bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in health‐care costs and utilization for inflammatory bowel disease from 2010 to 2014 in Korea: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Kim Jung‐Wook , Lee Chang Kyun , Rhee Sang Youl , Oh Chi Hyuck , Shim Jae‐Jun , Kim Hyo Jong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground and AimData regarding health‐care costs and utilization for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at the population level are limited in Asia. We aimed to investigate the nationwide prevalence and health‐care cost and utilization of IBD in Korea.MethodsWe tracked the IBD‐attributable health‐care costs and utilization from 2010 to 2014 using the public dataset obtained from Korean National Health Insurance Service claims. We estimated the nationwide prevalence of IBD using population census data from Statistics Korea during the same period.ResultsIn total, 236 106 IBD patients were analyzed. The estimated IBD prevalence significantly increased from 85.1/100 000 in 2010 to 106/100 000 in 2014. The overall annual health‐care costs for IBD increased from $23.2 million (US dollars) in 2010 to $49.7 million in 2014 (P < 0.001). During the same period, the health‐care cost per capita also increased from $572.3 to $983.7 (P < 0.001). The outpatient to total cost ratio increased from 45.5% in 2010 to 66.6% in 2014. Regarding health‐care utilization, the outpatient to total days of service use ratio increased from 73.1% in 2010 to 76.9% in 2014. Of the total days of service used, the proportions of tertiary, general, and community hospitals increased significantly with a concomitant decrease in that of primary clinics (all P values < 0.001).ConclusionsThis population‐based study confirmed the steadily rising rate of prevalence of IBD in Korea. It also demonstrated that the shifting to outpatient care and advanced care settings are drivers for the dramatic increase in IBD‐related health‐care costs in Korea.
Association between natural killer cell activity and the risk of colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Kwon Min‐Jung , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il , Park Jung Ho 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground and AimLow activity of natural killer (NK) cells is known to be associated with higher risk of cancer, especially with poor prognosis and the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated whether NK cells activity differs between subjects with and without colorectal neoplasia (CRN).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed on 1818 asymptomatic examinees aged ≥ 30 years who underwent NK cell activity test (which quantitates the amount of interferon‐γ secreted into the plasma by NK cells) and a colonoscopy as part of a health checkup.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 41.4 years. The proportion of overall CRN and advanced CRN was 13.5% (n = 246) and 0.7% (n = 13), respectively. Only one subject was diagnosed with CRC. The median level of NK cell activity was lower in subjects with CRN than in those without CRN (1205 vs 1515 pg/mL, P = 0.009). It was also lower in subjects with non‐advanced CRN than in those without CRN (1221 vs 1515 pg/mL; P = 0.036). Moreover, it was lower in subjects with advanced CRN than in those with non‐advanced CRN (480 vs 1221 pg/mL; P = 0.028). Subjects with low levels of NK cell activity (< 250 pg/mL) had a higher prevalence of overall CRN (19.0% vs 12.9%, P = 0.024) and advanced CRN (3.4% vs 0.4%, P = 0.001) than those who demonstrated higher level (≥ 250 pg/mL).ConclusionsNatural killer cell activity seemed to decrease along with CRC progression toward the later stages in the adenoma‐carcinoma sequence. Its activity may be depressed in relation to progression of neoplasia, even at precancerous stage.
Predominance of regorafenib over sorafenib: Restoration of membrane‐bound MICA in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Arai Jun , Goto Kaku , Stephanou Anthony , Tanoue Yasushi , Ito Sayaka , Muroyama Ryosuke , Matsubara Yasuo , Nakagawa Ryo , Morimoto Sayuri , Kaise Yoshimi , Lim Lay Ahyoung , Yoshida Hitoshi , Kato Naoya 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe multi‐kinase inhibitor regorafenib (REG) was recently demonstrated to be effective in patients with sorafenib (SOR)‐resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, SOR is known to enhance the accumulation of membrane‐bound MHC class I polypeptide‐related sequence A (mMICA) in HCC cells and to block the production of soluble MICA (sMICA), an immunological decoy. In addition, MICA is associated with HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C. We have now compared the impact of REG and SOR on MICA in HCC cells, as well as the immunotherapeutic implications thereof.MethodsHepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells were exposed to REG and SOR, and levels of sMICA and mMICA were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. The drugs were also tested in vitro for inhibitory activity against recombinant human A disintegrin and metalloprotease 9 (ADAM9), a sheddase that releases MICA from the membrane.ResultsTo a greater extent than SOR, but without marked difference in cytotoxicity, REG significantly suppressed mRNA and protein expression of ADAM9 and ADAM10, thereby decreasing production of sMICA and boosting accumulation of mMICA. Accumulation of mMICA in response to REG was reversed by siRNA against ADAM9. However, the drugs did not inhibit the enzymatic activity of ADAM9 in vitro.ConclusionsThe clinical superiority of REG over SOR is partially attributable to reduced MICA shedding via transcriptional suppression of ADAM9 and ADAM10.
Prevalence of pre‐eruptive intracoronal radiolucencies in Thai children and adolescents: A retrospective study
Authors: Manmontri Chanika , Chompu‐inwai Papimon , Mahasantipiya Phattaranant M. , Prapayasatok Sangsom 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, location, size, and tooth type of pre‐eruptive intracoronal radiolucencies (PEIR) from panoramic radiographs in Thai patients.MethodsA retrospective study of PEIR was conducted on 1599 panoramic radiographs of 629 Thai males and 970 Thai females with an age range of 4‐20 years (average age: 14.0 ± 4.0 years). Each radiograph was reviewed by two calibrated examiners. The age and sex of the patients, location, size, and tooth type of the lesions were recorded. The SPSS program was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe PEIR were found in 0.32% of tooth samples (29/9060) and 1.63% of patients (26/1599). There was no statistical difference in the presence of PEIR between both sexes. The mandibular second molars were the most affected teeth. The lesions were mostly located at the central part of the crown. The lesion sizes were mostly limited to less than one‐third of dentinal thickness.ConclusionsThe present study showed that the prevalence of PEIR in Thai samples is 1.63%. This could raise dentists’ awareness in reviewing unerupted teeth in panoramic radiographs. Early detection of the lesions should aid in proper treatment planning of affected teeth to prevent complications from carious invasion after tooth eruption.
Size scaling patterns of species richness and carbon biomass for marine phytoplankton functional groups
Authors: Ignatiades Lydia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPhytoplankton assemblages were clustered into associations according to functional taxonomic (diatoms, dinoflagellates and coccolithophores) and “ataxonomic” unimodal (nanoplankton, microplankton and macroplankton) size‐based criteria. Scaling relations of species richness‐cell size were performed in terms of histogram and log‐transformed data analyses for both taxonomic and ataxonomic groups. Frequency distribution histograms were fitted to a negative power function, which was strongly unimodal and right skewed and invariant across taxonomic and ataxonomic units. Regression analyses of the log‐transformed data were fitted to negative linear curves, which had common patterns and they were independent of taxonomic or ataxonomic affiliation. Species carbon biomass–cell size spectra produced by log transformation of the relevant data yielded positive slopes for both taxonomic and ataxonomic groups. In contrast, comparisons of the relative cell abundance, cell volume and carbon biomass levels showed large differences among these variables across taxonomic and ataxonomic groups. This work demonstrates that phytoplankton taxonomic and ataxonomic functional group relationships should be considered when developing future models of phytoplankton community structure.
Structural integrity of Ellisolandia elongata reefs: A mechanical approach to compare tensile strengths in natural and controlled environments
Authors: Ragazzola Federica , Raiteri Giancarlo , Fabbri Paride , Scafè Matteo , Florio Maurizio , Nannini Matteo , Lombardi Chiara 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGeniculate coralline algae are oases of biodiversity, providing nursery areas and shelter for the species that live amongst their fronds. The key to their success in the inter‐tidal is the ability to withstand hydrodynamic forces. Under culturing conditions most of the physical and ecological stressors such as intense hydrodynamic forces and grazing are extremely reduced, thus affecting species mechanical properties and their response to external threats. The aim of the present study was to investigate tensile mechanical properties of clusters of fronds of Ellisolandia elongata from natural (sheltered and exposed reef) and culturing conditions (after 1 month of culturing). The tensile test showed that the first failure stress (σI) was not significantly different between the natural and culturing conditions, indicating that the two reefs (sheltered and exposed) were characterized by the same distribution of pre‐existing, inherent structural flaws. Interestingly, the σmax (maximum stress before rupture) was significantly different between the two conditions, with the culturing condition being more resistant to average load compared to the natural conditions. The maximum stress before rupture (σmax) showed the influence of the environment in reducing the strength and elasticity of the fronds.
Rehabilitation of damaged reefs: Outcome of the use of recently broken coral fragments and healed coral fragments of pocilloporid corals on rocky boulders
Authors: Nava Héctor , Figueroa‐Camacho Antonieta G. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe use of two types of coral transplants on rock boulders was evaluated as a low‐cost alternative for rehabilitation of live coral coverage in localities whose reef structure has been reduced considerably. Transplant success between recently broken coral fragments (BCF) and healed coral fragments (HCF) was compared assuming that initial fragmentation accelerates the attachment of corals by regeneration stimulation. Two sets of both types of transplants were started during the dry and rainy seasons to contrast the effect of environmental stability on transplant survival, vertical growth and horizontal growth over 12 months. The technique provided adequate conditions for coral development, as transplants responded satisfactorily. BCF showed higher success than HCF in attaching to the substrate (up to 98 ± 4% versus 86.4 ± 18.9% after 9 months) during both seasons and also showed a greater increase in height (209.63 ± 43.65% versus 124 ± 15.83%) and diameter (107.26 ± 25.75% versus 99.98 ± 19.74%) during the rainy season. Boat anchorage caused mortality in transplants started during the dry season (less than 10% for BCF versus 37.2% for HCF) while the impact of Hurricane Polo in October 2014 caused higher mortality in transplants started during the rainy season (up to 55%). We conclude that (i) coral transplantation on rock boulders is a good choice to restore damaged coral communities, (ii) BCF seems to be the best source of transplants for pocilloporid corals, and (iii) although high light availability during the rainy season enhances transplant growth, the stable, low energy conditions in the dry season facilitate initial transplant attachment and high survival.
A matter of tolerance: Distribution potential of scyphozoan polyps in a changing environment
Authors: Goldstein Josephine , Augustin Christina B. , Bleich Steffen , Holst Sabine 
Published: October 2017

AbstractJellyfish blooms are unpredictable, unsustainable events, frequently affecting aquatic ecosystems severely. Of particular interest are the consequences of environmental change for jellyfish populations, especially in semi‐enclosed habitats. Regional and seasonal changes in water chemistry and physics may control the distribution of sessile polyps in the Baltic Sea, hence potentially driving the population dynamics of the two abundant medusa species Aurelia aurita and Cyanea capillata (Scyphozoa, Cnidaria). In laboratory experiments, settlement, growth, survival and physiological condition of A. aurita polyps were investigated at different levels of water temperature, pH and salinity. Survival and physiological condition of C. capillata polyps were examined after exposure to low salinity levels. Increased settlement of A. aurita planula larvae was observed on substrate plates at low temperature (4°C), low pH (7.4) and low salinity (7.5 psu), whereas early polyp growth was constrained by salinity ≤10 psu. Aurelia aurita polyps were in good physiological condition over the whole temperature range, while exposure to pH <6.5 led to stepwise tissue degradation. Salinity reduction to ≤5 and ≤8 psu caused irreversible degeneration of A. aurita and C. capillata polyps, respectively. Observed physiological limits suggest distribution of polyp populations of A. aurita in central and of C. capillata in western parts of the Baltic Sea, while future climate changes may particularly restrict occurrence of the less tolerant C. capillata.
Evidence of Ostrea lurida Carpenter, 1864, population structure in Puget Sound, WA, USA
Authors: Heare Jake E. , Blake Brady , Davis Jonathan P. , Vadopalas Brent , Roberts Steven B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSpecies traits that carry adaptive advantages such as reproductive timing and stress resilience may differ among populations. Knowledge and consideration of these traits should, therefore, be integrated into conservation efforts that include long‐term persistence of species. To test for adaptive differences between Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida, populations a reciprocal transplant experiment was carried out monitoring survival, growth and reproduction using three established populations of O. lurida within Puget Sound, WA, USA. Performance differed for each population. Ostrea lurida from Dabob Bay had the highest survival at all sites but the lowest reproductive activity and growth. Oysters from Oyster Bay demonstrated the greatest proportion of brooding females at a majority of sites with moderate growth and survival. Together these data suggest the existence of O. lurida population structure within Puget Sound and provide information on how broodstock should be selected for restoration purposes.
Influence of lunar phases, winds and seasonality on the stranding of mesopelagic fish in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Battaglia Pietro , Ammendolia Giovanni , Cavallaro Mauro , Consoli Pierpaolo , Esposito Valentina , Malara Danilo , Rao Ignazio , Romeo Teresa , Andaloro Franco 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe shore stranding of mesopelagic fauna is a recurrent phenomenon in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea). The aim of this paper is to test the influence of lunar phases, winds and seasons upon the frequency of occurrence of strandings of mesopelagic fish. Species abundance in relation to these factors was quantified for the first time. Specimens were collected stranded on the shore along the Sicilian coast of the Strait of Messina between 2008 and 2016. Overall 32 species belonging to seven families (Gonostomatidae, Microstomatidae, Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, Stomiidae) were found stranded. Myctophidae was the family including the highest number of species (16), whereas Gonostomatidae was the most abundant in terms of total number of individuals (47.2%), mainly thanks to the species Cyclothone braueri. The moon, which influences the strength of currents (highest during full and new moon phases) and irradiance (higher in some lunar phases, such as the full moon), affected the abundance of stranded mesopelagic fish in the study area. The highest number of stranding events was recorded during the new moon: 34.6% of the total relative abundance of stranded mesopelagic fish. Wind blowing from the sea towards the coastline (southeasterly and easterly winds) created the best conditions for strandings. The highest abundance of stranded specimens was recorded during the winter season.
Tracing carbon transfer and assimilation by invertebrates and fish across a tropical mangrove ecosystem using stable isotopes
Authors: Tue Nguyen Tai , Quy Tran Dang , Nhuan Mai Trong , Dung Luu Viet , Thai Nguyen Dinh 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMangroves are highly productive ecosystems that exhibit a diverse range of habitats, including tidal creeks and flats, forest gaps and interior forest with varying understory light intensity, tidal dynamics, geomorphological settings, and overall biological production. Within mangrove ecosystems, invertebrates and fish feed on heterogeneous food sources, the occurrence of which is unevenly distributed across the system. This provides a basis for testing models of carbon transfer across mangrove ecosystems. We hypothesized that the carbon transfer and assimilation by fish and invertebrates will vary across the different mangrove habitats and that such variations can be predicted by their stable isotope compositions. We analysed δ13C and δ15N signatures of consumers and their potential organic carbon sources across a tropical mangrove ecosystem in Vietnam. The δ13C values of crabs and snails significantly decreased from the tidal flat to interior forest, indicating that variations in carbon transfer and assimilation occurred at small scales <30 m. Reduced variation in δ13C of suspension‐feeding bivalves suggested that tidal water was a vector for large‐scale transport of carbon across the mangrove ecosystem. An analysis of co‐variance using habitat as a fixed factor and feeding habit and movement capacity of consumers as co‐variates indicated that habitat and feeding types were major features that affected the δ13C values of invertebrates and fish. The findings demonstrate that carbon transfer and assimilation across mangrove ecosystems occur as a diverse combination of small (<30 m) and large (>30 m) scale processes.
Female ornaments signal own and offspring quality in a sex‐role‐reversed fish with extreme male parental care
Authors: Cunha Mário A. B. , Berglund Anders , Monteiro Nuno M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlthough female ornaments have been described in many taxa, the full spectrum of information conveyed by such traits together with the potential male fitness benefits are far from fully understood. Here, we used a sex‐role‐reversed species, the black‐striped pipefish, Syngnathus abaster, where females are the ornamented sex and intensively compete for mates who present an extreme form of paternal care (male pregnancy). We investigated what information is conveyed by female traits and if males are using it during mate choice. We further assessed which traits would reflect offspring quality at birth. We found that although body length generally portrays information on female reproductive potential (gonadosomatic index and oocyte diameter), it does so indirectly. Different aspects of the female traits, such as stripe width and trunk broadness, were found to be better direct indicators. When size is kept constant, males prefer females with wider stripes. Moreover, stripe coloration was found to reflect offspring quality as darker‐striped females produced larger newborns. Our observations suggest that in a species with exclusive paternal care, independently from the male's direct investment in reproduction, female contribution decisively impacts male fitness. Thus, at least in sex‐role‐reversed species such as the black striped pipefish, female ornaments can be selected in an analogous way to those of males in species with conventional sex roles (i.e. by mate choice).
Spatio‐temporal variation in biomass of the deep‐sea red crab Chaceon affinis in Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands, Eastern‐Central Atlantic)
Authors: Triay‐Portella Raül , Pajuelo José G. , González José A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe spatial and temporal biomass distribution of Chaceon affinis and its vulnerability to fishing activity in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) were investigated. The first goal was to assess the influence of the slope steepness and substrate on the size of crab patches, size of the crabs, and crab biomass. The second goal was to evaluate spatial and temporal variation in the biomass over a 15‐month period. The last goal was to assess the influence of fishing activity upon the reduction in the biomass over the same 15‐month period. Only two or three locations in the sampling area generated high‐biomass contour patches. When these patches were superimposed on the isobath lines, they were coincident with the main depth range described for the species in the area. The map of the biomass values clearly showed three structures with cores of the highest biomass in both muddy and rocky‐muddy areas. The biomass was higher on muddy than on rocky‐muddy bottoms. Biomass was twice as high when steepness was reduced to one third between isobaths of 500 and 900 m. The size of crab patches increases linearly with the decrease in slope steepness. The spatial structure of crabs remained fairly stable over time, showing that biomass changes with depth over time. Maps of the estimated biomass values over the 15‐month period showed the same two main patches over time with the cores of highest biomass separated by a distance of between 4.2 and 4.5 km. Although the bathymetric distribution by sexes showed temporal changes, with a displacement to deeper areas made by both sexes over the studied period, only a partial temporal segregation between males and females was observed. During the study period, crabs underwent a significant decline in biomass and this was consistent with the combined catches of both commercial and experimental fishing in the area. Due to its low mobility, C. affinis is highly vulnerable to local depletion by intensive fishing efforts.