bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial roles of feed additives as immunostimulants in aquaculture: a review
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud A.O. , Koshio Shunsuke , Esteban Maria Ángeles 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe use of antibiotics in the aquafeeds to mitigate infectious diseases or to boost growth performance is commonly practiced. Recently, the prophylactic use of antibiotics and chemotherapies have been criticized which eventually led to their ban in aquaculture by law on many countries. In view of the current restrictions on antibiotic use, there is a critical need to evaluate other possible alternatives. One potential substitute for antibiotics in aquafeeds is the use of functional feed additives. The present review is a comprehensive and an updated compilation of the available works on different feed additives, their examples, modes of action and useful applications for improving aquafeeds. It highlights several functional feed additives including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, immunostimulants, organic acids, nucleotides and medicinal herbs. Apart from boosting aquafeeds and safeguarding general health of aquatic animals, some of these substances have been found to possess beneficial immunostimulant and anti‐stress relieving properties. Furthermore, the use of these natural substances increases the consumer confidence of farmed fish. Due care has been taken to cover the on‐going trends and recent advances with a perspective vision and their holistic usages and beneficial applications in aquatic animals’ systems. The current study also shed light regarding the management and production aspects of aquatic animals which will enlighten farmers and producers for better economic growth.
Long‐term monitoring of shrub species translocation in degraded Neotropical mountain grassland
Authors: Gomes Vanessa M. , Negreiros Daniel , Fernandes G. Wilson , Pires Ana C. V. , Silva Ana C. D. R. , Le Stradic Soizig 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe introduction of plant species is a central topic in restoration ecology research. It is an effective technique to restore degraded ecosystems that present low resilience, such as the rupestrian grasslands. Once implemented, the transplantation of native species is monitored only in the short term, whereas long‐term monitoring should be preferred to identify potential changes in the restoration results. Our study is the first assessment of the transplantation success of 10 native shrub species in a degraded area of rupestrian grasslands, 8.5 years after transplantation. Survival, growth, and recruitment were assessed in 2004, 2008, and 2012. For all species, survival, growth, and recruitment varied over time. Although some species exhibited great mortality during the last 4 years, they also showed a great resprouting ability. Our results highlighted a trade‐off between survival and recruitment capacity. Most of the studied species showed remarkable ability to adapt to the extreme environment of the degraded area, persisting either through surviving or recruiting new individuals. We list nine native species, which are well appropriated for rupestrian grasslands restoration. In constrained environments, survival and resistance should represent criteria to select species for restoration project rather than fast growth and ground cover.
Morpho‐sedimentary characteristics of proximal gravel braided river deposits in a Froude‐scaled physical model
Authors: Gardner Tobi , Ashmore Peter , Leduc Pauline 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA Froude‐scaled physical model of a proximal gravel‐bed braided river was used to connect the river morphological characteristics, and sedimentary processes and forms, to deposit geometry. High resolution continuous three‐dimensional topographic data were acquired from sequential photogrammetric digital elevation models paired with grain‐size surface maps derived from image analysis of textural properties of the surface. From these data, the full three‐dimensional development of the braided river deposit and grain‐size sorting patterns was compiled over an experimental time period of 41 h during which the model river reworked a large portion of the braided channel. The minimum surface of the deposit is developed progressively over time by erosion, migration and avulsion of channels, and by local scour at channel confluences. The maximum surface of the deposit is formed by amalgamation of braid bar surfaces and has less overall relief than the minimum surface. Confluence scour constitutes about 5% of the area of the minimum surface. Migration of individual confluences is limited to distances of the order of the width and length of the confluence, so that confluences do not form laterally extensive deposits and basal surfaces. Maximum and minimum surfaces have very similar grain‐size distributions, and there is no extensive basal coarse layer. Deposit maximum thickness is strongly associated with large channel confluences which occur as deeper areas along the main channel belt and make up a large proportion of the thickest portions of the deposit.
BK polyomavirus infection after renal transplantation: Surveillance in a resource‐challenged setting
Authors: Bagchi Soumita , Gopalakrishnan Vikraman , Srivastava Sandeep Kumar , Upadhayay Ashish , Singh Geetika , Bhowmik Dipankar , Mahajan Sandeep , Dinda Amit , Agarwal Sanjay Kumar 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is a paucity of data available about BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection after renal transplantation (RTX) in resource‐limited countries with a predominantly living‐donor, ABO‐compatible RTX program. We aimed to assess BKPyV infection in such patients in a public hospital in India.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated plasma BKPyV replication in 62 patients at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after RTX. Sustained significant BK viremia (SSBKV) was defined as significant viremia (≥10 000 copies/mL) detected ≥2 times, and BKPyV‐associated nephropathy (BKVAN) as histologic changes of BKVAN with BK viremia with/without graft dysfunction.ResultsAll patients underwent RTX without requiring desensitization. Incidence of BK viremia was: 17.7%, 41.9%, 16.1%, 25.8%, and 17.7% at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Of 62 patients, 64.5% had BKPyV viremia during the study, 32.2% had significant viremia, all except one detected in the first 6 months. Nine (14.5%) patients had SSBKV. There was no biopsy‐proven BKVAN. At the end of 1 year, mean serum creatinine was higher and graft dysfunction was significantly more common in patients with SSBKV compared to those without SSBKV.ConclusionTransient BK viremia is common in low/intermediate immunologic risk RTX recipients in India, with a peak occurring at 3‐6 months. Most clear their viremia by 12 months. Graft dysfunction seems to be more frequent in patients with SSBKV, although BKVAN is uncommon on biopsy in these patients.
Phosphate-Catalyzed Hydrogen Peroxide Formation from Agar, Gellan, and κ-Carrageenan and Recovery of Microbial Cultivability via Catalase and Pyruvate
Authors: Kawasaki Kosei , Kamagata Yoichi 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Previously, we reported that when agar is autoclaved with phosphate buffer, hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) is formed in the resulting medium (PT medium), and the colony count on the medium inoculated with environmental samples becomes much lower than that on a medium in which agar and phosphate are autoclaved separately (PS medium) (T. Tanaka et al., Appl Environ Microbiol 80:7659–7666, 2014,
https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02741-14
). However, the physicochemical mechanisms underlying this observation remain largely unknown. Here, we determined the factors affecting H
2
O
2
formation in agar. The H
2
O
2
formation was pH dependent: H
2
O
2
was formed at high concentrations in an alkaline or neutral phosphate buffer but not in an acidic buffer. Ammonium ions enhanced H
2
O
2
formation, implying the involvement of the Maillard reaction catalyzed by phosphate. We found that other gelling agents (e.g., gellan and κ-carrageenan) also produced H
2
O
2
after being autoclaved with phosphate. We then examined the cultivability of microorganisms from a fresh-water sample to test whether catalase and pyruvate, known as H
2
O
2
scavengers, are effective in yielding high colony counts. The colony count on PT medium was only 5.7% of that on PS medium. Catalase treatment effectively restored the colony count of PT medium (to 106% of that on PS medium). In contrast, pyruvate was not as effective as catalase: the colony count on sodium pyruvate-supplemented PT medium was 58% of that on PS medium. Given that both catalase and pyruvate can remove H
2
O
2
from PT medium, these observations indicate that although H
2
O
2
is the main cause of reduced colony count on PT medium, other unknown growth-inhibiting substances that cannot be removed by pyruvate (but can be by catalase) may also be involved.

IMPORTANCE
The majority of bacteria in natural environments are recalcitrant to laboratory culture techniques. Previously, we demonstrated that one reason for this is the formation of high H
2
O
2
levels in media prepared by autoclaving agar and phosphate buffer together (PT medium). In this study, we investigated the factors affecting H
2
O
2
formation from agar. H
2
O
2
formation is pH dependent, and ammonium ions promote this phosphate-catalyzed H
2
O
2
formation. Amendment of catalase or pyruvate, a well-known H
2
O
2
-scavenging agent, effectively eliminated H
2
O
2
. Yet results suggest that growth-inhibiting factor(s) that cannot be eliminated by pyruvate (but can be by catalase) are present in PT medium.
Cultivation in Space Flight Produces Minimal Alterations in the Susceptibility of Bacillus subtilis Cells to 72 Different Antibiotics and Growth-Inhibiting Compounds
Authors: Morrison Michael D. , Fajardo-Cavazos Patricia , Nicholson Wayne L. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Past results have suggested that bacterial antibiotic susceptibility is altered during space flight. To test this notion,
Bacillus subtilis
cells were cultivated in matched hardware, medium, and environmental conditions either in space flight microgravity on the International Space Station, termed flight (FL) samples, or at Earth-normal gravity, termed ground control (GC) samples. The susceptibility of FL and GC samples was compared to 72 antibiotics and growth-inhibitory compounds using the Omnilog phenotype microarray (PM) system. Only 9 compounds were identified by PM screening as exhibiting significant differences (
P
< 0.05, Student's
t
test) in FL versus GC samples: 6-mercaptopurine, cesium chloride, enoxacin, lomefloxacin, manganese(II) chloride, nalidixic acid, penimepicycline, rolitetracycline, and trifluoperazine. Testing of the same compounds by standard broth dilution assay did not reveal statistically significant differences in the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) between FL and GC samples. The results indicate that the susceptibility of
B. subtilis
cells to a wide range of antibiotics and growth inhibitors is not dramatically altered by space flight.

IMPORTANCE
This study addresses a major concern of mission planners for human space flight, that bacteria accompanying astronauts on long-duration missions might develop a higher level of resistance to antibiotics due to exposure to the space flight environment. The results of this study do not support that notion.
Perinatal outcomes following Helping Babies Breathe training and regular peer–peer skills practice among village midwives in Sudan
Authors: Arabi Ali M E , Ibrahim Salah A , Manar Abdel-Rahman , Abdalla Mohamed S , Ahmed Sami E , Dempsey Eugene P , Ryan C Anthony 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundOver 80% of deliveries in Sudan occur in rural areas, attended by village midwives (VMWs).ObjectiveTo determine the impact of Helping Babies Breathe training and regular peer–peer skills practice (HBBT+RPPSP) on VMW resuscitation practices and outcomes.MethodsIn a prospective community-based intervention study, 71/82 VMWs, reporting to six East Nile rural medical centres, with previous experience in community health research, consented to HBBT+RPPSP. Outcomes included changes in the resuscitation practices, fresh stillbirths (FSB) and early neonatal deaths <1 week (ENND).ResultsThere were 1350 and 3040 deliveries before and after HBBT+RPPSP, respectively, with no significant differences between the two cohorts regarding maternal age, education or area of birth. Drying of the newborn increased almost tenfold (8.4%, n=113 to 74.9%, n=1011) while suctioning of the mouth/nose decreased fivefold (80.3%, n=2442 to 14.4%, n=437) following HBBT+RPPSP. Pre-HBBT+RPPSP9/18 (50%) newborns who had mouth-to-mouth ventilation died, compared with 13/119 (11%) who received bag-mask ventilation post-HBBT+RPPSP. Excluding 11 macerated fetuses, there were 55 perinatal deaths: 14 FSB/18 ENND (6 months pre-HBBT+RPPSP) and 10 FSB/13 ENND (18 months post-HBBT+RPPSP). FSB rates decreased from 10.5 to 3.3 per 1000 births ((χ2)=8.6209, p=0.003), while ENND rates decreased from 13.5 to 4.3 per 1000 live births ((χ2)=10.9369, p=0.001) pre-HBBT+RPPSP and post-HBBT+RPPSP, respectively.ConclusionIn a selected group of VMWs, HBBT+RPPSP was associated with improvements in newborn resuscitation and perinatal outcomes. HBBT+RPPSP could have immense benefits if propagated nationally to all 17 000 VMWs in Sudan.
Epidemiology of discordance between symptoms and signs of dry eye
Authors: Ong Erin S , Felix Elizabeth R , Levitt Roy C , Feuer William J , Sarantopoulos Constantine D , Galor Anat 
Published: August 2017

Background/aimsThe frequent lack of association between dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs leads to challenges in diagnosing and assessing the disease.MethodsParticipants underwent ocular surface examinations to evaluate signs of disease and completed questionnaires to assess ocular symptoms, psychological status and medication use. To assess nociceptive system integrity, quantitative sensory testing (QST), including vibratory and thermal threshold measures and temporal summation of pain were obtained at the forearm and forehead. Correlations between DE discordance score (degree of discrepancy between symptom severity and DE signs) and patient characteristics were determined. Higher discordance scores indicated more symptoms than signs.Results326 patients participated (mean age: 62 years; SD: 10 years; 92% men). Age was negatively correlated with DE discordance score (Pearson r=−0.30, p<0.0005), while mental health indices were positively correlated. Chronic pain elsewhere in the body (ie, non-ocular pain conditions) and intensity ratings of prolonged aftersensations of pain evoked by noxious hot and cold stimuli were also significantly correlated with DE discordance score. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that post-traumatic stress disorder and non-ocular pain intensity were important predictors of DE discordance score, Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 and Ocular Surface Disease Index and that DE discordance was also sensitive to QST as well.ConclusionsThe present study provides evidence that the degree of discordance between DE symptom report and measurable signs of ocular surface disease is associated with comorbidities related to clinical pain and to hyperalgesia as demonstrated with QST. Understanding the epidemiology of DE discordance can aid in interpreting the DE exam and individualising treatment.
Does Tai Chi improve psychological well-being and quality of life in patients with cardiovascular disease and/or cardiovascular risk factors? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Yang Guoyan , Li Wenyuan , Cao Huijuan , Klupp Nerida , Liu Jianping , Bensoussan Alan , Kiat Hosen , Chang Dennis 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Psychological risk factors such as stress, anxiety and depression are known to play a significant and independent role in the development and progression of CVD and its risk factors. Tai Chi has been reported to be potentially effective for health and well-being. It is of value to assess the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi on psychological well-being and quality of life in people with CVD and/or cardiovascular risk factors.Methods and analysisWe will include all relevant randomised controlled trials on Tai Chi for stress, anxiety, depression, psychological well-being and quality of life in people with CVD and cardiovascular risk factors. Literature searching will be conducted until 31 December 2016 from major English and Chinese databases. Two authors will conduct data selection and extraction independently. Quality assessment will be conducted using the risk of bias tool recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. We will conduct data analysis using Cochrane’s RevMan software. Forest plots and summary of findings tables will illustrate the results from a meta-analysis if sufficient studies are identified.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as this study will not involve patients. The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication, to inform both clinical practice and further research on Tai Chi and CVDs.DiscussionThis review will summarise the evidence on Tai Chi for psychological well-being and quality of life in people with CVD and their risk factors. We anticipate that the results of this review would be useful for healthcare professionals and researchers on Tai Chi and CVDs.Trial registration numberInternational Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42016042905.
Social and somatic determinants of underweight, overweight and obesity at 5 years of age: a Norwegian regional cohort study
Authors: Donkor Hilde Mjell , Grundt Jacob Holter , Júlíusson Pétur Benedikt , Eide Geir Egil , Hurum Jørgen , Bjerknes Robert , Markestad Trond 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo identify associations between the weight groups underweight (UW), overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) at 5 years of age and exposures related to pregnancy, anthropometric measures at birth, sociodemographic factors, and family health, anthropometric measures and habits.DesignRegional cohort study.SettingOppland County, Norway.MethodsPregnancy data were obtained from a prospective perinatal register for children born in the county, and weight and height were measured by midwives at birth and by public health nurses at 5 years. Other information was obtained from questionnaires completed by parents.ParticipantsOf 1895 eligible children, current weight and height were obtained for all, weight and length at birth and information from parents for 1119 (59%) and pregnancy register data for 749 (40%) of the children. The significance of potential explanatory variables from descriptive statistics was tested in multinomial logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of UW, OW and OB among participants was 7.8%, 10.6% and 3.5%, respectively. UW was associated with anthropometric measures at birth and those of parents, but not with sociodemographic or behavioural characteristics. OW and OB were associated with anthropometric measures of parents and siblings and with a variety of unfavourable social characteristics, lack of prolonged breast feeding, sedentary behaviour and dental caries, but not with current dietary habits. After adjustments, OW and OB were marginally related to birth parameters and diet and unrelated to physical activity, but significantly related to parental body mass index, low parental education and maternal smoking.ConclusionThe strong associations between sociodemographic and behavioural factors and OW and OB, but not with UW, may suggest that environmental factors are major contributing causes of OW and particularly OB at 5 years. These results may be helpful in targeting preventive measures against OW and OB.
WHISPER or SHOUT study: protocol of a cluster-randomised controlled trial assessing mHealth sexual reproductive health and nutrition interventions among female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya
Authors: Ampt Frances H , Mudogo Collins , Gichangi Peter , Lim Megan S C , Manguro Griffins , Chersich Matthew , Jaoko Walter , Temmerman Marleen , Laini Marilyn , Comrie-Thomson Liz , Stoové Mark , Agius Paul A , Hellard Margaret , L’Engle Kelly , Luchters Stanley 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionNew interventions are required to reduce unintended pregnancies among female sex workers (FSWs) in low- and middle-income countries and to improve their nutritional health. Given sex workers’ high mobile phone usage, repeated exposure to short messaging service (SMS) messages could address individual and interpersonal barriers to contraceptive uptake and better nutrition.MethodsIn this two-arm cluster randomised trial, each arm constitutes an equal-attention control group for the other. SMS messages were developed systematically, participatory and theory-driven and cover either sexual and reproductive health (WHISPER) or nutrition (SHOUT). Messages are sent to participants 2–3 times/week for 12 months and include fact-based and motivational content as well as role model stories. Participants can send reply texts to obtain additional information. Sex work venues (clusters) in Mombasa, Kenya, were randomly sampled with a probability proportionate to venue size. Up to 10 women were recruited from each venue to enrol 860 women. FSWs aged 16–35 years, who owned a mobile phone and were not pregnant at enrolment were eligible. Structured questionnaires, pregnancy tests, HIV and syphilis rapid tests and full blood counts were performed at enrolment, with subsequent visits at 6 and 12 months.AnalysisThe primary outcomes of WHISPER and SHOUT are unintended pregnancy incidence and prevalence of anaemia at 12 months, respectively. Each will be compared between study groups using discrete-time survival analysis.Potential limitationsContamination may occur if participants discuss their intervention with those in the other trial arm. This is mitigated by cluster recruitment and only sampling a small proportion of sex work venues from the sampling frame.ConclusionsThe design allows for the simultaneous testing of two independent mHealth interventions for which messaging frequency and study procedures are identical. This trial may guide future mHealth initiatives and provide methodological insights into use of reciprocal control groups.Trial registration numberACTRN12616000852459; Pre-results.