bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid A in the diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis
Authors: Mittelman Neil S. , Stefanovski Darko , Johnson Amy L. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundAccurate antemortem EPM diagnosis requires evidence of intrathecal antibody production. Some advocate the use of acute phase proteins in addition to serology, which alone results in substantial false positives.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine if serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) or serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations were elevated in cases of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) compared to other neurological diseases.Animals25 clinical cases of equine neurological disease: EPM (10), cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM) (10), neuroborreliosis (2), equine motor neuron disease (1), degenerative myelopathy (1), and leukoencephalomalacia (1).MethodsSerum and CSF CRP and SAA were measured. Selection criteria included neurologic disease, antemortem diagnosis of EPM or CVSM, or postmortem diagnosis of EPM, CVSM, or other neurologic disease, and availability of serological results and archived samples for testing.ResultsSerum SAA and serum CRP levels were generally undetectable or low in horses with EPM (median CRP ≤0.1 mg/L, ≤0.1‐14.4 mg/L; median SAA ≤0.1 mg/L, ≤0.1‐6.11 mg/L) and CVSM (median CRP ≤0.1, ≤0.1‐2.41 mg/L; median SAA ≤0.1mg/L, ≤0.1‐13.88 mg/L). CSF CRP and SAA for horses with EPM (median CRP 3.35 mg/l, 0.19‐13.43 mg/l; median SAA ≤0.1 mg/L, ≤0.1‐2.4 mg/L) and CVSM (median CRP 4.015 mg/L, 0.16‐9.62 mg/L; median SAA 0.62 mg/L, ≤0.1‐2.91 mg/L) were also undetectable or low. Kruskal–Wallis test showed no statistically significant differences between serum CRP (P = .14), serum SAA (P = .79), spinal fluid CRP (P = .65), or spinal fluid SAA between horses with EPM and CVSM (P = .52).ConclusionNeither SAA nor CRP in serum or CSF aid diagnosis of EPM.
Seizure occurrence in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Erlen Alexander , Potschka Heidrun , Volk Holger A. , Sauter‐Louis Carola , O'Neill Dan G. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundPrimary‐care veterinary clinical records can offer data to determine generalizable epidemiological data on seizures occurrence in the dog population.ObjectivesTo identify and examine epidemiologic characteristics of seizure occurrence in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK participating in the VetCompass™ Programme.Animals455,553 dogs in VetCompass™’.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis estimated the 1‐year period prevalence and risk factors for dogs with seizures during 2013.ResultsThe overall 1‐year period prevalence for dogs having at least one seizure during 2013 was 0.82% (95% CI 0.79‐0.84). Multivariable modelling identified breeds with elevated odd ratios [OR] compared with the Labrador Retriever (e.g. Pug OR: 3.41 95% CI 2.71‐4.28, P < 0.001). Males had higher risk for seizures (Male/Entire OR: 1.47 95% CI 1.30–1.66; Male/Neutered OR: 1.34 95% CI 1.19–1.51) compared to entire females. Age (3.00 ‐ ≤ 6.00 OR: 2.13 95% CI 1.90‐2.39, P < 0.001, compared to animals aged 0.50–≤ 3.00 years), and bodyweight (≥ 40.00kg, OR: 1.24 95% CI 1.08–1.41, P = 0.002, compared to animals weighing < 10.0 kg) were identified as risk factors for seizures.Conclusion and clinical ImportanceSeizures are a relatively common clinical finding in dogs. The results for breed, age, sex and bodyweight as risk factors can assist veterinarians in refining differential diagnosis lists for dogs reported with behaviors that may have been seizures. In addition, the prevalence values reported here can support pharmacovigilance with baseline data from the overall population.
Survival associated with cerebrospinal fluid analysis in downer adult dairy cows: A retrospective study (2006‐2014)
Authors: Bilodeau Marie‐Ève , Achard Damien , Francoz David , Grimes Carolyn , Desrochers André , Nichols Sylvain , Babkine Marie , Fecteau Gilles 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundThreshold values for total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of downer dairy cows suggestive of a spinal cord lesion were recently published.ObjectivesDetermine short‐ and long‐term survival of downer cows that underwent CSF analysis using the reported threshold values. Evaluate the prognostic value of these threshold values to predict short‐ and long‐term survival.AnimalsTwo hundred and fourteen downer adult dairy cows that underwent CSF analysis during hospitalization at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV) of the Université de Montréal.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records of downer adult dairy cows presented to the hospital between January 2006 and October 2014 for which CSF analysis results were available were studied. Short‐term (discharge from hospital) and long‐term (completion of lactation) survival were determined and compared in accordance with CSF TNCC and protein concentration, using a Chi‐square test.ResultsCows with CSF TNCC and/or protein concentration above the threshold values had a significantly lower short‐term survival rate (P = .02). The odds of nonsurvival of cows with one or both CSF values above the threshold values was 2.16 times higher than the odds for cows with values under the threshold values. CSF TNCC >4.5 cells/μL had sensitivity and specificity of 17.3% (95% CI: 10.7%‐25.7%) and 92.3% (95% CI: 85.4%‐96.6%), respectively, for predicting short‐term nonsurvival. CSF protein concentration >0.39 g/L had sensitivity and specificity of 20.9% (95% CI: 13.7%‐29.7%) and 91.4% (95% CI: 84.2%‐96.0%), respectively.ConclusionsCSF analysis above threshold values used in this study is associated with increased odds of short‐term nonsurvival.
Determination of milk/plasma ratio and milk and plasma pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin after intramuscular administration in lactating cows
Authors: Ozdemir Zeynep , Tras Bunyamin , Uney Kamil , Eser Faki Hatice , Besoluk Tugba Melike 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the passage ratio of amoxicillin into milk and its pharmacokinetics in milk and plasma after intramuscular administration. Five healthy dairy cows (Holstein, weighing 450–500 kg, aged 2–4 years) were used in this study. They received single intramuscular amoxicillin at a dose of 14 mg/kg body weight. Blood and milk samples were collected prior to drug administration (0); after 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min; and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hr after administration. The plasma and milk concentrations of amoxicillin were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The passage ratio of amoxicillin into milk and plasma was determined using bothAUC‐based calculation and milk and plasma concentrations at sampling times; it was calculated 0.46 and 0.52, respectively. The terminal half‐life and mean residence time of amoxicillin were 6.05 and 8.60 hr in plasma and 2.62 and 5.35 hr in milk, respectively. TheCmax2levels of amoxicillin in plasma and milk were measured as 1,096 and 457 ng/ml, respectively. It was observed that amoxicillin exhibited a secondary peak in plasma and milk. This study was the first to report on the passage ratio of amoxicillin into milk in lactating cows.
Latent trajectories of infant breast milk consumption in the United States
Authors: Whipps Mackenzie D.M. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Demirci Jill R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPatterns of breastfeeding over time are not currently well understood. Limited qualitative and quantitative evidence suggests that there may be latent subgroups of mothers in the United States following very different trajectories of breast milk provision for their infants. This study used a quantitative modelling method (group‐based trajectory modelling) to identify and describe these subgroups. Using data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II (n = 3,023), the authors identified four distinct trajectories of breastfeeding intensity, each of which included a substantial subset of the total sample. A model with four groups fit the data well by objective and conceptual standards. Bivariate associations were analysed, and significant difference between trajectory group membership was found on an array of maternal and family determinants, including maternal demographics, hospital experience, and psychosocial resources, as well as on postweaning perceptions. These associations were used to create group profiles for each subgroup. Controlling for sociodemographic covariates, we also found that trajectory membership was significantly associated with several health outcomes for the target child 6 years later, including certain infections, picky eating, and health care utilization; trajectory group membership was also associated with maternal breastfeeding of subsequent children and maternal body mass index (BMI) at Year 6. Child BMI z‐score and maternal breast cancer diagnosis were not significantly different across trajectory groups after accounting for confounding covariates, nor was time missed from school for the target child. Though exploratory, the initial identification and description of these four subgroups suggest future directions using breastfeeding trajectory methods, with potential implications for measurement, intervention development, and targeting.
Mother's dietary diversity and association with stunting among children <2 years old in a low socio‐economic environment: A case–control study in an urban care setting in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Mahamudul , Islam M. Munirul , Mubarak Eman , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Choudhury Nuzhat , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMothers are often responsible for preparing nutritious foods in their households. However, the quality of mother's diets is often neglected, which may affect both mother's and child's nutrition. Because no single food contains all necessary nutrients, diversity in dietary sources is needed to ensure a quality diet. We aimed to study the association between mother's dietary diversity and stunting in children <2 years attending Dhaka Hospital of icddr,b, a diarrhoeal disease hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A case–control study (n = 296) was conducted from November 2016 to February 2017. Data were collected from mothers of stunted children <2 years (length‐for‐age z score [LAZ] < −2) as “cases” and nonstunted (LAZ ≥ −1) children <2 years as “controls.” Mothers were asked to recall consumption of 10 defined food groups 24 hr prior to the interview as per Guidelines for Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women. Among the mothers of cases, 58% consumed <5 food groups during the last 24 hr, compared with 45% in control mothers (P = 0.03). Children whose mothers consumed <5 food groups were 1.7 times more likely to be stunted than children whose mothers consumed ≥5 food groups (P = 0.04). Intake of food groups such as pulses, dairy, eggs, and vitamin A rich fruit was higher in control mothers. Proportion of mother's illiteracy, short stature, monthly family income <BDT 11,480, absence of bank account, and poor sanitation was also found to be higher in stunted group. Further study particularly intervention or longitudinal study to see the causality of mother's dietary diversity with child stunting is recommended.
What we measure … and what we should measure in medical education
Authors: Boulet John R , Durning Steven J 
Published: September 2018

ContextAs the practice of medicine evolves, the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide patient care will continue to change. These competency‐based changes will necessitate the restructuring of assessment systems. High‐quality assessment programmes are needed to fulfil health professions education's contract with society.ObjectivesWe discuss several issues that are important to consider when developing assessments in health professions education. We organise the discussion along the continuum of medical education, outlining the tension between what has been deemed important to measure and what should be measured. We also attempt to alleviate some of the apprehension associated with measuring evolving competencies by discussing how emerging technologies, including simulation and artificial intelligence, can play a role.MethodsWe focus our thoughts on the assessment of competencies that, at least historically, have been difficult to measure. We highlight several assessment challenges, discuss some of the important issues concerning the validity of assessment scores, and argue that medical educators must do a better job of justifying their use of specific assessment strategies.DiscussionAs in most professions, there are clear tensions in medicine in relation to what should be assessed, who should be responsible for administering assessment content, and how much evidence should be gathered to support the evaluation process. Although there have been advances in assessment practices, there is still room for improvement. From the student's, resident's and practising physician's perspectives, assessments need to be relevant. Knowledge is certainly required, but there are other qualities and attributes that are important, and perhaps far more important. Research efforts spent now on delineating what makes a good physician, and on aligning new and upcoming assessment tools with the relevant competencies, will ensure that assessment practices, whether aimed at establishing competence or at fostering learning, are effective with respect to their primary goal: to produce qualified physicians.
The influence of voltage‐gated sodium channels on human gastrointestinal nociception
Authors: Coates Matthew D. , Vrana Kent E. , Ruiz‐Velasco Victor 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundAbdominal pain is a frequent and persistent problem in the most common gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Pain adversely impacts quality of life, incurs significant healthcare expenditures, and remains a challenging issue to manage with few safe therapeutic options currently available. It is imperative that new methods are developed for identifying and treating this symptom. A variety of peripherally active neuroendocrine signaling elements have the capability to influence gastrointestinal pain perception. A large and growing body of evidence suggests that voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a critical role in the development and modulation of nociceptive signaling associated with the gut. Several VGSC isoforms demonstrate significant promise as potential targets for improved diagnosis and treatment of gut‐based disorders associated with hyper‐ and hyposensitivity to abdominal pain.PurposeIn this article, we critically review key investigations that have evaluated the potential role that VGSCs play in visceral nociception and discuss recent advances related to this topic. Specifically, we discuss the following: (a) what is known about the structure and basic function of VGSCs, (b) the role that each VGSC plays in gut nociception, particularly as it relates to human physiology, and (c) potential diagnostic and therapeutic uses of VGSCs to manage disorders associated with chronic abdominal pain.
Endoflip vs high‐definition manometry in the assessment of fecal incontinence: A data‐driven unsupervised comparison
Authors: Zifan Ali , Sun Catherine , Gourcerol Guillaume , Leroi Anne M. , Mittal Ravinder K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundHow much anal sphincter dysfunction contributes to fecal incontinence (FI) is not clear. High‐definition anorectal manometry (HDAM) and functional luminal imaging probe (Endoflip) are two new techniques to study anal sphincter function.AimsThe goal was to compare the diagnostic utility of HDAM and Endoflip using optimal feature(s) in each modality for FI diagnosis. Methods: Blinded classification was carried out on 70 female subjects (32 FI & 38 controls), using 3 prominent machine‐learning clustering techniques, with 3 distance metrics. For HDAM, descriptive statistics, shape, and textural features characterizing the spatial relationship of pixels in the HDAM high‐pressure zone, and for Endoflip, permutations of pressure and CSA combinations (ie, multiplication, division, or individually) at rest and squeeze were tested.ResultsIntramodality: (a) Endoflip: Best clustering was obtained using the combination of the ratio of CSA over pressure at 40 and 50 mL at rest, which had significantly better specificity (P < 0.001) than using only pressure at 50 mL, no difference in sensitivity (P = 0.68). (b) HDAM: clustering using textural information at rest had significantly higher specificity compared to using only the maximal pressure at rest (P < 0.001). Intermodality: Clustering results using optimal features were not significantly different with respect to sensitivity or specificity (P > 0.05). Optimal Endoflip feature set differed significantly in specificity compared to HDAM maximal pressure at both rest (P < 0.001) and squeeze (P < 0.001).ConclusionDefective anal closure function is fairly sensitive and highly specific in diagnosing FI. Using optimal feature sets, HDAM and Endoflip perform in a similar fashion in diagnosing FI, but are not complementary.
Gastric motor and sensory function in health assessed by magnetic resonance imaging: Establishment of reference intervals for the Nottingham test meal in healthy subjects
Authors: Parker Helen , Hoad Caroline L , Tucker Emily , Costigan Carolyn , Marciani Luca , Gowland Penny , Fox Mark 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrent investigations of gastric emptying rarely identify the cause of symptoms or provide a definitive diagnosis in patients with dyspepsia. This study assessed gastric function by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the modular “Nottingham test meal” (NTM) in healthy volunteers (HVs).MethodsThe NTM comprises (a) 400 mL liquid nutrient (0.75 kcal/mL) labeled with Gadolinium‐DOTA and (b) an optional solid component (12 agar‐beads [0 kcal]). Filling sensations were documented. MRI measurements of gastric volume, emptying, contraction wave frequency, and secretion were obtained using validated methods.Key ResultsGastric function was measured in a population of 73 HVs stratified for age and sex. NTM induced moderate satiety and fullness. Labeled fluid was observed in the small bowel in all subjects after meal ingestion (“early‐phase” GE). Secretion was rapid such that postprandial gastric content volume was often greater than meal volume (GCV0 > 400 mL), and there was increasing dilution of the meal during the study (P < 0.001). Gastric half‐time was median 66‐minutes (95% reference interval 35 to 161‐minutes [“late‐phase” GE]). The number of intact agar beads in the stomach was 7/12 (58%) at 60‐minutes and 1/12 (8%) at 120‐minutes. Age, bodyweight and sex had measurable effects on gastric function; however, these were small compared to inter‐individual variation for most metrics.Conclusions and InferencesReference intervals are presented for MRI measurements of gastric function assessed for the mixed liquid/solid NTM. Studies in patients will determine which metrics are of clinical value and also whether the reference intervals presented here offer optimal diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
Functions of stone cells and oleoresin terpenes in the conifer defense syndrome
Authors: Whitehill Justin G. A. , Yuen Macaire M. S. , Henderson Hannah , Madilao Lina , Kshatriya Kristina , Bryan Jennifer , Jaquish Barry , Bohlmann Jörg 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Conifers depend on complex defense systems against herbivores. Stone cells (SC) and oleoresin are physical and chemical defenses of Sitka spruce that have been separately studied in previous work.

Weevil oviposit at the tip of the previous year's apical shoot (PYAS). We investigated interactions between weevil larvae and trees in controlled oviposition experiments with resistant (R) and susceptible (S) Sitka spruce. R trees have an abundance of SC in the PYAS cortex. SC are mostly absent in S trees. R trees and S trees also differ in the composition of oleoresin terpenes. Transcriptomes of R and S trees revealed differences in long‐term weevil‐induced responses.

Performance of larvae was significantly reduced on R trees compared with S trees under experimental conditions that mimicked natural oviposition behavior at apical shoot tips and may be attributed to the effects of SC. In oviposition experiments designed for larvae to feed below the area of highest SC abundance, larvae showed an unusual feeding behavior and oleoresin appeared to function as the major defense.

The results support a role for both SC and oleoresin terpenes and possible synergies between these traits in the defense syndrome of weevil‐resistant Sitka spruce.
Parental transposable element loads influence their dynamics in young Nicotiana hybrids and allotetraploids
Authors: Mhiri Corinne , Parisod Christian , Daniel Julien , Petit Maud , Lim K. Yoong , Dorlhac de Borne François , Kovarik Ales , Leitch Andrew R. , Grandbastien Marie‐Angèle 
Published: September 2018

Summary

The genomic shock hypothesis suggests that allopolyploidy is associated with genome changes driven by transposable elements, as a response to imbalances between parental insertion loads. To explore this hypothesis, we compared three allotetraploids, Nicotiana arentsii, N. rustica and N. tabacum, which arose over comparable time frames from hybridisation between increasingly divergent diploid species.

We used sequence‐specific amplification polymorphism (SSAP) to compare the dynamics of six transposable elements in these allopolyploids, their diploid progenitors and in corresponding synthetic hybrids.

We show that element‐specific dynamics in young Nicotiana allopolyploids reflect their dynamics in diploid progenitors. Transposable element mobilisation is not concomitant with immediate genome merger, but occurs within the first generations of allopolyploid formation. In natural allopolyploids, such mobilisations correlate with imbalances in the repeat profile of the parental species, which increases with their genetic divergence. Other restructuring leading to locus loss is immediate, nonrandom and targeted at specific subgenomes, independently of cross orientation.

The correlation between transposable element mobilisation in allopolyploids and quantitative imbalances in parental transposable element loads supports the genome shock hypothesis proposed by McClintock.
Annulus fibrosus cell phenotypes in homeostasis and injury: implications for regenerative strategies
Authors: Torre Olivia M. , Mroz Victoria , Bartelstein Meredith K. , Huang Alice H. , Iatridis James C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDespite considerable efforts to develop cellular, molecular, and structural repair strategies and restore intervertebral disk function after injury, the basic biology underlying intervertebral disk healing remains poorly understood. Remarkably, little is known about the origins of cell populations residing within the annulus fibrosus, or their phenotypes, heterogeneity, and roles during healing. This review focuses on recent literature highlighting the intrinsic and extrinsic cell types of the annulus fibrosus in the context of the injury and healing environment. Spatial, morphological, functional, and transcriptional signatures of annulus fibrosus cells are reviewed, including inner and outer annulus fibrosus cells, which we propose to be referred to as annulocytes. The annulus also contains peripheral cells, interlamellar cells, and potential resident stem/progenitor cells, as well as macrophages, T lymphocytes, and mast cells following injury. Phases of annulus fibrosus healing include inflammation and recruitment of immune cells, cell proliferation, granulation tissue formation, and matrix remodeling. However, annulus fibrosus healing commonly involves limited remodeling, with granulation tissues remaining, and the development of chronic inflammatory states. Identifying annulus fibrosus cell phenotypes during health, injury, and degeneration will inform reparative regeneration strategies aimed at improving annulus fibrosus healing.