bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microanatomy of the human tunnel of Corti structures and cochlear partition‐tonotopic variations and transcellular signaling
Authors: Giese Dina , Li Hao , Liu Wei , Staxäng Karin , Hodik Monika , Ladak Hanif M. , Agrawal Sumit , Schrott‐Fischer Anneliese , Glueckert Rudolf , Rask‐Andersen Helge 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAuditory sensitivity and frequency resolution depend on the optimal transfer of sound‐induced vibrations from the basilar membrane (BM) to the inner hair cells (IHCs), the principal auditory receptors. There remains a paucity of information on how this is accomplished along the frequency range in the human cochlea. Most of the current knowledge is derived either from animal experiments or human tissue processed after death, offering limited structural preservation and optical resolution. In our study, we analyzed the cytoarchitecture of the human cochlear partition at different frequency locations using high‐resolution microscopy of uniquely preserved normal human tissue. The results may have clinical implications and increase our understanding of how frequency‐dependent acoustic vibrations are carried to human IHCs. A 1‐micron‐thick plastic‐embedded section (mid‐modiolar) from a normal human cochlea uniquely preserved at lateral skull base surgery was analyzed using light and transmission electron microscopy (LM, TEM). Frequency locations were estimated using synchrotron radiation phase‐contrast imaging (SR‐PCI). Archival human tissue prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and super‐resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR‐SIM) were also used and compared in this study. Microscopy demonstrated great variations in the dimension and architecture of the human cochlear partition along the frequency range. Pillar cell geometry was closely regulated and depended on the reticular lamina slope and tympanic lip angle. A type II collagen‐expressing lamina extended medially from the tympanic lip under the inner sulcus, here named “accessory basilar membrane.” It was linked to the tympanic lip and inner pillar foot, and it may contribute to the overall compliance of the cochlear partition. Based on the findings, we speculate on the remarkable microanatomic inflections and geometric relationships which relay different sound‐induced vibrations to the IHCs, including their relevance for the evolution of human speech reception and electric stimulation with auditory implants. The inner pillar transcellular microtubule/actin system's role of directly converting vibration energy to the IHC cuticular plate and ciliary bundle is highlighted.
Comparative skeletal anatomy of salt marsh and western harvest mice in relation to locomotor ecology
Authors: Woldt Kelsey M. , Pratt R. Brandon , Statham Mark J. , Barthman‐Thompson Laureen M. , Sustaita Diego 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris) is an endangered species, endemic to the San Francisco Bay Estuary, that co‐occurs with the more broadly distributed species, the western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis). Despite their considerable external morphological similarities, the northern subspecies of salt marsh harvest mice have relatively longer and thicker tails than do western harvest mice, which may be related to their abilities to climb emergent marsh vegetation to avoid tidal inundation. We used micro‐CT to compare post‐cranial skeletal anatomy between the salt marsh and western harvest mouse, to examine whether the salt marsh harvest mouse's restriction to brackish marshes is associated with skeletal adaptations for scansorial locomotion. We found that salt marsh harvest mice exhibited a deeper 3rd caudal vertebra, a more caudally located longest tail vertebra, craniocaudally longer tail vertebrae, and a longer digit III proximal phalanx than western harvest mice. These phalangeal and vertebral characteristics are known to decrease body rotations during climbing, increase contact with substrates, and decrease fall susceptibility in arboreal mammals, suggesting that the salt marsh harvest mouse may be morphologically specialized for scansorial locomotion, adaptive for its dynamic wetland environment.
A prospective study of patients with post treatment Lyme disease syndrome treated with modified VFEM energy
Authors: Derderian Gregory P. , Otenbaker Nicole 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe previously demonstrated a possible therapeutic benefit of VFEM (variable frequency electromagnetic energy) technology for the treatment of Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) or Chronic Lyme Disease (CLD). As a result, we prospectively enrolled 10 patients, all having significant debility, to determine to what extent we could improve their quality of life. Eight patients completed the 10 treatments.ResultsAll eight patients had a significant improvement in quality of life within a 4‐month time frame.ConclusionVFEM is a stand‐alone modality that appears to demonstrate a significant improvement in quality of life in PTLDS or CLD with little or no risk or side effects of treatment.
Trichoscopic findings in children and adults with alopecia areata: A comparative study
Authors: Aryanian Zeinab , Najafi Morvarid , Ansari Mahshid , Nassimi Maryam , Etesami Ifa , Heidari Sama , Khayyat Azadeh , Hatami Parvaneh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata is a chronic and relapsing condition that affects individuals of all age groups. Dermoscopy is a popular and non‐invasive method for diagnosing alopecia areata. This study aimed to analyze dermoscopic findings and their relationship with age, gender, appearance, and clinical signs in children and adults.MethodsThis retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted on 124 children and adults diagnosed with alopecia areata who were referred to a Hospital in Iran between 2021 and 2022. After reaching the calculated sample size, trichoscopic findings were examined and the results were recorded. Data analysis was performed by a statistician and presented in relevant tables.ResultsThe participants in the study comprised 53.2% female children, 46.8% male children, 27.42% adult males, and 72.58% adult females. The median age in the pediatric group was 10 years, while it was 27 years in the adult group. Yellow dots were significantly less observed in children than in adults (29% vs. 48.4%), while exclamation mark hairs were significantly more common in children than adults (38.7% vs. 21%). No significant differences were found in the frequency of other trichoscopic features between children and adults. Specifically, black dots, broken hairs, short vellus hairs, pigtail hairs, and empty follicular openings were observed in 38.7%, 40.3%, 32.3%, 11.3%, and 75.8% of children, respectively, and in 35.5%, 32.3%, 21%, 46.8%, and 12.9% of adults, respectively.ConclusionThe most common trichoscopic findings in alopecia areata in children are empty follicular openings and broken hairs, while exclamation mark hairs are more common in children than adults. In contrast, yellow dots are less frequently observed in children compared to adults. This distinct difference between children's and adults' dermoscopic findings highlights the critical need for age‐specific considerations in AA evaluations.
The dynamic impact of trade on environment
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Zhang Zhenglian , Zhang Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUtilizing long‐term and high‐resolution pollution remote sensing data, this study examines the dynamic impact of export expansion on the local environment in China from 2000 to 2020. Regions facing larger export expansion experience more pronounced initial deterioration in local air quality, while followed by a more prominent subsequent environmental improvement, indicating that the environmental impact of trade varies over time. Further analysis reveals that a key driver behind this dynamic change is the adjustment in environmental policies, particularly when local government faces higher pressure in achieving the environmental goals and when the central government takes over environmental monitoring powers. Additionally, under more stringent environmental regulations, regional export growth leads to increased environmental expenditures, concurrently driving localities to reduce heavily polluting engergy inputs such as coal. Our study suggests that environmental policies can facilitate the synergistic development of trade and the environment.
Semiotic whitening: Whiteness without white people
Authors: Mena Mike 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the borderlands of south Texas, the Mexican and Mexican American social practice of naming includes the use of English‐language names and nicknames, anglicized pronunciations, and English‐language spellings and “misspellings,” all of which potentially index at least two historically informed perspectives: (1) the hegemonic “white gaze”; and (2) a localized, interrogating gaze. In this article, I focus on local naming practices to advance an approach to what I call semiotic whitening—the indexical linking of any phenomenon to the idealized norms of whiteness—to better understand how whiteness works from the perspective of Mexicans and Mexican Americans living in a geographic region (informed by colonial and white supremacist histories) where few white folks reside.
Pseudomonas plecoglossicida(NR_114226) as a novel biocontrol agent against Fusarium crown rot of wheat
Authors: Makhlouf Kamel Eddine , Karima Boungab , Slimane Mokrani 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFusarium crown rot (FCR) poses a significant threat to wheat crops, causing substantial grain loss and mycotoxin contamination. While chemical fungicides have been effective in controlling this disease, the need for environmentally friendly alternatives is paramount due to concerns about human health and fungicide resistance. This study delves into the efficacy ofPseudomonas plecoglossicida(NR_114226) as a plant growth‐promoting and biocontrol agent againstFusarium graminearum(ON685926) andFusarium pseudograminearum(ON687723). Greenhouse experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in disease severity by 66.06% through seed treatment with this rhizobacterial strain in soil already infested with fungal pathogens. Moreover, significant growth enhancement occurred inF. pseudograminearum‐infected seedlings treated withP. plecoglossicida(F4 + P57), increasing plant height from 13.8 to 33.1 cm and root length from 9.56 to 19.62 cm, with notable improvements in fresh and dry weights. The study further validated these findings through enzymatic assays and analysis of synthesized secondary metabolites, including chitinase, protease, hydrocyanic acid, indole acetic acid, phosphate solubilization and siderophore production. These results strongly suggest thatP. plecoglossicidahas the potential to serve as an effective biocontrol agent against soilborne cereal pathogens.
First report Calonectria hawksworthii as an aetiological agent of fruit rot of cocoa in Brazil
Authors: de Melo Maruzanete Pereira , de Sousa Martins Sara , de Souza Soares Poliana Prates , Mesquita Naasoom Luiz Santos , Santos Armínio , de Novaes Quelmo Silva , Alves Vitória Cristina Santiago , Bezerra José Luiz , Bezerra Jadson Diogo Pereira 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCacao (Theobroma cacoa L.) is an important tropical fruit tree used in chocolate production. Among the biotic problems interfering with fruit production, phytopathogenic fungi stand out. During a visit to cocoa production areas in the municipality of Medicilândia, Pará, Brazil (Amazon region), we observed cocoa fruits with dark lesions and greyish‐white cottony mycelia growth. In order to determine the aetiological agent's identity, we extracted DNA and amplified part of the TEF‐1α and RBP2 genes and compared them with sequences in GenBank using the BLASTn tool. Based on molecular results and phylogenetic analysis, the isolates were identified as Calonectria hawksworthii. Inoculations in cacao fruits showed symptoms after 6 days and were similar to those collected in the field, confirming the postulates. This study is the first report of Ca. hawksworthii causing cocoa bean rot worldwide.
The effects of fermentation time on sourdough bread: An analysis of texture profile, starch digestion rate, and protein hydrolysis rate
Authors: Terrazas‐Avila Paulina , Palma‐Rodríguez Heidi M. , Navarro‐Cortez Ricardo O. , Hernández‐Uribe Juan P. , Piloni‐Martini Javier , Vargas‐Torres Apolonio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo ensure the best quality bread, it is important to consider the speed of digestion of starch and proteins, as well as how time fermentation and storage time influence the rate of starch digestion and the texture of the bread. This study compared the effect of fermentation time and days of storage on the texture, physicochemical, protein and starch digestibility of sourdough bread. Texture profile analysis showed that the fermentation time in recently baked sourdough bread affects hardness, chewiness, and springiness. The electrophoretic profile showed a decrease in band thickness with increase in fermentation time, consistent with a higher percentage of protein digestion. While fermentation time did not significantly affect rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS), storage time resulted in a decrease in RDS and an increase in SDS. Sourdough breads had higher levels of resistant starch (RS). The digestibility characteristics of protein and starch, as well as texture properties, are significantly influenced by fermentation and storage time. The evidence suggests that sourdough bread has the potential to improve the digestion of protein and to effectively regulate the glycemic response, which is due to its higher levels of SDS and RS.
Comparative study of the bronchodilator efficacy and adverse effects of salbutamol and hyoscine butylbromide in horses with severe asthma
Authors: Mozo Vives Berta , Mainguy‐Seers Sophie , Lavoie Jean‐Pierre 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSalbutamol and hyoscine butylbromide (HBB) are commonly used bronchodilators in horses with severe asthma (SA).ObjectiveTo compare the bronchodilation potency, duration, and adverse effects of salbutamol and HBB in SA.AnimalsSix horses in exacerbation of SA.MethodsThe effects of inhaled salbutamol (1000 μg) and HBB (150 mg, IV) were compared in a randomized, blinded, crossover experiment. Lung function, intestinal borborygmi and heart rate were assessed before and sequentially until 180 minutes after drug administration, and analyzed with 2‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA and Dunnett's multiple comparison tests.ResultsBoth treatments caused a similar improvement in lung function. Pulmonary resistance and reactance returned to baseline values within 30 minutes after HBB administration, whereas salbutamol improved reactance until 180 minutes (mean improvement at 180 minutes of 0.040 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = 0.004 to 0.076; P = .02 for salbutamol and of 0.009 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = −0.028 to 0.045; P = .98 for HBB for the resistance at 3 Hz and of 0.040 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = 0.007 to 0.074; P = .01 for salbutamol and of 0.009 Kpa/L/s, 95% CI = −0.024 to 0.042; P = .97 for HBB for the reactance at 7 Hz). From 5 to 30 minutes after HBB administration, the heart rate accelerated (mean increase of 3.3 beats per minute, 95% CI = −6.6 to 13.1; P = .92 for salbutamol, and of 13.0 beats per minute, 95% CI = 3.6 to 22.4; P = .002 for HBB at 30 minutes) and the gut sounds decreased (mean reduction of 1.3, 95% CI = −0.1 to 2.8; P = .09 for salbutamol and of 2.8 for the gastrointestinal auscultation score, 95% CI = 1.4 to 4.3; P < .0001 for HBB at 30 minutes).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBoth drugs have a similar bronchodilator potency but with a longer duration for salbutamol. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects were noted only with HBB, suggesting the preferential use of salbutamol to relieve bronchoconstriction in horses with asthma.
Safety profile and effects on the peripheral immune response of fecal microbiota transplantation in clinically healthy dogs
Authors: Lee Mary Ann , Questa Maria , Wanakumjorn Patrawin , Kol Amir , McLaughlin Bridget , Weimer Bart C. , Buono Agostino , Suchodolski Jan S. , Marsilio Sina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is increasingly used for gastrointestinal and extra‐gastrointestinal diseases in veterinary medicine. However, its effects on immune responses and possible adverse events have not been systematically investigated.Hypothesis/ObjectivesDetermine the short‐term safety profile and changes in the peripheral immune system after a single FMT administration in healthy dogs.AnimalsTen client‐owned, clinically healthy dogs as FMT recipients, and 2 client‐owned clinically healthy dogs as FMT donors.MethodsProspective non‐randomized clinical trial. A single rectal enema of 5 g/kg was given to clinically healthy canine recipients. During the 28 days after FMT administration, owners self‐reported adverse events and fecal scores. On Days 0 (baseline), 1, 4, 10, and 28 after FMT, fecal and blood samples were collected. The canine fecal dysbiosis index (DI) was calculated using qPCR.ResultsNo significant changes were found in the following variables: CBC, serum biochemistry, C‐reactive protein, serum cytokines (interleukins [IL]‐2, ‐6, ‐8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α), peripheral leukocytes (B cells, T cells, cluster of differentiation [CD]4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T regulatory cells), and the canine DI. Mild vomiting (n = 3), diarrhea (n = 4), decreased activity (n = 2), and inappetence (n = 1) were reported, and resolved without intervention.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFecal microbiota transplantation did not significantly alter the evaluated variables and recipients experienced minimal adverse events associated with FMT administration. Fecal microbiota transplantation was not associated with serious adverse events, changes in peripheral immunologic variables, or the canine DI in the short‐term.
Equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy in Gypsy Vanner horses
Authors: Powers Alexis , Peek Simon F. , Reed Steve , Donnelly Callum G. , Tinkler Stacey , Gasper David , Woolard Kevin D. , Finno Carrie J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundEquine neuroaxonal dystrophy/degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects young, genetically predisposed horses that are deficient in vitamin E. Equine NAD/EDM has not previously been documented in Gypsy Vanner horses (GVs).ObjectivesTo evaluate: (1) the clinical phenotype, blood vitamin E concentrations before and after supplementation and pedigree in a cohort of GV horses with a high prevalence of neurologic disease suspicious for eNAD/EDM and (2) to confirm eNAD/EDM in GVs through postmortem evaluation.AnimalsTwenty‐six GVs from 1 farm in California and 2 cases from the Midwestern U.S.MethodsProspective observational study on Californian horses; all 26 GVs underwent neurologic examination. Pre‐supplementation blood vitamin E concentration was assessed in 17‐ GVs. Twenty‐three were supplemented orally with 10 IU/kg of liquid RRR‐alpha‐tocopherol once daily for 28 days. Vitamin E concentration was measured in 23 GVs after supplementation, of which 15 (65%) had pre‐supplementation measurements. Two clinically affected GVs from California and the 2 Midwestern cases had necropsy confirmation of eNAD/EDM.ResultsPre‐supplementation blood vitamin E concentration was ≤2.0 μg/mL in 16/17 (94%) of GVs from California. Post‐supplementation concentration varied, with a median of 3.39 μg/mL (range, 1.23‐13.87 μg/mL), but only 12/23 (52%) were normal (≥3.0 μg/mL). Normalization of vitamin E was significantly associated with increasing age (P = .02). Euthanized horses (n = 4) had eNAD/EDM confirmed at necropsy.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceGVs could have a genetic predisposition to eNAD/EDM. Vitamin E supplementation should be considered and monitored in young GVs.
A de novo nonsense variant in the DMD gene associated with X‐linked dystrophin‐deficient muscular dystrophy in a cat
Authors: Yokoyama Nozomu , Matsumoto Yuki , Yamaguchi Takahisa , Okada Kazuki , Kinoshita Ryohei , Shimbo Genya , Ukawa Hisashi , Ishii Ryuga , Nakamura Kensuke , Yamazaki Jumpei , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundX‐linked dystrophin‐deficient muscular dystrophy (MD) is a form of MD caused by variants in the DMD gene. It is a fatal disease characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles.Hypothesis/ObjectivesIdentify deleterious genetic variants in DMD by whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) using a next‐generation sequencer.AnimalsOne MD‐affected cat, its parents, and 354 cats from a breeding colony.MethodsWe compared the WGS data of the affected cat with data available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database and searched for candidate high‐impact variants by in silico analyses. Next, we confirmed the candidate variants by Sanger sequencing using samples from the parents and cats from the breeding colony. We used 2 genome assemblies, the standard felCat9 (from an Abyssinian cat) and the novel AnAms1.0 (from an American Shorthair cat), to evaluate genome assembly differences.ResultsWe found 2 novel high‐impact variants: a 1‐bp deletion in felCat9 and an identical nonsense variant in felCat9 and AnAms1.0. Whole genome and Sanger sequencing validation showed that the deletion in felCat9 was a false positive because of misassembly. Among the 357 cats, the nonsense variant was only found in the affected cat, which indicated it was a de novo variant.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceWe identified a de novo variant in the affected cat and next‐generation sequencing‐based genotyping of the whole DMD gene was determined to be necessary for affected cats because the parents of the affected cat did not have the risk variant.
Prognostic indicators of outcome in nonambulatory beef cattle presented to 2 referral hospitals: A retrospective study of 63 cases
Authors: Perez‐Solano Diana , Reppert Emily J. , Stockler Jenna E. , Gaonkar Pankaj , Huber Laura , Passler Thomas , Bayne Jenna E. , Chamorro Manuel F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDown cow syndrome is commonly described in dairy cattle. The diagnosis and treatment of nonambulatory cattle is challenging and prognostic indicators of this condition in beef cattle have not been determined.ObjectivesEvaluate records of beef cattle (≥2 years of age) presented to 2 referral hospitals for inability to stand and identify prognostic indicators for survival to discharge.AnimalsSixty‐three adult beef cattle treated for inability to stand at 2 referral hospitals.MethodsMedical records of 63 beef cattle presented for inability to stand between January 2010 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Continuous and categorical variables were included in univariate and multivariate regression models to evaluate their association with outcome.ResultsOf 63 animals included in the study, 19% (12/63) were discharged, and the remaining 81% (n = 51) either died (11.1%) or were euthanized (69.8%). The odds of being discharged increased with each additional day of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39‐6.89) and with each additional flotation therapy session (OR, 2.108; 95% CI, 1.209‐4.219). Down beef cattle with a diagnosis of calving peripheral nerve paralysis and capable of walking out the tank after the first flotation session were 6.66 (95% CI, 1.58‐35.51) and 30 (95% CI, 4.4‐614.98) times more likely to be discharged compared with cattle that had other diagnoses and those that were unable to walk out the tank, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTreatment of nonambulatory beef cattle carries a poor prognosis. Practitioners can use information from our study as a guide for treatment or euthanasia decisions of nonambulatory beef cattle.