bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive isolation caused by azoospermia in sterile male hybrids of Drosophila
Authors: Davis Hunter , Sosulski Nicholas , Civetta Alberto 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRecently diverged populations in the early stages of speciation offer an opportunity to understand mechanisms of isolation and their relative contributions. Drosophila willistoni is a tropical species with broad distribution from Argentina to the southern United States, including the Caribbean islands. A postzygotic barrier between northern populations (North America, Central America, and the northern Caribbean islands) and southern populations (South American and the southern Caribbean islands) has been recently documented and used to propose the existence of two different subspecies. Here, we identify premating isolation between populations regardless of their subspecies status. We find no evidence of postmating prezygotic isolation and proceeded to characterize hybrid male sterility between the subspecies. Sterile male hybrids transfer an ejaculate that is devoid of sperm but causes elongation and expansion of the female uterus. In sterile male hybrids, bulging of the seminal vesicle appears to impede the movement of the sperm toward the sperm pump, where sperm normally mixes with accessory gland products. Our results highlight a unique form of hybrid male sterility in Drosophila that is driven by a mechanical impediment to transfer sperm rather than by an abnormality of the sperm itself. Interestingly, this form of sterility is reminiscent of a form of infertility (azoospermia) that is caused by lack of sperm in the semen due to blockages that impede the sperm from reaching the ejaculate.
Impact of tricuspid regurgitation on survival in patients with heart failure: a large electronic health record patient‐level database analysis
Authors: Messika‐Zeitoun David , Verta Patrick , Gregson John , Pocock Stuart J. , Boero Isabel , Feldman Ted E. , Abraham William T. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Bax Jeroen , Leon Martin , Enriquez‐Sarano Maurice 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsMore evidence is needed to quantify the association between tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsBetween 2008–2017, using the Optum longitudinal database, a patient‐level database that integrates multiple US‐based electronic health and claim records from several health care providers, we identified 435 679 patients with new HF diagnosis and both an assessment of the left ventricular ejection fraction and at least 1 year of history. TR was graded as mild, moderate or severe and classified as prevalent (at the time of the initial HF diagnosis) or incident (subsequent new cases thereafter). For prevalent TR, the analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model with adjustment for patient covariates. Incident TR was modelled as a time‐updated covariate, as were other non‐fatal events during follow‐up. Prevalence of mild, moderate and severe TR at baseline was 10.1%, 5.1% and 1.4%, respectively. Over a median follow‐up of 1.5 years, 121 273 patients (27.8%) died and prevalent TR was independently associated with survival. Compared to patients with no TR at baseline, the adjusted hazard ratios for mortality were 0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–1.01], 1.17 (95% CI 1.14–1.20) and 1.34 (95% CI 1.28–1.39) for mild, moderate and severe TR, respectively. In the 363 270 patients free from TR at baseline, incident TR (at least mild, at least moderate, or severe) developed during follow‐up in 12.1%, 5.1% and 1.1%, respectively. Adjusted mortality hazard ratios for such new cases were 1.48 (95% CI 1.44–1.52), 1.92 (95% CI 1.86–1.99) and 2.44 (95% CI 2.32–2.57), respectively. Findings were consistent across all patient subgroups based on age, gender, rhythm, associated comorbidities, prior cardiac surgery, B‐type natriuretic peptide/N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, and left ventricular ejection fraction.ConclusionsIn this large contemporary patient‐level database of almost half‐million US patients with HF, TR was associated with a marked increases in mortality risk overall and in all subgroups. Future randomized controlled trials will evaluate the impact of TR correction on clinical outcomes and the causal relationship between TR and mortality.
The formation mechanisms of flow field in a compound intake ported rotary engine considering apex seal leakage
Authors: Fan Baowei , Zhang Yaoyuan , Pan Jianfeng , Otchere Peter , Wang Yuanguang , Zeng Yonghao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe development of rotary engines is severely restricted by its low combustion efficiency and high emission. In‐cylinder flow field is known to play a major role in combustion process for rotary engines. Therefore, in the present article, a three‐dimensional dynamic simulation model considering leakage through apex seals was developed and verified by the two‐dimensional particle image velocimetry experiment results on the rotor housing central plane. Based on the three‐dimensional dynamic simulation model, the formation mechanisms of flow field in a compound intake ported rotary engine under different apex seal leakage gap sizes (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 mms) and engine speeds (2,000, 3,500, and 5,000 rpms) were numerically studied. The simulation results showed that there exist two formation mechanisms of the flow field in the intake stroke, that is, “side intake port dominance” and “peripheral intake port dominance.” For the three engine speeds (2,000, 3,500, and 5,000 rpms), with the increase of apex seal leakage gap size, the formation mechanism of the flow field gradually changed from “side intake port dominance” to “peripheral intake port dominance.” In addition, the influences of apex seal leakage on the volume coefficient and the turbulence kinetic energy in the combustion chamber were also investigated in detail.
Impact of immunophenotypic characteristics on genetic subgrouping in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group (TCCSG) study L04‐16
Authors: Ohki Kentaro , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Fukushima Takashi , Nanmoku Toru , Kusano Shinpei , Mori Makiko , Nakazawa Yozo , Yuza Yuki , Migita Masahiro , Okuno Haruna , Morimoto Akira , Yoshino Hiroshi , Kato Motohiro , Hayashi Yasuhide , Manabe Atsushi , Ohara Akira , Hasegawa Daisuke , Inukai Takeshi , Tomizawa Daisuke , Koh Katsuyoshi , Kiyokawa Nobutaka ,   for the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group (TCCSG)
Published: May 2020

AbstractImmunophenotyping was performed in 1044 consecutive childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients enrolled in the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group L04‐16 trial, revealing novel findings associated with genetic abnormalities. In addition to TCF3‐PBX1 and MEF2D fusions, the CD10(+) subtype of KMT2A‐MLLT3‐positive ALL frequently exhibited the cytoplasmic‐μ(+) pre‐B ALL immunophenotype. Although ETV6‐RUNX1 was significantly correlated with myeloid antigen expression, more than half of patients expressed neither CD33 nor CD13, while the CD27(+)/CD44(−) immunophenotype was maintained. Expression of CD117 and CD56 in B‐cell precursor‐ALL was limited to certain subtypes including ETV6‐RUNX1 and KMT2A‐MLLT3. Besides BCR‐ABL1, CRLF2, hyperdiploidy, and hypodiploidy, CD66c was also expressed in Ph‐like kinase fusion‐, PAX5 fusion‐, and DUX4 fusion‐positive ALL, but not in MEF2D fusion‐positive ALL, indicating constant selectivity of CD66c expression. In T‐ALL, SIL‐TAL1‐positive patients were likely to exhibit a more mature immunophenotype. Expression of CD21 and CD10 was not rare in T‐ALL, while lack of CD28 was an additional feature of early T‐cell precursor‐ALL. Considering the immunophenotype as a prognostic maker, MEF2D fusion‐positive ALL with CD5 expression may be associated with a poorer prognosis in comparison with those lacking CD5 expression. In cases with characteristic marker expression, the presence of certain fusion transcripts could be predicted accurately.
Effectiveness of a peer education gender and health project for men in Timor‐Leste
Authors: Smith Helen , Botfield Jessica R. , Soares Marce , Cheng Yan , McGeechan Kevin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIssue AddressedIn response to high rates of gender‐based violence and poor sexual and reproductive health indicators in Timor‐Leste, a ‘Men's Health Project’ was implemented in two rural communities in 2013. A peer education model was utilised to engage men in issues regarding health, relationships and well‐being.MethodsCommunity‐based baseline and endline surveys were undertaken to evaluate the project in the two communities.ResultsIn 2013, 401 men and boys completed a baseline survey, and 400 completed an endline survey in 2016. Significant differences were found in a number of areas, with more men in the endline survey aware of the negative impacts of alcohol, safe pregnancy practices, family planning and sexually transmitted infections. Many men reported making the major decisions in their family in both surveys.ConclusionsThe peer education approach engaged men in health awareness and contributed to increasing knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and other health issues. However, while education and positive attitudes are an important foundation for change, other enabling mechanisms including vital infrastructure, services and health personnel must be in place to facilitate change and increase access to information and healthcare. Findings highlight the importance of engaging both women and men in processes of challenging behaviours and structures that reinforce gender inequalities.So What?Peer education appears to be an effective model for engaging community members in gender and health issues in Timor‐Leste. The Men's Health Project enabled men to participate in health awareness and issues regarding health, relationships and well‐being.
Multiple‐indicator study of the response of groundwater recharge sources to highly turbid river water after a landslide in the Tedori River alluvial fan, Japan
Authors: Yoshioka Yumi , Nakamura Kimihito , Takimoto Hiroshi , Sakurai Shinji , Nakagiri Takao , Horino Haruhiko , Tsuchihara Takeo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe large volume of groundwater stored in the Tedori River alluvial fan, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, is an important source of local drinking and industrial water. The Tedori River was observed to be highly turbid from the beginning of May 2015 to at least November 2017 due to a landslide in the upper reach of the river. After the landslide, the groundwater level was drawn down by several to 10 m near the middle river section during paddy irrigation periods in 2015 and 2016. This study addresses the impacts of the highly turbid water on groundwater recharge from the river and paddy fields. In 2016, we sampled groundwater, river water, paddy irrigation water, paddy ponding water, and precipitation five times at 2‐month intervals. We analysed the H, O, and Sr stable isotopic compositions and major dissolved ion (and Sr) concentrations and compared our data to previous data obtained in June 2011. Ca, Sr, Cl, SO4, and TN concentrations and δ18O values were higher in June 2016 than in June 2011; these increases were more extreme along the left bank of the Tedori River than along the right bank. We explored the mixing of Tedori River water with groundwater using a two‐endmember mixing model based on their Sr concentrations and isotopic compositions. Compared to June 2011, mixing ratios were decreased near the Tedori River in 2016, and larger decreases were observed along the left bank and in the middle stream area. These results confirm that the contribution to groundwater recharge from the river decreased during the turbidity event, particularly along the left bank.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Elusive Matrix‐Open State of Mitochondrial ADP/ATP Carrier
Authors: Škulj Sanja , Brkljača Zlatko , Vazdar Mario 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe studied and compared in detail an elusive matrix open (m‐state) and cytoplasmic open (c‐state) state of ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) protein embedded in the DOPC bilayer by microsecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We analyzed both states with and without cardiolipin (CDL) molecules, with a special emphasis on the recently obtained crystallographic structure of the AAC m‐state. The obtained results show that both states of the protein are stable in the DOPC bilayer and impermeable to water. In comparison with the c‐state of AAC, the m‐state is more dynamic, but at the same time possesses a larger occluded area in the protein cavity. Both states of the protein are less flexible in simulations when CDL molecules are present, which is especially visible for the m‐state. Finally, the analysis of the protein conformational changes during MD simulations shows that protein parts at the protein/lipid boundaries are prone to larger conformational changes in contrast to central region of the protein embedded in the bilayer core, thus further supporting the cycling mechanism suggested for ADP/ATP exchange by AAC.
The use of the wetting front detector as an irrigation‐scheduling tool for pepper production in the Upper East Region of Ghana: Evidence from field experiment and farmers' perceptions
Authors: Adimassu Zenebe , Balana Bedru B. , Appoh Richard , Nartey Eric 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe compare the effect of the wetting front detector on yield and water productivity with farmers' practices (FP) and irrigation requirements based on crop water requirement calculation (IRCWR). A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of the wetting front detector, FP and IRCWR combined with six fertilizer rates. We also interviewed 50 farmers to understand their perception about the use and associated concerns with the wetting front detector. Analysis of variance and partial budget economic analysis were performed. The results show that the wetting front detector saved 16% of irrigation water compared to FP, which in turn led to 16% labour saving to irrigate pepper as compared to FP. Yield and water productivity of pepper were not significantly affected by the irrigation regimes. Regardless of irrigation regimes, yield of pepper was significantly influenced by fertilizer treatment in both years. Although the highest fresh fruit yield of pepper (8.6 t ha−1) was recorded from Fortifer granules, the highest marginal rate of return was obtained from application of inorganic fertilizer including 173 N, 36 P,18 K ha¯¹. The majority of farmers perceived the wetting front detector as low risk and compatible to use. The result also suggests that farmers are interested in buying and adopting the tool for future use. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporating social determinants of health into comprehensive medication management: Insights from the field
Authors: Pestka Deborah L. , Espersen Chris , Sorge Lindsay A. , Funk Kylee A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionSocial determinants of health affect all aspects of health, including a patient's ability to access and appropriately use medications.ObjectiveTo understand the experience of pharmacists incorporating social determinants of health into their comprehensive medication management visits.MethodsTwo pharmacists practicing comprehensive medication management in an outpatient behavioral health clinic received regular coaching for 10 months from a social determinants of health consultant on incorporating social determinants of health into their visits. At the end of the project, an interview was conducted with both participating pharmacists to learn about their experience. All coaching calls and the interview were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed qualitatively.ResultsFifteen codes emerged to describe the pharmacists' experience incorporating social determinants of health into their visits. The codes were categorized using the steps of the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process. Additionally, there was a category of codes describing larger system issues that posed a barrier to addressing social determinants of health, as well as a category of lessons that pharmacists learned through the process of incorporating social determinants of health into their visits.ConclusionGiven the prevalence of social determinants of health and the dramatic effect they have on a patient's health and wellbeing, more work needs to be done to determine how health care teams can incorporate and address social determinants of health into their visits. This work provides an important first step to understanding how incorporating social determinants of health fit into the practice of comprehensive medication management.
Comprehensive expression analysis of mRNA and microRNA for the investigation of compensatory mechanisms in the rat kidney after unilateral nephrectomy
Authors: Matsushita Kohei , Toyoda Takeshi , Yamada Takanori , Morikawa Tomomi , Ogawa Kumiko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCompensation is a physiological response that occurs during chemical exposure to maintain homeostasis. Because compensatory responses are not usually considered adverse effects, it is important to understand compensatory mechanisms for chemical risk assessment. Although the kidney is a major target organ for toxicity, there is controversy over whether hyperplasia or hypertrophy contributes to the compensatory mechanism, and there is limited information to apply for chemical risk assessment. In the present study, compensatory mechanisms of the kidney were investigated in a unilateral nephrectomy (UNx) model using adult male and female F344 rats. In residual kidneys of male and female rats after UNx, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine‐labeling indices and mRNA expression of cell cycle‐related genes were increased, although there were no fluctuations in mRNA expression of transforming growth factor‐β1, which contributes to hypertrophy in renal tubules. Pathway analysis using mRNA expression data from a complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray revealed that canonical pathways related to cell proliferation were mainly activated and that forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was an upstream regulator of compensatory cell proliferation in residual kidneys of male and female rats. cDNA microarray for microRNAs (miRNAs) demonstrated that nine miRNAs were downregulated in residual kidneys, and mRNA/miRNA integrated analysis indicated that miRNAs were associated with the expression of factors downstream of FOXM1. Overall, these results suggested that FOXM1‐mediated hyperplasia rather than hypertrophy contributed to compensatory mechanisms in the kidney and that miRNAs regulated downstream FOXM1 signaling. These results will be beneficial for evaluating nephrotoxicity in chemical risk assessment and for developing new biomarkers to predict nephrotoxicity.
Epidemiology of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in Japan: A focused literature review
Authors: Eguchi Yuichiro , Wong Gabriel , Lee Emma (I‐Heng) , Akhtar Omar , Lopes Ricardo , Sumida Yoshio 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represent a growing unmet medical need and an increasingly prevalent cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and death in Japan. The aim of this review was to characterize the epidemiology of NAFLD and NASH in Japan. An English and Japanese literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and ICHUSHI Web, identifying 6553 studies, 67 of which were included. Prevalence of NAFLD in the Japanese population rose from the early 1990s (12.6–12.9%) to the early 2000s (24.6–34.7% of the population). Japanese NASH prevalence is estimated to be 1.9–2.7%. NAFLD and NASH are more common among males than females; however, females experience more severe disease than males. While obese patients had higher prevalence of NAFLD/NASH, nonobese individuals (body mass index [BMI] <25 kg/m2) consistently comprised 20% to >35% of NAFLD and NASH patients. The evidence shows that, despite obesity being linked with worse disease stages, “lean‐NASH” also plays an important role in NASH epidemiology. Besides obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome appeared to be reliably associated with disease severity. The prevalence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhotic disease was the highest in patients with NASH‐HCC (44–80% with stage F3/F4 disease), while 21–50% of patients with NASH had F3/F4 disease. NAFLD/NASH is common in the Japanese population, and the prevalence of these conditions has tripled in the last two decades. Furthermore, these NAFLD/NASH patients have a high comorbidity burden. Early and efficient identification of safe and effective treatments for NAFLD/NASH patients is urgently needed.
AADC deficiency from infancy to adulthood: Symptoms and developmental outcome in an international cohort of 63 patients
Authors: Pearson Toni S. , Gilbert Laura , Opladen Thomas , Garcia‐Cazorla Angeles , Mastrangelo Mario , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Tay Stacy K. H. , Sykut‐Cegielska Jolanta , Pons Roser , Mercimek‐Andrews Saadet , Kato Mitsuhiro , Lücke Thomas , Oppebøen Mari , Kurian Manju A. , Steel Dora , Manti Filippo , Meeks Kathleen D. , Jeltsch Kathrin , Flint Lisa 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCD) is a rare, autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired synthesis of dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline and serotonin, leading to a complex syndrome of motor, behavioral, and autonomic symptoms. This retrospective study assessed the symptoms and developmental outcome of a large international cohort of patients with AADCD via physician and/or caregiver responses to a detailed, standardized questionnaire. Sixty‐three patients (60% female; ages 6 months‐36 years, median 7 years; 58 living) from 23 individual countries participated. Common symptoms at onset (median age 3 months, range 0‐12 months) were hypotonia, developmental delay, and/or oculogyric crises. Oculogyric crises were present in 97% of patients aged 2 to 12 years, occurred in the majority of patients in all age groups, and tended to be most severe during early childhood. Prominent non‐motor symptoms were sleep disturbance, irritable mood, and feeding difficulties. The majority of subjects (70%) had profound motor impairment characterized by absent head control and minimal voluntary movement, while 17% had mild motor impairment and were able to walk independently. Dopamine agonists were the medications most likely to produce some symptomatic benefit, but were associated with dose‐limiting side effects (dyskinesia, insomnia, irritability, vomiting) that led to discontinuation 25% of the time. The age distribution of our cohort (70% of subjects under age 13 years) and the observation of a greater proportion of patients with a more severe disease phenotype in the younger compared to the older patients, both suggest a significant mortality risk during childhood for patients with severe disease.