bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Universal salt iodization contributes to health equity: socio-economic status does not affect iodine status in children in Macedonia
Authors: Kostova Neda Milevska , Karanfilski Borislav , Miladinova Daniela , Kuzmanovska Sonja , Chuleva Biljana , Majstorov Venjamin , Ittermann Till , Völzke Henry 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMany studies have shown that socio-economic status (SES) contributes to health inequalities, with nutrition as one of the major risk factors. Iodine intake entirely depends on external sources, and deficiencies are known to be more prevalent in lower social groups, especially in countries with limited access to iodized salt. This study aimed to determine the influence of SES on iodine status and iodine availability from household salt in North Macedonia. Using cluster sampling, 1,200 children were recruited, and 1,191 children participated (response rate: 99.2%). Iodine status was assessed through urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and iodine availability through iodine content in household salt requested from participants. SES was assessed using standardized Family Affluence Score (FAS). No statistically significant correlation was found between FAS and iodine in salt. Median regression revealed no significant associations of middle vs. low FAS (β=0.00; 95%-confidence interval (CI)=[−0.61, 0.62]; p=0.999) or high vs. low affluence (β=0.48; 95%CI=[−1.37, 0.41]; p=0.291) with iodine content in household salt. UIC levels were significantly lower in middle FAS children compared to low FAS children (β=-16.4; 95%CI=[−32.3,-0.5]; p=0.043). No statistically significant differences in UIC were found between children with high and low affluence (β=-12.5; 95%CI=[−35.5, 10.5]; p=0.287), possibly due to lowered statistical power for this comparison. Universal salt iodization (USI) proves to be cost-effective measure for appropriate iodine intake in healthy children and adults, irrespective of their social status. It can thus be concluded that USI contributes to reducing health inequalities related to iodine status among population of different social strata.
Generalized conditions for coexistence of competing parasitoids on a shared host
Authors: Singh Abhyudai 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMotivated by the univoltine life histories of insects residing in the temperate-regions of the world, there is a rich tradition of modeling arthropod host-parasitoid interactions using a discrete-time formalism. We introduce a general class of discrete-time models for capturing the population dynamics of two competing parasitoid species that attack the same vulnerable stage of the host species. These models are characterized by two density-dependent functions: anescape responsedefined by the fraction of hosts escaping parasitism; and acompetition responsedefined by the fraction of parasitized hosts that develop into adult parasitoids of either species. Model analysis reveals remarkably simple stability conditions for the coexistence of competing parasitoids. More specifically, coexistence occurs, if and only if, the adult host density increases with host reproduction rate, and the log sensitivity of the competition response is less than half. The latter condition implies that any increase in the adult parasitoid density will result in a sufficiently slow increase in the fraction of parasitized hosts that develop into parasitoids of that type. We next consider a model motivated by differences in parasitism risk among individual hosts with risk from the two parasitoid species assumed to be independently distributed as per a Gamma distribution. In such models, the heterogeneity in host risk to each parasitoid is quantified by the corresponding Coefficient of Variation (CV). Our results show that parasitoid coexistence occurs for sufficiently large reproduction rate, if and only if, the sum of the inverse of the two CV squares is less than one. This result generalizes the “CV greater than one” rule that defined the stability for a single parasitoid-host system to a multi parasitoid-host community.
Multidimensional brain-age prediction reveals altered brain developmental trajectory in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Niu Xin , Taylor Alexei , Shinohara Russell T. , Kounios John , Zhang Fengqing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNeuroimaging-based brain-age prediction has emerged as an important new approach for studying brain development. However, brain regions change in different ways and at different rates. Unitary brain-age indices used in previous studies represent developmental status averaged across the whole brain and therefore do not capture the divergent developmental trajectories of various brain structures. Importantly, this staggered developmental unfolding, determined by genetics and postnatal experience, is implicated in the progression of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Here we propose an analytic method for computing a multidimensional brain-age index (MBAI) that provides regional age predictions. Using a database of 556 subjects (ages 8-21) that includes psychiatric and neurological patients as well as healthy controls, we conducted robust regression and cluster analyses to identify clusters of imaging features with distinct developmental trajectories. We then built machine-learning models to obtain brain-age predictions from each of the identified clusters to form the MBAI. Our results show that the MBAI provides a flexible analysis of region-specific brain-age changes that are invisible to unidimensional brain-age prediction methods. Importantly, brain ages computed from region-specific feature clusters contain complementary information and demonstrate differential ability to classify disorder groups (e.g., specific phobia, depression, ADHD) from healthy controls. Compared to unidimensional brain-age indices, we show that the MBAI is sensitive to alterations in brain structures and captures distinct regional change patterns which may serve as biomarkers that may contribute to our understanding of healthy and pathological brain development and to the characterization, diagnosis, and, potentially, treatment of various disorders.
Urban household food waste: drivers and practices in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Li Belinda , Maclaren Virginia , Soma Tammara 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand determinants of food waste through analysing patterns of practices including shopping, planning, consumption of leftovers and attitudes around best-before dates.Design/methodology/approachA survey and waste composition analysis of 142 households was conducted in the City of Toronto. Bivariate analyses and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using a structural equation model were used to identify relationships between per capita food waste, household socio-demographic characteristics and household food practices.FindingsConstructs related to planning practices and best-before date practices were identified through the CFA. Household size and the best-before construct were negatively correlated with per capita food waste. The planning construct had no correlation, which may be attributed to the influence of the retail environment in encouraging unplanned purchases. The best-before construct was significantly correlated with the presence of children in the home, an indicator of the compromises that parents make in domestic provisioning to ensure healthy foods for their children, such as more caution in handling items after their best-before dates.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its kind that uses directly measured per capita food waste from a waste composition study in a structural equation model with a construct related to best-before dates to determine drivers of food waste. It is also the first to find that children in the home can have an indirect influence on food waste through the household's best-before practices.
Is animal welfare a central issue for consumers of luxury goods?
Authors: Achabou Mohamed Akli 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe compatibility between luxury and sustainable development has been increasingly examined in recent literature, but a number of ethical issues remain unexplored. One such concern is animal welfare, a recurrent question in the luxury goods sector. This is one of the first research articles to shed light on this subject, utilising two studies, one qualitative and the other quantitative with conjoint analysis, conducted among 12 and 253 French consumers, respectively. The results reveal that consumers are sensitive to the challenge of animal welfare in luxury, but fall into two different groups. Some have a preference for animal‐based raw materials sourced from livestock farms that respect animal welfare, whilst others are more favourable to the use of synthetic raw materials. In particular, the results show that the use of synthetic raw materials is accepted by some consumers but can lead to a reduction in the perceived value of luxury products.
Epidemiology of thymic epithelial tumors: 22‐years experience from a single‐institution
Authors: Rioja Patricia , Ruiz Rossana , Galvez‐Nino Marco , Lozano Sophia , Valdiviezo Natalia , Olivera Mivael , Cabero Octavio , Guillen Maria Eugenia , De La Guerra Alberto , Amorin Edgar , Barrionuevo Carlos , Mas Luis 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTo assess the correlation of WHO histological classification and Masaoka–Koga staging system of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) with prognosis.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 83 patients with TETs in the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas between 1996 to 2018. We analyzed the clinical stages, histological types and treatment modalities and attempted to determine the impact on overall survival. The data was retrieved from clinical files and reviewed by a pathologist who reclassificated according to the 2004 WHO classification system. The staging was performed with the Masaoka–Koga staging system. Survival curves were constructed with Kaplan‐Meir method.ResultsThere was a total of 83 patients with a median age of 55 years old included in the study. The histological type corresponded to thymoma (T) in 63.8% (n = 53) and to thymic carcinoma (TC) in 36.1%. T were type A, AB, B1, B2 and B3 in 14.4%, 18%, 12%, 3.6%, 7.4% of cases, respectively. The proportion of advanced disease (Masaoka stage III–IV) was high (65%). With a median follow‐up of 88.4 months, median overall survival (OS) was 81.6 months for T and 12.3 months for TC (P = 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that sex, histological type, clinical stage and surgery (P = 0.01) were significant independent prognostic factors. On multivariate analysis, histology type and Masaoka–Koga staging had an effect on survival.ConclusionsThe results indicates a clear association between the WHO histological classification and Masaoka–Koga staging system with survival. We found a higher proportion of TETs with advanced disease at diagnosis. Further research are required and collaboration is important to foster knowledge focused on classification and treatment.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyThe WHO histological classification, the Masaoka–Koga system and surgery treatment were associated with overall survival.What this study addsTo determine prognosis factors in TETs.
Mitochondrial DNA in extracellular vesicles declines with age
Authors: Lazo Stephanie , Noren Hooten Nicole , Green Jamal , Eitan Erez , Mode Nicolle A. , Liu Qing‐Rong , Zonderman Alan B. , Ezike Ngozi , Mattson Mark P. , Ghosh Paritosh , Evans Michele K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe mitochondrial free radical theory of aging suggests that accumulating oxidative damage to mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a central role in aging. Circulating cell‐free mtDNA (ccf‐mtDNA) isolated from blood may be a biomarker of disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small (30–400 nm), lipid‐bound vesicles capable of shuttling proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids as part of intercellular communication systems. Here, we report that a portion of ccf‐mtDNA in plasma is encapsulated in EVs. To address whether EV mtDNA levels change with human age, we analyzed mtDNA in EVs from individuals aged 30–64 years cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. EV mtDNA levels decreased with age. Furthermore, the maximal mitochondrial respiration of cultured cells was differentially affected by EVs from old and young donors. Our results suggest that plasma mtDNA is present in EVs, that the level of EV‐derived mtDNA is associated with age, and that EVs affect mitochondrial energetics in an EV age‐dependent manner.
Shortening the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale using optimal test assembly methods: Development of the EPDS‐Dep‐5
Authors: Harel Daphna , Levis Brooke , Ishihara Miyabi , Levis Alexander W. , Vigod Simone N. , Howard Louise M. , Thombs Brett D. , Benedetti Andrea ,   the DEPRESsion Screening Data (DEPRESSD) EPDS Collaboration
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsThis study used a large database to develop a reliable and valid shortened form of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a self‐report questionnaire used for depression screening in pregnancy and postpartum, based on objective criteria.MethodsItem responses from the 10‐item EPDS were obtained from 5157 participants (765 major depression cases) from 22 primary screening accuracy studies that compared the EPDS to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID). Unidimensionality of the EPDS latent construct was verified using confirmatory factor analysis, and an item response theory model was fit. Optimal test assembly (OTA) methods identified a maximally informative shortened form for each possible scale length between 1 and 9 items. The final shortened form was selected based on pre‐specified validity and reliability criteria and non‐inferiority of screening accuracy of the EPDS as compared to the SCID.ResultsA 5‐item short form of the EPDS (EPDS‐Dep‐5) was selected. The EPDS‐Dep‐5 had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.82. Sensitivity and specificity of the EPDS‐Dep‐5 for a cutoff of 4 or greater were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.73, 0.89) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80, 0.90) and were statistically non‐inferior to the EPDS. The correlation of total scores with the full EPDS was high (r = 0.91).ConclusionThe EPDS‐Dep‐5 is a valid short form with minimal loss of information when compared to the full‐length EPDS. The EPDS‐Dep‐5 was developed with OTA methods using objective, pre‐specified criteria, but the approach is data‐driven and exploratory. Thus, there is a need to replicate results of this study in different populations.
Elevational shifts in phylogenetic diversity of angiosperm trees across the subtropical Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Bergamin Rodrigo S. , Seger Guilherme D. S. , Carlucci Marcos B. , Molz Martin , Mello Ricardo S. P. , Martins Rafael , Jarenkow João A. , Brack Paulo , Müller Sandra C. , Duarte Leandro D. S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractElevation gradients are drivers of species diversity, and, recently, studies have considered the evolutionary process in shaping community assembly patterns. Patterns of plant species richness across elevational gradients have been studied in different parts of the Atlantic Forest; however, little is known about plant phylogenetic diversity patterns. Thus, we aimed to analyse the phylogenetic diversity of angiosperm trees along an elevation gradient in southern Brazilian Plateau, in the subtropical portion of the Atlantic Forest. We expected a decrease in phylogenetic diversity along the elevation gradient, from lowlands towards to highlands, where species may be evolutionary closely related as many tropical lineages are not capable to inhabit colder conditions. We also investigated the distribution of phylogenetic clades along the elevation gradient through principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure. Data were obtained from 28 phytosociological surveys distributed across different elevation levels, ranging from 40 to 975 m. We found a negative association between phylogenetic diversity and the elevation gradient. The representativeness of families Myrtaceae and Lauraceae increased with elevation, while most of the families decreased in species richness and are replaced by temperate families such as Winteraceae (Drimys) in higher elevations. The decrease in phylogenetic diversity with increasing elevation may be linked to niche conservatism of tropical lineages that retain their historical climatic niches and thus many species are not capable to inhabit colder environments. Most tropical clades are restricted to lower elevations; however, Myrtaceae and Lauraceae probably evolved tolerance to colder temperatures during glacial cycles. Furthermore, the probably long‐term climate stability in lowlands than highland areas may have promoted the co‐occurrence of distantly related species, resulting in higher phylogenetic diversity. Finally, we observed how historical imprints and current environmental conditions shape the phylogenetic diversity of angiosperm tree species in subtropical Atlantic Forest.
Subfoveal choroidal thickness in ipsi‐ and contralateral eyes of patients with carotid stenosis before and after carotid endarterectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Ala‐Kauhaluoma Marianne , Koskinen Suvi M. , Silvennoinen Heli , Vikatmaa Pirkka , Nuotio Krista , Ijäs Petra , Relander Kristiina , Lindsberg Perttu J. , Soinne Lauri , Summanen Paula A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo compare subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and associated clinical variables in patients with carotid stenosis (CS) before and 6 months after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).MethodsThe prospective non‐randomized Helsinki Carotid Endarterectomy Study – Brain and Eye Sub‐sTudy included seventy patients (81% male, mean age 69 years) and 40 control subjects (77% male, 68 years), from March 2015 to December 2018. Ophthalmological examination included SFCT measured with enhanced‐depth imaging‐optical coherence tomography. Carotid stenosis (CS) was more severe (≥70% stenosis in 92%) ipsilateral to the CEA than contralaterally (<50% stenosis in 74%; p < 0.001).ResultsAt baseline, patients had thinner mean SFCT than control subjects in both eyes (ipsilateral, 222 versus 257 μm and contralateral, 217 versus 258 μm, p ≤ 0.005). At follow‐up, SFCT did not change in ipsi‐ and contralateral eyes compared to baseline in patients (p = 0.68 and p = 0.77), or in control subjects (p = 0.59 and p = 0.79). Patients with coronary artery disease had thinner mean SFCT versus those without it in ipsilateral eyes before CEA (200 versus 233 μm, p = 0.027). In ipsilateral eyes of patients before CEA, thinner SFCT and ocular signs of CS, plaque and hypoperfusion related findings combined, were associated (p = 0.036), and the best‐corrected visual acuity, measured in logMAR, increased with increasing SFCT (r = −0.25; p = 0.046).ConclusionsSubfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) is thinner in patients with CS without association between SFCT and the grade of CS. Unchanged SFCT after CEA suggests, that choroidal vessels in severe CS are unable to react to increased blood flow. Bilaterally thin SFCT could be considered as yet another sign of CS.
Retinal vascular oxygen saturation in response to a less extensive laser treatment in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Vergmann Anna Stage , Torp Thomas Lee , Kawasaki Ryo , Hestoy Danjal Hofgaard , Wong Tien Yin , Peto Tunde , Grauslund Jakob 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between retinal laser burden and vascular oxygen saturation in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated with different extent of retinal laser.MethodsThe study was a prospective, interventional study of patients with treatment‐naïve PDR. Patients were treated with navigated retinal laser (Navilas®, OD‐OS GmbH, Teltow, Germany) in different doses. Retinal oximetry was obtained at baseline (BL) prior to laser and after 6 months (M6). Patients were divided into three groups according to total laser spots applied: <1500 spots (Group 1), 1500–2000 spots (Group 2), and >2000 spots (Group 3).ResultsWe included 33 eyes of 28 patients with treatment‐naïve PDR. The groups did not differ according in BL characteristics. Between BL and M6, retinal arteriolar oxygen saturation did not change but retinal venular oxygen saturation (median with interquartile range) decreased in Groups 1 and 2 (1: 65.5 ± 8.8% versus 60.5 ± 9.5%, p = 0.04; 2: 65.3 ± 7.3% versus 63.0 ± 13.5%, p = 0.04). Focal retinal venular oxygen saturation, located to quadrants with retinal neovascularization, decreased in Group 2 from BL to M6 (67.5 ± 13.3% versus 61.5 ± 8.8%, p = 0.04). Retinal venular diameter decreased from BL to M6 in Group 1 (174.5 ± 15.3 μm versus 165.1 ± 28.7 μm, p = 0.01).ConclusionsIn this study of patients with treatment‐naïve PDR, we showed that a less extensive laser treatment caused a reduction in retinal venular oxygen saturation and diameter 6 months after treatment. Our results suggest that less extensive laser treatment may be sufficient to improve the retinal metabolic environment conducive to PDR regression.
Improved performance and safety from Argus II retinal prosthesis post‐approval study in France
Authors: Delyfer Marie‐Noëlle , Gaucher David , Mohand‐Saïd Saddek , Barale Pierre‐Olivier , Rezaigua‐Studer Fouzia , Ayello‐Scheer Sarah , Dollfus Hélène , Dorn Jessy D. , Korobelnik Jean‐François , Sahel José‐Alain 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the post‐approval long‐term outcomes of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis, with a specific focus on its functional visual benefit in patients’ daily activities.MethodsEighteen patients with bare light perception due to end‐stage retinitis pigmentosa were included in a French prospective, multicentre, single‐arm study and followed for 2 years. Visual benefit in patients’ daily activities was monitored through the use of the Functional Low‐vision Observer Rated Assessment (FLORA), and the final score at 2 years was the primary effectiveness outcome. Standardized visual assessments were also performed. Device‐ or procedure‐related adverse events were recorded.ResultsSeventeen subjects completed the study. Positive impacts of the Argus II system on functional vision and well‐being were demonstrated for over 70% of subjects on the FLORA. Among the daily activities/tasks tested, finding doorways was one of the most statistically significantly improved tasks (p < 0.001), along with estimating the size of an obstacle (p < 0.001), visually locating a place setting on a dining table (p < 0.001) and visually locating people in a non‐crowded setting (p < 0.001). Visual function was improved on most standardized tests. Only two device‐ or procedure‐related serious adverse events were observed (one vitreous haemorrhage and one endophthalmitis, both resolved with treatment). No explantation was required.ConclusionThis first report of a completed post‐approval study of Argus II with a two‐year follow‐up demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of the Argus II System in a real‐world cohort of patients and further highlights its real functional benefit in implanted patients’ daily activities.