bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of acupuncture on specific and non‐specific points for the treatment of painful temporomandibular disorders: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Şen Sinan , Orhan Gül , Sertel Serkan , Schmitter Marc , Schindler Hans J. , Lux Christopher J. , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe aim of this single‐centre, two‐arm, parallel‐group, double‐blinded, randomised controlled trial was to investigate the disputed specific effectiveness of acupuncture by comparing acupuncture on specific and non‐specific points among patients with non‐chronic, painful TMDs.MethodsFollowing predefined eligibility criteria, 49 consecutive patients of both sexes were recruited to the study. All subjects were diagnosed with a non‐chronic (Graded Chronic Pain Scale grade <3) painful TMD, as assessed using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Patients were randomly assigned to group A (acupuncture on specific points) or group B (acupuncture on non‐specific points) after the initial examination (T0). Both acupuncture treatment sessions were conducted by a trained dentist once a week for four weeks. The examination was repeated five weeks (T5) after T0 by one calibrated examiner who was unaware of the study groups. Characteristic pain intensity (CPI) was evaluated as the main outcome criterion and compared between times and treatment groups by means of non‐parametric tests (significance level set at P = .05). Secondary outcomes comprised the maximum corrected active mouth‐opening without pain (MAO); patients’ expectations regarding acupuncture treatment and pain development; depressivity; and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL).ResultsA total of 41 patients (38 female) successfully completed the study (mean age: 40.17 ± 16.61). The two groups did not differ significantly at any time in terms of age and CPI. However, CPI was significantly (P < .05) lower at T5 than at T0 for both groups (29.66 and 30.35% lower in group A and group B, respectively). An increase in MAO was observed at T5 for both groups but was significant for group B only (P = .016). All patients had positive expectations of acupuncture therapy, and the two groups did not differ significantly at T5 with regard to the extent to which their expectations had been fulfilled by the treatment (P = .717). Comparison of T0 and T5 showed a statistically significant reduction of depressivity for group A (P = .0205), but no significant change for group B (P = .329). At T5, OHRQoL had improved significantly for both groups (group A, P = .018; group B, P < .001) compared with at T0.ConclusionsAcupuncture on both specific and non‐specific points reduces the non‐dysfunctional pain of TMD patients. The effect of acupuncture on painful TMD cannot be attributed to the specific point selection.
Chytrid fungus dynamics and infections associated with movement distances in a red‐listed amphibian
Authors: Kärvemo S. , Wikström G. , Widenfalk L.A. , Höglund J. , Laurila A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAmphibians are among the most threatened vertebrate taxa due to anthropogenic habitat change and emerging pathogens. The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) may cause trade‐offs between the immune responses and other important functions, such as mobility. The pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) is red‐listed in Sweden, and an earlier study conducted in our study area did not detect the fungus. In this study, 67 Swedish pool frogs were tested for Bd. Of these, 28 adults were provided with external radio transmitters and tracked during the summer and autumn to compare movement among infected and non‐infected individuals. Additionally, we tested some individuals for Bd twice during the summer to study intra‐seasonal variation in individual infections. Our results suggest that Bd has recently invaded these pool frog populations. During autumn, movement distances of infected pool frogs were shorter compared to uninfected individuals, and summer movements within ponds were reduced by increasing Bd load. We also found that the frogs can clear (or reduce) Bd infection during their active season. The results from this study increase understanding of the implications of Bd infections in an anuran fringe population, as well as in amphibian metapopulations, and can further guide amphibian conservation planning and management.
Will we need novel combinations to cure HBV infection?
Authors: Dusheiko Geoffrey 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChronic hepatitis B is a numerically important cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nucleoside analogue therapy may modify the risk. However, maintenance suppressive therapy is required, as a functional cure (generally defined as loss of HBsAg off treatment) is an uncommon outcome of antiviral treatment. Chronic hepatitis B is a numerically important cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nucleoside analogue therapy may modify the risk. However, maintenance suppressive therapy is required, as a functional cure (generally defined as loss of HBsAg off treatment) is an uncommon outcome of antiviral treatment. Currently numerous investigational agents being developed to either interfere with specific steps in HBV replication or as host cellular targeting agents, that inhibit viral replication, and deplete or inactivate cccDNA, or as immune modulators. Synergistic mechanisms will be needed to incorporate a decrease in HBV transcription, impairment of transcription from HBV genomes, loss of cccDNA or altered epigenetic regulation of cccDNA transcription, and immune modulation or immunologically stimulated hepatocyte cell turnover. Nucleoside analogue suppressed patients are being included in many current trials. Trials are progressing to combination therapy as additive or synergistic effects are sought. These trials will provide important insights into the biology of HBV and perturbations of the immune response, required to effect HBsAg loss at different stages of the disease. The prospect of cures of hepatitis B would ensure that a wide range of patients could be deemed candidates for treatment with new compounds if these were highly effective, finite and safe. Withdrawal of therapy in short‐term trials is challenging because short‐term therapies may risk severe hepatitis flares, and hepatic decompensation. The limited clinical trial data to date suggest that combination therapy is inevitable.
Drivers of longitudinal telomere dynamics in a long‐lived bat species, Myotis myotis
Authors: Foley Nicole M. , Petit Eric J. , Brazier Thomas , Finarelli John A. , Hughes Graham M. , Touzalin Frédéric , Puechmaille Sébastien J. , Teeling Emma C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAge‐related telomere shortening is considered a hallmark of the ageing process. However, a recent cross‐sectional ageing study of relative telomere length (rTL) in bats failed to detect a relationship between rTL and age in the long‐lived genus Myotis (M. myotis and M. bechsteinii), suggesting some other factors are responsible for driving telomere dynamics in these species. Here, we test if longitudinal rTL data show signatures of age‐associated telomere attrition in M. myotis and differentiate which intrinsic or extrinsic factors are likely to drive telomere length dynamics. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, rTL was measured in 504 samples from a marked population, from Brittany, France, captured between 2013 and 2016. These represent 174 individuals with an age range of 0 to 7+ years. We find no significant relationship between rTL and age (p = .762), but demonstrate that within‐individual rTL is highly variable from year to year. To investigate the heritability of rTL, a population pedigree (n = 1744) was constructed from genotype data generated from a 16‐microsatellite multiplex, designed from an initial, low‐coverage, Illumina genome for M. myotis. Heritability was estimated in a Bayesian, mixed model framework, and showed that little of the observed variance in rTL is heritable (h2 = 0.01–0.06). Rather, correlations of first differences, correlating yearly changes in telomere length and weather variables, demonstrate that, during the spring transition, average temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall and windspeed correlate with changes in longitudinal telomere dynamics. As such, rTL may represent a useful biomarker to quantify the physiological impact of various environmental stressors in bats.
Impact of chronic kidney disease on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes after acute coronary syndrome: A nationwide data linkage study (ANZACS‐QI 44)
Authors: Pilmore Helen L. , Xiong Fei , Choi Yeunhyang , Poppe Katrina , Lee Mildred , Legget Malcolm , Kerr Andrew 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the characteristics, management and outcomes of patients with CKD in the All New Zealand Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement (ANZACS‐QI) national registry.MethodsThe cohort comprised New Zealand (NZ) patients with an acute coronary syndrome undergoing coronary angiography between January 2013 and December 2016. Patients were categorized according to their stage of CKD. Outcomes included all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality and hospitalization with myocardial infarction (MI), stroke and major bleeding.ResultsOf the 20 604 patients, 20.3% had normal renal function, with 53.3%, 23.3%, 1.7% and 1.4% having CKD stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 CKD, respectively. Patients with severe CKD were more likely to be Māori or Pacific and live in an area with greater socioeconomic deprivation. Death, recurrent MI or stroke, and major bleeding all increased incrementally with each worsening stage of CKD severity. Compared with those with normal renal function, patients with stage 5 CKD had a much higher all‐cause (hazard ratio [HR] 16.41, 95% CI 13.06‐20.61), cardiovascular (HR 16.38, 95% CI 12.17‐22.04) and non‐cardiovascular mortality (HR 13.66 9, 95% CI.56‐19.51). In addition, patients with stage 5 CKD were at a higher risk of recurrent MI or stroke (HR 4.73, 95% CI 3.86‐5.80) and bleeding (HR 5.84, 95% CI 4.39‐7.76).ConclusionCKD was associated with increased mortality and a high incidence of morbidity in patients undergoing coronary angiography in New Zealand. Initiatives to understand and improve outcomes in this group of patients are urgently needed.
Impacts of non‐impacted third molar removal on the periodontal condition of adjacent second molars
Authors: Sun Li‐Juan , Qu Hong‐Lei , Tian Yi , Bi Chun‐Sheng , Zhang Shu‐Yin , Chen Fa‐Ming 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine how the removal of non‐impacted third molars (N‐M3s) affects the periodontal status of neighboring second molars (M2s).Subjects and MethodsThe periodontal condition of M2s for which the neighboring N‐M3s were removed (more than 6 months previously) and those with intact N‐M3s was analyzed in a cross‐sectional observation study. In an additional case series, periodontal changes in M2s in response to adjacent N‐M3 removal were observed during a 6‐month follow‐up period.ResultsA total of 457 patients with 1,301 M2s were enrolled in this cross‐sectional observational study. Compared to M2s with neighboring N‐M3s, M2s without neighboring N‐M3s (teeth removed more than 6 months previously) exhibited a 0.27‐mm reduction in the average pocket depth (PD) (p < .001) and a 0.38‐fold reduced risk of at least one probing site with PD ≥5 mm (PD5+) (p < .001). Subsequently, a 41‐case follow‐up study showed that 6 months after neighboring N‐M3 extraction, the PD of the M2s decreased by 0.31 mm (p < .001), while the incidence of PD5+ decreased by 21.9% when compared to the parameters detected before tooth extraction (p = .004).ConclusionsRemoving N‐M3s was associated with an improved periodontal condition in neighboring M2s.
Host factors influence the sex of nematodes parasitizing roots of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Anjam Muhammad Shahzad , Shah Syed Jehangir , Matera Christiane , Różańska Elżbieta , Sobczak Miroslaw , Siddique Shahid , Grundler Florian M. W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPlant‐parasitic cyst nematodes induce hypermetabolic syncytial nurse cells in the roots of their host plants. Syncytia are their only food source. Cyst nematodes are sexually dimorphic, with their differentiation into male or female strongly influenced by host environmental conditions. Under favourable conditions with plenty of nutrients, more females develop, whereas mainly male nematodes develop under adverse conditions such as in resistant plants. Here, we developed and validated a method to predict the sex of beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii) during the early stages of its parasitism in the host plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We collected root segments containing male‐associated syncytia (MAS) or female‐associated syncytia (FAS), isolated syncytial cells by laser microdissection, and performed a comparative transcriptome analysis. Genes belonging to categories of defence, nutrient deficiency, and nutrient starvation were over‐represented in MAS as compared with FAS. Conversely, gene categories related to metabolism, modification, and biosynthesis of cell walls were over‐represented in FAS. We used β‐glucuronidase analysis, qRT‐PCR, and loss‐of‐function mutants to characterize FAS‐ and MAS‐specific candidate genes. Our results demonstrate that various plant‐based factors, including immune response, nutrient availability, and structural modifications, influence the sexual fate of the cyst nematodes.
A Sociological Review of China's Social Credit Systems and Guanxi Opportunities for Social Mobility
Authors: Raghunath Nilanjan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel understanding of social mobility in China by exploring the literature on social credit systems. I propose that social credit systems, which include credit rating systems and factors of social governance, can affect occupational attainment, as they may influence or function in tandem with guanxi networks. Through social credit systems, there could possibly be a new order of stratification powered by norms of social conformity. These systems can curtail social mobility efforts by designating some individuals as high risk. In addition, these systems can regulate social behaviors, as actions that are considered “right” are rewarded, while “wrong” actions result in penalties.
Transferable Benefits of Cycle Hypoventilation Training for Run-Based Performance in Team-Sport Athletes
Authors: Woorons Xavier , Billaut François , Vandewalle Henry 
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To determine whether high-intensity training with voluntary hypoventilation at low lung volume (VHL) in cycling could improve running performance in team-sport athletes. Methods: Twenty well-fit subjects competing in different team sports completed, over a 3-week period, 6 high-intensity training sessions in cycling (repeated 8-s exercise bouts at 150% of maximal aerobic power) either with VHL or with normal breathing conditions. Before (Pre) and after (Post) training, the subjects performed a repeated-sprint-ability test (RSA) in running (12 × 20-m all-out sprints), a 200-m maximal run, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 test (YYIR1). Results: There was no difference between Pre and Post in the mean and best velocities reached in the RSA test, as well as in performance and maximal blood lactate concentration in the 200-m-run trial in both groups. On the other hand, performance was greater in the second part of the RSA test, and the fatigue index of this test was lower (5.18% [1.3%] vs 7.72% [1.6%]; P < .01) after the VHL intervention only. Performance was also greater in the YYIR1 in the VHL group (1468 [313] vs 1111 [248] m; P < .01), whereas no change occurred in the normal-breathing-condition group. Conclusion: This study showed that performing high-intensity cycle training with VHL could improve RSA and possibly endurance performance in running. On the other hand, this kind of approach does not seem to induce transferable benefits for anaerobic performance.
Environmental Influences on Children’s Physical Activity in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Tonge Karen , Jones Rachel A. , Okely Anthony D. 
Published: February 2020

Background: To examine the relationship between attributes of early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings and children’s physical activity and sedentary behavior.Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 490 children aged 2–5 years from 11 ECECs. The ECEC routine, size of the outdoor environment, and time spent in the outdoor environment were calculated for each center. Children’s physical activity and sedentary time were measured using accelerometers. Multivariate linear regressions were used to examine associations of the attributes of ECEC centers with the outcome variables, adjusting for the effects of center clustering and gender.Results: Children in ECECs that offered free routines (where children can move freely between indoor and outdoor environments) had lower levels of sedentary time (28.27 min/h vs 33.15 min/h;P = .001) and spent more time in total physical activity (7.99 min/h vs 6.57 min/h;P = .008) and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (9.49 min/h vs 7.31 min/h;P = .008). Children in ECECs with an outdoor environment >400 m2had less sedentary time (28.94 min/h vs 32.42 min/h;P = .012) than those with areas <400 m2.Conclusion: Modifiable practices such as offering a free routine and increasing time spent in outdoor environments could potentially offer an easy and sustainable way for ECEC centers to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time among children.
Constraining sources and relative flow rates of bottom waters in the Late Cretaceous Pacific Ocean
Authors: Haynes Shannon J. , MacLeod Kenneth G. , Ladant Jean-Baptiste , Guchte Andrew Vande , Rostami Masoud A. , Poulsen Christopher J. , Martin Ellen E. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Geochemical data suggest that ocean circulation patterns changed over a period of long-term cooling during the last 10 m.y. of the Cretaceous (late Campanian–Maastrichtian). Proposed changes include enhanced deep-water formation in the South Atlantic and/or Indian sectors of the Southern Ocean, initiation or enhanced deep-water formation in the North Atlantic, and alternating regions of deep convection in the North and South Pacific. Existing geochemical data do not allow simple confirmation or rejection of any of these scenarios. To test Pacific circulation during the Maastrichtian, we measured neodymium isotopic (εNd) values from four Pacific Deep Sea Drilling Project and Ocean Drilling Program sites and compare results both to Earth system model simulations using Maastrichtian paleogeography and to previous studies. Pacific εNd results consistently show a small negative εNd excursion during a well-documented, ∼1–3 m.y. early Maastrichtian cooling pulse (EMCP) but no other consistent trends across the late Campanian–late Maastrichtian interval (∼10 m.y.). Model results show that different CO2 forcings lead to changes in rates, but not patterns, of circulation. These combined results support the existence of a sustained source region for intermediate and deep waters in the southwestern Pacific throughout the late Campanian–Maastrichtian and indicate that changes in εNd values during the EMCP reflect an increased rate of overturning in the Pacific rather than changes in the source area of Pacific bottom waters.
Better HbA1c during the first years after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is associated with residual C peptide 10 years later
Authors: Grönberg Annika , Espes Daniel , Carlsson Per-Ola 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveTo identify the factors associated with residual C peptide production at least 10 years after diagnosis in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.Research design and methods73 children and adolescents (<25 years), born in 1988–2005, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes were included during the 4-year study period (2013–2016). At least 10 years after diagnosis, we measured any remaining C peptide concentration using an ultrasensitive C peptide ELISA (≥1.17 pmol/L). The average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was calculated during each of the 10 years after diagnosis and further grand average was calculated for the entire study period.ResultsC peptide was detectable in 38% of participants. The C peptide concentration was 4.3±5.3 pmol/L. At onset of type 1 diabetes, participants were on average approximately 5 years of age, and their average HbA1c was 9.4% (79 mmol/mol). During the first 3 years after diagnosis, HbA1c was lower in the group with detectable C peptide at follow-up ≥10 years later. Moreover, detectable C peptide was more common among female participants. Body mass index SD scores had not increased since the 1-year follow-up, but were higher in patients with measurable C peptide. Nine participants (12%) had been diagnosed with celiac disease and two (3%) with hypothyreosis. Eighteen (25%) participants had retinopathy.ConclusionsChildren and adolescents with detectable C peptide after more than 10 years of diabetes duration were predominantly female and had better HbA1c than others during the first 3 years after diagnosis.
Abdominal obesity and hypertension are correlated with health-related quality of life in Taiwanese adults with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Chen Sue-Hsien , Chen Shu-Ching , Lai Yo-Ping , Chen Pin-Hsuan , Yeh Kun-Yun 
Published: February 2020

ObjectiveMetabolic syndrome (MetS) gains more attention due to high prevalence of obesity, diabetes and hypertension among adults. Although obesity, diabetes and hypertension can certainly compromise health-related quality of life (HRQoL), the correlations of sociodemographic factors, quality of life and MetS remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between HRQoL and MetS in an Asian community of the sociodemographic characteristics.Research design and methodsWe performed a cross-sectional study by recruiting 2588 Taiwanese patients aged ≥30 years between August 2015 and August 2017. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric variables were obtained from medical records and physical examination. Meanwhile, HRQoL was assessed by 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaires.ResultsThe overall prevalence of MetS was 32.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥65 years (OR=1.987, p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m2(OR=7.958, p<0.001), low educational level (OR=1.429, p=0.014), bad self-perceived health status (OR=1.315, p=0.01), and betel nut usage (OR=1.457, p=0.048) were associated with the development of MetS. For patients with MetS, the physical and mental health domains of HRQoL are negatively correlated with abdominal obesity and hypertension, respectively.ConclusionsAdult MetS in Taiwan was associated with certain sociodemographic factors including older age, high BMI, low educational level, bad self-perceived health status, and betel nut use. Abdominal obesity and hypertension was correlated with HRQoL in patients with MetS.