation or as a coadjutant in the fermentation process of the tested fruits for efficient sampling of flower chafer beetle biodiversity. Finally, studies that investigate the addition of other substances in the fermentation process of the fruits, as well as the attractiveness of other native or exotic fruits that are widely distributed in the Neotropical region, can advance our knowledge of sampling of these beetles.
Treatment using cannabidiol in a horse with mechanical allodynia
Authors: Ellis K. L. , Contino E. K. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryA 4‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was seen in the field by Colorado State University's Equine Sports Medicine Service for a 5‐week history of marked sensitivity to touch near the withers/shoulder region. On examination, the mare showed a marked adverse response to light touch over the caudal neck and withers region. Diagnostic imaging of the caudal neck, withers and shoulder region showed no significant abnormalities. Vital parameters, complete blood count and chemistry profile were also within normal limits, as was a reproductive ultrasound examination. The mare received dexamethasone, gabapentin, magnesium/vitamin E, prednisolone and aquapuncture with no improvement in clinical signs. The mare was then started on pure crystalline cannabidiol (250 mg by mouth twice daily), which resolved the clinical signs after 2 days.
Projecting marine species range shifts from only temperature can mask climate vulnerability
Authors: McHenry Jennifer , Welch Heather , Lester Sarah E. , Saba Vincent 
Published: September 2019

AbstractClimate change is causing range shifts in many marine species, with implications for biodiversity and fisheries. Previous research has mainly focused on how species' ranges will respond to changing ocean temperatures, without accounting for other environmental covariates that could affect future distribution patterns. Here, we integrate habitat suitability modeling approaches, a high‐resolution global climate model projection, and detailed fishery‐independent and ‐dependent faunal datasets from one of the most extensively monitored marine ecosystems—the U.S. Northeast Shelf. We project the responses of 125 species in this region to climate‐driven changes in multiple oceanographic factors (e.g., ocean temperature, salinity, sea surface height) and seabed characteristics (i.e., rugosity and depth). Comparing model outputs based on ocean temperature and seabed characteristics to those that also incorporated salinity and sea surface height (proxies for primary productivity and ocean circulation features), we explored how an emphasis on ocean temperature in projecting species' range shifts can impact assessments of species' climate vulnerability. We found that multifactor habitat suitability models performed better in explaining and predicting species historical distribution patterns than temperature‐based models. We also found that multifactor models provided more concerning assessments of species' future distribution patterns than temperature‐based models, projecting that species' ranges will largely shift northward and become more contracted and fragmented over time. Our results suggest that using ocean temperature as a primary determinant of range shifts can significantly alter projections, masking species' climate vulnerability, and potentially forestalling proactive management.
Review: Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Chmiela Magdalena , Kupcinskas Juozas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this review, we shall focus on the last year progression understanding the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection in the light of recent data related to adaptation of H pylori to the harsh acidic environment in the stomach, colonization of gastric mucosa via interaction with mucin 5 (MUC5AC) and other host cell receptors, the ability to form biofilm, interference with the host metabolic pathways, and induction of neuroimmune cross‐talk as well as downregulation of gastric barrier homeostasis and its consequences for the disease development. The role of the membrane vesicles of these bacteria has been emphasized as an important source of virulence factors. Furthermore, we shall describe molecular and functional studies on new aspects of VacA and CagA virulence, including the role of urease in the upregulation of VacA toxicity, an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition mediated by CagA, and the role of interaction of HopQ adhesin with carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) in CagA translocation into the host cells by the type IV secretion system (T4SS). The role of molecular mimicry between a common sequence (ATVLA) of H pylori heat shock protein (Hsp) B and human Hsp60 in the induction of potentially autoreactive antibodies is discussed. All these new data illustrate further progress in understanding H pylori pathogenicity and facilitate the search for new therapeutic targets as well as development of immunoprophylaxis methods based on new chimeric UreB and HpA proteins.
Review: Helicobacter: Inflammation, immunology, and vaccines
Authors: Lehours Philippe , Ferrero Richard L. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractChronic inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori infection is a critical factor in the development of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Central to this inflammation is the initiation of pro‐inflammatory signaling cascades within epithelial cells, in particular those mediated by two sensors of bacterial cell wall components, nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐containing protein 1 (NOD1) and alpha‐protein kinase 1 (ALPK1). H pylori is, however, also highly adept at mitigating inflammation in the host, thereby restricting tissue damage and favoring bacterial persistence. H pylori modulates host immune responses by altering cytokine signaling in epithelial and myeloid cells, which results in increased proliferation of regulatory T cells and downregulation of effector T‐cell responses. H pylori vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) has been shown to play an important role in the dampening of immune responses and induction of immune tolerance capable of protecting against asthma. It is also possible to generate protective immune responses by immunization with various H pylori antigens or their epitopes, in combination with an adjuvant, though this for now has only been shown in mouse models. Novel non‐toxic adjuvants, consisting of modified bacterial enterotoxins or nanoparticles, have recently been developed that may not only enhance vaccine efficacy, but also help translate candidate vaccines to the clinic. This review will summarize the main discoveries in the past year regarding host immune responses to H pylori infection, as well as the design of new vaccine approaches against this infection.
Development and use of Viking Age swords
Authors: Petri Ingo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn the literature about swords, their use has predominantly not been analysed. This article tries to reconstruct some aspects of the use of Viking Age swords from Northern and Eastern Europe. The reconstruction is based on biomechanics, martial arts principles, late medieval fencing books and other written sources, depictions, and material culture, primarily well‐preserved swords. As swords are specialised tools for combat, their design is determined by their function. So by carefully analysing the design, conclusions can be drawn about one of their primary functions, their use in combat. The hilts of Viking Age swords from Northern and Eastern Europe are designed in a way that the pommels are most likely not the end of the handle but a component of it. The blades may be used for thrusting and cutting. The analyses of the distribution of the effective mass and of the pivot points of a sword show that using a sword for delivering powerful chopping/hacking blows is very ineffective; swords are most probably optimised for winding actions.