bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Aflatoxin in Corn by “Dockage” Assay
Authors: Johnson Robert M , Greenaway Walter T , Dolan William P 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A method of analyzing corn for aflatoxin was developed by assaying only the broken corn, foreign material, and chaff (dockage). Only 1 out of 21 commercial ground corn samples to which corn containing aflatoxin was added gave positive results for aflatoxin. On the other hand, all “Dockage” portions sieved from these same samples gave positive results. The procedure consists of streaking corn extracts on preparative coated sheets for cleanup, separation, and identification. If quantitative results are desired, fluorescent areas are collected and spotted on TLC plates for identification under UV light.
Validation of a Modified Version of Actero™ Salmonella Enrichment Media for Rapid Detection of Salmonella spp. in Environmental and Food Samples
Authors: Boumail Afia , Eyraud Alex , Akassou Mounia , Geffroy Mélanie , Sicard Jean-Félix , Tremblay Renaud , Olishevskyy Sergiy 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Actero™ Salmonella Enrichment Media1 (Actero™ Salmonella) is a culture broth developed to recover Salmonella spp. from foods and environmental surfaces. Performance of Actero™ Salmonella broth has already been assessed and validated (AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 041403) for the detection of Salmonella spp. in various foods, feeds and environmental samples.

Objective
This study aimed to validate the performance of a modified version of Actero™ Salmonella broth by incorporating one of the two liquid supplements into the powdered formula.

Methods
Inclusivity, exclusivity, stability, and lot-to-lot studies were carried out. Raw ground beef, chicken carcass rinse, dry pet food and stainless steel samples were enriched for 14–20 h at 35–39°C and analyzed using real-time PCR assay as well as by direct plating.

Results
The Probability of Detection assay confirmed the equivalent performance of the alternative methods as compared to the reference methods. All Salmonella strains, except Salmonella II : 57: z29:-, were able to grow in Actero™ Salmonella broth. One-half of the non-target strains did not grow in Actero™ Salmonella broth, whereas the atypical for Salmonella growth was observed for other non-target microorganisms subsequently plated onto selective and differential agars. Lot-to-lot consistency was demonstrated for three consecutively manufactured lots of the broth. The liquid broth was proven to be stable at 4°C for up to 9 weeks of storage.

Conclusions and Highlights
The incorporation of one of the two specific supplements into a powdered formula of Actero™ Salmonella broth made it more convenient to use without compromising the performance and accuracy.
New SI and precision measurements: an interview with Tianchu Li
Authors: Wang Jin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
On 13–16 November 2018, the 26th General Conference of Weights and Measures (CGPM) was held in Paris. The conference adopted Resolution A on ‘Revision of the International System of Units (SI).’ According to Resolution A: four of the SI basic units, namely kilograms, amps, kelvin and mole, are defined by the Planck constant h, the basic charge constant e, the Boltzmann constant k and the Avogadro constant NA, respectively. This establishes the basic quantities and units in SI on a series of constants. The new SI was officially launched on 20 May 2019. This is the most significant change and a milestone in the history of metrology since the Metre Convention was signed in 20 May 1875. Professor Tianchu Li, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has been working on time and frequency standards for 37 years. In this interview, Prof. Li reviews the quantization and constant evolutions of the second and meter, and introduces the redefinitions of ampere, kelvin, kilogram and mole, and their significance for precision measurements.
Yogurt, cultured fermented milk, and health: a systematic review
Authors: Savaiano Dennis A , Hutkins Robert W 
Published: February 2020

Abstract Consumption of yogurt and other fermented products is associated with improved health outcomes. Although dairy consumption is included in most dietary guidelines, there have been few specific recommendations for yogurt and cultured dairy products. A qualitative systematic review was conducted to determine the effect of consumption of fermented milk products on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, cancer risk, weight management, diabetes and metabolic health, and bone density using PRISMA guidelines. English language papers in PubMed were searched, with no date restrictions. In total, 1057 abstracts were screened, of which 602 were excluded owing to lack of appropriate controls, potential biases, and experimental design issues. The remaining 455 papers were independently reviewed by both authors and 108 studies were included in the final review. The authors met regularly to concur, through consensus, on relevance, methods, findings, quality, and conclusions. The included studies were published between 1979 and 2017. From the 108 included studies, 76 reported a favorable outcome of fermented milks on health and 67 of these were considered to be positive or neutral quality according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Quality Criteria Checklist. Of the 32 remaining studies, the study outcomes were either not significant (28) or unfavorable (4), and most studies (18) were of neutral quality. A causal relationship exists between lactose digestion and tolerance and yogurt consumption, and consistent associations exist between fermented milk consumption and reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes, improved weight maintenance, and improved cardiovascular, bone, and gastrointestinal health. Further, an association exists between prostate cancer occurrence and dairy product consumption in general, with no difference between fermented and unfermented products. This article argues that yogurt and other fermented milk products provide favorable health outcomes beyond the milk from which these products are made and that consumption of these products should be encouraged as part of national dietary guidelines.Systematic review registration:  PROSPERO registration no. CRD42017068953.
Clinical applications of exosome membrane proteins
Authors: Hu Qian , Su Hang , Li Juan , Lyon Christopher , Tang Wenfu , Wan Meihua , Hu Tony Ye 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membranous particles that can mediate cell-to-cell communication and which are divided into at least three categories according to their subcellular origin and size: exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. Exosomes are the smallest (30–150 nm) of these EVs, and play an important role in EV-mediated cell-to-cell interactions, by transferring proteins, nucleic acids and, lipids from their parental cells to adjacent or distant cells to alter their phenotypes. Most exosome studies in the past two decades have focused on their nucleic acid composition and their transfer of mRNAs and microRNAs to neighboring cells. However, exosomes also carry specific membrane proteins that can identify the physiological and pathological states of their parental cells or indicate their preferential target cells or tissues. Exosome membrane protein expression can also be directly employed or modified to allow exosomes to serve as drug delivery systems and therapeutic platforms, including in targeted therapy approaches. This review will briefly summarize information on exosome membrane proteins components and their role in exosome–cell interactions, including proteins associated with specific cell-interactions and diseases, and the potential for using exosome membrane proteins in therapeutic targeting approaches.
Opening the Trojan horse: phylogeny of Astyanax, two new genera and resurrection of Psalidodon (Teleostei: Characidae)
Authors: Terán Guillermo E , Benitez Mauricio F , Mirande J Marcos 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe freshwater fish genus Astyanax is one of the most diverse among the Characidae. The genus is defined by a combination of character states that are widely distributed in Characidae. In addition, the genus has the broadest geographical distribution in the family, being found in a great variety of environments of the Neotropical region. Although phylogenetic relationships were treated only partially, many authors agree that the genus is not monophyletic. In this contribution, we study the phylogenetic relationships of Astyanax in the context of the family Characidae, by combining morphological and molecular data. A total of 520 morphological characters, nine molecular markers and 608 taxa are analysed, of which 98 belong to Astyanax. According to our results, Astyanax is not monophyletic. We recovered species attributed to Astyanax in different subfamilies: Gymnocharacinae (including the type species), Stevardiinae and Tetragonopterinae. Among the species recovered in Gymnocharacinae, most (including the type species, the resurrected Psalidodon, and the new genus Andromakhe gen. nov.) were recovered in Gymnocharacini, while the remaining ones were recovered in Probolodini (transferred to Deuterodon or the new genus Makunaima gen. nov.).
A total-evidence approach resolves phylogenetic placement of ‘Cafius’ gigas,a unique recently extinct rove beetle from Lord Howe Island
Authors: Jensen Arn Rytter , Jenkins Shaw Josh , Żyła Dagmara , Solodovnikov Alexey 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCafius gigas Lea, 1929 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) was a large rove beetle endemic to Lord Howe Island (LHI) resembling Cafius and the LHI flightless endemic Hesperus dolichoderes (Lea, 1925). Like several other LHI endemics, C. gigas became extinct due to human-introduced rats. It is a legacy species valuable for understanding the LHI biota in terms of evolutionary biology and historical biogeography. Whether C. gigas was a member of Cafius Curtis, 1829, restricted to oceanic shores and prone to trans-oceanic dispersal, or related to H. dolichoderes, would have different implications. We subjected C. gigas to a total-evidence phylogenetic analyses of morphological and molecular data using model-based and parsimony methods. As a result, it is transferred to Hesperus Fauvel, 1874 with the new combination Hesperus gigas (Lea, 1929) comb. nov. Our analysis indicates that the montane leaf litter inhabitant H. gigas evolved neither in situ nor from a seashore Cafius-ancestor, or from an ancestor shared by two other LHI endemic congeners, Hesperus pacificus Olliff, 1887 and H. dolichoderes. It also suggests that all three Hesperus species that currently occur on LHI could have evolved on various seamounts at various times before reaching LHI.
ALTERED BLOOD AND AQUEOUS HUMOR LEVELS OF ASPROSIN, 4-HYDROXYNONENAL, AND 8-HYDROXY-DEOXYGUANOSINE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AND CATARACT WITH AND WITHOUT DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Authors: Oruc Yavuz , Celik Fatih , Ozgur Gokhan , Beyazyildiz Emrullah , Ugur Kader , Yardim Meltem , Sahin Ibrahim , Akkoc Ramazan Fazil , Aydin Suleyman 
Published: February 2020

Purpose:
Diabetic retinopathy (DRP) is the formation of edema and small vessels in the retina due to high blood glucose levels. Asprosin is a hormone that stimulates the release of glucose from the liver into the circulation. Considering the relationship between oxidative stress and DRP, our study aimed to determine the levels of the oxidative stress markers 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), as well as asprosin, in the blood and aqueous humor (Aq) of patients with and without DRP.

Methods:
Thirty patients with single-eye DRP and cataract (DRP + C), 30 patients with diabetes mellitus and cataract without DRP (DM + C), and 30 healthy control (CON) participants were enrolled into this retrospective study. Except for healthy controls, Aq and blood samples were taken from these patients during their cataract operation. Asprosin, 4-HNE, and 8-OHdG concentrations were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results:
In patients with DRP, the levels of asprosin, 4-HNE, and 8-OHdG were significantly higher in both Aq and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DRP.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that the measurement of asprosin, 4-HNE, and 8-OHdG levels may support clinicians in determining the risk of DRP development.
Effect of full-time vs volunteer faculty supervision on resident cataract surgery complications
Authors: Saifee Murtaza , Zhu Ivy , Lin Ying , Oldenburg Catherine E. , Ramanathan Saras 
Published: February 2020

Purpose:
To examine the effect of teaching experience of supervising surgeons on resident cataract surgery intraoperative complication rates.

Setting:
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, USA.

Design:
Retrospective chart review.

Methods:
Cataract surgeries performed by University of California San Francisco (UCSF) ophthalmology residents from 2010 to 2017 were reviewed. Only cases supervised by anterior segment attendings with more than 10 years of postresidency surgical experience were included. Cases were categorized as being supervised by either full-time UCSF teaching attendings or volunteer private practice attendings. Cases were graded as low risk (0 risk factors), intermediate risk (1 risk factor), or high risk (≥2 risk factors) based on 8 preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. Complication rates were compared between the 2 attending groups among varying risk grades.

Results:
Of 1377 cases, 101 developed complications. Among low-risk cases, full-time teaching attendings (25/619 [4.04%]) had a similar complication rate to volunteer attendings (17/387 [4.39%]) (odds ratio [OR] 0.92; P = .79). In intermediate-risk cases, full-time teaching attendings (28/195 [14.36%]) had slightly worse complication rates than volunteer attendings (10/88 [11.36%]) (OR 1.63; P = .45). High-risk cases had the highest complication rates, with the complication rates of full-time teaching attendings (16/72 [22.22%]) somewhat lower than those of volunteer attendings (5/16 [31.25%]) (OR 0.64; P = .48).

Conclusions:
For low-risk resident-performed cataract surgeries, supervision by full-time faculty and volunteer attendings yielded similar complication rates; thus, residency programs might safely recruit volunteer attendings to supervise low-risk cataract surgeries to support resident training. The analysis of higher-risk cases was limited by a low surgical volume.
Ivermectin Topical
Authors: Thomas Suravi , Luke Janiene D. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
Medications are chemical substances utilized in clinical practice to create an identified physiological outcome in patients. In the field of dermatology, medications can be given via specified routes (topical, oral, intravenous, intramuscular, etc.) or as various vehicles (creams, gels, ointments, patches, etc.) to treat conditions that manifest in the skin. This column highlights the use of topical ivermectin as a viable treatment option for the inflammatory lesions associated with papulopustular rosacea. We will discuss its mechanism of action, administration and dosing, adverse effects, and viable alternatives to both newer and more commonly employed medications.
Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Strength: The Use of ISO 10328 in the Comparison of Standard and 3D-Printed Sockets
Authors: Owen Meredith K. , DesJardins John D. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Prosthetic sockets must withstand instances of maximum loading without failure. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the strength at failure and the failure mechanism for 3D-printed transtibial sockets, thermoplastic transtibial check sockets, and carbon-fiber definitive laminated transtibial sockets.

Materials and Methods
Three clinically available materials (carbon fiber, PETG thermoplastic, and 3D print polylactic acid [PLA]) were used to produce identically shaped sockets. In final assembly, the carbon-fiber sockets were designed for use both with and without a pin-lock system. Thermoplastic sockets and 3D-printed sockets were designed for use without a pin-lock system. These socket systems were then tested following International Standards Organization (ISO) 10328. Ultimate strength (US) at failure, maximum deflection at failure, and failure mechanism were determined.

Results
Both designs of carbon-fiber sockets had higher US values at failure than thermoplastic sockets and 3D-printed PLA sockets. Thermoplastic sockets had a slightly higher average US than 3D-printed sockets, but 3D-printed sockets exhibited a greater strength-to-weight ratio. Four distinct socket failure mechanisms were determined.

Conclusions
Failure mechanisms and US values differed for all socket types. Carbon-fiber sockets exhibited the highest US, but 3D-printed PLA sockets showed comparable strength to current thermoplastic sockets. Although the ISO 10328 testing standard was sufficient to complete these evaluations, the method lacked some socket-specific measures and loading conditions that could have improved comparisons between socket types.
Oral Intake of Lactobacilli Can Be Helpful in Symptomatic Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Reznichenko Halyna , Henyk Nataliya , Maliuk Viktor , Khyzhnyak Tetyana , Tynna Yevhenia , Filipiuk Ihor , Veresniuk Nataliia , Zubrytska Larysa , Quintens Johan , Richir Karl , Gerasymov Sergiy 
Published: February 2020

Objective
The aim of the study was to explore a role of oral intake of a mixture of 3 Lactobacillus species in recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Materials and Methods
A phase 2 randomized parallel group prospective placebo-controlled study conducted at 7 clinical centers enrolled 18- to 45-years-old women with recent symptomatic BV cured with metronidazole. Within 48 hours after completion of metronidazole therapy, eligible women received 1 capsule of the verum (5.4 billion Lactobacillus crispatus LMG S-29995, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus in proportion of 60%, 20%, and 20%, respectively), or the placebo supplement 2 times daily for the first 7 days and 1 time daily for the next 8 to 120 days. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of recurrence of BV, which was defined as 3 of 4 Amsel criteria plus abnormal vaginal discharge/vulvar odor during 4 months of intake of the test dietary supplement. Differences between the groups were assessed with Z test for proportions.

Results
One hundred sixty-six women were analyzed in the verum (82 patients) and the placebo group (82 patients). Recurrence of BV was documented in 15 (18.3%) of 82 women in the verum group and 27 (32.1%) of 84 in the placebo group (p = .014). Rates of survival without BV rates were higher in the verum group (Cox F test, p = .018). Both verum and placebo supplements were well tolerated.

Conclusions
Oral intake of L. crispatus LMG S-29995, L. brevis, and L. acidophilus can significantly decrease percent of recurrences of BV in recently treated women and prolong time to recurrence of the disease.
Urgent Versus Standard Colonoscopy for Management of Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Anvari Sama , Lee Yung , Yu James , Doumouras Aristithes G. , Khan Khurram J. , Hong Dennis 
Published: February 2020

Background:
Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common indication for hospitalization. However, the optimum timing of colonoscopy following patient presentation remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of urgent versus standard colonoscopy timing on management of acute LGIB.

Materials and Methods:
Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PubMed were searched up to January 2020. Randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if they compared patients with hematochezia receiving urgent (<24 h) versus standard (>24 h) colonoscopy. Nonrandomized observational studies were also included based on the same criteria for additional analysis. Pooled estimates were calculated using random effects meta-analyses and heterogeneity was quantified using the inconsistency statistic. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results:
Of 3782 potentially relevant studies, 4 randomized controlled trials involving 463 patients met inclusion criteria. Urgent colonoscopy did not differ significantly to standard timing with respect to length of stay (LOS), units of blood transfused, rate of additional intervention required, or mortality. Colonoscopy-related outcomes such as patient complications, rebleeding rates, and diagnosis of bleeding source did not differ between groups. However, meta-analysis including nonrandomized studies (9 studies, n=111,950) revealed a significantly higher rate of mortality and complications requiring surgery in the standard group and shorter LOS in the urgent group. Overall GRADE certainty of evidence was low in the majority of outcomes.

Conclusions:
Timing of colonoscopy in acute LGIB may not significantly affect patient outcomes. Timing should therefore be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Liver steatosis is a risk factor for hepatotoxicity in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with azathioprine
Authors: Phillips Jennifer , Preskey Rebecca , Penfold Chris , Gordon Fiona , Tyrrell-Price Jonathan 
Published: February 2020

Background and aims
The literature demonstrates that hepatic steatosis reduces the tolerance of immunosuppression in people with inflammatory bowel disease. It also shows that elevated methylmercaptopurine may be responsible for thiopurine-induced hepatitis. This exploratory study investigates the relationship between hepatic steatosis, methylmercaptopurine and alanine transaminase.

Methods
We performed a retrospective review of patients started on azathioprine treatment at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust between 2014 and 2017. There were 600 patients in total. Ninety-one patients met our inclusion criteria which were at least one ultrasound scan commenting on the appearance of the liver, liver function tests at commencement of azathioprine and liver function tests and a methylmercaptopurine level between 6 and 8 weeks after starting treatment.

Results
Of 91 patients included in our study, 32 patients (32%) were identified as having radiological hepatic steatosis on ultrasound imaging and 59 patients had no evidence of steatosis. We found a positive association between methylmercaptopurine levels and change in alanine transaminase in patients with hepatic steatosis (P < 0.001) but not in those with a normal liver on ultrasound imaging.

Conclusion
We conclude that the higher levels of methylmercaptopurine may be a risk factor for hepatitis in patients with hepatic steatosis but not in those with a normal liver.