bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive phenology across the lunar cycle: parental decisions, offspring responses, and consequences for reef fish
Authors: Shima Jeffrey S. , Osenberg Craig W. , Alonzo Suzanne H. , Noonburg Erik G. , Mitterwallner Pauline , Swearer Stephen E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMost organisms reproduce in a dynamic environment, and life‐history theory predicts that this can favor the evolution of strategies that capitalize on good times and avoid bad times. When offspring experience these environmental changes, fitness can depend strongly upon environmental conditions at birth and at later life stages. Consequently, fitness will be influenced by the reproductive decisions of parents (i.e., birth date effects) and developmental decisions (e.g., adaptive plasticity) of their offspring. We explored the consequences of these decisions using a highly iteroparous coral reef fish (the sixbar wrasse, Thalassoma hardwicke) and in a system where both parental and offspring environments vary with the lunar cycle. We tested the hypotheses that (1) reproductive patterns and offspring survival vary across the lunar cycle and (2) offspring exhibit adaptive plasticity in development time. We evaluated temporal variation in egg production from February to June 2017, and corresponding larval developmental histories (inferred from otolith microstructure) of successful settlers and surviving juveniles that were spawned during that same period. We documented lunar‐cyclic variation in egg production (most eggs were spawned at the new moon). This pattern was at odds with the distribution of birth dates of settlers and surviving juveniles—most individuals that successfully survived to settlement and older stages were born during the full moon. Consequently, the probability of survival across the larval stage was greatest for offspring born close to the full moon, when egg production was at its lowest. Offspring also exhibited plasticity in developmental duration, adjusting their age at settlement to settle during darker portions of the lunar cycle than expected given their birth date. Offspring born near the new moon tended to be older and larger at settlement, and these traits conveyed a strong fitness advantage (i.e., a carryover effect) through to adulthood. We speculate that these effects (1) are shaped by a dynamic landscape of risk and reward determined by moonlight, which differentially influences adults and offspring, and (2) can explain the evolution of extreme iteroparity in sixbars.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue: Distinct epidemiological profile disease
Authors: Yosefof Eyal , Hilly Ohad , Stern Sagit , Bachar Gideon , Shpitzer Thomas , Mizrachi Aviram 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs in different subsites within the oral cavity. Our goal was to investigate the epidemiological features of OSCC with relation to age and subsite.MethodsRetrospective review of all patients treated for OSCC in a tertiary care center between 2000 and 2018.ResultsA total of 360 patients were included. Five age groups were defined: 0 to 30, 31 to 45, 46 to 60, 61 to 75, and 76+. In the 0 to 30 and 31 to 45 groups, 94.6% of tumors originated in the oral tongue compared to 87%, 66%, and 61% in the 46 to 60, 61 to 75, and 76+ groups, respectively (P < .001). A higher proportion of oral tongue SCC (OTSCC) was found in nonsmokers (76% vs 62%, P = .02). In nonsmokers aged 0 to 60, 97.9% had OTSCC compared to 67.5% in the 61+ groups (P < .001).ConclusionsOSCC in young nonsmokers originates primarily in the tongue. The etiology of OTSCC in young patients may be different than other OSCC subsites and not related to smoking.
Bladder cancer therapy without toxicity—A dose‐escalation study of alpha1‐oleate
Authors: Hien Tran Thi , Ambite Ines , Butler Daniel , Wan Murphy Lam Yim , Tran Tuan Hiep , Höglund Urban , Babjuk Marek , Svanborg Catharina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPotent chemotherapeutic agents are required to counteract the aggressive behavior of cancer cells and patients often experience severe side effects, due to tissue toxicity. Our study addresses if a better balance between efficacy and toxicity can be attained using the tumoricidal complex alpha1‐oleate, formed by a synthetic, alpha‐helical peptide comprising the N‐terminal 39 amino acids of alpha‐lactalbumin and the fatty acid oleic acid. Bladder cancer was established, by intravesical instillation of MB49 cells on day 0 and the treatment group received five instillations of alpha1‐oleate (1.7‐17 mM) on days 3 to 11. A dose‐dependent reduction in tumor size, bladder size and bladder weight was recorded in the alpha1‐oleate treated group, compared to sham‐treated mice. Tumor markers Ki‐67, Cyclin D1 and VEGF were inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner, as was the expression of cancer‐related genes. Remarkably, toxicity for healthy tissue was not detected in alpha1‐oleate‐treated, tumor‐bearing mice or healthy mice or rabbits, challenged with increasing doses of the active complex. The results define a dose‐dependent therapeutic effect of alpha1‐oleate in a murine bladder cancer model.
A cholecystic extracellular matrix‐based hybrid hydrogel for skeletal muscle tissue engineering
Authors: Raj Reshmi , Sobhan Praveen K. , Pratheesh Kanakarajan V. , Anilkumar Thapasimuthu V. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTailoring the properties of extracellular matrix (ECM) based hydrogels by conjugating with synthetic polymers is an emerging method for designing hybridhydrogels for a wide range of tissue engineering applications. In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), a synthetic polymer at variable concentrations (ranging from 0.2 to 2% wt/vol) was conjugated with porcine cholecyst derived ECM (C‐ECM) (1% wt/vol) and prepared a biosynthetic hydrogel having enhanced physico‐mechanical properties, as required for skeletal muscle tissue engineering. The C‐ECM was functionalized with acrylate groups using activated N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester‐based chemistry and then conjugated with PEGDA via free‐radical polymerization in presence of ammonium persulfate and ascorbic acid. The physicochemical characteristics of the hydrogels were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy. Further, the hydrogel properties were studied by evaluating rheology, swelling, gelation time, percentage gel fraction, in vitro degradation, and mechanical strength. Biocompatibility of the gel formulations were assessed using the C2C12 skeletal myoblast cells. The hydrogel formulations containing 0.2 and 0.5% wt/vol of PEGDA were non‐cytotoxic and found suitable for growth and proliferation of skeletal myoblasts. The study demonstrated a method for modulating the properties of ECM hydrogels through conjugation with bio‐inert polymers for skeletal muscle tissue engineering applications.
Heparin‐hyaluronic acid nanofibers for growth factor sequestration in spinal cord repair
Authors: Mays Elizabeth A. , Kallakuri Sridula S. , Sundararaghavan Harini G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGrowth factor (GF) delivery is a common strategy for spinal cord injury repair, however, GF degradation can impede long‐term therapies. GF sequestration via heparin is known to protect bioactivity after delivery. We tested two heparin modifications, methacrylated heparin and thiolated heparin, and electrospun these with methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) to form HepMAHA and HepSHHA nanofibers. For loaded conditions, MeHA, HepMAHA, and HepSHHA fibers were incubated with soluble basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or nerve growth factor (NGF) and rinsed with PBS. Control groups were hydrated in PBS. L929 fibroblast proliferation was analyzed after 24 hr of culture in either growth media or bFGF‐supplemented media. Dissociated chick dorsal root ganglia neurites were measured after 3 days of cell culture in serum free media (SFM) or NGF‐supplemented SFM (SFM + NGF). In growth media, fibroblast proliferation was significantly increased in loaded HepMAHA (α < .05) compared to other groups. In SFM, loaded HepMAHA had the longest average neurite length compared to all other groups. In SFM + NGF, HepMAHA and HepSHHA had increased neurite lengths compared to MeHA, regardless of loading (α < .01), suggesting active sequestration of soluble NGF. HepMAHA is a promising biomaterial for sequestering released GFs in a spinal cord injury environment and will be combined with GF filled microspheres for future studies.
Assessment of fresh and preserved amniotic membrane for guided bone regeneration in mice
Authors: Fenelon Mathilde , Etchebarne Marion , Siadous Robin , Grémare Agathe , Durand Marlène , Sentilhes Loic , Torres Yoann , Catros Sylvain , Gindraux Florelle , L'Heureux Nicolas , Fricain Jean‐Christophe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThanks to its biological properties, the human amniotic membrane (HAM) can be used as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration (GBR). However, no study has assessed the influence of the preservation method of HAM for this application. This study aimed to establish the most suitable preservation method of HAM for GBR. Fresh (F), cryopreserved (C) lyophilized (L), and decellularized and lyophilized (DL) HAM were compared. The impact of preservation methods on collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) content was evaluated using Masson's trichrome and alcian blue staining. Their suture retention strengths were assessed. In vitro, the osteogenic potential of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) cultured on the four HAMs was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red quantification assay. In vivo, the effectiveness of fresh and preserved HAMs for GBR was assessed in a mice diaphyseal bone defect after 1 week or 1 month healing. Micro‐CT and histomorphometric analysis were performed. The major structural components of HAM (collagen and GAG) were preserved whatever the preservation method used. The tearing strength of DL‐HAM was significantly higher. In vitro, hBMSCs seeded on DL‐HAM displayed a stronger ALP staining, and alizarin red staining quantification was significantly higher at Day 14. In vivo, L‐HAM and DL‐HAM significantly enhanced early bone regeneration. One month after the surgery, only DL‐HAM slightly promoted bone regeneration. Several preserving methods of HAM have been studied for bone regeneration. Here, we have demonstrated that DL‐HAM achieved the most promising results for GBR.
Strontium and antimony serum levels in healthy individuals living in high‐ and low‐risk areas of esophageal cancer
Authors: Mirzaee Majid , Semnani Shahryar , Roshandel GholamReza , Nejabat Mojgan , Hesari Zahra , Joshaghani Hamidreza 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt has been shown there is an upward trend for strontium (Sr) and antimony (Sb) levels from low‐risk (LR) to high‐risk (HR) areas of etiology of esophageal cancer in water, soil, and grains grown in Golestan province. In the present study, the serum levels of Sr and Sb were determined in healthy individuals living in these areas.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was performed on fasting blood serum of adult healthy individuals collected by cluster sampling. Subjects were divided into two groups, those living in either HR or LR areas. Strontium and antimony serum levels were measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.ResultsA total of 200 volunteers were enrolled from which 96 persons (48%) and 104 persons (52%) were from either HR or LR areas, respectively. The sex distribution was 40.9% male and 59.1% female, and the average age of enrolled people was 50.9 years. The average strontium levels were 30.44 ± 4.05 and 30.29 ± 3.74 μg/L in LR and HR, respectively. It also has been shown the average antimony levels were 15.21 ± 3.40, 14.81 ± 3.17, 15.13 ± 3.62, and 15.07 ± 3.62 μg/L in LR, HR, urban, and rural populations, respectively.ConclusionThe serum levels of strontium and antimony were not significantly different in healthy adults living in high‐ and low‐risk areas of esophageal cancer. However, the average antimony serum levels in Golestan Province were above the reference interval in different countries.
Circular RNA 0016788 displays as a biomarker for tumor progression and poor prognosis in surgical hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheng Fantian , Wang Lili , Zhang Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of circular RNA 0016788 (circ_0016788) regarding its correlation with tumor progression and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsTwo hundred and seventy‐eight HCC patients who received tumor resection were retrospectively analyzed. Circ_0016788 expression in 278 tumor tissues and 116 adjacent tissues was detected by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsCirc_0016788 was elevated in tumor tissue compared with adjacent tissue, and it had an excellent value in distinguishing tumor tissue from adjacent tissue (area under the curve: 0.913; 95% confidence interval: 0.885‐0.941). Furthermore, circ_0016788 correlated to higher performance status score, larger tumor size, increased Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage, abnormal aspartate aminotransferase, abnormal alpha‐fetoprotein, and abnormal carbohydrate antigen 199 levels. Moreover, by Kaplan‐Meier curve and log‐rank test, circ_0016788 high expression correlated with shorter overall survival (OS). Importantly, multivariate Cox's regression analysis displayed that circ_0016788 high expression, older age (≥60 years), history of hepatitis B, history of liver cirrhosis, raised Child‐Pugh stage (B vs A), multifocal disease, largest tumor size (≥5 cm), and increased BCLC stage (B vs A) were independent predictors for poorer OS.ConclusionCirc_0016788 displays the potential as a biomarker for assisting personalized treatment, tumor management, and prognosis surveillance in surgical HCC patients.
Analytical evaluation of three soluble transferrin receptor measurement systems for diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia: A retrospective study
Authors: Hou Li'an , Lu Jun , Jiang Xianyong , Guo Xiuzhi , Ma Chaochao , Cheng Xinqi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundSoluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a promising indicator of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Here, we investigated the application value of sTfR assays based on three different methods for the diagnosis of IDA.MethodsThe sTfR concentrations in two groups of patient specimens with high‐level and low‐level sTfR concentrations and in quality control materials were measured four times a day for five consecutive days to evaluate the precision of the three methods. We selected patients with IDA, anemia of chronic disease (ACD), or chronic diseases with iron deficiency anemia (CIDA), and apparently healthy subjects, and measured the serum sTfR concentrations in all subjects using the three different methods. The cutoff points for an IDA diagnosis using the three assays and their corresponding clinical sensitivities and specificities were calculated by receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsFor the diagnosis of IDA, the cutoff points of sTfR measured by the chemiluminescent, immunoturbidimetric, and immunonephelometric assays were 2.91, 6.70, and 2.48 mg/L, respectively. The corresponding sensitivities were 85.59%, 85.59%, and 85.59%, the specificities were 91.47%, 90.31%, and 90.70%, and area under the curve was 0.943, 0.944, and 0.936, respectively. The sTfR concentrations measured by the different methods were significantly higher in the IDA and CIDA groups than in the other two groups (P < .05).ConclusionsThe sTfR based on the three different measurement methods presented promising analytical performances and met the clinical requirements for sensitivity and specificity. However, the different measurement methods had markedly different cutoff points for IDA diagnosis, which should be critically considered in clinical practice.
Prenatal diagnosis of complete penoscrotal transposition with normal scrotum: Two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Kurt Didar , Sivrikoz Tuğba Saraç , Kalelioğlu Halil İbrahim , Has Recep , Ziylan Hasan Orhan , Yüksel Atıl 
Published: April 2020

AbstractComplete penoscrotal transposition is an extremely rare congenital anomaly and is usually associated with other urinary system abnormalities. Prenatal diagnosis is feasible by demonstrating perineal anatomy and its relation with scrotum and phallus. We describe two prenatal cases presenting with oligohydramniosis and megacystis due to lower urinary tract obstruction. Postnatal diagnosis was confirmed in both cases. Considering the dismal perinatal outcome, an accurate prenatal diagnosis is required for counseling the parents and preparing for postnatal care.
Application of ultrasound‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the rapid determination of synthetic cannabinoids and metabolites in biological samples
Authors: Mercieca Gilbert , Odoardi Sara , Mestria Serena , Cassar Marisa , Strano‐Rossi Sabina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe constant emergence of new psychoactive substances is a challenge to clinical and forensic toxicologists who need to constantly update analytical techniques to detect them. A large portion of these substances are synthetic cannabinoids. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and simple method for the determination of synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites in urine and blood using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The method involves an ultrasound‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction that implies a rapid procedure, giving excellent extraction efficiencies with minimal use of toxic solvents. This is followed by silylation and analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The chromatographic method allows for the separation and identification of 29 selected synthetic cannabinoids and some metabolites. The method was validated on urine and blood samples with the ability to detect and quantify all analytes with satisfactory limits of detection (from 1 to 5 ng/mL), limits of quantification (5 ng/mL), and selectivity and linearity (in the range of 5–200 ng/mL). The developed assay is highly applicable to laboratories with limited instrumental availability, due to the use of efficient and low‐cost sample preparation and instrumental equipment. The latter may contribute to enhance the detection of new psychoactive substances in clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories.
Lower Vitamin B12 Level at Multiple System Atrophy Diagnosis Is Associated With Shorter Survival
Authors: McCarter Stuart J. , Coon Elizabeth A. , Savica Rodolfo , St Louis Erik K. , Bower James H. , Benarroch Eduardo E. , Sandroni Paola , Low Phillip , Singer Wolfgang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder from α‐synuclein aggregation. in vitro studies suggest vitamin B12 may interrupt α‐synuclein‐mediated neurodegeneration. The objective of this study was to determine whether serum vitamin B12 level at MSA diagnosis is associated with survival.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐two MSA patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic with vitamin B12 testing were studied. We determined the risk of death in relationship to serum vitamin B12 levels at MSA diagnosis, adjusting for predictors of poor survival.ResultsPredictors of shorter survival included vitamin B12 < 367 ng/L (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3–2.7), falls within 3 years of MSA diagnosis (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3), bladder symptoms (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.6), urinary catheter requirement (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0–2.8), male sex (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–2.0), and MSA‐P subtype (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0–2.0).ConclusionsLow vitamin B12 levels are associated with shorter survival in MSA. Additional studies to explore this observation and assess the potential role of vitamin B12 as a modifiable survival factor are needed. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Genetic polymorphisms of IL1RN were associated with lumbar disk herniation risk in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Tai Ariga , Zhu Ming , Qilimuge Han , Rong Hao , He Xue , Bai Mei , Jin Tianbo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin (IL)‐1 is a cytokine superfamily, which involved in the inflammatory process and immune response in human body. IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) has been found to be associated with risk of lumbar disk herniation (LDH) in Finland samples. However, to date, there was no investigation focus on the polymorphisms of IL1RN in Chinese Han LDH patient.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a case–control study based on 498 LDH patients and 463 controls. Five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL1RN were genotyped.ResultsAs a result, we found that the AG and GG genotypes of rs3181052 were associated with decreased risk LDH under the dominant model (OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.57–0.96, p = .025). In the stratification analysis, the frequency of the “A” allele of rs17042888 was significantly lower in elder LDH cases than in controls (OR = 0.723, 95%CI: 0.544–0.961, p = .025). In addition, the AG and AA genotypes of rs17042888 were associated with decreased risk of LDH in elder group under the dominant model (OR = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.49–0.98, p = .038). The GG genotype of rs315919 was identified have correlation with decreased risk of LDH in elder group under the recessive model (OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.37–0.97, p = .034).ConclusionsOur data showed that IL1RN may be a susceptibility gene for risk of LDH in Chinese Han population.
Clinical Outcomes Associated With Commercial and Homemade Blenderized Tube Feedings: A Literature Review
Authors: Brown Terry , Zelig Rena , Radler Diane Rigassio 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is emerging evidence in the pediatric population that blenderized tube feeding (BTF) may improve gastrointestinal intolerance; however, not much is known about the impact of BTF on clinical outcomes in adults. This article presents a review of the literature published in the past 10 years that explored the impact of BTF on nutrition status (ie, weight status, body mass index, and upper‐arm circumference) and nutrition adequacy in adults. The results indicate that BTF, compared with commercial enteral formula (CEF), may be inadequate in calories, macronutrients, and some micronutrients, given variability in BTF formula composition. As a result, BTF may result in significantly more weight loss than CEF. Thus, BTF may not be appropriate for adult patients who are malnourished or are at risk for malnutrition due to the potential worsening of clinical outcomes.
Spanning tree modulus for secure broadcast games
Authors: Albin Nathan , Kottegoda Kapila , Poggi‐Corradini Pietro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe theory of p‐modulus provides a general framework for quantifying the richness of a family of objects on a graph. When applied to the family of spanning trees, p‐modulus has an interesting probabilistic interpretation. In particular, the 2‐modulus problem in this case has been shown to be equivalent to the problem of finding a probability distribution on spanning trees that utilizes the edges of the graph as fairly as possible. In the present work, we use this fact to produce a game‐theoretic interpretation of modulus by employing modulus to solve a secure broadcast
game.