bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Mechanistic Population Models in Metal Risk Assessment: Combined Effects of Copper and Food Source on Lymnaea stagnalis Populations
Authors: Vlaeminck Karel , Viaene Karel P. J. , Van Sprang Patrick , Baken Stijn , De Schamphelaere Karel A. C. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of chemicals aims to protect populations, communities, and ecosystems. Population models are considered more frequent in ERA because they can bridge the gap between the individual and the population level. Lymnaea stagnalis (the great pond snail) is an organism that is particularly sensitive to various metals, including copper (Cu). In addition, the sensitivity of this species to Cu differs between food sources. The first goal of the present study was to investigate whether we could explain the variability in sensitivity between food sources (lettuce and fish flakes) at the individual level with a dynamic energy budget (DEB) model. By adapting an existing DEB model and calibrating it with Cu toxicity data, thereby combining information from 3 studies and 2 endpoints (growth and reproduction), we put forward inhibition of energy assimilation as the most plausible physiological mode of action (PMoA) of Cu. Furthermore, the variation in Cu sensitivity between both food sources was considerably lower at the PMoA level than at the individual level. Higher Cu sensitivity at individual level under conditions of lower food quality or availability appears to emerge from first DEB principles when inhibition of assimilation is the PMoA. This supports the idea that DEB explained Cu sensitivity variation between food sources. Our second goal was to investigate whether this food source effect propagated to the population level. By incorporating DEB in an individual-based model (IBM), population-level effects were predicted. Based on our simulations, the food source effect was still present at the population level, albeit less prominently. Finally, we compared predicted population-level effect concentration, x% (ECx) values with individual-level ECx values for different studies. Using the DEB-IBM, the range of effect concentrations decreased significantly: at the individual level, the difference in chronic EC10 values between studies was a factor of 70 (1.13–78 µg dissolved Cu/L), whereas at the population level the difference was a factor of 15 (2.9–44.6 µg dissolved Cu/L). To improve interstudy comparability, a bioavailability correction for differences in water chemistry was performed with a biotic ligand model. This further decreased the variation, down to a factor of 7.4. Applying the population model in combination with a bioavailability correction thus significantly decreased the variability of chronic effect concentrations of Cu for L. stagnalis. Overall, the results of the present study illustrate the potential usefulness of transitioning to a more modeling-based environmental risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;00:1–16. © 2019 SETAC
Robust high‐order semi‐implicit backward difference formulas for Navier‐Stokes equations
Authors: Loy Kak Choon , Bourgault Yves 
Published: February 2019

SummaryTaylor‐Hood finite elements provide a robust numerical discretization of Navier‐Stokes equations (NSEs) with arbitrary high order of accuracy in space. To match the accuracy of the lowest degree Taylor‐Hood element, we propose a very efficient time‐stepping methods for unsteady flows, which are based on high‐order semi‐implicit backward difference formulas (SBDF) and the inclusion of grad‐div term in the NSE. To mitigate the impact on the numerical accuracy (in time) of the extrapolation of the nonlinear term in SBDF, several variants of nonlinear extrapolation formulas are investigated. The first approach is based on an extrapolation of the nonlinear advection term itself. The second formula uses the extrapolation of the velocity prior to the evaluation of the nonlinear advection term as a whole. The third variant is constructed such that it produces similar error on both velocity and pressure to that with fully implicit backward difference formulas methods at a given order of accuracy. This can be achieved by fixing one‐order higher than usually done in the extrapolation formula for the nonlinear advection term, while keeping the same extrapolation formula for the time derivative. The resulting truncation errors (in time) between these formulas are identified using Taylor expansions. These truncation error formulas are shown to properly represent the error seen in numerical tests using a 2D manufactured solution. Lastly, we show the robustness of the proposed semi‐implicit methods by solving test cases with high Reynolds numbers using one of the nonlinear extrapolation formulas, namely, the 2D flow past circular cylinder at Re=300 and Re = 1000 and the 2D lid‐driven cavity at Re = 50 000 and Re = 100 000. Our numerical solutions are found to be in a good agreement with those obtained in the literature, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Performance Degradation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Caused by an Accelerated Stress Test
Authors: Zhang X. , Yang Y. , Zhang X. , Guo L. , Liu H. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractProton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) experiences inevitably performance decay due to various mechanisms. Among those, carbon corrosion is extremely detrimental. In this study, an accelerated stress test (AST) is conducted to a single cell to mimic the conditions when carbon corrosion occurs. The cell performance is characterized intermittently, and the experiment results show although electrochemical active area (ECA) decreases continuously from beginning‐of‐life (BOL) due to carbon corrosion at catalyst layer (CL), kinetic degradation is not apparent until AST 3 h. After that, kinetic loss increases progressively, while ohmic loss increases continuously. However, due to decrease of water generation under voltage‐controlled condition, or enhancement of water removal by phase change induced flow (PCI) under current‐controlled condition, the mass transport is slightly improved at later period of AST. To confirm such variation of mass transport loss, cell performance and EIS are measured at reduced air relative humidity (RHc) and reduced air flow rate. Both cell performance and EIS results show that in a degraded fuel cell, reduced air RHc and higher air flow rate are beneficial to cell performance. Hence, more sophisticated water management strategies for PEMFCs is recommended for different periods in their lifetime for a fuel cell stack.
Randomized control trial comparing the titanium osteosynthesis and the biodegradable osteosynthesis in mandibulotomy access
Authors: Liu Jian Nan , Ong Hui Shan , Wang Ming Yi , Wan Kenneth , Qu Xing Zhou , Zhang Chen Ping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical degradation rate and strength of biodegradable implant exposed to postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) are unknown.MethodsA prospective randomized control trial of 40 consecutive mandibulotomy patients randomly divided into titanium and biodegradable cohorts. All patients received PORT. The following parameters were compared: maximal mouth opening, occlusal force, center of force trajectory, occlusal status, radiographic evidence of bony union, mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ), overall satisfaction score, and complication rates.ResultsBoth the mandibular function and occlusal status parameter of the biodegradable and the titanium groups were not significantly difference. Biodegradable cohort showed better MFIQ scores (P = .08) and overall satisfaction scores (P = .64) but was not statistically significant. Of note, 40% of patients in the titanium cohort complained of plate palpability/cold intolerance and required plate removal (P = .02); 10% of patients in the titanium cohort developed osteoradionecrosis.ConclusionBiodegradable osteosynthesis is as reliable as titanium osteosynthesis for mandibulotomy fixation. PORT did not increase the complication rate in the biodegradable group.
Robotic transoral thyroidectomy: Total thyroidectomy and ipsilateral central neck dissection with da Vinci Xi Surgical System
Authors: Kim Hong Kyu , Park Dawon , Kim Hoon Yub 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundTransoral approach for thyroidectomy draws attention recently among the thyroid surgeons, with the merits of cosmetic outcomes and minimal flap dissection. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the details and the steps of transoral robotic thyroidectomy.MethodsWe made three incisions in the gingival‐buccal sulcus for three 8‐mm intraoral ports: one inverted U‐shaped 1‐cm midline incision approximately 2 cm above the frenulum, and two 0.5‐cm lateral incisions near the commissure of lips. An additional 8‐mm axilla port was inserted for countertraction and later drain insertion.ResultsRight thyroid lobectomy, ipsilateral central neck dissection, and left thyroid lobectomy were performed with preserving recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. There was no development of transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism, vocal cord palsy, postoperative bleeding, or surgical site infection.ConclusionTransoral robotic total thyroidectomy and ipsilateral central neck dissection using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System are feasible and safe.
Localized prostate cancer with pelvic arteriovenous malformation treated with low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy after transcatheter embolization: Two case reports
Authors: Owari Takuya , Tanaka Nobumichi , Nakai Yasushi , Asakawa Isao , Tomizawa Mitsuru , Miyake Makito , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Anai Satoshi , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundWe describe two patients who underwent low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy after embolization for pelvic arteriovenous malformation.Case presentationCase 1: A 76‐year‐old man was referred for definitive treatment of intermediate‐risk prostate cancer (prostate‐specific antigen 8.667 ng/mL, cT2aN0M0, Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7). We planned low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. However, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography demonstrated a large pelvic arteriovenous malformation. We performed embolization of the arteriovenous malformation before initiating treatment to lower the risk of rupture of the arteriovenous malformation during low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. Case 2: A 69‐year‐old man was referred for the definitive treatment of high‐risk prostate cancer (prostate‐specific antigen 5.81 ng/mL, cT2aN0M0, Gleason score 4 + 4 = 8) with a pelvic arteriovenous malformation. Similar to Case 1, we performed embolization of the arteriovenous malformation before initiating treatment. In both cases, low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy could be performed without complications.ConclusionsLow‐dose‐rate brachytherapy after transcatheter embolization of pelvic arteriovenous malformations can safely and effectively treat localized prostate cancer with pelvic arteriovenous malformations.
HIV‐associated thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura: A retrospective cohort study during the anti‐retroviral therapy era
Authors: Masoet Azizah , Bassa Fatima , Chothia Mogamat‐Yazied 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundHIV‐associated thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) is thought to represent the majority of current TTP diagnoses in South Africa (SA).AimThe primary aim was to describe the clinical features and compare the time to remission of TTP in those patients with and without HIV.DesignA retrospective cohort study conducted at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, SA for the period January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2015.MethodsAll adult patients requiring ≥5 units of plasma products for ≥1 day during hospitalization were screened for a diagnosis of TTP. Those with a reported clinical diagnosis and/or laboratory evidence of TTP were included in the final analysis.ResultsA total of 52 cases were identified of which 78.8% were HIV‐infected. Time to remission was 10 days in the HIV group vs 19 days in the HIV negative group, P = 0.07. Most of the patients were Black females. Fever was more common in those with HIV. Neurological features were common in both groups. The majority in the HIV group was managed exclusively with plasma infusion alone (90.2% vs 45.5%, P < 0.01). There were no differences in the time to remission regardless of treatments received. Anti‐retroviral therapy initiation during hospitalization was a predictor for remission. Overall mortality rate was 44.2%.ConclusionThere was no difference in the time to remission in patients with HIV‐associated TTP as compared with HIV negative TTP. The high mortality was probably the result of less intensive plasma infusion and therapeutic plasma exchange regimens.
Physiological functions of Wilms’ tumor 1‐associating protein and its role in tumourigenesis
Authors: Xie Wenli , Wei Ling , Guo Jing , Guo Hui , Song Xianrang , Sheng Xiugui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Wilms’ tumor‐associated gene WT1 encodes a tumor suppressor gene, which is implicated in renal differentiation and development of adult urogenital system. Wilms’ tumor 1‐associating protein (WTAP) is initially identified as a nuclear protein that specifically interacts with WT1 in both in vitro and in vivo assays. WTAP is ubiquitously expressed in different tissues and various growth periods, and its expression is involved in cell cycle, RNA splicing and stabilization, N6‐methyladenosine RNA modification, cell proliferation, and apoptosis as well as embryonic development. In the present review, we aimed to summarize the functions of WTAP in various physiological and pathological processes, in particular with regard to the current knowledge about the role of WTAP in tumorigenesis of different cancers.
Intra‐ and inter‐laboratory agreement of the FAM19A4/mir124‐2 methylation test: Results from an international study
Authors: Floore Arno , Hesselink Albertus , Oštrbenk Anja , Alcaniz Elia , Rothe Beate , Pedersen Helle , Torres Hortal Montserrat , Doorn Saskia , Quint Wim , Petry Karl Ulrich , Poljak Mario , Cuschieri Kate , Bonde Jesper , de Sanjosé Silvia , Bleeker Maaike , Heideman Daniëlle 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundHPV‐based cervical screening detects women at an increased risk of cervical cancer and precancer. To differentiate among HPV‐positive women those with (pre)cancer, triage testing is necessary. The detection of cancer‐associated host‐cell DNA methylation (FAM19A4 and hsa‐mir124‐2) in cervical samples has shown valuable as triage test. This multicenter study from 6 collaborating European laboratories and one reference laboratory was set out to determine the intra‐ and inter‐laboratory agreement of FAM19A4/mir124‐2 DNA methylation analysis utilizing the QIAsure Methylation Test.MethodsAgreement analysis for the QIAsure Methylation Test was assessed on high‐risk HPV‐positive cervical specimens (n = 1680) both at the level of the assay and at the full workflow, including bisulfite conversion.ResultsIntra‐ and inter‐laboratory assay agreement were 91.4% (534/584; 95% CI 88.9‐93.5; κ = 0.82) and 92.5% (369/399; 95% CI 90.0‐94.7; κ = 0.83), respectively. The inter‐laboratory workflow (bisulfite conversion and assay combined) agreement was 90.0% (627/697; 95% CI 87.5%‐92.0%; κ = 0.76).ConclusionThese data show that the QIAsure Methylation Test performs robust and reproducible in different laboratory contexts. These results support the use of the QIAsure Methylation Test for full molecular screening for cervical cancer, including primary HPV testing and triage testing by methylation analysis.
Predictive value of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 against placental growth factor for preeclampsia in a Chinese pregnant women population
Authors: Yu Fan , Bai Qianjin , Zhang Shihong , Jiang Yongmei 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to explore the predictive effects of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) for preeclampsia.MethodsA total of 1580 singleton pregnant women aged 18‐45 years were included in this study. Serum samples were collected and stored frozen during their regular obstetric examinations. A total of 48 women who were eventually diagnosed with preeclampsia among them were defined as the preeclampsia group, other 134 women who were matched with age and sample collecting gestational weeks and finally diagnosed without preeclampsia were selected as control. The concentration of sFlt‐1 and PlGF in prestored serum samples was examined. The optimal cut‐off of sFlt‐1, PlGF, and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in predicting preeclampsia was determined by establishing the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).ResultsSerum PlGF levels in patients with preeclampsia were significantly lower than those in normal pregnancy (P < 0.05), On the contrary, sflt‐1 levels and sflt‐1/PlGF ratios were significantly higher than those in the normal pregnant women (P < 0.05). The ROC curve study showed that using the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio to predict preeclampsia was better than using PlGF alone but no difference with sFlt‐1. When the cut‐off of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio was 26.6, the area under the ROC curve was 0.918, and high sensitivity (85.42%) and specificity (96.27%) for predicting preeclampsia were obtained.ConclusionThe cut‐off of sflt‐1/PlGF ratio determined by ROC curve has a good predictive value for the occurrence of preeclampsia.
The induced decrease in TLR2 and TLR4 by cerebrolysin in the alcoholic liver of rats
Authors: Mahmoudi Javad , Mahmoodpoor Ata , Amirnia Mehdi , Kazemi Tohid , Chokhachi Baradaran Pooneh , Sheikh Najafi Shirin , Sadigh‐Eteghad Saeed , Farajdokht Fereshteh , Xu Huaxi , Belalzadeh Mobina , Sandoghchian Shotorbani Siamak 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionToll‐like receptors (TLRs) are innate immunity receptors, which have an important role in modulating inflammation in disease. Cerebrolysin is a biotechnologically prepared peptide that stimulates neurotrophic regulation in the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of experimenting cerebrolysin on TLR2 and TLR4 in alcoholic liver disease (ALD).Materials and MethodsTLR2 and TLR4 expressions were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction in rats, which have used alcohol and they were separated into five groups.ResultsThe results of the present study showed that in mild dose of cerebrolysin, the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was decreased significantly than other groups. Also, the results of the western blot analysis proved the same.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that the anti‐inflammatory effect of cerebrolysin can decrease the TLR2 and TLR4 expressions through downregulating nuclear factor‐κB pathway in the ALD disease.
Exosomes are the novel players involved in the beneficial effects of exercise on type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Gaohua , Liu Hua , Ma Chunlian , Chen Yanfang , Wang Jinju , Yang Yi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExosomes contain regulatory signals such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids which can be transferred to adjacent or remote cells to mediate cell‐to‐cell communication. Exercise is a positive lifestyle for metabolic health and a nonpharmacological treatment of insulin resistance and metabolic diseases. Moreover, exercise is a stressor that induces cellular responses including gene expression and exosome release in various types of cells. Exosomes can carry the characters of parent cells by their modified cargoes, representing novel mechanisms for the effects of exercise. Here, we present a review of exosomes as the perspective players in mediating exercise's beneficial impacts on type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Kinetic analysis of methane production from anaerobic digestion of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotesL.) with waste sludge
Authors: Güngören Madenoğlu Tülay , Jalilnejad Falizi Nasim , Kabay Nalan , Güneş Aslı , Kumar Rajeev , Pek Taylan , Yüksel Mithat 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreasing demand on energy sources has motivated research studies on renewable energy originating from biomass. Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) as an invader lignocellulosic biomass with high crop yield can be utilized in anaerobic digestion to produce biomethane. Substrate and inoculum concentrations, and temperature are important parameters for kinetic analysis of methane production that was performed with water lettuce and waste sludge for the first time. Kinetic analysis can be used in reactor design, scale up and identification of optimum conditions.RESULTSIn the present study, anaerobic digestion of water lettuce with waste sludge as inoculum was performed in a batch system. Substrate concentration [30, 40 and 50 g total solid (TS) L−1], waste sludge concentration (3.4 and 6.8 g TS L−1) were investigated at different digestion temperatures (35, 45, 55 and 65 °C). In the studied range, the highest biogas yield [321 mL g–1 volatile solid (VS) with 72.5% of methane content) was reached at substrate concentration of 30 g TS L−1 and waste sludge concentration of 6.8 g TS L−1 at 35 °C. The Cone model fitted well to the actual methane production compared to the modified Gompertz model. The effect of digestion temperature on methane production potential was described by the Ratkowsky model (R2 = 0.91) and optimum digestion temperature was found as 45 °C. Experimental methane yields were 81.5–232.7 mL methane g–1 VS which were 27.7–79.0% of theoretical maximum methane yield. Energy conversion efficiency was reached up to 78.4%.CONCLUSIONThe results revealed that anaerobic digestion of water lettuce with waste sludge for high methane production rate was accomplished at certain substrate and inoculum concentrations and temperature. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Reference range determination for imaging biomarkers: Myocardial T1
Authors: Higgins David M. , Keeble Claire , Juli Christoph , Dawson Dana K. , Waterton John C. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundImaging biomarkers, such as the T1 relaxation time of the myocardium using MRI, can be valuable in cardiac medicine if they are properly validated. Consensus statements recommend that for myocardial T1, each investigator should establish a reference range.PurposeTo describe a statistically valid method for determining and reporting the reference range in each center, which simultaneously minimizes the twin risks of undersampling, leading to a uselessly uncertain range, and oversampling, which exposes volunteers to unnecessary scanning and wastes resources.Study TypeCohort.PopulationIn all, 278 normal human subjects without cardiac disease from two cardiac MR centers.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T and 3 T; Modified Look–Locker Inversion recovery sequence.AssessmentThe T1 relaxation time was estimated from multiple samples of tissue magnetization after inversion. A valid method for calculating a reference range was used.Statistical TestsShapiro–Wilk test for normality; Tukey robust approach for identification of outliers; reference range calculation with confidence intervals.ResultsReference ranges for measurement of myocardial T1 were calculated, with confidence intervals, enabling comparison with clinically important differences. At 3 T: 1129 to 1301 msec at site 1 (n = 21) and 1160 to 1309 msec at site 2 (n = 59), and at 1.5 T at site 2: 933 to 1020 msec (male, n = 130) and 965 to 1054 msec (female, n = 68). The 3 T reference range from site 1 was successfully benchmarked against the 3 T reference range at site 2.Data ConclusionMyocardial T1 reference ranges can be properly characterized, enabling clinical comparison to a valid reference range with known confidence intervals, using methodology similar to that described in this report.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy Stage: 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:771–778.