bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benchmark dose estimation of urinary and blood cadmium as biomarkers of renal dysfunction among 40‐75‐year‐old non‐smoking women in rural areas of southwest China
Authors: Yan Jiuming , Huo Jiao , Li Renjia , Jia Zhenchao , Song Yang , Chen Jinyao , Zhang Lishi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study evaluated the association between urinary cadmium (U‐Cd) and blood Cd (B‐Cd) and several biomarkers of renal dysfunction (α1‐microglobulin [α1‐MG], β2‐microglobulin [β2‐MG], N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase, metallothionein, retinol‐binding protein and microalbumin [mALB]) and identified the biomarker(s) that was most closely correlated with U‐Cd and B‐Cd among female residents in rural areas of southwest China. U‐Cd, creatinine (Cr), B‐Cd and the above‐mentioned six biomarkers in morning spot urine samples were measured from 288 randomly selected 40‐75‐year‐old non‐smoking women from non‐polluted areas and Cd‐polluted‐areas. The lower 95% confidence limit of the benchmark dose (BMD) corresponding to the 5% (BMDL05) and 10% benchmark response (BMDL10) was calculated with assumed cut‐off values of the 95th and 90th percentile. Among the investigated women, a significant positive association was found among mALB, β2‐MG and U‐Cd as well as B‐Cd. By using the cut‐off value of the 95th percentile, the BMDL05/BMDL10 of U‐Cd and B‐Cd were 4.33/8.89 μg/g Cr for mALB and 1.35/2.77 μg/L for β2‐MG, respectively. The BMDL05/BMDL10 of U‐Cd (B‐Cd) was 2.73/5.60 μg/g Cr (1.00/2.05 μg/L) for mALB, if the cut‐off value was set at the 90th percentile. Therefore, β2‐MG and mALB in urine were good biomarkers for long‐term environmental Cd exposure assessment among the six biomarkers studied for the study pool in southwest China. Our findings may help us to understand the association between nephrotoxicity and Cd exposure, and aid in the decision‐making of authorities for environmental Cd pollution and public health.
The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review
Authors: Carvalho Renata K. , Andersen Monica L. , Mazaro‐Costa Renata 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids present in the plant Cannabis sativa (marijuana). There have been several studies of CBD in the last few decades, mainly focused on its neuroprotective properties, particularly after the identification of the endocannabinoid system and its participation in the central nervous system. On the other hand, the peripheral effects of CBD, particularly on reproductive physiology, were also evidenced. A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify studies that analyzed the pharmacological effects of CBD on the male reproductive system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Thirty‐two citations (in vivo and in vitro) were identified. Among the vertebrates, the studies were carried out with men, monkeys, rats and mice. Studies with invertebrates are centered exclusively on the sea urchin. The CBD treatment periods include mostly acute and subacute evaluations. Exposure to CBD is associated with a reduction in mammalian testis size, the number of germ and Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis, fertilization rates, and plasma concentrations of hypothalamic, pituitary and gonadal hormones. Moreover, chronic doses of CBD have impaired sexual behavior in mice. From the studies identified in this review, it is possible to conclude that CBD has negative effects on the reproductive system of males. However, knowledge is still limited, and additional research is required to elucidate fully the mechanisms of action, as well as the reversibility of CBD effects on the reproductive system.
SARNP, a participant in mRNA splicing and export, negatively regulates E‐cadherin expression via interaction with pinin
Authors: Kang Gyeoung Jin , Park Mi Kyung , Byun Hyun Jung , Kim Hyun Ji , Kim Eun Ji , Yu Lu , Kim Boram , Shim Jae Gal , Lee Ho , Lee Chang Hoon 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a high mortality rate, which is related to the insufficient number of appropriate biomarkers and targets. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover appropriate biomarkers and targets for TNBC.SARNP (Hcc‐1 and CIP29) is highly expressed in several cancers. It binds to UAP56, an RNA helicase component of the TREX complex in messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing and export. However, the role of SARNP in mRNA splicing and export and in the progression of breast cancer, especially of TNBC, remains unknown. Therefore, we examined the role of SARNP in mRNA splicing and export and progression of TNBC.We confirmed that SARNP binds to UAP56 and Aly and that SARNP overexpression enhances mRNA splicing, whereas its knockdown suppressed mRNA export. The SARNP overexpression induced the proliferation of MCF7 cells, whereas its knockdown induced E‐cadherin expression and downregulated vimentin and N‐cadherin expressions in SK‐BR‐3 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. SARNP downregulates E‐cadherin expression by interaction with pinin. Mice injected with MDA‐MB‐231shSARNP cells exhibited a significant reduction in tumor growth and lung metastasis compared with those injected with MDA‐MB‐231shCon cells in vivo.These findings suggested that SARNP is involved in mRNA splicing and export. SARNP maintains mesenchymal phenotype by escaping from inhibitory interaction with pinin leading to the downregulation of E‐cadherin expression.
Muscle‐specific changes in protein synthesis with aging and reloading after disuse atrophy
Authors: Miller Benjamin F. , Baehr Leslie M. , Musci Robert V. , Reid Justin J. , Peelor Frederick F. , Hamilton Karyn L. , Bodine Sue C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful strategies to halt or reverse sarcopenia require a basic understanding of the factors that cause muscle loss with age. Acute periods of muscle loss in older individuals have an incomplete recovery of muscle mass and strength, thus accelerating sarcopenic progression. The purpose of the current study was to further understand the mechanisms underlying the failure of old animals to completely recover muscle mass and function after a period of hindlimb unloading.MethodsHindlimb unloading was used to induce muscle atrophy in Fischer 344–Brown Norway (F344BN F1) rats at 24, 28, and 30 months of age. Rats were hindlimb unloaded for 14 days and then reloaded at 24 months (Reloaded 24), 28 months (Reloaded 28), and 24 and 28 months (Reloaded 24/28) of age. Isometric torque was determined at 24 months of age (24 months), at 28 months of age (28 months), immediately after 14 days of reloading, and at 30 months of age (30 months). During control or reloaded conditions, rats were labelled with deuterium oxide (D2O) to determine rates of muscle protein synthesis and RNA synthesis.ResultsAfter 14 days of reloading, in vivo isometric torque returned to baseline in Reloaded 24, but not Reloaded 28 and Reloaded 24/28. Despite the failure of Reloaded 28 and Reloaded 24/28 to regain peak force, all groups were equally depressed in peak force generation at 30 months. Increased age did not decrease muscle protein synthesis rates, and in fact, increased resting rates of protein synthesis were measured in the myofibrillar fraction (Fractional synthesis rate (FSR): %/day) of the plantaris (24 months: 2.53 ± 0.17; 30 months: 3.29 ± 0.17), and in the myofibrillar (24 months: 2.29 ± 0.07; 30 months: 3.34 ± 0.11), collagen (24 months: 1.11 ± 0.07; 30 months: 1.55 ± 0.14), and mitochondrial (24 months: 2.38 ± 0.16; 30 months: 3.20 ± 0.10) fractions of the tibialis anterior (TA). All muscles increased myofibrillar protein synthesis (%/day) in Reloaded 24 (soleus: 3.36 ± 0.11, 5.23 ± 0.19; plantaris: 2.53 ± 0.17, 3.66 ± 0.07; TA: 2.29 ± 0.14, 3.15 ± 0.12); however, in Reloaded 28, only the soleus had myofibrillar protein synthesis rates (%/day) >28 months (28 months: 3.80 ± 0.10; Reloaded 28: 4.86 ± 0.19). Across the muscles, rates of protein synthesis were correlated with RNA synthesis (all muscles combined, R2 = 0.807, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThese data add to the growing body of literature that indicate that changes with age, including following disuse atrophy, differ by muscle. In addition, our findings lead to additional questions of the underlying mechanisms by which some muscles are maintained with age while others are not.
Comparison of microcomputed tomography, cone beam tomography, stereomicroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques for detection of microcracks on root dentin and effect of different apical sizes on microcrack formation
Authors: Çapar İsmail D. , Gök Tuba , Uysal Banu , Keleş Ali 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of the study was to compare different imaging methods in the diagnosis of microcracks on root dentin and to evaluate the frequency of dentinal microcracks observed after root canal preparation using the ProTaper Universal (PTU) system of different sizes. A total of 30 mandibular molars' mesial roots were scanned with microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging methods before instrumentation. Root canal instrumentation was performed up to PTU F2 and F4 files. After instrumentation stages, the roots were scanned again with micro‐CT and then with CBCT in same parameters. All roots were sectioned horizontally at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm from the apices of the specimens. The sections were imaged under a stereomicroscope. Finally, imaging of the sections was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical data analysis of instrumentation steps was performed using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, and the data of imaging methods were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests (p = .05). Instrumentation with the PTU system up to F2 and F4 files significantly increased the number of microcracks compared with preoperative samples according to micro‐CT imaging (p < .05). For detecting microcracks on the root dentin, there were no statistically significant differences between micro‐CT (43.9%) and stereomicroscopy (45.8%) (p < .05). SEM showed significantly higher percentage of microcracks (88.3%) (p > .05). No microcrack was observed using the CBCT method. There were no statistically differences between micro‐CT and stereomicroscopy. SEM showed more dentinal microcracks while no microcrack was observed with CBCT.
Surface roughness and filler particles characterization of resin‐based composites
Authors: Ruivo Melissa A. , Pacheco Rafael R. , Sebold Maicon , Giannini Marcelo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness (Ra), and the morphology and composition of filler particles of different composites submitted to toothbrushing and water storage. Disc‐shaped specimens (15 mm × 2 mm) were made from five composites: two conventional (Z100™, and Filtek™ Supreme Ultra Universal, 3M), one “quick‐cure” (Estelite ∑ Quick, Tokuyama), one fluoride‐releasing (Beautiful II, Shofu), and one self‐adhering (Vertise Flow, Kerr) composite. Samples were finished/polished using aluminum oxide discs (Sof‐Lex, 3M), and their surfaces were analyzed by profilometry (n = 5) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM; n = 3) at 1 week and after 30,000 toothbrushing cycles and 6‐month water storage. Ra data were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Filler particles morphology and composition were analyzed by SEM and X‐ray dispersive energy spectroscopy, respectively. Finishing/polishing resulted in similar Ra for all the composites, while toothbrushing and water storage increased the Ra of all the tested materials, also changing their surface morphology. Beautifil II and Vertise Flow presented the highest Ra after toothbrushing and water storage. Filler particles were mainly composed of silicon, zirconium, aluminum, barium, and ytterbium. Size and morphology of fillers, and composition of the tested composites influenced their Ra when samples were submitted to toothbrushing and water storage.
Characterization of Albanian water frog, Pelophylax shqipericus, sperm traits and morphology, by using phase contrast microscopy
Authors: Turani Blerta , Aliko Valbona , Shkembi Entela 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMature spermatozoa traits and morphology of endangered Albanian water frog, Pelophylax shqipericus, have been characterized for the first time through phase contrast microscopy, as part of successful implementation of in vitro fertilization technique for this species. The basic morphology of P. shqipericus spermatozoa consists of an elongated, thick, smooth‐edged, and solid‐staining head, continuing with a thin and long tail which usually extends 2.48 times the head length. The acrosome was not clearly discernible so the measurements were done on the head as a whole, while the middle section was better visible. Average length of head, including the acrosome and midsection was estimated to be 11.78 μm ± 0.32, while the tail length resulted 29.24 ± 1.75 μm. The average thickness of the head was shown to be 3.45 μm. The total sperm length resulted to be 41.02 ± 1.83 μm. The average sperm concentration was estimated of 25.5 × 106/ml. Sperm amount, survival rate and motility were also measured. The sperm survival rate was maximal immediately after preparation of the suspension and tended to decrease over time of storage, reaching 50% after 72 hr. Decreased sperm motility seemed to follow the same trend as sperm viability. Sperm traits resulted to be very similar both in size and in shape with those of “Lessonae” frog group, one of the lineages of Western Palearctic species complex, suggesting a strong phylogenetic relationship among these species.
Interspecific, ontogenetic, and sexual variation in ozopore morphology among cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores)
Authors: Townsend Victor R. , Teevan‐Kamhawi Saoirse , Calpo Devin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe ozopores of cosmetid harvestmen rest upon lateral projections of the carapace, have simple or highly reduced channels, and are partially obscured by enlarged dorsal processes associated with coxae I and II. Rather than use scent gland secretions to form a chemical shield on the dorsum, the cosmetid harvestman exhibits a unique defensive behavior known as “leg dabbing” in which the distal tip of tarsus I or II is dipped into fluid that accumulate at the base of coxa II and the droplet on the tarsus is pointed toward the predator. Relatively little is known about interspecific variation in ozopore morphology among cosmetid harvestmen. In this study, we used scanning electron microscopy to examine the ozopores of males and females of nine species as well as those of antepenultimate nymphs for two species. Among adults, we found differences between species in the shapes of the ozopores (round or subtriangular), the morphology of the dorsal and lateral channels (if present), and the relative size, shape and armature of the dorsal posterior process (dpp) of coxa I and the dorsal anterior process (dap) of coxa II. Our observations suggest that the morphology of dpp I and dap II could be sources for systematic characters in future phylogenetic studies of the Cosmetidae. We observed ontogenetic differences but relatively little intersexual variation in the morphology of the ozopore. The ozopores of nymphs are generally more oval than those of adults and the opening of the ozopore of the nymph is less obstructed, if at all, by the dorsal coxal processes of legs I–II. These morphological differences suggest that nymphs may use scent gland secretions in a manner different from that of adults.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced and diffusion‐weighted MRI of invasive breast cancer for the prediction of sentinel lymph node status
Authors: Choi Eun Jung , Youk Ji Hyun , Choi Hyemi , Song Ji Soo 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundAlthough sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the current standard for identifying lymph metastasis in breast cancer patients, there are complications of SLNB.PurposeTo evaluate preoperative dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of invasive breast cancer for predicting sentinel lymph node metastasis.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationIn all, 309 patients who underwent clinically node‐negative invasive breast cancer surgeryField Strength/Sequence3.0T, DCE‐MRI, DWI.AssessmentWe collected clinicopathologic variables (age, histologic and nuclear grade, extensive intraductal carcinoma component, lymphovascular invasion, and immunohistochemical profiles) and preoperative MRI features (tumor size, background parenchymal enhancement, internal enhancement, adjacent vessel sign, whole‐breast vascularity, initial enhancement pattern, kinetic curve types, quantitative kinetic parameters, tumoral apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], peritumoral maximal ADC, and peritumoral‐tumoral ADC ratio).Statistical TestsMultivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine independent variables associated with SLN metastasis, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was analyzed for those variables.Results41 (13.3%) of the patients showed SLN metastasis. With MRI, tumor size (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.17), heterogeneous (OR, 5.33; 95% CI, 1.71–16.58), and rim (OR, 15.54; 95% CI, 2.12–113.72) enhancement and peritumoral–tumoral ADC ratio (OR, 72.79; 95% CI, 7.15–740.82) were independently associated with SLN metastasis. Clinicopathologic variables independently associated with SLN metastasis included age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92–0.99) and CD31 (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.04–8.92). The area under the curve (AUC) of MRI features (0.80; 95% CI, 0.73–0.87) was significantly higher than for clinicopathologic variables (0.68; 95% CI, 0.60–0.77; P = 0.048) and was barely below statistical significance for combined MRI features with clinicopathologic variables (0.84; 95% CI 0.78–0.90, P = 0.057).Data ConclusionPreoperative internal enhancement on DCE‐MRI and peritumoral‐tumoral ADC ratio on DWI might be useful for predicting SLN metastasis in patients with invasive breast cancer.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:615–626.
Building tourism organizational resilience to crises and disasters: A dynamic capabilities view
Authors: Jiang Yawei , Ritchie Brent W. , Verreynne Martie‐Louise 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe importance of resilience for tourism organizations facing crises and disasters is indisputable. Yet little is known about how these organizations become resilient. This paper proposes that dynamic capabilities provide a mechanism that enables tourism organizations to respond to disruptive environmental changes through a process of routine transformation, resource allocation, and utilization. The resulting theoretical framework takes a processual view to show how an organization's existing operational routines transform into new ones that are resilient to disruptive events, enabled by dynamic capabilities and slack resources. The paper outlines six research propositions and suggests methods for future empirical research.
Effect of male age structure on reproduction in white‐tailed deer
Authors: Diefenbach Duane R. , Alt Gary L. , Wallingford Bret D. , Rosenberry Christopher S. , Long Eric S. 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTSelective harvest regimes that create female‐biased sex ratios can potentially lead to delayed breeding, reduced breeding synchrony, reduced productivity, and a female‐biased sex ratio of offspring. These resulting changes in breeding behavior and population dynamics have potential to adversely affect population growth. In 2002, Pennsylvania implemented harvest regulation changes that reduced deer density (increased harvest of antlerless deer) and increased the number and age of antlered deer (implemented antler point restriction regulations) that resulted in a less female‐biased sex ratio. We monitored date of conception, productivity (embryos/female), and sex ratio of embryos during 1999–2006 to test if timing of breeding occurred earlier and with greater synchrony, if productivity of females increased, and if the sex ratio of offspring would shift towards more males. Deer density decreased 23% and the adult (≥1.5 yr old) sex ratio declined from 2.30 to 1.95 females/male. The ratio of ≥2.5‐year‐old to 1.5‐year‐old males shifted towards more older males (1:3.7 in 2002 to 1:1.59 in 2006) and the ≥2.5‐year‐old male population increased from 41,853 during 1999–2001 to 54,064 by 2006. We found no evidence of any change in the timing or variability of date of conception, productivity, or offspring sex ratio. We conclude that harvest regulation changes implemented in Pennsylvania, USA, were insufficient to affect timing of breeding or population dynamics and that efforts by managers to identify a desired sex ratio or manipulate sex ratios to achieve management goals on a statewide scale will be challenging. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Factors affecting captive whooping crane egg fertility: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Brown Megan E. , Keefer Carol L. , Songsasen Nucharin 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTThe whooping crane (Grus americana) has been managed in captivity since the 1960s following a substantial genetic bottleneck in the wild population. Through majorex situconservation efforts, there are 158 whooping cranes managed in North American institutions and chicks are released annually into the wild. Current reintroduction goals for the whooping crane however, are impeded by poor reproduction within theex situpopulation, in part because of low egg fertility. Development of improved management techniques to overcome low egg fertility requires a better understanding of factors that influence egg fertility. We collected data for eggs laid at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center from 2005–2014 (n = 438 eggs;n = 23 pairs). We constructed 5 sets of generalized linear mixed‐models, with a Bernoulli‐distributed response variable (fertile or infertile), to address the effects of egg‐specific variables (month laid, sequence, and clutch order of the egg), life‐history events of the male and female (age, rearing method, wing condition, age at first pairing, age at current pairing, and female age at first laying), pair‐specific characteristics (kinship, years paired, chick‐rearing experience, and previous pairings), and captive management decisions (inclusion in the artificial insemination program and pair experience chick‐rearing) on the probability of egg fertility. Our results indicate that female‐specific factors (especially age, age at current pairing, and wing status) and pair‐specific factors of kinship, chick‐rearing experience, copulation, and inclusion in the artificial insemination program influenced fertile egg production. Specifically, the younger a female is when paired with her current social mate, the higher probability that her eggs will be fertile. Furthermore, high kinship reduced fertility, whereas chick‐rearing experience and artificial insemination of females with a donor male other than her social mate increased fertility. Further research on mate selection and reproductive mechanisms is needed to better understand egg laying and egg fertility in the whooping crane. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.