bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do freshwater fish sperm find the egg? The physicochemical factors guiding the gamete encounters of externally fertilizing freshwater fish
Authors: Kholodnyy Vitaliy , Gadêlha Hermes , Cosson Jacky , Boryshpolets Sergii 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe lifespan of spermatozoa from externally fertilizing freshwater fish ranges from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the species. External factors, such as temperature, background flows and ion composition, play an important role in fertilization success. Specific mechanisms guiding spermatozoa appear to be essential to maximize the sperm–egg encounter under these strenuous conditions. Although some existing data support the hypothesis that both the ovarian fluid and the eggs may release chemoattractants that significantly affect spermatozoa behaviour and the fertilization outcome, this hypothesis is still open to debate, as the existence of freshwater fish spermatozoa chemotaxis has yet to be demonstrated; in addition, specific mechanisms supporting spermatozoa guidance and gamete selection have not been elucidated. Is the natural selection of gametes determined by a combination of different physicochemical phenomena? Alternatively, is the natural selection of species‐specific gametes biased towards the species‐specific guidance mechanisms of their natural landscape? These questions have received more attention as new studies have revealed potential, distinct guidance mechanisms in freshwater fish reproduction. In this review, we discuss the empirical studies supporting different hypotheses about freshwater fish gamete guidance and highlight the synergistic combination of experiments and biomathematical modelling to explore these questions. Finally, we discuss the challenges in understanding the mechanisms behind sperm guidance in freshwater fish species, and we suppose that knowledge about the mechanisms that underlie spermatozoa selection and guidance in freshwater fish species may elucidate the impact of the traditional aquaculture practice of artificial fertilization on progeny quality and species sustainability.
Clinical outcomes and survival following lung transplantation in patients with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Wajda Nikolai , Zhu Zheng , Jandarov Roman , Dilling Daniel F. , Gupta Nishant 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveDisease‐specific outcomes following lung transplantation (LT) in patients with pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) are not well established. We queried the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database to identify adult PLCH patients who had undergone LT in the United States.MethodsOverall survival data were analysed with Kaplan–Meier curves. Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the effect of demographic, clinical and physiological variables on post‐transplant survival.ResultsA total of 87 patients with PLCH underwent LT in the United States between October 1987 and June 2017, accounting for 0.25% of the total LT during this period. The mean age at LT for PLCH patients was 49 years (range: 19–67 years), with a near equal gender distribution. Bilateral sequential LT was performed in 71 patients (82%). Pulmonary hypertension was present in 85% of patients, with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 38.5 ± 14.1 mm Hg. The mean pre‐transplant forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 41 ± 21% predicted and the mean 6‐min walk distance was 221 ± 111 m. Median post‐LT survival for PLCH patients was comparable to patients with other lung diseases (5.1 vs 5.5 years, P = 0.76). The actuarial Kaplan–Meier post‐LT survival for PLCH patients was 85%, 65%, 49% and 22% at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively. Female sex (hazard ratio (HR): 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.72), pre‐transplant serum bilirubin (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.23–2.26) and serum creatinine (HR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.01–14.76) were independently associated with post‐LT mortality in our cohort.ConclusionPost‐LT survival in patients with PLCH is similar to patients with other lung diseases and is significantly affected by patient gender.
Threshold of motion of bivalve and gastropod shells under oscillatory flow in flume experiments
Authors: Fick Cristiano , Puhl Eduardo , Toldo Elírio Ernestino 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe threshold of motion of non‐fragmented mollusc shells was studied for the first time under oscillatory flow. In this regard, flume experiments were used to investigate the threshold of motion of three bivalve and three gastropod species, two typical mollusc classes of coastal coquina deposits. The sieve diameters ranged from 2·0 to 15·9 mm. These experiments were performed on a flat‐bottom setup under regular non‐breaking waves (swell) produced by a flap‐type wave generator. The critical Shields values for each species of mollusc were plotted against the sieve and nominal diameter. Moreover, the dimensionless Corey shape factor of the shells was evaluated in order to investigate the effect of mollusc shell shapes on the threshold of motion. According to their critical Shields parameter, the mollusc threshold data under oscillatory flow present smaller values than the siliciclastic sediments when considering their sieve diameter. In addition, the mollusc datasets are below the empirical curves built from siliciclastic grain data under current and waves. When considering the nominal diameter, the critical Shields parameter increases and the mollusc data are closer to siliciclastic sediments. Bivalves, which have a flat‐concave shape (form factor: 0·27 to 0·37), have a higher critical Shields parameter for smaller particles and more uniform datasets than the gastropod scattered data, which have a rounded shape (form factor: 0·58 to 0·62) and have varied morphologies (ellipsoidal, conical and cubic). The comparison between previous current‐driven threshold data of bioclastic sediment motion and the data of mollusc whole shells under oscillatory flow shows a fair correlation on the Shields diagram, in which all datasets are below the mean empirical curves for siliciclastic sediments. These findings indicate that the shape effect on the transport initiation is predominant for smaller shells. The use of the nominal diameter is satisfactory to improve the bioclastic and siliciclastic data correlation.
Diversity of RH and transfusion support in Brazilian sickle cell disease patients with unexplained Rh antibodies
Authors: Dinardo Carla L. , Kelly Shannon , Dezan Marcia R. , Ribeiro Ingrid H. , Castilho Shirley L. , Schimidt Luciana C. , Valgueiro Maria do C. , Preiss Liliana R. , Custer Brian , Sabino Ester C. , Westhoff Connie M. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS)‐III
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUNDGenetic diversity in the RH genes among sickle cell disease (SCD) patients is well described but not yet extensively explored in populations of racially diverse origin. Transfusion support is complicated in patients who develop unexpected Rh antibodies. Our goal was to describe RH variation in a large cohort of Brazilian SCD patients exhibiting unexpected Rh antibodies (antibodies against RH antigens to which the patient is phenotypically positive) and to evaluate the impact of using the patient's RH genotype to guide transfusion support.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSPatients within the Recipient Epidemiology and Evaluation Donor Study (REDS)‐III Brazil SCD cohort with unexpected Rh antibodies were selected for study. RHD and RHCE exons and flanking introns were sequenced by targeted next‐generation sequencing.RESULTSFifty‐four patients with 64 unexplained Rh antibodies were studied. The majority could not be definitively classified as auto‐ or alloantibodies using serologic methods. The most common altered RH were RHD*DIIIa and RHD*DAR (RHD locus) and RHCE*ce48C, RHCE*ce733G, and RHCE*ceS (RHCE locus). In 53.1% of the cases (34/64), patients demonstrated only conventional alleles encoding the target antigen: five of 12 anti‐D (41.7%), 10 of 12 anti‐C (83.3%), 18 of 38 anti‐e (47.4%), and one of one anti‐E (100%).CONCLUSIONRHD variation in this SCD cohort differs from that reported for African Americans, with increased prevalence of RHD*DAR and underrepresentation of the DAU cluster. Many unexplained Rh antibodies were found in patients with conventional RH allele(s) only. RH genotyping was useful to guide transfusion to determine which patients could potentially benefit from receiving RH genotyped donor units.
Can the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership minimise the harm from the United States–China trade war?
Authors: Mahadevan Renuka , Nugroho Anda 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUsing ex post tariff schedules for the first time, it was found that the global gains provided by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are not enough to overcome the negative impacts of the United States–China trade dispute. While trade tensions cause China's welfare loss to be more than twice as large as the United States, they provide some trade diversion to RCEP members. But of concern is if India successfully delays the conclusion of the RCEP even by a year, there will be a global loss of US$17.7 billion. The RCEP is also beneficial for the emerging economy of Vietnam and the high‐tariff‐imposing Korean economy. The results obtained here are, however, conservative as reduction in non‐tariff barriers and other positive spillover effects of trade liberalisation related to investment and productivity improvements due to competition or increased intra‐industry trade could not be accounted for.
Environmental risk factors for canine atopic dermatitis: a retrospective large‐scale study in Labrador and golden retrievers
Authors: Harvey Naomi D. , Shaw Stephen C. , Craigon Peter J. , Blott Sarah C. , England Gary C.W. 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundCanine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is one the most common and distressing skin disorders seen in dogs. It is characterized by dysfunction in the skin barrier, with a complex pathogenesis combining both genetic and environmental factors.ObjectivesTo evaluate associations between environmental factors and case‐control status in two closely related, at‐risk breeds, the Labrador retriever and golden retriever.AnimalsTwo thousand four hundred and forty‐five pet dogs, of which 793 were classed as cases (575 Labrador and 218 golden retrievers) and 1,652 as controls (1,120 Labrador and 532 golden retrievers).Methods and materialsCase‐control status was assigned based upon owner response to a standardized validated questionnaire. Retrospective data on rearing environment were collected via additional questions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were utilized to evaluate associations between environmental factors and case‐control status.ResultsRisk factors included being reared in an urban environment (not living currently in an urban environment), being male, being neutered, receiving flea control and being allowed on upholstered furniture. Protective factors included living with other dogs (not cats) and walking in woodlands, fields or beaches. Additionally, amongst Labrador retrievers, chocolate‐coloured dogs were at greater risk of having cAD than black‐ or yellow‐coated dogs.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis study is the largest of its kind to date to investigate the role of the environment in cAD. Although precise triggers are unclear, this study complements earlier studies in highlighting the protective role of a rural environment and some novel associations with disease development.
Risk of infection after double locking plate and screw fixation of tibial plateau leveling osteotomies in dogs weighing greater than 50 kilograms
Authors: Tuan Jayson , Solano Miguel A. , Danielski Alan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo compare surgical site infection (SSI) rates after double locking plate and screw fixation (DLP), standard locking plate and screw fixation (LP), and conventional nonlocking plate and screw fixation (NLP) in dogs weighing >50 kg undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).Study designRetrospective study (January 2003‐October 2017).AnimalsTwo hundred seventy‐five dogs weighing >50 kg with cranial cruciate ligament disease treated with TPLO.MethodsMedical records of dogs weighing >50 kg that underwent TPLO by DLP, LP, and NLP with a minimum follow‐up period of 12 months were included. Data collected included signalment, details of any concurrent surgical procedure, type of implant used, use of postoperative antibiotic therapy, occurrence of perioperative complications, and presence of postoperative infection. The probability, risk difference, and relative risk of SSI were estimated for each fixation with a marginal model.ResultsNonlocking plate and screw fixation was used in 114 (41.5%) dogs, LP was used in 128 (46.5%) dogs, and DLP was used in 33 (12%) dogs. Surgical site infection was diagnosed in 48 of 275 (17.5%) dogs. Postoperative antibiotic therapy was used in 74 (64.9%) dogs, 62 (48.4%) dogs, and 32 (97.0%) dogs in the NLP, LP, and DLP groups, respectively. Dogs with NLP, LP, and DLP had postoperative infection rates of 24.5%, 13.3%, and 9.1%, respectively. There were no risk differences for the three groups (Holm‐adjustedP > .05).ConclusionNo difference in infection rates was detected between DLP, LP, or NLP for TPLO in these dogs weighing >50 kg.Clinical significanceFixation of TPLO with DLP in dogs weighing >50 kg does not seem to increase the risk of SSI compared with LP and NLP.
Retracted: Rubral modulation of breathing
Authors: Ghali Michael George Zaki 
Published: August 2019

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
Rubral modulation of pontomedullary respiratory rhythm and pattern generating circuitry powerfully contributes to regulation of breathing.

What advances does it highlight?
Studies have demonstrated extensive rubromedullary and rubrospinal projections to zones generating and organizing the respiratory rhythm and pattern. Rubral modulation of respiratory output effects inspiratory expiratory phase transitions with stimulation generating inhibitory or excitatory responses of medullary inspiratory and expiratory units. The red nucleus mediates hypoxic ventilatory depression, integrates respiratory output with oromotor and locomotor activity, and modulates respiratory output during noxious stimulation.

AbstractAlthough normal triphasic eupnoea can be produced by the pontomedullary respiratory network after pontomesencephalic transection, the midbrain provides important modulation of respiration. Specifically, stimulation of the red nucleus elicits inspiratory inhibition, as manifest in the phrenic neurogram, in addition to excitation and inhibition of individual medullary respiratory‐related units, with the majority of premotor units that receive rubral modulation being inhibited. Stimulation of the red nucleus also induces respiratory phase transitions, which appear to be pontine independent. These effects might be mediated by rubrobulbar and/or rubrospinal tracts. Although lesioning of the red nucleus does not alter respiration in normoxic conditions, it eliminates hypoxic ventilatory depression, which is the second phase of the biphasic ventilatory response to low oxygen tension. The finding that the red nucleus also plays a role in anti‐nociception suggests that it might coordinate respiratory responses during noxious stimulation and, given that the red nucleus regulates upper limb flexors, it might represent one region in a distributed bulbar network contributing to respiratory–locomotor integration. Modulation of jaw opening by the red nucleus would support a model whereby it coordinates oromotor activity with breathing. Thus, the multiplicity of roles played by the red nucleus aptly position it to coordinate respiration in a variety of behavioural states. In this review, we seek to highlight the different features and regional specializations of the rubral contribution to respiratory control and underscore its vital importance to breathing in the freely behaving mammal.
Modelling the effects of age and sex on the resistive and viscoelastic components of the work of breathing during exercise
Authors: Molgat‐Seon Yannick , Dominelli Paolo B. , Guenette Jordan A. , Sheel A. William 
Published: August 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
What is the effect of age and sex on the resistive and viscoelastic components of work of breathing (Wb) during exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?
The resistive and viscoelastic components of Wb were higher in older adults, regardless of sex. The resistive, but not viscoelastic, component of Wb was higher in females than in males, regardless of age. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of the effects of ageing and sex on the mechanical ventilatory response to exercise.

AbstractHealthy ageing and biological sex each affect the work of breathing (Wb) for a given minute ventilation (). Age‐related structural changes to the respiratory system lead to an increase in both the resistive and viscoelastic components of Wb; however, it is unclear whether healthy ageing differentially alters the mechanics of breathing in males and females. We analysed data from 22 older (60–80 years, n = 12 females) and 22 younger (20–30 years, n = 11 females) males and females that underwent an incremental cycle exercise test to exhaustion. and Wb were assessed at rest and throughout exercise. Wb– data for each participant were fitted to a non‐linear equation (i.e. Wb = a3 + b2) that partitions Wb into resistive (i.e. a3) and viscoelastic (i.e. b2) components. We then modelled the effects of healthy ageing and biological sex on each component of Wb. Overall, the model fit was excellent (r2: 0.99 ± 0.01). There was a significant main effect of age and sex on the resistive component of Wb (both P < 0.05), and a significant main effect of age (P < 0.001), but not sex (P = 0.309), on the viscoelastic component of Wb. No significant interactions between age and sex on a3 or b2 were noted (both P > 0.05). Our findings indicate that during exercise: (i) the higher total Wb in females relative to males is due to a higher resistive, but not viscoelastic, component of Wb, and (ii) regardless of sex, the higher Wb in older adults relative to younger adults is due to higher resistive and viscoelastic components of Wb.
Longitudinal changes in axial length in high myopia: a 4-year prospective study
Authors: Lee Min Woo , Lee Seong-Eun , Lim Hyung-Bin , Kim Jung-Yeul 
Published: August 2019

AimTo determine the longitudinal changes in the axial length (AL) in patients with high myopia without any other ophthalmic diseaseMethodsParticipants were divided into two groups: a high myopia group (60 eyes) without myopic degeneration, such as chorioretinal atrophy or posterior staphyloma, and a control group (60 eyes). Both groups were further divided into subgroups according to the AL: subgroup 1 (≥27.5 mm), subgroup 2 (26.0–27.5 mm), subgroup 3 (24.5–26.0 mm) and subgroup 4 (<24.5 mm). The ALs were measured five times at 1-year interval using an IOL master, and the AL was fitted with linear mixed models.ResultsIn the high myopia group, the AL showed a relatively constant increase at each visit, and they were significantly different with previous measurements at most visits, whereas the control group showed no significant change of AL. Subgroups 1,2 and 3 showed significant changes in AL over time (0.064, 0.032 and 0.012 mm/y, respectively). In univariate analyses, age, best-corrected visual acuity, baseline AL and anterior chamber depth were significantly correlated with changes in the AL in the high myopia group. In multivariate analysis, only baseline AL remained significant (p<0.001).ConclusionsMyopic eyes, including moderately myopic eyes, showed a consistent increase in AL over 4 years, and eyes with a longer baseline AL showed a greater increase in AL than eyes with a shorter AL.
Nomogram for visual acuity outcome after iodine-125 plaque radiotherapy and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab for uveal melanoma in 1131 patients
Authors: Dalvin Lauren A , Zhang Qiang , Hamershock Rose A , Chang Michael , Yu Michael D , Mashayekhi Arman , Shields Carol L 
Published: August 2019

AimsTo develop a nomogram for prediction of visual acuity outcome following plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma.MethodsRetrospective review of uveal melanoma treated with plaque radiotherapy and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab injections at 4-month intervals for 2 years duration. Two nomograms for poor visual acuity outcome (Snellen <20/200) were developed based on (1) Clinical risk factors. (2) Or clinical and treatment risk factors.ResultsThere were 1131 included cases. The most important clinical risk factors (points for nomogram) for poor visual acuity outcome included subretinal fluid involving four quadrants (100), tumour thickness >4 mm (69), presenting visual acuity ≤20/30 (65), non-Caucasian race (58), tumour shape mushroom, bilobed, or multilobulated (57), and insulin-dependent diabetes (54). Risk of poor visual acuity at 2 years and 4 years increased from 11% and 24% with 40 points to 97% and >99% with 304 points. A second analysis was performed using both clinical and treatment risk factors. The most important factors included presenting visual acuity ≤20/30 (100), tumour largest basal diameter >11 mm (80), radiation dose rate to tumour base ≥164 cGy/hour (78), tumour thickness >4 mm (76), insulin-dependent diabetes (75) and abnormal foveolar status by optical coherence tomography at presentation (72). Risk of poor visual acuity at 2 years and 4 years increased from 6% and 14% with 56 points to 88% and 99% with 496 points.ConclusionsA nomogram using clinical or treatment risk factors can predict visual acuity outcome following plaque radiotherapy and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab for uveal melanoma and is available online at https://fighteyecancer.com/nomograms/.
Practice patterns to decrease myopia progression differ among paediatric ophthalmologists around the world
Authors: Leshno Ari , Farzavandi Sonal K , Gomez-de-Liaño Rosario , Sprunger Derek T , Wygnanski-Jaffe Tamara , Mezer Eedy 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionMyopia is a worldwide epidemic. Plethora of treatments are offered to decrease myopia progression. In this study, we compared between different geographical areas worldwide the practice patterns used by paediatric ophthalmologists to decrease the progression of myopia.MethodsGlobal responses to a questionnaire were analysed (n=794) for demographic variations. Pharmacological, optical and behavioural categories were defined as effective or ineffective based on the current scientific peer reviewed literature.ResultsTreatment rates varied significantly between geographical regions (mean 57%, range 39%–89%, p<0.001). Nearly all participants who treat myopia used at least one form of effective treatment, regardless of location (98%, p=0.16). Among those prescribing pharmacological treatments, European physicians offered the lowest rate of effective treatment compared with other regions (85% vs mean 97%). Rates of effective optical treatment varied significantly between locations (p<0.001), from 16% (Central-South America) to 56% (Far East). Most treating respondents advocated behavioural modifications (92%), between 87% (North America) and 100% (Central Asia). Nearly all respondents used combinations of treatment modalities (95%)—mostly pharmacological, optical and behavioural combination. However, combination rates varied significantly between regions (p<0.001).DiscussionThe utility of treatment to decrease myopia progression differs significantly across the world both in type, combination and efficacy.ConclusionPaediatric ophthalmologists involvement and proficiency in myopia progression treatment varies around the world. This may entail promoting continuous medical education and other incentives to increase the number and proficiency of paediatric ophthalmologist to have a more effective impact to control the myopia epidemic in children.