bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of video capsule endoscopy to identify gastrointestinal lesions in dogs with microcytosis or gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Authors: Mabry Kasey , Hill Tracy , Marks Stanley L. , Hardy Brian T. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundVideo capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a noninvasive imaging modality that can identify mucosal lesions not detected with traditional endoscopy or abdominal sonography. In people, VCE is used in diagnostic and management protocols of various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, particularly in GI bleeding of obscure origin or unexplained iron deficiency anemia (IDA).ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of VCE in the identification of mucosal lesions in dogs with evidence of GI hemorrhage.AnimalsSixteen client‐owned dogs that underwent VCE.MethodsRetrospective case‐control study. Medical records were reviewed to include dogs with microcytosis, low normal mean corpuscular volume, or clinical GI bleeding that received VCE.ResultsMedian age of dogs was 8.7 years (range, 8 months to 15 years) with a median weight of 21.7 kg (range, 6.9‐62.5 kg). Abdominal ultrasound (16), abdominal radiography (4), and abdominal CT (1) did not identify a cause for GI blood loss. Gastric mucosal lesions were identified by VCE in 15 of 16 dogs and small intestinal lesions in 12 of 14 dogs, with 2 capsules remaining in the stomach. Endoscopy was performed in 2 dogs before VCE; 1 dog had additional small intestinal lesions identified through the use of VCE.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceVideo capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool that can identify GI lesions in dogs presenting with microcytosis with or without GI hemorrhage when ultrasonography is inconclusive; however, the majority of lesions identified would have been apparent with conventional endoscopy.
Predicting HBsAg clearance in genotype A chronic hepatitis B using HBsAg epitope profiling: A biomarker for functional cure
Authors: Walsh Renae , Hammond Rachel , Yuen Lilly , Deerain Joshua , O’Donnell Tanya , Leary Thomas , Cloherty Gavin , Gaggar Anuj , Kitrinos Kathryn , Subramanian Mani , Wong Darren , Locarnini Stephen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and AimFunctional cure is the major goal of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) therapy though few biomarkers predict this outcome. HBsAg epitope occupancy can be influenced by therapeutic and immune pressure. The aim of this study was to map the HBsAg epitope profiles during long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in patients with genotype A CHB, in the context of HBsAg loss (SL)/seroconversion.MethodsWe evaluated 25 genotype A CHB patients in the GS‐US‐174‐0103 trial of HBeAg‐positive CHB patients treated with tenofovir or adefovir for 4 years, 14 who achieved SL whilst 11 had no change. We epitope mapped the major domains of HBsAg to identify those patients with HBsAg clearance profile (CP) (loss of binding at both loops 1 and 2 epitopes of the ‘a’ determinant) vs non‐clearance profile (no change in epitope recognition, or loss of epitope binding at one loop only), correlating this to on‐treatment HBsAg responses. Complexed anti‐HBs was also measured.ResultsAnalysis of the HBsAg epitope profiles of the 25 patients at baseline identified no predictive correlation with SL. In contrast, analysis at week 48 and end of study (week 192) or prior to SL identified significant predictive associations between development of HBsAg CPs and outcome of functional cure. The detection of a CP also correlated with the development of an alanine aminotransferase flare and detection of anti‐HBs complexed with HBsAg.ConclusionThe detection of HBsAg CPs by epitope mapping represents a novel viral biomarker, reflecting an emerging anti‐HBs selection pressure prior to functional cure.
The Desirable Difficulty Framework as a Theoretical Foundation for Optimizing and Researching Second Language Practice
Authors: SUZUKI YUICHI , NAKATA TATSUYA , DEKEYSER ROBERT 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis coda article offers unified theoretical accounts of the major findings of the empirical studies in this special issue ofOptimizing Second Language Practice in the Classroom: Perspectives from Cognitive Psychology. We present a theoretical framework from cognitive psychology (desirable difficulty framework) and link it to the ideas of second language (L2) difficulty. We argue that practice condition, linguistic difficulty, and individual differences need to be taken into account for creating optimal, deliberate, and systematic L2 practice. The desirable difficulty framework may serve as a theoretical foundation to better understand the role of practice on L2 acquisition, as well as to gain insights into effective L2 teaching. Future directions for research are presented to further develop this emerging field of L2 practice.
Coronectomy of mandibular third molar teeth with caries or resorption ‘at‐risk' of inferior dentoalveolar nerve injury
Authors: Patel N. , Patel D. , Sproat C. , Beneng K. , Patel V. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimCoronectomy is an elective surgical technique designed to reduce the risk of morbidity to the inferior dental nerve for those mandibular third molars (M3M) deemed to pose such risk. Successful coronectomy relies on the retention of a vital root with non‐inflamed pulpal tissue and healthy surrounding bone. For this reason coronectomy in teeth with disease affecting the pulp has been widely contraindicated based on theoretical presumption rather than evidence. The current case series challenges this common supposition and highlights evidence in other dental specialties to support the use of coronectomy in selected cases of teeth with pulpal involvement.MethodsOver a 5‐year period, 22 M3M teeth closely related to the IDN canal with either caries or internal resorption were treated with coronectomy. Preoperative assessment included both 2D and 3D imaging which helped determine risk assessment.ResultsAll patients had a minimum of 1 year post‐coronectomy review. No patients reported persistent symptoms or required root retrieval. Radiographically, there were no suggestions of apical radiolucency to indicate associated apical disease.ConclusionThis small case series provides an early insight and potential scope for considering coronectomy in selective carious or internally resorbing M3M deemed at having an elevated risk of IDN injury.
Soil carbon dioxide venting through rice roots
Authors: Kirk Guy J.D. , Boghi Andrea , Affholder Marie‐Cecile , Keyes Samuel D. , Heppell James , Roose Tiina 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe growth of rice in submerged soils depends on its ability to form continuous gas channels—aerenchyma—through which oxygen (O2) diffuses from the shoots to aerate the roots. Less well understood is the extent to which aerenchyma permits venting of respiratory carbon dioxide (CO2) in the opposite direction. Large, potentially toxic concentrations of dissolved CO2 develop in submerged rice soils. We show using X‐ray computed tomography and image‐based mathematical modelling that CO2 venting through rice roots is far greater than thought hitherto. We found rates of venting equivalent to a third of the daily CO2 fixation in photosynthesis. Without this venting through the roots, the concentrations of CO2 and associated bicarbonate (HCO3−) in root cells would have been well above levels known to be toxic to roots. Removal of CO2 and hence carbonic acid (H2CO3) from the soil was sufficient to increase the pH in the rhizosphere close to the roots by 0.7 units, which is sufficient to solubilize or immobilize various nutrients and toxicants. A sensitivity analysis of the model showed that such changes are expected for a wide range of plant and soil conditions.
Thioredoxin h2 contributes to the redox regulation of mitochondrial photorespiratory metabolism
Authors: da Fonseca‐Pereira Paula , Souza Paulo V.L. , Hou Liang‐Yu , Schwab Saskia , Geigenberger Peter , Nunes‐Nesi Adriano , Timm Stefan , Fernie Alisdair R. , Thormählen Ina , Araújo Wagner L. , Daloso Danilo M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThioredoxins (TRXs) are important proteins involved in redox regulation of metabolism. In plants, it has been shown that the mitochondrial metabolism is regulated by the mitochondrial TRX system. However, the functional significance of TRX h2, which is found at both cytosol and mitochondria, remains unclear. Arabidopsis plants lacking TRX h2 showed delayed seed germination and reduced respiration alongside impaired stomatal and mesophyll conductance, without impacting photosynthesis under ambient O2 conditions. However, an increase in the stoichiometry of photorespiratory CO2 release was found during O2‐dependent gas exchange measurements in trxh2 mutants. Metabolite profiling of trxh2 leaves revealed alterations in key metabolites of photorespiration and in several metabolites involved in respiration and amino acid metabolism. Decreased abundance of serine hydroxymethyltransferase and glycine decarboxylase (GDC) H and L subunits as well as reduced NADH/NAD+ ratios were also observed in trxh2 mutants. We further demonstrated that the redox status of GDC‐L is altered in trxh2 mutants in vivo and that recombinant TRX h2 can deactivate GDC‐L in vitro, indicating that this protein is redox regulated by the TRX system. Collectively, our results demonstrate that TRX h2 plays an important role in the redox regulation of mitochondrial photorespiratory metabolism.
Use of polyvinyl alcohol as a chemically defined compound in egg yolk‐free extender for dog sperm cryopreservation
Authors: Nabeel Abdelbagi Hamad Talha , Jeon Yubyeol , Yu Il‐Jeoung 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a chemically defined compound in egg yolk (EY)‐free extender by determining the appropriate concentration of PVA and the effect of pH adjustment in EY‐free PVA extenders on dog spermatozoa. Spermatozoa (1 × 108 cells/ml) were frozen with EY‐free extenders supplemented with 0 (control), 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 g/100 ml PVA. Sperm progressive motility (PM) was assessed immediately after thawing (IAT) and post‐thaw incubation (PTI), while viability, acrosome integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated after PTI. Additionally, spermatozoa were frozen using EY‐free PVA extenders before pH adjustment (6.45) and after adjustment of pH (6.85). Viability, PM, ROS and gene expression (BCL2 and SMCP) were assessed. Supplementation with 0.05 g/100 ml or more PVA significantly increased PM compared to the control group in the IAT and PTI. Post‐thaw incubation significantly increased sperm motility in all groups. The acrosome integrity in all PVA groups was higher (p < .05) than the control without an effect on ROS and viability. Adjustment of the pH to 6.85 improved (p < .05) sperm PM compared to the non‐adjusted groups without affecting viability, ROS or expression of BCL2 and SMCP. We suggest that PVA supplementation in EY‐free Tris extenders can effectively protect dog spermatozoa during freezing and can maintain higher motility and acrosome integrity. Adjustment of pH in EY‐free PVA extenders can improve post‐thaw sperm motility. Therefore, PVA can be used as a compound in EY‐free extender for the cryopreservation of dog spermatozoa.
Parametric Modelling ofM-Quantile Regression Coefficient Functions with Application to Small Area Estimation
Authors: Frumento Paolo , Salvati Nicola 
Published: August 2019

SummarySmall area estimation methods can be used to obtain reliable estimates of a parameter of interest within an unplanned domain or subgroup of the population for which only a limited sample size is available. A standard approach to small area estimation is to use a linear mixed model in which the heterogeneity between areas is accounted for by area level effects. An alternative solution, which has gained popularity in recent years, is to use M-quantile regression models. This approach requires much weaker assumptions than the standard linear mixed model and enables computing outlier robust estimators of the area means. We introduce a new framework for M-quantile regression, in which the model coefficients, β(τ), are described by (flexible) parametric functions of τ. We illustrate the advantages of this approach and its application to small area estimation. Using the European Union Survey on Income and Living Conditions data, we estimate the average equivalized household income in three Italian regions. The paper is accompanied by an R package Mqrcm that implements the necessary procedures for estimation, inference and prediction.
Pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of lymphotropic nanoparticle enhanced MRI for diagnosis of metastatic disease in canine head and neck tumours
Authors: Griffin Lynn , Frank Chad B. , Seguin Bernard 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis pilot study is designed to determine if lymphotropic nanoparticle enhanced MRI (LNMRI) is a viable technique for staging of naturally occurring canine malignant head and neck tumours. Previous imaging studies in veterinary medicine have shown variable sensitivity and specificity for determining metastasis for local lymph nodes in head and neck tumours. LNMRI utilizes ultra‐small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIOs) to help in the detection of metastatic disease in lymph nodes. USPIOs are phagocytized and localized to normal lymph nodes where they assist in evaluation for regions of effacement by cancerous cells. Six dogs underwent LNMRI for the diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes. A truncated MRI consisting of transverse images of T2, T1 pre‐ and post‐contrast and T2* sequences were evaluated for presence of metastasis. Sentinel lymph nodes and lymph nodes with possible metastatic lesions were surgically excised for histological evaluation. In the initial phase of this study, 24 lymph nodes were included in analysis. Subjective observation by the primary investigator had a calculated sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 88% based on histological results. There were no negative side effects to the USPIOs noted in the limited number of patients in this study. Percentage signal intensity loss was calculated and found to be significantly different between metastatic and non‐metastatic lymph nodes (P‐value = .038). In conclusion, this pilot study shows that LNMRI has the potential to be a sensitive and specific method of diagnosing lymph node metastasis. Further research is warranted to determine if this method is clinically applicable and accurate.
The Physiological Assessment and Analysis of the Physical Demand of Riding a Snowmobile
Authors: Pereira Tania , Durocher John , Burr Jamie 
Published: August 2019

Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is associated with numerous chronic diseases and premature mortality, and the challenge of meeting recommended PA guidelines is exacerbated in the winter. Snowmobiling can potentially contribute to PA accumulation, but the objective metabolic and physical demands are unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical demands of riding a snowmobile. Methods: Habitual snowmobile riders responded to a survey describing a typical ride (n = 4015). Using this data, terrain-specific testing courses were created, and recreational snowmobile riders (n = 40) participated in a scaled representative ride (21 [8] min) while aerobic metabolism (VO2) and muscular fatigue were quantified. Results: The mean VO2 while riding, irrespective of terrain, was 18.5 (8.4) mL·kg−1·min−1, with significant differences based on geographic location (13.4 [5.2] vs 25.7 [6.6] mL·kg−1·min−1, P < .001). Muscular fatigue was apparent in maximal handgrip (−7% [8%], P < .001) across both riding terrains, but not lower body power, suggesting a greater influence of an upper body strength component. Conclusions: Snowmobiling is an activity that generally falls within the moderate-intensity activity range and involves both aerobic fitness and muscular strength. There were substantial differences in demand between terrains, suggesting that additional benefits may be conferred from mountain riding as it was more metabolically demanding.
Tear neuromediators in eyes on chronic topical antiglaucoma therapy with and without BAK preservatives
Authors: Murugesan Vanathi , Dwivedi Roopa , Saini Manu , Gupta Viney , Dada Tanuj , Vivekanandhan S 
Published: August 2019

PurposeTo evaluate tear neuropeptides (NPs) (vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), nerve growth factor (NGF)) in chronic ocular topical hypotensive therapy with and without benzalkonium chloride (BAK) preservative.MethodsA comparative, open label, cross-sectional study of patients using antiglaucoma medications for >6 months with BAK (group I), without BAK (group II) and controls was done. Tear NPs (ELISA), ocular surface evaluation tests (tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, corneal and conjunctival staining score) and confocal central corneal subbasal nerve fibre layer (SBNFL) imaging was done.ResultsOf 153 eyes evaluated, group 1 (82 eyes (41 patients; mean age 48±14.5 years)) and group 2 (71 eyes (36 patients; mean age 43.11±15 years)) were on therapy for a mean duration of 10.05±2.0 and 9.67±2.3 months, respectively. Tear analysis showed elevated SP and NGF (p<0.01); decreased CGRP (p=0.03), VIP and NPY (p<0.01) compared with controls (n=30, mean age 29.33±5.7 years). Tear NP levels (SP (p=0.1), NGF (p=0.33), CGRP (p=1), VIP (p=0.87), NPY (p=0.83)) and SBNFL (p=0.09) were comparable in both groups. There was no correlation seen between tear NP levels and clinical tests and SBNFL.ConclusionOur study analysis points towards altered tear NP levels in eyes on chronic topical hypotensive therapy in comparison with controls with no significant difference in tear NP levels and central corneal SBNFL density between the BAK preservative and BAK-free antiglaucoma therapy.
Essential tremor: diagnosis and management
Authors: Shanker Vicki 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTEssential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in adults and can affect both children and adults. An updated consensus statement in 2018 redefined essential tremor as an isolated action tremor present in bilateral upper extremities for at least three years. Tremor may also be present in other locations, commonly the neck or the vocal cords. Patients with additional neurologic symptoms are now categorized as “essential tremor plus.” Additional clinical features associated with the condition include but are not limited to cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, and hearing loss. When treatment is needed, propranolol and primidone are considered first line treatments. Patients who are severely affected are often offered deep brain stimulation. Although the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus is the traditional surgical target, the caudal zona incerta is also being studied as a possible superior alternative. Magnetic resonance imaging guided high intensity focused ultrasound is a newer surgical alternative that may be ideal for patients with substantial medical comorbidities. Current research explores novel oral treatments, chemodenervation, and noninvasive neuromodulation for treatment of essential tremor.
Sources of information used by patients prior to elective surgery: a scoping review
Authors: Atlas Alvin , Milanese Steve , Grimmer Karen , Barras Sarah , Stephens Jacqueline H 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveTo describe the range and nature of available research regarding sources of information that patients access to inform their decisions about elective surgery.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPeer-reviewed studies published until February 2019 from the six scientific literature databases were searched and included in the study: Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Web searches for grey literature were conducted in Google, South Australia Department of Health, Commonwealth Department of Health (Australia) and My Aged Care from the Department of Social Services (Australia).Eligibility criteriaStudies with a focus on elective surgery information sources oriented to patients were eligible for inclusion. Only studies written in English were sought and no publication date or study restrictions were applied.Data extraction and synthesisIncluded literature was described by National Health and Medical Council hierarchy of evidence, and data were extracted on country and year of publication, type of literature, who provided it and any information on end users. Information sources were categorised by type and how information was presented.ResultsA pool of 1039 articles was reduced to 26 after screening for duplicates and non-relevant studies. Face-to-face exchanges were the most likely source of information prior to elective surgery (59.3%), printed information (55.6%) followed by e-learning (51.9%) and multimedia (14.8%). The face-to-face category included information provided by the physician/general practitioners/specialists, and family and friends. Printed information included brochures and pamphlets, e-learning consisted of internet sites or videos and the use of multimedia included different mixed media format.ConclusionThere is considerable variability regarding the types of information patients use in their decision to undergo elective surgery. The most common source of health information (face-to-face interaction with medical personnel) raises the question that the information provided could be incomplete and/or biased, and dependent on what their health provider knew or chose to tell them.
Adherence to childhood cancer treatment: a prospective cohort study from Northern Vietnam
Authors: Lan Bui Ngoc , Castor Anders , Wiebe Thomas , Toporski Jacek , Moëll Christian , Hagander Lars 
Published: August 2019

ObjectivesGlobal incidence and attention to childhood cancer is increasing and treatment abandonment is a major cause of treatment failure in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of factors contributing to non-adherence to treatment.DesignA prospective cohort study with 2 year follow-up of incidence, family-reported motives and risk factors.SettingThe largest tertiary paediatric oncology centre in Northern Vietnam.ParticipantsAll children offered curative cancer treatment, from January 2008 to December 2009.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFamily decision to start treatment was analysed with multivariable logistic regression, and family decision to continue treatment was analysed with a multivariable Cox model. This assessment of non-adherence is thereby methodologically consistent with the accepted definitions and recommended practices for evaluation of treatment abandonment.ResultsAmong 731 consecutively admitted patients, 677 were eligible for treatment and were followed for a maximum 2 years. Almost half the parents chose to decline curative care (45.5%), either before (35.2%) or during (10.3%) the course of treatment. Most parents reported perceived poor prognosis as the main reason for non-adherence, followed by financial constraints and traditional medicine preference. The odds of starting treatment increased throughout the study-period (OR 1.04 per month (1.01 to 1.07), p=0.002), and were independently associated with prognosis (OR 0.51 (0.41 to 0.64), p=<0.0001) and travel distance to hospital (OR 0.998 per km (0.996 to 0.999), p=0.004). The results also suggest that adherence to initiated treatment was significantly higher among boys than girls (HR 1.69 (1.05 to 2.73), p=0.03).ConclusionsNon-adherence influenced the prognosis of childhood cancer, and was associated with cultural and local perceptions of cancer and the economic power of the affected families. Prevention of abandonment is a prerequisite for successful cancer care, and a crucial early step in quality improvements to care for all children with cancer.