bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protection and immunological study on two tetraspanin‐derived vaccine candidates against schistosomiasis japonicum
Authors: Chen L. , Chen Y. , Zhang D. , Hou M. , Yang B. , Zhang F. , Zhang W. , Luo X. , Ji M. , Wu G. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryTetraspanins (TSPs) are proteins found on the surface of helminth parasites of the genus Schistosoma and are regarded as potentially protective antigens. The large extracellular loop of Schistosoma mansoni tetraspanin‐2, Sm‐TSP‐2, when fused to a thioredoxin partner and formulated with Freund's adjuvants, has been shown to be an efficacious vaccine against murine schistosomiasis. It is well recognized that CD4+ T‐cell‐dependent immunity might play an important role against schistosomes; however, the contribution of CD8+ T cells against multicellular pathogen is still uncertain. The exogenous protein‐pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) can easily activate CD4+ T cells response, while CD8+ T cells response was relatively difficult to be induced. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity of TSP2HD antigen (hydrophilic domain of the S. japonicum tetraspanin‐2) and TAT (the protein transduction domain of HIV‐1)‐coupled TSP2HD protein. As TAT‐fused protein could promote major histocompatibility complex class I‐dependent antigen presentation in vitro, TAT‐TSP2HD‐pulsed DCs induced stronger proliferation of schistosome‐specific CD8+ T cells compared with DCs incubated with TSP2HD alone. Vaccination with TAT‐TSP2HD‐pulsed DCs in vivo could improve disease outcome in S. japonicum‐infected mice and was slightly superior to vaccination with DCs treated with TSP2HD. In summary, these data showed that TAT fusion proteins could help activate CD8+ cells and Th1 cells and provide part protection against schistosome.
First Production of Larvae Using Cryopreserved Sperm: Effects of Preservation Temperature and Cryopreservation on European Eel Sperm Fertilization Capacity
Authors: Asturiano JF , Sørensen SR , Pérez L , Lauesen P , Tomkiewicz J 
Published: May 2016

ContentsSperm cryopreservation is a useful tool in captive fish reproduction management, that is to synchronize gamete production, especially in the case of species as the European eel, where the time of female spawning readiness is unpredictable. Several protocols to cryopreserve sperm of this species have been described, but until recently fertilization trials were not feasible. This study evaluated the effect of cold storage of diluted sperm prior to fertilizations and tested whether a previously defined protocol for European eel sperm cryopreservation can be successfully applied in fertilization trials to produce viable offspring. In our experiment, the sperm motility was evaluated after the extraction and the best samples were selected and pooled. Until stripping of eggs and fertilization, diluted sperm samples were maintained at either 4 or 20°C, or cryopreserved, following existing protocols. Fertilization of two egg batches was attempted. Diluted sperm caused a similar percentage of fertilized eggs and a similar number of embryos and larvae, independently of storage temperature (4 or 20°C). The cryopreserved sperm resulted in a lower percentage of fertilized eggs, but embryos developed and a few larvae (‘cryolarvae’) were obtained 55 h after fertilization in one of the two egg batches. This result evidences that the tested cryopreservation protocol is applicable for eel reproduction management, although improvements will be required to enhance fertilization success.
Generalized Method of Moments for Additive Hazards Model with Clustered Dental Survival Data
Authors: Li Hui , Duan Xiaogang , Yin Guosheng 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFor multivariate survival data, we study the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to estimation and inference based on the marginal additive hazards model. We propose an efficient iterative algorithm using closed‐form solutions, which dramatically reduces the computational burden. Asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators is established, and the corresponding variance–covariance matrix can be consistently estimated. Inference procedures are derived based on the asymptotic chi‐squared distribution of the GMM objective function. Simulation studies are conducted to empirically examine the finite sample performance of the proposed method, and a real data example from a dental study is used for illustration.
Investigation and treatment of ovine psoroptic otoacariasis
Authors: Crilly James Patrick , Nunn Francesca , Busin Valentina , Marr Edward J. , Jennings Amy E. , Burgess Stewart T. G. , Sargison Neil D. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundPsoroptic otoacariasis has been described worldwide and is caused by a mite morphologically indistinguishable from the sheep scab mite Psoroptes ovis. A single treatment of affected sheep with 200 μg/kg of injectable ivermectin is reported to be curative.Case reportPsoroptes mites were isolated following treatment with ivermectin, but treatment with moxidectin at 1 mg/kg caused complete cessation of clinical signs. Affected animals were seropositive to Pso o 2 antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and had serum haptoglobin concentrations that overlapped with those described for field infections of classical sheep scab.Conclusions and clinical importancePsoroptic otoacariasis is not controlled by single treatments of injectable ivermectin but resolves after a single treatment with injectable moxidectin. Pso o 2 ELISA can detect infection with Psoroptes spp. mites but cannot distinguish between sheep scab and psoroptic otoacariasis.
Canine atopic dermatitis: breed risk in Australia and evidence for a susceptible clade
Authors: Mazrier Hamutal , Vogelnest Linda J. , Thomson Peter C. , Taylor Rosanne M. , Williamson Peter 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundGenetic studies on canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) indicate that large populations from one geographical location are preferred for the identification of relevant susceptibility genes. Australian dogs are relatively isolated; studies on CAD in this population are limited.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo identify breeds at risk in the Australian dog population and to compare with worldwide breed predisposition.AnimalsCase records (n = 23,000) from University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UVTH) dogs, including 722 with CAD.MethodsThe breed proportion of CAD and odds risk (OR) were calculated. A systematic review of 13 previous studies (1971–2010) was performed and compared to the study results by implementing an atopic dermatitis (AD)‐to‐reference population ratio (ADRPR).ResultsEleven dog breeds with significant increased OR (≥1.0) were identified; all with breed CAD cases proportionally higher than their base hospital population. Gender risk in males from the pug dog breed (P = 0.007) was detected and the bichon frise breed had a similar trend (P = 0.05). Sixteen predisposed dog breeds were identified by systematic review. All breeds with significant increased OR in UVTH had ADRPR > 1.4; five (boxer, bulldog, Labrador retriever, pug, West Highland white terrier) were recognized as predisposed worldwide. One clade of breeds with common ancestry was highly represented in CAD cases worldwide and in Australia (81% of the significant OR cases).Conclusion and clinical importanceThe use of a large population from one geographical location and ADRPR provided an objective comparison between worldwide AD studies; it identified one common clade of susceptible breeds. Breed genetics and related clinical presentation may help CAD diagnosis and treatment.
Carriage of meticillin‐resistant staphylococci between humans and animals on a small farm
Authors: Loncaric Igor , Künzel Frank , Klang Andrea , Wagner Regina , Licka Theresia , Grunert Tom , Feßler Andrea T. , Geier‐Dömling Dorothe , Rosengarten Renate , Müller Elke , Reissig Annett , Spergser Joachim , Schwarz Stefan , Ehricht Ralf , Monecke Stefan 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundMeticillin‐resistant staphylococci (MRS) are pathogens of increasing importance to human and animal health worldwide. Transmission of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between animals and humans has been well documented. By contrast, information about transmission of other Staphylococcus spp. is limited.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to screen animals and humans on a small farm for nasal carriage of MRS and to assess interspecies exchange.MethodsAfter detection of MRSA in a lung sample of a deceased cat, which lived on a small mixed farm, nasal swabs were taken within two weeks, four and 16 months from other animals of various species and humans living on the farm. Swabs were cultured for MRS which were then characterized molecularly.ResultsMRSA and meticillin‐resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS), including Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. epidermidis and S. fleurettii, were isolated from humans and different animal species. Typing of the MRS revealed isolates with the same characteristics in different human and animal hosts.Conclusions and clinical importanceTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of carriage of both MRSA and MRCoNS among humans and various animals within a shared environment. The detection of strains with indistinguishable molecular characteristics strongly suggested transmission of these MRS between the various animal species and humans.
The efficacy of electrical stimulation in experimentally induced cutaneous wounds in animals
Authors: Ashrafi Mohammed , Alonso‐Rasgado Teresa , Baguneid Mohamed , Bayat Ardeshir 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundComplicated cutaneous wounds and their subsequent management can be a clinical challenge in veterinary medicine. There is still an unmet need for an ideal wound healing therapy that is able to stimulate efficiency and quality of repair. Skin wounds generate large and persistent endogenous electric currents and fields termed the “current of injury”. The current of injury is involved in numerous processes of wound healing. These observations have led to the hypothesis that applied electrical stimulation (ES) may promote wound healing by imitating the natural electrical current that occurs in cutaneous wounds.ObjectivesThis review details the use, effect and mechanism of ES in different preclinical experimental cutaneous wound models and discusses the potential of how ES could be translated into veterinary practice.ResultsStudies have found a variable effect of ES on wound healing. Some have been positive with faster rates of wound re‐epithelialization, increased wound collagen formation and angiogenesis noted. Other studies have shown no effect or detrimental results. The effects of ES are highly influenced by the ES modality, polarity and parameters.Conclusions and clinical importanceElectrical stimulation has the potential to play a significant role in enhancing cutaneous wound healing in veterinary practice. Clinical studies are necessary to corroborate the findings from experimental studies which have shown promise including the use of alternating pulsed and direct current and the use of bio‐electric dressings. The ideal ES device would need to be safe, easy to use, portable, noninvasive and aid wound healing by having a beneficial effect on all wound healing stages.
Glaucoma with Descemet's membrane detachment in five horses
Authors: Henriksen Michala de Linde , La Croix Noelle , Wilkie David A. , Lassaline‐Utter Mary , Brantman Karen R. , Beamer Gillian L. , Teixeira Leandro B. C. , Dubielzig Richard R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeTo describe the clinical and histopathologic features of glaucoma associated with Descemet's membrane (DM) detachment in five horses without prior history of intraocular surgery.Animals studiedThree Appaloosa horses and two Thoroughbreds were included in this study. The affected horses ranged in age from 16 to 27 years and presented with severe diffuse corneal edema.ProcedureFive eyes were enucleated due to intraocular hypertension and/or chronic corneal ulceration. The enucleated globes were evaluated by the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW). Each globe was routinely processed for histopathology and analyzed by light microscopy. A histologic diagnosis of glaucoma was reached by demonstrating a loss of optic nerve axonal tissue by measuring neurofilament‐immunopositive axons with automated image analysis software.ResultsAll five horses presented with unilateral severe diffuse corneal edema that had developed between 2 and 16 weeks prior to enucleation. Intraocular pressures for the affected eyes were between 9 and 87 mmHg prior to enucleation. Descemet's membrane detachment was identified histopathologically in all five globes (5/5, 100%). All five eyes had an avascular spindle cell proliferation filling the space between the displaced peripheralDMand the corneal stroma. Neurofilament immunostaining revealed axonal loss consistent with glaucoma.ConclusionEquine glaucoma may be associated with Descemet's membrane detachment. This detachment and glaucoma is a possible differential diagnosis for severe equine corneal edema. In this case series, an eye with aDMdetachment had a poor prognosis for retention.
Ophthalmic diagnostic testing and examination findings in a colony of captive brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Authors: O'Connell Kristen M. , Michau Tammy M. , Stine Jessica M. , Reid Andrea T. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo establish reference values and report ophthalmic examination findings in a colony of captive brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis).DesignDescriptive study.Animals studiedSixty‐three captive brown pelicans in Florida were examined.ProceduresA complete ophthalmic examination including Schirmer tear test (STT), applanation tonometry, fluorescein stain, biomicroscopy, and direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed. A‐scan ultrasonography was performed to measure axial globe length (AGL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and vitreal chamber length. Fifty‐two adults and 11 juvenile pelicans with an age range of 4 months to 38 years were evaluated.ResultsTwenty‐nine pelicans (46%) had a normal ocular examination. MeanSTTin normal pelicans was 5.45 ± 1.88 mm/min. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal pelicans was 10.86 ± 1.61 mmHg. One pelican was fluorescein positive unilaterally. Mean AGL was 20.70 ± 0.62 mm. Mean ACD was 3.38 ± 0.19 mm. Mean axial lens diameter (ALD) was 5.19 ± 0.23 mm. Mean vitreal chamber depth (VCD) was 12.15 ± 0.53 mm. Twenty‐three pelicans (36.51%) had cataracts, 17 pelicans (26.98%) had vitreal degeneration, 18 pelicans (28.57%) had corneal disease, and seven pelicans (11.11%) had evidence of significant ocular trauma, which included collapsed anterior chamber or lens luxation.Conclusions and clinical relevanceTo the author's knowledge, this is the first report of normal ophthalmic parameters and the incidence and type of ocular disease in a captive flock of brown pelicans. This information may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of brown pelicans with ocular disease.
Semiautomated segmentation of head and neck cancers in 18F‐FDG PET scans: A just‐enough‐interaction approach
Authors: Beichel Reinhard R. , Van Tol Markus , Ulrich Ethan J. , Bauer Christian , Chang Tangel , Plichta Kristin A. , Smith Brian J. , Sunderland John J. , Graham Michael M. , Sonka Milan , Buatti John M. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose:The purpose of this work was to develop, validate, and compare a highly computer‐aided method for the segmentation of hot lesions in head and neck 18F‐FDG PET scans.Methods:A semiautomated segmentation method was developed, which transforms the segmentation problem into a graph‐based optimization problem. For this purpose, a graph structure around a user‐provided approximate lesion centerpoint is constructed and a suitable cost function is derived based on local image statistics. To handle frequently occurring situations that are ambiguous (e.g., lesions adjacent to each other versus lesion with inhomogeneous uptake), several segmentation modes are introduced that adapt the behavior of the base algorithm accordingly. In addition, the authors present approaches for the efficient interactive local and global refinement of initial segmentations that are based on the “just‐enough‐interaction” principle. For method validation, 60 PET/CT scans from 59 different subjects with 230 head and neck lesions were utilized. All patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. A detailed comparison with the current clinically relevant standard manual segmentation approach was performed based on 2760 segmentations produced by three experts.Results:Segmentation accuracy measured by the Dice coefficient of the proposed semiautomated and standard manual segmentation approach was 0.766 and 0.764, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2145). However, the intra‐ and interoperator standard deviations were significantly lower for the semiautomated method. In addition, the proposed method was found to be significantly faster and resulted in significantly higher intra‐ and interoperator segmentation agreement when compared to the manual segmentation approach.Conclusions:Lack of consistency in tumor definition is a critical barrier for radiation treatment targeting as well as for response assessment in clinical trials and in clinical oncology decision‐making. The properties of the authors approach make it well suited for applications in image‐guided radiation oncology, response assessment, or treatment outcome prediction.
The Activity Profile of Elite Low-Kick Kickboxing Competition
Authors: Slimani Maamer , Chaabene Helmi , Miarka Bianca , Chamari Karim 
Published: May 2016

Purpose:To determine the performance aspects (time–motion and technical-tactical analysis) of top-level low-kick kickboxers according to gender, weight category, combat round, and match outcome.Methods:Seventy-two kickboxers (44 male, 28 female) were studied. Thirty-six bouts (male = 61, female = 41 rounds) were analyzed using a time–motion system. Time structure was classified into 3 phases: preparatory-activity time (PT), fighting time (FT), and stoppage time (ST).Results:Referee decisions caused an overall effort:pause ratio (E:P) of ~1:1.5, with a significant difference between weight categories (light and middleweights = 1:1.5, heavyweight = 1:1). This ratio was ~1:6 when high-intensity actions–to-pause activities were considered. Significant differences were also observed between rounds (all P < .001), with 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-round E:Ps of 1:1, 1:1.5, and ~1:2, respectively. The relative times of FT and PT, total attacking actions, upper-limb actions, number of technical actions performed on the head, and the number of high-intensity actions were higher in males than females (all P = .05). Males performed more jab-cross actions and fewer low kicks than females (P < .001). Males used upper-limb (63.4%) more than lower-limb techniques (36.6%), targeting the head (56.9%) more than the body/leg (43.1%), with no significant difference from females (P > .05). E:P was similar between winners and losers. However, the numbers of technical actions performed on the head, counterattack actions, jab-cross technique, and total punches were higher in winners than losers (all P < .05).Conclusions:Training programs need to be adapted to the specific requirements of kickboxers’ weight categories and gender to develop the technical-tactical abilities that improve athletes’ chances of winning.
Status of the Archaeal and Bacterial Census: an Update
Authors: Schloss Patrick D. , Girard Rene A. , Martin Thomas , Edwards Joshua , Thrash J. Cameron 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
A census is typically carried out for people across a range of geographical levels; however, microbial ecologists have implemented a molecular census of bacteria and archaea by sequencing their 16S rRNA genes. We assessed how well the census of full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences is proceeding in the context of recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies because full-length sequences are typically used as references for classification of the short sequences generated by newer technologies. Among the 1,411,234 and 53,546 full-length bacterial and archaeal sequences, 94.5% and 95.1% of the bacterial and archaeal sequences, respectively, belonged to operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that have been observed more than once. Although these metrics suggest that the census is approaching completion, 29.2% of the bacterial and 38.5% of the archaeal OTUs have been observed more than once. Thus, there is still considerable diversity to be explored. Unfortunately, the rate of new full-length sequences has been declining, and new sequences are primarily being deposited by a small number of studies. Furthermore, sequences from soil and aquatic environments, which are known to be rich in bacterial diversity, represent only 7.8 and 16.5% of the census, while sequences associated with host-associated environments represent 55.0% of the census. Continued use of traditional approaches and new technologies such as single-cell genomics and short-read assembly are likely to improve our ability to sample rare OTUs if it is possible to overcome this sampling bias. The success of ongoing efforts to use short-read sequencing to characterize archaeal and bacterial communities requires that researchers strive to expand the depth and breadth of this census.

IMPORTANCE
The biodiversity contained within the bacterial and archaeal domains dwarfs that of the eukaryotes, and the services these organisms provide to the biosphere are critical. Surprisingly, we have done a relatively poor job of formally tracking the quality of the biodiversity as represented in full-length 16S rRNA genes. By understanding how this census is proceeding, it is possible to suggest the best allocation of resources for advancing the census. We found that the ongoing effort has done an excellent job of sampling the most abundant organisms but struggles to sample the rarer organisms. Through the use of new sequencing technologies, we should be able to obtain full-length sequences from these rare organisms. Furthermore, we suggest that by allocating more resources to sampling environments known to have the greatest biodiversity, we will be able to make significant advances in our characterization of archaeal and bacterial diversity.