bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oyster breakwater reefs promote adjacent mudflat stability and salt marsh growth in a monsoon dominated subtropical coast
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed Shah Nawaz , Walles Brenda , Sharifuzzaman SM , Shahadat Hossain M. , Ysebaert Tom , Smaal Aad C. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOyster reefs have the potential as eco-engineers to improve coastal protection. A field experiment was undertaken to assess the benefit of oyster breakwater reefs to mitigate shoreline erosion in a monsoon-dominated subtropical system. Three breakwater reefs with recruited oysters were deployed on an eroding intertidal mudflat at Kutubdia Island, the southeast Bangladesh coast. Data were collected on wave dissipation by the reef structures, changes in shoreline profile, erosion-accretion patterns, and lateral saltmarsh movement and related growth. This was done over four seasons, including the rainy monsoon period. The observed wave heights in the study area ranged 0.1–0.5 m. The reefs were able to dissipate wave energy and act as breakwaters for tidal water levels between 0.5–1.0 m. Waves were totally blocked by the vertical relief of the reefs at water levels <0.5 m. On the lee side of the reefs, there was accretion of 29 cm clayey sediments with erosion reduction of 54% as compared to control sites. The changes caused by the deployed reefs also facilitated seaward expansion of the salt marsh. This study showed that breakwater oyster reefs can reduce erosion, trap suspended sediment, and support seaward saltmarsh expansion demonstrating the potential as a nature-based solution for protecting the subtropical coastlines.
Generation of intense quasi-electrostatic fields due to deposition of particles accelerated by petawatt-range laser-matter interactions
Authors: Consoli F. , De Angelis R. , Robinson T. S. , Giltrap S. , Hicks G. S. , Ditter E. J. , Ettlinger O. C. , Najmudin Z. , Notley M. , Smith R. A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe demonstrate here for the first time that charge emitted by laser-target interactions at petawatt peak-powers can be efficiently deposited on a capacitor-collector structure far away from the target and lead to the rapid (tens of nanoseconds) generation of large quasi-static electric fields over wide (tens-of-centimeters scale-length) regions, with intensities much higher than common ElectroMagnetic Pulses (EMPs) generated by the same experiment in the same position. A good agreement was obtained between measurements from a classical field-probe and calculations based on particle-flux measurements from a Thomson spectrometer. Proof-of-principle particle-in-cell simulations reproduced the measurements of field evolution in time, giving a useful insight into the charging process, generation and distribution of fields. The understanding of this charging phenomenon and of the related intense fields, which can reach the MV/m order and in specific configurations might also exceed it, is very important for present and future facilities studying laser-plasma-acceleration and inertial-confinement-fusion, but also for application to the conditioning of accelerated charged-particles, the generation of intense electric and magnetic fields and many other multidisciplinary high-power laser-driven processes.
Rapid Central Visual Field Progression Rate in Eyes with Open-Angle Glaucoma and Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout
Authors: Jo Youn Hye , Kwon Junki , Jeong Daun , Shon Kilhwan , Kook Michael S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCentral visual field (CVF) loss has been linked to poorer vision-related quality of life in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and can occur even in early-stage OAG eyes. The present study investigated whether the detection of choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) during follow-up, which may be a sign of perfusion deficiency in the optic nerve head, is associated with rapid rate of CVF loss in early-stage OAG eyes. This study included 44 Korean OAG eyes with CMvD, identified by optical coherence tomography angiography, and 44 Korean OAG eyes without CMvD matched for age and severity of visual field loss at initial presentation. The rates of mean threshold changes in global and CVF were compared in eyes with and without CMvD using a linear mixed model. Clinical variables associated with rapid rate of CVF progression were also identified using a linear mixed model. The CVF progression rate was significantly higher in eyes with CMvD than in those without CMvD (−0.584 dB/year vs. −0.190 dB/year; P < 0.001) and detection of CMvD during follow-up was an independent predictor of rapid CVF progression rate. The presence of CMvD may aid in identification of high-risk patients who may show faster CVF progression and require more aggressive treatment.
Comparative influence of genetics, ontogeny and the environment on elemental fingerprints in the shell of Perna canaliculus
Authors: Norrie Craig R. , Dunphy Brendon J. , Ragg Norman L. C. , Lundquist Carolyn J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe trace elemental composition of biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) structures is thought to reflect environmental conditions at their time of formation. As CaCO3 structures such as shell are deposited incrementally, sequential analysis of these structures allows reconstructions of animal movements. However, variation driven by genetics or ontogeny may interact with the environment to influence CaCO3 composition. This study examined how genetics, ontogeny, and the environment influence shell composition of the bivalve Perna canaliculus. We cultured genetically distinct families at two sites in situ and in the laboratory. Analyses were performed on shell formed immediately prior to harvest on all animals as well as on shell formed early in life only on animals grown in the laboratory. Discriminant analysis using 8 elements (Co, Ti, Li, Sr, Mn, Ba, Mg, Pb, Ci, Ni) classified 80% of individuals grown in situ to their family and 92% to growth site. Generalised linear models showed genetics influenced all elements, and ontogeny affected seven of eight elements. This demonstrates that although genetics and ontogeny influence shell composition, environmental factors dominate. The location at which shell material formed can be identified if environmental differences exist. Where no environmental differences exist, genetically isolated populations can still be identified.
The effects of comorbidity on colorectal cancer mortality in an Australian cancer population
Authors: Pule Maleshwane Lettie , Buckley Elizabeth , Niyonsenga Theophile , Roder David 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study estimated the absolute risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) specific and other-cause mortality using data from the population-based South Australian Cancer Registry. The impact of competing risks on the absolute and relative risks of mortality in cases with and without comorbidity was also investigated. The study included 7115 staged, primary CRC cases diagnosed between 2003 and 2012 with at least one year of follow-up. Comorbidities were classified according to Charlson, Elixhauser and C3 comorbidity indices, using hospital inpatient diagnoses occurring five years before CRC diagnosis. To estimate the differences in measures of association, the subdistribution hazard ratios (sHR) for the effect of comorbidity on mortality from the Fine and Gray model were compared to the cause-specific hazards (HR) from Cox regression model. CRC was most commonly diagnosed in people aged ≧ 70 years. In cases without comorbidity, the 10-year cumulative probability of CRC and other cause mortality were 37.1% and 17.2% respectively. In cases with Charlson comorbidity scores ≥2, the 10-year cumulative probability of CRC-specific and other cause mortality was 45.5% and 32.2%, respectively. Comorbidity was associated with increased CRC-specific and other cause mortality and the effect differed only marginally based on comorbidity index used.
Exogenous C-type natriuretic peptide therapy for impaired skeletal growth in a murine model of glucocorticoid treatment
Authors: Ueda Yohei , Yasoda Akihiro , Hirota Keisho , Yamauchi Ichiro , Yamashita Takafumi , Kanai Yugo , Sakane Yoriko , Fujii Toshihito , Inagaki Nobuya 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGrowth retardation is an important side effect of glucocorticoid (GC)-based drugs, which are widely used in various preparations to treat many pediatric diseases. We investigated the therapeutic effect of exogenous CNP-53, a stable molecular form of intrinsic CNP, on a mouse model of GC-induced growth retardation. We found that CNP-53 successfully restored GC-induced growth retardation when both dexamethasone (DEX) and CNP-53 were injected from 4 to 8 weeks old. Notably, CNP-53 was not effective during the first week. From 4 to 5 weeks old, neither CNP-53 in advance of DEX, nor high-dose CNP-53 improved the effect of CNP. Conversely, when CNP-53 was started at 5 weeks old, final body length at 8 weeks old was comparable to that when CNP-53 was started at 4 weeks old. As for the mechanism of resistance to the CNP effect, DEX did not impair the production of cGMP induced by CNP. CNP reduced Erk phosphorylation even under treatment with DEX, while CNP did not changed that of p38 or GSK3β. Collectively, the effect of CNP-53 on GC-induced growth retardation is dependent on age in a mouse model, suggesting adequate and deliberate use of CNP would be effective for GC-induced growth retardation in clinical settings.
Effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on soil animal trophic groups and associated ecosystem functioning in a northern agricultural field
Authors: Hagner Marleena , Mikola Juha , Saloniemi Irma , Saikkonen Kari , Helander Marjo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDespite an increasing concern of consequences of using vast amounts of glyphosate-based herbicides in agroecosystems, their potential effects on non-target soil organisms and soil functioning are mostly unknown. It has also been argued that fields in northern latitudes should be under special surveillance as the short active period of decomposers may restrict glyphosate degradation. We investigated the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup, on the abundance of enchytraeids and nematodes, both essential groups in decomposer food webs, and plant litter mass loss and soil availability of mineral N in a two-year agricultural field setting in south-west Finland. Our experiment consisted of (1) non-treated weed plots, (2) plots, where weeds were killed by hoeing, and (3) plots treated with both Roundup and hoeing. We found that killing plants by hoeing had drastic effects on soil fauna and functioning, and apparently, distinguishing these effects from direct glyphosate effects is profoundly important when evaluating glyphosate risks in soils. In contrast, the effects of Roundup on soil fauna and functioning were minor and transient and no glyphosate remains were found in the soil at the end of the experiment. These results suggest that side-effects can be minor and glyphosate degradation effective also in soil under northern climatic conditions.
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial responses to stress exposure suggest that king penguins are naturally equipped to resist stress
Authors: Stier Antoine , Schull Quentin , Bize Pierre , Lefol Emilie , Haussmann Mark , Roussel Damien , Robin Jean-Patrice , Viblanc Vincent A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractExposure to unpredictable environmental stressors could influence animal health and fitness by inducing oxidative stress, potentially through downstream effects of glucocorticoid stress hormones (e.g. corticosterone) on mitochondrial function. Yet, it remains unclear whether species that have evolved in stochastic and challenging environments may present adaptations to alleviate the effects of stress exposure on oxidative stress. We tested this hypothesis in wild king penguins by investigating mitochondrial and oxidative stress responses to acute restraint-stress, and their relationships with baseline (potentially mirroring exposure to chronic stress) and stress-induced increase in corticosterone levels. Acute restraint-stress did not significantly influence mitochondrial function. However, acute restraint-stress led to a significant increase in endogenous antioxidant defences, while oxidative damage levels were mostly not affected or even decreased. High baseline corticosterone levels were associated with an up-regulation of the glutathione antioxidant system and a decrease in mitochondrial efficiency. Both processes might contribute to prevent oxidative damage, potentially explaining the negative relationship observed between baseline corticosterone and plasma oxidative damage to proteins. While stress exposure can represent an oxidative challenge for animals, protective mechanisms like up-regulating antioxidant defences and decreasing mitochondrial efficiency seem to occur in king penguins, allowing them to cope with their stochastic and challenging environment.
Association between blood pressure and risk of cancer development: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Seretis Aristeidis , Cividini Sofia , Markozannes Georgios , Tseretopoulou Xanthippi , Lopez David S. , Ntzani Evangelia E. , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWith the exception of renal cell carcinoma, studies assessing the association between hypertension and other cancers are inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess this evidence. We included observational studies investigating the association between any definition of hypertension or systolic and diastolic blood pressure and risk of any cancer, after searching PubMed until November 2017. We calculated summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using inverse-variance weighted random effects methods. A total of 148 eligible publications were identified out of 39,891 initially screened citations. Considering only evidence from 85 prospective studies, positive associations were observed between hypertension and kidney, colorectal and breast cancer. Positive associations between hypertension and risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, liver and endometrial cancer were also observed, but the majority of studies did not perform comprehensive multivariable adjustments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were positively associated with risk of kidney cancer but not with other cancers. In addition to the previously well-described association between hypertension and risk of kidney cancer, the current meta-analysis suggested that hypertensive individuals may also be at higher risk of colorectal and breast cancer. However, careful interpretation is required as most meta-analyses included relatively small number of studies, several relative risks had weak or moderate magnitude and maybe affected by residual confounding.
Survival benefit of radiotherapy after surgery in de novo stage IV breast cancer: a population-based propensity-score matched analysis
Authors: Kim Yi-Jun , Jung So-Youn , Kim Kyubo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe survival benefit from radiotherapy in stage IV breast cancer has not been fully evaluated. We investigated the survival benefit of radiotherapy after surgery inde novostage IV breast cancer. Using a population-based database (the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database 18, 2010–2013), patients diagnosed withde novostage IV breast cancer were divided into those undergoing surgery alone (no-radiotherapy group) and those undergoing surgery followed by radiotherapy (radiotherapy group). After propensity-score matching (PSM), the cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were estimated. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of radiotherapy on survival. After PSM, the 3-year CSS rates in the no-radiotherapy (n = 882) and radiotherapy (n = 882) groups were 57.1% and 70.9% (P < 0.001), respectively. On multivariate analysis, radiotherapy after surgery was a significant prognosticator (hazard ratio [HR] 0.572; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.472–0.693, P < 0.001). Regardless of surgery type and lymph node involvement, the radiotherapy group showed significantly higher CSS rates. For patients who survived six months or more, radiotherapy after surgery demonstrated favorable prognosis compared to surgery alone (HR 0.593; 95% CI 0.479–0.733, P < 0.001). In conclusion, radiotherapy after surgery increased CSS rates inde novostage IV breast cancer compared to surgery alone.
Reliability and validity of a Central Kurdish version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory
Authors: Zmnako Sherko Saeed F. , Chalabi Yousif Ibrahim 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe cross-culturally adapted the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) into Central Kurdish dialect (DHI−CK) and verified its reliability and validity. A cross-sectional study was utilised to measure the impacts of vestibular disorders. Along with the DHI−CK, two comparators were introduced: the Visual Analogue Scale and the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance. External and internal reliability were tested with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha/composite reliability, respectively. Patients (n = 301; mean age = 44.5 ± 15.2 years; 59.8% women) presenting with vestibular symptoms for at least 30 days who were diagnosed with a vestibular disorder and healthy participants (n = 43; mean age = 42 ± 17.9 years; 62.8% women) (N = 344). The DHI−CK and its three sub-scales—Physical, Emotional, Functional—exhibited good to excellent external reliability: ICCs in the test-retest were 0.93, 0.88, 0.91, and 0.92, respectively. Cronbach’s alphas were 0.87, 0.71, 0.75, and 0.73, respectively. Convergent validity was supported by Spearman’s correlations between the DHI−CK and the comparators. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed discriminating validity. The DHI−CK was cross-culturally validated. It is a reliable and valid tool that can be used by clinicians and researchers to quantify vestibular disorder outcomes in Kurdish-speaking populations.
Size and lipid modification determine liposomal Indocyanine green performance for tumor imaging in a model of rectal cancer
Authors: Bar-David Shoshi , Larush Liraz , Goder Noam , Aizic Asaf , Zigmond Ehud , Varol Chen , Klausner Joseph , Magdassi Shlomo , Nizri Eran 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLocalization of rectal tumors is a challenge in minimally invasive surgery due to the lack of tactile sensation. We had developed liposomal indocyanine green (Lip-ICG) for localization of rectal tumor. In this study we evaluated the effects of liposome size and lipid PEGylation on imaging. We used an endoscopically-guided orthotopic experimental rectal cancer model in which tumor fluorescence was determined at different time points after intravenous (i.v.) administration of Lip-ICG and PEGylated liposomes (PEG-Lip-ICG). Signal intensity was measured by tumor-to-background ratio (TBR), or normalized TBR (compared to TBR of free ICG). Fluorescence microscopy of tumor tissue was performed to determine fluorescence localization within the tissue and blood vessels. Liposomes of 60 nm showed an increased TBR compared with free ICG at 12 hours after i.v. injection: normalized TBR (nTBR) = 3.11 vs. 1, respectively (p = 0.006). Larger liposomes (100 nm and 140 nm) had comparable signal to free ICG (nTBR = 0.98 ± 0.02 and 0.78 ± 0.08, respectively), even when additional time points were examined (0.5, 3 and 24 hours). PEG-Lip- ICG were more efficient than Lip-ICG (TBR = 4.2 ± 0.18 vs. 2.5 ± 0.12, p < 0.01) presumably because of reduced uptake by the reticulo-endothelial system. ICG was found outside the capillaries in tumor margins. We conclude that size and lipid modification impact imaging intensity.
Identification of specific protein amino acid substitutions of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli ST131: a proteomics approach using mass spectrometry
Authors: Nakamura Akihiro , Komatsu Masaru , Ohno Yuki , Noguchi Nobuyoshi , Kondo Akira , Hatano Naoya 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe global pandemic of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli is associated with sequence type 131 (ST131). However, mechanisms of ST131 spread remain unclear. This study searched for proteins with amino acid substitutions specific for ST131 and used proteomics analysis to clarify ST131 characteristics. Five proteins had ST131-specific amino acid substitutions: uncharacterized protein YahO with E34A (m/z 7655); UPF0337 protein YjbJ with V59D, D60S and T63K (m/z 8351); uncharacterized protein YnfD with S106T (m/z 8448); and acid stress chaperone HdeA with Q92K and N94S (m/z 9714). Soluble cytochrome b562 (m/z 11783) showed seven amino acid substitutions, and the sequence differed between clade C of the pandemic clade and non-C. In silico analysis showed YahO protein-protein interaction with YjbJ, possibly related to biofilm formation. Although the function of soluble cytochrome b562 is electron transport of unknown function, its involvement in biofilm formation was predicted. HdeA was a gastric acid resistance-related protein. The function of YnfD was completely unclear. In conclusion, ST131-specific protein amino acid substitutions consisted mainly of a gastric acid resistance protein and proteins of unknown function (possibly involved in biofilm formation), which might be mechanisms for long-term colonization in the human intestinal tract.
The pivotal role of MBD4–ATP7B in the human Cu(i) excretion path as revealed by EPR experiments and all-atom simulations
Authors: Qasem Zena , Pavlin Matic , Ritacco Ida , Gevorkyan-Airapetov Lada , Magistrato Alessandra , Ruthstein Sharon 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Copper's essentiality and toxicity require a meticulous mechanism for its acquisition, cellular distribution and excretion, which remains hitherto elusive. Herein, we jointly employed electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and all-atom simulations to resolve the copper trafficking mechanism in humans considering the route travelled by Cu(i) from the metallochaperone Atox1 to the metal binding domains 3 and 4 of ATP7B. Our study shows that Cu(i) in the final part of its extraction pathway is most likely mediated by binding of Atox1 monomer to MBD4 of ATP7B. This interaction takes place through weak metal-stabilized protein–protein interactions.