bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applicability of 99mTc‐Labeled Human Serum Albumin Scintigraphy in Dogs With Protein‐Losing Enteropathy
Authors: Engelmann N. , Ondreka N. , von Pückler K. , Mohrs S. , Sicken J. , Neiger R. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundDiagnosis of protein loss into the gastrointestinal tract using noninvasive techniques is challenging. In people, scintigraphy not only is a sensitive tool to confirm protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE), but it also allows for localization of protein loss.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility of 99mTc‐labeled human serum albumin (HSA) scintigraphy in dogs with PLE in comparison with control dogs.AnimalsA total of 8 clinically healthy control research dogs and 7 client‐owned dogs with gastrointestinal clinical signs and hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentration <2.0 g/dL).MethodsProspective case–control study. After IV injection of 400 MBq freshly prepared 99mTc HSA (30 mg/dog), images of the abdomen were obtained 10, 60, 120, and 240 minutes postinjection. Additional images of the salivary and thyroid glands were obtained to rule out free 99mTc. A scan was considered positive for PLE when radiopharmaceutical exudation was detectable in the intestinal tract.ResultsOnly 1 control dog showed exudation of the radiopharmaceutical into the intestinal tract. No free 99mTc was detected in any dog. In dogs with PLE, focal small intestinal and diffuse small intestinal radiopharmaceutical exudation into the bowel was detected in 2 and 3 dogs, respectively, whereas in 2 dogs, there was disagreement about whether radiopharmaceutical exudation was focal or diffuse.Conclusion and Clinical Importance99mTc‐labeled HSA scintigraphy was feasible to diagnose PLE in dogs.
Agricultural history drives structure and tree species composition of second growth forest over 100 years in southeastern Ohio, USA
Authors: Holmes Marion A. , Matlack Glenn R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractQuestionMost modern forest in eastern North America has recolonized after abandonment from agriculture. Cultivation and pasturing, historically the dominant forms of agriculture, differ in their environmental legacies and potentially influence stand development following abandonment. We ask how the legacy of agriculture plays out in development of second‐growth stands, and whether tree community composition and structure differ between sites with contrasting land‐use histories.LocationSoutheast Ohio, USA.MethodsThirty‐five second‐growth stands were sorted into a replicated chronosequence of formerly cultivated and pastured sites spanning 80 yr. Stand age and land‐use history were determined from historical aerial photographs and from site characteristics including microtopography and soil profiles. In addition, a control group was selected consisting of long‐established forest stands showing no signs of agricultural disturbance. At each site stand composition and structure were described using the point‐centred quarter method.ResultsStand density declined and basal area increased through the chronosequence but neither pastured nor cultivated sites reached levels observed in the control group. Density decreased most dramatically between the 41–60‐ and 61–80‐yr age classes, consistent with competitive stand thinning. Tree community composition changed through time, reflecting a shift away from light‐demanding successional species and toward long‐lived, shade‐tolerant species characteristic of long‐established forests. Composition and structure did not differ significantly between cultivated and pastured sites, but individual species did show significant differences, with the greatest contrast evident shortly after abandonment.ConclusionsStand development following agriculture appears to be a process of convergence in species composition and density. Because most deciduous forest in eastern North America is <80‐yr‐old, these results suggest that most forest is still accruing biomass and has yet to reach a stable density and composition.
Are non‐invasive fibrosis markers for chronic hepatitis B reliable in sub‐Saharan Africa?
Authors: Desalegn Hailemichael , Aberra Hanna , Berhe Nega , Gundersen Svein G. , Johannessen Asgeir 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn the absence of liver biopsy, the World Health Organization recommends non‐invasive tests, such as aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and FIB‐4, to assess liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, these tests are not well validated in sub‐Saharan Africa. Recently, a new marker, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio, was found to be more accurate in an African setting, but this needs confirmation in other cohorts.MethodsA treatment program for chronic hepatitis B was initiated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2015. Non‐invasive tests were compared with transient elastography (Fibroscan 402, Echosense, France) using the following thresholds: no fibrosis (≤7.9 kPa), significant fibrosis (>7.9 kPa) and cirrhosis (>11.7 kPa). The diagnostic accuracy was estimated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve.ResultsOf 582 treatment‐naïve patients, 141 (24.2%) had significant fibrosis and 90 (15.5%) had cirrhosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, FIB‐4 and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio was high both to diagnose significant fibrosis (0.79 [95% CI 0.75‐0.84], 0.79 [95% CI 0.75‐0.84], 0.80 [95% CI 0.75‐0.85]) and cirrhosis (0.86 [95% CI 0.81‐0.91], 0.86 [95% CI 0.81‐0.91], 0.87 [95% CI 0.82‐0.91]). The specificity was high for all tests (94%‐100%); however, the sensitivity was poor both to detect fibrosis (10%‐45%) and cirrhosis (10%‐36%).ConclusionsAspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, FIB‐4 and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio had good diagnostic properties to detect liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B in East Africa. However, the sensitivity was low, and only 10% of patients with cirrhosis were detected using aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index at the World Health Organization recommended threshold.
Bile acids and cardiovascular function in cirrhosis
Authors: Voiosu Andrei , Wiese Signe , Voiosu Theodor , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCirrhotic cardiomyopathy and the hyperdynamic syndrome are clinically important complications of cirrhosis, but their exact pathogenesis is still partly unknown. Experimental models have proven the cardiotoxic effects of bile acids and recent studies of their varied receptor‐mediated functions offer new insight into their involvement in cardiovascular dysfunction in cirrhosis. Bile acid receptors such as farnesoid X‐activated receptor and TGR5 are currently under investigation as potential therapeutic targets in a variety of pathological conditions. These receptors have also recently been identified in cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells where they seem to play an important role in cellular metabolism. Chronic cholestasis leading to abnormal levels of circulating bile acids alters the normal signalling pathways and contributes to the development of profound cardiovascular disturbances. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the role of bile acids and their receptors in the generation of cardiovascular dysfunction in cirrhosis.
Differential sharing and distinct co‐occurrence networks among spatially close bacterial microbiota of bark, mosses and lichens‬‬
Authors: Aschenbrenner Ines Aline , Cernava Tomislav , Erlacher Armin , Berg Gabriele , Grube Martin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractKnowledge of bacterial community host‐specificity has increased greatly in recent years. However, the intermicrobiome relationships of unrelated but spatially close organisms remain little understood. Trunks of trees covered by epiphytes represent complex habitats with a mosaic of ecological niches. In this context, we investigated the structure, diversity and interactions of microbiota associated with lichens, mosses and the bare tree bark. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in the habitat‐associated community structures. Corresponding co‐occurrence analysis indicated that the lichen microbial network is less complex and less densely interconnected than the moss‐ and bark‐associated networks. Several potential generalists and specialists were identified for the selected habitats. Generalists belonged mainly to Proteobacteria, with Sphingomonas as the most abundant genus. The generalists comprise microorganisms with generally beneficial features, such as nitrogen fixation or other supporting functions, according to a metagenomic analysis. We argue that beneficial strains shared among hosts contribute to ecological stability of the host biocoenoses.
Guanosine tetraphosphate modulates salicylic acid signalling and the resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana to Turnip mosaic virus
Authors: Abdelkefi Hela , Sugliani Matteo , Ke Hang , Harchouni Seddik , Soubigou‐Taconnat Ludivine , Citerne Sylvie , Mouille Gregory , Fakhfakh Hatem , Robaglia Christophe , Field Ben 
Published: February 2017

SummaryChloroplasts can act as key players in the perception and acclimatization of plants to incoming environmental signals. A growing body of evidence indicates that chloroplasts play a critical role in plant immunity. Chloroplast function can be regulated by the nucleotides guanosine tetraphosphate and pentaphosphate [(p)ppGpp]. In plants, (p)ppGpp levels increase in response to abiotic stress and to plant hormones which are involved in abiotic and biotic stress signalling. In this study, we analysed the transcriptome of Arabidopsis plants that over‐accumulate (p)ppGpp, and unexpectedly found a decrease in the levels of a broad range of transcripts for plant defence and immunity. To determine whether (p)ppGpp is involved in the modulation of plant immunity, we analysed the susceptibility of plants with different levels of (p)ppGpp to Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) carrying a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter. We found that (p)ppGpp accumulation was associated with increased susceptibility to TuMV and reduced levels of the defence hormone salicylic acid (SA). In contrast, plants with lower (p)ppGpp levels showed reduced susceptibility to TuMV, and this was associated with the precocious up‐regulation of defence‐related genes and increased SA content. We have therefore demonstrated a new link between (p)ppGpp metabolism and plant immunity in Arabidopsis.
Kinesio Taping for pain control during labor: Protocol of a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Miquelutti Maria Amelia , Cecatti José Guilherme 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study protocol will evaluate the effectiveness and safety during labor and delivery of the Kinesio Taping bandage for pain sensation, satisfaction of patients, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. A randomized controlled trial with 60 participants divided into two groups will be conducted. The intervention group will receive bandage application on the vertebral regions corresponding to uterine dermatomes – from T10 to L1 and from S2 to S4. The control group will receive bandage application away from uterine dermatomes, from T1 to T4. The primary endpoint is pain during labor. Secondary endpoints are perinatal outcomes and patient satisfaction with the bandage and with her labor. Pain levels will be evaluated on an hourly basis during labor, and intention‐to‐treat analysis will be performed. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals will be calculated. Findings on effectiveness of pain control with no adverse effects to both the mother and neonate are the first step in evaluating the systematic use of Kinesio Taping during labor. Since self‐control may affect birthing experience satisfaction, discovering new alternatives for pain control may allow for a better experience.
The Sorting of Female Careers after First Birth: A Competing Risks Analysis of Maternity Leave Duration
Authors: Arntz Melanie , Dlugosz Stephan , Wilke Ralf A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA number of contributions have found evidence that motherhood is a critical life event for women's employment careers. This study presents a detailed analysis for the duration of maternity leave in which young mothers can make a transition into different types of employment, unemployment as well as the next birth. We provide a comprehensive picture of the sorting mechanisms that lead to the differentiation of women's employment careers after birth. Our empirical evidence is derived from large‐linked administrative individual labour market data from Germany for a period of three decades. We obtain unprecedented insights into how women's skills, the quality of the previous job match, firm level characteristics, labour market conditions and leave legislation are related to the length of maternity duration. Expansionary leave policies, e.g. are found to be a key factor for the rising share of women who have their second child out of inactivity.
ETHICAL CLIMATE AND RULE BENDING: HOW ORGANIZATIONAL NORMS CONTRIBUTE TO UNINTENDED RULE CONSEQUENCES
Authors: BORRY ERIN L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRules help ensure consistent employee behaviour, yet rule bending occurs in public organizations every day. Previous research indicates that rule bending is influenced by organizational structure and personal characteristics (DeHart‐Davis 2007). This present study considers the influence of organizational norms on rule bending by exploring the impact of ethical climate, which signals to employees the best course of action when faced with situations that are ethical in nature (Victor and Cullen 1987, 1988). To investigate this relationship, survey data from employees of a large American local government are analysed. Results from a structural equation model show that three ethical climates – ‘organization interest’, ‘team interest’, and ‘rules/SOP’ – significantly influence rule bending. Findings suggest that organizational norms play a critical role for employee behaviour and public managers can consider rule bending and ethical climate as impetuses for organizational change.
Longitudinal study examining abnormal white matter integrity using a tract‐specific analysis in individuals with a high risk for psychosis
Authors: Saito Junichi , Hori Masaaki , Nemoto Takahiro , Katagiri Naoyuki , Shimoji Keigo , Ito Shinya , Tsujino Naohisa , Yamaguchi Taiju , Shiraga Nobuyuki , Aoki Shigeki , Mizuno Masafumi 
Published: February 2017

AimAlthough volume reductions in the grey matter have been previously observed in individuals with an at‐risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis, the features of white matter integrity and their correlation with psychiatric symptoms remain unclear.MethodsForty‐six ARMS subjects were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to acquire diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); the subjects were also evaluated using the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms at baseline and at 52 weeks. Sixteen healthy controls also underwent MRI scanning. The DTI results were longitudinally analyzed using a tract‐specific analysis to measure the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the entire corpus callosum (CC), as well as its genu, trunk, and splenium.ResultsDuring the 52‐week study period, seven patients developed psychosis (ARMS‐P) and 39 did not (ARMS‐NP). In the entire CC and the genu, trunk, and splenium of the CC, the FA values of the ARMS subjects were each significantly smaller than the respective values of the healthy controls at baseline. In the genu and trunk, the baseline FA values in the ARMS‐NP group were, paradoxically, smaller than those of the ARMS‐P group at baseline. Regarding the association between the FA values and psychiatric symptoms, a reduction in the FA value in the genu was significantly correlated with a deterioration of negative symptoms among the ARMS subjects.ConclusionAbnormal white matter integrity in the CC may predict the long‐term outcome of patients with prodromal psychosis, since negative symptoms are associated with poor functioning.
Risk factors hindering asthma symptom control in Saudi children and adolescents
Authors: Halwani Rabih , Vazquez‐Tello Alejandro , Horanieh Nour , Dulgom Said , Al‐Aseri Zohair , Al‐Khamis Nouf , Al‐Sum Zubaida , Al‐Jahdali Hamdan , Al‐Muhsen Saleh 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundMaintaining good control of asthma symptoms can help to prevent exacerbations and its associated complications. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) can rapidly assess the effectiveness of asthma management plan and therapy. The aim of this study was therefore to identify risk factors associated with uncontrolled asthma symptoms in young Saudi asthmatic children (3–17 years old).MethodsIn this cross‐sectional hospital‐based survey, the ACT was administered to 297 asthmatic children/adolescents, recruited at the emergency department (ED) of two major hospitals.ResultsMost recruited patients had intermittent (63.5%) and mild persistent (27.6%) asthma; few had moderate persistent (8.9%) and none had severe asthma. These patients visited the ED four times (3.9 ± 3.2), on average. Almost half of the patients stated that they had not received education about asthma (47%) or education about medication use (43%). Most patients (60.3%) had uncontrolled symptoms (ACT score ≤19), of whom the intermittent asthma patients had better scores than those with more severe symptoms. Children ≤6 years old, with symptoms diagnosed <5 years previously and who were not attending school, had significantly worse control than older patients. Poor medication compliance and inappropriate inhaler device use were ascribed to younger patients (<12 years old) and worse scores; particularly in relation to stopping inhaled corticosteroid therapy when their symptoms improve. Patients with poor control also stated that they had not received education about inhaler device use.ConclusionsMost Saudi asthmatic children/adolescents visiting the ED had poor control of symptoms; indeed, none achieved complete control, which is related to deficient medication compliance and improper medication inhaler device use; deficient knowledge about asthma was also another factor hindering control.
Several subspecies and sequence types are associated with the emergence of Xylella fastidiosa in natural settings in France
Authors: Denancé N. , Legendre B. , Briand M. , Olivier V. , de Boisseson C. , Poliakoff F. , Jacques M.‐A. 
Published: February 2017

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogenic bacterium emerging in Europe. In France its emergence has been demonstrated through interceptions of contaminated coffee plants and, in 2015, by a survey of natural settings. The first French focus of contamination was detected in 2015 in Corsica; since then, almost 300 foci have been found and nearly 30 plant species have been declared contaminated, with Polygala myrtifolia remaining the principal host, suffering from severe leaf scorch. This study reports on the diversity of X. fastidiosa identified in France in 2015. Multilocus sequence analysis/typing revealed the presence of mainly X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex sequence types (STs) ST6 and ST7. A focus of X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca ST53 was identified in mainland France; one sample contaminated by X. fastidiosa subsp. sandyi ST76, one novel recombinant, and coinfections of different isolates in individual samples were also identified, but could not be confirmed by successive samplings, indicating limited or transient contamination. Koch's postulates were fulfilled for two isolates of X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex on P. myrtifolia, one being ST6 and the other ST7. Comparative genomics of the genome sequences of three French isolates (one ST6 and two ST7) with available sequences revealed that, unlike the American Dixon strain, the French ST6 and ST7 strains are devoid of a plasmid encoding a complete type IV secretion system. Other differences regarding phage sequences were highlighted. Altogether, the results suggest that the emergence of X. fastidiosa in France is linked to several introduction events of diverse strains from different subspecies.
Assessment of the genetic diversity of Xylella fastidiosa in imported ornamental Coffea arabica plants
Authors: Bergsma‐Vlami M. , van de Bilt J. L. J. , Tjou‐Tam‐Sin N. N. A. , Helderman C. M. , Gorkink‐Smits P. P. M. A. , Landman N. M. , van Nieuwburg J. G. W. , van Veen E. J. , Westenberg M. 
Published: February 2017

A study was performed in order to assess the presence of Xylella fastidiosa in imported ornamental plants, among them Olea europaea, Coffea arabica and Nerium oleander. Positive results were only obtained from C. arabica, where 15 plant samples tested positive for X. fastidiosa by PCR, nine from Costa Rica and six from Honduras. Transmission electron microscopy observations indicated that rod‐shaped bacterial cells exhibiting the characteristics of X. fastidiosa cells were present in the xylem vessels of leaf petioles obtained from the infected C. arabica plants. Diversity of X. fastidiosa in C. arabica plants was assessed through a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of seven housekeeping genes (leuA, petC, lacF, cysG, holC, nuoL and gltT) and compared with X. fastidiosa infecting different host plants worldwide. Based on this MLST analysis, the prevalence of different sequence types (STs) of X. fastidiosa in the C. arabica ornamental plants was demonstrated and related to different X. fastidiosa subspecies, underlining the risk of introducing additional genetic diversity for X. fastidiosa to Europe. ST53, related to X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca, was frequently found in these C. arabica samples. A second ST related to X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca, ST73, has been assessed in coinfection with ST53 in one individual plant. Additionally, ST72 and ST76, related to X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa, have been recorded. Next to these previously described STs, a novel ST, namely ST77 has been revealed, related to X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa. Isolation of X. fastidiosa from leaf petioles and midribs of infected C. arabica plants was successfully performed only after the application of an additional ultrasonication step during the extraction procedure. Based on this approach, a number of X. fastidiosa isolates were obtained and further characterized.
Neuroplus biofeedback improves attention, resilience, and injury prevention in elite soccer players
Authors: Rusciano Aiace , Corradini Giuliano , Stoianov Ivilin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPerformance and injury prevention in elite soccer players are typically investigated from physical‐tactical, biomechanical, and metabolic perspectives. However, executive functions, visuospatial abilities, and psychophysiological adaptability or resilience are also fundamental for efficiency and well‐being in sports. Based on previous research associating autonomic flexibility with prefrontal cortical control, we designed a novel integrated autonomic biofeedback training method calledNeuroplusto improve resilience, visual attention, and injury prevention. Herein, we introduce the method and provide an evaluation of 20 elite soccer players from the Italian Soccer High Division (Serie‐A): 10 players trained with Neuroplus and 10 trained with a control treatment. The assessments included psychophysiological stress profiles, a visual search task, and indexes of injury prevention, which were measured pre‐ and posttreatment. The analysis showed a significant enhancement of physiological adaptability, recovery following stress, visual selective attention, and injury prevention that were specific to the Neuroplus group. Enhancing the interplay between autonomic and cognitive functions through biofeedback may become a key principle for obtaining excellence and well‐being in sports. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that shows improvement in visual selective attention following intense autonomic biofeedback.