bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal Trends in Vertebral Dimensions – a case study from Finland
Authors: Korpinen Niina , Oura Petteri , Väre Tiina , Niskanen Markku , Niinimäki Jaakko , Karppinen Jaro , Junno Juho-Antti 
Published: January 2020

AbstractVertebral fractures and other back problems represent a major, increasing worldwide health problem. This has increased the need to better understand the reasons behind this phenomenon. In addition to a reduction in bone mineral density and overall size of the vertebral body, research has indicated a possible association between the shape of the endplate and spinal disorders. As one previous study has shown changes in vertebral body dimensions between contemporary people and their medieval counterparts, we wanted to examine the potential temporal trends in vertebral size and dimensions in Finnish samples of archaeological and contemporary individuals. To conduct this study, we utilized three archaeological populations from the 16th–19th century and clinical materials from two population-based Finnish birth cohorts. As the average height of people has increased greatly since the first time period, we also height-adjusted the dimensions to provide a clearer picture of the dimensional changes that have occurred in the later temporal group. Our results were in agreement with those of the earlier study. The archaeological samples had a larger vertebral size than the contemporary population when height was adjusted for. Vertebral mediolateral width in particular had decreased, and the shape of the vertebral body had changed.
The iron chelator Deferasirox causes severe mitochondrial swelling without depolarization due to a specific effect on inner membrane permeability
Authors: Gottwald Esther M. , Schuh Claus D. , Drücker Patrick , Haenni Dominik , Pearson Adam , Ghazi Susan , Bugarski Milica , Polesel Marcello , Duss Michael , Landau Ehud M. , Kaech Andres , Ziegler Urs , Lundby Anne K. M. , Lundby Carsten , Dittrich Petra S. , Hall Andrew M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe iron chelator Deferasirox (DFX) causes severe toxicity in patients for reasons that were previously unexplained. Here, using the kidney as a clinically relevant in vivo model for toxicity together with a broad range of experimental techniques, including live cell imaging and in vitro biophysical models, we show that DFX causes partial uncoupling and dramatic swelling of mitochondria, but without depolarization or opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This effect is explained by an increase in inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) permeability to protons, but not small molecules. The movement of water into mitochondria is prevented by altering intracellular osmotic gradients. Other clinically used iron chelators do not produce mitochondrial swelling. Thus, DFX causes organ toxicity due to an off-target effect on the IMM, which has major adverse consequences for mitochondrial volume regulation.
Hidden diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest: the discovery of Jurasaidae, a new beetle family (Coleoptera, Elateroidea) with neotenic females
Authors: Rosa Simone Policena , Costa Cleide , Kramp Katja , Kundrata Robin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBeetles are the most species-rich animal radiation and are among the historically most intensively studied insect groups. Consequently, the vast majority of their higher-level taxa had already been described about a century ago. In the 21st century, thus far, only three beetle families have been describedde novobased on newly collected material. Here, we report the discovery of a completely new lineage of soft-bodied neotenic beetles from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, which is one of the most diverse and also most endangered biomes on the planet. We identified three species in two genera, which differ in morphology of all life stages and exhibit different degrees of neoteny in females. We provide a formal description of this lineage for which we propose the new family Jurasaidae. Molecular phylogeny recovered Jurasaidae within the basal grade in Elateroidea, sister to the well-sclerotized rare click beetles, Cerophytidae. This placement is supported by several larval characters including the modified mouthparts. The discovery of a new beetle family, which is due to the limited dispersal capability and cryptic lifestyle of its wingless females bound to long-term stable habitats, highlights the importance of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest as a top priority area for nature conservation.
Feature Extraction of Upper Airway Dynamics during Sleep Apnea using Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Ayoub Ghazal , Dang Thi Hang , Oh Tong In , Kim Sang-Wook , Woo Eung Je 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCharacterizing upper airway occlusion during natural sleep could be instrumental for studying the dynamics of sleep apnea and designing an individualized treatment plan. In recent years, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) phenotyping has gained attention to classify OSA patients into relevant therapeutic categories. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been lately suggested as a technique for noninvasive continuous monitoring of the upper airway during natural sleep. In this paper, we developed the automatic data processing and feature extract methods to handle acquired EIT data for several hours. Removing ventilation and blood flow artifacts, EIT images were reconstructed to visualize how the upper airway collapsed and reopened during the respiratory event. From the time series of reconstructed EIT images, we extracted the upper airway closure signal providing quantitative information about how much the upper airway was closed during collapse and reopening. Features of the upper airway dynamics were defined from the extracted upper airway closure signal and statistical analyses of ten OSA patients’ data were conducted. The results showed the feasibility of the new method to describe the upper airway dynamics during sleep apnea, which could be a new step towards OSA phenotyping and treatment planning.
The impact of age and comorbidity on the postoperative outcomes after emergency surgical management of complicated intra-abdominal infections
Authors: Payá-Llorente Carmen , Martínez-López Elías , Sebastián-Tomás Juan Carlos , Santarrufina-Martínez Sandra , de’Angelis Nicola , Martínez-Pérez Aleix 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAge-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (a-CCI) score has been used to weight comorbid conditions in predicting adverse outcomes. A retrospective cohort study on adult patients diagnosed with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) requiring emergency surgery was conducted in order to elucidate the role of age and comorbidity in this scenario. Two main outcomes were evaluated: 90-day severe postoperative complications (grade ≥ 3 of Dindo-Clavien Classification), and 90-day all-cause mortality. 358 patients were analyzed. a-CCI score for each patient was calculated and then divided in two comorbid categories whether they were ≤ or > to percentile 75 ( = 4): Grade-A (0–4) and Grade-B ( ≥ 5). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed, and the predictive validity of the models was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve. Independent predictors of 90-day severe postoperative complications were Charlson Grade-B (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.49, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.86–6.52; p < 0.0001), healthcare-related infections (OR = 7.84, 95%CI: 3.99–15.39; p < 0.0001), diffuse peritonitis (OR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.45–4.80; p < 0.01), and delay of surgery > 24 hours (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.18–4.68; p < 0.02). The AUROC was 0.815 (95%CI: 0.758–0.872). Independent predictors of 90-day mortality were Charlson Grade-B (OR = 8.30, 95%CI: 3.58–19.21; p < 0.0001), healthcare-related infections (OR = 6.38, 95%CI: 2.72–14.95; p < 0.0001), sepsis status (OR = 3.98, 95%CI: 1.04–15.21; p < 0.04) and diffuse peritonitis (OR = 3.06, 95%CI: 1.29–7.27; p < 0.01). The AUROC for mortality was 0.887 (95%CI: 0.83–0.93). Post-hoc sensitivity analyses confirmed that the degree of comorbidity, estimated by using an age-adjusted score, has a critical impact on the postoperative course following emergency surgery for cIAI. Early assessment and management of patient’s comorbidity is mandatory at emergency setting.
Increased Plasma Cardiac Troponin I in Live-Stranded Cetaceans: Correlation with Pathological Findings of Acute Cardiac Injury
Authors: Câmara Nakita , Sierra Eva , Fernández Antonio , Arbelo Manuel , Andrada Marisa , Monteros Antonio Espinosa de los , Herráez Pedro 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCapture myopathy (CM), is a syndrome that occurs as the result of the stress during and after capture, handling, restraint, and transport of wild animals. Although CM has been described for many species of cetaceans, characterization of the acute cardiac injury - an important component of this syndrome - are still scarce. In this study, we firstly estimated a normal range for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) on cetaceans. Here, through biochemical analysis (especially of cTnI) and histopathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical correlations with decreased troponin immunolabelling, we studied the cardiac injury in live-stranded cetaceans. Nine cetaceans which stranded alive on the Canary Islands (January 2016 - June 2019) were included in this study. Sampled individuals presented elevated values of plasma cTnI, which were correlated to histopathological lesions comprised of vascular changes and acute degenerative lesions. Immunohistochemically, injured cardiomyocytes showed a decreased intrafibrillar troponin immunoreaction. This is the first attempt to establish a normal baseline range for cTnI in cetaceans, and the first study comparing plasma biomarkers values with histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This approach allowed us to demonstrate the degree of cardiac damage as a result of injury, consistent with ischemia–reperfusion lesions. The knowledge gained here could improve decision-making procedures during stressful situations, mainly in live-strandings, handling, and rehabilitation, thereby reducing the mortality of cetaceans.
Quantifying the Effect of Anthropogenic Climate Change on Calcifying Plankton
Authors: Fox Lyndsey , Stukins Stephen , Hill Thomas , Miller C. Giles 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWidely regarded as an imminent threat to our oceans, ocean acidification has been documented in all oceanic basins. Projected changes in seawater chemistry will have catastrophic biotic effects due to ocean acidification hindering biogenic carbonate production, which will in turn lead to substantial changes in marine ecosystems. However, previous attempts to quantify the effect of acidification on planktonic calcifying organisms has relied on laboratory based studies with substantial methodological limitations. This has been overcome by comparing historic plankton tows from the seminal HMS Challenger Expedition (1872–1876) with the recent Tara Oceans expedition material (2009–2016). Nano CT-scans of selected equatorial Pacific Ocean planktonic foraminifera, have revealed that all modern specimens had up to 76% thinner shells than their historic counterparts. The “Challenger Revisited” project highlights the potential of historic ocean collections as a tool to investigate ocean acidification since the early Industrial Revolution. Further analyses of such biotic archives will enable researchers to quantify the effects of anthropogenic climate change across the globe.
Fibroblast mitochondria in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease display morphological changes and enhanced resistance to depolarization
Authors: Antony P. M. A. , Kondratyeva O. , Mommaerts K. , Ostaszewski M. , Sokolowska K. , Baumuratov A. S. , Longhino L. , Poulain J. F. , Grossmann D. , Balling R. , Krüger R. , Diederich N. J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD). Here, we established screenable phenotypes of mitochondrial morphology and function in primary fibroblasts derived from patients with IPD. Upper arm punch skin biopsy was performed in 41 patients with mid-stage IPD and 21 age-matched healthy controls. At the single-cell level, the basal mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm) was higher in patients with IPD than in controls. Similarly, under carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP) stress, the remaining Ψm was increased in patients with IPD. Analysis of mitochondrial morphometric parameters revealed significantly decreased mitochondrial connectivity in patients with IPD, with 9 of 14 morphometric mitochondrial parameters differing from those in controls. Significant morphometric mitochondrial changes included the node degree, mean volume, skeleton size, perimeter, form factor, node count, erosion body count, endpoints, and mitochondria count (all P-values < 0.05). These functional data reveal that resistance to depolarization was increased by treatment with the protonophore FCCP in patients with IPD, whereas morphometric data revealed decreased mitochondrial connectivity and increased mitochondrial fragmentation.
Accumulation and trafficking of zinc oxide nanoparticles in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, with insights on their effects on immuno-competent cells
Authors: Mir Ashiq Hussain , Qamar Ayesha , Qadir Ishana , Naqvi Alim H. , Begum Rizwana 
Published: January 2020

AbstractZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in many applications; however, their interactions with cells, immune cells in particular, and potential health risk(s) are not fully known. In this manuscript, we have demonstrated the potential of ZnO NPs to cross the gut barrier in an invertebrate model, Bombyx mori, and that they can reach the hemolymph where they interact with and/or are taken up by immune-competent cells resulting in various toxic responses like decline in hemocyte viability, ROS generation, morphological alterations, apoptotic cell death, etc. Exposure to these NPs also resulted in alteration of hemocyte dynamics including an immediate increase in THC, possibly due to the release of these hemocytes either from enhanced rate of cell divisions or from attached hemocyte populations, and decline in percentage of prohemocytes and increase in percentage of two professional phagocytes, i.e., granulocytes and plasmatocytes, possibly due to the differentiation of prohemocytes into phagocytes in response to a perceived immune challenge posed by these NPs. Taken together, our data suggest that ZnO NPs have the potential to cross gut barrier and cause various toxic effects that could reverse and the insects could return to normal physiological states as there is restoration and repair of various systems and their affected pathways following the clearance of these NPs from the insect body. Our study also indicates that B. mori has the potential to serve as an effective alternate animal model for biosafety, environmental monitoring and screening of NPs, particularly to evaluate their interactions with invertebrate immune system.
Novel nano-vehicle for delivery and efficiency of anticancer auraptene against colon cancer cells
Authors: Jalilzadeh Nazila , Samadi Naser , Salehi Roya , Dehghan Gholamreza , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Dadpour Mohammad Reza , Hamishehkar Hamed 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to devise, prepare and characterize nano encapsulated auraptene (AUR) and evaluate cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on HT-29 colon cancer cells. Herein, AUR nano formulations were prepared by triblock (PCL-PEG-PCL) and pentablock (PLA-PCL-PEG-PCL-PLA) biodegradable copolymers in order to increase AUR bioavailability as an anticancer agent. The preparation of nano particles (NPs) was done with rotor stator homogenization (RSH) and Ultrasonic homogenization (USH) methods. The physicochemical characteristics of prepared nanoparticles (NPs) were studied using HNMR, FTIR, GPC, DLS and SEM techniques. The smaller hydrodynamic size (110 nm) and polydispersity index (PDI: 0.288) as well as higher cellular uptake (89%) were observed in PB NPs rather than TB NPs. The highest cytotoxic and apoptotic effects were observed in AUR loaded PB NPs compared to AUR loaded TB NPs and free AUR obtained by MTT assay, cell cycle arrest, Annexin V-FITC, DAPI staining and RT-PCR techniques. Real time PCR results indicated that Bax /Bcl2 expression ratio as an apoptosis predicting criterion, in free AUR, AUR loaded TB and AUR loaded PB have increased 6, 9 and 13 times, respectively (p value < 0.05). In conclusion, using biodegradable nano-vehicles for sustained delivery of natural anti-cancer compounds may open new perspectives for treatment of cancer patients.
Dynamic channel selection in wireless communications via a multi-armed bandit algorithm using laser chaos time series
Authors: Takeuchi Shungo , Hasegawa Mikio , Kanno Kazutaka , Uchida Atsushi , Chauvet Nicolas , Naruse Makoto 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDynamic channel selection is among the most important wireless communication elements in dynamically changing electromagnetic environments wherein, a user can experience improved communication quality by choosing a better channel. Multi-armed bandit (MAB) algorithms are a promising approach that resolve the trade-off between channel exploration and exploitation of enhanced communication quality. Ultrafast solution of MAB problems has been demonstrated by utilizing chaotically oscillating time series generated by semiconductor lasers. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a MAB algorithm incorporating laser chaos time series in a wireless local area network (WLAN). Autonomous and adaptive dynamic channel selection is successfully demonstrated in an IEEE802.11a-based, four-channel WLAN. Although the laser chaos time series is arranged prior to the WLAN experiments, the results confirm the usefulness of ultrafast chaotic sequences for real wireless applications. In addition, we numerically examine the underlying adaptation mechanism of the significantly simplified MAB algorithm implemented in the present study compared with the previously reported chaos-based decision makers. This study provides a first step toward the application of ultrafast chaotic lasers for future high-performance wireless communication networks.
Invasive ecosystem engineers threaten benthic nitrogen cycling by altering native infaunal and biofouling communities
Authors: Tait L. W. , Lohrer A. M. , Townsend M. , Atalah J. , Floerl O. , Inglis G. J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPredicting the effects of invasive ecosystem engineering species in new bioregions has proved elusive. In part this is because separating biological effects from purely physical mechanisms has been little studied and yet could help predict potentially damaging bioinvasions. Here we tested the effects of a large bio-engineering fanworm Sabella spallanzanii (Sabella) versus worm-like structures (mimics) on gas and nutrient fluxes in a marine soft bottom sediment. Experimental plots of sediment in Hauraki Gulf (New Zealand) were used to test the hypothesis that ecosystem engineers negatively influence benthic ecosystem function through autogenic mechanisms, facilitating activity by biofouling organisms and competitive exclusion of native infauna. Enhanced physical structure associated with Sabella and mimics increased nitrogen fluxes, community metabolism and reduced denitrification from 23 μmol m−2 h−1 to zero at densities greater than 25 m2. Sabella plots on average had greater respiration (29%), NH4 release (33%), and greater NO3 release (52%) compared to mimics, suggesting allogenic (biological) mechanisms occur, but play a secondary role to autogenic (physical) mechanisms. The dominance of autogenic mechanisms indicates that bio-engineers are likely to cause significant impacts when established, regardless of fundamental differences in recipient regions or identity of the introduced bio-engineer. In the case of Sabella spallanzanii, compromised denitrification has the potential to tip the balance of net solute and gas exchanges and cause further ecological degradation in an already eutrophic system.
The Great American Biotic Interchange revisited: a new perspective from the stable isotope record of Argentine Pampas fossil mammals
Authors: Domingo Laura , Tomassini Rodrigo L. , Montalvo Claudia I. , Sanz-Pérez Dánae , Alberdi María Teresa 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study aims at assessing resource and habitat use, niche occupation and trophic interactions from a stable isotope perspective on fossil mammals from the Argentine Pampas during the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI). We present stable isotope data of more than 400 samples belonging to 10 mammalian orders and spanning a temporal range from ~9.5 Ma to ~12 ky. Rodents, notoungulates and pilosians record an increase in the consumption of C4 plants, whereas litopterns and cingulates show δ13C values that remain mostly within a C3-dominated diet. Our stable isotope data indicates that the expansion of C4 vegetation opened up new niche opportunities, probably alleviating resource competition among endemic taxa. Gomphothere, equid and camelid δ13C records show a broad variability pointing to consumption of C3 and mixed C3-C4 vegetation. This flexible dietary behavior may have facilitated the successful settlement of immigrant groups in South America. In the case of carnivorous taxa, Late Miocene pre-GABI endemic sparassodonts consumed prey from C3 environments, whereas immigrant carnivorans preferred prey from mixed C3-C4 areas. Our research contributes to the study of the GABI from a different perspective as stable isotope records permit to characterize, from a (semi)quantitative standpoint, ecological traits within extinct fauna.
Impacts of Mist Spray on Rice Field Micrometeorology and Rice Yield under Heat Stress Condition
Authors: Jiang Xiaodong , Hua Mengfei , Yang Xiaoya , Hu Ning , Qiu Rangjian , Yang Shenbin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHeat stress is one of the common agrometeorological hazards in rice production in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. To study the mechanism of mist spray in ameliorating heat stress injury, a field experiment was conducted at Nanjing (China) with an early and a late hybrid rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.). The mist spray treatments were conducted at the flowering period, which were at August 6-10 for early rice variety and September 1-5 for late one. Four treatments at different irrigation times (T1: 08:00; T2: 12:00; T3: 14:00; CK: no mist spray; mist spray amount of 1 L·m−2) were included. The temperature and humidity at the different heights of the rice canopy and the net solar radiation above the canopy were measured. The leaf senescence, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and the yields of the rice were determined. The results showed that mist spray rapidly reduced the temperature and increased the relative humidity in the canopy. The cooling effect was most significant at the top of the canopy and decreased downward from the top of canopy. The duration of the temperature decrease caused by the mist spray was 2 h. Mist spray could lead to an increase in latent heat flux (LE) and a decrease in sensible heat flux (H) in the rice field. The mist spray treatments delayed the senescence of the rice leaves, increased the activity levels of the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and soluble protein, reduced the malondialdehyde content, increased leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and yield. The T2 treatment showed the most significant effect against heat stress, with the yield of the two varieties increased 13.7 and 13.6% respectively. Compared with mist spray at 08:00 or 14:00, spraying at 12:00 had the strongest resistance to heat stress in rice field.