bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low genome‐wide homozygosity in 11 Spanish ovine breeds
Authors: Luigi-Sierra M.G. , Cardoso T. F. , Martínez A. , Pons A. , Bermejo L.A. , Jordana J. , Delgado J.V. , Adán S. , Ugarte E. , Arranz J. J. , Casellas J. , Amills M. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe population of Spanish sheep has decreased from 24 to 15 million heads in the last 75 years due to multiple social and economic factors. Such a demographic reduction might have caused an increase in homozygosity and inbreeding, thus limiting the viability of local breeds with excellent adaptations to harsh ecosystems. The main goal of our study was to investigate the homozygosity patterns of 11 Spanish ovine breeds and to elucidate the relationship of these Spanish breeds with reference populations from Europe, Africa and the Near East. By using Ovine SNP50 BeadChip data retrieved from previous publications, we have found that the majority of studied Spanish ovine breeds have close genetic relatedness with other European populations; the one exception is the Canaria de Pelo breed, which is similar to North African breeds. Our analysis has also demonstrated that, with few exceptions, the genomes of Spanish sheep harbor fewer than 50 runs of homozygosity (ROH) with a total length of less than 350 Mb. Moreover, the frequencies of very long ROH (>30 Mb) are very low, and the inbreeding coefficients (FROH) are generally small (FROH < 0.10), ranging from 0.008 (Rasa Aragonesa) to 0.086 (Canaria de Pelo). The low levels of homozygosity observed in the 11 Spanish sheep under analysis might be due to their extensive management and the high number of small to medium farms.
Infestation of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on three Eucalyptus species in selected ecological zones in Malawi
Authors: Jere Vitumbiko , Mhango Jarret , Njera Dalo , Jenya Herbert 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe study determined variations in incidence, severity and damage of Glycaspis brimblecombei among Eucalyptus species and ecological zones, and the interaction between Eucalyptus species and ecological zones. Additionally, the study determined variation in pest abundance between the upper, middle and lower parts of the tree crown. The study was conducted in six districts located in four ecological zones in Malawi. Eucalyptus stands established in 2014–2016 or coppices from trees cut in that period were sampled for G. brimblecombei infestation. A significant interaction was found between Eucalyptus species and ecological zones on G. brimblecombei infestation. Significant differences were observed between ecological zones in G. brimblecombei infestation with lowest incidence, severity and damage being found in the cooler ecological zone M. Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus tereticornis showed high susceptibility to G. brimblecombei compared to Eucalyptus grandis. There were no significant differences in abundance between the upper, middle and lower tree crown parts of each Eucalyptus species. Control efforts for this psyllid should focus on breeding and planting of resistant Eucalyptus varieties in specifically recommended sites. The uniform distribution of the pest on different tree crown parts implies that use of contact insecticides on a large scale would be tedious and expensive.
PROSPECT guideline for rotator cuff repair surgery: systematic review and procedure‐specific postoperative pain management recommendations
Authors: Toma O. , Persoons B. , Pogatzki‐Zahn E. , Van de Velde M. , Joshi G. P. ,   the PROSPECT Working Group collaborators
Published: August 2019

SummaryRotator cuff repair can be associated with significant and difficult to treat postoperative pain. We aimed to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after rotator cuff repair. A systematic review using procedure‐specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials published in English from 1 January 2006 to 15 April 2019 assessing postoperative pain after rotator cuff repair using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Databases. Out of 322 eligible studies identified, 59 randomised controlled trials and one systematic review met the inclusion criteria. Pre‐operative and intra‐operative interventions that improved postoperative pain were paracetamol, cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors, intravenous dexamethasone, regional analgesia techniques including interscalene block or suprascapular nerve block (with or without axillary nerve block) and arthroscopic surgical technique. Limited evidence was found for pre‐operative gabapentin, perineural adjuncts (opioids, glucocorticoids, or α‐2‐adrenoceptor agonists added to the local anaesthetic solution) or postoperative transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Inconsistent evidence was found for subacromial/intra‐articular injection, and for surgical technique‐linked interventions, such as platelet‐rich plasma. No evidence was found for stellate ganglion block, cervical epidural block, specific postoperative rehabilitation protocols or postoperative compressive cryotherapy. The analgesic regimen for rotator cuff repair should include an arthroscopic approach, paracetamol, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, dexamethasone and a regional analgesic technique (either interscalene block or suprascapular nerve block with or without axillary nerve block), with opioids as rescue analgesics. Further randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the influence of the recommended analgesic regimen on postoperative pain relief.
Investigating the level of DNA double‐strand break in human spermatozoa and its relation to semen characteristics and IVF outcome using phospho‐histone H2AX antibody as a biomarker
Authors: Coban O. , Serdarogullari M. , Yarkiner Z. , Serakinci N. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundSperm DNA fragmentation and its relation to conventional semen parameters are well studied. However, there is limited information regarding the rate of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) and its correlation to basic semen parameters and IVF outcome.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to investigate the rate of DNA DSBs in human spermatozoa and its correlation to basic semen parameters and IVF outcome.Materials and methodsThe prospective study includes 60 assisted reproductive treatment cycles (52 autologous and eight donors) in which the semen profiles and sperm DNA DSBs have been assessed. The level of sperm DNA DSBs in each sample has been evaluated by using a method to detect histone H2AX phosphorylation. The results were compared with basic semen values and IVF outcomes.ResultsNo significant correlation was observed between phospho‐histone H2AX (γH2AX) levels and basic semen parameters such as semen volume (p = 0.129), sperm count (p = 0.454), total motility (p = 0.934), progressive motility (p = 0.314) and normal sperm morphology (p = 0.720). Similarly, the mean values of γH2AX did not differ with regard to the age of male participants (p = 0.300). However, cycles that resulted in live birth exhibited lower levels of γH2AX (p = 0.007). Accordingly, the level of γH2AX (p < 0.004) and rate of normal sperm morphology (p = 0.015) were found to be variables that affect the live birth outcomes.Discussion and ConclusionThe low levels of γH2AX in sperm cells may be an indicator to IVF outcome independently from the conventional semen parameters and male age.
Three‐dimensional laparoscopic vision improves forceps motion more in the depth direction than in the horizontal direction: An analysis of data from prospective randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yamazaki Yuta , Kanaji Shingo , Harada Hitoshi , Nishi Masayasu , Takiguchi Gosuke , Urakawa Naoki , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Masashi , Matsuda Yoshiko , Yamashita Kimihiro , Oshikiri Taro , Matsuda Takeru , Nakamura Tetsu , Suzuki Satoshi , Kakeji Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionThree‐dimensional (3D) laparoscopic vision can improve depth perception. However, it is a question whether 3D vision can improve motion in the depth direction. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of 3D vision on forceps motion in the depth and horizontal directions.MethodsAll data were obtained from our previous two studies, where, in total, 40 novices and 20 moderately experienced surgeons participated. A simple phantom task was performed in a training box. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Specifically, one group performed the task five times initially under a two‐dimensional (2D) system, and the other group started under a 3D system. Both groups then performed the same task five times under the alternative system. Performances were recorded by an optical position tracker. We separately evaluated forceps motion in the x‐, y‐, and z‐axis directions.ResultsCompared with the findings for 2D vision, the forceps path lengths were significantly decreased among novices and moderately experienced surgeons in almost all tasks under 3D vision. In a comparison of the path length ratio (3D/2D) in each direction, larger reduction was observed for the depth direction among novices, whereas no significant directional difference was noted among moderately experienced surgeons.ConclusionsFor novices, 3D laparoscopic vision improves depth perception and may give shorter forceps movement in the depth direction even for simple tasks.
Impact of the East African Rift System on the routing of the deep‐water drainage network offshore Tanzania, western Indian Ocean
Authors: Maselli Vittorio , Kroon Dick , Iacopini David , Wade Bridget S. , Pearson Paul N. , de Haas Henk 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe East African Rift System (EARS) exerted a major influence on river drainage basins and regional climate of east Africa during the Cenozoic. Recent studies have highlighted an offshore branch of the EARS in the western Indian Ocean, where the Kerimbas Graben and the Davie Ridge represent its sea floor expression. To date, a clear picture of the impact and timing of this EARS offshore branch on the continental margin of the western Indian Ocean, and associated sediment dispersal pathways, is still missing. This study presents new evidence for four giant canyons along the northern portion of the Davie Ridge offshore Tanzania. Seismic and multibeam bathymetric data highlight that the southernmost three canyons are now inactive, supra‐elevated relative to the adjacent sea floor of the Kerimbas Graben and disconnected from the modern slope systems offshore the Rovuma and Rufiji River deltas. Regional correlation of dated seismic horizons, integrated with well data and sediment samples, proves that the tectonic activity driving the uplift of the Davie Ridge in this area has started during the middle‐upper Miocene and is still ongoing, as suggested by the presence of fault escarpments at the sea floor and by the location and magnitude of recent earthquakes. Our findings contribute to placing the Kerimbas Graben and the Davie Ridge offshore Tanzania in the regional geodynamic context of the western Indian Ocean and show how the tectonics of the offshore branch of the EARS modified the physiography of the margin, re‐routing the deep‐water drainage network since the middle Miocene. Future studies are needed to understand the influence of changing sea floor topography on the western Indian Ocean circulation and to evaluate the potential of the EARS offshore tectonics in generating tsunamigenic events.
Modelling the Shimokita deep coalbed biosphere over deep geological time: Starvation, stimulation, material balance and population models
Authors: Bowden Stephen A. , Mohamed Abdalla Y. , Edilbi Ayad N. F. , Lin Yu‐Shih , Morono Yuki , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe , Inagaki Fumio 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBasin models can simulate geological, geochemical and geophysical processes and potentially also the deep biosphere, starting from a burial curve, assuming a thermal history and utilizing other experimentally obtained data. Here, we apply basin modelling techniques to model cell abundances within the deep coalbed biosphere off Shimokita Peninsula, Japan, drilled during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 337. Two approaches were used to simulate the deep coalbed biosphere: (a) In the first approach, the deep biosphere was modelled using a material balance approach that treats the deep biosphere as a carbon reservoir, in which fluxes are governed by temperature‐controlled metabolic processes that retain carbon via cell‐growth and cell‐repair and pass it back via cell‐damaging reactions. (b) In the second approach, the deep biosphere was modelled as a microbial community with a temperature‐controlled growth ratio and carrying capacity (a limit on the size of the deep biosphere) modulated by diagenetic‐processes. In all cases, the biosphere in the coalbeds and adjacent habitat are best modelled as a carbon‐limited community undergoing starvation because labile sedimentary organic matter is no longer present and petroleum generation is yet to occur. This state of starvation was represented by the conversion of organic carbon to authigenic carbonate and the formation of kerogen. The potential for the biosphere to be stimulated by the generation of carbon‐dioxide from the coal during its transition from brown to sub‐bituminous coal was evaluated and a net thickness of 20 m of lignite was found sufficient to support an order of magnitude greater number of cells within a low‐total organic carbon (TOC) horizon. By comparison, the stimulation of microbial populations in a coalbed or high‐TOC horizon would be harder to detect because the increase in population size would be proportionally very small.
RETRACTED: STUB1 suppresseses tumorigenesis and chemoresistance through antagonizing YAP1 signaling
Authors: Tang Dong‐E , Dai Yong , Lin Lie‐Wen , Xu Yong , Liu Dong‐Zhou , Hong Xiao‐Ping , Jiang Hao‐Wu , Xu Song‐Hui 
Published: August 2019

AbstractYes‐associated protein (YAP) is a component of the canonical Hippo signaling pathway that is known to play essential roles in modulating organ size, development, and tumorigenesis. Activation or upregulation of YAP1, which contributes to cancer cell survival and chemoresistance, has been verified in different types of human cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of YAP1 upregulation in cancer is still unclear. Here we report that the E3 ubiquitin ligase STUB1 ubiquitinates and destabilizes YAP1, thereby inhibiting cancer cell survival. Low levels of STUB1 expression were correlated with increased protein levels of YAP1 in human gastric cancer cell lines and patient samples. Moreover, we revealed that STUB1 ubiquitinates YAP1 at the K280 site by K48‐linked polyubiquitination, which in turn increases YAP1 turnover and promotes cellular chemosensitivity. Overall, our study establishes YAP1 ubiquitination and degradation mediated by the E3 ligase STUB1 as an important regulatory mechanism in gastric cancer, and provides a rationale for potential therapeutic interventions.
Epithelial alarmin levels in exhaled breath condensate in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A pilot study
Authors: Majewski Sebastian , Tworek Damian , Szewczyk Karolina , Kurmanowska Zofia , Antczak Adam , Górski Paweł , Piotrowski Wojciech Jerzy 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionInterleukin (IL)‐25, IL‐33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are epithelial alarmins involved in innate immune responses and have been shown to play an important role in chronic lung diseases. No data are available regarding their levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).ObjectivesTo examine IL‐25, IL‐33 and TSLP levels in the EBC obtained from patients with IPF and compare them to those in healthy controls, patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsTwenty‐three patients with asthma, 25 patients with COPD, 15 patients with IPF and 16 healthy controls were studied. Concentrations of alarmins in the EBC were evaluated by means of ELISA.ResultsIL‐25 EBC levels were numerically lowest in IPF (25.33 ± 8.84 pg/ml). However, they did not differ significantly from healthy subjects (43.18 ± 5.53 pg/ml), but were significantly lower compared to asthma (72.07 ± 6.03 pg/ml; P < .001). IL‐33 EBC levels were significantly increased in IPF (3.41 ± 0.55 pg/ml) compared to healthy controls (1.20 ± 0.60 pg/ml; P < .01) but did not differ from asthma (3.68 pg/ml) and COPD levels (2.47 ± 0.34 pg/ml). There were significant correlations between IL‐33 EBC levels and lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLco) absolute (r = .63; P < .05) and % of predicted values (r = .67; P < .01) as well as with time since diagnosis (r = −.59; P < .05) in IPF subjects. TSLP was undetectable in examined samples.ConclusionIL‐25 and IL‐33 are detectable in the EBC obtained from IPF subjects. Increased levels of IL‐33 compared to healthy controls indicate its possible role in the pathobiology of IPF.
Different management strategies are optimal for combating disease in East Texas cave versus culvert hibernating bat populations
Authors: Bernard Riley F. , Evans Jonah , Fuller Nathan W. , Reichard Jonathan D. , Coleman Jeremy T. H. , Kocer Christina J. , Campbell Grant Evan H. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractManagement decisions for species impacted by emerging infectious diseases are challenging when there are uncertainties in the effectiveness of management actions. Wildlife managers must balance trade‐offs between mitigating the effects of the disease and the associated consequences on other aspects of the managed system. An example of this challenge is exemplified in the response to white‐nose syndrome (WNS), a disease of hibernating bats. The fungal pathogen that causes WNS, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, continues to spread throughout North America. Texas, recently confirmed positive for the fungus, has documented 33 bat species in the state, with nearly half of those species naïve to the pathogen. We explicitly incorporated multiple management objectives, uncertainty, and risk in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department decision to manage East Texas populations of the tri‐colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), a species highly susceptible to WNS. Alternatives included individual actions that act against P. destructans or benefit bats, a no active management option, and combinations of actions. Although our main objective was to identify WNS mitigation measures for tri‐colored bats in culverts, we also considered the transferability of the decision for natural caves. In this scenario, the optimal decision differed for culverts and caves, with a “portfolio” combination of actions ranking as the best alternative for culverts and a single vaccine alternative for caves. Because the top management alternatives differed markedly between these two systems, finding treatments that have broad application is likely infeasible, given that each management decision is characterized by different mixtures of competing objectives.
Brain structure in children with congenital visual disorders and visual impairment
Authors: Bathelt Joe , Dale Naomi J , de Haan Michelle , Clark Chris A 
Published: August 2019

AimTo examine if congenital visual impairment is associated with differences in brain anatomy in children.MethodTen children (8–12y) with congenital disorders of the peripheral visual system with severe visual impairment (SVI; >0.8 logMAR) or mild‐to‐moderate visual impairment (MVI; 0.6–0.8 logMAR) were compared to 21 typically sighted comparison (TSC) children. Thalamus volume, grey matter density, white matter microstructure, and integrity of visual tracts were investigated in SVI, MVI, and TSC groups with anatomical and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsCompared to the TSC group, the SVI group had lower white matter integrity in tracts of the visual system (optic radiations: SVI 0.35±0.015, TSC 0.39±0.007 [p=0.022]; posterior corpus callosum: SVI 0.37±0.019; TSC 0.42±0.009 [p=0.033]) and lower left thalamus volume (SVI 4.37±0.087; TSC 4.99±0.339 [p=0.015]). Neuroanatomical differences were greater in the SVI group, while no consistent differences between the MVI and TSC group were observed.InterpretationPosterior tracts of the visual system are compromised in children with congenital visual impairment versus those who are typically sighted. The severity of visual input appears to have affected neuroanatomical development as significant reductions were only found in the SVI group.What this paper adds

Severe visual impairment in mid‐childhood is associated with reduced integrity of visual pathways and reduced thalamus volume.
Distinct trajectories of HbA1c in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes from the DPV registry using a longitudinal group‐based modelling approach
Authors: Rathmann W. , Schwandt A. , Hermann J. M. , Kuss O. , Roden M. , Laubner K. , Best F. , Ebner S. , Plaumann M. , Holl R. W. ,   for the DPV Initiative
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimTo identify groups of heterogeneous HbA1c trajectories over time in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study comprised 6355 adults with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes (55% men, median age 62 years, baseline BMI 31 kg/m2) from the Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV) prospective multicentre diabetes registry (Germany, Austria). Individuals were assessed during the first 5 years after diabetes diagnosis if they had ≥ 3 aggregated HbA1c measurements during follow‐up. Latent class growth modelling was used to determine distinct subgroups that followed similar longitudinal HbA1c patterns (SAS: Proc Traj). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate which variables were associated with the respective HbA1c trajectory groups.ResultsFour distinct longitudinal HbA1c trajectory (glycaemic control) groups were found. The largest group (56% of participants) maintained stable good glycaemic control (HbA1c 42–45 mmol/mol). Twenty‐six percent maintained stable moderate glycaemic control (HbA1c 57–62 mmol/mol). A third group (12%) initially showed severe hyperglycaemia (HbA1c 97 mmol/mol) but reached good glycaemic control within 1 year. The smallest group (6%) showed stable poor glycaemic control (HbA1c 79–88 mmol/mol). Younger age at diabetes diagnosis, male sex, and higher BMI were associated with the stable moderate or poor glycaemic control groups. Insulin therapy was strongly associated with the highly improved glycaemic control group.ConclusionsFour subgroups with distinct HbA1c trajectories were determined in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes using a group‐based modelling approach. Approximately one‐third of people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes need either better medication adherence or earlier intensification of glucose‐lowering therapy.
Usefulness of right ventricular strain assessment in submassive pulmonary thromboembolism undergoing ultrasound‐facilitated thrombolysis
Authors: Dod Harvinder S. , Nanda Amit , Nanda Navin C. , Klas Berthold , Singh Satinder , Salama Ahmed Y. , Akdogan Raziye E. , Fadala Hanan , Abdelsalam Mahmoud G. A. , Ahmed Mohamed , Bedi Rohil , Dod Sachin , Bhardwaj Ravindra 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMassive and submassive pulmonary thromboembolism carry significant morbidity and mortality. We present an elderly female who was diagnosed with a submassive pulmonary embolism by computed tomographic angiography and treated with ultrasound‐facilitated thrombolysis (UFT). This case demonstrates the usefulness of right ventricular longitudinal strain measurements by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in the evaluation of right ventricular function before and after UFT. Evaluation of right ventricle longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography may supplement other parameters in the assessment of right ventricular function in these patients.