bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the electrical penetration graphs of the psyllid Bactericera trigonica on carrots
Authors: Antolinez C.A. , Moreno A. , Appezzato‐da‐Gloria B. , Fereres A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe psyllid Bactericera trigonica Hodkinson (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a carrot and celery pest recently described as a vector of the plant pathogenic bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso) on Apiaceae. Detailed information on vector stylet penetration activities is essential in the study of Lso transmission. In this study we used the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique, characterized waveforms produced during the various stylet penetration activities in carrot leaves, and correlated them with stylet tracks and salivary sheath termini on plant tissues as well as with Lso inoculation. In addition, the effect of Lso in B. trigonica on the stylet penetration activities was tested. The EPG waveforms identified were: waveforms C1 and C2 detected in the mesophyll, waveforms D, E1, and E2 near or in the phloem sieve elements, and waveform G in the xylem vessels. A waveform pattern not previously reported for psyllids was the ‘pseudo‐potential drop’ (pseudo‐pd), characterized by sudden voltage dips similar to potential drops. However, the lowered voltage appeared to be inverted when the plant voltage is negative, indicating that it is caused by an increased resistance period and not due to a cell puncture. A direct correlation is shown between the waveform E1 and salivation into phloem sieve elements by B. trigonica as the inoculation of Lso occurred in a period as short as 30 s of E1; Lso transmission occurred in 17 of 35 plants (48%). Stylet activities during waveforms C or D had no consequences on the inoculation of Lso. In conclusion, Lso infection directly affects the probing behaviour of B. trigonica by increasing the total duration of C and D waveforms, but not variables related to phloem salivation (Lso inoculation) or ingestion (Lso acquisition). The reported information here is fundamental for identifying the psyllid vector traits of behaviour associated with transmission of Lso to Apiaceae.
Influence of demographic characteristics on attenuated positive psychotic symptoms in a young, help‐seeking, at‐risk population
Authors: Theodoridou Anastasia , Hengartner Michael P. , Heekeren Karsten , Dvorsky Diane , Schultze‐Lutter Frauke , Gerstenberg Miriam , Walitza Susanne , Rössler Wulf 
Published: April 2017

AimPresentation of attenuated positive psychotic symptoms (APS) was reported to be modestly influenced by age, sex and education in a psychosis‐risk sample. We re‐examined the influence of demographic variables on APS in an independent psychosis‐risk sample.MethodIn a clinical high‐risk‐sample (N = 188; 13‐35 years; 60.1% men), bivariate correlations were examined with Spearman correlations. All other associations were computed with generalized linear models.ResultsInter‐correlations between positive symptoms were statistically significant for all but the smallest coefficient (range: r = 0.12‐0.49). Age was negatively related to APS (range: OR = 0.53‐0.78, all P < .01). Male sex was uniquely related to disorganized communication (OR = 1.46) and a high education‐level related negatively to suspiciousness/persecutory ideas (OR = 0.64), perceptual abnormalities/hallucinations (OR = 0.57) and disorganized communication (OR = 0.54). The variance explained by age ranged from
R
2
= 0.044 for unusual thought content to
R
2
= 0.144 for perceptual abnormalities.ConclusionOur results highlighted the role of age and, thereby, neurodevelopment in psychosis‐risk assessment.
A distinct cutaneous microbiota profile in autoimmune bullous disease patients
Authors: Miodovnik Mor , Künstner Axel , Langan Ewan A. , Zillikens Detlef , Gläser Regine , Sprecher Eli , Baines John F. , Schmidt Enno , Ibrahim Saleh M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease in Europe. As both the incidence of the disease and the relative proportion of the elderly population continue to rise, it represents a significant medical burden. Whereas some progress has been achieved in defining genetic risk factors for autoimmune blistering diseases, no environmental agent has been conclusively identified. Emerging evidence suggests that host immunity may influence the skin microbiota, while the latter modulates cutaneous immunity. Nevertheless, the relationship between skin microbial communities and autoimmune bullous disease has yet to be studied in humans. Here, we aim to characterise and compare the skin microbiome of patients withBPand healthy, age‐matched controls at numerous body sites. Similar to what has been shown in healthy controls, the composition of skin microbiota in patients withBPappears to be very divergent and site specific. Microbial phylum abundances differ between perilesional sites of patients withBPand the same anatomic locations of control patients. A distinct cutaneous microbiota profile, which correlates withBP, further strengthens the significance of commensal‐host interaction on our immune system. Moreover, these results raise the possibility that the cutaneous microbiome may contribute to the pathogenesis ofBP, with important implications for the treatment of this disease.
miR‐128‐1 is not required for hair pigmentation in mice
Authors: Wark Abigail R. , Terman Elizabeth J. , Tabin Clifford J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs are endogenous, regulatory RNAs implicated in many biological processes including pigmentation. Software algorithms and in vitro experiments predict that microRNAs can target pigmentation pathway genes, but few have been tested in vivo. MiR‐128‐1, a microRNA within the strongly selected lactase locus in the human genome, has predicted pigmentation targets. To test the role of miR‐128‐1 in pigment regulation, we created C57BL/6 agouti miR‐128‐1 knockout mice and quantified melanin deposition in hair. MiR‐128‐1 knockout mice have no detectable hair pigmentation phenotype. We conclude that miR‐128‐1 does not play a significant regulatory role in hair pigmentation in mice.
A hypomorphic Egfr allele does not ameliorate the palmoplantar keratoderma caused by SLURP1 deficiency
Authors: Allan Christopher M. , Tran Deanna , Tu Yiping , Heizer Patrick J. , Young Lorraine C. , Fong Loren G. , Beigneux Anne P. , Young Stephen G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMutations in SLURP1, a secreted protein of keratinocytes, cause a palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) known as mal de Meleda. Slurp1 deficiency in mice faithfully recapitulates the human disease, with increased keratinocyte proliferation and thickening of the epidermis on the volar surface of the paws. There has long been speculation that SLURP1 serves as a ligand for a receptor that regulates keratinocyte growth and differentiation. We were intrigued that mutations leading to increased signalling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) cause PPK. Here, we sought to determine whether reducing EGFR signalling would ameliorate the PPK associated with SLURP1 deficiency. To address this issue, we bred Slurp1‐deficient mice that were homozygous for a hypomorphic Egfr allele. The hypomorphic Egfr allele, which leads to reduced EGFR signalling in keratinocytes, did not ameliorate the PPK elicited by SLURP1 deficiency, suggesting that SLURP1 deficiency causes PPK independently (or downstream) from the EGFR pathway.
Effects of biochar application on root traits: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiang Yangzhou , Deng Qi , Duan Honglang , Guo Ying 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRoots are the interfaces between biochar particles and growing plants. Biochar application may alter root growth and traits and thereby affect plant performance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of biochar on root traits is lacking. We conducted a meta‐analysis with 2108 paired observations from 136 articles to evaluate the responses of root traits associated with 13 variables under biochar application. Overall, biochar application increased root biomass (+32%), root volume (+29%) and surface area (39%). The biochar‐induced increases in root length (+52%) and number of root tips (+17%) were much larger than the increase in root diameter (+9.9%); this result suggests that biochar application benefits root morphological development to alleviate plant nutrient and water deficiency rather than to maximize biomass accumulation. Biochar application did not change root N concentration but significantly increased root P concentration (+22%), particularly when combined with N fertilization. Biochar application also affected root‐associated microbes and significantly increased the number of root nodules (+25%). The responses of root traits to biochar application were generally greater in annual plants than in perennial plants and were affected by soil texture and pH values. Moreover, it appears that biochar production process (pyrolysis temperature and time) plays a more important role in regulating root growth than does biochar source. Together, findings obtained from this meta‐analysis may have significant implications for the future sustainable development of biochar management to improve plant growth and functioning.
Low temperature co‐fired ceramics based modular fluidic system for efficient optical measurements
Authors: Malecha Karol 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this paper some issues on development and functionality of the modular low temperature co‐fired ceramics (LTCC)‐based microfluidic system are discussed. Design, fabrication, and performance of an exemplary LTCC microfluidic system with separated electronic and microfluidic parts are presented. This microsystem utilizes absorbance and fluorescence measurement for determination of various chemical compounds in liquid test samples. According to performed measurements the analytical signal of the presented LTCC microfluidic system is characterized by good signal‐to‐noise ratio and repeatability.
Kinetics of color changes of popped rice during microwave popping: Effect of salt and moisture content
Authors: Devi Moirangthem Kalpana , Das Susanta Kumar 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPaddy, coated with a dielectric salt was popped using microwave energy. The kinetics of color changes of the popped rice with the variation of heating time (0–60 s), sample moisture content (12–18% wb), and level of salt coating (0–5% w/w) were studied. The parameters, estimating the change in color of the popped rice, were measured in terms of L*, a*, b* color coordinate system using a Chroma‐meter. The total color change (ΔE*), chroma (C*), hue angle (H*), and browning index (BI*) were estimated from these measured parameters. The shift in color change with microwave popped paddy was found darker side with the increase in heating time and salt content. These color changes showed that, ΔE* was fitted well to zero‐order kinetic model, while BI* followed a first‐order kinetic model. All these color parameters were fitted to a quadratic equation as a function of salt and moisture content. Both ΔE* and BI* increased with the increase in salt:moisture ratio.Practical applicationsThe color development in the product during microwave popping of paddy is an important sensory quality attribute concerning consumer acceptability. The popping characteristics of paddy and simultaneously kinetics of its color changes are closely associated with the factors like moisture content, level of salt (dielectric) coating and heating time adopted in domestic MW oven. Modeling of the kinetics of color changes could be a useful practical tool in predicting the final and acceptable color of the product. Estimation of heating time for desirable color development of the product could be arrived with certain ratio of salt to moisture contents of the paddy.
Cutting costs and standardizing care: Once‐per‐cycle complete blood count monitoring may be safe for patients undergoing platinum‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Garcia Christine , Montemorano Lauren , Saks Erin , Duska Linda R. , Cantrell Leigh A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether frequency of complete blood count (CBC) testing during chemotherapy for gynecologic cancer impacts hospital admissions or rates of neutropenic fever.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed at a single academic institution. Patients undergoing platinum‐based chemotherapy for endometrial or ovarian cancer from January 2010 to December 2014 were identified from a clinical database. Patients receiving dose‐dense chemotherapy or on a clinical trial were excluded. Electronic chart review collected demographic and clinical characteristics. The primary outcome was the rate of febrile neutropenia or hospital admission.ResultsA total of 174 patients were identified, 63 (36%) with endometrial and 111 (64%) with ovarian cancer. Fifty‐four percent of patients received multiple CBC per cycle compared with 46% who only had one CBC per cycle. The majority of patients were treated with a platinum‐based doublet (85%). Dose reductions, addition of granulocyte colony stimulating factor, and rates of grade 3 or 4 anemia and neutropenia were significantly associated with more frequent testing. There was no difference in rates of neutropenic fever (5.3 vs 3.8%, P = 0.45) or hospital admission (22.3 vs 21.3%, P = 0.86) for multiple versus single CBC monitoring.ConclusionMore frequent laboratory testing detected more cases of grade 3 or 4 hematopoietic toxicities and was associated with more interventions. There were no differences in number of hospitalizations or cases of neutropenic fever by frequency of laboratory testing, suggesting that it may be appropriate to decrease routine laboratory tests for select patients.
Dietary niche partitioning between sympatric brown hares and rabbits
Authors: Lush L. , Ward A. I. , Wheeler P. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCoexistence of ecologically similar species is sustained by niche partitioning, a fundamental element of which is diet. Overlapping of resource requirements between sympatric species can create interspecific competitive or facilitative effects on the foraging behaviour of herbivores. Brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are similar in size, morphology, feeding type and occupy the same habitats, but direct evidence of competition for resources between them is lacking. Both species are widespread and simultaneously pests and species of conservation concern in different parts of their range. We investigated dietary overlap of brown hares and European rabbits in pastures in relation to pasture management and hare and rabbit abundance. Grasses were the predominant component in both hare and rabbit diets with high overlap of plant species. Both rabbits and hares showed some selectivity for particular plants with evidence of consistent selection for Phleum spp. and relative avoidance of Poa spp. However, differences in the smaller components of hare and rabbit diet resulted in significant differences in diet overall. There was no evidence that higher relative density of one species led to dietary shifts but pasture management affected the diet of both species. Nutritional composition of diets of both species also differed between cattle and sheep pastures with higher fibre, ash and fat in the former. Our data provide no evidence of competitive exclusion between rabbits and hares on the basis of diet, but suggest that the effects of livestock on their respective diets may influence indirect competition in favour of rabbits over hares.
Improved survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and compensated hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhosis who attained sustained virological response
Authors: Bruno Savino , Di Marco Vito , Iavarone Massimo , Roffi Luigi , Boccaccio Vincenzo , Crosignani Andrea , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Rossi Sonia , Calvaruso Vincenza , Aghemo Alessio , Giacomelli Luca , Craxì Antonio , Colombo Massimo , Maisonneuve Patrick 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundFew studies examined the outcome of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related cirrhosis who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The relative weight as determinant of death for cancer vs end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) and the benefit of HCV eradication remain undefined. This multicentre, retrospective analysis evaluates overall survival (OS), rate of decompensation and tumour recurrence in compensated HCC patients treated with interferon (IFN) according to HCV status since HCC diagnosis.MethodsTwo groups of patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis and HCC were followed since HCC diagnosis: (i) compensated cirrhotics with prior sustained virological response (SVR) on IFN‐based regimens (N=19); (ii) compensated cirrhotics without SVR (viraemic) (N=156).RESULTSOver a median follow‐up of 3.0 years since the onset of HCC, OS was longer for HCC patients with SVR than for viraemic patients (log‐rank P=.004). The 5‐year OS rate was 65.9% in patients with SVR vs 31.9% in viraemic patients. Similar trends were reported for hepatic decompensation (log‐rank P=.01) and tumour recurrence (log‐rank P=.01). These findings were confirmed at multivariable and propensity score analysis. At propensity analysis, 0/19 compensated patients with SVR died for ESLD vs 7/19 (37%) viraemic patients (P=.004). HCC mortality was similar in the two groups.ConclusionsHepatocellular carcinoma patients with prior SVR and compensated cirrhosis at the time of tumour diagnosis have prolonged OS than viraemic patients. Given the lack of cirrhosis progression, no SVR patient ultimately died for ESLD while this condition appears the main cause of death among viraemic patients.
The effects and mechanism of action of methane on ileal motor function
Authors: Park Y. M. , Lee Y. J. , Hussain Z. , Lee Y. H. , Park H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundMethane has been associated with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome, slowing intestinal transit time by augmenting contractile activity. However, the precise mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effect of methane on contractile activity, and whether such effects are mediated by nerve impulses or muscular contraction.MethodsWe connected guinea pig ileal muscle strips to a force/tension transducer and measured amplitudes of contraction in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1, 2, 8, 16 Hz) following methane infusion in the presence of tetradotoxin (TTX), atropine, guanethidine, or GR 113808. We then performed calcium imaging using Oregon Green 488 BAPTA‐1 AM in order to visualize changes in calcium fluorescence in response to EFS following methane infusion in the presence of TTX, atropine, or a high K+ solution.Key ResultsMethane significantly increased amplitudes of contraction (P<.05), while treatment with TTX abolished such contraction. Methane‐induced increases in amplitude were inhibited when lower‐frequency (1, 2 Hz) EFS was applied following atropine infusion (P<.05). Neither guanethidine nor GR 113808 significantly altered contraction amplitudes. Methane significantly increased calcium fluorescence, while this increase was attenuated following atropine infusion (P<.05). Although calcium fluorescence was increased by the high K+ solution under pretreatment with TTX, the intensity of fluorescence remained unchanged after methane infusion.Conclusions and InferencesThe actions of methane on the intestine are influenced by the cholinergic pathway of the enteric nervous system. Our findings support the classification of methane as a gasotransmitter.
Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on orthodontic tooth movement in dogs
Authors: Rashid A. , ElSharaby F. A. , Nassef E. M. , Mehanni S. , Mostafa Y. A. 
Published: April 2017

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.MethodsThe sample comprised six skeletally mature male mongrel dogs. The maxillary second premolar in each dog was extracted bilaterally. PRP was prepared and injected around the first premolar in one randomly selected maxillary quadrant while the other quadrant served as the control. Coil springs (150 g) were used to distalize the first premolars for 63 days using TAD as anchorage.ResultsTotal maxillary tooth movement was significantly faster on the experimental than on the control side.ConclusionLocal injection of PRP in the present animal study resulted in accelerated orthodontic tooth movement with no obvious clinical or microscopic side effects.
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Recurrence after Amputation for CRPS, and Failure of Conventional Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: Goebel Andreas , Lewis Sarah , Phillip Rhodri , Sharma Manohar 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundLimb amputation is sometimes being performed in long‐standing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), although little evidence is available guiding management decisions, including how CRPS recurrence should be managed.MethodsThis report details the management of a young soldier with CRPS recurrence 2 years after midtibial amputation for CRPS.ResultsConventional spinal cord stimulation did not achieve paraesthetic coverage, or pain relief in the stump, whereas L4 dorsal root ganglion stimulation achieved both coverage and initially modest pain relief, and over time, substantial pain relief.ConclusionsCurrent evidence does not support the use of amputation to improve either pain or function in CRPS. Before a decision is made, in exceptional cases, about referral for amputation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation should be considered as a potentially effective treatment, even where conventional spinal cord stimulator treatment has failed to achieve reliable paraesthetic cover. Furthermore, this treatment may provide pain relief in those patients with CRPS recurrence in the stump after amputation.
Persistent and Developing Sleep Problems: A Prospective Cohort Study on the Relationship to Poor Outcome in Patients Attending a Pain Clinic with Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Pakpour Amir H. , Yaghoubidoust Mohammadhossein , Campbell Paul 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSleep problems are common in people with low back pain (LBP); however, the mechanisms of how sleep influences pain are complex. To date there is a lack of prospective research on the timing and development of sleep problems in those who have LBP; such information would be useful to identify individuals at risk for poor outcomes. Our aims are to investigate the predictive role of sleep problems on self‐report recovery and pain intensity using logistic regression reporting odds ratios (ORs). An observational cohort of 761 chronic LBP patients recruited from a pain management clinic participated, and they completed data at baseline and at 6‐month follow‐up (n = 682). Results show increased odds for reported nonrecovery (OR 1.52) and pain intensity (OR 2.69) among those who reported sleep problems at baseline. Further analysis on the experience of sleep problems through time showed that those with developing sleep problems (ie, no sleep problems at baseline but reported sleep problems at follow‐up) were at increased odds for reporting nonrecovery (OR 2.17) and pain intensity (OR 2.95), as were those who reported sleep problems at both baseline and follow‐up, for recovery (OR 2.88) and pain intensity (OR 3.45). Those with resolving sleep problems (ie, sleep problems present at baseline but not at follow‐up) were at decreased odds for nonrecovery (OR 0.50) and pain intensity (0.49). Presenting, persistent, and developing sleep problems have a significant impact on recovery for those with LBP. Clinicians may wish to consider treatment options that can address sleep problems.