bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of development aid on infant mortality: Micro‐level evidence from Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Wayoro Didier , Ndikumana Léonce 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe empirical literature has failed to reach consensus on the impact of aid on development outcomes based on aggregate cross‐country analysis. This study follows the current trend in the literature on the effectiveness of aid to examine the impact of local‐level aid on health outcomes. It combines data on the World Bank's geo‐located aid projects with three rounds of Demographic Health Surveys from Côte d'Ivoire and uses difference‐in‐difference estimation techniques to explore the effects of aid on infant mortality. The results show that proximity to development aid projects is associated with reduced infant mortality. The results hold whether we consider proximity to any aid project or specifically water and sanitation projects. They are also robust to inclusion of mother fixed effects in the model. The evidence suggests that access to prenatal and postnatal healthcare are possible mechanisms through which aid may have negative effects on infant mortality.
Effect of marriage registration on fertility and intrahousehold distribution in Thailand
Authors: Wong Ho Lun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractResearch has shown that changes in the marriage and family laws generally affect the formation, welfare distribution, and dissolution of marriage. However, little is known about the effects of constituting state‐sanctioned marriage as opposed to informal marriage, where these laws do not fully apply. The present paper studied the effects of formal marriage registration on fertility outcomes and intrahousehold distribution among married couples in Thailand. Using data from the 1993 Survey for the Status of Women and Fertility in Thailand (SWAFT), it was found that marriage registration increases the number of children in a family and enhances women's contribution to and control of household finances. These results suggest that formal marriage registration promotes spousal cooperation and increases the welfare of women, supporting recent policy efforts in many developing countries in the development and expansion of vital registration systems.
Effect of gamma irradiation on physico‐mechanical and structural properties of active Farsi gum‐CMC films containingZiziphora clinopodioidesessential oil and lignocellulose nanofibers for meat packaging
Authors: Bahari Rezvan , Shahbazi Yasser , Shavisi Nassim 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of gamma irradiation (0, 2.5, and 5 kGy) on physico‐mechanical and structural characteristics of films based on Farsi gum‐carboxymethyl cellulose supplemented withZiziphora clinopodioidesessential oil (ZEO; 0%, 1%, and 2%) and lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNF; 0%, 1%, and 2%), and their application on fresh minced beef meat's shelf‐life during refrigerated temperature (4 ± 1 °C) for 16 days. Gamma irradiation under the60Co source at 2.5 and 5 kGy doses did not have a significant effect on thickness, tensile strength, swelling index, oxygen permeability, and water vapor transmission rate of prepared films (P> 0.05). The best microbiological (total viable count, psychrotrophic bacterial count,Pseudomonasspp.,Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae) and chemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, total volatile base nitrogen content, and peroxide value) properties were recorded for samples packaged with ZEO 2% + LCNF 2%, followed by ZEO 2% + LCNF 1%, ZEO 1% + LCNF 2%, and ZEO 1% + LCNF 1%. These results indicate acceptable extensions of hurdle technology for prolonged refrigeration of minced beef meat.Practical ApplicationThe application of active packaging films has received considerable interest in extending the shelf‐life of perishable foods during prolonged chilled storage. The effects of active Farsi gum‐carboxymethyl cellulose films supplemented withZiziphora clinopodioidesessential oil 2% + lignocellulose nanofibers 2% resulted in delaying lipid oxidation and microbial spoilage growth of refrigerated minced beef meat and consequently extending the shelf‐life during storage for at least 16 days.
Apolygus lucorum genome provides insights into omnivorousness and mesophyll feeding
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Hangwei , Wang Hengchao , Huang Tianyu , Liu Bo , Yang Bin , Yin Lijuan , Li Bin , Zhang Yan , Zhang Sai , Jiang Fan , Zhang Xiaxuan , Ren Yuwei , Wang Bing , Wang Sen , Lu Yanhui , Wu Kongming , Fan Wei , Wang Guirong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractApolygus lucorum (Miridae) is an omnivorous pest that occurs worldwide and is notorious for the serious damage it causes to various crops and substantial economic losses. Although some studies have examined the biological characteristics of the mirid bug, no reference genome is available in Miridae, limiting in‐depth studies of this pest. Here, we present a chromosome‐scale reference genome of A. lucorum, the first sequenced Miridae species. The assembled genome size was 1.02 Gb with a contig N50 of 785 kb. With Hi‐C scaffolding, 1,016 Mb contig sequences were clustered, ordered and assembled into 17 large scaffolds with scaffold N50 length 68 Mb, each corresponding to a natural chromosome. Numerous transposable elements occur in this genome and contribute to the large genome size. Expansions of genes associated with omnivorousness and mesophyll feeding such as those related to digestion, chemosensory perception, and detoxification were observed in A. lucorum, suggesting that gene expansion contributed to its strong environmental adaptability and severe harm to crops. We clarified that a salivary enzyme polygalacturonase is unique in mirid bugs and has significantly expanded in A. lucorum, which may contribute to leaf damage from this pest. The reference genome of A. lucorum not only facilitates biological studies of Hemiptera as well as an understanding of the damage mechanism of mesophyll feeding, but also provides a basis on which to develop efficient control technologies for mirid bugs.
Cognitive change after electroconvulsive therapy in mood disorders measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Hebbrecht K. , Giltay E.J. , Birkenhäger T.K. , Sabbe B. , Verwijk E. , Obbels J. , Roelant E. , Schrijvers D. , Van Diermen L. 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveThe Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a sensitive and clinically practical test but its usefulness in measuring long‐term cognitive effects of ECT is unclear. Using the MoCA, we investigated short‐ and long‐term global cognitive change in ECT‐treated patients with a Major Depressive Episode (MDE).MethodWe included 65 consecutive ECT‐treated patients with MDE, in whom global cognitive functioning was assessed at baseline (T0); during ECT (before the third session; T1); and 1 week (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) after completion of the index course. Changes in MoCA (sub)scores were analyzed using linear mixed models and reliable change indices were computed to investigate individual changes in MoCA total scores.ResultsThere was a significant effect of time on MoCA scores (F(4, 230.5) = 4.14, P = 0.003), with an improvement in global cognitive functioning from T3 compared to T1 and T2. At the individual level, 26% (n = 17) of patients showed a significantly worse cognitive functioning at T2 and 12% (n = 8) an improved cognitive functioning compared to T0. For T4, these percentages ameliorated to 8% and 18% respectively.ConclusionNo persistent global cognitive impairment induced by ECT was found at the group level using the MoCA. At the individual level, however, there was clear heterogeneity in the effects of ECT on cognitive functioning. The MoCA is a suitable tool to monitor short‐ and long‐term global cognitive functioning in ECT‐treated patients with MDE but in younger patients, potential ceiling effects must be taken into account.
Trophoblastic extracellular vesicles and viruses: Friends or foes?
Authors: Ouyang Yingshi , Mouillet Jean‐Francois , Sorkin Alexander , Sadovsky Yoel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCells produce cytoplasmic vesicles to facilitate the processing and transport of RNAs, proteins, and other signaling molecules among intracellular organelles. Moreover, most cells release a range of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that mediate intercellular communication in both physiological and pathological settings. In addition to a better understanding of their biological functions, the diagnostic and therapeutic prospects of EVs, particularly the nano‐sized small EVs (sEVs, exosomes), are currently being rigorously pursued. While EVs and viruses such as retroviruses might have evolved independently, they share a number of similar characteristics, including biogenesis pathways, size distribution, cargo, and cell‐targeting mechanisms. The interplay of EVs with viruses has profound effects on viral replication and infectivity. Our research indicates that sEVs, produced by primary human trophoblasts, can endow other non‐placental cell types with antiviral response. Better insights into the interaction of EVs with viruses may illuminate new ways to attenuate viral infections during pregnancy, and perhaps develop new antiviral therapeutics to protect the feto‐placental unit during critical times of human development.
Retinal microvascular complexity comparing mono‐ and multifractal dimensions in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors in a Middle Eastern population
Authors: Van Craenendonck Toon , Gerrits Nele , Buelens Bart , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Standaert Arnout , Malik Rayaz A. , De Boever Patrick 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeMetrics that capture changes in the retinal microvascular structure are relevant in the context of cardiometabolic disease development. The microvascular topology is typically quantified using monofractals, although it obeys more complex multifractal rules. We study mono‐ and multifractals of the retinal microvasculature in relation to cardiometabolic factors.MethodsThe cross‐sectional retrospective study used data from 3000 Middle Eastern participants in the Qatar Biobank. A total of 2333 fundus images (78%) passed quality control and were used for further analysis. The monofractal (Df) and five multifractal metrics were associated with cardiometabolic factors using multiple linear regression and were studied in clinically relevant subgroups.ResultsDfand multifractals are lowered in function of age, andDfis lower in males compared to females. In models corrected for age and sex,Dfis significantly associated with BMI, insulin, systolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), albumin, LDL and total cholesterol concentrations. Multifractals are negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose and the WHO/ISH cardiovascular risk score.Dfwas higher, and multifractal curve asymmetry was lower in diabetic patients (HbA1c > 6.5%) compared to healthy individuals (HbA1c < 5.7%). Insulin resistance (insulin ≥ 23 mcU/mL) was associated with significantly lowerDfvalues.ConclusionOne or more fractal metrics are in association with sex, age, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and biochemical blood measurements in a Middle Eastern population study. Follow‐up studies aiming at investigating retinal microvascular changes in relation to cardiometabolic risk should analyse both monofractal and multifractal metrics for a more comprehensive microvascular picture.
Evaluating and improving a matched comparison of antidepressants and bone density
Authors: Yu Ruoqi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMatching is a common approach to covariate adjustment in estimating causal effects in observational studies. It is important to assess covariate balance of the matched samples. This is usually done informally, in ways that have a number of limitations. First, there are many diagnostics, even if covariates are assessed one at a time, which raises multiplicity issues. In addition, joint distributions of covariates, even bivariate distributions, are often ignored. Further, it is an open question whether diagnostics identify the major problems. To address these issues, a formal assessment of covariate balance is developed in the current paper. Unlike the common informal diagnostics, the proposed method compares both marginal distributions and joint distributions of the matched sample with those of the benchmark, complete randomizations. The method controls the probability of falsely identifying a covariate imbalance among many comparisons, yet it has a high probability of correctly detecting and identifying a major problem. An R package met implementing the proposed method is available on CRAN.
“I heard about the way the animals are treated and slaughtered, and I don't like it”—Attitudes of vegetarians or vegans who have learning disabilities
Authors: Bates Claire 
Published: September 2020

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities who are vegetarian or vegan in this study choose not to eat meat because of their love of animals, the concern for their welfare and a dislike of them being killed to eat.

People with learning disabilities in this study did not think other people with learning disabilities are aware that animals are killed for meat and do not have the information to make an informed choice about eating meat.

Participants in this study have supportive staff and families who help them to cook and eat a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Some people with learning disabilities worry about the healthiness and fat content of meat, and also diseases that animals may have which go into meat.

AbstractBackgroundAdopting a vegetarian diet is becoming increasingly popular within the UK, for reasons such as perceived health benefits and concerns over animal welfare. The study explores attitudes towards vegetarianism/veganism among adults with learning disabilities.Materials and MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight people with learning disabilities who did not eat meat across the UK.ResultsParticipants who adopted a meat‐free diet did so predominantly for animal welfare. Participants cared passionately about the welfare of animals but were reluctant to advocate their lifestyle to other people with learning disabilities, where they are in the minority for their dietary choices. Participants felt most people with learning disabilities were not made aware of the reality that animals are killed for food and that they should have accessible information to make an informed choice about whether to eat meat.ConclusionsHolding the identity as a vegetarian could potentially facilitate integration into mainstream organisations where people hold similar ethical beliefs; however, this is unlikely unless organisations increase their inclusivity such as providing accessible information.
Vaccines for COVID-19
Authors: Tregoning J S , Brown E S , Cheeseman H M , Flight K E , Higham S L , Lemm N-M , Pierce B F , Stirling D C , Wang Z , Pollock K M 
Published: September 2020

SummarySince the emergence of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the end of 2019, there has been an explosion of vaccine development. By 24 September 2020, a staggering number of vaccines (more than 200) had started preclinical development, of which 43 had entered clinical trials, including some approaches that have not previously been licensed for human vaccines. Vaccines have been widely considered as part of the exit strategy to enable the return to previous patterns of working, schooling and socializing. Importantly, to effectively control the COVID-19 pandemic, production needs to be scaled-up from a small number of preclinical doses to enough filled vials to immunize the world's population, which requires close engagement with manufacturers and regulators. It will require a global effort to control the virus, necessitating equitable access for all countries to effective vaccines. This review explores the immune responses required to protect against SARS-CoV-2 and the potential for vaccine-induced immunopathology. We describe the profile of the different platforms and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The review also addresses the critical steps between promising preclinical leads and manufacturing at scale. The issues faced during this pandemic and the platforms being developed to address it will be invaluable for future outbreak control. Nine months after the outbreak began we are at a point where preclinical and early clinical data are being generated for the vaccines; an overview of this important area will help our understanding of the next phases.
A 5‐year cohort study on early implant placement with guided bone regeneration or alveolar ridge preservation with connective tissue graft
Authors: Wessels Retief , Vervaeke Stijn , Seyssens Lorenz , Eghbali Aryan , Cosyn Jan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeTo assess on the one hand the 5‐year outcome of early implant placement with guided bone regeneration (EIP/GBR) and on the other hand of alveolar ridge preservation with late implant placement and connective tissue graft (ARP/CTG).Materials and methodsPatients who had been treated with a single implant in the anterior maxilla in 2014 were selected for reevaluation in 2019. In the EIP/GBR cohort, implants were installed 4 to 8 weeks following extraction and the buccal contour was overbuilt by means of GBR. In the ARP/CTG cohort, collagen‐enriched deproteinized bovine bone mineral was applied at the time of extraction and implants were installed 5 months later. All ARP/CTG cases received a buccal CTG 3 months after implant installation to reestablish buccal convexity. Primary outcomes were the pink esthetic score (PES) (Belser et al 2009) and the mucosal scarring index (MSI) (Wessels et al 2019). Clinical and radiographical parameters were secondary outcomes.ResultsEighteen patients (9 females; mean age 52) in the EIP/GBR cohort, and 20 patients (9 females; mean age 38) in the ARP/CTG cohort were evaluated. PES was 6.28 following EIP/GBR. A (nearly) perfect aesthetic outcome defined as PES ≥8 was found in 3/18 cases. Perfect root convexity / soft tissue color and texture seemed most difficult to achieve. PES was 7.80 following ARP/CTG. A (nearly) perfect aesthetic outcome was found in 11/20 cases. MSI was 2.94 following EIP/GBR with 14/18 cases showing scarring. MSI yielded 0.50 following ARP/CTG with 6/20 cases showing scarring. In both cohorts, all implants survived, and none had developed periimplantitis. However, implants in the ARP/CTG cohort demonstrated a 5.4 times higher risk for periimplant mucositis than implants in the EIP/GBR cohort at 5 years follow‐up.ConclusionEIP/GBR and ARP/CTG showed acceptable long‐term outcomes. The aesthetic outcome was particularly favorable following ARP/CTG, yet this should be interpreted with caution due to selection bias and because soft tissue grafting was not performed in the EIP/GBR cohort. Randomized controlled trial (RCTs) comparing EIP with ARP are required to assess the need for soft tissue grafting and to evaluate clinical, aesthetic, volumetric, and patient‐reported outcomes. Only on the basis of such studies clinical recommendations can be made.
Development of the impact of weight on daily activities questionnaire: A patient‐reported outcome measure
Authors: Ervin Claire M. , Whalley Diane , von Huth Smith Lisa , Crawford Rebecca , Dine Jennifer , Fehnel Sheri E 
Published: September 2020

SummaryWhile patient‐reported outcome measures are available to evaluate health‐related quality of life and functioning in obesity, existing measures do not evaluate the impact of excess weight and weight loss on the ability to perform regularly occurring daily activities. Three iterative sets of qualitative interviews were conducted in two countries (United States, n = 23; United Kingdom, n = 23) with individuals with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 to inform development of the Impact of Weight on Daily Activities Questionnaire (IWDAQ) for use in clinical trials to evaluate daily activity limitations associated with excess weight. Candidate concepts were selected based on the literature, expert opinion, and previously conducted qualitative research, after which the draft IWDAQ was developed and tested. Interviews included a brief concept elicitation phase, followed by cognitive debriefing during which the IWDAQ was refined based upon participants' feedback. The IWDAQ uses a novel, adaptive questionnaire design, such that clinical trial participants choose the three IWDAQ activities they would most like to improve with weight loss and rate the degree of limitation in each of these activities at baseline. By allowing individuals participating in trials to identify and monitor changes in the activities they most want to see improve with weight loss, the 19‐item IWDAQ has the potential to detect the benefits of weight‐loss treatment that individuals with obesity value most.
Changes in Chinese patch testing practices over 13 years: Updated cross‐sectional survey and possible international implications
Authors: Cao Ting , Gao Yanrui , Li Linfeng , Zou Ying , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatch testing, the standard method for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, has been utilized for over 30 years in China. A 2006 survey found that patch testing was widespread among Chinese dermatologists, but the practice and perceptions were unsatisfactory.ObjectiveTo evaluate the current situation of patch testing practice and perception, we resurveyed Chinese dermatologists.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of Chinese dermatologists was conducted by electronic questionnaires at the 15th National Congress of Dermatology in November 2019.ResultsThere were 2199 valid questionnaires collected. About 75% of dermatologists performed patch testing; the majority (59.2%) utilized the baseline (standard) allergen series made in China; others used TRUE Test or the Chemotechnique Diagnostics series, a greater share compared with 2006. Most (92.8%) performed only one single reading, more than 2006. About two‐thirds offered patient education after patch testing, but only 27% were executed by trained dermatologists. Dermatologists from regional hospitals more likely performed patch testing and had better perception of patch testing. The majority (88.1%) had received patch testing training, which however did not significantly improve dermatologists' perception.ConclusionsThere was an insignificant improvement in practice and perception of dermatologists compared with 2006. Further education and studies should be conducted. Similar surveys in other countries would be of interest.