bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) threatens an exceptionally large population of the depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata) in a postglacial lake
Authors: Ożgo Małgorzata , Urbańska Maria , Hoos Philipp , Imhof Hannes K. , Kirschenstein Małgorzata , Mayr Julia , Michl Florian , Tobiasz Rafał , von Wesendonk Marie , Zimmermann Stefan , Geist Juergen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Freshwater mussels are in decline worldwide, with the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata being one of the rarest and most endangered species in Europe. Invasive mussels are suspected to be an important factor of decline, but there is little information on their interaction with native species.

This study analyzed densities, depth distribution, and individual sizes and weights in one of the largest known populations of P. complanata in Europe in relation to the co‐occurring invasive zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and other mussel species, using a systematic transect analysis.

Pseudanodonta complanata was the dominant unionid species in Lake Siecino reaching densities of up to 26 ind/m2, with half of the specimens found at a water depth of 2.0–4.0 m. Densities were highest on sandy substrates in areas of underwater currents. In contrast, 67% of native Unio tumidus were found at depths < 1 m, indicating different habitat preference.

In the study area, 91% of P. complanata, 92% of U. tumidus, and all Anodonta individuals were fouled by D. polymorpha. The dreissenid:unionid mass ratio (mean ± SD; maximum) was 0.43 ± 0.56; 4.22 and 0.86 ± 1.87; 8.76 in P. complanata and U. tumidus, respectively. Pseudanodonta complanata fouled with D. polymorpha were impaired in their anchoring capability and had shell deformations potentially affecting shell closing and filtration activity. Fouling intensity was negatively correlated with unionid density, potentially leading to accelerated population declines.

The observed adverse effects of invasive zebra mussels on the depressed river mussel and the difficulties in eradicating established populations of invasive mussels suggest that D. polymorpha should be considered a serious threat to P. complanata. Therefore, the further spread of zebra mussels into habitats with native unionids needs to be avoided by all means.
Analysis of saturation velocity and energy relaxation time of electrons in Si using full‐band Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Yoshihara Koki , Hiroki Akira 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we have investigated the influence of optical phonon energy on electron saturation velocity and energy relaxation time by using a full band Monte Carlo simulator. The energy band structure is obtained using the first principle calculation. The scattering probability is calculated so as to conserve the energy and momentum in the full band structure. It is found that the range of optical phonon energy from 56.2 to 63.9 meV allows experimental saturation velocity and energy relaxation time. Electron saturation velocity is more sensitive than relaxation time to the optical phonon energy.
Solar ultraviolet‐induced DNA damage response: Melanocytes story in transformation to environmental melanomagenesis
Authors: Sarkar Soumyadeep , Gaddameedhi Shobhan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExposure to sunlight is both beneficial, as it heats the planet to a comfortable temperature, and potentially harmful, since sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is deemed detrimental for living organisms. Earth's ozone layer plays a vital role in blocking most of the extremely dangerous UVC; however, low frequency/energy UVR (i.e., UVB and UVA) seeps through in minute amount and reaches the Earth's surface. Both UVB and UVA are physiologically responsible for a plethora of skin ailments, including skin cancers. The UVR is readily absorbed by the genomic DNA of skin cells, causing DNA bond distortion and UV‐induced DNA damage. As a defense mechanism, the DNA damage response (DDR) signaling in skin cells activates nucleotide excision repair (NER), which is responsible for the removal of UVR‐induced DNA photolesions and helps maintain the genomic integrity of the cells. Failure of proper NER function leads to mutagenesis and development of skin cancers. One of the deadliest form of skin cancers is melanoma which originates upon the genetic transformation of melanocytes, melanin producing skin cells. NER is a well‐studied DNA repair system in the whole skin, as a tissue, but not much is known about it in melanocytes. Therefore, this review encapsulates NER in melanocytes, with a specific focus on its functional regulators and their cross talks due to skin heterogeneity and divulging the potential knowledge gap in the field.
A context‐aware and intelligent framework for the secure mission critical systems
Authors: Sikandar Usman , Taha Muhammad , Sarwar Sohail , Safyan M. , Qayyum Zia Ul , Ali Amjad , Iqbal Muddesar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent technological advancements in pervasive systems have shown the potential to address challenges in the military domain. Research developments in military‐based mission‐critical systems have refined a lot as in autopilot, sensing true target behavior, battle damage conditions, acquiring, and manipulating command control information. However, the application of pervasive systems in the military domain is still evolving. In this paper, an intelligent framework has been proposed for mission‐critical systems to incorporate advanced heterogeneous communication protocols; service‐oriented layered structure and context‐aware information manipulation. The proposed framework addresses the limitation of “time‐space” constraints in mission‐critical systems that have been improved significantly. This improvement is courtesy to enhancing situation‐aware tactical capabilities such as localization, decision significance, strategic span, strategic intentions, resource coordination, and profiling concerning the situation. A comprehensive use case model has been presented for a typical battle‐field scenario followed by a comparison of the proposed framework with existing techniques. It is evident from experiments and analyses that the proposed framework provides more effective and seamless interaction with contextual resources to improve tactical capabilities.
Adaptive Natural Killer Cell Functional Recovery in Hepatitis C Virus Cured Patients
Authors: Mele Dalila , Oliviero Barbara , Mantovani Stefania , Ludovisi Serena , Lombardi Andrea , Genco Francesca , Gulminetti Roberto , Novati Stefano , Mondelli Mario U. , Varchetta Stefania 
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims
Current evidence suggests that dysfunctional natural killer (NK) cell responses during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be restored after viral eradication with direct acting antivirals (DAAs). However, the fate of the recently described adaptive NK cell population, endowed with increased ability to mediate antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), during HCV infection is poorly defined, while no study has explored the effects of DAAs on this NK subset.

Approach and Results
We performed multicolor flow cytometry to investigate CD57+ FcεRIγneg adaptive and FcεRIγpos conventional NK cell phenotype and function before and after DAA treatment in 59 patients chronically infected with HCV, 39 with advanced liver fibrosis, and 20 with mild‐moderate liver fibrosis. Moreover, bulk NK cell phenotype and function were analyzed after cytokine activation following contact with K562 target cells. The proportion of FcεRIγneg NK cells in patients with HCV was associated with increased HCV load at baseline, and it was significantly reduced after treatment. Patients with an advanced fibrosis stage displayed increased NK cell activation and exhaustion markers that normalized after therapy. Of note, adaptive NK cells from patients with HCV were characterized by increased programmed death receptor 1 expression and reduced ADCC activity at baseline. DAA treatment restored ADCC ability and reduced programmed death receptor 1 expression.

Conclusions
HCV profoundly affects the frequency, phenotype, and function of adaptive NK cells. DAA therapy restores a normal adaptive NK phenotype and enhances interferon‐gamma production by this cell subset.
Elevated levels of D‐dimer tested by immunoturbidimetry are associated with the extent of severity of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Rodríguez‐Peña Yolima , Ibáñez‐Pinilla Milcíades 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo establish the association between increased levels of D‐dimer and severity of pre‐eclampsia.MethodsA nested, prospective cohort, analytical case–control study was conducted among women with pre‐eclampsia between March 2017 and March 2018. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years, gestational age of more than 20 weeks, a single pregnancy with a living fetus, and a diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia. D‐dimer was measured by immunoturbidimetry at the time of diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia, applying cut‐off points adjusted for gestational age. Statistical analysis involved unconditional logistic regression for the association of elevated D‐dimer with severe pre‐eclampsia adjusted by confounding variables.ResultsThere were 132 patients with pre‐eclampsia, of which 44 were classed as controls and 88 were classed as having severe pre‐eclampsia (case group). Cohort characteristics included: age between 18 and 45 years (mean 28.0 ± 6.3 years); presence of gestational hypertension (10.6%), chronic arterial hypertension (9.0%); and gestational diabetes (5.3%). In the case group, levels of D‐dimer were significantly higher than in controls (19.3% vs 2.3%, odds ratio [OR] 10.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–80.14, P=0.004) as well as significant in the unconditional logistic regression model adjusted for maternal age, parity, gestational age, and comorbidities (OR 10.02, 95% CI 1.28–78.68, P=0.028).ConclusionElevated levels of D‐dimer and severe pre‐eclampsia are strongly associated, reinforcing evidence that one of the physiopathologic bases of the condition is the activation of fibrinolysis and the coagulation system.
Cervical pessary plus vaginal progesterone versus long‐term tocolysis for the prevention of preterm birth: An observational retrospective study
Authors: Tajima Masaki , Yanazume Shintaro , Orita Yuji , Tazaki Yukiko , Shinya Mitsuhisa , Kobayashi Hiroaki 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare cervical pessaries plus vaginal progesterone versus long‐term tocolysis for preventing preterm birth for women with a short cervix.MethodsRetrospective evaluation of women with singleton pregnancy who received cervical pessaries plus vaginal progesterone (combined group) or ritodrine hydrochloride (tocolysis group) for short cervix (≤25 mm at 20–24 weeks, or ≤20 mm at 25–34 weeks) at a general hospital in Kagoshima, Japan, 2015–2019. The primary outcome was rate of preterm birth (<36 weeks); secondary outcomes were maternal hospital admittance and treatment complications.ResultsData were evaluated from 95 women (combined group, n=43; tocolysis group, n=52). There was no significant difference in cervical length or gestational age at intervention between the groups. Overall, 3/43 (7.0%) women delivered before 36 weeks in the combined group versus 16/52 (30.8%) in the tocolysis group (relative risk, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.76; P=0.004). Median maternal admittance was shorter in the combined group (6.6 vs 41.0 days, P<0.001). Although 36/43 (83.7%) women in the combined group reported increased vaginal discharge, no major complications occurred.ConclusionA combination of pessaries and vaginal progesterone reduced the rate of preterm birth (<36 weeks) for women with short cervix as compared with long‐term tocolysis.
TRANSDISCIPLINARY DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION OF IRRIGATION INNOVATIONS IN AFRICA. LINKAGES TO PRINCIPLES OF CAADP: A COMMENTARY
Authors: Phiri E. , Bwalya M. , Froebrich J. , Mweetwa A.M. , Chishala B.H. , Meebelo N. , Shepande C.M. , De Witt M. , De Clercq W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExpanding arable land under irrigation is cardinal in the quest to attain Africa's aspiration of transforming agriculture and realizing its true value and positive impact on wealth creation, economic growth, food security and nutrition for all. Over the last three to four decades, many initiatives have been designed to harness both small‐ and large‐scale irrigation technologies towards increasing agricultural production and productivity. The EAU4Food (European Union and African Union cooperative research to increase food production in irrigated farming systems in Africa) project was a collaborative project under the EU–African Union Scientific Partnership aimed at enabling the successful adoption and upscaling of appropriate irrigation support innovations. The project applied a transdisciplinary approach to design, test and disseminate innovations across the continent. The project was designed to gain better insights vis‐à‐vis how the innovation process can be enhanced, and to share insights for supporting the implementation of national agricultural development programmes and strategies conceived within the context of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework. This note highlights linkages between the CAADP framework and the EAU4Food project and suggests some future areas of attention on Africa's agenda for enhanced agricultural production, facilitated under the auspices of CAADP. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of blood coagulation dynamics and oxygenation in ex‐vivo retinal vessels by fluorescence hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Podlipec Rok , Arsov Zoran , Koklič Tilen , Štrancar Janez 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBlood coagulation mechanisms forming a blood clot and preventing hemorrhage have been extensively studied in the last decades. Knowing the mechanisms behind becomes very important particularly in the case of blood vessel diseases. Real‐time and accurate diagnostics accompanied by the therapy are particularly needed, for example, in diseases related to retinal vasculature. In our study, we employ for the first time fluorescence hyperspectral imaging (fHSI) combined with the spectral analysis algorithm concept to assess physical as well as functional information of blood coagulation in real‐time. By laser‐induced local disruption of retinal vessels to mimic blood leaking and subsequent coagulation and a proper fitting algorithm, we were able to reveal and quantify the extent of local blood coagulation through direct identification of the change of oxyhemoglobin concentration within few minutes. We confirmed and illuminated the spatio‐temporal evolution of the essential role of erythrocytes in the coagulation cascade as the suppliers of oxygenated hemoglobin. By additional optical tweezers force manipulation, we showed immediate aggregation of erythrocytes at the coagulation site. The presented fluorescence‐based imaging concept could become a valuable tool in various blood coagulation diagnostics as well as theranostic systems if coupled with the laser therapy.
Urine cell‐free DNA as a promising biomarker for early detection of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ren Sai , Ren Xiao-Dong , Guo Li-Fang , Qu Xue-Mei , Shang Mei-Yun , Dai Xiao-Tian , Huang Qing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile blood‐derived cell‐free DNA has been shown to be a candidate biomarker able to provide diagnostic and prognostic insight in cancer patients, little is known regarding the potential application of urine cell‐free DNA (ucfDNA) in diagnosis of cancer. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate ucfDNA concentration and integrity index as potential biomarkers for early detection of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsUrine samples were collected from 35 healthy controls and 55 NSCLC patients at various tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages. Two long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1) fragments (LINE1‐97 and 266 bp) were quantified via quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). DNA integrity index was calculated as the ratio of LINE1‐266/LINE‐97.ResultsLINE1 fragments concentrations of ucfDNA (LINE1‐97, 266 bp) were significantly higher in NSCLC patients with stage III/IV than in stage I/II and in healthy controls. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for discriminating patients with stage III/IV from healthy controls had areas under the curves (AUC) of 0.84 and 0.886, respectively. Moreover, ucfDNA integrity LINE1‐266/97 was significantly higher in patients with stage III/IV than in stage I/II and in healthy controls. The AUC of ROC curve for discriminating patients with stage III/IV from healthy controls was 0.800. Furthermore, LINE1‐266 fragment concentration was significantly higher in lymph node metastasis (LNM)‐positive patients relative to LNM‐negative patients. The ROC curve for discriminating LNM‐positive from LNM‐negative patients had an AUC of 0.822.ConclusionUcfDNA could serve as a promising biomarker for early detection of NSCLC.
Eco‐sustainable silk sericin from by‐product of textile industry can be employed for cosmetic, dermatology and drug delivery
Authors: Orlandi Giulia , Faragò Silvio , Menato Silvia , Sorlini Marzio , Butti Fabrizio , Mocchi Michela , Donelli Ilaria , Catenacci Laura , Sorrenti Milena L , Croce Stefania , Segale Lorena , Torre Maria L , Perteghella Sara 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the last decade, many researchers demonstrated the biological activities of native Bombyx mori silk sericin (SS), and its use is widespread in the cosmetic and biomedical field. However, SS is a polluting material from the silk fibroin textile industry. This paper aims to demonstrate that the industrial wastewater‐derived SS has many biological properties, and can be used as an eco‐friendly product for cosmetic/pharmaceutical purposes with an important impact on the circular economy.RESULTSWe focused on the SS derived from an ad hoc extraction process or industrial degumming wastewater. Both products were preserved with three different methods: lyophilization, spray‐drying and sterilization. All SS were characterized in terms of amino acid content, molecular weight, physical–chemical properties, morphology and size distribution; then we evaluated the biological properties, the cytocompatibility/cytoprotective profile, and the immunomodulatory abilities of SS. Free radical scavenging, anti‐tyrosinase, and anti‐elastase activities of waste SS were confirmed. Waste and standard SS were cytocompatible on human fibroblasts; all SS samples inhibited the proliferation of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Waste SS showed a significant effect on tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 10 release.CONCLUSIONSThese results pave the way for using textile wastewater‐derived SS to obtain high‐value‐added products for cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical purposes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced visible light photocatalysis with E‐waste‐based V2O5/zinc–ferrite: BTEX degradation and mechanism
Authors: Mohan Harshavardhan , Lim Jeong‐Muk , Lee Se‐Won , Jang Jum Suk , Park Yool‐Jin , Seralathan Kamala‐Kannan , Oh Byung‐Taek 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDBTEX removal is attracting increased attention owing to the detrimental impacts caused to human health, the foremost being neurological impairments. Thus, this study intended to assess the efficiency of zinc–ferrite/V2O5 (ZFV) nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of BTEX isomers in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the developed catalyst was magnetically separable, which may reduce the ecological impacts of the catalyst.RESULTSThe ZFV nanocomposite was prepared by a solvothermal process using V2O5 (extracted from treated E‐waste) and zinc–ferrite (synthesized through a chemical co‐precipitation method). The integration of elements in the ZFV nanocomposite was confirmed using powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, diffuse reflectance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy. Maximum BTEX degradation of 95% was achieved at 50 mg L−1 initial BTEX concentration, 0.50 g L−1 catalyst and pH 3. A minor decrease in the degradation efficiency (10%) of the catalyst was observed at the fifth cycle. The presence of H2O2 increased the degradation efficiency to 98% owing to the prevention of electron–hole recombination, while NaCl (60%), Na2CO3 (63%), NaNO3 (80%) and Na2SO4 (72%) decreased the degradation efficiency due to their hydroxyl scavenging properties. The degradation pathway was elucidated using gas chromatography with mass spectral studies.CONCLUSIONSThe findings of the present study relating to BTEX degradation using the magnetic ZFV nanocomposite and the degradation mechanism throw light on the environmental applications of the ZFV composite. The composite could be an alternative for the remediation of BTEX‐contaminated wastewaters. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comprehensive data of 3525 patients newly diagnosed with colorectal liver metastasis between 2013 and 2014: 2nd report of a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Katsunori , Honda Goro , Beppu Toru , Kotake Kenjiro , Yamamoto Masakazu , Takahashi Keiichi , Endo Itaru , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Itabashi Michio , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Kotera Yoshihito , Kobayashi Shin , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Tabuchi Ken , Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Morita Satoshi , Miyazaki Masaru , Sugihara Kenichi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo collect large‐scale data for further research to improve treatment outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), the Joint Committee for Nationwide Survey on CRLM was established by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum and the Japanese society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery. The joint committee was initiated to collect data since 2014 and has already reported data including the prognostic data of 3820 patients newly diagnosed with CRLM between 2005 and 2007.MethodsThe data of patients newly diagnosed with CRLM after 2013 are continuously being registered prospectively, and herein, we report the data of the patients newly diagnosed with CRLM in 2013 and 2014.ResultsThe data of 3839 patients newly diagnosed with CRLM in 2013 and 2014 were registered from 156 departments (75%) of 152 institutions among 209 departments (from 201 institutions) that agreed to participate in this database system at its initiation. Finally, 3525 patients were enrolled in this study after a quality management process conducted by the joint committee. We report the comprehensive data obtained from 3525 patients, including clinicopathological findings, treatment strategies, and implementation status of chemotherapy.ConclusionThe joint committee will provide these raw data while updating prognostic data to researchers who will conduct meaningful studies that meet the aim of the joint committee.