bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Phylogeny and Evolutionary Relationships between the Ciliate Genera Peniculistoma and Mytilophilus (Peniculistomatidae, Pleuronematida)
Authors: Antipa Gregory A. , Dolan John R. , Lynn Denis H. , Obolkina Lubov A. , Strüder‐Kypke Michaela C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPeniculistoma mytili and Mytilophilus pacificae are placed in the pleuronematid scuticociliate family Peniculistomatidae based on morphology and ecological preference for the mantle cavity of mytiloid bivalves. We tested this placement with sequences of the small subunit rRNA (SSUrRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes. These species are very closely related sister taxa with no distinct genetic difference in the SSUrRNA sequence but about 21% genetic difference for cox1, supporting their placement together but separation as distinct taxa. Using infection frequencies, M. pacificae, like its sister species P. mytili, does not interact with Ancistrum spp., co‐inhabitants of the mantle cavity. On the basis of these ecological similarities, the fossil record of host mussels, and features of morphology and stomatogenesis of these two ciliates, we argue that M. pacificae derived from a Peniculistoma‐like ancestor after divergence of the two host mussels. Our phylogenetic analyses of pleuronematid ciliates includes the SSUrRNA gene sequence of Sulcigera comosa, a Histiobalantium‐like ciliate from Lake Baikal. We conclude: (i) that the pleuronematids are a monophyletic group; (ii) that the genus Pleuronema is paraphyletic; and (iii) that S. comosa is a Histiobalantium species. We transfer S. comosa to Histiobalantium and propose a new combination Histiobalantium comosa n. comb.
Extra‐pancreatic necrosis alone: Contours of an emerging entity
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Rana Surinder S , Bhasin Deepak K 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAcute pancreatitis is of two morphologic types: interstitial edematous pancreatitis that is not associated with any tissue necrosis and necrotizing pancreatitis wherein the pancreatic parenchyma with or without varying amount of extra‐pancreatic tissue/fat undergoes necrosis. Necrotizing pancreatitis has a worse outcome compared with interstitial pancreatitis because of increased severity related to a heightened systemic response and cytokine storm associated with tissue necrosis. Increasingly, an entity of extra‐pancreatic necrosis (EPN) alone, wherein the pancreatic parenchyma is normal on an enhanced computed tomographic scan but the peri‐pancreatic tissues undergo necrosis, is being recognized. Available data suggest that the outcomes in patients with EPN alone are between the excellent prognosis of patients with interstitial and adverse prognosis of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. The extent of EPN also seems to determine the outcome. This review summarizes the currently available literature on this entity and various radiological scores that have been suggested to determine the presence and stage of EPN.
Loss and Benefit Caused by a Diesel Engine: From the Perspective of Human Health
Authors: Afrinaldi Feri , Zhang Hong‐Chao , Liu Zhi‐Chao , Hernandez Annette 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThis article presents a model that quantifies the health loss and benefit triggered by the life cycle of a diesel engine. The health loss and benefit are expressed in the form of disability‐adjusted life years (DALY), a metric used by the World Health Organization to conduct health impact assessments. In order to quantify the health loss, life cycle assessment methodology is applied. To estimate the health benefit, the relationship between DALY per capita and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is modeled. The change in GDP per capita, resulting from the change in the level of employee compensation caused by the life cycle of the diesel engine, is used to estimate the change in the level of DALY per capita. An economic input‐output model is applied to estimate the amount of employee compensation required over the life cycle of the diesel engine. This study concludes that the health benefit achieved by the socioeconomic growth, triggered by the life cycle of the diesel engine, is higher than the health loss caused by the pollutions produced over the life cycle of the diesel engine. Furthermore, the results support findings in the literature that socioeconomic growth generates a higher health benefit in a lower‐income country than in a higher‐income country. This also might be one of the reasons for another statement found in the literature that developing countries put higher priorities on economic development.
Performance Management and the Stifling of Academic Freedom and Knowledge Production
Authors: Morrish Liz , Sauntson Helen 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn an era of neoliberal reforms, academics in UK universities have become increasingly enmeshed in audit, particularly of research ‘outputs’. Using the data of performance management and training documents, this paper analyses the role of discourse in redefining the meaning of research, and in colonizing a new kind of entrepreneurial, corporate academic. The new regime in universities is characterized by slippage between the audit and disciplinary functions of performance management. We conclude that academic freedom is unlikely to emerge from a system which demands compliance with a regime of unattainable targets and constant surveillance.
“By Whose Definition?”: The University of Saskatchewan's Firing of a Dean and the Textual Battle to Define Academic Freedom in Canada
Authors: Sale Carolyn 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe article focuses on the firing of a dean at Canada's University of Saskatchewan in 2014 to consider both the decidedly weak response to this event as an infringement of academic freedom protections, and the corporate instrument that was cited as the excuse for the firing, an employment contract's confidentiality clause. The central concerns are with the relationship of academic freedom to freedom of expression more generally, and the textual battle in Canada for the definition of academic freedom in which (in the face of the silence of academics at all levels) administrative imperatives shaped by a neoliberal agenda are currently dominating.
Long‐term effects of very low‐carbohydrate and high‐carbohydrate weight‐loss diets on psychological health in obese adults with type 2 diabetes: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brinkworth G. D. , Luscombe‐Marsh N. D. , Thompson C. H. , Noakes M. , Buckley J. D. , Wittert G. , Wilson C. J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground/ObjectiveVery low‐carbohydrate, high‐fat (LC) diets are used for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management, but their effects on psychological health remain largely unknown. This study examined the long‐term effects of an LC diet on psychological health.MethodsOne hundred and fifteen obese adults [age: 58.5 ± 7.1 years; body mass index: 34.6 ± 4.3 kg m−2; HbA1c: 7.3 ± 1.1%] with T2DM were randomized to consume either an energy‐restricted (~6 to 7 MJ), planned isocaloric LC or high‐carbohydrate, low‐fat (HC) diet, combined with a supervised exercise programme (3 days week−1) for 1 year. Body weight, psychological mood state and well‐being [Profile of Mood States (POMS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI)] and diabetes‐specific emotional distress [Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) Questionnaire] and quality of life [QoL Diabetes‐39 (D‐39)] were assessed.ResultsOverall weight loss was 9.5 ± 0.5 kg (mean ± SE), with no difference between groups (P = 0.91 time × diet). Significant improvements occurred in BDI, POMS (total mood disturbance and the six subscales of anger‐hostility, confusion‐bewilderment, depression‐dejection, fatigue‐inertia, vigour‐activity and tension‐anxiety), PAID (total score) and the D‐39 dimensions of diabetes control, anxiety and worry, sexual functioning and energy and mobility, P < 0.05 time. SAI and the D‐39 dimension of social burden remained unchanged (P ≥ 0.08 time). Diet composition had no effect on the responses for the outcomes assessed (P ≥ 0.22 time × diet).ConclusionIn obese adults with T2DM, both diets achieved substantial weight loss and comparable improvements in QoL, mood state and affect. These results suggest that either an LC or HC diet within a lifestyle modification programme that includes exercise training improves psychological well‐being.
Breastfeeding and infant hospitalisation: analysis of the UK 2010 Infant Feeding Survey
Authors: Payne Sarah , Quigley Maria A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTo investigate the contributions of overall breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding in reducing the risk of hospitalisation for infectious causes, we analysed data from a three‐stage survey on infant feeding practices and health outcomes in over 10 000 UK women in 2010–2011. The main outcome measures were risk of overnight hospital admission in the first 8–10 months of infancy. A graded beneficial effect was found between longer duration of any breastfeeding and hospital admission for infectious causes and for respiratory tract infections, with a significantly lower risk in infants breastfed for at least 3 months compared with those never breastfed. The effects were stronger in the subgroup who was also exclusively breastfed. For example, among infants breastfed for 3–6 months, the reduction in risk for infectious causes for those who were also exclusively breastfed for at least 6 weeks was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.22–0.81) and for those not exclusively breastfed for 6 weeks 0.79 (95% CI: 0.49–1.26). Likewise, among infants breastfed for 6 months or more, the odds ratio for those who were also exclusively breastfed for at least 6 weeks was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.32–0.72) and for those not exclusively breastfed for 6 weeks 0.72 (95% CI: 0.48–1.08). The apparent protective effect of any breastfeeding for a long duration may in part be driven by a prolonged period of exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding in the initial weeks after childbirth and continuing to breastfeed (either exclusively or partially) for at least 3 months, preferably 6 months, may reduce morbidity due to infectious illness in infants.
The NLRP3 inflammasome in kidney disease and autoimmunity
Authors: Hutton Holly L , Ooi Joshua D , Holdsworth Stephen R , Kitching A Richard 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular platform that converts the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 to their active forms in response to ‘danger’ signals, which can be either host or pathogen derived, and mediates a form of inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis. This component of the innate immune system was initially discovered because of its role in rare autoinflammatory syndromes called cryopyrinopathies, but it has since been shown to mediate injurious inflammation in a broad range of diseases. Inflammasome activation occurs in both immune cells, primarily macrophages and dendritic cells, and in some intrinsic kidney cells such as the renal tubular epithelium. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of renal conditions, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy and crystal‐related nephropathy. The inflammasome also plays a role in autoimmune kidney disease, as IL‐1β and IL‐18 influence adaptive immunity through modulation of T helper cell subsets, skewing development in favour of Th17 and Th1 cells that are important in the development of autoimmunity. Both IL‐1 blockade and two recently identified specific NLRP3 inflammasome blockers, MCC950 and β‐hydroxybutyrate, have shown promise in the treatment of inflammasome‐mediated conditions. These targeted therapies have the potential to be of benefit in the growing number of kidney diseases in which the NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated.
Randomized clinical trial: a controlled pilot trial of the 5‐HT4 receptor agonist revexepride in patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis
Authors: Tack J. , Rotondo A. , Meulemans A. , Thielemans L. , Cools M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundGastroparesis is a chronic gastric disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction, and clinical symptoms as postprandial fullness, early satiety, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Prokinetic agents are used for the treatment of gastroparesis. Revexepride, a 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor (5‐HT4R) agonist, could be a good candidate drug for the gastroparesis treatment. Aim: In the current phase II, exploratory, double‐blind, randomized, stratified, placebo‐controlled, repeated dose trial (EudraCT number 2007‐004997‐23), the efficacy on gastrointestinal symptoms and gastric emptying rate, safety, and pharmacokinetic profile of three oral doses of revexepride (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg administered orally t.i.d. for 4 weeks) was evaluated in trial participants (diabetic and non‐diabetic) with upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms suggestive for gastroparesis.MethodsEighty participants, enrolled in four parallel treatment groups, were asked to score their symptom diary data, gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI), patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal disorders‐symptom severity index (PAGI‐SYM), quality of life questionnaires, and meal‐related symptom score. Gastric emptying rate was evaluated by 13C‐octanoic acid breath test.Key ResultsThe severity of the symptoms assessed by means of GCSI and PAGI‐SYM decreased at Week 2 and decreased further at Week 4 in all treatment groups including placebo, with similar trends in all treatment groups. Quality of life improved in all treatment groups after 4 weeks of treatment. No differences on gastric emptying rate were shown between any of the active treatment groups and placebo. Revexepride was generally safe and well‐tolerated.Conclusions & InferencesFour weeks of revexepride treatment did not improve symptoms or gastric emptying over placebo in patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis.
DNA vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis: a promising approach for prevention and control
Authors: Kumar A. , Samant M. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani parasite severely affects large populations in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The arsenal of drugs available is limited, and resistance is common in clinical field isolates. Therefore, vaccines could be an important alternative for prevention against VL. Recently, some investigators advocated the protective efficacy of DNA vaccines, which induces the T cell‐based immunity against VL. The vaccine antigens are selected as conserved in various Leishmania species and provide a viable strategy for DNA vaccine development. Our understanding for DNA vaccine development against VL is not enough and much technological advancement is required. Improved formulations and methods of delivery are required, which increase the uptake of DNA vaccine by cells; optimization of vaccine vectors/encoded antigens to augment and direct the host immune response in VL. Despite the many genes identified as vaccine candidates, the disappointing potency of the DNA vaccines in VL underscores the challenges encountered in the efforts to translate efficacy in preclinical models into clinical realities. This review will provide a brief background of DNA vaccines including the insights gained about the design, strategy, safety issues, varied candidates, progress and challenges that play a role in their ability against VL.
Screening of rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars for resistance to rice black streaked dwarf virus using quantitative PCR and visual disease assessment
Authors: Hajano J.‐U.‐D. , Zhang H. B. , Ren Y. D. , Lu C. T. , Wang X. F. 
Published: March 2016

Rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) causing rice black streaked dwarf disease is transmitted by the small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) in a persistent propagative manner. The disease is considered among the most destructive in rice production in east and southeast Asia. For sustainable control of the disease, planting resistant cultivars is the most economical and efficient method. The virus content in different rice cultivars was quantified using a TaqMan RT‐qPCR assay under greenhouse conditions and the disease was visually assessed in these cultivars in both greenhouse and field conditions. Results revealed significant positive moderate correlation (r = 0.3787; P = 0.0009) between the virus content and visual disease assessment in the greenhouse under forced inoculation. Among 66 rice cultivars, there was no significant difference in RBSDV genome equivalent copies (GEC) in seven cultivars, namely Lian‐dao 9805 (200.2 ± 12), Liangyou 3399 (206.6 ± 28), Ningjing 4 (206.6 ± 28), DaLiang 207 (302.0 ± 61), X 008 (354.0 ± 30), Shengdao 301 (658.4 ± 69) and Liangyou 1129 (679.5 ± 98). These cultivars were also visually assessed as resistant under greenhouse and field conditions. These cultivars could be used in disease management to reduce the likelihood of epidemics.
Diarrhoea and Suboptimal Feeding Practices in Nigeria: Evidence from the National Household Surveys
Authors: Ogbo Felix A. , Page Andrew , Idoko John , Claudio Fernanda , Agho Kingsley E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, Nigeria has the largest burden of infectious diseases (including diarrhoea). Optimal feeding practices have been well‐documented to protect against diarrhoea in other contexts; but this benefit has not been broadly studied in Nigeria. The study aimed to examine the association between diarrhoea and childhood feeding practices to provide country‐specific evidence.MethodData from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey for the period spanning 1999–2013 were used. Prevalence of diarrhoea by infant and young child feeding indicators was estimated, and the association between diarrhoea and childhood feeding indicators was examined using multilevel regression analyses.ResultsPrevalence of diarrhoea was higher among children whose mothers did not initiate breast feeding within the first hour of birth, infants who were not exclusively breastfed, and infants who were prematurely introduced to complementary foods. Early initiation of breast feeding was significantly associated with lower risk of diarrhoea (RR 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63, 0.74). Exclusively breastfed infants were less likely to develop diarrhoea compared to non‐exclusively breastfed infants (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44, 0.86). Predominant breast feeding was significantly associated with a lower risk of diarrhoea (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54, 0.80). Bottle feeding and introduction of complementary foods were associated with a higher risk of diarrhoea.ConclusionEarly initiation of breast feeding as well as exclusive and predominant breast feeding protect against diarrhoea in Nigeria, while bottle feeding and introduction of complementary foods were risk factors for diarrhoea. Community‐ and facility‐based initiatives are needed to improve feeding practices, and to reduce diarrhoea prevalence in Nigeria.
What Do Demand and Supply Shocks Say About Caribbean Monetary Integration?
Authors: Braithwaite Samuel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study seeks to ascertain whether the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) share similar supply and demand shocks. If so, an argument can be made for the suitability of said countries being part of a currency union. The results show that no significant correlation exists for the majority of countries studied, and as such no economic justification for the monetary union can be made based on the methodology used. However, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), whose members are a part of CARICOM, is supported by the results.
Classification of Angular Limb Deformities Affecting the Canine Radius and Ulna Using the Center of Rotation of Angulation Method
Authors: Knapp Jessica L. , Tomlinson James L. , Fox Derek B. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo classify the type of angular deformity affecting the radius and ulna in canine limbs using the center of rotation of angulation methodology.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n=71) diagnosed with thoracic limb lameness attributable to antebrachial angular limb deformities.MethodsMedical records from 2006–2013 were searched and cases with orthogonal radiographs or computed tomographic scans of the affected antebrachium were included. Classification of the deformity in the frontal plane and the presence of sagittal plane angulation, torsion, and adjacent joint radiographic disease were determined and compared.ResultsChondrodystrophic (n=26; 44 limbs) and non‐chondrodystrophic (n=45; 62 limbs) dogs were included. Thirty‐five uniapical and 71 biapical or multiapical deformities in the frontal plane were identified. The incidence of biapical deformities was statistically higher in chondrodystrophic compared to non‐chondrodystrophic dogs (P=.02). When breeds were combined, biapical deformities were associated with a significantly higher incidence of adjacent radiographic joint disease (P=.049), more frequently affecting the elbow (P=.022). Overall, 82% of the 106 limbs had radiographic evidence of either elbow or carpal joint disease at the time of presentation.ConclusionBiapical deformities are common in dogs with limb deformities, particularly chondrodystrophic dogs. Radiographic evidence of disease in adjacent joints should be evaluated in patients presenting for antebrachial deformities.
Ex Vivo Mechanical Evaluation of a Sternal ZipFix®Implant for Prosthetic Laryngoplasty in Horses
Authors: Markwell Harry J. , Mueller P. O. Eric 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the properties of a ZipFix®(ZipFix) implant in equine laryngeal cartilages.Study DesignEx vivo biomechanical study.Sample PopulationEquine arytenoid (n=36) and cricoid cartilages (n=18).MethodsSuture bites were placed in arytenoid or cricoid cartilages using a ZipFix®implant or a single strand of USP 5 braided polyester (TiCron™), and arytenoid and cricoid cartilages were separately subjected to single load to failure (25 N preload) or cyclic loading for 1,000 cycles, followed by single load to failure. Load, distraction, and stiffness were recorded.ResultsFour arytenoid‐ZipFix cartilages fractured on implant placement. Under single load, arytenoid‐ZipFix (n=9) failed at a greater mean load (359.01 ± 57.98 N) than arytenoid‐Ticron (159.11 ± 22.98 N; n=12;P<.001). Arytenoid‐ZipFix stiffness (31.32 ± 4.26 N/mm) was significantly greater than arytenoid‐Ticron (13.18 ± 2.60 N/mm;P<.001). Cricoid‐ZipFix stiffness (20.83 ± 3.37 N/mm) was significantly greater than cricoid‐Ticron (13.6 ± 3.82 N/mm; n=6;P=.006). Under cyclic load, arytenoid‐ZipFix distraction (2.53 ± 0.63 mm; n=5) was significantly less than arytenoid‐Ticron (5.06 ± 1.37 mm; n=6,P=.006). After cyclic load, arytenoid‐ZipFix failure load (295.16 ± 54.95 N) was significantly greater than arytenoid‐Ticron (127.69 ± 32.67 N;P=.002). Arytenoid‐ZipFix stiffness (35.59 ± 1.58 N/mm) was significantly greater than arytenoid‐Ticron (24.10 ± 6.85 N/mm;P=.019).ConclusionIn arytenoid cartilages, the sternal ZipFix®implant was significantly stronger and stiffer compared to a single strand of Ticron. During placement of the ZipFix®implant, frequent arytenoid cartilage failure occurred before testing, suggesting the implant is not suitable for clinical application.