bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Mystery of “Metal Mouth” in Chemotherapy
Authors: Reith Alastair J M , Spence Charles 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOf all the oral sensations that are experienced, “metallic” is one that is rarely reported in healthy participants. So why, then, do chemotherapy patients so frequently report that “metallic” sensations overpower and interfere with their enjoyment of food and drink? This side-effect of chemotherapy—often referred to (e.g., by patients) as “metal mouth”—can adversely affect their appetite, resulting in weight loss, which potentially endangers (or at the very least slows) their recovery. The etiology of “metal mouth” is poorly understood, and current management strategies are largely unevidenced. As a result, patients continue to suffer as a result of this poorly understood phenomenon. Here, we provide our perspective on the issue, outlining the evidence for a range of possible etiologies, and highlighting key research questions. We explore the evidence for “metallic” as a putative taste, and whether “metal mouth” might therefore be a form of phantageusia, perhaps similar to already-described “release-of-inhibition” phenomena. We comment on the possibility that “metal mouth” may simply be a direct effect of chemotherapy drugs. We present the novel theory that “metal mouth” may be linked to chemotherapy-induced sensitization of TRPV1. Finally, we discuss the evidence for retronasal olfaction of lipid oxidation products in the etiology of “metal mouth.” This article seeks principally to guide much-needed future research which will hopefully one day provide a basis for the development of novel supportive therapies for future generations of patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Musculoskeletal pain reported by mobile patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Molsted Stig , Eidemak Inge 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Musculoskeletal pain has been reported as a clinical problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of musculoskeletal pain in patients with CKD and no mobility problems with a general population and to investigate the impact of pain on quality of life (QOL), physical activity and physical function.

Methods
Patients with CKD Stages 4 and 5 with or without a dialysis treatment and no mobility problems were included. Musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder/neck, back/low back and limbs and level of physical activity were measured using the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey and coded into dichotomous answers. QOL and physical function were measured using the kidney disease QOL questionnaire and the 30-s chair stand test, respectively. Data for the general population were collected in national registers and adjusted for age, gender and region.

Results
The patients (n = 539) had a mean age of 66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 65–67] years, 62% were men and they were treated with haemodialysis (HD) (n = 281), peritoneal dialysis (n = 62) or without dialysis (n = 196). The frequency of reported musculoskeletal pain in the patients did not exceed pain reported by the general population [e.g. pain in the limbs in patients undergoing HD versus a matched general population, 61% versus 63% (P = 0.533), respectively]. Pain in all measured body sites was associated with reduced QOL [e.g. pain in the limbs associated with a physical component scale β of −8.2 (95% CI −10.3 to −6.0), P &lt; 0.001]. Pain in the limbs was associated with a reduced number of repetitions in the 30-s chair stand test [mean −1.7 (95% CI −3.0 to −0.4), P = 0.009]. Pain in the shoulder/neck was associated with reduced odds of being physically active [odds ratio 0.6 (95% CI 0.4 to 0.9); P = 0.022].

Conclusions
Musculoskeletal pain was not more frequently reported by patients with CKD and no mobility problems compared with the general population. However, as musculoskeletal pain was reported by up to two-thirds of the patient sample, healthcare professionals should remember to focus on this issue. The patients’ pain was associated with negative impacts on QOL, level of physical activity and physical function.
Secure Outsourcing Algorithms for Composite Modular Exponentiation Based on Single Untrusted Cloud
Authors: Su Qianqian , Zhang Rui , Xue Rui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractModular exponentiation, as a fundamental operation used in many public-key cryptosystems, has always be considered to be very time-consuming. It is difficult for some devices with limited computation capability, such as mobile devices and low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, to perform large-scale modular exponentiations. In cryptosystems, one typical case of modular exponentiation is that the modulus is a composite number. For instance, in RSA algorithm, the modulus is the product of two distinct prime numbers. In this paper, we investigate how to securely and efficiently outsource composite modular exponentiations and put forward two secure outsourcing algorithms for composite modular exponentiations based on single untrusted cloud. The first algorithm, named MCExp, is designed for outsourcing single composite modular exponentiation, i.e. $u^a$ mod $N$. The second algorithm, named SMCExp, is designed for outsourcing simultaneous composite modular exponentiation, i.e. $\prod ^{n}_{i=1}u^{a_i}_{i}$ mod $N$. Different from algorithms based on two untrusted servers, the proposed algorithms are very practical because they avoid the strong assumption that there must exist two servers without collusion. The proposed algorithms not only protect the privacy of the exponent and the base simultaneously, but also enable users to verify the correctness of the result returned by the cloud with high probability. Compared with using the square-and-multiply algorithm, the user can achieve higher efficiency by using the proposed algorithms. Besides, we prove the security of our algorithms and conduct several experiments to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms. Finally, we show that the proposed algorithms can be used to construct the secure outsourcing algorithms for Shamir’s identity-based signature and identity-based multi-signature.
Pinniped predation of birds: A cause for conservation concern?
Authors: Swan George J F , Silva-Rodríguez Eduardo A , Osman Layla P , Jaramillo Eduardo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Recovering predators can create challenges for conservation objectives when they prey on vulnerable species. Although largely uncommon, pinniped predation of birds presents one such challenge. Here, we describe the novel characteristics of this predator–prey interaction, its impact on bird populations, and possible mitigation responses. We do so both broadly, synthesizing the wider literature, and specifically, in reference to ongoing South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) predation of Black-necked Swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) we are currently observing in southern Chile. Our review of the literature suggests that in most cases bird predation by pinnipeds is only exhibited by a small proportion of the population, spreads socially between individuals, can be temporally severe, and may rapidly threaten the viability of bird populations. We discuss feasibility and efficacy of potential mitigation measures highlighting that, as foraging specializations can be socially transmitted, any such actions need to be time conscious as bird-killing behaviors may be increasingly difficult to remove. The contrasting population trends of pinnipeds and seabirds suggests that pinniped predation of vulnerable waterbirds is going to be an increasingly common conservation challenge in the future.
Fish consumption is associated with school performance in children in a non-linear way
Authors: Lehner A , Staub K , Aldakak L , Eppenberger P , Rühli F , Martin R D , Bender N 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Introduction
How the long-chain fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the diet permitted human brain evolution, and how much our brains need today to function optimally are still hot topics for debate. DHA and EPA are considered as semi-essential because only insufficient amounts can be produced from other nutrients, such that they must be ingested with the diet. However, the Dietary Reference Intake of DHA and EPA, or of fish containing these fatty acids, has not yet been established. Eating fish is often recommended and generally considered beneficial for health and cognitive development in children and adolescents. For this study, data from a large cohort study were analysed to assess the association between fish consumption and cognitive school performance in children and adolescents.

Methods
Data from the German cohort of children and adolescent health KiGGS, which was conducted 2003–06 and included more than 17 000 children, were analysed. Ordered logistic regressions were performed to test for associations between fish intake and school performance. Potential confounders were included in the models.

Results
A statistically significant association was found between an intake of 8 g of fish per day and the probability of increasing the final grade in German [odds ratio (OR) 1.193, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.049–1.358] and mathematics (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.022–1.317) by one point, compared to no or very limited fish consumption. For the outcome German, higher levels of fish intake also showed a positive effect. These relationships were not linear but tended to decrease again at higher doses of fish.

Discussion
Our result confirms previous reports of a positive association between fish intake and school performance. Interestingly, this relationship was not linear but tended to decrease again in the highest categories of fish intake. We hypothesize that mercury or other pollutants in the fish could be detrimental at high levels. As only half of all children met the minimal fish intake recommendations, fish consumption should be promoted more strongly in children to meet the minimal requirements of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Lay Summary
Polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA and EPA that are present in fish are essential for a healthy human brain development. We found a U-shaped association between fish intake and school performance in children. We hypothesize that mercury or other pollutants in the fish could be detrimental at high intake levels.
A novel multielectrode catheter for high-density ventricular mapping: electrogram characterization and utility for scar mapping
Authors: Barkagan Michael , Sroubek Jakub , Shapira-Daniels Ayelet , Yavin Hagai , Jang Jihye , Nezafat Reza , Anter Elad 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Aims
Multielectrode mapping catheters can be advantageous for identifying surviving myocardial bundles in scar. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a new multielectrode catheter with increased number of small and closely spaced electrodes for mapping ventricles with healed infarction.

Methods and results
In 12 swine (four healthy and eight with infarction), the left ventricle was mapped with investigational (OctarayTM) and standard (PentarayTM) multielectrode mapping catheters. The investigational catheter has more electrodes (48 vs. 20), each with a smaller surface area (0.9 vs. 2.0 mm2) and spacing is fixed at 2 mm (vs. 2–6–2 mm). Electrogram (EGM) characteristics, mapping efficiency and scar description were compared between the catheters and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Electrogram acquisition rate was faster with the investigational catheter (814 ± 126 vs. 148 ± 58 EGM/min, P = 0.02) resulting in higher density maps (38 ± 10.3 vs. 10.1 ± 10.4 EGM/cm2, P = 0.02). Bipolar voltage amplitude was similar between the catheters in normal and infarcted myocardium (P = 0.265 and P = 0.44) and the infarct surface area was similar between the catheters (P = 0.12) and corresponded to subendocardial LGE. The investigational catheter identified a higher proportion of near-field local abnormal ventricular activities within the low-voltage area (53 ± 16% vs. 34 ± 16%, P = 0.03) that were considered far-field EGMs by the standard catheter. The investigational catheter was also advantageous for mapping haemodymically non-tolerated ventricular tachycardias due to its higher acquisition rate (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
A novel multielectrode mapping catheter with higher number of small, and closely spaced electrodes increases the mapping speed, EGM density and the ability to recognize low amplitude near-field EGMs in ventricles with healed infarction.
Thermal softening induced subduction initiation at a passive margin
Authors: Kiss Dániel , Candioti Lorenzo G , Duretz Thibault , Schmalholz Stefan M 
Published: December 2019

SUMMARY
We present 2-D numerical simulations of convergence at a hyperextended passive margin with exhumed subcontinental mantle. We consider viscoelasto-plastic deformation, heat transfer and thermomechanical coupling by shear heating and associated thermal softening due to temperature dependent viscosity. The simulations show subduction initiation for convergence velocities of 2 cm yr−1, initial Moho temperatures of 525 °C and maximal deviatoric stresses of ca. 800 MPa, around the Moho, prior to localization. Subduction initiates in the region with thinned continental crust and is controlled by a thermally activated ductile shear zone in the mantle lithosphere. The shear zone temperature can be predicted with a recently published analytical expression. The criterion for subduction initiation is a temperature difference of at least 225 °C between predicted temperature and initial Moho temperature. The modelled forced subduction broadly agrees with geological data and reconstructions of subduction during closure of the Piemont-Liguria basin, caused by convergence of the European and Adriatic plates during the Alpine orogeny.
Using statutory health insurance data to evaluate non-response in a cross-sectional study on depression among patients with diabetes in Germany
Authors: Linnenkamp Ute , Gontscharuk Veronika , Brüne Manuela , Chernyak Nadezda , Kvitkina Tatjana , Arend Werner , Fiege Annett , Schmitz-Losem Imke , Kruse Johannes , Evers Silvia M A A , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Hoffmann Barbara , Andrich Silke , Icks Andrea 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Low response rates do not indicate poor representativeness of study populations if non-response occurs completely at random. A non-response analysis can help to investigate whether non-response is a potential source for bias within a study.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey among a random sample of a health insurance population with diabetes (n = 3642, 58.9% male, mean age 65.7 years), assessing depression in diabetes, was conducted in 2013 in Germany. Health insurance data were available for responders and non-responders to assess non-response bias. The response rate was 51.1%. Odds ratios (ORs) for responses to the survey were calculated using logistic regression taking into consideration the depression diagnosis as well as age, sex, antihyperglycaemic medication, medication utilization, hospital admission and other comorbidities (from health insurance data).

Results
Responders and non-responders did not differ in the depression diagnosis [OR 0.99, confidence interval (CI) 0.82–1.2]. Regardless of age and sex, treatment with insulin only (OR 1.73, CI 1.36–2.21), treatment with oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OAD) only (OR 1.77, CI 1.49–2.09), treatment with both insulin and OAD (OR 1.91, CI 1.51–2.43) and higher general medication utilization (1.29, 1.10–1.51) were associated with responding to the survey.

Conclusion
We found differences in age, sex, diabetes treatment and medication utilization between responders and non-responders, which might bias the results. However, responders and non-responders did not differ in their depression status, which is the focus of the DiaDec study. Our analysis may serve as an example for conducting non-response analyses using health insurance data.
Loss of Preexisting Immunological Memory Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Women Despite Immune Reconstitution With Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Thomas Archana , Hammarlund Erika , Gao Lina , Holman Susan , Michel Katherine G , Glesby Marshall , Villacres Maria C , Golub Elizabeth T , Roan Nadia R , French Audrey L , Augenbraun Michael H , Slifka Mark K 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
It is unclear whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection results in permanent loss of T-cell memory or if it affects preexisting antibodies to childhood vaccinations or infections.

Methods
We conducted a matched cohort study involving 50 pairs of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. Total memory T-cell responses were measured after anti-CD3 or vaccinia virus (VV) stimulation to measure T cells elicited after childhood smallpox vaccination. VV-specific antibodies were measured by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
There was no difference between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected study participants in terms of CD4+ T-cell responses after anti-CD3 stimulation (P = .19) although HIV-infected participants had significantly higher CD8+ T-cell responses (P = .03). In contrast, there was a significant loss in VV-specific CD4+ T-cell memory among HIV-infected participants (P = .04) whereas antiviral CD8+ T-cell memory remained intact (P &gt; .99). VV-specific antibodies were maintained indefinitely among HIV-uninfected participants (half-life, infinity; 95% confidence interval, 309 years to infinity) but declined rapidly among HIV-infected participants (half-life; 39 years; 24–108 years; P = .001).

Conclusions
Despite antiretroviral therapy–associated improvement in CD4+ T-cell counts (nadir, &lt;200/μL; &gt;350/μL after antiretroviral therapy), antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell memory to vaccinations or infections that occurred before HIV infection did not recover after immune reconstitution, and a previously unrealized decline in preexisting antibody responses was observed.
Biallelic variants/mutations ofIL1RAPin patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Niitsuma Sou , Kudo Hiroki , Kikuchi Atsuo , Hayashi Takaya , Kumakura Satoshi , Kobayashi Shuhei , Okuyama Yuko , Kumagai Naonori , Niihori Tetsuya , Aoki Yoko , So Takanori , Funayama Ryo , Nakayama Keiko , Shirota Matsuyuki , Kondo Shuji , Kagami Shoji , Tsukaguchi Hiroyasu , Iijima Kazumoto , Kure Shigeo , Ishii Naoto 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNephrotic syndrome (NS) is a renal disease characterized by severe proteinuria and hypoproteinemia. Although several single-gene mutations have been associated with steroid-resistant NS, causative genes for steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) have not been clarified. While seeking to identify causative genes associated with SSNS by whole-exome sequencing, we found compound heterozygous variants/mutations (c.524T&gt;C; p.I175T and c.662G&gt;A; p.R221H) of the interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) gene in two siblings with SSNS. The siblings’ parents are healthy, and each parent carries a different heterozygous IL1RAP variant/mutation. Since IL1RAP is a critical subunit of the functional interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R), we investigated the effect of these variants on IL-1R subunit function. When stimulated with IL-1β, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the siblings with SSNS produced markedly lower levels of cytokines compared with cells from healthy family members. Moreover, IL-1R with a variant IL1RAP subunit, reconstituted on a hematopoietic cell line, had impaired binding ability and low reactivity to IL-1β. Thus, the amino acid substitutions in IL1RAP found in these NS patients are dysfunctional variants/mutations. Furthermore, in the kidney of Il1rap−/− mice, the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which require IL-1β for their differentiation, was markedly reduced although these mice did not show significantly increased proteinuria in acute nephrotic injury with lipopolysaccharide treatment. Together, these results identify two IL1RAP variants/mutations in humans for the first time and suggest that IL1RAP might be a causative gene for familial NS.
The EUCAST rapid disc diffusion method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing directly from positive blood culture bottles
Authors: Jonasson Emma , Matuschek Erika , Kahlmeter Gunnar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectivesWith increasing antimicrobial resistance, rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) becomes important, especially in patients with bloodstream infections. EUCAST decided to develop a standardized rapid method, based on EUCAST disc diffusion, to offer susceptibility reports within 4–8 h of a positive blood culture (BC).MethodsBC bottles were spiked with clinical isolates (n = 332) of the seven most relevant sepsis pathogens with a variety of resistance mechanisms. RAST was performed directly from the bottle and zones read after 4, 6 and 8 h. Several variables were investigated, including the effect of using different BC bottles and of a 0–18 h delay between a positive signal and the performance of RAST.ResultsFor five species, most inhibition zones could be read after 4 h. The proportion of results that could be interpreted increased from 75% at 4 h to 84% after 8 h. Categorical agreement against the reference method was good, with error rates of false susceptibility of 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.2% at 4, 6 and 8 h and false resistance of 1.2%, 0.2% and 0.1% at 4, 6 and 8 h, respectively.ConclusionsWith the EUCAST RAST method, reliable AST results can be delivered within 4–8 h of positivity of BC bottles for seven important bloodstream infection pathogens. To reduce the occurrence of errors and to absorb the variability caused by using a non-standardized inoculum, material from different manufacturers and workflow-related delays, we have introduced an area in which interpretation is not permitted, the Area of Technical Uncertainty.
Magnetic activity and evolution of the four Hyades K giants
Authors: Schröder K-P , Mittag M , Jack D , Rodríguez Jiménez A , Schmitt J H M M 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
We determine the exact physical parameters of the four Hyades cluster K giants, using their parallaxes and atmospheric modelling of our red-channel TIGRE high-resolution spectra. Performing a comparison with well-tested evolutionary tracks, we derive exact masses and evolutionary stages. At an age of 588 (±60) Myr and with a metallicity of Z = 0.03 (consistent with the spectroscopic abundances), we find HD 27371 and HD 28307, the two less bright K giants, at the onset of central helium burning, entering their blue loops with a mass of 2.62 M⊙, while the slightly brighter stars HD 28305 and HD 27697 are already exiting their blue loop. Their more advanced evolution suggests a higher mass of 2.75 M⊙. Notably, this pairing coincides with the different activity levels, which we find for these four stars from chromospheric activity monitoring with TIGRE and archival Mount Wilson data as well as from ROSAT coronal detections. The two less evolved K giants are the far more active pair, and we confidently confirm their rotation with periods of about 142 d. This work therefore provides some first, direct evidence of magnetic braking during the 130 Myr lasting phase of central helium-burning, similar to what has long been known to occur to cool main-sequence stars.