bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational pesticide use and self-reported olfactory impairment in US farmers
Authors: Shrestha Srishti , Umbach David M , Beane Freeman Laura E , Koutros Stella , Alavanja Michael C R , Blair Aaron , Chen Honglei , Sandler Dale P 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesPesticide exposure may impair human olfaction, but empirical evidence is limited. We examined associations between occupational use of 50 specific pesticides and olfactory impairment, both self-reported, among 20 409 participants in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort of pesticide applicators (mostly farmers, 97% male).MethodsWe used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between pesticide use at enrolment (1993–1997) and olfactory impairment reported two decades later (2013–2016), adjusting for baseline covariates.ResultsAbout 10% of participants reported olfactory impairment. The overall cumulative days of any pesticide use at enrolment were associated with a higher odds of reporting olfactory impairment (OR (highest vs lowest quartile): 1.17 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.34), p-trend = 0.003). In the analyses of 50 specific pesticides, ever-use of 20 pesticides showed modest associations with olfactory impairment, with ORs ranging from 1.11 to 1.33. Of these, higher lifetime days of use of 12 pesticides were associated with higher odds of olfactory impairment compared with never use (p-trend ≤ 0.05), including two organochlorine insecticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and lindane), two organophosphate insecticides (diazinon and malathion), permethrin, the fungicide captan and six herbicides (glyphosate, petroleum distillates, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and metribuzin), although many of these did not exhibit clear, monotonic exposure-response patterns.ConclusionOverall, we found relatively broad associations between pesticides and olfactory impairment, involving many individual pesticides and covering several chemical classes, suggesting that pesticides could affect olfaction through multiple pathways. Future epidemiological studies with objective measurement of olfaction are required to confirm these findings.
The intervention oftert-butylhydroquinone protects ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in type II diabetic rats: the role of Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Rahman Ziaur , Dwivedi Durgesh Kumar , Jena G.B. 
Published: October 2020

Ethanol consumption increases the prevalence of gastric ulcer (GU) in rats with type II diabetes (T2D). Induction of GU by absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg or 3.94 g/kg) in the animal model resembles human ulcer characteristics. The aim was to investigate the role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in the treatment of GU in diabetic condition. The rats were exposed to absolute ethanol 1 h before sacrifice and T2D was induced by combined exposure of high-fat diet and low dose streptozotocin. Pretreatment of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) (25 and 50 mg/kg), metformin (500 mg/kg), and omeprazole (20 mg/kg) were given once daily for last three consecutive weeks. In ethanol-exposed diabetic rats, pretreatment with tBHQ, omeprazole, and metformin reduced gastric mucosal lesion, ulcer index, histological alterations, malondialdehyde level, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the intervention of tBHQ, omeprazole, and metformin improved the integrity of the stomach mucosa, glutathione, gastric pH, collagen, and goblet cells. tBHQ treatment improved ethanol-induced alterations of Nrf2, catalase, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), NF-κB, and endothelin-1 expressions in diabetic rats. In diabetic conditions, the incidence of GU is increased due to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory mediators, depleted levels of cellular antioxidants, and altered gastric parameters. The tBHQ intervention could be a rational strategy to protect these changes.
The effect of habitat selection on offspring performance in the giant water bug Belostoma bifoveolatum
Authors: Jara Fabián G. 
Published: October 2020

The selection of breeding habitat is crucial for many ectotherms inhabiting aquatic environments. Giant water bugs offer an excellent model for analysis of how temperature affects breeding habitat selection and reproductive success. This work focuses on whether wetland temperature influences habitat selection and offspring success in the giant water bug Belostoma bifoveolatum Spinola, 1852. To determine breeding habitat characteristics of B. bifoveolatum, 21 wetlands lying on the environmental gradients of canopy cover and altitude were sampled in spring; water temperature was monitored and the presence or absence of adult belostomatids, incubating males, and nymphs were recorded. Several environmental variables were measured in sites where males incubated eggs and were compared with those from control sites. Field experiments were also conducted to evaluate the effect of site choice on hatching success. Belostoma bifoveolatum was found up to 1545 m above sea level, but reproduction was observed only in the warmest temporary wetlands, with low forest cover, from 300 to 1000 m above sea level. Incubating males were found in the shallowest and warmest sites within the wetlands where egg incubation time was shortest and hatching success highest. The selection of breeding habitat and incubation site, along with parental care, constitute important adaptations in B. bifoveolatum and could explain its success in this cold region.
Epidemiology of Basal-like and Luminal Breast Cancers among Black Women in the AMBER Consortium
Authors: Benefield Halei C. , Zirpoli Gary R. , Allott Emma H. , Shan Yue , Hurson Amber N. , Omilian Angela R. , Khoury Thaer , Hong Chi-Chen , Olshan Andrew F. , Bethea Traci N. , Bandera Elisa V. , Palmer Julie R. , Ambrosone Christine B. , Troester Melissa A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground:Evidence suggests etiologic heterogeneity among breast cancer subtypes. Previous studies with six-marker IHC classification of intrinsic subtypes included small numbers of black women.Methods:Using centralized laboratory results for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, HER2, proliferation marker, Ki-67, EGFR, and cytokeratin (CK)5/6, we estimated case-only and case–control ORs for established breast cancer risk factors among cases (n = 2,354) and controls (n = 2,932) in the African American Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Risk (AMBER) consortium. ORs were estimated by ER status and intrinsic subtype using adjusted logistic regression.Results:Case-only analyses by ER status showed etiologic heterogeneity by age at menarche, parity (vs. nulliparity), and age at first birth. In case–control analyses for intrinsic subtype, increased body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were associated with increased risk of luminal A subtype, whereas older age at menarche and parity, regardless of breastfeeding, were associated with reduced risk. For basal-like cancers, parity without breastfeeding and increasing WHR were associated with increased risk, whereas breastfeeding and age ≥25 years at first birth were associated with reduced risk among parous women. Basal-like and ER−/HER2+ subtypes had earlier age-at-incidence distribution relative to luminal subtypes.Conclusions:Breast cancer subtypes showed distinct etiologic profiles in the AMBER consortium, a study of more than 5,000 black women with centrally assessed tumor biospecimens.Impact:Among black women, high WHR and parity without breastfeeding are emerging as important intervention points to reduce the incidence of basal-like breast cancer.
Exogenous Thyroid Hormone Is Associated with Shortened Survival and Upregulation of High-Risk Gene Expression Profiles in Steroid Receptor–Positive Breast Cancers
Authors: Wahdan-Alaswad Reema S. , Edgerton Susan M. , Salem Hiba , Kim Hyun Min , Tan Aik Choon , Finlay-Schultz Jessica , Wellberg Elizabeth A. , Sartorius Carol A. , Jacobsen Britta M. , Haugen Bryan R. , Liu Bolin , Thor Ann D. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Purpose:
Thyroid disease is a frequent comorbidity in women with breast cancer, and many require thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT). We postulated that THRT has a deleterious clinical effect mechanistically through hormonal interactions, nuclear receptor cross-talk, and upregulation of high-risk breast cancer genes.

Experimental Design:
Observational studies of patients with lymph node–negative (LN−) breast cancer (n = 820 and n = 160) were performed to test interactions between THRT and clinical, histologic, outcome, and treatment variables. Differences between the two cohorts include but are not limited to patient numbers, decades of treatment, duration of follow-up/treatment, tumor sizes, incidence, and type and dose/regimen of antihormonal and/or chemotherapeutic agents. In vivo and vitro models, in silico databases, and molecular methods were used to study interactions and define mechanisms underlying THRT effects.

Results:
THRT significantly and independently reduced disease-free and breast cancer–specific overall survival of only the steroid receptor (SR)-positive (as compared with SR-negative) node-negative patients in both long-term observational studies. Patients with SR+ LN− breast cancer who received THRT and tamoxifen experienced the shortest survival of all treatment groups. A less potent interaction between THRT and aromatase inhibitors was noted in the second patient cohort. Using in vivo and in vitro models, TH administration enhanced estrogen and TH-associated gene expression and proliferation, nuclear colocalization of estrogen receptor and thyroid hormone receptor, and activation of genes used clinically to predict tumor aggression in SR+ breast cancer, including the IGF-IR, WNT, and TGFβ pathways.

Conclusions:
We show clinically significant adverse interactions between THRT, estrogenic, and oncogenic signaling in patients with SR+ LN− breast cancer.
Mir-30d Regulates Cardiac Remodeling by Intracellular and Paracrine Signaling
Authors: Li Jin , Salvador Ane M. , Li Guoping , Valkov Nedyalka , Ziegler Olivia , Yeri Ashish , Yang Xiao Chun , Meechoovet Bessie , Alsop Eric , Rodosthenous Rodosthenis S. , Kundu Piyusha , Huan Tianxiao , Levy Daniel , Tigges John , Pico Alexander R. , Ghiran Ionita , Silverman Michael G. , Meng Xiangmin , Kitchen Robert , Xu Jiahong , Van Keuren-Jensen Kendall , Shah Ravi , Xiao Junjie , Das Saumya 
Published: October 2020

Rationale:
Previous translational studies implicate plasma extracellular microRNA-30d (miR-30d) as a biomarker in left ventricular remodeling and clinical outcome in heart failure (HF) patients, although precise mechanisms remain obscure.

Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of miR-30d–mediated cardioprotection in HF.

Methods and Results:
In rat and mouse models of ischemic HF, we show that miR-30d gain of function (genetic, lentivirus, or agomiR-mediated) improves cardiac function, decreases myocardial fibrosis, and attenuates cardiomyocyte (CM) apoptosis. Genetic or locked nucleic acid–based knock-down of miR-30d expression potentiates pathological left ventricular remodeling, with increased dysfunction, fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte death. RNA sequencing of in vitro miR-30d gain and loss of function, together with bioinformatic prediction and experimental validation in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts, were used to identify and validate direct targets of miR-30d. miR-30d expression is selectively enriched in cardiomyocytes, induced by hypoxic stress and is acutely protective, targeting MAP4K4 (mitogen-associate protein kinase 4) to ameliorate apoptosis. Moreover, miR-30d is secreted primarily in extracellular vesicles by cardiomyocytes and inhibits fibroblast proliferation and activation by directly targeting integrin α5 in the acute phase via paracrine signaling to cardiac fibroblasts. In the chronic phase of ischemic remodeling, lower expression of miR-30d in the heart and plasma extracellular vesicles is associated with adverse remodeling in rodent models and human subjects and is linked to whole-blood expression of genes implicated in fibrosis and inflammation, consistent with observations in model systems.

Conclusions:
These findings provide the mechanistic underpinning for the cardioprotective association of miR-30d in human HF. More broadly, our findings support an emerging paradigm involving intercellular communication of extracellular vesicle–contained miRNAs (microRNAs) to transregulate distinct signaling pathways across cell types. Functionally validated RNA biomarkers and their signaling networks may warrant further investigation as novel therapeutic targets in HF.
Regional Frequency Analysis at Ungauged Sites with Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines
Authors: Msilini A. , Masselot P. , Ouarda T. B. M. J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHydrological systems are naturally complex and nonlinear. A large number of variables, many of which not yet well considered in regional frequency analysis (RFA), have a significant impact on hydrological dynamics and consequently on flood quantile estimates. Despite the increasing number of statistical tools used to estimate flood quantiles at ungauged sites, little attention has been dedicated to the development of new regional estimation (RE) models accounting for both nonlinear links and interactions between hydrological and physio-meteorological variables. The aim of this paper is to simultaneously take into account nonlinearity and interactions between variables by introducing the multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) approach in RFA. The predictive performances of MARS are compared with those obtained by one of the most robust RE models: the generalized additive model (GAM). Both approaches are applied to two datasets covering 151 hydrometric stations in the province of Quebec (Canada): a standard dataset (STA) containing commonly used variables and an extended dataset (EXTD) combining STA with additional variables dealing with drainage network characteristics. Results indicate that RE models using MARS with the EXTD outperform slightly RE models using GAM. Thus, MARS seems to allow for a better representation of the hydrological process and an increased predictive power in RFA.
Evaluation of Precipitation Vertical Profiles Estimated by GPM-Era Satellite-Based Passive Microwave Retrievals
Authors: Utsumi Nobuyuki , Turk F. Joseph , Haddad Ziad S. , Kirstetter Pierre-Emmanuel , Kim Hyungjun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPrecipitation estimation based on passive microwave (MW) observations from low-Earth-orbiting satellites is one of the essential variables for understanding the global climate. However, almost all validation studies for such precipitation estimation have focused only on the surface precipitation rate. This study investigates the vertical precipitation profiles estimated by two passive MW-based retrieval algorithms, i.e., the emissivity principal components (EPC) algorithm and the Goddard profiling algorithm (GPROF). The passive MW-based condensed water content profiles estimated from the Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager (GMI) are validated using the GMI + Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar combined algorithm as the reference product. It is shown that the EPC generally underestimates the magnitude of the condensed water content profiles, described by the mean condensed water content, by about 20%–50% in the middle-to-high latitudes, while GPROF overestimates it by about 20%–50% in the middle-to-high latitudes and more than 50% in the tropics. Part of the EPC magnitude biases is associated with the representation of the precipitation type (i.e., convective and stratiform) in the retrieval algorithm. This suggests that a separate technique for precipitation type identification would aid in mitigating these biases. In contrast to the magnitude of the profile, the profile shapes are relatively well represented by these two passive MW-based retrievals. The joint analysis between the estimation performances of the vertical profiles and surface precipitation rate shows that the physically reasonable connections between the surface precipitation rate and the associated vertical profiles are achieved to some extent by the passive MW-based algorithms.
Human–Autonomy Teaming: A Review and Analysis of the Empirical Literature
Authors: O’Neill Thomas , McNeese Nathan , Barron Amy , Schelble Beau 
Published: October 2020

Objective We define human–autonomy teaming and offer a synthesis of the existing empirical research on the topic. Specifically, we identify the research environments, dependent variables, themes representing the key findings, and critical future research directions. Background Whereas a burgeoning literature on high-performance teamwork identifies the factors critical to success, much less is known about how human–autonomy teams (HATs) achieve success. Human–autonomy teamwork involves humans working interdependently toward a common goal along with autonomous agents. Autonomous agents involve a degree of self-government and self-directed behavior (agency), and autonomous agents take on a unique role or set of tasks and work interdependently with human team members to achieve a shared objective. Method We searched the literature on human–autonomy teaming. To meet our criteria for inclusion, the paper needed to involve empirical research and meet our definition of human–autonomy teaming. We found 76 articles that met our criteria for inclusion. Results We report on research environments and we find that the key independent variables involve autonomous agent characteristics, team composition, task characteristics, human individual differences, training, and communication. We identify themes for each of these and discuss the future research needs. Conclusion There are areas where research findings are clear and consistent, but there are many opportunities for future research. Particularly important will be research that identifies mechanisms linking team input to team output variables.
Pre- Versus Post-Tonsillectomy Intraoperative Bupivacaine Injection in the Pediatric Population: An Age- and Surgical Indication-Stratified Analysis
Authors: Ji Keven S.Y. , Greene Nathan H. , Eapen Rose J. , Commesso Emily , Raynor Eileen M. 
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Postoperative respiratory depression is of concern in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy receiving postoperative opioids and may be mitigated with intraoperative bupivacaine. This study aims to compare the impact of bupivacaine on postoperative pain and sedation in various pediatric age and surgical indication subgroups. Methods: This is a case series with chart review of 181 patients <18 years old undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary care center (2013-2016). Postoperative outcomes were compared between those who received intraoperative bupivacaine before (pre-tonsillectomy) or after (post-tonsillectomy) tonsil removal and those who did not (none) using χ2 test and analysis of variance. Subanalysis was performed after stratifying into age and surgical indication subgroups. Results: Ninety-eight patients were included in the pre-tonsillectomy group, 47 in the post-tonsillectomy group, and 36 in the none group. The number of postanesthesia care unit opioid doses ( P = .159) and pain scores at arrival ( P = .362) or discharge ( P = .255) were not significantly different between treatment groups overall. Among 0- to 5-year-olds, pre-tonsillectomy injection was associated with lowest mean (SD) discharge pain score of 0.55 (1.29) pre-tonsillectomy versus 0.71 (1.37) post-tonsillectomy versus 2 (1.63) none group ( P = .004). Among 12- to 17-year-olds, no injection was associated with lowest mean (SD) discharge pain score of 2.33 (0.52) pre-tonsillectomy versus 5 (2.65) post-tonsillectomy versus 1.63 (1.60) none group ( P = .020). Injection in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and/or sleep-disordered breathing did not improve postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: Intraoperative bupivacaine may improve pain scores in younger pediatric populations, though it may not impact the amount of postoperative opioid use. Prospective analysis with a larger sample size is warranted to better outline opioid usage and pain control in this group.
Functional Outcome of Sesamoid Excision in Athletes
Authors: Dean Robert S. , Coetzee J. Chris , McGaver Rebecca Stone , Fritz Jacquelyn E. , Nilsson Lawrence J. 
Published: October 2020

Background: Sesamoid injuries can have a significant effect on the ability of athletes to return to play. The literature shows mixed results with sesamoid excisions and the ability to return to sports. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to describe patient-reported outcomes and return to sports in athletes after sesamoidectomy with a proper surgical technique and a well-structured rehabilitation protocol. It was hypothesized that sesamoid excision would demonstrate reproducible and encouraging long-term patient outcomes. Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients from a single surgeon’s practice who underwent sesamoidectomy between January 2006 and September 2015 were identified. Medial sesamoids were excised through a medial approach, and lateral sesamoids were excised through a plantar approach. The plantar structures were adequately repaired after excision. The Foot Function Index–Revised (FFI-R), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) were collected preoperatively and at subsequent follow-up appointments. A patient satisfaction survey and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) questionnaire were also collected. Athletes were defined as those who participated in sports at a high school level or higher. Results: Of the 108 feet that met the inclusion criteria, 26 werelost to follow-up, leaving 82 feet for analysis at a mean 31.3 ± 26.0 months. There were 72 female patients and 10 male patients included in the final analysis, with a mean age of 44.9 ± 20.2 years. There were 54 medial, 18 lateral, and 10 medial and lateral sesamoid excisions. There were 26 competitive athletes with follow-up appointments (dancer, n = 12; pivot sport athlete, n = 8; runner, n = 6). Both the entire study population and the athletes demonstrated a significant improvement in SF-12, SANE, VAS, and FFI-R cumulative at the latest available follow-up ( P < .05). Among the athletes, 80% were able to return to competitive sports at a mean 4.62 ± 1.01 months after surgery. The median satisfaction score among all patients was 97.5%. There was no difference in the success rate between the different etiologies at any of the follow-up intervals. Conclusion: Chronic sesamoid pain is difficult to treat, but this study confirms that with a meticulous surgical technique and a dedicated postoperative rehabilitation program, encouraging patient-reported outcomes can be expected with a minimal risk of complications. Moreover, in the current study, 80% of competitive athletes were able to return to sports at a mean of 4.62 months after surgery.