bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward an Automatic Parameterization System for the Classification of Persian Lemons Using Image‐Processing Techniques
Authors: Posada‐Gómez Rubén , Villanueva Daniel , González Israel , García Ángel , Aguilar‐Lasserre Alberto A. , Martínez‐Sibaja Albino 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe technological innovation has made significant progress that has affected almost all industrial technology and computer science areas. In the agribusiness sector, and specifically on the production of the Persian lemon, the control of product quality is essential; for this purpose, detailed information about the morphology and color characteristics is required to obtain.The aim of this paper is to present an automatic parameterization and classification system for agricultural engineering applications with easy operation, high mobility and innovative techniques based on digital image processing. This system is able to get the color and shape through the analysis of morphometric and colorimetric characteristics of Persian lemon in a preset scene. The classification system scans the surface of a lemon 360° through multistage architecture components. With this system, the authors evaluate the morphometric and colorimetric variations using statistical data of positioning in the RGB channels of an image.Practical ApplicationsFor the agricultural industry, it is very important to improve the quality of agricultural products. In this proposal, the authors present a system for the classification of Persian lemons through automatic parameterization and image‐processing techniques, generating products of highest quality and also facilitating energy savings for the industry. Moreover, the image‐processing‐based systems can also be used as a monitoring tool that facilitates visual inspection for the classification process, improving the final quality of the products and optimizing the manufacturing process.
Hepatic fat, not visceral fat, is associated with gallbladder polyps: A study of 2643 healthy subjects
Authors: Lim Seon Hee , Kim Donghee , Kang Jin Hwa , Song Ji Hyun , Yang Sun Young , Yim Jeong Yun , Chung Su Jin , Kim Joo Sung , Cho Sang‐Heon 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground and AimGallbladder polyps (GBPs) appear to be strongly associated with obesity and metabolic disease. To date, the relationship between GBPs and fatty liver has not been adequately evaluated. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether GBPs are associated with fatty liver, which is an ectopic regional fat deposit, independent of visceral adipose tissue (VAT).MethodsA cross‐sectional study using 2643 health checkup subjects (961 patients with GBP and 1682 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls) was conducted. The subjects underwent various laboratory tests, abdominal fat computed tomography (CT), and hepatic ultrasonography.ResultsThe mean age of the subjects was 51.4 ± 8.3 years, and 74.1% were male. GBPs were significantly associated with fatty liver. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that GBPs were significantly associated with the presence of fatty liver (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.48), and adjusting for the homeostatic metabolic assessment index had little effect on this association (OR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02–1.48). Additionally, GBPs remained significantly associated with the presence of fatty liver after adjustments for CT‐measured VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.50). The degree of fatty liver showed an independent (OR 1.37 95% CI: 1.03–1.80) and dose‐dependent relationship (moderate‐severe fatty liver: OR 1.55 95% CI: 1.07–2.23, P for trend = 0.014) with large GBPs (≥ 5 mm).ConclusionFatty liver, an ectopic regional fat deposit, was found to be closely associated with GBPs independent of known metabolic risk factors, insulin resistance, and CT‐measured VAT, confirming a relevant clinical relationship between the two diseases.
Factors Influencing the Use of Intensive Procedures at the End of Life
Authors: Tschirhart Evan C. , Du Qingling , Kelley Amy S. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo examine individual and regional factors associated with the use of intensive medical procedures in the last 6 months of life.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingThe Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a longitudinal nationally representative cohort of older adults.ParticipantsHRS decedents aged 66 and older (N = 3,069).MeasurementsMultivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between individual and regional factors and receipt of five intensive procedures: intubation and mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, gastrostomy tube insertion, enteral and parenteral nutrition, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the last 6 months of life.ResultsApproximately 18% of subjects (n = 546) underwent at least one intensive procedure in the last 6 months of life. Characteristics significantly associated with lower odds of an intensive procedure included aged 85–94 (vs 65–74, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51–0.90), Alzheimer's disease (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.54–0.94), cancer (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.43–0.85), nursing home residence (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50–0.97), and having an advance directive (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.57–0.89). In contrast, living in a region with higher hospital care intensity (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.48–3.13) and black race (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.52–2.69) each doubled one's odds of undergoing an intensive procedure.ConclusionIndividual characteristics and regional practice patterns are important determinants of intensive procedure use in the last 6 months of life. The effect of nonclinical factors highlights the need to better align treatments with individual preferences.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of three formulations of firocoxib in healthy horses
Authors: Holland B. , Fogle C. , Blikslager A. T. , Curling A. , Barlow B. M. , Schirmer J. , Davis J. L. 
Published: November 2014

The objectives of this study were to compare the pharmacokinetics and COX selectivity of three commercially available formulations of firocoxib in the horse. Six healthy adult horses were administered a single dose of 57 mg intravenous, oral paste or oral tablet firocoxib in a three‐way, randomized, crossover design. Blood was collected at predetermined times for PGE2 and TXB2 concentrations, as well as plasma drug concentrations. Similar to other reports, firocoxib exhibited a long elimination half‐life (31.07 ± 10.64 h), a large volume of distribution (1.81 ± 0.59L/kg), and a slow clearance (42.61 ± 11.28 mL/h/kg). Comparison of the oral formulations revealed a higher Cmax, shorter Tmax, and greater AUC for the paste compared to the tablet. Bioavailability was 112% and 88% for the paste and tablet, respectively. Maximum inhibition of PGE2 was 83.76% for the I.V. formulation, 52.95% for the oral paste formulation, and 46.22% for the oral tablet formulation. Pharmacodynamic modeling suggests an IC50 of approximately 27 ng/mL and an IC80 of 108 ng/ mL for COX2 inhibition. Inhibition of TXB2 production was not detected. This study indicates a lack of bioequivalence between the oral formulations of firocoxib when administered as a single dose to healthy horses.
Hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease
Authors: Pfeiffenberger Jan , Mogler Carolin , Gotthardt Daniel N. , Schulze‐Bergkamen Henning , Litwin Thomasz , Reuner Ulrike , Hefter Harald , Huster Dominik , Schemmer Peter , Członkowska Anna , Schirmacher Peter , Stremmel Wolfgang , Cassiman David , Weiss Karl Heinz 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgrounds & AimsReports of hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease patients concerning the clinical course of tumour disease and pathological analysis of tumour tissue.MethodsMulticenter cohort study of patients with confirmed diagnosis of Wilson disease treated at the Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland, the university hospitals Heidelberg, Duesseldorf and Dresden, Germany, and the Department of Hepatology, University Leuven, Belgium. Occurrence, treatment and outcome of hepatobiliary tumours were analysed retrospectively.ResultsOf a total of 1186 patients, fourteen developed hepatobiliary malignancies. Eight were hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and six were intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas (ICC). The prevalence of hepatobiliary malignancies in the cohort was 1.2% and the incidence was 0.28 per 1000 person years. Pathological analysis of tumour material showed no abnormal copper concentration.ConclusionsThe rate of hepatobiliary malignancies in Wilson disease is very low, even in cirrhotic patients. As a result of the relevant number of ICC in addition to HCC histological analysis through surgical resection or biopsy should be mandatory when a suspect liver lesion is detected. The influence of copper depletion from Wilson disease‐specific medical treatment on tumour activity remains to be elucidated.
Beyond species: why ecological interaction networks vary through space and time
Authors: Poisot Timothée , Stouffer Daniel B. , Gravel Dominique 
Published: November 2014

Community ecology is tasked with the considerable challenge of predicting the structure, and properties, of emerging ecosystems. It requires the ability to understand how and why species interact, as this will allow the development of mechanism‐based predictive models, and as such to better characterize how ecological mechanisms act locally on the existence of inter‐specific interactions. Here we argue that the current conceptualization of species interaction networks is ill‐suited for this task. Instead, we propose that future research must start to account for the intrinsic variability of species interactions, then scale up from here onto complex networks. This can be accomplished simply by recognizing that there exists intra‐specific variability, in traits or properties related to the establishment of species interactions. By shifting the scale towards population‐based processes, we show that this new approach will improve our predictive ability and mechanistic understanding of how species interact over large spatial or temporal scales.SynthesisAlthough species interactions are the backbone of ecological communities, we have little insights on how (and why) they vary through space and time. In this article, we build on existing empirical literature to show that the same species may happen to interact in different ways when their local abundances vary, their trait distribution changes, or when the environment affects either of these factors. We discuss how these findings can be integrated in existing frameworks for the analysis and simulation of species interactions.
Signs of a vector's adaptive choice: on the evasion of infectious hosts and parasite‐induced mortality
Authors: Witsenburg Fardo , Schneider Franziska , Christe Philippe 
Published: November 2014

Laboratory and field experiments have demonstrated in many cases that malaria vectors do not feed randomly, but show important preferences either for infected or non‐infected hosts. These preferences are likely in part shaped by the costs imposed by the parasites on both their vertebrate and dipteran hosts. However, the effect of changes in vector behaviour on actual parasite transmission remains a debated issue.We used the natural associations between a malaria‐like parasitePolychromophilus murinus, the bat flyNycteribia kolenatiiand a vertebrate host the Daubenton's batMyotis daubentoniito test the vector's feeding preference based on the host's infection status using two different approaches: 1) controlled behavioural assays in the laboratory where bat flies could choose between a pair of hosts; 2) natural bat fly abundance data from wild‐caught bats, serving as an approximation of realised feeding preference of the bat flies.Hosts with the fewest infectious stages of the parasite were most attractive to the bat flies that did switch in the behavioural assay. In line with the hypothesis of costs imposed by parasites on their vectors, bat flies carrying parasites had higher mortality. However, in wild populations, bat flies were found feeding more based on the bat's body condition, rather than its infection level. Though the absolute frequency of host switches performed by the bat flies during the assays was low, in the context of potential parasite transmission they were extremely high.The decreased survival of infected bat flies suggests that the preference for less infected hosts is an adaptive trait. Nonetheless, other ecological processes ultimately determine the vector's biting rate and thus transmission. Inherent vector preferences therefore play only a marginal role in parasite transmission in the field. The ecological processes rather than preferences per se need to be identified for successful epidemiological predictions.
Resolution of anuric acute kidney injury in a dog with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
Authors: Hoareau Guillaume L. , Epstein Steven E. , Palm Carrie , Ybarra Winnie , Jandrey Karl E. , Cowgill Larry D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the management and resolution of anuric acute kidney injury (AKI) in a dog with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) associated with gallbladder wall necrosis.Case SummaryAn 11‐year‐old neutered female spayed dog was referred for evaluation of anuria following cholecystectomy. Following surgery, the patient became anuric with no response to appropriate medical therapy. During the course of hospitalization, the patient developed MODS as evidenced by alteration in renal function, but also cardiovascular dysfunction, coagulation disorders, and hypoglycemia. Several hemodialysis treatments were performed and, along with intensive care, led to resolution of clinical signs and return of urine production.New or Unique InformationThis report describes resolution of anuria in a dog with AKI and MODS. In this clinical setting, despite a poor prognosis, survival and recovery of adequate renal function were possible with medical management that included hemodialysis.
Motor Coordination, Activity, and Fitness at 6 Years of Age Relative to Activity and Fitness at 10 Years of Age
Authors: de Souza Michele Caroline , de Chaves Raquel Nichele , Lopes Vitor Pires , Malina Robert M. , Garganta Rui , Seabra André , Maia José 
Published: November 2014

Background:Health benefits of physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) are reasonably well established, but tracking studies of PA and PF in childhood have not ordinarily considered the role of motor coordination.Objectives:To compare the growth status, gross motor coordination (GMC), PA, and PF characteristics of children at 6 years of age relative to aerobic fitness (fit, unfit) and PA (active, sedentary) at 10 years.Methods:285 primary school children (142 girls, 143 boys) resident on the 4 main Azorean islands, Portugal, were measured annually (in the fall) from 6 to 10 years. ANOVA and t tests were computed with SPSS 17.Results:Children with either high aerobic fitness or with high level of PA at 10 years of age tended to have a more favorable profile at 6 years compared with those with low fitness or low activity, respectively. Children who were both fit and active at 10 years of age had a more favorable activity and fitness profile and had better GMC at 6 years compared with children who were unfit and sedentary.Conclusions:Results highlight the need to consider not only PA, but also PF and GMC in health promotion through the primary school years.
Neighborhood Environment and Physical Activity Among Older Women: Findings From the San Diego Cohort of the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Kerr Jacqueline , Norman Greg , Millstein Rachel , Adams Marc A. , Morgan Cindy , Langer Robert D. , Allison Matthew 
Published: November 2014

Background:Few studies of older adults have compared environmental correlates of walking and physical activity in women who may be more influenced by the environment. Environmental measures at different spatial levels have seldom been compared. Findings from previous studies are generally inconsistent.Methods:This study investigated the relationship between the built environment and physical activity in older women from the Women’s Health Initiative cohort in San Diego County (N = 5401). Built environment measures were created for 3 buffers around participants’ residential address. Linear regression analyses investigated the relationship between the built environment features and self-reported physical activity and walking.Results:Total walking was significantly positively associated with the walkability index (β = .050: half-mile buffer), recreation facility density (β = .036: 1-mile buffer), and distance to the coast (β = –.064; P-values < .05). Total physical activity was significantly negatively associated with distance to the coast and positively with recreation facility density (β = .036: 1-mile buffer; P < .05).Conclusions:Although effect sizes were small, we did find important relationships between walkability and walking in older adults, which supports recommendations for community design features to include age friendly elements. More intense physical activity may occur in recreational settings than neighborhood streets.
Menstrual Cycle Abnormalities in Healthy Women With Low Physical Activity: The North-Trøndelag Population-based Health Study
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Sigridur Lara , Flanders W. Dana , Augestad Liv Berit 
Published: November 2014

Background:Menstrual dysfunctions are often found in athletic women. This study evaluated the association between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and menstrual function in healthy nonathletic women.Methods:During 1984–1986, a populationbased health survey (HUNT 1) was conducted in Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, with follow-up (HUNT 2) in 1995–1997. Women < 45 years old in HUNT 2 were included in the current study. LTPA was assessed by questionnaire in HUNT 1 and HUNT 2, and menstrual function by questionnaire in HUNT 2.Results:Adjusted odds ratios (OR’s) for long cycles were increased in women who reported < 1 hour of light LTPA (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0–2.0) and 1–2 hours (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0–1.8) per week compared with women with ≥ 3 hours/week. Adjusted OR for irregular cycles was decreased in women constantly in the lowest tertile of LTPA index in HUNT 1 and HUNT 2 (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2–0.9). Adjusted OR for prolonged bleeding was 2.6 (95% CI = 1.3–5.4) for women with < 1 hour/week of light LTPA and 2.3 (95% CI = 1.3–4.3) for women with 1–2 hours, compared with ≥ 3 hours/week.Conclusions:Very low physical activity may increase the risk of menstrual cycle disruptions. Moderate PA should be encouraged for optimum reproductive health.
The Resistome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Relationship to Phenotypic Susceptibility
Authors: Kos Veronica N. , Déraspe Maxime , McLaughlin Robert E. , Whiteaker James D. , Roy Paul H. , Alm Richard A. , Corbeil Jacques , Gardner Humphrey 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Many clinical isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
cause infections that are difficult to eradicate due to their resistance to a wide variety of antibiotics. Key genetic determinants of resistance were identified through genome sequences of 390 clinical isolates of
P. aeruginosa
, obtained from diverse geographic locations collected between 2003 and 2012 and were related to microbiological susceptibility data for meropenem, levofloxacin, and amikacin. β-Lactamases and integron cassette arrangements were enriched in the established multidrug-resistant lineages of sequence types ST111 (predominantly O12) and ST235 (O11). This study demonstrates the utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in defining relevant resistance elements and highlights the diversity of resistance determinants within
P. aeruginosa
. This information is valuable in furthering the design of diagnostics and therapeutics for the treatment of
P. aeruginosa
infections.
Chromosome-Mediated Multidrug Resistance in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi
Authors: Chiou Chien-Shun , Alam Munirul , Kuo Jung-Che , Liu Yen-Yi , Wang Pei-Jen 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

A salmonella genomic island, designated SGI11, was found in 18 of 26 multidrug-resistant
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi isolates from Bangladesh. SGI11 was an IS
1
composite transposon and carried 7 resistance genes that conferred resistance to 5 first-line antimicrobials. Eleven of the 18 SGI11-carrying
S
. Typhi isolates had developed resistance to high levels of ciprofloxacin.
Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria in Children in Zaire and Uíge Provinces, Angola
Authors: Plucinski Mateusz M. , Talundzic Eldin , Morton Lindsay , Dimbu Pedro Rafael , Macaia Aleixo Panzo , Fortes Filomeno , Goldman Ira , Lucchi Naomi , Stennies Gail , MacArthur John R. , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

The development of resistance to antimalarials is a major challenge for global malaria control. Artemisinin-based combination therapies, the newest class of antimalarials, are used worldwide but there have been reports of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. In February through May 2013, we conducted open-label, nonrandomized therapeutic efficacy studies of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) in Zaire and Uíge Provinces in northern Angola. The parasitological and clinical responses to treatment in children with uncomplicated
Plasmodium falciparum
monoinfection were measured over 28 days, and the main outcome was a PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) proportion on day 28. Parasites from treatment failures were analyzed for the presence of putative molecular markers of resistance to lumefantrine and artemisinins, including the recently identified mutations in the K13 propeller gene. In the 320 children finishing the study, 25 treatment failures were observed: 24 in the AL arms and 1 in the DP arm. The PCR-corrected ACPR proportions on day 28 for AL were 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78 to 95%) in Zaire and 97% (91 to 100%) in Uíge. For DP, the proportions were 100% (95 to 100%) in Zaire, and 100% (96 to 100%) in Uíge. None of the treatment failures had molecular evidence of artemisinin resistance. In contrast, 91% of AL late-treatment failures had markers associated with lumefantrine resistance on the day of failure. The absence of molecular markers for artemisinin resistance and the observed efficacies of both drug combinations suggest no evidence of artemisinin resistance in northern Angola. There is evidence of increased lumefantrine resistance in Zaire, which should continue to be monitored.
Artemisinins, New Miconazole Potentiators Resulting in Increased Activity against Candida albicans Biofilms
Authors: De Cremer Kaat , Lanckacker Ellen , Cools Tanne L. , Bax Marijke , De Brucker Katrijn , Cos Paul , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Thevissen Karin 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Mucosal biofilm-related fungal infections are very common, and the incidence of recurrent oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis is significant. As resistance to azoles (the preferred treatment) is occurring, we aimed at identifying compounds that increase the activity of miconazole against
Candida albicans
biofilms. We screened 1,600 compounds of a drug-repositioning library in combination with a subinhibitory concentration of miconazole. Synergy between the best identified potentiators and miconazole was characterized by checkerboard analyses and fractional inhibitory concentration indices. Hexachlorophene, pyrvinium pamoate, and artesunate act synergistically with miconazole in affecting
C. albicans
biofilms. Synergy was most pronounced for artesunate and structural homologues thereof. No synergistic effect could be observed between artesunate and fluconazole, caspofungin, or amphotericin B. Our data reveal enhancement of the antibiofilm activity of miconazole by artesunate, pointing to potential combination therapy consisting of miconazole and artesunate to treat
C. albicans
biofilm-related infections.