bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of flow discharge variations on the morphodynamics of a diffluence–confluence unit on a large river
Authors: Hackney Christopher R. , Darby Stephen E. , Parsons Daniel R. , Leyland Julian , Aalto Rolf , Nicholas Andrew P. , Best James L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBifurcations are key geomorphological nodes in anabranching and braided fluvial channels, controlling local bed morphology, the routing of sediment and water, and ultimately defining the stability of their associated diffluence–confluence unit. Recently, numerical modelling of bifurcations has focused on the relationship between flow conditions and the partitioning of sediment between the bifurcate channels. Herein, we report on field observations spanning September 2013 to July 2014 of the three‐dimensional flow structure, bed morphological change and partitioning of both flow discharge and suspended sediment through a large diffluence–confluence unit on the Mekong River, Cambodia, across a range of flow stages (from 13 500 to 27 000 m3 s−1).Analysis of discharge and sediment load throughout the diffluence–confluence unit reveals that during the highest flows (Q = 27 000 m3 s−1), the downstream island complex is a net sink of sediment (losing 2600 ± 2000 kg s−1 between the diffluence and confluence), whereas during the rising limb (Q = 19 500 m3 s−1) and falling limb flows (Q = 13 500 m3 s−1) the sediment balance is in quasi‐equilibrium. We show that the discharge asymmetry of the bifurcation varies with discharge and highlight that the influence of upstream curvature‐induced water surface slope and bed morphological change may be first‐order controls on bifurcation configuration. Comparison of our field data to existing bifurcation stability diagrams reveals that during lower (rising and falling limb) flow the bifurcation may be classified as unstable, yet transitions to a stable condition at high flows. However, over the long term (1959–2013) aerial imagery reveals the diffluence–confluence unit to be fairly stable. We propose, therefore, that the long‐term stability of the bifurcation, as well as the larger channel planform and morphology of the diffluence–confluence unit, may be controlled by the dominant sediment transport regime of the system. © 2017 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effects of spray drift of glyphosate on nontarget terrestrial plants—A critical review
Authors: Cederlund Harald 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Glyphosate is a widely used broad-spectrum postemergent herbicide used for weed control in both agricultural and nonagricultural settings. Spray drift of glyphosate can pose a risk to nontarget terrestrial plants and plant communities outside the intended area of application, but the lack of a well-established predicted-no-effect drift rate makes properly assessing such risk difficult. For this reason, a literature review and meta-analysis was carried out with the aim to determine the level of drift that is likely to cause harm to plants and to explore what spray-reducing targets would be sufficiently protective. No-observed–adverse effect rates, lowest-observed–adverse effect rates, and effect rates giving 10, 25, and 50% effects were extracted from a total of 39 different publications. The data were combined per species, and species sensitivity distributions were constructed and fitted with a log-logistic model to assess protectiveness. No systematic differences were detected between the responses of monocotyledons or dicotyledons, but wild plants were found to be generally less sensitive to glyphosate drift than domesticated plants. The results indicate that restricting spray drift to a level below 5 g a.e./ha would protect approximately 95% of all higher plant species against minor adverse effects of glyphosate drift and that rates below 1 to 2 g a.e./ha would be almost completely protective. No studies were encountered that evaluated effects of spray drift against nonvascular plants, and therefore, the conclusions are only valid for vascular plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2879–2886. © 2017 SETAC
Heterogeneous gene duplications can be adaptive because they permanently associate overdominant alleles
Authors: Milesi Pascal , Weill Mylène , Lenormand Thomas , Labbé Pierrick 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGene duplications are widespread in genomes, but their role in contemporary adaptation is not fully understood. Although mostly deleterious, homogeneous duplications that associate identical repeats of a locus often increase the quantity of protein produced, which can be selected in certain environments. However, another type exists: heterogeneous gene duplications, which permanently associate two (or more) alleles of a single locus on the same chromosome. They are far less studied, as only few examples of contemporary heterogeneous duplications are known. Haldane proposed in 1954 that they could be adaptive in situations of heterozygote advantage, or overdominance, but this hypothesis was never tested. To assess its validity, we took advantage of the well-known model of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. We used experimental evolution to estimate the fitnesses associated with homozygous and heterozygous genotypes in different selection regimes. It first showed that balanced antagonist selective pressures frequently induce overdominance, generating stable polymorphic equilibriums. The frequency of equilibrium moreover depends on the magnitude of two antagonistic selective pressures, the survival advantage conferred by the resistant allele versus the selective costs it induces. We then showed that heterogeneous duplications are selected over single-copy alleles in such contexts. They allow the fixation of the heterozygote phenotype, providing an alternative and stable intermediate fitness trade-off. By allowing the rapid fixation of divergent alleles, this immediate advantage could contribute to the rarity of overdominance. More importantly, it also creates new material for long-term genetic innovation, making a crucial but underestimated contribution to the evolution of new genes and gene families.
A re‐examination of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) cutoff scores
Authors: Carson Nicole , Leach Larry , Murphy Kelly J. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; Nasreddine et al., 2005) is a cognitive screening tool that aims to differentiate healthy cognitive aging from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Several validation studies have been conducted on the MoCA, in a variety of clinical populations. Some studies have indicated that the originally suggested cutoff score of 26/30 leads to an inflated rate of false positives, particularly for those of older age and/or lower education. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the MoCA for differentiating healthy cognitive aging from possible MCI.MethodsOf the 304 studies identified, nine met inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis. These studies were assessed across a range of cutoff scores to determine the respective sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive accuracies, likelihood ratios for positive and negative results, classification accuracies, and Youden indices.ResultsMeta‐analysis revealed a cutoff score of 23/30 yielded the best diagnostic accuracy across a range of parameters.ConclusionsA MoCA cutoff score of 23, rather than the initially recommended score of 26, lowers the false positive rate and shows overall better diagnostic accuracy. We recommend the use of this cutoff score going forward. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental steps: Differential activation of internal pacemakers in motor imagery and in mental imitation of gait
Authors: Sacheli Lucia Maria , Zapparoli Laura , De Santis Carlo , Preti Matteo , Pelosi Catia , Ursino Nicola , Zerbi Alberto , Banfi Giuseppe , Paulesu Eraldo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGait imagery and gait observation can boost the recovery of locomotion dysfunctions; yet, a neurologically justified rationale for their clinical application is lacking as much as a direct comparison of their neural correlates. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we measured the neural correlates of explicit motor imagery of gait during observation of in‐motion videos shot in a park with a steady cam (Virtual Walking task). In a 2 × 2 factorial design, we assessed the modulatory effect of gait observation and of foot movement execution on the neural correlates of the Virtual Walking task: in half of the trials, the participants were asked to mentally imitate a human model shown while walking along the same route (mental imitation condition); moreover, for half of all the trials, the participants also performed rhythmic ankle dorsiflexion as a proxy for stepping movements. We found that, beyond the areas associated with the execution of lower limb movements (the paracentral lobule, the supplementary motor area, and the cerebellum), gait imagery also recruited dorsal premotor and posterior parietal areas known to contribute to the adaptation of walking patterns to environmental cues. When compared with mental imitation, motor imagery recruited a more extensive network, including a brainstem area compatible with the human mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR). Reduced activation of the MLR in mental imitation indicates that this more visually guided task poses less demand on subcortical structures crucial for internally generated gait patterns. This finding may explain why patients with subcortical degeneration benefit from rehabilitation protocols based on gait observation. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5195–5216, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introducing the World Health Organization Postpartum Family Planning Compendium
Authors: Sonalkar Sarita , Gaffield Mary E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe postpartum period offers multiple opportunities for healthcare providers to assist with family planning decision making. However, there are also many changing factors during the first year after delivery that can affect family planning choices. Given that several different documents have addressed WHO guidance on postpartum family planning, the electronic WHO Postpartum Family Planning Compendium (http://srhr.org/postpartumfp) has been introduced. This resource integrates essential guidance on postpartum family planning for clinicians, program managers, and policy makers. The development of the Compendium included consultations with family planning experts, key international stakeholders, and web developers. Once the website had been created, user testing by family planning experts allowed for improvements to be made before the official launch. Future directions are adaptation of the website into a mobile application that can be more easily integrated to low‐resource settings, and translation of the content into French and Spanish.
Factors influencing HPV vaccine delivery by healthcare professionals at public health posts in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Figueroa‐Downing Daniella , Baggio Maria Luiza , Baker Misha L. , Dias De Oliveira Chiang Ellen , Villa Luisa L. , Eluf Neto Jose , Evans Dabney P. , Bednarczyk Robert A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association between Brazilian healthcare providers' characteristics and their knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding the HPV vaccine.MethodsAn observational cross‐sectional study was conducted at five public health posts in São Paulo between July 28 and August 8, 2014. Healthcare professionals directly involved in patient care were asked to complete a written survey. Factors associated with routine verification of HPV vaccination status were evaluated using Poisson regression.ResultsAmong 200 participants included, 74 (38.5%) reported never and 70 (36.5%) reported always asking about HPV immunization status. Doctors were significantly less likely to report always asking than were community health agents (5/39 [12.8%] vs 32/60 [53.3%]; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.91]). Knowledge about the correct dosing schedule was associated with always rather than never verifying vaccination status (aPR 2.46 [95% CI 1.06–5.70]).ConclusionKnowledge and attitude played secondary roles in influencing HPV vaccine verification. Community health agents were crucial for vaccine promotion; continued education and support of this group is essential for the sustained success of HPV immunization efforts in Brazil.
Association between previous spontaneous abortion and pre‐eclampsia during a subsequent pregnancy
Authors: Sepidarkish Mahdi , Almasi‐Hashiani Amir , Maroufizadeh Saman , Vesali Samira , Pirjani Reihaneh , Samani Reza O. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the impact of a history of spontaneous abortion on pre‐eclampsia during a subsequent pregnancy.MethodsA cross‐sectional study enrolled pregnant women admitted to obstetrics and gynecology wards at 103 hospitals in Tehran, Iran for delivery between July 6 and July 21, 2015. Consenting participants were interviewed by midwives; data were collected using a five‐part questionnaire and patients' medical records were retrieved. Patient data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression to identify variables associated with increased odds of pre‐eclampsia.ResultsIn total, 5170 patients were interviewed and 252 had experienced pre‐eclampsia. The number of previous spontaneous abortions was found to be associated with pre‐eclampsia, and a higher number of previous spontaneous abortions was associated with increased odds of patients having experienced pre‐eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.59; P=0.025).ConclusionA history of spontaneous abortion was associated with increased odds of pre‐eclampsia during a subsequent pregnancy.
Predictive value of serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations for lymphatic metastasis of endometrial cancer
Authors: Wang Yingmei , Han Cha , Teng Fei , Bai Zhaoyi , Tian Wenyan , Xue Fengxia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive value of serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations in the preoperative prediction of risk of lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer.MethodsA retrospective study was undertaken of data for patients with endometrial carcinoma treated surgically at a university hospital in China between August 2011 and December 2015. The preoperative serum levels of HE4 and CA125 were measured and analyzed by clinicopathologic characteristics.ResultsOverall, 258 patients were included. The HE4 and CA125 concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with large lesions (≥2 cm), deep myometrial invasion (≥50%), an advanced disease stage, or lymph node metastasis (P<0.05 for all). HE4 concentrations also rose with age and histologic grade (P<0.01 for both). For lymph node metastasis, HE4 had higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than did CA125. The diagnostic performance of HE4 and CA125 in combination was superior to that of either marker alone.ConclusionThe combined evaluation of serum HE4 and CA125 could provide gynecologic oncologists with improved information to guide the decision of whether to perform lymphadenectomy.
Hypophosphatasia in Adults: Clinical Assessment and Treatment Considerations
Authors: Shapiro Jay R , Lewiecki E Michael 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited disorder of bone affecting approximately 500 to 600 known individuals in the United States. HPP is the result of mutations involving the gene for tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. Five clinical types of HPP are recognized. The clinical presentation of HPP varies from devastating prenatal intrauterine disease to mild manifestations in adulthood. In adults, main clinical involvement includes early loss of primary or secondary teeth, osteoporosis, bone pain, chondrocalcinosis, and fractures. Treatment for HPP is limited. Asfotase alfa is a subcutaneously administered synthetic human alkaline phosphatase that is approved for treatment of patients, including adults, with perinatal/infantile- and juvenile-onset HPP. However, guidelines for the treatment of adults with HPP are not available. This discussion addresses diagnostic and treatment considerations for adults with HPP. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Curcumin converts Foxp3+ regulatory T cells to T helper 1 cells in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Zou Jian Y. , Su Chun H. , Luo Hong H. , Lei Yi Y. , Zeng Bo , Zhu Hao S. , Chen Zhen G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in the tumor tolerance. The methods to regulate the Treg population in cancer‐bearing hosts are limited currently. The effect of curcumin on inhibiting cancer has been recognized, but the mechanism remains elusive. This study tests a hypothesis that administration of curcumin down regulates Tregs in lung cancer (LC) patients. In this study, a group of LC patients was treated with curcumin. The peripheral Tregs and T helper (Th) 1 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mechanism by which curcumin regulated the Tregs was observed by cell culture approaches. The results showed that the frequency of peripheral Treg was markedly higher in LC patients than that in healthy subjects, which was suppressed after treating with curcumin for 2 weeks. The peripheral Th1 cells were increased in LC patients after the curcumin therapy. The data of the in vitro experiments showed that curcumin converted the LC patient‐isolated Tregs to Th1 cells via repressing the gene transcription of forkhead protein‐3 and increasing the expression of interferon‐γ. In conclusion, curcumin can convert LC patient‐isolated Tregs to Th1 cells. The results suggest that curcumin may improve the antitumor immunity by regulating the tumor specific immune tolerance.
A technological and regulatory outlook on CRISPR crop editing
Authors: Globus Rea , Qimron Udi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGenerating plants with increased yields while maintaining low production and maintenance costs is highly important since plants are the major food source for humans and animals, as well as important producers of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. Gene editing approaches, particularly the CRISPR‐Cas system, are the preferred methods for improving crops, enabling quick, robust, and accurate gene manipulation. Nevertheless, new breeds of genetically modified crops have initiated substantial debates concerning their biosafety, commercial use, and regulation. Here, we discuss the challenges facing genetic engineering of crops by CRISPR‐cas, and highlight the pros and cons of using this tool.
Retracted: Knockdown of long non‐coding RNA MEG3 protects H9c2 cells from hypoxia‐induced injury by targeting microRNA‐183
Authors: Gong Licheng , Xu Haiming , Chang Hong , Tong Yaliang , Zhang Tao , Guo Gongliang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs when blood supply to the heart is diminished (ischemia) for long time, and ischemia is primarily caused due to hypoxia. This study evaluated the effects of long non‐coding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) on hypoxic rat cardiomyocyte‐drived H9c2 cells. Hypoxic injury was confirmed by alterations of cell viability, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) expression. MEG3 level in hypoxic cells and effects of its knockdown on hypoxic cells were assessed. The interactions between MEG3 and miR‐183 as well as miR‐183 and p27 were investigated. In addition, the effects of aberrantly expressed MEG3, miR‐183, and p27 on hypoxic cells along with the activation of PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway were all assessed. Results showed that hypoxia induced decreases of cell viability, migration and invasion, and increases of apoptosis and expressions of HIF‐1α and MEG3. Knockdown of MEG3 decreased hypoxia‐induced injury in H9c2 cells. Knockdown of MEG3 also increased miR‐183 expression, which was identified as a target of MEG3. The effects of MEG3 knockdown on the hypoxic cells were reversed by miR‐183 silence. p27 was identified as a target gene of miR‐183, and its expression negatively regulated by miR‐183. The mechanistic studies revealed that knockdown of p27 decreased hypoxia‐induced H9c2 cell injury by activating PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signal pathways. These findings suggest that knockdown of MEG3 alleviates hypoxia‐induced H9c2 cell injury by miR‐183‐mediated suppression of p27 through activation of PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.
Neferine modulates IGF‐1R/Nrf2 signaling in doxorubicin treated H9c2 cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Bharathi Priya Lohanathan , Baskaran Rathinasamy , Huang Chih‐Yang , Vijaya Padma Viswanadha 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDoxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity is a major problem during chemotherapy of cancers. DOX‐mediated suppression of type 1 IGF receptor (IGF‐1R) signaling leads to cardiac dysfunction. Neferine, a bisbezylisoquinoline alkaloid from the seed embryos of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn possesses a distinct range of pharmacological properties. Herewith, the present study attempts to elucidate the protective role of neferine against DOX induced toxicity in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cell line model. DOX‐treated H9c2 cells significantly increased mitochondrial superoxide generation, depleted cellular antioxidant status, suppressed the activation of IGF‐1R signaling via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and induced autophagy by the activation of ULK1, Beclin1, Atg7, and LC3B. Neferine pre‐treatment activated IGF‐1R signaling, improved cellular antioxidant pool, increased the expression of down‐stream targets of IGF‐1R, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, inhibited mitochondrial superoxide generation and autophagy significantly with the induction of Nrf2 translocation and expressions of HO1 and SOD1. Our study suggests the use of neferine for amelioration of DOX‐mediated cardiotoxicity.
Establishment and characterization of a novel murine model of pancreatic cancer cachexia
Authors: Michaelis Katherine A. , Zhu Xinxia , Burfeind Kevin G. , Krasnow Stephanie M. , Levasseur Peter R. , Morgan Terry K. , Marks Daniel L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundCachexia is a complex metabolic and behavioural syndrome lacking effective therapies. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most important conditions associated with cachexia, with >80% of PDAC patients suffering from the condition. To establish the cardinal features of a murine model of PDAC‐associated cachexia, we characterized the effects of implanting a pancreatic tumour cell line from a syngeneic C57BL/6 KRASG12D P53R172H Pdx‐Cre+/+ (KPC) mouse.MethodsMale and female C57BL/6 mice were inoculated subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or orthotopically with KPC tumour cells. We performed rigorous phenotypic, metabolic, and behavioural analysis of animals over the course of tumour development.ResultsAll routes of administration produced rapidly growing tumours histologically consistent with moderate to poorly differentiated PDAC. The phenotype of this model was dependent on route of administration, with orthotopic and intraperitoneal implantation inducing more severe cachexia than subcutaneous implantation. KPC tumour growth decreased food intake, decreased adiposity and lean body mass, and decreased locomotor activity. Muscle catabolism was observed in both skeletal and cardiac muscles, but the dominant catabolic pathway differed between these tissues. The wasting syndrome in this model was accompanied by hypothalamic inflammation, progressively decreasing brown and white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) expression, and increased peripheral inflammation. Haematological and endocrine abnormalities included neutrophil‐dominant leukocytosis and anaemia, and decreased serum testosterone.ConclusionsSyngeneic KPC allografts are a robust model for studying cachexia, which recapitulate key features of the PDAC disease process and induce a wide array of cachexia manifestations. This model is therefore ideally suited for future studies exploring the physiological systems involved in cachexia and for preclinical studies of novel therapies.