bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Estuarine Dams on the Estuarine Parameter Space and Sediment Flux Decomposition: Idealized Numerical Modeling Study
Authors: Figueroa Steven M. , Lee Guan‐hong , Chang Jongwi , Jung Nathalie W. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEstuarine dams are constructed for securing freshwater resources, flood control, and improving upstream navigability. However, their impact on estuarine currents, stratification, and sediment fluxes is not well understood. To develop a general understanding, an idealized modeling study was carried out using the COAWST modeling system. Idealized estuarine geometry was based on 10 estuaries with estuarine dams located near their mouth. Tide and river forcing were varied to produce strongly stratified, partially mixed, periodically stratified, and well‐mixed estuaries. Each model ran for 1 year. Next, the models were subject to the construction of an estuarine dam and run for another year. Then, the predam and postdam conditions were compared. Results showed that estuarine dams can amplify the tidal range and reduce the tidal currents. The postdam estuaries tended to be salt wedge, strongly stratified, partially mixed, or periodically stratified types during freshwater discharge, but during no freshwater discharge they became fjord, bay, periodically stratified, or well‐mixed types based on the estuarine parameter space. For all estuaries, the estuarine turbidity maximum moved seaward, and the suspended sediment concentrations tended to decrease. While the depth changes depended on the estuary type, the surficial sediment texture shifted to being muddier for all types. In terms of sediment flux mechanisms, the estuarine dam increased the seaward river runoff for cases with strong river, and increased the landward tidal pumping for cases with strong tides. This study is one of the first to generalize the effect of estuarine dams to a range of estuarine types.
MALAT1 as master regulator of biomarkers predictive of pan-cancer multi-drug resistance in the context of recalcitrant NRAS signaling pathway identified using systems-oriented approach
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Mishra Seema 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNRAS, a protein mutated in several cancer types, is involved in key drug resistance mechanisms and is an intractable target. The development of drug resistance is one of the major impediments in targeted therapy. Currently, gene expression data is used as the most predictive molecular profile in pan-cancer drug sensitivity and resistance studies. However, the common regulatory mechanisms that drive drug sensitivity/resistance across cancer types are as yet, not fully understood. We focused on GDSC data on NRAS-mutant pan-cancer cell lines, to pinpoint key signaling targets in direct or indirect associations with NRAS, in order to identify other druggable targets involved in drug resistance. Large-scale gene expression, comparative gene co-expression and protein–protein interaction network analyses were performed on selected drugs inducing drug sensitivity/resistance. We validated our data from cell lines with those obtained from primary tissues from TCGA. From our big data studies validated with independent datasets, protein-coding hub genes FN1, CD44, TIMP1, SNAI2, and SPARC were found significantly enriched in signal transduction, proteolysis, cell adhesion and proteoglycans pathways in cancer as well as the PI3K/Akt-signaling pathway. Further studies of the regulation of these hub/driver genes by lncRNAs revealed several lncRNAs as prominent regulators, with MALAT1 as a possible master regulator. Transcription factor EGR1 may control the transcription rate of MALAT1 transcript. Synergizing these studies, we zeroed in on a pan-cancer regulatory axis comprising EGR1-MALAT1-driver coding genes playing a role. These identified gene regulators are bound to provide new paradigms in pan-cancer targeted therapy, a foundation for precision medicine, through the targeting of these key driver genes in the improvement of multi-drug sensitivity or resistance.
In vitro synergistic antimicrobial activity of a combination of meropenem, colistin, tigecycline, rifampin, and ceftolozane/tazobactam against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ju Yong Guk , Lee Hak Joon , Yim Hong Soon , Lee Min-Goo , Sohn Jang Wook , Yoon Young Kyung 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe investigated the in vitro activity of various antimicrobial combinations against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolates. The in vitro activity of six two-drug combinations against CRAB isolates collected from the blood samples of patients with bloodstream infection was evaluated using the checkerboard method and time-kill assay [0.5 ×, 1 ×, and 2 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)] to identify potential synergistic and bactericidal two-drug combinations against CRAB isolates. The effects of meropenem, colistin, tigecycline, rifampin, and ceftolozane/tazobactam combinations were investigated. All 10 CRAB isolates in our study produced the OXA-58-type and OXA-23-type carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinases. The colistin-ceftolozane/tazobactam combination showed synergistic effects in both the time-kill assay (using an antibiotic concentration of 1 × MIC) and the checkerboard method. It also showed bactericidal effects in the time-kill assay. For all 10 CRAB isolates, time-kill curves showed synergistic bactericidal activity of the colistin-ceftolozane/tazobactam combination at 0.5 × MIC. Overall, there was substantial discordance of synergistic activity between the checkerboard microdilution and time-kill assays (with a concordance of 31.7%). Our study demonstrated that two-drug combinations of colistin and ceftolozane/tazobactam could be useful treatment alternatives for CRAB infections. The effects of these antibiotic combinations should be evaluated using in vivo experimental models.
Characterization of retinal function and structure in the MPTP murine model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Tran Katie K. N. , Wong Vickie H. Y. , Lim Jeremiah K. H. , Shahandeh Ali , Hoang Anh , Finkelstein David I. , Bui Bang V. , Nguyen Christine T. O. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn addition to well characterized motor symptoms, visual disturbances are increasingly recognized as an early manifestation in Parkinson’s disease (PD). A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these changes would facilitate the development of vision tests which can be used as preclinical biomarkers to support the development of novel therapeutics for PD. This study aims to characterize the retinal phenotype of a mouse model of dopaminergic dysfunction and to examine whether these changes are reversible with levodopa treatment. We use a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD to characterize the neurotoxic effects of MPTP on in vivo retinal function (electroretinography, ERG), retinal structure (optical coherence tomography, OCT) and retinal dopaminergic cell number (tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, IHC) at two time points (21 and 45 days) post MPTP model induction. We also investigate the effect of levodopa (L-DOPA) as a proof-of-principle chronic intervention against MPTP-induced changes in the retina. We show that MPTP decreases dopaminergic amacrine cell number (9%, p < 0.05) and that a component of the ERG that involves these cells, in particular oscillatory potential (OP) peak timing, was significantly delayed at Day 45 (7–13%, p < 0.01). This functional deficit was paralleled by outer plexiform layer (OPL) thinning (p < 0.05). L-DOPA treatment ameliorated oscillatory potential deficits (7–13%, p < 0.001) in MPTP animals. Our data suggest that the MPTP toxin slows the timing of inner retinal feedback circuits related to retinal dopaminergic pathways which mirrors findings from humans with PD. It also indicates that the MPTP model causes structural thinning of the outer retinal layer on OCT imaging that is not ameliorated with L-DOPA treatment. Together, these non-invasive measures serve as effective biomarkers for PD diagnosis as well as for quantifying the effect of therapy.
The risk of antibiotics and enterocolitis for the development of inflammatory bowel disease: a Japanese administrative database analysis
Authors: Shimodaira Yosuke , Watanabe Kenta , Iijima Katsunori 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that antibiotic use and enterocolitis increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in western countries. However, these risk factors have not yet been identified in Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate the risk of IBD development associated with antibiotic use and enterocolitis in Japan. A Japanese health insurance claims database was used to identify patients recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) along with five matched participants without IBD. Episodes of antibiotic use and enterocolitis for 1 and 2 years before the date of diagnosis were analyzed using a conditional regression test. A total of 371 patients with CD and 2420 with UC were included. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) increased in association with antibiotic use to 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–2.05) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.09–1.31) and enterocolitis to 3.40 (95% CI 2.60–4.44) and 2.14 (95% CI 1.88–2.43) in 1 year in CD and UC, respectively. The risk associated with antibiotics was independent of the number or type of antibiotics, and the risk associated with enterocolitis did not differ with the pathogen that caused the disease. However, prior exposure to antibiotic use and enterocolitis was associated with an increased risk of developing IBD.
Inferring strategies from observations in long iterated Prisoner’s dilemma experiments
Authors: Montero-Porras Eladio , Grujić Jelena , Fernández Domingos Elias , Lenaerts Tom 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWhile many theoretical studies have revealed the strategies that could lead to and maintain cooperation in the Iterated Prisoner’s dilemma, less is known about what human participants actually do in this game and how strategies change when being confronted with anonymous partners in each round. Previous attempts used short experiments, made different assumptions of possible strategies, and led to very different conclusions. We present here two long treatments that differ in the partner matching strategy used, i.e. fixed or shuffled partners. Here we use unsupervised methods to cluster the players based on their actions and then Hidden Markov Model to infer what the memory-one strategies are in each cluster. Analysis of the inferred strategies reveals that fixed partner interaction leads to behavioral self-organization. Shuffled partners generate subgroups of memory-one strategies that remain entangled, apparently blocking the self-selection process that leads to fully cooperating participants in the fixed partner treatment. Analyzing the latter in more detail shows that AllC, AllD, TFT- and WSLS-like behavior can be observed. This study also reveals that long treatments are needed as experiments with less than 25 rounds capture mostly the learning phase participants go through in these kinds of experiments.
Roles of the pro-apoptotic factors CaNma111 and CaYbh3 in apoptosis and virulence of Candida albicans
Authors: Nam Minsik , Kim Se Hyeon , Jeong Jeong-Hoon , Kim Suyoung , Kim Jinmi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCandida albicans, a commensal and opportunistic pathogen, undergoes apoptosis in response to various stimuli, including hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and antifungal agents. Apoptotic processes are highly conserved among mammals, plants, and fungi, but little is known about the apoptosis-regulating factors in C. albicans. In this study, C. albicans homologs of the putative apoptosis factors were identified by database screening followed by overexpression analysis. CaNma111, a homolog of the pro-apoptotic mammalian HtrA2/Omi, and CaYbh3, a homolog of BH3-only protein, yielded increased apoptotic phenotypes upon overexpression. We showed that CaNma111 and CaYbh3 functions as pro-apoptotic regulators by examining intracellular ROS accumulation, DNA end breaks (TUNEL assay), and cell survival in Canma111/Canma111 and Caybh3/Caybh3 deletion strains. We found that the protein level of CaBir1, an inhibitor-of-apoptosis (IAP) protein, was down-regulated by CaNma111. Interestingly, the Canma111/Canma111 and Caybh3/Caybh3 deletion strains showed hyperfilamentation phenotypes and increased virulence in a mouse infection model. Together, our results suggest that CaNma111 and CaYbh3 play key regulatory roles in the apoptosis and virulence of C. albicans.
Height identification of water-permeable fractured zone based on synchronous movement in overlying strata
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Li Jingkai , Qin Zhongcheng , Su Yue , Sidikovna Shermatova Sayyora 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHeight identification of water-permeable fractured zone (WPFZ) is one of the decisive influence factors for mining safety, especially in some specific conditions, such as mining under aquifer. In order to demonstrate the formation process of the WPFZ, the scaling model experiment is carried out. Through the analysis of movement and breaking in overlying strata, the WPFZ height is significantly affected by mining range, movement characteristics of key strata and its follow-up strata. Based on the research findings, a new theoretical method, " overlying strata synchronous movement method " (OSSM) is established to predict the WPFZ height. Taking 3301 mining face of Zhujiamao Coal Mine in China as the engineering background, the WPFZ height is estimated by OSSM. Additionally, the field detection is carried out by the downhole segmented water injection method combined with borehole camera method. By comparing the results of different methods, the accuracy of OSSM is verified and the WPFZ height is determined finally. What´s more, various methods for determining WPFZ height are evaluated.
Characterization of somatosensory neuron involvement in the SOD1G93A mouse model
Authors: Rubio Miguel A. , Herrando-Grabulosa Mireia , Gaja-Capdevila Nuria , Vilches Jorge J. , Navarro Xavier 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSOD1G93A mice show loss of cutaneous small fibers, as in ALS patients. Our objective is to characterize the involvement of different somatosensory neuron populations and its temporal progression in the SOD1G93A mice. We aim to further define peripheral sensory involvement, analyzing at the same time points the neuronal bodies located in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the distal part of their axons in the skin, in order to shed light in the mechanisms of sensory involvement in ALS. We performed immunohistochemical analysis of peptidergic (CGRP), non-peptidergic (IB4) fibers in epidermis, as well as sympathetic sudomotor fibers (VIP) in the footpads of SOD1G93A mice and wild type littermates at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. We also immunolabeled and quantified neuronal bodies of IB4, CGRP and parvalbumin (PV) positive sensory neurons in lumbar DRG. We detected a reduction of intraepidermal nerve fiber density in the SOD1G93A mice of both peptidergic and non-peptidergic axons, compared with the WT, being the non-peptidergic the fewest. Sweat gland innervation was similarly affected in the SOD1G93A mouse at 12 weeks. Nonetheless, the number of DRG neurons from different sensory populations remained unchanged during all stages. Cutaneous sensory axons are affected in the SOD1G93A mouse, with non-peptidergic being slightly more vulnerable than peptidergic axons. Loss or lack of growth of the distal portion of sensory axons with preservation of the corresponding neuronal bodies suggest a distal axonopathy.
TAVI-CT score to evaluate the anatomic risk in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Corcione Nicola , Morello Alberto , Ferraro Paolo , Cimmino Michele , Albanese Michele , Pepe Martino , Nestola Palma Luisa , Giordano Salvatore , Bardi Luca , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Giordano Arturo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) requires thorough preprocedural planning with non-invasive imaging, including computed tomography (CT). The plethora of details obtained with thoraco-abdominal CT represents a challenge for accurate and synthetic decision-making. We devised and tested a comprehensive score suitable to summarize CT exams when planning TAVI. An original comprehensive scoring system (TAVI-CT score) was devised, including details on cardiac, aortic, iliac and femoral artery features. The score was applied to a prospectively collected series of patients undergoing TAVI at our institution, driving decision making on access and prosthesis choice. Different TAVI-CT score groups were compared in terms of procedural success, acute complications, and early clinical outcomes. We included a total of 200 undergoing TAVI between February 2020 and May 2021, with 74 (37.0%) having a low (0–2) TAVI-CT score, 50 (25.0%) having a moderate (3) TAVI-CT score, and 76 (38.0%) having a high (≥ 4) TAVI-CT score. Male gender was the only non-CT variable significantly associated with the TAVI-CT score (p = 0.001). As expected, access choice differed significantly across TAVI-CT scores (p = 0.009), as was device choice, with Portico more favored and Allegra less favored in the highest TAVI-CT score group (p = 0.036). Acute outcomes were similar in the 3 groups, including device and procedural success rates (respectively p = 0.717 and p = 1). One-month follow-up showed similar rates of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and bleeding, as well as of a composite safety endpoint (all p > 0.05). However, vascular complications were significantly more common in the highest TAVI-CT score group (p = 0.041). The TAVI-CT score is a simple scoring system that could be routinely applied to CT imaging for TAVI planning, if the present hypothesis-generating findings are confirmed in larger prospective studies.
CircUSP36 attenuates ischemic stroke injury through the miR-139-3p/SMAD3/Bcl2 signal axis
Authors: Yang Jialei , He Wanting , Gu Lian , Long Jianxiong , Zhu Lulu , Zhang Ruirui , Zhao Zhi , Xu Bingyi , Nan Aruo , Su Li 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Researches demonstrated that circRNAs provided novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of IS. However, the biological function of hsa_circ_0045932 (circUSP36) has not been revealed yet. Here, we explored the effect of circUSP36 on IS and its mechanism. In the present study, we found that circUSP36 expression was significantly decreased in the peripheral blood of IS patients and was negatively correlated with the severity, infarct volume and poor prognosis of IS. Functionally, circUSP36 silencing inhibited cellular activity and proliferation and promoted apoptosis after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) treatment, while circUSP36 overexpression reversed these cellular phenotypes in vitro. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated overexpression of circUSP36 attenuates brain injury and neurological deficit and promotes motor function recovery of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mice. Subsequently, the RNA antisense purification (RAP) and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that circUSP36 acts as a sponge to adsorb miR-139-3p, and miR-139-3p could bind and inhibit SMAD3 expression. Further rescue experiments showed that both miR-139-3p overexpression and SMAD3 silencing could abolish the antiapoptotic effect of circUSP36. In summary, we reveal for the first time that circUSP36 attenuates ischemic stroke injury through the miR-139-3p/SMAD3/Bcl2 signal axis, which make circUSP36 a potential therapeutic target for IS.
Diagnostic yield of repeat screening colonoscopy ten years after an adenoma-negative index screening endoscopy
Authors: v. Schönfeld Philippa , Hauser Daniel , Baldus Stephan Ernst , Özer Eda Yilmaz , v. Schönfeld Jürgen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn Germany, colonoscopy was introduced as a screening instrument about 20 years ago. Ten years after an adenoma-negative index endoscopy, a second screening colonoscopy can be performed in younger persons, but this approach is based on limited evidence. We therefore prospectively analyzed the diagnostic yield of second screening colonoscopies in clinical routine.Ten years following adenoma-negative screening endoscopy a second screening colonoscopy was performed in 401 persons (210 women and 191 men); mean age was 70 years. A total of 244 benign neoplastic lesions were removed in 135 persons (34%). Eight persons had three or more small tubular adenomas removed; 19 persons had at least one tubular adenoma measuring ≥ 10 mm; 14 persons had adenomas with villous characteristics; 19 persons had serrated adenomas; one person had an adenoma with high grade dysplasia. Thus 61 persons (33 men and 28 women) were classified as bearing a significant risk for the development of colorectal cancer (15%). An additional patient had a low-risk malignant polyp removed endoscopically.We conclude that a significant number of small and advanced adenomas can be identified in a second screening colonoscopy ten years after an adenoma-negative index screening endoscopy, but malignant lesions are rare. Whether or not removal of the benign lesions in a second screening colonoscopy will reduce incidence and mortality of colorectal carcinoma remains to be seen in this elderly group.
Female reproductive aging in seven primate species: Patterns and consequences
Authors: Campos Fernando A. , Altmann Jeanne , Cords Marina , Fedigan Linda M. , Lawler Richard , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V. , Stoinski Tara S. , Strier Karen B. , Bronikowski Anne M. , Pusey Anne E. , Alberts Susan C. 
Published: May 2022

SignificanceAge-related changes in the capability to produce healthy young are common in humans and are increasingly well documented in nonhuman animals. However, differences among species in the nature of these age-related changes remain poorly understood. We compare patterns and consequences of age-related changes in female reproductive performance in seven primate populations that have been subjects of long-term continuous study for 29 to 57 y. Our analyses of parental age effects on fertility, offspring survival, and offspring development highlight some shared patterns of parental age effects that may be general across the order primates. At the same time, we also identify species-level differences that implicate behavioral and life-history patterns as drivers of the evolution of parental age effects.
Some material aspects of an interpreted university lecture
Authors: Brewis Carmen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThrough the material orientation of actor network theory and its understanding of “translation,” this article provides insight into what students and interpreters experience from moment to moment at less visible levels of a spoken language interpreted university lecture. It reveals the arduous conditions in which interpreters must make decisions in the blink of an eye while nonhuman actors often restrict their choices. The data show a disconnect between interpreters and their material environment, which impairs their ability to “enroll” their users and to enable their “translation” into academics with full membership in their communities of practice. The article proposes a negotiated rearrangement of the space that integrates interpreters in a cohesive and enabling material environment. On a conceptual level it proposes a redefinition of role that provides them with the agency to manage the challenges that arise from moment to moment in the real-life conditions of an interpreted university lecture.