bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effect of rapeseed oil or amaranth seed oil supplementation on weight loss, body composition, and changes in the metabolic profile of obese patients following 3-week body mass reduction program: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Moszak Małgorzata , Zawada Agnieszka , Juchacz Aldona , Grzymisławski Marian , Bogdański Paweł 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Amaranth seed oil (ASO) and rapeseed oil (RSO) are representative functional food with glucose and cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. We aimed to determine whether compared to RSO, ASO supplementation can improve the weight loss and metabolic parameters when consumed as a part of a 3-week weight loss program.Methods: Eighty-one obese subjects (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ) aged 25−70 years enrolled in a 3-week body mass reduction program based on calorie-restricted diet and physical activity. The participants were randomly administered 20 ml/d of ASO (AO group) or 20 ml/d of RSO (RO group), or were assigned to the control (C) group. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and at endpoint.Results: At the end of the study, significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in weight, BMI, WC (waist circumference), HC (hip circumference), FM (fat mass), LBM (lean body mass), VFM (visceral fat mass), and TBW% (total body water) were observed in all the studied groups. There were no significant improvements in clinical parameters in the C group, while reduction in fasting insulin ( P = 0.001 and P = 0.005) and HOMA-IR ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.03) were observed in the RO and AO groups. Compared to the RO group, we observed significant improvement in fasting glucose ( P = 0.03), total cholesterol ( P = 0.03), non-HDL cholesterol ( P = 0.01), TG/HDL ratio ( P = 0.03), LDL cholesterol ( P = 0.04), and triglycerides ( P = 0.000008) in the AO group.Conclusions: The 3-week body mass reduction intervention resulted in statistically significant reduction in weight, BMI, WC, HC, FM, and VFM in all the studied groups. The fasting insulin level and HOMA-IR improved in both AO and RO groups. In contrast to the RO group, positive changes in glucose and lipid levels were observed in the AO group. Compared to the AO and RO groups, subjects without oil supplementation did not show improvement in clinical parameters. Thus, edible oils may improve metabolic parameters during weight loss programs.
Intravenous Calcium Gluconate Alleviates Lead-Induced Abdominal Pain, A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mayel Masoud , Hamzeh Saleh , Rabori Salile Shahabi , Ghasemirad Sareh , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2016, in a lead poisoning outbreak in Iran, physicians reported thousands of opium users who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with intractable severe abdominal pain which did not respond to any narcotic medication. During the same period of time, we investigated the efficacy of intravenous calcium gluconate in alleviating lead-induced abdominal pain.Methods: In a single-center, single blinded, randomized controlled trial, a convenient sample of adult opium-addicted patients who presented to an academic ED with abdominal pain and had an initial diagnosis of lead poisoning were included and randomly subjected to two treatment groups receiving conventional treatment (morphine 0.1 mg/kg + normal saline; group 1) and conventional treatment plus 1 gram of intravenous calcium gluconate (group 2) to alleviate their abdominal pain. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was determined by each patient (0 to 100 mm) before treatment, and 15, 30, and 60 minutes after intervention.Results: A total of 50 patients (25 in each group) were enrolled. Blood lead levels, VAS scores before treatment, and mean administered dose of morphine were similar between the two groups. After treatment, mean VAS score dropped to 64.7±10.4 vs. 67.1±10.9 at 15 minutes (P=0.437), 64.6±10.9 vs. 58.0±11.2 at 30 minutes (P= 0.041), and 63.8±10.7 vs. 53.6±10.9 at 60 minutes (P= 0.002) in groups 1 and 2, respectively.Conclusion: Intravenous calcium gluconate administration along with morphine can improve abdominal pain in lead poisoning due to the ingestion of lead-contaminated opium. Further interventional studies are recommended to see if response to calcium salts in suspected lead-induced abdominal pain can rule in lead toxicity.Trial registration: IRCT20171009036661N2. Registered 27 May 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=IRCT20171009036661N2
Content Development for a Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour e-Learning Module for Early Childhood Education Students: A Delphi Study
Authors: Bruijns Brianne , Johnson Andrew M. , Tucker Trish 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Early childhood educators play a prominent role in promoting healthy activity behaviours in childcare. However, they have expressed that they lack the appropriate pre-service training to confidently lead physical activity (PA), and minimize sedentary behaviour (SB), in childcare. As such, the purpose of this Delphi study was to generate and reach agreement on content areas for inclusion in a PA and SB e-Learning module for Early Childhood Education (ECE) students. Methods Purposeful sampling of Canadian/international researchers was used to form two expert panels: a PA/SB expert panel ( n = 26), and a Canadian ECE panel. PA/SB experts suggested their top 12 PA/SB topics for the module via online survey. These topics were then pooled to generate a list of 19 content areas. In a second online survey, both panels of experts rated the importance of each content area (0 = unimportant to 5 = very important). Mean ratings were ranked separately for each panel, and then ratings were pooled to create an overall ranking of the 19 content areas. Inter-panel agreement of importance rankings was visually represented as a scatterplot and quantified using Spearman’s rho. Results The top-rated content area was Outdoor Play ( M = 4.77 ± .64), followed by Benefits of PA in the Early Years ( M = 4.75 ± .66), and Factors Influencing PA and SB in Childcare ( M = 4.71 ± .74). Monitor PA and Sedentary Time Within Your Classroom had the lowest combined score ( M = 3.77 ± 1.44). There was moderate-to strong inter-panel agreement for content area importance rankings ( r s = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.83). The majority of the ECE expert panel considered this training important for ECE students (94.3%), aligning with ECE curriculum objectives (91.4%) and accreditation standards (78.8%), and complementary to the present ECE curriculum (88.6%). Conclusions Providing PA and SB training to ECE students is a proactive way to ensure healthy movement behaviours are prioritized in childcare programming. With the PA/SB expert-developed content areas, and endorsement by the ECE expert panel, implementing this training within ECE programs is a necessary next step.
Optimisation of the ActWELL lifestyle intervention programme for women attending routine NHS breast screening clinics.
Authors: Anderson Annie , Craigie Angela M. , Gallant Stephanie , McAdam Chloe , Macaskill E. Jane , McKell Jennifer , Mutrie Nanette , O’Carroll Ronan E , Sattar Naveed , Stead Martine , Treweek Shaun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Around 30% of post-menopausal breast cancer is related to excess body fat, alcohol intake and low levels of physical activity. Current estimates suggest that there is a 12% increased risk in post-menopausal breast cancer for every 5kg/m 2 increase in Body Mass Index (BMI). Despite this evidence there are few lifestyle programmes directed towards breast cancer risk reduction. This paper describes the process of optimising of the ActWELL programme which aims to support weight management in women invited to attend routine NHS breast screening clinics. Methods A feasibility study of a prototype programme aiming to change lifestyle behaviours was successfully undertaken. The programme used educational approaches and behaviour change techniques delivered by lifestyle coaches using individual face to face meetings and telephone sessions. To optimise the intervention for a definitive randomised controlled trial of weight management, data from the feasibility trial, focus group discussions conducted with the target population, feedback from the trial public advisory group and comments from peer reviewers were obtained. Concepts from implementation research provided further guidance to assist in the refinement of the intervention which was then discussed and agreed by all investigators and the trial steering group. Results The results from the feasibility trial were considered appropriate for moving on to a full trial with 70% of participants finding the programme acceptable. The primary outcomes (weight loss and physical activity) provided an important focus for design input from the target group. The contributions highlighted the need to review programme duration, coach contact time, content and use of behaviour change techniques as well as communications generally (e.g. science and evidence, non-judgemental approaches and avoiding guilt). In addition, the need for emphasis on support rather than education became apparent. The recommendations from peer reviewers focussed on the magnitude of effort required to achieve the intended weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Implementation science supported the use of the capability/opportunity/motivation (COM- B)model in overall design. Conclusions The optimisation process has facilitated the development and evaluation of a programme which enables the delivery of a promising intervention to achieve weight management in post-menopausal women.
Effect of antimicrobial activity of Teucrium polium on oral Streptococcus mutans: a randomized cross-over clinical trial study
Authors: Tusi Somayeh Khoramian , Jafari Ahmad , Marashi Seyed Mahmoud Amin , Niknam Salomeh Faramarzi , Farid Malihe , Ansari Mehdi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a mouthwash containing Teucrium polium herb on Streptococcus mutans in mouth. Methods : This study was a randomized, crossover, double-blind clinical trial, where twenty-two volunteer dental students were randomly divided into two groups. The study had two phases. In each phase, one group was chosen as the intervention group, while the other one was the control group. Both the intervention and control groups were given the mouthwash with and without Teucrium polium , respectively. S. mutans of saliva were measured before and after each phase to compare the effects of the mouthwashes. A three-week washout period was considered between the two phases. An independent two-sample t-test was used to compare the mean number of S. mutans colonies. Additionally, a standard AB/BA crossover model was used to find the results of the treatment and the carryover effect on the residual biological effects. The significance level was considered 0.05 in this experiment. Results : There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of S. mutans before using the mouthwashes. Using the mouthwash containing Teucrium polium extract significantly decreased the number of S. mutans colonies in both phases (P = 0.002). Conclusion : The results of this study showed that the mouthwash containing aqueous extract of Teucrium polium can significantly reduce the colonization of S. mutans in human saliva.
Clinical efficacy of early open reduction of dislocated hips using a modified Smith-Peterson approach in arthrogyposis multiplex congenita
Authors: Miao Mingyuan , Cai Haiqing , Wang Zhigang , Hu Liwei , Bian Jingxia , Cai Haoqi 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare syndrome with multiple joint contractures. There is controversy regarding what the best surgical approach and age is for performing reduction of dislocated hips in AMC. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of early open reduction on infant hip dislocation with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita through the modified Smith-Peterson approach, with retained rectus femoris intact. Methods: From 2010 to 2017, we performed this procedure on 28 dislocated hips in 20 infants under 12 months of age with AMC. The clinical and radiology data were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age at surgery was 6.9 ± 5.1 months, with a mean follow-up of 42.4 ± 41.1 months. Results: After open reduction, the average hip acetabular index (AI), the international hip dysplasia institute classification (IHDI), and hip range of motion were significantly improved (all P<0.001). After the surgery, 16 patients were community walkers and four patients were home walkers. Three hips in two patients required secondary revision surgery for residual acetabular dysplasia with combined pelvic osteotomy and femoral osteotomy. Seven of the hips that had been operated on showed signs of avascular necrosis (AVN). Among them, four were degree II, two were degree III, and one was degree IV. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the older months are risk factors for secondary revision surgery (P=0.032). Conclusions: The modified Smith-Peterson approach with retained rectus femoris intact is an encouraging and safe option for treating hip dislocation in young AMC patients (before 12 months). Even if surgery takes place at less than 12 months old for patients with AMC, earlier open reduction for hip dislocation may reduce the chance of secondary revision surgery. Level of Evidence: IV, retrospective non-randomized study. Key words: Arthrogryposis, Hip dislocation, Open reduction, Modified Smith-Peterson approach, Retained rectus femoris
The impact of long dry periods on the aboveground biomass in tropical forests: 20 years of monitoring
Authors: de Meira-Junior Milton Serpa , Pinto José Roberto Rodrigues , Ramos Natália Oliveira , Miguel Eder Pereira , Gaspar Ricardo de Oliveira , Phillips Oliver L 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Long-term studies of community and population dynamics indicate that abrupt disturbances often catalyse changes in vegetation and carbon stocks. These disturbances include the opening of clearings, flooding, rainfall seasonality, and drought, as well as fire and direct human disturbance. Such events may be super-imposed on longer-term trends in disturbance, such as those associated with climate change (heating, drying), as well as resources. Intact neotropical forests have recently experienced increased drought frequency and fire, on top of pervasive increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, but we lack long-term records of responses to such changes especially in the critical transitional areas at the interface of forest and savanna biomes. Here, we present results from 20 years monitoring a valley forest (moist tropical forest outlier) in central Brazil. The forest has experienced multiple drought events and includes plots which have and which have not experienced fire. We focus on how forest structure (stem density and aboveground biomass carbon) and dynamics (stem and biomass mortality and recruitment) have responded to these disturbance regimes. ResultsOverall, the biomass carbon stock increased due to the growth of the trees already present in the forest, without any increase in the overall number of tree stems. Over time, both recruitment and especially mortality of trees tended to increase, and periods of prolonged drought in particular resulted in increased mortality rates of larger trees. This increased mortality was in turn responsible for a decline in aboveground carbon toward the end of the monitoring period. Fire in 2010, which occurred in only some of our plots, tended to exacerbate the trends of increasing mortality and losses of biomass carbon. Conclusion Prolonged droughts influence the mortality of large trees, leading to a decline in aboveground carbon stocks. Here, and in other neotropical forests, recent droughts are capable of shutting down and reversing biomass carbon sinks. These new results add to evidence that anthropogenic climate changes are already adversely impacting tropical forests.
Measuring and reducing biofilm in mosquito rearing containers
Authors: Hunt Catherine , Collins Catherine Matilda , Benedict Mark Q. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Mosquito rearing containers contain organic-rich water that nourishes numerous bacteria, some of which are capable of forming biofilms. Biofilm is broadly an extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) in which living bacteria occur, and the accumulation of biofilm is possible during routine stock-keeping as most of these containers are re-used. Whether biofilm has an effect on the mosquito rearing is not a question that has been investigated, nor have measures to reduce biofilm in this context been systematically studied. Methods: We measured biofilm accumulation in standard rearing containers by staining with crystal violet and determining the OD using a spectrophotometer. We also treated rearing containers with 0.1% sodium hypochlorite to determine its effectiveness in reducing biofilm abundance. Lastly, we performed an analysis of the relationship between the occurrence of biofilm and the likelihood of microbial blooms that were associated with larval death during trials of larval diets. Results: We observed that soaking rearing containers overnight in 0.1% sodium hypochlorite greatly reduced biofilm, but we observed no relationship between the use of containers that had not been treated with bleach and subsequent microbial blooms. Conclusions: Larva rearing leaves detectable biofilm. While we were unable to correlate microbial blooms with the presence of biofilm, as a precaution, we recommend that plastic containers that are re-used be treated with 0.1% sodium hypochlorite bleached occasionally.
Physiological characterization and gene mapping of a novel cuticular wax-related mutant in barley
Authors: Fang Yunxia , Zhang Xiaoqin , Tong Tao , Zhang Ziling , Tian Bin , Cui Jun , Zheng Junjun , Xue Dawei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Cuticular wax is a type of lipid covering the surface of plants, which is directly related to crop stress resistance. Thus, it is important to study wax-related genes and their regulatory mechanism in wax biosynthesis pathway for improving stress resistance.Results: In this study, a wax-deficient barley mutant barley cuticular wax1（bcw1）was identified, and genetic analysis indicated that the trait was controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. Phenotype observations showed that the tubule-shaped waxy crystals covering the sheath and stem epidermis of mutants disappeared, but there was no significant differences were detected in the leaf epidermis between mutant and wild type. Water loss data confirmed that the cuticular waxes and cutins improved plant resistance to drought stress. By combining the bulk segregant analysis (BSA) and specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) strategy, the wax-related gene BCW1 was located on chromosome 2 with a total length of 15.10 Mb. No cuticular wax-related genes have been reported in the regions, indicating that BCW1 is a novel gene that plays roles in cuticular wax biosynthesis and wax crystals formation.Conclusions: The research showed that mutation of BCW1 did not affect the crystal shape or cutin formation outside the leaf surfaces, but decreased the wax and cutin accumulation outside stems and sheaths. Therefore, our work provides the basis for the cloning of BCW1 and studying of the crystal self-assembly mechanism.
Extraordinary Heterosis Found In A Forage Grass Hybrid, Festuca apennina × F. pratensis
Authors: Boller Beat , Kopecký David 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Heterosis (or hybrid vigor) is the over-performance of a hybrid over its parents in a specific trait or a set of traits. As such, hybrid breeding serves as a tool to efficiently trigger gains in breeding programs. Moreover, hybrids of genetically distant landraces, varieties or even species may become evolutionary successful. In Swiss alpine swards, we observed frequent prevalence of triploid hybrids of Festuca pratensis × F. apennina with outstanding competitiveness relative to their parental species in the sites of sympatric occurrence. Results: Observations of these highly vigorous hybrids prompted the study on their heterosis across various environmental conditions. Phenotypic observations during three years at four locations at different altitudes (from 200 m a.s.l. to 1850 m a.s.l.) have shown significant heterosis for dry biomass production at all sites during the first and second year, and at the mid- and high altitude sites also in the third year. At mid-altitude (1000 m a.s.l.), heterosis increased steadily and reached a maximum of +508 % for annual yield (+626% for a single cut) in the third year. This is by far the highest value of heterosis ever reported for annual dry mass yield of a forage grass. Conclusions: Further utilization of triploid hybrids in forage grass breeding is hampered by their sterility hence a need for vegetative propagation. However, artificial chromosome doubling of triploids to create fertile hexaploids, or seeking ways to propagate them vegetatively at an industrial scale might overcome this limitation.
The relationship between physical activity, apolipoprotein E ε4 carriage and brain health
Authors: de Frutos-Lucas Jaisalmer , Cuesta Pablo , Lopez-Sanz David , Peral-Suarez Africa , Cuadrado-Soto Esther , Ramirez-Toraño Federico , Brown Belinda M , Rodriguez Juan M , Laws Simon M , Rodriguez-Rojo Inmaculada C , Verdejo-Roman Juan , Bruña Ricardo , Delgado-Losada Maria L , Barabash Ana , Lopez-Sobaler Ana M , Lopez-Higes Ramon , Marcos Alberto , Maestu Fernando 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUNDNeuronal hyperexcitability and hypersynchrony have been described as key features of neurophysiological dysfunctions in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum. Conversely, physical activity (PA) has been associated with improved brain health and reduced AD risk. However, there is controversy regarding whether AD genetic risk (in terms of APOE ε4 carriage) modulates these relationships. The utilization of multiple outcome measures within one sample may strengthen our understanding of this complex phenomenon. METHODThe relationship between PA and functional connectivity (FC) was examined in a sample of 107 healthy older adults using magnetoencephalography. Additionally, we explored whether ε4 carriage modulates this association. The correlation between FC and brain structural integrity, cognition and mood was also investigated. RESULTSA relationship between higher PA and decreased FC (hyposynchrony) in the left temporal lobe was observed among all individuals (across the whole sample, in ε4 carriers and in ε4 non-carriers), but its effects manifest differently according to genetic risk. In ε4 carriers, we report an association between this region-specific FC profile and preserved brain structure (greater gray matter volumes and higher integrity of white matter tracts). In this group decreased FC also correlated with reduced anxiety levels. In ε4 non-carriers, this profile is associated with improved cognition (working and episodic memory). CONCLUSIONSPA could mitigate the increase in FC (hypersynchronization) that characterizes prodromal AD, being beneficial for all individuals, including ε4 carriers.