bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three gene phylogeny of the Thoreales (Rhodophyta) reveals high species diversity
Authors: Johnston Emily T. , Dixon Kyatt R. , West John A. , Buhari Nurliah , Vis Morgan L. 
Published: January 2018

The freshwater red algal order Thoreales has triphasic life history composed of a diminutive diploid “Chantransia” stage, a distinctive macroscopic gametophyte with multi‐axial growth and carposporophytes that develop on the gametophyte thallus. This order is comprised of two genera, Thorea and Nemalionopsis. Thorea has been widely reported with numerous species, whereas Nemalionopsis has been more rarely observed with only a few species described. DNA sequences from three loci (rbcL, cox1, and LSU) were used to examine the phylogenetic affinity of specimens collected from geographically distant locations including North America, South America, Europe, Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, China, and India. Sixteen species of Thorea and two species of Nemalionopsis were recognized. Morphological observations confirmed the distinctness of the two genera and also provided some characters to distinguish species. However, many of the collections were in “Chantransia” stage rather than gametophyte stage, meaning that key diagnostic morphological characters were unavailable. Three new species are proposed primarily based on the DNA sequence data generated in this study, Thorea kokosinga‐pueschelii, T. mauitukitukii, and T. quisqueyana. In addition to these newly described species, one DNA sequence from GenBank was not closely associated with other Thorea clades and may represent further diversity in the genus. Two species in Nemalionopsis are recognized, N. shawii and N. parkeri nom. et stat. nov. Thorea harbors more diversity than had been recognized by morphological data alone. Distribution data indicated that Nemalionopsis is common in the Pacific region, whereas Thorea is more globally distributed. Most species of Thorea have a regional distribution, but Thorea hispida appears to be cosmopolitan.
The role of land bridges, ancient environments, and migrations in the assembly of the North American flora
Authors: Graham Alan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractContinental‐scale assembly of floras results from past and present in situ diversification in association with several external processes. Among these processes are the making and breaking of connections among landmasses. Connections among landmasses are constantly in flux as are the climates and landscapes along the connection corridors, so that these corridors, or land bridges, may either facilitate or restrict migration at a given time. Across land bridges, changing landscape‐level and organismal factors include the dispersal potential and vectors of propagules, competition, predation, and distributions altered by pathogens. Assembly of a flora is, therefore, the outcome of complex, interacting, temporally‐varying factors that render simplistic explanations unlikely. In the case of North America, the continent experienced ephemeral connections with adjacent regions via five land bridges over the last 100 Ma at different times and under different climates and specific landscape morphologies, including edaphic characteristics. Here, I emphasize the earliest of these connections, Beringia, which probably comprised an initially‐incomplete land bridge during the Cretaceous and Paleocene resulting from compression, fragmentation, and rotation of Asian‐North American sub‐blocks as North America began moving westward from the northern portion of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. During the same time, additional land was added to Beringia with accretion of terranes and the subduction of the northern edge of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American‐Asian Plates in the Eocene to form the Aleutian Islands. Other connections between North America and adjacent landmasses were the North Atlantic, the Antilles, Central America, and the Magellan land bridge.
The immunosuppressive effects of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells on dendritic cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhou P. , Xu J. , Dai M. , Shi Y. , Wu G. , Fang Y. , Yan X. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe characteristics and functions of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been well defined in murine and human systems. However, the interaction or crosstalk between CD4+CD25+ Tregs and dendritic cells (DCs) remains controversial. In this study, the effects of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) CD4+CD25+ Tregs on the maturation and function of monocyte‐derived DCs were examined. The results showed that CD4+CD25+ render the DCs inefficient as antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) despite prestimulation with CD40 ligand. This effect was marginally reverted by applying neutralizing antibodies (Abs) to IL‐10 and TGF‐β. There were an increased IL‐10 and TGF‐β secretion and reduced expression of costimulatory molecules in DC. Thus, in addition to a direct suppressor effect on CD4+T cells, CD4+CD25+ may modulate the immune response through DCs in CHB patients.
Characterizing the temporal evolution of the hepatitis C virus epidemic in Pakistan
Authors: Ayoub H. H. , Al Kanaani Z. , Abu‐Raddad L. J. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryPakistan has the second largest number of HCV infections in the world. We assessed past, present and future levels and trends of the HCV epidemic in Pakistan. An age‐structured mathematical model was developed and analysed to describe transmission dynamics over 1980‐2050. The model was fitted to a nationally representative survey and a comprehensive database of systematically gathered HCV Ab prevalence data. HCV Ab and chronic infection prevalences peaked at 5.3% and 3.9% in 2000 but were projected to decline to 4.3% and 3.2% by 2017, 3.4% and 2.6% by 2030 and 2.6% and 1.9% by 2050, respectively. The number of chronically infected individuals was estimated at 6 663 906 in 2017 and was projected to peak at 6 665 900 in 2018 and decline to 6 372 100 in 2030 and 5 131 500 in 2050. Annual number of new infections peaked at 346 740 in 1992 but was projected to decline to 198 320 in 2017, 151 090 in 2030 and 98 120 in 2050. Incidence rate per 100 000 person‐year peaked at 343 in 1988 but was projected to decline to 99 in 2017, 62 in 2030 and 36 in 2050. Prevalence and incidence varied by age, and the majority of new infections occurred in the 20‐39 age group. Prevalence and incidence of HCV in Pakistan have been slowly declining for two decades—Pakistan is enduring a large epidemic that will persist for decades if not controlled. Nearly, 10% of global infections are in Pakistan, with about 200 000 additional infections every year. Rapid and mass scale‐up of prevention and treatment programmes are critically needed.
Metabolic alterations in a rat model of hepatic ischaemia reperfusion injury: In vivo hyperpolarized 13C MRS and metabolic imaging
Authors: Moon Chung‐Man , Shin Sang‐Soo , Lim Nam‐Yeol , Kim Seul‐Kee , Kang Yang‐Joon , Kim Hyoung‐Ook , Lee Seung‐Jin , Beak Byung‐Hyun , Kim Yun‐Heon , Jeong Gwang‐Woo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsDespite a number of studies addressing the pathophysiology of hepatic IRI, a gold standard test for early diagnosis and evaluation of IRI remains elusive. This study investigated the metabolic alterations in a rat model of hepatic IRI using the in vivo hyperpolarized ¹³C MRS and metabolic imaging.MethodsHyperpolarized 13C MRS with IVIM‐DWI was performed on the liver of 7 sham‐operated control rats and 7 rats before and after hepatic IRI.ResultsThe hepatic IRI‐induced rats showed significantly higher ratios of [1‐13C] alanine/pyruvate, [1‐13C] alanine/tC, [1‐13C] lactate/pyruvate and [1‐13C] lactate/tC compared with both sham‐operated controls and rats before IRI, whereas [1‐13C] pyruvate/tC ratio was decreased in IRI‐induced rats. In IVIM‐DWI study, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), f and D values in rats after hepatic IRI were significantly lower than those of rats before IRI and sham‐operated controls. The levels of [1‐13C] alanine and [1‐13C] lactate were negatively correlated with ADC, f and D values, whereas the level of [1‐13C] pyruvate was positively correlated with these values.ConclusionsThe levels of [1‐13C] alanine, [1‐13C] lactate and [1‐13C] pyruvate in conjunction with IVIM‐DWI will be helpful to evaluate the hepatic IRI as well as these findings can be useful in understanding the biochemical mechanism associated with hepatic damage.
Noble gases in angrites Northwest Africa 1296, 2999/4931, 4590, and 4801: Evolution history inferred from noble gas signatures
Authors: Nakashima Daisuke , Nagao Keisuke , Irving Anthony J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNoble gases in the five angrites Northwest Africa (NWA) 1296, 2999, 4590, 4801, and 4931 were analyzed with total melting and stepwise heating methods. The noble gases consist of in situ components: spallogenic, radiogenic, nucleogenic, and fission. Cosmic‐ray exposure ages of the angrites (including literature data) spread uniformly from <0.2 to 56 Ma, and coarse‐grained angrites have longer exposure ages than fine‐grained angrites. It is implied that the parent bodies from which the two subgroups of angrites were ejected are different and have distinct orbital elements. The 244Pu‐136Xe relative ages of the angrites obtained by using 244Pu/150Nd ratios are as old as that of Angra dos Reis, reflecting their early formation. On the other hand, another method to obtain 244Pu‐136Xe relative ages, using fission 136Xe, spallogenic 126Xe, and Ba/REE ratios, yields systematically older 244Pu‐136Xe ages than those obtained by using 244Pu/150Nd ratios, which is explained by apparently high Ba/REE ratios caused by Ba contamination during terrestrial weathering. The 244Pu/238U ratio at 4.56 Ga of angrites is estimated as 0.0061 ± 0.0028, which is consistent with those for chondrules, chondrites, achondrites, and a terrestrial zircon. It is suggested that initial 244Pu/238U ratio has been spatially homogeneous at least in the inner part of the early solar system.
The prevalence and distribution of sheep scab in Wales: a farmer questionnaire survey
Authors: CHIVERS C.‐A. , ROSE VINEER H. , WALL R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOutbreaks of ovine psoroptic mange in the U.K. have increased 100‐fold since its deregulation in 1992, with the highest prevalence in Wales, a region of high sheep density. A cross‐sectional, retrospective, questionnaire‐based survey of 7500 members of the association of Welsh lamb and beef farmers [Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd (WLBP)] was used to investigate the prevalence and distribution of sheep scab in this region in 2015. The survey was completed by 14.0% (n = 972) of potential respondents. Scab outbreaks were reported on 15.8% (n = 154) of farms in 2015. However, 29.0% (n = 282) of farms reported at least one scab outbreak and 2.4% (n = 23) of farms had experienced between six and 10 outbreaks in the previous 10 years. Most outbreaks occurred during September–January (83.0%, n = 150), and were clustered around Brecon (mid‐Wales) and Bangor (North Wales). Farmers who used common grazing were significantly more likely to report scab outbreaks in the previous 10 years than farmers who did not. No quarantine procedures for sheep bought in were used by 29.0% (n = 262) of farmers. Future research should be directed towards the development of localized management programmes, with a particular focus on areas of common grazing.
Temptation, reflections on Matthew 6.13
Authors: Charlton William 
Published: January 2018

AbstractI distinguish temptation to do what we think we shouldn't, temptation not to do what we think we should, and the difficulties we experience in customary religious practices like prayer. I ask whether temptation requires a tempter, also whether the phenomena we call ‘weakness of will’ can be explained without postulating a non‐cognitive faculty of will. I look at Plato's claim that training the emotions is the main function of education. Finally I consider how obstacles to prayer can be understood consistently with seeing a continuous development from the natural to the supernatural.
Psychiatric sequelae of corticosteroid use in hematology in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Clifton Dianne , Ross Margaret , O'Callaghan Clare 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite widespread steroid usage for treating hematological conditions, minimal attention focuses on associated psychiatric side‐effects. In the present study, we examined hematology patients’ experiences of high‐dose steroid treatment. This was undertaken by the use of a qualitative, descriptive design, which included convenience sampling and the inductive, cyclic, and constant comparative thematic analysis of interview transcripts. Eighteen patients participated, who were diagnosed with lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia, or idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura. Four themes emerged: side‐effects, misattribution of cause, self‐management, and fragmented information. The study results revealed that hematology patients administered steroids can experience negligible to extensive erratic side‐effects, with severe adverse repercussions. Psychological reactions to steroids are often misattributed. Patients mostly self‐manage adverse effects experienced and receive only fragmented preparatory information, often not understanding steroid side‐effects. Nurses could provide helpful “in the moment” education for inpatients who misunderstood steroid‐related adverse effects, such as aggressive urges. Adverse repercussions for family were occasionally evident. Education, support, and ongoing care for patients experiencing adverse steroid side‐effects are inadequate. Health professionals need to develop patient‐ and family‐centered educational resources for potential, unpredictable, and usually adverse steroid side‐effects.
Algorithmic geolocation of harvest in hand‐picked agriculture
Authors: Srivastava Nitin , Maneykowski Peter , Sowers Richard B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPrecision agriculture significantly depends on measuring yield; this allows feedback to optimize various decisions. While spatially granular yield mapping is readily available in machine‐harvested row crops, it is more difficult in hand‐picked row crops. We study here a data set collected during harvesting of strawberries; using smartphones, we collected Global Positioning System (GPS) logs of individual harvesters. Using recent advances in feature identification, we are able to algorithmically decompose the path into individual excursions into the field to harvest the berries. This lays the groundwork for yield mapping.To further develop this area, we recommend that Resource Managers
Pursue wider scale trials of geolocated harvest data collection of hand‐picked crops.
Join this geolocated harvest data with data from other aspects of field operations.
Join this geolocated harvest data with output measurements like quality and quantity.
Effectiveness of smartphone technologies on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: systematic review with meta‐analysis of 17 trials
Authors: Wu I. X. Y. , Kee J. C. Y. , Threapleton D. E. , Ma R. C. W. , Lam V. C. K. , Lee E. K. P. , Wong S. Y. S. , Chung V. C. H. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryPatient education and behavioural interventions for self‐management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are effective but place demands on manpower resources. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of smartphone technologies (STs) for improving glycaemic control among T2DM patients. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and ScienceDirect were searched through December 2016. Randomized controlled trials comparing STs with usual diabetes care among T2DM patients and reporting change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level were included. Seventeen trials (2,225 participants) were included. There was a significant reduction in HbA1c (pooled weighted mean difference: −0.51%; 95% confidence interval: −0.71% to −0.30%; p < 0.001), favouring ST intervention. The pooled weighted mean difference was −0.83% in patients with T2DM <8.5 years and −0.22% in patients with T2DM ≥8.5 years, with significant subgroup difference (p = 0.007). No subgroup differences were found among different follow‐up durations, trial locations, patients' age, healthcare provider contract time, baseline body mass index and baseline HbA1c. Compared with usual diabetes care, STs improved glycaemic control among T2DM patients, especially for patients at earlier disease stages (duration of diagnosis <8.5 years). STs could be a complement or alternative to labour‐intensive patient education and behavioural interventions, but more studies on up‐to‐date technologies are needed.
Spread of infection to skull base via infratemporal fossa after dental extraction related to the use of a high‐speed hand piece: a case report
Authors: Moore J. , Mohindra A. , Messahel A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInfection is a recognized complication of surgical extractions. However, with incorrect technique and use of inappropriate dental equipment, the chance of post‐operative complications increases. This is a case report that describes the extensive spread of infection to the skull base after a surgical extraction of a lower right wisdom tooth. The improper use of the high‐speed air turbine hand piece was likely to have contributed to the progression and extent of the life‐threatening infection.
A rare case of extranodal Hodgkin's lymphoma of the palate
Authors: Kaur H. , Newlands C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntraoral extranodal Hodgkin's lymphoma is rare. We present the case of a 66‐year‐old gentleman who was treated for necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis of the UR6 tooth by his dentist which failed to resolve. Biopsy and histopathology revealed that this was, in fact, a rare presentation of primary (Stage I) extranodal oral Hodgkin's lymphoma. We present this case, and a review of the relevant literature.
Fludrocortisone—a treatment for tubulopathy post‐paediatric renal transplantation: A national paediatric nephrology unit experience
Authors: Ali S. R. , Shaheen I. , Young D. , Ramage I. , Maxwell H. , Hughes D. A. , Athavale D. , Shaikh M. G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCalcineurin inhibitors post‐renal transplantation are recognized to cause tubulopathies in the form of hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and acidosis. Sodium supplementation may be required, increasing medication burden and potentially resulting in poor compliance. Fludrocortisone has been beneficial in addressing tubulopathies in adult studies, with limited paediatric data available. A retrospective review of data from an electronic renal database from December 2014 to January 2016 was carried out. Forty‐seven post‐transplant patients were reviewed with 23 (49%) patients on sodium chloride or bicarbonate. Nine patients, aged 8.3 years (range 4.9‐16.4), commenced fludrocortisone 22 months (range 1‐80) after transplant and were followed up for 9 months (range 2‐20). All patients stopped sodium bicarbonate; all had a reduction or no increase in total daily doses of sodium chloride. Potassium levels were significantly lower on fludrocortisone, 5.2 vs 4.5 mmol/L, P = .04. No difference was noted in renal function (eGFR 77.8 vs 81.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .45) and no significant increase in systolic blood pressure (z‐scores 0.99 vs 0.85, P = .92). No side effects secondary to treatment with fludrocortisone were reported. A significant proportion of renal transplant patients were on sodium supplementation and fludrocortisone reduced sodium supplementation without significant effects on renal function or blood pressure. Fludrocortisone appears to be safe and effective for tubulopathies in children post‐transplantation.
Utilizing selected social determinants and behaviors to predict obesity in military personnel
Authors: West Gordon F. , Jeffery Diana D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveLike the general population, the military is experiencing an increase in the number of obese personnel. This study aimed to identify predictors of obesity by assessing social determinants of health and behaviors in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI), and to use these variables to build a model to predict obesity in Active Duty Military Personnel (ADMP). Predicting obesity would allow early intervention of at risk personnel, potentially reducing the number of ADMP who are separated from the service for failing to meet weight standards.DesignA secondary data analysis of the 2011 Survey of Health‐Related Behaviors of Active Duty Military Personnel was performed. The survey included 39,197 responders.MeasuresDescriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between social determinants of health, behaviors in relation to Healthy People 2020 recommendations, and obesity. Moderator variables were used to determine what affects the direction and/or strength of the relationship between the independent variables (e.g., social determinants and behaviors) and the outcome variable of obesity.ResultsAt the bivariate level, these variables mirror existing research. However, logistic regression identified few statistically significant obesogenic lifestyle behaviors in relation to Healthy People 2020 recommendations and a weak interactive effect between the variables.ConclusionThe low number of significant variables identified to predict obesity highlights the multifactorial nature of obesity making it difficult for weight‐loss interventions to be effective if limited to one group or one specific behavior.
Quantitative resistance against an isolate of Leptosphaeria maculans (blackleg) in selected Canadian canola cultivars remains effective under increased temperatures
Authors: Hubbard M. , Peng G. 
Published: January 2018

Blackleg disease, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a serious threat to canola production in western Canada. While specific major resistance (R) genes can be effective, they can also be eroded rapidly by a shift in pathogen race composition. Quantitative resistance (QR) has the potential to provide more durable, if less complete, protection. However, the effectiveness of QR may vary widely in the field. It has long been suspected that elevated temperatures may limit the expression of QR. To test this hypothesis, the infection development of blackleg was assessed on three common Canadian canola cultivars (74‐44 BL, PV 530 G and 45H29) showing QR, with and without a heat treatment of 7 h daily exposure to 32 °C for 1 week during rosette to early flowering under controlled environment conditions. The impact of elevated temperature on the susceptibility to blackleg was compared with that of a moderate temperature with a 22 °C daytime high. A susceptible cultivar, Westar, was used as a control. When data from both temperatures were pooled, all three QR cultivars showed lower blackleg severity relative to Westar. Elevated temperatures increased blackleg severity in Westar only (in terms of the stem‐lesion length from the inoculation of the first true‐leaf petiole in trials involving Westar and 74‐44 BL) and in pooled data for disease severity index in trials involving Westar, PV 530 G and 45H29. These findings suggest that the QR traits in 74‐44 BL, PV 530 G and 45H29 are useful for blackleg management in western Canada, especially under warmer growing conditions when plants are at the rosette to early flowering stages.