bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting action of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive hormones and organ histoarchitecture of Swiss albino mice
Authors: Mustari Afrina , Nooruzzaman Mohammed , Miah Mohammad Alam , Sujan Khaled Mahmud , Chowdhury Emdadul Hauqe 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundVitamin E and black seed oil are two powerful antioxidants with several health benefits.ObjectiveThe effect of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive performance of Swiss albino mice was studied.MethodsA total of 80 (40 male and 40 female) mice of 25–28 days old were randomly divided into four groups viz., A, B, C and D consisting of 10 mice in each group. Mice from the group A served as vehicle control and received normal mice ration whereas mice from the group B, C and D received feed supplemented with either black seed oil (0.5 ml/kg), vitamin E (200 mg/kg) or combination of black seed oil (0.5 ml/kg) and vitamin E (200 mg/kg), respectively daily for 16 weeks. At the end point of the study, blood samples were collected and sera were separated for hormonal analysis. At the same time, mice were sacrificed and testes and ovaries were collected for histomorphological examination.ResultsIn male mice, the level of testosterone increased significantly in mice receiving black seed oil only, whereas the thyroxin increased significantly in all treated groups when compared to the control mice. Histomorphological examination revealed a significant increase in the diameter of seminiferous tubules in male mice fed with either black seed oil or vitamin E or both. On the other hand, the oestradiol and thyroxin concentration in female mice showed no significant changes in both control and treated groups. However, ovaries of mice fed with black seed oil or vitamin E or both showed an increased number of the follicles of different stages than the control mice.ConclusionsThe findings highlighted the promoting action of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive functions of mice and that can be used to treat infertility in man and animals.
Pneumopericardium with concomitant pericardial effusion following peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia repair in a dog
Authors: Lohinger Christian , Gumpenberger Michaela , Kolm Ursula Susanne , Degasperi Brigitte 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPeritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) is a congenital defect allowing communication between the peritoneal cavity and the pericardial sac, through which abdominal organs may herniate into the pericardial space. The condition can be asymptomatic or symptomatic, and if symptomatic, accompanied mostly with non‐specific gastrointestinal or respiratory clinical signs. A 2‐year‐old, male, neutered mixed breed dog was referred due to fever, lethargy and decreased food intake over the last 2 weeks. Abdominal ultrasound was performed and a transposition of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity was suspected. Further diagnostic imaging confirmed PPDH with herniation of the gall bladder and spleen into the pericardial sac. The dog underwent surgery for hernia repair. Severe pneumopericardium subsequently complicated by pericardial effusion developed postoperatively. Both complications resolved without intervention. The dog never showed signs of haemodynamic instability or cardiac tamponade.
Use of human intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia in two cats
Authors: Baptista Lara Filipa Mendes de Morais , Kelly Darren 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA 2‐year‐old male neutered Maine Coon cat (Cat 1) presented to a referral centre with a 1‐day history of lethargy. A 3‐year‐old male neutered domestic shorthair cat (Cat 2) presented with a 1‐week history of inappetence and lethargy. Complete blood count revealed a severe, mildly regenerative, normocytic, normochromic anaemia for Cat 1, and a severe, non‐regenerative normocytic normochromic anaemia for Cat 2. Following further investigations, a diagnosis of non‐associative immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia was made. Treatment with immunosuppressive dosages of glucocorticoids was started; however, given the lack of response and severity of disease in both cases, it was decided to administer human intravenous immunoglobulin. There was improvement of haematocrit 2 days following the infusion for Cat 1, and 5 days after for Cat 2. Both cats were discharged from the hospital. Cat 1 remained in remission 6 months following the diagnosis, and Cat 2 was lost to follow‐up.
Local Well-Posedness of Skew Mean Curvature Flow for Small Data in $$d\ge 4$$ Dimensions
Authors: Huang Jiaxi , Tataru Daniel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe skew mean curvature flow is an evolution equation for d dimensional manifolds embedded in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^{d+2}$$

R

d
+
2

(or more generally, in a Riemannian manifold). It can be viewed as a Schrödinger analogue of the mean curvature flow, or alternatively as a quasilinear version of the Schrödinger Map equation. In this article, we prove small data local well-posedness in low-regularity Sobolev spaces for the skew mean curvature flow in dimension $$d\ge 4$$

d
≥
4

.
Comparing two artificial intelligence software packages for normative brain volumetry in memory clinic imaging
Authors: Zaki Lara A. M. , Vernooij Meike W. , Smits Marion , Tolman Christine , Papma Janne M. , Visser Jacob J. , Steketee Rebecca M. E. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Purpose
To compare two artificial intelligence software packages performing normative brain volumetry and explore whether they could differently impact dementia diagnostics in a clinical context.

Methods
Sixty patients (20 Alzheimer’s disease, 20 frontotemporal dementia, 20 mild cognitive impairment) and 20 controls were included retrospectively. One MRI per subject was processed by software packages from two proprietary manufacturers, producing two quantitative reports per subject. Two neuroradiologists assigned forced-choice diagnoses using only the normative volumetry data in these reports. They classified the volumetric profile as “normal,” or “abnormal”, and if “abnormal,” they specified the most likely dementia subtype. Differences between the packages’ clinical impact were assessed by comparing (1) agreement between diagnoses based on software output; (2) diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity; and (3) diagnostic confidence. Quantitative outputs were also compared to provide context to any diagnostic differences.

Results
Diagnostic agreement between packages was moderate, for distinguishing normal and abnormal volumetry (K = .41–.43) and for specific diagnoses (K = .36–.38). However, each package yielded high inter-observer agreement when distinguishing normal and abnormal profiles (K = .73–.82). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were not different between packages. Diagnostic confidence was different between packages for one rater. Whole brain intracranial volume output differed between software packages (10.73%, p < .001), and normative regional data interpreted for diagnosis correlated weakly to moderately (rs = .12–.80).

Conclusion
Different artificial intelligence software packages for quantitative normative assessment of brain MRI can produce distinct effects at the level of clinical interpretation. Clinics should not assume that different packages are interchangeable, thus recommending internal evaluation of packages before adoption.
Enrichment of phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) in a microfluidic model biofilm system by mimicking a typical aerobic granular sludge feast/famine regime
Authors: Klein Edina , Weiler Janek , Wagner Michael , Čelikić Minja , Niemeyer Christof M. , Horn Harald , Gescher Johannes 
Published: January 2022

Abstract Wastewater treatment using aerobic granular sludge has gained increasing interest due to its advantages compared to conventional activated sludge. The technology allows simultaneous removal of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a single reactor system and is independent of space-intensive settling tanks. However, due to the microscale, an analysis of processes and microbial population along the radius of granules is challenging. Here, we introduce a model system for aerobic granular sludge on a small scale by using a machine-assisted microfluidic cultivation platform. With an implemented logic module that controls solenoid valves, we realized alternating oxic hunger and anoxic feeding phases for the biofilms growing within. Sampling during ongoing anoxic cultivation directly from the cultivation channel was achieved with a robotic sampling device. Analysis of the biofilms was conducted using optical coherence tomography, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and amplicon sequencing. Using this setup, it was possible to significantly enrich the percentage of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAO) belonging to the family Rhodocyclaceae in the community compared to the starting inoculum. With the aid of this miniature model system, it is now possible to investigate the influence of a multitude of process parameters in a highly parallel way to understand and efficiently optimize aerobic granular sludge-based wastewater treatment systems.Key points• Development of a microfluidic model to study EBPR.• Feast-famine regime enriches polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs).• Microfluidics replace sequencing batch reactors for aerobic granular sludge research.
Antecubital Fossa Perforator Flaps for Soft‐Tissue Defect Repair of the Anterior Elbow: Anatomical Study and Clinical Application
Authors: Gao Ya‐Shan , Liu Cai‐Yue , Zhu Hai‐Nan , Zhou Feng , Zhang Ying‐Fan , Hu De‐Qing , Li Qing‐Feng , Lin Jian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe antecubital fossa is a main perforator cluster region located beside the anterior elbow defect, rendering it crucial to harvest the perforator pedicled flaps for the anterior elbow defects.Patients and methodsA total of 30 preserved cadaveric forearms were dissected in order to describe the perforator anatomy in the antecubital fossa. For each perforator, the number, the site of origin, the diameter at its origin, and the trajectory were recorded. In addition, all the patients treated for anterior elbow defects using inferior cubital artery (ICA) perforator pedicled flaps between June 2013 and June 2018 were reviewed in this retrospective study.ResultsA total of 85 perforators were dissected in the antecubital fossa area from the 30 specimens. Among these, 65 perforators originated from the radial artery, 6 from the recurrent radial artery, 13 from the brachial artery, and 1 from the ulnar artery. Each forearm specimen had a constant and large ICA perforator. All perforators originated from source vessels 2–5 cm distal from the interepicondylar line and could be harvested as perforator pedicled flap for anterior elbow reconstruction. In the clinical study, 11 patients with anterior elbow defects were treated with ICA perforator pedicled flaps with satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.ConclusionThe antecubital fossa has a constant and dominant ICA perforator and many other perforators. The pedicled antecubital fossa perforator flaps could be harvested flexibly with a reliable blood supply for anterior elbow reconstruction.
Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitor (DPP4i) confers increased odds of bullous pemphigoid even years after drug initiation
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Avni Orly , Damiani Giovanni , Tzur Bitan Dana , Onn Erez , Weinstein Orly , Cohen Arnon D. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe timing pattern in which dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP4i) confer the risk of bullous pemphigoid (BP) is unknown. To investigate the odds of BP following exposure to DPP4i and to perform a duration-response analysis evaluating the risk of BP in relation to the duration of exposure to the culprit drug. A population-based nested case–control study was performed comparing diabetic patients with BP (n = 1458) with age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched diabetic control subjects (n = 6051) with respect to the prevalence of exposure to DPP4i. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by logistic regression. Overall exposure to DPP4i was associated with an 80% increase in the odds of subsequent BP (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.46–2.08;P < 0.001). In an intraclass analysis, the odds of BP were increased in association with vildagliptin (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 2.69–4.29;P < 0.001) and sitagliptin (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.33–1.84;P < 0.001). In a duration-response analysis, the highest likelihood of BP was found 1–2 years after commencing the drug (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.97–3.59;P < 0.001). The odds of BP were increased across all time periods and retained its statistical significance even ≥ 6 years after the drug initiation (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09–1.91;P = 0.011). Relative to other diabetic patients with BP, patients with DPP4i-associated BP were more likely to be admitted to inpatient dermatologic wards (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.30–2.13;P < 0.001) and had higher mean(SD) numbers of outpatient dermatologist visits (14.7[14.8] vs. 12.3[13.2], respectively;P = 0.006). DPP4i should be suspected as a predisposing factor for BP even numerous years after the drug initiation.
Magnesium alginate versus proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pizzorni Nicole , Ambrogi Federico , Eplite Angelo , Rama Sibora , Robotti Carlo , Lechien Jerome , Schindler Antonio 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), but their efficacy remains debated. Alginates is an option for the treatment of LPR with few adverse effects. The study aimed to investigate the non-inferiority of an alginate suspension (Gastrotuss®) compared to PPIs (Omeprazole) in reducing LPR symptoms and signs.

Methods
A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms (Reflux Symptom Index -RSI- ≥ 13) and signs (Reflux Finding Score -RFS- ≥ 7) were randomized in two treatment groups: (A) Gastrotuss® (20 ml, three daily doses) and, (B) Omeprazole (20 mg, once daily). The RSI and the RFS were assessed at baseline and after 2 months of treatment.

Results
Groups had similar RSI and RFS scores at baseline. From pre- to 2-month posttreatment, the mean RSI significantly decreased (p = 0.001) in alginate and PPI group (p = 0.003). The difference between groups in the RSI change was not significant (95%CI: − 4.2–6.7, p = 0.639). The mean RFS significantly decreased in alginate (p = 0.006) and PPI groups (p = 0.006). The difference between groups in the mean change RFS was not significant (95%CI: − 0.8; 1.4, p = 0.608).

Conclusion
After 2 months of treatment, LPR symptoms and signs are significantly reduced irrespective of the treatment. Alginate was non-inferior to PPIs and may represent an alternative treatment to PPIs for the treatment of LPR.
Determining concentric and eccentric force–velocity profiles during squatting
Authors: Armstrong R. , Baltzopoulos V. , Langan-Evans C. , Clark D. , Jarvis J. , Stewart C. , O’Brien T. D. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe force–velocity relationship of muscular contraction has been extensively studied. However, previous research has focussed either on isolated muscle or single-joint movements, whereas human movement consists of multi-joint movements (e.g. squatting). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the force–velocity relationship of isovelocity squatting.MethodsFifteen male participants (24 ± 2 years, 79.8 ± 9.1 kg, 177.5 ± 6 cm) performed isovelocity squats on a novel motorised isovelocity device (Kineo Training System) at three concentric (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 m s−1) and three eccentric velocities (− 0.25, − 0.5, and − 0.75 m s−1). Peak vertical ground reaction forces, that occurred during the isovelocity phase, were collected using dual force plates (2000 Hz) (Kistler, Switzerland).ResultsThe group mean squat force–velocity profile conformed to the typical in vivo profile, with peak vertical ground reaction forces during eccentric squatting being 9.5 ± 19% greater than isometric (P = 0.037), and occurring between − 0.5 and − 0.75 m s−1. However, large inter-participant variability was identified (0.84–1.62 × isometric force), with some participants being unable to produce eccentric forces greater than isometric. Sub-group analyses could not identify differences between individuals who could/could not produce eccentric forces above isometric, although those who could not tended to be taller.ConclusionsThese finding suggest that variability exists between participants in the ability to generate maximum eccentric forces during squatting, and the magnitude of eccentric increase above isometric cannot be predicted solely based on a concentric assessment. Therefore, an assessment of eccentric capabilities may be required prior to prescribing eccentric-specific resistance training.
Vitamin E protects from lipid peroxidation during winter stress in the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa
Authors: Munné-Bosch Sergi , Puig Sandra , Fenollosa Erola , Casadesús Andrea , Fernández Estrella 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Main conclusion
Adjustments in the antenna size and α-tocopherol contents provide protection from sustained damage in leaves of a seagrass, while low vitamin E contents appear to be enough to protect rhizomes (which appear to be more cold tolerant than leaves).

Abstract
Despite low temperatures can adversely affect the proper growth and development of marine angiosperms, by, among other processes, increasing reactive oxygen species production and causing oxidative damage to lipid membranes, the role of vitamin E in seagrasses, such as Cymodocea nodosa has not been explored thus far. Here, we aimed to better understand the possible role of this chain-breaking (peroxyl radical-trapping) antioxidant in response to low temperatures, and most particularly in relation to the occurrence of photo-inhibition and lipid peroxidation. Low temperatures caused an important desiccation of leaves, but not of rhizomes, which were much more tolerant to cold stress than leaves. Cold stress during winter was associated with chlorophyll loss and transient photo-inhibition, as indicated by reversible reductions in the Fv/Fm ratio. Adjustments in pigment antenna size and vitamin E contents per unit of chlorophyll during winter may help protect the photosynthetic apparatus from sustained photo-inhibitory damage and lipid peroxidation events in leaves. Rhizomes also accumulated significant amounts of vitamin E, although to a much lesser extent than leaves, and kept protected from lipid peroxidation during winter, as indicated by malondialdehyde contents, a product from secondary lipid peroxidation. It is concluded that vitamin E can help protect both leaves and rhizomes from lipid peroxidation, although cold stress during winter can cause transient photo-inhibition of the photosynthetic apparatus, in C. nodosa.
Ketogenic diet impairs neurological development of neonatal rats and affects biochemical composition of maternal brains: evidence of functional recovery in pups
Authors: Kosiek Wojciech , Rauk Zuzanna , Szulc Piotr , Cichy Anna , Rugieł Marzena , Chwiej Joanna , Janeczko Krzysztof , Setkowicz Zuzanna 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe ketogenic diet (KD) is a type of diet in which the intake of fats significantly increases at the cost of carbohydrates while maintaining an adequate amount of proteins. This kind of diet has been successfully used in clinical therapies of drug-resistant epilepsy, but there is still insufficient evidence on its safety when used in pregnancy. To assess KD effects on the course of gestation and fetal development, pregnant females were fed with: (i) KD during pregnancy and lactation periods (KD group), (ii) KD during pregnancy replaced with ND from the day 2 postpartum (KDND group) and (iii) normal diet alone (ND group). The body mass, ketone and glucose blood levels, and food intake were monitored. In brains of KD-fed females, FTIR biochemical analyses revealed increased concentrations of lipids and ketone groups containing molecules. In offspring of these females, significant reduction of the body mass and delays in neurological development were detected. However, replacement of KD with ND in these females at the beginning of lactation period led to regainment of the body mass in their pups as early as on the postnatal day 14. Moreover, the vast majority of our neurological tests detected functional recovery up to the normal level. It could be concluded that the ketogenic diet undoubtedly affects the brain of pregnant females and impairs the somatic and neurological development of their offspring. However, early postnatal withdrawal of this diet may initiate compensatory processes and considerable functional restitution of the nervous system based on still unrecognized mechanisms.
First records of Aedes pulcritarsis (Rondani, 1872) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Austria
Authors: Bakran-Lebl Karin , Jerrentrup Hans , Daroglou Eleni , Pfitzner Wolf Peter , Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Allerberger Franz 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAedes pulcritarsis is a tree-hole breeding species with its main distribution in the Mediterranean area. Within the scope of two independent monitoring programmes, this mosquito species was detected for the first time in Austria, in the province of Lower Austria (2018, districts Mistelbach and Gaenserndorf; 2020, district Bruck an der Leitha). As the climatic and habitat situation in Central Europe seems to be generally suitable for this species, the most likely explanation for the species not being recorded previously is that it might have been overlooked in the past due to its specialized breeding habitat. However, further research on the distribution of Ae. pulcritarsis in Austria would be needed to support this hypothesis. The results from this study will contribute to the investigation of the northern distribution limit of Ae. pulcritarsis in Europe and possible changes thereof.
Niche partitioning in an assemblage of granivorous rodents, and the challenge of community-level conservation
Authors: Chock Rachel Y. , Shier Debra M. , Grether Gregory F. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCoexistence of competing species in the same foraging guild has long puzzled ecologists. In particular, how do small subordinate species persist with larger dominant competitors? This question becomes particularly important when conservation interventions, such as reintroduction or translocation, become necessary for the smaller species. Exclusion of dominant competitors might be necessary to establish populations of some endangered species. Ultimately, however, the goal should be to conserve whole communities. Determining how subordinate species escape competitive exclusion in intact communities could inform conservation decisions by clarifying the ecological conditions and processes required for coexistence at local or regional scales. We tested for spatial and temporal partitioning among six species of native, granivorous rodents using null models, and characterized the microhabitat of each species using resource-selection models. We found that the species’ nightly activity patterns are aggregated temporally but segregated spatially. As expected, we found clear evidence that the larger-bodied kangaroo rats drive spatial partitioning, but we also found species-specific microhabitat associations, which suggests that habitat heterogeneity is part of what enables these species to coexist. Restoration of natural disturbance regimes that create habitat heterogeneity, and selection of translocation sites without specific competitors, are among the management recommendations to consider in this case. More generally, this study highlights the need for a community-level approach to conservation and the usefulness of basic ecological data for guiding management decisions.