bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune Response and Disease Resistance of Barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch), Offered Diets Supplemented with Replete Levels of Tryptophan or Whey
Authors: Chi Chia‐Chun , Shiu Ya‐Li , Lin Hsueh‐Li , Liu Chun‐Hung 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA basal diet containing 45% protein, 10% lipid, and 1.95% tryptophan (Trp) was formulated, and then supplemented with crystalline Trp (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1% of the diet) or whey (16.9%) to evaluate the physiological effects of juvenile (initial weight: 0.57 ± 0.15 g) barramundi over a 58‐d rearing period. Significant reductions in growth and feed intake were observed in fish offered diets supplemented with Trp as compared to those offered the basal diet or the whey diet. Brain serotonin increased in fish fed the 1% Trp and whey diets albeit a decrease in cannibalism was not observed. Phagocytic activity, and Mx gene expression in spleens were not significantly changed among all groups. There were significant increases in lysozyme activity in the 1% Trp and whey groups, respiratory burst in the whey group, and Mx gene expression in head kidneys in the 1% Trp group 12 h after nerve necrosis virus (NNV) injection and in the whey 12 group and 24 h after NNV injection. Cumulative mortalities of fish fed the whey diet were significantly lower than those of fish fed the basal diet after Aeromonas hydrophila infection, but not Trp groups. Based on these results, diets supplemented with whey had reduced mortality when challenged with A. hydrophila and consequently function as an immunostimulant.
Breast cancer awareness among Indonesian women at moderate‐to‐high risk
Authors: Mardela Aira Putri , Maneewat Khomapak , Sangchan Hathairat 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this descriptive cross‐sectional study, we examined awareness of breast cancer among Indonesian women at moderate‐to high‐risk of developing breast cancer. Data were obtained from 87 eligible participants using the Modified Breast Cancer Awareness Measure. The International Breast Cancer Intervention Study model was used to identify women at moderate‐to‐high risk of developing breast cancer. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that none of the participants had knowledge of age‐related risk (0%). Other domains that indicated low awareness were knowledge of lifetime risk (31%), followed by knowledge of risk factors, in particular the item regarding menstruation at an early age (12.6%). These results indicated that increasing awareness of breast cancer risks is highly needed, in particular among women at moderate‐to‐high risk of developing breast cancer in Indonesia.
Genetics of mycorrhizal symbiosis in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Lehnert Heike , Serfling Albrecht , Enders Matthias , Friedt Wolfgang , Ordon Frank 
Published: May 2017

Summary

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a major staple food and therefore of prime importance for feeding the Earth's growing population. Mycorrhiza is known to improve plant growth, but although extensive knowledge concerning the interaction between mycorrhizal fungi and plants is available, genotypic differences concerning the ability of wheat to form mycorrhizal symbiosis and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in mycorrhization are largely unknown.

Therefore, a diverse set of 94 bread wheat genotypes was evaluated with regard to root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. In order to identify genomic regions involved in mycorrhization, these genotypes were analyzed using the wheat 90k iSelect chip, resulting in 17 823 polymorphic mapped markers, which were used in a genome‐wide association study.

Significant genotypic differences (P < 0.0001) were detected in the ability to form symbiosis and 30 significant markers associated with root colonization, representing six QTL regions, were detected on chromosomes 3A, 4A and 7A, and candidate genes located in these QTL regions were proposed.

The results reported here provide key insights into the genetics of root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in wheat.
The Optimal Approach for a Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
Authors: Choi Ji Won , Kim Won Ho , Lee Chul Joong , Sim Woo Seog , Park Sukhee , Chae Hyun Byung 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionSuperior hypogastric plexus block (SHGPB) is technically difficult, and an accurate procedure is required to avoid potential complications. We attempted to determine the reference angles for fluoroscopy‐assisted SHGPB and to establish a predictor as a guide to select the optimal approach between the classic posterior approach and transdiscal approach.MethodsAbdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scans from 268 patients diagnosed with pelvic malignancies were examined. The oblique and axial angles needed for the fluoroscope were measured both for posterior and transdiscal approaches by simulating the needle trajectory on CT imaging. We developed an SHGPB index defined by the ratio (%) of the interposterior iliac border distance to the L5 body transverse diameter, which represents the relative transverse diameter of the bony pelvis. We evaluated whether it can help select the optimal approach for the SHGPB between the posterior and transdiscal approaches.ResultsMales had a significantly smaller angle than females (right oblique angle for posterior approach, males 14 [range 12 to 17] degrees vs. females 19 [range 16 to 23] degrees; P < 0.001). An SHGPB index of < 150 was an independent predictor for failure of the classic posterior approach (odds ratio 31.3, 95% confidence interval 5.1 to 104.7).ConclusionsThe optimal right oblique angle of fluoroscopy for the posterior approach is 13° to 15° in males and 19° to 20° in females. The transdiscal approach may be favored over the posterior approach when the bony pelvis is narrow relative to the target vertebral body, which can be measured by the SHGPB index being < 150.
Lipid bodies accumulation in Leishmania infantum‐infected C57BL/6 macrophages
Authors: Rodríguez N. E. , Lockard R. D. , Turcotte E. A. , Araújo‐Santos T. , Bozza P. T. , Borges V. M. , Wilson M. E. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryLipid bodies (LBs) are intracellular accumulations of neutral lipids surrounded by a single membrane. These organelles are involved in the production of eicosanoids, which modulate immunity by either promoting or dampening inflammatory responses. Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, is an intracellular parasite that causes disease by suppressing macrophage microbicidal responses. C57BL/6 mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages infected with L. infantum strain LcJ had higher numbers of LB+ cells (P<.0001) and total LBs than noninfected cultures. Large (>3 μm) LBs were present inside parasitophorous vacuoles (PVs). These results contrast with those of L. infantum‐infected BALB/c macrophages, in which the only LBs are derived from parasite, not macrophage origin. Increased LBs in C57BL/6 macrophages in close association with parasites would position host LBs where they could modulate L. infantum infection. These results imply a potential influence of the host genetics on the role of LBs in host‐pathogen interactions. Overall, our data support a model in which the expression, and the role of LBs upon infection, ultimately depends on the specific combination of host‐pathogen interactions.
Increased heterogeneity of airway calibre in adult rats after hypoxia‐induced intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Wang Kimberley C.W. , Morton Jude S. , Davidge Sandra T. , Larcombe Alexander N. , James Alan L. , Donovan Graham M. , Noble Peter B. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with asthma development. We hypothesized that IUGR disrupts airway development leading to postnatal structural abnormalities of the airway that predispose to disease. This study therefore examined structural changes to the airway and lung in a rat model of maternal hypoxia‐induced IUGR.MethodsPregnant rats were housed under hypoxic conditions (11.5% O2
) from gestational days (GDs) 13 to 20 (pseudoglandular–canalicular stages, i.e. period of airway development) and then returned to normoxic conditions (21% O2
). A control group of pregnant rats was housed under normoxic conditions throughout pregnancy. Weights of male offspring were recorded at birth and 7 weeks of age (adulthood), at which point lungs were fixed for morphometry and stereology (n = 6/group), or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for cell counts (n = 6/group).Results
IUGR offspring were lighter at birth compared with control, but not at 7 weeks. While there was no difference in mean airway dimensions or lung volume, there was greater anatomical variation in airway lumen area in the IUGR group. A mathematical model of the human lung was used to show that greater heterogeneity in lumen area in IUGR‐affected individuals increases bronchoconstriction during simulated bronchial challenge. More macrophages were identified in the BALF of IUGR offspring.ConclusionThe rat model demonstrates that IUGR leads to a more heterogeneous distribution of airway lumen calibre in adulthood with potential implications for bronchoconstriction in human subjects. Together with increased lung macrophages, these findings support a phenotypic shift after IUGR that may impact disease susceptibility.
Sedimentary processes controlling ultralong cells of littoral transport: Placer formation and termination of the Orange sand highway in southern Angola
Authors: Garzanti Eduardo , Dinis Pedro , Vermeesch Pieter , Andò Sergio , Hahn Annette , Huvi João , Limonta Mara , Padoan Marta , Resentini Alberto , Rittner Martin , Vezzoli Giovanni 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study focuses on the causes, modalities and obstacles of sediment transfer in the longest cell of littoral sand drift documented on Earth so far. Sand derived from the Orange River is dragged by swell waves and persistent southerly winds to accumulate in four successive dunefields in coastal Namibia to Angola. All four dunefields are terminated by river valleys, where aeolian sand is flushed back to the ocean; and yet sediment transport continues at sea, tracing an 1800 km long submarine sand highway. Sand drift would extend northward to beyond the Congo if the shelf did not become progressively narrower in southern Angola, where drifting sand is funnelled towards oceanic depths via canyon heads connected to river mouths. Garnet–magnetite placers are widespread along this coastal stretch, indicating systematic loss of the low‐density feldspatho‐quartzose fraction to the deep ocean. More than half of Moçamedes Desert sand is derived from the Orange River, and the rest in similar proportions from the Cunene River and from the Swakop and other rivers draining the Damara Orogen in Namibia. The Orange fingerprint, characterized by basaltic rock fragments, clinopyroxene grains and bimodal zircon‐age spectra with peaks at ca 0·5 Ga and ca 1·0 Ga, is lost abruptly at Namibe, and beach sands further north have abundant feldspar, amphibole‐epidote suites and unimodal zircon‐age spectra with a peak at ca 2·0 Ga, documenting local provenance from Palaeoproterozoic basement. Along with this oblique‐rifted continental margin, beach placers are dominated by Fe–Ti–Cr oxides with more monazite than garnet and thus have a geochemical signature sharply different from beach placers found all the way along the Orange littoral cell. High‐resolution mineralogical studies allow us to trace sediment dispersal over distances of thousands of kilometres, providing essential information for the correct reconstruction of ‘source to sink’ relationships in hydrocarbon exploration and to predict the long‐term impact of man‐made infrastructures on coastal sediment budgets.
Comparison of the measuring efficacy of transepidermal water loss of a reasonably priced, portable closed‐chamber system device H4500 with that of rather expensive, conventional devices such as Tewameter®and Vapometer®
Authors: Kikuchi K. , Asano M. , Tagami H. , Kato M. , Aiba S. 
Published: May 2017

Background/PurposeAlthough measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is important to assess the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC), the commercially available instruments are rather expensive. Recently launched Model H4500 employs a closed‐chamber system to measureTEWLand is more reasonably priced compared to devices currently in general use.MethodsTo check the reproducibility of the obtained data with H4500, we conducted measurements on the volar forearms of healthy volunteers and compared these data with those measured with Vapometer®and Tewameter®. Then, we checked the correlations between theTEWLdata obtained with these different devices on the same volar forearms of 15 healthy volunteers before and after the artificial production of barrier damage of theSCby tape stripping or by 0.5% aqueous solution of sodium lauryl sulfate.ResultsThe obtained intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC, [1, 1]) with 95%CIof H4500 was 0.927 (0.835‐0.978). Namely, an excellent correlation could be found in the values ofTEWLmeasured with these three different instruments not only on healthy skin but also on the artificially barrier‐damaged skin.ConclusionsH4500 is considered to be practical for daily use because of its performance as well as its reasonable price as compared with conventional devices.
Diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.
Authors: Moriello Karen A. , Coyner Kimberly , Paterson Susan , Mignon Bernard 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundDermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin disease of cats and dogs. The most common pathogens of small animals belong to the generaMicrosporumandTrichophyton. It is an important skin disease because it is contagious, infectious and can be transmitted to people.ObjectivesThe objective of this document is to review the existing literature and provide consensus recommendations for veterinary clinicians and lay people on the diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis in cats and dogs.MethodsThe authors served as a Guideline Panel (GP) and reviewed the literature available prior to September 2016. TheGPprepared a detailed literature review and made recommendations on selected topics. The World Association of Veterinary Dermatology (WAVD) provided guidance and oversight for this process. A draft of the document was presented at the 8th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology (May 2016) and was then made available via the World Wide Web to the member organizations of theWAVDfor a period of three months. Comments were solicited and posted to theGPelectronically. Responses were incorporated by theGPinto the final document.ConclusionsNo one diagnostic test was identified as the gold standard. Successful treatment requires concurrent use of systemic oral antifungals and topical disinfection of the hair coat. Wood's lamp and direct examinations have good positive and negative predictability, systemic antifungal drugs have a wide margin of safety and physical cleaning is most important for decontamination of the exposed environments. Finally, serious complications of animal–human transmission are exceedingly rare.
Avena sterilis and Lolium rigidum infestations hamper the recovery of diverse arable weed communities
Authors: Armengot L , José‐María L , Chamorro L , Sans F X 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIntensification of agricultural practices has severely reduced weed diversity in arable fields, which affects the delivery of ecosystem services. However, in parallel, some species have benefited from intensive farming and have vastly increased their abundance, as is the case for Lolium rigidum and Avena sterilis in cereal fields. These highly competitive species severely reduce yields but can also compete with other weed species, and, when less intensive practices are applied, they might limit the recovery of weed diversity and the success of arable species reintroductions. A gradient of infestation was established in a winter wheat field in Catalonia (north‐eastern Spain) by sowing seeds of both species at three different densities to test their effects on the abundance, diversity and composition of the natural weed community. The emergence of seeds and the survival and biomass of transplanted seedlings of two rare species, Agrostemma githago and Vaccaria hispanica, were also evaluated. Avena sterilis and L. rigidum infestations reduced the diversity, abundance and biomass and changed the composition of the natural weed community, even at low infestation densities. Moreover, infestations of both species affected the overall performance of A. githago and V. hispanica. This study reveals that A. sterilis and L. rigidum are highly competitive and that their infestations might hamper the recovery of diverse weed communities. Their densities should be considered when selecting suitable sites for promoting diversity and reintroducing rare species.
Diversity of North American map and sawback turtles (Testudines: Emydidae: Graptemys)
Authors: Praschag Peter , Ihlow Flora , Flecks Morris , Vamberger Melita , Fritz Uwe 
Published: May 2017

Map turtles of the genus Graptemys are native to North America, where a high degree of drainage endemism is believed to have shaped current diversity. With 14 species and one additional subspecies, Graptemys represents the most diverse genus in the family Emydidae. While some Graptemys species are characterized by pronounced morphological differences, previous phylogenetic analyses have failed yet to confirm significant levels of genetic divergence for many taxa. As a consequence, it has been debated whether Graptemys is taxonomically inflated or whether the low genetic divergence observed reflects recent radiations or ancient hybridization. In this study, we analysed three mtDNA blocks (3228 bp) as well as 12 nuclear loci (7844 bp) of 89 specimens covering all species and subspecies of Graptemys. Our analyses of the concatenated mtDNA sequences reveal that the widespread G. geographica constitutes the sister taxon of all other Graptemys species. These correspond to two clades, one comprised of all broad‐headed Graptemys species and another clade containing the narrow‐headed species. Most species of the broad‐headed clade are reciprocally monophyletic, except for G. gibbonsi and G. pearlensis, which are not differentiated. By contrast, in the narrow‐headed clade, many currently recognized species are not monophyletic and divergence is significantly less pronounced. Haplotype networks of phased nuclear loci show low genetic divergence among taxa and many shared haplotypes. Principal component analyses using coded phased nuclear DNA sequences revealed eight distinct clusters within Graptemys that partially conflict with the terminal mtDNA clades. This might be explained by male‐mediated gene flow across drainage basins and female philopatry within drainage basins. Our results support that Graptemys is taxonomically oversplit and needs to be revised.
A multiscale computational modelling approach predicts mechanisms of female sex risk in the setting of arousal‐induced arrhythmias
Authors: Yang Pei‐Chi , Perissinotti Laura L. , López‐Redondo Fernando , Wang Yibo , DeMarco Kevin R. , Jeng Mao‐Tsuen , Vorobyov Igor , Harvey Robert D. , Kurokawa Junko , Noskov Sergei Y. , Clancy Colleen E. 
Published: May 2017

Key points
This study represents a first step toward predicting mechanisms of sex‐based arrhythmias that may lead to important developments in risk stratification and may inform future drug design and screening.
We undertook simulations to reveal the conditions (i.e. pacing, drugs, sympathetic stimulation) required for triggering and sustaining reentrant arrhythmias.
Using the recently solved cryo‐EM structure for the Eag‐family channel as a template, we revealed potential interactions of oestrogen with the pore loop hERG mutation (G604S).
Molecular models suggest that oestrogen and dofetilide blockade can concur simultaneously in the hERG channel pore.
AbstractFemale sex is a risk factor for inherited and acquired long‐QT associated torsade de pointes (TdP) arrhythmias, and sympathetic discharge is a major factor in triggering TdP in female long‐QT syndrome patients. We used a combined experimental and computational approach to predict ‘the perfect storm’ of hormone concentration, IKr block and sympathetic stimulation that induces arrhythmia in females with inherited and acquired long‐QT. More specifically, we developed mathematical models of acquired and inherited long‐QT syndrome in male and female ventricular human myocytes by combining effects of a hormone and a hERG blocker, dofetilide, or hERG mutations. These ‘male’ and ‘female’ model myocytes and tissues then were used to predict how various sex‐based differences underlie arrhythmia risk in the setting of acute sympathetic nervous system discharge. The model predicted increased risk for arrhythmia in females when acute sympathetic nervous system discharge was applied in the settings of both inherited and acquired long‐QT syndrome. Females were predicted to have protection from arrhythmia induction when progesterone is high. Males were protected by the presence of testosterone. Structural modelling points towards two plausible and distinct mechanisms of oestrogen action enhancing torsadogenic effects: oestradiol interaction with hERG mutations in the pore loop containing G604 or with common TdP‐related blockers in the intra‐cavity binding site. Our study presents findings that constitute the first evidence linking structure to function mechanisms underlying female dominance of arousal‐induced arrhythmias.
Assessment of the Cavidi ExaVir Load Assay for Monitoring Plasma Viral Load in HIV-2-Infected Patients
Authors: Borrego Pedro , Gonçalves Maria Fátima , Gomes Perpétua , Araújo Lavínia , Moranguinho Inês , Figueiredo Inês Brito , Barahona Isabel , Rocha José , Mendonça Claudino , Cruz Maria Cesarina , Barreto Jorge , Taveira Nuno 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

HIV plasma viral load is an established marker of disease progression and of response to antiretroviral therapy, but currently there is no commercial assay validated for the quantification of viral load in HIV-2-infected individuals. We sought to make the first clinical evaluation of Cavidi ExaVir Load (version 3) in HIV-2-infected patients. Samples were collected from a total of 102 individuals living in Cape Verde, and the HIV-2 viral load was quantified by both ExaVir Load and a reference in-house real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) used in Portugal in 91 samples. The associations between viral load and clinical prognostic variables (CD4
+
T cell counts and antiretroviral therapy status) were similar for measurements obtained using ExaVir Load and qPCR. There was no difference between the two methods in the capacity to discriminate between nonquantifiable and quantifiable HIV-2 in the plasma. In samples with an HIV-2 viral load quantifiable by both methods (
n
= 27), the measurements were highly correlated (Pearson
r
= 0.908), but the ExaVir Load values were systematically higher relative to those determined by qPCR (median difference, 0.942 log
10
copies/ml). A regression model was derived that enables the conversion of ExaVir Load results to those that would have been obtained by the reference qPCR. In conclusion, ExaVir Load version 3 is a reliable commercial assay to measure viral load in HIV-2-infected patients and therefore a valuable alternative to the in-house assays in current use.