bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Vitamin D Levels and Risk of Incident Delirium in 351,000 Older UK Biobank Participants
Authors: Pilling Luke C. , Jones Lindsay C. , Masoli Jane A. H. , Delgado João , Atkins Janice L. , Bowden Jack , Fortinsky Richard H. , Kuchel George A. , Melzer David 
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESDelirium is common in older adults, especially following hospitalization. Because low vitamin D levels may be associated with increased delirium risk, we aimed to determine the prognostic value of blood vitamin D levels, extending our previous genetic analyses of this relationship.DESIGNProspective cohort analysis.SETTINGCommunity‐based cohort study of adults from 22 cities across the United Kingdom (the UK Biobank).PARTICIPANTSAdults aged 60 and older by the end of follow‐up in the linked hospital inpatient admissions data, up to 14 years after baseline (n = 351,320).MEASUREMENTSAt baseline, serum vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) levels were measured. We used time‐to‐event models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between vitamin D deficiency and incident hospital‐diagnosed delirium, adjusted for age, sex, assessment month, assessment center, and ethnicity. We performed Mendelian randomization genetic analysis in European participants to further investigate vitamin D and delirium risk.RESULTSA total of 3,634 (1.03%) participants had at least one incident hospital‐diagnosed delirium episode. Vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) predicted a large incidence in delirium (HR = 2.49; 95% CI = 2.24–2.76; P = 3*10−68, compared with >50 nmol/L). Increased risk was not limited to the deficient group: insufficient levels (25–50 nmol/L) were also at increased risk (HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.28–1.49; P = 4*10−18). The association was independent of calcium levels, hospital‐diagnosed fractures, dementia, and other relevant cofactors. In genetic analysis, participants carrying more vitamin D–increasing variants had a reduced likelihood of incident delirium diagnosis (HR = .80 per standard deviation increase in genetically instrumented vitamin D: .73–.87; P = 2*10−7).CONCLUSIONProgressively lower vitamin D levels predicted increased risks of incident hospital‐diagnosed delirium, and genetic evidence supports a shared causal pathway. Because low vitamin D levels are simple to detect and inexpensive and safe to correct, an intervention trial to confirm these results is urgently needed.
Efficacy of a dietitian‐led very low calorie diet (VLCD) based model of care to facilitate weight loss for obese patients prior to elective, non‐bariatric surgery
Authors: Griffin S. B. , Ross L. J. , Burstow M. J. , Desbrow B. , Palmer M. A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundElective surgery in obese adults carries a higher risk of post‐operative infection and prolonged hospital stays, and surgeons may postpone surgery for patients with obesity until they lose weight. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of a dietitian‐led very low calorie diet (VLCD)‐based model of care with respect to achieving weight loss for obese patients prior to surgery.MethodsThis mixed‐methods study included a medical chart audit of patients referred to a VLCD‐based model over 23 months, as well as a survey of recently treated patients and surgeons who utilised the model. Preoperative weight loss targets were set by surgeons, and the dietitian prescribed individualised VLCD‐based treatment. Efficacy was determined as weight loss considered sufficient for surgery, clinical safety of VLCD‐based treatment, feasibility, and stakeholder value. Pre/post‐intervention differences in clinical measures were explored by paired t‐test or Wilcoxon tests as appropriate.ResultsData on seventy‐eight eligible patients [mean (SD) 45 (13) years, 90% female, body mass index 44.3 (6.2) kg m–2] demonstrated significant mean (SD) weight loss of 7.4% (5.3%) body weight (P < 0.05). Most patients (70%, n = 50/71) achieved sufficient weight loss to proceed to surgery. Fifty‐six per cent of patients reported mild side effects (n = 43/77) and none led to treatment cessation. Surgeons reported VLCD‐based treatment made operations easier (83%, n = 10/12) and shorter (75%, n = 9/12) and all recommended the model of care. All surveyed patients (n = 24) reported satisfaction with their VLCD‐based model experience.ConclusionsA dietitian‐led VLCD‐based model achieved sufficient weight loss to facilitate elective surgery for most patients. The approach was feasible, highly valued by patients and surgeons, and resulted in perceived surgical benefits.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Takenoshita S. , Terada S. , Kuwano R. , Inoue T. , Kurozumi T. , Choju A. , Suemitsu S. , Yamada N. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDementia in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) is difficult to detect because of preexisting cognitive deficits. An effective screening method is required. The Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID) was developed as an observer rating tool to screen dementia in people with ID. The aim of this study was to verify the screening accuracy of the DSQIID for Japanese people with ID.MethodsFour‐hundred ninety‐three subjects with ID participated in this study. Caregivers who had observed the participants for more than 2 years scored the Japanese version of the DSQIID (DSQIID‐J) of the participants. Three doctors examined participants directly and diagnosed dementia using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria. To identify the key screening items that predict dementia, the specificities of a single and pairs of items with 100% sensitivity were evaluated relative to the dementia diagnosis.ResultsOf 493 participants, 34 were people with Down syndrome (DS), and 459 were people without DS. Seventeen participants were diagnosed with dementia. The suitable cut‐off score of the DSQIID‐J was 10/11 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 96.8%) for screening dementia. The inter‐rater reliability, test–retest reliability and internal consistency of the DSQIID‐J were excellent. Regarding key items, there was no single item with 100% sensitivity, and the best two‐item combination was the pair of ‘Cannot dress without help’ and ‘Walks slower’ (sensitivity 100% and specificity 93.5%).ConclusionsWe identified several important question items of the DSQIID‐J related to the diagnosis of dementia in people with ID. The DSQIID‐J is a useful screening tool for dementia in adults with ID.
Association between Demodex folliculorum and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Toka Özer Türkan , Akyürek Ömer , Durmaz Süleyman 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDemodex folliculorum mite infestation is associated with many diseases such as rosacea, pityriasis found with acne vulgaris, and blepharitis.AimIn this research, the aim of this study was to investigate an association between patients who have metabolic syndrome and presence of Demodex folliculorum.Patients/MethodsThis research was planned prospectively as a case‐control study. Fifty cases who have metabolic syndrome and 50 control subjects in good health were included. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Standard superficial skin biopsy was performed for the presence of Demodex folliculorum mite infestation.ResultsIt was detected that number of Demodex affected from the glucose level and each increase in glucose level cause an increase on Demodex as 0.190 (P = .00, t = 4.746, B = 0.190, r = 0.57, Durbin‐Watson = 1.801, confidence interval = 0.110 to 0.271 (for glucose)).ConclusionIn this study, the presence of Demodex folliculorum was found to be higher in the cases who have metabolic syndrome compared to the healthy group. These results show that in cases with metabolic syndrome, high blood sugar levels make them more susceptible to infestation of Demodex folliculorum.
Exclusive enteral nutrition in children and adolescents with Crohn disease: Dietitian perspectives and practice
Authors: Burgess Deirdre , Herbison Kim , Fox Julia , Collins Tanya , Landorf Emma , Howley Peter 
Published: October 2020

AimIn newly diagnosed paediatric Crohn disease, exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is recommended as a first‐line treatment for remission induction. However, EEN protocols vary internationally. The development of best practice protocols may make it easier to make definitive conclusions about optimal EEN therapy, and may improve patient outcomes. This study aims to determine the variations in current dietitian EEN practice within Australia and New Zealand (NZ) to inform a common EEN protocol in the future, and to gather perspectives on the need for nutrition resources for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).MethodsA questionnaire was created and emailed to paediatric dietitians working with gastroenterologists in public and private paediatric centres in Australia and NZ. Respondents were invited to provide details of their perspectives of EEN therapy and protocol details.ResultsEighteen paediatric dietitians responded to the questionnaire, 10 from Australia and 8 from NZ. There was clear consensus between respondents on the duration of EEN being 6 and 8 weeks, the need for close dietitian supervision while on EEN, and the method of food reintroduction. There was lack of consensus between dietitians regarding permitted concomitant foods whilst on EEN. This study also determined a potential benchmarking relationship between IBD dietitian hours and numbers of patients on EEN per year in a centre.ConclusionsPaediatric dietitians in Australia and NZ are mostly aligned in their practice of EEN. Development of a standard EEN protocol, and patient IBD resources, will further align practice and allow for greater research possibilities.
Photosynthetic changes in wheat cultivars with contrasting levels of resistance to blast
Authors: Aucique‐Pérez Carlos Eduardo , Rios Vinicius Souza , Neto Lara Beatriz Cruz , Rios Jonas Alberto , Martins Samuel Cordeiro Vitor , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWheat blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is currently the main disease that threat to food security and wheat production in the world. This study investigated the photosynthetic responses of wheat plants from cultivars BR‐18 (moderately resistant) and BRS‐Guamirim (susceptible), differing in their levels of resistance to blast, by using leaf gas exchange and rapid light curves analysis focusing primarily on the asymptomatic (AS) and symptomatic (S) phases of disease development. The photosynthetic capacity of plants from cultivar BRS‐Guamirim was compromised by diffusional CO2 limitations and inefficient photoprotection mechanism at the AS phase of blast due to reductions in CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and fluorescent quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm). For cultivar BR‐18, the loss in photosynthesis was minimized due to an efficient control in the regulated energy dissipation [Y(NPQ)] avoiding losses by latent heat [Y(NO)]. Additionally, Fv/Fm was a promissory physiological indicator of blast during its AS phase while Y(NPQ) and Y(NO) were more sensitive at the S phase of the disease. In conclusion, the physiological parameters Fv/Fm, Y(NQP) and Y(NO) can be used as physiological markers in wheat breeding programs seeking in the development of cultivars resistant to blast.
The risk factors for recurrence of febrile urinary tract infection and renal scarring in children with functional urinary incontinence
Authors: Cetin Nuran , Kavaz Tufan Aslı , Tokar Baran 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesFunctional urinary incontinence is often associated with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scarring. This study aims to evaluate the correlations between urodynamic findings and recurrence of UTI, VUR, and renal scarring in children with functional incontinence.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, data on the presence of VUR, urodynamics and 99Tc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy findings, and episodes of febrile UTI were obtained from patientsʼ records. The patients had at least 3 years of follow‐up.ResultsThere were significant associations between recurrence of UTI and decreased bladder capacity (hazard ratio: 1.321, P = .028). The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed a cutoff value for compliance of 13.25 mL/cmH2O for renal scarring (P = .000). There was a significant association between bladder wall thickening and VUR (odds ratio: 2.311, P = .008). The compliance had a cutoff value of 14.7 mL/cm H2O (P = .023) for severe VUR. The frequency of renal scarring was higher in patients with severe VUR and dysfunctional voiding (P = .001 and P = .041, respectively). The independent risk factors for renal scarring were low compliance, severe VUR, and dysfunctional voiding in children with functional incontinence, but recurrence of febrile UTI was not a risk factor for renal scarring. Decreased bladder capacity was a risk factor for recurrence of febrile UTI.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that low compliance, severe VUR, and dysfunctional voiding, but not the recurrence of febrile UTI, are the independent risk factors for renal scarring in children with functional incontinence, and decreased bladder capacity is the risk factor for the recurrence of febrile UTI.
Peas Please: Making a pledge for more veg
Authors: Haydon P. , Tobi R. , Bridge G. , Gurung I. , Scott C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractResearch suggests that eating vegetables benefits both human health and the environment. However, in the UK, very few people are eating enough vegetables. This is contributing to the global burden of diet‐related disease and associated costs, as well as undermining the possibility of a sustainable UK food system. The Peas Please initiative was launched in 2017 to encourage organisations and businesses across the food system to pledge their commitment to helping the British public increase their vegetable consumption. Since the implementation of the Peas Please initiative 95 organisations have pledged to support Peas Please and, at the time of writing, an additional 89.9 million portions of vegetables have been grown, served and sold by pledgers. This article describes the Peas Please initiative and its rationale, highlights some of the key outcomes of the programme, and outlines next steps for increasing commitment to the programme.
A framework for student‐led education conferences
Authors: Dominic Catherine , Bhalla Gaurav 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAttendance at conferences as part of undergraduate studies is key in health professional education for exploring speciality interests, sharing research, exchanging expertise and passing on knowledge. In addition, conferences offer valuable opportunities to present work and the potential to win prizes and network with others in the field. This article provides insight and guidance into how student‐led and designed health science and education conferences can be implemented more effectively. It is aimed at students hoping to organise conferences and also to clinical educators and staff who help facilitate these. We present recommendations, a framework of steps to be followed and a case study, as well as an exploration of the challenges that COVID‐19 has presented and how these have been overcome.
Alterations in stomatal response to fluctuating light increase biomass and yield of rice under drought conditions
Authors: Qu Mingnan , Essemine Jemaa , Xu Jianlong , Ablat Guljannat , Perveen Shahnaz , Wang Hongru , Chen Kai , Zhao Yang , Chen Genyun , Chu Chengcai , Zhu Xinguang 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYThe acceleration of stomatal closure upon high to low light transition could improve plant water use efficiency and drought tolerance. Herein, using genome‐wide association study, we showed that the genetic variation in OsNHX1 was strongly associated with the changes in τcl, the time constant of stomatal closure, in 206 rice accessions. OsNHX1 overexpression in rice resulted in a decrease in τcl, and an increase in biomass, grain yield under drought. Conversely, OsNHX1 knockout by CRISPR/CAS9 shows opposite trends for these traits. We further found three haplotypes spanning the OsNHX1 promoter and CDS regions. Two among them, HapII and HapIII, were found to be associated with a high and low τcl, respectively. A near‐isogenic line (NIL, S464) was developed through replacing the genomic region harboring HapII (~10 kb) from MH63 (recipient) rice cultivar by the same sized genomic region containing Hap III from 02428 (donor). Compared with MH63, S464 shows a reduction by 35% in τcl and an increase by 40% in the grain yield under drought. However, under normal conditions, S464 maintains closely similar grain yield as MH63. The global distribution of the two OsNHX1 haplotypes is associated with the local precipitation. Taken together, the natural variation in OsNHX1 could be utilized to manipulate the stomatal dynamics for an improved rice drought tolerance.
The genomic architecture of the sex‐determining region and sex‐related metabolic variation in Ginkgobiloba
Authors: Liao Qinggang , Du Ran , Gou Junbo , Guo Lvjun , Shen He , Liu Hailin , Nguyen Julie K. , Ming Ray , Yin Tongming , Huang Sanwen , Yan Jianbin 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYSex differences and evolutionary differences are critical biological issues. Ginkgo is an ancient lineage of dioecious gymnosperms with special value for studying the mechanism of sex determination in plants. However, the major genetic basic underlying sex chromosomes remains to be uncovered. In this study, we identify the sex‐determining region of Ginkgo and locate it to the area from megabases 48 to 75 on chromosome 2. We find that the male sex‐determining region of Ginkgo contains more than 200 genes, including four MADS‐box genes, demonstrating that the Ginkgo sex determination system is of the XY type. We also find that genetic sex differences result in specialized flavonoid metabolism and regulation in each sex. These findings establish a foundation for revealing the molecular mechanism of sexual dimorphism and promoting the development of the Ginkgo industry.
Anemia, sex, and race as predictors of morbidity or mortality after knee arthroplasty surgery
Authors: Mazzeffi Michael , Taneja Monica , Porter Steven , Chow Jonathan H. , Jackson Bryon , Fontaine Magali , Frank Steven M. , Tanaka Kenichi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundAnemia is associated with poor outcome after major joint replacement surgery, but it is unclear whether sex and race modify its impact on outcome. We hypothesized that anemia would be associated with increased morbidity or mortality after knee arthroplasty surgery and that sex and race would be effect modifiers for this relationship.Study Design and MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of elective knee arthroplasty patients between 2013 and 2018 using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Morbidity or mortality after surgery was compared between patients without anemia, with mild anemia, and with moderate to severe anemia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine adjusted odds for morbidity or mortality with anemia. Interaction terms were entered into the model to test for effect modification by sex and race.Results243 491 patients were included and 30 135 patients (12.4%) were anemic. Morbidity or mortality occurred in 3.7% of patients without anemia, 5.2% of patients with mild anemia, and 7.1% of patients with moderate to severe anemia (P < .001). After adjustment for confounding variables, mild anemia OR = 1.36 (95% CI = 1.28‐1.45), and moderate to severe anemia OR = 1.92 (95% CI = 1.72‐2.13) were associated with increased odds of morbidity or mortality. Sex, but not race, was a significant effect modifier with men having a greater increase in morbidity or mortality when anemic (P = .02).ConclusionsAnemia is associated with increased morbidity or mortality after knee arthroplasty surgery and men have a greater increase in perioperative risk than women when anemic.
Does aid for trade promote import diversification?
Authors: Ly‐My Dung , Lee Hyun‐Hoon , Park Donghyun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMany studies have found that Aid for Trade (AfT) is effective in promoting the exports and imports of recipient countries. Recently, Gnangnon (The World Economy, 42, 2019 and 396) and Kim (The World Economy, 42, 2019 and 2684) found that AfT also contributes to the export diversification of recipient countries. We extend previous studies by assessing the effects of AfT on import diversification of recipient countries by estimating a two‐step System GMM on a data set of 104 countries in 2003–2016. Our empirical results reveal that AfT contributes to the diversification of both import commodities and import partners. This effect is particularly strong when partner countries are Non‐DAC countries. Our empirical evidence further strengthens the case for AfT because previous literature indicates that both export and import diversification are beneficial.
Effect of stifle flexion on the position of the cranial tibial artery relative to the proximal tibia in dogs
Authors: Mullins Ronan A. , Escribano Carrera Antía , Espinel Rupérez Jorge , Bresciani Luca , Arthurs Gareth I. , Hoey Seamus 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of stifle flexion on the proximity of the cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia in canine stifles with an intact or transected cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).Study designEx vivo randomized blinded computed tomographic angiographic study.Sample populationFifteen pelvic limbs from eight greyhound cadavers.MethodsThe femoral artery and vein were cannulated and injected with 10 mL of iohexol. Each limb was placed in lateral recumbency on an acrylic sheet with predrawn femoral and tibial lines representing angles of stifle extension. Computed tomography was performed before (limbs 1‐15) and after (limbs 10‐15) CCL transection. The shortest distance between the cranial tibial artery and proximal tibia (dCrTA‐PT) was measured at a distance of one patellar length from medial intercondylar tubercle.ResultsMedian dCrTA‐PT in intact specimens at 70°, 90°, 110°, and 135° was 2.04, 2.05, 2.28, and 2.51 mm, respectively (P = .008). Pairwise comparisons identified a difference between 70° and 135° (P = .007). Mean dCrTA‐PT in transected specimens at 70°, 90°, 110°, and 135° was 2.60, 2.57, 2.90, and 2.79 mm, respectively (P = .208). Median overall dCrTA‐PT was 2.24 mm in intact specimens (limbs 1‐15, all four angles of extension combined) and 2.76 mm in transected specimens (limbs 10‐15, all angles combined; P = .01).ConclusionFlexion of the stifle resulted in a negligible decrease in dCrTA‐PT in intact specimens but had no effect in CCL transected stifles.Clinical significanceThe angle of stifle extension does not appear to have any clinically significant effect on the proximity of cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia.