bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time-dependent uptake and toxicity of nickel to Enchytraeus crypticus in the presence of humic acid and fulvic acid
Authors: He Erkai , Qiu Hao , Qiu Rongliang , Rentenaar Charlotte , Devresse Quentin , Van Gestel Cornelis A.M. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of different fractions of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on the uptake and toxicity of nickel (Ni) in the soil invertebrate Enchytraeus crypticus after different exposure times. The addition of DOC as humic acid or fulvic acid significantly reduced Ni uptake by E. crypticus in the soil-solution test system. Median lethal effect concentrations were calculated based on total dissolved Ni concentrations (LC50[Ni]), free Ni ion activity (LC50{Ni2+}), and Ni body concentrations (LC50Body-Ni). The LC50[Ni] values increased with increasing DOC levels and decreased with exposure time (4, 7, and 10 d). Humic acid exerted a greater protective effect on Ni toxicity than fulvic acid, but the protective effects decreased with prolonged exposure time. The LC50{Ni2+} values also decreased with exposure time but were almost constant with variation in DOC levels, indicating that the protective effect of DOC is mainly through complexation with free Ni ions to reduce Ni bioavailability. The LC50Body-Ni value was independent of DOC concentration and exposure time, with an estimated overall value of 22.1 µg/g dry weight. The present study shows that body concentration could serve as an effective indicator for predicting Ni toxicity with variations in the exposure environment (e.g., DOC) and exposure time. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3019–3027. © 2017 SETAC
Persistence of chlorfluazuron in cabbage under different agro-climatic conditions of India and its risk assessment
Authors: Ganguly Pritam , Barik Suhrid Ranjan , Patra Sandip , Roy Sankhajit , Bhattacharyya Anjan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

A multilocational field trial was conducted at 4 locations in India—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal—to determine the persistence in cabbage of chlorfluazuron applied twice at 75 and 150 g active ingredient ha−1. Cabbage head samples were collected from each replicated plot on 0 (2 h after spraying), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 d after final insecticide application, including an untreated control. Chlorfluazuron residue in cabbage and field soil was estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography using a photo diode array detector. The limit of determination and limit of quantification of the method were recorded as 0.05 and 0.10 μg g−1, respectively. Results revealed that chlorfluazuron dissipated linearly with progress of time, following first-order kinetics. The mean (± standard deviation) half-life value of chlorfluazuron in cabbage was found to be 7.18 ± 0.71 d, considering different locations and treatments. The residue was below the level of quantification in the harvested cabbage and soil samples. Harvesting cabbage in the experimental location, at least on day 7, after 2 applications of chlorfluazuron at the recommended dose, may not pose any ill effect for Indian adults. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3028–3033. © 2017 SETAC
Bladder spasm following urogenital fistula repair
Authors: Ekwedigwe Kenneth C. , Isikhuemen Maradona E. , Sunday‐Adeoye Ileogben , Yakubu Emmanuel N. , Eliboh Monday O. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the occurrence of bladder spasms following surgical repair of urogenital fistula.MethodsThe present retrospective study included data from patients who underwent surgical repair of urogenital fistula at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Nigeria, between June 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016. Patients who underwent rectovaginal fistula repair and those who experienced persistent postoperative pain requiring high doses of analgesia were excluded. Bladder spasm was defined as the sudden onset of intermittent pain in the region of the bladder lasting for short periods of time in patients who were previously comfortable with routine postoperative analgesia. The incidence of bladder spasm was calculated and the presence of an association between repair outcome and bladder spasms was investigated.ResultsThere were 133 patients included in the present study with a mean age of 36 ± 11 years. Bladder spasms were experienced by 60 (45.1%) patients during the study period; of these patients, failed fistula repair was recorded for 13 (22%). Good surgical outcome (closed fistula) was associated with not experiencing postsurgical bladder spasms (P=0.044).ConclusionThe incidence of bladder spasm following surgical repair of urogenital fistula appeared high. The occurrence of bladder spasms could influence repair outcomes.
B Vitamins and Hip Fracture: Secondary Analyses and Extended Follow-Up of Two Large Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Garcia Lopez Maria , Bønaa Kaare H , Ebbing Marta , Eriksen Erik F , Gjesdal Clara G , Nygård Ottar , Tell Grethe S , Ueland Per M , Meyer Haakon E 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Elevated plasma homocysteine levels are associated with increased risk of fractures in observational studies. However, it is unsettled whether homocysteine-lowering treatment affects fracture risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an intervention with B vitamins on the risk of hip fracture in a secondary analysis of combined data from two large randomized controlled trials originally designed to study cardiovascular diseases. Both trials had identical design, intervention, and primary objective. Based on a two-by-two factorial design, the intervention consisted of a daily capsule with either (1) folic acid (0.8 mg) plus vitamin B12 (0.4 mg) and vitamin B6 (40 mg); (2) folic acid (0.8 mg) plus vitamin B12 (0.4 mg); (3) vitamin B6 alone (40 mg); or (4) placebo. The participants were followed with respect to hip fracture during the trial or during an extended follow-up (from the trial start for each patient until the end of 2012). No statistically significant association was found between folic acid plus vitamin B12 treatment and the risk of hip fracture, neither during the trial (median 3.3 years; hazard ratio [HR] 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48 to 1.59) nor during the extended follow-up (median 11.1 years; HR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.40). Nor were there significant differences in the risk of hip fracture between groups receiving versus not receiving vitamin B6 during the trial (HR 1.42; 95% CI, 0.78 to 2.61). However, during the extended follow-up, those receiving vitamin B6 showed a significant 42% higher risk of hip fracture (HR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.83) compared to those not receiving vitamin B6. In conclusion, treatment with folic acid plus vitamin B12 was not associated with the risk of hip fracture. Treatment with a high dose of vitamin B6 was associated with a slightly increased risk of hip fracture during the extended follow-up (in-trial plus post-trial follow-up). © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hospital‐acquired anemia due to diagnostic and therapy‐related blood loss in inpatients with myasthenia gravis receiving therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Mann Steven A. , Williams Lance A. , Marques Marisa B. , Pham Huy P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDaily laboratory testing (DLT) is an important cause of iatrogenic anemia. Therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPE) represent another source of blood loss. This study investigated the contributions of DLT and TPE to changes in hemoglobin of inpatients with myasthenia gravis (MG) exacerbation.Study design and methodsAll admissions for MG that included TPE between 2008 and 2012 were identified. The DLT‐ and TPE‐related blood losses per patient were estimated based on the number of laboratory tests and TPE procedures. The primary endpoint was the difference between the discharge hemoglobin (Hgb) and the admission Hgb (ΔHgb). Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify clinical predictors of ΔHgb.ResultsA total of 46 patients (52% male, average age of 58 years) had 90 hospitalizations and underwent 424 TPEs during the study‐period. Their average length of stay (LOS) was 10.4 days, and total DLT and TPE‐related blood losses were 107 and 94 mL, respectively. While 41% of patients were anemic on admission, 90% were anemic at discharge. The average ΔHgb was −2.2 g/dL. The patient's blood volume, renal function, admission number, LOS, and combined blood losses correlated with ΔHgb by linear regression, but only DLT was an independent predictor of ΔHgb in the multivariable analysis.ConclusionApproximately 50% of MG patients admitted for TPE developed hospital‐acquired anemia, which was directly correlated with the volume of blood collected for laboratory tests. A variety of strategies to reduce DLT could circumvent this iatrogenic complication.
The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer: Rational Strategies and Recent Progress
Authors: Bahrami Afsane , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Khazaei Majid , Hasanzadeh Malihe , Shahidsales Soodabeh , Maftouh Mina , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe tumor microenvironment (TME) is cellular environment in addition to harboring carcinoma cells, consists of different components (e.g., blood vessels, immune cells, fibroblasts, bone marrow‐derived inflammatory cells, lymphocytes, signaling molecules, and the extracellular matrix) that have an essential role on drug activity and efficacy. There is growing body of evidence showing its involvement in the progression and metastasis of different cancers, including breast cancer (BC). These observations provide a proof of concept of targeting TME compartments as a novel potential therapeutic approach in treatment of this malignancy, which is the main interested for current review. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 111–122, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase and Maturation Promoting Factor During the Achievement of Meiotic Competency in Mammalian Oocytes
Authors: Tiwari Meenakshi , Gupta Anumegha , Sharma Alka , Prasad Shilpa , Pandey Ashutosh N. , Yadav Pramod K. , Pandey Ajai K. , Shrivastav Tulsidas G. , Chaube Shail K. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe oocyte quality remains as one of the major problems associated with poor in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate and assisted reproductive technology (ART) failure worldwide. The oocyte quality is dependent on its meiotic maturation that begins inside the follicular microenvironment and gets completed at the time of ovulation in most of the mammalian species. Follicular oocytes are arrested at diplotene stage of first meiotic prophase. The resumption of meiosis from diplotene arrest, progression through metaphase‐I (M‐I) and further arrest at metaphase‐II (M‐II) are important physiological requirements for the achievement of meiotic competency in mammalian oocytes. The achievement of meiotic competency is dependent upon cyclic stabilization/destabilization of maturation promoting factor (MPF). The mitogen‐activated protein kinase3/1 (MAPK3/1) modulates stabilization/destabilization of MPF in oocyte by interacting either with signal molecules, transcription and post‐transcription factors in cumulus cells or cytostatic factors (CSFs) in oocyte. MPF regulates meiotic cell cycle progression from diplotene arrest to M‐II arrest and directly impacts oocyte quality. The MAPK3/1 activity is not reported during spontaneous meiotic resumption but its activity in cumulus cells is required for gonadotropin‐induced oocyte meiotic resumption. Although high MAPK3/1 activity is required for the maintenance of M‐II arrest in several mammalian species, its cross‐talk with MPF remains to be elucidated. Further studies are required to find out the MAPK3/1 activity and its impact on MPF destabilization/stabilization during achievement of meiotic competency, an important period that decides oocyte quality and directly impacts ARTs outcome in several mammalian species including human. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 123–129, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chondrification and Character Identification in the Skull Exemplified for the Basicranial Anatomy of Early Squamate Embryos
Authors: Yaryhin Oleksandr , Werneburg Ingmar 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe neurocranium of vertebrates is mainly derived from early cartilaginous anlagen, the so‐called chondrocranium, the base of the future skull. Two initial bar‐shaped and paired chondrifications flank the notochord, the rostral trabecles and the caudal parachordals. In most reptiles, there is an additional component, the transverse acrochordal, which is placed between trabecles and parachordals. All these elements compose the base of the future chondrocranium. There are several drastically different hypotheses concerning the development and interrelationship of these elements. We reexamined the basicranial development in four squamates and found that all species show very similar conditions of early chondrocranial development. The anterior part of the notochord is not embedded into the basal plate as it was previously reported. It remains free. The medial edges of the parachordals form the lateral walls of the basicranial fenestra. Only the posterior portions of the parachordals fuse and form the basal plate. The space in‐between the parachordals is filled with a thin layer of cells, which never chondrify. The anterior tips of the parachordals later fuse with the posterior edge of the acrochordal, which ultimately delimitates, as crista sellaris, the basicranial fenestra anteriorly. We consider the observed processes a common development at least in lizards and review a variety of methodological approaches and differences in data interpretation as reasons for the anatomical differences reported in the literature. Moreover, based on our data we argue that the acrochordal is of mesodermal origin, which coincides with results of fate map experimental studies.
Oligomeric larvae of the pycnogonids revisited
Authors: Alexeeva Nina , Bogomolova Ekaterina , Tamberg Yuta , Shunatova Natalia 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOrganization and ultrastructure of the protonymphon larva were never adequately described, despite it being the common larval type of the enigmatic sea spiders and the only example of oligosegmented life stage among recent chelicerates. We have made a comprehensive examination of the newly hatched free‐living protonymphons of Nymphon brevirostre using SEM, TEM, light, and confocal microscopy. Although fairly typical in their broad characters, protonymphon larvae have a number of unique and unexpected traits. Body cavity, already present at this stage, is lined with extracellular matrix and thus is conclusively identified as primary body cavity. Central nervous system includes four postocular neuromeres arranged in three ganglia: supraesophageal, subesophageal, and the first ganglion of the ventral nerve cord. Examination of the sensory organs revealed unusually organized eyes, mechanoreceptors, and chemoreceptors. We have uncovered a mixed sensory‐secretory nature of chelar glands and proposed possible modalities of its receptory part. We gave first descriptions of the complex ultrastructure of three secretory organs (spinning glands, slit‐like organs, proboscis glands) and hypothesized on their mode of functioning. Comparisons with another oligomeric larva, for example, nauplius, revealed discrepancies in the segmentation of these animals. Although both larvae are externally unsegmented and bear three pairs of homologous appendages, the protonymphon body includes a fourth segment of the prospective walking legs which is absent in nauplius.
Costamere protein expression and tissue composition of rotator cuff muscle after tendon release in sheep
Authors: Ruoss Severin , Möhl Christoph B. , Benn Mario C. , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Wieser Karl , Meyer Dominik C. , Gerber Christian , Flück Martin 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTPrevious studies suggested that degradation of contractile tissue requires cleavage of the costamere, a structural protein complex that holds sarcomeres in place. This study examined if costamere turnover is affected by a rotator cuff tear in a previously established ovine model. We found the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a main regulator of costamere turnover, was unchanged at 2 weeks but decreased by 27% 16 weeks after surgical release of the infraspinatus tendon. This was accompanied by cleavage of the costamere protein talin into a 190 kDa fragment while full length talin remained unchanged. At 2 weeks after tendon release, muscle volume decreased by 17 cm3 from an initial 185 cm3, the fatty tissue volume was halved, and the contractile tissue volume remained unchanged. After 16 weeks, the muscle volume decreased by 36 cm3, contractile tissue was quantitatively lost, and the fat content increased by 184%. Nandrolone administration mitigated the loss of contractile tissue by 26% and prevented fat accumulation, alterations in FAK activity, and talin cleavage. Taken together, these findings imply that muscle remodeling after tendon release occurs in two stages. The early decrease of muscle volume is associated with reduction of fat; while, the second stage is characterized by substantial loss of contractile tissue accompanied by massive fat accumulation. Regulation of costamere turnover is associated with the loss of contractile tissue and seems to be impacted by nandrolone treatment. Clinically, the costamere may represent a potential intervention target to mitigate muscle loss after a rotator cuff tear. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:272–281, 2018.
Observing 2‐vinylpyridine and 4‐vinylpyridine anions during living anionic polymerization by in situ Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Ke Iou‐Sheng , Li Mingqi , Wu Janet , Rickard Mark A. 
Published: June 2017

We report direct evidence of living anions of 2‐vinylpyridine and 4‐vinylpyridine for the first time to the authors' knowledge on the basis of in situ Raman spectral observations during a living anionic polymerization reaction. The former is characterized by a band at 1607 cm−1 and the latter at 1622 cm−1. A titration experiment was carried out by adding multiple aliquots of 4‐vinylpyridine into a solution containing 2‐vinylpyridine anions. Systematic spectral changes for the aforementioned bands provided convincing evidence for such spectral assignments. These assignments are supported by electronic structure calculations of the monomers and anions. Both anions showed large Raman cross sections, which allowed them to be detected at relatively low concentrations. Such Raman bands will enable facile in situ monitoring of the anionic species and thus can be useful for process development and optimization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving quality of an innovative pea puree by high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Klug Tâmmila Venzke , Martínez‐Sánchez Ascensión , Gómez Perla A , Collado Elena , Aguayo Encarna , Artés Francisco , Artés‐Hernández Francisco 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe food industry is continuously innovating to fulfill consumer demand for new, healthy, ready‐to‐eat products. Pea purees could satisfy this trend by increasing the intake of legumes, which are an important source of nutrients. Moreover, sensorial properties like viscosity could be improved by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). In this study the effect of a boiling treatment (10 min) followed by HHP at 550 kPa (0, 5 or 10 min) on the rheological properties, associated with enzymatic activity and particle size, as well as on the microbial and sensory quality of a pea‐based puree stored for 36 days at 5 °C, has been assessed.RESULTSThe particle size of pea puree decreased after all processing treatments, but increased during storage in HHP‐treated samples. Conversely, boiling treatment showed an increase in polygalacturonase activity at the end of the storage period, with a decrease in particle size, viscosity and stability. However, 5 min of 550 kPa HHP showed the highest mean particle size, mean surface diameter and viscosity regarding the remaining treatments. The microbial load remained low during storage.CONCLUSIONSHHP treatment can be used by the food industry to improve the rheological properties, viscosity and stability of pea purees. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving access to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery expert advice through eConsultations
Authors: Kohlert Scott , Murphy Patrick , Tse Darren , Liddy Clare , Afkham Amir , Keely Erin 
Published: June 2017

Objectives/HypothesisProlonged wait times have become common. Electronic consultations (eConsults) have been shown in previous studies to reduce unnecessary face‐to‐face consultations to specialists, but no prior study has investigated the feasibility or efficacy of eConsults in an otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OTO‐HNS) practice.Study DesignProspective observational study.MethodsThe Champlain BASE eConsult system is a secure web portal allowing primary care physicians (PCPs) to communicate asynchronously with specialists about a patient, without requiring a formal face‐to‐face consult. The data from all eConsults sent through this portal to OTO‐HNS practices between July 2011 and January 2015 were collected and analyzed.ResultsResponse time was rapid; over 40% of eConsults received a response within 24 hours, and nearly all eConsults were answered within 7 calendar days. The median response time was nearly 29 times faster than traditional face‐to‐face consultation. Unnecessary face‐to‐face referrals were avoided in 33.4% of all eConsults, and in nearly 50% of cases where the PCP initially planned a formal referral. PCPs reported adopting a new or additional course of action over 50% of the time following an eConsult. Eighty‐eight percent of PCPs reported the service to be valuable for their patients, and 92% found it valuable for themselves. eConsults require only a limited time commitment from specialists, with over 75% taking less than 10 minutes to complete.ConclusionseConsultation is a cost‐effective system that can lead to decreased wait times, improved communication between PCPs and otolaryngologists, and help guide the development of targeted continuing professional development modules for PCPs.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:350–355, 2018