bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive profiles of healthy siblings of first‐episode schizophrenia patients
Authors: Voráčková Veronika , Knytl Pavel , Španiel Filip , Šustová Petra , Renka Jiří , Mohr Pavel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAim: Cognitive deficit in psychotic illness is intensively studied, different cognitive subtypes have been suggested. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies in patients with schizophrenia and their relatives searching for endophenotypes of the disease. The aim of our study was to investigate cognitive performance and cognitive subtypes in the siblings of the patients.Methods: Four groups of subjects were included: patients with a first episode of psychotic illness, the siblings of these patients, and two control groups. All the study subjects (N = 84) had a battery of neuropsychological tests that measured basic cognitive domains – memory, executive functions, attention, visual‐spatial skills, language skills and psychomotor speed – administered to them. The data were assessed with pairwise t‐tests for group comparisons. The siblings were distributed into three groups according to their cognitive performance: non‐deficit, partial deficit, and global deficit. Subsequently, the patients were assigned into three groups corresponding to their siblings' performance.Results: Our results revealed attenuation of abstract thinking in the siblings compared to the controls. As expected, the patients showed impairment across all cognitive domains. The patients and siblings demonstrated similar profiles in each subtype, in the severity of their impairment, and in their patterns of cognitive performance.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the cognitive profile can be considered as an endophenotype of psychotic disorders.
A single‐synapse resolution survey of PSD95‐positive synapses in twenty human brain regions
Authors: Curran Olimpia E. , Qiu Zhen , Smith Colin , Grant Seth G.N. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMapping the molecular composition of individual excitatory synapses across the mouse brain reveals high synapse diversity with each brain region showing a distinct composition of synapse types. As a first step towards systematic mapping of synapse diversity across the human brain, we have labelled and imaged synapses expressing the excitatory synapse protein PSD95 in twenty human brain regions, including 13 neocortical, two subcortical, one hippocampal, one cerebellar and three brainstem regions, in four phenotypically normal individuals. We quantified the number, size and intensity of individual synaptic puncta and compared their regional distributions. We found that each region showed a distinct signature of synaptic puncta parameters. Comparison of brain regions showed that cortical and hippocampal structures are similar, and distinct from those of cerebellum and brainstem. Comparison of synapse parameters from human and mouse brain revealed conservation of parameters, hierarchical organization of brain regions and network architecture. This work illustrates the feasibility of generating a systematic single‐synapse resolution atlas of the human brain, a potentially significant resource in studies of brain health and disease.
Smart textiles biotechnology for electrocardiogram monitoring in horses during exercise on treadmill: Validation tests
Authors: Felici Martina , Nardelli Mimma , Lanatà Antonio , Sgorbini Micaela , Pasquale Scilingo Enzo , Baragli Paolo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are several bioengineering solutions aimed at improving human health and welfare. Smart electrodes based on textile substrates have met the growing demand for comfort, reliability, and robustness when acquiring physiological signals.ObjectivesGiven the importance of good quality electrocardiograms (ECG) in equine sports medicine, this study focuses on the validation of smart textile electrodes to acquire ECG signals in horses during treadmill exercise.Study designThe performance of the smart textile electrodes is compared with standard silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes in terms of signal quality.MethodsFive healthy Standardbred mares were fitted with two identical electronic systems for the simultaneous recording of ECGs during a standardised exercise test (SET) on a treadmill. One system was equipped with smart textile electrodes, whereas the second was equipped with standard Ag/AgCl electrodes. The Ag/AgCl electrodes were positioned on shaved skin with self‐adhesive pads, and without (SET1) or with glue (SET2). The textile electrodes were positioned without shaving the skin. The Kurtosis (k) value for each ECG trace recorded was calculated as an index of ECG signal quality.ResultsFor the textile electrodes, k values were higher, and closer to ideal compared to Ag/AgCl electrodes. The median values of the Signal Quality Indexes (kSQI) were higher for textile compared to Ag/AgCl electrodes. These differences were significant in SET 2 (P < .001), but not in SET 1 (P = .08).Main limitationsThis study was limited to treadmill exercise that did not include a rider or harness.ConclusionsDuring treadmill exercise, textile electrodes are a practical solution for collecting good quality ECG traces.
Chondrosesamoidean ligament enthesopathy: Prevalence and findings in a population of lame horses imaged with positron emission tomography
Authors: Norvall Amy , Spriet Mathieu , Espinosa Pablo , Ariño‐Estrada Gerard , Murphy Brian G. , Katzman Scott A. , Galuppo Larry D. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundIncreased 18F‐Sodium Fluoride (18F‐NaF) uptake at the chondrosesamoidean ligament (ChSL) attachment on the distal phalanx was identified in an exploratory positron emission tomography (PET) study. The prevalence and significance of this lesion has not been previously investigated.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of this lesion, its association with other imaging findings and with clinical signs.Study designRetrospective cross‐sectional analytical study.MethodsAll horses with 18F‐NaF PET and computed tomography (CT) imaging of the feet performed between October 2016 and December 2017 were included in the study. All PET scans were independently assessed by two radiologists for increased uptake at the ChSL attachment site and concurrent imaging was reviewed. Clinical findings, treatment and outcome were retrieved from the medical records.ResultsFourteen of 30 horses (20/56 feet) had increased 18F‐NaF uptake in the region of interest. ChSL enthesopathy was the primary lesion in three horses. Other PET abnormalities included navicular bone uptake (13 feet) and ipsilateral palmar process uptake (9 feet). There was no significant association between ChSL enthesopathy and other lesions. ChSL enthesopathy was significantly associated with foot lameness. CT abnormalities at the ChSL attachment were initially identified in one foot, and retrospectively noted in another five following the results of PET imaging.Main limitationsThe study is retrospective and there was a limited sample size.ConclusionsPET led to identification of ChSL enthesopathy in a large proportion of horses with foot pain. This finding is most commonly associated with other lesions but may also represent the main abnormality. The axial border of the palmar processes of the distal phalanx should be carefully assessed on cross sectional imaging to identify this lesion. ChSL enthesopathy may be an important but previously not recognised component of foot pathology in horses.
Ceftriaxone‐associated biliary pseudolithiasis in children: do we know enough?
Authors: Cuzzolin Laura , Oggiano Anna Maria , Clemente Maria Grazia , Locci Cristian , Antonucci Luca , Antonucci Roberto 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCeftriaxone is an antibiotic agent frequently used in paediatric hospital practice for the treatment of severe bacterial infections. The use of this agent can result in cholelithiasis and/or biliary sludge, more commonly in children than in adults. This systematic review was aimed at analysing available literature concerning ceftriaxone‐associated biliary pseudolithiasis in paediatric patients, with a special emphasis on the clinical aspects. A literature analysis was performed using Medline and Embase electronic databases (articles published in English up to December 2019), with the search terms and combinations as follows:’ceftriaxone’, ‘cholelithiasis’, ‘biliary sludge’ ‘gallstones’ ‘neonates’ ‘children’ ‘clinical aspects’ ‘management’. Several case reports, case series and prospective/retrospective studies have documented a relationship between ceftriaxone treatment and biliary pseudolithiasis in the paediatric population, even though literature data regarding neonates and infants are scarce. Ceftriaxone‐associated biliary pseudolithiasis is dose‐dependent and usually asymptomatic but, sometimes, it may present with abdominal pain, nausea and emesis. Abdominal ultrasonography should be performed when this complication is suspected. Generally, ceftriaxone‐associated cholelithiasis resolves over a variable period of time (days to months) after cessation of therapy. Therefore, a conservative approach to this condition is advocated, but a prolonged follow‐up may be necessary. A personalized assessment of factors predisposing to ceftriaxone‐associated biliary pseudolithiasis before prescribing the drug can allow to minimize the risk of developing it, with significant advantages in terms of human and economic costs.
Effects of lingual exercises on oral muscle strength and salivary flow rate in elderly adults: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Hee , Jung Eun‐Seo , Choi Yoon‐Young 
Published: June 2020

AimThe present study investigated the effects of two types of lingual exercise (tongue‐hold swallowing and tongue‐pressure resistance training) on oral muscle strength, salivary flow rate and subjective oral health of the elderly.MethodsWe randomly assigned 74 elderly adults (≥65 years) to three groups (tongue‐hold swallowing, tongue‐pressure resistance training and control groups). Each group participated in 8 weeks of their appropriately prescribed intervention. We measured anterior tongue strength, posterior tongue strength, lip strength, salivary flow rate and Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 score before and after 8 weeks. Differences before and after intervention were observed with a paired sample t‐test. Moreover, analyses of covariance and variance were performed to determine the differences in the measured values between the groups.ResultsThe tongue‐hold swallowing group showed improvement in both anterior and posterior tongue strength, while the tongue‐pressure resistance training group showed a significant increase in only anterior tongue strength. Both the tongue‐hold swallowing and tongue‐pressure resistance training groups showed increased salivary secretion, with the tongue‐pressure resistance training group showing a higher level of salivary secretion. However, the difference in the subjective oral health scores before and after the intervention was not significant.ConclusionsThe two lingual exercises strengthened some aspects of tongue muscles and increased the salivary flow rate, with more salivary secretion in the tongue‐pressure resistance training group than in the tongue‐hold swallowing group. Any evidence of the lingual exercises being able to enhance subjective oral health could not be found. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
The bioengineering theory of the key modes of action of a cyanoacrylate liquid skin protectant
Authors: Gefen Amit 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe objective of this article is to formulate a new bioengineering theoretical framework for modelling the biomechanical efficacy of cyanoacrylate skin protectants, with specific focus on the Marathon technology (Medline Industries, Inc., Northfield, Illinois) and its modes of action. This work details the bioengineering and mathematical formulations of the theory, which is based on the classic engineering theories of flexural stiffness of coated elements and deformation friction. Based on the relevant skin anatomy and physiology, this paper demonstrates: (a) the contribution of the polymerised cyanoacrylate coating to flexural skin stiffness, which facilitates protection from non‐axial (eg, compressive) localised mechanical forces; and (b) the contribution of the aforementioned coating to reduction in frictional forces and surface shear stresses applied by contacting objects such as medical devices. The present theoretical framework establishes that application of the cyanoacrylate coating provides considerable biomechanical protection to skin and subdermally, by shielding skin from both compressive and frictional (shearing) forces. Moreover, these analyses indicate that the prophylactic effects of the studied cyanoacrylate coating become particularly strong where the skin is thin or fragile (typically less than ~0.7 mm thick), which is characteristic to old age, post‐neural injuries, neuromuscular diseases, and in disuse‐induced tissue atrophy conditions.
Synthesis of high‐surface area mesoporous SiC with hierarchical porosity for use as catalyst support
Authors: Ortega‐Trigueros Adrian , Narciso Javier , Caccia Mario 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPorous SiC with a hierarchical mesoporous structure is a promising material for high‐performance catalytic systems because of its high thermal conductivity, high chemical inertness at high temperature, and oxidation resistance. Attempts to produce high‐surface area hierarchical SiC have typically been made by using porous carbon as a template and reacting it with either Si or SiO2 at high temperature under inert atmosphere. Because the reaction mechanism with Si involves a carbon dissolution step, and the reaction with SiO2 is highly dependent on C‐SiO2 dispersion, the porous structure of the carbon template is not maintained, and the reaction yields nonporous SiC. In this work, mesoporous SiC has been synthesized using a novel hard‐template methodology. SiC was prepared from hierarchical (mesoporous) silica which served as a solid template. Carbon deposition was done by Carbon Vapor Deposition (CVD) using CH4 as carbon precursor, where different temperatures and reaction times were tested to optimize the carbon coating. The synthesized SiC retained 61 (118 m2/g) and 47% (0.3 cm3/g) of the BET surface area and the mesopore volume of the original SiO2, which is 10 times higher than the retention reported for other template methods used to produce high surface area SiC.
Health‐related quality of life of children with low language from early childhood to adolescence: results from an Australian longitudinal population‐based study
Authors: Le Ha N.D. , Mensah Fiona , Eadie Patricia , McKean Cristina , Sciberras Emma , Bavin Edith L. , Reilly Sheena , Gold Lisa 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundLow language abilities are known to be associated with significant adverse long‐term outcomes. However, associations between low language and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) are unclear. We aimed to (a) examine the association between low language and HRQoL from 4 to 13 years and (b) classify the children’s trajectories of HRQoL and language and examine the association between language and HRQoL trajectories.MethodsData were from an Australian community‐based cohort of children. HRQoL was measured at ages 4–13 years using the parent‐reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0. Language was assessed using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF)‐Preschool 2nd edition at 4 years and the CELF‐4th edition at 5, 7 and 11 years. Multivariable linear regression and mixed effect modelling were used to estimate cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between low language and HRQoL from 4 to 13 years. A joint group‐based trajectory model was used to characterize associations between HRQoL and language trajectories over childhood.ResultsChildren with low language had substantially lower HRQoL than children with typical language from 4 to 13 years. Higher language scores were associated with better HRQoL, particularly in social and school functioning. Three HRQoL trajectories were identified: stable‐high (51% of children), reduced with slow decline (40%) and low with rapid decline (9%). Children with low language were less likely to follow a stable‐high HRQoL trajectory (40%) while 26% and 34% followed the reduced with slow decline and low with rapid decline trajectories, respectively.ConclusionsChildren with low language experienced reduced HRQoL from 4 to 13 years. More than half had declining trajectories in HRQoL highlighting the need to monitor these children over time. Interventions should not only aim to improve children’s language ability but also address the wider functional impacts of low language.
The C‐terminal 17 amino acids of the photoreceptor UVR8 is involved in the fine‐tuning of UV‐B signaling
Authors: Lin Li , Dong Huaxi , Yang Guoqian , Yin Ruohe 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPlant UV‐B responses are mediated by the photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8). In response to UV‐B irradiation, UVR8 homodimers dissociate into monomers that bind to the E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1). The interaction of the C27 domain in the C‐terminal tail of UVR8 with the WD40 domain of COP1 is critical for UV‐B signaling. However, the function of the last 17 amino acids (C17) of the C‐terminus of UVR8, which are adjacent to C27, is unknown, although they are largely conserved in land plants. In this study, we established that Arabidopsis thaliana UVR8 C17 binds to full‐length UVR8, but not to COP1, and reduces COP1 binding to the remaining portion of UVR8, including C27. We hypothesized that overexpression of C17 in a wild‐type background would have a dominant negative effect on UVR8 activity; however, C17 overexpression caused strong silencing of endogenous UVR8, precluding a detailed analysis. We therefore generated YFP‐UVR8N423 transgenic lines, in which C17 was deleted, to examine C17 function indirectly. YFP‐UVR8N423 was more active than YFP‐UVR8, suggesting that C17 inhibits UV‐B signaling by attenuating binding between C27 and COP1. Our study reveals an inhibitory role for UVR8 C17 in fine‐tuning UVR8–COP1 interactions during UV‐B signaling.
How do people in prison feel about opt‐out hepatitis C virus testing?
Authors: Jack Kathryn , Linsley Paul , Thomson Brian James , Irving William Lucien 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe prison population is central to the campaign to eliminate hepatitis C virus as a public health threat. In the UK, this has led to the introduction of a national ‘opt‐out’ policy, requiring people in prison to be tested for HCV unless they decline, with a target to test 75% of those admitted. However, in a representative prison estate in the East Midlands of England (20,000 prison entrants per annum) testing rates were only 13.4%. This qualitative study explains why the rates of test uptake are so far short of target. This qualitative study examines the experiences of 45 people in prison about hepatitis C virus testing in an English category C (low security) prison. The data collection method was semi‐structured interviews. The data were coded and analysed according to the research questions, and interpretation of the data was aided by the use of a thematic network approach. The themes Fear, Insufficient Knowledge, Stigma, Privacy, Choice and Prison Life emerged as the principal barriers to test uptake. Test Uptake Facilitators that promoted testing were identified by participants and benefits presented of prison health care being a Health Farm. In order to increase hepatitis C virus test uptake, significant changes and flexibility in the timing, location, and staff deployed to test are required. Providing information to people in prison about hepatitis C virus transmission and treatment may reduce fears and enable the test uptake target to be met and sustained.
Associations of retinal microvascular caliber with large arterial function and structure: A population‐based study of 11 to 12 year‐olds and midlife adults
Authors: Liu Mengjiao , Lycett Kate , Wong Tien Yin , Grobler Anneke , Juonala Markus , He Mingguang , Dwyer Terry , Burgner David , Wake Melissa 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe examined associations between retinal microvascular and large arterial phenotypes to explore relationships between the micro‐ and macro‐vasculature in childhood and midlife.MethodsParticipants were 1288 children (11‐12 years, 50.9% female) and 1264 adults (mean age 44 years, 87.6% female) in a cross‐sectional population‐based study. Exposures were retinal arteriolar and venular caliber quantified from retinal images. Outcomes included arterial function (pulse wave velocity; carotid arterial elasticity) and structure (carotid intima‐media thickness). Multivariable regression models were performed adjusting for age, sex, and family socioeconomic position.ResultsIn children, one standard deviation wider arteriolar caliber was associated with slower pulse wave velocity (−0.15 SD, 95% CI −0.21, −0.09) and higher elasticity (0.13 SD, 95% CI 0.06, 0.20); per SD wider venular caliber was associated with faster pulse wave velocity (0.09 SD, 95% CI 0.03, 0.15) and lower elasticity (−0.07 SD, 95% CI −0.13, −0.01). The size of adult associations was approximately double. Wider arteriolar caliber was associated with smaller carotid intima‐media thickness (−0.09 SD, 95% CI −0.16, −0.03) in adults but not children. Venular caliber and carotid intima‐media thickness showed little evidence of association.ConclusionsNarrower retinal arterioles and wider venules are associated with large arterial function as early as mid‐childhood. Associations strengthen by midlife and also extend to arterial structure, although effect sizes remain small.
Displacement and stress distribution of Kilroy spring and nickel‐titanium closed‐coil spring during traction of palatally impacted canine: A 3‐dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Lena Sezici Yağmur , Gediz Meltem , Akış Ahmet Alper , Sarı Gözde , Duran Gökhan Serhat , Dindaroğlu Furkan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the stress distribution and initial displacements during traction of palatally impacted canine between Kilroy and nickel‐titanium (NiTi) closed‐coil springs by means of the finite element analysis.Setting and Sample PopulationA finite element method analysis of two traction methods for a maxillary impacted canine.Materials and MethodsThe corresponding periodontal ligaments (PDLs), brackets, molar tubes and a 0.019 × 0.025‐in base stainless‐steel (SS) wire were modelled and imported to ANSYS SpaceClaim version 2020 R1. Traction was simulated under two different set‐ups with equal force magnitude (60 g); (1) the Kilroy spring, which is made of 0.016‐inch SS, and (2) the NiTi closed ‐coil spring. Von Mises stress distributions and initial displacements of the maxillary teeth were analysed.ResultsIn both mechanics, while the highest stress was seen on the impacted canine (Kilroy, 10.41 kPa; NiTi closed‐coil, 5.27 kPa), the stress distribution decreased as the distance from the impacted canine increased. The Kilroy spring showed a greater total displacement (465.60 μm) on the impacted canine. The higher stresses on the adjacent lateral (5.29 kPa) and premolar (6.41 kPa) occurred with the Kilroy spring.ConclusionsThe Kilroy spring yielded higher stresses than the NiTi closed‐coil spring on the impacted canine and the adjacent teeth. The difference between distribution of the stresses over the impacted canine induced greater displacement with the Kilroy spring, particularly in the vertical direction.