bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amniotic fluid paraoxonase‐1 activity, thyroid hormone concentration and oxidant status in neural tube defects
Authors: Sak Sibel , Agacayak Elif , Tunc Senem Yaman , Icen Mehmet Sait , Findik Fatih Mehmet , Sak Muhammet Erdal , Yalinkaya Ahmet , Gul Talip 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between neural tube defects and paraoxonase‐1 activity in amniotic fluid. We studied total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, paraoxonase‐1 activity and thyroid hormone amniotic fluid concentration in fetuses with neural tube defects.MethodsThe present study was performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Department of Clinical Biochemistry of Dicle University between September 2011 and June 2013. The study group included 37 amniotic fluid samples from pregnant women (16–20 weeks of gestation) with fetuses affected by neural tube defects. The control group consisted of 36 pregnant women who were diagnosed with a high‐risk pregnancy according to first or second trimester aneuploidy screening and were later confirmed on amniocentesis to have genetically normal fetuses.ResultsAmniotic fluid paraoxonase‐1 activity and total oxidant status were significantly higher (P = 0.023, P = 0.029, respectively) whereas free T4 was significantly lower (P = 0.022) in fetuses with neural tube defects compared with control subjects. In fetuses with neural tube defects, amniotic fluid paraoxonase‐1 activity correlated positively with total oxidant status (r = 0.424**, P = 0.010), and amniotic fluid total antioxidant capacity correlated positively with free t4 (r = 0.381*, P = 0.022).ConclusionThis is the first study in the literature to show an association between paraoxonase‐1 activity and thyroid hormone concentration and neural tube defects.
Optimal contrast enhancement liquid for dynamic MRI of swallowing
Authors: Ohkubo M. , Higaki T. , Nishikawa K. , Otonari‐Yamamoto M. , Sugiyama T. , Ishida R. , Wakoh M. 
Published: June 2016

SummarySeveral dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to observe swallowing and their parameters have been reported. Although these studies used several contrast enhancement liquids, no studies were conducted to investigate the most suitable liquids. The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal contrast enhancement liquid for dynamic MRI of swallowing. MRI was performed using a new sequence consisting of true fast imaging with steady‐state precession, generalised auto‐calibrating partially parallel acquisition and a keyhole imaging technique. Seven liquids were studied, including pure distilled water, distilled water with thickener at 10, 20 and 30 mg mL−1 concentrations and oral MRI contrast medium at 1, 2 or 3 mg mL−1. Distilled water showed the highest signal intensity. There were statistically significant differences among the following contrast media: distilled water with thickener at 20 mg mL−1 and the oral MRI contrast medium at 2 mg mL−1 and 1 mg mL−1. It can be concluded that the optimal liquid for dynamic MRI of swallowing is a water‐based substance that allows variations in viscosity.
Improvement of Gel Quality of Sardine Surimi with Low Setting Phenomenon by Ethanolic Coconut Husk Extract
Authors: Buamard Natchaphol , Benjakul Soottawat , Konno Kunihiko 
Published: June 2016

AbstractEffects of ethanolic coconut husk extract (ECHE) at various levels (0–0.25%, based on protein content) on gel properties of low setting surimi prepared from sardine (Sardinella albella) were studied. Breaking force of gels containing EGTA increased as the levels of ECHE increased up to 0.15% (P < 0.05) and decreased when ECHE was above 0.15%. The decrease in whiteness was found in gel added with ECHE. Protein patterns were not different between gels, regardless of ECHE concentrations. Lower autolysis of surimi gel was also found in the presence of ECHE. Addition of ECHE could increase the cross‐linking of proteins during setting (40C, 30 min), especially with increasing concentrations, as indicated by the increased G′. Gel added with 0.15% ECHE had highly interconnected network with finer and denser structure than the control gel (without ECHE). Thus, an optimum level of ECHE could improve quality of sardine surimi with low setting phenomenon.Practical ApplicationsCoconut husk, by‐product from the fruit separation, generally contains several phenolic compounds, especially tannic acid, which acts as protein cross‐linker. Ethanolic coconut husk extract could be used as alternative natural protein cross‐linker to improve quality of gel, particularly those having low setting phenomenon. from sardine. Additionally, the value‐added ingredient from coconut husk could be produced and exploited.
Retrospective Evaluation of Horses Diagnosed with Neuroborreliosis on Postmortem Examination: 16 Cases (2004–2015)
Authors: Johnstone L.K. , Engiles J.B. , Aceto H. , Buechner‐Maxwell V. , Divers T. , Gardner R. , Levine R. , Scherrer N. , Tewari D. , Tomlinson J. , Johnson A.L. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundEquine neuroborreliosis (NB), Lyme disease, is difficult to diagnose and has limited description in the literature.ObjectiveProvide a detailed description of clinical signs, diagnostic, and pathologic findings of horses withNB.AnimalsSixteen horses with histologically confirmedNB.MethodsRetrospective review of medical records at the University of Pennsylvania and via anACVIMlistserv query with inclusion criteria requiring possible exposure toBorrelia burgdorferiand histologic findings consistent with previous reports ofNBwithout evidence of other disease.ResultsSixteen horses were identified, 12 of which had additional evidence ofNB. Clinical signs were variable including muscle atrophy or weight loss (12), cranial nerve deficits (11), ataxia (10), changes in behavior (9), dysphagia (7), fasciculations (6), neck stiffness (6), episodic respiratory distress (5), uveitis (5), fever (2), joint effusion (2), and cardiac arrhythmias (1). Serologic analysis was positive forB. burgdorferiinfection in 6/13 cases tested.CSFabnormalities were present in 8/13 cases tested, including xanthochromia (4/13), increased total protein (5/13; median: 91 mg/dL, range: 25–219 mg/dL), and a neutrophilic (6/13) or lymphocytic (2/13) pleocytosis (median: 25 nucleated cells/μL, range: 0–922 nucleated cells/μL).PCRonCSFforB. burgdorferiwas negative in the 7 cases that were tested.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceDiagnosis of equineNBis challenging due to variable clinical presentation and lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic tests. Negative serology and normalCSFanalysis do not exclude the diagnosis ofNB.
More than a hole: the holin lethal function may be required to fully sensitize bacteria to the lytic action of canonical endolysins
Authors: Fernandes Sofia , São‐José Carlos 
Published: June 2016

SummaryDouble‐strand DNA bacteriophages employ the holin–endolysin dyad as core components of different strategies to lyse bacterial hosts. In the so‐called canonical model the holin holes play an essential role in lysis as they provide a conduit for passage of the cytoplasm‐accumulated endolysin to the cell wall (CW), where it degrades the peptidoglycan. It is considered that once synthesized canonical endolysins immediately acquire their fully active conformation, having thus the capacity to efficiently cleave the peptidoglycan if contact to the CW is allowed. We show here however that holin‐mediated cell death may be required to fully sensitize cells to the lytic action of canonical endolysins, a role that is obviously masked by the key function of the holin in endolysin release. We demonstrate that in certain conditions Bacillus subtilis cells are capable of counteracting the activity of the phage SPP1 endolysin attacking the CW either from within or from without. This capacity is lost after holin action or in presence of agents that mimic its membrane‐depolarizing role. We have observed a similar relationship between lytic activity and membrane proton motive force for a staphylococcal endolysin. The possible implications of these findings in the exploitation of endolysins as enzybiotics are discussed.
Delayed gastric emptying in diabetic rats caused by decreased expression of cystathionine gamma lyase and H2S synthesis: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Mard S. A. , Ahmadi I. , Ahangarpour A. , Gharib‐Naseri M. K. , Badavi M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the role of H2S on gastric emptying rate (GER) and also to determine the effect of gastric distention on mRNA and protein expression of cystathionine β‐lyase (CBS) and cystathionine γ‐synthase (CSE) in diabetic‐gastroparetic and normal rats.MethodsAdult normal rats intraperitoneally received either propargylglycine (PAG), L‐cysteine or NaHS 30 min prior to GER marker (acetaminophen) to investigate H2S involvement in GER and the same protocols were performed in diabetes‐induced gastroparesis rats. The role of calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) neurons in the prokinetic effect of endogenous H2S on GER was determined. The level of CBS and CSE expressions in response to gastric distention were also determined. The effect of H2S on frequency and tension of spontaneous contractions of gastric smooth muscle strips was investigated.Key ResultsOur results showed that: (i) H2S and L‐cysteine increased GER in gastroparetic and normal rats. (ii) The increased levels of CSE expression in response to gastric distention in diabetic rats were lower than in normal rats. (iii) PAG inhibited the excitatory effect of capsaicin on GER and on tension of spontaneous contractions of strips. (iv) Hydrogen sulphide increased the frequency and tension of spontaneous contractions of gastric strip muscles in normal and diabetic rats.Conclusions & InferencesThe results showed that delayed GER in diabetic rats can be due to down‐regulation of H2S biosynthesis enzyme, CSE and suggested that a potential prokinetic role for H2S to treat the delayed gastric emptying in diabetic patients.
Paediatric case report: foreign body mimicking aggressive palatal ulceration
Authors: Bundy Mark , Chegini Soudeh , Anand Pradeep 
Published: June 2016

AbstractForeign bodies lodged in the soft tissues of the hard palate have been reported in the literature but are few in number. Each object will differ in its appearance and can be a worrying presentation for patients, parents and clinicians. A case is presented of a 14‐month‐old patient presenting with an unusual lesion on the hard palate. The presentation, assessment and management of these cases are discussed and the need for a thorough examination to guide a differential diagnosis is highlighted.
Managing the deteriorating nursing home resident after the introduction of a hospital avoidance programme: a nursing perspective
Authors: O'Neill Barbara J. , Dwyer Trudy , Reid‐Searl Kerry , Parkinson Lynne 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundHospital avoidance programmes aim to reduce the number of emergency transfers from nursing homes to hospitals and facilitate early discharge for hospitalised residents. Nursing staff are at the forefront of these efforts, yet little is known about how the programmes affect them and their management of the deteriorating resident. This information is needed to inform hospital avoidance programmes and better understand their work.AimTo examine nursing home nursing staff perceptions regarding their management of the deteriorating resident after the introduction of a hospital avoidance programme.MethodsA thematic analysis was conducted of focus group data collected from nursing staff 14 to 15 months after the introduction of a pilot hospital avoidance programme at an Australian nursing home.FindingsThe programme was well received and filled a gap in nursing staff management of residents with deteriorating health by providing structure and support. Staff were more confident and focused on this area of their work. Nursing assistants felt more integrated into the system and were supported and learning from nurses. Workload remained heavy and there was a shift in how time was allocated, but nursing staff preferred to keep residents at the facility.ConclusionNursing staff welcomed the programme and benefitted from its implementation. However, strategies must be explored to accommodate the staffing needs associated with providing emergency and subacute care in the nursing home setting.
Local Breeds – Rural Heritage or New Market Opportunities? Colliding Views on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Landraces
Authors: Ovaska Ulla , Soini Katriina 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this research, Finnish actors engaged in the conservation and sustainable use of local breeds on different levels and sectors were interviewed to find out how breeds are valued by different stakeholders and what kinds of policies and practices are preferred in their conservation and sustainable use; and which also gives rise to some ethical concerns. Four storylines based on sustainable use vs. conservation and service‐based vs. production‐based dimensions were derived from the research data. The research revealed a broad diversity of perceptions of the aims and means of conservation and sustainable use. Some stakeholders brought up different possibilities regarding the different means ofin situconservation. Yet, many were strictly in favour of conservation and against sustainable use. Moreover, in questions of ownership, stakeholders differed in their opinions. The colliding views diversify the conservation and sustainable use of landraces but simultaneously constitute a challenge to finding common aims and means to it. Communication between stakeholders should be improved to enable actors, at the implementation level, to make long lasting commitments regarding the conservation and sustainable use of local breeds. Furthermore, animals should be regarded as conservation actors, in addition to people and organisations.
Inhibition of Arabidopsis growth by the allelopathic compound azetidine‐2‐carboxylate is due to the low amino acid specificity of cytosolic prolyl‐tRNA synthetase
Authors: Lee Jiyeon , Joshi Naveen , Pasini Rita , Dobson Renwick C. J. , Allison Jane , Leustek Thomas 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe toxicity of azetidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (A2C), a structural analogue of L‐proline, results from its incorporation into proteins due to misrecognition by prolyl‐tRNA synthetase (ProRS). The growth of Arabidopsis thaliana seedling roots is more sensitive to inhibition by A2C than is cotyledon growth. Arabidopsis contains two ProRS isozymes. AtProRS‐Org (At5g52520) is localized in chloroplasts/mitochondria, and AtProRS‐Cyt (At3g62120) is cytosolic. AtProRS‐Cyt mRNA is more highly expressed in roots than in cotyledons. Arabidopsis ProRS isoforms were expressed as His‐tagged recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli. Both enzymes were functionally active in ATP‐PPi exchange and aminoacylation assays, and showed similar Km for L‐proline. A major difference was observed in the substrate specificity of the two enzymes. AtProRS‐Cyt showed nearly identical substrate specificity for L‐proline and A2C, but for AtProRS‐Org the specificity constant was 77.6 times higher for L‐proline than A2C, suggesting that A2C‐sensitivity may result from lower amino acid specificity of AtProRS‐Cyt. Molecular modelling and simulation results indicate that this specificity difference between the AtProRS isoforms may result from altered modes of substrate binding. Similar kinetic results were obtained with the ProRSs from Zea mays, suggesting that the difference in substrate specificity is a conserved feature of ProRS isoforms from plants that do not accumulate A2C and are sensitive to A2C toxicity. The discovery of the mode of action of A2C toxicity could lead to development of biorational weed management strategies.
Evidence‐based veterinary dermatology: a review of published studies of treatments forOtodectes cynotis(ear mite) infestation in cats
Authors: Yang Ching , Huang Hui‐Pi 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundOtodectes cynotis(ear mite) accounts for 50–80% of cases of otitis externa in cats. Various treatment options exist but evidence‐based reviews on treatments for this parasite have not been conducted.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to systematically review the efficacy of treatments forOtodectes cynotisinfestation in cats, to provide recommendations for their use and to suggest methodologies for future clinical trials and research.MethodsElectronic searches were carried out using the PubMed,CABDirect and Thomson Reuters Web of Science; relevant topics were hand searched. The review was restricted to peer reviewed articles without limitation of language and publication date; onlyin vivostudies were included. The data were extracted and tabulated, then compared with regard to study design. With only a few randomized and controlled trials (RCTs) available, it was not possible to perform a meta‐analysis of the pooled data.ResultsA total of 27 trials published between 1978 and 2015 fulfilled the selection criteria; 17 different pharmacological interventions were identified. There were two blindedRCTs and 25 open uncontrolled trials.Conclusions and clinical importanceThere is fair evidence for recommending spot‐on 10% imidacloprid +1% moxidectin or selamectin, once or twice 30 days apart, while there is insufficient evidence for or against recommending all other medications due to the quality of study designs in spite of their high efficacies. Future blindedRCTs, using placebo or appropriate active drugs, are required; outcome measurements on both clinical and microbiological and parasitological improvement, and proper follow‐up periods are recommended.
Clinical and histological findings of cutaneous wound healing in the red‐eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) housed in unheated outdoor enclosures
Authors: Negrini Joao , Ginel Pedro J. , Novales Manuel , Guerra Rafael , Mozos Elena 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundCutaneous wounds are common in chelonians. The clinical and histological features of wound healing in these species are not well described and this prevents evaluation of new therapies.ObjectivesTo describe clinical and histopathological features of cutaneous wound healing in the red‐eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans).AnimalsTwenty four healthy adult females housed in outdoor facilities with free access to water and exposed to daily variations in temperature.MethodsFull thickness 6 mm skin biopsy punch wounds were created in the rear limbs. The turtles were assigned to Group 1 (n = 12 for clinical evaluation) and Group 2 (n = 12 for microscopic study). Group 1 was photographed on Day 1 and weekly, until 28 days post wounding. Wound retraction was expressed as the percentage of perimeter reduction. For Group 2, three skin wounds were sampled at 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 60 and 135 days post wounding for histological study. The avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase (ABC) staining method was used to evaluate five commercial antibodies.ResultsWound contraction was limited; crust persisted at least 28 days. Re‐epithelialization was complete by Day 14 in many animals; active inflammation persisted until 28 days; connective tissue re‐constitution and remodelling was achieved from 42 to 135 days. Antibodies AE1/AE3, Factor VIII, MAC 387, CD3 and NCL‐MSA showed cross reactivity with the cell counterpart in turtle tissues.Conclusions and clinical importanceSecond intention wound healing progressed slowly and with an indolent behaviour. Microscopically there was marked overlapping of the inflammatory and proliferative phases over a long time period.
Does yield loss due to weed competition differ between organic and conventional cropping systems?
Authors: Benaragama D , Shirtliffe S J , Johnson E N , Duddu H S N , Syrovy L D 
Published: June 2016

SummaryHigh weed abundance in organic crops is thought to be a key factor contributing to the greater yield loss in organic as compared with conventional cropping systems. However, even with greater weed densities than conventional systems, some organic systems have yields comparable to conventional systems, suggesting that cropping systems might differ in yield loss due to weed competition. The diversity in soil nutrient resources due to diversity in crop rotations and variable inputs might enhance crop tolerance to weed competition. We assessed the long‐term effects of contrasting levels of crop rotations (low, medium and high diversity) on weed density, weed biomass and wheat yield loss in organic and no‐till conventional cropping systems using a microplot study within a long‐term cropping systems trial at Scott, Saskatchewan, Canada. Weed density and biomass were found to be four times higher in the organic systems than in the conventional systems. Under standard weed management practices, organic had 44% lower yield than the conventional system. Lower yields in organic, even without weed competition, suggest that the lower yields are due to low soil productivity rather than weed competition. No differences in yield loss were observed among the organic and conventional systems or among the diverse crop rotations. We conclude that the organic management practices and/or increased crop rotation diversity did not enhance yield or reduce yield loss due to weed competition, due to the factors associated with lower soil fertility.
A mouse radiation‐induced liver disease model for stereotactic body radiation therapy validated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Feng , Zhang Jian‐Ying , Shen Xiao‐Yun , Zhou Le‐Yuan , Gao Ya‐Bo , Hu Yong , Zeng Zhao‐Chong 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:Lower radiation tolerance of the whole liver hinders dose escalations of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. This study was conducted to define the exact doses that result in radiation‐induced liver disease (RILD) as well as to determine dose constraints for the critical organs at risk (OARs) in mice; these parameters are still undefined in HCC SBRT.Methods:This study consisted of two phases. In the primary phase, mice treated with helical tomotherapy‐based SBRT were stratified according to escalating radiation doses to the livers. The pathological differences, signs [such as mouse performance status (MPS)], and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/albumin levels were observed. Radiation‐induced disease severities of the OARs were scored using systematic evaluation standards. In the validation phase in humans, 13 patients with HCC who had undergone radiotherapy before hepatectomy were enrolled to validate RILD pathological changes in a mouse study.Results:The evaluation criteria of the mouse liver radiotherapy‐related signs were as follows: MPS ≥ 2.0 ± 0.52, AST/ALT ≥ 589.2 ± 118.5/137.4 ± 15.3 U/L, serum albumin ≤ 16.8 ± 2.29 g/L. The preliminary dose constraints of the OARs were also obtained, such as those for the liver (average dose ≤ 26.36 ± 1.71 Gy) and gastrointestinal tract (maximum dose ≤ 22.63 Gy). Mouse RILD models were able to be developed when the livers were irradiated with average doses of ≥31.76 ± 1.94 Gy (single fraction). RILD pathological changes in mice have also been validated in HCC patients.Conclusions:Mouse RILD models could be developed with SBRT based on the dose constraints for the OARs and evaluation criteria of mouse liver radiotherapy‐related signs, and the authors’ results favor the study of further approaches to treat HCC with SBRT.