bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A species‐level total evidence phylogeny of the microteiid lizard family Alopoglossidae (Squamata: Gymnophthalmoidea)
Authors: Hernández Morales Cristian , Sturaro Marcelo J. , Nunes Pedro M. Sales , Lotzkat Sebastian , Peloso Pedro L.V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlopoglossidae is a family of Neotropical lizards composed of 23 species allocated in two genera (AlopoglossusandPtychoglossus). There is a lack of knowledge about the phylogenetic relationships and systematics of this family. Published phylogenies that include alopoglossid species have very low taxon coverage within the family, and are usually based on limited character sampling. Considering these shortcomings, we infer the phylogenetic relationships of Alopoglossidae—including all but one species in the family—based on the combined analyses of DNA sequences and morphological characters. We use four loci (the mitochondrial12S,16SandND4; the nuclear C‐mos) and a matrix of 143 phenotypic characters from scutellation, tongue morphology, hemipenis morphology, and osteology. The dataset is analyzed with Maximum Parsimony, with four alternative weighting schemes: three under Extended Implied Weighting, and one with equal weighting. The respective resulting topologies are compared in a sensitivity analysis framework. Our analyses support the paraphyly ofPtychoglossus, withAlopoglossusnested within it. We provide an updated classification for the family, wherePtychoglossusBoulenger, 1890 is considered a junior synonym ofAlopoglossusBoulenger, 1885.
Prevention of biofouling on aquaculture nets with eco‐friendly antifouling paint formulation
Authors: Sen Korhan , Erdogan Umit Halis , Cavas Levent 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAquaculture, which is an important part of food supply, is usually carried out in cage nets made of textile materials. Fouling organisms settle on the cage nets over time, close the mesh openings, and cause unwanted weight gain. In order to prevent fouling, aquaculture nets are generally treated with antifouling paints. In this paper, warp knitted cage nets made from various raw materials were treated with three different antifouling paints. Econea was used as a biocide to prepare an eco‐friendly antifouling paint formulation, and two copper‐based commercial antifouling paints were supplied for comparison. Antifouling paint‐treated and untreated net samples were immersed in a marine ecosystem next to an aquaculture zone for 6 months. Settlement of fouling organisms on nets was observed by taking underwater photographs at periodic intervals. Following the field study, changes in the structure of the nets and antifouling performance of the paints were evaluated considering the results of underwater photographs, biomass growth, variation in mass and strength tests. Colour fastness of the antifouling paints to sea water was also measured to learn about biocide release and surface hydrophobicity. The results show that copper‐free eco‐friendly antifouling paint is just as effective against the fouling mechanism for all types of nets as copper‐based commercial antifouling paints. The novel eco‐friendly formulation has promising results, which provides an alternative for producers when considering the selection of raw materials.
The continuing quest for better subcutaneously administered prandial insulins: a review of recent developments and potential clinical implications
Authors: Owens David R. , Bolli Geremia B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe class of rapid‐acting insulin analogues were introduced more than 20 years ago to control postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) excursions better than unmodified regular human insulin. Insulins, lispro, aspart and glulisine all achieved an earlier onset of action, greater peak effect and shorter duration of action resulting in lower PPG levels and a reduced risk of late postprandial hypoglycaemia. However, the subcutaneous absorption rate of these analogues still fails to match the physiological profile of insulin in the systemic circulation following a meal. Recent reformulations of aspart and lispro have generated a second generation of more rapid‐acting insulin analogue candidates, including fast‐acting aspart (faster aspart), ultra‐rapid lispro and BioChaperone Lispro. These modifications have the potential to mimic physiological prandial insulin secretion better with an even earlier onset of action with improved PPG control, shorter duration of effect and reduced risk of hypoglycaemia. Recent phase 3 trials in type 1 and type 2 diabetes show that faster aspart and ultra‐rapid lispro compared with conventional aspart and lispro, achieved fewer PPG excursions with a small increase in post‐meal hypoglycaemia but similar or marginally superior glycated haemoglobin levels, and suggest the need for parallel optimization of basal insulin replacement. Phase 1 trials for BioChaperone Lispro are equally encouraging with phase 3 trials yet to be initiated. Comparative analysis of the clinical and pharmacological evidence for these new prandial insulin candidates in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the main focus of this review.
DNA methylation analysis within the IL2RA gene promoter in youth with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Kyrgios Ioannis , Fragou Aikaterini , Kotanidou Eleni P. , Mouzaki Konstantina , Efraimidou Smaragda , Tzimagiorgis Georgios , Galli‐Tsinopoulou Assimina 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlpha‐subunit of the interleukin‐2 receptor (IL2RA) is involved in the regulation of T‐cell function and has been related to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, promoter methylation might account for differences in gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the percentage of DNA methylation within the IL2RA gene promoter in young patients with AITD.Materials and methodsIn a cross‐sectional design, the presence of DNA methylation in the IL2RA gene promoter was quantified, by real‐time PCR and melting curve analysis, in modified genomic DNA isolated from blood samples of a total of 149 children and adolescents with AITD, including patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (ΗΤ) (n = 60), Graves' disease (GD) (n = 9), concurrent diagnosis of HT and type 1 diabetes (T1DM + HT) (n = 25), and healthy controls (n = 55).ResultsThe percentage of DNA methylation in the IL2RA gene promoter was significantly decreased in patients with GD (26.0 ± 4.2%) but not in those with HT (36.3 ± 1.4%) in comparison with controls (41.3 ± 1.5%).ConclusionsThe observed DNA hypomethylation in the IL2RA gene promoter in patients with GD might be related to its increased expression, thus contributing to the etiopathogenesis of GD in childhood and adolescence.
Numerical investigation of matrix cracking propagation in cross‐ply laminated composites subjected to three‐point bending load using concurrent multiscale model
Authors: Madadi Hamidreza , Naghdinasab Mohsen , Farrokhabadi Amin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the present study is to analyze fiber‐matrix debonding and induced matrix cracking formation as two major micromechanical damage modes in cross‐ply composite laminates using a two‐dimensional numerical approach. To this aim, the cross‐ply laminates containing 90‐degree layers are modeled, where the fibers are arranged randomly in transverse plies. Damage modes in this numerical model are simulated by the cohesive surface method. The performed analyses reveal that in the laminates with 90‐degree layers located in the outer positions, the primary micro damage mode is micro matrix cracking which is initiated from the fiber‐matrix debonding damage mode and will be followed by matrix cracking. The main benefit of the present study in comparison to other numerical methods is proposing a virtual test method for damage analysis of different cross‐ply laminates in which, the matrix cracking formation will emerge physically in a random and antisymmetric pattern similar to the experimental observations.
The climate change mitigation effect of bioenergy from sustainably managed forests in Central Europe
Authors: Schulze Ernst Detlef , Sierra Carlos A. , Egenolf Vincent , Woerdehoff Rene , Irslinger Roland , Baldamus Conrad , Stupak Inge , Spellmann Hermann 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe compare sustainably managed with unmanaged forests in terms of their contribution to climate change mitigation based on published data. For sustainably managed forests, accounting of carbon (C) storage based on ecosystem biomass and products as required by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is not sufficient to quantify their contribution to climate change mitigation. The ultimate value of biomass is its use for biomaterials and bioenergy. Taking Germany as an example, we show that the average removals of wood from managed forests are higher than stated by official reports, ranging between 56 and 86 mill. m3 year−1 due to the unrecorded harvest of firewood. We find that removals from one hectare can substitute 0.87 m3 ha−1 year−1 of diesel, or 7.4 MWh ha−1 year−1, taking into account the unrecorded firewood, the use of fuel for harvesting and processing, and the efficiency of energy conversion. Energy substitution ranges between 1.9 and 2.2 t CO2 equiv. ha−1 year−1 depending on the type of fossil fuel production. Including bioenergy and carbon storage, the total mitigation effect of managed forest ranges between 3.2 and 3.5 t CO2 equiv. ha−1 year−1. This is more than previously reported because of the full accounting of bioenergy. Unmanaged nature conservation forests contribute via C storage only about 0.37 t CO2 equiv. ha−1 year−1 to climate change mitigation. There is no fossil fuel substitution. Therefore, taking forests out of management reduces climate change mitigation benefits substantially. There should be a mitigation cost for taking forest out of management in Central Europe. Since the energy sector is rewarded for the climate benefits of bioenergy, and not the forest sector, we propose that a CO2 tax is used to award the contribution of forest management to fossil fuel substitution and climate change mitigation. This would stimulate the production of wood for products and energy substitution.
The implementation and evaluation of a resilience enhancement programme for nurses working in the forensic setting
Authors: Henshall Catherine , Davey Zoe , Jackson Debra 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to implement and evaluate a work‐based personal resilience enhancement intervention for forensic nurses. A mixed methods design consisting of surveys, interviews, and a case study approach, whereby the experiences of a group of nurses were studied in relation to their experiences of an intervention programme to enhance personal resilience, was utilized. Nurses working on forensic inpatient wards were invited to participate. Senior nurses were recruited as mentors. Data were collected via pre‐ and post‐programme surveys to evaluate nurses' levels of resilience. Post‐programme interviews were undertaken with nurses and mentors to explore their experiences of the programme. Descriptive statistics of survey data examined changes in nurses' resilience levels pre‐ and post‐intervention. Free‐text survey data and interview data were analysed thematically. The SQUIRE 2.0 checklist was adhered to. Twenty‐nine nurses participated. Levels of personal resilience (M = 4.12, SD = 0.60) were significantly higher post‐programme than pre‐programme (M = 3.42, SD = 0.70), (t49 = 3.80, P = 0.000, 95% CI = 0.32, 1.07). Nurses felt the programme had a marked impact on their personal resilience, self‐awareness, confidence, and professional relationships. The benefits of the programme demonstrate the advantages of providing a nurturing environment for nurses to consolidate their resilience levels. Findings demonstrated that resilience enhancement programmes can increase nurses' levels of resilience and confidence and improve inter‐professional relationships. Our findings are important for clinicians, nurse managers, and policymakers considering strategies for improving the workplace environment for nurses. The long‐term impact of resilience programmes may improve nurse retention and recruitment.
Effects of sizes of additive particles on suspensions, microstructures, and electrical properties of ZnO varistors
Authors: Yan Ying , Ren Xin , Cheng Qi , Ruan Xuejun , Wang Manyu , Yu Wenqi , Yao Zheng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe effects of the sizes of the additives on the dispersion of the mixed suspensions, the microstructures, and the comprehensive electrical properties of the ZnO varistors were investigated. The particle size distribution, the viscosity, and the zeta potential of the suspension were characterized to evaluate the effect of the sizes of the additives on the dispersion of the metal oxide particles. The potential gradient, the leakage current, the nonlinear coefficient, the voltage ratio, and the aging coefficient were considered to estimate the effect of the sizes of the additives on the performance of the ZnO varistors. The electrical testing results showed that a proper amount of milling of the additive particles could improve the comprehensive electrical properties, while an excessive milling produced the opposite effect. When the milling time of the additive particles reached 30 minutes, the dispersion of ZnO‐additive mixed suspension was the best. The as‐prepared varistors showed the optimal electrical performance with potential gradient of 310 V/mm, leakage current of 1 μA, nonlinear coefficient of 32.7, voltage ratio of 1.69, and aging coefficient of 0.59.
CTRP9 knockout exaggerates lipotoxicity in cardiac myocytes and high‐fat diet‐induced cardiac hypertrophy through inhibiting the LKB1/AMPK pathway
Authors: Zuo Anju , Zhao Xiaoyu , Li Tingting , Li Jun , Lei Shengyun , Chen Jiying , Xu Dan , Song Chengxiang , Liu Tianjiao , Li Cuigang , Guo Yuan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCTRP9 has been reported to regulate lipid metabolism and exert cardioprotective effects, yet its role in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced cardiac lipotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we established HFD‐induced obesity model in wild‐type (WT) or CTRP9 knockout (CTRP9‐KO) mice and palmitate‐induced lipotoxicity model in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes (NRCMs) to investigate the effects of CTRP9 on cardiac lipotoxicity. Our results demonstrated that the HFD‐fed CTRP9‐KO mice accentuated cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐initiated apoptosis and oxidative stress compared with the HFD‐fed WT mice. In vitro, CTRP9 treatment markedly alleviated palmitate‐induced oxidative stress and ER stress‐induced apoptosis in NRCMs in a dose‐dependent manner. Phosphorylated AMPK at Thr172 was reduced, and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was strengthened in the heart of the HFD‐fed CTRP9‐KO mice compared with the HFD‐fed control mice. In vitro, AMPK inhibitor compound C significantly abolished the effects of CTRP9 on the inhibition of the apoptotic pathway in palmitate‐treated NRCMs. In a further mechanistic study, CTRP9 enhanced expression of phosphorylated LKB1 at Ser428 and promoted LKB1 cytoplasmic localization. Besides, silencing of LKB1 gene by lentivirus significantly prohibited activation of AMPK by CTRP9 and partially eliminated the protective effect of CTRP9 on the cardiac lipotoxicity. These results indicate that CTRP9 exerted anti‐myocardial lipotoxicity properties and inhibited cardiac hypertrophy probably through the LKB1/AMPK signalling pathway.
The effect of particle size on the physical properties of Arabic gum powder
Authors: Rosland Abel Stashia E. , Yusof Yus A. , Chin Nyuk L. , Chang Lee S. , Ghazali Hasanah M. , Ghani Maaruf A. , Ishak Izzreen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractArabic gum is derived from the exudation of stems and branches ofAcacia senegalL. and it is widely used as a food additive. The application of Arabic gum as a functional food ingredient is significantly increasing. However, there is limited information on the effects of particle size on the handling and processing of Arabic gum in the industry. Therefore, a study was performed to determine the effects of particle size on the physical properties of Arabic gum powder. The physical properties measured were density, flowability, and dissolution characteristics. In this work, the powders were classified based on their mean diameter (d50) that ranged between 20 and 1,000 μm. The very fine powder exhibited poor flowing properties and long dissolution time, with a Hausner ratio of 1.24 ± 0.1 and dissolution time of 2,821.0 ± 76.0 s. However, the coarse powder had excellent flowing properties and shorter dissolution time, with a Hausner ratio of 1.13 ± 0.02 and dissolution time of 531.5 ± 70.5 s. The results indicated a significant impact of particle size on the cohesivity and solubility of powder, where smaller particle size tended to decrease flowability and increase the dissolution time of the powder.Practical applicationsThis paper studies the characterization of Arabic gum at various particle sizes. The physical properties measured were density, flowability, and dissolution of Arabic gum powder. The results of this study indicate that particle size had significantly affected the powder properties. This knowledge is very important, as Arabic gum is widely used as a food ingredient; this might affect the overall product properties. The outcomes are also beneficial to the industry prior to selecting the specific particle size for the designing and processing of products. Therefore, the results on flowability and dissolution properties of Arabic gum powder can be used as guidance for the development of food product.
The Impact of Home Health Physical Therapy on Medicare Beneficiaries With a Primary Diagnosis of Dementia
Authors: LeDoux Cherie V. , Lindrooth Richard C. , Seidler Katie J. , Falvey Jason R. , Stevens‐Lapsley Jennifer E. 
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUNDDementia is a leading cause of disability for adults older than 65 years. Exercise intervention slows functional decline and improves balance; however, the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) services for persons with dementia is unknown. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of home health PT services on physical function for Medicare beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of dementia.DESIGNObservational cohort study using a combined Medicare data set of home health beneficiaries; we performed augmented inverse probability weighted regression with demographic, comorbidity, and symptom‐level characteristics analyzed as covariates.SETTINGHome healthcare, United States, 2012.PARTICIPANTSMedicare beneficiaries who had a primary diagnosis of dementia and home health function evaluations at discharge (n = 1477).INTERVENTIONPT treatment, examined by (1) any PT and (2) PT visit number.MEASUREMENTImprovement in composite activity of daily living (ADL) scores from home health admit to discharge.RESULTSAny PT increased the probability of improvement in ADLs by 15.2% (P < .001). Compared to 1 to 5 PT visits, 6 to 13 visits increased the probability of ADL improvement by 11.6% (P < .001).CONCLUSIONPT intervention is beneficial for ADL function improvement in Medicare home health beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:867–871, 2020
Renal tumours in Australian children: 30 years of incidence, outcome and second primary malignancy data from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry
Authors: Jones Brendan C , Youlden Danny R , Cundy Thomas P , O'Callaghan Michael E , Karpelowsky Jonathan , Aitken Joanne F , McBride Craig A 
Published: January 2020

AimThis paper describes the incidence and outcomes of childhood renal malignancies in Australia using national population‐based data from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry.MethodsDe‐identified data for children (0–14 years) diagnosed with renal malignancies from 1983 to 2015 inclusive were extracted. Cause‐specific (CSS) and event‐free survival up to 20 years from diagnosis were estimated using the cohort method. Adjusted excess mortality hazard ratios were calculated using a multivariable flexible parametric survival model. Details relating to second primary malignancies (SPMs) were also examined.ResultsThere were 1046 children diagnosed with renal malignancies in Australia between 1983 and 2015 (91% nephroblastoma), generating an annual age‐standardised incidence rate of 8 per million children, which remained constant over the study period. CSS was 89% (95% confidence interval = 87–91%) and 88% (86–90%) at 5 and 20 years, respectively, and 5‐year event‐free survival was 82% (80–84%). Five‐year CSS did not change over the study period and was highest for nephroblastoma (91%). Of the 94% of patients achieving remission, 15% relapsed and subsequent 5‐year CSS was 49% (40%–58%). Eleven children were diagnosed with SPM (standardised incidence ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.6–5.3, P < 0.001), and five of them (45%) died within 5 years of the second diagnosis.ConclusionsChildren treated for renal malignancies in Australia have excellent long‐term survival, which is unchanged since 1983. SPMs are uncommon following treatment for childhood renal cancer but carry a poor prognosis. Relapse carries a similarly poor prognosis to SPM but is more common. These data are comparable to registry outcomes in similarly developed nations.
Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, early detection and survival in a privately insured US cohort
Authors: Chen Vincent L. , Singal Amit G. , Tapper Elliot B. , Parikh Neehar D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground/AimsSemiannual hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is recommended in patients with cirrhosis; however, recent studies have raised questions over its utility. We investigated the impact of surveillance on early detection and survival in a nationally representative database.MethodsWe included patients with cirrhosis and HCC from the Optum database (2001‐2015) with >6 months of follow‐up between cirrhosis and HCC diagnoses. Surveillance adherence was defined as proportion of time covered (PTC), with each 6‐month period after abdominal imaging defined as ‘covered’. To determine the association between surveillance and mortality, we compared PTC between fatal and non‐fatal HCC.ResultsOf 1001 patients with cirrhosis and HCC, 256 died with median follow‐up 30 months. Median PTC by any imaging was greater in early‐stage vs late‐stage HCC (43.6% vs 37.4%,P = .003) and non‐fatal vs fatal HCC (40.8% vs 34.3%,P = .001). In multivariable analyses, each 10% increase in PTC was associated with increased early HCC detection (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01‐1.12) and decreased mortality (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90‐1.00). On subgroup analysis, PTC by CT/MRI was associated with early tumour detection and decreased mortality; however, PTC by ultrasound was only associated with early detection but not decreased mortality. These findings were robust across sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsIn a US cohort of privately insured HCC patients, PTC by any imaging modality was associated with increased early detection and decreased mortality. Continued evaluation of HCC surveillance strategies and effectiveness is warranted.