bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Amphibians to Copper
Authors: Azizishirazi Ali , Klemish Jaimie L. , Pyle Gregory G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Amphibian populations are declining globally. Major drivers of these global declines are known. However, the contribution of these major drivers to population declines varies by the presence or absence and the interactive effect of drivers, thus creating local challenges for conservation of populations. Studies have determined that environmental contaminants contribute to amphibian population declines. However, there is a disagreement over the use of amphibians as sentinel species in ecotoxicological testing rather than the traditional taxa used, fish and invertebrates. Reviews of ecotoxicological studies have demonstrated that amphibians are generally less sensitive than fish and invertebrates to different groups of contaminants. Nonetheless, because of the distinct nature and mechanism of toxicity of various contaminants, it is necessary to study contaminants individually to be able to come to any conclusion on the relative sensitivity of amphibians. Copper is one of the most studied environmental contaminants. We conducted a literature review of Cu toxicity to amphibians and the relative sensitivity of amphibians to other aquatic animals. The available data suggest that although amphibians may be tolerant of acute Cu exposure, they are relatively sensitive to chronic exposure (i.e., 100-fold greater sensitivity to chronic compared to acute exposure). In addition, ecologically relevant endpoints specific to amphibians (e.g., duration of metamorphosis and behavior) are shown to provide a better understanding of their sensitivity compared to traditional endpoints (e.g., survival and growth). Our current knowledge on amphibian sensitivity is far from complete. Considering the current status of this globally threatened class of animals, it is necessary to fill the knowledge gaps regarding their sensitivity to individual contaminants, beginning with Cu. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1808–1819. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
Although amphibians seem to be tolerant of acute copper exposure, they are relatively sensitive to chronic exposure.
Patients Left Behind: Ethical Challenges in Caring for Indirect Victims of the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Bruno Bethany , Rose Susannah 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn response to the Covid‐19 pandemic, health care systems worldwide canceled or delayed elective surgeries, outpatient procedures, and clinic appointments. Although such measures may have been necessary to preserve medical resources and to prevent potential exposures early in the pandemic, moving forward, the indirect effects of such an extensive medical shutdown must not outweigh the direct harms of Covid‐19. In this essay, we argue for the reopening of evidence‐based health care with assurance provided to patients about the safety and necessity of high‐value vaccinations, screenings, therapeutics, and procedures. To ensure that virtually all non‐Covid‐related services do not come to a halt again, health care systems and physician practices must preemptively increase their capacity, secure adequate personal protective equipment to safeguard health care personnel, and develop a measured approach to reclosing such routine health care, should it become necessary in the future.
A Heart without Life: Artificial Organs and the Lived Body
Authors: Walker Mary Jean 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe use of artificial organs is likely to increase in the future, given technological advances, increases in chronic diseases, and limited donor organs. This article examines how artificial organs could affect people's experience and conceptualization of bodies and our understanding of the relation of body to self. I focus on artificial heart devices and argue that these have two conflicting potential influences. First, they may influence people to regard the body as machinelike and separable from the self. Second, they may effect changes to subjective experience that can be understood as changes to the self, confirming the self's embodiment. My primary purpose is to increase our understanding of what might change if it becomes more usual to have a body that is partly nonorganic. But I also argue that the analysis points to potential ethical concerns related to strengthening biomedical conceptions of the body and to the devaluing of bodies and body parts.
Considerations for toxicity experiments and risk assessments with PFAS mixtures
Authors: McCarthy Christopher J. , Roark Shaun A. , Middleton Elizabeth T. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been around for decades and have been the subject of laboratory and field research studies for nearly as long. Although attention to PFAS has grown in recent years, many unanswered questions remain. Accordingly, the number of research projects designed to improve our understanding of PFAS toxicity, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification, and to improve our ability to predict the interactions of PFAS mixtures, is also increasing. The growing number of ongoing and future research projects focusing on these chemicals will benefit from lessons learned in previous studies. This perspectives article discusses available approaches to mixture risk assessment with specific focus on application to PFAS mixtures. We discuss ongoing research as well as lessons learned from approaches to handling mixtures of other groups of chemicals. Many of these approaches require some detailed understanding of a manageable number of representative chemicals, yet only limited toxicological data are available for most PFAS. With the limited amount of published data currently available, the need for single-chemical and binary-mixture studies persists. Based on our previous work with single-chemical exposures for understudied PFAS, we explored some of the challenges of trying to design and interpret an aquatic concentration–response experiment for a binary mixture of two commonly detected PFAS: perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Based on our findings, we propose that addressing risk from PFAS mixtures will likely require combinations of approaches incorporating findings from traditional whole-organism toxicity studies and novel methods relying on in vitro assays, read-across, or quantitative structure activity relationships. Complicating a limited understanding of PFAS mixture toxicity is that relative concentrations of PFAS mixtures vary across sites and time, even at one site. Thus, reliance on empirical data, such as site-specific toxicity sampling or community structure studies, may be needed to fully understand potential impacts of mixtures. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:697–704. © 2021 SETAC
KEY POINTS
Due to their ubiquity, PFAS exist commonly in mixtures and it is important to consider PFAS mixture effects in risk assessments. Some studies with PFAS mixtures have been published or are ongoing, but more field and laboratory studies are still needed to adequately support the risk assessment of PFAS mixtures. Previous approaches for assessing the risk of adverse effects from mixtures of other chemicals provides an excellent starting point to unravelling the challenges associated with mixtures of PFAS. Understanding and managing PFAS mixtures is complex and will likely require multiple approaches.
Cost effective optimised synthetic surface modification strategies for enhanced control of neuronal cell differentiation and supporting neuronal and Schwann cell viability
Authors: Taylor Caroline S. , Chen Rui , D' Sa Raechelle , Hunt John A. , Curran Judith M. , Haycock John W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEnriching a biomaterial surface with specific chemical groups has previously been considered for producing surfaces that influence cell response. Silane layer deposition has previously been shown to control mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and differentiation. However, it has not been used to investigate neuronal or Schwann cell responses in vitro to date. We report on the deposition of aminosilane groups for peripheral neurons and Schwann cells studying two chain lengths: (a) 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane (short chain‐SC) and (b) 11‐aminoundecyltriethoxysilane (long chain‐LC) by coating glass substrates. Surfaces were characterised by water contact angle, AFM and XPS. LC–NH2 was produced reproducibly as a homogenous surface with controlled nanotopography. Primary neuron and NG108‐15 neuronal cell differentiation and primary Schwann cell responses were investigated in vitro by S100β, p75, and GFAP antigen expression. Both amine silane surface supported neuronal and Schwann cell growth; however, neuronal differentiation was greater on LC aminosilanes versus SC. Thus, we report that silane surfaces with an optimal chain length may have potential in peripheral nerve repair for the modification and improvement of nerve guidance devices.
Machine Learning Solutions for Osteoporosis—A Review
Authors: Smets Julien , Shevroja Enisa , Hügle Thomas , Leslie William D , Hans Didier 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis and its clinical consequence, bone fracture, is a multifactorial disease that has been the object of extensive research. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) have enabled the field of artificial intelligence (AI) to make impressive breakthroughs in complex data environments where human capacity to identify high-dimensional relationships is limited. The field of osteoporosis is one such domain, notwithstanding technical and clinical concerns regarding the application of ML methods. This qualitative review is intended to outline some of these concerns and to inform stakeholders interested in applying AI for improved management of osteoporosis. A systemic search in PubMed and Web of Science resulted in 89 studies for inclusion in the review. These covered one or more of four main areas in osteoporosis management: bone properties assessment (n = 13), osteoporosis classification (n = 34), fracture detection (n = 32), and risk prediction (n = 14). Reporting and methodological quality was determined by means of a 12-point checklist. In general, the studies were of moderate quality with a wide range (mode score 6, range 2 to 11). Major limitations were identified in a significant number of studies. Incomplete reporting, especially over model selection, inadequate splitting of data, and the low proportion of studies with external validation were among the most frequent problems. However, the use of images for opportunistic osteoporosis diagnosis or fracture detection emerged as a promising approach and one of the main contributions that ML could bring to the osteoporosis field. Efforts to develop ML-based models for identifying novel fracture risk factors and improving fracture prediction are additional promising lines of research. Some studies also offered insights into the potential for model-based decision-making. Finally, to avoid some of the common pitfalls, the use of standardized checklists in developing and sharing the results of ML models should be encouraged. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Implementation of a teacher‐led mindfulness program in a low‐income pre‐ and early‐elementary school as part of a trauma‐responsive, resilience‐building community initiative
Authors: King Lindsey M. , Lewis Carol , Ritchie Donna M. , Carr Cary , Hart Mark W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChildren living in disadvantaged communities experience higher rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) which can lead to poor health outcomes. Mindfulness has been shown to help individuals who are exposed to cumulative stress build resilience and psychological well‐being. This pilot study aimed to determine teachers' perceptions of a 6‐week school‐based, teacher‐led mindfulness program in a Gainesville, Florida pre‐ and early elementary low‐income school. The program was conducted as part of a trauma‐responsive, resilient community initiative. Teachers were trained on a set of mindfulness skills and were asked to lead practices for 10–15 min per day, 3 or more times per week for 6 weeks. Teachers completed qualitative interviews to determine their perceptions of the program. A total of eight teachers participated, with 124 students receiving the program. Teachers reported high impressions of the program and that students were calmer and more relaxed as a result of the program. Training teachers to deliver mindfulness practices as part of their normal classroom activities is realistic, easily adaptable, and can lead to adoption of a community‐wide mindfulness framework. Diffusing mindfulness programs more broadly as part of a preventive, trauma‐responsive community has the potential to lessen the effects of ACEs.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α is a novel inhibitor of chondrocyte maturation
Authors: Che Xiangguo , Park Na‐Rae , Jin Xian , Jung Youn‐Kwan , Han Min‐Su , Park Clara Yongjoo , Chun Jang‐Soo , Kim Seong‐Gon , Jin Jingchun , Kim Hyun‐Ju , Lian Jane B. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S. , Choi Je‐Yong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHypoxic environment is essential for chondrocyte maturation and longitudinal bone growth. Although hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (Hif‐1α) has been known as a key player for chondrocyte survival and function, the function of Hif‐2α in cartilage is mechanistically and clinically relevant but remains unknown. Here we demonstrated that Hif‐2α was a novel inhibitor of chondrocyte maturation through downregulation of Runx2 stability. Mechanistically, Hif‐2α binding to Runx2 inhibited chondrocyte maturation by Runx2 degradation through disrupting Runx2/Cbfβ complex formation. The Hif‐2α‐mediated‐Runx2 degradation could be rescued by Cbfβ transfection due to the increase of Runx2/Cbfβ complex formation. Consistently, mesenchymal cells derived from Hif‐2α heterozygous mice were more rapidly differentiated into hypertrophic chondrocytes than those of wild‐type mice in a micromass culture system. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Hif‐2α is a novel inhibitor for chondrocyte maturation by disrupting Runx2/Cbfβ complex formation and consequential regulatory activity.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts induce an aggressive phenotypic shift in non‐malignant breast epithelial cells via interleukin‐8 and S100A8
Authors: Lim Hyesol , Koh Minsoo , Jin Hao , Bae Mijeong , Lee Seung‐Yeon , Kim Kyoung Mee , Jung Joohee , Kim Hyun Jeong , Park So Yeon , Kim Hoe Suk , Moon Woo Kyung , Hwang Sejin , Cho Nam Hoon , Moon Aree 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment have been associated with tumor progression in breast cancer. Although crosstalk between breast cancer cells and CAFs has been studied, the effect of CAFs on non‐neoplastic breast epithelial cells is not fully understood to date. Here, we investigated the effect of CAFs on aggressive phenotypes in non‐neoplastic MCF10A breast epithelial cells. CAFs induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasive phenotype in MCF10A cells. S100A8, a potential prognostic marker in several cancers, was markedly increased in MCF10A cells by CAFs. S100A8 was crucial for CAFs‐induced invasive phenotype of MCF10A cells. Among cytokines increased by CAFs, interleukin (IL)‐8 induced S100A8 through transcription factors p65 NF‐κB and C/EBPβ. In a xenograft mouse model with MCF10A cells and CAFs, tumor was not developed, suggesting that coinjection with CAFs may not be sufficient for in vivo tumorigenicity of MCF10A cells. Xenograft mouse tumor models with MDA‐MB‐231 breast carcinoma cells provided an in vivo evidence for the effect of CAFs on breast cancer progression as well as a crucial role of IL‐8 in tumor growth and S100A8 expression in vivo. Using a tissue microarray of human breast cancer, we showed that S100A8 expression was correlated with poor outcomes. S100A8 expression was more frequently detected in cancer‐adjacent normal human breast tissues than in normal breast tissues. Together, this study elucidated a novel mechanism for the acquisition of invasive phenotype of non‐neoplastic breast cells induced by CAFs, suggesting that targeting IL‐8 and S100A8 may be an effective strategy against breast cancer.
Push‐out bond strength of various surface treatments on fiber post to root canal dentine using different irrigation techniques
Authors: Kırmalı Ömer , Sekmen Turan , Karaarslan Ayşegül 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo compare the efficacy of different surface treatments (fiber post) with laser activated irrigation (LAI) technique (various root canal solutions) on root canal dentine in terms of push‐out bond strength (PBS) in a fiber post. In this study, 200 premolars were assigned into groups according to various irrigation techniques: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 17% ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), and 17% EDTA + LAI. In addition, the fiber posts were separated into five groups, (n = 30) according to the surface pretreatment performed: sandblasting, hydrofluoric acid (HF), Erbium, Chromium:Yttrium Scandium‐Gallium‐Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, Neodymium‐Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd,YAG) laser and as untreated surface. The posts were cemented using dual‐cure resin cement and subjected to a PBS test. Data were analyzed by one way‐ANOVA, Tukey, and Tamhane T2 tests. The PBS values were increased in all parts of the tooth in the EDTA and EDTA + LAI treated groups and in groups treated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser fiber posts. In groups in which EDTA and EDTA + LAI were applied, it was observed that dentinal tubules were open according to the distribution and number of dentinal tubule configurations. The improvement of the PBS between fiber post/resin cement/root dentine was observed via the use of fiber post surface treatments with different irrigation techniques.
Cardiac implantable devices during exercise: Normal function and troubleshooting
Authors: Gutiérrez Oswaldo J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNormal function and the most common problems that occur during pacemaker operation while performing physical exercise, are discussed. Physically active individuals with an implantable cardiac device, should be evaluated during exercise, because some conflicts issues may arise that are not detectable during routine, at rest, telemetry.
Semi‐quantitative histology confirms that the macrophage is the predominant cell type in metal‐on‐metal hip tissues
Authors: Campbell Patricia , Park Sang‐Hyun , Ebramzadeh Edward 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNumerous studies have examined the histology of metal‐on‐metal hip tissues for evidence of a dose response to metal wear but have often reported inconclusive or contradictory findings. The aim of the present study was to address these discrepancies using multiple histological scoring methods to characterize the tissue features of one large group of revised metal‐on‐metal total hips. Periprosthetic tissues from 165 metal‐on‐metal hip revisions were examined for features of aseptic lymphocytic vasculitis associated lesions (ALVAL) as rated using two scoring systems as well as rankings for macrophage and lymphocyte numbers, intracellular wear debris and necrosis. Correlations between histological features and clinical variables including gender and time to revision and implant variables including articular surface wear volume or visual taper corrosion scores were examined. Both ALVAL scores reflected the macrophage dominated histology with average scores of 5.9/10 and 1.5/3. There was a statistically significant correlation between the original ALVAL score and wear rate per year (correlation coefficient = 0.17, p = .05) and a moderate correlation between the number of macrophages and wear particles and wear volume. There was no statistically significant correlation between wear and any other feature including lymphocytic inflammation or necrosis. Strong correlations between combined cup and ball wear volume and histological characteristics were not observed, although the number of macrophages was more closely correlated with wear than lymphocytes or necrosis.
Long‐term oncological outcomes of the sphincter preserving total mesorectal excision with varying distal resection margins
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Bhamre Rahul , DeSouza Ashwin , Ostwal Vikas , Engineer Reena , Patel Swapnil , Sukumar Vivek , Saklani Avanish 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionA subcentimeter distal resection margin (DRM) appears to be acceptable for most patients, however, long‐term follow up and specific subsets where DRM would influence recurrences have not been adequately investigated.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all sphincter‐preserving resections for mid and low rectal cancers between July 2011 and May 2015 was performed. Extended total mesorectal excisions (TME) and patients with positive pathologic circumferential margins (CRM) were excluded.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐six patients fit the inclusion criteria. DRM > 20 mm was obtained in 117 patients (49.6%), between 10 and 20 mm in 78 (33%) and <10 mm in 41 (17.4%) patients. Pathological DRM was positive in 4 patients (1.7%). Sixty‐five recurrences occurred at a median follow up of 78.5 months. DRM did not influence any of the oncological outcomes. In a subset analysis of patients with poor pathological response to neoadjuvant radiation, that is, tumor regression grade > 3, DRM influenced disease‐free survival (DFS) but not overall survival with a hazard ratio of 4.4 (p = 0.02). This was confirmed on multivariate regression analysis in this subgroup as well where pathological nodal status and DRM < 10 mm were independent predictors of DFS.ConclusionsA subcentimeter DRM may be acceptable in most patients except those who have an inadequate response to neoadjuvant radiation.
An Integrated Framework to Estimate Seabird Population Numbers and Trends
Authors: Mercker Moritz , Markones Nele , Borkenhagen Kai , Schwemmer Henriette , Wahl Johannes , Garthe Stefan 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTGenerating trend and population estimates from bird count data is challenging and a variety of factors have to be taken into account. We present an integrative statistical approach for estimating population numbers and trends for seabirds at sea. The method allows for the integration of bird‐count data from different sources and sampling schemes: offshore observer‐based line transect and digital strip transect surveys and land‐based point counts; the estimation of log‐linear and highly nonlinear trends; the prediction of population numbers for predefined sub‐areas, years, or seasons; and investigations of the effects of various environmental and detection‐related covariates on bird count numbers. We applied the approach to count data for great black‐backed gulls (Larus marinus) in the German part of the North Sea and Baltic Sea from 1990–2016. Count data were collected by observer‐based offshore ship and aerial surveys, offshore digital aerial surveys, and point counts from the shore. The detectability of great black‐backed gulls was affected by the sea state (the condition of the sea surface, characterized by wave height, wave form, foam, and spray) and survey method. Digital and observer‐based aerial surveys detected only 59–77% of the abundance recorded by ship‐based surveys. Great black‐backed gulls are mainly present in German waters in winter, when they account for 3–4% of the European population. Their core distributional areas are mainly in deeper offshore waters where they are relatively dispersed, with several concentrations probably connected to fishing activity. Great black‐backed gulls have undergone substantial declines, with the most pronounced decreases of >90% in the offshore waters of the German part of the North Sea. Breeding numbers at important European breeding sites do not show similar declines, suggesting that the trends observed in the sea areas might indicate a shift in the distribution or habitat use and a decreasing importance of marine areas for European great black‐backed gulls. © 2021 The Authors.The Journal of Wildlife Managementpublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.