bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endochondral growth zone pattern and activity in the zebrafish pharyngeal skeleton
Authors: Heubel Brian P. , Bredesen Carson A. , Schilling Thomas F. , Le Pabic Pierre 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundEndochondral ossification is a major bone forming mechanism in vertebrates, defects in which can result in skeletal dysplasia or craniofacial anomalies in humans. The zebrafish holds great potential to advance our understanding of endochondral growth zone development and genetics, yet several important aspects of its biology remain unexplored. Here we provide a comprehensive description of endochondral growth zones in the pharyngeal skeleton, including their developmental progression, cellular activity, and adult fates.ResultsPostembryonic growth of the pharyngeal skeleton is supported by endochondral growth zones located either at skeletal epiphyses or synchondroses. Col2a1a and col10a1a in situ hybridization and anti‐PCNA immunostaining identify resting‐, hypertrophic‐ and proliferative zones, respectively, in pharyngeal synchondroses. Cellular hypertrophy and matrix deposition contribute little, if at all, to axial growth in most skeletal elements. Zebrafish endochondral growth zones develop during metamorphosis and arrest in adults.ConclusionsTwo endochondral growth zone configurations in the zebrafish pharyngeal skeleton produce either unidirectional (epiphyses) or bidirectional (synchondroses) growth. Cell proliferation drives endochondral growth and its modulation, in contrast to mammalian long bones in which bone length depends more on cell enlargement during hypertrophy and intramembranous ossification is the default mechanism of bone growth in zebrafish adults.
Dark fermentative biohydrogen production from rice mill wastewater
Authors: Ramu Satheesh Murugan , Dinesh Gujuluva Hari , Thulasinathan Boobalan , Thondi Rajan Angelin Swetha , Ponnuchamy Kumar , Pugazhendhi Arivalagan , Alagarsamy Arun 
Published: August 2020

SummaryHydrogen (H2) is one of the most promising fuels for sustainable energy production. Microbial bio‐H2 fermentation is considered to be one of the environment friendly alternatives for satisfying the demand for fossil fuels. The study has aimed to isolate the effective bio‐H2 producing microbes from rice mill wastewater (RMWW) using various pre‐treatment enrichment methods. Among the 27 enriched isolates, three isolates produced higher H2 utilizing rice mill wastewater as the substrate. Molecular level identification revealed that the three bacterial strains were Bacillus thuringiensis‐RH1, Bacillus aerophilus‐RH2, and Bacillus beringensis‐AARAT1. Optimization studies revealed that B. thuringiensis‐RH1 would be a promising bio‐H2 producing bacterium with a yield of 0.96 ± 0.06 mol H2/ mol glucose utilizing 50% of rice mill wastewater at pH 5.5. Furthermore, the obtained optimized substrate concentration (50%) and pH (5.5) from batch fermentation were used in the 3 L batch bioreactor experiment using B. thuringiensis‐RH1. A higher hydrogen yield (HY) of 1.63 ± 0.14 mol H2/mol glucose using B. thuringiensis‐RH1 at 72 hours was obtained in the extensive scale up process.
Coordinated throughput optimization for mobile sensor networks under heterogeneous fading conditions
Authors: Fida Adnan , Iftikhar Adnan , Azfar Yaqub Muhammad , Kim Dongkyun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper considers the P2P throughput optimization of mobile wireless sensor networks under a Rician/Rayleigh heterogeneous fading environment. The Rician/Rayleigh fading scenarios considers both extreme cases of signal propagation, that is, dominant line of sight (LOS) signal and No LOS (NLOS) signal. We focus on a type of P2P communication between wireless sensor nodes where the desired signal experiences Rician fading channel and the interfering signals undergoes Rayleigh fading channel. The coordinated link quality‐ and position‐aware route (C‐LPAR) reconfiguration strategy is proposed to exploit the multipath fading characteristics and mobility of nodes in order to provide optimal end‐to‐end throughput routes in presence of path loss, fading and interference. We studied the performance of proposed strategy under different environmental conditions and investigated the achievable throughput as well as number of hops and euclidean distance of the routes.
Influence of stagnation gradient for face support calculation in Slurry Shield Tunnelling
Authors: Zizka Zdenek , Kube Sebastian , Schößer Britta , Thewes Markus 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn slurry shield tunnelling, a reliable face support is presumed if a sufficient support pressure is transferred and the slurry excess pressure provides efficient support pressure on the soil skeleton. The required support pressure is calculated in reference to the groundwater pressure and the earth pressure. In this paper, the sliding wedge mechanism is applied. To ensure face stability, the support pressure transfer needs to be provided within the theoretical sliding wedge at the tunnel face. Therefore, the penetration depth of the bentonite suspension as a support medium has to be kept within limits. Research shows that certain penetration is required.The stagnation gradient defines the relation of the support pressure and the penetration depth of the suspension. The gradient has a described minimum, but also an undefined but existing maximum. The German standard DIN 4126 describes two cases for the minimum at each trench depth: Either the pressure losses due to the pressure acting outside the sliding wedge are less than 5 % or the stagnation gradient is at least 200 kN/m3. If the supporting pressure gradient is below 200 kN/m3, DIN 4126 defines rough reduction factors. For a more precise observation of the stagnation gradient, this paper presents a detailed supplement to the DIN 4126 approach taking the tunnel diameter and the angle of the sliding wedge into account. The aim is to determine the minimum recommended stagnation gradient for which no increase of the slurry excess pressure is necessary due to too deep penetration.
Geomembranes for tunnel constructions – Applications, properties and release of pollutants
Authors: Lühr Hans‐Peter 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe sealing of tunnel walls involves the use of membranes which, depending on the situation, are constantly exposed to the leaching action of groundwater, or of water emanating from the surrounding rock. In terms of ecological product compatibility, the question arises as to whether pollutants may be released in the process. Various geomembranes are examined in more detail and subjected to an evaluation system. It emerges that in particular geomembranes with especially worrying components such as phthalates should generally be kept away from the environment for precautionary reasons, even though some phthalate plasticisers have not yet been evaluated by the EU. Phthalates are characterised by the fact that they are released from the membranes in considerable quantities.
Health expenditure of employees versus self‐employed individuals; a 5 year study
Authors: Herber Gerrie‐Cor , Schipper Maarten , Koopmanschap Marc , Proper Karin , van der Lucht Fons , Boshuizen Hendriek , Polder Johan , Uiters Ellen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIt is unclear to what extent self‐employed choose to become self‐employed. This study aimed to compare the health care expenditures—as a proxy for health—of self‐employed individuals in the year before they started their business, to that of employees. Differences by sex, age, and industry were studied. In total, 5,741,457 individuals aged 25–65 years who were listed in the tax data between 2010 and 2015 with data on their health insurance claims were included. Self‐employed and employees were stratified according to sex, age, household position, personal income, region, and industry for each of the years covered. Weighted linear regression was used to compare health care expenditures in the preceding (yearx–1) between self‐employed and employees (in yearx). Compared with employees, expenditures for hospital care, pharmaceutical care and mental health care were lower among self‐employed in the year before they started their business. Differences were most pronounced for men, individuals ≥40 years and those working in the industry and energy sector, construction, financial institutions, and government and care. We conclude that healthy individuals are overrepresented among the self‐employed, which is more pronounced in certain subgroups. Further qualitative research is needed to investigate the reasons why these subgroups are more likely to choose to become self‐employed.
Association of microRNA 17 host gene variant (rs4284505) with susceptibility and severity of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Abdel‐Gawad Abdelhady R. , Shaheen Sameerah , Babteen Nouf A. , Toraih Eman A. , Elshazli Rami M. , Fawzy Manal S. , Gouda Nawal S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveMicroRNAs are large family clusters of small noncoding RNAs that implicated in genetic and epigenetic regulation of several immunological processes and pathways. As an epigenetic modifier, the microRNA 17‐92 cluster host gene (MIR17HG) has been shown to regulate the expression of genes involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathway. This study aimed to explore the association of MIR17HG (rs4284505; A>G) variant with SLE development and phenotype in a sample of the Eastern Mediterranean population.MethodsA total of 326 participants (163 patients with SLE and 163 healthy controls) were enrolled in this study. The different genotypes of the MIR17HG (rs4284505) variant were characterized using the TaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique. Association with the available clinical and laboratory data, including the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), was also executed.ResultsThe MIR17HG (rs4284505)variant showed a protective effect against developing SLE under heterozygote (A/G vs A/A; odds ratio [OR] = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05‐0.20,P < 0.001) and dominant (A/G+G/G vs A/A; OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.25‐0.61,P < .001) models. This association was consistent even after SLE stratified by lupus nephritis. In contrast, rs4284505 (G/G) genotype conferred increased susceptibility to SLE (G/G vs A/A+A/G; OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.31‐3.53,P = .002). Moreover, the rs4284505 variant showed a statistically significant association with mucocutaneous lesions and SLEDAI scores (allP < .05).ConclusionThis study is the first one to explore that the MIR17HG rs4284505 is associated with SLE risk; (A/G) genotype conferred a protective effect, while the (G/G) genotype showed increased susceptibility to SLE and association with the disease severity in the study population.
From awareness to usage of long‐acting reversible contraceptives: Results of a large European survey
Authors: Caetano Cecilia , Bliekendaal Stefan , Engler Yvonne , Lombardo Massimo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe PULSE survey investigated contraceptive decision making, focusing on the use of long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) to determine reasons for their low adoption rates.MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to women aged 18–49 years in 14 European countries who were considering starting or changing contraceptive method and asked questions based on four stages of contraceptive decision making: awareness, consideration, consultation, and adoption.ResultsOverall, 7221 women responded. LARC awareness was high (~73%) but current usage was low (11.3%). Only 24% of LARC‐aware women would consider switching to them. Factors associated with decision making differed depending on the stage: e.g. at the awareness phase, women were concerned with suitability, reversibility, and whether the method is hormonal; and at the consideration phase, the efficacy, convenience, and adverse‐effect profile were important. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) were the most trusted information source for women’s contraceptive decision making. LARCs were discussed less frequently during consultations than other contraceptives and HCPs may be perceived to hold negative opinions on LARCs.ConclusionA lack of knowledge about the features and benefits of LARCs can contribute to misconceptions and low adoption rates. HCPs play an important role in addressing this, as information conveyed during consultations influences women’s contraceptive choices.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 promotes progression of glioma as a ceRNA by sponging miR‐185‐5p to stimulate DNMT1/mTOR signaling
Authors: Yu Heng , Xu Anchun , Wu Bo , Wang Meng , Chen Zhongjun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLong noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is regarded as an oncogene in multiple cancers. Previous studies have shown that NEAT1 is involved in the proliferation and tumorigenesis of glioma cells, while miR‐185‐5p functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of NEAT1 in glioma, especially in association with miR‐185‐5p, has not been studied. In this study, we first demonstrated that NEAT1 expression was upregulated, and miR‐185‐5p downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. More important, NEAT1 expression was negatively correlated with miR‐185‐5p expression in glioma tissues. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that NEAT1 was a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐185‐5p for promoting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression and activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, thus inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting glioma migration, proliferation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Furthermore, NEAT1 knockdown suppressed tumor growth and reduced the expression of proliferation antigen Ki‐67, DNMT1, and mTOR, but upregulated the expression of miR‐185‐5p in vivo. Finally, with mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, we confirmed that NEAT1 promoted glioma activity through mTOR signaling both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, these results suggest that NEAT1 promotes glioma tumorigenesis via miR‐185‐5p/DNMT1/mTOR signaling, which may provide a new target for the diagnosis and therapy of glioma.
Modulation of BAG3 expression in human normal urothelial cells by Diuron
Authors: Eletto Daniela , Reppucci Francesca , Ronga Agostino , Altieri Vincenzo , Brongo Sergio , Martinelli Rosanna , De Marco Margot , Marzullo Liberato 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDiuron [3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea] is a substituted urea herbicide, carcinogenic for the rat urinary bladder. It has been hypothesized that Diuron cytotoxicity, resulting in regenerative proliferation, leads to urothelial hyperplasia and, finally, to bladder tumors, but molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis have not still fully investigated. Here, we report the results of a study aimed at verifying the involvement of BAG3, an intracellular protein expressed in several tumors, in the Diuron‐induced carcinogenesis. For this purpose, we analyzed the effect of Diuron on human primary urothelial cells and on human dermal fibroblasts. We found that while high concentrations of Diuron have a cytotoxic effect in human primary urothelial cells, in the same cells, noncytotoxic concentrations of the herbicide induce BAG3 expression. These findings show that BAG3 is a molecular target of Diuron and unravel the possible involvement of BAG3 protein in bladder carcinogenesis induced by the herbicide. In addition, these results suggest that BAG3 might be a potential early biomarker of damage induced by chronic exposure to Diuron.
N‐glycome analysis detects dysglycosylation missed by conventional methods in SLC39A8 deficiency
Authors: Park Julien H. , Mealer Robert G. , Elias Abdallah F. , Hoffmann Susanne , Grüneberg Marianne , Biskup Saskia , Fobker Manfred , Haven Jaclyn , Mangels Ute , Reunert Janine , Rust Stephan , Schoof Jonathan , Schwanke Corbin , Smoller Jordan W. , Cummings Richard D. , Marquardt Thorsten 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCongenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a growing group of inborn metabolic disorders with multiorgan presentation. SLC39A8‐CDG is a severe subtype caused by biallelic mutations in the manganese transporter SLC39A8, reducing levels of this essential cofactor for many enzymes including glycosyltransferases. The current diagnostic standard for disorders of N‐glycosylation is the analysis of serum transferrin. Exome and Sanger sequencing were performed in two patients with severe neurodevelopmental phenotypes suggestive of CDG. Transferrin glycosylation was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and isoelectric focusing in addition to comprehensive N‐glycome analysis using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify whole blood manganese levels. Both patients presented with a severe, multisystem disorder, and a complex neurological phenotype. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a Leigh‐like syndrome with bilateral T2 hyperintensities of the basal ganglia. In patient 1, exome sequencing identified the previously undescribed homozygous variant c.608T>C [p.F203S] in SLC39A8. Patient 2 was found to be homozygous for c.112G>C [p.G38R]. Both individuals showed a reduction of whole blood manganese, though transferrin glycosylation was normal. N‐glycome using MALDI‐TOF MS identified an increase of the asialo‐agalactosylated precursor N‐glycan A2G1S1 and a decrease in bisected structures. In addition, analysis of heterozygous CDG‐allele carriers identified similar but less severe glycosylation changes. Despite its reliance as a clinical gold standard, analysis of transferrin glycosylation cannot be categorically used to rule out SLC39A8‐CDG. These results emphasize that SLC39A8‐CDG presents as a spectrum of dysregulated glycosylation, and MS is an important tool for identifying deficiencies not detected by conventional methods.
Analysis of the relationship between hospital characteristics and survival in ovarian cancer: A historical cohort
Authors: Moterani Vinicius Cesar , Tiezzi Daniel Guimarães , de Andrade Jurandyr Moreira , Candido dos Reis Francisco José 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe management of ovarian cancer requires complex surgical and medical interventions. Specialized care is associated with superior outcomes in early and advanced stages. This study aimed to estimate the effect of hospital characteristics on the overall survival of women with epithelial ovarian cancer.MethodsWe established a cohort with data recorded by the Fundação Oncocentro de São Paulo cancer registry. We included 6111 women treated for ovarian cancer in the state of Sao Paulo from January 2000 to December 2018. From 76 hospitals analyzed, 7 were high volume (20 or more cases a year) and 69 low volume. Twenty‐nine were teaching and 47 community hospitals. A 10‐year survival was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meyer estimator and the Cox model.ResultsFifty‐two percent of the epithelial ovarian cancer patients were treated in high‐volume hospitals. High‐volume ‐ (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.8‐0.92; P < .001) and teaching ‐ (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85‐0.99; P = .019) were hospital characteristics associated with low risk of death in 10 years.ConclusionsHigh‐volume and teaching hospitals are associated with better overall survival in ovarian cancer. Our data suggest that both hospital characteristics are important indicators of good quality of care in ovarian cancer treatment.
Delivering Prolonged Exposure Therapy via Videoconferencing During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Research and Special Considerations for Providers
Authors: Wells Stephanie Y. , Morland Leslie A. , Wilhite Emily R. , Grubbs Kathleen M. , Rauch Sheila A.M. , Acierno Ron , McLean Carmen P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLeveraging technology to provide evidence‐based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as prolonged exposure (PE), during the COVID‐19 pandemic helps ensure continued access to first‐line PTSD treatment. Clinical video teleconferencing (CVT) technology can be used to effectively deliver PE while reducing the risk of COVID‐19 exposure during the pandemic for both providers and patients. However, provider knowledge, experience, and comfort level with delivering mental health care services, such as PE, via CVT is critical to ensure a smooth, safe, and effective transition to virtual care. Further, some of the limitations associated with the pandemic, including stay‐at‐home orders and physical distancing, require that providers become adept at applying principles of exposure therapy with more flexibility and creativity, such as when assigning in vivo exposures. The present paper provides the rationale and guidelines for implementing PE via CVT during COVID‐19 and includes practical suggestions and clinical recommendations.
Survey on perceived work stress and its influencing factors among hospital staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Fang‐Li , Yang Pei‐Hsuan , Hsu Hsin‐Tien , Su Che‐Yu , Chen Chun‐Hsien , Yeh I‐Jeng , Wu Yen‐Hung , Chen Li‐Chin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the perceived work stress and its influencing factors among hospital staff during the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic in Taiwan. A web‐based survey was conducted at one medical center and two regional hospitals in southern Taiwan, targeting physicians, nurses, medical examiners, and administrators. The questionnaire included items on the demographic characteristics of hospital staff and a scale to assess stress among healthcare workers caring for patients with a highly infectious disease. A total of 752 valid questionnaires were collected. The hospital staff reported a moderate level of stress and nurses had a highest level of stress compared to staff in the other three occupational categories. The five highest stress scores were observed for the items “rough and cracked hands due to frequent hand washing and disinfectant use,” “inconvenience in using the toilet at work,” “restrictions on eating and drinking at work,” “fear of transmitting the disease to relatives and friends,” and “fear of being infected with COVID‐19.” Discomfort caused by protective equipment was the major stressor for the participants, followed by burden of caring for patients. Among participants who experienced severe stress (n = 129), work stress was higher among those with rather than without minor children. The present findings may serve as a reference for future monitoring of hospital staff's workload, and may aid the provision of support and interventions.