bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The accuracy of using administrative healthcare data to identify epilepsy cases: A systematic review of validation studies
Authors: Mbizvo Gashirai K. , Bennett Kyle H. , Schnier Christian , Simpson Colin R. , Duncan Susan E. , Chin Richard F.M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOur objective was to undertake a systematic review ascertaining the accuracy of using administrative healthcare data to identify epilepsy cases. We searched MEDLINE and Embase from 01/01/1975 to 03/07/2018 for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of routinely collected healthcare data in identifying epilepsy cases. Any disease coding system in use since the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) was permissible. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and quality‐assessed studies. We assessed positive predictive value (PPV), sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and specificity. The primary analysis was a narrative synthesis of review findings. Thirty studies were included, published between 1989 and 2018. Risks of bias were low, high, and unclear in 4, 14, and 12 studies, respectively. Coding systems included ICD‐9, ICD‐10, and Read Codes, with or without antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). PPVs included ranges of 5.2%–100% (Canada), 32.7%–96.0% (USA), 47.0%–100% (UK), and 37.0%–88.0% (Norway). Sensitivities included ranges of 22.2%–99.7% (Canada), 12.2%–97.3% (USA), and 79.0%–94.0% (UK). Nineteen studies contained at least one algorithm with a PPV >80%. Sixteen studies contained at least one algorithm with a sensitivity >80%. PPV was highest in algorithms consisting of disease codes (ICD‐10 G40‐41, ICD‐9 345) in combination with one or more AEDs. The addition of symptom codes to this (ICD‐10 R56; ICD‐9 780.3, 780.39) lowered PPV. Sensitivity was highest in algorithms consisting of symptom codes with one or more AEDs. Although using AEDs alone achieved high sensitivities, the associated PPVs were low. Most NPVs and specificities were >90%. We conclude that it is reasonable to use administrative data to identify people with epilepsy (PWE) in epidemiological research. Studies prioritizing high PPVs should focus on combining disease codes with AEDs. Studies prioritizing high sensitivities should focus on combining symptom codes with AEDs. We caution against the use of AEDs alone to identify PWE.
First record of Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in the Mediterranean scrubland in Southern Italy, and its co‐presence with the co‐generic species X. compactus (Eichhoff) and X. crassiusculus (Motschulsky)
Authors: Contarini M. , Vannini A. , Giarruzzo F. , Faccoli M. , Morales‐Rodriguez C. , Rossini L. , Speranza S. 
Published: May 2020

In the Circeo National Park (Italy), a survey assessed the occurrence of the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus in addition to the conspecifics X. compactus and X. crassiusculus. This is the first report in Europe of the co‐presence of three Xylosandrus species, in an evergreen Mediterranean maquis dominated by holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.). Although no damage caused by X. germanus has been observed, the richness of plant species in the Circeo National Park may allow the establishment of this highly polyphagous ambrosia beetle, possibly endangering this native ecosystem. The dominance in the associated fungal community of Ambrosiella grosmanniae and Fusarium spp. reflects a stable symbiotic relationship of these taxa with X. germanus.
Functional characterization of a C‐terminal splice variant of the human melanocortin 1 receptor
Authors: Martínez‐Vicente Idoya , Abrisqueta Marta , Herraiz Cecilia , Jiménez‐Cervantes Celia , García‐Borrón Jose Carlos , Olivares Concepción 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a major determinant of skin pigmentation and sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. When stimulated by its natural agonists, it promotes the switch from synthesis of poorly photoprotective and lightly colored pheomelanins to production of photoprotective and darker eumelanins. In addition to an unusually high number of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the MC1R is expressed as 3 protein‐coding splice variants. Two transcripts display different 5’ untranslated sequences but yield the same open reading frame corresponding to the canonical 317 aminoacids protein (termed MC1R). An alternative transcript named MC1R‐203 encodes for a 382 amino acids protein of poorly characterized functional properties containing an additional 65 aminoacids C‐terminal extension. Given the known roles of the MC1R C‐terminal extension in forward trafficking, coupling to intracellular effectors and desensitization, the different structure of this domain in MC1R and MC1R‐203 may lead to significant functional alteration(s). We have assessed the functional properties of MC1R‐203, as compared with the canonical MC1R form. We show that unstimulated HBL human melanoma cells express the MC1R‐203 spliceoform, although at much lower levels than canonical MC1R. When expressed in heterologous HEK293 cells, the presence of the 65 aminoacid‐long cytosolic extension immediately after Cys316 in MC1R‐203 did not impair the intracellular stability of the protein, but it interfered with functional coupling to the cAMP cascade and with the ubiquitylation of ARRB2 associated with MC1R desensitization. Conversely, MC1R‐203 retained full capacity to activate ERK1/2 signaling. Accordingly, MC1R‐203 displays biased signaling when expressed in HEK293 cells.
Post‐fire carbon dynamics in the tropical peat swamp forests of Brunei reveal long‐term elevated CH4 flux
Authors: Lupascu Massimo , Akhtar Hasan , Smith Thomas E. L. , Sukri Rahayu Sukmaria 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTropical peatlands hold about 15%–19% of the global peat carbon (C) pool of which 77% is stored in the peat swamp forests (PSFs) of Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, these PSFs have been drained, exploited for timber and land for agriculture, leading to frequent fires in the region. The physico‐chemical characteristics of peat, as well as the hydrology of PSFs are affected after a fire, during which the ecosystem can act as a C source for decades, as C emissions to the atmosphere exceed photosynthesis. In this work, we studied the longer‐term impact of fires on C cycling in tropical PSFs, hence we quantified the magnitude and patterns of C loss (CO2, CH4 and dissolved organic carbon) and soil‐water quality characteristics in an intact and a degraded burnt PSF in Brunei Darussalam affected by seven fires over the last 40 years. We used natural tracers such as 14C to investigate the age and sources of C contributing to ecosystem respiration (Reco) and CH4, while we continuously monitored soil temperature and water table (WT) level from June 2017 to January 2019. Our results showed a major difference in the physico‐chemical parameters, which in turn affected C dynamics, especially CH4. Methane effluxes were higher in fire‐affected areas (7.8 ± 2.2 mg CH4 m−2 hr−1) compared to the intact PSF (4.0 ± 2.0 mg CH4 m−2 hr−1) due to prolonged higher WT and more optimal methanogenesis conditions. On the other hand, we did not find significant differences in Reco between burnt (432 ± 83 mg CO2 m−2 hr−1) and intact PSF (359 ± 76 mg CO2 m−2 hr−1). Radiocarbon analysis showed overall no significant difference between intact and burnt PSF with a modern signature for both CO2 and CH4 fluxes implying a microbial preference for the more labile C fraction in the peat matrix.
Deciphering the role of selenium‐enriched rice protein hydrolysates in the regulation of Pb2+‐induced cytotoxicity: an in vitro Caco‐2 cell model study
Authors: Zhu Yiqing , Ding Jian , Shi Yi , Fang Yong , Li Peng , Fan Fengjiao , Wu Jian , Hu Qiuhui 
Published: May 2020

SummaryLead (Pb), a well‐known toxic metal, has a potential of adverse effects on human health. Selenium (Se) can reduce the toxicity caused by heavy metals. In this study, we investigated the protection mechanism of the purified Se‐enriched rice protein hydrolysates (SPHs‐2) on the Pb2+‐induced cytotoxicity. A Caco‐2 cell model was established to characterise the effect of SPHs‐2 on Pb2+ absorption in the simulated small intestine. Results showed that 1000 μg mL−1 of SPHs‐2 treatment could significantly increase cell viability by 19.43% in Pb2+‐treated Caco‐2 cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the absorption of Pb2+ was successfully retarded by incorporating SPHs‐2. Interestingly, selenomethionine (SeMet) was identified as a major Se species in SPHs‐2 by HPLC‐ICP‐MS, and SeMet played a crucial role in regulating Pb2+ intestinal absorption via forming complexes. In light of this, SPHs‐2 may serve as a potential Pb2+‐chelating peptide for developing novel functional food and protecting human health.
Effect of lactic acid bacterial fermentation on amino acids and volatile compounds of pork trimming hydrolysate
Authors: Li Xinzhi , Lee Pin‐Rou , Taniasuri Fransisca , Liu Shao‐Quan 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe objective of this research was to improve the volatile flavour profile of a pork trimming hydrolysate by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation. Five probiotic strains and one dairy strain were used. The dominant aliphatic aldehydes (80.90%) in the unfermented hydrolysate were greatly reduced to <15% by converting into respective carboxylic acids and alcohols after fermentation. Strain GG was the only LAB that produced a significant level of succinic acid (1.62 mg mL−1) and ketones (14.92%) (mainly diacetyl and acetoin) in the hydrolysate. Strains 299V and GG showed moderate proteolytic activities as their amino acid content reduced to 126.05 and 219.14 mg per 10 mL compared to the control (316.45 mg per 10 mL) after fermentation, respectively. However, little amino acid‐derived volatiles were found in all fermented samples. These findings indicate that LAB fermentation modulates the flavour compounds of pork hydrolysates, which has the potential to be developed to novel flavouring materials.
The effect of moderate pulsed electric fields on autolysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the amino acid content in autolysates
Authors: Yang Geng , Wang Rui , Gao Jing‐Rong , Niu Debao , Li Jian , Wen Qing‐Hui , Zeng Xin‐An 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThe effect of moderate pulsed electric fields (MPEF) strength on autolysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated in this study. After exposure to MPEF with intensity of 7 kV cm−1 for 4 ms, the integrity of the cell wall was obviously destroyed and the inactivation of S. cerevisiae reached 99.43%. During the subsequent 42‐h autolysis process, the release of free α‐amino nitrogen of MPEF‐treated cells, as well as extracellular protease activity, was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of untreated cells. Moreover, exposure to 7 kV cm−1 led to an increase of the total amino acid of 149.36%. In particular, the content of aspartic acid and glutamic acid which are important umami flavour precursors increased by 232.55% and 209.40%, respectively. These results indicate that MPEF will be an effective method to accelerate autolysis of S. cerevisiae for obtaining high‐quality yeast extract as flavour enhancers and nutrition supplements.
Lower urinary α‐Klotho is associated with lower angiotensin‐(1‐7) and higher blood pressure in young adults born preterm with very low birthweight
Authors: South Andrew M. , Shaltout Hossam A. , Gwathmey TanYa M. , Jensen Elizabeth T. , Nixon Patricia A. , Diz Debra I. , Chappell Mark C. , Washburn Lisa K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEarly‐life factors including preterm birth and VLBW increase the risk of hypertension, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Reductions in the anti‐aging protein α‐klotho are associated with hypertension, possibly due to angiotensin (Ang) II activation, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood and clinical evidence is lacking. The association of α‐klotho with the alternative Ang‐(1‐7) pathway, which counteracts Ang II to lower BP, is undescribed. We hypothesized that lower urinary α‐klotho is associated with higher BP and lower urinary Ang‐(1‐7) in preterm‐born VLBW young adults. In a cross‐sectional analysis of data from a prospective cohort of 141 preterm‐born VLBW young adults, we assessed the associations among urinary α‐klotho/creatinine, Ang II/creatinine, Ang‐(1‐7)/creatinine, Ang II/Ang‐(1‐7), and BP using generalized linear models adjusted for age and hypertensive pregnancy and conducted a sensitivity analysis in 32 term‐born young adults. Among those born preterm, lower α‐klotho/creatinine was associated with higher systolic BP (adjusted β (aβ): −2.58 mm Hg, 95% CI −4.99 to −0.17), lower Ang‐(1‐7)/creatinine (ln aβ: 0.1, 0.04‐0.16), and higher Ang II/Ang‐(1‐7) (ln aβ: −0.14, −0.21 to −0.07). In term‐born participants, α‐klotho/creatinine was inversely associated with Ang II/creatinine (ln aβ: −0.15, −0.27 to −0.03) and Ang II/Ang‐(1‐7) (ln aβ: −0.15, −0.27 to −0.03). In preterm‐born young adults with VLBW, lower urinary α‐klotho/creatinine was associated with higher SBP, lower urinary Ang‐(1‐7)/creatinine, and higher urinary Ang II/Ang‐(1‐7). Reduced renal α‐klotho expression could lead to renal Ang‐(1‐7) suppression as a novel mechanism for the development of hypertension among individuals born preterm with VLBW.
Higher aggression is related to poorer academic performance in compulsory education
Authors: Vuoksimaa Eero , Rose Richard J. , Pulkkinen Lea , Palviainen Teemu , Rimfeld Kaili , Lundström Sebastian , Bartels Meike , van Beijsterveldt Catharina , Hendriks Anne , de Zeeuw Eveline L. , Plomin Robert , Lichtenstein Paul , Boomsma Dorret I. , Kaprio Jaakko 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundTo conduct a comprehensive assessment of the association between aggression and academic performance in compulsory education.MethodWe studied aggression and academic performance in over 27,000 individuals from four European twin cohorts participating in the ACTION consortium (Aggression in Children: Unraveling gene‐environment interplay to inform Treatment and InterventiON strategies). Individual level data on aggression at ages 7–16 were assessed by three instruments (Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment, Multidimensional Peer Nomination Inventory, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) including parental, teacher and self‐reports. Academic performance was measured with teacher‐rated grade point averages (ages 12–14) or standardized test scores (ages 12–16). Random effect meta‐analytical correlations with academic performance were estimated for parental ratings (in all four cohorts) and self‐ratings (in three cohorts).ResultsAll between‐family analyses indicated significant negative aggression–academic performance associations with correlations ranging from −.06 to −.33. Results were similar across different ages, instruments and raters and either with teacher‐rated grade point averages or standardized test scores as measures of academic performance. Meta‐analytical r’s were −.20 and −.23 for parental and self‐ratings, respectively. In within‐family analyses of all twin pairs, the negative aggression–academic performance associations were statistically significant in 14 out of 17 analyses (r = −.17 for parental‐ and r = −.16 for self‐ratings). Separate analyses in monozygotic (r = −.07 for parental and self‐ratings), same‐sex dizygotic (r’s = −.16 and −.17 for parental and self‐ratings) and opposite‐sex dizygotic (r’s = −.21 and −.19 for parental and self‐ratings) twin pairs suggested partial confounding by genetic effects.ConclusionsThere is a robust negative association between aggression and academic performance in compulsory education. Part of these associations were explained by shared genetic effects, but some evidence of a negative association between aggression and academic performance remained even in within‐family analyses of monozygotic twin pairs.
School quality ratings are weak predictors of students’ achievement and well‐being
Authors: von Stumm Sophie , Smith‐Woolley Emily , Cheesman Rosa , Pingault Jean‐Baptiste , Asbury Kathryn , Dale Philip S. , Allen Rebecca , Kovas Yulia , Plomin Robert 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundIn England, all state‐funded schools are inspected by an independent government agency, the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted). Inspections aim to hold schools accountable and to promote the improvement of education, with the results made available to the public. Ofsted reports intend to index school quality, but their influence on students’ individual outcomes has not been previously studied. The aim of the current study was to explore the extent to which school quality, as indexed by Ofsted ratings, is associated with students’ educational achievement, well‐being and school engagement.MethodsWe use an England population‐based sample of 4,391 individuals, for whom school performance at age 11 and GCSE grades at age 16 were accessed from the National Pupil Database, and who completed measures of well‐being and school engagement at age 16.ResultsWe found that Ofsted ratings of secondary school quality accounted for 4% of the variance in students' educational achievement at age 16, which was further reduced to 1% of the variance after we accounted for prior school performance at age 11 and family socioeconomic status. Furthermore, Ofsted ratings were weak predictors of school engagement and student well‐being, with an average correlation of .03.ConclusionOur findings suggest that differences in school quality, as indexed by Ofsted ratings, have little relation to students’ individual outcomes. Accordingly, our results challenge the usefulness of Ofsted ratings as guides for parents and students when choosing secondary schools.
A clinical, histopathological and laboratory study of 19 consecutive Italian paediatric patients with chilblain‐like lesions: lights and shadows on the relationship with COVID‐19 infection
Authors: El Hachem M. , Diociaiuti A. , Concato C. , Carsetti R. , Carnevale C. , Ciofi Degli Atti M. , Giovannelli L. , Latella E. , Porzio O. , Rossi S. , Stracuzzi A. , Zaffina S. , Onetti Muda A. , Zambruno G. , Alaggio R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcral chilblain‐like lesions are being increasingly reported during COVID‐19 pandemic. However, only few patients proved positivity for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The relationship between this skin manifestation and COVID‐19 infection has not been clarified yet.ObjectiveTo thoroughly characterize a prospective group of patients with chilblain‐like lesions and to investigate the possible relationship with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.MethodsFollowing informed consent, patients underwent (i) clinical evaluation, (ii) RT‐PCR and serology testing for SARS‐CoV‐2, (iii) digital videocapillaroscopy of finger and toe nailfolds, (iv) blood testing to screen for autoimmune diseases and coagulation anomalies, and (v) skin biopsy for histopathology, direct immunofluorescence and, in selected cases, electron microscopy.ResultsNineteen patients, all adolescents (mean age: 14 years), were recruited. 11/19 (58%) of them and/or their cohabitants reported flu‐like symptoms one to two months prior to skin manifestation onset. Lesions were localized to toes and also heels and soles. Videocapillaroscopy showed pericapillary oedema, dilated and abnormal capillaries, and microhaemorrhages both in finger and toe in the majority of patients. Major pathological findings included epidermal basal layer vacuolation, papillary dermis oedema and erythrocyte extravasation, perivascular and perieccrine dermal lymphocytic infiltrate, and mucin deposition in the dermis and hypodermis; dermal vessel thrombi were observed in two cases. Blood examinations were normal. Nasopharyngeal swab for SARS‐CoV‐2 and IgG serology for SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein were negative. Importantly, IgA serology for S1 domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein was positive in 6 patients and borderline in 3.ConclusionsChilblain‐like lesions during COVID‐19 pandemic have specific epidemiologic, clinical, capillaroscopic and histopathological characteristics, which distinguish them from idiopathic perniosis. Though we could not formally prove SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in our patients, history data and the detection of anti‐SARS‐COV‐2 IgA strongly suggest a relationship between skin lesions and COVID‐19. Further investigations on the mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children and pathogenesis of chilblain‐like lesions are warranted.
Vegetation response to climate warming across the forest–tundra ecotone: species‐dependent upward movement
Authors: Løkken Jørn Olav , Evju Marianne , Söderström Lars , Hofgaard Annika 
Published: May 2020

AbstractQuestionsRising temperatures are predicted to cause upward shifts and reorganisation of mountain vegetation. This study analyses how field layer vegetation across the forest–tundra ecotone has responded over a 22‐year period. Main questions are: (a) have vegetation composition, richness and diversity changed; (b) have abundance of functional plant groups and individual species changed; and (c) which environmental factors regulate vegetation distribution and composition?LocationCentral Norway.MethodsThe study uses vascular plant species recordings and environmental data from permanent 1 m × 1 m quadrats (n = 266), established in 1994 and revisited in 2016, along transects from forest to high alpine areas (750–1,500 m a.s.l.). Changes in vegetation composition (species and functional group levels) and influence of environmental factors are analysed using ordination and mixed‐effect models.ResultsOrdination shows an overall upward vegetation movement corresponding to 0.5 ± 0.1 m/y, and compositional homogenisation across the ecotone over time. Changes at species and functional group levels vary across the ecotone. Species richness and diversity increase over time due mainly to an increase of herbs and graminoids in the forested part of the ecotone. Evergreen woody species increase in abundance across the entire ecotone and most strongly above the forest. Deciduous woody species abundance is stable at group level but shows large variation at species level. Species‐level responses deviate from group‐level responses in all functional groups. Vegetation distribution and composition are environmentally explained by altitudinal distance to the treeline and microtopography.ConclusionsOur results show how increased temperature impacts vegetation movements and reorganisation through mainly species‐specific responses with low within‐functional‐group coherency. The apparent upward shift is moderate compared to the increase in temperature over the study period, but larger than in similar studies, although grazing pressure might co‐control change rate. Species‐specific responses and response rates highlight the need for detailed empirical data to predict and understand vegetation responses in a warming climate.