bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a Blind Quality Control Program in a Forensic Laboratory
Authors: Hundl Callan , Neuman Maddisen , Rairden Alicia , Rearden Preshious , Stout Peter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA blind quality control (QC) program was successfully developed and implemented in the Toxicology, Seized Drugs, Firearms, Latent Prints (Processing and Comparison), Forensic Biology, and Multimedia (Digital and Audio/Video) sections at the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC). The program was put into practice based on recommendations set forth in the 2009 National Academy of Sciences report and is conducted in addition to accreditation required annual proficiency tests. The blind QC program allows HFSC to test its entire quality management system and provides a real‐time assessment of the laboratory’s proficiency. To ensure the blind QC cases mimicked real casework, the workflow for each forensic discipline and their evidence submission processes were assessed prior to implementation. Samples are created and submitted by the HFSC Quality Division to whom the expected answer is known. Results from 2015 to 2018 show that of the 973 blind samples submitted, 901 were completed, and only 51 were discovered by analysts as being blind QC cases. Implementation data suggests that this type of program can be employed at other forensic laboratories.
Gender and the Preservation of Family Farming in Ireland
Authors: Balaine Lorraine 
Published: December 2019

SummaryFamily farming is the main model of European agriculture and is a means to promote rural development, agricultural sustainability and safeguarding of cultural heritage. Nevertheless, changes in modern societies and commodity markets lead to disruptions in the traditional family farming model and increasingly challenge its preservation. In this changing environment, many farmers strive to secure intergenerational farm transfer, but women are sometimes still disadvantaged in inheriting the family enterprise. In Ireland, farm succession patterns are dictated by patrilineal socio‐cultural values. This not only causes gender equality issues, but it also limits the poll of potential successors when willing candidates can be scarce. Men occupy the hegemonic position of the farmer and women are subordinated to the role of the farmer's wife. With these gender roles come societal expectations of what a traditional male farmer is. Problems arise from a disconnect between this traditional identity and the current reality of Irish farmers. Reliance on off‐farm income, social isolation and the high pace of societal change contribute to reduced well‐being of rural men. In this context, it is argued that evolution of patriarchal socio‐cultural norms underpinning family farming could lead to a redefinition of gender roles, thereby reducing the pressure on farm men and empowering farm women.
Comparative analysis of native and defatted flour from hard, extraordinarily soft, and medium‐hard wheat varieties for protein solvation, pasting, mixing, and dough rheological behavior
Authors: Katyal Mehak , Singh Narpinder , Virdi Amardeep Singh , Kaur Amritpal , Ahlawat Arvind Kumar , Singh Anju Mahendru , Bajaj Ritika 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe effect of lipids extraction on protein salvation, pasting, and dough rheological behavior of flours dough from hard wheat (HW), extraordinarily soft wheat (Ex‐SW), and medium‐hard wheat (MHW) flour was analyzed. The varieties selected had wide variation in grain hardness index (17 to 95). Ex‐SW revealed lower tryptophan fluorescent emission and water absorption (WA) than MHW and HW varieties. The change in pasting parameters on defatting was the highest for Ex‐SW varieties. Native flour (NF) of HW varieties showed high protein content, pasting and dough strength, and fluorescence intensity in comparison to Ex‐SW varieties, while on defatting this was reversed. Protein pattern of defatted flour and NF did not differ significantly. Defatting of flours increased WA and decreased dough stability (DS). The decrease in DS on defatting was more for Ex‐SW varieties than others. DS for HW and MHW varieties reduced upon defatting. Defatting significantly increased all mixographic and rheological properties except peak time. Overall, results showed that defatting of flour improved paste and dough strength.Practical ApplicationHigher gluten strength of defatted wheat flour of varied grain hardness has wide applications. Most of the Indian bread wheat varieties possess GluD1 high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunit (HMW‐GS) allelic composition of (2 + 12), which is not suitable for bread making due to weak gluten strength. Defatting of flours improved the gluten strength of strong and weak flour dough of different wheat varieties irrespective of GluD1 allelic composition for HMW‐GS. Defatted flour may be used to improve the baking and cooking performance of dough made from weak wheat. These findings are highly suitable for wheat milling and baked product manufacturing industries.
Valorization of Euterpe edulis Mart. agroindustrial residues (pomace and seeds) as sources of unconventional starch and bioactive compounds
Authors: Carpiné Danielle , Dagostin João Luiz Andreotti , Mazon Elisa , Barbi Rafaela Cristina Turola , Alves Fillemon Edillyn da Silva Bambirra , Chaimsohn Francisco Paulo , Ribani Rosemary Hoffmann 
Published: December 2019

AbstractJuçara fruit pomace is one of the most abundant byproducts of the pulp‐making process, generally discarded despite their attractive nutritional content. In this sense, this study aimed to investigate the potential of juçara fruit pomace as an alternative source of starch and natural dyes. Starch extracted from juçara seed (JS) was characterized in approximate composition, crystallinity, thermal profile, morphology, and equilibrium moisture data. Total phenolic content, anthocyanins content, and in vitro antioxidant capacity were assessed for the juçara seedless pomace (JSP). JSP is rich in monomeric anthocyanins (7.19 to 7.23 mg cyanidin 3‐O‐glycoside/g dry matter [dm]), presents high antioxidant potential, elevated dietary fibers (72.7% dm), considerable amount of lipids (12.8% dm), low protein content, and ash traces. JS is a rich carbon source (76.91% fibers [dm]; 12.21% amylaceous reserve). Being high in carbohydrates, mainly starch, it can be classified as high starch content flour (juçara seed starch‐flour [JSS‐F]). JSS‐F presented B‐type crystallinity and conventional starch‐like thermal stability. JSS‐F exhibited type III sorption isotherm behavior and the Gugghenheim–Anderson–DeBoer model adequately represented the moisture equilibrium data. As a nutritive source of bioactive compounds and starch, juçara pomace should be regarded as a coproduct to be explored as an alternative natural ingredient to food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.Practical ApplicationJuçara agroindustrial residues (pomace and seeds) are a promising source of antioxidants and unconventional starch, which are usually discarded after depulping, representing approximately 74% of the fruits. Juçara pomace can be used to produce flour with marketing potential due to their functional properties and nutritional value. This flour can be incorporated directly into formulations or be used in extraction processes to obtain components of interest, for example, anthocyanins, to be used as a natural food dye. Starch can be extracted from juçara seeds, presenting adequate technological properties for partial replacement of conventional starches.
Investigating patterns of millennials' interest in gluten‐free beer in Poland: A question of beer price and alcohol content
Authors: Donadini Gianluca , Bertuzzi Terenzio , Kordialik‐Bogacka Edyta , Cywińska Dominika , Rossi Filippo , Spigno Giorgia , Porretta Sebastiano 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe quality perception of gluten‐free beer was explored using conjoint analysis with a panel of Polish millennials (n = 200; aged 20 to 35), who were given 64 gluten‐free beer concepts to evaluate and score on a 9‐point scale of interest (1 = not interested at all; 9 = extremely interested). The constituent factors of the beer concepts were alcohol content, color, type of malt, price, drinking location and occasion, bottle size, label claims, type of farming, type of brewer, and bottle closure. Consumers judged price (38.4%) and alcohol (28.8%) five times more important than the other factors. Bottle size (5.3%), claims (4.8%), type of brewer (4.8%), malt type (4.6%), bottle closure (4.0%), beer color (3.6%), drinking location (2.3%), drinking occasion (2.0%), and type of farming (1.3%) were considered of little importance. The interest of Polish Millennials in gluten‐free beer resulted moderate and not linked to medical needs. Males were more interested in gluten‐free beers and gave more importance to alcohol content and less importance to price, compared to females. However, for both genders, interest and price were inversely correlated, while interest and alcohol content were directly correlated.Practical ApplicationThe identification of the product factors that are preferred by consumers is paramount to translate consumers’ needs and expectations into a beer designed to produce the best possible product in a relatively short period. Including information directly obtained from consumers before final design decisions are taken on the final beer output, helps ensuring development directions are on target and constitutes a cost‐competitive approach to product development.
Knock‐in Mice Expressing an Ethanol‐Resistant GluN2A NMDA Receptor Subunit Show Altered Responses to Ethanol
Authors: Zamudio Paula A. , Smothers Thetford C. , Homanics Gregg E. , Woodward John J. 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate‐activated, heterotetrameric ligand‐gated ion channels critically important in virtually all aspects of glutamatergic signaling. Ethanol (EtOH) inhibition of NMDARs is thought to mediate specific actions of EtOH during acute and chronic exposure. Studies from our laboratory, and others, identified EtOH‐sensitive sites within specific transmembrane (TM) domains involved in channel gating as well as those in subdomains of extracellular and intracellular regions of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits that affect channel function. In this study, we characterize for the first time the physiological and behavioral effects of EtOH on knock‐in mice expressing a GluN2A subunit that shows reduced sensitivity to EtOH.MethodsA battery of tests evaluating locomotion, anxiety, sedation, motor coordination, and voluntary alcohol intake were performed in wild‐type mice and those expressing the GluN2A A825W knock‐in mutation. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiological recordings were used to confirm reduced EtOH sensitivity of NMDAR‐mediated currents in 2 separate brain regions (mPFC and the cerebellum) where the GluN2A subunit is known to contribute to NMDAR‐mediated responses.ResultsMale and female mice homozygous for the GluN2A(A825W) knock‐in mutation showed reduced EtOH inhibition of NMDAR‐mediated synaptic currents in mPFC and cerebellar neurons as compared to their wild‐type counterparts. GluN2A(A825W) male but not female mice were less sensitive to the sedative and motor‐incoordinating effects of EtOH and showed a rightward shift in locomotor‐stimulating effects of EtOH. There was no effect of the mutation on EtOH‐induced anxiolysis or voluntary EtOH consumption in either male or female mice.ConclusionsThese findings show that expression of EtOH‐resistant GluN2A NMDARs results in selective and sex‐specific changes in the behavioral sensitivity to EtOH.
Prenatal Ethanol Exposure and Postnatal Environmental Intervention Alter Dopaminergic Neuron and Microglia Morphology in the Ventral Tegmental Area During Adulthood
Authors: Aghaie Claudia I. , Hausknecht Kathryn A. , Wang Ruixiang , Dezfuli Parisa Halaji , Haj‐Dahmane Samir , Kane Cynthia J. M. , Sigurdson Wade J. , Shen Roh‐Yu 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundPrenatal ethanol exposure (PE) impairs midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neuron function, which might contribute to various cognitive and behavioral deficits, including attention deficits and increased addiction risk, often observed in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Currently, the underlying mechanisms for PE‐induced deficits are unclear. PE could lead to neuroinflammation by activating microglia, which play an important role in synaptic function. In the present study, we investigated PE effects on microglial activation and DA neuron density and morphology in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Since postnatal environmental enrichment can reduce neuroinflammation and ameliorate several PE‐induced behavioral deficits, we examined if a postnatal environmental intervention strategy using neonatal handling and postweaning complex housing could reverse PE effects on VTA DA neurons and microglia.MethodsPregnant rats received 0 or 6 g/kg/d ethanol by 2 intragastric intubations on gestation days 8 to 20. After birth, rats were reared in the standard laboratory or enriched condition. Male adult rats (8 to 12 weeks old) were used for immunocytochemistry.ResultsThe results showed that PE decreased VTA DA neuron body size in standardly housed rats. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in numbers of VTA microglial branches and junctions in PE rats, suggesting morphological activation of microglia and possible neuroinflammation. The PE effects on microglia were normalized by postnatal environmental intervention, which also decreased the numbers of microglial branches and junctions in control animals, possibly via reduced stress.ConclusionsOur findings show an association between PE‐induced morphological activation of microglia and impaired DA neuron morphology in the VTA. Importantly, postnatal environmental intervention rescues possible PE‐induced microglial activation. These data support that environmental intervention can be effective in ameliorating cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with VTA DA neuron dysfunctions, such as attention deficits and increased addiction risk.
Comparison of therapeutic interventions for recurrent pregnancy loss in association with antiphospholipid syndrome: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xiang , Qiu Yuxuan , Yu Esther Dawen , Xiang Shang , Meng Rui , Niu Kai fan , Zhu Huili 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is one of the treatable causes for pregnant women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This review compares the efficacy of a few treatment interventions (low‐dose aspirin (LDA), aspirin plus low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), or unfractionated heparin (UFH)) in preventing complications during pregnancy and miscarriages for women with RPL and APS, and the potential differences in therapeutic effects of UFH and LMWH when combined with aspirin. We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and performed a systematic review and a Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA). Finally, we found aspirin alone had a lower live birth rate compared to LMWH plus aspirin (OR = 0.37; 95% CrI, 0.17, 0.71), and UFH plus aspirin showed a higher live birth rate than aspirin alone (OR = 2.63; 95% CrI, 1.04, 5.39) in NMA, treating with UFH plus aspirin or LMWH plus aspirin did not have difference on live birth. Furthermore, LDA alone resulted in a lower birthweight compared to heparin plus aspirin, while higher birthweight was found when compared UFH plus aspirin to LMWH plus aspirin (MD = 895.40; 95% CrI, 817.40, 988.57) in NMA. Additionally, in women with RPL and APS and without a prior thrombosis, heparin plus aspirin improved birthweight but could not promote live birth rate compared to aspirin alone. In conclusion, heparin plus aspirin is recommended for women with RPL and APS. Notably UFH plus aspirin demonstrates the most significant therapeutic efficacy among these interventions in improving birthweight.
Perspectives in allergen immunotherapy: 2019 and beyond
Authors: Pfaar Oliver , Agache Ioana , de Blay Frédéric , Bonini Sergio , Chaker Adam M. , Durham Stephen R. , Gawlik Radoslaw , Hellings Peter W. , Jutel Marek , Kleine‐Tebbe Jörg , Klimek Ludger , Kopp Matthias V. , Nandy Andreas , Rabin Ronald L. , van Ree Ronald , Renz Harald , Roberts Graham , Salapatek Anne‐Marie , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Shamji Mohamed H. , Sturm Gunter J. , Virchow J. Christian , Wahn Ulrich , Willers Christoph , Zieglmayer Petra , Akdis Cezmi A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe seventh “Future of the Allergists and Specific Immunotherapy (FASIT)” workshop held in 2019 provided a platform for global experts from academia, allergy clinics, regulatory authorities and industry to review current developments in the field of allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Key domains of the meeting included the following: (a) Biomarkers for AIT and allergic asthma; (b) visions for the future of AIT; (c) progress and data for AIT in asthma and the updates of GINA and EAACI Asthma Guidelines (separated for house dust mite SCIT, SLIT tablets and SLIT drops; patient populations) including a review of clinically relevant endpoints in AIT studies in asthma; (d) regulatory prerequisites such as the “Therapy Allergen Ordinance” in Germany; (e) optimization of trial design in AIT clinical research; (f) challenges planning and conducting phase III (field) studies and the future role of Allergen Exposure Chambers (AEC) in AIT product development from the regulatory point of view. We report a summary of panel discussions of all six domains and highlight unmet needs and possible solutions for the future.
In vivo hyperglycaemia exposure elicits distinct period‐dependent effects on human pancreatic progenitor differentiation, conveyed by oxidative stress
Authors: Legøy Thomas A. , Ghila Luiza , Vethe Heidrun , Abadpour Shadab , Mathisen Andreas F. , Paulo Joao A. , Scholz Hanne , Ræder Helge , Chera Simona 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimThe loss of insulin‐secreting β‐cells, ultimately characterizing most diabetes forms, demands the development of cell replacement therapies. The common endpoint for all ex vivo strategies is transplantation into diabetic patients. However, the effects of hyperglycaemia environment on the transplanted cells were not yet properly assessed. Thus, the main goal of this study was to characterize global effect of brief and prolonged in vivo hyperglycaemia exposure on the cell fate acquisition and maintenance of transplanted human pancreatic progenitors.MethodsTo rigorously study the effect of hyperglycaemia, in vitro differentiated human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)‐derived pancreatic progenitors were xenotransplanted in normoglycaemic and diabetic NSG rat insulin promoter (RIP)‐diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) mice. The transplants were retrieved after 1‐week or 1‐month exposure to overt hyperglycaemia and analysed by large‐scale microscopy or global proteomics. For this study we pioneer the use of the NSG RIP‐DTR system in the transplantation of hiPSC, making use of its highly reproducible specific and absolute β‐cell ablation property in the absence of inflammation or other organ toxicity.ResultsHere we show for the first time that besides the presence of an induced oxidative stress signature, the cell fate and proteome landscape response to hyperglycaemia was different, involving largely different mechanisms, according to the period spent in the hyperglycaemic environment. Surprisingly, brief hyperglycaemia exposure increased the bihormonal cell number by impeding the activity of specific islet lineage determinants. Moreover, it activated antioxidant and inflammation protection mechanisms signatures in the transplanted cells. In contrast, the prolonged exposure was characterized by decreased numbers of hormone + cells, low/absent detoxification signature, augmented production of oxygen reactive species and increased apoptosis.ConclusionHyperglycaemia exposure induced distinct, period‐dependent, negative effects on xenotransplanted human pancreatic progenitor, affecting their energy homeostasis, cell fate acquisition and survival.
Adaptation of the cardiovascular system to weightlessness: Surprises, paradoxes and implications for deep space missions
Authors: Norsk Peter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWeightlessness in space induces a fluid shift from the dependent to the cephalad parts of the body leading to distension of the cardiac chambers and an accumulation of blood in the veins of the head and neck. Surprisingly, central venous pressure (CVP) during the initial hours of spaceflight decreases compared to being horizontal supine on the ground. The explanation is that the thorax is expanded by weightlessness leading to a decrease in inter‐pleural pressure (IPP), which exceeds the measured decrease in CVP. Thus, transmural CVP (TCVP = CVP − IPP) is increased indicating an augmented cardiac preload. Simultaneously, stroke volume and cardiac output (CO) are increased by 18%‐26% within the initial weeks and more so by 35%‐56% during the subsequent months of flight relative to in the upright posture on the ground. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is decreased indicating a lower systemic vascular resistance (MAP/CO). It is therefore a surprise that sympathetic nerve activity is not suppressed in space and thus cannot be a mechanism for the systemic vasodilation, which still needs to be explored. Recent observations indicate that the fluid shift during long duration (months) flights is associated with increased retinal thickness that sometimes leads to optical disc oedema. Ocular and cerebral structural changes, increases in left atrial size and decreased flows with thrombi formation in the left internal jugular vein have also been observed. This is of concern for future long duration deep space missions because the health implications are unknown.
Use of proton pump inhibitors and mortality among Icelandic patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Hálfdánarson Óskar Ö. , Pottegård Anton , Lund Sigrún H. , Ogmundsdottir Margret H. , Ogmundsdottir Helga M. , Zoega Helga 
Published: December 2019

AbstractProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used drugs among cancer patients. Due to conflicting reports on their safety, we aimed to determine whether PPI use is associated with mortality among prostate cancer patients. In this population‐based cohort study, we identified incident diagnoses of prostate cancer between 2007 and 2012 (n = 1058). Follow‐up was from 12 months after diagnosis until death, emigration or end the of study. Post‐diagnosis use was defined as ≥2 filled prescriptions following diagnosis. We used time‐dependent Cox proportional hazard regression models to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prostate cancer‐specific and all‐cause mortality associated with post‐diagnosis use of PPIs. We identified 347 (32.8%) post‐diagnosis PPI users and 711 (67.2%) non‐users after diagnosis. Of the 347 patients using PPIs after diagnosis, 59 (17.0%) died due to any cause and 22 (6.3%) due to prostate cancer, compared with 144 (20.3%) and 76 (10.7%) among non‐users after diagnosis, respectively. Post‐diagnosis PPI use was not associated with prostate cancer‐specific mortality (HR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.52‐1.48) or all‐cause mortality (HR 1.02; 95% CI: 0.73‐1.43). Contrary to a previous report, this study did not find evidence of an association between post‐diagnosis PPI use and mortality among prostate cancer patients.