bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ITS fungal barcoding primers versus 18S AMF‐specific primers reveal similar AMF‐based diversity patterns in roots and soils of three mountain vineyards
Authors: Berruti Andrea , Desirò Alessandro , Visentin Stefano , Zecca Odoardo , Bonfante Paola 
Published: August 2017

SummaryITS primers commonly used to describe soil fungi are flawed for AMF although it is unknown the extent to which they distort the interpretation of community patterns. Here, we focus on how the use of a specific ITS2 fungal barcoding primer pair biased for AMF changes the interpretation of AMF community patterns from three mountain vineyards compared to a novel AMF‐specific approach on the 18S. We found that although discrepancies were present in the taxonomic composition of the two resulting datasets, the estimation of diversity patterns among AMF communities was similar and resulted in both primer systems being able to correctly assess the community‐structuring effect of location, compartment (root vs. soil) and environment. Both methodologies made it possible to detect the same alpha‐diversity trend among the locations under study but not between root and soil transects. We show that the ITS2 primer system for fungal barcoding provides a good estimate of both AMF community structure and relation to environmental variables. However, this primer system does not fit in with cross‐compartment surveys (roots vs. soil) as it can underestimate AMF diversity in soil samples. When specifically focusing on AMF, the 18S primer system resulted in wide coverage and marginal non‐target amplification.
Mode of delivery for singleton extreme preterm breech fetuses: A 10 year retrospective review from a single tertiary obstetric centre
Authors: Hills Frances , Way Mandy , Sekar Renuka 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundPreterm breech delivery is associated with a higher perinatal mortality rate compared with preterm vertex delivery, and some studies suggest caesarean section leads to lower mortality rates. Few studies include infants delivered less than 26 weeks gestation, and where included, results are often not stratified by gestational age. There is also a lack of consistent reporting on neonatal and maternal morbidity outcome measures.AimsTo determine if mode of delivery for singleton extreme preterm breech fetuses is associated with a difference in perinatal mortality, neonatal and maternal morbidity.Materials and MethodsRetrospective cohort study of breech deliveries from 23 + 0 to 27 + 6 weeks gestation (extreme preterm) between 2005 and 2014 at a tertiary obstetric facility.ResultsOne hundred and fifty deliveries met the selection criteria. Perinatal mortality was reduced in the caesarean section group (20% vs 55.5% P < 0.001). Apgar scores ≥ 7 (P = 0.008) and cord pH ≥7.1 (P = 0.025) were more likely for neonates delivered by caesarean section, with lower rates of birth trauma (P = 0.003). Caesarean section was associated with higher nursery admission rates (P < 0.001), longer intensive care nursery admission (P = 0.006), continuous positive airway pressure times (P = 0.008) and increased use of surfactant (P < 0.001). Maternal morbidity was increased with caesarean section including longer hospital stay (P < 0.001), higher postpartum haemorrhage (P < 0.001) and wound infection rates (P = 0.034).ConclusionCaesarean section for singleton extreme preterm breech delivery is associated with reduced perinatal mortality, improved neonatal condition at delivery, and increased short‐term maternal morbidity.
C‐reactive protein concentrations can help to determine which febrile infants under three months should receive blood cultures during influenza seasons
Authors: Li Weiran , Luo Shuanghong , Zhu Yu , Wen Yang , Shu Min , Wan Chaomin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimWe explored whether C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations could indicate which infants with fever without source (FWS) should receive undergo blood culture tests during influenza seasons.MethodsThis retrospective study focused on patients under three months of age with FWS who had received blood culture tests at the West China Second University Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department during the influenza seasons from June 2013 to January 2015. The statistical analysis comprised specificity, sensitivity, multilevel likelihood ratios (LRs), receiver operating characteristic analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsWe enrolled 592 febrile patients and 7.1% had bacteraemia, with levels falling with increasing age. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimum threshold of CRP was 30.5 mg/L, and when the CRP level was higher than 30.5 mg/L, the positive LR of bacteraemia was 2.32. In patients aged 29–90 days, when the CRP level was higher than 5 mg/L, the negative LR of bacteraemia was 0.38. In the neonatal group, a CRP level of ≥30.5 mg/L had a positive LR of bacteraemia of 3.55.ConclusionWe found that CRP concentrations could indicate which febrile children under three months of age should undergo blood culture tests during influenza seasons.
Helicobacter pylori infection and serum level of pepsinogen are associated with the risk of metachronous gastric neoplasm after endoscopic resection
Authors: Kwon Y. , Jeon S. , Nam S. , Shin I. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatients who have undergone endoscopic resection of early gastric cancers (EGCs) are at risk for metachronous gastric neoplasm.AimTo determine whether serum level of pepsinogen (PG), a marker of gastric atrophy, can determine which patients who have undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection for EGC are at risk for metachronous gastric neoplasm. We also investigated the effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on metachronous gastric neoplasm incidence.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 590 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for EGC, from January 2008 to May 2013 at a tertiary centre in South Korea; serum levels of PG were measured at the time of endoscopic submucosal dissection and H. pylori infection status were recorded. In case of proven presence of current H. pylori infection, eradication treatment was provided. Patients underwent follow‐up endoscopies at 3 months, 9 months, and each year after the procedure to detect neoplasms and were tested for H. pylori infection; serum levels of PG were measured at these time points from 442 of the patients. The main and sub‐cohorts were assessed for baseline characteristics, H. pylori infection, serum level of PG, and metachronous gastric neoplasm lesions.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up period of 47.7 months, 64 patients developed metachronous gastric neoplasms. In multivariate analysis of the main cohort (n = 590), risk factors for metachronous gastric neoplasm included persistent H. pylori infection (hazard ratio [HR], 2.532; P = .022) and serum ratio of PGI:PGII of three or less at the time of endoscopic submucosal dissection (HR, 1.881; P = .018). Among patients with serum PG measurements, persistent H. pylori infection (odds ratio [OR], 4.404; P = .009) and persistent decrease in mean serum ratio of PGI:PGII to 3 or less were associated with increased risk of metachronous gastric neoplasm (OR, 2.141; P = .039).ConclusionsIn a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endoscopic resection of EGCs, eradication of H. pylori infection reduced risk for metachronous gastric neoplasm. Serum ratio of PGI:PGII of 3 or less also increase risk of metachronous gastric neoplasm after endoscopic submucosal dissection. ClinicalTrials.gov. registry number, NCT02682446.
Awakening, Efficacy, and Action: A Qualitative Inquiry of a Social Justice‐Infused, Science Education Program
Authors: Kozan Saliha , Blustein David L. , Barnett Michael , Wong Catherine , Connors‐Kellgren Alice , Haley James , Patchen Amie , Olle Chad , Diemer Matthew A. , Floyd Ava , Tan R. P. Benjamin , Wan Deborah 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article describes an innovative application of a social justice‐infused pedagogy to an out‐of‐school program for urban high school students. Using an interdisciplinary framework, the program featured a coherent synthesis of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, highlighting environmental and food justice perspectives; social justice education; and career and college planning. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze two separate interviews with six female and three male students of color ranging in age from 15 to 18 with an average age of 16.1 (SD=1.26) across an approximately 10‐month time span. Utilizing a model of critical consciousness development as our organizing framework, we explored the students’ understanding of environmental and food justice issues. Participants indicated that they were actively engaged in learning about food and environmental justice, exploring STEM careers, and investigating the various ways that social justice is manifested in their lives. Implications for social justice and STEM education interventions as well as broader public policies are discussed.
Butyrate protects against disruption of the blood‐milk barrier and moderates inflammatory responses in a model of mastitis induced by lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Wang Jing‐Jing , Wei Zheng‐Kai , Zhang Xu , Wang Ya‐Nan , Fu Yun‐he , Yang Zheng‐Tao 
Published: August 2017

Background and PurposeShort‐chain fatty acids are fermentation end products produced by gut bacteria, which have been shown to ameliorate inflammatory bowel diseases and allergic asthma. However, the mechanism involved remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of sodium butyrate (SB) on LPS‐induced mastitis model.Experimental ApproachEffects of increasing doses of SB on blood‐milk barrier function and inflammation are studied in BALB/c mice with LPS‐induced mastitis. The underlying mechanisms of anti‐inflammatory effects of SB were further investigated in LPS‐stimulated mouse mammary epithelial cells (mMECs).Key ResultsThe results show that SB decreased LPS‐induced disruption in mammary tissues, infiltration of inflammatory cells and the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β. SB up‐regulated the tight junction proteins occludin and claudin‐3 and reduced blood‐milk barrier permeability in LPS‐induced mastitis. Studies in vitro revealed that SB inhibited LPS‐induced inflammatory response by inhibition of the NF‐κB signalling pathway and histone deacetylases in LPS‐stimulated mMECs.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn our model, SB protected against LPS‐induced mastitis by preserving blood‐milk barrier function and depressing pro‐inflammatory responses, suggesting the potential use of SB as a prophylactic agent to protect blood‐milk barrier function in mastitis.
Pharmacological inhibition of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis‐related, gain of function mutants of TRPC6 channels by semi‐synthetic derivatives of larixol
Authors: Urban Nicole , Neuser Sonja , Hentschel Anika , Köhling Sebastian , Rademann Jörg , Schaefer Michael 
Published: August 2017

Background and PurposeGain of function mutations in TRPC6 channels can cause autosomal dominant forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Validated inhibitors of TRPC6 channels that are biologically active on FSGS‐related TRPC6 mutants are eagerly sought.Experimental ApproachWe synthesized new TRPC6‐inhibiting modulators from larixol, a resiniferous constituent of Larix decidua, and tested the potency and selectivity in cell lines stably expressing various TRPC channel isoforms. Channel activation was followed by Ca2+ influx analyses and electrophysiological recordings. The most promising compound larixyl carbamate (LC) was tested on native TRPC6 channels and TRPC6 constructs carrying FSGS‐related point mutations.Key ResultsLC exhibited an about 30‐fold preference for TRPC6 over TRPC3 channels and a fivefold preference for TRPC6 over TRPC7 channels. Six FSGS‐related TRPC6 mutants, including the highly active M132T and R175Q variants, were strongly inhibited by 1 μM LC. Surprisingly, no TRPC6‐related Ca2+ signals were detectable in primary murine podocytes, or in acutely isolated glomeruli. in these preparations. Quantitative PCR revealed a 20‐fold to 50‐fold lower abundance of TRPC6 transcripts in rat or mouse podocytes, compared with pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from the same species. Accordingly, electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that DAG‐induced currents in murine podocytes are very small, but sensitive to LC.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn spite of their low abundance in native podocytes, native TRPC6 channels are targetable using larixol‐derived TRPC6 inhibitors. As observed with wild‐type TRPC6 channels, FSGS‐related TRPC6 mutants were sensitive to the newly developed inhibitors, paving the way for experimental therapies.
Economic Targeting of Agricultural Beneficial Management Practices to Address Phosphorus Runoff in Manitoba
Authors: Kelly Kaitlin E. , Belcher Ken , Khakbazan Mohammad 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe mechanisms used to deliver agricultural beneficial management practices (BMPs) can influence the performance of these policies. Research has suggested that agri‐environmental instruments targeted based on specific economic or environmental characteristics can improve policy performance. Using a case study approach, we evaluate the relative performance of different mechanisms to target subsidized water retention pond BMPs to reduce phosphorus (P) runoff in an agriculture dominated subwatershed within the Lake Winnipeg watershed in southern Manitoba. The water retention pond BMPs were targeted based on estimated establishment costs (cost targeting), total phosphorus removal from surface water (benefit targeting), and pond‐specific benefit–cost ratios. The targeting was simulated using predictions of retention pond‐specific P removal from an adapted hydrology model and site‐specific pond construction and land opportunity costs assembled in a geographic information system database. Targeting of water retention pond BMPs has an impact on the cost effectiveness of the policy delivery with benefit–cost targeting being the most cost‐effective approach. Water retention ponds providing higher P removal at lower cost were smaller in size and on land previously used for the production of lower value crops.Le ciblage économique des pratiques de gestion bénéfiques en agriculture pour remédier au ruissellement du phosphore au ManitobaLes mécanismes utilisés pour livrer des pratiques de gestion bénéfiques (PGB) peuvent influencer la performance de ces politiques. Des études suggèrent que le ciblage d'instruments agroenvironnementaux basé sur des caractéristiques économiques ou environnementales précises peut améliorer la performance des politiques. Au moyen d'études de cas, nous évaluons la performance relative de divers mécanismes pour cibler les PGB des bassins de rétention d'eau subventionnés pour réduire le ruissellement de phosphore (P) dans un sous‐bassin du bassin du Lac Winnipeg au sud du Manitoba. Les PGB du bassin de rétention des eaux ont été ciblées en fonction des coûts estimés d'établissement (ciblage des coûts), de l′élimination totale du phosphore de la surface de l'eau (ciblage des bénéfices), et des ratios avantages‐coûts liés au bassin. Le ciblage fut simulé au moyen de prédictions du taux de suppression de P spécifique à chaque bassin de rétention obtenues à partir d'une adaptation d'un modèle hydrologique et d'une base de données d'un système d'information géographique (SIG) contenant les sites de chaque bassin de rétention et le coût d'opportunité du terrain. Le ciblage des PGB des bassins de rétention d'eau a un impact sur la rentabilité de la mise en œuvre de politiques, le ciblage coût‐avantages étant l'approche la plus rentable. Les bassins de rétention d'eau ayant le plus haut taux d'élimination de P à moindre coût s'avéraient plus petits et sur des terrains ayant servi, auparavant, à la production de cultures de moindre valeur.
Comparison of robotic and coblation tongue base resection for obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Hwang C.S. , Kim J.W. , Kim J.W. , Lee E.J. , Kim C.‐H. , Yoon J.‐H. , Cho H.‐J. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy and safety of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with endoscope‐guided coblation tongue base resection.DesignRetrospective case‐control study.SettingUniversity‐based tertiary care medical center.ParticipantsPatients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who underwent endoscope‐guided tongue base coblation resection or transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in combination with lateral pharyngoplasty at a single institution in South Korea between April 2013 and December 2016 were investigated. Forty‐five patients who had moderate‐to‐severe OSA with tongue base collapse and a minimum follow‐up period of 6 months with postoperative polysomnography (PSG) were enrolled in this study.Main outcome measuresAll patients underwent pre‐ and postoperative (at least 4 months after surgery) overnight PSG. Available information on results of the PSG, Epworth sleepiness scale and complications of the TORS and coblation groups were compared.ResultsPostoperative PSG studies showed improved sleep quality for most patients. The mean postoperative apnoea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was reduced significantly from 45.0 to 17.0 events/h (P < .0001) in the TORS group and from 45.6 to 16.2 events/h (P < .0001) in the coblation group. The mean rates of improvement (AHI reduction > 50%) were 75.0% in TORS patients and 62.1% in coblation patients and the difference was not significant. Less frequent postoperative morbidity, including bleeding, taste dysfunction and foreign body sensation, was recorded in TORS patients.ConclusionsBoth the coblation and TORS groups showed similar surgical outcomes, TORS achieved PSG results non‐inferior to and complication rates comparable to coblation.
A comparison of two endoscopic posterior cordotomy techniques: Laser cordotomy vs diathermy‐assisted cordotomy
Authors: Ozturk K. , Turhal G. , Kaya I. , Aysel A. , Benzer M. , Korkmaz Ekren P. , Akyildiz S. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo compare respiratory function, swallowing and voice quality of bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis (BAVFP) patients undergoing laser and diathermy‐assisted posterior cordotomy.DesignProspective study.SettingTertiary academic hospital.ParticipantsThirty patients were included in the study (groups 1 and 2, 15 patients each). Mean age was 53 ± 14.27 years with a range of 31‐78 years (12 [40%] males, 18 [60%] females).Main outcome measuresSufficient airway, complications, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), voice quality VAS, fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, NHR, amplitude perturbation quotient (APQ) and pitch perturbation quotient (PPQ) scores.ResultsA sufficient laryngeal airway was achieved in all patients. Six patients (20%) developed postoperative granulation tissue (2 in group 1 and 4 in group 2).There was a statistically significant improvement in FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF measurements at the postoperative sixth month compared to preoperative measurements in both of the groups (P < .05).Preoperative median voice quality VAS scores in groups 1 and 2 were 8 (IQR = 1) and 8 (IQR = 3), respectively. Postoperative sixth‐month voice quality VAS scores in groups 1 and 2 were 6 (IQR = 1) and 6 (IQR = 0), respectively. Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in both groups (P < .05).The postoperative changes in fundamental frequency, NHR, jitter, shimmer, APQ and PPQ were not statistically significant in both of the groups (P > .05).ConclusionsLaser and diathermy‐assisted posterior cordotomy are both minimally invasive, effective techniques with a long‐term sufficient laryngeal airway. Despite lower quality of voice VAS scores, objective acoustic outcomes were not significantly lower in both of the groups.
The Contribution of Vocabulary Knowledge to Reading Proficiency: The Case of College Russian
Authors: Hacking Jane F. , Tschirner Erwin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLiteracy development in a second language (L2) is a key goal of college foreign language study; language programs aspire to graduate students with strong L2 reading ability. Research has shown a strong correlation between L2 vocabulary knowledge and L2 reading proficiency; however, much of this research has focused on English as a second language. Research among other language learning populations is needed to offer empirically grounded suggestions on how best to achieve high levels of L2 literacy. This article presents data on the reading proficiency and vocabulary knowledge of 48 native American‐English‐speaking college‐level learners of Russian in order to determine whether there are identifiable lexical thresholds associated with moving from one level of reading proficiency to the next. Participants completed the ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test rated according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012—Reading and the Russian Vocabulary Levels Test, which measured knowledge of the 5,000 most frequent words in Russian. Results showed that there are statistically significant lexical minimums associated with different levels of reading proficiency. These findings suggest the utility of similarly designed studies for other languages and are discussed in terms of implications for the role of developing vocabulary knowledge in an undergraduate curriculum.
Race, Place, and the Persisting Income Divide in the U.S. Southeast, 2000–2014
Authors: Sharma Madhuri 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDespite economic growth since the recession, the gap between the richest and the poorest segments of the population remains one of the most pressing concerns of contemporary America. This paper uses IR‐95/20, IR‐80/20, and IR‐65/35 ratios to measure the income divides between the richest and the poorest segments in the mid‐to‐large‐sized metropolises of the U.S. Southeast, their variation across ethnicities, and their association with metropolitan level attributes such as diversity, segregation, socio‐economic, and other built‐environment, and labor characteristics. The income divide ratios serve as the dependent variables whereas principal components along with state‐dummy variables serve as the explanatory variables in regressions analyses. The metropolises that are large, diverse, and better educated are the most income‐divided whereas those with lower educated people are less divided. Metropolises with larger shares of their labor engaged in primary sectors of economy have higher income divides; this observation also holds true for African Americans and Hispanics. Metropolises that gained in intermixing during 2000–2014 are associated with a lower income divide and vice versa.