bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral malacia in a mule with ependymoma
Authors: Mendes de Cordova F. , Vaz Burns L. , Tony Ramos A. , Estevan Moron S. , Silva de Cordova C. A. , da Luz Silva G. M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryEpendymoma is a rare tumour of the central nervous system that can vary in anatomical location and produce a broad range of clinical signs. Sporadically described in dogs, cats, cattle and horses, this disease has never previously been reported in a mule. This report describes a case of a 12‐year‐old mule showing neurological signs, including blindness, dysphagia, incoordination, sternal recumbency, depression, apathy and emaciation. Because of the worsening health conditions, the animal was subjected to euthanasia for humane reasons. At necropsy, an area of malacia in the right subcortical region of the frontoparietal area of the cerebrum and an ovoid, firm, grey, 2.4 × 1.0 × 0.7 cm nodule in the right lateral ventricle was observed. Histopathology revealed that the nodule was a densely cellular mass with cells arranged in nests and cords, formations of pseudorosettes with perivascular deposition of fibrillar eosinophilic material and the presence of a few lymphocytes. The cells had rounded and moderately hyperchromatic nuclei, punctate chromatin, distinct nucleoli, and indistinct cytoplasmic margins. Based on the histopathological features, the nodule was diagnosed as an ependymoma, a tumour considered rare, but that may be included in the differential diagnosis for diseases with neurological signs.
Physicochemical and biological responses of streams to wildfire severity in riparian zones
Authors: Cooper Scott D. , Page Henry M. , Wiseman Sheila W. , Klose Kristie , Bennett Danuta , Even Thomas , Sadro Steven , Nelson Craig E. , Dudley Thomas L. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

We investigated the effects of a wildfire on stream physical, chemical and biological characteristics in a Mediterranean climate, comparing stream community structure and consumer resource use in burned versus unburned catchments in Santa Barbara County, CA, U.S.A.

Canopy cover was lower and water temperature was higher in streams draining basins where the riparian vegetation burned than in streams in unburned basins or burned basins where riparian vegetation remained intact. Stream flow and suspended sediment concentrations during large post‐fire storms and wet season nutrient levels were higher in burned than unburned catchments, with increased sedimentation after flood peaks.

A year after fires, algal levels were highest in streams where riparian vegetation burned and lowest in streams in burned basins where the riparian canopy remained intact. In contrast, streams in burned basins had lower particulate organic matter, detritivore and predator levels than unburned basins, regardless of whether riparian vegetation burned. Where present, southern California steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were extirpated from burned basins.

Algivore densities were high in streams with burned riparian vegetation for two post‐fire years before declining to unburned stream levels. Shredder densities rebounded in streams in burned basins with intact riparian vegetation, but remained low for 4 years where riparian vegetation burned. Predatory invertebrate densities increased at sites where trout were eliminated by wildfire.

Hydrogen stable isotope analysis indicated that the diets of most invertebrate taxa in streams with burned riparian vegetation a year after fires were comprised of a higher proportion of algal material than riparian detritus relative to invertebrates in streams with intact riparian vegetation.

Wildfire impacts on stream food webs are determined, in part, by fire severity in the riparian zone. Streams with burned riparian canopies supported algal‐based food webs and streams with intact riparian canopies sustained detrital‐based food webs. Fire affected basal resources (nutrients, light, allochthonous inputs) with bottom‐up effects on primary producers and consumers, but top‐down effects were decoupled at the trophic link between invertebrate predators and primary consumers.
Importance of the monomer–dimer–tetramer interconversion of the clock protein KaiB in the generation of circadian oscillations in cyanobacteria
Authors: Iida Takahiro , Mutoh Risa , Onai Kiyoshi , Morishita Megumi , Furukawa Yukio , Namba Keiichi , Ishiura Masahiro 
Published: December 2014

The molecular machinery of the cyanobacterial circadian clock oscillator consists of three proteins, KaiA, KaiB and KaiC, which interact with each other to generate circadian oscillations in the presence of ATP (the in vitro KaiABC clock oscillator). KaiB comprises four subunits organized as a dimer of dimers. Our previous study suggested that, on interaction with KaiC, the tetrameric KaiB molecule dissociates into two molecules of dimeric KaiB. It is uncertain whether KaiB also exists as a monomer and whether the KaiB monomer can drive normal circadian oscillation. To address these questions, we constructed a new KaiB oligomer mutant with an N‐terminal deletion, KaiB10–108. KaiB10–108 was a monomer at 4 °C but a dimer at 35 °C. KaiB10–108 was able to drive normal clock oscillation in an in vitro reconstituted KaiABC clock oscillator at 25 °C, but it was not able to drive normal circadian gene expression rhythms in cyanobacterial cells at 41 °C. Wild‐type KaiB existed in equilibrium between a dimer and tetramer at lower KaiB concentrations or in the presence of 1 m NaCl. Our findings suggest that KaiB is in equilibrium between a monomer, dimer and tetramer in cyanobacterial cells.
Low‐Temperature‐Fired ReVO4 (Re = La, Ce) Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Wang Yang , Zuo Ruzhong , Zhang Chen , Zhang Jian , Zhang Tianwen 
Published: December 2014

We report a series of ReVO4 (Re = La, Ce) microwave dielectric ceramics fabricated by a standard solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements were performed to explore the phase purity, sintering behavior, and microstructure. The analysis revealed that pure and dense monoclinic LaVO4 ceramics with a monazite structure and tetragonal CeVO4 ceramics with a zircon structure could be obtained in their respective sintering temperature range. Furthermore, LaVO4 and CeVO4 ceramics sintered at 850°C and 950°C for 4 h possessed out‐bound microwave dielectric properties: εr = 14.2, Q × f = 48197 GHz, τf = −37.9 ppm/°C, and εr = 12.3, Q × f = 41 460 GHz, τf = −34.4 ppm/°C, respectively. The overall results suggest that the ReVO4 ceramics could be promising materials for low‐temperature‐cofired ceramic technology.
Risk of subsequent cutaneous malignancy in patients with prior melanoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van der Leest R.J.T. , Flohil S.C. , Arends L.R. , de Vries E. , Nijsten T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMelanoma patients are known to be at risk of developing multiple cutaneous (pre‐) malignancies, however, the exact dimensions of these risks are unknown. In this meta‐analysis, risks of developing a melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after a melanoma were investigated. An extensive systematic literature search was conducted (last performed on 18 January 2012). Studies reporting risks, i.e. proportions, standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and cumulative risks (CRs) were included. Fifty, of 233 fully read articles, met selection criteria. Two independent reviewers extracted data on study characteristics and risks measurements. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to pool the risk estimates for the three tumour combinations. In melanoma patients, pooled proportions for a subsequent melanoma, BCC or SCC were respectively 3.8% (n = 47), 2.8% (n = 5) and 1.0% (n = 6). The pooled SIRs for a subsequent melanoma, BCC or SCC in melanoma patients were respectively 10.4 (n = 12), 4.6 (n = 2) and 2.8 (n = 2). Mean 20‐year CRs of a subsequent melanoma, BCC or SCC in melanoma patients were respectively 5.4% (n = 3), 14.0% (n = 1) and 4.0% (n = 1). Subgroup analyses showed substantial differences in reported risks between continents and study design. In conclusion, a history of a prior melanoma is a strong predictor for development of a subsequent melanoma (approximately 10‐fold increased risk) and to a lesser extent BCC or SCC. This information could serve as information for health care systems. Further, secondary prevention seems pivotal in this patient group.
Prenatal Testosterone Excess Decreases Neurokinin 3 Receptor Immunoreactivity within the Arcuate Nucleus KNDy Cell Population
Authors: Ahn T. , Fergani C. , Coolen L. M. , Padmanabhan V. , Lehman M. N. 
Published: December 2014

Prenatal exposure of the female ovine foetus to excess testosterone leads to neuroendocrine disruptions in adulthood, as demonstrated by defects in responsiveness with respect to the ability of gonadal steroids to regulate gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. In the ewe, neurones of the arcuate nucleus (ARC), which co‐expresses kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin (termed KNDy cells), play a key role in steroid feedback control of GnRH and show altered peptide expression after prenatal testosterone treatment. KNDy cells also co‐localise NKB receptors (NK3R), and it has been proposed that NKB may act as an autoregulatory transmitter in KNDy cells where it participates in the mechanisms underlying steroid negative‐feedback. In addition, recent evidence suggests that NKB/NK3R signalling may be involved in the positive‐feedback actions of oestradiol leading to the GnRH/luteinising hormone (LH) surge in the ewe. Thus, we hypothesise that decreased expression of NK3R in KNDy cells may be present in the brains of prenatal testosterone‐treated animals, potentially contributing to reproductive defects. Using single‐ and dual‐label immunohistochemistry we found NK3R‐positive cells in diverse areas of the hypothalamus; however, after prenatal testosterone treatment, decreased numbers of NK3R immunoreactive (‐IR) cells were seen only in the ARC. Moreover, dual‐label confocal analyses revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of KNDy cells (using kisspeptin as a marker) that co‐localised NK3R. To investigate how NKB ultimately affects GnRH secretion in the ewe, we examined GnRH neurones in the preoptic area (POA) and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) for the presence of NK3R. Although, consistent with earlier findings, we found no instances of NK3R co‐localisation in GnRH neurones in either the POA or MBH; in addition, > 70% GnRH neurones in both areas were contacted by NK3R‐IR presynaptic terminals suggesting that, in addition to its role at KNDy cell bodies, NKB may regulate GnRH neurones by presynaptic actions. In summary, the finding of decreased NK3R within KNDy cells in prenatal testosterone‐treated sheep complements previous observations of decreased NKB and dynorphin in the same population, and may contribute to deficits in the feedback control of GnRH/LH secretion in this animal model.
An Evolutionary Scenario for Gonadotrophin‐Inhibitory Hormone in Chordates
Authors: Osugi T. , Ubuka T. , Tsutsui K. 
Published: December 2014

In 2000, we discovered a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that actively inhibits gonadotrophin release in quail and termed it gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH peptides have subsequently been identified in most representative species of gnathostomes. They all share a C‐terminal LPXRFamide (X = L or Q) motif. GnIH can inhibit gonadotrophin synthesis and release by decreasing the activity of GnRH neuroes, as well as by directly inhibiting pituitary gonadotrophin secretion in birds and mammals. To investigate the evolutionary origin of GnIH and its ancestral function, we identified a GnIH precursor gene encoding GnIHs from the brain of sea lamprey, the most ancient lineage of vertebrates. Lamprey GnIHs possess a C‐terminal PQRFamide motif. In vivo administration of one of lamprey GnIHs stimulated the expression of lamprey GnRH in the hypothalamus and gonadotophin β mRNA in the pituitary. Thus, GnIH may have emerged in agnathans as a stimulatory neuropeptide that subsequently diverged to an inhibitory neuropeptide during the course of evolution from basal vertebrates to later‐evolved vertebrates, such as birds and mammals. From a structural point of view, pain modulatory neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and neuropeptide AF, share a C‐terminal PQRFamide motif. Because agnathans possess both GnIH and NPFF genes, the origin of GnIH and NPFF genes may date back before the emergence of agnathans. More recently, we identified a novel gene encoding RFamide peptides in the amphioxus. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and synteny analysis indicated that this gene is closely related to the genes of GnIH and NPFF of vertebrates. The results suggest that the identified protochordate gene is similar to the common ancestor of GnIH and NPFF genes, indicating that the origin of GnIH and NPFF may date back to the time of the emergence of early chordates. The GnIH and NPFF genes may have diverged by whole‐genome duplication during the course of vertebrate evolution.
Diagnosis of a case of Dandy–Walker malformation aided by measurement of the brainstem–vermis angle at 14 weeks gestation
Authors: Ichizuka Kiyotake , Mishina Miyuki , Hasegawa Junichi , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko , Pooh Ritsuko K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractReported is a fetal Dandy–Walker malformation that was strongly suspected in the first trimester through measurement of the brainstem–vermis (B‐V) angle, which was found to be 119° on transvaginal ultrasound examination at 14 weeks and 2 days gestation. Definitive diagnosis of the Dandy–Walker malformation was made by magnetic resonance imaging following stillbirth. Ultrasound measurement of the B‐V angle may be a useful index for prenatal diagnosis of Dandy–Walker anomalies during early pregnancy.
Role of gynecologists in reproductive education of adolescent girls in Hungary
Authors: Varga‐Tóth Andrea , Paulik Edit 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess whether the socioeconomic characteristics of adolescent girls, their knowledge about cervical cancer screening, and their sexual activity are associated with whether or not they have already visited a gynecologist.Material and MethodsA self‐administered questionnaire‐based study was performed among secondary school girls (n = 589) who participated in professional education provided by a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic characteristics, sexual activity, knowledge on contraceptive methods, cervical screening and sources of their knowledge. Simple descriptive statistics, χ2 and one‐way‐anova tests, multivariate logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation were applied. All statistical analyses were carried out using spss 17.0 for Windows.ResultsA total of 50.3% of adolescent girls had already had a sexual contact. Half of the sexually active participants had already visited a gynecologist, and most of them did so due to some kind of complaint. The overall knowledge about cervical screening was quite low; higher knowledge was found among those having visited a gynecologist.ConclusionsAdolescent girls' knowledge on cervical screening was improved by previous visits to a gynecologist. The participation of an expert – a gynecologist – in a comprehensive sexual education program of teenage girls is of high importance in Hungary.
Streptomyces rochei SM3 Induces Stress Tolerance in Chickpea Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and NaCl
Authors: Srivastava Smita , Patel Jai Singh , Singh Harikesh Bahadur , Sinha Asha , Sarma Birinchi Kumar 
Published: December 2014

AbstractUnderstanding on actinomycetes‐mediated stress tolerance in plants is very limited. This study demonstrated for the first time some stress tolerance mechanisms in chickpea via mediation of an actinomycetes strain Streptomyces rochei SM3. Here, we used the strain SM3 for treating chickpea seeds and plants raised from such seeds were challenged with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and NaCl. Chickpea mortality due to Sc. sclerotiorum infection was suppressed by nearly 48%, and biomass accumulation was increased by nearly 20% in the salt‐stressed condition in SM3‐treated plants compared to non‐treated plants. Physiological responses in chickpea under the challenging conditions showed that phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities increased in SM3‐treated plants. This is followed by accumulation of higher concentrations of phenolics that led to enhanced lignifications in SM3‐treated plants compared to non‐SM3‐treated plants challenged with the same stresses. Antioxidant activities, as assessed through catalase activities and proline accumulation, also increased in SM3‐treated plants challenged with both the stresses compared to non‐SM3‐treated plants. Investigation at genetic level further showed that the strain SM3 triggered the ethylene (ET) responsive ERF transcription factor (CaTF2) under the challenged conditions. Thus, from this study, we conclude that actinomycetes St. rochei SM3 trigger the ET‐mediated defence pathway in chickpea and activates the phenylpropanoid pathway for alleviating the stresses caused by Sc. sclerotiorum and salt in chickpea.
Effects of environmental factors on cyanobacteria dynamics in Lake Baringo, Kenya
Authors: Olilo Casianes O. , Shivoga William A. , Kitetu John J. , Agembe Simon 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe dominance of cyanobacterial algae in light‐limited, shallow freshwater Lake Baringo is a major environmental concern in regard to Kenyan water quality and public health protection agencies. Accordingly, this study focused on determining the effect of different environmental factors on cyanobacteria dynamics in different sediment disturbance zones of the lake and in different seasons. This study also sought to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the influence of water clarity on cyanobacteria dynamics in the lake. Samples were collected from the field, stored in ice and transported to the laboratory for nutrient analyses. Cyanobacteria cultures isolated from the lake were grown under a 12:12 light/dark cycle. The frequency of dividing cells (FDC) technique, and a fluorescence microscopy technique, was used to count growing cyanobacteria cells. Specific cyanobacteria organic carbon synthesis was significantly negatively correlated with turbidity for the southern (r = −0.6573; P < 0.05) and central sediment disturbance zones (r = −0.6847; P < 0.05). This study indicated that water clarity is an environmental phenomenon that facilitates the movement of cyanobacteria into the turbid areas of the lake, where their production levels are significantly high, in contrast to the clear water along the edges of the water–land interface during the wet season (April to August) and dry season (September to March). Water clarity potentially enhances cell division inhibition and multiplication, thereby positively influencing cyanobacteria dynamics in Lake Baringo. Thus, it is concluded that the cyanobacteria growth rate resulting from use of the FDC technique suggests a link with inflowing water clarity that can be used to monitor in‐lake water quality, to better manage cyanobacteria blooms in Lake Baringo and in lakes and reservoirs elsewhere.
Aetiology of paediatric facial trauma at a UK District General Hospital
Authors: Lello S. , Allen P. , Haig S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThis study aims to determine the types and causes of facial injury in children who present to a UK District General Hospital (DGH), to evaluate the relevant demographics of the subjects and to investigate whether the events were accurately clinically coded.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of all patients aged <1–17 years attending the emergency department (ED) in a DGH over the course of 1 month with a facial injury.ResultsEighty‐four paediatric patients attended the ED with facial injuries during the month of September 2012. The male:female ratio was 2.36:1. Most injuries were due to a fall (49%). Six alleged assaults were recorded, but no other non‐accidental injury was suspected. Lacerations were the most frequent injury seen (44%). Dental trauma accounted for 9% of injuries. Sixty‐eight per cent of the subjects lived within the eight areas of Swindon that are among the most deprived 20% nationally. Eighteen per cent lived within the Penhill ward (electoral district), which has two areas among the most deprived 5% nationally. Ten per cent were referred on to specialist services within the hospital. Three children were referred to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Only 25% of the visits to the ED were coded with sufficient detail.ConclusionsThe aetiology of facial trauma in children should be accurately recorded to allow the planning of accident prevention campaigns that can be targeted at a local and national level. This relies partly on the coding information collected from EDs and so it is imperative that this is detailed and accurate.
The Use of Quadripolar Left Ventricular Leads Improves the Hemodynamic Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: OSCA JOAQUÍN , ALONSO PAU , CANO ÓSCAR , SÁNCHEZ JUAN MIGUEL , TEJADA DAVID , ANDRÉS ANA , SANCHO TELLO MARÍA JOSÉ , OLAGÜE JOSÉ 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a left ventricle (LV) quadripolar lead in improving the hemodynamic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods and ResultsWe included 27 consecutive patients implanted with a CRT device with an LV quadripolar lead. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated at 3‐month follow‐up by using impedance cardiography. We assessed the highest cardiac output and the highest stroke volume (SV) obtained after atrioventricular and interventricular optimization with pacing from each of the four electrodes of the LV lead. Each patient was evaluated according to three different pacing configurations: unipolar‐simulated, bipolar, and quadripolar. Biventricular pacing improved hemodynamics in comparison to the nonpaced measurements: cardiac index (CI): 2.69 L/min/m2 versus 2.17 L/min/m2 (P = 0.001). The hemodynamic response was highest in the quadripolar in comparison to unipolar‐simulated and bipolar configurations, with an increase of 29%, 23%, and 27%, respectively, in relation to the reference CI and with an increase of 22%, 11%, and 18%, respectively, in relation to the reference indexed SV (P < 0.05, for the comparison between unipolar‐simulated and quadripolar configurations). Twelve patients (44%) showed the best hemodynamic response by pacing from any of the two distal electrodes and 15 patients (56%) by pacing from the two proximal electrodes. Finally, CRT responder rates were higher in quadripolar versus bipolar and unipolar‐simulated configurations: 90%, 85%, and 75%, respectively.ConclusionsThe quadripolar LV lead was associated with a better hemodynamic response and higher CRT responder rates when compared with unipolar‐simulated and bipolar LV leads.