bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower soluble Klotho levels in the pretransplant period are associated with an increased risk of renal function decline in renal transplant patients
Authors: Shikida Yasuto , Mizobuchi Masahide , Yoshitake Osamu , Kato Tadashi , Ogata Hiroaki , Koiwa Fumihiko , Honda Hirokazu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSerum soluble Klotho levels are associated with renal function in predialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. However, few reports exist regarding the association between soluble Klotho levels and renal function in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. This was a retrospective observational study of 41 living KTx recipients. The serum soluble Klotho levels were classed as “high” (>456 pg/mL [i.e., high‐Klotho group]) or “low” (≤456 pg/mL [i.e., low‐Klotho group]). Renal function decline was defined as a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30% or more from the baseline value within 3 months after KTx. A multivariable time‐to‐event analysis between the groups was conducted. Among the KTx recipients, the incidence of a 30% decrease in the eGFR was significantly higher in the low‐Klotho group than in the high‐Klotho group (P = .036). After adjusting for donor age, donor sex, the presence of rejection, and the number of cytomegalovirus infections, multivariable Cox models revealed that low soluble Klotho levels remained associated with a higher risk of a 30% decrease in the eGFR (hazard ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.02‐6.41). These findings suggested that lower soluble Klotho levels in the pre‐KTx period are associated with an increased risk of renal function decline in KTx recipients.
Resilience and Vulnerabilities of the North American Food System during the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Orden David 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe coronavirus pandemic and consequent economic disruption have tested the resilience of the North American food system. The poorest Americans were put at risk of food deprivation as their incomes fell. Disruptions reverberated through the food supply chain as the pandemic escalated; meatpacking plants became disease hotspots. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provided US$ 16 billion of aid to farmers and ranchers based on falling prices. CFAP added to the counter‐cyclical safety‐net programmes legislated in 2018 and ad hoc support authorised for two years by the Trump administration. The CFAP support is reasonable in the context of the pandemic‐related economic collapse, but also raises concern about increased support tied to market conditions and current production, including support linked to unilateral US trade policies that have invoked retaliation by trading partners. As of early June, the hopeful scenario was that the worst challenges to the food system had passed. Grain and livestock inventories were relatively high and spring planting intentions were strong, but supply constraints in North America or internationally remained a risk. The pandemic has underscored the inherent fragility of an integrated world and the high stakes in the debate about globalisation that will inevitably follow.
Influence of pinhão starch and natural extracts on the performance of thermoplastic cassava starch/PBAT extruded blown films as a technological approach for bio‐based packaging material
Authors: Müller Priscila Schultz , Carpiné Danielle , Yamashita Fábio , Waszczynskyj Nina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFilms were produced using the blown extrusion method from blends made with cassava and pinhão thermoplastic starch, compostable polyester (poly(butylene adipate co‐terephthalate, PBAT) and natural extracts (rosemary and green tea). The effect of the incorporation of the extracts and the type of starch added in the film properties were investigated following the mixture design (23) approach. Regression models and response surface curves were generated to predict the film properties. The effect of the cold storage (6 °C and 17% of humidity relative, for 60 days) on the film properties was also investigated in order to simulate future applications. All the properties were mainly influenced by the extract type. The incorporation of the extracts decreased the lightness parameter and the films produced with green tea extract were more opaque than those made with rosemary. Starch/rosemary blends were more flexible, while the extract type did not have a significant effect on tensile strength (TS). Film elongation (ELO) ranged from 520% to 719% and might be comparable to some synthetic polymers. The water vapor permeability was improved in approximately 14% with addition of the extracts. The storage conditions, on the one hand, increased the TS, elastic modulus, and opacity of films and, on the other hand, decreased the elongation parameter. The thermal stability of films was not modified by adding extracts or varying the starch type. The results demonstrated that pinhão/cassava/PBAT blends and the natural extracts are a good alternative matrix to produce packagings with adequate mechanical and barrier properties.Practical ApplicationExtruded films produced from cassava or pinhão starch, poly(butylene adipate co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and natural extracts show technological potential to be used as active packaging for food products. Pinhão starch is a great alternative substitute to cassava starch and the incorporation of the commercial compostable polymer (PBAT) is necessary in order to confer suitable mechanical properties to extrusion process. The extrusion blown method, a process widely used by plastic industries, allows the scale‐up of bio‐based packagings for industrial scale.
Materialization of novel composite bio‐based active edible film functionalized with essential oils on antimicrobial and antioxidative aspect of chicken nuggets during extended storage
Authors: Bharti Sanjay Kumar , Pathak Vikas , Alam Tanweer , Arya Anita , Singh Vinod Kumar , Verma Arun Kumar , Rajkumar Vincentraju 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe present study was aimed to develop Manihot esculenta and Carrageenan bio‐based composite active film functionalized with anise, caraway, and nutmeg essential oils (EOs) and to assess the shelf life of chicken nuggets wrapped with the developed film at refrigeration storage. Overall, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of the three EOs ranged from 0.4 to 0.8% v/v of which nutmeg EO was found most effective. Incorporation of EOs in the film resulted in significant (P ˂ 0.05) decrease in tensile strength and water activity while elongation at break was significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased. No significant (P ˃ 0.05) changes in thickness and Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) were observed. Based on physicomechanical and sensory evaluation, films incorporated with 0.5, 1, and 1% concentration of anise, nutmeg, and caraway EO were selected. Chicken nuggets overwrapped with aforementioned films were stored aerobically at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1 °C) to evaluate antimicrobial, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics. The result indicated that pH, peroxide, free fatty acid (FFA), and thiobarbituric acide (TBA) value of treatments were significantly (P ˂ 0.05) lower than controls however significantly (P < 0.05) higher DPPH activity was observed in all treatments. The total plate count, psychrophilic count and, yeast and mold count were also significantly (P ˂ 0.01) lower in treatment groups and were within the permissible limits. The treated samples were well acceptable during whole storage period of 15 days. The application of composite, active edible bio‐based film was found proficient in confining product quality attributes throughout storage.Practical ApplicationThe majority of films used for packaging of meat and meat products are derived from synthetic “plastic” materials. The demerits associated with plastics have eventually led to explore natural alternatives such as edible films. The composite‐active bio‐based films have a huge potential to be molded for specific film properties based on requirements of product‐specific packaging conditions.
Characterization of astragaloside I‐IV based on the separation of HPTLC from Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated with Astragalus
Authors: Li Huizhen , Zhao Yana , Yang Weimin , Zhang Zhijun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this study, total saponins were extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated with Astragalus as one of organic culture substrates. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) assay showed total saponins could be separated effectively, and four kinds of spots were identified as AG I, AG II, AG III, and AG IV, respectively. FTIR spectra based on HPTLC separation assay showed the saponin characteristic groups including ‐OH, C‐H, C=O, and the glycoside linkaged to sapogenin group C‐O‐C, suggesting the four kinds of spots belonged to cycloartane‐type triterpene saponins. The primary mass spectra of precursor ion (HPTLC‐ESI‐MS) assay further proved the main composition of four kinds of spots was AG I‐IV, respectively. Physical properties, including the detection of specific rotation and melting point, revealed the separation of high‐purity saponin monomer by HPTLC. HPTLC‐dual wavelength spectrodensitometric method detection showed that content of astragaloside I‐IV was ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 mg/g, and the total astragalosides contents attained to 1.397 mg/g, indicating P. ostreatus could bioaccumulate astragalosides from Astragalus. These results demonstrated the characterization of astragalosides based on the separation of HPTLC was effective, and supported to consider astragalosides‐enriched P. ostreatus as functional edible fungus for food and medical applications.Practical ApplicationCurrently, the consumption of enriched foods has become common and continues to increase due to urgent demanding for foods with high nutritional value. Pleurotus ostreatus is a functional edible fungus, which not only can produce secondary metabolites, but can enrich bioactive ingredients. Astragalosides have a wide range of biological activities, especially currently being tested as cardioprotective agent. In this study, P. ostreatus was cultivated through adding Astragalus into culture substrates, which realized massive enrichment of astragalosides. Astragalosides‐enriched P. ostreatus as functional edible fungus could be extensively used in food and medical areas, especially for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Premature onset of Sjögren's syndrome is prone to be complicated with renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Wang Qian , Dai Sheng‐Ming 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSjögren's syndrome (SS) is a common systemic autoimmune disease. SS usually occurs among middle‐aged women with a peak incidence age of approximately 50 years old. Kidney involvement is relatively uncommon in SS, which is mostly characterized as interstitial nephritis and may result in renal tubular acidosis (RTA). But premature onset of SS seems to be prone to RTA. Here we reported four cases of premature onset SS who developed into RTA at a relatively young age and three of whom suffered from severe osteomalacia. All of them shared a disease onset under age eighteen. Two of them presented hypokalemic periodic paralysis initially, one presented purpura and one endured xerophthalmia at first place. Three of them complicated with osteomalacia under age thirty. All the 4 cases didn’t receive proper medical care in time due to a prolonged delay of diagnosis. We aim to raise the alarm over misdiagnosis/underdiagnosis of the disorder among young people.
A computational framework for analyzing dynamic auctions: The market impact of information sharing
Authors: Asker John , Fershtman Chaim , Jeon Jihye , Pakes Ariel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article develops a computational framework to analyze dynamic auctions and uses it to investigate the impact of information sharing among bidders. We show that allowing for the dynamics implicit in many auction environments enables the emergence of equilibrium states that can only be reached when firms are responding to dynamic incentives. The impact of information sharing depends on the extent of dynamics and provides support for the claim that information sharing, even of strategically important data, need not be welfare reducing. Our methodological contribution is to show how to adapt the experience‐based equilibrium concept to a dynamic auction environment and to provide an implementable boundary‐consistency condition that mitigates the extent of multiple equilibria.
Non‐denitrifier nitrous oxide reductases dominate marine biomes
Authors: Bertagnolli Anthony D. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Stewart Frank J. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryMicrobial enzymes often occur as distinct variants that share the same substrate but differ in substrate affinity, sensitivity to environmental conditions, or phylogenetic ancestry. Determining where variants occur in the environment helps identify thresholds that constrain microbial cycling of key chemicals, including the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). To understand the enzymatic basis of N2O cycling in the ocean, we mined metagenomes to characterize genes encoding bacterial nitrous oxide reductase (NosZ) catalyzing N2O reduction to N2. We examined data sets from diverse biomes but focused primarily on those from oxygen minimum zones where N2O levels are often elevated. With few exceptions, marine nosZ data sets were dominated by ‘atypical’ clade II gene variants. Atypical nosZ has been associated with low oxygen, enhanced N2O affinity, and organisms lacking enzymes for complete denitrification, i.e., non‐denitrifiers. Atypical nosZ often occurred in metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) with nitrate or nitrite respiration genes, although MAGs with genes for complete denitrification were rare. We identified atypical nosZ in several taxa not previously associated with N2O consumption, in addition to known N2O‐associated groups. The data suggest that marine environments generally select for high N2O‐scavenging ability across diverse taxa and have implications for how N2O concentration may affect N2O removal rates.
Metagenome assembled‐genomes reveal similar functional profiles of CPR/Patescibacteria phyla in soils
Authors: Nascimento Lemos Leandro , Manoharan Lokeshwaran , William Mendes Lucas , Monteiro Venturini Andressa , Satler Pylro Victor , Tsai Siu Mui 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSoil microbiome is one of the most heterogeneous biological systems. State‐of‐the‐art molecular approaches such as those based on single‐amplified genomes (SAGs) and metagenome assembled‐genomes (MAGs) are now improving our capacity for disentailing soil microbial‐mediated processes. Here, we analysed publicly available datasets of soil microbial genomes and MAG's reconstructed from the Amazon's tropical soil (primary forest and pasture) and active layer of permafrost, aiming to evaluate their genome size. Our results suggest that the Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR)/Patescibacteria phyla have genomes with an average size fourfold smaller than the mean identified in the RefSoil database, which lacks any representative of this phylum. Also, by analysing the potential metabolism of 888 soil microbial genomes, we show that CPR/Patescibacteria representatives share similar functional profiles, but different from other microbial phyla and are frequently neglected in the soil microbial surveys. Finally, we argue that the use of MAGs may be a better choice over SAGs to expand the soil microbial databases, like RefSoil.
Chronic post‐operative opioid use after open cardiac surgery: A Danish population‐based cohort study
Authors: Bonnesen Kasper , Nikolajsen Lone , Bøggild Henrik , Hostrup Nielsen Per , Jacobsen Carl‐Johan , Viemose Nielsen Dorthe 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge of chronic opioid use after cardiac surgery is sparse. We therefore aimed to describe the proportion of new chronic post‐operative opioid use after open cardiac surgery.MethodsWe used prospectively registered data from a national prescription registry and a clinical registry of 29 815 first‐time cardiac surgeries from three Danish university hospitals. Data collection spanned from 2003 to 2016. The main outcome was chronic post‐operative opioid use, defined as at least one opioid dispensing in the fourth post‐operative quarter. Data were assessed for patient‐level predictors of chronic post‐operative opioid use, including pre‐operative opioid use, opioid use at discharge, comorbidities, and procedural related variables.ResultsThe overall proportion of post‐operative opioid use was 10.6% (95% CI: 10.2‐10.9). The proportion of new chronic post‐operative opioid use was 5.7% (95% CI: 5.5‐6.0) among pre‐operative opioid naïve patients. The corresponding proportions among patients, who pre‐operatively used low or high dose opioid (1‐500 mg or > 500 mg cumulative morphine equivalent opioid), were 68.3% (95% CI: 66.1‐70.4) and 76.3% (95% CI: 74.0‐78.5) respectively. Risk factors associated with new chronic post‐operative opioid use included: female gender, underweight and obesity, pre‐operative comorbidities, acute surgery, ICU‐time > 1 day, and post‐operative complications. Strongest predictor of chronic post‐operative opioid use was post‐discharge use of opioid within one month after surgery (odds ratio 3.3, 95% CI: 2.8‐4.0).ConclusionNew chronic post‐operative opioid use after open cardiac surgery is common. Focus on post‐discharge opioid use may help clinicians to reduce rates of new chronic opioid users.
Effect of varenicline directly observed therapy versus varenicline self‐administered therapy on varenicline adherence and smoking cessation in methadone‐maintained smokers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nahvi Shadi , Adams Tangeria R. , Ning Yuming , Zhang Chenshu , Arnsten Julia H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsLevel of adherence to tobacco cessation medication regimens is believed to be causally related to medication effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of varenicline directly observed therapy (DOT) on varenicline adherence and smoking cessation rates among smokers with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving methadone treatment.DesignMulticenter, parallel‐group two‐arm randomized controlled trial.SettingUrban opioid treatment program (OTP) in the Bronx, New York, USA.ParticipantsDaily smokers of ≥ 5 cigarettes/day, interested in quitting (ladder of change score 6–8), in methadone treatment for ≥ 3 months, attending OTP ≥ 3 days/week. Participants’ mean age was 49 years, 56% were male, 44% Latino, 30% Black, and they smoked a median of 10 cigarettes/day.InterventionsIndividual, block, random assignment to 12 weeks of varenicline, either directly observed with methadone (DOT, n = 50) or via unsupervised self‐administered treatment (SAT, n = 50).MeasurementsThe primary outcome was adherence measured by pill count. The secondary outcome was 7‐day point prevalence tobacco abstinence verified by expired carbon monoxide (CO) < 8 parts per million.FindingsRetention at 24 weeks was 92%. Mean adherence was 78.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 71.8–85.2%] in the DOT group versus 61.8% in the SAT group (95% CI = 55.0–68.6%); differences were driven by DOT effects in the first 6 weeks. CO‐verified abstinence did not differ between groups during the intervention (P = 0.26), but was higher in the DOT than the SAT group at intervention end (DOT = 18% versus SAT = 10%, difference = 8%, 95% CI = –13, 28); this difference was not significant (P = 0.39) and was not sustained at 24‐week follow‐up.ConclusionsAmong daily smokers attending opioid treatment programs, opioid treatment program‐based varenicline directly observed therapy was associated with early increases in varenicline adherence compared with self‐administered treatment, but findings were inconclusive as to whether directly observed therapy was associated with a difference in tobacco abstinence.
Use of medication reviews among older women with dementia, 2003‐2015: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Thapaliya Kailash , Harris Melissa L. , Byles Julie E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo identify factors associated with incidence of medication reviews (MRs), particularly in women with dementia and in residential aged care (RAC).MethodsData from 10 359 women in the 1921‐1926 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were linked to Medicare Benefits Schedule data to identify MRs for each year from 2003 to 2015.ResultsIncidence of MR increased from 2003 to 2013 (age 87‐92 years) when 37.1% of women with dementia had a MR compared to 19.8% of women without dementia. Adjusting for time and other factors, the odds of having a MR were higher for women with dementia (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.32) and women in RAC (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 3.28‐3.98).ConclusionsAlthough higher in women with dementia and those in RAC, utilisation of MR was modest. System‐level interventions may be required to ensure the use and benefits of MRs.
Is mode of first birth a risk factor for subsequent preterm birth?
Authors: Gugusheff Jessica , Patterson Jillian , Torvaldsen Siranda , Ibiebele Ibinabo , Nippita Tanya 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPrevious preterm birth is a strong predictor of subsequent preterm birth, but less is known about the causes of preterm birth following a full‐term first pregnancy. Recent research has highlighted previous caesarean section as a potential risk factor.AimTo examine the relationship between mode of first birth and the risk of subsequent preterm birth in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.Materials and MethodsA population‐based record‐linkage study of NSW women who had a live singleton first birth at ≥37 weeks gestation, followed by a singleton second birth between 2005 and 2017. Relative risk (RR) and 95% CI of preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy was calculated using modified Poisson regression, with mode of first birth as the exposure. Spontaneous preterm birth and preterm prelabour caesarean were secondary outcomes.ResultsWomen who had either an intrapartum (RR: 1.26, 95% CI 1.19–1.32) or prelabour caesarean (RR: 1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.35) first birth had a higher risk of subsequent preterm birth (any birth <37 weeks gestation), than those who birthed vaginally. Women who had a previous instrumental birth (RR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.79–0.91) or prelabour caesarean (RR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.67–0.82) had lower risks of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. However, prior prelabour caesarean also greatly increased risk of subsequent preterm prelabour caesarean (RR: 5.25, 95% CI 4.65–5.93).ConclusionsThe mode of first birth has differing effects on the risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth and preterm prelabour caesarean. Awareness of the risk of subsequent preterm birth following caesarean section may help inform clinical decisions around mode of first birth.
The Organizational Voter: Support for New Parties in Young Democracies
Authors: Poertner Mathias 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHow do voters come to support new political parties? This article contends that new types of locally organized, participant‐based societal organizations—such as neighborhood associations, informal sector unions, and indigenous movements—can play a crucial mediating role in securing electoral support for new parties. Drawing on social identity and self‐categorization theory, I argue that endorsements of new parties by such organizations sway the vote preferences of organization members and people in their larger social networks. A discrete choice experiment, presenting voters in Bolivia with campaign posters, demonstrates that organizational endorsements are highly effective in mobilizing voters, especially when voters face a new party. Endorsements can even counteract policy and ethnic differences between candidates and voters. The findings suggest an important, understudied route to partisan support in new democracies and have important implications for research on political accountability.