bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radioimmunoassay of Thyroxine in Dried Blood Spots
Authors: SADLER W. A. , LYNSKEY CLARE P. , LEGGE M. 
Published: November 2017

Sadler, W. A., Lynskey, Clare P., and Legge, M. (1978). Aust. Paediatr. J., 14, 154–182. Radioimmunoassay of thyroxine in dried blood spots. A rapid precise radioimmunoassay for thyroxine (T4) in dried blood spots on filter paper has been developed, and appears entirely suitable for use as a mass screening procedure for the early diagnosis of neonatal hypothyroidism.A systematic study of sampling factors which may influence levels of measured T4 suggests that non‐uniformity of sample preparation is the single greatest error source In a blood spot assay.The assay reaction mixture consists of a 4.5 mm diameter disc punched from the blood spot and 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulphonic acid, labelled T4 and T4 antiserum in 1.1 ml barbitone buffer. Following incubations for one hour at 37°C and overnight at 4°C, bound and free hormone are separated using dextran coated charcoal. Assay standards consist of a 2:3 mixture of a standardized serum and washed red cells.In 558 Infants screened to date T4 levels are not normally distributed, being skewed towards the lower end, with a median value of 179 nmol/l. One Infant with congenital hypothyroidism has been found.
High rate of adaptive evolution in two widespread European pines
Authors: Grivet Delphine , Avia Komlan , Vaattovaara Aleksia , Eckert Andrew J. , Neale David B. , Savolainen Outi , González‐Martínez Santiago C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractComparing related organisms with differing ecological requirements and evolutionary histories can shed light on the mechanisms and drivers underlying genetic adaptation. Here, by examining a common set of hundreds of loci, we compare patterns of nucleotide diversity and molecular adaptation of two European conifers (Scots pine and maritime pine) living in contrasted environments and characterized by distinct population genetic structure (low and clinal in Scots pine, high and ecotypic in maritime pine) and demographic histories. We found higher nucleotide diversity in Scots pine than in maritime pine, whereas rates of new adaptive substitutions (ωa), as estimated from the distribution of fitness effects, were similar across species and among the highest found in plants. Sample size and population genetic structure did not appear to have resulted in significant bias in estimates of ωa. Moreover, population contraction–expansion dynamics for each species did not affect differentially the rate of adaptive substitution in these two pines. Several methodological and biological factors may underlie the unusually high rate of adaptive evolution of Scots pine and maritime pine. By providing two new case studies with contrasting evolutionary histories, we contribute to disentangling the multiple factors potentially affecting adaptive evolution in natural plant populations.
Posaconazole liquid vs tablet formulation in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Stelzer D. , Weber A. , Ihle F. , Matthes S. , Ceelen F. , Zimmermann G. , Kneidinger N. , Schramm R. , Winter H. , Zoller M. , Vogeser M. , Behr J. , Neurohr C. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryPosaconazole is an extended‐spectrum triazole antifungal used in the treatment and prophylaxis of Aspergillus infections. It is available as oral suspension (POS‐Liq) and delayed‐release tablets (POS‐Tab). The aim of this longitudinal, retrospective study was to compare the clinical effectiveness, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of POS‐Liq vs POS‐Tab in lung transplant recipients (LTx‐recipients), who were treated with both formulations subsequently. Twenty‐four consecutive LTx‐recipients with 191 documented posaconazole trough levels (PTLs) for POS‐Liq or POS‐Tab were included. The administered daily doses were 300 mg for POS‐Tab and 600 mg (prophylaxis) or 800 mg (therapy) for POS‐Liq. Target PTLs were ≥700 ng/mL (prophylaxis) and ≥1250 ng/mL (therapy). The overall prophylactic and therapeutic response rates were 78% and 67%, respectively. No cases of hepatotoxicity or QT‐prolongation were observed with either formulation. The achieved target PTLs were tripled under POS‐Tab compared to POS‐Liq with fewer risk factors for sub‐therapeutic PTLs. Concomitant administration of POS‐Tab significantly reduced the tacrolimus concentration‐to‐dose ratio (P = .001). We suggest the use of POS‐Tab is appropriate for prophylaxis and therapy of Aspergillus infections in LTx‐recipients, since POS‐Tab displayed more reliable PTLs with no added adverse events. However, we recommend regular drug monitoring for POS‐Liq and for therapy with POS‐Tab and that immunosuppressant levels are monitored closely when the posaconazole formulation is switched.
Therapeutic response to domperidone in gastroparesis: A prospective study using the GCSI‐daily diary
Authors: Heckert J. , Parkman H. P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCommon symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness, and upper abdominal pain. Domperidone is used for treatment of gastroparesis. Daily symptom scoring may help document efficacy.AimTo determine the effectiveness of domperidone for gastroparesis symptoms using the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index‐daily diary (GCSI‐DD) and to determine which symptoms improve and when with domperidone treatment.MethodsSymptomatic patients with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis were enrolled. Gastric emptying was performed using 4 hour scintigraphy. GCSI‐DD recorded symptoms at baseline and during six weeks of treatment with domperidone 10 mg TID. GCSI‐DD records severity of nausea, early satiety, postprandial fullness, upper abdominal pain, overall gastroparesis symptoms on a scale of 0 (no symptom) to 4 (very severe) and records the number of vomiting episodes per day.ResultsThirty‐four patients with gastroparesis (5 diabetic, 29 idiopathic) participated in this open label study. Treatment duration averaged 36.9 ± 7.6 days. Improvement in overall gastroparesis symptoms occurred on day 3 of treatment and maintained during the treatment. Early satiety, postprandial fullness, and overall symptom severity significantly improved from baseline to the final week of treatment (P < .05 for all), whereas nausea had borderline improvement (P = .055). Side effects included palpitations (5 patients), headache (5), breast tenderness (2), menstrual bleeding (2), dizziness (1), drowsiness (1), chest pain (1), swelling (1), constipation (1).ConclusionsDomperidone improves symptoms of gastroparesis, reducing overall gastroparesis symptom severity and decreasing early satiety, postprandial fullness, and nausea. GCSI‐DD is useful to document efficacy of therapy for gastroparesis.
Abnormal esophageal acid exposure on high‐dose proton pump inhibitor therapy is common in systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Stern E. K. , Carlson D. A. , Falmagne S. , Hoffmann A. D. , Carns M. , Pandolfino J. E. , Hinchcliff M. , Brenner D. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal dysfunction and gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although high‐dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) typically normalize esophageal acid exposure, the effectiveness of PPI therapy has not been systematically studied in SSc patients. The aim of this study was to characterize reflux in SSc patients on high‐dose PPI using esophageal pH‐impedance testing.MethodsIn this case‐controlled retrospective analysis, 38 patients fulfilling 2013 American College of Rheumatology SSc criteria who underwent esophageal pH‐impedance testing on twice‐daily PPI between January 2014 and March 2017 at a tertiary referral center were compared with a control‐cohort of 38 non‐SSc patients matched for PPI formulation and dose, hiatal hernia size, age, and gender. Patient clinical characteristics, including endoscopy and high‐resolution manometry findings, were assessed via chart review.Key ResultsOn pH‐impedance, SSc patients had higher acid exposure times (AETs) than controls. Sixty‐one percent of the SSc patients and 18% of the control patients had a total AET ≥4.5% (P < .001). Systemic sclerosis patients also had significantly longer AETs, longer median bolus clearance, and lower nocturnal impedance values.Conclusions & InferencesAbnormal esophageal acid exposure despite high‐dose PPI therapy was common among patients with SSc. The lack of increased reflux episodes in the SSc patients, and longer bolus clearance times and lower nocturnal impedance, supports ineffective clearance as the potential mechanism. Systemic sclerosis patients may require adjunctive therapies to PPIs to control acid reflux.
Determining climate change impacts on ecosystems: the role of palaeontology
Authors: Schmidt Daniela N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractClimate change is projected to change the ecosystems on land and in the sea at rates that are unprecedented for millions of years. The most commonly used approach to derive projections of how ecosystems will look in the future are experiments on living organisms. By their nature, experiments are unlike the real world and cannot capture the ability of organisms to migrate, select and evolve. They are often limited to a select few species and drivers of environmental change and hence cannot represent the complexity of interactions in ‘real’ ecosystems. The fossil record is an archive of responses to climate change at a global ecosystem scale. If, and only if, fossil assemblage variation is combined with independent information of environmental changes, sensitives of species or higher taxa to a specific magnitude of change of an environmental driver can be determined and used to inform future vulnerabilities of this species to the same driver. While records are often fragmented, there are time intervals which, when thoroughly analysed with quantitative data, can provide valuable insights into the future of biodiversity on this planet. This review provides an overview of projected impacts on marine ecosystems including: (1) the range of neontological methods, observations and their challenges; and (2) the complementary information that palaeontologists can contribution to this global challenge. I advocate that, in collaborations with other disciplines, we should aim for a strong visibility of our field and the knowledge it can provide for policy relevant assessments of the future.
A case of segmental stiff skin syndrome treated with systemic losartan
Authors: Maillet‐Lebel Nicole , Kokta Victor , Coulombe Jerome , Powell Julie 
Published: November 2017

AbstractStiff skin syndrome (SSS) is a rare, autosomal dominant cutaneous disorder with progressive, symmetric, sclerotic skin changes of the shoulders, hips, and thighs. In a recent publication, a distinct segmental variant of SSS was proposed. In this report we discuss the case of a boy with segmental SSS and review the current literature.
Responses of an adventitious fast‐growing plant to photodynamic stress: comparative study of anionic and cationic porphyrin effect on Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Issawi Mohammad , Guillaumot Damien , Sol Vincent , Riou Catherine 
Published: November 2017

Antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (APDT) based on the use of a photosensitizer to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce cell death could be envisaged to fight against plant pathogens. For setting this strategy, we want to study how plants themselves respond to photodynamic treatment. In previous work we showed that tomato plantlets were able to resist photoactivated tetra (N‐methylpyridyl) porphyrin (CP) or the zinc metalated form (CP‐Zn). To enlarge our plant expertise related to exogenous porphyrins treatment and to further defend this approach, we studied how a weed like Arabidopsis thaliana responded to exogenous supply of anionic and cationic porphyrins. Both types of photosensitizers had no negative effect on seed germination and did not hamper the development etiolated Arabidopsis plantlet under dark conditions. Thus, post‐emergence effects of porphyrin photoactivation on the development of 14 day‐old in vitro Arabidopsis plantlet under light were observed. CP‐Zn was the most efficient photosensitizer to kill Arabidopsis plantlets while anionic tetra (4‐sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin only delayed their growth and development. Indeed only 7% of plantlets could be rescued after CP‐Zn treatment. Furthermore, non‐enzymatic and enzymatic defense components involved in detoxification of ROS generated by CP‐Zn under illumination were downregulated or stable with the exception of sevenfold increase in proline content. As previously demonstrated in the literature for microbial agents and in the present work for Arabidopsis, CP‐Zn was efficient enough to eradicate unwanted vegetation and plant pathogens without at the same time killing plants of agronomic interest such as tomato plantlets.
Treatment with the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 during the first two hours of in vitro maturation improves bovine oocyte developmental competence
Authors: Shinohara T , Ohta Y , Kawate N , Takahashi M , Sakagami N , Inaba T , Tamada H 
Published: November 2017

ContentsThis study examined the effects of treatment with U0126, which inhibits MAPK by inhibiting MAPK kinase, during the first 2 hr of in vitro maturation on bovine developmental competence and on gap junction (GAPJ) communication between the oocyte and cumulus cells. The percentage of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage in the group treated with 5 μM U0126 (28%) was significantly higher than that in controls (15%, p < .05), while that in the group treated with 10 μM U0126 (18%) was not. Breakdown of the GAPJs was delayed in the group treated with 5 μM U0126 when compared to controls, as estimated by immunohistochemical examination of connexin 43, which is a primary constituent of the GAPJs. These results indicate that treatment with 5 μM U0126 during in vitro maturation delays GAPJ breakdown and improves bovine oocyte developmental competence.
Fertilizing ability of canine spermatozoa cryopreserved with skim milk‐based extender in a retrospective study
Authors: Abe Y , Yokozawa S , Umemiya‐Shirafuji R , Moumouni PFA , Suwa Y , Suzuki H 
Published: November 2017

ContentsWe previously reported that skim milk (SM) is an effective cryoprotectant for cryopreservation of canine spermatozoa instead of egg yolk (EY), which is the conventional cryoprotectant. In this study, the fertilizing ability and practical use of frozen canine spermatozoa prepared with SM were evaluated by transcervical insemination. Frozen‐thawed spermatozoa were inseminated one to four times on days 2–9 after the LH surge. In SM group, a single transcervical insemination (TCI) on Day 5 led to higher delivery rate (83%) than any other days (33%–50%) post‐LH surge. In EY group, delivery rate in double TCI on days 5 and 6 (71%) was higher compared to any other experimental groups (0%–44%). Regardless of single or double, TCI on Day 5 or Day 6 led to higher litter sizes in SM or EY groups, respectively. The breeding efficiency and litter size of single TCI on Day 5 (4.2) and double TCI on Day 5 and Day 6 (3.7) were significantly higher than in the other experimental groups in SM and EY groups, respectively (p < .05). These findings suggest that skim milk is a suitable alternative to egg yolk for cryopreservation of canine spermatozoa, and the suitable timing for insemination might be on Day 5 post‐LH surge.
The effect of short range order on the thermal output and gage factor of Ni3FeCr strain gages
Authors: Kieffer T. P. , Peters K. J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe ability of alloy 70Ni‐27.5Fe‐2.5Cr to form an ordered crystalline structure upon application of elevated temperature and the resulting effects on a variety of physical properties such as magnetism, strength, electrical resistance, and specific heat are well known. This paper demonstrates that strain gages made with 70Ni‐27.5Fe‐2.5Cr foil with an ordered crystalline structure have both high gage factors and high thermal outputs. The thermal output for strain gages made of 70Ni‐27.5Fe‐2.5Cr foil is demonstrated to be about 1,374 μΩ/Ω/K. The gage factor is nonlinear ranging in magnitude from about 5.0 to 3.6 for applied strains of 300 and 1,300 μE, respectively. The magnitude of gage factor and thermal output correspond with transformation of the crystalline structure from a state of disorder to a state of order. Comparisons to strain gages made with 36Ni‐57Fe‐7Cr foil are provided because of its use in the manufacturing of metal foil strain gages and their demonstrated high gage factors and high thermal outputs. Practical application for 70Ni‐27.5Fe‐2.5Cr strain gages is demonstrated by dead‐weight loading of shear‐beam load cells at low applied strain levels to minimise the effect of nonlinear gage factor; and Wheatstone bridge cancellation of high thermal output.
Comparison of corneal thickness measurements using ultrasound pachymetry, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and digital caliper in frozen canine corneas
Authors: Jeong Seowoo , Kang Seonmi , Park Sangwan , Park Eunjin , Lim Jaegook , Nam Taekjin , Seo Kangmoon 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy among ultrasound pachymetry (UP), ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and manual measurement (MM) with digital caliper by comparing corneal thickness (COT) values obtained from frozen canine corneasex vivo.ProceduresCOTwas measured usingUP,UBM, andMMin eight enucleated normal canine eyes frozen at −20 °C for 4 weeks. After thawing at room temperature for 2 h, theCOTvalues were obtained from five sites on each cornea: central corneal thickness (CCOT), thickness at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions (3COT, 6COT, 9COT, and 12COT, respectively). For each device, measurements were performed three times at each designated site by one operator. Intraclass correlation coefficient, repeated‐measures analysis of variance, and Bland–Altman plot were performed for statistical analyses.ResultsThe meanCCOTwas 839.0 ± 138.2, 857.6 ± 127.9, and 849.1 ± 132.8 μm forUP,UBM, andMM, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the measurements by all three devices (P > 0.05). The statistical agreement among these devices was also shown to be good according to Bland–Altman plots. In addition, the values measured on the peripheral sites of the cornea (3COT, 6COT, 9COT, and 12COT) also revealed no significant differences among the three devices. The difference betweenCCOTand peripheral corneal thickness was also statistically insignificant.ConclusionsTheUP,UBM, andMMmeasurements showed statistically similarCOTvalues. TheUBMandUPprovided accurate and reliable measurements comparable toMMand could be used effectively for clinicalCOTmeasurements.
Ocular and periocular hemangiosarcoma in six horses
Authors: Scherrer Nicole M. , Lassaline Mary , Engiles Julie 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the characteristics of and prognosis for ocular and periocular hemangiosarcoma in horses.Animal studiedSix horses treated for ocular or periocular hemangiosarcoma.ProcedureA retrospective review of medical records from 2007 to 2015 was performed to identify horses with a histologic diagnosis of ocular or periocular hemangiosarcoma. Signalment (age, sex, breed), duration of clinical signs, prior treatment, tumor size and location, medical and surgical treatment including postoperative chemotherapy, follow‐up time, and outcome were obtained from medical records. Histopathology was reviewed by a board‐certified pathologist.ResultsIn six horses diagnosed with ocular or periocular hemangiosarcoma, no breed, age, or sex was overrepresented. Sites included the temporal limbus (3), third eyelid (2), and uvea (1). With the exception of one horse with uveal hemangiosarcoma, 5/6 horses had lightly pigmented periocular haircoat. Histologic features of ocular hemangiosarcoma in 6/6 cases included high cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, and inflammation with a mitotic index ranging from 0 to 8 mitoses per 10 consecutive 400× fields. Five of six tumors displayed solar elastosis, indicating ultraviolet light‐induced damage to sub‐epithelial collagen. Treatment included surgical excision in all cases and was not associated with recurrence in 4/6. Three cases that received ancillary treatment with topical mitomycin C had no postoperative recurrence. Two cases with postexcisional recurrence had histologic evidence of incomplete excision.ConclusionsComplete surgical excision may be associated with resolution of periocular and ocular hemangiosarcoma in horses. Etiopathogenesis may include exposure to ultraviolet light.
Effects of Electroacupuncture at Bl33 on Detrusor Smooth Muscle Activity in a Rat Model of Urinary Retention
Authors: Liu Xiaoxu , Liu Kun , Zhi Mujun , Mo Qian , Gao Xinyan , Liu Zhishun 
Published: November 2017

Background Detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) underactivity may lead to urinary retention (UR). Electroacupuncture (EA) at BL33 may be effective in improving DSM contractions. Objectives This study aimed to investigate: (1) the effect of EA at BL33; and (2) the effect of different manipulation methods at BL33 on the modulation of DSM contractions in UR rats. Methods 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetised with urethane and modelled by urethral outlet obstruction. First, 2 Hz EA at BL33, SP6 and LI4 wasrandomly applied to the UR rats for 5 min to observe the immediate effects (n=10); second, manual acupuncture (MA) (n=10) and 100 Hz EA (n=10) were applied with the same programme. DSM electromyography (EMG) and cystometrogram data were evaluated. Results (1) 2 Hz EA at BL33 and SP6 significantly increased DSM discharging frequency (0.80±0.10 Hz, P<0.001, and 0.22±0.14 Hz, P=0.038), shortened micturation intervals (65.67±20.65 s, P=0.008, and 35.62±15.84 s, P=0.042), prolonged the duration of voiding (2.13±0.61 s, P=0.005, and 0.47±0.16 s, P=0.015), and reduced residual pressure (−0.91±0.31 mmHg, P=0.019, and −0.66±0.27 mmHg, P=0.046). EA at LI4 was not associated with any functional effects (P>0.05). Compared with SP6, EA at BL33 had greater positive effects on DSM discharging frequency, duration of discharging, and duration of voiding (all P<0.05). (2) No statistically significant differences were shown between MA, 2 Hz EA and 100 Hz EA interventions when stimulating at BL33, SP6 or LI4. Conclusions EA at BL33 improved DSM contractions to a greater degree than EA at SP6 or LI4. There were no differences in effect when stimulating using 2 Hz EA, 100 Hz EA and MA.
Arid hypogene karst in a multi-aquifer system: hydrogeology and speleogenesis of Ashalim Cave, Negev Desert, Israel
Authors: Frumkin Amos , Langford Boaz 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Ashalim maze cave, and neighbouring caves in the NW Negev Desert, Israel demonstrate hypogene karst features. These features are shown to have developed as a result of the mixing of two types of groundwater flowing in opposite directions within two tiers of Cretaceous rock aquifers. The stable isotope composition indicates that the lower Kurnub sandstone aquifer was recharged over far-field Nubian Sandstone outcrops in the vicinity of the Precambrian basement outcrops of the Sinai Desert, which belongs to the Afro-Arabian dome. The water flows northward and rises into the Judea carbonate aquifer through deep faults. A similar hydrogeological system is inferred for the speleogenetic period of Ashalim Cave. Dewatering of the cave occurred in the Pliocene due to regional uplift. This is indicated by the first vadose speleothems, dated to the late Pliocene (3.1 Ma). This was followed by surface denudation, which breached the cave and formed the present entrance.