bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal relationship of hepatic fat with liver damage and insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Dongiovanni P. , Stender S. , Pietrelli A. , Mancina R. M. , Cespiati A. , Petta S. , Pelusi S. , Pingitore P. , Badiali S. , Maggioni M. , Mannisto V. , Grimaudo S. , Pipitone R. M. , Pihlajamaki J. , Craxi A. , Taube M. , Carlsson L. M.S. , Fargion S. , Romeo S. , Kozlitina J. , Valenti L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease is epidemiologically associated with hepatic and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to examine whether hepatic fat accumulation has a causal role in determining liver damage and insulin resistance.MethodsWe performed a Mendelian randomization analysis using risk alleles in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, GCKR and MBOAT7, and a polygenic risk score for hepatic fat, as instruments. We evaluated complementary cohorts of at‐risk individuals and individuals from the general population: 1515 from the liver biopsy cohort (LBC), 3329 from the Swedish Obese Subjects Study (SOS) and 4570 from the population‐based Dallas Heart Study (DHS).ResultsHepatic fat was epidemiologically associated with liver damage, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The impact of genetic variants on liver damage was proportional to their effect on hepatic fat accumulation. Genetically determined hepatic fat was associated with aminotransferases, and with inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis in the LBC. Furthermore, in the LBC, the causal association between hepatic fat and fibrosis was independent of disease activity, suggesting that a causal effect of long‐term liver fat accumulation on liver disease is independent of inflammation. Genetically determined hepatic steatosis was associated with insulin resistance in the LBC and SOS. However, this association was dependent on liver damage severity. Genetically determined hepatic steatosis was associated with liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and with a small increase in risk of type 2 diabetes in publicly available databases.ConclusionThese data suggest that long‐term hepatic fat accumulation plays a causal role in the development of chronic liver disease.
Advanced Pediatric Neurosonography Techniques: Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography, Elastography, and Beyond
Authors: Hwang Misun , Riggs Becky J. , Katz Joseph , Seyfert Donna , Northington Frances , Shenandoah Robinson , Burd Irina , McArthur Justin , Darge Kassa , Thimm Matthew A. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTRecent technical advances in neurosonography continue broadening the diagnostic utility, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasound for detecting intracranial abnormalities bed side. The clinical and functional applications of neurosonography have significantly expanded since the 1980s when transcranial Doppler sonography first allowed anatomic and hemodynamic delineation of the intracranial vessels through the thin temporal skull. In the past few years, contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography, elastography, 3D/4D reconstruction tools, and high‐resolution microvessel imaging techniques have further enhanced the diagnostic significance of neurosonography. Given these advances, a thorough familiarity with these new techniques and devices is crucial for a successful clinical application allowing improved patient care. It is essential that future neurosonography studies compare these advanced techniques against the current “gold standard” computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to assure the accuracy of their diagnostic potential. This review will provide a comprehensive update on currently available advanced neurosonography techniques.
Evaluating the Association of Tooth Form of Maxillary Central Incisors with Face Shape Using AutoCAD Software: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Mehndiratta Aditi , Bembalagi Mahantesh , Patil Raghunath 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo assess the different forms of maxillary central incisors (MCI) and determine their association with the shape of the face for men and women.Materials and MethodsA total of 200 subjects (100 women, 100 men) aged between 18 and 30 years with healthy dentition were randomly selected from K.L.E. V.K Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, India. Two standardized photographs (portrait and shape of the MCI) were taken for each subject and opened in AutoCAD 2009 software that was used to prepare technical drawings of face and tooth forms. The dental ratios (extent of line TA: extent of line TB) obtained after the tracings, were classified as tapered (≤0.61), ovoid (>0.61 and <0.69), or square (≥0.70). This classification was used to relate tooth form to the shape of the face and compare the form of MCI between men and women. Association between the shape of the MCI and the face was determined by Chi‐square test using R 3.3.1 software.ResultsThe most prevalent tooth form among the subjects was ovoid (women, 32%; men, 31%) followed by tapered (women, 13%; men, 16%). The least prevalent shape was square (women, 5%; men, 3%). The most prevalent face shape was tapered (women, 34%; men, 25%) followed by ovoid (women, 15%; men, 22%) and the least prevalent was square (women, 1%; men, 3%). An association between face shape and tooth form was statistically not significant.ConclusionThe most prevalent tooth form in both men and women was ovoid, and the least prevalent was square. The association between face shape and tooth form was not significant and did not abide by William's “Law of Harmony.” However, there was an association between face shape and gender.
What is adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Peña Alexia S , Metz Michael 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe diagnostic criteria for adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been derived from adult criteria, which makes diagnosis challenging as criteria include normal physiological events that occur during puberty such as acne, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, high androgen levels and polycystic ovarian morphology on pelvic ultrasound. The only criteria that applies from the adult criteria is exclusion of other conditions that mimic PCOS. Clinical findings consistent with hyperandrogenaemia during adolescence include inflammatory acne, hirsutism, alopecia and/or menstrual irregularities, which are severe and present 2 years after menarche. The measurement of androgen levels during adolescence should take into account age, puberty, type of androgen measured, assay used and diurnal rhythm. Multiple measurements are useful to demonstrate hyperandrogenaemia. The combination, severity and persistence of the hyperandrogenic symptoms and hyperandrogenaemia in girls 2 years or more post‐menarche support the diagnosis of adolescent PCOS. Adolescent girls with these findings should be followed up into adulthood.
Doxycycline treatment efficacy in dogs with naturally occurring Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection
Authors: Yancey C. B. , Diniz P. P. V. P. , Breitschwerdt E. B. , Hegarty B. C. , Wiesen C. , Qurollo B. A. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate doxycycline treatment efficacy and post‐treatment pathogen persistence in dogs naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum in endemic regions of the USA.Materials and MethodsSymptomatic dogs in four US states (MN, WI, CT and CA) were evaluated before treatment with doxycycline and approximately 30 and 60 days post‐treatment. Clinicopathological parameters, co‐exposures and A. phagocytophilum DNA in whole blood and lymph node samples were compared between A. phagocytophilum infected and uninfected dogs.ResultsIn total, 42 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with 16 dogs (38%) blood PCR‐positive and 26 dogs (62%) blood PCR‐negative for A. phagocytophilum. At initial evaluation, the proportion of clinicopathological abnormalities was similar between A. phagocytophilum infected and uninfected dogs, although thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia were statistically more prevalent among A. phagocytophilum infected dogs. Treatment with doxycycline resulted in resolution of all clinical abnormalities in infected dogs; four dogs had persistent haematological abnormalities, including mild leukopenia, eosinopenia and lymphopenia. All 16 infected dogs became blood PCR‐negative approximately 30 and 60 days after treatment onset. Additionally, 13/13 (100%) lymph node specimens tested post‐treatment were PCR‐negative. Select clinicopathological abnormalities persisted in uninfected dogs after treatment.Clinical SignificanceThe results of this study support the efficacy of doxycycline therapy for clinical treatment of dogs naturally infected with A. phagocytophilum in the USA. This study did not find clinical, haematological or microbiological indicators that supported the persistence of A. phagocytophilum infection in naturally infected dogs following treatment with doxycycline for 28 days.
Sonographic Evaluation of Liver Hemodynamic Indices in Overweight and Obese Dogs
Authors: Belotta A.F. , Teixeira C.R. , Padovani C.R. , Rahal S.C. , Mayer M.N. , Mamprim M.J. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundHepatic circulatory disturbances have been associated with obesity and fatty liver in humans. In the veterinary literature, however, there is limited information regarding the effects of different body condition scores (BCS) on liver hemodynamic indices in dogs.ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of BCS on liver hemodynamic indices.AnimalsFifty‐three client‐owned dogs of various breeds were included.MethodsProspective observational study. Dogs were divided into 3 BCS groups using a 5‐point scale: G1 – 12 ideal dogs, G2 – 21 overweight dogs, G3 – 20 obese dogs. Mean portal velocity (MPV), portal blood flow volume (PBFV), portal congestion index (PCI), hepatic artery resistivity index (HARI), and hepatic vein (HV) spectral wave were obtained by pulsed Doppler sonography. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were determined. Liver enzymes activities and liver hemodynamic indices were compared among groups.ResultsObese dogs had lower MPV, higher percentage of abnormal hepatic vein spectral wave and higher median ALP activity than did ideal dogs (P < 0.05). Overweight and obese dogs had lower PBFV than ideal dogs (P < 0.01). Overweight dogs had higher median GGT activity than ideal dogs (P < 0.05). No difference was observed for PCI, HARI and median ALT activity among the groups.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceObesity was associated with changes in portal vein indices and in HV spectral wave. These changes were accompanied by significant differences in some liver enzymes activities and could be a sign of early liver disease.
Effect of Heat‐treatment on Accuracy of Infrared Spectroscopy and Digital and Optical Brix Refractometers for Measuring Immunoglobulin G Concentration in Bovine Colostrum
Authors: Elsohaby I. , McClure J.T. , Dow N. , Keefe G.P. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundHeat‐treatment of colostrum is a method developed to reduce calf exposure to pathogens. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Brix refractometers can be used for measuring colostral IgG concentration and assessing colostrum quality.ObjectivesTo determine the impact of heat‐treatment on accuracy ofIRspectroscopy and Brix refractometers for measuring colostral IgG concentration and assessing colostrum quality before and after heat‐treatment.AnimalsA total of 60 Holstein dairy cows on 8 commercial dairy farms.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was designed to determine the effect of heat‐treatment at 60°C and 63°C each for 30 and 60 minutes duration on colostral IgG concentration measured by the reference radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay,IRspectroscopy, and digital and optical refractometers.ResultsColostrum IgG concentration significantly decreased after heat‐treatment at 63°C for 30 or 60 minutes as measured byRID, but the IgG values remained unchanged when measured byIRspectroscopy and refractometers. The lowest correlation coefficient found betweenIRspectroscopy (r = 0.70) andRIDresults was in colostrum heat‐treated at 63°C for 60 minutes. For digital (r = 0.48) and optical (r = 0.50) refractometers, the lowest correlation coefficient was at 63°C for 30 minutes when compared toRID. The accuracy of theIRspectroscopy, digital and optical Brix refractometers was decreased from 91.7 to 80%, 81.7 to 45%, and 80 to 45%, respectively, when colostrum heat‐treated at 63°C for 60 minutes.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceRadial immunodiffusion,IRspectroscopy, and Brix refractometers exhibit utility for measuring IgG concentration when colostrum heat‐treated at 60°C but does not detect decrease IgG concentrations when heat‐treated at 63°C.
Optimizing the Proportions of Plant Protein Ingredients in the Diet of Juvenile Blunt Snout Bream, Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Zhou Qun‐Lan , Yuan Wei , Pan Liangkun , Liu Bo , Ren Mingchun , Miao Linghong , Sun Ajun , Ge Xianping 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of different proportions of dietary plant ingredients on the growth of juvenile blunt snout bream, Megalobrama amblycephala. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was set for this trial with three ratios of cottonseed meal (CSM) and canola meal (CM) (2:1, 1:1, or 1:2) and three proportions of soybean meal (SBM) (2, 1, or 0). The results showed that the specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio both significantly decreased with decreasing amounts of SBM in the diets of blunt snout bream (P < 0.05), while the feed efficiency ratio and feed intake increased significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the growth performance and feed utilization were shown to improve with increasing amounts of CSM, although the effects were not significant (P > 0.05). The interaction of these two factors had no effect on either growth or feed utilization (P > 0.05). Diet composition was not seen to affect body composition (P > 0.05). The ratio of CSM to CM significantly affected gut amylase activity, liver alanine aminotransferase content, and plasma cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). The interaction between the two main effects significantly influenced the plasma glucose level (P < 0.05). Therefore, the suitable proportion of plant feed for blunt snout bream should include high levels of SBM and CSM, with a SBM : CSM : CM ratio of 2:2:1.
Estimation of Arachidonic Acid Requirement for Improvement of Pre‐maturation Growth and Egg and Larval Quality in the Female Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus; Pallas, 1770): A Model for the Anabantidae Family
Authors: Masoudi Asil Shima , Abedian Kenari Abdolmohammad , Rahimi Mianji Ghodrat , Van Der Kraak Glen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) requirement from juvenile to maturation stage in an anabantid model fish, the blue gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus. Specifically we determined the optimum dietary ARA content to maximize juvenile growth and subsequent sexual maturation and to improve the quality of their eggs and offspring. Five experimental diets containing 0.02, 0.53, 1.05, 1.60, and 2.12% ARA (of dry weight) were fed to juveniles over 5 mo. The results showed that whole‐body fatty acid profile of broodstock significantly changed in fish fed diets of different ARA content (ANOVA, P < 0.003). The highest contents of 18:2n‐6 and Σn‐6 were obtained in fish fed 0.53% ARA, and a decreasing trend was observed with elevated dietary ARA levels. Monthly specific growth rate (SGR) measurements revealed significant differences in the juvenile stage, but the SGR of broodstock was unaffected by dietary ARA. Protein and ash content of whole‐body broodstock showed no differences among groups, while lipid content decreased as ARA levels increased. Maximum volume of the oocyte was obtained in the 1.05% ARA group, while the yolk sac size increased as dietary ARA increased. The optimum growth and survival of the larvae produced by broodstock were recorded in the 2.12 and 1.6% ARA groups, respectively. It was concluded that despite the presumed ability of freshwater fish to synthesize and meet their highly unsaturated fatty acid requirements, dietary ARA higher than 1.05% had significant stimulatory effects on growth of juveniles but no obvious influence on the growth of matured fish. Also, higher ARA levels (1.6–2.12%) were found to improve the quality of eggs and offspring.
Situation analysis of procurement and production of multiple micronutrient supplements in 12 lower and upper middle‐income countries
Authors: Monterrosa Eva C. , Beesabathuni Kalpana , van Zutphen Kesso G. , Steiger Georg , Kupka Roland , Fleet Alison , Kraemer Klaus 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGlobally, there are few vitamin and mineral ingredient manufacturers. To support local, in‐country or regional procurement and production of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), the following production scenarios are possible: (a) straight ingredients of vitamins and minerals forms imported or locally produced that are mixed, tableted, or encapsulated and packaged by a local manufacturer; (b) import or local production of a vitamin and minerals premix that is tableted or encapsulated and packaged locally; (c) import of a bulk, finished product (tablets or capsules) that is packaged and branded; and (d) or import of a branded packaged product. This paper is a situation analysis of the market, manufacturing, and policy factors that are driving the production of MMS in 12 lower and upper middle‐income countries. Key informants completed a self‐administered structured questionnaire, which examined the local context of products available in the market and their cost, regulations and policies, in Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Our study found that although most countries have the capacity to produce locally MMS, the major barriers observed for sustainable and affordable production include (a) poor technical capacity and policies for ensuring quality along the value chain and (b) lack of policy coherence to incentivize local production and lower the manufacture and retail price of MMS. Also, better guidelines and government oversight will be required because not one country had an MMS formulation that matched the globally recommended formulation of the United Nations Multiple Micronutrient Preparation (UNIMMAP).
FtsA reshapes membrane architecture and remodels the Z‐ring in Escherichia coli
Authors: Conti Joseph , Viola Marissa G. , Camberg Jodi L. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryCell division in prokaryotes initiates with assembly of the Z‐ring at midcell, which, in Escherichia coli, is tethered to the inner leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane through a direct interaction with FtsA, a widely conserved actin homolog. The Z‐ring is comprised of polymers of tubulin‐like FtsZ and has been suggested to provide the force for constriction. Here, we demonstrate that FtsA exerts force on membranes causing redistribution of membrane architecture, robustly hydrolyzes ATP and directly engages FtsZ polymers in a reconstituted system. Phospholipid reorganization by FtsA occurs rapidly and is mediated by insertion of a C‐terminal membrane targeting sequence (MTS) into the bilayer and further promoted by a nucleotide‐dependent conformational change relayed to the MTS. FtsA also recruits FtsZ to phospholipid vesicles via a direct interaction with the FtsZ C‐terminus and regulates FtsZ assembly kinetics. These results implicate the actin homolog FtsA in establishment of a Z‐ring scaffold, while directly remodeling the membrane and provide mechanistic insight into localized cell wall remodeling, invagination and constriction at the onset of division.
Candiduria in kidney transplant recipients: Is antifungal therapy useful?
Authors: Denis Blandine , Chopin Dorothée , Piron Prescillia , Resche‐Rigon Matthieu , Bretagne Stéphane , Gits‐Muselli Maud , Peraldi Marie‐Noelle , Abboud Imad , Molina Jean‐Michel 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA French single‐centre retrospective study between 2010 and 2014 was undertaken to assess candiduria's incidence in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), and the use and impact of antifungal treatment on outcome. Candiduria was defined as a urine culture with ≥103 cfu/mL of Candida species. Candiduria clearance, severe complications and death rates were estimated by Kaplan‐Meier methods and the effect of treatment by Cox models.52/1223 (4.3%) KTR had ≥1 episode of candiduria, 42 (81%) were females, 18 (35%) had diabetes, with an incidence of 2.3/100 person‐year of follow‐up. Candiduria was asymptomatic in 51 (98%) patients. Candida glabrata was the most frequent pathogen identified. Overall fungal clearance rate was 89%. Antifungal therapy was initiated in only 14 episodes (12%), according to guidelines. Three patients (6%) developed severe complications in the first 2 weeks after transplantation, and 8 (15%) died. Antifungal treatment had no impact on candiduria clearance (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3‐1.1; P = .10), on recurrence rate (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.1‐2.3; P = .41) and on the risk of severe complications or death (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.3‐4.8; P = .89). Candiduria is rare and usually asymptomatic among KTR. Candiduria management in the immediate post‐transplant period deserves careful attention.
Environmental distribution of Cryptococcus species and some other yeast‐like fungi in India
Authors: Prakash Anupam , Randhawa Harbans S. , Khan Zia U. , Ahmad Suhail , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F. , Chowdhary Anuradha 
Published: December 2017

SummaryA study of environmental distribution revealed the occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii in 9% and 3%, respectively, of 611 samples investigated. C. neoformans showed the highest isolation frequency from tree trunk hollows in Delhi (31%), whereas C. gattii occurred in 12% of the samples in Delhi and 5% in Rajasthan. In addition, Cryptococcus laurentii (=Papiliotrema laurentii), C. rajasthanensis (=Papiliotrema rajasthanensis), C. podzolicus (=Saitozyma podzolica) and C. flavescens (=Papiliotrema flavescens) occurred in 0.5% each. The recovery of C. flavescens and C. podzolicus was new findings for India. One more noteworthy finding was isolation of a new yeast, recently classified as Saitozyma cassiae sp. Novo. The previous strain of this yeast came from tree bark debris in South India. Our isolates came from decayed wood inside a trunk hollow of an Acacia tree in, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan. The isolations of novel strains of Cutaneotrichosporon moniliiforme from decayed wood of a Pinus tree was another significant finding. Phenotypically, they differed from T. moniliforme by being encapsulated cells, had melanin‐like pigment production and were unable to assimilate d‐manitol and d‐melezitose. AFLP analysis showed a distinctive banding profile vis‐a‐vis the reference strains of T. moniliiforme and Cryptotrichosporon anacardii.