bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoperiod and CO2 elevation influence morphological and physiological responses to drought in trembling aspen: implications for climate change-induced migration
Authors: Inoue Sahari , Dang Qing-Lai , Man Rongzhou , Tedla Binyam 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPast research suggests climate change will cause the climate envelopes of various tree species to shift to higher latitudes and can lead to a northward migration of trees. However, the success and scope of the migration are likely affected by factors that are not contained in the climate envelope, such as photoperiod and interactive effects of multiple environmental factors, and these effects are currently not well understood. In this study, we investigated the interactive effects of CO2 concentrations ([CO2]), photoperiod and soil moisture on the morphological and physiological traits of Populus tremuloides Michx. We grew seedlings under two levels of [CO2] (ambient [CO2] (AC) 400 vs elevated [CO2] (EC) 1000 μmol mol−1), four photoperiod regimes (growing season photoperiods at 48 (seed origin), 52, 55 and 58°N latitude) and two soil moisture regimes (high soil moisture (HSM) vs low soil moisture (LSM), −2 MPa) for two growing seasons in greenhouses. Both morphological and physiological responses were observed. Low soil moisture reduced leaf size, total leaf area and height growth by 33, 46 and 12%, respectively, and increased root/shoot ratio by 20%. The smaller leaf area and increased root/shoot ratio allowed the seedlings in LSM to maintain higher the maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax) and the maximum rate of electron transport for RuBP regeneration (Jmax) than control seedlings (55 and 83% higher in July, 52 and 70% in August, respectively). Photoperiod and [CO2] modified responses to LSM and LSM altered responses to photoperiod and [CO2], e.g., the August photosynthetic rate was 44% higher in LSM than in HSM under EC but no such a difference existed under AC. The increase in Vcmax and Jmax in response to LSM varied with photoperiod (Vcmax: 36% at 52°N, 22% at 55°N, 47% at 58°N; Jmax: 29% at 52°N, 21% at 55°N, 45% at 58°N). Stomatal conductance and its reduction in response to LSM declined with increasing photoperiod, which can have significant implications for soil moisture effect on northward migration. This study highlights the need to consider the complex interactions of [CO2], photoperiod and soil moisture when planning assisted migration or predicting the natural migration of boreal forests in the future.
What Explains Poor Health-related Quality of Life Associated With Opioid Use Among Adults With Chronic Noncancer Pain Conditions? A Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition
Authors: Patel Jayeshkumar , Alhussain Khalid , Sambamoorthi Usha 
Published: April 2020

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to estimate the extent to which differences in person-level characteristics between opioid users and nonusers contribute to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of long-term opioid users with chronic noncancer pain condition (CNCP).

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults (n=5917) using longitudinal data from multiple years of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Adults with CNCP were classified into short-term, long-term, and opioid nonusers. We measured HRQoL with physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores from the Short-Form 12 Questionnaire. A regression decomposition analysis of results from linear regression was performed.

Results:
Among adults with CNCP, 17.8% and 17.2% reported long-term and short-term opioid use, respectively. Long-term opioid users had lower PCS scores (β=−4.48; P<0.001) as compared with nonusers, even after adjusting for other independent variables. There were no statistically significant associations of long-term opioid use to MCS and short-term opioid use to both PCS and MCS scores. Postlinear regression decomposition analyses revealed that 44.8% of the difference in PCS scores (−3.76 of −8.41) was explained by differences in employment, physical activity, number of CNCP, and other chronic conditions, and use of nonopioid pain medications between long-term opioid users and nonusers.

Conclusions:
Long-term opioid use was associated with lower HRQoL. The difference in HRQoL between long-term opioid users and nonusers was explained by both modifiable and nonmodifiable patient characteristics. Our findings suggest that improving HRQoL among long-term opioid users may require interventions and policies both within and beyond health care.
The Negative Impact of Cannabis Use on School Grades and Intelligence Among Adolescents
Authors: Bassiony Medhat M. , Fawzi Mohab , Ammar Haidy K. , Khalil Yomna 
Published: April 2020

Purpose:
Cannabis use among adolescents is a public health problem, one associated with intellectual and cognitive impairment. This study investigated the negative impact of cannabis use on adolescents’ school grades and intelligence.

Methods:
The study screened 1682 students during their university preadmission medical examination. Thirty-six students tested positive for cannabis, and 36 controls who tested negative for drugs were also included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data, school grades, and IQ (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) scores were collected from cases and controls.

Results:
Cases were more likely to have lower final exam grades than controls in secondary and preparatory school, although they had higher grades than controls in primary school before starting cannabis use. Cases were more likely to have lower scores in verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, and total IQ than controls. However, the working memory and processing speed scores of both groups were equivalent. Students who started cannabis use at an earlier age (<15 y old) were more likely to have lower scores in total and all domains of IQ except verbal comprehension than students who started at a later age (>15 y old). There was an association between frequent use of cannabis and lower IQ scores (total and all domains).

Conclusions:
Cannabis use is associated with lower school grades and intelligence scores among adolescents, especially those who used cannabis frequently and at a young age.
Spirometric Abnormalities and Lung Function Decline in Current and Former Microwave Popcorn and Current Flavoring Manufacturing Workers
Authors: Cox-Ganser Jean M. , White Sandra K. , Fedan Kathleen B. , Bailey Rachel L. , Fechter-Leggett Ethan , Cummings Kristin J. 
Published: April 2020

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare spirometry results in microwave popcorn and flavoring manufacturing workers.Methods:We used NIOSH data on current and former microwave popcorn workers (MPWs) and surveillance data on flavoring manufacturing workers (FMWs).Results:Former MPW had higher prevalence of mixed and high severity abnormalities, some had excessive lung function drops. Current MPW had lowest occurrence of excessive lung function drops. FMW with excessive drops and spirometric abnormalities at last test had developed a restrictive pattern. Spirometric abnormalities and excessive drops were associated with work-related factors.Conclusion:There was evidence of a healthy worker survivor effect in MPW. Importantly, removal from exposure did not always stabilize lung function decline indicating a need for continued monitoring. The development of a restrictive pattern should raise the level of suspicion for possible work-related disease in flavoring-exposed workers.
Physical Fitness Evaluation of Career Urban and Wildland Firefighters
Authors: Houck Jonathan M. , Mermier Christine M. , Beltz Nicholas M. , Johnson Kelly E. , VanDusseldorp Trisha A. , Escobar Kurt A. , Gibson Ann L. 
Published: April 2020

Objective:
Examine the physical fitness of career firefighters and compare their results to normative data and suggested standards for their profession.

Methods:
Eighty firefighters completed a body composition analysis, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) test, and fitness testing battery, with results compared with normative value tables. Maximal aerobic capacity was correlated to fitness measures and differences between VO2max quartiles were examined.

Results:
Twenty-two firefighters met the suggested standard for VO2max. Seventy percent of participants were classified as overweight or obese based on body mass index, while 25% were classified as having either “poor” or “very poor” body fat levels. Firefighters were above average for muscular strength.

Conclusion:
The firefighters had low aerobic fitness and higher than optimal body fat levels. Training programs may be necessary to assist firefighters in achieving optimal fitness levels.
Automated Analyzers Are Suited for Diagnosing Celiac Disease Without a Biopsy
Authors: Rozenberg Orit , Rinawi Firas , Haritan Yifat , Yerushalmi Baruch , Kori Michal , Morgenstern Sara , Peleg Sarit , Osyntsov Lidia , Colodner Raul , Shamir Raanan 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:The European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2012 guidelines, enabled for the first time, a nonbiopsy approach in the diagnosis of celiac disease (CD). We aimed to prospectively assess 4 tissue‐transglutaminase (tTg) IgA assays of 4 random‐access analyzers and examine their accuracy in diagnosing CD without a biopsy.Methods:We enrolled 186 consecutive children referred to upper endoscopy and intestinal biopsy. One group included 109 patients with positive tTg that was referred for suspected CD. Another group included 77 patients with negative tTg referred because of other indications. All participants had a blood sample taken at the time of endoscopy. Samples were tested with 4 tTg IgA assays on automated analyzers and 1 Elisa kit. All intestinal biopsies were evaluated by a local pathologist, a central pathologist, and a CD expert blinded to each other. CD was diagnosed when full agreement was reached. Analytical performance of the assays included precision with controls and samples, lot to lot variation, and carryover.Results:In our cohort, all tested tTg IgA‐automated assays showed sensitivities above 98% and specificities above 99%. ROC analysis demonstrated AUC (area under the curve) >0.99 for all 4 analyzers. The positive‐predictive values (PPV) were all >0.99 and negative‐predictive values (NPV) were >0.97. The Elisa kit had sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 96%, AUC of 0.96, PPV of 0.98 and NPV of 0.93.Conclusion:CD can be accurately diagnosed without biopsy based on tTg IgA levels at least 10 times the ULN using the 4 high‐volume random‐access analyzers used in our study.
Hepatic Histology in Treatment‐naïve Children With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection Living in the United States and Canada
Authors: Rodriguez‐Baez Norberto , Murray Karen F. , Kleiner David E. , Ling Simon C. , Rosenthal Philip , Carlin Kristen , Cooper Kara , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Schwarzenberg Sarah J. , Teckman Jeffrey H. , Ghany Marc G. , Alawad Ahmad Samer 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study is to describe the hepatic histology in children chronically infected with hepatitis B virus living in the United States and Canada.Methods:Liver biopsies of 134 treatment‐naïve children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection were scored for inflammation, fibrosis, and other histological features, and correlated with clinical and laboratory data.Results:Sixty percentage of subjects acquired the infection vertically, 51% were male, and 69% were hepatitis B e antigen‐positive at the time of the biopsy. Hepatitis B DNA levels were generally high (mean 7.70 log IU/mL), as was serum alanine aminotransferase (median 120 U/L). Using the Ishak‐modified histology activity index scoring system, interface hepatitis was mild in 31%, moderate in 61%, and severe in 6%. Lobular inflammation was mild in 54%, moderate in 29%, and marked in 7%. Portal inflammation was mild in 38% and moderate in 62% of subjects. Eighteen percentage had no fibrosis, 59% had portal expansion without bridging fibrosis, 19% had bridging fibrosis, and 4% had cirrhosis. Alanine aminotransferase positively correlated with inflammation and fibrosis. Neither age, duration of infection, nor Hepatitis B virus DNA levels correlated with fibrosis. Fibrosis‐4 index did not correlate with fibrosis but correlated with inflammation. Aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index correlated with both inflammation and fibrosis.Conclusions:Chronic hepatitis B virus infection results in significant inflammation and fibrosis during childhood. Serum alanine aminotransferase is a strong indicator of the severity and extent of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.
Early Progression and Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome During Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Kaposi Sarcoma in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America: Incidence, Long-Term Outcomes, and Effects of Early Chemotherapy
Authors: Nyirenda Mulinda , Ngongondo McNeil , Kang Minhee , Umbleja Triin , Krown Susan E. , Godfrey Catherine , Samaneka Wadzanai , Mngqibisa Rosie , Hoagland Brenda , Mwelase Noluthando , Caruso Stephanie , Martinez-Maza Oto , Dittmer Dirk P. , Borok Margaret , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Campbell Thomas B. ,   for the A5264/AMC-067 team
Published: April 2020

Background:
Early progression of AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS-PD) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (KS-IRIS) sometimes occur after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods:
Early KS-PD and KS-IRIS were assessed in the A5264/AMC-067 trial in which participants with mild-to-moderate AIDS-KS were randomized to initiate ART with either immediate or as-needed oral etoposide. Early KS-PD was defined as tumor progression within 12 weeks of ART initiation. When investigators had concern that early KS-PD was KS-IRIS, additional evaluations were performed. Suspected KS-IRIS was defined as early KS-PD accompanied by a CD4+ count increase of ≥50 cells per cubic millimeter or plasma HIV-1 RNA decrease of ≥0.5 log10 copies/mL. Clinical outcome was a composite end point categorized as failure, stable, and response at 48 and 96 weeks compared with baseline.

Results:
Fifty of 190 participants had early KS-PD (27%): 28 had KS-IRIS and 22 were not evaluated for KS-IRIS. Early KS-PD and KS-IRIS incidences with immediate etoposide versus ART alone were 16% versus 39%, and 7% versus 21%, respectively. Week 48 clinical outcome was 45% failure, 18% stable, and 37% response for no early KS-PD; 82% failure, 2% stable, and 16% response for early KS-PD; and 88% failure, 0% stable, and 12% response for KS-IRIS. Cumulative incidence of KS tumor response by week 96 was 64% for no early KS-PD, 22% with early KS-PD, and 18% with KS-IRIS.

Conclusions:
Early KS-PD, including suspected KS-IRIS, was common after starting ART for AIDS-KS and was associated with worse long-term clinical outcomes. Starting ART concurrently with etoposide reduced the incidence of both early KS-PD and KS-IRIS compared with ART alone.
The Impact of Age on Perioperative Complications After Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Edge Preston , Barletta Kathryn , Patnam Radhika , Geller Elizabeth J. 
Published: April 2020

Objective
Our aim was to compare perioperative complications between older (≥65 years), middle-age (55–64 years), and younger (<55 years) women after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (SCP).

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included women undergoing SCP from 2006 to 2016 at a single academic center. Our primary outcome was the rate of perioperative complications (intraoperative and postoperative within 6 weeks of surgery), between groups. Secondary outcomes included readmission and reoperation rates.

Results
There were 440 consecutive participants: 159 (36.1%) older, 160 (36.4%) middle-age, and 121 (27.5%) younger women. The overall intraoperative complication rate from SCP was 9.1%, with the most common being cystotomy (5.0%) and vaginotomy (1.8%). There were no differences in intraoperative complications between groups. Urinary tract infection (10.9%) and port-site cellulitis (3.4%) were the most common postoperative complications. For our primary outcome, younger women had a higher rate of postoperative complications compared with middle-age and older women (P < 0.001). There was no difference in postoperative complications between older and middle-aged women. In a multivariate regression controlling for comorbidity, body mass index, diabetes, smoking status, concomitant hysterectomy, and/or sling, younger women retained a higher rate of postoperative complications (odds ratio, 1.7 [1.2,2.2]). Rates of readmission (3.2%) and reoperation (0.7%) were also similar between groups.

Conclusions
The rate of perioperative complications was low with no difference in intraoperative complications. Women under 55 had a higher rate of postoperative complications compared to women age 55 to 65 years and those older than 65 years. Our results suggest that it is reasonable to offer SCP to women older than 65 years.
Pilot Trial of Midstream Urine Collection Device Versus Transurethral Catheter in Women With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Practicality of Use in a Clinical Setting, Patient Preferences, and Comparison of Laboratory Findings
Authors: High Rachel , Zhang Yu , Virani Shohaib , Eggleston Kimberly , Kuehl Thomas J. , Bird Erin T. , Danford Jill M. 
Published: April 2020

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate successful use of a midstream urine collection device in women with lower urinary tract symptoms and to assess specimen contamination.

Methods
Nonpregnant women 18 years or older without use of antibiotics in the last 4 weeks were recruited. After using the midstream urine collection device to obtain a specimen in a private restroom, a paired specimen was obtained by transurethral catheterization. Patients completed preference questionnaires. Culture organisms and microscopic urinalysis of paired specimens (device vs catheterized) were compared using the McNemar χ2 test. Bivariate analysis was performed.

Results
Successful use was demonstrated in 54 (77%) of 70. Reasons for failure included inadequate specimen volume and improper device use. Older median age (50 vs 72 years, P = 0.0003) and history of diabetes (7% vs 27%, P = 0.037) were associated with failed use. Organisms were discordant in 21 (41%) of 51 paired urine culture specimens. The device detected 7 (88%) of 8 uropathogens. There were no detectable differences in microscopic urinalysis.

Conclusions
The midstream urine collection device could increase comfort, and many patients prefer it to transurethral catheterization. With proper patient selection and instructions for use, this device could increase satisfaction. Further studies are needed to assess contamination rates with this device.
Effectiveness of active learning for ecology teaching: the perspective of students vs their grades
Authors: Sperber Carlos Frankl , Szinwelski Neucir , Ferreira Frederico Fernandes , Paiva Lucas Ferreira , Prasniewski Victor Mateus , de Paula Teixeira Ana Flávia , Costa Bruno Cabral , Campos Renata Bernardes Faria , Vaz de Mello Rita Márcia Andrade , Wiggins Benjamin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe evaluated the effectiveness of active learning for ecology teaching by comparing the perspective of students to their grades in exams. We estimated the perspective of the students through anonymous survey; we used students’ exam grades to estimate their ecology learning, and their effort and performance in the active learning tasks through their grades and proportion of intermediate steps for each active learning task. Active learning involved teachers’ stimuli for students’ active involvement, extra-class group task, individual online writing assessments, redoing exam in pairs, and classroom writing group assessments. We also evaluated the impact, unto the effectiveness of active learning, of several student characteristics, such as sex, age, individual study effort, and previous basic knowledge. We found that self-evaluated learning increased linearly with teachers’ attempts to stimulate students’ active involvement (P= 0.0003), extra-class group task (P= 0.0003), and previous basic knowledge (P= 0.02), while students’ grades increased asymptotically with extra-class group task (P <2−16), and increased linearly with online writing assessments (P= 9.3−8) and classroom-based writing group assessments (P= 0.03). Our results showed that students perceive most part of the effectiveness of active-learning tasks and of teachers’ efforts. We showed that active learning tasks are complementary, so we recommend that teachers in both college and high school should implement simultaneous active-learning tasks, that include extra-class work in group, individual and group writing assessments, and should stimulate students’ engagement through respectful and non-authoritarian behavior of the teacher. Our results also showed that previous basic knowledge also plays a central role in driving effective learning, evidencing the importance of students instruction outside college. The applied teaching methodology is cheap and feasible for large classes. In these times of rising intolerance, prejudice, dismiss of environmental issues and disregard of science itself, we need an effective, pluralistic, respectful, and student-centred education, that fosters critical thinking, tolerance and respect for differing points of view.
Corona Epidemic in Indian context: Predictive Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Bhola Jyoti , Venkateswaran Vandana Revathi , Koul Monika 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe novel Coronavirus pathogen Covid-19 is a cause of concern across the world as the human-to-human infection caused by it is spreading at a fast pace. The virus that first manifested in Wuhan, China has travelled across continents. The increase in number of deaths in Italy, Iran, USA, and other countries has alarmed both the developed and developing countries. Scientists are working hard to develop a vaccine against the virus, but until now no breakthrough has been achieved. India, the second most populated country in the world, is working hard in all dimensions to stop the spread of community infection. Health care facilities are being updated; medical and paramedical staffs are getting trained, and many agencies are raising awareness on the issues related to this virus and its transmission. The administration is leaving no stone unturned to prepare the country to mitigate the adverse effects. However, as the number of infected patients, and those getting cured is changing differently in different states everyday it is difficult to predict the spread of the virus and its fate in Indian context. Different states have adopted measures to stop the community spread. Considering the vast size of the country, the population size and other socio-economic conditions of the states, a single uniform policy may not work to contain the disease. In this paper, we discuss a predictive mathematical model that can give us some idea of the fate of the virus, an indicative data and future projections to understand the further course this pandemic can take. The data can be used by the health care agencies, the Government Organizations and the Planning Commission to make suitable arrangements to fight the pandemic. Though the model is preliminary, it can be used at regional level to manage the health care system in the present scenario. The recommendations can be made, and advisories prepared based on the predictive results that can be implemented at regional levels.