bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary Intake of Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Katagiri Ryoko , Song Mingyang , Zhang Xuehong , Lee Dong Hoon , Tabung Fred K. , Fuchs Charles S. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Nishihara Reiko , Chan Andrew T. , Joshi Amit D. , Iwasaki Motoki , Ogino Shuji , Willett Walter C. , Giovannucci Edward , Wu Kana 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids, and emerging evidence suggests that BCAAs may mediate pathways related to cancer progression, possibly due to their involvement in insulin metabolism. We investigated the association between dietary intake of BCAAs with colorectal cancer risk in three prospective cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study I [(NHS), number of participants (n) at baseline = 77,017], NHS II (n = 92,984), and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study [(HPFS) n = 47,255]. Validated food frequency questionnaires were administered every 4 years and follow-up questionnaires on lifestyle biennially. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Pooled HRs were obtained using random effect models. After up to 28 years of follow-up, 1,660 cases were observed in NHS, 306 in NHS II, and 1,343 in HPFS. In multivariable adjusted models, we observed a weak inverse association between BCAA intake and colorectal cancer [highest vs. lowest quintile, pooled HR including all three cohorts (95% CI): 0.89 (0.80–1.00), Ptrend = 0.06, HR per standard deviation (SD) increment 0.95 (0.92–0.99)]. However, after including dairy calcium to the models, BCAA intake was no longer associated with risk of colorectal cancer [HR 0.96 (0.85–1.08), Ptrend = 0.50, HR per SD increment 0.97 (0.93–1.01)]. We did not find evidence that higher dietary BCAA intake is associated with higher risk of colorectal cancer. As this is the first prospective study to examine the association between BCAA intake and colorectal cancer, our findings warrant investigation in other cohorts.
A Multistage Murine Breast Cancer Model Reveals Long-Lived Premalignant Clones Refractory to Parity-Induced Protection
Authors: Li Shuo , Gestl Shelley A. , Gunther Edward J. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Breast cancers evolve in a multistage process that can span decades after a carcinogenic exposure. It follows that long-lived precursor breast lesions persist in a subclinical state prior to completing malignant transformation, yet widely used breast cancer models lack an experimental framework for targeting premalignant disease. Inspired by classic multistage skin carcinogenesis protocols, we combined chemical carcinogenesis with transgenic mouse modeling to resolve mouse mammary carcinogenesis into discrete initiation and progression stages. At the initiation stage, exposure to the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) generated “initiated mammary epithelial cells” (iMEC) by introducing a stereotyped HrasQ61L driver mutation. Whether DMBA exposure occurred during puberty or adulthood, mice efficiently acquired iMEC clones that eluded detection by conventional histology, yet were long lived, persisting in a clinically silent state for months in the absence of a cooperating event. At the progression stage, inducible activation of oncogenic Wnt signaling drove rapid and synchronous transformation of latent iMECs into overt mammary carcinomas, while Wnt activation in neighboring normal mammary epithelium yielded only benign hyperplasia over this same time period. Although early parity (completion of a full-term pregnancy) reduces breast cancer risk in some contexts, standard parity-induced protection schemes failed to eliminate iMECs in our multistage model, suggesting Wnt-responsive iMECs are maintained by hormone-independent mechanisms. Variations on our multistage modeling strategy may help to identify and validate cellular and molecular targets for breast cancer chemoprevention.
Fungal Pigments, Wood Coloring Technology and Their Applications in the Play The Blue Forest
Authors: Robinson Seri C. , Van Court R.C. , Andersen Claudia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Staining wood with fungal pigments has a long history in fine art, especially wood naturally stained blue-green by fungi from the genus Chlorociboria. Recent innovations have allowed for controlled application of extracted pigment for reinterpreting this old art form. This technology is showcased in objects created for a production of The Blue Forest by Louis Aubert, representing the power of nature and natural magic within the play.
Hybrid zone genomics supports candidate species in Iberian Alytes obstetricans
Authors: Dufresnes Christophe , Martínez-Solano Íñigo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
While estimates of genetic divergence are increasingly used in molecular taxonomy, hybrid zone analyses can provide decisive evidence for evaluating candidate species. Applying a population genomic approach (RAD-sequencing) to a fine-scale transect sampling, we analyzed the transition between two Iberian subspecies of the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans almogavarii and A. o. pertinax) in Catalonia (northeastern Spain), which putatively diverged since the Plio-Pleistocene. Their hybrid zone was remarkably narrow, with extensive admixture restricted to a single locality (close to Tarragona), and congruent allele frequency clines for the mitochondrial (13 km wide) and the average nuclear genomes (16 km wide). We also fitted clines independently for 89 taxon-diagnostic SNPs: most of them behave like the nuclear background, but a subset (13%) is completely impermeable to gene flow and might be linked to barrier loci involved in hybrid incompatibilities. Assuming that midwife toads are able to disperse in the area of contact, we conclude that these taxa experience partial reproductive isolation and represent incipient species, i.e. Alytes almogavarii and Alytes obstetricans. Interestingly, their evolutionary age and mitochondrial divergence fall below the thresholds proposed in molecular systematics studies, emphasizing the difficulty of predicting the outcome of secondary contacts between young lineages entering the grey zone of speciation.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Distolabrellus veechi (Rhabditida: Mesorhabditidae) from India
Authors: Suman  , Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Aasha  , Chaubey Ashok Kumar , Abolafia Joaquín 
Published: November 2019

Summary
A redescription of Distolabrellus veechi (Rhabditida: Mesorhabditidae) from agricultural soils in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, India, is provided. Specimens were extracted from soil using the Galleria soil baiting technique, with two strains of nematodes named JP1 and JP2 being obtained. Morphological and morphometric studies on the species agree well with previous records. Molecular analyses are provided using 18S, 28S and ITS rRNA sequences, the ITS sequences being obtained for the first time in this species. These analyses show that the material examined agrees well with previously studied populations. Phylogenetic analyses showed Distolabrellus to be the sister group of Crustorhabditis and Teratorhabditis, all having the male spicules fused for more than 50% of their length. Illustrations and phylogenetic trees based on 18S, 28S and ITS rRNA sequences are provided.
Marine Environmental Damage: The Compensability of Ecosystem Service Loss in International Law
Authors: Handl Günther 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Key maritime conventions governing liability and compensation for pollution of the marine environment, foremost among them the 1992 Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Convention and the 2003 Supplementary Fund Protocol (the CLC/Fund regime), exclude compensation for pure environmental loss. This article discusses whether anything less than full compensation of damage to the marine environment, including the loss of ecosystem services, comports with contemporary international public policy or law. After reviewing and rejecting traditional arguments opposing such compensability, the article contrasts the CLC/Fund regime’s environmental claims practice with emerging trends in decision on the international legal plane and in select domestic legal systems, all of which support full compensation. The article thus concludes that an adjustment of the CLC/Fund regime’s environmental claims approach is desirable to align it with this international (and national) practice and thereby to protect the long-term integrity of the regime itself.
Resting-state functional connectivity of the striatum predicts improvement in negative symptoms and general functioning in patients with first-episode psychosis: A 1-year naturalistic follow-up study
Authors: Oh Sanghoon , Kim Minah , Kim Taekwan , Lee Tae Young , Kwon Jun Soo 
Published: November 2019

Objective: The persistent disease burden of psychotic disorders often comes from negative symptoms; however, prognostic biomarkers for negative symptoms have not been fully understood. This study investigated whether the altered functional connectivity of the striatum predicts improvement in negative symptoms and functioning after 1 year of usual treatment in patients with first-episode psychosis. Methods: Resting-state functional magnetic imaging was obtained from 40 first-episode psychosis patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Whole-brain functional connectivity maps were generated with subdivisions of the striatum as seed regions and compared between first-episode psychosis patients and healthy controls. In 22 patients with first-episode psychosis, follow-up assessments of negative symptom severity and general functional status were conducted after 1 year of usual treatment. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine factors predictive of symptomatic or functional improvements over the 1-year period. Results: First-episode psychosis patients showed greater functional connectivity between the left dorsal caudate and left primary motor cortex, as well as between the left ventral rostral putamen and right temporal occipital fusiform cortex, than healthy controls. Lower functional connectivity between the right dorsal rostral putamen and anterior cingulate cortex was observed in the first-episode psychosis patients than in healthy controls. In multiple regression analyses, lower functional connectivity of the left dorsal caudate–left primary motor cortex/right dorsal rostral putamen–anterior cingulate cortex predicted improvement in negative symptoms. In addition, lower right dorsal rostral putamen–anterior cingulate cortex functional connectivity predicted improvement in general functioning. Conclusion: These results suggest that altered striatal functional connectivity can be a potent neurobiological marker in the prognosis prediction of first-episode psychosis. Furthermore, altered striatal functional connectivity may provide a potential target in developing treatments for negative symptoms.
CT angiogram findings in carotid-cavernous fistulas: stratification of imaging features to help radiologists avoid misdiagnosis
Authors: Benson John C , Rydberg Charlotte , DeLone David R , Johnson Matthew P , Geske Jennifer , Brinjikji Waleed , Lanzino Giuseppe , Cloft Harry , Luetmer Patrick H 
Published: November 2019

Background Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are commonly misdiagnosed on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Purpose This study sought to identify the most sensitive and specific imaging features of CCFs on CTA. Material and Methods A retrospective review identified 18 consecutive patients suspected of having a CCF on CTA and subsequently underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Two blinded reviewers assessed multiple findings on CTA: cavernous sinus asymmetry/enlargement; arterial-phase contrast in the cavernous sinus; proptosis; pre- or post-septal orbital edema; and dilated regional vasculature. Each was graded as positive, possible, and negative; “possible” was counted as positive. A third blinded reviewer served as a tiebreaker. Results Of 18 patients, nine were true-positive and nine were false-positive. Superior ophthalmic vein early enhancement and dilatation had 100.0% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 40.0–100.0) and 77.8% specificity (95% CI 44.4–100.0); arterial-phase contrast in the cavernous sinus had 88.9% sensitivity (95% CI 44.4–100.0) and 66.7% specificity (95% CI 18.5–90.1); peri-orbital edema had 88.9% sensitivity (95% CI 35.5–100.0) and 77.8% specificity (95% CI 22.2–100.0). The most specific markers of CCF were superior petrosal sinus and inferior ophthalmic vein dilatation/enhancement (100.0%, 95% CI 88.8–100.0 and 88.9%, 95% CI 44.4–100.0, respectively); the specificity of asymmetric cavernous enlargement was 44.4% (95% CI 11.1–77.7). Conclusions Among patients in whom a CCF is suspected on CTA, superior ophthalmic vein dilatation/enhancement and arterial-phase contrast within the cavernous sinus are the most sensitive findings. Asymmetric cavernous sinus enlargement has poor specificity and may result in false-positive diagnoses of CCFs. False positive cases were less likely to have an optimally timed contrast bolus.
“I Don’t Feel Like the Odd One”: Utilizing Content Analysis to Compare the Effects of Social Media Use on Well-Being Among Sexual Minority and Nonminority US Young Adults
Authors: Escobar-Viera César , Shensa Ariel , Hamm Megan , Melcher Eleanna M. , Rzewnicki Daniel I. , Egan James E. , Sidani Jaime E. , Primack Brian A. 
Published: November 2019

Purpose:Although there is evidence of associations between social media (SM) use and mental well-being among the general population, these associations among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons are poorly understood. This study compared the influence of SM experiences on mental well-being between LGB and non-LGB persons.Design and Setting:Online cross-sectional survey.Participants:National sample of 2408 US adults aged 18 to 30 years.Method:We asked participants to provide examples of when SM affected their well-being separately in good and bad ways. We coded, summed, and used rate ratios (RRs) to compare responses of LGB and non-LGB individuals. Thematically similar codes were described and grouped into categories.Results:Most responses described positive SM effects. However, of 6 codes that were significantly more frequent among LGB respondents, only social capital (RR = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-2.12) described a positive effect. Five codes described negative effects of SM for LGB users: negative emotional contagion (RR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.04-1.58), comparison with others (RR = 1.28, 95% CI, 1.01-1.62), real-life repercussions (RR = 1.86, 95% CI, 1.18-2.94), envy (RR = 2.49, 95% CI, 1.48-4.19), and need for profile management (RR = 2.32, 95% CI, 1.07-5.03).Conclusion:These findings suggest that, for LGB persons, gaining social capital from SM is valuable for establishing and maintaining connections. Increased negative SM experiences may pose a risk for the mental well-being of LGB individuals.
Attitudes towards risk-stratified breast cancer screening among women in England: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ghanouni Alex , Sanderson Saskia C , Pashayan Nora , Renzi Cristina , von Wagner Christian , Waller Jo 
Published: November 2019

Objectives Risk stratification may improve the benefit/harm ratio of breast screening. Research on acceptability among potential invitees is necessary to guide implementation. We assessed women’s attitudes towards and willingness to undergo risk assessment and stratified screening. Methods Women in England aged 40–70 received summary information about the topic, and completed face-to-face computer-assisted interviews. Questions assessed willingness to undergo multifactorial breast cancer risk assessment, more frequent breast screening (if at very high risk), or less frequent or no screening (if at very low risk), and preferences for delivery of assessment results. Results Among 933 women, 85% considered breast cancer risk assessment a good idea, and 74% were willing to have it. Among 125 women unwilling to have risk assessment, reasons commonly related to ‘worry’ (14%) and ‘preferring not to know’ (14%). Among those willing to have risk assessment ( n = 689), letters/emails were generally preferred (42%) for results about very low-risk status. Face-to-face communication was most commonly preferred for results of very high-risk status (78%). General practitioners were most commonly preferred sources of assessment results (≈40%). Breast cancer specialists were often preferred for results of very high-risk status (38%). Risk-stratified breast screening was considered a good idea by 70% and 89% were willing to have more frequent screening. Fewer would accept less (51%) or no screening (37%) if at very low risk. Conclusions Women were generally in favour of multifactorial breast cancer risk assessment and risk-stratified screening. Some were unwilling to accept less or no screening if at very low risk.
Consumer Confidence and Lasting Effect of Demonetisation
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Bappaditya 
Published: November 2019

On 8 November 2016, the Government of India scrapped 86 per cent of the currency in circulation. Although there were reasons put by the government in support of this move, 2 years later, there is little evidence that those goals were met. More importantly, the economy lost approximately 2 per cent of GDP. While there is a widespread belief that India has absorbed the shock, in this article, we study the possible long-term effects of demonetisation. We use the consumer confidence survey (CCS) data conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 6 cities—Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai and for the period March 2015 to May 2018, covering 97,102 responses. We find that from a net optimistic outlook pre demonetisation, post demonetisation has led to a net pessimistic outlook. Demonetisation has also affected the relationship between the respondents’ perception of current status and future outlook, implying a higher uncertainty for the future. Finally, we find that the timing was inappropriate. Demonetisation came when the economy was recovering. JEL Classification: E65, E66
Influence of Preoperative Tibiotalar Alignment in the Coronal Plane on the Survival of Total Ankle Replacement: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Keijzer Dave R. , Joling Boudijn S. H. , Sierevelt Inger N. , Hoornenborg Daniël , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Haverkamp Daniël 
Published: November 2019

Background: It remains controversial whether significant preoperative tibiotalar varus and valgus deformity should be contraindications for total ankle replacement (TAR). The primary aim of this systematic review was to analyze the influence of preoperative tibiotalar varus and valgus alignment on the survival of TAR. Methods: The databases MEDLINE and Embase were searched from onset through September 2018. Two authors performed study selection and data extraction using a predefined data extraction tool. Implant survival in the alignment groups was reported as “revisions per 100 component years.” Additional procedures, complications, and revisions were also reported. Assessment of the methodological quality was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: In total, 17 studies were considered eligible, in which a total of 1692 TARs were included from 1627 patients. The weighted mean follow-up was 52.4 (range, 1-147) months. The neutral alignment group included 711 TARs, the varus group included 545 TARs, and the valgus group included 332 TARs. Total revisions were 52, 37, and 36 in the preoperative tibiotalar neutral, varus, and valgus alignment groups, respectively. Revisions per 100 observed component years were 1.6, 1.7, and 2.5 in the preoperative tibiotalar neutral, varus, and valgus alignment groups, respectively. A total of 129 complications and 447 additional procedures were reported in 601 TARs. Conclusion: There was a strong indication that preoperative varus alignment in the coronal plane had a comparable implant survival to neutral alignment. Preoperative valgus alignment demonstrated a more negative influence on implant survival. Level of evidence: Level III, systematic review.
Intermedin1-53 Ameliorates Homocysteine-Promoted Atherosclerotic Calcification by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Ren Jin-Ling , Hou Yue-Long , Ni Xian-Qiang , Zhu Qing , Chen Yao , Zhang Lin-Shuang , Liu Xin , Xue Chang-Ding , Wu Ning , Yu Yan-Rong , Tang Chao-Shu , Ning Zhong-Ping , Chai San-Bao , Qi Yong-Fen 
Published: November 2019

Aim: Vascular calcification (VC) is thought to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Intermedin1-53 (IMD) is a cardiovascular protective peptide and can inhibit vascular medial calcification in rats. In this study, we investigated the effect of IMD on atherosclerotic calcification induced by a high-fat diet plus homocysteine (Hcy) and the potential mechanisms. Methods: ApoE−/− mice were fed a high-fat diet with Hcy in drinking water to induce atherosclerotic calcification. Results: As compared to the high-fat diet alone, Hcy treatment significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion areas and the number of calcified nodules in aortic roots and was reduced by IMD infusion or 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) treatment. In vitro, as compared to calcifying medium alone, Hcy treatment further increased alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium content, and calcium nodule number in human aorta vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs), all blocked by IMD or PBA pretreatment. Mechanistically, IMD or PBA significantly alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) activation compared with Hcy treatment. In parallel, IMD or PBA attenuated the messenger RNA levels of osteogenic markers and inflammatory cytokines in aortas and their protein levels in lesions of aortic roots. In vitro, Hcy treatment significantly increased the protein levels of osteoblast-like cell markers in primary rat VSMCs and inflammation markers in mouse peritoneal macrophages, all decreased with IMD or PBA pretreatment. Intermedin1-53 pretreatment also markedly reduced the protein levels of ERS markers in rat VSMCs and mouse peritoneal macrophages. Conclusions: Intermedin1-53 protects against Hcy-promoted atherosclerotic calcification in ApoE−/− mice by inhibiting ERS.