bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiation and classification of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae
Authors: Du Plessis Anneli M. , Greyling Linda M. , Page Benedict J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe literature states that transitional vertebrae at any junction are characterized by features retained from two adjacent regions in the vertebral column. Currently, there is no published literature available that describes the prevalence or morphology of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TLTV). The aim of this study was to identify the qualitative characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction and establish a technique to differentiate the various subtypes that may be found. A selection of vertebral columns from skeletal remains (n = 35) were evaluated in this study. Vertebrae were taken based on features that are atypical for vertebrae in each relative region. The transitional vertebrae were qualitatively identified based on overlapping thoracic and lumbar features of vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. The following general overlapping characteristics were observed: aplasia or hypoplasia of the transverse process, irregular orientation on the superior articular process and atypical mammillary bodies. The results show that the most frequent location of the transitional vertebrae was in the thoracic region (f = 23). The second most frequent location was in the lumbar region (f = 10). In two specimens of the selection (f = 2), an additional 13th thoracic vertebra was present which functioned as a transitional vertebra. This study concluded that one can accurately identify the characteristics of transitional vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction. In addition, the various subtypes can be differentiated according to the region in the vertebral column the vertebra is located in and the relative number of vertebral segments in the adjacent regions of the vertebral column. This provides a qualitative tool for researchers to differentiate the transitional vertebrae from distinctly different typical thoracic or lumbar vertebrae at the thoracolumbar junction.
Protective role of melatonin in cardiac ischemia‐reperfusion injury: From pathogenesis to targeted therapy
Authors: Zhou Hao , Ma Qiang , Zhu Pingjun , Ren Jun , Reiter Russel J. , Chen Yundai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. In patients withMI, the treatment option for reducing acute myocardial ischemic injury and limitingMIsize is timely and effective myocardial reperfusion using either thombolytic therapy or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the procedure of reperfusion itself induces cardiomyocyte death, known as myocardial reperfusion injury, for which there is still no effective therapy. Recent evidence has depicted a promising role of melatonin, which possesses powerful antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties, in the prevention of ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury and the protection against cardiomyocyte death. A number of reports explored the mechanism of action behind melatonin‐induced beneficial effects against myocardialIRinjury. In this review, we summarize the research progress related toIRinjury and discuss the unique actions of melatonin as a protective agent. Furthermore, the possible mechanisms responsible for the myocardial benefits of melatonin against reperfusion injury are listed with the prospect of the use of melatonin in clinical application.
Interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate, and boiling of barley on feed intake, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and fermentation in the hindgut of Arabian mares
Authors: Kiani A. , Hoseini F. , Ghorbaninejad P. , Azarfar A. , Kreuzer M. , Azizi A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe interaction between the sequence of feeding of hay and concentrate and the hydrothermal processing of barley in alleviating concentrate effects on intake, and hindgut fermentation in horses was tested. Six Arabian mares (4–10 years of age, 410 ± 35 kg body weight) were used to evaluate the effects of feeding sequence (FS) and type of barley (TB) on intake, and faecal volatile fatty acids (VFA), activities of α‐amylase (AA: EC 3.2.1.1), carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase: EC 3.2.1.4), microcrystalline cellulase (MCCase: EC 3.2.1.91) and general filter paper degrading activity (FPD). Mares were offered a ration of air‐dried alfalfa and concentrate (70:30 as‐fed) in four subsequent periods of 14 days including 8 days of adaptation and 6 days of sampling. In each period and each meal, mares received concentrate either 30 min after (HC) or 30 min before (CH) alfalfa hay. Barley was either milled or boiled in water. Rectal samples were grabbed directly from rectum once per period. Mares subjected to CH had higher dry matter intakes than mares under HC regime. The acetate:propionate ratio (A:P ratio) in rectal content was higher with CH than HC. The AA activity was higher under CH than under HC. Mares fed boiled barley had lower rectal concentrations of VFA and propionate and a higher A:P ratio than mares fed milled barley. Furthermore, the rectal content showed a higher MCCase activity but a lower AA activity when mares were fed boiled compared with milled barley. Interactions between FS and TB were observed with respect to CMCase activity, and concentrations of propionate and valerate. In conclusion, the present results suggest that both, feeding concentrate before hay and boiling the barley, might improve the hindgut environment in Arabian mares, and that the two measures were mostly additive and sometimes even synergistic.
Not all predators are equal: a continent‐scale analysis of the effects of predator control on Australian mammals
Authors: Hunter Daniel O. , Lagisz Malgorzata , Leo Viyanna , Nakagawa Shinichi , Letnic Mike 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Introduced predators pose threats to biodiversity and are implicated in the extinction of many native species. In Australia, considerable effort is spent controlling populations of introduced predators, including the dingo Canis dingo and the red fox Vulpes vulpes, to reduce their effects on native species and livestock. Studies describe different outcomes of controlling dingo and fox populations on native species, making biodiversity management decisions difficult for conservation managers.

We conduct a meta‐analysis to compare the impacts that control programmes targeted towards dingoes and foxes in Australia have on introduced predators and on other mammal species, including native species and prey species.

Our results provide evidence that lethal control of dingoes and foxes has different outcomes for different mammalian species. Dingo removal had a negative effect on the abundance of native mammals weighing less than the critical weight range (CWR) of 30–5500 g, and a positive effect on the abundance of mammals above the CWR. Fox abundance increased in response to dingo control, but confidence intervals were large. Fox removal had strong positive effects on ground‐dwelling and arboreal mammals. Lethal control of dingoes did not have a significant effect on cats, but where dingoes were removed there was a tendency for foxes to increase, and where foxes were removed there was a tendency for cats to increase.

Our results highlight unintended and perverse outcomes of lethal predator control on Australian mammals. Lethal control of dingoes significantly increases abundances of above CWR mammals and significantly decreases abundances of under CWR mammals. Lethal control of foxes significantly increases the abundances of CWR mammals. These findings show how removing dingoes and foxes alters mammal assemblages and provide comprehensive and objective information for conservation managers.

We recommend that land management agencies take the results of this study into consideration when planning lethal control programmes targeting dingoes and foxes because, depending on the target canid, these programmes result in different outcomes for other mammal species. Removal programmes targeting dingoes and/or foxes can result in increased abundances of introduced predators and, ultimately, have far‐reaching effects on many mammal species.
Kangaroo Mother Care in Colombia: A Subaltern Health Innovation against For‐profit Biomedicine
Authors: Abadía‐Barrero César Ernesto 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis ethnographic study presents the origins, growth, and collapse of the first Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) program, a well‐established practice for neonatal care created in 1978 in Colombia. The WHO and UNICEF praised this zero‐cost revolutionary technique for its promotion of skin‐to‐skin contact between premature and low‐birth‐weight newborns and family members. KMC facilitates early hospital discharge, brings many clinical and psychological benefits, and constitutes an excellent alternative to placing babies in incubators. However, these benefits and political potential against biomedical interventions were undermined after being relabeled as a “reverse innovation,” a business concept that encourages corporate investments in low‐income countries to develop technologies that can both solve global health problems and boost multinational corporations profits. In response, I propose “subaltern health innovations” as a label for KMC that accounts for the power dynamics in global health between health care initiatives that originate in the Global South and neoliberal configurations of for‐profit biomedicine.
A novel two‐component system modulates quorum sensing and pathogenicity in Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Cui Chaoyu , Yang Chunxi , Song Shihao , Fu Shuna , Sun Xiuyun , Yang Liang , He Fei , Zhang Lian‐Hui , Zhang Yongliang , Deng Yinyue 
Published: January 2018

SummaryQuorum sensing (QS) is widely utilized by bacterial pathogens to regulate biological functions and pathogenicity. Recent evidence has shown that QS is subject to regulatory cascades, especially two‐component systems that often respond to environmental stimulation. At least two different types of QS systems regulate pathogenesis in Burkholderia cenocepacia. However, it remains unclear how this bacterial pathogen controls these QS systems. Here, we demonstrate a novel two‐component system RqpSR (Regulating Quorum sensing and Pathogenicity), which plays an important role in modulating QS and pathogenesis in B. cenocepacia. We demonstrate strong protein‐protein binding affinity between RqpS and RqpR. Mutations in rqpS and rqpR exerted overlapping effects on B. cenocepacia transcriptomes and phenotypes, including motility, biofilm formation and virulence. In trans expression of rqpR rescued the defective phenotypes in the rqpS mutant. RqpR controls target gene expression by direct binding to DNA promoters, including the cis‐2‐dodecenoic acid (BDSF) and N‐acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) signal synthase gene promoters. These findings suggest that the RqpSR system strongly modulates physiology by forming a complicated hierarchy with QS systems. This type of two‐component system appears to be widely distributed and coexists with the BDSF QS system in various bacterial species.
Spatiotemporally regulated proteolysis to dissect the role of vegetative proteins during Bacillus subtilis sporulation: cell‐specific requirement of σH and σA
Authors: Riley Eammon P. , Trinquier Aude , Reilly Madeline L. , Durchon Marine , Perera Varahenage R. , Pogliano Kit , Lopez‐Garrido Javier 
Published: January 2018

SummarySporulation in Bacillus subtilis is a paradigm of bacterial development, which involves the interaction between a larger mother cell and a smaller forespore. The mother cell and the forespore activate different genetic programs, leading to the production of sporulation‐specific proteins. A critical gap in our understanding of sporulation is how vegetative proteins, made before sporulation initiation, contribute to spore formation. Here we present a system, spatiotemporally regulated proteolysis (STRP), which enables the rapid, developmentally regulated degradation of target proteins, thereby providing a suitable method to dissect the cell‐ and developmental stage‐specific role of vegetative proteins. STRP has been used to dissect the role of two major vegetative sigma factors, σH and σA, during sporulation. The results suggest that σH is only required in predivisional cells, where it is essential for sporulation initiation, but that it is dispensable during subsequent steps of spore formation. However, evidence has been provided that σA plays different roles in the mother cell, where it replenishes housekeeping functions, and in the forespore, where it plays an unexpected role in promoting spore germination and outgrowth. Altogether, the results demonstrate that STRP has the potential to provide a comprehensive molecular dissection of every stage of sporulation, germination and outgrowth.
The investment case for folic acid fortification in developing countries
Authors: Hoddinott John 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThere is compelling evidence that neural tube defects can be prevented through mandatory folic acid fortification. Why, then, is an investment case needed? At the core of the answer to this question is the notion that governments and individuals have limited resources for which there are many competing claims. An investment case compares the costs and benefits of folic acid fortification relative to alternative life‐saving investments and informs estimates of the financing required for implementation. Our best estimate is that the cost per death averted through mandatory folic acid fortification is $957 and the cost per disability‐adjusted life year is $14.90. Both compare favorably to recommended life‐saving interventions, such as the rotavirus vaccine and insecticide‐treated bed nets. Thus, there is a strong economic argument for mandatory folic acid fortification. Further improvements to these estimates will require better data on the costs of implementing fortification and on the costs of improving compliance where regulations are already in place.
Obliterative portal venopathy: A histopathologic finding associated with chronic antibody‐mediated rejection in pediatric liver allografts
Authors: Guerra Marjorie‐Anne R. , Naini Bita V. , Scapa Jason V. , Reed Elaine F. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Cheng Elaine Y. , Farmer Douglas G. , Vargas Jorge H. , Venick Robert S. , McDiarmid Sue V. , Wozniak Laura J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe significance of post‐transplant HLA DSA and chronic AMR in LT is an emerging field of study. Although OPV has previously been described as a histopathologic finding in DSA‐positive adult LT recipients, it was not included in the recent Banff criteria for chronic AMR. Our aim was to describe the association between OPV and chronic AMR in pediatric LT recipients. A retrospective review of 67 liver biopsies performed between November 2014 and April 2016 in 45 pediatric LT recipients identified four patients with OPV. Clinical status, liver biochemistry, the presence of DSA, and available non‐HLA antibody testing, as well as histopathologic features of chronic AMR, were assessed. All four patients with OPV had class II DSA and histopathologic features of chronic AMR based on the Banff criteria. Two patients were noted to have non‐HLA antibodies. Three patients are undergoing treatment with IVIG but have persistent DSA. Two patients have graft failure and are awaiting retransplantation. In conclusion, OPV is a histopathologic finding associated with chronic AMR in pediatric LT recipients. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether OPV is reversible and/or amenable to medical therapy.
Seborrheic keratoses mimicking melanoma unveiled by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Pezzini C. , Mandel V. D. , Persechino F. , Ciardo S. , Kaleci S. , Chester J. , De Carvalho N. , Persechino S. , Pellacani G. , Farnetani F. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundSeborrheic keratoses (SebK) with atypical dermoscopy presentation are increasingly reported. These lesions do not exhibit typical dermoscopy features of SebK and sometimes mimic melanoma, thus complicating the differential diagnosis. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non‐invasive tool, which allows an in vivo imaging of the skin. The study objectives were to evaluate the agreement between RCM classification and histological diagnoses, and the reliability of well‐known RCM criteria for SebK in the identification of SebK with atypical dermoscopy presentation.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analysed at RCM excised lesions presenting in dermoscopy ≥1 score at revisited 7‐point checklist. The study population consisted of cases showing no melanocytic RCM findings. Lesions were investigated for distinct non‐melanocytic RCM features, blinded from histopathology diagnoses. Histopathology matching was then performed before statistical analysis.ResultsThe study consisted of 117 cases, classified at RCM as SebK (71 cases), dermatofibroma (18 cases), basal cell carcinoma (13 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (2 cases), and “non‐specific” (13 cases). Overall K strength of agreement at histopathology matching proved 0.76. Of the 71 cases classified at RCM with SebK, agreement was achieved in 97%.ConclusionReflectance confocal microscopy classification proved high agreement with histopathology for SebK with atypical dermoscopy presentations, allowing an early differential diagnosis. RCM features in this group of lesions were similar to those described for typical cases of SebK, and may assist clinician therapy decision making, whilst avoiding unnecessary excisions.
High‐frequency ultrasound‐based differentiation between nodular dermal filler deposits and foreign body granulomas
Authors: Mlosek R. K. , Skrzypek E. , Skrzypek D. M. , Malinowska S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe number of procedures involving dermal filler injection is still on the rise. Although their safety is improving, not all complications can be avoided. The late complications manifesting as nodules or granulomas pose a particular diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, due to the lack of uniform standards or guidelines. High‐frequency, ultrasound imaging appears to be a useful method for distinguishing between granulomas and nodular dermal filler deposits.AimThe aim of the paper was to evaluate the utility of high frequency ultrasound imaging for distinguishing between foreign body granulomas and nodular dermal filler deposits.Material and methodsEleven females aged 21‐66 years (mean age of 43.6 years old) who had soft tissue fillers injected were enrolled. All patients had a high‐frequency ultrasound scan of the involved skin area performed. The shape, margins, area, location and echogenicity of the lesions were assessed. Additionally, the lesions were evaluated histologically and photographs were taken.ResultsThe analysis indicated differences between the ultrasound image of granulomas and dermal filler deposits. Characteristic ultrasound features of granulomas include oval shape and blurred, irregular outer edges. Small hyperechoic areas were seen inside the granulomas. The deposits were anechogenic, with sharp, regular borders.ConclusionsHigh‐frequency ultrasound imaging enables distinguishing between granulomas and nodules—dermal filler deposits, which form after dermal filler injections.
Ultrasonographic and computed tomographic features of rice bodies in an Arabian horse with atlantal bursitis
Authors: Hohu Kyle K. , Lim Chee Kin , Adams Stephen B. , Heng Hock Gan , Ramos‐Vara José A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA 19‐year‐old castrated Arabian male horse presented for evaluation of a firm mass at the dorsal cervical region. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed multiple well defined fusiform structures within the atlantal bursa. Multiple glossy smooth, white to yellowish, flattened fusiform structures were removed surgically. These structures were composed of dense fibrin with some leukocytes and red blood cells. The imaging and histopathological features of these structures were similar to chronic ‘rice bodies’ reported in humans with bursitis or tenosynovitis. This is the first veterinary report describing the imaging features of ‘rice bodies’ in a horse with atlantal bursitis.
Preface
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Bulut Hasan , Hammouch Zakia , Baskonus Haci Mehmet 
Published: January 2018

In the last decade, it has been proven in several research papers that, mathematical tools are rather power in describing real world problem in all fields of science, technology and engineering. Various mathematical models that examine real world problems have been studied and developed with the aim of predicting the future. Due to the wider applicability of these tools, research observes that the field of applied sciences is a rapidly growing discipline and has engaged the minds of researchers. The recently developed mathematical models bear certain kinds of complexities. Therefore new methods have been elaborated for observing the properties of intricated models accurately. Moreover, comprehensive information about the models have been found by modifiying the existing methods in literature. By means of the outstanding increase in information, such findings uncover new aspects and properties of real world problems. In addition, structural changes of models and technical improvements in practices brought out novel challenging issues. Such challenges have resulted in new and modified methods. Therefore, the studies in such fields are essential and meaningful in understanding the diverse aspects of the models.This special issue aims at addressing these interesting research matters in the field of applied and engineering sicences. The main source of the articles in this special issue were the selected papers from those presented at the Second International Conference on Computational Mathematics and Engineering Sciences (CMES2017), which was held on May 20-22, 2017, in Istanbul, Turkey. During CMES2017, several various papers related to applied and engineering sicence have been presented. In this special issue, we have received 12 manuscripts based on rigorous reviews. This special issue has greatly benefited from the cooperation among the authors, reviewers, and editors.We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Moulay Ismail University and Firat University for organizing CMES2017 Conference and all the authors for their contributions, which has made this special issue possible.
Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas plecoglossicida
Strain NZBD9
Authors: Huang Lixing , Zhao Lingmin , Su Yongquan , Yan Qingpi 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida
NZBD9 is the causative agent of white nodules in cultured large yellow croaker in Fujian Province, China. We sequenced the genome of NZBD9 to gain a better understanding of the etiological agent. The genome sequence of the bacterium consists of 5.44 million bp, with a G+C content of 61.9%.
Complete Genome Sequence of a
Lily virus X
Isolate from Japan
Authors: Nijo Takamichi , Okano Yukari , Kondo Masayoshi , Okuhara Hiroaki , Sekimura Hiroyo , Fujimoto Yuji , Hosoe Naoi , Maejima Kensaku , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Namba Shigetou 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence of
Lily virus X
(LVX), which infects lilies, was determined for the first time from lilies in Japan. As with previous reports, the genome of the Japanese LVX isolate lacked an AUG start codon for the triple gene block protein 3-like region.
First Insights into the Draft Genome Sequence of the Endophyte
Paenibacillus amylolyticus
Strain GM1FR, Isolated from
Festuca rubra
L
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Granzow Sandra , Wemheuer Bernd , Vidal Stefan , Wemheuer Franziska 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Paenibacillus amylolyticus
strain GM1FR is an endophyte isolated from aerial plant tissues of
Festuca rubra
L. Here, we report the draft genome sequence (7.3 Mb) of GM1FR containing 6,241 protein-coding genes, some of which are potentially involved in plant growth promotion and biocontrol.