bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epibiotic community on the acorn barnacle (Balanus amphitrite) from a monsoon‐influenced tropical estuary
Authors: Sahoo Gobardhan , Khandeparker Lidita 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe epibiotic communities (diatoms and metazoans) on the outer surfaces of the shell of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite (BSh) and its opercular valves (the scutum and tergum; BST) were investigated on a monthly basis for 1 year in a tropical monsoon‐influenced estuary and compared with that of the surrounding rock biofilm. BSh and BST were rich in the diatoms Achnanthes longipes and Melosira nummuloides and amongst the invertebrates, nematodes and tardigrades were abundant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of epibiosis on the acorn barnacle. Diatom abundance was at its maximum during the monsoon season on all the inter‐tidal substrata i.e. BSh, BST and rock. A significant correlation was found between the density of diatoms and invertebrates associated with the BSh and BST, possibly because of the trophic relationship between them or the suitability of the physical environment. The possible role of these epibionts on the settlement of this barnacle species is currently unknown and needs further investigation.
The coral communities of the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico: structure and biogeographic relevance to the Eastern Pacific
Authors: López‐Pérez Andrés , Cupul‐Magaña Amilcar , Ahumada‐Sempoal Miguel Angel , Medina‐Rosas Pedro , Reyes‐Bonilla Héctor , Herrero‐Pérezrul María Dinorah , Reyes‐Hernández Cristóbal , Lara‐Hernández Julio 
Published: December 2015

AbstractVarious authors have suggested that the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico, may play a significant biogeographic role in the dispersal of Indo Pacific coral species into the Eastern Pacific; however, the coral communities of this archipelago have received scarce attention to date. Here, we first addressed coral community structure across the islands and, by employing ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments, used this information to evaluate the relevance of the archipelago for coral dispersal. Twenty‐four coral communities were recorded in the archipelago. Coral cover varied significantly among islands: Maria Cleofas had large values (38.5%), intermediate values were observed for Maria Madre (26.5%) and Maria Magdalena (22.84%), and relatively low values were recorded for San Juanito (18.5%). Coral communities mainly consisted of Pocillopora (57.3%) and Porites (25.5%) species, while species of Pavona (16%) and Psammocora (0.6%) made relatively minor contributions. Thirteen stony coral species were identified in the archipelago; of these Psammocora profundacella and Pavona duerdeni represent new records. Ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments suggested similar connecting paths in the studied area; in general, the Islas Marias stands as a route for coral dispersal of Indo Pacific species into the Northeastern Pacific. In a regional context, the Islas Marias has three major biogeographic implications to coral dispersal: (i) the archipelago stands as a major stepping stone for the transport of species and individuals among the Revillagigedo archipelago, the Gulf of California and the tropical Mexican Pacific; (ii) the Islas Marias may play a seminal role in maintaining the genetic connectivity between southern and northern coral populations along the Mexican Pacific and (iii) because of its relatively pristine status and low levels of human impact, the archipelago may potentially serve as a source of coral propagules for ecosystem recovery in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of the Mexican mainland following natural and/or human induced perturbations.
Associations of maternal and fetal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels with childhood eczema: The Generation R Study
Authors: Gazibara Tatjana , Elbert Niels J. , den Dekker Herman T. , de Jongste Johan C. , Reiss Irwin , McGrath John J. , Eyles Darryl W. , Burne Thomas H. , Tiemeier Henning , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A. , Duijts Liesbeth 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundExposure to low levels of vitamin D in fetal life might affect the developing immune system, and subsequently the risk of childhood eczema. We examined whether 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in mid‐gestation and at birth were associated with the risk of eczema until the age of 4 years.MethodsIn a population‐based prospective cohort study of 3019 mothers and their children, maternal blood samples in mid‐gestation and umbilical cord blood samples at birth were used to determine 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels (severely deficient <25.0 nmol/l, deficient 25.0–49.9 nmol/l, sufficient 50.0–74.9 nmol/l, optimal ≥75.0 nmol/l). Eczema was prospectively assessed by annual questionnaires until the age of 4 years. Eczema patterns included never, early (age ≤1 year only), late (age >1 year only), and persistent eczema (age ≤ and >1 year). Data were assessed using the generalized estimating equations and multinomial regression models.ResultsCompared with the optimal 25‐hydroxyvitamin D group, sufficient, deficient, and severely deficient groups of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level in mid‐gestation were not associated with the risk of overall eczema (odds ratios [95% confidence interval]: 1.09 [0.82, 1.43], 1.04 [0.87, 1.25], and 0.94 [0.81, 1.10], p‐values for trend >0.05), nor with eczema per year or eczema patterns in children up to the age of 4 years. Similarly, we observed no associations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D groups at birth with any eczema outcome.ConclusionOur results suggest that levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in mid‐gestation and at birth are not associated with the risk of overall eczema, eczema per year, or eczema patterns among children until the age of 4 years.
A Dilemma for Non‐Analytic Naturalism
Authors: Forcehimes Andrew T. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn recent years, an impressive research program has developed around non‐analytic reductions of the normative. Nevertheless, non‐analytic naturalists face a damning dilemma: either they need to give the same reductive analysis for epistemic and practical reasons, or they can give a different analyses by treating epistemic and practical reasons as a species of the larger genus, reasonhood. Since, for example, a desire‐based account of epistemic reasons is implausible, the reductionist must opt for the latter. Yet, if the desire‐based account of practical reasons is merely a species of the larger genus, then, due to a violation of irreflexivity, the reduction fails.
The intermediate host immune response in cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Tamarozzi F. , Mariconti M. , Neumayr A. , Brunetti E. 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic, complex and neglected zoonotic infection. In most cases, CE cysts and the intermediate host co‐habit for a long time in the absence of symptoms and elicit very little inflammation. However, the immune interplay between the parasite and the host is complex, encompassing effective parasite‐killing immune mechanisms implemented by the host, which in turn are modulated by the parasite. The immune response to the parasite has been exploited for the diagnosis of the disease and for the development of an effective vaccine to use in the natural intermediate host, but the mechanisms of parasite killing and immunomodulation are still unknown. Here, we reviewed the immune effector mechanisms and the strategies of immune evasion in the intermediate host.
Exogenous Estradiol Benzoate Induces Spermatogenesis Disorder through Influencing Apoptosis and Oestrogen Receptor Signalling Pathway
Authors: Lei X , Cui K , Liu Q , Zhang H , Li Z , Huang B , Shi D 
Published: December 2015

ContentsAs the exact role for exogenous oestrogen in spermatogenesis is not fully understood, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of estradiol benzoate (EB) exposure to male mice on their spermatogenesis and fertility. Sixty male mice aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, including a control group and two treatment groups. The mice of the control group were injected with 250 μl paraffin oil only by every other day subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks. Meantime, the mice of the treatment groups were injected with EB at the concentration of 5 or 10 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that EB slowed down the body weight gains and generated testicular atrophy with spermatogenesis disorder compared with that of the control mice, and consequently induced their infertility. Moreover, the number of TUNEL‐positive cells in the testis of EB‐treated mice was significantly increased with the EB concentration rise. In comparison with controls, the mRNA expression level of pro‐apoptosis factors (Fas, TNF, Cytochrome C, Apaf1, Chop, Caspase‐3, Caspase‐8, Caspase‐9 and Caspase‐12) and key genes in oestrogen receptor (ER) signalling pathway (ER α, ER β, Erk1/2, Hsp90 and DAX‐1) were upregulated in the testes of the treatment groups. Furthermore, Western blotting results proved the protein expression level of Fas, TNF, Cytochrome C, Chop, Caspase‐3, cleaved Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, Erk1/2 and Hsp90 were upregulated, and the phosphorylation level of Erk1/2 was also increased. These results indicate that EB may impair spermatogenesis through influencing the apoptosis and ER signalling pathway.
Invasive diagnostic techniques in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias
Authors: Poletti Venerino , Ravaglia Claudia , Gurioli Carlo , Piciucchi Sara , Dubini Alessandra , Cavazza Alberto , Chilosi Marco , Rossi Andrea , Tomassetti Sara 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFibrosing interstitial lung diseases (f‐ILDs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders in which the aetiology may be identified or, not infrequently, remain unknown. Establishing a correct diagnosis of a distinct f‐ILD requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical profile, physiological and laboratory data, radiological appearance and, when appropriate, histological findings. Surgical lung biopsy is still considered the most important diagnostic tool as it is able to provide lung samples large enough for identification of complex patterns such as usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis. However, this procedure is accompanied by significant morbidity and mortality. Bronchoalveolar lavage is still a popular diagnostic tool allowing identification of alternative diagnoses in patients with suspected idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) when an increase in lymphocytes is detected. Conventional transbronchial lung biopsy has a very low sensitivity in detecting the UIP pattern and its role in this clinical‐radiological context is marginal. The introduction of less invasive methods such as transbronchial cryobiopsy show great promise to clinical practice as they can be used to obtain samples large enough to morphologically support a diagnosis of IPF or other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, along with fewer complications. Recent advances in the field suggest that less invasive methods of lung sampling, without significant side effects, in combination with other diagnostic methods could replace the need for surgical lung biopsy in the future. Indeed, these new multidisciplinary procedures may become the main diagnostic work‐up method for patients with suspected idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.
J-Divergence Measurements of Economic Inequality
Authors: Rohde Nicholas 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe paper uses a symmetric entropy statistic to study income inequality. The index quantifies the information content of a two-way message that transforms the empirical income distribution into an egalitarian reference distribution, and then back to the original. This allows the measure to be interpreted as an average of n income-to-mean divergences such that the inequality estimate can be broken down into contributions across population subgroups. Various properties of the index are analysed and an application comparing the USA, Germany and Britain is provided. We focus on the sensitivity of inequality to the tails of the income distribution and show that the extreme right-hand tail accounts for a large and generally increasing proportion of total inequality. This result holds even if incomes are measured at the household level, averaged over a 5-year period and taken after government taxes and transfers.
The use of portable ultrasound devices in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Becker Dawn M. , Tafoya Chelsea A. , Becker Sören L. , Kruger Grant H. , Tafoya Matthew J. , Becker Torben K. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo review the scientific literature pertaining to the use of hand‐carried and hand‐held ultrasound devices in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), with a focus on clinical applications, geographical areas of use, the impact on patient management and technical features of the devices used.MethodsThe electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar were searched. No language or date restrictions were applied. Case reports and original research describing the use of hand‐carried ultrasound devices in LMIC were included if agreed upon as relevant by two‐reviewer consensus based on our predefined research questions.ResultsA total of 644 articles were found and screened, and 36 manuscripts were included for final review. Twenty‐seven studies were original research articles, and nine were case reports. Several reports describe the successful diagnosis and management of difficult, often life‐threatening conditions, using hand‐carried and hand‐held ultrasound. These portable ultrasound devices have also been studied for cardiac screening exams, as well as a rapid triage tool in rural areas and after natural disaster. Most applications focus on obstetrical and abdominal complaints. Portable ultrasound may have an impact on clinical management in up to 70% of all cases. However, no randomised controlled trials have evaluated the impact of ultrasound‐guided diagnosis and treatment in resource‐constrained settings. The exclusion of articles published in journals not listed in the large databases may have biased our results. Our findings are limited by the lack of higher quality evidence (e.g. controlled trials).ConclusionsHand‐carried and hand‐held ultrasound is successfully being used to triage, diagnose and treat patients with a variety of complaints in LMIC. However, the quality of the current evidence is low. There is an urgent need to perform larger clinical trials assessing the impact of hand‐carried ultrasound in LMIC.
Outcome of phacoemulsification following corneal and lens laceration in cats and dogs (2000–2010)
Authors: Braus Barbara K. , Tichy Alexander , Featherstone Heidi J. , Renwick Peter W. , Rhodes Michael , Heinrich Christine L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the success rate of phacoemulsification following corneal and lens laceration in dogs and cats.ProcedureRetrospective review of cats and dogs presenting with corneal and lens laceration and treated with phacoemulsification.ResultsThe records of 33 patients (33 eyes: six feline, 27 canine) presenting to a private referral center were reviewed. Affected dogs were younger (median 18 months) than affected cats (median 30 months). The lacerations were caused by cat scratch trauma (9/33), thorn injury (6/33), and glass shards (1/33); the cause was unknown in 17/33 cases. All cats and 85.2% of all dogs were visual at the last examination. The median follow‐up was 4 and 8 months for cats and dogs, respectively. In all canine cases that developed vision loss, this occurred within the first 14 weeks postoperatively. The ultimate cause for vision loss in dogs was secondary glaucoma (4/4) and retinal detachment (1/4).ConclusionCats have an excellent outcome and dogs a very good outcome following surgery for corneal and lens laceration. The cause of the trauma, the size of the lesion, the time interval between the ocular trauma and surgery, and the type of surgery were not found to have an influence on the outcome of patients in this study. We postulate that vision loss might develop more often in cases with complications associated with the initial corneal laceration wound.
Keloid‐derived, plasma/fibrin‐based skin equivalents generate de novo dermal and epidermal pathology of keloid fibrosis in a mouse model
Authors: Lee Yun‐Shain , Hsu Tim , Chiu Wei‐Chih , Sarkozy Heidi , Kulber David A. , Choi Aaron , Kim Elliot W. , Benya Paul D. , Tuan Tai‐Lan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractKeloids are wounding‐induced tumor‐like human scars. Unclear etiology and lack of animal models to reveal disease mechanisms and invent therapies deepen the grievous health and psychosocial state of vulnerable individuals. Epitomizing the injury–repair environment which triggers and fosters keloid formation and essential dermal/epidermal interactions in disease development, the novel animal model was established by implanting porous polyethylene ring‐supported plasma/fibrin‐based epidermal–dermal skin constructs on the dorsum of athymic NU/J mice. The implants were stable to 18 weeks, contained abundant human cells, and remodeled to yield scar architecture characteristic of keloid fibrosis compared with normal implants and clinical specimens: (1) macroscopic convex or nodular scar morphology; (2) morphogenesis and accumulation of large collagen bundles from collagen‐null initial constructs; (3) epidermal hyperplasia, aberrant epidermal–dermal patency, and features of EMT; (4) increased vasculature, macrophage influx, and aggregation; and (5) temporal‐spatial increased collagen‐inducing PAI‐1 and its interactive partner uPAR expression. Development of such pathology in the NU/J host suggests that T‐cell participation is less important at this stage than at keloid initiation. These accessible implants also healed secondary excisional wounds, enabling clinically relevant contemporaneous wounding and treatment strategies, and evaluation. The model provides a robust platform for studying keloid formation and testing knowledge‐based therapies.
One Health in Practice: A Pilot Project for Integrated Care of Zoonotic Infections in Immunocompromised Children and Their Pets in Chile
Authors: Peña A. , Abarca K. , Weitzel T. , Gallegos J. , Cerda J. , García P. , López J. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAlthough pets provide physiological and psychological benefits to their owners, they are a potential source of zoonotic infections, especially for vulnerable individuals such as immunocompromised patients. During 1 year, we therefore performed a pilot project, which included 32 immunocompromised Chilean children and their family pets (35 dogs and 9 cats) with the aim of detecting, treating and preventing zoonotic infections. Children were examined by Infectious Diseases paediatricians and demographical and clinical information related to zoonotic infections were recorded. Pets were examined and sampled by veterinarians, who also administered missing routine vaccines and anti‐parasitics. During family visits, all members were informed and educated about zoonoses and a satisfaction survey was performed. Visits also included vector control and indoor residual spraying with pyrethroids. Children were re‐examined and re‐tested according to the findings of their pets, and all detected zoonotic infections were treated both in children and pets. Physical examination revealed abnormalities in 18 dogs (51.4%) and three cats (33.3%). Twenty‐eight (63.6%) of the pets were diagnosed with a zoonotic pathogen, and seven (15.9%) with a facultative pathogen. Most zoonotic agents were isolated from the pet's external ear and intestine. Bacteria with the highest pathogenic potential were Campylobacter jejuni and Brucella canis. In two children and their respective pets, the same zoonotic diseases were diagnosed (toxocariasis and giardiasis). Arthropods serving as potential vectors of zoonotic infections were found in 49% of dogs and 44% of cats. The pilot project was positively evaluated by the participating families. Our pilot project confirmed that pets are reservoir for various zoonotic agents in Chile and that the implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary programme was a valuable tool to prevent, diagnose and treat such zoonotic infections in vulnerable patients such as immunocompromised children.
Molecular Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis in Humans and Cattle
Authors: El‐Sayed A. , El‐Shannat S. , Kamel M. , Castañeda‐Vazquez M. A. , Castañeda‐Vazquez H. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), is a serious re‐emerging disease in both animals and humans. The evolution of the Multi‐ and Extensively drug‐resistant M. bovis strains (MDR‐TB and XDR‐TB) represents a global threat to public health. Worldwide, the disease is responsible for great economic losses in the veterinary field, serious threat to the ecosystem, and about 3.1% of human TB cases, up to 16% in Tanzania. Only thorough investigation to understand the pathogen's epidemiology can help in controlling the disease and minimizing its threat. For this purpose, various tools have been developed for use in advanced molecular epidemiological studies of bTB, either alone or in combination with standard conventional epidemiological approaches. These techniques enable the analysis of the intra‐ and inter‐species transmission dynamics of bTB. The delivered data can reveal detailed insights into the source of infection, correlations among human and bovine isolates, strain diversity and evolution, spread, geographical localization, host preference, tracing of certain virulence factors such as antibiotic resistance genes, and finally the risk factors for the maintenance and spread of M. bovis. They also allow for the determination of epidemic and endemic strains. This, in turn, has a significant diagnostic impact and helps in vaccine development for bTB eradication programs. The present review discusses many topics including the aetiology, epidemiology and importance of M. bovis, the prevalence of bTB in humans and animals in various countries, the molecular epidemiology of M. bovis, and finally applied molecular epidemiological techniques.
More sound of church bells: Authors' correction
Authors: Vogt Patrik , Kasper Lutz , Burde Jan-Philipp 
Published: December 2015

In the recently published article “The Sound of Church Bells: Tracking Down the Secret of a Traditional Arts and Crafts Trade,” the bell frequencies have been erroneously oversimplified. The problem affects Eqs. (2) and (3), which were derived from the elementary “coffee mug model” and in which we used the speed of sound in air. However, this does not make sense from a physical point of view, since air only acts as a sound carrier, not as a sound source in the case of bells. Due to the excellent fit of the theoretical model with the empirical data, we unfortunately failed to notice this error before publication. However, all other equations, e.g., the introduction of the correction factor in Eq. (4) and the estimation of the mass in Eqs. (5) and (6) are not affected by this error, since they represent empirical models. However, it is unfortunate to introduce the speed of sound in air as a constant in Eqs. (4) and (6). Instead, we suggest the following simple rule of thumb for relating the radius of a church bell R to its humming frequency fhum: R≈100 ms−1fhum.(1)