bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male microchimerism in peripheral blood from women with multiple sclerosis in Isfahan Province
Authors: Jafarinia Morteza , Amoon Mina , Javid Ameneh , Vakili Sina , Sadeghi Erfan , Azadi Davood , Alsahebfosoul Fereshteh 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is referred to as an organ‐specific T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Different genetic and environmental factors increase the risk of developing MS. In recent years, microchimerism (Mc) has been widely studied in autoimmune diseases, although the exact role of this phenomenon in human health is not known well. Microchimerism is the low level presence of DNA or cells from one individual into the tissue or circulation of another individual. In the current study, we evaluated the association of fetal microchimerism (FMc) with MS in Isfahan province. In this study, we enrolled 68 women in four groups. Two groups were MS patients with or without a pregnancy for a son, and the other two groups were MS‐negative patients with or without a pregnancy for a son. The presence of the male genome assessed and compared in these groups. Four millilitres of peripheral blood were collected from all subjects in the tube containing EDTA and DNA was extracted. Real‐time PCR assay was used for the DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) region Yq 11.23 as a marker for male microchimerism in all subjects. Our results showed that the percentage of DAZ (male genome)‐positive women was significantly higher in MS‐positive women given birth to a son in comparison with the other three groups. Our results also revealed no significant correlation between the percentage of DAZ‐positive women and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and age of onset in the patients’ group. For future studies, we suggest enrolling subjects who MS diagnosis occurred before and after pregnancy with a son. Comparing FMc in these two groups might provide a better understanding of the possible role of FMc in later development of MS.
Synthesis and structure determination of calcium silicate‐cellulose nanograss biocomposite
Authors: Biswas Nilormi , Samanta Aniruddha , Mitra Sanchali , Biswas Ripan , Podder Soumik , Sanyal Ambarish , Ghosh Jiten , Ghosh Chandan Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Anoop Kumar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe 100% phase pure calcium silicate nanoparticles (CSNPs) of the α‐wollastonite phase by hydrothermal synthesis is achieved first. Next this work reports the first‐ever microwave‐assisted low temperature synthesis of calcium silicate‐cellulose nanograss composites. The characterization by FESEM studies confirm that calcium silicate‐cellulose composites possess the nanograss like morphology spread over the matrix of calcium silicate. The structural information of the calcium silicate‐cellulose composites are derived by both theoretical and experimental techniques. Low‐energy ground state geometrical structures of the cellulose on the triclinic wollastonite surfaces and their interactions have been primarily determined by Density Functional Theory. Accordingly, the short‐range structural information is confirmed by Pair Distribution Function analysis. Structural information along with binding interactions are also confirmed from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The implications of these detailed analysis of structures in tuning the properties of such ceramic polymeric hybrid composites for futuristic endodontic application is discussed.
Non‐medical interventions for individuals with Rett syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Amoako Annika Nina , Hare Dougal Julian 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundResearch into Rett syndrome has included various medical interventions. Non‐medical interventions are relatively under‐researched. Recent technological communication intervention advances have contributed to the evidence base in Rett syndrome.MethodThe Embase, PsycINFO and MEDLINE were systematically searched for peer‐reviewed papers describing non‐medical interventions for Rett syndrome. All identified papers were evaluated for methodological quality.ResultsThirteen studies of adequate methodological quality were reviewed (acrossN = 60 participants). Interventions were primarily communication interventions including music, assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication strategies, attentional training and cognitive rehabilitation training. All studies reported positive outcomes across communication, quality of life, brain stem activity, physical fitness and a reduction in stereotyped behaviour. However, methodological challenges to generalizability, standardization, lack of follow‐up and/or small‐N samples were common.ConclusionsThe review highlights the paucity of high‐quality research. Future research is needed to build on current research and improve validity and generalizability of interventions.
Foreign currency borrowing surrounding the global financial crisis: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Kim Hyeon Sook , Kwon Taek Ho 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe present a complete profile of firms’ foreign currency borrowing surrounding the 2007 global financial crisis. Employing extensive data from Korean firms during 2002–2012, we find that foreign currency borrowing is significantly related to firm attributes of export revenues, firm size, tangible assets and asset growth, as well as to macro‐level factors. These results offer two important implications. First, macroeconomic factors alone cannot fully explain firms’ foreign currency borrowing. Second and more importantly, these firm attributes are indicative of a lower default probability and larger collateral value, which would not only facilitate borrowers’ access to foreign currency debt markets but also offer lenders a better protective cushion from possible loan defaults in the face of exchange rate changes and information asymmetry on borrowers’ credits. Period wise, asset‐related firm attributes have more pronounced effects in the post‐ than pre‐crisis period. We further show that banking regulations following the crisis effectively limit the access to foreign currency borrowing by Korean firms, most significantly by those belonging to large business groups.
Periodontitis is associated with oral health‐related quality of life in individuals with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Oliveira Leandro M. , Sari Daniélli , Schöffer Caroline , Santi Samantha S. , Antoniazzi Raquel P. , Zanatta Fabrício B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate whether periodontitis is independently associated with oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in individuals with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).Materials and MethodsCalibrated examiners assessed 180 adults with ESRD. A full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed at six sites on each tooth. Periodontitis was considered a categorical variable (absent, mild/moderate or severe). OHRQoL was assessed using the simplified version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP14) questionnaire. Adjusted multivariate Poisson regression analysis was used with a conceptual hierarchical approach to calculate the rate ratio (RR) of OHIP14 scores for periodontitis according to the severity categories.ResultsIn the adjusted model, mild/moderate and severe periodontitis were significantly associated with poorer OHRQoL compared to the absence of periodontitis [RR = 1.49 (95% confidence interval: 1.16–1.91) and RR 1.77 (95% CI: 1.36–2.30), respectively]. The adjusted domain‐specific analysis revealed that mild/moderate periodontitis significantly impacted the psychological disability domain and severe periodontitis significantly impacted the physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability and psychological disability domains.ConclusionsPeriodontitis exerts an influence on OHRQoL in individuals with ESRD, with a more severe condition impacting different domains.
Association between mean platelet volume in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic macrovascular complications in Japanese patients
Authors: Inoue Hiroyuki , Saito Mayumi , Kouchi Kumiko , Asahara Shun‐ichiro , Nakamura Fumihiko , Kido Yoshiaki 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionMean platelet volume (MPV) is a widely used biological marker of platelet function and activity. Increased MPV is associated with accelerated thrombopoiesis and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is not known whether higher MPV is related to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and diabetic macrovascular complications in Japanese patients. Therefore, we analyzed MPV and its correlation with atherosclerosis in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and those who had prediabetes.Materials and MethodsWe divided the patients into three groups: normoglycemic patients (n = 56), prediabetes patients (n = 44) and type 2 diabetes patients group, (n = 115). We measured platelet parameters and evaluated arterial stiffness in the three groups.ResultsSignificantly higher MPV was found in the type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes patients compared with normoglycemic patients. MPV was significantly correlated with fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that MPV was positively correlated with HbA1c, even after adjustment for confounding factors. In the evaluation of arterial stiffness by measuring the cardio‐ankle vascular index and maximum intima‐media thickness, MPV showed a positive correlation with these parameters.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that MPV was significantly increased in the early stage of type 2 diabetes. We showed positive correlations between MPV and HbA1c levels, and between MPV and arterial stiffness in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Circular economy innovations, growth and employment at the firm level: Empirical evidence from Germany
Authors: Horbach Jens , Rammer Christian 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCircular economy (CE) describes a concept that aims at saving resources by minimizing the use of material and energy over the entire life‐cycle of products, including production and repair, as well as reuse and recycling. CE innovations help to realize the goals of sustainable development by targeting environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability. This paper looks at the economic and social dimensions by investigating whether firms with CE innovations perform better or worse in terms of sales growth and employment. Our econometric analysis uses data from two waves of the German part of the Community Innovation Survey. Quantile regressions show that CE innovations are positively linked to turnover and employment growth. While there is no statistically significant impact on labor productivity, at the same time, firms with CE innovations show a significantly better financial standing.
Erbium fractional laser irradiation combined with autologous platelet‐rich plasma and platelet‐poor plasma application for facial rejuvenation
Authors: Cai JinHui , Tian Ju , Chen Kui , Cheng Liu‐Hang‐Hang , Xuan Min , Cheng Biao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundErbium fractional laser treatment has immense skin rejuvenation effects, but it is associated with side effects such as erythema and pigmentation. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) can enhance the restorative effects of Erbium fractional laser, but there are few studies on this combined treatment in the Asian population, and no study has examined the effects of adding platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) to the combination.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effects and safety of Erbium fractional laser irradiation combined with autologous PRP and PPP therapy for facial rejuvenation.MethodsBetween January 2010 and June 2016, 158 patients with facial skin aging were treated by Erbium fractional laser irradiation combined with autologous PRP and PPP. After three sessions, patients and experienced physicians evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment.ResultsThe symptoms of skin aging, especially skin color, pore expansion, and skin texture, showed obvious improvement after the treatment, according to the evaluation of the patients and the physicians, who reported a total treatment effectiveness rate of 90.51% and 88.61%, respectively. The treatment was well‐tolerated by all the participants, and no hyperpigmentation or depigmentation was observed in any of the cases. The reported side effects were edema (1‐3 days), erythema (2‐4 days), and crusting (3‐10 days).ConclusionErbium fractional laser irradiation combined with PRP and PPP application is an effective and safe approach for improving facial skin aging and has minimal side effects. Future investigations on a bigger sample with a longer follow‐up period should focus on optimizing the treatment protocol and settings.
Consumption Fluctuations and Expected Returns
Authors: ATANASOV VICTORIA , MØLLER STIG V. , PRIESTLEY RICHARD 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces a novel consumption‐based variable, cyclical consumption, and examines its predictive properties for stock returns. Future expected stock returns are high (low) when aggregate consumption falls (rises) relative to its trend and marginal utility from current consumption is high (low). We show that the empirical evidence ties consumption decisions of agents to time variation in returns in a manner consistent with asset pricing models based on external habit formation. The predictive power of cyclical consumption is not confined to bad times and subsumes the predictability of many popular forecasting variables.
Accounting for surveillance
Authors: Jones Rodney H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis contribution discusses the ways people hold themselves and others accountable for everyday practices of surveillance. It analyses three examples: (1) the “breeching experiments” of the video artist “Surveillance Camera Man,” (2) a “stop and frisk” incident involving a 17‐year‐old boy in Harlem, and (3) the pop‐up windows on websites that ask for users’ consent to use “cookies.” Understanding the relationship between language and securitization, it is argued, requires that we pay attention to the interactional basis of surveillance and the ways rights and responsibilities are negotiated, ratified, challenged, or ignored in the moment‐by‐moment unfolding of communication.
Embodying the breach: (In)securitization and ethnographic engagement in the US
Authors: Mangual Figueroa Ariana 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this commentary, the author offers three related perspectives regarding (in)securitization: first, an overview of ongoing discussions taking place among US‐based ethnographers of colour about the effects of surveillance on ethnography; second, an example of the impact that (in)securitization may have on the researcher/researched relationship in contemporary ethnographic research; and third, an extension of Garfinkel’s notion of the “breach” within the current sociopolitical context. Throughout this essay, the author calls for a greater sense of connection to and solidarity with those “vulnerable subjects” that we engage with ethnographically.
An estimation of the prevalence of occult HBV infection in Western Europe and in Northern America: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Onorato Lorenzo , Russo Antonio , Chiodini Paolo , Coppola Nicola 
Published: December 2019

AbstractData on the prevalence of occult HBV infection (OBI) in Western Europe and in Northern America are few; hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. All studies included had to fulfil the following inclusion criteria: (a) they investigated the prevalence of OBI (HBV DNA in liver tissue in HBsAg‐negative subjects), (b) were carried out in Western Europe and in Northern America; (c) were available as a full‐text manuscript, (d) written in English and (e) published up to December 2018. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (a) meta‐analyses, letters, reviews, meeting abstracts or editorial comments; (b) studies investigating HBsAg‐positive patients; (c) those investigating OBI outside Western Europe and in Northern America; and (d) to avoid small sample bias in the random‐effects model, those enrolling less than five subjects. Thirty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria, allowing a meta‐analysis on 2729 patients. The overall prevalence of OBI was 34% (95% CI = 26%‐42%), 28% (CI 95%: 12%‐48%) in 329 subjects without chronic liver disease and 35% (95% CI 26%‐44%) in 2400 patients with chronic liver disease. The prevalence of OBI was 51% (95% CI 40%‐62%) in the 823 anti‐HBc‐positive subjects and 19% (95% CI 10%‐30%) in the 1,041 anti‐HBc‐negative subjects. Evaluating the data from 17 studies comparing anti‐HBc‐positive and negative subjects, the prevalence of OBI was higher in the 641 anti‐HBc‐positive subjects than in the 1041 anti‐HBc‐negative (prevalence ratio = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.61‐3.26, P < .001). This meta‐analysis showed that in HBsAg‐negative subjects the prevalence of OBI was high and was associated with anti‐HBc positivity.
Knowledge about the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease is independently associated with variation in diet quality during pregnancy
Authors: McKerracher Luseadra , Moffat Tina , Barker Mary , McConnell Meghan , Atkinson Stephanie A. , Murray‐Davis Beth , McDonald Sarah D. , Sloboda Deborah M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEnvironmental factors affecting development through embryogenesis, pregnancy, and infancy impact health through all subsequent stages of life. Known as the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, this concept is widely accepted among health and social scientists. However, it is unclear whether DOHaD‐based ideas are reaching the general public and/or influencing behaviour. This study thus investigated whether and under what circumstances pregnant people in Canada are familiar with DOHaD, and if DOHaD familiarity relates to eating behaviour. Survey responses from pregnant people from Hamilton, Canada, were used to assess respondents' knowledge of DOHaD (hereafter, DOHaDKNOWLEDGE) compared with their knowledge of more general pregnancy health recommendations (Pregnancy GuidelineKNOWLEDGE). The survey also characterized respondents' pregnancy diet quality and sociodemographic profiles. We fit two multiple, linear, mixed regression models to the data, one with DOHaDKNOWLEDGE score as the dependent variable and the other with diet quality score as the dependent. In both models, responses were clustered by respondents' neighbourhoods. Complete, internally consistent responses were available for 330 study‐eligible respondents. Relative to Pregnancy GuidelineKNOWLEDGE, respondents had lower, more variable DOHaDKNOWLEDGE scores. Additionally, higher DOHaDKNOWLEDGE was associated with higher socio‐economic position, older age, and lower parity, independent of Pregnancy GuidelineKNOWLEDGE. Diet quality during pregnancy was positively associated with DOHaDKNOWLEDGE, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. A subset of relatively high socio‐economic position respondents was familiar with DOHaD. Greater familiarity with DOHaD was associated with better pregnancy diet quality, hinting that translating DOHaD knowledge to pregnant people may motivate improved pregnancy nutrition and thus later‐life health for developing babies.
Smartphone applications available to pregnant women in the United Kingdom: An assessment of nutritional information
Authors: Bland Catherine , Dalrymple Kathryn V. , White Sara L. , Moore Amanda , Poston Lucilla , Flynn Angela C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe importance of diet during pregnancy is critically important for the short‐ and long‐term health of both mother and child. The number of apps targeting pregnant women is rapidly increasing, yet the nutritional content of these tools remains largely unexplored. This review aimed to evaluate the coverage and content of nutrition information in smartphone apps available to U.K. pregnant women. Keyword searches were conducted in iTunes and Google Play stores in November 2018. Candidate apps were included if they targeted pregnant women, provided pregnancy‐specific nutritional information, had a user rating of at least 4+ based on at least 20 ratings, and were available in English. Nutritional content was assessed for accuracy against U.K. recommendations. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were also evaluated. Twenty‐nine apps were included, seven of which originated in the United Kingdom. There was a large variability in the quality of smartphone app nutritional information. The accuracy of nutrition information varied, and several apps conveyed inappropriate information for pregnancy. On average, 10 BCTs were identified per app (range 2–15). Overall, smartphone apps do not consistently provide accurate and useful nutritional information to pregnant women. This study highlights the need for the integration of evidence‐based nutritional information during app development and for increased regulatory oversight. App developers should also make it clear that nutritional content is intended for a specific geographical region or population or modify for the intended audience. These are important considerations for the design of future apps, which are increasingly used to complement existing maternity services.
Trends and factors associated with complementary feeding practices in Ethiopia from 2005 to 2016
Authors: Ahmed Kedir Y. , Page Andrew , Arora Amit , Ogbo Felix Akpojene 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroducing appropriate complementary feeding at 6 months of age is crucial for the optimal growth and development of an infant. In Ethiopia, however, no previous national‐level studies have examined the trends and associated factors of complementary feeding practices. The aim of this study is to investigate the trends and determinants of complementary feeding practices in Ethiopia from 2005 to 2016. The study was conducted using the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data for 2005 (N = 2,520), 2011 (N = 2,850), and 2016 (N = 2,864). Percentage point changes in complementary feeding indicators were estimated to examine the trends over the EDHS years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between socioeconomic, demographic, health service, and community‐level factors and (a) the introduction of complementary foods, (b) minimum dietary diversity (MDD), (c) minimum meal frequency (MMF), and (d) minimum acceptable diet (MAD). The proportion of mothers who met MDD increased from 6.3% to 13.5% (p < .001), and MAD increased from 4.1% to 7.1% (p = .003) from 2005 to 2016. Improvements in the introduction of complementary foods (from 50.3% to 59.5%, p = .051) and MMF (from 41.3% to 43.6%, p = .288) were not statistically significant. Maternal education and occupation were associated with the introduction of complementary foods, MDD, MMF, and MAD. Higher partner education and frequent antenatal visits were associated with MDD and MAD. Children whose mothers listened to the radio had higher odds of MDD, MMF, and MAD. Our analysis of the EDHS suggests that the proportion of MDD and MAD were unacceptably low. Interventions aiming to improve complementary feeding practices in Ethiopia should also target mothers with low education, antenatal service usage, and media exposure.