bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver stiffness plus platelet count can be used to exclude high‐risk oesophageal varices
Authors: Ding Nik S. , Nguyen Tin , Iser David M. , Hong Thai , Flanagan Emma , Wong Avelyn , Luiz Lauren , Tan Jonathan Y. C. , Fulforth James , Holmes Jacinta , Ryan Marno , Bell Sally J. , Desmond Paul V. , Roberts Stuart K. , Lubel John , Kemp William , Thompson Alexander J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground/AimsEndoscopic screening for high‐risk gastro‐oesophageal varices (GOV) is recommended for compensated cirrhotic patients with transient elastography identifying increasing numbers of patients with cirrhosis without portal hypertension. Using liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ± platelet count, the aim was to develop a simple clinical rule to exclude the presence of high‐risk GOV in patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 71 patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis diagnosed by transient elastography (LSM >13.6 kPa) who underwent screening gastroscopy was conducted. A predictive model using LSM ± platelet count was assessed to exclude the presence of high‐risk GOV (diameter >5 mm and/or the presence of high‐risk stigmata) and validated using a second cohort of 200 patients from two independent centres.ResultsHigh‐risk GOV were present in 10 (15%) and 16 (8%) of the training and validation cohorts, respectively, which was associated with LSM and Pl count (P < 0.05). A combined model based on LSM and Pl count was more accurate for excluding the presence of high‐risk GOV than either alone (training cohort AUROC: 0.87 [0.77–0.96] vs. 0.78 [0.65–0.92] for LSM and 0.71 [0.52–0.90] for platelets) with the combination of LSM ≤25 kPa and Pl ≥100 having a NPV of 100% in both the training and validation cohorts. A total of 107 (39%) patients meet this criterion.ConclusionThe combination of LSM ≤25 kPa and Pl ≥100 can be used in clinical practice to exclude the presence of high‐risk GOV in patients with Child–Pugh A cirrhosis.
Chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 11 levels predict survival in cirrhotic patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Berres Marie‐Luise , Lehmann Jennifer , Jansen Christian , Görtzen Jan , Meyer Carsten , Thomas Daniel , Zimmermann Henning W. , Kroy Daniela , Schumacher Fabienne , Strassburg Christian P. , Sauerbruch Tilman , Trautwein Christian , Wasmuth Hermann E. , Trebicka Jonel 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsChemokines, such as CXCR3‐ligands, have been identified to play an important role during hepatic injury, inflammation and fibrosis. While CXCL9 is associated with survival in patients receiving transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), the role of CXCL11 in severe portal hypertension remains unknown.MethodsCXCL11‐levels were measured in 136 patients with liver diseases, and 63 healthy controls. In further 47 cirrhotic patients receiving TIPS, CXCL11 levels were measured in portal and hepatic veins at TIPS insertion by cytometric bead array. CXCL11‐levels were measured in 23 patients in cubital vein and right atrium, whereas in 24 patients in portal and hepatic blood at an invasive reevaluation.ResultsCXCL11‐levels were increased with the severity of liver fibrosis. CXCL11‐levels from portal, hepatic and cubital veins and right atrium showed a highly significant correlation among each other in these patients. Furthermore, levels of CXCL11 from the right atrium were significantly higher than those from cubital vein. Interestingly, patients with alcoholic cirrhosis had significantly lower CXCL11‐levels, than other aetiologies of cirrhosis. After TIPS, CXCL11 levels correlated with the degree of portal pressure and patients with higher CXCL11‐levels in portal and hepatic veins showed higher mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed hepatic CXCL11‐levels before TIPS, creatinine and age as independent predictors for survival in TIPS patients, whereas MELD score and low portal CXCL11‐levels after TIPS predicted long‐term survival.ConclusionCXCL11 levels are mainly increased in patients with non‐alcoholic cirrhosis and high portal pressure. Moreover, levels of CXCL11 might predict long‐time survival of cirrhotic patients bearing TIPS.
Trypanosomatids in ornithophilic bloodsucking Diptera
Authors: SVOBODOVÁ M. , VOLF P. , VOTÝPKA J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTrypanosomes are known as widespread blood parasites of birds; however, knowledge of their prevalences in vectors and their overall biodiversity is rather limited. To assess the prevalences in potential vectors, we have microscopically examined ornithophilic bloodsucking Diptera (Culicidae, Simuliidae and Hippoboscidae) for the presence of trypanosomatids in their guts. In total, 3270 specimens were dissected, namely Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 (n = 898), C. modestus Ficalbi, 1890 (136), Simulium vernum (Macquart, 1838) (1455), S. angustipes Edwards, 1915 (221) and Ornithomyia avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758) (560). All insect species were found to be infected with trypanosomatids, and the prevalence ranged from 4 to 8% but reached 60% in S. vernum. Blackflies and hippoboscids exclusively harboured trypanosomes (both T. cf. avium s.s. Danilewsky, 1885; T. corvi/culicavium group in hippoboscids). Mosquitoes were infected with T. culicavium Votypka, 2012 and T. avium s. l. but also with monoxenous parasites, namely Crithidia brevicula Frolov and Malysheva, 1989, and Paratrypanosoma confusum Votypka and Lukes, 2013. Only 4% of the isolated parasite strains were monoxenous whereas the majority were avian trypanosomes, confirming the vectorial status of the studied insects.
Candida glabrata – unique features and challenges in the clinical management of invasive infections
Authors: Glöckner A. , Cornely O. A. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryCandida glabrata is a pathogenic yeast with several unique biological features. This article provides an up‐to‐date review on current data and reasoning aspects of this clinically problematic organism. Haploidy, absence of pseudohyphae, facultative anaerobe growth of C. glabrata, as well as its intrinsically low susceptibility to azole antifungals require specific consideration in diagnosis and treatment approaches. As C. glabrata today represents a sizeable percentage of pathogens in candidaemia, the use of azole antifungals in upfront therapy of invasive yeast infections is discouraged by recent guidelines. While the selection of C. glabrata mutants with impaired susceptibility to echinocandins has been described, analyses of several clinical studies indicate an association of improved outcomes with the use of echinocandins as the primary treatment for invasive yeast infections with potential or documented involvement of C. glabrata.
Subsidy and parental attitudes toward pediatric health care in the Tokyo metropolitan area
Authors: Higashi Kenichi , Itoh Mitsuko , Toyokawa Satoshi , Kobayashi Yasuki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn Japan, the number of municipalities that offer free medical care for children has increased. This policy, however, might unintentionally aggravate the overcrowded situation of pediatric ambulatory services in Japan. We investigated the relationship between parents' health‐care seeking attitudes according to child symptom severity and the amount of copayment, as well as parents' socioeconomic and demographic factors.MethodsWe used data for 4385 people from the Japanese Study of Stratification, Health, Income and Neighborhood (J‐SHINE), which consisted of stratified random sampling of those aged from 25 to 50 years who lived in Tokyo and neighboring areas. Outcome variables were respondent health‐care seeking attitudes toward their children's mild and severe symptoms of cold. Logistic regression models were developed for each dependent variable.ResultsA total of 1606 respondents with one or more children under the age of 15 years were included in the analysis. For mild symptoms of cold, no subsidy (OR: 0.51, 95%CI: 0.38–0.69) and partial subsidy (OR, 0.71; 95%CI: 0.54–0.95) were associated with fewer “visit on that day” answers, compared with full subsidy. Income and respondent educational level were not associated with the outcome. For severe symptoms of cold, the OR of no subsidy (0.61; 95%CI: 0.30–1.23) and that of partial subsidy (0.91; 95%CI: 0.40–2.07) were not statistically significant.ConclusionImposing a small copayment might prevent visits to medical facilities for mild symptoms of cold, but will not prevent visits for severe symptoms of cold.
Age‐associated alterations in the somatic mutation and DNA methylation levels in plants
Authors: Dubrovina A. S. , Kiselev K. V. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSomatic mutations of the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and alterations in DNA methylation levels in mammals are well known to play important roles in ageing and various diseases, yet their specific contributions await further investigation. For plants, it has also been proposed that unrepaired DNA damage and DNA polymerase errors accumulate in plant cells and lead to increased somatic mutation rate and alterations in transcription, which eventually contribute to plant ageing. A number of studies also show that DNA methylation levels vary depending on the age of plant tissue and chronological age of a whole plant. Recent studies reveal that prolonged cultivation of plant cells in vitro induces single nucleotide substitutions and increases global DNA methylation level in a time‐dependent fashion. Changes in DNA methylation are known to influence DNA repair and can lead to altered mutation rates, and, therefore, it is interesting to investigate both the genetic and epigenetic integrity in relationship to ageing in plants. This review will summarise and discuss the current studies investigating somatic DNA mutation and DNA methylation levels in relation to plant ageing and senescence. The analysis has shown that there still remains a lack of clarity concerning plant biological ageing and the role of the genetic and epigenetic instabilities in this process.
The Mystery of Missing Real Spillovers in Southern Africa: Some Facts and Possible Explanations
Authors: Basdevant Olivier , Jonelis Andrew , Mircheva Borislava , Slavov Slavi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAnecdotal evidence suggests that the economies of South Africa and its neighbours (Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe) are tightly integrated with each other. The multiple interconnections suggest that South Africa's GDP growth rate should affect positively its neighbours'. However, our review of the available econometric evidence and our panel growth regressions suggest that there is no strong evidence of real spillovers in the region after 1994, once global shocks are controlled for. More generally, we find no evidence of real spillovers from South Africa to the rest of the continent post‐1994. We investigate the possible reasons for this lack of spillovers. Most importantly, the economies of South Africa and the rest of Sub‐Saharan Africa might have decoupled in the mid‐1990s. That is when international sanctions on South Africa ended and the country re‐integrated with the global economy, while growth in the rest of the continent accelerated due to a combination of domestic and external factors.
The dynamics of FLOWERING LOCUS T expression encodes long‐day information
Authors: Krzymuski Martín , Andrés Fernando , Cagnola Juan I. , Jang Seonghoe , Yanovsky Marcelo J. , Coupland George , Casal Jorge J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryLong days repeatedly enhance the expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene during the evening and early night. This signal induces flowering despite low FT expression the rest of the day. To investigate whether this temporal behaviour transmits information, plants of Arabidopsis thaliana were exposed to different day–night cycles, including combinations that induced FT expression out of normal hours. Flowering time best correlated with the integral of FT expression over several days, corrected for a higher evening and early night sensitivity to FT. We generated a system to induce FT expression in a leaf removed 8–12 h later. The expression of flowering genes in the apex and flowering required cycles of induction repeated over several days. Evening and early night FT induction was the most effective. The temporal pattern of FT expression encodes information that discriminates long days from other inputs.
OsPIN5b modulates rice (Oryza sativa) plant architecture and yield by changing auxin homeostasis, transport and distribution
Authors: Lu Guangwen , Coneva Viktoriya , Casaretto José A. , Ying Shan , Mahmood Kashif , Liu Fang , Nambara Eiji , Bi Yong‐Mei , Rothstein Steven J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryPlant architecture attributes such as tillering, plant height and panicle size are important agronomic traits that determine rice (Oryza sativa) productivity. Here, we report that altered auxin content, transport and distribution affect these traits, and hence rice yield. Overexpression of the auxin efflux carrier‐like gene OsPIN5b causes pleiotropic effects, mainly reducing plant height, leaf and tiller number, shoot and root biomass, seed‐setting rate, panicle length and yield parameters. Conversely, reduced expression of OsPIN5b results in higher tiller number, more vigorous root system, longer panicles and increased yield. We show that OsPIN5b is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ‐localized protein that participates in auxin homeostasis, transport and distribution in vivo. This work describes an example of an auxin‐related gene where modulating its expression can simultaneously improve plant architecture and yield potential in rice, and reveals an important effect of hormonal signaling on these traits.
Increased glutathione contributes to stress tolerance and global translational changes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Cheng Mei‐Chun , Ko Ko , Chang Wan‐Ling , Kuo Wen‐Chieh , Chen Guan‐Hong , Lin Tsan‐Piao 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAlthough glutathione is well known for its reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging function and plays a protective role in biotic stress, its regulatory function in abiotic stress still remains to be elucidated. Our previous study showed that exogenously applied reduced glutathione (GSH) could improve abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis. Here, we report that endogenously increased GSH also conferred tolerance to drought and salt stress in Arabidopsis. Moreover, both exogenous and endogenous GSH delayed senescence and flowering time. Polysomal profiling results showed that global translation was enhanced after GSH treatment and by the induced increase of GSH level by salt stress. By performing transcriptomic analyses of steady‐state and polysome‐bound mRNAs in GSH‐treated plants, we reveal that GSH has a substantial impact on translation. Translational changes induced by GSH treatment target numerous hormones and stress signaling molecules, which might contribute to the enhanced stress tolerance in GSH‐treated plants. Our translatome analysis also revealed that abscisic acid (ABA), auxin and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis, as well as signaling genes, were activated during GSH treatment, which has not been reported in previously published transcriptomic data. Together, our data suggest that the increased glutathione level results in stress tolerance and global translational changes.
The Impact of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures on Market Entry and Trade Flows
Authors: Crivelli Pramila , Groeschl Jasmin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn an attempt to disentangle the impact of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures on trade patterns, we use the database on specific trade concerns on SPS measures of the WTO. Estimating various gravity model specifications at the HS4 disaggregated level of trade, we find that aggregated SPS measures constitute obstacles to agricultural and food trade consistently to all exporters. But conditional on market entry, trade flows are positively affected by SPS measures. In addition, we find that SPS measures related to conformity assessment hamper market entry, while SPS measures related to product characteristics increase bilateral trade flows conditional on meeting the standard.
A New Global Index of Infrastructure: Construction, Rankings and Applications
Authors: Donaubauer Julian , Meyer Birgit E. , Nunnenkamp Peter 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe construct comprehensive and comparable indices on the most relevant components of economic infrastructure. An unobserved components model is employed to cover the largest possible number of developing and developed countries over the period 1990–2010. We map major findings from the new indices of infrastructure and provide country rankings, which we also compare with subjective assessments of infrastructure in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report. Finally, we exemplify possible applications related to trade and foreign aid. By overcoming several data limitations, our new global index can help assess the links between infrastructure and economic development more systematically.
Combined Rostrolateral Rhinotomy for Removal of Rostral Nasal Septum Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Long‐Term Outcome in 10 Dogs
Authors: Ter Haar Gert , Hampel Rachel 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo report a surgical technique for combined rostrolateral rhinotomy (vestibulotomy) and long‐term outcome for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rostral nasal septum in dogs.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsMedium sized, mixed breed dogs (n = 10), aged 7–12.5 years, with SCC of the rostral nasal septum that did not invade the superficial nasal planum.MethodsDisease extent was assessed with computed tomography and tumor resection achieved solely with central nasal planum elevation and lateral rhinotomy. Owners were interviewed 60–2,555 days (median, 548 days) postoperatively to determine outcome and survival time.ResultsVestibulotomy facilitated full‐thickness resection of the nasal septum and tumor mass in 10 dogs and nasal floor resection in 4 dogs. There were no major intraoperative complications and all dogs had an excellent cosmetic outcome. Tumor removal was complete in 8 dogs and incomplete in 2 dogs. There was no recurrence in 6 dogs. Of the 4 dogs with recurrence, 3 had required nasal floor resection at initial surgery.ConclusionsA combined rostrolateral rhinotomy technique may be used to achieve complete resection of SCC limited to the nasal septum with acceptable cosmetic results. This technique may not be suitable for tumors extending into the nasal floor.
Canine Stifle Biomechanics Associated With Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Predicted Using a Computer Model
Authors: Brown Nathan P. , Bertocci Gina E. , Marcellin‐Little Denis J. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) on canine biomechanics in the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)‐deficient stifle using a 3‐dimensional quasi‐static rigid body pelvic limb computer model simulating the stance phase of gait.Study DesignComputer simulations.AnimalsA 5‐year‐old neutered male Golden Retriever weighing 33 kg.MethodsA TTA was implemented in a previously developed canine pelvic limb computer model using the tibial plateau slope and common tangent planning techniques. Ligament loads, relative tibial translation, and relative tibial rotation were determined and compared to CrCL‐intact and CrCL‐deficient stifles.ResultsThe TTA significantly decreased peak caudal cruciate ligament load, significantly increased peak lateral collateral ligament load, and significantly changed peak medial collateral ligament load occurrence, while there was no significant difference in peak patellar ligament load compared to the CrCL‐intact stifle. Compared to the CrCL‐deficient stifle, peak caudal cruciate, lateral collateral and medial collateral ligament loads significantly decreased, while peak patellar ligament load was similar, peak relative tibial translation significantly decreased and peak relative tibial rotation was converted to external rotation in the TTA‐treated stifle. Each TTA planning technique generated similar caudal cruciate, medial collateral, and patellar ligament loading as well as relative tibial translation, but lateral collateral ligament loading and occurrence of relative tibial rotation differed significantly across the techniques.ConclusionsModel‐predicted stifle ligament loads improved following TTA compared to the CrCL‐deficient stifle, but TTA did not restore CrCL‐intact stifle biomechanics. The TTA effectively reduced tibial translation, but tibial rotation was not stabilized.
A Strategy for Generating a Broad-Spectrum Monoclonal Antibody and Soluble Single-Chain Variable Fragments against Plant Potyviruses
Authors: Liu Han-Lin , Lin Wei-Fang , Hu Wen-Chi , Lee Yung-An , Chang Ya-Chun 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTPotyviruses are major pathogens that often cause mixed infection in calla lilies. To reduce the time and cost of virus indexing, a detection method for the simultaneous targeting of multiple potyviruses was developed by generating a broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody (MAb) for detecting the greatest possible number of potyviruses. The conserved 121-amino-acid core regions of the capsid proteins ofDasheen mosaic potyvirus(DsMV),Konjak mosaic potyvirus(KoMV), andZantedeschia mild mosaic potyvirus(ZaMMV) were sequentially concatenated and expressed as a recombinant protein for immunization. After hybridoma cell fusion and selection, one stable cell line that secreted a group-specific antibody, named C4 MAb, was selected. In the reaction spectrum test, the C4 MAb detected at least 14 potyviruses by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the variable regions of the heavy (VH) and light (VL) chains of the C4 MAb were separately cloned and constructed as single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) for expression inEscherichia coli. Moreover, the pectate lyase E (PelE) signal peptide ofErwinia chrysanthemiS3-1 was added to promote the secretion of C4 scFvs into the medium. According to Western blot analysis and I-ELISA, the soluble C4 scFv (VL-VH) fragment showed a binding specificity similar to that of the C4 MAb. Our results demonstrate that a recombinant protein derived from fusion of the conserved regions of viral proteins has the potential to produce a broad-spectrum MAb against a large group of viruses and that the PelE signal peptide can improve the secretion of scFvs inE. coli.
A Continuous Culture System for Assessing Microbial Activities in the Piezosphere
Authors: Foustoukos Dionysis I. , Pérez-Rodríguez Ileana 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Continuous culture under elevated pressures is an important technique for expanding the exploration of microbial growth and survival in extreme environments associated with the deep biosphere. Here we present a benchtop stirred continuous culture bioreactor capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from 25 to 120°C and pressures as high as 69 MPa. The system is configured to allow the employment of media enriched in dissolved gases, under oxic or anoxic conditions, while permitting periodic sampling of the incubated organisms with minimal physical/chemical disturbance inside the reactor. In a pilot experiment, the fermentative growth of the thermopiezophilic bacterium
Marinitoga piezophila
was investigated continuously for 382 h at 65°C and at pressures ranging from 0.1 to 40 MPa while the medium flow rate was varied from 2 to 0.025 ml/min. The enhanced growth observed at 30 and 40 MPa and 0.025 ml/min supports the pressure preferences of
M. piezophila
when grown fermentatively. This assay successfully demonstrates the capabilities of the bioreactor for continuous culturing at a variety of dilution rates, pressures, and temperatures. We anticipate that this technology will accelerate our understanding of the physiological and metabolic status of microorganisms under temperature, pressure, and energy regimes resembling those of the Earth's piezosphere.