bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of systemic factors in shaping the periodontal microbiome
Authors: Teles Flavia , Wang Yu , Hajishengallis George , Hasturk Hatice , Marchesan Julie T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSince 2010, next‐generation sequencing platforms have laid the foundation to an exciting phase of discovery in oral microbiology as it relates to oral and systemic health and disease. Next‐generation sequencing has allowed large‐scale oral microbial surveys, based on informative marker genes, such as 16S ribosomal RNA, community gene inventories (metagenomics), and functional analyses (metatranscriptomics), to be undertaken. More specifically, the availability of next‐generation sequencing has also paved the way for studying, in greater depth and breadth, the effect of systemic factors on the periodontal microbiome. It was natural to investigate systemic diseases, such as diabetes, in such studies, along with systemic conditions or states, , pregnancy, menopause, stress, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition, in recent years, the relevance of systemic “variables” (ie, factors that are not necessarily diseases or conditions, but may modulate the periodontal microbiome) has been explored in detail. These include ethnicity and genetics. In the present manuscript, we describe and elaborate on the new and confirmatory findings unveiled by next‐generation sequencing as it pertains to systemic factors that may shape the periodontal microbiome. We also explore the systemic and mechanistic basis for such modulation and highlight the importance of those relationships in the management and treatment of patients.
Periodontal health and disease: The contribution of genetics
Authors: Shaddox Luciana Macchion , Morford Lorri Ann , Nibali Luigi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPeriodontitis is an infectious, inflammatory disease that is associated with a complex interplay between specific bacteria, host response, and environmental factors. Because of its high degree of familial aggregation, specifically for the more aggressive forms of the disease, genetics factors have been implicated in disease pathogenesis for several decades. This review provides an overview of what we currently know regarding the genetic and epigenetic contributions to periodontal disease and discusses future opportunities in the field.
Emergy synthesis for aquaculture: A review on its constraints and potentials
Authors: David Luiz H. , Pinho Sara M. , Agostinho Feni , Kimpara Janaina Mitsue , Keesman Karel J. , Garcia Fabiana 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe search for healthier protein sources and the growing demand for food by an increasing world population require aquaculture systems to not only be economically and technologically viable, but also sustainable. Among other methods, emergy synthesis is a powerful tool to assess the sustainability of production systems in a biophysical perspective. However, applications of emergy synthesis on aquaculture systems are seldomly found in the scientific literature. This work provides a literature review on emergy synthesis applied to aquaculture systems and discusses its constraints and potentials. The sixteen papers published between 2000‐2020 support the adoption of polycultures more than monocultures and highlight the importance of feed (4–70%) in the total emergy required by aquaculture systems, which require efforts for natural food. Methodological aspects of emergy synthesis applied in aquaculture systems that deserve attention by developers and analysts to avoid mistakes and erroneous conclusions were identified and discussed, and we propose some ways to solve them. These aspects are mainly related to inaccurate unit emergy values for water and feed, dubious procedures in quantifying and classifying water as renewable or non‐renewable resources, and the need to recognize the importance in accounting for ecosystem services and disservices. After overcoming these methodological inconsistencies, we foresee that emergy synthesis has potential political implications in supporting most sustainable aquaculture systems through economic (tax reduction and loans with reduced interests) and political (green labels) incentives. All these policies are important to achieve the ultimate goals of the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.
Between Islam and the New Age: The Jerrahi Order and categorical ambiguity in the study of Sufism in North America
Authors: Xavier Merin Shobhana , Dickson William Rory 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDrawing upon our ethnographic research of the Jerrahi Sufi Order, in this paper we consider an analytical problem in the study of Sufism in North America. In engaging two distinct branches of the Jerrahi Order, we draw attention to the ways in which identities and practices shaped by classical Islamic law and theology cannot be easily parsed from those associated with the New Age movement in North America. We begin by offering a brief overview of Sufism in North America, highlighting reconfigurations of authority, organization, and practice. Following this, we consider the two major North American branches of the Jerrahi Sufi order: The Jerrahi Order of America, and the Nur Ashki Jerrahi Order, drawing out the conceptual problems of categorizing these branches by distinguishing between the “Islamic” and the “New Age” within these movements. We conclude with a summary of the utility and drawbacks these categories offer the study of Sufism, while considering some directions for future scholarship on the subject.
Statistical Inferences of Linear Forms for Noisy Matrix Completion
Authors: Xia Dong , Yuan Ming 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe introduce a flexible framework for making inferences about general linear forms of a large matrix based on noisy observations of a subset of its entries. In particular, under mild regularity conditions, we develop a universal procedure to construct asymptotically normal estimators of its linear forms through double-sample debiasing and low-rank projection whenever an entry-wise consistent estimator of the matrix is available. These estimators allow us to subsequently construct confidence intervals for and test hypotheses about the linear forms. Our proposal was motivated by a careful perturbation analysis of the empirical singular spaces under the noisy matrix completion model which might be of independent interest. The practical merits of our proposed inference procedure are demonstrated on both simulated and real-world data examples.
Multi‐wavelength, handheld laser speckle imaging for skin evaluation
Authors: Zieger Michael , Kaatz Martin , Springer Steffen , Riesenberg Rainer , Wuttig Andreas , Kanka Mario , Stanca Sarmiza , Reble Carina , Khazaka Georg , Sieg Robin , De Gregorio Marco , Sattler Martin , Fischer Frank 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveA handheld device was developed and qualified for in vivo human skin evaluation using laser speckle imaging technology.MethodsEach laser speckle device prototype allows the choice of up to three different laser wavelengths in the range of 400 nm to 800 nm in total. Speckle pattern analysis gives various speckle parameters, for example, speckle contrast, speckle size, speckle modulation or fractal dimension. The developed laser speckle device prototypes were evaluated investigating three skin issues.ResultsWe receive reproducible results from the speckle imaging device. For skin ageing, we found significant changes within three age groups. The effect of a methyl nicotinate treatment was clearly visible and quantifiable using a moorFLPI device as well as our speckle imaging device. In terms of basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, we found significant differences between normal and diseased skin, even though the number of samples was limited.ConclusionAs shown with first application examples, it was possible to demonstrate the potential of the method for skin evaluation in vivo.
Impacts of rainstorms on soil erosion and organic matter for different cover crop systems in the western coast agricultural region of Syria
Authors: Mohammed Safwan , Hassan Ebaa , Abdo Hazem Ghassan , Szabo Szilard , Mokhtar Ali , Alsafadi Karam , Al‐Khouri Issam , Rodrigo‐Comino Jesus 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMore and more cultivated coastal territories of Syria are being affected by increasing land degradation processes, specifically, by soil erosion due to non‐sustainable soil management. The use of cover crops can be considered an ideal solution to reduce the negative impacts of extreme rainfall events on soil erosion. However, there is no enough information about the main cultivated areas of Syria due to the current conflicts and the very few types of research conducted there. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to assess soil erosion (soil loss and sediment concentration) and hydrological response (run‐off and infiltration) considering the impact of different types of cropping systems on soil organic matter. To achieve this goal, using erosion plots, five grouped natural rainfall events and soil samples were collected, and infiltration measurements were performed between November 2012 and April 2013 (rainy season) on three different cropping systems (wheat, vetch, bean and control) with different sloping gradients (8% and 20%) in Tartous governorate (W Syria). Our results showed a cumulative rainfall amount from 68.8 to 201 mm during the study period. The highest sediment yield was generated in the control and wheat plots, registering 0.468 and 0.368 kg m−2, respectively, with an inclination of 8%. For an inclination of 20%, the control and wheat plots registered 1.145 and 0.967 kg m−2, respectively. In comparison with the control plots, there was a decrease in the total eroded organic matter, which ranged from 0.0579 (control) to 0.0289 (bean) kg m−2 year−1 in the plots with 20% inclination, and from 0.0233 (control) to 0.0069 (bean) kg m−2 year−1 with 8% inclination. To sum up, bean and vetch play an effective role to mitigate soil erosion, delay run‐off and reduce sediment yield. The output of this research provides first insights into the impact of different land uses on soil loss. Also, it could help rural inhabitants and farmers to correctly manage their soils against soil erosion processes.
Novel Borrelia genotypes in bats from the Macaregua Cave, Colombia
Authors: Muñoz‐Leal Sebastián , Faccini‐Martínez Álvaro A. , Pérez‐Torres Jairo , Chala‐Quintero Sandra M. , Herrera‐Sepúlveda Maria T. , Cuervo Claudia , Labruna Marcelo B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBats have been implicated as reservoirs of relapsing fever group spirochaetes since the beginning of the last century. Recently, bat‐associated spirochaetes have been reported as human pathogens. In 1968, a spirochaete was detected in blood of the bat Natalus tumidirostris captured inside the Macaregua cave, Colombia. Data on this microorganism were never published again. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of Borrelia DNA in blood from bats of Macaregua cave. We performed molecular analyses using a genus‐specific real‐time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA to detect DNA of Borrelia in blood samples from 46 bats captured in the Macaregua cave. Positive samples were submitted to a battery of PCRs aiming to amply Borrelia 16S rRNA, flaB, glpQ, p66, ospC, clpA, clpX, nifS, pepX, pyrG, recG, rplB and uvrA genes. Seventeen samples were positive for Borrelia after real‐time PCR. With the exception of flaB gene, attempts to amplify further loci were unsuccessful. Nucleotide and amino acid divergences of four flaB haplotypes characterized from blood of Carollia perspicillata showed Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) as the most closely related group. A phylogenetic tree including 74 sequences of the genus confirmed this trend, since Borrelia genotypes detected in bats from Macaregua formed a monophyletic group basally positioned to Bbsl. Our results suggest that Borrelia genotypes characterized from bats roosting in the Macaregua cave might constitute a new taxon within the genus. This is the first molecular characterization of a Borrelia sp. in Colombia.
Needs assessment for a decision support tool in oral cancer requiring major resection and reconstruction: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Forner David , Hong Paul , Corsten Martin , Rac Valeria E , Martino Rosemary , Shuman Andrew G , Chepeha Douglas B , Sawka Anna M , de Almeida John R , Irish Jonathan C , Brown Dale H , Taylor S Mark , Gullane Patrick J , Trites Jonathan R , Gilbert Ralph , Rigby Matthew H , Ringash Jolie , Goldstein David 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionAdvanced oral cancer and its ensuing treatment engenders significant morbidity and mortality. Patients are often elderly with significant comorbidities. Toxicities associated with surgical resection can be devastating and they are often highlighted by patients as impactful. Given the potential for suboptimal oncological and functional outcomes in this vulnerable patient population, promotion and performance of shared decision making (SDM) is crucial.Decision aids (DAs) are useful instruments for facilitating the SDM process by presenting patients with up-to-date evidence regarding risks, benefits and the possible postoperative course. Importantly, DAs also help elicit and clarify patient values and preferences. The use of DAs in cancer treatment has been shown to reduce decisional conflict and increase SDM. No DAs for oral cavity cancer have yet been developed.This study endeavours to answer the question: Is there a patient or surgeon driven need for development and implementation of a DA for adult patients considering major surgery for oral cancer?Methods and analysisThis study is the first step in a multiphase investigation of SDM during major head and neck surgery. It is a multi-institutional convergent parallel mixed-methods needs assessment study. Patients and surgeon dyads will be recruited to complete questionnaires related to their perception of the SDM process (nine-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire, SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc) and to take part in semistructured interviews. Patients will also complete questionnaires examining decisional self-efficacy (Ottawa Decision Self-Efficacy Scale) and decisional conflict (Decisional Conflict Scale). Questionnaires will be completed at time of recruitment and will be used to assess the current level of SDM, self-efficacy and conflict in this setting. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse transcripts of interviews. Quantitative and qualitative components of the study will be integrated through triangulation, with matrix developed to promote visualisation of the data.Ethics and DisseminationThis study has been approved by the research ethics boards of the Nova Scotia Health Authority (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and the University Health Network (Toronto, Ontario). Dissemination to clinicians will be through traditional approaches and creation of a head and neck cancer SDM website. Dissemination to patients will include a section within the website, patient advocacy groups and postings within clinical environments.
Childbirth, morbidity, sickness absence and disability pension: a population-based longitudinal cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Wang Mo , László Krisztina D. , Svedberg Pia , Nylén Lotta , Alexanderson Kristina 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate associations of morbidity with subsequent sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) among initially nulliparous women with no, one or several childbirths during follow-up.DesignLongitudinal register-based cohort study.SettingSweden.ParticipantsNulliparous women, aged 18 to 39 years and living in Sweden on 31 December 2004 and the three preceding years (n=492 504).Outcome measuresAnnual mean DP and SA days (in SA spells >14 days) in the 3 years before and after inclusion date in 2005.MethodsWomen were categorised into three groups: no childbirth in 2005 nor during the follow-up, first childbirth in 2005 but not during follow-up, and having first childbirth in 2005 and at least one more during follow-up. Microdata were obtained for 3 years before and 3 years after inclusion regarding SA, DP, mortality and morbidity (ie, hospitalisation and specialised outpatient healthcare, also excluding healthcare for pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium). HRs and 95% CIs for SA and DP in year 2 and 3 after childbirth were estimated by Cox regression; excluding those on DP at inclusion.ResultsAfter controlling for study participants’ prior morbidity and sociodemographic characteristics, women with one childbirth had a lower risk of SA and DP than those who remained nulliparous, while women with more than one childbirth had the lowest DP risk. Morbidity after inclusion that was not related to pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium was associated with a higher risk of future SA and DP, regardless of childbirth group. Furthermore, morbidity both before and after childbirth showed a strong association with SA and DP (HR range: 2.54 to 13.12).ConclusionWe found a strong positive association between morbidity and both SA and DP among women, regardless of childbirth status. Those who gave birth had lower future SA and DP risk than those who did not.
Psychological adaptation and recovery in youth with sarcoma: a qualitative study with practical implications for clinical care and research
Authors: Kosir Urska , Bowes Lucy , Taylor Rachel M , Gerrand Craig , Windsor Rachael , Onasanya Maria , Martins Ana 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesThis study explored factors that play a role in psychological adaptation and recovery of young people with sarcoma.DesignQualitative study.SettingNational Health Service hospitals in the UK.MethodsUsing purposive sampling, participants were recruited for semistructured interviews over the telephone or face to face in order to answer questions about how cancer impacted various domains of their life. Data were analysed using a framework approach.ResultsThirty participants, aged 15–39 years with primary sarcoma diagnosis provided in-depth accounts of their experience. Emerging themes from the interviews were grouped into two overarching themes that relate to one’s adaptation to illness: individual level and environmental level. The qualitative nature of our study sheds light on meaningful connections between various factors and their role in one’s psychological adaptation to sarcoma. We devised a visual matrix to illustrate how risk and protective factors in adaptation vary between and within individuals.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that young people with sarcoma report an array of both positive and negative factors related to their illness experience. The route to recovery is a multifactorial process and a one-size-fits-all approach to psychosocial care proves inadequate. We propose that moving beyond the latent constructs of resilience and psychopathology towards a dynamic model of psychological adaptation and recovery in this population can result in optimisation of care. We offer some recommendations for professionals working with young people with sarcoma in clinic and research.
Systematic review of international Delphi surveys for core outcome set development: representation of international patients
Authors: Lee Alice , Davies Anna , Young Amber E 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesA core outcome set (COS) describes a minimum set of outcomes to be reported by all clinical trials of one healthcare condition. Delphi surveys are frequently used to achieve consensus on core outcomes. International input is important to achieve global COS uptake. We aimed to investigate participant representation in international Delphi surveys, with reference to the inclusion of patients and participants from low and middle income countries as stakeholders (LMICs).DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesEMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, COMET database and hand-searching.Eligibility criteriaProtocols and studies describing Delphi surveys used to develop an international COS for trial reporting, published between 1 January 2017 and 6 June 2019.Data extraction and synthesisDelphi participants were grouped as patients or healthcare professionals (HCPs). Participants were considered international if their country of origin was different to that of the first or senior author. Data extraction included participant numbers, country of origin, country income group and whether Delphi surveys were translated. We analysed the impact these factors had on outcome prioritisation.ResultsOf 90 included studies, 69% (n=62) were completed and 31% (n=28) were protocols. Studies recruited more HCPs than patients (median 60 (IQR 30–113) vs 30 (IQR 14–66) participants, respectively). A higher percentage of HCPs was international compared with patients (57% (IQR 37–78) vs 20% (IQR 0–68)). Only 31% (n=28) studies recruited participants from LMICs. Regarding recruitment from LMICs, patients were under-represented (16% studies; n=8) compared with HCPs (22%; n=28). Few (7%; n=6) studies translated Delphi surveys. Only 3% studies (n=3) analysed Delphi responses by geographical location; all found differences in outcome prioritisation.ConclusionsThere is a disproportionately lower inclusion of international patients, compared with HCPs, in COS-development Delphi surveys, particularly within LMICs. Future international Delphi surveys should consider exploring for geographical and income-based differences in outcome prioritisation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019138519.
Brief mindfulness-based intervention of ‘STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed) touching your face’: a study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liao Yanhui , Wang Ling , Luo Tao , Wu Shiyou , Wu Zhenzhen , Chen Jianhua , Pan Chen , Wang Yunfei , Liu Yueheng , Luo Qinghua , Guo Xin , Xie Liqin , Zhou Jun , Chen Wei , Tang Jinsong 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionFace-touching behaviour often happens frequently and automatically, and poses potential risk for spreading infectious disease. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown its efficacy in the treatment of behaviour disorders. This study aims to evaluate an online mindfulness-based brief intervention skill named ‘STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed) touching your face’ in reducing face-touching behaviour.Methods and analysisThis will be an online-based, randomised, controlled, trial. We will recruit 1000 participants, and will randomise and allocate participants 1:1 to the ‘STOP touching your face’ (both 750-word text and 5 min audio description by online) intervention group (n=500) and the wait-list control group (n=500). All participants will be asked to monitor and record their face-touching behaviour during a 60 min period before and after the intervention. Primary outcome will be the efficacy of short-term mindfulness-based ‘STOP touching your face’ intervention for reducing the frequency of face-touching. The secondary outcomes will be percentage of participants touching their faces; the correlation between the psychological traits of mindfulness and face-touching behaviour; and the differences of face-touching behaviour between left-handers and right-handers. Analysis of covariance, regression analysis, χ2 test, t-test, Pearson’s correlations will be applied in data analysis. We will recruit 1000 participants from April to July 2020 or until the recruitment process is complete. The follow-up will be completed in July 2020. We expect all trial results to be available by the end of July 2020.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, an affiliate of Zhejiang University, Medical College (No. 20200401-32). Study results will be disseminated via social media and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberNCT04330352.