bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brood development and nest parasitism of Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) augusti Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Apidae), a promising crop pollinator in Argentina
Authors: Lucia Mariano , Ramello Pablo José , Gonzalez Victor Hugo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPollination of passion fruit and other crops by species of carpenter bees of the genus Xylocopa Latreille significantly increases both the quality and the quantity of fruits. To enhance pollination services, bee nests are either introduced into the crop area or females are encouraged to nest using trap nests. Thus, knowledge of trap‐nest preference, brood development and nest parasitism is essential for effective and sustainable nest management practices. Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) augusti Lepeletier is a promising pollinator in some areas of Argentina because of its high abundance, ability to buzz‐pollinate and easy acceptance of trap nests. However, limited information is available on the biology of this pollinator. Herein, we provide detailed information on its nesting cycle, brood development and parasitism from trap nests at an urban area in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Our study indicates that X. augusti is a solitary and likely univoltine species that shares some nesting and developmental features with other species in the subgenus Neoxylocopa, which might facilitate the adoption of existing management techniques developed for other species and regions. Biological information on Physocephala wulpi Camras (Diptera: Conopidae), a parasitoid of X. augusti, is also given for the first time.
Post‐colonoscopy appendicitis: Systematic review of current evidence
Authors: Ng Zi Qin , Elsabagh Abdallah , Wijesuriya Ruwan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimAppendicitis after colonoscopy is an exceedingly rare complication. It remains to be explored if this entity is truly a complication of colonoscopy or a coincidental occurrence of appendicitis post‐colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to systematically review all the available evidence since it was first described in 1988.MethodsThe literature on post‐colonoscopy appendicitis was searched using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Additional manual search was performed and cross‐checked for additional references. The search was performed up to November 2019. Data collected included demographics, reason for colonoscopy, time to diagnosis, imaging performed, management, and outcome.ResultsFifty‐three cases were found in the systematic review with a median age of 55 years (24–84 years). The time to diagnosis post‐colonoscopy was mostly within 24–48 h. Clinical features mimicked those of common acute appendicitis. In the past decade, computed tomography scan has been the imaging choice to investigate abdominal pain after colonoscopy, mainly to rule out perforation. The mainstay of management was appendectomy (open or laparoscopy). Four of the 12 cases (33.3%) were treated successfully with antibiotics alone. There has been a twofold increase in cases reported in the past decade (2009–2019,n = 31vs1999–2008,n = 15).ConclusionThere is a considerable variation in the definition of post‐colonoscopy appendicitis in the current literature. Regardless of whether post‐colonoscopy appendicitis is a true entity, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with acute abdomen following colonoscopy.
Association of Sustained Blood Pressure Control with Multimorbidity Progression Among Older Adults
Authors: Bowling C. Barrett , Sloane Richard , Pieper Carl , Luciano Alison , Davis Barry R. , Simpson Lara M. , Einhorn Paula T. , Oparil Suzanne , Muntner Paul 
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESDue to the high costs and excess mortality associated with multimorbidity, there is a need to develop approaches for delaying its progression. High blood pressure (BP) is a common chronic condition and a risk factor for many additional chronic conditions, making it an ideal target for intervention. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the association between the level of sustained BP control and the progression of multimorbidity.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGAntihypertensive and Lipid‐Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) linked to Medicare claims.PARTICIPANTSA total of 6,591 ALLHAT participants with Medicare who had systolic BP (SBP) measurements at eight or more study visits.MEASUREMENTSSBP control was categorized as lower than 140 mm Hg at less than 50%, 50% to less than 75%, 75% to less than 100%, and 100% of visits. Multimorbidity progression was defined by the number of incident chronic conditions, including arthritis, asthma, atrial fibrillation, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, dementia, depression, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, and stroke. Recurrent event survival analysis was used to calculate rate ratios (RRs) for the association of sustained SBP control with progression of multimorbidity.RESULTSRates of incident conditions per 10 person‐years (95% CIs) were 5.2 (5.1–5.4), 4.7 (4.5–4.8), 4.4 (4.2–4.5), and 4.0 (3.8–4.2) for participants with SBP control at less than 50%, 50% to less than 75%, 75% to less than 100%, and 100% of visits, respectively, over a median follow‐up of 9.0 years. Compared with participants with SBP control at less than 50% of visits, adjusted RRs (95% CIs) for multimorbidity progression were 0.90 (0.86–0.95), 0.85 (0.81–0.89), and 0.77 (0.72–0.82) for those with SBP control at 50% to less than 75%, 75% to less than 100%, and 100% of visits, respectively.CONCLUSIONSSustaining BP control may be an effective approach to slow multimorbidity progression and may reduce the population burden of multimorbidity.
The role of national culture in financial literacy:Cross‐countryevidence
Authors: De Beckker Kenneth , De Witte Kristof , Van Campenhout Geert 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of national culture on adult financial literacy levels in 12 countries. Contrary to earlier financial literacy studies, our results are directly comparable across countries given that we use the standardized OECD/INFE financial literacy survey data and Hofstede's, 2001, cultural dimensions to capture financial literacy and national culture. In line with the financial socialization theory, we find that uncertainty avoidance positively influences financial literacy, while individualism negatively influences financial literacy. We conclude that national culture affects financial literacy and that it is important to account for cultural dimensions in future international financial literacy research.
Give mind to the gap: Measuring gender differences in financial knowledge
Authors: Ooi Elizabeth 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPrior research consistently finds a gender gap in financial knowledge where males appear to outperform females. Despite the wealth of studies attempting to explain this gap, none have considered whether the gender gap may be a product of measurement method. This study re‐examines the gender gap with item response theory (IRT) which can account for guessing behavior and differential item functioning. Survey data on 184,869 individuals from 39 countries and territories is analyzed. Results show that when IRT is employed, a gender gap exists in only 54% of the sample. In contrast, when a conventional measurement approach is used, there is a gender gap in financial knowledge in 81% of the sample. These results reveal that prior measurements may underestimate women's financial knowledge and inflate the gender gap.
The first comprehensive classification of hair transection: A step forward
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Mohmand Mohammad Humayun 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThere has been an increase in the hair transplant surgeries especially FUE all over the world during last two decades. The more the number of grafts being harvested result in increase in transection. Unfortunately, there is no classification dealing with the hair transection. The authors have proposed the first comprehensive classification for document different levels of hair transections.
THE ROLE OF CAPITAL AND PRODUCTIVITY IN ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME DIFFERENCES SINCE 1913
Authors: Gallardo‐Albarrán Daniel , Inklaar Robert 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper studies the proximate determinants of differences in output per worker across countries since 1913. We provide a new long‐term perspective by developing a novel dataset with information on produced capital for 33 countries that covers most of the global income distribution. Using development accounting analysis, we find a large shift in the proximate determinants of cross‐country income inequality during the 20th century. The contribution of produced capital to cross‐country income variation declined from 29% to 11%, while that for productivity rose from 47% to 72%. Thus, the current predominant role of productivity in accounting for income differences is quite exceptional from a historical perspective. We draw on these findings to review various strands of the literature and offer some hypothesis about the rising relative importance of TFP for comparative economic performance. We conclude that differences in technological adoption rates and efficiency are the primer drivers of the decreasing relative importance of capital deepening for cross‐country income inequality, rather than factor input mismeasurement.
The application of metabolomics analysis in the research of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia
Authors: Tan Bing , Ma Yanan , Zhang Lei , Li Ni , Zhang Jiandong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to investigate the difference of the serum metabolic profile between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients and preeclampsia (PE) patients, to establish the disease differentiation model and to find characteristic metabolites, in order to provide a new idea for the occurrence, development and treatment of the disease.MethodsTwenty‐nine patients with GDM group and 29 PE group who were examined in Tianjin No. 3 Central Hospital from March 2018 to August 2018 were enrolled as case group, and 29 normal pregnant women were selected as control group. All the serum samples were analyzed by using the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Based on the multivariate statistical analysis method of pattern recognition, we screened out and identified the differential characteristic metabolites.ResultsThe serum metabolic profile model of GDM group and PE group was successfully constructed. A total of nine characteristic metabolites were screened and identified in this study, including LPC 18:0, LPC 22:6, LPC 16:0, (S)‐14‐methylhexadecanoic acid, behenic acid, palmitic acid, sphingosine, phytosphingosine and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐26,23‐lactone. Among them, six characteristic metabolites which were LPC 18:0, LPC 22:6, behenic acid, palmitic acid, sphingosine and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐26,23‐lactone all had a significant statistical difference among GDM, PE and normal pregnancy groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe construction of metabolic profile discriminant model has a strong ability to differentiate GDM patients from PE pregnant women. The screened characteristic metabolites can early reflect the disorder of lipid, calcium and phosphorus metabolism of patients, and provide reference and help for the discussion of the occurrence, development and treatment of diseases.
Role of basic fibroblast growth factor in human immunodeficiency virus associated pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Sangany Charline M. , Moodley Jagidesa , Onyagunga Onankoy A. , Naicker Thajasvarie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimCell signaling is vital to ensure successful trophoblast invasion. This study assessed the level of serum basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated pre‐eclampsia (PE).MethodsUsing a Bio‐plex Multiplex Immunoassay, FGF‐2 (pg/mL) was analyzed in blood sera collected from 80 pregnant women attending a large regional hospital in Durban, South Africa. Study groups consisted of normotensive and pre‐eclamptic pregnant women stratified according to their HIV status. Data analysis was performed using graphpad prism statistics software, version 5.00.ResultsIn this study, we report a significant decrease of FGF‐2 serum level in pre‐eclamptic compared to normotensive pregnant women groups (25.38 ± 6.69 pg/mL vs 61.79 ± 11.25 pg/mL), irrespective of their HIV status. Similarly, there was a significant decrease in FGF‐2 serum level in HIV positive compared to HIV negative group (33.80 ± 9.62 pg/mL vs 52.15 ± 9.49 pg/mL), irrespective of their pregnancy type.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a downregulation of serum FGF‐2 expression in pre‐eclamptic compared to normotensive pregnant women. This decline may be responsible for the defective trophoblast invasion and/or to PE severity. The decline in FGF‐2 expression in HIV infection is probably due to the effect of HIV Tat protein on angiogenesis.
High body mass index hinders fibrosis improvement in patients receiving long‐term tenofovir therapy in hepatitis B virus‐related cirrhosis
Authors: Chon Young Eun , Jung Kyu Sik , Ha Yeonjung , Kim Mi Na , Lee Joo Ho , Hwang Seong Gyu , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Do Young , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Park Jun Yong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLong‐term suppression of hepatitis B virus with tenofovir (TDF) induces fibrosis regression, and repeated liver stiffness (LS) measurement can indicate the improvement of fibrosis. We aimed to investigate predictors for LS improvement assessed by changes in patients receiving long‐term TDF therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with liver cirrhosis. CHB patients with histologically proven liver cirrhosis who received TDF as the first‐line therapy from 2012 to 2015 were recruited. LS and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurements were repeated at baseline and 3 years after therapy. Liver stiffness improvement was defined as a drop of LS value ≥30% from the baseline. A total of 131 patients were enrolled (mean age 51.4% and male 64.9%). After 3 years of TDF therapy, the mean LS value significantly improved (from 14.7 to 8.6 kPa, P < .001), and 96 (73.3%) patients have achieved LS improvement. Predictors associated with improvement of LS were low body mass index (BMI), HBeAg positivity, and low CAP value at baseline. In multivariate analysis, low BMI was a single factor independently associated with LS improvement (odds ratio 0.680, 95% CI 0.560‐0.825, P < .001). Patients with BMI < 23.5, had a 1.96 times more chance of achieving LS improvement compared to those with BMI ≥ 23.5 (90.1% vs. 46.0%, P = .001). High BMI was a single significant factor hindering the fibrosis improvement in patients receiving long‐term TDF therapy in CHB with liver cirrhosis. Life style modification and BMI reduction should be encouraged to enhance fibrosis improvement.
No evidence of a legacy effect on survival following randomization to extended hours dialysis in the ACTIVE Dialysis trial
Authors: Smyth Brendan , Zuo Li , Gray Nicholas A. , Chan Christopher T. , de Zoysa Janak R. , Hong Daqing , Rogers Kris , Wang Jia , Cass Alan , Gallagher Martin , Perkovic Vlado , Jardine Meg ,   ACTIVE Dialysis Study Investigators
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimExtended hours haemodialysis is associated with superior survival to standard hours. However, residual confounding limits the interpretation of this observation. We aimed to determine the effect of a period of extended hours dialysis on long‐term survival among participants in the ACTIVE Dialysis trial.MethodsTwo‐hundred maintenance haemodialysis recipients were randomized to extended hours dialysis (median 24 h/wk) or standard hours dialysis (median 12 h/wk) for 12 months. Further pre‐specified observational follow up occurred at 24, 36 and 60 months. Vital status and modality of renal replacement therapy were ascertained.ResultsOver the 5 years, 38 participants died, 30 received a renal transplant, and 6 were lost to follow up. Total weekly dialysis hours did not differ between standard and extended groups during the follow‐up period (14.1 hours [95%CI 13.4‐14.8] vs 14.8 hours [95%CI 14.1‐15.6]; P = .16). There was no difference in all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio for extended hours 0.91 [95%CI 0.48‐1.72]; P = .77). Similar results were obtained after censoring participants at transplantation, and after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Subgroup analysis did not reveal differences in treatment effect by region, dialysis setting or vintage (P‐interaction .51, .54, .12, respectively).ConclusionTwelve months of extended hours dialysis did not improve long‐term survival nor affect dialysis hours after the intervention period. An urgent need remains to further define the optimal dialysis intensity across the broad range of dialysis recipients.
Intergenerational Earnings Persistence in Italy between Actual Father–Son Pairs Accounting for Lifecycle and Attenuation Bias
Authors: Bloise Francesco , Raitano Michele 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUsing a longitudinal dataset built merging administrative and survey data, we contribute to the literature on intergenerational inequality providing the first estimate of the intergenerational earnings elasticity (IGE) in Italy based on actual father–son pairs, taking into account issues related to measurement biases and comparing the size of the lifecycle bias when sons are selected by age or by potential experience (i.e. the number of years since the end of their studies). Our findings confirm that Italy is a low‐mobility country. In our baseline estimate, when sons are observed 6 years after the end of their studies, the IGE is approximately 0.41 and is robust to various measures of fathers’ lifetime earnings. However, our results might be downward biased by the young age of sons. To measure the lifecycle bias and correct IGE estimates, we run the ‘forward regression’ of yearly earnings on lifetime earnings on a sample of workers followed for 30 years. We find that selecting sons by potential experience rather than by age reduces the lifecycle bias at young ages and the ‘corrected’ IGE is 0.48. The picture of Italy as a low‐mobility country is also confirmed when we measure the intergenerational association through the rank–rank slope.
LncWNT3‐IT affects the proliferation of Sertoli cells by regulating the expression of the WNT3 gene in goat testis
Authors: He Lina , He Qijie , Qiao Lei , Huang Siyi , Dai Zinuo , Yang Tianyuan , Liu Lingbin , Zhao Zhongquan 
Published: June 2020

ContentsThe proliferation and differentiation ability of testicular Sertoli cells directly affects spermatogenesis and male reproductive development. WNT proteins are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and spermatogenesis. Therefore, to study whether lncRNAs, which regulate the expression of WNT proteins during cell proliferation and differentiation, are worthwhile. In this study, testicular tissue from the Dazu black goat (Capra, goat, Chongqing, China) at neonatal time (less than 7 days old), early puberty time (45 days old) and sexual maturity time (90 days old) at three ages was subjected to high‐throughput sequencing to predict testicular growth and development associated with WNT lncRNA. The final screening of lncWNT3‐IT may be targeted to regulate the expression of WNT3. At the same time, the expression of WNT3 was verified by lncWNT3‐IT by paraffin sectioning, fluorescence in situ hybridization, interference, overexpression, cytotoxicity assay, Western blotting and qPCR. The following results were obtained: lncWNT3‐IT was expressed in the testicular Sertoli cells and played a role in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. Fluorescence in situ hybridization localization analysis showed that lncWNT3‐IT positively regulated the expression of WNT3, and through cell viability and cell proliferation experiments, it was found that the expression of lncWNT3‐IT assisted in Sertoli cell proliferation. In summary, lncWNT3‐IT can influence the proliferation of Sertoli cells by positively regulating the expression of WNT3.
The causal pathway effects of a physical activity intervention on adiposity in children: The KISS Study cluster randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lima Rodrigo Antunes , Andersen Lars Bo , Soares Fernanda Cunha , Kriemler Susi 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundVery little information on the potential mechanisms of the physical activity interventions effects on adiposity is available. We evaluated the possible mediating factors of a physical activity school‐based intervention on the sum of skinfolds in children.MethodsThis is a cluster randomized trial, secondary analysis of the KISS study. Children (n = 499) from the first and fifth grades were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. Adiposity was estimated by four skinfolds, aerobic fitness assessed by the shuttle run test, and insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and glucose collected via fasting blood samples.ResultsThe intervention affected aerobic fitness (0.140 SD, 95% CI 0.011 to 0.270), triglycerides (0.217 SD, 95% CI −0.409 to −0.025), cholesterol/HDL ratio (−0.191 SD, 95% CI −0.334 to −0.047), glucose (−0.330 SD, 95% CI −0.538 to −0.121), and skinfolds (−0.122 SD, 95% CI −0.189 to −0.056). No intervention effect on insulin was found. We observed that changes in aerobic fitness impacted children's triglycerides and cholesterol/HDL ratio and consecutively the glucose levels mediating 30% of the intervention effect on skinfolds.ConclusionsOur findings provided evidence of the positive metabolic distress caused by a physical activity intervention on adiposity levels in children.
Urine creatinine concentration and urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratios in healthy nonracing Greyhounds
Authors: Liffman Rebekah , Courtman Natalie , Tennent‐Brown Brett , Johnstone Thurid 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSerum creatinine concentrations are higher in Greyhounds when compared with nonsighthound breeds. Greyhounds might also have higher urine creatinine concentrations compared with other breeds, which could affect urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC) references.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the UPC reference intervals (RIs) in healthy nonracing Greyhounds and compare this with UPC values in a group of healthy nonsighthounds and with the current International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines.MethodsThe study used an observational cross‐sectional design, involving clinically healthy, nonracing Greyhounds (n = 98) and nonsighthound dogs of similar weight, age, and sex (n = 24). Packed cell volumes, total solids, urine protein concentrations, serum and urine creatinine concentrations, urine specific gravity (USG) measurements, and UPCs were determined. Linear regression was used to compare urine creatinine and urine protein concentrations, relative to the USG measurements, between Greyhound and nonsighthound groups. Greyhound UPC RIs were determined using nonparametric methods and compared with UPC values in nonsighthounds and current IRIS guidelines.ResultsMean urine creatinine concentrations, adjusted for USGs, were approximately 22% higher in Greyhounds compared with nonsighthounds (P = .002). Mean urine protein concentration (P = .46) and UPC (P = .1) were not significantly different between Greyhounds and nonsighthounds. The upper limit of the Greyhound UPC RI was 0.20 or 0.42, depending on whether strict or moderate exclusion criteria were applied, respectively.ConclusionsGreyhounds have higher urine creatinine concentrations than nonsighthounds. Although the suggested RI for UPCs in Greyhounds is slightly lower than the cut‐offs recommended in generic canine IRIS guidelines, this difference is not likely to be clinically significant.