bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An experimental test of the physiological consequences of avian malaria infection
Authors: Schoenle Laura A. , Kernbach Meredith , Haussmann Mark F. , Bonier Frances , Moore Ignacio T. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Chronic, low‐intensity parasite infections can reduce host fitness through negative impacts on reproduction and survival, even if they produce few overt symptoms. As a result, these parasites can influence the evolution of host morphology, behaviour and physiology. The physiological consequences of chronic infection can provide insight into the processes underlying parasite‐driven natural selection.

Here, we evaluate the physiological consequences of natural, low‐intensity infection in an avian host–parasite system: adult male red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) infected with haemosporidian parasites. Chronic haemosporidian infection has previously been shown to reduce both reproductive success and survival in several avian species.

We used antimalarial medications to experimentally reduce haemosporidian parasitaemia (the proportion of blood cells infected with haemosporidian parasites) and measured the effect of treatment on body condition, haematology, immune function, physiological stress and oxidative state.

Treatment with an antimalarial medication reduced parasitaemia for the most prevalent haemosporidian parasites from the genus Plasmodium. Treatment also increased haemoglobin and haematocrit, and decreased red blood cell production rates. We detected no effect of treatment on body condition, immune metrics, plasma corticosterone concentrations, total antioxidant capacity or reactive oxygen metabolites.

Our results suggest that the damage and replacement of red blood cells during infection could be important costs of chronic haemosporidian infection. Strong links between parasitaemia and the physiological consequences of infection indicate that even for relatively low‐intensity infections, measuring parasitaemia rather than only presence/absence could be important when evaluating the role of infection in influencing hosts’ behaviour, physiology or fitness.
An Improved Version of a Tool Mark Comparison Algorithm
Authors: Hadler Jeremy R. , Morris Max D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChumbley et al. (2010) described a statistically based algorithm for comparing pairs of tool marks. They presented empirical evidence that the algorithm produces well‐separated similarity score values for “matching” and “non‐matching” pairs of tool marks. However, the algorithm has two substantial weaknesses. First, it is “uncalibrated” in the sense that error rates can be determined only through empirical investigation. Second, it relies on a randomized test and can lead to different similarity scores when the algorithm is repeatedly applied to the same pair of tool marks. We present an improved version of the procedure, which eliminates the randomized scores and yields more consistent and predictable error rate control. This is accomplished by replacement of a random sampling step from the original algorithm with a deterministic process. We demonstrate the improved algorithm and compare its performance to the original by applying to known “matching” and “non‐matching” pairs of tool marks.
Bartonellosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: An Unrecognized and Unsuspected Diagnosis
Authors: Shamekhi Amiri Fateme 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSystemic cat scratch disease or bartonellosis is a clinical entity caused by Bartonella henselae, which manifests with necrotizing granulomas in visceral organs. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, is the vector responsible for horizontal transmission of the disease from cat to cat, and its bite can also infect humans. In immunocompromised patients including chronic kidney disease and renal transplant recipients, it can cause persistent and disseminated cat scratch disease. The aim of this paper is to perform a systematic review of the studies that have addressed the diagnostic methods of cat scratch disease in chronic kidney disease and renal transplant recipients. This review was searched via electronic PubMed and Google scholar databases. Few qualitative full‐text original articles in chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant were extracted. At this paper, 19 articles identified including six articles in chronic kidney disease and 13 articles in renal transplant recipients. Of these six identified case reports in chronic kidney disease, serology via immunofluorescence antibody test was led to diagnosis of cat scratch disease in five patients and a one patient showed nonreactive serologic test. Polymerase chain reaction usage to detect deoxyribonucleic acid in tissue biopsy and bone marrow biopsy was led to diagnosis. Cat scratch disease diagnosis in 13 renal transplant recipients was attained more by combining serology and polymerase chain reaction to detect deoxyribonucleic acid in tissue specimens. These selected studies demonstrate that serology and polymerase chain reaction via deoxyribonucleic acid extraction of tissue specimens yield the best outcome in diagnostic field of bartonellosis.
Halloysite Nanocapsules Containing Thyme Essential Oil: Preparation, Characterization, and Application in Packaging Materials
Authors: Jang Si‐hoon , Jang So‐ri , Lee Gyeong‐min , Ryu Jee‐hoon , Park Su‐il , Park No‐hyung 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHalloysite nanotubes (HNTs), which are natural nanomaterials, have a hollow tubular structure with about 15 nm inner and 50 nm outer diameters. Because of their tubular shape, HNTs loaded with various materials have been investigated as functional nanocapsules. In this study, thyme essential oil (TO) was encapsulated successfully in HNTs using vacuum pulling methods, followed by end‐capping or a layer‐by‐layer surface coating process for complete encapsulation. Nanocapsules loaded with TO were mixed with flexographic ink and coated on a paper for applications as food packaging materials. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of the nanocapsules and to confirm the TO loading of the nanocapsules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses analysis were used to complement the structural information. In addition, the controlled release of TO from the nanocapsules showed sustained release properties over a period of many days. The results reveal that the release properties of TO in these nanocapsules could be controlled by surface modifications such as end‐capping and/or surface coating of bare nanocapsules. The packaging paper with TO‐loaded HNT capsules was effective in eliminating against Escherichia coli during the first 5 d and showed strong antibacterial activity for about 10 d.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Persimmon Byproducts and Incorporation in Biodegradable Sodium Alginate Thin Film
Authors: Ramachandraiah Karna , Gnoc Nguyen Trong Bao , Chin Koo Bok 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFruit industrial wastes such as persimmon seed, peel, and calyx were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antioxidant activities were compared with byproduct powders having different granularities. The AgNPs were incorporated in sodium alginate thin films and transparency and mechanical properties of the films was analyzed. Persimmon byproduct AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The byproduct AgNPs displayed higher antioxidant activities than powders of different granularities (P < 0.05). Fabrication of alginate thin films incorporating byproduct AgNPs resulted in improved transparency (P < 0.05). The incorporation of persimmon byproduct AgNPs with excellent antioxidant activities into sodium alginate thin films did not diminish the mechanical properties of the thin films. Therefore, fruit industrial waste such as persimmon byproducts could be used to derive AgNPs and could be incorporated into biodegradable alginate thin films, with numerous applications including food packaging.Practical ApplicationFruit industrial wastes such as persimmon seed, peel, and calyx were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which were incorporated in sodium alginate thin films. This study evaluated the antioxidant activities and mechanical properties of the films that could be useful in the manufacture of food packaging using biodegradable films.
Favorable effects of hydroxychloroquine on serum low density lipid in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Babary Hamayon , Liu Xibei , Ayatollahi Yosef , Chen Xin P. , Doo Loomee , Uppaluru Lakshmi K. , Kwak Myoung K. , Kulaga Catherine , Modjinou Dodji , Olech Ewa , Yoo Ji W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimsHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has shown to have significant immunomodulatory effects in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Current studies show favorable effects of HCQ on traditional cardiac risk factors in patients with SLE. This review examined the effects of HCQ on serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) level in patients with SLE.MethodsA systematic search of seven major literature search databases from their inception until 3 April, 2017 identified nine studies. Random‐effects pooled mean difference with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Heterogeneity was measured by I2. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots. Sensitivity analysis examined whether HCQ effect on serum total cholesterol level was similar to the main analysis. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assess the overall quality of evidence.ResultsPooled study participants were 559 patients from eight observation studies (two before‐after studies; six case‐control studies) examining the effects of HCQ on serum LDL. Pooled study participants' characteristics were as follows: mean age 45.719, female 95.262%, and prednisone use 58.366%. HCQ reduced mean LDL levels by 24.397 mg/dL (95% CI 8.921–39.872; P = 0.002). The number of studies identifying statin use was too few to perform meta‐regression analysis of statin use. Heterogeneity was extensive (I2 = 94.739%). Symmetrical funnel plot visualized no evidence of publication bias.ConclusionHCQ was associated with serum LDL level reduction by mean 24.397 mg/dL in patients with SLE. Future prospective studies are need to fully characterize the treatment effect.
Estrogenic regulation of skeletal muscle proteome: a study of premenopausal women and postmenopausal MZ cotwins discordant for hormonal therapy
Authors: Laakkonen Eija K. , Soliymani Rabah , Karvinen Sira , Kaprio Jaakko , Kujala Urho M. , Baumann Marc , Sipilä Sarianna , Kovanen Vuokko , Lalowski Maciej 
Published: September 2017

SummaryFemale middle age is characterized by a decline in skeletal muscle mass and performance, predisposing women to sarcopenia, functional limitations, and metabolic dysfunction as they age. Menopausal loss of ovarian function leading to low circulating level of 17β‐estradiol has been suggested as a contributing factor to aging‐related muscle deterioration. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown and thus far androgens have been considered as a major anabolic hormone for skeletal muscle. We utilized muscle samples from 24 pre‐ and postmenopausal women to establish proteome‐wide profiles, associated with the difference in age (30–34 years old vs. 54–62 years old), menopausal status (premenopausal vs. postmenopausal), and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT; user vs. nonuser). None of the premenopausal women used hormonal medication while the postmenopausal women were monozygotic (MZ) cotwin pairs of whom the other sister was current HRT user or the other had never used HRT. Label‐free proteomic analyses resulted in the quantification of 797 muscle proteins of which 145 proteins were for the first time associated with female aging using proteomics. Furthermore, we identified 17β‐estradiol as a potential upstream regulator of the observed differences in muscle energy pathways. These findings pinpoint the underlying molecular mechanisms of the metabolic dysfunction accruing upon menopause, thus having implications for understanding the complex functional interactions between female reproductive hormones and health.
Asymmetrical size and functionality of the pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) testes: Right testis is bigger but left testis is more efficient in spermatogenesis
Authors: Ungerfeld R. , Villagrán M. , Lacuesta L. , Vazquez N. , Pérez W. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryInformation about gonadal asymmetries in ruminants is very scarce. In this work, we performed three complementary studies to compare characteristics of both testes: (i) weight and size of offspring and adult dead males; (ii) the tissue:fluid relationship determined by ultrasound scanning; and (iii) the spermatogenic status using fine needle aspiration cytology. The right testis was heavier than the left one in both offspring and adult animals and had greater width and volume in adult males than the left one. The ultrasound pixel intensity was similar in both testes. The right testis tended to have more spermatogonia (p = .06) and had a greater percentage of early spermatids (p = .004) than the left testis. On the other hand, the left testis had a greater percentage of spermatozoa (p = .05). The left testis had a greater spermatozoa/spermatogonia ratio (p = .02) and tended to have more spermatozoa/Sertoli cells ratio (p = .07). The spermatogenic index tended to be greater in the left than in the right testis (p = .06). Overall, we concluded that the right testis of pampas deer males is bigger but according to the cytology, it seems to be less spermatogenically effective than the left one, but these differences are not explained by different tissue:fluid ratio in each testis. Although differences were greater in adults than in offspring, asymmetry was observed even in just born offspring.
Circulatory Flow Restoration Versus Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: New Therapeutic Approach in Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Nour Sayed , Carbognani Daniel , Chachques Juan Carlos 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a major problem for health authorities worldwide. Insufficiencies of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are most probably related to an inappropriate concept and applied methods that still concentrate on heartbeat as priority, instead of blood circulation to maintain organs' perfusions. The aim of this works is to propose a new therapeutic approach for SCA in a more effective and secure manner compared with current CPR methods. It correlates to a non‐invasive circulatory flow restoration (CFR) device composed of a multilayered thoracic and infradiaphragmatic compartments that will be pulsated alternatively and in fixed frequencies using a low‐pressure pneumatic generator. Proof‐of‐concept studies with different prototypes and methods of SCA, showed restoration of hemodynamics (BP ≥ 100 mm Hg) and increased urine output after 20 min of cardiac arrest in pediatric dogs and piglets. In summary, a CFR device can induce shear stress‐mediated endothelial function to restore microcirculation and cellular metabolism. This represents a cost‐effective method, predisposes to return of spontaneous circulation in case of SCA, adaptable for all age groups, in public and hospital environments.
Significance of measurement of serum trough level and anti‐drug antibody of adalimumab as personalised pharmacokinetics in patients with Crohn's disease: a subanalysis of the DIAMOND trial
Authors: Nakase H. , Motoya S. , Matsumoto T. , Watanabe K. , Hisamatsu T. , Yoshimura N. , Ishida T. , Kato S. , Nakagawa T. , Esaki M. , Nagahori M. , Matsui T. , Naito Y. , Kanai T. , Suzuki Y. , Nojima M. , Watanabe M. , Hibi T. ,   DIAMOND study group
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundSignificance of monitoring adalimumab trough levels and anti‐adalimumab antibodies (AAA) for disease outcome in Crohn's disease (CD) patients remained unclear.AimTo evaluate the association of adalimumab trough levels and AAA at week 26 with clinical remission at week 52, the effect of azathiopurine on AAA and factors influencing trough levels in CD patients in the DIAMOND trial.MethodsWe performed this study using adalimumab trough levels, AAA at week 26 and 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (TGN) in red blood cells at week 12. A multiple regression model and receiver operating analysis was performed to identify factors influencing adalimumab trough levels and AAA, and adalimumab thresholds for predicting disease activity.ResultsThere was a significant difference of adalimumab trough level at week 26 between patients with disease remission and without at week 52 (7.7 ± 3.3 μg/mL vs 5.4 ± 4.3 μg/mL: P <.001). Adalimumab trough level of 5.0 μg/mL yielded optimal sensitivity and specificity for remission prediction (80.2% and 55.6%, respectively). AAA development at week 26 significantly affected remission at week 52 (P = .021), which was strongly associated with adalimumab trough levels. Female gender and increasing body weight were independently associated with low adalimumab trough levels, and female gender was associated with AAA development. A cut‐off 6TGN level of >222.5 p mol/8 ×108 RBCs yielded sensitivity (100%) and specificity (60.6%) for AAA negativity.ConclusionAdalimumab trough levels and AAA occurrence were significantly associated with clinical remission. Higher 6TGN affected AAA negativity. The combination therapy is beneficial in some relevant aspects for CD patients. (UMIN Registration No. 000005146)
Migration management and mobility pathways for Filipino migrants to New Zealand
Authors: Friesen Wardlow 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThere has been an increasing focus on migration management by academics and policy makers, especially in relation to temporary and transitional forms of mobility. This paper considers the acceleration of Filipino migration to New Zealand in recent years, partly driven by changing policies allowing migrants to transition from student and work visas to permanent residence. It outlines the history of Filipino migration to New Zealand, the roles of the Philippines and New Zealand governments and intermediaries in migration management and the nature of student, temporary work and permanent residence migration. The transitional pathways used by Filipino migrants are analysed in relation to the influence of skills and educational characteristics in creating opportunities for some and vulnerability for others.
Benefits and risks for Melanesian households from commercialising Canarium indicum
Authors: Carter J. , Smith E.F. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis research note discusses the benefits and risks for Melanesian households arising from attempts to increasingly commercialise Canarium indicum, an edible tree nut indigenous to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Qualitative data were generated during workshops and interviews with Canarium industry stakeholders about the impacts associated with a series of interventions designed to encourage further commercialisation of Canarium. The findings are organised according to three dimensions that elucidate the social implications of industry development for local communities: (i) income and growth; (ii) equity; and (iii) voice and choice. Broader distribution of benefits within and between countries, as well as among supply chain actors, requires a stronger policy response at regional (Melanesia) and national scales, equitable gender representation to avoid reinforcing existing inequalities, and delegation of decision‐making power to the appropriate level to facilitate effective community participation and their links with other stakeholders. Thus, it remains to be seen whether Canarium‐related benefits arising from its commercialisation can be sufficiently reliable compared with either other sources of income (e.g. existing employment opportunities for those located near urban areas) or utilising the resource for subsistence purposes.
Dietary cation and anion difference: Effects on milk production and body fluid distribution in lactating dairy goats under tropical conditions
Authors: Nguyen Thiet , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Chanpongsang Somchai , Thammacharoen Sumpun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the effect of dietary cation and anion difference (DCAD) on milk production and body fluid distribution in lactating dairy goats. Ten dairy goats were selected and divided into two groups, five animals each. Animals received either control DCAD (control, 22.81 mEq/100 g dry matter (DM)) or high DCAD (DCAD, 39.08 mEq/100 g DM). The results indicated that rectal temperature (Tr), respiration rate, milk yield and compositions did not differ between groups. But the percentage change of Tr from the DCAD group was lower than the control group between 09.00 and 13.00 hours. DM intake tended to increase in the DCAD group. Dairy goats in the DCAD group drank more water, but urinary excretion and plasma antidiuretic hormone concentration remained unchanged. Apparent water balance was higher from the DCAD group over 24 h. There was no effect of DCAD on plasma and blood volumes, but tended to increase in extracellular fluid and thereby increased total body water. The present results indicate that animals supplemented with high DCAD increase their total body water and apparent water balance. These results have contributed to the process of adaptation for evaporative cooling and would be useful in slowing down the elevation in Tr.
The relationship between motor skills and psychosocial factors in young children: A test of the elaborated environmental stress hypothesis
Authors: Mancini Vincent O. , Rigoli Daniela , Roberts Lynne D. , Heritage Brody , Piek Jan P. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundThe elaborated environmental stress hypothesis (EESH) provides a framework that describes how motor skills may indirectly cause internalizing problems through various mediating psychosocial factors. While there is evidence to support this framework, little is known about how the proposed relationships may vary across different stages of development.AimsThis study aimed to investigate whether peer problems and perceived self‐competence mediated the relationship between motor skills and internalizing problems in pre‐primary children, and at 18‐month follow up.SampleA community sample of 197 pre‐primary school children (M = 5.40 years, SD = 0.30 years; 102 males, 95 females) participated at Time 1, with 107 completing the Time 2 follow‐up.MethodsStandardized instruments were used to measure motor skills and verbal IQ. Perceived self‐competence was measured using a self‐report measure. Participant peer problems and internalizing problems were measured using teacher report. Age, gender, and verbal IQ were included as covariates.ResultsMediation analysis using PROCESS showed that the relationship between motor skills and internalizing problems was mediated by peer problems at Time 1. At Time 2, the relationship was mediated by peer problems and perceived physical competence.ConclusionsThe current results indicate the EESH may function differently across different periods of development. The transition from pre‐primary to Grade 1 represents a time of important cognitive and psychosocial development, which has implications for how the relationship between motor skills and internalizing problems can be understood. These findings highlight potential age‐appropriate targets for psychomotor interventions aiming to improve the emotional well‐being of young children.