bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Could hepatitis B vaccine act as an adjuvant to lower risk and relapses of cancer?
Authors: Altinoz Meric A. , Ozpinar Aysel , Ozpinar Alp , Hacker Emily , Elmaci İlhan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this review article, we hypothesize that Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine (HBV‐V) and certain antigens of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) could act as anticancer immunoadjuvants in addition to their role of preventing HBV‐associated liver cancer. Evidence suggests that in animal breast cancer and melanoma models, combining hepatitis B‐surface antigen (HBsAg) with other cancer antigens resulted in enhanced antitumour activity. HBsAg shares antigenic mimicry with healthy and malignant cells including squamous epithelia, thymic epithelia, bladder‐ and colon cancer cells. There exist anecdotal reports and small case series about spontaneous remission of leukaemias and neuroblastoma following acute HBV‐infection. Recent studies also exist showing HBV‐carrier state is a good prognostic factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Further epidemiological studies and animal experiments are necessary whether HBV‐Vs exert additional immunoadjuvant benefits besides lowering the risk of liver cancer.
Double quantile regression accurately assesses distance to boundary trade‐offs
Authors: Cardoso Gonçalo C. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Boundary trade‐offs are common among ecological, life‐history, behavioural and other traits. Depending on the traits studied, distances of data points to boundary trade‐offs can indicate ecological or life‐history strategies, or behavioural performance. Quantile regression tests the statistical significance of boundary trade‐offs, but it is unknown whether it provides meaningful benchmarks for evaluating distances to the true trade‐offs shaping the data. This is especially relevant when traits limit each other mutually, rather than one independent trait limiting another dependent trait.

I used empirical and simulated data to evaluate how quantile regression assesses distance to boundary trade‐offs. First, I reanalysed empirical datasets showing upper‐bound trade‐offs between acoustic traits, which is a field where distances to trade‐offs are often used to infer behavioural performance. Second, I simulated data under different assumptions of how boundaries influence density distributions, to test the accuracy of assessing distance to the true trade‐offs generating the data.

Quantile regression assessed distance to upper‐bound trade‐offs incongruently in most empirical datasets, strongly influenced by arbitrary decisions on which trait to use as dependent. Simulated data showed that a double quantile regression approach — the consensus of two reciprocal quantile regressions — accurately and robustly assesses distance to the true trade‐offs generating the data. The method was robust to low sample sizes and to different assumptions on how boundary trade‐offs influence the density distribution of data.

Double quantile regression can assess distances to the boundary trade‐offs observed in various branches of ecology, from functional and behavioural ecology, to population and macro‐ecology.
Monitoring large and complex wildlife aggregations with drones
Authors: Lyons Mitchell B. , Brandis Kate J. , Murray Nicholas J. , Wilshire John H. , McCann Justin A. , Kingsford Richard T. , Callaghan Corey T. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Recent advances in drone technology have rapidly led to their use for monitoring and managing wildlife populations but a broad and generalised framework for their application to complex wildlife aggregations is still lacking.

We present a generalised semi‐automated approach where machine learning can map targets of interest in drone imagery, supported by predictive modelling for estimating wildlife aggregation populations. We demonstrated this application on four large spatially complex breeding waterbird colonies on floodplains, ranging from c. 20,000 to c. 250,000 birds, providing estimates of bird nests.

Our mapping and modelling approach was applicable to all four colonies, without any modification, effectively dealing with variation in nest size, shape, colour and density and considerable background variation (vegetation, water, sand, soil, etc.). Our semi‐automated approach was between three and eight times faster than manually counting nests from imagery at the same level of accuracy.

This approach is a significant improvement for monitoring large and complex aggregations of wildlife, offering an innovative solution where ground counts are costly, difficult or not possible. Our framework requires minimal technical ability, is open‐source (Google Earth Engine and R), and easy to apply to other surveys.
Epigaeic ant diversity and distribution in the Sandstone Sourveld in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Hlongwane Zabentungwa Thakasile , Mwabvu Tarombera , Munyai Thinandavha Caswell , Tsvuura Zivanai 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAnts are sensitive to habitat change and may be affected by disturbances, such as alien plant invasion. Alien plant invasion is associated with negative effects on the functioning of ecosystems and may have adverse impacts on biodiversity. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of ground‐dwelling ants in Tanglewood and Giba Gorge Reserves in KwaZulu‐Natal Province, South Africa. Ants were sampled in the wet and dry seasons. Pitfall trap sampling was carried out in an intact grassland, forest and a disturbed grassland. We collected 360 samples resulting in a total of 2,577 occurrences comprising of 54 species. We found that diversity of ants in the two sites was influenced by vegetation type. The intact grassland in the two reserves had greater diversity (40 ± 4.45) of ants compared with forest (22 ± 4.86) and disturbed grassland (27 ± 1.15); however, the disturbed grassland supported higher ant occurrences (50.03 ± 31.6). Opportunists represented the most diverse functional group with 17 species followed by specialist predators with 13 species and generalised Myrmicinae with 10 species. These results suggest that grassland disturbance by alien plant invasion provides suitable environmental conditions that may increase ant occurrences but decrease ant diversity.
Hepcidin is not essential for mediating testosterone's effects on erythropoiesis
Authors: Guo W. , Schmidt P. J. , Fleming M. D. , Bhasin S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe have shown that testosterone administration suppresses hepcidin, stimulates iron‐dependent erythropoiesis, and increases hemoglobin and hematocrit.ObjectiveWe investigated whether testosterone‐mediated suppression of hepcidin plays an essential role in mediating testosterone's stimulatory effects on erythropoiesis.MethodsWe utilized two mouse models to elucidate the role of hepcidin as a mediator of testosterone's effects on erythropoiesis: First, we used a whole‐body hepcidin knockout (HepKO) mouse. Because testosterone's effects on hepcidin expression are mediated through androgen receptor, we also utilized a liver‐specific androgen receptor knockout mouse (L‐ArKO). Effects of 6 weeks of testosterone (50 mg/kg weekly) administration relative to vehicle on hemoglobin and hematocrit, red blood cell indices, and markers of iron stores and availability were compared between wild‐type (WT) and the two genetically modified mouse models.ResultsHepKO mice had significantly higher baseline levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum and liver iron, and ferritin than WT mice. Compared to vehicle group, testosterone administration was associated with significant increases in hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cell counts, reticulocyte count, reticulocyte hemoglobin, and serum iron levels in both HepKO and WT mice. Baseline hematocrit levels did not differ between WT and L‐ArKO mice. Compared to vehicle, testosterone treatment was associated with significantly greater increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cell count, reticulocyte count, reticulocyte hemoglobin, and serum iron in WT and L‐ArKO mice.ConclusionAlthough hepcidin suppression by testosterone increases iron availability and erythropoiesis, hepcidin suppression is not essential for mediating testosterone's effects on erythropoiesis in healthy mice.
Proteomic characterization of human sperm plasma membrane‐associated proteins and their role in capacitation
Authors: Hernández‐Silva Gabriela , Fabián López‐Araiza Jorge Elías , López‐Torres Aideé Saray , Larrea Fernando , Torres‐Flores Víctor , Chirinos Mayel 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPlasma membranes of ejaculated sperm are covered by epididymal and accessory glands secreted proteins that must be released from sperm surface during the female reproductive tract passage in order to capacitate and fertilize the oocyte.ObjectivesAs human sperm plasma membrane‐associated proteins (SMAP) have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to characterize the SMAP released during in vitro human capacitation and to study their possible role as decapacitation factors.Materials and MethodsSMAP were characterized by 2‐dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis. Besides, we explored SMAP effects on motility, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction of spermatozoa either incubated for 6 h in capacitating medium ± SMAP or for 5 h in capacitating medium alone followed by incubation for 1 h ± SMAP.ResultsMass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of 29 proteins, all of which have previously been identified in the human seminal fluid. Spermatozoa incubated for 6 h under capacitating conditions in the presence of the SMAP showed a significant decrease in the incidence of non‐progressive motility, hyperactivation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore‐induced acrosome reaction. However, spermatozoa incubated for 5 h in capacitating medium and further incubated for 1 h with the SMAP showed a lower percentage of spermatozoa with non‐progressive motility and hyperactivated cells but no effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation were detected.Discussion and ConclusionsOur results indicate that SMAP inhibit the progress of human sperm capacitation, but only motility changes related to capacitation may be reversed by these proteins. The study of the identified proteins on sperm function and their mechanisms of action on this cell may contribute to the understanding of their role during capacitation.
Neural and neuronal discoordination in schizophrenia: From ensembles through networks to symptoms
Authors: Krajcovic Branislav , Fajnerova Iveta , Horacek Jiri , Kelemen Eduard , Kubik Stepan , Svoboda Jan , Stuchlik Ales 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDespite the substantial knowledge accumulated by past research, the exact mechanisms of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and causal treatments still remain unclear. Deficits of cognition and information processing in schizophrenia are today often viewed as the primary and core symptoms of this devastating disorder. These deficits likely result from disruptions in the coordination of neuronal and neural activity. The aim of this review is to bring together convergent evidence of discoordinated brain circuits in schizophrenia at multiple levels of resolution, ranging from principal cells and interneurons, neuronal ensembles and local circuits, to large‐scale brain networks. We show how these aberrations could underlie deficits in cognitive control and other higher order cognitive‐behavioural functions. Converging evidence from both animal models and patients with schizophrenia is presented in an effort to gain insight into common features of deficits in the brain information processing in this disorder, marked by disruption of several neurotransmitter and signalling systems and severe behavioural outcomes.
A protease‐responsive fluorescent probe for sensitive imaging of legumain activity in living tumor cells
Authors: Li Xi , Liu Qingzhu , Ye Siqin , Wang Shijie , Li Ke , Lv Gaochao , Peng Ying , Qiu Ling , Lin Jianguo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLegumain, a lysosomal cysteine protease, is critical for pathological progression and has been found to play an important role in the occurrence and development of several cancers. However, its biological functions remain few recognized. To further understand the role of legumain activity in tumor progression, a legumain protease‐responsive fluorescent probe was developed in the present study. The probe 1 was synthesized by conjugating an aminoluciferin fluorophore with an alanine–alanine–asparagine (AAN) peptide sequence. The successful synthesis of probe 1 was validated by NMR and MS spectra as well as HPLC analysis. The probe 1 was non‐toxic and exhibited great stability in the physiological solutions. More importantly, compared with the aminoluciferin fluorophore, the peptide conjugation may dramatically increase the targeting specificity. Probe 1 was able to effectively detect the legumain activity in living HCT116 cells through fluorescence imaging. All these results implied that probe 1 could act as a promising fluorescent probe specialized for the monitoring of legumain activity in living cells.
Pathways Linking Childhood Personality to Later Life Outcomes
Authors: Hill Patrick L. , Edmonds Grant W. , Jackson Joshua J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDispositional characteristics are associated with important life outcomes across the lifespan, often predicting those outcomes decades in advance. Evidence demonstrates that personality characteristics measured during childhood and adolescence uniquely affect later life outcomes above and beyond adult personality. Currently, it is unclear why personality produces unique effects at different life stages, given the modest consistency of personality across the lifespan. In this article, we offer possible explanations for why these unique predictive effects may occur, charting pathways that link childhood personality to later outcomes that differ from how adult personality influences the same products. We conclude by suggesting directions for longitudinal investigations into when, why, and how assessments of childhood personality can help advance our understanding of lifespan development.
Why Are Spatial Skill and Mathematics Related?
Authors: Mix Kelly S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractResearch has demonstrated strong relations between spatial skill and mathematics across ages and in both typical and atypical populations, suggesting that a significant proportion of variance in mathematics performance can be explained by variance in spatial skill. Why do these relations exist and how do they develop? Studies of dimensionality in the two domains suggest the relation holds across tasks and is not limited to specific spatial or mathematics subskills. Spatial skills might perform several functions in real‐time problem solving, but these have not been differentiated empirically. The relation appears to be based on automatic shared processing, as well as strategic recruitment of spatial processes. Developmentally, the relation is consistent in its strength, but may change qualitatively, particularly in response to novel mathematics content.
Relationship between systolic hypertension assessed by 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and aortic diameters in young women with Turner syndrome
Authors: Lee Yun Jeong , Kim Shin Mi , Lee Young Ah , Kim Gi Beom , Shin Choong Ho , Yang Sei Won 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivePatients with Turner syndrome (TS) are at high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to aortic dilation. We evaluated the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors and investigated the relationship between systolic hypertension and aortic diameter in young patients with TS.DesignObservational, cross‐sectional study.Patients and measurementsForty‐two patients with TS (15‐35 years) who had achieved final adult heights underwent 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Fasting glucose, insulin and lipid profiles were measured. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate aortic diameters (aortic annulus, aortic root at the sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta), which were converted into Turner‐specific z‐scores.ResultsSystolic and/or diastolic hypertension was identified in 71.4% (n = 30) of patients, as assessed by 24‐hour ABPM. Twenty‐eight patients (66.7%) were nondippers. Patients with systolic hypertension (n = 8, 19.0%) had a higher weight, waist circumference and HOMA‐IR levels than those without hypertension (P < 0.05 for all). After adjusting for covariates, HOMA‐IR was independently associated with systolic hypertension (odds ratio 10.1, P = 0.043). After adjusting for age and bicuspid aortic valve, systolic hypertension was independently related to increased aortic diameter at the aortic annulus (β = 1.064, P = 0.009) and sinotubular junction (β = 1.124, P = 0.016).ConclusionsHypertension is highly prevalent and independently associated with IR in young patients with TS. The significant relationship between systolic hypertension and aortic diameters underscores the importance of BP and IR control.
Comparison of postoperative intraoral scan versus cone beam computerised tomography to measure accuracy of guided implant placement—A prospective clinical study
Authors: Skjerven Henrik , Olsen‐Bergem Heming , Rønold Hans Jacob , Riis Ulf H. , Ellingsen Jan Eirik 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of implant placement with a digitally planned guided implant procedure. Two methods for identifying the actual postoperative positioning of the implants were compared: CBCT and IO scanning.Material and methodsTwenty‐eight implants with a sandblasted and acid‐etched surface were placed in thirteen patients using tooth‐supported surgical guides following a digital planning procedure. The implants were submerged for 12–15 weeks. New CBCT images were taken for identification of the implant position. After second stage surgery, scan bodies were mounted on the implants and scanned with an IO digital scanner. The recordings from the CBCT images and the IO scans were compared with respect to the identified positions of the implants.ResultsThe study did not resolve any significant differences of the identified positioning of the implants as measured by CBCT or IO, except for the apical deviations at the coronal and apical points.The angular difference between CBCT and IO scanning at the coronal point was −0.011 (±0.6) degrees, whereas the 3D deviation was 0.03(±0.17) mm. The distal deviation between CBCT and IO scanning was 0.01(± 0.16) mm, and the vestibular deviation 0.033(± 0.16) mm and the apical deviation difference was 0.09(± 0.16) mm.The 3D deviation at the apical point was 0.04(± 0.22) mm. The distal deviation between CBCT and IO scanning was 0.06(± 0.19) mm, and the vestibular deviation 0.032(± 0.23) mm and the apical deviation difference was 0.09(± 0. 16) mm.ConclusionThe study demonstrated that accuracy measurements using IO scanning yields comparable results to those obtained by CBCT.
Efficacy of three proton‐pump inhibitor therapeutic strategies on laryngopharyngeal reflux disease; a prospective randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Yoon Young Hoon , Park Ki Wan , Lee Seung Hun , Park Hee Sung , Chang Jae Won , Koo Bon Seok 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesProton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing practices in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) differ among physicians. We assessed the improvement in reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) after treating LPR with three different regimens.DesignA prospective, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial.SettingChungnam national university hospital in Korea.ParticipantsFrom July 2015 to July 2017, 100 patients with LPR included in the study. The patients were prescribed one of the following regimens for 3 months: group A, ilaprazole 10 mg, once a day (QD), n = 29; group B, ilaprazole 10 mg, twice a day (BID), n = 27; and group C, ilaprazole 10 mg BID plus mosapride citrate 5 mg three times a day (TID), n = 44.Main outcome measuresThe total RSI and RFS scores and each subitems in RSI and FRS of the patients were evaluated.ResultsTotal RFS and RSI scores improved significantly at the 3‐month follow‐up in all groups, and the improvements were of similar magnitudes. Regarding the RFS, the degrees of improvement in vocal cord oedema (P = 0.002) and diffuse laryngeal oedema (P = 0.003) scores differed significantly among the three groups. Moreover, overweight or obese patients in group C showed the greatest improvement in RFS. However, age had no effect on treatment efficacy.ConclusionThree PPI therapeutic strategies showed similar efficacies against LPR according to total RFS and RSI scores. The addition of a prokinetic resulted in improvements in specific endoscopic findings, such as vocal cord oedema and diffuse laryngeal oedema. Furthermore, the addition of a prokinetic to PPI therapy was particularly beneficial for overweight or obese patients.
Deceased organ donor factors influencing pancreatic graft transplantation and survival
Authors: Sally Mitchell B. , Ellis Margaret Katherine , Hutchens Michael , Groat Tahnee , Swanson Elizabeth , Patel Madhukar S. , Niemann Claus U. , Malinoski Darren J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCriteria for organ acceptance in brain‐dead organ donors remain inconsistent, especially when concerning pancreatic transplants. We sought to examine donor‐specific predictors of pancreatic graft use and survival to better guide the selection and management of potential donors. A prospective observational study of all donors from ten organ procurement organizations was conducted from March 2012 to January 2015. Critical care endpoints were collected at 4 standardized time points. Data associated with pancreatic transplantation and graft survival rates were first determined using univariate analyses, and then logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of these two outcomes. From 1819 donors, 238 (13.1%) pancreata were transplanted, and at a mean follow‐up of 192 days, 218 (91.6%) grafts had survived. After regression analysis, donor age (OR = 0.89), HgbA1C (OR = 0.07), and achieving the donor management goal (DMG) for ejection fraction at allocation of ≥50% (OR = 3.29) remained as independent predictors of pancreatic utilization. On regression analysis, graft survival was independently predicted by lower donor age (OR = 0.93) and achieving the DMGs for mean arterial pressure (60‐110 mm Hg) and glucose (≤180 mg/dL) at separate time points. These results may help guide the management and selection of potential pancreatic donors after brain death.