bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Force Plate Gait Analysis and Owner Assessment of Pain Using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory in Dogs with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Brown D.C. , Boston R.C. , Farrar J.T. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundLameness assessment using force plate gait analysis (FPGA) and owner assessment of chronic pain using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) are valid and reliable methods of evaluating canine osteoarthritis. There are no studies comparing these 2 outcome measures.ObjectiveEvaluate the relationship betweenCBPIpain severity (PS) and interference (PI) scores with the vertical forces ofFPGAas efficacy measures in canine osteoarthritis.AnimalsSixty‐eight client‐owned dogs with osteoarthritis (50 hind limb and 18 forelimb).MethodsDouble‐blind, randomized. Owners completed theCBPI, and dogs underwentFPGAon days 0 and 14. Dogs received carprofen or placebo on days 1 through 14. The change inPSandPIscores from day 0 to 14 were compared to the change in peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI).ResultsPSandPIscores significantly decreased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .002 andP = .03, respectively).PVFandVIsignificantly increased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .006 andP = .02, respectively). There was no correlation or concordance between thePSorPIscore changes and change inPVForVI.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn these dogs with hind limb or forelimb osteoarthritis, owner assessment of chronic pain using theCBPIand assessment of lameness usingFPGAdetected significant improvement in dogs treated with carprofen. The lack of correlation or concordance between the change in owner scores and vertical forces suggests that owners were focused on behaviors other than lameness when making efficacy evaluations in their dogs.
Hemostatic Abnormalities in Uncomplicated Babesiosis (Babesia rossi) in Dogs
Authors: Liebenberg C. , Goddard A. , Wiinberg B. , Kjelgaard‐Hansen M. , van der Merwe L.L. , Thompson P.N. , Matjila P.T. , Schoeman J.P. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundBabesiosis in dogs is associated with severe thrombocytopenia; yet infected dogs rarely show clinical signs of hemorrhage.HypothesisDogs with uncomplicated babesiosis have normal hemostatic capacity despite severe thrombocytopenia.AnimalsNineteen client‐owned dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis; 10 healthy controls.MethodsA prospective, cross‐sectional, observational study. Thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, D‐dimers, and antithrombin (AT) measured in both groups. Statistical significance set at P < .01.ResultsBabesiosis group hematocrit and platelet count significantly lower than controls (0.29 versus 0.50 L/L; P < .001 and 20.0 versus 374.5 × 109/L; P < .001, respectively). Except for K, no significant difference in TEG variables between groups. Hemostatic variables for babesiosis group versus controls (mean ± SD); R: 5.9 ± 1.8 versus 4.6 ± 0.9 min (P = .048); K: 2.8 ± 1.1 versus 1.9 ± 0.6 min (P = .003); angle: 55.5 ± 11.7 versus 62.2 ± 4.1 degrees (P = .036); MA: 48.4 ± 9.7 versus 57.2 ± 5.2 mm (P = 0.013); G: 5.1 ± 1.9 versus 6.9 ± 1.5 dyn/cm2 (P = .019); LY30 (median, range): 0 (0–5.7) versus 0.6% (0–6.1) (P = .152); and LY60: 0 (0–8.8) versus 3.1% (0–13.1) (P = .012). AT activity significantly lower (105.2 ± 16.5 versus 127.8 ± 15.4%; P = .001). Fibrinogen concentration significantly higher in babesiosis group (5.7 ± 1.3 versus. 3.0 ± 0.7 g/L; P < .001).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceDespite severe thrombocytopenia, dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis did not have clinical signs of hemorrhage and TEG variables were normal, which could indicate a normocoagulable state.
Serum Inhibin Concentration in Dogs with Adrenal Gland Disease and in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Brömel C. , Nelson R.W. , Feldman E.C. , Munro C.J. , Kass P.H. , Vico A.E. , Labelle P. , Conley A.J. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundStudies in humans identified the synthesis and secretion of inhibin from adrenocortical tumors, but not pheochromocytoma (PHEO). Inhibin has not been examined in dogs as a serum biomarker for adrenal gland tumors.ObjectiveTo determine serum inhibin concentration in dogs with adrenal gland disease and in healthy dogs.AnimalsForty‐eight neutered dogs with adrenal disease including pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH, 17), adrenocortical tumor (18), and PHEO (13), and 41 healthy intact or neutered dogs.MethodsProspective observational study. Dogs were diagnosed with PDH, adrenocortical tumor (hyperadrenocorticism or noncortisol secreting), or PHEO based on clinical signs, endocrine function tests, abdominal ultrasound examination, and histopathology. Inhibin concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay in serum before and after ACTH stimulation, and before and after treatment.ResultsIn neutered dogs, median inhibin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with adrenocortical tumors (0.82 ng/mL) and PDH (0.16 ng/mL) than in dogs with PHEO and healthy dogs (both undetectable). Median inhibin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with adrenocortical tumors than in those with PDH and decreased after adrenalectomy. Median inhibin concentration was significantly higher in intact than in neutered healthy dogs and was similar in pre‐ and post‐ACTH stimulation. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of serum inhibin concentration for identifying an adrenal tumor as a PHEO were 100, 88.9, and 93.6%, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAdrenocortical tumors and PDH but not PHEOs are associated with increased serum inhibin concentration; undetectable inhibin is highly supportive of PHEO in neutered dogs with adrenal tumors.
Prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease among HIV‐infected antiretroviral therapy‐naïve patients in Mainland China: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cao Ying , Gong Mengchun , Han Yang , Xie Jing , Li Xuemei , Zhang Lixia , Li Yanling , Song Xiaojing , Zhu Ting , Li Taisheng 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among HIV‐infected antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve patients in Mainland China.MethodsIn this multicenter cross‐sectional study, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. CKD was defined as GFRMDRD < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and/or isolated proteinuria (≥1 + on urine dipstick) that persisted at month 3 after the baseline assessment. Risk factors associated with CKD were examined using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 538 HIV‐infected ART‐naïve patients were included in this study. There were 399 male and 139 female patients. The mean age was 36.5 ± 10.0 years. The prevalence of hypertension, glycometabolism abnormities, and CKD were 3.2%, 3.0%, and 16.1%, respectively. Thirteen (2.4%) patients had estimated GFR (eGFR) < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, while 73 (13.7%) patients had proteinuria. Using univariate analysis, CKD was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) associated with age, hypertension, HCV co‐infection, and plasma HIV‐1 viral load ≥ 100 000 copies/mL. In the multivariate logistic regression model, older age (increased by an interval of 10 years; P = 0.002), HCV co‐infection (P = 0.039), and plasma HIV‐1 viral load ≥ 100 000 copies/mL (P = 0.011) were significantly associated with CKD.ConclusionThe incidence of CKD is high in Chinese HIV‐infected ART‐naïve patients. Traditional risk factors for renal disease, such as advancing age, HCV co‐infection, and higher plasma viral load were correlated with CKD in the present patient samples.
Jasmonate and ethylene signaling mediate whitefly‐induced interference with indirect plant defense in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Peng‐Jun , Broekgaarden Colette , Zheng Si‐Jun , Snoeren Tjeerd A. L. , van Loon Joop J. A. , Gols Rieta , Dicke Marcel 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Upon herbivore attack, plants activate an indirect defense, that is, the release of a complex mixture of volatiles that attract natural enemies of the herbivore. When plants are simultaneously exposed to two herbivore species belonging to different feeding guilds, one herbivore may interfere with the indirect plant defense induced by the other herbivore. However, little is understood about the mechanisms underlying such interference.

Here, we address the effect of herbivory by the phloem‐feeding whitefly Bemisia tabaci on the induced indirect defense of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to Plutella xylostella caterpillars, that is, the attraction of the parasitoid wasp Diadegma semiclausum.

Assays with various Arabidopsis mutants reveal that B. tabaci infestation interferes with indirect plant defense induced by P. xylostella, and that intact jasmonic acid and ethylene signaling are required for such interference caused by B. tabaci. Chemical analysis of plant volatiles showed that the composition of the blend emitted in response to the caterpillars was significantly altered by co‐infestation with whiteflies. Moreover, whitefly infestation also had a considerable effect on the transcriptomic response of the plant to the caterpillars.

Understanding the mechanisms underlying a plant's responses to multiple attackers will be important for the development of crop protection strategies in a multi‐attacker context.
Temporal separation between CO2 assimilation and growth? Experimental and theoretical evidence from the desiccation‐tolerant moss Syntrichia ruralis
Authors: Royles Jessica , Ogée Jérôme , Wingate Lisa , Hodgson Dominic A. , Convey Peter , Griffiths Howard 
Published: January 2013

Summary

The extent of an external water layer around moss tissue influences CO2 assimilation. Experiments on the desiccation‐tolerant moss Syntrichia ruralis assessed the real‐time dependence of the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of CO2 and H2O in terms of moss water status and integrated isotope signals in cellulose.

As external (capillary) water, and then mesophyll water, evaporated from moss tissue, assimilation rate, relative water content and the stable isotope composition of tissue water (δ18OTW), and the CO2 and H2O fluxes, were analysed. After drying, carbon (δ13CC) and oxygen (δ18OC) cellulose compositions were determined.

During desiccation, assimilation and 13CO2 discrimination increased to a maximum and then declined; δ18OTW increased progressively by 8‰, indicative of evaporative isotopic enrichment. Experimental and meteorological data were combined to predict tissue hydration dynamics over one growing season. Nonsteady‐state model predictions of δ18OTW were consistent with instantaneous measurements.

δ13CC values suggest that net assimilation occurs at 25% of maximum relative water content, while δ18OC data suggests that cellulose is synthesized during much higher relative water content conditions. This implies that carbon assimilation and cellulose synthesis (growth) may be temporally separated, with carbon reserves possibly contributing to desiccation tolerance and resumption of metabolism upon rehydration.
Urban legends series: oral leukoplakia
Authors: Arduino PG , Bagan J , El‐Naggar AK , Carrozzo M 
Published: January 2013

To date, the term oral leukoplakia (OL) should be used to recognize ‘predominantly white plaques of questionable risk, having excluded (other) known diseases or disorders that carry no increased risk of cancer’.In this review, we addressed four controversial topics regarding oral leukoplakias (OLs): (i) Do tobacco and alcohol causeOLs?, (ii) What percentage ofOLs transform into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)?, (iii) Can we distinguish between premalignant and innocentOLs?, and (iv) Is proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) a specific entity or just a form of multifocal leukoplakia?Results of extensive literature search suggest that (i) no definitive evidence for direct causal relationship between smoked tobacco and alcohol as causative factors ofOLs, (ii and iii) the vast majority ofOLs follow a benign course and do not progress into a cancer, and no widely accepted and/or validated clinical and/or biological factors can predict malignant transformation, and (iv) the distinction between multifocal/multiple leukoplakias andPVLin their early presentation is impossible; the temporal clinical progression and the high rate of recurrences and development of cancer ofPVLare the most reliable features for diagnosis.
The nitrate transporter NRT2.1 functions in the ethylene response to nitrate deficiency in Arabidopsis
Authors: ZHENG DONGCHAO , HAN XIAO , AN YI , GUO HONGWEI , XIA XINLI , YIN WEILUN 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe ethylene signalling pathway is closely associated with complex environmental stresses. Previous studies have reported impact of high nitrate (HN) availability on ethylene biosynthesis and regulation of ethylene on nitrate transporter 2.1 (NRT2.1) expression. However, molecular interaction between NRT2.1 transcript levels and the ethylene signalling pathway under nitrate deficiency is still elusive. Here, we report a low nitrate (LN) treatment‐induced rapid burst of ethylene production and regulated expression of ethylene signalling components CTR1, EIN3 and EIL1 in wild‐type Arabidopsis thaliana (Col‐0) seedlings, and enhanced ethylene response reporter EBS:GUS activity in both Col‐0 and the ethylene mutants ein3‐1eil1‐1 and ctr1‐1. LN treatment also caused up‐regulation of NRT2.1 expression, which was responsible for an enhanced high‐affinity nitrate uptake. Comparison of ethylene production and EBS:GUS activity between nrt1.1, nrt2.1 mutants and Col‐0 indicated that this up‐regulation of NRT2.1 expression caused a positive effect on ethylene biosynthesis and signalling under LN treatment. On the other hand, ethylene down‐regulated NRT2.1 expression and reduced the high‐affinity nitrate uptake. Together, these findings uncover a negative feedback loop between NRT2.1 expression and ethylene biosynthesis and signalling under nitrate deficiency, which may contribute to finely tuning of plant nitrate acquisition during exploring dynamic soil conditions.
Modelling the reaction mechanism of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and consequences for kinetic parameters
Authors: TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAlthough ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) was discovered nearly 60 years ago, the associated chemical mechanism of the reaction is still incompletely understood. The catalytic cycle consists of four major steps: ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate binding, enolization, CO2 or O2 addition and hydration, and cleavage of the intermediate. The use of individual rate constants for these elemental steps yields mathematical expressions for usual kinetic constants (kcat, Km), CO2 versus O2 specificity (Sc/o) as well as other chemical parameters such as the 12C/13C isotope effect. That said, most of them are not simple and thus the interpretation of experimental and observed values of kcat, Km and Sc/o may be more complicated than expected. That is, Rubisco effective catalysis depends on several kinetic parameters that are influenced by both the biological origin and the cellular medium (which, in turn, can vary with environmental conditions). In this brief review, we present the basic model of Rubisco kinetics and describe how subtle biochemical changes (which may have occurred along Evolution) can easily modify Rubisco catalysis.
Numerical Investigation of Upper‐RoomUVGIDisinfection Efficacy in an Environmental Chamber with a Ceiling Fan
Authors: Zhu Shengwei , Srebric Jelena , Rudnick Stephen N. , Vincent Richard L. , Nardell Edward A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the disinfection efficacy of the upper‐room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UR‐UVGI) system with ceiling fans. The investigation used the steady‐state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to solve the rotation of ceiling fan with a rotating reference frame. Two ambient air exchange rates, 2 and 6 air changes per hour (ACH), and four downward fan rotational speeds, 0, 80, 150 and 235 rpm were considered. In addition, the passive scalar concentration simulations incorporated ultraviolet (UV) dose by two methods: one based on the total exposure time and averageUVfluence rate, and another based onSVE3* (New Scale for Ventilation Efficiency 3), originally defined to evaluate the mean age of the air from an air supply opening. Overall, theCFDresults enabled the evaluation ofUR‐UVGIdisinfection efficacy using different indices, including the fraction of remaining microorganisms, equivalent air exchange rate,UR‐UVGIeffectiveness and tuberculosis infection probability by the Wells–Riley equation. The results indicated that air exchange rate was the decisive factor for determiningUR‐UVGIperformance in disinfecting indoor air. Using a ceiling fan could also improve the performance in general. Furthermore, the results clarified the mechanism for the ceiling fan to influenceUR‐UVGIdisinfection efficacy.
Linezolid and Vancomycin Decrease the Therapeutic Effect of Methylene Blue‐Photodynamic therapy in a Mouse Model of MRSA Bacterial Arthritis
Authors: Tanaka Masamitsu , Mroz Pawel , Dai Tianhong , Huang Liyi , Morimoto Yuji , Kinoshita Manabu , Yoshihara Yasuo , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Seki Shuhji , Nemoto Koichi , Hamblin Michael R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe previously reported that photodynamic therapy (PDT) using intra‐articular methylene blue (MB) could be used to treat arthritis in mice caused by bioluminescent methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) either in a therapeutic or in a preventative mode. PDT accumulated neutrophils into the mouse knee via activation of chemoattractants such as inflammatory cytokines or chemokines. In this study, we asked whether PDT combined with antibiotics used for MRSA could provide added benefit in controlling the infection. We compared MB‐PDT alone, systemic administration of either linezolid (LZD) alone or vancomycin (VCM) alone or the combination of PDT with either LZD or VCM. Real‐time noninvasive imaging was used to serially follow the progress of the infection. PDT alone was the most effective, whereas LZD alone was ineffective and VCM alone showed some benefit. Surprisingly the addition of LZD or VCM reduced the therapeutic effect of PDT alone (P < 0.05). Considering that PDT in this mouse model stimulates neutrophils to be antibacterial rather than actively killing the bacteria, we propose that LZD and VCM might inhibit the activation of inflammatory cytokines without eradicating the bacteria, and thereby reduce the therapeutic effect of PDT.
Higher Education and Congressional Influence on Administrative Decisions: An Examination of NSF and NIH Research Grant Funding to Four‐Year Universities
Authors: Rabovsky Thomas M. , Ellis William Curtis 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveThis study examines grant funding to four‐year universities to determine if institutions with more powerful congressional delegations receive more in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).MethodsWe analyze grant awards to public and private not‐for profit universities from 2000 through 2009. We employ panel‐corrected standard errors with panel‐specific AR1 terms to determine the influence of representation on key congressional committees, in conjunction with institutional characteristics, such as size and mission, in shaping institutional success in securing grant revenues.ResultsTime series, cross‐sectional analysis suggests that members of the U.S. House and Senate may be able to influence the allocation of seemingly merit‐based grants and contracts made by the NIH and the NSF.ConclusionWe find some evidence that congressional‐bureaucratic relationships impact grant receipts, though the effects are moderate in magnitude.
Being Prepared and Staying Connected: Scouting's Influence on Social Capital and Community Involvement
Authors: Polson Edward C. , Kim Young‐Il , Jang Sung Joon , Johnson Byron R. , Smith Buster 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesIn recent years, scholars have become concerned about the effects that declining levels of social capital are having on community life in the United States. Data suggest that Americans are less likely to interact with neighbors and less likely to participate in community groups than they were in the past. Nevertheless, researchers have found that participation in some types of organizations has a positive impact on social capital and civic involvement. Each year, millions of American youth participate in programs designed to promote positive youth development. Here, we examine the effect that participation in one of the largest youth organizations, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), has on adult social capital and community involvement.MethodsUtilizing a national survey of adult males, we compare measures of social capital and community involvement for former Scouts and non‐Scouts.ResultsOur findings suggest that level of involvement in the Boy Scouts is significantly related to measures of adult social capital and community engagement.ConclusionScouting tends to have a significant impact on the lives of its most committed members. Future research must continue to explore the long‐term effects of participation in youth organizations.
Microtubules, signalling and abiotic stress
Authors: Nick Peter 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPlant microtubules, in addition to their role in cell division and axial cell expansion, convey a sensory function that is relevant for the perception of mechanical membrane stress and its derivatives, such as osmotic or cold stress. During development, sensory microtubules participate in the mechanical integration of plant architecture, including the patterning of incipient organogenesis and the alignment with gravity‐dependent load. The sensory function of microtubules depends on dynamic instability, and often involves a transient elimination of cortical microtubules followed by adaptive events accompanied by subsequent formation of stable microtubule bundles. It is proposed that microtubules, because of their relative rigidity in combination with their innate nonlinear dynamics, are pre‐adapted for a function as mechanosensors and, in concert with the flexible actin filaments and the anisotropic cell wall, comprise a tensegral system that allows plant cells to sense geometry and to respond to fields of mechanical strains such that the load is minimized. Microtubules are proposed as elements of a sensory hub that decodes stress‐related signal signatures, with phospholipase D as an important player.