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The history of the European native oyster has been documented for numerous countries within its natural range. However, the history of Ostrea edulis in Wales remains conspicuously absent from current UK and European peer-reviewed publications. It was therefore deemed necessary to address this and as a result in-depth research of archival data was conducted including local trade directories, decennial census returns, collections from the National Museum Wales, annual government fisheries reports and grey literature from local historical societies. These historical reviews resulted in the construction of a timeline which documents all the significant historical dates related to O. edulis in Wales from the early 1500 s to present day. Fisheries statistics for England and Wales were also analysed for the western regional oyster fisheries in an attempt to understand the contribution which the Welsh landings made to the region. The review revealed that the Welsh fishery was the primary contributor of regional landings from the early 1600 s with maximum landings reported 1894, with the oyster beds at Mumbles producing more oysters than any other port until the fishery closed in 1937. A commercial native oyster fishery no longer exists in Wales but there remains a small native oyster population in South Wales. It is hoped that the historical accounts of bountiful catches, overexploitation, and restoration of O. edulis over the centuries in Wales may offer current conservation practitioners an insight into failures and mistakes of the past which could benefit the future of the European flat oyster in Wales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystinuria is a genetic disease marked by recurrent kidney stone formation, usually at a young age. It frequently leads to chronic kidney disease. Treatment options for cystinuria have been limited despite comprehensive understanding of its genetic pathophysiology. Currently available therapies suffer from either poor clinical adherence to the regimen or potentially serious adverse effects. Recently, we employed atomic force miscopy (AFM) to identify l-cystine dimethylester (CDME) as an effective molecular imposter of l-cystine, capable of inhibiting crystal growth in vitro. More recently, we demonstrated CDME's efficacy in inhibiting l-cystine crystal growth in vivo utilizing a murine model of cystinuria. The application of AFM to discover inhibitors of crystal growth through structural mimicry suggests a novel approach to preventing and treating crystal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a known side effect of bisphosphonates (BPs). Although bacterial infection is usually present, the etiology of MRONJ remains unknown. Here we apply a multimodal and multiscale (micro‐to‐nano) characterization approach to investigate the interface between necrotic bone and bacteria in MRONJ. A non‐necrotic bone sample was used as control. Both necrotic and non‐necrotic bone samples were collected from the jaw of a female individual affected by MRONJ after using BPs for 23 years. For the first time, resin cast etching was used to expose bacteria at the necrotic site. The bone–bacteria interface was also resolved at the nanoscale by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Nanosized particulates, likely corresponding to degraded bone mineral, were often noted in close proximity to or enclosed by the bacteria. STEM also revealed that the bone–bacteria interface is composed of a hypermineralized front fading into a highly disordered region, with decreasing content of calcium and phosphorus, as assessed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). This, combined with the variation in calcium, phosphorus, and carbon across the necrotic bone–bacteria interface evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and the lower mineral‐to‐matrix ratio measured by micro‐Raman spectroscopy in necrotic bone, indicates the absence of a mineralization front in MRONJ. It appears that the bone–bacteria interface originates not only from uncontrolled mineralization but also from the direct action of bacteria degrading the bone matrix. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive toxicology studies of synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs) demonstrated that fiber dimension, durability/dissolution, and biopersistence are critical factors for risk of fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. Lessons learned from the SVF experience provide useful context for predicting hazards and risk of nano-enabled advanced materials. This review provides (1) a historical toxicological overview of animal and in vitro toxicology studies of SVFs, (2) key findings that long durable fibers pose a risk of fibrogenic and tumorigenic responses and not short fibers or long soluble fibers, (3) in vitro and in vivo test methods for biodurability and biopersistence and associated predictive thresholds for fibrosis or tumors, and (4) recommendations for testing of advanced materials. Generally, SVFs (fiber lengths >20 µm) with in vitro fiber dissolution rates greater than 100 ng/cm2/hr (glass fibers in pH 7 and stone fibers in pH 4.5) and in vivo fiber clearance less than WT1/2 40 or 50 days were not associated with fibrosis or tumors. Long biodurable and biopersistent fibers exceeding these fiber dissolution and clearance thresholds may pose a risk of fibrosis and cancer. Fiber length-, durability-, and biopersistent-dependent factors that influence pathogenicity of mineral fibers are also expected to affect the biological effects of high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARN). Only with studies aimed to correlate in vitro durability, in vivo biopersistence, and biological outcomes will it be determined whether similar or different in vitro fiber dissolution and in vivo half-life thresholds, which exempt carcinogenicity classification of SVFs, can also apply to HARNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study we aimed to screen for the presence of biomarkers that are downregulated in children with nephrolithiasis (RS) compared to healthy controls (HC) using a proteomic approach. We hypothesized that RS and HC would display unique inhibitory protein profiles that could be used for comparative pathway analysis. Methods: This is a prospective, controlled, pilot study of pooled urine from RS (N = 30, 24 females, mean age 12.95 ± 4.03 years) versus age- and gender-matched HC, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The criteria for protein selection were: (1) patient/control abundance ratio of < 0.5; and (2) ≤ 0.05 p-value for the Fisher's Exact Test. Results were confirmed by ELISA testing in individual samples. Results: 67 proteins were downregulated in RS group, and 17 of those were significantly different compared to controls. Of those seventeen proteins, five (two actins, annexin A5, keratin 6B, and serpin B4) were completely absent in the urine of stone patients but were found in controls. The remaining twelve proteins were significantly less abundant in the patient's urine compared to healthy controls. Protein–protein interaction modeling of significant proteins identified syndecan-1 as the key node, a protein associated with adhesion pathways. ELISA analysis by subgroups showed statistically significant difference in the urinary excretion of osteopontin (5.1 ± 3.22 ng/mg creatinine vs 14.1 ± 9.5 ng/mg creatinine, p = 0.046) between stone patients with hypocitraturia and controls. Urinary osteopontin concentration was positively correlated with urinary citrate excretion (r = 0.417, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Children with RS have a different urinary inhibitory polypeptide profile compared to HC. Decreased urinary excretion of these proteins indicates their potential inhibitory role in renal stone formation, especially of the adhesion phase. Lower concentration of urinary osteopontin in children with nephrolithiasis and hypocitraturia suggests its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of this disease. Further characterization of these proteins in a larger sample is imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurolobus gangeticus (L.) J. St.- Hil. ex H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi (Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant used to treat various ailments. In this study, we report the antiurolithiatic, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential of chloroform fraction (CF) from P. gangeticus roots. For the chemical profiling, HPTLC, FT-IR, and GC–MS techniques of the CF were carried out, and phytochemical investigation was revealed that stigmasterol (45.06%) is one of the major components present in the fraction. The nucleation and aggregation assays were used to evaluate the in vitro antiurolithiatic activity at various concentration (2–10 mg/mL) of the CF. The results showed that the chloroform fraction had dose-dependent effects on Calcium Oxalate (CaOx) crystal formation. In both the assays, the maximum concentration of 10 mg/mL has shown better results. This concentration resulted significant increase in CaOx crystal nucleation along with the reduction of crystal size and the inhibition of crystal aggregation. Further, the CF showed stronger antioxidant (DPPH, NO, SOD, TRC) potential with an IC50 values of 415.9327, 391.729, 275.971, and 419.14 µg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial evaluation displayed effective results in the Agar well diffusion assay against selective urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus). A maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) 12.33 ± 1.05 mm for K pneumonia and minimum ZOI of 8.46 ± 0.27 mm for S. aureus were obtained. Further, the ADME-PK property of the stigmasterol was investigated, and it was found to pass the Lipinski and Ghose rules, supporting the drug-likeliness. This is the first record of the antiurolithiatic potential of P. gangeticus along with antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These findings give an insight into the effective drug development and treatment for kidney stones in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across coastal areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in significant ecological injury, and over 8 billion USD directed to restoration activities. Oyster restoration projects were implemented with regional goals of restoring oyster abundance, spawning stock, and population resilience. Measuring regional or large-scale ecosystem restoration outcomes challenges traditional project-specific monitoring and outcome reporting. We examine the outcomes of oyster restoration at the project-level and discuss potential pathways to measure progress toward region-level goals. An estimated 15 km2 of oyster habitat was restored across 11 different estuaries with 62 individual reef footprints created, ranging in size from ~0.2 to 1.45 km2. Individual sites were distributed across the salinity gradient, and all reefs were subtidal. One-year post-restoration, mean total oyster density across all sites was 53.0 ± 60.7 ind m−2 of which 38.4 ± 42.2 ind m−2 were adult (>25 mm shell height) oysters. Recent data (2018/2019) available for all sites indicates reduced densities of total oysters (44.6 ± 70.9 ind m−2) and adult oysters (14.6 ± 21.6 ind m−2). These data provide insight into project specific outcomes, suggesting an overall enhancement in oyster abundance compared to pre-restoration, but fall short of informing outcomes at the regional-level that incorporate cumulative effects on adjacent and connected reef populations, or inform overall resiliency of the regional oyster resource. Developing regional outcome benchmarks that enable assessment of cumulative and synergistic impacts of individual projects may benefit from broader spatial and temporal monitoring requirements that can better inform development of regional tools or models. Such tools would enable cumulative effects analyses examining net resource change, resilience and assess impacts of restoration activities on regional resource status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Urinary tract calculi are commonly treated with ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation (URSL). The composition of calculi depends on underlying patient factors. Stones associated with metabolic or infectious conditions are sometimes thought to be more difficult to treat. This analysis explores whether the composition of calculi impacts on stone-free and complication rates. Material and methods A prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing URSL between 2012-2021 was used to explore records for patients with uric acid (Group A), infection (Group B) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (Group C) calculi. Patients who had undergone URSL to treat ureteric or renal calculi were included. Patient demographics, stone parameters and operative details were collected, with the principal outcomes being stone-free rate (SFR) and associated complications. Results A total of 352 patients were included (58 Group A, 71 Group B and 223 Group C patients) and had their data analysed. SFR was >90% for all three groups and a single Clavien-Dindo grade III complication was noted. No significant differences were found between the groups for complications, SFR and day case rates. Conclusions This cohort of patients demonstrated that outcomes were similar for three different types of urinary tract calculi, which form for differing reasons. URSL appears to be an effective, safe treatment for all stone types with comparable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles calculations coupled with Monte Carlo simulations are used to probe the role of a surface CO monolayer formation on secondary electron emission (SEE) from Cu, Ag, and Au (110) materials. It is shown that formation of such a layer increases the secondary electron emission in all systems. Analysis of calculated total density of states (TDOS) in Cu, Ag, and Au, and partial density of states (PDOS) of C and O confirm the formation of a covalent type bonding between C and O atoms. It is shown that such a bond modifies the TDOS and extended it to lower energies, which is then responsible for an increase in the probability density of secondary electron generation. Furthermore, a reduction in inelastic mean free path is predicted for all systems. Our predicted results for the secondary electron yield (SEY) compare very favorably with experimental data in all three materials, and exhibit increases in SEY. This is seen to occur despite increases in the work function for Cu, Ag, and Au. The present analysis can be extended to other absorbates and gas atoms at the surface, and such analyses will be present elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: With advances in anti-diabetes drugs, increasing numbers of patients have high urinary glucose concentrations, which may alter magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensity. We sought to elucidate the effect of urinary glucose concentration and pH on transverse relaxation and MR signal intensity. Materials and methods: The transverse relaxation rate (R2) was measured in samples with different glucose concentrations (in vitro) and in the urinary bladder of seven patients with diabetes and nine healthy volunteers (in vivo). The glucose concentration and pH in the in vitro samples and urine were measured. The signal intensity ratio of the bladder to adjacent tissues was obtained on T2-weighted imaging (WI), T1WI, and MR urography (in vivo). To clarify the effect of pH further, the urine of two healthy subjects was adjusted with acid and/or base to obtain various pH values (ex vivo). Results: R2 increased significantly with high glucose concentrations in the in vitro study. In the in vivo study, high glucose concentration (p < 0.001) and low pH (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with high R2. R2 was higher (p = 0.002) and the signal in maximum-intensity projection images of MR urography was lower (p = 0.005) in patients with diabetes than in healthy subjects. Ex vivo study revealed that a decrease in pH in acid portion resulted in increased R2. Conclusion: High concentrations of urinary glucose and low pH both enhance transverse relaxation, which, in turn, causes low signal intensity in urinary bladder on long echo time (TE) images, such as MR urography. Radiologists should be aware of this phenomenon when interpreting abnormally low-intensity bladders on long TE images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Trefoil Factor 1 (TFF1) is considered to be able to inhibit the formation of kidney stone. However, genetic variants in TFF1 and corresponding function in kidney stone development are still not well studied. In this study, the discovery set including 230 cases and 250 controls was used to analyze the association between seven tagSNPs of TFF1 gene and the nephrolithiasis risk. Further evaluation was confirmed by the validation set comprising 307 cases and 461 controls. The consequences of the two-stage case-control study indicated that individuals with the rs3761376 A allele have significantly increased nephrolithiasis risk than those with the GG genotypes [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05-1.73]. Moreover, we also carried out a stratified analysis and found the increased nephrolithiasis risks at A allele among males, overweight individuals, no hypertensive individuals, nondiabetic individuals, smokers, and drinkers. In the following functional experiments, the notably lower expression of TFF1 was exhibited by the vectors carrying A allele compared with those carrying G allele in both luciferase (P = 0.022) and expression vectors (P = 0.041). In addition to tissue detection, we confirmed a significant inverse association of rs3761376 G > A and TFF1 gene expression (P < 0.001). These results suggest that TFF1 rs3761376 may serve as a potential biomarker to predict the risk of nephrolithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of kidney stones is increasing and its recurrence rate within the first 5 years is over 50%. No treatments that prevent the occurrence/recurrence of stones have reached the clinic. Here, we show that AIM (also called CD5L) suppresses stone development and improves stone-associated physical damages. The N-terminal domain of AIM associates with calcium oxalate crystals via charge-based interaction to impede the development of stones, whereas the 2nd and C-terminal domains capture the inflammatory DAMPs to promote their phagocytic removal. Accordingly, when stones were induced by glyoxylate in mice, recombinant AIM (rAIM) injection dramatically reduced stone development. Expression of injury molecules and inflammatory cytokines in the kidney and overall renal dysfunction were abrogated by rAIM. Among various negatively charged substances, rAIM was most effective in stone prevention due to its high binding affinity to crystals. Furthermore, only AIM was effective in improving the physical complaints including bodyweight-loss through its DAMPs removal effect. We also found that tubular KIM-1 may remove developed stones. Our results could be the basis for the development of a comprehensive therapy against kidney stone disease. The circulating protein apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) reduces kidney stone development and prevents build up, providing the basis for kidney stone disease therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is significantly correlated with urolithiasis. However, few studies have evaluated the severity of urolithiasis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of MetS with severe urolithiasis disease (SUD). The data of 910 patients with urolithiasis in the Department of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from June 2020 to May 2021 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of urolithiasis, and the relationships of MetS and its components with SUD were evaluated. The results showed 605 SUD and 272 Mets patients. Multiple regression analysis showed that middle age, male gender, and MetS increased the risk of SUD, whereas serum magnesium decreased it (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that the odds ratio (OR) of SUD increased with MetS grade (0–4) (1.029–2.117). Grade 4 patients had a 2.1-fold higher risk of SUD than grade 0 patients (OR 2.117; 95% CI 1.053–4.256; P = 0.035); hypertension and dyslipidemia were most strongly associated with SUD among the four MetS features (P < 0.05). Additionally, calcium oxalate was the most predominant stone component (78.7%) in the SUD(+) group, which also had stones with higher uric acid and lower calcium oxalate dihydrate levels than those of the SUD(−) group (P < 0.05). Our study concluded that SUD is more common in middle-aged men, MetS is an independent risk factor for SUD. The more severe the MetS, the higher the risk of SUD, in which hypertension and dyslipidemia play major roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is assumed that genetic diseases affecting the metabolism of cysteine and the kidney function lead to two different kinds of pathologies, namely cystinuria and cystinosis whereby generate l-cystine crystals. Recently, the presence of l-cysteine crystal has been underlined in the case of cystinosis. Interestingly, it can be strikingly seen that cystine ([–S–CH2–CH–(NH2)–COOH]2) consists of two cysteine (C3H7NO2S) molecules connected by a disulfide (S–S) bond. Therefore, the study of cystine and cysteine is important for providing a better understanding of cystinuria and cystinosis. In this paper, we elucidate the discrepancy between l-cystine and l-cysteine by investigating the theoretical and experimental infrared spectra (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as Raman spectra aiming to obtain a better characterization of abnormal deposits related to these two genetic pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current research is aimed at analyzing the relationship between kidney stone (KS) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and the relationship between KS components and AAC. Methods: This is a retrospective, case–control study. Kidney stone formers (KSFs) were treated at the Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University for urological calculus disease from January 2014 to January 2020. Matched non-stone formers (non-SFs) were drawn from the same hospital for routine health examination from January 2018 to February 2019. Research-related information was collected and reviewed retrospectively from the hospital's computerized records. AAC were evaluated using available results of computed tomography imaging and abdominal vascular ultrasound. The relationships of AAC between KSFs and non-SFs were compared. The composition of renal calculi was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer. KSFs were divided into AAC groups and non-AAC based on AAC. The relationship of the composition of renal calculi between AAC and non-AAC were compared. The independent-sample t test, the chi-squared test and binary logistics regression were performed. Results: Altogether, 4516 people were included, with 1027 KSFs and 3489 non-SFs. There were no significant differences in the laboratory parameters between KSFs and non-SFs. The association between the presence of AAC and KS was significant in multivariable model 2 [adjusting hypertension, diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose, uric acid, serum triglyceride (TG), serum calcium, and urine pH] (OR 5.756, 95% CI 4.616–7.177, p < 0.001). The result of KSFs showed that calcium oxalate calculi (CaOx) was significantly associated with AAC in multivariable model 3 (adjusting age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, drinking history, smoking history, and TG) (OR 1.351, 95% CI 1.002–1.822, p = 0.048). Conclusions: The current study pioneered the revelation of the relationship between CaOx and AAC. Through an elimination of the confounding factors, the study demonstrated that KS and AAC were connected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-pulse operation of a self-sustained fusion reactor using toroidal magnetic containment requires control over the content of alpha particles produced by D-T fusion reactions. On the one hand, MeV-class alpha particles must stay confined to heat the plasma. On the other hand, decelerated helium ash must be expelled before diluting the fusion fuel. Here, we report results of kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic hybrid simulations of a large tokamak plasma that confirm the existence of a parameter window where such energy-selective confinement can be accomplished by exploiting internal relaxation events known as sawtooth crashes. The physical picture — a synergy between magnetic geometry, optimal crash duration and rapid particle motion — is completed by clarifying the role of magnetic drifts. Besides causing asymmetry between co- and counter-going particle populations, magnetic drifts determine the size of the confinement window by dictating where and how much reconnection occurs in particle orbit topology. Confining plasma for fusion requires controlling many parameters. Here the authors report the existence of a narrow parameter space for the simultaneous confinement of energetic alpha particles and removal of slowed-down helium ash in a magnetically confined fusion plasma by using kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic hybrid simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Stone composition can provide valuable information for the diagnosis, treatment and recurrence prevention of urolithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of urinary stone components and the impact of different crystal forms according to gender and age of patients in Germany. Methods: A total of 45,783 urinary stones submitted from 32,512 men and 13,271 women between January 2007 and December 2020 were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Only the first calculus obtained per patient was included in the analysis. Results: The most common main stone component was calcium oxalate (CaOx) (71.4%), followed by carbonate apatite (CA) (10.2%) and uric acid (UA) (8.3%). Struvite (2.1%), brushite (1.3%), protein (0.5%) and cystine (0.4%) stones were only rarely diagnosed. CaOx (75%) and UA stones (81%) were more frequently obtained from men than women (p < 0.001). Weddellite (COD) and uric acid dihydrate (UAD) were more common in younger ages than whewellite (COM) and anhydrous uric acid (UAA), respectively, in both men and women. The ratios of COM-to-COD and UAA-to-UAD calculi were approximately 4:1 and 8:1, respectively. The peak of stone occurrence was between the ages of 40 and 59 years. Conclusion: Stone composition is strongly associated with gender and age. The peak incidence of calculi in both women and men was in the most active phase of their working life. The distinction between different crystal forms could provide clues to the activity and mechanisms of lithogenesis. Further research is needed in understanding the causative factors and the process of stone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystinuria is one of various disorders that cause biomineralization in the urinary system, including bladder stone formation in humans. It is most prevalent in children and adolescents and more aggressive in males. There is no cure, and only limited disease management techniques help to solubilize the stones. Recurrence, even after treatment, occurs frequently. Other than a buildup of cystine, little is known about factors involved in the formation, expansion, and recurrence of these stones. This study sought to define the growth of bladder stones, guided by micro-computed tomography imaging, and to profile dynamic stone proteome changes in a cystinuria mouse model. After bladder stones developed in vivo, they were harvested and separated into four developmental stages (sand, small, medium and large stone), based on their size. Data-dependent and data-independent acquisitions allowed deep profiling of stone proteomics. The proteomic signatures and pathways illustrated major changes as the stones grew. Stones initiate from a small nidus, grow outward, and show major enrichment in ribosomal proteins and factors related to coagulation and platelet degranulation, suggesting a major dysregulation in specific pathways that can be targeted for new therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oyster populations within the coastal bays of Virginia have greatly declined, mainly due to overharvesting and disease, and past restoration efforts have largely focused on increasing their populations. Current restoration goals have now expanded to simultaneously procure the wider ecosystem services oysters can offer, including shoreline protection and ecosystem diversification. However, tradeoffs exist in designing artificial reefs because it is unlikely one design will optimize all services. This study compares the services provided by reef designs varying in elevation and width located adjacent to an intertidal marsh within a coastal bay of VA, USA. We quantified wave attenuation to determine potential coastal protection of the adjacent marsh, and changes to sediment composition and infaunal communities before and after reef construction for 3 years. After construction, we also quantified oyster size and population density to compare high and low elevation reef designs. High elevation reefs were more effective at attenuating waves and fostering oyster growth compared to low elevation reefs. Oysters atop high elevation reefs were on average approximately twice as dense and 20% larger than those on low elevation designs. Reef width had a minimal effect on oyster population density; densities on high and low reefs were similar for designs with one or three rows. The presence of oyster reefs also increased infaunal diversity and sediment organic matter. Our results indicate that artificial reef design can differentially affect the services provided through restoration, and elevation is especially important to consider when designing for oyster population enhancement and coastal protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to heavy metals in the environment exerts serious effects on kidney health. However, the effects of joint exposure on the kidneys have been rarely studied, particularly in non-occupational exposure high-risk populations. This study provided a reference threshold range of heavy metals in urine and explored the effect of joint exposure on nephrolithiasis in men. The data were obtained from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort database, and 1502 men were included in the study. A two-piece-wise regression model was used to assess the dose–response relationship between heavy metal exposure and nephrolithiasis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to calculate the score of joint exposure to heavy metals. The threshold effect analysis revealed a linear relationship between the concentration of arsenic (As) in the urine and the prevalence of nephrolithiasis, whereas a nonlinear relationship was observed with cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb). In addition, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb may significantly affect the joint exposure effect. Moreover, the final risk of nephrolithiasis increased by 123% (P for trend < 0.001). This study found a threshold relationship between heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb) in male urine and the occurrence of nephrolithiasis. Joint exposure to heavy metals in urine caused a high-risk effect on nephrolithiasis. The study provided a reference threshold value of related studies and indicated that environmental pollution caused by heavy metals should be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the fluctuations of the Mirnov coils magnetic field in tokamak plasma, it is required to assess the spatiotemporal signals. Spatial structure and time evolution related to MHD instabilities in a tokamak can be shown by analyzing the signals from an array of Mirnov coils using the biorthogonal decomposition (BD) method. In this paper by Using this method, the presence of instability modes indices in tokamak IR-T1 namely, singular values entropy and the relative squared magnitude of the first two pairs of the principal axes were calculated and studied. Also, the behavior of indices was also evaluated with and without resonance helical magnetic field (RHF). In this research, the effect of the L = 3/n = 1 and L = 2/n = 1 RHF was examined on the amplification and suppression of MHD activities along with the modification of MHD modes number and the behavior of singular values entropy extraction from BD. We show that, MHD activities mode numbers altered due to the application of RHF or even some MHD modes may be suppressed or amplified. The behavior of P1 and P2 and their temporal dependence and their rate of change will also be investigated under the RHF field. The calculation of singular values entropy of the extraction energy using the BD biorthogonal decomposition method is an important index since the MHD activities in most tokamaks have several MHD modes. The result show that, the entropy of the system increases during MHD activities. The entropy value in IR-T1 tokamak plasma depends on the number of the non-zero singular values extracted from Mirnov fluctuations analysis by biorthogonal decomposition. The results indicate that the very lower number of non-zero eigenvalues will lead to a lower entropy compared to the condition that the number of non-zero eigenvalues is more. It is also expected to identify the MHD activities and mode number and their frequency with other diagnostic tools by observing the changes of entropy. Observing the entropy behavior depends on the tokamak aspects and tokamak plasma parameters. It demonstrates the existence of MHD activities with different frequencies and wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few estuaries remain unaffected by water management and altered freshwater deliveries. The Caloosahatchee River Estuary is a perfect case study for assessing the impact of altered hydrology on natural oyster reef (Crassostrea virginica) populations. The watershed has been highly modified and greatly enlarged by an artificial connection to Lake Okeechobee. Accordingly, to generate data to support water management recommendations, this study monitored various oyster biometrics over 15 years along the primary salinity gradient. Oyster reef densities were significantly affected by both prolonged high volume freshwater releases creating hyposaline conditions at upstream sites and by a lack of freshwater input creating hypersaline conditions at downstream sites. Low freshwater input led to an increase in disease caused by Perkinsus marinus and predation. Moderate (< 2000 cfs) and properly timed (winter/spring) freshets benefited oysters with increased gametogenesis, good larval mixing, and a reprieve from disease. If high volume freshets occurred in the late summer, extensive mortality occurred at the upstream site due to low salinity. These findings suggest freshwater releases in the late summer, when reproductive stress is at its peak and pelagic larvae are most vulnerable, should be limited to < 2000 cfs, but that longer freshets (1–3 weeks) in the winter and early spring (e.g., December–April) benefit oysters by reducing salinity and lessening disease intensity. Similar strategies can be employed in other managed systems, and patterns regarding the timing of high volume flows are applicable to all estuaries where the management of healthy oyster reefs is a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxycitrate (HCA) is a derivative of citric acid, and previous studies of HCA have revealed its ability to inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in vitro. To date, there has been little evidence proving that HCA has the same effectiveness in vivo. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorating effect of HCA on calcium oxalate deposition and renal impairment in a male rat model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, a model group (glyoxalic acid), a CA group (glyoxalic acid + CA), and an HCA group (glyoxalic acid + HCA). Kidney stone formation was induced by injection of glyoxalic acid (60 mg/kg). The results showed that serum and urinary parameters were significantly improved by HCA treatment. In addition, differences in the formation of calcium oxalate crystals between groups were observed, and HCA was superior to CA in inhibiting crystal accumulation. The ultrastructure of renal tubules and glomeruli occurred in the model group, and the above lesions were significantly reduced in the HCA group. Both OPN and SOD expression levels were promoted by HCA, while CA only promoted OPN. In this article, we provided data on whether HCA affected kidney stones and the expression levels of OPN and SOD in a male rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jackstone calculi, having arms that extend out from the body of the stone, were first described over a century ago, but this morphology of stones has been little studied. We examined 98 jackstones from 50 different patient specimens using micro-computed tomography (micro CT) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Micro CT showed that jackstone arms consisted of an X-ray lucent core within each arm. This X-ray lucent core frequently showed sporadic, thin layers of apatite arranged transversely to the axis of the arm. The shells of the jackstones were always composed of calcium oxalate (CaOx), and with the monohydrate form the majority or sole mineral. Study of layering in the shell regions by micro CT showed that growth lines extended from the body of the stone out onto jack arms and that the thickness of the shell covering of jack arms often thinned with distance from the stone body, suggesting that the arms grew at a faster radial rate than did the stone body. Histological cross-sections of decalcified jackstone arms showed the core to be more highly autofluorescent than was the CaOx shell, and immunohistochemistry showed the core to be enriched in Tamm-Horsfall protein. We hypothesize that the protein-rich core of a jack arm might preferentially bind more protein from the urine and resist deposition of CaOx, such that the arm grows in a linear manner and at a faster rate than the bulk of the stone. This hypothesis thus predicts an enrichment of certain urine proteins in the core of the jack arm, a theory that is testable by appropriate analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently we have generated recombinant human osteopontin (rhOPN) using a plant platform (Nicotiana benthamiana) and demonstrated, when coated on culture plates, its osteogenic induction capacity of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. The aim of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the rhOPN-induced osteogenic differentiation of human PDL cells.Methods: Full length rhOPN (FL-OPN) and three constructs of OPN containing integrin binding domain (N142), calcium binding domain (C122) and mutated calcium-binding domain (C122δ) were generated from N. benthamiana. Human PDL cells were isolated from extracted third molars and cultured on FL-OPN, N142, C122, or C122δ-coated surfaces. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were used to determine mRNA and protein expression. In vitro calcification was determined by Alizarin red staining. A chemical inhibitor and RNAi silencing were used to elucidate signaling pathways. In silico analyses were performed to predict the protein-protein interaction. In vivo analysis was performed using a rat calvaria defect model.Results: Human PDL cells seeded on FL-OPN and C122-coated surfaces significantly increased both mRNA and protein expression of osterix (OSX) and enhanced in vitro calcification. Soluble FL-OPN as well as a surface coated with N142 did not affect OSX expression. Inhibition of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK-1) abolished the induction of osterix expression. In silico analysis suggested a possible interaction between the calcium binding domain (CaBD) of OPN and ALK-1 receptor. C122, but not C122δ coated surfaces, induced the expression of p-Smad-1 and this induction was inhibited by an ALK-1 inhibitor and RNAi against ALK-1. In vivo data showed that 3D porous scaffold containing C-122 enhanced new bone formation as compared to scaffold alone.Conclusion: The results suggest that next to full length OPN, the CaBD of OPN, if coated to a surface, induces osteogenic differentiation via interaction with ALK-1 receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a multifactorial disease involving both environmental and genetic factors, whose pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the hub genes related to stone formation that could serve as potential therapeutic targets. Methods: Based on the GSE73680 dataset with 62 samples, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Randall's plaque (RP) tissues and normal tissues were screened and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify key modules associated with KSD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed to explore the biological functions. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. Meanwhile, CIBERSORT and ssGSEA analysis were used to estimate the infiltration level of the immune cells. The correlations between hub genes and immune infiltration levels were also investigated. Finally, the top hub gene was selected for further GSEA analysis. Results: A total of 116 DEGs, including 73 up-regulated and 43 down-regulated genes, were screened in the dataset. The red module was identified as the key module correlated with KSD. 53 genes were obtained for functional enrichment analysis by taking the intersection of DEGs and genes in the red module. GO analysis showed that these genes were mainly involved in extracellular matrix organization (ECM) and extracellular structure organization, and others. KEGG analysis revealed that the pathways of aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, cell adhesion molecules, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, and ECM-receptor interaction were enriched. Through PPI network construction, 30 hub genes were identified. CIBERSORT analysis revealed a significantly increased proportion of M0 macrophages, while ssGSEA revealed no significant differences. Among these hub genes, SPP1, LCN2, MMP7, MUC1, SCNN1A, CLU, SLP1, LAMC2, and CYSLTR2 were positively correlated with macrophages infiltration. GSEA analysis found that positive regulation of JNK activity was enriched in RP tissues with high SPP1 expression, while negative regulation of IL-1β production was enriched in the low-SPP1 subgroup. Conclusions: There are 30 hub genes associated with KSD, among which SPP1 is the top hub gene with the most extensive links with other hub genes. SPP1 might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of KSD, which is expected to become a potential therapeutic target, while its interaction with macrophages in KSD needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormone secretion by the maternal ovaries, trophoblast/placenta and fetus occurs sequentially, creating distinct steroid metabolomic 'signatures' in systemic blood of pregnant mares that vary with gestational stage. Algorithms were developed to predict the gestational day (GD) from the maternal steroid metabolome (nine steroids; pregnenolone (P5), progesterone (P4), 5a-dihydroprogesterone (DHP), 17a-hydroxyprogesterone, allopregnanolone, 20a-hydroxy-DHP, 3ß,20a-dihydroxy-DHP, DHEA and androstenedione) determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of eight thoroughbred mares sampled longitudinally throughout pregnancy. A physiologically based model was developed to infer rates of steroid secretion during chorionic gonadotropin secretion, the luteo-placental shift and by the equine feto-placenta unit, demonstrating more variability in P5 and DHP than P4. The average of four empirical models, using nine steroids to predict GD, was calibrated (five mares, R2 = 0.94, RMSE = 20 days) and validated (three mares, R2 = 0.84, RMSE = 32 days). Validation performance was improved using paired samples taken 14 or 30 days apart (RMSE = 29 and 19 days, respectively). A second validation used an ind ependent dataset (single serum samples from 56 mixed breed mares, RMSE = 79 days) and an additional longitudinal subset from the same population sampled monthly throughout gestation (seven mares, RMSE = 42 days). Again, using paired samples improved model performance (RMSE = 32.5 days). Despite less predictive performance of the mixed breed than the thoroughbred datasets, these models demonstrate the feasibility and potential for using maternal steroid metabolomic algorithms to estimate the stage of gestation in pregnant mares and perhaps monitor fetal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscoelastic wormlike micelles composed of the ionic liquid surfactant, 1-hexadecyl-3-octyl imidazolium bromide ([C16imC8]Br), and the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were utilized to mimic the formation of lithangiuria, that is the calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM). The influence of different additives, such as CaCl2 and Na2C2O4 (precursors for the synthesis of COM) and the β-CD on the viscoelasticity of the [C16imC8]Br solution, was studied by the rheology. The [C16imC8]Br rod-like micelles transit to the wormlike micelles induced by different additives. The [C16imC8]Br/β-CD wormlike micelles containing the [C16imC8]Br/β-CD inclusion complexes were characterized by the small angle X-ray scattering, surface tension measurements, zeta potential measurements, and cryo-TEM. The COM particles were synthesized in the [C16imC8]Br/β-CD wormlike micelles which were characterized by the transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The β-CD has important influence on the formation of COM. In the end, the mechanism of the synthesis of COM in the [C16imC8]Br/β-CD wormlike micelles is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the cancers with the highest mortality rate worldwide. HCC is often diagnosed when the disease is already in an advanced stage, making the discovery and implementation of biomarkers for the disease a critical aim in cancer research. In this study, we aim to quantify the transcript levels of key signaling molecules relevant to different pathways known to participate in tumorigenesis, with special emphasis on those related to cancer hallmarks and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, using as a model the murine transplantable hepatocarcinoma AS-30D. Using qPCR to quantify the mRNA levels of genes involved in tumorigenesis, we found elevated levels for Tgfb1 and Spp1 , two master regulators of EMT. A mesenchymal signature profile for AS-30D cells is also supported by the overexpression of genes encoding for molecules known to be associated to aggressiveness and metastatic phenotypes such as Foxm1 , C-met , and Inppl1. This study supports the use of the AS-30D cells as an efficient and cost-effective model to study gene expression changes in HCC, especially those associated with the EMT process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent restoration efforts for the native Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida, are commonly motivated by potential return of oyster-associated ecosystem services, including increased water filtration. The potential impact of such restoration on another species of ecological concern, eelgrass, Zostera marina, is unclear, but has been hypothesized to be positive if oyster filter feeding increases light penetration to eelgrass. For two years after construction of an oyster restoration project, we assessed the response of adjacent eelgrass (impact) compared to control and reference eelgrass beds by monitoring changes in light intensity, eelgrass shoot density, biomass, leaf morphometrics, and epiphyte load. We observed lower light intensity consistently over time, including prior to restoration, near the constructed oyster bed relative to the control and one of the reference locations. We also observed minor variations between control and impact eelgrass morphology and density. However, the changes observed were not outside the range of natural variation expected in this system, based upon comparisons to reference eelgrass beds, nor were they detrimental. This limited impact to eelgrass may be due in part to the incorporation of a buffer distance between the restored oyster bed and the existing eelgrass bed, which may have dampened both positive and negative impacts. These findings provide evidence that Olympia oyster restoration and eelgrass conservation goals can be compatible and occur simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of kidney stone formation includes multi-step processes involving complex interactions between mineral components and protein matrix. Calcium-binding proteins in kidney stones have great influences on the stone formation. The spatial distributions of these proteins in kidney stones are essential for evaluating the in vivo effects of proteins on the stone formation, although the actual distribution of these proteins is still unclear. We reveal micro-scale distributions of three different proteins, namely osteopontin (OPN), renal prothrombin fragment 1 (RPTF-1), and calgranulin A (Cal-A), in human kidney stones retaining original mineral phases and textures: calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). OPN and RPTF-1 were distributed inside of both COM and COD crystals, whereas Cal-A was distributed outside of crystals. OPN and RPTF-1 showed homogeneous distributions in COM crystals with mosaic texture, and periodically distributions parallel to specific crystal faces in COD crystals. The unique distributions of these proteins enable us to interpret the different in vivo effects of each protein on CaOx crystal growth based on their physico-chemical properties and the complex physical environment changes of each protein. This method will further allow us to elucidate in vivo effects of different proteins on kidney stone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this research is to investigate the frequency of dental calculus in patients with kidney stone and without kidney stone. Methodology: Two hundred eighty-seven patients (143 men and 144 women) aged between 18 and 68 (mean age 38.38±13.74) were included in the study. Patients were divided two groups in which 143 subjects without kidney stones (group I) and 144 subject with kidney stones (group II). Intragroup and inter-group analyzes were performed in terms of periodontal status and dental calculus index according to educational level, frequency of toothbrushing and smoking. Results: The study sample consisted of 287 patients which 143 in group I, 144 in group II. The mean age of the group I was 36.77±12.81 years old, and group II was 39.98±14.47 years old. There was a statistically significant difference between periodontal status and education level, daily tooth brushing and smoking in group I and group II (p<0.05). Both in group I and group II there was a statistically significant difference periodontal calculus index and education level, smoking, daily tooth brushing (p<0.05). In addition, there were significant correlations between dental calculus index and size of the kidney stone. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the groups in terms of dental calculus index. There is a need for additional study on this subject in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proteins are the most abundant component of kidney stone matrices and their presence may reflect the process of the stone’s formation. Many studies have explored the proteomics of urinary stones and crystals. We sought to comprehensively identify the proteins found in kidney stones and to identify new, reliable biomolecules for use in nephrolithiasis research. Methods: We conducted bioinformatics research in November 2020 on the proteomics of urinary stones and crystals. We used the ClusterProfiler R package to transform proteins into their corresponding genes and Ensembl IDs. In each study we located where proteomic results intersected to determine the 20 most frequently identified stone matrix proteins. We used the Human Protein Atlas to obtain the biological information of the 20 proteins and conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analysis to explore their biological functions. We also performed immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of the top five stone matrix proteins in renal tissue. Results: We included 19 relevant studies for analysis. We then identified 1,409 proteins in the stone matrix after the duplicates were removed. The 20 most-commonly identified stone matrix proteins were: S100A8, S100A9, uromodulin, albumin, osteopontin, lactotransferrin, vitamin K-dependent protein Z, prothrombin, hemoglobin subunit beta, myeloperoxidase, mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2, lysozyme C, complement C3, serum amyloid P-component, cathepsin G, vitronectin, apolipoprotein A-1, eosinophil cationic protein, fibrinogen alpha chain, and apolipoprotein D. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that these proteins were typically engaged in inflammation and immune response. Immunohistochemistry of the top five stone matrix proteins in renal tissue showed that the expression of S100A8, S100A9, and osteopontin increased, while uromodulin decreased in kidney stone patients. Albumin was rarely expressed in the kidney with no significant difference between healthy controls and kidney stone patients. Conclusion: Proteomic analysis revealed some common inflammation-related proteins in the kidney stone matrix. The role of these proteins in stone formation should be explored for their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for urolithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main problems of kidney stone disease are its increasing prevalence and high recurrence rate after calculi removal in almost all areas around the globe. Despite enormous efforts in the past, its pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear and need further elucidations. Proteomics has thus become an essential tool to unravel such sophisticated disease mechanisms at cellular, subcellular, molecular, tissue, and whole organism levels. This review provides abrief overview of kidney stone disease followed by updates on proteomics for investigating urinary stone modulators, matrix proteins, cellular responses to different types/doses of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals, sex hormones and other stimuli, crystal–cell interactions, crystal receptors, secretome, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), all of which lead to better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Finally, the future challenges and translation of these obtained data to the clinic are discussed. Knowledge from urinary proteomics for exploring the important stone modulators (either inhibitors or promoters) will be helpful for early detection of asymptomatic cases for prompt prevention of symptoms, complications, and new stone formation. Moreover, these modulators may serve as the new therapeutic targets in the future for successful treatment and prevention of kidney stone disease by medications or other means of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, shellfish reefs have experienced unprecedented declines from historical levels, imperiling the surrounding ecosystems and the services they provide. Shellfish conservation and restoration projects have emerged to combat and reverse this decline but are hindered by a scattered knowledge base and a lack of evidence‐based best practice. To address this concern, we conducted a systematic review of English‐language peer‐reviewed articles studying the impacts of conservation‐based actions on reef‐building bivalves. A comprehensive search identified 281 relevant articles for the review. Articles were then categorized to establish the temporal and geographic extent of shellfish reef conservation research, quantify collaboration within the field, and develop a systematic map of the distribution of evidence across intervention and outcome categories. The results confirm a substantial increase in shellfish reef research with 72% of articles published since 2010. However, this evidence base is uneven, with 80% of research occurring in the United States and Northern Europe, 71% on only oysters, and 58% by only academia‐affiliated authors. The systematic map of linkages and gaps also reveals disparities in the evidence base, as ecological interventions and outcomes are undertaken and measured at a far greater rate than social interventions and outcomes, despite evidence that social aspects are critical components of conservation work. To ensure future conservation practitioners have evidence that is relevant to the circumstances of their projects, this evidence base needs to be diversified and we offer recommendations on reprioritizations for future research as well as a comprehensive database of existing shellfish conservation papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urolithiasis is one of the oldest diseases affecting humans, while plants are one of our oldest companions providing food, shelter, and medicine. In spite of substantial progress in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms, treatment options are still limited, often expensive for common people in most parts of the world. As a result, there is a great interest in herbal remedies for the treatment of urinary stone disease as an alternative or adjunct therapy. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have been carried out to understand the efficacy of herbs in reducing stone formation. We adopted PRISMA guidelines and systematically reviewed PubMed/Medline for the literature, reporting results of various herbal products on in vivo models of nephrolithiasis/urolithiasis. The Medical Subject Heading Terms (Mesh term) "Urolithiasis" was used with Boolean operator "AND" and other related Mesh Unique terms to search all the available records (July 2019). A total of 163 original articles on in vivo experiments were retrieved from PubMed indexed with the (MeshTerm) "Urolithiasis" AND "Complementary Therapies/Alternative Medicine, "Urolithiasis" AND "Plant Extracts" and "Urolithiasis" AND "Traditional Medicine". Most of the studies used ethylene glycol (EG) to induce hyperoxaluria and nephrolithiasis in rats. A variety of extraction methods including aqueous, alcoholic, hydro-alcoholic of various plant parts ranging from root bark to fruits and seeds, or a combination thereof, were utilized. All the investigations did not study all aspects of nephrolithiasis making it difficult to compare the efficacy of various treatments. Changes in the lithogenic factors and a reduction in calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal deposition in the kidneys were, however, considered favorable outcomes of the various treatments. Less than 10% of the studies examined antioxidant and diuretic activities of the herbal treatments and concluded that their antiurolithic activities were a result of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and/or diuretic effects of the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones are considered to be highly resistant to chemolysis. While significant organic matter has been identified within these stones, which is presumed to bind (inorganic) CaOx particles and aggregates, most chemolysis efforts have focused on methods to attack the CaOx components of a stone. We examine the feasibility of inducing chemolysis of CaOx kidney stones, within hours, by specifically attacking the organic matrix present in these stones.Methods: In contrast to previous studies, we focused on the possible "brick and mortar" stone configuration. We systematically tested, via in vitro experiments, the ability of an extensive range of 26 potential chemolysis agents to induce relatively fast disintegration (and/or dissolution) of a large set of natural CaOx stone fragments, extracted during endourological procedures, without regard to immediate clinical application. Each stone fragment was monitored for reduction in weight and other changes over 72 h.Results: We find that agents known to attack organic material have little, if any, effect on stone chemolysis. Similarly, protein and enzymatic agents, and oral additive medical treatments, have little immediate effect.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the organic and inorganic constituents present in CaOx stones are not structured as "brick and mortar" configurations in terms of inorganic and organic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fossil oyster bed (Ostrea edulis) was recently encountered offshore Helgoland (German Bight). Oysters are important filter feeders in marine environments and their habitat structure supports a large associated biodiversity. The European flat oyster Ostrea edulis has historically occurred in vast populations in the North Sea, but declined massively in the early 20th century. The ecological restoration of Ostrea habitats is a current focal point in the North Sea. To better understand the mechanisms that caused the local collapse of the oyster population, this study investigated the size structure, weight, and age of the shells, along with the spatial dimensions, seafloor properties, and environmental context of the oyster bed. The results show that the demise of the population occurred around 700 CE, ruling out excessive harvest as a driver of decline. Synchronicity of increased geomorphological activity of rivers and concurrent major land use changes in early medieval Europe suggest that increased sedimentation was a viable stressor that reduced the performance of the oysters. The shells provided no indication of a demographically poor state of the oyster bed prior to its demise, but manifested evidence of the wide-spread occurrence of the boring sponge Cliona sp. Our study challenges the assumption of a stable preindustrial state of the European flat oyster in the North Sea, and we conclude that the long-term variability of environmental conditions needs to be addressed to benchmark success criteria for the restoration of O. edulis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The secondary electron emission process is essential for the optimal operation of a wide range of applications, including fusion reactors, high-energy accelerators, or spacecraft. The process can be influenced and controlled by the use of a magnetic field. An analytical solution is proposed to describe the secondary electron emission process in an oblique magnetic field. It was derived from Monte Carlo simulations. The analytical formula captures the influence of the magnetic field magnitude and tilt, electron emission energy, electron reflection on the surface, and electric field intensity on the secondary emission process. The last two parameters increase the effective emission while the others act the opposite. The electric field effect is equivalent to a reduction of the magnetic field tilt. A very good agreement is shown between the analytical and numerical results for a wide range of parameters. The analytical solution is a convenient tool for the theoretical study and design of magnetically assisted applications, providing realistic input for subsequent simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muskrats Ondatra zibethicus are reported to have wide‐ranging effects on wetland habitats, sometimes earning them the labels 'keystone species' or 'ecosystem engineers'.We conducted an extensive review of the scientific literature and evaluated evidence for muskrats as potential keystone species or ecosystem engineers, and more generally, their known impacts on wetland ecosystems.We identified 363 publications (peer‐reviewed articles, books, theses, and reports) regarding muskrats, 202 of which were in an ecological context. Only 6% (n = 13) of these explicitly considered muskrats as ecosystem engineers (n = 9) or keystone species (n = 4).Our review found that muskrat populations may have broad effects on both wetland flora and fauna. However, studies generally occurred over small spatiotemporal scales and used dissimilar methods and reporting, which limited our inference regarding muskrats' influence on wetland ecosystems.Research explicitly identifying muskrats as ecosystem engineers or keystone species is limited, but published evidence suggests that muskrats may have an effect on plant species diversity and habitat heterogeneity, which in turn may influence other animal species. However, long‐term and experimental research is needed to uncover impacts that muskrats have on ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examined the data reported in the studies for comparison of osteopontin (OPN) levels in tuberculosis and healthy participants, and to discuss whether OPN could be extended to disease diagnosis, severity assessment and therapeutic effect monitering. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang databases. The pooled risk estimates were shown in standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for OPN levels. The random effect model was used according to the test of heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression models were performed to identify the possible sources of heterogeneity. Results: 17 retrospective studies with 933 tuberculosis participants and 786 healthy controls were finally included in this article. In the primary meta-analysis, higher serum/plasma OPN levels were found in tuberculosis patients (SMD = 2.58, 95%CI = 2.09~3.08, P<0.001). Besides, pooled results from positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining and imaging-severe tuberculosis group demonstrated higher OPN concentrations (SMD = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.58~1.21, P<0.001; SMD = 1.11, 95%CI = 0.90~1.33, P<0.001; respectively), and OPN levels decreased after two months of standard anti-tuberculosis therapy (SMD = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.36~2.85, P<0.001). Conclusions: Elevated serum/plasma OPN levels may be associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis, while further well-designed studies are needed. Moreover, OPN could be considered as a potential biomarker for tuberculosis surveillance and severity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]