bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Meta-analysis of Ecotoxicological Hazard Data for Nanoplastics in Marine and Freshwater Systems
Authors: Yang Tong , Nowack Bernd 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
There is emerging concern about the potential health and environmental impacts of nanoplastics in the environment. Information on exposure has been lacking, but a growing amount of ecotoxicological hazard data is now available, allowing a hazard assessment to be conducted for nanoplastics in freshwater and marine systems. Based on a critical evaluation of published studies and the construction of probabilistic species sensitivity distributions (PSSDs), we present a comprehensive, state-of-the-art understanding of nanoplastic ecotoxicity. Different freshwater and marine datasets were constructed based on different data quality levels, and for each of the datasets, PSSDs were built for both mass- and particle number-based concentrations. Predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) were then extracted from the PSSDs. We report PNECs at 99 and 72 μg L–1, respectively, for the freshwater and marine dataset after the removal of data measured in the presence of sodium azide (NaN3), which is considered to be a major interfering factor in the ecotoxicity testing of nanoplastics. By comparing the PNECs, we found that nanoplastics are less toxic than microplastics and many engineered nanomaterials. In addition, the effects of size and polymer type on toxicity were also statistically tested. We observed no significant difference in ecotoxicity for nanoplastics of different sizes, whereas polystyrene nanoplastics were significantly more toxic than all other tested nanoplastics. In conclusion, the results we present provide a comprehensive description of nanoplastic ecotoxicity based on current knowledge. The results constitute a fundamental step toward an environmental risk assessment for nanoplastics in freshwater and marine systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2588–2598. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Identifying the fitness consequences of sex in complex natural environments
Authors: Rushworth Catherine A. , Brandvain Yaniv , Mitchell-Olds Tom 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the natural world, sex prevails, despite its costs. Although much effort has been dedicated to identifying the intrinsic costs of sex (e.g., the cost of males), few studies have identified the ecological fitness consequences of sex. Furthermore, correlated biological traits that differ between sexuals and asexuals may alter these costs, or even render the typical costs of sex irrelevant. We conducted a large-scale, multisite, reciprocal transplant using multiple sexual and asexual genotypes of a native North American wildflower to show that sexual genotypes have reduced lifetime fitness, despite lower herbivory. We separated the effects of sex from those of hybridity, finding that overwinter survival is elevated in asexuals regardless of hybridity, but herbivores target hybrid asexuals more than nonhybrid asexual or sexual genotypes. Survival is lowest in homozygous sexual lineages, implicating inbreeding depression as a cost of sex. Our results show that the consequences of sex are shaped not just by sex itself, but by complex natural environments, correlated traits, and the identity and availability of mates.
Herausforderungen von Hochhausgründungen in Gebieten mit glazial geprägten Böden
Authors: Mittag Jens , Richter Thomas , Schädlich Bert , Hao Peng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDie wirtschaftliche und sichere Dimensionierung von Hochhausgründungen in Berlin erfordert eine realistische Prognose der zu erwartenden Baugrundverformungen sowohl für das Bauwerk selbst als auch für die vorhandene Nachbarbebauung. In diesem Zusammenhang kommt der Berücksichtigung der eiszeitlichen Vorbelastung und der dadurch bedingten Erhöhung der Bodensteifigkeit eine besondere Bedeutung zu. In diesem Beitrag werden verschiedene Ansätze für die Ableitung von Bodensteifigkeiten anhand von Setzungsmessungen an ausgeführten Bauwerken in Berlin verglichen. Es wird gezeigt, dass mit den Steifigkeiten auf Basis der Korrelationen nach Eurocode (EC) 7‐2 die In‐situ‐Steifigkeit der Berliner Böden deutlich unterschätzt wird. Eine realistischere Abbildung der Steifigkeitsverhältnisse ist mit den Werten der TEV Gesteinseigenschaften und einem von den Autoren entwickelten Steifigkeitsansatz möglich. In diesen Ansätzen wird neben der Lagerungsdichte bzw. Konsistenz auch die Genese der Bodenschichten im Hinblick auf die eiszeitliche Vorbelastung berücksichtigt.
Prediction of trust propensity from intrinsic brain morphology and functional connectome
Authors: Feng Chunliang , Zhu Zhiyuan , Cui Zaixu , Ushakov Vadim , Dreher Jean‐Claude , Luo Wenbo , Gu Ruolei , Wu Xia , Krueger Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTrust forms the basis of virtually all interpersonal relationships. Although significant individual differences characterize trust, the driving neuropsychological signatures behind its heterogeneity remain obscure. Here, we applied a prediction framework in two independent samples of healthy participants to examine the relationship between trust propensity and multimodal brain measures. Our multivariate prediction analyses revealed that trust propensity was predicted by gray matter volume and node strength across multiple regions. The gray matter volume of identified regions further enabled the classification of individuals from an independent sample with the propensity to trust or distrust. Our modular and functional decoding analyses showed that the contributing regions were part of three large‐scale networks implicated in calculus‐based trust strategy, cost–benefit calculation, and trustworthiness inference. These findings do not only deepen our neuropsychological understanding of individual differences in trust propensity, but also provide potential biomarkers in predicting trust impairment in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Association between external and internal lymphedema and chronic dysphagia following head and neck cancer treatment
Authors: Jeans Claire , Ward Elizabeth C. , Brown Bena , Vertigan Anne E. , Pigott Amanda E. , Nixon Jodie L. , Wratten Chris , Boggess May 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo examine the relationship between chronic external and internal head and neck lymphedema (HNL) and swallowing function in patients following head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment.MethodsSeventy‐nine participants, 1‐3 years post treatment were assessed for external HNL using the MD Anderson Cancer Centre Lymphedema Rating Scale, and internal HNL using Patterson's Radiotherapy Edema Rating Scale. Swallowing was assessed via instrumental, clinical and patient‐reported outcome measures.ResultsHNL presented as internal only (68%), combined external/internal (29%), and external only (1%). Laryngeal penetration/aspiration was confirmed in 20%. Stepwise multivariable regression models, that accounted for primary site, revealed that a higher severity of external HNL and internal HNL was associated with more severe penetration/aspiration (P < .004 and P = .006, respectively), diet modification (P < .001 both), and poorer patient‐reported outcomes (P = .037 and P = .014, respectively).ConclusionIncreased swallowing issues can be expected in patients presenting with more severe external HNL and/or internal HNL following HNC treatment.
Beyond the screening: The need for health systems intervention for prevention and management of sickle cell disease among tribal population of India
Authors: Geethakumari Konathala , Kusuma Yadlapalli S. , Babu Bontha V. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGlobally, sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the major public health problems. In India, it is more prevalent in tribal communities. Tribal communities are socio‐economically disadvantaged and constitute 8.6% of India's population. The health and health care seeking of these communities is very poor. Though efficacious interventions are available to manage SCD, they are not reaching these people and no comprehensive programme is in place. The objective of this analysis is to demonstrate the burden of SCD among the tribes in two Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as a case and to highlight the need for public health intervention and health systems strengthening in the country to prevent and manage SCD. One in 10 persons of tribal population of these states carries Hb S gene. A substantial number of children are born every year with the condition. Mostly, the research is limited to screening. Hence, a programme with early detection and an appropriate referral system should be developed. The primary health care system should be strengthened to screen and manage SCD persons with good disease management practices and appropriate community mobilisation activities. The programme should partner with traditional healers and community leaders. People should be encouraged to seek treatment; and counselling for prevention. The study warrants human‐centric approaches during the interventions to address the possible threat of fear of being stigmatised. Thus, the transition of evidence‐based interventions into the programme and practice can improve the lives of people with SCD, particularly the tribal population.
CEO power and earnings management: Dual roles of foreign shareholders in Vietnamese listed companies
Authors: Le Hanh Thi My , Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Nourani Mohammad 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUsing a sample of Vietnamese listed companies from 2007–2016, this study examines the impact of CEO power on earnings management. This work also explores how the association between CEO power and earnings management differs between companies with high foreign ownership (FOR) and low FOR. Our fixed‐effects panel regression analyses reveal that CEO power significantly and positively affects earnings management, whereas FOR can control earnings management. However, when the sample is split into companies with high and low FOR, the significantly positive effect of CEO power is evident only in the group with high FOR, thereby suggesting that CEO power works positively on earnings management given high FOR. These results remain qualitatively the same when the composite CEO power is replaced with individual measures of CEO power. Overall, policymakers with an oversight function should be aware of the potential dual roles of foreign investors.
Inflation in the G7 and the expected time to reach the reference rate: A nonparametric approach
Authors: da Cunha Cabral Inês , Nicolau João 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper explores the inflation dynamics of the G7 from 1999 to mid‐2018 by determining the expected time so that inflation rates revert to the reference rate. Overall, this research reports four main findings. Firstly, there is evidence that the convergence of inflation to the 2% tends to be slower for negative fluctuations. Secondly, the results hint that sometimes larger deviations are tackled at a higher speed and the flat structures advocate for tolerance bands while also supporting price stickiness. Thirdly, though sharing the same monetary policy, the euro area countries exhibit different patterns of convergence. Fourthly, the cluster hierarchy for negative variations reflects the G7 geographic location.
Genotoxicity and neonatal subchronic toxicity assessment of a novel mixture of the human‐identical milk oligosaccharides lacto‐N‐fucopentaose I and 2′‐fucosyllactose
Authors: Phipps Kirt R. , Lynch Barry , Stannard Diane R. , Gilby Ben , Baldwin Nigel , Mikš Marta Hanna , Lau Annette , Röhrig Christoph H. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a complex group of bioactive molecules largely observed in human breast milk but also occurring in limited amounts in other mammalian milks. Advances in biotechnology have enabled production of human‐identical milk oligosaccharides (HiMOs), structurally identical molecules to HMOs found naturally in human milk, intended for addition to infant formula to more closely replicate breast milk. Biosynthesis of a novel mixture of two major HMOs, lacto‐N‐fucopentaose I and 2′‐fucosyllactose (LNFP‐I/2′‐FL), recently became possible. To support the safety of LNFP‐I/2′‐FL for use in infant formula and other foods, it was subject to a safety assessment comprising a bacterial reverse mutation test, an in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test, and a 90‐day oral gavage study in neonatal rats. In the 90‐day study (the first HiMO study to include the new endocrine‐sensitive endpoints described in the 2018 version of OECD Test Guideline 408), LNFP‐I/2′‐FL was administered by oral gavage to neonatal rats once daily (from Day 7 of age) for 90 consecutive days, at doses up to 5000 mg/kg bw/day, followed by a 4‐week recovery period. Concurrent reference controls received 5000 mg/kg bw/day of the approved infant formula ingredient oligofructose. LNFP‐I/2′‐FL was nongenotoxic in vitro. The highest dose tested (5000 mg/kg bw/day) was established as the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level in the 90‐day study, as there were no test article‐related adverse effects on clinical observations, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology, and organ weights nor any noteworthy macroscopic or microscopic findings. This supports the safety of LNFP‐I/2′‐FL for its intended uses in food.
“Hey, we also have something to say”: A qualitative study of Portuguese adolescents’ and young people's experiences under COVID‐19
Authors: Branquinho Cátia , Kelly Colette , Arevalo Lourdes C. , Santos Anabela , Gaspar de Matos Margarida 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjective(1) To give adolescents and youth a voice and listen to the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in their lives; (2) to identify their coping strategies; (3) present lessons learned to be better prepared for future pandemics.MethodsSix hundred and seventeen participants from 16 to 24 years old (M = 19.2 years; F = 19.1 years) answered the online questionnaire during the pandemic lockdown. Sociodemographic data were analyzed with SPSS version 26 and qualitative data with MAXQDA 2020. Engel's Biopsychosocial model supported the analysis and data presentation.Resultsin terms of impacts, stands out: biological—headaches and muscle pain; psychological—more time to perform pleasant and personal development activities, but more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, longer screen time, and more substance use; social—increase of family conflicts and disagreements, loss of important life moments, contacts, and social skills, but it allows a greater selection of friendships. Regarding coping strategies, the importance of facing these times with a positive perspective, carrying out pleasurable activities, keeping in touch with family and friends, and establishing routines are emphasized. As lessons for future pandemics, the importance of respecting the norms of the Directorate‐General for Health, the need for the National Health System to be prepared, as well as teachers and students for online learning, and studying the possibility of establishing routines with the support of television.ConclusionsThis study illustrates adolescents and young people's perception of the impacts of the pandemic upon them, as well as their competence to participate in the issues that directly affect them. Priorities to mitigate the impact of future pandemics are presented.
Down‐regulated FOXA1 in early‐onset pre‐eclampsia induces apoptosis, and inhibits migration and invasion of trophoblast cells
Authors: Zhu Juan , Wei Yunjian , Wang Zhen , Jie Qiuling , Sun Fei , Li Qi , Long Ping , Huang Yuanhua , Yu Yanhong , Ma Yanlin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPre‐eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Abnormal invasion of trophoblast cells is a major pathogenesis observed in PE. In the present study, we aimed to explore the association between forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) and early‐onset pre‐eclampsia (EOPE) and to determine the effects of FOXA1 on trophoblast cell apoptosis, migration and invasion.MethodsClinical data and placentas of patients with EOPE and normal pregnant women were collected in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College. The protein expression levels of FOXA1 in the clinical samples were evaluated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The effects of FOXA1 knockdown on HTR‐8/SVneo cell apoptosis, migration and invasion were evaluated by flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell invasion assays, respectively.ResultsThe western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that FOXA1 protein expression in placenta of EOPE group was significantly lower than that of normal group. The expression of FOXA1 in the placentas of EOPE and normal pregnant women was negatively correlated with systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The expression of FOXA1 in EOPE and normal pregnant women was positively correlated with gestation weeks at delivery and neonatal birthweight. In vitro functional studies showed that silencing FOXA1 increased apoptosis, and inhibited the migration and invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo cells.ConclusionsDown‐regulation of FOXA1 in the placentas may indicate poor prognosis of EOPE. Silencing of FOXA1 induced apoptosis in trophoblast cells, and impaired the migratory and invasive capacity of trophoblast cells. FOXA1 may represent a potential therapeutic target for EOPE.
Risk factors for loss to follow‐up among at‐risk HIV negative men who have sex with men participating in a research cohort with access to pre‐exposure prophylaxis in coastal Kenya
Authors: Wahome Elizabeth W , Graham Susan M , Thiong’o Alexander N , Mohamed Khamisi , Oduor Tony , Gichuru Evans , Mwambi John , van der Elst Elise M , Sanders Eduard J 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionRetention in preventive care among at‐risk men who have sex with men (MSM) is critical for successful prevention of HIV acquisition in Africa. We assessed loss to follow‐up (LTFU) rates and factors associated with LTFU in an HIV vaccine feasibility cohort study following MSM with access to pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in coastal Kenya.MethodsBetween June 2017 and June 2019, MSM cohort participants attending a research clinic 20 km north of Mombasa were offered daily PrEP and followed monthly for risk assessment, risk reduction counselling and HIV testing. Participants were defined as LTFU if they were late by >90 days for their scheduled appointment. Participants who acquired HIV were censored at diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) of risk factors for LTFU.Results and discussionA total of 179 participants with a median age of 25.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 23.0 to 30.0) contributed a median follow‐up time of 21.2 months (IQR: 6.5 to 22.1). Of these, 143 (79.9%) participants started PrEP and 76 (42.5%) MSM were LTFU, for an incidence rate of 33.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 26.9 to 42.2) per 100 person‐years. Disordered alcohol use (aHR: 2.3, 95% CI, 1.5 to 3.7), residence outside the immediate clinic catchment area (aHR: 2.5, 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.6 for Mombasa Island; aHR: 1.8, 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.3 for south coast), tertiary education level or higher (aHR: 2.3, 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.8) and less lead‐in time in the cohort prior to 19 June 2017 (aHR: 3.1, 95% CI, 1.8 to 5.6 for zero to three months; aHR: 2.4, 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.7 for four to six months) were independent predictors of LTFU. PrEP use did not differ by LTFU status (HR: 1.0, 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.5). Psychosocial support for men reporting disordered alcohol use, strengthened engagement of recently enrolled participants and focusing recruitment on areas close to the research clinic may improve retention in HIV prevention studies involving MSM in coastal Kenya.ConclusionsAbout one in three participants became LTFU after one year of follow‐up, irrespective of PrEP use. Research preparedness involving MSM should be strengthened for HIV prevention intervention evaluations in coastal Kenya.
A more responsive, multi‐pronged strategy is needed to strengthen HIV healthcare for men who have sex with men in a decentralized health system: qualitative insights of a case study in the Kenyan coast
Authors: van der Elst Elise M , Mudza Rita , Onguso Justus M , Kiirika Leonard , Kombo Bernadette , Jahangir Nassim , Graham Susan M , Operario Don , Sanders Eduard J 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionHIV healthcare services for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kenya have not been openly provided because of persistent stigma and lack of healthcare capacity within Kenya’s decentralized health sector. Building on an evaluation of a developed online MSM sensitivity training programme offered to East and South African healthcare providers, this study assessed views and responses to strengthen HIV healthcare services for MSM in Kenya.MethodsThe study was conducted between January and July 2017 in Kilifi County, coastal Kenya. Seventeen policymakers participated in an in‐depth interview and 59 stakeholders, who were purposively selected from three key groups (i.e. healthcare providers, implementing partners and members of MSM‐led community‐based organizations) took part in eight focus group discussions. Discussions aimed to understand gaps in service provision to MSM from different perspectives, to identify potential misconceptions, and to explore opportunities to improve MSM HIV healthcare services. Interviews and focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants’ responses revealed that all key groups navigated diverse challenges related to MSM HIV health services. Specific challenges included priority‐setting by county government staff; preparedness of leadership and management on MSM HIV issues at the facility level; data reporting at the implementation level and advocacy for MSM health equity. Strong power inequities were observed between policy leadership, healthcare providers and MSM, with MSM feeling blamed for their sexual orientation. MSM agency, as expressed in their actions to access HIV services, was significantly constrained by county context, but can potentially be improved by political will, professional support and a human rights approach.ConclusionsTo strengthen HIV healthcare for MSM within a decentralized Kenyan health system, a more responsive, multi‐pronged strategy adaptable and relevant to MSM’s healthcare needs is required. Continued engagement with policy leadership, collaboration with health facilities, and partnerships with different community stakeholders are critical to improve HIV healthcare services for MSM.