bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua L.) improve growth performance, antioxidant status and caecal characteristics in growing rabbits
Authors: Abu Hafsa S. H. , Ibrahim S. A. , Hassan A. A. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate carob pods and their effect on growth performance, antioxidant activities, carcass and caecal characteristics and equilibrium modification of the caecal microbiota population of growing NZW rabbits. Eighty weaned rabbits (initial body weight: 625.00 ± 26.46 g) were randomly allocated into four dietary groups of 20 rabbits each until 90 days of age. Dietary groups were as follows: C (basal diet with no supplementation), CP1 (basal diet + 2.5% carob pods), CP2 (basal diet + 5% carob pods) and CP3 (basal diet + 10% carob pods). Rabbits given the CP2 diet had significantly higher daily and final body weights compared with the other experimental groups. The increase in inclusion rate of carob pods significantly decreased feed intake, whereas carob pods at 5% in the CP2 group recorded the best value of feed conversion ratio. Rabbits in the CP3 group showed the worst slaughter weight and carcass dressing percentage weight. No significant effect was found on meat protein and ash contents. Cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, high‐density lipoprotein and triglycerides decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in rabbits treated with carob pods compared with the control. Because of high content of the antioxidant compounds in CP2 and CP3 groups, the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S‐transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase increased, whereas the concentration of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance decreased significantly. Rabbits given the CP2 diet had a significantly higher volatile fatty acid concentration and a lower pH in content of the caecum compared to the other groups. The data of microbial analysis for C group showed a significant increase in Escherichia coli and Clostridium counts. Lactobacillus and Bacillus counts increased significantly more in the CP2 and CP3 groups than in the other groups. In conclusion, 5% of carob pods in the diet stimulated the performance of growing rabbits, and thus, it has potential as an unconventional feed resource for rabbits without any adverse effects.
Analysis of serum corticosteroid‐induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases
Authors: Kojima K. , Ohno K. , Kanemoto H. , Goto‐Koshino Y. , Fukushima K. , Tsujimoto H. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo reveal the relationship between canine corticosteroid‐induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme activity and hepatobiliary diseases.Materials andMethodsRetrospective analysis of the relationship between serum corticosteroid‐induced alkaline phosphatase activity and diagnosis, serum cortisol concentration and alanine transferase activity in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases. Dogs with a history of glucocorticoid administration were excluded.ResultsSeventy‐two dogs with hepatobiliary diseases were analysed. The serum corticosteroid‐induced alkaline phosphatase concentration was increased in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases. There was no correlation between serum cortisol concentration and serum corticosteroid‐induced alkaline phosphatase percentage or activity.ClinicalSignificanceDogs with hepatobiliary disease can exhibit high serum alkaline phosphatase activity even if the dogs have not been administrated glucocorticoids and the serum cortisol concentration is normal.
Toxicity of metronomic cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in a UK population of cancer‐bearing dogs: a retrospective study
Authors: Harper A. , Blackwood L. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the incidence of toxicity in a group of cancer‐bearing dogs treated with metronomic chemotherapy.Materials and MethodsRetrospective review of dogs treated with metronomic doses of cyclophosphamide: between 5 and 15 mg/m2/day or every other day for treatment of neoplasia.ResultsOf the 65 dogs included, there were signs of, mostly mild, toxicity in 32 (49%). The most common toxicities were sterile haemorrhagic cystitis (n=16) and gastrointestinal disorders (n=12). Median time to development of sterile haemorrhagic cystitis was 110 days (range 7 to 686 days). Four dogs developed suspected bacterial infections during treatment.Clinical SignificanceMetronomic cyclophosphamide is generally well‐tolerated in dogs but the incidence of sterile haemorrhagic cystitis in this study is higher than previously reported. Regular urinalysis is recommended for all dogs receiving cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, as early detection of haemorrhagic cystitis may prevent development of more serious disease.
The African Storybook and Language Teacher Identity in Digital Times
Authors: Stranger–Johannessen Espen , Norton Bonny 
Published: January 2017

The African Storybook (ASb) is a digital initiative that promotes multilingual literacy for African children by providing openly licenced children's stories in multiple African languages, as well as English, French, and Portuguese. Based on Darvin and Norton's () model of identity and investment, and drawing on the Douglas Fir Group's () framework for second language acquisition, this study investigates Ugandan primary school teachers’ investment in the ASb, its impact on their teaching, and their changing identities. The study was conducted in a rural Ugandan school from June to December 2014, and the data, which focus on one key participant, Monica, were drawn from field notes, classroom observations, interview transcripts, and questionnaires, which were coded using retroductive coding. The findings indicate that through the ASb initiative and its stories, Monica and other teachers began to imagine themselves as writers, readers, and teachers of stories, reframing what it means to be a reading teacher. Teachers’ shifts of identity were indexical of their enhanced social and cultural capital as they engaged with the ASb, notwithstanding ideological constraints associated with mother tongue usage, assessment practices, and teacher supervision. The authors conclude that the enhancement of language teacher identity has important implications for the promotion of multilingual literacy for young learners in African communities.
Sexual Subversion and the Subdominant: the Case of Suede
Authors: SMITH KENNETH M. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe first two studio albums from Suede (in America, ‘The London Suede’), fruits of a collaboration between Bernard Butler and Brett Anderson, served as the erotically twisted underbelly of early 1990s Britpop, adding bizarre, seductive alternatives to the relatively normalised sexual experiences described in the songs of Pulp or Blur. A vital part of the band's aesthetics, Suede's harmonic progressions prove to be extremely dexterous, with sinuous voice leading and meandering key changes, often based on common‐tone modulations and parsimony rather than any sense of dominant‐to‐tonic resolution. Using a range of songs from an extensive corpus study, I theorise the chord patterns that were to become recognisable Suede clichés (the ♭VI–V progressions and the III/♭VII/♭II dominant substitutes). In doing so I posit a sense of substituted functionality (T, S or D) and a sense of flow in a D‐wards or S‐wards direction. Uncovering a strong predilection for the latter, I return to examine their earlier work in a new light with readings of ‘Sleeping Pills’ and ‘Pantomime Horse’ from their debut album, Suede.
Effects of scFOS on the composition of fecal microbiota and anxiety in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study
Authors: Azpiroz F. , Dubray C. , Bernalier‐Donadille A. , Cardot J.‐M. , Accarino A. , Serra J. , Wagner A. , Respondek F. , Dapoigny M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundShort‐chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) have beneficial effects in subjects with minor digestive complaints, but the potential mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in rectal sensitivity related to the clinical effects of scFOS in a selected group of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and rectal hypersensitivity.MethodsIn 79 IBS patients (defined by Rome III criteria) with rectal hypersensitivity (defined as discomfort threshold ≤44 g) a parallel, placebo‐controlled, randomized, and double‐blind study was performed to assess the effects of dietary supplementation (5 g d−1) with scFOS vs placebo for 4 weeks on rectal sensitivity (primary outcome: tolerance to increasing wall tension applied by a tensostat), clinical outcomes (IBS, anxiety/depression and quality of life scores) and composition of fecal microbiota.Key ResultsRectal discomfort threshold, and IBS and quality of life scores, significantly improved during treatment, but in a similar manner in both scFOS and placebo groups; a post‐hoc analysis showed that the effect of scFOS on rectal sensitivity was more pronounced in constipation‐predominant‐IBS patients (P=.051 vs placebo). Contrary with placebo, scFOS significantly reduced anxiety scores and increased fecal Bifidobacteria (P<.05 for both) without modifying other bacterial groups.Conclusions & InterfencesThe effect of scFOS on anxiety may be related to modulation of the gut microbiota; demonstration of effects of scFOS on rectal sensitivity may require higher doses and may depend on the IBS subgroup.
Evaluating realized seed dispersal across fragmented tropical landscapes: a two‐fold approach using parentage analysis and the neighbourhood model
Authors: Ismail Sascha A. , Ghazoul Jaboury , Ravikanth Gudasalamani , Kushalappa Cheppudira G. , Uma Shaanker Ramanan , Kettle Chris J. 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Despite the importance of seed dispersal for survival of plant species in fragmented landscapes, data on seed dispersal at landscape scales remain sparse. Effective seed dispersal among fragments determines recolonization and plant species persistence in such landscapes. We present the first large‐scale (216‐km2) direct estimates of realized seed dispersal of a high‐value timber tree (Dysoxylum malabaricum) across an agro‐forest landscape in the Western Ghats, India.

Based upon an exhaustive inventory of adult trees and a sample of 488 seedlings all genotyped at 10 microsatellite loci, we estimated realized seed dispersal using parentage analysis and the neighbourhood model.

Our estimates found that most realized seed dispersal was within 200 m, which is insufficient to effectively bridge the distances between forest patches.

We conclude that using mobility of putative animal dispersers can be misleading when estimating tropical tree species vulnerability to habitat fragmentation. This raises serious concerns about the potential of many tropical trees to recolonize isolated forest patches where high‐value tree species have already been removed.
Functional PTB phosphate transporters are present in streptophyte algae and early diverging land plants
Authors: Bonnot Clémence , Proust Hélène , Pinson Benoît , Colbalchini Florine P. L. , Lesly‐Veillard Alexis , Breuninger Holger , Champion Clément , Hetherington Alexander J. , Kelly Steven , Dolan Liam 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Two inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake mechanisms operate in streptophytes and chlorophytes, the two lineages of green plants. PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER B (PTB) proteins are hypothesized to be the Na+/Pi symporters catalysing Pi uptake in chlorophytes, whereas PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 1 (PHT1) proteins are the H+/Pi symporters that carry out Pi uptake in angiosperms. PHT1 proteins are present in all streptophyte lineages. However, Pi uptake in streptophyte algae and marine angiosperms requires Na+ influx, suggesting that Na+/Pi symporters also function in some streptophytes.

We tested the hypothesis that Na+/Pi symporters exist in streptophytes.

We identified PTB sequences in streptophyte genomes. Core PTB proteins are present at the plasma membrane of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. The expression of M. polymorpha core PTB proteins in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae pho2 mutant defective in high‐affinity Pi transport rescues growth in low‐Pi environments. Moreover, levels of core PTB mRNAs of M. polymorpha and the streptophyte alga Coleochaete nitellarum are higher in low‐Pi than in Pi‐replete conditions, consistent with a role in Pi uptake from the environment.

We conclude that land plants inherited two Pi uptake mechanisms – mediated by the PTB and PHT1 proteins, respectively – from their streptophyte algal ancestor. Both systems operate in parallel in extant early diverging land plants.
Acute liver dysfunction not resulting from hepatitis virus in immunocompetent children
Authors: Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Inui Ayano , Iwasawa Kentaro , Oikawa Manari , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Haruki , Ito Yoshinori , Fujisawa Tomoo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to clarify the roles of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) in immunocompetent children with acute liver dysfunction not resulting from hepatitis virus.MethodsSixty‐eight children (median age, 3 years) hospitalized as a result of acute liver dysfunction were enrolled in this study. Hepatitis A, B, and C were excluded. The prevalence of CMV, EBV, and HHV‐6 and viral DNA load in whole blood was prospectively evaluated on multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsOf the 68 children with acute liver dysfunction, multiplex real‐time PCR was positive in 30 (44%). CMV, EBV, and HHV‐6 DNA were detected in 13 (19%), 14 (21%), and seven (10%), respectively. Serum CMV immunoglobulin (Ig)G/IgM and EBV viral capsid antigen IgG/IgM were measured in 40 (CMV DNA positive, n = 10; negative, n = 30) and 45 (EBV DNA positive, n = 14; negative, n = 31) of the 68 children, respectively. Eighteen percent (CMV, 7/40) and 9% (EBV, 4/45) were positive for both PCR and viral‐specific IgM. There was no significant difference in CMV and EBV viral load between IgM‐positive and ‐negative children with viremia.ConclusionsCMV, EBV, and HHV‐6 DNA were frequently detected in immunocompetent children with acute liver dysfunction, but primary CMV and EBV infection were confirmed in 10–20% of the children with acute liver dysfunction. The combination of PCR assay and serology is necessary to make a diagnosis of acute liver dysfunction due to primary CMV, EBV and/or HHV‐6 infection in immunocompetent children.
Late cytomegalovirus infection in children: High incidence of allograft rejection and hepatitis in donor negative and seropositive liver transplant recipients
Authors: Verma A. , Palaniswamy K. , Cremonini G. , Heaton N. , Dhawan A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe complications and outcome associated with late CMV infection and disease on the graft are poorly characterized in PLT recipients. We studied the overall incidence, risk factors, and outcome of late CMV infection and disease (infection 6 months after transplant) in 180 PLT recipients admitted between 2008 and 2011 at the King's College Hospital. Antiviral prophylaxis of intravenous ganciclovir was given only to the D+R− group starting at day 7 post‐transplant. The remaining groups (D−R+, D+R+, and D−R−) received pre‐emptive therapy when they have CMV viremia above cut‐off value and treatment for symptomatic CMV infection. The overall incidence of late CMV infection and disease was 9.4% (19/180) and 14.5% (19/130) in D+R−, D−R+, D+R− groups. The D−R+ group had the highest incidence of hepatitis (37.5%) and significantly increased incidence of CMV disease, and single and multiple acute rejection episodes when compared to the D+R− group, which received prophylaxis. The late CMV infection and disease in pediatric LT recipients was comparable to adult LT recipients despite variable duration of antiviral prophylaxis. Our results show that D−R+ group had highest rate of hepatitis and rejection episodes, associated with high morbidity, and should be considered for antiviral prophylaxis.
Outcomes of pediatric living donor kidney transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Pérez‐Bertólez Sonia , Barrero Rafael , Fijo Julia , Alonso Verónica , Ojha Devicka , Fernández‐Hurtado Miguel Ángel , Martínez Jerónimo , León Eduardo , García‐Merino Francisco 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRenal transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with ESRD offering advantages of improved survival, growth potential, cognitive development, and quality of life. The aim of our study was to compare the outcomes of LDKT vs DDKT performed in children at a single center. Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent kidney transplantation from 2005 to 2014 was performed. Ninety‐one renal transplants were accomplished, and 31 cases (38.27%) were LDKT, and in 96.7% of the cases, the graft was obtained through laparoscopy. Thirty‐four receptors weighted <25 kg. LDKT group had statistically significant lower cold ischemia times than DDKT one. Complication rate was 9.67% for LDKT and 18.33% for DDKT. eGFR was better in LDKT. Patient survival rate was 100% for LDKT and 98.3% for DDKT, and graft survival rate was 96.7% for LDKT and 88.33%‐80% for DDKT at a year and 5 years. Our program of pediatric kidney transplantation has achieved optimal patient and graft survival rates with low rate of complications. Living donor pediatric kidney transplants have higher patient and better graft survival rates than deceased donor kidney transplants.
Effects of season and population size on pollination and reproductive output in a Mediterranean shrub
Authors: Sánchez A. M. , Rodríguez M. , Albert M. J. , Escudero A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPollinator guilds may change throughout extended flowering periods, affecting plant reproductive output, especially in seasonal climates. We hypothesised a seasonal shift in pollinator guild and an autumn reduction in pollinator abundance, especially in small and sparse populations.We recorded pollinator identity, abundance and behaviour in relation to flower density from plant to population throughout the extended flowering ofOnonis tridentata. We evaluated female reproductive output by recording pollination success and pre‐dispersal seed predation in eight populations of contrasting size and density. Offspring quality was also characterised through seed weight and germination.A diverse guild of insects visitedO. tridentatain spring, while onlyApis melliferawas observed in autumn. Visitation frequency did not vary seasonally, but the number of flowers per foraging bout was lower, and seeds were heavier and had a higher germination rate in autumn. Plant and neighbourhood flowering display were not related to pollinator visitation frequency or behaviour. However, the rate of fertilised ovules, seed set and autumn flowering display size were positively related to population density.The maintenance of pollination in autumn enhances the reproductive performance ofO. tridentatadue to higher quality of autumn seed, and to a large reduction in seed predator pressure. We also suggest that observed changes in pollinator behaviour could be one of the processes behind seasonal variation in seed performance, since geitonogamous crosses were less likely to occur in autumn.
Survival of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere of weeds
Authors: Silva J. C. , Silva Júnior T. A. F. , Soman J. M. , Tomasini T. D. , Sartori M. M. P. , Maringoni A. C. 
Published: January 2017

The phyllosphere and rhizosphere of weeds are important niches for phytobacterial survival. The absence of information in Brazil regarding Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), the causal agent of black rot in crucifers, motivated this study. Twenty‐six weed species belonging to 14 botanical families were included in field experiments between August 2014 and October 2015. Lepidium virginicum and Raphanus raphanistrum (Brassicaceae) demonstrated great potential for survival of Xcc in the phyllosphere, with the bacterium isolated after 56 and 70 days, respectively. Low variation between maximum and minimum temperatures, high rainfall and high relative humidity at specific times of the year contributed to longer Xcc survival periods in the phyllosphere of some species. Xcc survived in the rhizosphere only in R. raphanistrum, where it was isolated for up to 28 days. No relation was found between climatic factors and survival in the rhizosphere. The data indicate that control of brassicaceous weeds will contribute to the control of black rot.
Expression of phytoplasma‐induced witches’ broom disease symptoms in acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia) trees is affected by climatic conditions
Authors: Al‐Ghaithi A. G. , Al‐Sadi A. M. , Al‐Hammadi M. S. , Al‐Shariqi R. M. , Al‐Yahyai R. A. , Al‐Mahmooli I. H. , Carvalho C. M. , Elliot S. L. , Hogenhout S. A. 
Published: January 2017

Witches’ broom disease (WBD), caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’, is a serious disease of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia) in Oman and the UAE. However, little is known about the distribution of phytoplasma and the expression of WBD symptoms in different geographical locations. A survey was carried out in 18 districts in Oman and the UAE covering 143 orchards and 5823 acid lime trees. ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ was detected in acid lime in all the 18 surveyed districts. However, the development of typical symptoms of WBD was only observed in 12 districts. Districts in which the phytoplasma was present but symptoms were not expressed were located either in desert areas or in areas characterized by semitropical conditions. Phylogenetic analysis of 16 phytoplasma isolates from trees developing WBD symptoms and six phytoplasma isolates from trees with no WBD symptoms showed that all isolates share an identical 16S rRNA sequence, belonging to subgroup II‐B. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that the concentration of phytoplasma is significantly higher (8800–801 000 copies) in leaves developing WBD symptoms compared to 2–268 copies in symptomless leaves from the same trees and 8–874 copies in acid lime trees from areas where disease symptoms were not expressed. The lack of expression of WBD symptoms under certain environmental conditions may suggest that symptom development and phytoplasma are affected by certain unfavourable environmental conditions. These findings could provide a basis for managing WBD through encouraging lime cultivation under climatic conditions less conducive to WBD symptom expression.