bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micromorphology analysis of TiO2 thin films by atomic force microscopy images: The influence of postannealing
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Achour Amine , Solaymani Shahram , Nikpasand Kimia , Dalouji Vali , Sari Amirhossein , Rezaee Sahar , Nezafat Negin B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis work describes an analysis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films prepared on silicon substrates by direct current (DC) planar magnetron sputtering system in O2/Ar atmosphere in correlation with three‐dimensional (3D) surface characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The samples were grown at temperatures 200, 300, and 400°C on silicon substrate using the same deposition time (30 min) and were distributed into four groups: Group I (as‐deposited samples), Group II (samples annealed at 200°C), Group III (samples annealed at 300°C), and Group IV (samples annealed at 400°C). AFM images with a size of 0.95 μm × 0.95 μm were recorded with a scanning resolution of 256 × 256 pixels. Stereometric analysis was carried out on the basis of AFM data, and the surface topography was described according to ISO 25178‐2:2012 and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B46.1‐2009 standards. The maximum and minimum root mean square roughnesses were observed in surfaces of Group II (Sq = 7.96 ± 0.1 nm) and Group IV (Sq = 3.87 ± 0.1 nm), respectively.
The big reveal: Family disclosure patterns of BRCA genetic test results among young Black women with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Conley Claire C. , Ketcher Dana , Reblin Maija , Kasting Monica L. , Cragun Deborah , Kim Jongphil , Ashing Kimlin Tam , Knott Cheryl L. , Hughes‐Halbert Chanita , Pal Tuya , Vadaparampil Susan T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDespite higher incidence and mortality of breast cancer among younger Black women, genetic testing outcomes remain severely understudied among Blacks. Past research on disclosure of genetic testing results to family members has disproportionately focused on White, educated, high socioeconomic status women. This study addresses this gap in knowledge by assessing (a) to whom Black women disclose genetic test results and (b) if patterns of disclosure vary based on test result (e.g., BRCA1/2 positive, negative, variant of uncertain significance [VUS]). Black women (N = 149) with invasive breast cancer diagnosed age ≤50 years from 2009 to 2012 received free genetic testing through a prospective, population‐based study. At 12 months post‐testing, women reported with whom they shared their genetic test results. The exact test by binomial distribution was used to examine whether disclosure to female relatives was significantly greater than disclosure to male relatives, and logistic regression analyses tested for differences in disclosure to any female relative, any male relative, parents, siblings, children, and spouses by genetic test result. Most (77%) women disclosed their results to at least one family member. Disclosure to female relatives was significantly greater than disclosure to males (p < .001). Compared to those who tested negative or had a VUS, BRCA1/2‐positive women were significantly less likely to disclose results to their daughters (ORBRCA positive = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.07–0.94, p = .041) by 12 months post‐genetic testing. Genetic test result did not predict any other type of disclosure (all ps > 0.12). Results suggest that in Black families, one benefit of genetic testing—to inform patients and their family about cancer risk information—is not being realized. To increase breast cancer preventive care among high‐risk Black women, the oncology care team should prepare Black BRCA1/2‐positive women to share genetic test results with family members and, in particular, their daughters.
Emerging evidence from a systematic review of safety of pre‐exposure prophylaxis for pregnant and postpartum women: where are we now and where are we heading?
Authors: Joseph Davey Dvora L , Pintye Jillian , Baeten Jared M , Aldrovandi Grace , Baggaley Rachel , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Celum Connie , Chi Benjamin H , Coates Thomas J , Haberer Jessica E , Heffron Renee , Kinuthia John , Matthews Lynn T , McIntyre James , Moodley Dhayendre , Mofenson Lynne M , Mugo Nelly , Myer Landon , Mujugira Andrew , Shoptaw Steven , Stranix‐Chibanda Lynda , John‐Stewart Grace ,   for the PrEP in Pregnancy Working Group
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionHIV incidence is high during pregnancy and breastfeeding with HIV acquisition risk more than doubling during pregnancy and the postpartum period compared to when women are not pregnant. The World Health Organization recommends offering pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to pregnant and postpartum women at substantial risk of HIV infection. However, maternal PrEP national guidelines differ and most countries with high maternal HIV incidence are not offering PrEP. We conducted a systematic review of recent research on PrEP safety in pregnancy to inform national policy and rollout.MethodsWe used a standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) approach to conduct a systematic review by searching for completed, ongoing, or planned PrEP in pregnancy projects or studies from clinicaltrials.gov, PubMed and NIH RePORTER from 2014 to March 2019. We performed a systematic review of studies that assess tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)‐based oral PrEP safety in pregnant and breastfeeding HIV‐uninfected women.Results and discussionWe identified 14 completed (n = 5) and ongoing/planned (n = 9) studies that evaluate maternal and/or infant outcomes following PrEP exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding. None of the completed studies found differences in pregnancy or perinatal outcomes associated with PrEP exposure. Nine ongoing studies, to be completed by 2022, will provide data on >6200 additional PrEP‐exposed pregnancies and assess perinatal, infant growth and bone health outcomes, expanding by sixfold the data on PrEP safety in pregnancy. Research gaps include limited data on (1) accurately measured PrEP exposure within maternal and infant populations including drug levels needed for maternal protection; (2) uncommon perinatal outcomes (e.g. congenital anomalies); (3) infant outcomes such as bone growth beyond one year following PrEP exposure; (4) outcomes in HIV‐uninfected women who use PrEP during pregnancy and/or lactation.ConclusionsExpanding delivery of PrEP is an essential strategy to reduce HIV incidence in pregnancy and breastfeeding women. Early safety studies of PrEP among pregnant women without HIV infection are reassuring and ongoing/planned studies will contribute extensive new data to bolster the safety profile of PrEP use in pregnancy. However, addressing research gaps is essential to expanding PrEP delivery for women in the context of pregnancy.
Variation of the T‐wave peak‐end interval and heart rate variability values in healthy males and females at various hours of the same day, and relationship of them
Authors: Cosgun Ayhan , Oren Huseyin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prolongation of repolarization time between the myocardial epicardium and endocardial cells is closely related to malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The purpose of our study was to compare repolarization markers, namely, T‐wave peak‐end interval (Tp‐e), QT, corrected QT (QTc), Tp‐e/QT, Tp‐e/corrected QT (QTc), and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) values in healthy men and women and to investigate their daily variations.MethodsA total of 74 male and 78 female participants, being a government employee, and having no health problems, were included in the two study groups (males and females). A 24‐hour, 12‐lead Holter monitoring was performed on the volunteers. Then, the Tp‐e interval and QT interval were measured on recordings. cTp‐e and QTc were calculated by the use of Bazzet's formula.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the cTp‐e interval at 07.00 pm; however, it was significantly lower in the female group as compared with the male group at 07.00 am and 01.00 pm. It was significantly higher in the female group at 01.00 am compared with the male group. There were statistically significant moderate negative correlations between Tp‐e intervals and a standard deviation of between two normal beats interval (SDNN) values at various hours of the same day.ConclusionThere were statistically significant differences in terms of Tp‐e and cTp‐e intervals at various hours of the same day in both groups. In addition, there were statistically significant moderate negative correlations between Tp‐e intervals and SDNN at various hours of the same day.
Effect of cadmium on mRNA mistranslation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Kuang Xin , Cao Fangqi , Chen Ranran , Fang Zhijia , Liu Wenbin , Shi Ping , Wang Handong , Shen Yuhu , Huang Zhiwei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlthough highly accurate molecular processes and various messenger RNA (mRNA) quality control and ribosome proofreading mechanisms are used by organisms to transcribe their genes and maintain the fidelity of genetic information, errors are inherent in all biological systems. Low‐level translation errors caused by an imbalance of homologous and nonhomologous amino acids caused by stress conditions are particularly common. Paradoxically, advantageous phenotypic diversity can be generated by such errors in eukaryotes through unknown molecular processes. Here, we found that the significant cadmium‐resistant phenotype was correlated with an increased mistranslation rate of the mRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This phenotypic change was also related to endogenous sulfur amino acid starvation. Compared with the control, the mistranslation rate caused by cadmium was significantly increased (p < .01). With the increase of cysteine contents in medium, the mistranslation rate of WT(BY4742a) decreased significantly (p < .01). This demonstrates that cadmium treatment and sulfur amino acid starvation both can induce translation errors. Although cadmium uptake is independent of the Sul1 transporter, cadmium‐induced mRNA mistranslation is dependent on the sulfate uptake of the Sul1p transporter. Furthermore, cadmium‐induced translation errors depend on methionine biosynthesis. Taken together, cadmium causes endogenous sulfur starvation, leading to an increase in the mRNA mistranslation, which contributes to the resistance of yeast cells to cadmium. We provide a new pathway mediating the toxicity of cadmium, and we propose that altering mRNA mistranslation may portray a different form of environmental adaptation.
Evaluation of salivary and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in patients with periodontal and cardiovascular disease as subclinical marker of cardiovascular risk
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Alibrandi Angela , Currò Monica , Matarese Marco , Ricca Sergio , Matarese Giovanni , Ientile Riccardo , Kocher Thomas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAsymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) plays a crucial role in endothelial function and maybe a link for the known interaction of periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD). In this pilot study, we compared the impact of gingival health, periodontitis (CP), CHD, or of both diseases (CP + CHD) on salivary and serum ADMA levels.MethodsThe clinical and periodontal characteristics, serum, and saliva samples were collected from 35 patients with CP, 33 patients with CHD, 35 patients with both CP + CHD, and 35 healthy subjects. Levels of ADMA and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were assessed with a commercially available kit.ResultsThe median (25% and 75% percentile) concentrations of salivary and serum ADMA were significantly higher in the CHD group [serum: 1.5 (1.2 to 1.8) μmol/L; salivary 1.3 (1 to 1.7) μmol/g protein, P < 0.01] and in the CP + CHD [serum: 1.8 (1.4 to 2.0) μmol/L; salivary 1.5 (1.2 to 1.7) μmol/g protein, P < 0.001] group compared to CP patients and controls. In univariate models, CP (P = 0.034), CHD (P < 0.001), and hs‐CRP (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with serum ADMA, whereas in a multivariate model, hs‐CRP remained a significant predictor of serum ADMA (P < 0.001). In a multivariate model, the significant predictors of salivary ADMA levels were hs‐CRP (P < 0.001) and education socioeconomic status (P = 0.042).ConclusionsPatients with CHD and CP + CHD presented higher levels of salivary and serum ADMA compared to healthy subjects and CP patients. hs‐CRP was a significant predictor of increased salivary and serum ADMA levels.
Robotic approach as a valid strategy to improve the access to posterosuperior hepatic segments—Case series and review of literature
Authors: Araujo Raphael L. C. , Sanctis Marco Aurelio , Barroti Lucas C. , Coelho Tomás R. V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionAlthough the laparoscopy liver resection (LLR) has become a useful approach for minor resections, it seems that lesions in posterosuperior (PS) segments still represent technical challenges. We report a series of robotic approach as an alternative option for these lesions, and a systematic review of the literature to show its feasibility.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent liver resection for solitary lesions in PS segments by da Vinci SI robot, and by the same team. A systematic review of the literature was made to evaluate the feasibility of a robotic approach for PS hepatectomies.ResultsFrom April 2016 to April 2017, five cases of robotic nonanatomical PS resections of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) were performed. A systematic review encountered five articles plus this series reporting outcomes for this approach. Briefly, a total of five patients in our series underwent this approach, all females, and one patient presented a grade 2 complication.ConclusionRobotic hepatectomy seems to be a useful and valid strategy to resect lesions on PS hepatic segments simplifying liver‐sparing hepatectomies. Even though the operative time is still high, the short length of stay, low number of complications and the low need for blood transfusions seems to surpass the intrinsic cost of robotic surgery.
Bark Beetle‐Affected Forests Provide Elk Only a Marginal Refuge from Hunters
Authors: Lamont Bryan G. , Kauffman Matthew J. , Merkle Jerod A. , Mong Tony W. , Hayes Matthew M. , Monteith Kevin L. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTFor nearly 2 decades, the forests of the Rocky Mountains in the United States experienced a bark‐beetle (Dendoctronus ponderosae) epidemic. The number of dead and falling trees from this epidemic likely will affect how elk (Cervus canadensis) and hunters use the forest and their interactions. Downed trees potentially create a component of refuge habitat that could affect the effectiveness of hunting to regulate abundance of growing elk populations. We evaluated how forests affected by bark beetles in south‐central Wyoming, USA, influenced resource selection of 50 female elk and 374 hunters in 2012–2016, and interactions between elk and hunters. We employed global positioning system (GPS) technology on elk and hunters, and developed a satellite‐derived land classification specifically depicting beetle‐affected forests. We tested the predictions that elk would increase use of beetle‐killed areas from summer to the hunting season, and that hunters would avoid beetle‐killed areas regardless of elk use. Elk increased use of beetle‐killed areas during hunting seasons as did hunters during the archery season; however, during the rifle season, hunters avoided beetle‐killed areas. Nevertheless, during the rifle season, areas of beetle‐kill with a high probability of elk occurrence dampened the aversion hunters had towards beetle‐killed areas. Therefore, in contrast to our expectations, forests that have been altered by the bark‐beetle epidemic may only function marginally as a refuge for elk. Our study area was at the beginning of the tree‐fall phase (i.e., ~3–7 yr after peak infestation) of the bark‐beetle epidemic; thus, future research efforts should focus on how a continued increase in downed trees will influence interactions between elk and hunters. At current levels of tree fall, however, beetle‐kill should not limit the ability of managers to regulate elk herds through harvest. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Effect of margin status and pathological grade in treatment of sinonasal mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Auger Samuel R. , Patel Tirth , Ganti Ashwin , Raman Anish , Shay Aryan , Kuhar Hannah N. , Kuan Edward C. , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association of demographic factors, grade, margin status, and treatment modalities for overall survival in patients with sinonasal mucoepidermoid carcinoma (SNMEC).Study DesignRetrospective database review.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was queried for patients of all ages with SNMEC between 2004 and 2015. Univariate Kaplan‐Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of suspected prognostic factors with overall survival. Subgroup analysis by margin status and grade was performed.ResultsA total of 239 patients with SNMEC were included in the analysis. The 5‐year overall survival was 63.6%. Prognostic factors associated with decreased survival include age over 70 years (P = .027), sphenoid primary site (P = .002), and advanced‐stage malignancy (P = .024). Improved survival was associated with surgery achieving negative margins (P = .001). Adjuvant radiation was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.25, P = .015) in the negative‐margin group but was not found to be a statistically significant factor in the positive‐margin group (HR = 0.66, P = .509).ConclusionsThis investigation is the largest to date to analyze the association of treatment modalities with overall survival in SNMEC and subgroup analysis by histopathologic grade and surgical margin status of treatment outcomes. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment in patients with SNMEC. However, administration of radiation may confer survival benefit to patients with negative margins.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2020
Suppression of amino acid and oligopeptide mineralization by organic manure addition in a semiarid environment
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Jones Davey L. , Arif Muhammad Saleem , Yasmeen Tahira , Xu Jianchu , Khan Sehroon , Nadir Sadia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe rapid mineralization of organic nitrogen (ON) in semiarid soils frequently results in large N losses, reduced crop yields, and environmental pollution. The addition of manures to soil has the potential to promote microbial growth, increase N immobilization, reverse the decline in soil organic matter, and enhance soil quality. In this study, three contrasting organic manures were used to determine their influences on amino acid and oligopeptide dynamics in soil (as key component of the soil ON‐cycle) as well their effects on the size of the microbial biomass and N immobilization. Laboratory incubation experiments were set up with soil obtained from experimental field trial sites for growing maize. Treatments included soil amended with either poultry manure (PM), farmyard manure, pressmud, or unamended (control). Radio‐ and stable‐isotope (14C–15N) techniques were used to assess ON mineralization, immobilization, and leaching using the amino acids alanine and valine as well as the oligopeptides trialanine and valine–proline–proline as model substrates. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine soil bacterial biomass. The results showed that all manures increased microbial growth and total soil amino acids as well as protein content. Greater immobilization and subsequently lower mineralization and leaching were also observed in the manure‐amended soils, with this being most pronounced in the PM treatment. The application of PM also enhanced the half‐lives of the ON compounds in soil and increased the size of the bacterial biomass. Overall, our findings indicate that manure amendments, particularly PM, can help promote more efficient ON cycling in semi‐arid ecosystem by controlling N mineralization, reducing amino acid leaching, and elevating oligopeptide immobilization.
Trophic transfer of microplastics in an estuarine food chain and the effects of a sorbed legacy pollutant
Authors: Athey Samantha N. , Albotra Samantha D. , Gordon Cessely A. , Monteleone Bonnie , Seaton Pamela , Andrady Anthony L. , Taylor Alison R. , Brander Susanne M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMicroplastics are of increasing concern as they are readily ingested by aquatic organisms. This study investigated microplastic trophic transfer using larval inland silversides (Menidia beryllina) (5 d posthatch) and unicellular tintinnid (Favella spp.) as a model food chain relevant to North American estuaries. Low‐density polyethylene microspheres (10–20 μm) were used to compare direct ingestion of microplastics by larval fish and trophic transfer via tintinnid prey. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)‐treated microspheres were used to determine sorbed pollutant effects on microplastic ingestion. Larval fish exposed directly to microspheres ingested significantly fewer than those exposed via contaminated prey. Larvae ingested significantly more ciliates containing DDT‐treated microspheres than ciliates containing untreated plastics but did not discriminate when exposed directly. Larvae reared for 16 d following a direct 2 h exposure had significantly lower wet weight values than unexposed controls. Our results demonstrate that trophic transfer is a significant route of microplastic exposure that can cause detrimental effects in sensitive life stages.
An experimental investigation of the corrosive influence of SO2 relative to H2SO4 of marine engine cylinder liners
Authors: Kjemtrup Lars , Cordtz Rasmus F. , Jensen Michael V. , Schramm Jesper 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe present study investigates the corrosive influence of SO2 on cylinder liner wear relative to H2SO4. Several charge gases with different concentrations of SO2, H2SO4, and H2O in air are fed to a motored light duty test engine that operates at 98 revolutions per minute (rpm) in order to resemble the corrosive combustion gas and cycle speed of large low‐speed two‐stroke marine engines. When the trapped cylinder gas is compressed, the H2SO4 and H2O vapours can condense on the oil wetted liner surface, and the SO2 can be absorbed in the oil film. Hereby the liner surface may be exposed to a corrosive attack. A blend of a base oil and a commercial marine engine cylinder lubrication oil is used in the experiments. During testing, oil samples are extracted from the engine and subsequently analysed for iron and sulphur accumulation (using an energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer) in order to couple cylinder liner wear with the amount of SO2, H2SO4, and H2O in the charge gas. In contrast to H2SO4, the wear of SO2 is weak (if any), although the SO2 accumulates/reacts considerably in the lube oil. The highest wear rates are found at elevated H2O concentrations.