bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of plasma angiopoietin‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis
Authors: König Maya , Nentwig Alice , Marti Eliane , Mirkovitch Jelena , Adamik Katja‐Nicole , Schuller Simone 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundAngiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are regulators of endothelial permeability.ObjectivePlasma concentrations of Ang‐2 and VEGF are increased in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis and are correlated with disease severity and outcome.AnimalsHealthy dogs (n = 18) and client‐owned dogs with SIRS (n = 34) or sepsis (n = 25).MethodsProspective observational study. Ang‐2 and VEGF concentrations in admission plasma samples were compared between healthy dogs and dogs with SIRS or sepsis, and between survivors and non‐survivors. Correlations with the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation (APPLEfast) disease severity score were examined.ResultsMedian Ang‐2 was significantly higher in dogs with SIRS (19.3; interquartile range [IQR]: 8.6‐25.7 ng/mL) and sepsis (21.2; IQR: 10.3‐30.1 ng/mL) compared to healthy dogs (7.6; IQR: 6.7‐9.8 ng/mL). Ang‐2 was significantly higher in non‐survivors (24.1; IQR: 11.9‐50.0 ng/mL) than survivors (10.2; IQR: 7.2‐21.5 ng/mL) but did not correlate with the APPLEfast score. Admission Ang‐2 predicted negative outcome in dogs with SIRS and sepsis with reasonable accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.75, confidence interval [CI]: 0.59‐0.85; sensitivity: 0.5, CI: 0.29‐0.71; specificity: 0.87, CI: 0.75‐0.95); differentiation between sepsis and SIRS was poor (AUC: 0.58). Plasma VEGF was significantly higher in dogs with sepsis (45; IQR: 14‐107.5 pg/mL) than in dogs with SIRS (3.3; IQR: 0‐35.6 pg/mL) or healthy dogs (0; IQR: 0 pg/mL; P = 0.008). VEGF was significantly (P = .0004) higher in non‐survivors (34.5; IQR: 0‐105.7 pg/mL) than in survivors (0; IQR: 0‐55.2 pg/mL). The ability of VEGF to predict a negative outcome was poor.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAng‐2 may represent a useful additional prognostic marker in dogs with SIRS.
Child‐directed Dramatic Play as Identity Text in Northern Canadian Indigenous Kindergarten Classrooms
Authors: Peterson Shelley Stagg , Horton Laura 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this paper, an Anishnaabe educator and university researcher/former primary teacher make a case for viewing children's dramatic play as multimodal identity texts. Indigenous children in our research study take up an agentic role and construct positive identities in dramatic play, creating narratives that reflect Indigenous cultural practices, as well as some practices of mainstream Canadian society that may be imbued with colonising perspectives. We argue that the Indigenous Cultural classes and follow‐up dramatic play counter the marginalisation of Indigenous knowledge, culture and languages that has occurred with devastating effects on generations of Indigenous families. Our paper is based on video recordings of 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children's dramatic play that were analysed collectively by 12 Indigenous educators in terms of the Indigenous cultural meanings that children created in their play. We conclude with implications for non‐Indigenous teachers, arguing that a case can be made for including child‐led dramatic play in the literacy curriculum when dramatic play narratives are viewed as multimodal identity texts. These texts, which can involve multiple modes including print, draw from children's own cultural and linguistic knowledge and experience.
The future of parentage analysis: From microsatellites to SNPs and beyond
Authors: Flanagan Sarah P. , Jones Adam G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractParentage analysis is a cornerstone of molecular ecology that has delivered fundamental insights into behaviour, ecology and evolution. Microsatellite markers have long been the king of parentage, their hypervariable nature conferring sufficient power to correctly assign offspring to parents. However, microsatellite markers have seen a sharp decline in use with the rise of next‐generation sequencing technologies, especially in the study of population genetics and local adaptation. The time is ripe to review the current state of parentage analysis and see how it stands to be affected by the emergence of next‐generation sequencing approaches. We find that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the typical next‐generation sequencing marker, remain underutilized in parentage analysis but are gaining momentum, with 58 SNP‐based parentage analyses published thus far. Many of these papers, particularly the earlier ones, compare the power of SNPs and microsatellites in a parentage context. In virtually every case, SNPs are at least as powerful as microsatellite markers. As few as 100–500 SNPs are sufficient to resolve parentage completely in most situations. We also provide an overview of the analytical programs that are commonly used and compatible with SNP data. As the next‐generation parentage enterprise grows, a reliance on likelihood and Bayesian approaches, as opposed to strict exclusion, will become increasingly important. We discuss some of the caveats surrounding the use of next‐generation sequencing data for parentage analysis and conclude that the future is bright for this important realm of molecular ecology.
Intertemporal substitution in the Spanish economy: Evidence from regional data
Authors: Cutanda Tarín Antonio 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper studies the intertemporal substitution in consumption and leisure for the Spanish economy by estimating the first‐order conditions of an individual optimization model with regional and aggregate data. While first‐order conditions determining intertemporal substitution in consumption show a good econometric fit, and the value we obtain for the intertemporal elasticity of substitution is similar to previously available results, the econometric fit of the intertemporal condition in leisure indicates that the behaviour of the Spanish labour supply over the cycle is more complex than can be explained by the canonical intertemporal choice model.
Health professionals’ perspectives on the discharge process and continuity of care for stroke survivors discharged home in regional Australia: A qualitative, descriptive study
Authors: Kable Ashley , Baker Amanda , Pond Dimity , Southgate Erica , Turner Alyna , Levi Christopher 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMany stroke patients are discharged home due to advances in treatment approaches and reduced residual disability. The aim of this study was to understand health professionals’ perspectives on the discharge process and continuity of care during the transition between hospital and home for stroke survivors. In this qualitative, descriptive study, we used focus groups with 25 health professionals involved in discharge processes for transition from hospital to home in 2014, in a regional area of Australia. Discontinuity in the discharge process was affected by pressure to discharge patients, discharge medications and associated risks, inadequate or late discharge summaries, and challenges involving carers. Discontinuity in post‐discharge services and follow up was affected by availability of post‐discharge services, number of services arranged at the time of discharge, general practitioner follow up after discharge, delays and waiting lists, carer problems, and long‐term follow up. There were complex organizational barriers to the continuity of care for stroke survivors discharged home. It is important to address these deficits so that stroke survivors and their carers can make the transition home with minimal risk and adequate support following a stroke.
Origin and evolution of the plant immune system
Authors: Han Guan‐Zhu 
Published: December 2018

ContentsSummary70I.Introduction70II.Ancient associations between plants and microbes72III.Evolutionary dynamics of plant–pathogen interactions74IV.Evolutionary signature of plant–pathogen interactions74V.Origin and evolution of RLK proteins75VI.Origin and evolution of NLR proteins77VII.Origin and evolution of SA signaling78VIII.Origin and evolution of RNA‐based defense79IX.Perspectives79Acknowledgements80References80SummaryMicrobes have engaged in antagonistic associations with plants for hundreds of millions of years. Plants, in turn, have evolved diverse immune strategies to combat microbial pathogens. The conflicts between plants and pathogens result in everchanging coevolutionary cycles known as ‘Red Queen’ dynamics. These ancient and ongoing plant–pathogen interactions have shaped the evolution of both plant and pathogen genomes. With the recent explosion of plant genome‐scale data, comparative analyses provide novel insights into the coevolutionary dynamics of plants and pathogens. Here, we discuss the ancient associations between plants and microbes as well as the evolutionary principles underlying plant–pathogen interactions. We synthesize and review the current knowledge on the origin and evolution of key components of the plant immune system. We also highlight the importance of studying algae and nonflowering land plants in understanding the evolution of the plant immune system.
Recombinant growth differentiation factor 11 impairs fracture healing through inhibiting chondrocyte differentiation
Authors: Zheng Rixin , Xie Liang , Liu Weiqing , Guo Yuchen , Wang Yuan , Wu Yunshu , Liu Yuting , Luo Hongke , Kang Ning , Yuan Quan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGrowth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a secreted member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily, has been reported to have the capacity to reverse age‐related pathologic changes and regulate organ regeneration after injury; however, the role of GDF11 in fracture healing and bone repair is still unclear. Here, we established a fracture model in 12‐week‐old male mice to observe two healing states: the cartilaginous callus and bony callus formation phases. Our results showed that recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) injection inhibits cartilaginous callus maturation and hard callus formation, thereby impairing fracture healing in vivo. In vitro, rGDF11 administration inhibited chondrocyte differentiation and maturation by phosphorylating SMAD2/3 protein and inhibiting RUNX2 expression. Notably, inhibition of TGF‐β activity by a SMAD‐specific inhibitor attenuated GDF11 effects. Thus, our study demonstrates that, rather than acting as a rejuvenating agent, rGDF11 impairs fracture healing by inhibiting chondrocyte differentiation and maturation.
The effect of mindfulness meditation on sleep quality: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rusch Heather L. , Rosario Michael , Levison Lisa M. , Olivera Anlys , Livingston Whitney S. , Wu Tianxia , Gill Jessica M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThere is a growing interest in the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation for sleep disturbed populations. Our study sought to evaluate the effect of mindfulness meditation interventions on sleep quality. To assess for relative efficacy, comparator groups were restricted to specific active controls (such as evidenced‐based sleep treatments) and nonspecific active controls (such as time/attention‐matched interventions to control for placebo effects), which were analyzed separately. From 3303 total records, 18 trials with 1654 participants were included. We determined the strength of evidence using four domains (risk of bias, directness of outcome measures, consistency of results, and precision of results). At posttreatment and follow‐up, there was low strength of evidence that mindfulness meditation interventions had no effect on sleep quality compared with specific active controls (ES 0.03 (95% CI –0.43 to 0.49)) and (ES –0.14 (95% CI –0.62 to 0.34)), respectively. Additionally, there was moderate strength of evidence that mindfulness meditation interventions significantly improved sleep quality compared with nonspecific active controls at postintervention (ES 0.33 (95% CI 0.17–0.48)) and at follow‐up (ES 0.54 (95% CI 0.24–0.84)). These preliminary findings suggest that mindfulness meditation may be effective in treating some aspects of sleep disturbance. Further research is warranted.
Peripheral retinal findings in populations with macular disease are similar to healthy eyes
Authors: Nivison‐Smith Lisa , Milston Rebecca , Chiang Jaclyn , Ly Angelica , Assaad Nagi , Kalloniatis Michael 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPurposeRecent evidence suggests several macular diseases are associated with peripheral retinal changes. This study investigated the number, type and management consequences of peripheral retinal findings detected in patients attending a referral only, eye‐care clinic, the Centre for Eye Health(CFEH) with macular disease.MethodsRecords of 537 patients attending CFEH for a macular assessment were included in the study. Subjects were classified as having age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), epiretinal membrane (ERM), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), inherited macular dystrophy or no macular disease. Data extracted included reason for referral, macular findings, peripheral findings (based on examination by ultra‐widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy), diagnosis and management.ResultsAfter age‐matching, the number of peripheral findings in subjects with AMD, ERM or CSCR was not significant different to normal subjects. The most common finding for all cohorts were non‐specific, degenerative changes such as drusen or pigmentation (61–72%) except inherited macular dystrophy subjects who had mostly vascular findings (30%; p < 0.05). Subjects with AMD and ERM with peripheral findings were significantly more likely to be reviewed or referred to an ophthalmologist than discharged back to their community eye care provider compared to subjects without findings. However only 8% of subjects had altered management based specifically on peripheral findings suggesting the macular findings in most subjects dictated their management. For those with a change, it was significant (upgrade to referral to an ophthalmologist). Peripheral findings also flagged 5% of subjects with vascular findings for referral to their general practitioner (GP).ConclusionsOverall, the percentage and distribution of peripheral retinal findings in some macular diseases was similar to normal subjects. However, subjects with peripheral findings appeared to have significant differences in management. Considering some common findings, such as peripheral drusen may be relevant to AMD pathogenesis and therefore affect management of this disease, assessment of the peripheral retina should not be overlooked when the clinical focus is on the posterior pole.
Recognition acuity in children measured using The Auckland Optotypes
Authors: Hamm Lisa M , Anstice Nicola S , Black Joanna M , Dakin Steven C 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPurposeSloan letters displayed by the Electronic Visual Acuity (EVA) system are the gold standard for recognition acuity measurement in research settings. However, letters are not always appropriate for children. The Auckland Optotypes (TAO) are a new, open‐access set of 10 pictograms available in regular and vanishing formats. We sought to assess feasibility of using both formats of TAO for measuring visual acuity (VA) in children using a Bayesian adaptive staircase, in a community setting.MethodsWe tested 121 children (5–12 years old) with both formats of TAO, a handheld flipchart vision screener (Parr vision test), as well as the gold standard EVA. We measured feasibility of the three comparison tests in three ways. First, using limits of agreement (LoA) with EVA, second, calculating area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and finally, investigating trial‐by‐trial responses.ResultsAgreement between tests was within test‐retest reliability of EVA measures (LoATAOregular = ±0.14, LoATAOvanishing = ±0.15, LoAParr = ±0.16 logMAR). TAO tests were highly effective at identifying children with vision impairment (AUCTAOregular = 0.96, AUCTAOvanishing = 0.95), whereas Parr was less effective (AUCParr = 0.82). In 5–6 year old children there was an enhanced advantage of TAO (AUCTAOregular = 0.97, AUCTAOvanishing = 0.98) over Parr (AUCParr = 0.75). Although each child completed 16 trials, approximately 10 trials were sufficient to achieve excellent LoA, and six trials sufficient for accurate screening.ConclusionThreshold VA assessment and vision screening are feasible using both vanishing and regular formats of TAO.
Cold chain and virus‐free oral polio booster vaccine made in lettuce chloroplasts confers protection against all three poliovirus serotypes
Authors: Daniell Henry , Rai Vineeta , Xiao Yuhong 
Published: December 2018

SummaryTo prevent vaccine‐associated paralytic poliomyelitis, WHO recommended withdrawal of Oral Polio Vaccine (Serotype‐2) and a single dose of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV). IPV however is expensive, requires cold chain, injections and offers limited intestinal mucosal immunity, essential to prevent polio reinfection in countries with open sewer system. To date, there is no virus‐free and cold chain‐free polio vaccine capable of inducing robust mucosal immunity. We report here a novel low‐cost, cold chain/poliovirus‐free, booster vaccine using poliovirus capsid protein (VP1, conserved in all serotypes) fused with cholera non‐toxic B subunit (CTB) expressed in lettuce chloroplasts. PCR using unique primer sets confirmed site‐specific integration of CTB‐VP1 transgene cassettes. Absence of the native chloroplast genome in Southern blots confirmed homoplasmy. Codon optimization of the VP1 coding sequence enhanced its expression 9–15‐fold in chloroplasts. GM1‐ganglioside receptor‐binding ELISA confirmed pentamer assembly of CTB‐VP1 fusion protein, fulfilling a key requirement for oral antigen delivery through gut epithelium. Transmission Electron Microscope images and hydrodynamic radius analysis confirmed VP1‐VLPs of 22.3 nm size. Mice primed with IPV and boosted three times with lyophilized plant cells expressing CTB‐VP1co, formulated with plant‐derived oral adjuvants, enhanced VP1‐specific IgG1, VP1‐IgA titres and neutralization (80%–100% seropositivity of Sabin‐1, 2, 3). In contrast, IPV single dose resulted in <50% VP1‐IgG1 and negligible VP1‐IgA titres, poor neutralization and seropositivity (<20%, <40% Sabin 1,2). Mice orally boosted with CTB‐VP1co, without IPV priming, failed to produce any protective neutralizing antibody. Because global population is receiving IPV single dose, booster vaccine free of poliovirus or cold chain offers a timely low‐cost solution to eradicate polio.
Expression of the Arabidopsis WRINKLED 1 transcription factor leads to higher accumulation of palmitate in soybean seed
Authors: Vogel Pamela A. , Bayon de Noyer Shen , Park Hyunwoo , Nguyen Hanh , Hou Lili , Changa Taity , Khang Hoang Le , Ciftci Ozan N. , Wang Tong , Cahoon Edgar B. , Clemente Tom Elmo 
Published: December 2018

SummarySoybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is a commodity crop highly valued for its protein and oil content. The high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil results in low oxidative stability, which is a key parameter for usage in baking, high temperature frying applications, and affects shelf life of packaged products containing soybean oil. Introduction of a seed‐specific expression cassette carrying the Arabidopsis transcription factor WRINKLED1 (AtWRI1) into soybean, led to seed oil with levels of palmitate up to approximately 20%. Stacking of the AtWRI1 transgenic allele with a transgenic locus harbouring the mangosteen steroyl‐ACP thioesterase (GmFatA) resulted in oil with total saturates up to 30%. The creation of a triple stack in soybean, wherein the AtWRI1 and GmFatA alleles were combined with a FAD2‐1 silencing allele led to the synthesis of an oil with 28% saturates and approximately 60% oleate. Constructs were then assembled that carry a dual FAD2‐1 silencing element/GmFatA expression cassette, alone or combined with an AtWRI1 cassette. These plasmids are designated pPTN1289 and pPTN1301, respectively. Transgenic events carrying the T‐DNA of pPTN1289 displayed an oil with stearate levels between 18% and 25%, and oleate in the upper 60%, with reduced palmitate (<5%). While soybean events harboring transgenic alleles of pPTN1301 had similar levels of stearic and oleate levels as that of the pPTRN1289 events, but with levels of palmitate closer to wild type. The modified fatty acid composition results in an oil with higher oxidative stability, and functionality attributes for end use in baking applications.
State Biotechnology and Genomic Development: Critical Resources and Barriers
Authors: Chao Chia‐An , Myers Nathan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article describes the development of an index of state biotechnology and genomic development and the cluster analysis used to group U.S. states based on their level of development in each area. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is then used to test hypotheses regarding statistically significant differences between the biotechnology/genomic development clusters and variables related to states’ workforce, investment in research and development (R&D), and policy environment. The authors find statistically significant results in the areas of workforce education, migration of knowledge workers, industrial and nonindustrial R&D, and policy to promote the development of the biotechnology industry. While the MANOVA for policies placing limits on the development of biotechnology policy did not yield statistical significance, the authors argue that the finding deserves further study as it may indicate some states' willingness to strike a more sustainable balance between support and regulation.Related ArticlesBrant, Hanna K., Nathan Myers, and Katherine L. Runge. 2017. “Promotion, Protection, and Entrepreneurship: Stakeholder Participation and Policy Change in the 21st Century Cures Initiative.” Politics & Policy 45 (3), 372‐404. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12201Harvey, Olivia. 2009. “Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research in the United States: Some Policy Options for Industry Development.” Politics & Policy 37 (1): 51‐71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00161.xBerkovich, Simon. 2008. “Caution on Genetic Engineering Developments in View of Uncertainties of Modern Fundamental Science.” Politics & Policy 37 (1): 1144‐1146. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2008.00157_2.x