bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using machine learning to predict stroke‐associated pneumonia in Chinese acute ischaemic stroke patients
Authors: Li X. , Wu M. , Sun C. , Zhao Z. , Wang F. , Zheng X. , Ge W. , Zhou J. , Zou J. 
Published: May 2020

Background and purposeStroke‐associated pneumonia (SAP) is a common, severe but preventable complication after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Early identification of patients at high risk of SAP is especially necessary. However, previous prediction models have not been widely used in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to develop a model to predict SAP in Chinese AIS patients using machine learning (ML) methods.MethodsAcute ischaemic stroke patients were prospectively collected at the National Advanced Stroke Center of Nanjing First Hospital (China) between September 2016 and November 2019, and the data were randomly subdivided into a training set and a testing set. With the training set, five ML models (logistic regression with regulation, support vector machine, random forest classifier, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and fully connected deep neural network) were developed. These models were assessed by the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic on the testing set. Our models were also compared with pre‐stroke Independence (modified Rankin Scale), Sex, Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (ISAN) and Pneumonia Prediction (PNA) scores.ResultsA total of 3160 AIS patients were eventually included in this retrospective study. Among the five ML models, the XGBoost model performed best. The area under the curve of the XGBoost model on the testing set was 0.841 (sensitivity, 81.0%; specificity, 73.3%). It also achieved significantly better performance than ISAN and PNA scores.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that the XGBoost model with six common variables can predict SAP in Chinese AIS patients more optimally than ISAN and PNA scores.
Migratory hosts can maintain the high‐dose/refuge effect in a structured host‐parasite system: The case of sea lice and salmon
Authors: Bateman Andrew W. , Peacock Stephanie J. , Krkošek Martin , Lewis Mark A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMigration can reduce parasite burdens in migratory hosts, but it connects populations and can drive disease dynamics in domestic species. Farmed salmon are infested by sea louse parasites, often carried by migratory wild salmonids, resulting in a costly problem for industry and risk to wild populations when farms amplify louse numbers. Chemical treatment can control lice, but resistance has evolved in many salmon‐farming regions. Resistance has, however, been slow to evolve in the north‐east Pacific Ocean, where large wild‐salmon populations harbour large sea louse populations. Using a mathematical model of host–macroparasite dynamics, we explored the roles of domestic, wild oceanic and connective migratory host populations in maintaining treatment susceptibility in associated sea lice. Our results show that a large wild salmon population, unexposed to direct infestation by lice from farms; high levels of on‐farm treatment; and a healthy migratory host population are all critical to slowing or stopping the evolution of treatment resistance. Our results reproduce the “high‐dose/refuge effect,” from the agricultural literature, with the added requirement of a migratory host population to maintain treatment susceptibility. This work highlights the role that migratory hosts may play in shared wildlife/livestock disease, where evolution can occur in ecological time.
Patient participation in gastrointestinal endoscopy — From patients' perspectives
Authors: Dubois Hanna , Creutzfeldt Johan , Törnqvist Monita , Bergenmar Mia 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatient participation is associated with satisfaction and improved health‐related outcomes. In gastrointestinal endoscopy, patient participation is an underexplored area.ObjectiveTo gain understanding on patients' experiences, attitudes and preferences concerning patient participation in the endoscopy pathway.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with endoscopy patients (n = 17, female n = 8, male n = 9, ages 19‐80 years) were performed. Interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Participants were recruited by purposive sampling from an endoscopy unit in a Swedish university hospital. Inclusion:≥ 18 years, fluency in Swedish and recent experience of endoscopy at the unit.ResultsFive generic categories emerged, two within the area of the patient's role, which was described as active or passive/included or excluded. Another three generic categories related to factors, critical to active participation, including organizational aspects, impressions of staff and individual circumstances were identified. In this context, patient participation described in the interviews was on a low to basic level, although sometimes reaching a higher level when staff ‘invited’ patients in decision making.DiscussionThis study contributes to the understanding of patient participation in endoscopy. Patients are in an inferior position and need support from the staff for an active role in their care. Although there were variations on the perceived importance of different factors, a heavy responsibility lies on the endoscopy staff to acknowledge the patients' individual needs and to facilitate patient participation.ConclusionsEndoscopy staff has a key role in supporting patient participation. In endoscopy settings, patient participation is vulnerable to multiple factors.
Bedtime, body mass index and obesity risk in preschool‐aged children
Authors: Roy Melyssa , Haszard Jillian J. , Savage Jennifer S. , Yolton Kimberly , Beebe Dean W. , Xu Yingying , Galland Barbara , Paul Ian M. , Mindell Jodi A. , Mihrshahi Seema , Wen Li Ming , Taylor Barry , Richards Rosalina , Te Morenga Lisa , Taylor Rachael W. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryBackgroundAlthough sleep duration is a risk factor for obesity in young children, less is known about other aspects of sleep health, including bedtime, on obesity risk.ObjectiveTo determine whether bedtime is associated with body mass index (BMI) z‐score or obesity risk in children ages 2 to 5 years, and to determine if associations are independent of sleep duration.MethodsCohort analyses were undertaken using three early life obesity prevention trials (POI, INSIGHT, Healthy Beginnings) and a longitudinal cohort study (HOME). Bedtime was assessed by questionnaire and BMI through clinical measurement between 2 and 5 years in 1642 children. Adjusted regression models examined whether BMI z‐score and obesity (BMI z‐score ≥ 2) were associated with bedtime, nocturnal sleep time and 24‐hour sleep time. A discrete mixture model categorized children into bedtime trajectory groups across time points.ResultsBedtime was inconsistently associated with BMI z‐score. Although each hour later of bedtime was associated with greater odds of obesity at ages 3 (OR; 95% CI: 1.05; 1.003, 1.10) and 5 (1.35; 1.08, 1.69) years, odds were attenuated after adjustment for nocturnal or 24‐hour sleep time. Longer nocturnal sleep duration at 2 years was associated with lower odds of obesity (OR 0.90; 0.86, 0.94), as was longer 24‐hour sleep duration at 3 years in girls (0.70; 0.62, 0.78). BMI z‐score and odds of obesity were not significantly different between ‘early to bed’ and ‘late to bed’ trajectory groups.ConclusionsTiming of bedtime appears inconsistently related to obesity in young children, possibly via influencing overall sleep duration.
Understanding puffing in a domestic microwave oven
Authors: Pompe Robert , Briesen Heiko , Datta Ashim K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis work is intended to develop an overall understanding of puffing of a starch‐based snack in a home microwave oven, using primarily the microwave energy. Combination of experimental measurements was used, including dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, CT‐Scan, SEM, image processing, and measurement of temperature, moisture content, and expansion ratio. Effects of various product and process parameters on puffing, including those of pretreatment to produce the half product, were studied. Experimental data showed that the physicochemical processes contributing to crust formation were gelatinization of starch, migration of soluble ingredients to the surface, and shrinkage at the surface. A thicker material was harder to puff due to its increased mechanical resistance. Higher microwave power, leading to higher rate of evaporation, increased expansion. Evolution of mechanical properties of the crust greatly affected the final shape of the puffed product. In overall understanding, critical determinants of a puffing process were attributed to three material factors (reduced surface permeability, optimal moisture content, and deformability) and two process factors (intense heat and higher internal pressure from evaporation).
Effect of microwave irradiation on the pasting, thermal, and rheological properties of cassava starch–sugar mixtures
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Ma Qinqin , Liu Xiaokang , Zhang Dandan , Ma Liping , Luo Deng‐lin , Liu Xinfang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe effects of microwave irradiation (300 W for 1.5 min, two times) on the pasting, thermal, and rheological properties of powder cassava starch–sugar mixture (1:1 or 1:2, w:w) were studied. Different sample preparation ways were used: microwave (of starch) before mixing (Mw‐mix), or mixing before microwave (Mix‐mw). Rapid visco‐analyzer (RVA) experiments showed that the peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity, setback, as well as pasting temperature of “Mix‐mw” sample were obviously higher than “Mw‐mix” sample. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments showed that the peak temperature (Tp) value of “Mix‐mw” sample was significantly higher than that of the “Mw‐mix” sample, while the gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH) value of the former was significantly lower than that of the latter. Steady‐state rheological experiments showed that “Mix‐mw” samples had larger consistency coefficient (K) and yield stress (σ0) compared with those of “Mw‐mix” sample. The result demonstrated that microwave irradiation could significantly influence the pasting, thermal, and rheological properties of cassava starch–sugar mixture.Practical applicationsCassava starch is an excellent raw material for food industry, and low molecular sugars are often added into starchy food to produce starch‐based desserts. Meanwhile, microwave irradiation has been used as a “green” approach for starch modification and food processing. A comparative study of the pasting, thermal, and rheological properties of cassava starch–sugar mixtures has been studied. The results show that the “Mw‐mix” samples (microwave before mixing) have different physical property compared with the “Mix‐mw” samples (mixing before microwave). The results would be useful to simulate the process of starch modification during microwave irradiation, and they could be applied for the food quality control in food industry.
Oral inflammatory load: Neutrophils as oral health biomarkers
Authors: Khoury William , Glogauer Judah , Tenenbaum Howard C , Glogauer Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPeriodontal diseases present a significant challenge to our healthcare system in terms of morbidity from the disease itself as well as their putative and deleterious effects on systemic health. The current method of diagnosing periodontal disease utilizes clinical criteria solely. These are imprecise and are somewhat invasive. There is thus significant benefit to creating a non‐invasive test as a method of screening for and monitoring of periodontal diseases, and, in particular, chronic periodontitis. Oral polymorphonuclear neutrophil (oPMN) counts have been found to correlate with extent of oral inflammation and the presence and severity of periodontal diseases. Potentially then, quantification of oPMNs might be used to identify and measure the severity of oral inflammation (oral inflammatory load; OIL) in subjects with healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues, demonstrating a positive correlation between higher oPMN counts and the extent/severity of OIL. These findings support the development and utilization of a non‐invasive chair‐side test enabling rapid, accurate, and objective screening of OIL based on measurement of oPMN numbers (similar to white blood cell levels in blood as used in medicine for assessment of infection). The use of such a test before, during, and after treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis could lead to improvements in timing of intervention (ie, when inflammation is active) thereby reducing long‐term morbidity.
Hippocampal and medial prefrontal cortical volume is associated with overnight declarative memory consolidation independent of specific sleep oscillations
Authors: Frase Lukas , Regen Wolfram , Kass Stéphanie , Rambach Albena , Baglioni Chiara , Feige Bernd , Hennig Jürgen , Riemann Dieter , Nissen Christoph , Spiegelhalder Kai 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe current study was designed to further clarify the influence of brain morphology, sleep oscillatory activity and age on memory consolidation. Specifically, we hypothesized, that a smaller volume of hippocampus, parahippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex negatively impacts declarative, but not procedural, memory consolidation. Explorative analyses were conducted to demonstrate whether a decrease in slow‐wave activity negatively impacts declarative memory consolidation, and whether these factors mediate age effects on memory consolidation. Thirty‐eight healthy participants underwent an acquisition session in the evening and a retrieval session in the morning after night‐time sleep with polysomnographic monitoring. Declarative memory was assessed with the paired‐associate word list task, while procedural memory was tested using the mirror‐tracing task. All participants underwent high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Participants with smaller hippocampal, parahippocampal and medial prefrontal cortex volumes displayed a reduced overnight declarative, but not procedural memory consolidation. Mediation analyses showed significant age effects on overnight declarative memory consolidation, but no significant mediation effects of brain morphology on this association. Further mediation analyses showed that the effects of age and brain morphology on overnight declarative memory consolidation were not mediated by polysomnographic variables or sleep electroencephalogram spectral power variables. Thus, the results suggest that the association between age, specific brain area volume and overnight memory consolidation is highly relevant, but does not necessarily depend on slow‐wave sleep as previously conceptualized.
Self‐similarity in long‐horizon returns
Authors: Madan Dilip B. , Schoutens Wim 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAsset returns incorporate new information via the effects of independent and possibly identically distributed random shocks. They may also incorporate long memory effects related to the concept of self‐similarity. The two approaches are here combined. In addition, methods are proposed for estimating the contribution of each component and evidence supporting the presence of both components in both the physical and risk‐neutral distributions is presented. Furthermore, it is shown that long‐horizon returns may be nonnormal when there is a self‐similar component. The presence of a self‐similar component also questions positive equity biases over the longer term.
Phylogenomics unravels Quaternary vicariance and allopatric speciation patterns in temperate‐montane plant species: A case study on the Ranunculus auricomus species complex
Authors: Tomasello Salvatore , Karbstein Kevin , Hodač Ladislav , Paetzold Claudia , Hörandl Elvira 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe time frame and geographical patterns of diversification processes in European temperate‐montane herbs are still not well understood. We used the sexual species of the Ranunculus auricomus complex as a model system to understand how vicariance versus dispersal processes in the context of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have triggered speciation in temperate‐montane plant species. We used target enrichment sequence data from about 600 nuclear genes and coalescent‐based species tree inference methods to resolve phylogenetic relationships among the sexual taxa of the complex. We estimated absolute divergence times and, using ancestral range reconstruction, we tested if speciation was enhanced by vicariance or by dispersal processes. Phylogenetic relationships among taxa were fully resolved with some incongruence in the position of the tetraploid R. marsicus. Speciation events took place in a very short time at the end of the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition (830–580 thousand years ago [ka]). A second wave of intraspecific geographical differentiation occurred at the end of the Riss glaciation or during the Eemian interglacial between 200 and 100 ka. Ancestral range reconstruction suggests a widespread European ancestor of the R. auricomus complex. Vicariance has triggered allopatric speciation in temperate‐montane plant species during the climatic deterioration that occurred during the last phase of the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition. Vegetation restructuring from forest into tundra could have confined these forest species into isolated glacial macro‐ and microrefugia. During subsequent warming periods, range expansions of these species could have been hampered by apomictic derivatives and by other congeneric competitors in the same habitat.
Balancing selection in Pattern Recognition Receptor signalling pathways is associated with gene function and pleiotropy in a wild rodent
Authors: Lundberg Max , Zhong Xiuqin , Konrad Anna , Olsen Remi‐André , Råberg Lars 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPathogen‐mediated balancing selection is commonly considered to play an important role in the maintenance of genetic diversity, in particular in immune genes. However, the factors that may influence which immune genes are the targets of such selection are largely unknown. To address this, here we focus on Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) signalling pathways, which play a key role in innate immunity. We used whole‐genome resequencing data from a population of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) to test for associations between balancing selection, pleiotropy and gene function in a set of 123 PRR signalling pathway genes. To investigate the effect of gene function, we compared genes encoding (a) receptors for microbial ligands versus downstream signalling proteins, and (b) receptors recognizing components of microbial cell walls, flagella and capsids versus receptors recognizing features of microbial nucleic acids. Analyses based on the nucleotide diversity of full coding sequences showed that balancing selection primarily targeted receptor genes with a low degree of pleiotropy. Moreover, genes encoding receptors recognizing components of microbial cell walls etc. were more important targets of balancing selection than receptors recognizing nucleic acids. Tests for localized signatures of balancing selection in coding and noncoding sequences showed that such signatures were mostly located in introns, and more evenly distributed among different functional categories of PRR pathway genes. The finding that signatures of balancing selection in full coding sequences primarily occur in receptor genes, in particular those encoding receptors for components of microbial cell walls etc., is consistent with the idea that coevolution between hosts and pathogens is an important cause of balancing selection on immune genes.
Work and Its Discontents: On Contemporary Theology’s Response to the Question of Work
Authors: Settle Zachary T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractI begin this essay by articulating capitalism’s problematic work ethic, to which a host of contemporary theologians are rightfully responding. I then establish a pattern that structures a host of those contemporary theological responses. Theologians working out of the “God as Worker” model aim to address work‐related problems by calling for workers to imitate God’s work. Making use of Augustine’s doctrine of transcendence, I problematize that mode of response on two fronts: (1) those proposals are based on too quick an appeal to theories of divine action, which the authors problematically assume provides a model for ideal forms of human action; (2) those proposals lack clarity regarding the precise nature of “work” and thus fail to develop a proper analysis of the cursed mode of agency. Thinking with Augustine and a classical theological schema wherein God is the transcendent cause (and final end) of all creatures thus prohibits the attempt to address questions of work by identifying just modes of work in God’s productive agency. In contrast to this model, I argue that an Augustinian response must treat work as both a distinctly creaturely and a cursed activity.
NuBrain: UK consortium for optimal nutrition for healthy brain ageing
Authors: Stevenson E. J. , Shannon O. M. , Minihane A. M. , Adamson A. , Burns A. , Hill T. , Sniehotta F. , Muniz‐Terrera G. , Ritchie C. W. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWith an ageing global population, there is an urgent need to identify effective strategies to maintain brain health across the life course and therein minimise the risk of age‐related neurodegenerative disorders reaching a severe stage which may manifest as dementia. An increasing body of evidence indicates that nutrition is a modifiable lifestyle factor that can promote healthy brain ageing and reduce dementia risk. However, at present, little is known about which dietary patterns, foods and food bioactives influence brain function during ageing, and more research is required to identify at‐risk individuals and population subgroups who are most likely to benefit from future nutritional intervention intended to promote healthier brain ageing. This article introduces the newly established Medical Research Council‐funded NuBrain consortium, the vision of which is to provide a step change in research in the area by developing novel approaches and techniques to further understand the complex interactions between diet and brain health and how we can support appropriate behaviour changes in the population. NuBrain will form a new, sustainable and internationally field‐leading research consortium with multidisciplinary and complementary areas of expertise to address the fundamental research challenges in this area.