bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural Stable Isotopes for Determination of Gastrointestinal Transit Time in Fish
Authors: de Sandre Lidiane Cristina Gonçalves , Buzollo Hellen , do Nascimento Thiago Matias Torres , Neira Lígia Maria , Abimorad Eduardo Gianini , Jomori Rosangela Kiyoko , Ducatti Carlos , Portella Maria Célia , Carneiro Dalton José 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis study evaluated the application of stable isotopes of carbon as an alternative and more accurate method to determine gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) in fish by comparing it to the inert marker method. The stable isotope method detects alterations of the normal carbon flow in a biological system by analyzing naturally occurring isotopes of carbon, contrary to studies based on conventional techniques that apply external markers to the diet to determine GTT through visual observation of the color change in feces. Therefore, 320 pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus juveniles were reared in 32 tanks under two different temperatures (25 and 29 C). The pacu juveniles received two different diets, one based on ingredients derived from C3 photosynthetic cycle plants and the other based on C4 plant ingredients, both containing titanium oxide (TiO2) as a marker. After 40 d, the isotopic signature of the diets was changed, and the marker was replaced by chromic oxide (Cr2O3). In the isotopic technique, the feces were analyzed to determine the exchange in the isotopic ratio of carbon δ13C. Both methods found that GTT was faster (nearly 6 h) in fish at 29 C when using the C4/C3 feeding strategy and slower in fish at 25 C using the C3/C4 strategy (15 h by inert marker and 18 h by the isotopic method). In conclusion, GTT determination in pacu juveniles using the stable isotope technique exhibits the same accuracy obtained with the inert marker method at temperatures suitable (nearly 29 C) for the metabolism of these animals.
Efficiency of 2‐phenoxyethanol and Clove Oil for Reducing Handling Stress in Reared Meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Pisces: Sciaenidae)
Authors: Barata Marisa , Soares Florbela , Aragão Cláudia , Almeida Ana Catarina , Pousão‐Ferreira Pedro , Ribeiro Laura 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe effect of two anesthetics, 2‐phenoxyethanol (2‐PE) and clove oil (COil) were studied in meagre, Argyrosomus regius. This study aimed to determine the adequate dose of anesthesia for different aquaculture procedures, to assess a sedative or stressor effect of low anesthetic concentrations, and to assess the effect of low anesthetic doses at high fish densities for longer periods of time on fish survival and behavior. Anesthetics were tested at different concentrations: 2‐PE at 100, 250, 400, 550, and 700 mg/L; COil at 25, 40, 55, 70, and 85 mg/L. Meagre became anesthetized within 10 min when using concentrations above 250 mg/L for 2‐PE and above 40 mg/L for COil. Deep anesthesia was achieved at 700 and 85 mg/L, for 2‐PE and COil, respectively. The fish did not react when blood was collected at these concentrations. Plasma cortisol and glucose levels were similar between sedated meagre with both 2‐PE – 100 mg/L and COil – 10 mg/L, and the control (not sedated; P > 0.05). This suggests that low concentrations of these anesthetics induce similar stress response as handling without anesthesia during routine activities. No mortality was registered when meagre was maintained at high densities with low concentrations of each anesthetic for 2 h.
Prevalence and Species Identity of Trypanorhyncha in Cultured and Wild Amberjack, Seriola spp. in Hawaii – Implications for Aquaculture
Authors: Tamaru Clyde S. , Klinger‐Bowen RuthEllen C. , Ogawa Kazuo , Iwaki Takashi , Kurashima Akira , Itoh Naoki 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe advent of molecular technologies allow for identification of organisms that were previously challenging or not possible. Conventional polymerase chain reaction analyses of a segment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene from trypanorhynch plerocerci obtained from cultured and wild caught amberjacks, Seriola dumerili, and Seriola rivoliana of the family Carangidae from Hawai‘i and Japan were found to be 100% identical, indicating that the cestodes from Japan and Hawai‘i are the same species, Protogrillotia zerbiae. The prevalence of the trypanorhynch plerocerci found in the musculature of Hawai‘i wild‐caught S. dumerili and S. rivoliana was 86.9 and 72.7%, respectively. In stark contrast, no trypanorhynch plerocerci have been detected in S. rivoliana cultured in Hawai‘i and they are only rarely seen in S. dumerili cultured in Japan. Trypanorhynch plerocerci are part of a complex life cycle that involves the transmission in at least two intermediate hosts before finally residing in a host shark species. The results of this study indicate that artificial propagation of the amberjacks using manipulated diets has most likely disrupted the life cycle of this tapeworm, thus reducing the prevalence of this parasite in farmed amberjacks and enhancing the marketability of cultured amberjack.
Effect of Density at Harvest on the Growth Performance and Profitability of Hatchery‐reared Spotted Rose Snapper, Lutjanus guttatus, Cultured in Floating Net Cages
Authors: Hernández Carlos Humberto , Hernández Crisantema , Martínez‐Cordero Francisco Javier , Castañeda‐Lomas Nicolás , Rodríguez‐Domínguez Guillermo , Tacon Albert G. J. , Aragón‐Noriega Eugenio Alberto 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the effect of the density at harvest on the performance and profitability of hatchery‐reared spotted rose snapper cultured in cages. The fish were stocked at harvest densities of 15, 20, and 22 kg/m3 in cages of 222 and 286 m3. More than 39,000 snapper fingerlings with an initial weight of 14 g were stocked. The fish were fed an extruded diet and cultured over a 360 d period. The thermal growth coefficient ranged from 0.04 to 0.05 and survival was 95% for all treatments, with the highest final weight (436.8 g) observed for fish reared at a density of 20 kg/m3. The allometric value b indicated that hatchery‐raised, cage‐cultured snapper were heavier than their wild counterparts. The major costs were feed (ranging from 44.7–45.9%), labor (22.4–32.6%), and seed costs (20.2–26.1%). The total production cost ranged from US$ 6.5 to US$ 7.5/kg. The baseline scenario was not economically feasible. However, a 10% increase in the sales price resulted in increases in the internal rate of return (183%) and net present value (US$ 97,628.9). These results suggest that L. guttatus has the potential for commercial production in cages.
Growth and Body Composition Effects of Tuna Byproduct Meal Substituted for Fish Meal in the Diet of Juvenile Abalone, Haliotis discus
Authors: Jung Won‐Gwan , Kim Hee Sung , Lee Ki Wook , Kim Ye Eun , Choi Dong Kyu , Jang Bok‐Il , Cho Sung Hwoan , Choi Cheol Young , Kim Byeng‐Hak , Joo Yang‐Ick 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe effects on growth and body composition that result from tuna byproduct meal (TBM) substituted for fish meal in the diet of juvenile abalone, Haliotis discus, were determined. One thousand two hundred sixty juvenile abalone were randomly distributed into 18 70‐L plastic rectangular containers. Six experimental diets were prepared in triplicate. The TBM0 diet included 28% fish meal and 13% soybean meal as the protein source. Twenty‐five, 50, 75, and 100% of the fish meal were substituted with TBM. Finally, salted sea tangle was prepared. The essential amino acids, such as isoleucine, lysine, and valine, tended to decrease with the dietary substitution of TBM for fish meal in the experimental diets. The weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) of abalone that were fed the TBM25 diet were higher than those of abalone that were fed the other diets. The crude protein content of the soft body of the abalone linearly decreased with the dietary substitution of TBM for fish meal. In conclusion, as much as 75% of the fish meal in the diet of abalone can be replaced with TBM without retardation in weight gain and SGR of the abalone when 28% fish meal was included.
Impact of dynamic changes in MELD score on survival after liver transplantation – a Eurotransplant registry analysis
Authors: Györi Georg P. , Silberhumer Gerd R. , Rahmel Axel , de Vries Erwin , Soliman Thomas , Zehetmayer Sonja , Rogiers Xavier , Berlakovich Gabriela A. ,   Eurotransplant
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsWith restricted numbers of available organs, futility in liver transplantation has to be avoided. The concept of dynamic changes in MELD score (DeltaMELD) has previously been shown to be a simple tool to identify patients with the greatest risk of death after transplantation. Aim was to validate this concept with the Eurotransplant (ET) database.MethodsA retrospective registry analysis was performed on all patients listed for liver transplantation within ET between 2006 and 2011. Patients <18 years of age, acute liver failure, malignancy and patients listed for retransplantation were excluded. Influence of MELD at listing (MELDon), MELD at transplantation (MELDoff), DeltaMELD, age, sex, underlying disease and time on the waiting list on overall survival after liver transplantation were evaluated.ResultsA total of 16 821 patients were listed for liver transplantation, 8096 met the inclusion criteria. Age, MELD on and DeltaMELD showed significant influence on survival on the waiting list. Age and DeltaMELD showed influence on survival after liver transplantation, with DeltaMELD>10 showing a 1.6‐fold increased risk of death.ConclusionThe concept of DeltaMELD was validated in a large, prospective data set. It provides a simple tool to identify patients with increased risk of death after liver transplantation and might help improve long‐term results.
Steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis are predicted by the characteristics of very low density lipoprotein in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jiang Zhenghui G. , Tapper Elliot B. , Connelly Margery A. , Pimentel Carolina F. M. G. , Feldbrügge Linda , Kim Misung , Krawczyk Sarah , Afdhal Nezam , Robson Simon C. , Herman Mark A. , Otvos James D. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Lai Michelle 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsA major challenge in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is to identify patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and early liver fibrosis. The progression of NAFLD is accompanied by distinctive changes in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), a lipoprotein particle produced exclusively in the liver. Herein, we sought to determine the characteristics of VLDL profiles associated with NASH and liver fibrosis.MethodsWe evaluated VLDL profiles of 128 patients from a single centre NAFLD registry, and examined VLDL size, total and subclass VLDL concentrations in relation to NAFLD activity score (NAS), steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis as determined by liver biopsy.ResultsA near linear relationship was observed between mean VLDL particle size and NAFLD activity score (NAS). In multivariate models, VLDL particle size was significantly associated with both NAS and NASH, after adjustment for BMI and diabetes. A decrease in small VLDL particle concentration was associated with more advanced liver fibrosis. In receiver operative characteristic analyses, mean VLDL size performed similarly to cytokeratin 18 in predicting NASH, whereas small VLDL particle concentration had similar performance to NAFLD fibrosis score in predicting stage 2 or above liver fibrosis.ConclusionsThe increase in mean VLDL size in NASH and decrease in small VLDL particle concentration in liver fibrosis likely reflect changes in the number and state of hepatocytes associated with NASH and fibrosis. In addition to its value in risk stratification of cardiovascular diseases, circulating VLDL profile may provide information for the staging of NAFLD disease severity.
A streptococcal NRAMP homologue is crucial for the survival of Streptococcus agalactiae under low pH conditions
Authors: Shabayek Sarah , Bauer Richard , Mauerer Stefanie , Mizaikoff Boris , Spellerberg Barbara 
Published: January 2016

SummaryStreptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a commensal bacterium of the human gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts as well as a leading cause of neonatal sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. Maternal vaginal carriage is the main source for GBS transmission and thus the most important risk factor for neonatal disease. Several studies in eukaryotes identified a group of proteins natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) that function as divalent cation transporters for Fe2+ and Mn2+ and confer on macrophages the ability to control replication of bacterial pathogens. Genome sequencing predicted potential NRAMP homologues in several prokaryotes. Here we describe for the first time, a pH‐regulated NRAMP Mn2+/Fe2+ transporter in GBS, designated MntH, which confers resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is crucial for bacterial growth and survival under low pH conditions. Our investigation implicates MntH as an important colonization determinant for GBS in the maternal vagina as it helps bacteria to adapt to the harsh acidic environment, facilitates bacterial adherence, contributes to the coexistence with the vaginal microbiota and plays a role in GBS intracellular survival inside macrophages.
Anatomy of the bacitracin resistance network in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Radeck Jara , Gebhard Susanne , Orchard Peter Shevlin , Kirchner Marion , Bauer Stephanie , Mascher Thorsten , Fritz Georg 
Published: January 2016

SummaryProtection against antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) often involves the parallel production of multiple, well‐characterized resistance determinants. So far, little is known about how these resistance modules interact and how they jointly protect the cell. Here, we studied the interdependence between different layers of the envelope stress response of Bacillus subtilis when challenged with the lipid II cycle‐inhibiting AMP bacitracin. The underlying regulatory network orchestrates the production of the ABC transporter BceAB, the UPP phosphatase BcrC and the phage‐shock proteins LiaIH. Our systems‐level analysis reveals a clear hierarchy, allowing us to discriminate between primary (BceAB) and secondary (BcrC and LiaIH) layers of bacitracin resistance. Deleting the primary layer provokes an enhanced induction of the secondary layer to partially compensate for this loss. This study reveals a direct role of LiaIH in bacitracin resistance, provides novel insights into the feedback regulation of the Lia system, and demonstrates a pivotal role of BcrC in maintaining cell wall homeostasis. The compensatory regulation within the bacitracin network can also explain how gene expression noise propagates between resistance layers. We suggest that this active redundancy in the bacitracin resistance network of B. subtilis is a general principle to be found in many bacterial antibiotic resistance networks.
Positive Psychotherapy to Improve Autonomic Function and Mood in ICD Patients (PAM‐ICD): Rationale and Design of an RCT Currently Underway
Authors: SERBER EVA R. , FAVA JOSEPH L. , CHRISTON LILLIAN M. , BUXTON ALFRED E. , GOLDBERGER JEFFREY J. , GOLD MICHAEL R. , RODRIGUE JAMES R. , FRISCH MICHAEL B. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundImproving mental and physical health of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) is critical because this group is at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death and depressed or anxious cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients appear to be at even higher risk for mortality compared to nondepressed or nonanxious CVD patients. Further, autonomic dysfunction is present in these patients, and negative emotions and arrhythmias form a downward spiral further worsening mood, well‐being, and cardiovascular health. Much research demonstrates that positive emotion is related to health benefits, improved physiology, and increased survival.Methods and ResultsThis is a two‐arm randomized controlled trial aiming to recruit 60 adult ICD patients comparing 12 individually delivered, weekly sessions of: (1) a positive emotion‐focused cognitive‐behavioral therapy (Quality of Life Therapy [QOLT]), and (2) Heart Healthy Education. Autonomic functioning, heart rhythm indices, and psychosocial health are measured at baseline, 3 months, and 9 months. The first goal is feasibility and acceptability, with the primary outcome being arrhythmic event frequency data.ConclusionThis study is designed to test whether QOLT produces changes in mood, quality of life/well‐being, autonomic function, and arrhythmic and ICD therapy event rates. This feasibility trial is a foundational step for the next trial of QOLT to help determine whether a 3‐month QOLT trial can reduce arrhythmias occurrences among ICD patients, and examine a mechanism of autonomic functioning. This study may help to develop and implement new medical or psychological therapies for ICD patients.
Key Factors Affecting Reproductive Success of Thoroughbred Mares and Stallions on a Commercial Stud Farm
Authors: Lane EA , Bijnen MLJ , Osborne M , More SJ , Henderson ISF , Duffy P , Crowe MA 
Published: January 2016

ContentsTo evaluate factors contributing to fertility of thoroughbred mares, data from 3743 oestrous periods of 2385 mares were collected on a large thoroughbred farm in Ireland. Fourteen stallions (mean age 8.3 years; range 4–15 years) had bred 2385 mares (mean age 9.4 years; range 3–24 years). Maiden mares accounted for 12%, mares with a foal at foot for 64%, and barren, slipped or rested mares for 24% of the total. The mean pregnancy rate per cycle was 67.8% (68.6% in year 1 and 66.9% in year 2). Backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to develop two models to evaluate mare factors, including mare age, reproductive status, month of foaling, dystocia, month of cover, foal heat, cycle number, treatments, walk‐in status and stallion factors including stallion identity, stallion age, shuttle status, time elapsed between covers and high stallion usage on the per cycle pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss. Old age (p < 0.001) and cover within 20 days post‐partum (p < 0.003) were associated with lowered pregnancy rates. High mare age (p < 0.05) and barren, slipped or rested reproductive status (p = 0.05) increased the likelihood of pregnancy loss. Uterine inflammation or infection, if appropriately treated, did not affect fertility. Only high usage of stallions (used more than 21 times in previous week) was associated with lowered (p = 0.009) pregnancy rates. However, shuttle stallions were more likely to have increased (p = 0.035) pregnancy survival, perhaps reflecting a bias in stallion selection. In conclusion, mare age exerted the greatest influence on fertility; nonetheless, thoroughbreds can be effectively managed to achieve high reproductive performance in a commercial setting.
Regulation of Anti‐Müllerian Hormone and Its Receptor Expression around Follicle Deviation in Cattle
Authors: Ilha GF , Rovani MT , Gasperin BG , Ferreira R , de Macedo MP , Neto OA , Duggavathi R , Bordignon V , Gonçalves PBD 
Published: January 2016

ContentsThe anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important marker of ovarian reserve and for predicting the response to superovulatory treatments in several species. The objective of this study was to investigate whetherAMHand its receptor (AMHR2) are regulated in bovine granulosa cells during follicular development. In the first experiment, granulosa cells were retrieved from the two largest follicles on days 2 (before), 3 (at the expected time) or 4 (after deviation) of follicular wave. In the second experiment, four doses ofFSH(30, 30, 20 and 20 mg) or saline were administered twice a day starting on Day 2 of the first follicular wave of the cycle. Granulosa cells and follicular fluid were collected from the two largest follicles 12 h after the last injection ofFSHor saline.AMHmRNAabundance was similar in granulosa cells of the two largest follicles (F1 and F2) before deviation (Day 2), but greater in dominant (DF) than subordinate follicles (SF) at the expected time (Day 3) and after (Day 4) deviation (p < 0.05). In experiment 1,AMHmRNAlevels declined in bothDFandSFnear the expected time and after deviation when compared to before deviation. There was no difference inAMHR2mRNAlevels before and during follicular deviation (p > 0.05), but they tended to be greater inDFs thanSFs (p < 0.1) after deviation. Experiment 2 showed thatAMHandAMHR2mRNAin granulosa cells andAMHprotein abundance in follicular fluid were similar (p > 0.05) between both co‐dominant follicles collected from theFSH‐treated cows. These findings indicate the followings:AMH mRNAlevels decrease in bothDFs andSFs during follicular deviation; granulosa cells from heathy follicles express moreAMHmRNAcompared to subordinate follicles undergoing atresia andFSHstimulatesAMHandAMHR2mRNAexpression in granulosa cells of co‐dominant follicles.
Molecular analysis of peripheral non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer sampled by radial EBUS
Authors: Guisier Florian , Salaün Mathieu , Lachkar Samy , Lamy Aude , Piton Nicolas , Obstoy Bérengère , Sabourin Jean‐Christophe , Thiberville Luc 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveTreatment optimization of non‐squamous non‐small‐cell lung cancers (nonSq‐NSCLC) relies on the molecular analysis of the tumour. We aimed to assess the predictive factors of molecular analysis feasibility (MAF) from samples of peripheral nonSq‐NSCLC obtained by radial endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (r‐EBUS) and 1.5 mm microbiopsy forceps.MethodsWe reviewed data from consecutive peripheral lung nodules sampled with r‐EBUS between January 2012 and July 2014 at a single French University Hospital. nonSq‐NSCLC were systematically analysed for EGFR, KRAS, ALK, HER2, PI3K and BRAF throughout the study, and c‐MET and ROS1 alterations for the last 10 months.ResultsOf 111 nonSq‐NSCLC diagnosed by r‐EBUS (113 procedures, mean nodule diameter 28 ± 15 mm), 88 were analysed for EGFR and ALK, 87 for KRAS, 86 for HER2, PI3K and BRAF and 14 for c‐MET. Forty‐one mutations were identified (23 KRAS, 10 EGFR, 2 BRAF, 1 HER2 and 5 ALK rearrangements). Four c‐MET overexpressions were noted. MAF rose from 67% for the first 57 procedures to 89% for the last 56 procedures (P = 0.02) likely due to a higher number of biopsies performed (2 ± 1 vs 3 ± 2, P = 0.005). Upper or middle lobe location (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.38, P = 0.03), and at least three biopsies (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04–1.40, P = 0.02) were predictive factors of MAF. Percentage of tumour cells, size of lesion and distance to the pleura did not correlate with MAF.ConclusionMulti‐gene molecular analysis could be performed in nearly 80% of paraffin‐embedded biopsies or smear specimens sampled by r‐EBUS assisted bronchoscopy of peripheral tumoral lung nodules.
Using Auto-Regressive Logit Models to Forecast the Exceedance Probability for Financial Risk Management
Authors: Taylor James W. , Yu Keming 
Published: January 2016

SummaryWe present new auto-regressive logit models for forecasting the probability of a time series of financial asset returns exceeding a threshold. The models can be estimated by maximizing a Bernoulli likelihood. Alternatively, to account for the extent to which an observation does or does not exceed the threshold, we propose that the likelihood is based on the asymmetric Laplace distribution, which has been found to be useful for quantile estimation. We incorporate the exceedance probability forecasts within a new time varying extreme value approach to value at risk and expected shortfall estimation. We provide an empirical illustration using daily stock index data.