bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Azo dying of α‐keratin material improves microbial keratinase screening and standardization
Authors: Gonzalo Milena , Espersen Roall , Al‐Soud Waleed A. , Cristiano Falco Francesco , Hägglund Per , Sørensen Søren J. , Svensson Birte , Jacquiod Samuel 
Published: February 2020

SummaryMicrobial conversion through enzymatic reactions has received a lot of attention as a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly way to recover amino acids and short peptides from keratin materials. However, accurate assessment of microbial keratinase activity is not straightforward, and current available methods lack sensitivity and standardization. Here, we suggest an optimized Azokeratin assay, with substrate generated directly from azo‐dyed raw keratin material. We introduced supernatant filtration in the protocol for optimal stopping of keratinase reactions instead of the widely used trichloroacetic acid (TCA), as it generated biases and impacted the sensitivity. We furthermore suggest a method for standardization of keratinase activity signals using proteinase K, a well‐known keratinase, as a reference enabling reproducibility between studies. Lastly, we evaluated our developed method with several bacterial isolates through benchmarking against a commercial assay (Keratin Azure). Under different setups, the Azokeratin method was more sensitive than commonly used Keratin Azure‐based assays (3‐fold). We argue that this method could be applied with any type of keratin substrate, enabling more robust and sensitive results which can be used for further comparison with other studies, thus representing an important progress within the field of microbial keratin degradation.
US Foreign Policy in the Middle East: The Logic of Hegemonic Retreat
Authors: Yom Sean 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe Trump administration's foreign policy is often perceived as an isolationist ideology that has radically reversed American global leadership in a matter of years. In the Middle East, critics have harangued the Trump Doctrine as an even hastier surrender of the US hegemony that has defined regional order since the 1980s. In reality, American interest in this region has been declining for a decade as expressed by its rising reluctance to leverage its economic and military supremacy to constrain, regulate, and destroy perceived foes as it once did. This waning interventionism precedes the Trump Doctrine. It stems not from any ideological turn, or the financial and military exhaustion of a cresting superpower, but rather a structural dynamic: the Middle East no longer generates credible threats against the US. Whereas in the past alarmist fears of communism and energy insecurity propelled Washington's regional imperium, today the perceived enemies of US interests – radical Islamism and Iran – do not endanger the political institutions and economic prosperity of American society. Absent a catastrophic terrorist attack, the US will continue to relinquish its hegemonic mantle, turning away from overt interventionism as the logic of coercively dominating a region of diminishing importance runs its course.
Effectiveness of WhatsApp online group discussion for smoking relapse prevention: protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cheung Yee Tak Derek , Chan Ching Han Helen , Ho Kin Sang , Fok Wai‐Yin Patrick , Conway Mike , Wong Carlos King Ho , Li William Ho Cheung , Wang Man Ping , Lam Tai Hing 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsSustained psychosocial support via online social groups may help former tobacco users maintain abstinence. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of participating in a WhatsApp social group for long‐term smoking cessation.DesignTwo‐arm, open‐labelled, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial.SettingAll participants are service users of smoking cessation clinics, and all interventions are delivered via mobile phones.ParticipantsParticipants included 1008 adult quitters who self‐report no tobacco use in the past 3–30 days.InterventionsThe intervention group (n = 504) will join a WhatsApp social group to receive standardized and theory‐based reminders of smoking relapse prevention and participate in discussion with other WhatsApp group members using their own mobile phones. All social groups will be led by counselors or specialist nurse practitioners. The control group (n = 504) will receive similar reminders via short messages to their own mobile phones but will not interact with other participants. The intervention duration for both groups is 8 weeks. Both groups will receive a booklet at baseline about how to prevent smoking relapse.MeasurementsThe primary outcome is biochemically validated tobacco abstinence at 12 months after consent.CommentsThe findings will provide evidence concerning the utility of operating online social group discussion for prevention of smoking relapse and sustaining long‐term abstinence.
The influence of age and overweight or obesity on foot sensitivity and postural control: A systematic review
Authors: Andreato Leonardo Vidal , de Oliveira Daniel Vicentini , Follmer Bruno , Bertolini Sônia Maria Marques Gomes 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a systematic review on the influence of age and overweight—or obesity—on foot sensitivity, as well as its relationship with balance and postural control.MethodsPublications in the following databases were searched up to December 2018: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Both randomised controlled and non‐randomised trials, plus cross‐sectional studies that evaluated foot sensitivity and balance in adults and/or older people, were investigated.ResultsA total of 152 studies were found, 14 studies were included and 506 people of both sexes were involved in the included studies.ConclusionsIncreased age represented a detrimental effect on foot sensitivity. Most studies showed that decreased foot sensitivity was related to worse balance and/or postural stability. Overweight or obesity was associated with plantar sensitivity, with lower sensitivity and decreased postural stability observed in obese people.
Predicting sediment discharges and erosion rates in deep time—examples from the late Cretaceous North American continent
Authors: Lyster Sinéad J. , Whittaker Alexander C. , Allison Peter A. , Lunt Daniel J. , Farnsworth Alexander 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDepositional stratigraphy represents the only physical archive of palaeo‐sediment routing and this limits analysis of ancient source‐to‐sink systems in both space and time. Here, we use palaeo‐digital elevation models (palaeoDEMs; based on high‐resolution palaeogeographic reconstructions), HadCM3L general circulation model climate data and the BQART suspended sediment discharge model to demonstrate a predictive, forward approach to palaeo‐sediment routing system analysis. To exemplify our approach, we use palaeoDEMs and HadCM3L data to predict the configurations, geometries and climates of large continental catchments in the Cenomanian and Turonian North American continent. Then, we use BQART to estimate suspended sediment discharges and catchment‐averaged erosion rates and we map their spatial distributions. We validate our estimates with published geologic constraints from the Cenomanian Dunvegan Formation, Alberta, Canada, and the Turonian Ferron Sandstone, Utah, USA, and find that estimates are consistent or within a factor of two to three. We then evaluate the univariate and multivariate sensitivity of our estimates to a range of uncertainty margins on palaeogeographic and palaeoclimatic boundary conditions; large uncertainty margins (≤50%/±5°C) still recover estimates of suspended sediment discharge within an order of magnitude of published constraints. PalaeoDEMs are therefore suitable as a first‐order investigative tool in palaeo‐sediment routing system analysis and are particularly useful where stratigraphic records are incomplete. We highlight the potential of this approach to predict the global spatio‐temporal response of suspended sediment discharges and catchment‐averaged erosion rates to long‐period tectonic and climatic forcing in the geologic past.
Specific slow tests are not mandatory in patients with extremely short standard (3.2 km/hr 10% slope) test durations during exercise oximetry
Authors: Sempore Wendsèndaté Yves , Ramondou Pierre , Hersant Jeanne , Feuilloy Mathieu , Guilleron Celine , Henni Samir , Abraham Pierre 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimTo compare the transcutaneous oxygen pressure results observed in patients with severe walking limitation during standard procedures (3.2 km/hr, 10% slope) versus during a test performed at a low speed (2 km/hr, 10% slope).MethodsIn 31 patients, the decrease from rest of oxygen pressure (DROP) index was measured on both buttocks, both thighs and both calves during two consecutive tests on treadmill. The maximal walking time (MWT) and the minimal DROP values (DROPmin) observed during the 2 tests were compared with t test. Correlation of DROPmin values during the slow and standard procedure was performed with linear regression. The −15 mmHg cut‐off value defined for standard test interpretation was used arbitrarily for the interpretation of slow test results.ResultsMWT was 80 ± 52 s versus 376 ± 269 s at standard and slow speed, respectively (p < .001). No difference on all recorded DROPmin values at a standard (−9.5 ± 6.9 mmHg) and slow (−10.5 ± 7.9 mmHg) speed was found; n = 186, p = .168. Coefficient of correlation between DROPmins found at the two tests was r = 0.820 (p < .01), with regression line close to the line of identity. With the identical −15 mmHg cut‐off, 166 (89.2%) of 186 the results were classified similarly after standard and slow procedures.ConclusionSpecific slow treadmill procedures are not mandatory in patients with extremely short test durations when performing standard (3.2 km/hr 10% slope) exercise oximetry. In patients expected to be unable to walk at standard speed, the −15 mmHg normal limit seems to be valid for the interpretation of tests with a slow procedure (2.0 km/hr).
Melanocytic and pseudomelanocytic nests coexist in interface dermatitis from head‐neck sun‐exposed skin: A report of three cases
Authors: Ferrara Gerardo , Bradamante Mirna , Broglia Irene , Petrillo Gianluca , Stefanato Catherine M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDiscrete junctional cellular aggregates (“nests”), partially staining with melanocytic markers, are described in lichenoid tissue reaction, mainly from chronically sun‐exposed skin. The concomitant epidermal flattening and papillary dermal fibrosis with melanophages, may raise the differential diagnosis to that of a regressing melanoma. We describe three cases of interface dermatitis of the head/neck area with clinicopathological features of melanotic discoid lupus erythematosus. These cases showed junctional aggregates, a few composed of inflammatory cells and colloid bodies (“pseudomelanocytic nests”), while others composed of S100‐ but MART‐1+, MITF+, and SOX‐10+ cells (“true melanocytic nests”); negativity of the melanocytic component for PRAME was a clue to benignity. True junctional melanocytic nesting may be induced by lichenoid dermatoses on chronically sun‐damaged skin. The presence of colloid bodies and of the double negativity for S100 (within nests) and PRAME (both within nests and single melanocytes), together with clinicopathological correlation, avoids misdiagnosis.
The mortality burden attributable to nontrauma fracture for privately insured adults with epilepsy
Authors: Whitney Daniel G. , Bell Sarah , McNamara Nancy A. , Hurvitz Edward A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals with epilepsy have poor bone development and preservation throughout the lifespan and are vulnerable to nontrauma fracture (NTFx) and post‐NTFx complications. However, no studies have examined the contribution of NTFx to mortality among adults with epilepsy. The objective was to determine whether NTFx is a risk factor for mortality among adults with epilepsy.MethodsData from 2011 to 2016 were obtained from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart, a nationwide claims database from a single private payer in the United States. Diagnosis codes were used to identify adults (≥18 years old) with epilepsy, NTFx, and covariates (demographics and pre‐NTFx cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer). Crude mortality rate per 100 person‐years was estimated. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for mortality, comparing epilepsy and NTFx (EP + NTFx; n = 11 471), epilepsy without NTFx (EP without NTFx; n = 50 384), without epilepsy and with NTFx (without EP + NTFx; n = 423 041), and without epilepsy and without NTFx (without EP without NTFx; n = 6.8 million) after adjusting for covariates.ResultsThe 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month crude mortality rates were highest among EP + NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 8.79), followed by without EP + NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 4.80), EP without NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 3.06), and without EP without NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 0.47). After adjustments, the mortality rate was elevated for EP + NTFx for all time points compared to EP without NTFx (eg, 12‐month HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.58‐1.85), without EP + NTFx (eg, 12‐month HR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.32‐1.51), and without EP without NTFx (eg, 12‐month HR = 5.23, 95% CI = 4.88‐5.60). Stratified analyses showed higher adjusted HRs of 12‐month mortality for EP + NTFx for all NTFx sites (ie, vertebral column, hip, extremities), all age categories (young, middle‐aged, older), and for both women and men.SignificanceAmong adults with epilepsy and compared to adults without epilepsy, NTFx is associated with a higher 12‐month mortality rate. Findings suggest that NTFx may be a robust risk factor for mortality among adults with epilepsy.
Two New Endozoic Ciliates, Clevelandella lynni sp. n. and Nyctotherus galerus sp. n., Isolated from the Hindgut of the Wood‐feeding Cockroach Panesthia angustipennis (Illiger, 1801)
Authors: Pecina Lukáš , Vďačný Peter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTwo new ciliate species, Clevelandella lynni sp. n. and Nyctotherus galerus sp. n., were discovered in the hindgut of wood‐feeding panesthiine cockroaches. Their morphology was studied using standard methods, and their phylogenetic positions within the order Clevelandellida were determined using the 18S rRNA gene sequences. Clevelandella lynni is characterized by a prominent peristomial projection, a notched left body margin, a tear‐shaped to broadly ovoidal macronucleus, a karyophore attached to the right body margin, and by an adoral zone composed of on average 48 membranelles and extending about 51% of body length. The diagnostic features of N. galerus include a short posterior body projection, a spherical to broadly ellipsoidal macronucleus, a karyophore attached to the right and left body margins, refractile bodies densely packed anterior to the macronucleus, and an adoral zone composed of on average 57 membranelles and extending about 70% body length. The order Clevelandellida was consistently depicted as monophyletic in 18S rRNA gene phylogenies. Nyctotherus galerus was placed in the paraphyletic family Nyctotheridae, as sister taxon to all other Nyctotherus and Clevelandella species isolated from cockroaches. Clevelandella lynni fell in the monophyletic family Clevelandellidae, as sister taxon to C. panesthiae KC139718 but with very poor statistical support.
Antifungal activity of edible coating made from chitosan and lactoperoxidase system against Phomopsis sp. RP257 and Pestalotiopsis sp. isolated from mango
Authors: Mohamed Cissé , Elise N'guessan , Etienne Tia V. , Loiseau Gérard , Montet Didier 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLactoperoxidase system (LPOS) was incorporated into chitosan solutions (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) to protect mangoes against two strains of fungi. Coating solutions effectiveness in vitro (in Petri dish) and in vivo (on mango) were studied on fungal (Phomopsis sp. RP257 and Pestalotiopsis sp.) growth isolated from mango cv Amelie. In vitro, chitosan concentration at least 1% containing or not LPOS effectively inhibited Pestalotiopsis sp. growth at 100%. Presence of LPOS or Lactoperoxydase system with iodine (LPOSI) in chitosan at 0.5% increased the percentage of inhibition from 26 to 93%. Edible films with LPOS inhibited Phomopsis sp. RP257 particularly when LPOS was incorporated in chitosan concentrations of 1 and 1.5%. Iodine did not influenced antifungal activity of LPOS against Pestalotiopsis sp. but decreased activity antifungal toward Phomopsis sp. RP257. The properties (water vapor permeability and mechanical properties) of chitosan films were not significantly changed by the incorporation of the enzyme system. in vivo condition, chitosan coating at 1 and 1.5% with or without enzyme system was sufficient to inhibit totally (100%) Pestalotiopsis sp. and was 60% efficient against Phomopsis sp. with chitosan only at 1 and 1.5%. However, when coating solution mainly at 1 and 1.5% was enhanced by LPOS with or without iodine, it inhibited totally (100%) Phomopsis sp. RP257. The presence of iodine slightly reduced antifungal activity against Phomopsis sp. RP257.
Cold subduction zone in northern Calabria (Italy) revealed by lawsonite–clinopyroxene blueschists
Authors: Tursi Fabrizio , Bianco Caterina , Brogi Andrea , Caggianelli Alfredo , Prosser Giacomo , Ruggieri Giovanni , Braschi Eleonora 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLawsonite blueschists are important markers of cold subduction zones, subjected to intense fluid circulation. This is because lawsonite preservation in exhumed blueschists and eclogites is typically linked to cold exhumation paths, accompanied by hydration. In the Catena Costiera (Calabria, southern Italy), lawsonite–clinopyroxene blueschists of the Diamante–Terranova Unit, affected by ductile shearing and retrogression, are exposed. Blueschists contain zoned clinopyroxene crystals, showing core–rim compositional variation from diopside to omphacite and hosting primary inclusions of lawsonite and titanite. Thermodynamic modelling of phase equilibria in the NCKFMASHTO system revealed peak metamorphic conditions of 2.0–2.1 GPa and 475–490°C for the Alpine subduction in Calabria. The subsequent post‐peak metamorphic evolution mainly proceeded along a decompression and cooling path up to ~1.1 GPa and ~380°C. The final exhumation stages are recorded in the sheared blueschists where a mylonitic to ultramylonitic foliation developed at ~0.7 GPa and 290–315°C. Therefore, the P–T evolution of the Diamante–Terranova blueschists mostly occurred in the stability field of lawsonite, sustained by H2O‐saturated conditions during the exhumation path. The results of this study indicate that the blueschists underwent peak metamorphic conditions higher than previously thought, reaching a maximum depth of ~70 km under a very cold geothermal gradient (~6.6°C/km), during the Eocene subduction of the Ligurian Tethys oceanic crust in Calabria.
Environmental factors in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Björk A. , Mofors J. , Wahren‐Herlenius M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPrimary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which exocrine organs, primarily the salivary and lacrimal glands, are targets of chronic inflammation, leading to severe dryness of eyes and mouth. Fatigue and arthralgia are also common, and extraglandular manifestations involving the respiratory, nervous and vascular systems occur in a subset of patients. Persistent activation of the type I interferon system, and autoreactive B and T cells with production of disease‐associated autoantibodies are central to the pathogenesis. Genetic polymorphisms that associate with an increased risk of SS have been described, though the risk‐increase contributed by the respective variant is generally low. It is thus becoming increasingly clear that genetics cannot alone account for the development of SS and that other, presumably exogenous, factors must play a critical role. Relatively few studies have investigated exposure to potential risk factors prior to SS disease onset. Rather, many factors have been studied in prevalent cases. In this review, we summarize current literature on exogenous factors in the pathogenesis of SS including infections, hormones, smoking, solvents and additional compounds. We delineate for which factors there is current evidence of increased disease risk, and for which our present knowledge is confined to suggesting their role in SS pathogenesis. Finally, we outline future perspectives in the continued search for environmental risk factors for SS, a research area of great importance considering the possibilities for preventive measures.
Parenting Practices, Family Obligation, and Adolescents’ Academic Adjustment: Cohort Differences with Social Change in China
Authors: Bi Xinwen , Zhang Liang , Yang Yiqun , Zhang Wenxin 
Published: February 2020

This study examined possible changes in the functions of parenting practices across different historical time points in terms of the effects of parenting practices on adolescents’ academic adjustment and their indirect effects via family obligation values. This study used a time‐lagged design that recruited Chinese high school students in 2010 (N = 1,040) and 2018 (N = 1,302). Structured equation modeling revealed the total effects of acceptance/involvement and strictness/supervision on academic adjustment and their indirect effects through family obligation values were positive and statistically equivalent across cohorts. However, the indirect effect of psychological autonomy granting on academic adjustment through family obligation values was negative in 2010 (in rural) but was not statistically significant in 2018 (urban and rural). These findings indicate that along with the sociodemographic change toward Gesellschaft (e.g., more urbanized, wealthier, higher level of education), psychological autonomy granting tends to exert less negative influence on adolescents’ adjustment in the later cohort.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and related factors in female university students
Authors: Gücük Sebahat , Ural Ülkü M. , Kayhan Mehmet , Gücük Adnan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectivesOur study aims to determine the symptoms and frequency of lower urinary tract in female university students and its related factors.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted between January and June 2017. To determine their sociodemographic characteristics and toilet habits, the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire, a 21‐item questionnaire, was applied to female university students accepting to participate in the study using the face‐to‐face interview method.ResultsThe study was completed with 1091 individuals. The mean age of the participants was 20.27±1.69 years. The question “Do you feel a sudden urination sensation and run to the toilet?” was answered by 1.1% (n: 12) of the participants with “Always,” while 34.8% (n: 380) replied “Never.” In terms of feeling a sudden urination sensation, 0.5% (n: 6) of the participants stated that they “always” experience micturition, while 15.0% (n: 164) answered with “Seldom.” The complaint of being unable to empty their bladder completely while urinating was higher in students with constipation problems (P .04) and a body mass index (BMI) > 24.9 (P .02).ConclusionsLower urinary tract complaints are a common problem. We believe that routine medical screening should be performed for female university students whose living conditions change when they start university; besides, we suggest that well‐attended and repeatable training programs for healthy living behaviors, urinary habits, and hygiene should be organized for university students.